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diff --git a/old/67858-0.txt b/old/67858-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 7764460..0000000 --- a/old/67858-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9958 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Aristotle’s works:, by Anonymous - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Aristotle’s works: - Containing the Master-piece, Directions for Midwives, and Counsel - and Advice to Child-bearing Women with Various Useful Remedies - -Author: Anonymous - -Release Date: April 23, 2022 [eBook #67858] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading - Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from - images generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ARISTOTLE’S WORKS: *** - - - - - - ARISTOTLE’S WORKS. - - -[Illustration: - - ARISTOTLE’S MASTER-PIECE. -] - -[Illustration] - - - - - The Works of - ARISTOTLE - THE FAMOUS PHILOSOPHER - - - London - PUBLISHED BY THE BOOKSELLERS - - - - - ARISTOTLE’S WORKS: - CONTAINING - THE MASTER-PIECE, - DIRECTIONS FOR MIDWIVES, - AND - COUNSEL AND ADVICE - TO - CHILD-BEARING WOMEN. - WITH - VARIOUS USEFUL REMEDIES. - - - LONDON: - PUBLISHED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS. - - - - - ADVERTISEMENT. - - -At the present time, when so many of the female sex, in the hour of -Nature’s extremity, depend solely upon the skill and practical -experience of the Midwife, we regard every attempt to assist the female -accoucheur in her difficult, and sometimes dangerous operation, as a -blessing conferred upon society. - -This treatise enters fully into every department of Midwifery; and lays -down excellent rules, and proposes valuable suggestions for the guidance -of the female operator, which, if acted upon, will not only redound to -the credit of the practitioner, but will be of immense benefit to those -operated upon. Another valuable feature of this work is, that it -contains important directions for the guidance of child-bearing women -during the time of their pregnancy: how they should conduct themselves -with regard to regimen, medical treatment, and other matters, each -month, until the time of their delivery. In short, we venture to assert -that if the counsel and advice given in the Experienced Midwife be -strictly adhered to by all parties interested therein, the travail in -child-birth, instead of being many times difficult and dangerous, will -be safe, speedy, and comparatively easy. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - THE MASTER-PIECE. - PAGE - The Matrimonial State considered 9 - CHAP. I. —False Steps in Matrimonial Alliances 10 - „ II. —The original appointment of Marriage 14 - „ III. —The happy state of Matrimony 20 - „ IV. —Precautionary Hints 29 - „ V. —The Vagaries of Nature in the birth of Monsters 34 - „ VI. —Of the Womb in general 41 - „ VII. —Of the retention of the Terms 43 - „ VIII. —Of the overflowing of the Terms 49 - „ IX. —Of the Weeping of the Womb 53 - „ X. —Of the false Terms, or Whites 54 - „ XI. —Of the Suffocation of the Mother 57 - „ XII. —Falling of the Womb 62 - „ XIII. —Of the Inflammation of the Womb 64 - „ XIV. —Of the Schirrosity or Hardness of the Womb 66 - „ XV. —Of the Dropsy of the Womb 68 - „ XVI. —Of Moles and False Conceptions 70 - „ XVII. —Of Conception, and how a woman may know whether she - has conceived or not, and whether male or female 74 - „ XVIII. —Of untimely Births 76 - „ XIX. —Directions for Pregnant Women 77 - „ XX. —Directions to be observed by women at the time of - their falling in labour 80 - „ XXI. —In cases of extremity, what ought to be done 82 - - THE MIDWIFE. - - CHAPTER I. - SECT. I. Of the Womb 85 - SECT. II. Of the Difference between Ancient and Modern Physicians, - touching the Woman’s contributing Seed for the formation of the - Child 90 - - CHAPTER II. - SECT. I. What Conception is 93 - SECT. II. How a Woman ought to order herself after Conception ib. - - CHAPTER III. - SECT. I. Of the Parts proper to a Child in the Womb. How it is - formed there, and the Manner of its Situation therein 104 - Of the Secundine, or After-Birth 107 - SECT. II. Of the Formation of the Child in the Womb 109 - SECT. III. Of the manner of the Child’s lying in the Womb 110 - - CHAPTER IV. - A Guide for Women in Travail, shewing what is to be done when they - Fall in Labour, in order to their Delivery 113 - SECT. I. The Signs of the true Time of Woman’s Labour 114 - SECT. II. How a Woman ought to be ordered when the time of her - Labour is come 116 - - CHAPTER V. - SECT. I. What Natural Labour is 123 - SECT. II. Of the Cutting of the Child’s Navel-String 128 - SECT. III. How to bring away the After-burden 130 - SECT. IV. Of Laborious and Difficult Labours, and how the Midwife - is to proceed therein 131 - SECT. V. Of Women Labouring with a dead Child 138 - - CHAPTER VI. - Of Unnatural Labour 142 - SECT. I. How to deliver a woman of a Dead Child, by Manual - Operation 143 - SECT. II. How a Woman must be Delivered, when the Child’s Feet - come first 146 - SECT. III. How to bring away the Head of the Child, when separated - from the Body, and left behind in the Womb 149 - SECT. IV. How to deliver a Woman, when the Child’s Head is - presented to the Birth 151 - SECT. V. How to deliver a Woman when the Child presents one or - both Hands together with the Head 153 - SECT. VI. How a Woman ought to be delivered, when the Hands and - Feet of the Infant come together 154 - SECT. VII. How a Woman should be delivered that has Twins, which - present themselves in different Postures 156 - - CHAPTER VII. - SECT. I. How a Woman newly delivered ought to be ordered 160 - SECT. II. How to remedy those Accidents which a Lying-in Woman is - subject to 162 - - CHAPTER VIII. - Directions for Nurses, in ordering Newly-born Children 168 - - CHAPTER IX. - SECT. I. Of Gripes and Pains in the Bowels of young Children 171 - SECT. II. Of Weakness in newly-born Infants 173 - SECT. III. Of the Fundament being closed up in a newly-born Infant 174 - SECT. IV. Of the Thrush, or Ulcers in the Mouth of the Infant 176 - SECT. V. Of Pains in the Ears, Inflammation, Moisture, &c. 177 - SECT. VI. Of Redness, or Inflammation of the Buttocks, Groin, and - the thighs of the Young Child 178 - SECT. VII. Of Vomiting in young Children 179 - SECT. VIII. Of breeding Teeth in young Children 180 - SECT. IX. Of the Flux in the Belly, or Looseness in Infants 182 - SECT. X. Of the Epilepsy and Convulsions in Children 185 - PROPER AND SAFE REMEDIES FOR CURING ALL THOSE DISTEMPERS THAT ARE - PECULIAR TO THE FEMALE SEX 186 - ARISTOTLE’S BOOK OF PROBLEMS 202 - THE SECRETS RELATING TO PHYSIOGNOMY 275 - THE MIDWIFE’S VADE-MECUM 307 - THE VENEREAL DISEASE 317 - - - - - ARISTOTLE’S WORKS. - - - - - THE MASTER-PIECE. - - - - - THE MATRIMONIAL STATE CONSIDERED. - - -The subject of Matrimony is one of deep interest to both sexes: and it -behoves every one before marriage to study it with the most serious -attention, and ponder over it with an earnest desire to acquire a full -knowledge of its duties, responsibilities, and enjoyments. It is an -attractive subject to both male and female, except those who subscribe -to the principles of Malthus; and old bachelors and old maids are looked -upon with contempt and scorn by the generality of young people. Celibacy -is regarded now with different views from that with which it used to be -some centuries back; and this change is perceptible in some portions of -the Romish church. The celibacy of the priesthood is not now insisted on -with that strictness which was the case in former times. Marriage is -considered the legitimate and proper order of things: husband and wife -the relative condition of male and female, and celibacy ought to be, if -possible, avoided. - -It is our intention to examine the subject in regard to the prejudicial -influence which arises from the false steps which are often taken in -matrimonial alliances; the original appointment of marriage; and the -happy state of matrimony when in strict accordance with that which was -originally appointed; with other subjects connected with Love and -Marriage. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - FALSE STEPS IN MATRIMONIAL ALLIANCES. - - -When we peruse the yearly returns which are furnished by the Registrar -General of the marriages which have taken place in our own country, we -are forcibly struck with the many false steps which have been taken by -both males and females, even in one year. Parties joined together of the -most unequal ages—May and December—plainly declare that there are other -motives actuating the one or the other, in the step taken, than the one -that should always be predominant at the hymeneal altar. - -Another list in the Registrar’s Return will show us what numbers enter -the marriage state long before they have come to the age of maturity. In -Oriental countries the custom is to marry at an early age; but there the -climate, it is said, has an influence on the human frame which earlier -developes the state of puberty than is the case in our own northern -clime; and that in those countries human decay commences earlier than it -does in Europe. Still we hesitate not to say, that early marriages even -in hot climates, are injudicious. We are not advocating marriages taking -place between the sexes when the vigour and stamina have begun to decay; -on the other hand, we would say, that early marriages are preferable to -those contracted when the bloom of youth has passed away. But when those -are joined together who are not physiologically prepared for the -requirements and enjoyments of the matrimonial state, they attempt that -for which nature has not fitted them, and impair their physical organs, -debilitate their vital powers, and exhaust their strength. We would, -therefore, caution our readers not to marry too young. - -Another false step taken by those who enter the marriage state is one -that requires great discrimination and judgment to avoid: we allude to -the bodily or mental disqualification of the one or the other for the -true enjoyment of that state. What misery has been experienced by -thousands for want of a thorough knowledge of each other bodily and -mentally before the knot was tied. The Divorce Court has been, and is, -crowded with applicants for redress, who are the victims of their own -folly, and who rushed into the connubial state without having a clear -and perfect understanding of each other’s qualifications for rendering -the marriage state one of enjoyment. - -Again, much misery is often productive of the want of a thorough -knowledge of the temper and disposition of each other before the -consummation of marriage. The lover finds in the object adored, all -perfection; and neglects to view this object in its true light, until -the irrevocable vow is uttered, and wedded life reveals the unwholesome -truth that the temper and disposition of the one, or the other, or both, -are of such a nature as to render the domestic hearth any thing but -pleasant. - -Again, a common error committed by those wishing to enter the marriage -state, is that of being dazzled and decoyed by the beauty of the object -sought. The beauty of the face is not among women one of universal -agreement, as is generally supposed. Voltaire has said, “Ask a toad what -is handsome, and he will answer, ‘My mate, with his big eyes and slimy -skin.’” The negro’s type of beauty, no doubt, consists in a blackness -equal to his own; but is there no specific and positive state of -perfection, regularity, harmony, organization, in each species? Have not -all their ideas of beauty, independent of the preferences or -prepossessions of others? The face of a woman is a mirror of the -affections of her soul, as has been often remarked, but the fact has not -yet been promulgated, that the different features of a face indicate a -particular species of affection. - -Again, an error frequently committed by those anxious to enter the -matrimonial life is that of seeking for wealth, not the true enjoyment -of domestic happiness. Alas! what numbers have made fatal shipwreck by -being dashed to pieces, like Sinbad, on this loadstone rock! The man -that wishes to find the true enjoyment of married life should not look -for a large dower along with the partner of his life, but for a woman of -a virtuous, well-educated, and amiable disposition. Such a partner will -be of more value than all the gold that has been discovered in -California, Australia, and all the other El Dorados yet heard of. But -although the lover should not be actuated by an inordinate craving after -wealth, still there should be a due foresight exercised to provide for a -proper maintenance before entering the marriage state. Many couples get -united together before they have provided a home of their own wherein to -dwell, and are therefore compelled to be dependent upon others, for a -habitation. This is a sad state of things; and has frequently been the -cause of embittering the married life of those who would otherwise have -enjoyed much of its sweets. - -Again, another error which is often committed by those entering the -married state, is that of an utter disregard for the tastes and -inclinations of each other. For want of due appreciation of the unity of -feeling on this subject much unhappiness has been experienced by husband -and wife. The husband, perhaps, has a taste for a particular class of -literature, and takes a delight in perusing his favourite authors, -whilst the wife takes a pleasure in reading works of quite a different -description altogether, and persists in maintaining her judgment in -opposition to that of her husband, hence unpleasant bickerings and -recriminations take place. And as their tastes disagree in regard to the -food for the mind, so also they disagree in regard to the food for the -body. What she likes, he dislikes, and what he likes, she dislikes. It -behoves every one, entering the matrimonial state to have a perfect -understanding, and a reciprocity in taste and inclination with each -other. - -Again, another error into which many fall who are entering the wedded -life, is a departure from that candour and uprightness which ought to -govern and actuate mankind in every transaction of daily life but more -especially in the important one now under consideration. What lamentable -consequences have resulted from the deception and subterfuge which have -been practised by both male and female, when about to be joined together -in the holy bands of wedlock! The man who would deceive the partner whom -he vows to cherish and comfort, or the woman who would practice -deception on him whom she vows to honour and obey, deserve to taste the -bitter fruit of their own sin and folly. It should ever be known by -those who are about to become man and wife, that every matter which they -are anxious to conceal before marriage, will, very probably, be -disclosed at one time or another; and perhaps disclosed in such a way so -as to make the secret appear of ten times more importance than it really -is. Unbosom every secret, confide in each other; and be assured that, -whatever may be the consequence, a clear conscience, truth, and -uprightness will comfort and sustain you in every trouble. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - THE ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT OF MARRIAGE. - - -The Author of our being, when he formed the first pair of human beings, -left them not to the mere instincts of nature, as he did in the case of -the inferior animals; but for them he especially instituted the contract -of marriage; so that marriage is a divine appointment. At the Almighty’s -command the waters brought forth in abundance; myriads of fishes swam in -the sea; innumerable birds of every description winged their way in the -firmament; animals of all kinds, from the gigantic elephant to the -smallest creature imaginable, wandered up and down on the earth, and -every kind of creeping thing; the largest of the feathered tribe built -nests on the inaccessible cliffs; the lion and the tiger, with other -ferocious beasts, prowled the forests; cattle and sheep and the mild -animals cropped the herbage; the dove chose her mate; the nightingale -warbled her song; the small insects, to which the leaf was a world, and -the minute animalcule, whose universe was a water-drop—all were formed -by the Almighty—and He commanded that they were to “Be fruitful, and -multiply, in the earth.” - -It was different, however, with regard to the human family. As the -members of that family were formed with an elaboration not displayed in -other departments of creation, as their structure was different from -that of any other creature, as man was formed from the dust of the -earth, and God breathed into him the breath of life, as the woman was -made from a portion of the man—bone of his bone, and flesh of his -flesh,—consequently there was a difference in the way in which they were -directed to fulfil the great purpose of their creation, namely, to -replenish the earth. - -The Almighty declared that it was not good for man to be alone, -therefore woman was formed for an helpmeet for him. Throughout the -teeming earth, the blue expanse, and the deep water, there was not a -creature but what had found a mate; our first parent stood alone, -without the society of one bearing his nature—isolated from the company -of one with whom he could hold converse, and who could share in the -enjoyments of the happy sphere in which he was at first placed. The -Great Creator made woman, brought them together, and instituted -marriage. Equal power and dominion over the inferior creatures was given -to the woman, as that exercised by the man; and it was not until the -disobedience and sin of our first parents, that the original order of -things was changed, and that anything was heard of the subjection of Eve -to Adam. - -The institution of Marriage was a wise and judicious arrangement, and -peculiarly adapted to the position of the human race. It was of the -greatest consequence to man that he should have a companion, a friend, a -wife; and for this purpose it was ordained that a man should leave his -father and mother, and cleave unto his own wife, and they twain should -be one flesh. - -In what emphatic language is the union of husband and wife enforced: -“they twain shall be one flesh.” For the future their joys and their -sorrows are to be identical. They are not separate individuals as two -male persons are considered, but male and female—wife and husband—one. -Alas! how frequently is this oneness marred and broken—a diversity of -interest and feeling appears to exist between many married couples, and -how often the adage of, “a house divided against itself cannot stand,” -is verified. It would be well if such couples would oftener remember the -solemn injunction—“they twain shall be one flesh.” It seems to an -observer, that if such couples ever loved one another, they lavished and -exhausted that love in the early days of marriage, and filled up the -void by feelings of enmity and strife. This ought not to be the state of -a domestic household; for though the wife may be possessed of the key of -every drawer and cupboard in the house, if she does not possess the key -of her husband’s heart, she is destitute of that which is of more value -to her than every other earthly treasure. The husband may be -affectionate, kind, and respectful to his wife, but if she is not -identical with himself, the depository and confidante of all his -feelings and aspirations, there is something amiss. It is an -impossibility for married people to love and trust each other too much, -and as impossible for them to feel a strong and deep affection for each -other, if they do not consider their interests to be identical. - -[Illustration: _Conception. First Month. Second Month. Third Month. -Fourth Month._] - -[Illustration: _Fifth Month. Sixth Month. Seventh Month. Eighth Month. -Ninth Month._] - -[Illustration: _Position of a Child in the Womb just before delivery_] - -[Illustration: _Process of Delivery_] - -[Illustration: _The Action of Quickening._] - -[Illustration: _Position of the Embryos in a plural Conception._] - -When Adam awoke out of the deep sleep into which he had been cast by the -Almighty, and beheld the lovely being in his presence, he was told by -his and her maker, that the woman was given to be _with_ him, not given -_to_ him; for so we understand by the words of Adam, when he would have -framed an excuse for his sin—“The woman that thou gavest to be with me.” -Therefore the inference is plain that woman was not given to man to be -his slave, nor the victim of his caprice or violence, nor the plaything -of an hour, but a partner and confidante in all that concerned him; the -sharer of his joys and sorrows, of his prosperity and adversity. Woman -was not to be subjected to harsh and cruel treatment, but to be -cherished and protected; and to be on an equality in every way with man. -There is great force and truth in what was penned by an aged writer—“Man -and wife are equally concerned to avoid all offences to each other in -the beginning of their conversation; a very little thing can blast an -infant blossom; and the breath of the south can shake the little rings -of the vine, when first they begin to curl like the locks of a -new-weaned boy; but when by age and consolidation they stiffen into the -hardness of a stem, and have by the warm embraces of the sun, and the -kisses of heaven, brought forth their clusters they can endure the -storms of the north, and the loud noise of the tempest, and yet never be -broken.” - -Peculiar scope is given for the exercise of the highest qualities of the -heart, through the obligations which belong to the state of matrimony. -The presence of our Lord and Saviour at a marriage feast, and the -example of the early Christians, give force to the statement that -marriage is a divine institution. Marriage was held in great esteem by -the venerable fathers of ancient days, and considered highly honourable, -whilst celibacy was discountenanced by them. - -Among the Jews, marriage was held in the greatest esteem and favour, and -it is said that the early Christians would never allow any one to -sustain the office of a magistrate except those who were married. Laws -were made by the Pagans to promote the institution of marriage. A -festival was instituted by the Lacedæmonians, at which those men, who -were unmarried, were reviled and scourged by the women, and deemed -unworthy to serve the republic. Among the Romans, those who had been -several times married were distinguished, and received great honour from -their fellow countrymen, crowns and wreaths, were placed on their heads, -and in their public rejoicings they appeared with palms in their hands, -signifying that they had been instrumental in adding to the glory of the -empire. It is related by St. Jerome, that they covered a man with bays, -and ordered him to accompany his wife’s corpse in funeral pomp, with a -crown on his head, and a palm branch in his hand, it being considered -highly necessary that he should be thus honoured and carried in triumph, -seeing that he had been married _twenty times_, and his wife -_twenty-two_. - -The marriage ceremony being solemnized in accordance with the rites of -the early Christian Church, the veil (a Pagan custom of former times) -was preserved, and from this observance of veiling the word nuptials is -derived. The use of the ring was also a matter of importance in the -ceremony; the solemn kiss was imparted, and the practice of joining -hands was observed. Usually, at the conclusion of the ceremony, the -bride was crowned—occasionally both the bride and the bridegroom—with -wreaths of myrtle.—The lace veil and the wreath of orange blossoms, -which is now such a necessary adornment in bridal attire, may be traced -to the practice pursued by bridal parties in former times. - -The wedding ring is an emblem of many significant qualifications. Gold -being the noblest and purest, as well as the most enduring—it is made of -that metal.—Its circular form denotes that form to be the most perfect -of all figures, and the hieroglyphic of eternity. Its being entirely -free from ornament denotes the perfect simplicity and plainness of -wedded life. The ring is put on the left hand because of its being -nearest the heart; and on the fourth finger on account of some supposed -connection between that finger, more than the others, with the seat of -life. The ring is the acknowledged pledge of the bestowal of authority, -as in former times the giving of it was regarded as the delegation of -all the husband’s authority, and conferred upon the person receiving it, -entire supremacy over every thing in the husband’s possession. - -It would be an easy task to continue this chapter much farther, by -attempting to pourtray the beauty and virtue of marriage, and -endeavouring to enforce the obligation of it on all who are proper -subjects to engage in it, but we will now close the chapter by saying, -that the instincts of nature yearn towards the opposite sex. We long to -love and be loved. We feel that within us which inclines us to seek the -society of the other sex; a monitor that warns us to refrain from -unhallowed love: and a voice which invites us to seek that state of -matrimony, which is sanctioned by human and divine law. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - THE HAPPY STATE OF MATRIMONY. - - -Without doubt the uniting of hearts in holy wedlock is of all conditions -the happiest; for then a man has a second self to whom he can reveal his -thoughts, as well as a sweet companion in his labours, toils, trials, -and difficulties. He has one in whose breast, as in a safe cabinet, he -can confide his inmost secrets, especially where reciprocal love and -inviolable faith is centred: for there no care, fear, jealousy, -mistrust, or hatred can ever interpose. For base is the man that hateth -his own flesh! And truly a wife if rightly considered, as Adam well -observed, is or ought to be esteemed of every honest man as “Bone of his -bone, and flesh of his flesh,” &c. Nor was it the least care of the -Almighty to ordain so near a union, and that for two causes; the first, -for the increase of posterity; the second, to restrain man’s wandering -desires and affections; nay, that they might be yet happier, when God -had joined them together, he “blessed them,” as in Gen. ii. An ancient -writer, contemplating this happy state, says, in the economy of -Zenophon, “that the marriage-bed is not only the most pleasant, but -profitable course of life, that may be entered on for the preservation -and increase of posterity. Wherefore since marriage is the most safe, -and delightful situation of man, he does in no ways provide amiss for -his own tranquillity who enters into it, especially when he comes to -maturity of years.” - -Enviable is the state of that man who has fixed his choice upon a -virtuous, chaste wife, centring her entire love upon her husband, and -submitting to him as her head and king, by whose directions she ought to -steer in all lawful courses, will like a faithful companion, share -patiently with him in all his adversities, run with cheerfulness through -all difficulties and dangers, though ever so hazardous, to preserve or -assist him in poverty, sickness, or whatever misfortune may befall him, -acting according to her duty in all things. - -“Marriage,” says one of our most gifted poets—who had experienced some -varieties of married life—“is a covenant, the very being whereof -consists not in a forced cohabitation and counterfeit performance of -duties, but in unfeigned love and peace. Matrimonial love, no doubt, was -chiefly meant, which by the ancient sages was thus parabled: Love, if it -be not twin-born, yet hath a brother wondrous like him, called Anteros; -whom, while he seeks all about, his chance is to meet with many false -and feigning desires, that wander singly up and down in his likeness: by -them, in their borrowed garb, Love though not wholly blind, as poets -wrong him, yet having but one eye—on being born an archer, aiming—and -that eye not the quickest in this region here below—which is not Love’s -proper sphere—partly out of the simplicity of credulity, which is native -to him, often deceived, embraces and consorts him with these obvious and -suborned striplings, as if they were her mother’s own sons; for so he -thinks them, while they subtly keep themselves most on his blind side. -But, after a while, as the manner is, when soaring up into the high -tower of his opqueum, above the shadow of the earth, he darts out the -direct rays of his then most piercing eye-sight upon the impostures and -trim disguises that were used with him, and discerns that this was not -his genuine brother, as he imagined. He has no longer the power to hold -fellowship with such a personated mate; for straight his arrows lose -their golden heads, and shed their purple feathers, his silken braids -entwine, and slip their knots, and that original and fiery virtue given -him by fate, all on a sudden goes out, and leaves him undeified and -despoiled of all his force; till, finding Anteros at last, he kindles -and repairs the almost faded ammunition of his deity, by the reflection -of a coequal and homogenial fire.” - -This is a deep and serious verity, showing us that love in marriage -cannot live nor subsist unless it be mutual, and where love cannot be, -there can be left of wedlock nothing but the empty husk of an outside -matrimony, as undelightful and unpleasing to God, as any other kind of -hypocrisy. - -Man experiences a feeling of want for some one to whom he can unbosom -himself of all his secrets, and tell the longings and aspirations of his -heart; and who so fit and proper to be trusted as the partner of his -joys and sorrows, and the wife of his bosom? In his boyish days he may -confide in some youthful companion, but as he verges towards manhood, he -hesitates to entrust the secrets of his heart to his equals in age, -fearful of a betrayal of confidence. Men are following the bent of their -inclinations and pursuits—seeking wealth, reputation, or pleasure—in -various ways; and if you told your dearest friend the secrets of your -heart, he would soon be wearied with your officiousness, however much he -might appreciate your friendship, and might be anxious for your success, -but your success, or even your friendship, are not of paramount -importance in his estimation. Very different, however is the case with a -wife. When you conducted her to the altar, and vowed to love and cherish -her so long as life should last, she became one with you—“no more twain -but one flesh.” To her you may safely confide all your wishes, -difficulties, and disappointments. Pleasure is all the more ecstatic -when there are two to partake of it; and every burden feels lighter, -when there are two to help to bear it. Pliny, speaking of his wife, -says,—“Her ingenuity is admirable; her frugality is extraordinary; she -reads my writings, studies them, and even gets them by heart. You would -smile to see the concern she is in when I have a cause to plead, and the -joy she shows when it is over. She finds means to have the first news -brought to her of the success I meet with in court, how I am heard, and -what decree is made. She feasts upon my applauses. Sometimes she sings -my verses, and accompanies them with the lute without any other master, -except love, the best of instructors.” Ecstatic and soul-cheering are -the delights which spring from a trusting, loving, and honourable -marriage. How the very presence of the loved wife is prized! For should -circumstances cause a short separation, with what anxiety does the fond -husband look for the return of her on whom his soul doats; and whose -returning presence throws a halo of sunshine over his domestic hearth, -which gladdens the heart of the loving husband. How the faithful husband -will seek to shield the loving wife from every harm; and how firmly he -relies on her faith and purity! What energy does the thought of her -sterling fidelity give him in life’s struggles! What a peculiar charm is -imparted to enjoyments when we can share them with one whom we fondly -love, and by whom we are fondly loved in return. Sympathy renders such -communion ecstatic, but if that is taken away, the remains are but the -hollow mockery of pleasure, vanity, and vexation of spirit. - -A clever female writer thus speaks of marriage—“Many a marriage begins -like the rosy morning, and then falls away like a snow-wreath. And why? -Because the married pair neglect to be as well pleasing to each other -after marriage as before. Endeavour always to please one another; but at -the same time keep God in your thoughts.—Lavish not all your love on -to-day, for remember that marriage has its to-morrow, likewise, and its -day after to-morrow, too. Spare, as one may say, fuel for the -winter.—Deceive not one another in small things or in great. One little -lie has, before now, disturbed a whole married life.—A small cause has -often great consequences.—Fold not the hands together and sit idle. -‘Laziness is the devil’s cushion!’ Do not run much from home. ‘One’s own -hearth is gold-worth.’—The married woman is her husband’s domestic -faith; in her hands he must be able to confide house and family; be able -to entrust to her the key of his heart, as well as the key of his -eating-room. His honour and his home are under her keeping; his -well-being is in her hand. Think of this, oh wife!—Young men, be -faithful husbands and good fathers of families. Act so that your wives -shall esteem and love you. Read the word of God industriously; that will -conduct you through storm and calm, and safely bring you to the haven at -last.” - -Much happiness may result from the state of matrimony. The good man -beholds his children rising around him, like olive branches; he feels -himself strengthened and encouraged to fulfil the responsibilities -devolving upon him; and he had before no idea of the fountain of joy -that was in the word “father.” It appears to him as if his boyish days -were returned, when he is surrounded by two or three of the pledges of -his affection, witnessing their youthful gambols, and listening to their -clear ringing shouts of glee and delight as they scamper up and down -before him. He takes a pride in his children. No toil or trial appears -harassing which is endured for their benefit. He indulges in bright -anticipations regarding their future career, and prays and hopes that -they will be a comfort and honour to his declining years; and he -endeavours to train them up in the way they should go, trusting that -when they are old, they will not depart from it. And this is not a -selfish feeling; he is well aware that the man who gives a brave son or -a virtuous daughter to society, has conferred an inestimable blessing on -society. When declining age approaches, and the partner of his joys and -sorrows manifests the effects of time’s corroding blight on the fair -structure which won his youthful affections,—still the flame of love -burns as pure if not as ardent, as when they stood before the hymeneal -altar. The aged pair are still happy in each other’s smile; and the -reflection that they have led their children in that good path which -shall make their memory blessed, sustains and comforts them in life’s -closing scene. - -An old divine says, “They that enter into marriage, cast a die of the -greatest contingency, and yet of the greatest interest in the world, -next to the last throw for eternity. Life or death, felicity or lasting -sorrow, are in the power of marriage.—A woman, indeed, ventures most; -for she hath no sanctuary to retire to.—The man can run from many hours -of sadness, yet he must return to it again, and when he sits among his -neighbours, he remembers the dejection that is in his bosom, and sighs -deeply.—After the hearts of the man and wife are endeared and -strengthened, by a mutual confidence and experience longer than artifice -and presence can last, there are a great many remembrances, and some -things present, that dash all little unkindnesses in pieces.—Let man and -wife be careful to stifle little things, that as fast as they spring -they be cast down and trod upon; for if they be suffered to grow, by -numbers, they make the spirits peevish, and the society troublesome, and -the affections loose and easy by an habitual aversion. Some men are more -vexed with a fly than with a wound; and when the gnats disturb our -sleep, and the reason is disquieted but not perfectly awakened, it is -often seen that he is fuller of trouble than if, in the day-light of his -reason he were to contest with a potent enemy. In the frequent little -accidents of a family a man’s reason cannot always be awake; and when -the discourses are imperfect, and a trifling trouble makes him yet more -restless, he is soon betrayed to the violence of passion.—Let them be -sure to abstain from all those things which by experience and -observation, they find to be contrary to each other.—Let the husband and -wife avoid a curious distinction of _mine_ and _thine_; for this hath -caused all the laws, and all the suits, and all the wars of the -world.—Let them who have but one purse, have but one interest.—There is -nothing that can please a man without love; for nothing can sweeten -felicity itself but love.—No man can tell, but he that loves his -children, how many delicious accents make a man’s heart dance in the -pretty conversations of those dear ones; their childishness, their -stammering, their little angers, their innocence, their imperfections, -their necessities, are so many little emanations of joy and comfort to -him that delights in their persons and society.—A man should set a good -example to his wife.—Ulysses was a prudent man, and a wary counsellor, -sober and severe; and he formed his wife into such imagery as he -desired; and she was chaste as the snows upon the mountains; diligent as -the fatal sisters; always busy and always faithful, she had a lazy -tongue and a busy hand.—A husband’s chastity should be unspotted, his -faith inviolable, for this is the “Marriage Ring;” it ties two hearts by -an eternal band; it is like the cherubim’s flaming sword, set for the -guard of paradise.” - -“Let a man love his wife even as himself,” and “be not bitter against -her.” Marcus Aurelius said, that “a wise man ought often to admonish his -wife, to reprove her seldom, but _never_ to lay his hands on her.” The -marital love is infinitely removed from all possibility of such -rudeness; it is a thing pure as light, sacred as a temple, lasting as -the world. - -There is nothing can please a man without love; and if a man be weary of -the wise discourses of the Apostles, and of the innocency of an even and -private fortune, or hates peace or a fruitful year, he has reaped thorns -and thistles from the choicest flowers of paradise, “for nothing can -sweeten felicity itself, but love;” but when a man dwells in love, then -the breasts of his wife are pleasant as the droppings upon the hill of -Hermon, her eyes are fair as the light of heaven, she is a fountain -sealed, and he can quench his thirst, and ease his cares, and lay his -sorrow down in her lap, and can retire home to his sanctuary and -refectory, and his gardens of sweetness and chaste refreshment. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - PRECAUTIONARY HINTS. - - -He that proposes to marry, and wishes to enjoy happiness in that state, -should choose a wife descended from honest parents, she being chaste, -well bred, and of good manners. For if a woman has good qualities, she -has portion enough. That of Alcmena, in Plautus, is much to the purpose, -where he brings in a young woman speaking thus:— - - “I take not that to be my dowry, which - The vulgar sort do wealth and honour call: - That all my wishes terminate in this,— - I’ll obey my husband, and be chaste withal: - To have God’s fear, and beauty, in my mind, - To do those good who are virtuously inclined.” - -And undoubtedly she was right, for such a wife is more precious than -rubies. - -It is assuredly the duty of parents to be very careful in training up -their children in the ways of virtue, and to have a due regard for their -honour and reputation: and more especially to young women, when grown up -to be marriageable. Parental authority in most cases ought to be obeyed -by children; but when an undue severity is exercised by parents in -attempting to thwart the affections of a son or daughter, and compel the -one or the other to violently snap asunder the tenderest ties, then that -authority becomes questionable; and except for the most weighty reasons, -ought not to be exercised. Alas! what numerous lamentable illustrations -of undue parental authority in regard to the affections of their -children are constantly occurring—sons leaving the parental abode, -rushing into the haunts of vice and dissipation, and wrecking their fair -prospects on the numerous shoals and quicksands which are so fatal to -the unwary—daughters flying from the domestic assylum, which ought to -shelter them from every storm, and subjecting themselves to perhaps a -far worse condition than that they are fleeing from, in being exposed to -the attacks of the human wolves who are nightly prowling in the streets -of our large cities, in search of the defenceless females who are -wandering about homeless and disconsolate. And when these victims of -parental severity have fallen into the pit which has been dug for them, -probably the parents, too late, repent of their severity, which has -brought an indelible stain upon their family. Parents, be cautious of -thwarting the affection of your children. - -Vicious indulgence is certain to produce its legitimate results, and -bring down ruin upon the man or woman who is addicted to the same. Cast -your eyes upon the blighted wrecks of what was once female beauty, but -now loathsome to behold, notwithstanding the adventitious aid of paint, -and all the adjuncts of tawdry finery that may be put on to hide the -miserable wrecks of humanity. Traverse the streets in our large cities, -and though illuminated by the glare of gaslight, numbers with unblushing -fronts meet you at almost every step. These are the victims of vicious -indulgence. Ask any of these to tell you whether she feels herself happy -in the “gay” life she is pursuing; and if she is sincere, she will -answer you with a heart-breaking sigh that she is far from being -happy—that she is most miserable—that she remembers a happier -time—remembrances which she attempts to stifle by quaffing liquid slow -poison at the gin-palace. She had a home once—and she remembers her -mother—dead a long time ago—and oh, agony! she remembers the day when -her own foot first turned into the path of guilt. Peradventure she was -the victim of some base libertine, and was decoyed away from virtue’s -path by a deceptive tale; or, probably, she may have willingly swerved -from that chaste and virtuous life which is the brightest adornment in -female attire. Whatever was the cause there she is—a miserable wreck of -humanity! Better, far better, that she had died; that the grass had -grown rank over her corpse as it mouldered away in the portion of ground -allotted to the pauper dead. Thus it is with the wretched female who -gives way to vicious indulgence.—The once gay courtezan eventually is -bereft of all splendour; no devoted admirer rushes to her aid; she -coughs her way through life; and sinks into an early grave—perhaps a -watery grave. Beware, young women, of the siren tempter! Deviate not in -the least from the paths of virtue! Chastity is your brightest -adornment, and that once sullied, your fair fame is irretrievably -damaged. - -The baneful effects of giving way to vicious indulgence may probably -not, in every case, be so serious to the male portion of the creation as -to that of the female, yet there are numerous instances of the libertine -and debauchee having had to pay the penalty of their misdeeds by an -emaciated frame, a broken constitution, and an early death. How many -young men have commenced the struggle of life with fair fame and bright -prospects, with business habits which gave them buoyant hopes of gaining -an independence, who, giving way to vicious indulgence, have ruined -their health, blighted their fair fame, and become bankrupts in every -thing that belongs to the man of honour and integrity. Young man, beware -of giving way to vicious indulgence! - -Love is a passion of the human soul; and when properly under control, it -is capable of affording the greatest amount of happiness; but, like -other passions of the heart, when uncontrolled, or wrongly directed, it -entails great misery on those who experience it. This may be the case -with that love which is called forth by family relationship and intimate -friendship, as well as that intense love which is felt by the opposite -sex, man for woman, woman for man. - -Various are the means which the libertine and debauchee adopt to gratify -their sensual appetite. Some will follow the “strange woman”—the street -harlot to her den of infamy and shame; others will attempt to allure the -simple trusting maiden by promises, oaths as false and deceitful as ever -were uttered by the arch enemy of our souls:—and by these means the -trusting and confiding are lured to commit the sin which society -condemns in the female, but which is treated with lenity and forbearance -in regard to the male transgressor. - -Examine the first of these two cases. “A young man deficient in -understanding,” seeks the company of unfortunate women, and exhausts his -precious vigour and stamina in criminal pleasure. The period of youth is -the heyday of nature, and the healthful development of all the resources -of strength in our nature is the glory of our youth. It is a most -lamentable spectacle to behold, in the streets of the metropolis, and -large towns, such numbers of men, young in years, but through sensual -gratification, broken down in strength, emaciated in body, and -apparently worn-out decrepid old men. And alas! how numerous are the -allurements spread to entrap the unwary, and cause them to enter on a -vicious course of life. “The lips of a strange woman drop as a -honey-comb, and her mouth is smoother than oil.” Every attraction which -beauty can borrow from art is employed; prostitution wears various kinds -of guises to accomplish its object, but is most dangerous when decked -out the fairest, and sports the best. And, therefore, the wise teacher -before quoted, very appropriately remarks, “Lust not after her beauty in -thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eye-lids.” The -disastrous consequences of such “pleasures,” are as certain as they are -terrible. The sweetness of the honey never provides an antidote for the -sting. Such a course most frequently ruins the prospects of success in -life—“a man is brought to a piece of bread;” “it ruins the health,”—“thy -flesh and thy body are consumed, till a dart strike through thy liver.” -And along with property and health goes the character, for “the name of -the wicked shall rot,” and their end is shrouded in gloom; their “feet -go down to death, and their steps take hold on hell.” - - - - - CHAPTER V. - THE VAGARIES OF NATURE, IN THE BIRTHS OF MONSTERS. - - -The pleasing anticipations of the wedded pair are sometimes disappointed -and seriously blighted by the birth of a deformed and malformed -offspring. Sometimes the child is born with some one or more of the -usual members of the body deficient; at others there are births of -children possessed with more than the usual members of the body; and in -various ways the eccentricities of nature are displayed in the -production of the fruits of the womb contrary to the usual construction -of the human frame. - -It would be presumptuous in any finite creature to attempt to give a -clear and uncontrovertible reason for these monstrous births. Suffice it -to say, that several have at various times been recorded in history; a -few of those we shall now introduce to the notice of the reader. - -We are told by old historians of a monster which was born at Ravenna, in -Italy, about the year 1512, which had wings instead of arms; and some -peculiar marks on its body. We present the following figure of this -singular creature. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -Another monster was born about the year 1603, which from the account -handed down to us, was from the navel upwards like a woman, and the -lower parts like those of a beast. The following figure of this curious -creature is taken from an ancient record of the subject. This monster -appears to approach nearer to the figure of the fabled satyrs than any -we have before seen, and may probably have given rise to those fabled -monsters. - -[Illustration: - - Where children thus are born with hairy coats, - Heaven’s wrath unto the kingdom it denotes. -] - -Another monster was produced, representing a hairy child. It was all -covered with hair like a beast. That which rendered it more frightful, -was, that its navel was in the place where its nose should stand, and -its eyes placed where the mouth should have been; and its mouth placed -in the chin. It was of the male kind, and was born in France, in the -year 1597, at a town called Arles, in Provence, and lived a few days, -frightening all who beheld it. It was looked upon by the superstitious -as a forerunner of those desolations which soon afterwards happened to -that unhappy kingdom, where men to each other, were more like beasts -than human creatures. The foregoing engraving from an old print—with two -lines attached—give a clearer idea of the monster than any description -of ours. - -[Illustration] - -In the year 1581, a monster was born at Nazara, which had four arms and -four legs, of a similar form to the figure above. Whether this monster -lived for any length of time after its birth, or whether it perished -soon after, we have no reliable account on which to rest our -conclusions. There is no doubt but that many such unnatural births would -be concealed: for the doctors of a former age would consider themselves -justified in putting an end to the existence of such monsters. With -regard to the formation of the child in this case, so far as can be -gathered from the account of it, there was nothing to prevent it living: -its vital organs were single, it was only the arms and legs that were -double. - -[Illustration] - -In the reign of Henry III. of England, there was a woman delivered of a -child, having two heads and four arms, and the bodies were joined at the -back; the heads were so placed, that they looked contrary ways; each had -two distinct arms and hands; they would both laugh, both speak, and both -cry, and be hungry together; sometimes the one would speak, and the -other would keep silent, and sometimes both speak together. It lived -several years, but one outlived the other three years, carrying the dead -one, (for there was no separating them), till it fainted with the -burden, and more with the stench of the dead carcase. - -[Illustration] - -In Flanders, between Antwerp and Mechlin, in a village called Uthaton, a -child was born which had two heads and four arms, seeming like two girls -joined together, having two of her arms lifted up between and above -their heads: the thighs being placed as it were across one another, -according to the following figure. How long they lived is not known; -but, probably, life would not be sustained for any length of time; for, -even supposing the vital organs were unaffected, by the curious junction -of the two bodies, the singular position of the limbs would, to some -extent, interfere with the free actions of life, as well as produce -misery to the creature all its days. These vagaries of nature happily -seldom occur, and when they do, the friendly stroke of death gives -relief. - -The following figure shows that though some of the members of the body -may be wanting, yet they are commonly supplied by others—by members -which serve the same purpose as those which are deficient. - -[Illustration] - -Without doubt some of the stories of monsters are fabulous, but we -hesitate not to state that we believe many of them to be true. Nearly -every accoucheur has, at some time or other, had cases when they have -had to assist in bringing into the world specimens of the freaks of -nature, either deficient of their natural properties, or a -superabundance of them. It frequently happens that these prodigies exist -but for a short time—death speedily putting an end to what must -otherwise be a miserable existence, and little is said about them. The -surgical museums in our country contain sufficient proof of the birth of -monsters: and there is no denying the fact, that there are cases in -which people are born into the world, and from certain peculiarities in -their structure have been exhibited to the public as monsters. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - OF THE WOMB IN GENERAL. - - -Herein I propose to treat of the womb, and the various maladies to which -it is subject. By the Grecians it is called metra, the mother; adelphos, -says Priscian, because it makes us all brothers. - -It is placed in the hypogastrium, or lower part of the body, in the -cavity called pelvis, having the strait gut on one side, to keep it from -the other side of the backbone, and the bladder on the other side to -defend it from blows. - -It is divided into the neck and the body. The neck consists of a hard -fleshy substance, much like cartilage, at the end whereof is a membrane -transversely placed, called hymen, or engion. Near to the neck there is -a prominent pinnacle, which is called by Montinus the door of the womb, -because it preserves the matrix from cold and dust; by the Grecians it -is called clytoris; by the Latins, præputium muliebre. - -The body of the womb is that wherein the child is conceived; and this is -not altogether round, but dilates itself into two angles, the outward -part of it nervous and full of sinews, which are the cause of its -motion, but inwardly it is fleshy. In the cavity of the womb there are -two cells or receptacles for the seed, divided by a line running through -the midst of it. In the right side of the cavity, by reason of the heat -of the liver, males are conceived; and in the left side, by the coldness -of the spleen, females. Most of our moderns hold the above as an -infallible truth, yet Hippocrates holds it but in general: “For in whom -(saith he) the spermatic vessels on the right side come from the reins, -and the spermatic vessels on the left side from the hollow vein, in them -males are conceived in the left side, and females in the right.” -Empedocles, in giving his opinion, says, “Such sometimes is in the power -of the seed, that the male may be conceived in the left side, as well as -in the right.” In the bottom of the cavity, there are little holes -called the cotiledones, which are the ends of certain veins and -arteries, serving in breeding women to convey substance to the child -which is received by the umbilical veins; and others to carry their -courses into the matrix. - -The menstruals are a monthly flux of excrementitious blood, which is to -be understood of the surplus or redundance of it. For it is an excrement -in quality, its quality being poor and corrupt, like unto the blood in -the veins. This is proved two ways; first, from the final cause of the -blood, which is the propagation and conservation of mankind, that man -might be conceived; and being begotten, he might be comforted and -preserved both in the womb and out of the womb. And all will grant it -for a truth, that a child, in the matrix, is nourished with the blood. -And being out of the womb, it is still nourished with the same; for the -milk is nothing but the menstruous blood made white in the breast. -Secondly, it is proved to be true, from the generation of it, it being -the superfluity of the last aliment of the fleshy part. - -The natural end of man and woman’s being is to propagate; and this -injunction was imposed upon them by God at their first creation, and -again after the deluge. Now, in the act of conception, there must be an -agent and patient; for if they be both every way of one constitution, -they cannot propagate: man therefore is hot and dry, woman cold and -moist; he is the agent, she the patient or weaker vessel, that she -should be subject to the office of the man. It is necessary the woman -should be of a cold constitution, because in her is required a -redundancy of nature for the infant depending upon her; for otherwise, -if there were not a surplus of nourishment for the child, more than is -convenient for the mother, then would the infant detract and weaken the -principal parts of the mother, and like unto the viper, the generating -of the infant would be the destruction of the parent. - -The monthly purgations continue from the 15th year to the 46th or 50th; -yet often there happens a suppression, which is either natural or -morbical: they are naturally suppressed in breeding women, and such as -give suck. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - OF THE RETENTION OF THE MENSES. - - -The suppression of the terms is an interception of that accustomed -evacuation of blood which every month comes from the matrix, proceeding -from the instrument or matter vitiated. The part affected is the womb, -and that of itself or by consent. - -_Cause._—The cause of this suppression is either external or internal. -The external cause may be heat, or dryness of air, immoderate watching, -great labour, vehement motion, &c. whereby the matter is so consumed and -the body so exhausted, that there is not a surplus remaining to be -expelled. Or it may be caused by cold, making the blood vicious and -gross, condensing and binding up the passages, that it cannot flow -forth. - -The internal cause is either instrumental or material, in the womb or in -the blood. In the womb it may be divers ways; by imposthumes, humours, -ulcers, by the narrowness of the veins and passages, or by the omentum, -in fat bodies, pressing the neck of the matrix, but then they must have -hernia, zirthilis, for in mankind the caul reacheth not so low; by -overmuch cold or heat, the one vitiating the action, the other consuming -the matter by an evil composition of the uterine parts, by the neck of -the womb being turned aside, and sometimes, though rarely, by a membrane -or excrescence of the flesh growing about the mouth or neck of the womb. -The blood may be in fault two ways, in quantity or quality: in quantity, -when it is so consumed that there is not a superplus left, as in -viragos, or virile women, who, through their heat and strength of -nature, digest and consume all in their last nourishment. The blood -likewise may be consumed, and consequently the terms staid, by bleeding -at the nose, by a flux of the hemorrhoids, by a dysentery, or bloody -flux, by many other evacuations, and by continual and chronical -diseases. Secondly, the matter may be vicious in quality; and suppose it -to be sanguineous, phlegmatical, bilious, or melancholic; every one of -these, if they offend in grossness, will cause an obstruction in the -veins. - -_Signs._—Pains in the head, neck, back, and loins; weariness of the -whole body, (but especially of the hips and legs, trembling of the -heart.) If the suppression proceed from cold, she is heavy, sluggish, of -a pale colour, and has a slow pulse; the urine curdles, the blood -becomes waterish and much in quantity, and the excrements are retained. -If of heat, the signs are contrary to those now recited. If the -retention come of conception, this may be known by drinking of water and -honey, after supper, going to bed, by the effect which it worketh; for -if, after taking of it, she feels a beating pain upon the stomach, and -the lower part of the belly, it is a sign she hath conceived, and that -the suppression is natural; if not, then it is vicious, and ought -medicinally to be taken away. - -_Prognostics._—With the evil quality of the womb, the whole body stands -charged, but especially the heart, the liver, and the brain; and betwixt -the womb and these three principal parts there is a singular concert: -First, the womb communicates to the heart by those arteries which come -from the aorta. Hence, the terms being suppressed, will ensue faintings, -swoonings, intermission of pulse, cessation of breath. Secondly, it -communicates to the liver by the veins derived from the hollow vein. -Hence will follow obstructions, jaundice, dropsies, hardness of spleen. -Thirdly, it communicates to the brain by the nervous membrane of the -back: hence will arise epilepsies, frenzies, melancholy passion, pain in -the after parts of the head, fearfulness, and inability of speaking. -Hippocrates says, if the months be suppressed, many dangerous diseases -will follow. - -_Cure._—The suppression is a plethoric effect, and must be taken away by -evacuation; and therefore we begin with the phlebotomy. In the midst of -the menstrual period open the liver vein; and for the reservation of the -humour, two days before the evacuation, open the saphena in both feet; -if the repletion be not great, apply cupping-glasses to the legs and -thighs, although there should be no hopes of removing the suppression. -As in some the cotiledones are so closed, it will be convenient, as much -as may be, to ease nature of her burden, by opening the hemorrhoid veins -with a leech. After bleeding, let the humours be prepared and made -flexible with syrup of calamint, betony, hyssop, mugwort, horehound, -fumitory, maiden-hair. Bathe with camomile, pennyroyal, savin, -bay-leaves, juniper-berries, rue, marjoram, feverfew. Take of the leaves -of maiden-hair, succory, and betony, of each a handful, make a -decoction; take thereof three ounces. Syrup of maiden-hair, mugwort, and -succory; mix of each half an ounce. After she comes out of the bath, let -her drink it off. Purge with pill de agarice, fley-bang, corb, feriæ. -Galen commends pilulæ de caberica, coloquintida; as they purge the -humour of offending, and open the womb, and strengthen the faculty by -their aromatical quality. - -If the stomach be overcharged, let her take a vomit, such a one as may -work both ways, lest working only upward, it should too much turn back -the humour. - -After the humour hath been purged, proceed to more proper and forcible -remedies. Take of troschisk of myrrh one drachm and a half; of musk ten -grains with the juice of smallage; make twelve pills; take six every -morning, or after supper going to bed. Take of cinnamon half an ounce, -smirutium, valerian aristolochia, of each two drachms; roots of -astrumone, drachm saffron, of each two scruples; spec. diambia, two -drachms; troschisk of myrrh, four scruples; make half into a powder; -with mugwort water and sugar a sufficient quantity, make lozenges, take -one drachm of them every morning; or mingle one drachm of the powder -with one drachm of the sugar, and take it in white wine. Take of -prepared steel, spec. hair, of each two drachms; borax, spec. of myrrh, -of each one scruple, with the juice of savin; make it up with the -lozenges, and take three every other day before dinner. Take of castor -one scruple, wild carrot seed half a drachm, with syrup of mugwort, make -four pills; take them in a morning fasting, for three days together, -before the wonted time of the purgation. Take of juice of horehound, of -each five drachms; rhubarb, spikenard, aniseed, galbanum, asafœtida, -marrow root, gentian, with honey, make an electuary, take of it three -drachms for a dose. In phlegmatic bodies nothing can be better given -than the decoction of the wood guiacum, taken in the morning fasting, -and so for twelve days together, without provoking of sweat. - -Administer to the lower parts by suffumigations, pessaries, unctions, -injections: make suffumigations of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, bay -berries, mugwort, galbanum, molanthium, amber, &c. Make pessaries of -figs, and the leaves of mercury bruised, and rolled up with lint. Make -injections of the decoction of origane, mugwort, betony, and eggs; -inject it into the womb by an instrument for that purpose. Take of oil -of almonds, lilies, capers, camomile, of each an ounce; laudani, oil of -myrrh, of each two drachms; with wax make an unguent, with which let the -place be anointed; make infusions of fenugreek, camomile, melilot, dill, -marjoram, pennyroyal, feverfew, juniper-berries, and calamint; but if -the suppression comes by a defect of matter, then ought not the menses -to be provoked until the spirits be animated, and the blood again -increased; or, by proper effects of the womb, as dropsies, -inflammations, &c. then must particular care be used. - -If the retention comes from repulsion or fulness, if the air be hot or -dry, use moderate exercise before meals, and your meat and drink -attenuating; use with your meat garden savory, thyme, origane, and cyche -peason: if from emptiness or defect of matter, if the air be moist and -moderately hot, shun exercise and watching; let your meat be nourishing -and of light digestion, as raw eggs, lamb, chickens, almonds, milk. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - OF THE OVERFLOWING OF THE MENSES. - - -I shall now treat on the overflowing of the menses, an effect no less -dangerous than the former. This immoderate flux is a sanguineous -excrement, proceeding from the womb, exceeding both in quantity and -time. First, it is sanguineous: the matter of the flux being only blood, -wherein it differs from that which is commonly called the false menses, -or the whites. Secondly, it proceeds from the womb: for there are two -ways from which the blood flows; one by the internal veins of the body -of the womb,—and this is called the monthly flux; the other is by those -veins which are terminated in the neck of the matrix,—and this is called -the hemorrhoids of the womb. Lastly, it is said to exceed both in -quantity and time. In quantity, saith Hippocrates, when they flow about -eighteen ounces: in time, when they flow about three days: but it is -inordinate flowing, when the faculties of the body are thereby weakened. -In bodies abounding with gross humours, this immoderate flux sometimes -unburdens nature of her load, and ought not to be staid without the -counsel of a physician. - -_Cause._—The cause is internal or external. The internal cause is -threefold; in the matter, instrument, or faculty. The matter, which is -the blood, may be vicious, by the heat of constitution, climate, or -season, heating the blood, whereby the passages are dilated, and the -faculty weakened, that it cannot retain the blood; and, by falls, blows, -violent motion, breaking of the veins, &c. The external cause may be -lifting, carrying of heavy burdens, unnatural child-birth, &c. - -_Signs._—The appetite is decayed, the conception is depraved, and the -actions weakened; the feet are swelled, the colour of the face is -changed, and a general feebleness of the body. If the flux comes by the -breaking of a vein, the body is sometimes cold, the blood flows forth in -heaps, and that suddenly, with great pain. If it comes through heat, the -orifice of the vein being dilated, then there is little or no pain, yet -the blood flows faster than it doth in an erosion, and not so fast as it -doth in a rupture. If by erosion, or sharpness of blood, she feels a -great heat scalding the passage; it differs from the other two, in that -it flows not so suddenly, nor so copiously as they do. Lastly, if it -proceeds from bad blood drop some of it on a cloth, and when it is dry, -you may judge of the quality by the colour. If it be choleric, it will -be yellow; if melancholy, black; if phlegmatic, waterish and whitish. - -_Prognostics._—If with the flux be joined a convulsion, it is dangerous, -because it intimates the more noble parts are vitiated: and a convulsion -caused by emptiness is deadly. If it continues long, it will be cured -with great difficulty: for it was one of the miracles which our Saviour, -Christ, wrought, to cure this disease, when it had continued twelve -years. If the flux be inordinate, many diseases will ensue, and without -remedy; the blood, with the native heat, being consumed, either -cachetical, hydropical, or paralytical diseases will follow. - -_Cure._—The cure is, first, in repelling and carrying away the blood: -Secondly, in correcting and taking away the fluxibility of the matter: -Thirdly, in incorporating the veins and faculties. For the first, open a -vein in the arm, and draw out so much blood as the strength of the -patient will permit; and at several times, for thereby the spirits are -less weakened, and the refraction so much the greater. - -Apply cupping-glasses to the breasts, and also the liver, that the -reversion may be in the fountain. - -To correct the fluxibility of the matter, cathartical means, moderated -with the astrictories, may be used. - -If it be caused by erosion, or sharpness of blood, prepare with syrup of -violets, wormwood, roses, citron-pill, succory, &c. - -If by adust choler, prepare the body with syrup of roses, myrtles, -sorrel, and purslain, mixed with water of plantain, knot-grass, and -endive. Then purge with rhubarb, one drachm, cinnamon fifteen grains; -infuse them one night in endive water; add to the straining, pulp of -tamarind, cassia, of each half an ounce; make a potion. If the blood be -waterish as it is in hydropical bodies, and flows forth by reason of -thinness, to draw off the water it will be profitable to purge with -agaric, coloquintida: sweating is proper, for thereby the matter -offending is taken away, and the blood carried to the other parts. To -procure sweat, use cardus water, with mithridate, or the decoction of -guaiacum, and sarsaparilla. The pills of sarsaparilla are commended. - -Take of bole ammoniac one scruple, London treacle one drachm, old -conserve of roses half an ounce, with syrup of myrtle make an electuary: -or, if the flux hath continued long, take of mastic two drachms, olibani -troch de carbara, of each one drachm; balustium, one scruple; make a -powder;—with syrup of quinces make it into pills; take one before meals. -Take the juice of knot-grass, comfrey, and quinces, of each one ounce, -camphor, one drachm; dip silk or cotton therein, and apply it to the -place. Take of oil of mastic, myrtles, quinces, of each half an ounce; -fine bole, trock, decarda, of each one drachm; sanguis draconis a -sufficient quantity; make an unguent, and apply it before and behind. -Take the plantain, shepherd’s purse, red rose leaves, of each one -ounce:—boil all these in plantain water, and make of it two plasters; -apply one before and one behind. If the blood flow from those veins -which terminated in the neck of the matrix, then it is not the -overflowing of the terms, but the hemorrhoids of the womb; yet the same -cure will serve both, only the instrumental cure will a little differ: -for, in the uterine hemorrhoids, the ends of the veins hang over like -teats or bushes, which must be taken away by incision, and then the -veins closed up with aloes, fine bole, burnt alum, troch de terrs fiall; -myrrh, mastic, with the juice of comfrey and knot-grass, laid -plaster-ways thereto. - -The air must be cold and dry. All motion of the body must be forbidden. -Let her meat be pheasant, partridge, mountain birds, coneys, calf-feet, -&c. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - OF THE WEEPING OF THE WOMB. - - -The weeping of the womb is a flux of blood, unnaturally coming from -thence by drops, after the manner of tears, causing violent pains, -keeping neither period nor time. By some it is referred unto the -immoderate evacuation of the menses, yet they are distinguished in the -quantity and manner of overflowing, in that they flow copiously and -free; this is continual, by little and little, and with great pain and -difficulty. - -The cause is in the faculty, by being enfeebled that it cannot expel the -blood resting there, makes that part of the womb grow hard, and -stretcheth the vessels; from whence proceeds the pain of the womb. It -may be the matter of the blood which may offend in too great a quantity; -or it may be so gross and thick as to flow by drops. The signs will be -pains in the head, stomach, and back, with inflammations, suffocations, -and excoriations of the matrix. If the strength of the patient will -permit, first open a vein in the arm, rub the upper parts, and let her -arm be corded, that the force of the blood may be carried backwards: -then apply such things as may laxate and mollify the strengthening of -the womb, and assuage the sharpness of the blood, as cataplasms made of -bran, linseed, and mallows. If the blood be vicious and gross, add -thereto mugwort, calamint, dictam, and betony; and let her take of -Venice treacle the size of a nutmeg, and the syrup of mugwort every -morning; make an injection of the decoction of mallows, linseed, -groundsel, mugwort, with oil of sweet almonds. - -Sometimes it is caused by the wind, and then phlebotomy is to be -omitted, and instead, take syrup of feverfew one ounce; honey, roses, -syrup of roses, of each half an ounce; water of calamint, mugwort, -betony, and hyssop, of each an ounce; make a julep. If the pain -continues, employ this purgation: take of hieræ one drachm; syrup of -roses and luxative one ounce; with the decoction of mugwort make a -potion. If it come through the weakness of the faculty, let that be -corroborated. If through the grossness and sharpness of the blood, let -the quality of it be altered, as I have shown in the foregoing chapter. -Lastly, if the excrements be retained, provoke them by a clyster of the -decoction of camomile, betony, feverfew, mallows, linseed, juniper -berries, aniseed, adding thereto of diacatholicon, half an ounce; hiera -picra, two drachms; honey and oil, of each one ounce; nitre a drachm and -a half. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - OF THE FALSE MENSES, OR WHITES. - - -From the womb proceed not only menstruous blood, but a distillation of a -variety of corrupt humours through the womb, keeping neither courses nor -colour, but varying in both. - -_Cause._—The cause is either promiscuously in the whole body, by a -cocochymia, or weakness of the same, or in some of the parts, as in the -liver, which causeth a generation of corrupt blood, and then the matter -is reddish; sometimes the gall being sluggish in its office, not drawing -away those choleric superfluities engendered in the liver, the matter is -yellowish; sometimes in the spleen, not deficiating and cleansing the -blood of the excrementitious parts. It may also come from the catarrh in -the head, or from any other corrupt member; but if the matter of the -flux be white, the cause is in the stomach by a crude matter there, and -vitiated through grief and melancholy, for, otherwise, if the matter -were only pituitous, crude phlegm, it might be converted into blood; for -phlegm in the ventrical is called nourishment half digested; but being -corrupt, though sent into the liver, yet it cannot be turned into -nutriment; for the second decoction cannot correct that which the first -hath corrupted; and therefore the liver sends it to the womb, which can -neither digest nor repel it, and so it is voided out with the same -colour it had in the ventricle. The cause also may be in the reins being -over-heated, whereby the spermatical causes may be moistness of air, -eating of corrupt meats, anger, grief, slothfulness, immoderate -sleeping, costiveness. - -The signs are, extenuation of the body, shortness and stinking of the -breath, loathing of meat, pain in the head, swelling of the eyes and -feet, and melancholy: humidity from the womb of divers colours, as red, -black, green, yellow, and white. It differs from the menses, in that it -keeps no certain period, and is of many colours, all of which generate -from blood. - -_Prognostics._—If the flux be phlegmatical, it will continue long and be -difficult to cure, yet if vomiting or diarrhœa happeneth, it diverts the -humour and cures the disease. If it be choleric, it is not so permanent, -yet more perilous, for it will cause a cliff in the neck of the womb, -and sometimes make an excoriation of the matrix; if melancholic, it must -be dangerous and contumacious. Yet the flux of the hemorrhoids -administer cure. - -If the matter flowing forth be reddish, open a vein in the arm; if not, -apply ligatures to the arms and shoulders. Galen cured the wife of -Brutus, by rubbing the upper part with crude honey. - -If it be caused by a distillation from the brain, take syrup of betony, -and marjoram; with sugar and betony water make lozenges, to be taken -every morning and evening; Auri Alexandria, half a drachm at night going -to bed. If these things help not, use the suffumigation and plaster, as -they are prescribed. - -If the flux be melancholic, prepare with syrup of maiden-hair, borage, -buglos. Purges for melancholy are stamped prunes, two oz.; senna, one -drachm; fumitory, a drachm; sour dates, one ounce; with endive water, -make a decoction; take of it four ounces, add unto it confections, -hamesech three drachms, manna three drachms. Take conserves of borage, -violets, buglos, of each a drachm; citron peel candied one drachm; -sugar, seven ounces; with rose-water make lozenges. - -Lastly, let the womb be cleansed from the corrupt matter. Make -injections of the decoction of betony, feverfew, spikenard, bistort, -mercury, and sage, adding thereto sugar, oil of sweet almonds, of each -two ounces; pessaries also may be made of silk or cotton, mollified in -the juice of the aforesaid herbs. - -A dry diet is commended as the best, because in this effect the body -most commonly abounds with phlegmatical and crude humours. For this -cause Hippocrates counsels the patient to go to bed supperless. Let her -meat be partridge, pheasant, and mountain birds, rather roasted than -boiled. Immoderate sleep is forbidden, moderate exercise is commended. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - OF THE SUFFOCATION OF THE MOTHER. - - -This is called in English, “the suffocation of the mother;” because it -causeth the womb to be choked. It is a retraction of the womb towards -the midriff and the stomach, which so presseth and crusheth up the same, -that the instrumental cause of respiration, the midriff, is suffocated, -and causes the animating faculty, the efficient cause of respiration, -also to be intercepted, while the body being refrigerated, and the -action depraved, she falls to the ground as one dead. Many instances are -recorded of those who have been considered dead, even by the medical -men, in this disorder. - -To distinguish the living from the dead the ancients prescribe three -experiments: the first is, to lay a light feather to the mouth, and by -its motion you may judge whether the patient be living or dead: the -second is to place, a glass of water on the breast, and if you perceive -it to move, it betokeneth life: third, to hold a looking-glass to the -mouth and nose; and if the glass appears thick, with a little dew upon -it, it betokens life. You ought not to depend upon these; for the motion -of the lungs, by which the respiration is made, may be taken away so -that she cannot breathe, yet the internal transpiration of the heat may -remain; which is not manifest by the motion of the breast or lungs, but -lies occult in the heart and inward arteries: examples whereof we have -in the fly and swallow, who, in cold winters, seem dead, and breathe not -at all; yet they live by the transpiration of that heat which is -reserved in the heart and inward arteries: therefore, when the summer -approacheth, the internal heat being revocated to the outer parts, they -revive out of their sleepy ecstacy. - -Those women therefore, who seem to die suddenly, let them not be -committed unto the earth until the end of three days, lest the living be -buried for the dead. - -_Cause._—The part affected is the womb, of which there is a twofold -motion—natural and symptomatical. The natural motion is, when the womb -attracteth the seed, or excludeth the infant or secundine. The -symptomatical motion, of which we are to speak, is a convulsive drawing -up of the womb. - -The cause is the retention of the seed, or the suppression of the -menses, causing a repletion of the corrupt humours in the womb, from -whence proceeds a flatuous refrigeration, causing a convulsion of the -ligaments of the womb. And as it may come from humidity or repletion, -being a convulsion, it may be caused by emptiness or dryness. And by -abortion, or difficult child-birth. - -_Signs._—At the approaching of the suffocation, there is a paleness in -the face, weakness of the legs, shortness of breath, frigidity of the -whole body, with a working in the throat, and then she falls down as one -void of sense and motion; the mouth of the womb is closed up, and being -touched with the fingers feels hard. The paroxysm of the fit being past, -she openeth her eyes, and feeling her stomach oppressed, she offers to -vomit. - -It differs from apoplexy, by reason it comes without shrieking out; also -in the hysterical passion the sense of feeling is not altogether -destroyed and lost, as it is in the apoplectic disease: and it differs -from the epilepsies in that the eyes are not wrested, neither doth any -spongy froth come from the mouth; and that convulsive motion, which -sometimes, is joined to suffocations, is not universal, and it is in the -epilepsies, only this or that matter is convulsed without vehement -agitation. In the syncope, both respiration and pulse are taken away, -and she swoons away suddenly; but in the hysterical passion, there is -both respiration and pulse, though it cannot be well perceived; her face -looks red, and she hath a fore-warning of her fit. Lastly, it is -distinguished from the lethargy by the pulse, which in one is great, and -the other little. - -_Prognostics._—If the disease arises from the corruption of the seed, it -foretells more danger than if it proceed from the suppression of the -menses, because the seed is concocted, and of a purer quality than the -menstruous blood; and the more pure being corrupted becomes the more -foul. If it be accompanied with a syncope, it shows nature is weak, and -that the spirits are almost exhausted; but if sneezing follows, it shows -that the heat begins to return, and that nature will subdue the disease. - -_Cure._—In the cure observe: first, that during the paroxysm, nature -must be provoked to expel those malignant vapours which stupify the -senses, that she may be called out of that sleepy ecstacy. Secondly, -that in the intermission of the fit, proper medicines may be applied to -take away the cause. - -To stir up nature, fasten cupping-glasses to the hips and navel, apply -ligatures unto the thigh, rub the extreme parts with salt, vinegar, and -mustard: cause loud clamours and thundering in the ears. Apply to the -nose asafœtida, castor, and sal volatile; provoke her to sneeze by -blowing up into her nostrils the powder of castor, white pepper, and -hellebore; hold under her nose partridge feathers, hair, and burnt -leather. The brain is sometimes so oppressed, that there is a necessity -for burning the outward skin of the head with hot oil, or with a hot -iron. Sharp clysters are available. Take of sage, calamint, horehound, -feverfew, marjoram, betony, hyssop, of each one handful; aniseed, half -an ounce; coloquintida, white hellebore, of each two drachms; boil in -two pounds of water to the half; add the straining oil of castor two -ounces, hiera picra two drachms, and make a clyster of it. Hippocrates -writes of an hysterical woman, who could not be freed from the paroxysm -but by pouring cold water upon her; yet this cure is singular, and ought -to be administered only in the heat of summer. - -If it be caused by the retention and corruption of the seed, let the -midwife take oil of lilies, marjoram, and bays, dissolving in the same -two grains of civet, and musk; let her dip her finger therein, and put -into the neck of the womb, tickling and rubbing the same. - -If it arise from the suppression of the menses look to the cure in chap. -XVI. If from the retention of the seed, use such things as will dry up -and diminish the seed, as diacimina, diacalaminhes, &c. Amongst potions, -the seed of agnus is well esteemed, whether taken inwardly, applied -outwardly, or received as suffumigation. Make an issue on the inside of -her leg, a hand-breadth below the knee. Make trochisks of agaric, two -scruples, wild carrot seed, lign-aloes, of each half a scruple; washed -turpentine, three drachms; with conserve of anthos make a bolus. Castor -is of excellent use in this case, eight drachms of it taken in white -wine: or make pills of it with mithridate, and take them going to bed. -Take of white briony root, dried and cut after the manner of carrots, -one ounce put in a draught of wine, placing it by the fire, and when it -is warm, drink it. Take myrrh, castor, and asafœtida, of each one -scruple; saffron and rue-seed, of each four grains; make eight pills, -and take two every night going to bed. - -Galen, by his own example, commends unto us agaric pulverized one -scruple in white wine. Lay to the navel, at bed-time, a head of garlic -bruised, fastening it with a swathed band. Make a girdle of galbanum for -the waist, and also a plaster for the belly, placing in one part of it -civet and musk, which must be laid upon the navel. Take pulveris, -benedict, trochisk of agaric, of each two drachms; of mithridate a -sufficient quantity; and so make two pessaries, and it will purge the -matrix of wind and phlegm; foment the natural part with salad oil, in -which hath been boiled rue, feverfew, and camomile. Take of rose leaves -a handful, cloves two scruples; quilt them in a little cloth, and boil -them in malmsey the eighth part of an hour, and apply them to the mouth -of the womb, as hot as may be endured, but let not the smell get to her -nose. A dry diet must still be observed. Let her bread be aniseed -biscuit, and her flesh meat roasted. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - FALLING OF THE WOMB. - - -The falling down of the womb is a relaxation of the ligature, whereby -the matrix is carried backward, and in some hangs out the size of an -egg. The falling of the womb is, when it sinks down to the entrance of -the privities, and appears to the eye either very little or not at all. -The precipitation is, when the womb, like a purse is turned inside -outward, and hangs betwixt the thighs in the size of a cupping-glass. - -_Cause._—The external cause is difficult child-birth, violent pulling -away of the secundine, rashness and inexperience in drawing away the -child, violent coughing, sneezing, falls, blows, and carrying heavy -burdens. The internal cause is overmuch humidity flowing into these -parts, hindering the operations of the womb, whereby the ligaments by -which the womb is supported are relaxed. The cause in particular is -referred to be in the retention of the seed, or in the suppression of -the monthly terms. - -_Signs._—The intestines and bladder are oftentimes so crushed, that the -passage of the excrements is hindered; if the urine flows forth white -and thick, and the midriff moistened, the loins are grieved, the -privities pained, and the womb sinks down to the private parts, or else -comes clean out. - -_Prognostics._—In an old woman it is cured with great difficulty; -because it weakens the faculty of the womb, and therefore, though it be -reduced to its proper place, yet upon very little illness it returns; -and so it is with the younger sort, if the disease be inveterate. If it -be caused by a putrefaction of the nerves, it is incurable. - -_Cures._—The womb being naturally placed between the strait gut and the -bladder, and now fallen down, ought not to be put up again, until the -faculty, both of the gut and of the bladder, be stirred up. Nature being -unloaded of her burden, let the woman be laid on her back, her legs -higher than her head; let her feet be drawn up to her hinder parts, with -her knees spread; then mollify the swelling with oil of lilies and sweet -almonds, or with the decoction of mallows, beets, fenugreek, and -linseed; when the inflammation is dissipated, let the midwife anoint her -hand with oil of mastic, and reduce the womb into its place. The matrix -being up, the situation of the patient must be changed, let her legs be -put out at length, and laid together; six cupping-glasses to her breast -and navel; boil mugwort, feverfew, red roses, and comfrey in red wine; -make a suffumigation for the matrix; and at her coming out of the bath, -give her syrup of feverfew one ounce, with a drachm of mithridate. Take -laudani, mastic, of each three drachms, make a plaster of it for the -navel; then make pessaries of asafœtida, saffron, comfrey, and mastic, -adding thereto a little castor. - -The matrix seated in its natural abode, the remote cause must be -removed. If the body be plethoric, open a vein; prepare with syrup of -betony, calamint, hyssop, and feverfew. Purge with pil. hierac, agaric, -pil. de colocin. If the stomach be oppressed with crudities, unburden it -by vomiting; sudorifical decoctions of lignum sanctum, and sassafras, -taken twenty days together, dry up the superfluous moisture, and -consequently suppress the cause of the disease. - -Let the air be hot and dry, your diet hot and attenuating; abstain from -all motion, both of body and mind; eat sparingly, drink little, sleep -moderately. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - OF THE INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. - - -The inflammation of the matrix, is a humour possessing the whole of the -womb, accompanied with unnatural heat, by obstructing, and gathering of -corrupt blood. - -_Cause._—The cause of this effect is suppression of the menses, -repletion of the whole body, difficult child-birth, vehement agitation -of the body, falls, blows, &c. - -_Signs._—Anguish, pain in the head and stomach; vomiting, coldness of -the knees, convulsion of the neck, trembling of the heart; a straitness -of breath, by reason of the heat which is communicated to the midriff, -the breasts sympathising with the womb, pained and swelled. If the fore -part of the matrix be inflamed, the privities are grieved, the urine is -suppressed, or flows forth with difficulty. If the after part, the loin -and back suffer, the excrements are retained on the right side, the -right hip suffers, the right leg is heavy and slow to motion; and so if -the left side of the womb be inflamed, the left hip is pained, and the -left leg is weaker than the right. If the neck of the womb be refreshed, -the midwife shall feel the mouth of it retracted, and closed up with a -hardness about it. - -_Prognostics._—All inflammations of the womb are dangerous, if not -deadly; and especially if the total substance of the matrix be inflamed; -but they are very perilous if in the neck of the womb. - -_Cure._—Let the humours flowing to the womb be repelled, for effecting -which, after cooling clysters, open a vein in the arm, if she be not -enceinte; the day after strike the saphena on both feet, fasten -ligatures and cupping-glasses to the arm, and rub the upper part. Purge -gently with cassia, rhubarb, and senna two drachms, aniseed one scruple, -barley-water a sufficient quantity; make a decoction. At the beginning -of the disease anoint the privities and reins with oil of roses and -quinces; make plasters of plantain, linseed, barley-meal, white of eggs, -and, if the pain be vehement, a little opium; ferment the genitals with -the decoction of poppy heads. In the declining of the disease, use -incisions of sage, linseed, mugwort, pennyroyal, horehound, and -fenugreek; anoint the lower part of the belly with the oil of camomile -and violets. - -Take lily roots and mallow-roots, of each four ounces; mercury one -handful; mugwort, and feverfew, camomile flowers, and melilot, of each a -handful and a half; bruise the herbs and fruits, and boil them in a -sufficient quantity of milk; then add fresh butter, oil of camomile, and -lilies, of each two ounces; bean meal a sufficient quantity; make two -plasters,—one before, the other behind. - -If the tumour cannot be removed, but tends to suppuration, take -fenugreek, mallow-roots, decocted figs, linseed, barley-meal, -turpentine, of each three drachms; deer’s suet, half a drachm, opium -half a scruple; with wax make a plaster. - -Take wormwood and betony of each half a handful; white wine and milk, of -each half a pound; boil them until one part be confirmed; then take of -this decoction four ounces, honey of roses two ounces, and make an -injection. Yet beware that the humours are not brought down to the womb. -Take roasted figs and mercury bruised, of each three drachms; turpentine -and duck’s grease, of each three drachms; opium, two grains; with wax -make a pessary. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - OF SCHIRROSITY OR HARDNESS OF THE WOMB. - - -Of phlegm neglected, or not perfectly cured, is generated a schirrus of -the matrix, which is a hard unnatural swelling, insensibly hindering the -operation of the womb, and disposing the whole body to slothfulness. - -_Cause._—One cause of this disease may be ascribed to want of judgment -in the physician; as many empyrics ministering to an inflammation of the -womb, do overmuch refrigerate the humour, that it can neither pass -forward nor backward; hence the matter being condensed, degenerates into -a hard substance. Other causes may be the suppression or the menstruous -retention of the lochi, or after purging; eating of corrupt meats, &c. -It may proceed also from obstructions and ulcers in the matrix, or from -evil effects in the liver and spleen. - -_Signs._—If the bottom of the womb be affected, she feels a heavy burden -representing a mole; yet differing in that the breasts are attenuated, -and that the whole body becomes less. If the neck of the womb be -affected, no outward humours will appear; the mouth of it is retracted, -and feels hard. - -_Prognostics._—Schirrus confirmed is incurable, and will turn into a -cancer, or incurable dropsy, and ending in a cancer, proves deadly. - -_Cure._—Where there is a repletion, bleeding is advisable; open the -medina on both arms, and the saphena on both feet, more especially if -the menses be suppressed. Prepare the humour with syrup of borage, -succory, and clarified whey: then take of the following pills according -to the strength of the patient: - -Take of hiera picra six drachms, black helebore, polybody, of each two -drachms and a half; agaric, lapis lazuli, abluti salindiæ, coloquintida, -of each one drachm and a half; mix them and make pills. The body being -purged, proceed to mollify the hardness as follows: the privities and -neck of the womb with unguent, decalthea, and agrippa; or take opapanax, -bdellium, ammoniac, and myrrh, of each two drachms, saffron half a -drachm; dissolve the gum in oil of lilies and sweet almonds; with wax -and turpentine make an unguent; apply below the navel diacoon, ferelina; -make infusion of figs, mugwort, mallows, pennyroyal, althea, fennel -roots, melilot, fenugreek, boiled in water. Make an injection of -calamint, linseed, melilot, fenugreek, and the four mollifying herbs, -with oil of dill, camomile, and lilies dissolved in the same. Three -drachms of the gum bdellium; cast the stone pyrites on the coals, and -let her receive the fume into the womb. Foment the secret parts with the -decoction of the roots and leaves of danewort. Take gum galbanum, -opapanax, of each one drachm, juice of danewort, mucilage, fenugreek, of -each one drachm; calf’s marrow an ounce, wax a sufficient quantity; make -a pessary. - -The air must be temperate; use no salt meats. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - OF THE DROPSY IN THE WOMB. - - -The uterine dropsy is an unnatural swelling, by the gathering of the -wind and phlegm in the cavity, membranes, or substance of the womb, by -reason of the debility of the native heat and aliment received. - -The causes are overmuch cold or moistness of the milt and liver, -immoderate drinking, eating of crude meats; all which, causing a -repletion, do suffocate the natural heat. It may be caused by the -overflowing of the menses, or by any other immoderate evacuation, and by -abortions, phlegmons and schirrosities of the womb. - -_Signs._—The lower parts of the belly, with the genitals, are puffed up, -and pained; the feet swell, the natural colour of the face decays, and -the appetite is depraved. If she turns herself in the bed, a noise like -the flowing of water is heard. Water sometimes comes from the matrix. If -the swelling be caused by wind, the belly sounds like a drum; and the -wind breaks through the neck of the womb with a murmuring noise. It is -distinguished from a general dropsy, in that the lower parts of the -belly are most swelled. - -_Prognostics._—This effect foretells the ruin of the natural functions, -by that singular consent the womb hath with the liver, and that -therefore general dropsy will follow. - -_Cure._—Mitigate the pain with fomentation of melilot, mercury, mallows, -linseed, camomile, and althea; then let the womb be prepared with -hyssop, calamint, mugwort, with the decoction of elder, marjoram, sage, -pennyroyal, betony; purge with senna, agaric, and rhubarb. Take rhubarb, -and trochisks of agaric, of each one scruple: with juice of iros make -pills. - -In diseases which have their rise from moisture, purge with pills. And -in these effects which are caused by emptiness or dryness, purge with a -potion. Fasten a cupping-glass to the belly, with a great fume, and also -the navel, especially if the swelling be flatulent: make an issue on the -inside of each leg, a hand-breadth below the knee. Apply to the bottom -of the belly, as hot as may be endured, a little bag of camomile, -cummin, and melilot, boiled in oil of rue; anoint the belly and secret -parts with unguent agrippa and unguent aragons; mingle therewith oil of -iros: cover the lower parts of the belly with the plaster of -bay-berries, or a cataplasm made of cummin, camomile, and briony roots. - -Our moderns ascribe great virtues to tobacco-water distilled, and poured -into the womb by a metrenchyta. Take balm, southernwood, origen, -wormwood, calamint, bay-leaves, marjoram, of each one handful: -juniper-berries four drachms; with water make a decoction: of this may -be made fomentations and infusions: make pessaries of storax, aloes, -with the roots of dictau, aristolochia, and gentian. - -The air must be hot and dry; moderate exercise. She may eat the flesh of -partridges, larks, chickens, mountain birds. Let her drink be thin wine. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - OF MOLES AND FALSE CONCEPTIONS. - - -This disease is called by the Greeks mole; and is taken from the load or -heavy weight of it, it being a mole or great lump of hard flesh -burdening the womb. - -It is an inarticulate piece of flesh without form, begotten in the -matrix as if it were a true conception. Note two things: first, a mole -is said to be inarticulate and without form, it differs from monsters, -which are both formate and articulate: secondly, it puts a difference -between a true conception and a mole; first, in the genus, in that a -mole cannot be said to be an animal: secondly, in the species, because -it hath no human figure, and bears not the character of a man: thirdly, -in the individual, for it hath no affinity with the parent, either in -the whole body or any particular part. - -_Cause._—The true cause of this fleshy mole proceeds from both the man -and from the woman, from corrupt and barren seed in man, and from the -menstruous blood in the woman, both emitted together in the womb, where -nature finding herself weak, labours to bring forth a vicious conception -rather than none; and instead of a living creature, generates a lump of -flesh. - -_Signs._—The menses are suppressed, the appetite is depraved, the -breasts swell, and the belly is suddenly puffed up, and waxeth hard. -Thus the signs of a breeding woman, and one that breedeth a mole, are -one. The first sign of difference is in the motion of the mole; it may -be felt to move in the womb before the third month, which an infant -cannot; yet the motion cannot be understood of any intelligent power in -the mole, but the faculty of the womb and the animal spirits diffused -through the substance of the mole; for it hath not an animal but a -vegetative source of life, in manner of a plant: secondly, if a mole, -the belly is suddenly puffed up; but if a true conception, the belly is -suddenly retracted; and then riseth up by degrees: thirdly, the belly -being pressed with the hand, the mole gives way; and the hand being -taken away, it returns to the place again; but a child in the womb, -though pressed with the hand, moves not presently; and being removed, -returns slowly, or not at all: lastly, the child continues in the womb -not above ten months, but a mole continues sometimes four or five years, -more or less, according as it is fastened in the matrix. I have known a -mole to fall away in four or five months. If it remain until the -eleventh month, the legs wax feeble, and the whole body consumes. - -_Prognostics._—If, at the delivery of a mole, the flux of the blood be -great, it shows the more danger, because nutrition, having been violated -by the flowing back of the superfluous humours, where the natural heat -is consumed; and parting with so much of her blood, the woman is so -weakened in all her faculties, that she cannot subsist without -difficulty. - -_Cause._—We are taught by Hippocrates, that phlebotomy causeth abortion -by taking all that nourishment which should preserve the life of the -child: wherefore, open the liver vein and saphena in both feet, fasten -cupping-glasses to the loins and sides of the belly, let the uterine -parts be first mollified, and then the expulsive faculty provoked to -expel the burden. - -To laxate the ligature of the mole, take mallows with the roots, three -handfuls; camomile, melilot, pelitory of the wall, violet leaves, -mercury, root of fennel, parsley, of each two handfuls; linseed, -fenugreek, each one pound; boil them in water, and let her sit therein -up to the navel. At her going out of the bath, anoint the privities and -reins with the following unguent. Take mercury and althea roots, of each -half a handful: flos, bracho, ursini, half a handful; linseed, -barley-meal, of each six ounces; boil all these with water and honey, -and make a plaster; make pessaries of the gum galbanum, bdellium, -antimoniacum, figs, hog’s suet, and honey. - -After the ligaments of the moles are loosed, let the expulsive faculty -be stirred up to expel the moles. Take troch de myrrh, one ounce; castor -astrolochia, gentian, dictam, of each an ounce; make a powder; take one -drachm in four ounces of mugwort water. Take of hypericon, calamint, -pennyroyal, betony, hyssop, sage, horehound, valeria, madder, savine: -with water make a decoction; take three ounces of it, with one ounce and -a half of feverfew. - -But if these things prove not available, then must the mole be drawn -away with an instrument put up into the womb, which may be performed by -a skilful surgeon. After the delivery of the mole let the flux of blood -be stayed as soon as may be. Fasten cupping-glasses to the shoulders and -ligatures of the arms. If this help not, open the liver vein in the -right arm. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - OF CONCEPTION, AND HOW A WOMAN MAY KNOW WHETHER SHE HAS CONCEIVED OR - NOT, AND WHETHER MALE OR FEMALE. - - -The natural instinct that nature has implanted in men and women to -propagate their own species, puts them upon making use of those ways -that nature has ordained for that end, which, afterwards, the woman many -times, through ignorance of having conceived, is little better than a -murderer of her child: for, after conception, finding herself not well, -and not knowing what is the matter with her, goes to a doctor; and he, -not thinking of her being enceinte, gives cathartical potions, which -destroy conception. And some, out of a foolish coyness, though they know -they have conceived, will not confess it, that they might be instructed -how to order themselves. - -_Signs._—If under the eye the vein be swelled, the veins in the eyes -appearing clearly, and the eyes sometimes discoloured, if the woman has -not the terms upon her, nor watched the night before, you may certainly -conclude her to be with child; the first two months I never knew this -sign to fail. - -Keep the urine of the woman close in a glass three days, and then strain -it through a fine linen cloth; if you find small living creatures in it -she hath conceived. - -A coldness and chillness of the outward parts, the heat being retired to -make conception. The veins of the breast are more clearly seen than -usual. The body is weakened, and the face discoloured. The belly waxeth -very flat, because the womb closeth itself together to nourish and -cherish the seed. If cold water be drank, a coldness is left in the -breasts. Loss of appetite to victuals, sour belchings, and exceeding -weakness of the stomach. The breasts swell and wax hard, not without -pain and soreness. Griping pains, like the cramp, in the belly about the -navel. Divers appetites and longings. The veins of the eyes are clearly -seen, and the eyes discoloured. The excrements of the guts are voided -painfully, because the womb swelling thrusteth the guts together. Take a -handsome green nettle, put it into the urine of the woman; cover it -close, and let it remain a whole night; if the woman be with child, it -will be full of red spots on the morrow; if she be not, it will be -blackish. - -_Signs of a Male Child._—The woman breeds a boy easier and with less -pain than a girl, and is more nimble. The child is first felt by her on -the right side; for male children lie on the right side of the womb. The -woman, when she riseth up from a chair doth sooner stay herself upon her -right hand than her left. The belly lies rounder and higher than when it -is a female. The right breast is more hard and plump than the left, and -the right nipple redder. The colour of a woman is not so swarthy as when -she conceives a girl. The contrary to these are signs of the conception -of a female. - -If the circle under the eye is of a wan blue colour, be more apparent -and most discoloured, she is enceinte of a boy; if the marks be most -apparent in her left eye, of a girl. - -Again, let a drop of her milk fall into a basin of fair water; if it -sinks to the bottom, as it drops in, round in a drop, it is a girl; but -if it be a boy, it will spread and swim on the top. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - OF UNTIMELY BIRTHS. - - -When the fruit of the womb comes forth before the seventh month, before -it comes to maturity, it is abortive; and, in effect, the child proves -abortive in the eighth month. And why children born in the seventh and -ninth month may live, and not in the eighth month may seem strange, yet -it is true. Hippocrates gives a reason, viz. the infant being perfect in -the seventh month, desires more air and nutriment; and it labours for a -passage to get out; and if it has not strength sufficient to break the -membranes and come forth, it shall continue in the womb till the ninth -month, and in that time may again be strengthened; but if it strive -again in the eighth month, and be born, it cannot live, because the day -of its birth is either past or to come. For, in the eighth month, saith -Aven, he is weak and infirm; and, therefore, being then cast into the -cold air, his spirits cannot be supported. - -_Cause._—Untimely births may be caused by cold; or by humidity weakening -the faculty; and the fruit cannot be retained till the due time; by -dryness or emptiness, defrauding the child of nourishment; by fluxes, -phlebotomy, and other evacuations; by inflammations of the womb. -Sometimes it is caused by laughter, joy, anger and fear. Abortion also -may be caused by corrupt air, filthy odours, and especially by the smell -of the snuff of a candle; also by falls, blows, violent exercise, -leaping, dancing, &c. - -_Signs._—Signs of future abortion are, extenuation of the breasts, flux -of watery milk, pain in the womb, heaviness in the head, unusual -weariness in the hips and thighs, flowing of the menses. Signs -foretelling the fruit of the dead in the womb, are hollowness in the -eyes, pain in the head, anguish, horror, paleness of the face and lips, -gnawing of the stomach, no motion of the infant, coldness and looseness -of the mouth of the womb, and thickness of the belly, and watery and -bloody excrements come from the matrix. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - DIRECTIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. - - -Before conception, if the body be over hot, dry, or moist, correct it -with the contraries; if couchmical, purge it; if plethoric, open the -liver vein; if too gross, attenuate it: if too lean, nourish it. - -After conception, let the air be temperate; sleep not overmuch, avoid -watchings, much exercise, passions of the mind, filthy smells, and sweet -odours are hysterical. Abstain from things which provoke urine; from -salt and windy meats. - -If the excrements be retained, lenify with clysters made of the -decoction of mallows, violets, with sugar and common oil. If with -looseness, let it not be stayed without the judgment of a physician; for -all the uterine fluxes have a malign quality in them, which must be -evacuated before the flux is stayed. - -The cough of pregnant women puts them in danger of miscarrying. To -prevent which, shave away the hair on the coronal coiffure, and apply -thereon the following plaster: take of resinæ half an ounce, laudana one -drachm, citron peel, lign-aloes, olibani, of each a drachm; stirachis -liquidæ, and sicca, a sufficient quantity; dissolve the gums in vinegar, -and make a plaster; at night going to bed let her take the fumes of -these trochisks cast upon the coals. Also take of frankincense, storax -powder, and red roses, of each a drachm and a half, sandrich eight -drachms, mastic, benjamin, amber, of each one drachm; with turpentine -make trochisks, apply a cautery to the nape of the neck. Every night let -her take these pills following: take hypocistides, terriæ, sigillate, -fine bole, of each half an ounce; bistort, alcatia, styracis, calamint, -of each two drachms, cloves, one drachm; with syrup of myrtles make -pills. - -In pregnant women there is often a flux which greatly distresses the -womb. To prevent this danger, the stomach must be corroborated as -follows: take lign-aloes and nutmeg, of each one drachm; mace, clove, -mastic, and laudanum, of each two scruples; oil of spike an ounce; musk, -two grains; oil of mastic, quinces, and wormwood, of each half an ounce; -make an unguent for the stomach to be applied before meals. Take a -conserve of borage, buglos, and atthos, of each half an ounce; confect. -de hyacinth, lemon-peel candied, specie-rum, dismarg. pulv. de gemnis, -of each two drachms; nutmeg and diambra, of each two scruples; peony -roots and diacorati, of each two drachms; with syrup of roses make an -electuary; of which she must take twice a day, two hours before meals. A -pregnant woman is subject to swelling of the legs, which happens the -first three months, by humours falling down from the stomach and liver: -for the cure, take oil of roses, two drachms, salt and vinegar, of each -one drachm; shake them together until the salt be dissolved, and anoint -the legs therewith hot, chafing it with the hand; it may be done without -danger in the fourth, fifth, or sixth months of pregnancy. And if the -body is in real need of purging, she may do it without danger in the -fourth, fifth or sixth months; but not before nor after, unless in some -sharp diseases, in which the mother and child are like to perish. Apply -plasters and unguents to strengthen the fruit of the womb. Take of gum -agaric, galagane, bistort, hypocostid, and storax, of each one drachm; -fine bole, nutmeg, mastic, bollust, sanguis draconis, and -myrtle-berries, a drachm and a half; wax and turpentine a sufficient -quantity; make a plaster. Apply to the reins in the winter time, and -remove it every twenty-four hours, lest the reins be over hot therewith. -In the interim anoint the privities and reins with unguent and -censitisssæ; but if it be summer time, and the reins hot, the following -plaster is more proper; take of red roses one pound, mastic and red -sanders of each two drachms; bole ammoniac, red coral and bistort, each -two drachms; pomegranate peel prepared, and coriander, of each two -drachms and a half; barberries, two scruples; oil of mastic and quinces, -of each an ounce; juice of planastic two drachms; with pitch make a -plaster; anoint the reins with unguentum sandal. Once every week wash -the reins with two parts of rose-water, and one part of white wine -mingled together and warmed at the fire. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - DIRECTIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY WOMEN, AT THE TIME OF THEIR FALLING IN - LABOUR. - - -The time of birth drawing near, let her send for a skilful medical man -or midwife; let her prepare a bed or couch, and place it near the fire, -that the midwife and assistants may pass round, and help on every side -as occasion requires, having a change of linen ready, and a stool to -rest her feet against, she having more force when they are bowed. - -When the pain comes, let her walk about the room, resting by turns upon -the bed, and so expect the coming down of the water, which is a humour -contracted in the outward membranes, and flows thence when it is broke -by the struggling of the child. Motion causes the womb to open and -dilate itself, when from lying long in bed it is uneasy. If the patient -is weak, let her take some gentle cordial to refresh herself, if her -pain will admit. - -If her travail be tedious, she may take chicken or mutton broth, or -poached egg. - -In delivery, the midwife must wait with patience till the child bursts -the membrane; for if she tear the membrane with her nails, she endangers -both the woman and the child; for by lying dry, and wanting that -slipperiness that should make it easy, it comes forth with great pains. - -When the head appears, the midwife must gently hold it between her -hands, and draw the child at such times as the woman’s pains are upon -her, and at no other, slipping by degrees her forefingers under its -arm-pits, not using a rough hand, lest the tender infant may receive any -deformation of the body. As soon as the child is taken forth, let it be -laid on its back, that it may freely receive external respiration; then -cut the navel-string about three inches from the body, tying that end -which adheres to the body with a silken string; as near as you can; then -cover the head and stomach of the child well. - -Let the midwife regard the patient in drawing forth the secundine, by -wagging and stirring them up and down, afterwards with a gentle hand -drawing them forth; if the work be difficult, let the woman hold salt in -her hands, shut them close, breathe hard into them, and thereby she will -know whether the membrane be broken or not. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - IN CASES OF EXTREMITY, WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE. - - -The woman being across the bed, let the operator put up his or her hand, -if the neck of the womb be dilated, and remove the contracted blood that -obstructs the passage of the birth; and having by degrees gently made -way, let him tenderly move the infant, his hand being first anointed -with sweet butter or a harmless pomatum. And if the waters be not come -down, then without difficulty may they be let forth; when, if the infant -should attempt to break out with the head foremost or cross, he may -gently turn it to find the feet; which having done, let him draw forth -the one and fasten it to the riband, then put it up again, and by -degrees find the other, bringing them close and even, and let the woman -breathe, urging her to strain, in helping nature to perform the birth, -and that the hold may be surer, wrap a linen cloth about the child’s -thighs observing to bring it into the world with its face downwards. - -In case of a flux of blood, if the neck of the womb be open, it must be -considered whether the infant or secundine come first, which the latter -sometimes happening to do, stops the mouth of the womb, and hinders the -birth, endangering both the woman and child; but in this case the -secundine must be removed by a swift turn; and they have by their so -coming down deceived many, who feeling their softness supposed the womb -was not dilated, and thus the woman and child have been lost. The -secundine moved, the child must be sought for, and drawn forth; and in -such a case if the woman or child die, the midwife or surgeon is -blameless, because they did their best. - -If it appears upon inquiry that the secundine comes first, let the woman -be delivered with all convenient expedition, because a great flux of -blood will follow. - -In drawing forth a dead child, let these directions be carefully -observed by the surgeon, viz. If the child be found dead, its head being -foremost, the delivery will be more difficult; for it is an apparent -sign, by the woman’s strength beginning to fail her that the child being -dead, and wanting its natural force, can be no ways assisting to its -delivery; wherefore the most safe way for the surgeon is to put up his -left hand, sliding it as hollow in the palm as he can into the neck of -the womb, and into the lower part thereof towards the feet, and then -between the head of the infant and the neck of the matrix; then having a -hook in the right hand couch it close, and slip it up above the left -hand, between the head of the child, and the flat of his hand, fixing it -in the bars of the temple towards the eye. For want of a convenient -coming at these in the occiputal bone, observe still to keep the left -hand in its place, and with it gently moving and stirring the head, and -so with the right hand and hook draw the child forward, admonish the -woman to put forth her utmost strength, still drawing when the woman’s -pangs are upon her. The head being drawn out, with all speed he must -slip his hand under the arm-holes of the child, and take it quite out; -giving these things to the woman, viz. a toast of fine wheaten bread in -a quarter of a pint of Ipocras wine. - - - - - ARISTOTLE’S WORKS. - - - - - THE MIDWIFE. - GUIDE TO CHILD-BEARING WOMEN. - - - - - BOOK I.—CHAPTER I. - - - SECT. I. _Of the Womb._ - -In this Chapter I am to treat of the womb, which the Latins call matrix. -Its parts are two; the mouth of the womb, and the bottom of it. The -mouth is an orifice at the entrance into it, which may be shut together -like a purse. When a woman is not pregnant, it is a little oblong, and -of substance very thick and close; but when she is pregnant it is -shortened, and its thickness diminisheth proportionably to its -distension: and therefore it is a mistake of anatomists, who affirm that -its substance waxeth thicker a little before a woman’s labour; for any -one’s reason will inform him, that the more distended it is, the thinner -it must be; and the nearer a woman is to the time of her delivery, the -shorter her womb must be extended. - -The Author of Nature has placed the womb in the belly, that the heat -might always be maintained by the warmth of the parts surrounding it: it -is therefore seated in the middle of the hypogastrium (or lower part of -the belly,) between the bladder and the rectum (or right gut) by which -also it is defended from any hurt through the hardness of the bones: and -it is placed in the lower part of the belly for the conveniency of a -birth being thrust out at the full time. - -It is of a figure almost round, inclining somewhat to an oblong, in part -resembling a pear; for, being broad at the bottom, it gradually -terminates in the point of the orifice, which is narrow. - -The length, breadth, and thickness of the womb differ according to the -age and the disposition of the body. For in virgins not ripe it is very -small in all its dimensions; but, in women whose terms flow in great -quantities, it is much larger; and if they have had children, it is -larger in them than in such as have had none; but, in women of a good -stature, and well shaped, it is, (as I have said before), from the entry -of the privy parts to the bottom of the womb, usually about eight -inches; but the length of the body of the womb alone does not exceed -three; the breadth thereof is near about the same, and of the thickness -of the little finger, when the womb is not pregnant; but, when the woman -is pregnant, it becomes of a prodigious greatness, and the nearer she is -to her delivery the more is the womb extended. - -It is not without reason, then, that nature (or the God of Nature) has -made the womb of a membranous substance; for thereby it does the easier -conceive, is gradually dilated by the growth of the fœtus, or young one, -and is afterwards contracted and closed again, to thrust forth both it -and the after-burden, and it is to retire to its primitive seat. Hence -also then enabled to expel any obnoxious humours which may sometimes -happen to be contained within it. - -Before I have done with the womb, which is the field of generation, and -ought therefore to be the more particularly taken care of, I shall -proceed to a more particular description of its parts, and the uses for -which nature hath designed them. - -The womb then is composed of various similar parts, that is, of -membranes, veins, arteries, and nerves. Its membranes are two, and they -compose the principal parts of the body; the outermost of which ariseth -from the peritoneum, or caul, and is very thin; without smooth, and -within equal, that it may the better cleave to the womb, as it is -fleshier and thicker than anything else we meet with in the body when -the woman is not pregnant, and is interwoven with all sorts of fibres -and small strings, that it may the better suffer the extension of the -child and the waters caused during pregnancy, and also that it may the -easier close again after delivery. - -The veins and arteries proceed both from the hypogastrics and the -spermatic vessels, of which I shall speak by and by; all these are -inserted and terminated in the proper membrane of the womb. The arteries -supply it with food for nourishment, which, being brought together in -too great a quantity, sweats through the substance of it, and distils as -it were a dew at the bottom of the cavity; from hence do proceed both -the terms in ripe virgins, and the blood which nourisheth the embryo in -enceinte women. The branches which issue from the spermatic vessels are -inserted on each side of the bottom of the womb, and are much less than -those which proceed from the hypogastrics, those being greater, and -bedewing the whole substance of it. There are yet some other small -vessels, which, arising the one from the other, are conducted to the -internal orifice, and by these, those that are pregnant do purge away -the superfluity of the terms, when they happen to have more than is used -in the nourishment of the infant; by which means nature hath taken such -care of the womb, that during its pregnancy it shall not be obliged to -open itself for the passing away those excrementitious humours, which, -should it be forced to do, might often endanger abortion. - -As touching the nerves, they proceed from the brain, which furnishes all -the inner parts of the lower belly with them, which is the true reason -it hath so great a sympathy with the stomach, which is likewise very -considerably furnished from the same, part; so that the womb cannot be -afflicted with any pain but the stomach is immediately sensible thereof, -which is the cause of those loathings or frequent vomitings which happen -to it. - -But, besides all these parts which compose the womb, it hath yet four -ligaments, whose office is to keep it firm in its place, and prevent its -constant agitation, by the continual motion of the intestines which -surround it; two of which are above, and two below. Those above are -called the broad ligaments, because of their broad and membranous -figure, and are nothing else but the production of the peritoneum, which -growing out of the side of the loins, towards the reins, come to be -inserted in the sides of the bottom of the womb, to hinder the body from -bearing too much on the neck, and so from suffering a precipitation, as -will sometimes happen when the ligaments are too much relaxed; and do -also contain the testicles, and as well safely conduct the different -vessels as the ejaculatories to the womb. The lowermost are called round -ligaments, taking their original from the side of the womb near the -horn, from whence they pass the groin, together with the production of -the peritoneum, which accompanies them through the rings and holes of -the oblique and transverse muscles of the belly, by which they divide -themselves into many little branches, resembling the foot of a goose, of -which are some inserted into the os pubis, and the rest are lost and -confounded with the membranes that cover the upper and interior parts of -the thigh; and it is that which causeth the numbness which pregnant -women feel in their thighs. These two ligaments are long, round, and -nervous, and pretty big in their beginning, near the matrix, hollow in -their rise, and all along to the os pubis, where they are a little -smaller, and become flat, the better to be inserted in the manner -aforesaid. It is by their means the womb is hindered from rising too -high. Now, although the womb is held in its natural situation by these -four ligaments, it has liberty enough to extend itself when pregnant, -because they are very loose, and so easily yield to its distension. But -besides these ligaments, which keep the womb as it were in a poise, yet -it is fastened, for greater security, by its neck, both to the bladder -and rectum, between which it is situated.—Whence it comes to pass, that -if at any time the womb be inflamed, it communicates the inflammation to -the neighbouring parts. - -Its use or proper action, in the work of generation, is to receive and -retain the seed, and deduce from its power and action, by its heat for -the generation of the infant; and is therefore absolutely necessary for -the conservation of the species. It also seems by accident to receive -and expel the impurities of the whole body, as when women have abundance -of whites; and to purge away, from time to time, the superfluity of the -blood, as when a woman is not pregnant. - - -SECT. II.—_Of the Difference between the Ancient and Modern Physicians, - touching the Woman’s contributing Seed to the Formation of the Child._ - -Our modern anatomists and physicians are of different sentiments from -the ancients touching the woman’s contributing of seed for the formation -of the child, as well as the man; the ancients strongly affirming it, -but our modern authors being generally of another judgment. I will not -make myself a party in this controversy, but set down impartially, yet -briefly, the arguments on each side, and leave the judicious reader to -judge for himself. - -Though it is apparent, say the ancients, that the seed of man is the -principal efficient and beginning of action, motion, and generation, yet -that the woman affords seed, and contributes to the procreation of the -child, it is evident from hence, that the woman has seminal vessels, -which had been given her in vain if she wanted seminal excrescence; but -since nature forms nothing in vain, it must be granted they were made -for use of seed and procreation, and fixed in their proper places, to -operate, and contribute virtue and efficiency to the seed. - -But against all this, our modern authors affirm, that the ancients are -very erroneous, inasmuch as the testicles in woman do not afford seed, -but are two eggs, like those of fowls and other creatures; neither have -they any such offices as in men, but are indeed an ovarium, or -receptacle for eggs, wherein these eggs are nourished by the sanguinary -vessels dispersed through them; and from thence one or more, as they are -fecundated by the man’s seed, are conveyed into the womb by the -ovaducts. And the truth of this, say they, is so plain, that if you boil -them, the liquor will have the same taste, colour, and consistency, with -the taste of birds’ eggs. And if it be objected, that they have no -shells, the answer is easy; for the eggs of fowls, while they are in the -ovary, nay, after they have fallen into the uterus, have no shell; and -though they have one when they are laid, yet it is no more than a fence -which nature has provided for them against outward injuries, they being -hatched without the body; but those of women being hatched within the -body, have no need of any other fence than the womb to secure them. - -They also further say, there are in the generation of the fœtus, or -young ones, two principles, _active_ and _passive_; the _active_ is the -man’s seed elaborated in the testicles, out of the arterial blood and -animal spirit; the _passive_ principle is the ovum, or egg, impregnated -by the man’s seed: for to say that women have true seed, say they, is -erroneous. But the manner of conception is this: the most spirituous -part of man’s seed, reaching up to the ovarium or testicles of the woman -(which contains divers eggs, sometimes more, sometimes fewer), -impregnates one of them; which being conveyed by the ovaducts to the -bottom of the womb, presently begins to swell bigger and bigger, and -drinks in the moisture that is plentifully sent thither, after the same -manner that the seeds in the ground suck in the fertile moisture -thereof, to make them sprout. - -Having thus laid the foundation of this work. I will now proceed to -speak of conception, and of those things that are necessary to be -observed by women from the time of their conception to the time of their -delivery. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - OF CONCEPTION; WHAT IT IS; HOW WOMEN ARE TO ORDER THEMSELVES AFTER - CONCEPTION. - - - SECT. I. _What Conception is._ - -Conception is nothing else but an action of the womb, by which the -prolific seed is received and retained, that an infant may be engendered -and formed out of it. There are two sorts of conception: the one -according to nature, which is followed by the generation of the infant -in the womb; the other false, and wholly against nature, in which the -seed changes into water, and produces only false conceptions, moles, or -other strange matter. - - - SECT. II. _How a Woman ought to order herself after Conception._ - -My design in this treatise being brevity, I shall bring forward a little -of what the learned have said of the causes of twins, and whether there -be any such things as superfœtations, or a second conception, in a -woman, (which is yet common enough) when I come to show you how the -midwife ought to proceed in the delivery of the women that are pregnant -with them. But, having already spoke of conception, I think it now -necessary to show how such as have conceived ought to order themselves -during their pregnancy, that they may avoid those inconveniences which -often endanger the life of the child, and many times their own. - -A woman, after conception, during the time of her being pregnant, ought -to be looked upon as indisposed or sick, though in good health: for -child-bearing is a kind of nine months’ sickness, being all that time in -expectation of many inconveniences which such a condition usually causes -to those that are not well governed during that time; and therefore -ought to resemble a good pilot, who, when sailing on a rough sea, and -full of rocks, avoids and shuns the danger, if he steers with prudence; -but if not, it is a thousand to one but he suffers shipwreck. In like -manner, a pregnant woman is often in danger of miscarrying and losing -her life, if she is not very careful to prevent those accidents to which -she is subject all the time of her pregnancy: all which time her care -must be double, first of herself, and secondly, of the child she goes -with; for otherwise, a single error may produce a double mischief; for, -if she receives a prejudice, her child also suffers with her. Let a -woman, therefore, after conception, observe a good diet, suitable to her -temperament, custom, condition, and quality: and if she can, let the air -where she ordinarily dwells be clear and well tempered, free from -extremes either of heat or cold; for being too hot it dissipateth the -spirits too much, and causeth many weaknesses; and by being too cold and -foggy, it may bring down rheums and distillations on the lungs, and so -cause her to cough, which, by its impetuous motion, forcing downwards, -may make her miscarry. She ought always to avoid all nauseous and ill -smells; for sometimes the stench of a candle, not well put out, may -cause her to come before her time; and I have known the smell of -charcoal to have the same effect. Let her also avoid smelling of rue, -mint, pennyroyal, castor, brimstone, &c. - -But, with respect to their diet, pregnant women have generally so great -loathings, and so many different longings, that it is very difficult to -prescribe an exact diet for them. Only this I think advisable, that they -may use those meats and drinks which are to them most desirable, though -perhaps not in themselves so wholesome as some others, and, it may be, -not so pleasant; but this liberty must be made use of with this caution, -that what they desire be not in itself unwholesome: and also, that in -every thing they take care of excess. But, if a pregnant woman finds -herself not troubled with such longings as we have spoken of, let her -take simple food, and in such quantity as may be sufficient for herself -and the child, which her appetite may in a great measure regulate; for -it is alike hurtful for her to fast too long, or eat too much; and, -therefore, rather let her eat a little and often; especially let her -avoid eating too much at night; because the stomach being too much -filled, compresseth the diaphragm, and thereby causeth difficulty of -breathing. Let her meat be easy of digestion, such as the tenderest -parts of beef, mutton, veal, sows, pullets, capons, pigeons, and -partridges, either boiled or roasted, as she likes best; new-laid eggs -are also very good for her; and let her put into her broth those herbs -that purify it, as sorrel, lettuce, succory, and burrage; for they will -purge and purify the blood. Let her avoid whatever is hot seasoned, -especially pies and baked meats, which, being of hot digestion, -overcharge the stomach. If she desires fish, let it be fresh, and such -as is taken out of rivers and running streams. Let her eat quinces of -marmalade, to strengthen her child; sweet almonds, honey, sweet apples, -and full ripe grapes, are also good. Let her abstain from all sharp, -sour, bitter, and salt things; and all things that tend to provoke the -terms—such as garlic, onions, mustard, fennel, pepper, and all spices -except cinnamon, which in the last two months is good for her. If at -first her diet be sparing, as she increases in bigness let her diet be -increased; for she ought to consider she has a child as well as herself -to nourish. Let her be moderate in her drinking; and if she drinks wine, -let it be rather claret than white, (which will make good blood, help -the digestion, and comfort the stomach, which is always weakly during -her pregnancy); but white wine being diuretic, or that which provokes -urine, ought to be avoided. Let her have a care of too much exercise; -let her avoid dancing, riding in a coach, or whatever else puts the body -into violent motion, especially in her first month. But to be more -particular, I shall here set down rules proper for every month for the -child-bearing woman to order herself, from the time she has first -conceived to the time of her delivery. - - - _Rules for the First Two Months._ - -As soon as a woman knows (or has reason to believe) she hath conceived, -she ought to abstain from all violent motions and exercises; whether she -walks on foot, or rides on horseback, or in a coach, it ought to be very -gently. Let her beware she lift not her arms too high, nor carry great -burdens, nor repose herself on hard and uneasy seats. Let her use -moderately good juicy meat, and of easy digestion; and let her wine be -neither too strong nor too sharp, but a little mingled with water; or if -she be very abstemious, she may use water wherein cinnamon is boiled. -Let her avoid fastings, thirst, watchings, mourning, sadness, anger, and -all other perturbations of the mind. Let none present any strange or -unwholesome thing to her, nor so much as name it, lest she should desire -it, and not be able to get it, and so either cause her to miscarry, or -the child to have some deformity on that account. Let her bowels be kept -loose with prunes, raisins, or manna, in her broth; and let her use the -following electuary, to strengthen the womb and the child:— - -“Take conserve of burrage, buglos, and red roses, each two ounces; of -balm an ounce; citron peel and shreds, myrobalans candied, each an -ounce; extract of wood aloes, a scruple; pearl prepared, half a drachm; -red coral, ivory, each a drachm; candied nutmegs, two drachms; and with -syrup of apples and quinces make an electuary.” - - - _Let her observe the following._ - -“Take pearls prepared, a drachm; red coral prepared and ivory, each half -a drachm; yellow citron peel, mace, cinnamon, cloves, each half a -drachm; saffron, a scruple; wood aloes, half a scruple; ambergris, six -drachms; and with six ounces of sugar dissolved in rose-water, make -rolls.” Let her also apply strengtheners to the navel, of nutmeg, mace, -mastich, made up in bags, or a toast dipped in malmsey, sprinkled with -powder of mint. If she happens to desire clay, chalk, or coals, (as many -pregnant women do), give her beans boiled with sugar; and if she happens -to long for any thing she cannot obtain, let her drink a large draught -of pure cold water. - - - _Rules for the Third Month._ - -In this month and the next, be sure to keep from bleeding; for though it -may be safe and proper at other times, yet it will not be so to the end -of the fourth month; and yet if blood abound, or some incidental disease -happen, which requires evacuation, you may use a cupping-glass, with -scarification, and a little blood may be drawn from the shoulders and -arms, especially if she has been accustomed to bleed. Let her also take -care of lacing herself too straitly, but give herself more liberty than -she used to do; for, inclosing her abdomen in too strait a mould, she -hinders the infant from taking its free growth, and often makes it come -before its time. - - - _Rules for the Fourth Month._ - -In this month also you ought to keep the child-bearing woman from -bleeding, unless in extraordinary cases; but when the month is past, -bloodletting and physic may be permitted, if it be gentle and mild; and -perhaps it may be necessary to prevent abortion. In this month she may -purge, in the acute disease; but purging may be used only from the -beginning of this month to the end of the sixth: but let her take care -that in purging she use no vehement medicine, nor any bitter, as aloes, -which is disagreeable and hurtful to the child, and opens the mouth of -the vessels; neither let her use coloquintida, scammony, nor turbith; -she may use cassia, manna, rhubarb, agaric, and senna: but dyacidodium -purgans is best, with a little of electuary of the juice of roses. - - - _Rules for the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Months._ - -In these months child-bearing women are troubled with coughs, -heart-beating, fainting, watching, pains in the loins and hips, and -bleeding. The cough is from a sharp vapour that comes to the jaws and -rough artery from the terms, or the thin part of that blood gotten into -the veins of the breast, or falling from the head to the breast; this -endangers abortion, and strength fails from watching; therefore purge -the humours that come to the breast with rhubarb and agaric, and -strengthen the head as in a catarrh, and give sweet lenitives, as in a -cough. Palpitation and fainting arise from vapours that go to it by the -arteries, or from blood that aboundeth, and cannot get out at the womb, -but ascends, and oppresseth the heart; and in this case, cordials, -should be used both inwardly and outwardly. Watching is from sharp dry -vapours that trouble the animal spirits, and in this case use frictions, -and let the woman wash her feet at bed-time, and let her take syrup of -poppies, dried roses, emulsions of sweet almonds, and white poppy seed. -If she be troubled with pains in her loins and hips, as in these months -she is subject to be, from the weight of her child, who is now grown big -and heavy, and so stretcheth the ligaments of the womb, and parts -adjacent, let her hold it up with swathing bands about her neck. About -this time also the woman often happens to have a flux of blood; either -at the nose, womb, or hemorrhoids, from plenty of blood, or from the -weakness of the child that takes it not in; or else from evil humour in -the blood, that stirs up nature to send it forth. And sometimes it -happens that the vessels of the womb may be broken, either by some -violent motion, fall, cough, or trouble of mind, (for any of these will -work that effect); and this is so dangerous, that in such a case the -child cannot be well; but if it be from blood only, the danger is less, -provided it flows by the veins of the neck of the womb; for then it -prevents plethory, and takes not away the nourishment of the child; but -if it proceeds from the weakness of the child, that draws it not in, -abortion of the child often follows, or hard travail, or else she goes -beyond her time. But if it flows by the inward veins of the womb, there -is more danger by the openness of the womb, if it come from evil blood; -the danger is alike from cacochimy, which is like to fall upon both. If -it arises from plethory, open a vein, but with great caution, and use -astringents, of which the following will do well:—Take pearls prepared, -a scruple; red coral, two scruples; mace, nutmeg, each a drachm; -cinnamon, half a drachm; make a powder: or, with sugar, make rolls. Or -give this powder in broth: “Take red coral, a drachm; red sander, half a -drachm; bole, a drachm; sealed earth, tormentil roots, each two -scruples, with sugar of roses, and manus Christa; with pearl, five -drachms; make a powder.” You may also strengthen the child at the navel; -and if there be a cacochimy, alter the humours; and if you may do it -safely, evacuate: you may likewise use amulets in her hands and about -her neck. In a flux of hemorrhoids wear off the pain; and let her drink -hot wine with a toasted nutmeg. In these months the bowels are also -subject to be bound; but if it be without any apparent disease, the -broth of a chicken, or veal sodden with oil, or with the decoction of -mallows, or of marshmallows, mercury, or linseed, put up in a clyster, -will not be amiss, but in less quantity than is given in other cases: -viz. of the decoction five ounces, of cassia fistula one ounce. But if -she will not take a clyster, one or two yolks of new-laid eggs, or a -little peaspottage warm, a little salt and sugar, supped a little before -meat, will be very convenient. But if her bowels be distended and -stretched out with wind, a little fennel seed and aniseed reduced into a -powder, and mingled with honey and sugar, made after the manner of an -electuary, will do very well. Also, if the thighs and feet swell, let -them be anointed with exphrodinum (which is a liquid medicine made with -vinegar and rose-water, mingled with salt.) - - - _Rules for the Eighth Month._ - -The eighth is commonly the most dangerous, therefore the greatest care -and caution ought to be used; the diet better in quality, but no more, -nor indeed so much in quantity as before; but she must abate her -exercise: and because then pregnant women, by reason that sharp humours -alter the belly, are accustomed to weaken their spirit and strength, -they may well take before meat an electuary of diarrhaden or aromaticum -rosatum, or diamagarton; and sometimes they may lick a little honey: as -they will loath and nauseate their meat, they may take green ginger -candied with sugar, or the rinds of citron and oranges candied; and let -them often use honey for the strengthening of the infant. When she is -not far from her labour, let her eat every day seven roasted figs before -her meat, and sometimes let her lick a little honey. But let her beware -of salt and powdered meat, for it is neither good for her nor the child. - - - _Rules for the Ninth Month._ - -In the ninth month let her refrain from lifting any great weight; but -let her move a little more, to dilate the parts and stir up natural -heat. Let her take heed of stooping, and neither sit too much, nor lie -on her sides; neither ought she to bend herself much, lest the child be -unfolded in the umbilical ligament, by which means it often perisheth. -Let her walk and stir often, and let her exercise be rather to go -upwards than downwards. Let her diet, now especially, be light and easy -of digestion; and damask prunes with sugar, or figs with raisins, before -meat; as also the yolks of eggs, flesh and broth of chickens, birds, -partridges and pheasants; astringent and roasted meats, with rice, hard -eggs, millet, and such like other things, are proper. Baths of sweet -water, with emollient herbs, ought to be used by her this month with -some intermission; and after the baths, let her belly be anointed with -oil of violets; but for her privy parts it is better to anoint them with -the fat of hens, geese, or ducks, or with oil of lilies, and the -decoction of linseed and fenugreek, boiled with oil of linseed and -marshmallows, or with the following liniment:— - -“Take of mallows and marshmallows, cut and shred, of each an ounce; of -linseed one ounce; let them be boiled from twenty ounces of water to -ten; then let her take three ounces of the boiled broth; of oil of -almonds and oil of flower-de-luce, of each one ounce; of deer’s suet -three ounces.” Let her bathe with this, and anoint herself with it warm. - -If for fourteen days before the birth she do every morning and evening -bathe and moisten her belly with muscadine and lavender water, the child -will be much strengthened thereby. And if every day she eat toasted -bread, it will hinder any thing from growing to the child. Her privy -parts may be gently stroked down with this fomentation. - -“Take three ounces of linseed, and one handful each of mallows and -marshmallows sliced, then let them be put into a bag and immediately -boiled.” Let the pregnant woman, every morning and evening, take the -vapour of this decoction in a hollow stool, taking great heed that no -wind or air come to her in-parts, and then let her wipe the parts so -anointed with a linen cloth, and she may anoint the abdomen and groin as -at first. - -When she is come so near her time as to be within ten or fourteen days -thereof, if she begins to feel any more than ordinary pain, let her use -every day the following:—“Take mallows and marshmallows, of each one -handful; camomile, hard mercury, maiden-hair, of each a handful; of -linseed, four ounces; let them be boiled in a sufficient quantity of -water as to make a bath therewith.” But let her not sit too hot upon the -seat, nor higher than a little above the navel; nor let her sit on it -longer than about half an hour, lest her strength languish and decay; -for it is better to use it often than to stay too long in it. - -And thus have I shown how a child-bearing woman ought to govern herself -each month during her pregnancy. How she must order herself at her -delivery, shall be shown in another chapter, after I have first shown -the intended midwife how the child is first formed in the womb, and the -manner of its decumbiture there. - - - - - CHAPTER III. -_Of the Parts proper to a Child in the Womb. How it is formed there, and - the Manner of its Situation therein._ - - -In the last chapter I treated of conception, showing what it was, how -accomplished, its signs, and how she who has conceived ought to order -herself during the time of her pregnancy. Now, before I come to speak of -her delivery, it is necessary that the midwife be first made acquainted -with the parts proper to a child in the womb, and also, that she be -shown how it is formed; and the manner of its situation and decumbiture -there; which are so necessary to her, that without the knowledge -thereof, no one can tell how to deliver a woman as she ought. This, -therefore, shall be the work of this chapter. I shall begin with the -first of these. - - - SECT. I. _Of the Parts proper to a Child in the womb._ - -In this section I must first tell you what I mean by the parts proper to -a child in the womb; and they are only those that either help or nourish -it, whilst it is lodged in that dark repository of nature, and that help -to clothe and defend it there, and are cast away, as of no more use, -after it is born; and these are two: viz. the umbilicurs, or navel -vessels, and the secundinum. By the first it is nourished, and by the -second clothed and defended from wrong. Of each of these I shall speak -distinctly: and, first, - - - _Of the Umbilicurs, or Navel Vessels._ - -These are four in number: viz. one vein, two arteries, and the vessel -which is called the urachos. - -1. The vein is that by which the infant is nourished, from the time of -its conception till the time of its delivery; till, being brought into -the light of this world it has the same way of concocting its food that -we have. This vein ariseth from the liver of the child, and is divided -into parts when it has passed the navel; and these two are divided and -subdivided, the branches being upheld by the skin called _chorion_ (of -which I shall speak by and by), and are joined to the veins of the -mother’s womb, from whence they have their blood for the nourishment of -the child. - -2. The arteries are two on each side, which proceed from the back -branches of the great artery of the mother; and the vital blood is -carried by those to the child, being ready concocted by the mother. - -3. A nervous or sinewy production is led from the bottom of the bladder -of the infant to the navel, and this is called _urachos_; and its use is -to convey the urine of the infant from the bladder to the alantois. -Anatomists do very much vary in their opinions concerning this; some -denying any such thing to be in the delivery of the woman; and others, -on the contrary, affirming it: but experience has testified there is -such a thing; for Bartholomew Carbrolius, the ordinary doctor of anatomy -to the College of Physicians at Montpelier, in France, records the -history of a maid, whose water, being a long time stopped, at last -issued out through the navel. And Johannes Fernelius speaks of the same -thing that happened to a man of thirty years of age, who, having a -stoppage at the neck of the bladder, his urine issued out of his navel -many months together, and that without any prejudice at all to his -health; which he ascribes to the ill lying of his navel whereby the -urachos was not well dried. And Volchier Coitas quotes such another -instance in a maid of thirty-four years of age, at Nuremberg, in -Germany. These instances, though they happen but seldom, are sufficient -to prove that there is such a thing as an urachos in men. - -These four vessels before-mentioned, viz. one vein, two arteries, and -the urachos, do join near to the navel, and are united by a skin, which -they have from the chorion, and so become like a gut or rope, and are -altogether void of sense, and this is that which women call the -navel-string. The vessels are thus joined together, that so they may -neither be broken, severed nor entangled; and when the infant is born -are of no use, save only to make up the ligament which stops the hole of -the navel, and some other physical use, &c. - - - _Of the_ SECUNDINE, _or After-Birth_. - -Setting aside the name given to this by the Greeks and Latins, it is -called in English by the name of secundine, after-birth, or -after-burden; which are held to be four in number. - -I. The _first_ is called placentia, because it resembles the form of a -cake, and is knit both to the navel and chorion, and makes up the -greatest part of the secundine, or after-birth. The flesh of it is like -that of the melt, or spleen, soft, red, and tending something to -blackness, and hath many small veins and arteries in it; and certainly -the chief use of it is, for containing the child in the womb. - -2. The _second_ is the chorion. This skin, and that called the amnios, -involve the child round, both above and underneath, and on both sides, -which the alantois doth not. This skin is that which is most commonly -called the secundine, as it is thick and white, garnished with many -small veins and arteries, ending in the placentia before named, being -very light and slippery. Its use is not only to cover the child round -about, but also to receive and safely bind up the roots of the veins and -arteries or navel vessels before described. - -3. The _third_ thing which makes up the secundine is the alantois, of -which there is a great dispute among anatomists. Some say, there is such -a thing, and others that there is not. Those that will have it to be a -membrane, say it is white, soft, and exceeding thin, and just under the -placentia, where it is knit to the urachos, from whence it receives the -urine; and its office is to keep it separate from the sweat, that the -saltness may not offend the tender skin of the child. - -4. The _fourth_ and last covering of the child is called amnios; and it -is white, soft, and transparent, being nourished by some very small -veins and arteries. Its use is not only to enwrap the child, but also to -retain the sweat of the child. - -Having thus described the parts proper to a child in the womb, I will -next proceed to speak of the formation of the child therein, as soon as -I have explained the hard terms of this section, that those for whose -help it is designed, may understand what they read. A _vein_ is that -which receives blood from the liver, and distributes it in several -branches to all parts of the body. _Arteries_ proceed from the heart, -are in continual motion, and by their continual motion quicken the body. -_Nerve_ is the same with _sinew_, and is that by which the brain adds -sense and motion to the body. _Placentia_ properly signifies a _sugar -cake_; but in this section it is used to signify a spongy piece of -flesh, resembling a cake, full of veins and arteries, and is made to -receive the mother’s blood appointed for the infant’s nourishment in the -womb. The _chorion_ is the outward skin which compasseth the child in -the womb. The _alantois_ is the skin that holds the urine of the child -during the time that it abides in the womb. The _urachos_ is the vessel -that conveys the urine from the child in the womb to the _allantois_. I -now proceed to - - - SECT. II. _Of the Formation of the Child in the Womb._ - -The woman having conceived, the first thing which is operative in the -conception is the spirit whereof the seed is full, which nature -quickening by the heat of the womb, stirs up to action. The internal -spirits therefore, separate the parts that are less pure, which are -thick, cold and clammy, from those that are more pure and noble. The -less pure are cast to the outside, and with these the seed is circled -round, and the membranes made, in which that seed which is most pure is -wrapped round, and kept close together, that it may be defended from -cold and other accidents, and operate the better. - -The first thing that is formed is the amnios; the next the chorion; and -they enwrap the seed round like a curtain. Soon after this (for the seed -thus shut up in the woman lies not idle) the navel vein is bred, which -pierceth those skins, being yet very tender, and carries a drop of blood -from the veins of the mother’s womb to the seed: from which drop the -vena cava, or chief vein, proceeds, from which all the rest of the veins -which nourish the body spring; and now the seed hath something to -nourish it, whilst it performs the rest of nature’s work, also blood -administered to every part of it, to form flesh. - -This vein being formed, the navel arteries are soon after formed; then -the great artery, of which all the others are but branches; and then the -heart; for the liver furnisheth the arteries with blood to form the -heart, the arteries being made of seed, but the heart and the flesh of -blood. After this the brain is formed, then the nerves to give sense and -motion to the infant. Afterwards the bones and flesh are formed; and of -the bones, first the vertebræ or chine bones, and then the skull, &c. As -to the time this curious part of workmanship is formed, having already -in the preceding Chapter, spoken distinctly and at large upon this -point, and also of the nourishment of the child in the womb, I shall -here only refer the reader thereto, and proceed to show the manner in -which the child lies in the womb. - - - SECT. III. _Of the manner of the Child’s lying in the Womb._ - -This is a thing so essential for a midwife to know, that she can be no -midwife who is ignorant of it: and yet even about this, authors -extremely differ; for there are not two in ten that agree what is the -form that the child lies in the womb, or in what fashion it lies there; -and yet this may arise in a great measure from the different figures -that the child is found in, according to the different times of the -woman’s pregnancy; for near the time of its deliverance out of the -winding chambers of nature, it oftentimes changes the form in which it -lay before for another. - -I will now show the several situations of the child in the mother’s -womb, according to the different times of pregnancy, by which those that -are contrary to nature, and are the chief cause of all ill labours, will -be more easily conceived by the understanding midwife. It ought, -therefore, in the first place, to be observed, that the infant, as well -male as female, is generally situated in the midst of the womb; for -though sometimes, to appearance, a woman’s belly seems higher on one -side than another, yet it is so with respect to the belly only, and not -to her womb, in the midst of which it is always placed. - -But, in the second place, a woman’s great belly makes different figures, -according to the different times of pregnancy; for, when she is young -with child, the embryo is always found of a round figure, a little -oblong, having the spine moderately turned inwards, the thighs folded, -and a little raised, to which the legs are so raised, and her heels -touch the buttocks; the arms are bending, and the hands placed upon the -knees, towards which the head is inclining forwards, so that the chin -toucheth the breast; in which posture it resembles one sitting to ease -nature, and stooping down with the head to see what comes from him. The -spine of its back is at that time placed towards the mother’s, the head -uppermost, the face downwards; and proportionably to its growth, it -extends its members by a little and little, which were exactly folded in -the first month. - -In this posture it usually keeps till the seventh or eighth month; and -then by a natural propensity and disposition of the upper part of the -body, the head is turned downwards toward the inward orifice of the -womb, tumbling as it were over its head, so that then the feet are -uppermost, and the face towards the mother’s great gut; and this turning -of the infant in this manner, with its head downwards, towards the -latter end of a woman’s reckoning, is so ordered by nature, that it may -be thereby the better disposed for its passage into the world at the -time of its mother’s labour, which is not then far off (and, indeed, -some children turn not at all until the very time of birth); for in this -posture all its joints are most easily extended in coming forth; for, by -this means the arms and legs cannot hinder its birth, because they -cannot be bended against the inward orifice of the womb; and the rest of -the body being very supple, passeth without any difficulty after the -head which is hard and big, being past the birth. It is true, there are -divers children that lie in the womb in another posture, and come to -birth with their feet downwards, especially if there be twins; for then -by the different motions they do disturb one another, that they seldom -come both in the same posture at the time of labour, but when one will -come with the head, and another with the feet, or perhaps lie across; -and sometimes neither of them will come right. But, however the child -may be situated in the womb, or in whatever posture it presents itself -at the time of birth, if it be not with its head forwards, as I have -before described, it is always against nature, and the delivery will -occasion the more pain and danger, and require greater care and skill -from the midwife, than when the labour is more natural. - - - - - CHAP. IV. -_A Guide to Women in Travail, showing what is to be done when they fall - in Labour, in order to their Delivery._ - - -The end of all that we have been treating of is, the bringing forth a -child into the world with safety both to the mother and infant, as the -whole time of a woman’s pregnancy may very well be termed a kind of -labour; for, from the time of her conception to the time of her -delivery, she labours under many difficulties, is subject to many -distempers, and in continual danger, from one effect or other, till the -time of birth comes; and when that comes, the great labour and travail -come along with it, insomuch that then all the other labours are -forgotten, and that only is called the time of her labour; and to -deliver her safely is the principal business of the midwife; and to -assist her therein, shall be the chief design of this chapter. The time -of the child’s being ready for its birth, when nature endeavours to ease -it forth, is that which is properly the time of a woman’s labour; nature -then labouring to be eased of its burden. And since many child-bearing -women (especially the first child) are often mistaken in their -reckoning, and so, when they draw near their time, take every pain they -meet with for their labour, which often proves prejudicial and -troublesome to them, when it is not so; I will in the first section of -this chapter, set down some signs, by which a woman may know when the -true time of her labour is come. - - - SECT. I. _The Signs of the true Time of a Woman’s Labour._ - -When pregnant women, especially of their first, perceive any -extraordinary pain in the abdomen, they immediately send for their -midwife, as taking it for their labour; and then if the midwife be not a -skilful and experienced woman, to know the time of labour, but takes it -for granted without further inquiry (for some such there are), and so -goes about to put her into labour before nature is prepared for it, she -may endanger the lives of both mother and child by breaking the amnios -and chorion. These pains, which are often mistaken for labour, are -removed by warm cloths laid to the abdomen, and the application of a -clyster or two, by which those pains which precede a true labour are -rather furthered than hindered. There are also other pains incident to a -woman in that condition from a flux of the abdomen, which are easily -known by the frequent stools that follow them. - -The signs, therefore, of labour, some few days before, are, that the -woman’s abdomen, which before lay high, sinks down, and hinders her from -walking so easily as she used to do; also there flows from the womb -slimy humours, which nature has appointed to moisten and smooth the -passage, that its inward orifice may be the more easily dilated when -there is occasion; which beginning to open at this time, suffers that -slime to fall away, which proceeds from the glandules, called -_prostata_. These are signs preceding the labour; but when she is -presently falling into labour, the signs are, great pains about the -region of the reins and loins, which, coming and retreating by -intervals, are answered in the bottom of the abdomen by congruous -throes, and sometimes the face is red and inflamed, the blood being much -heated by the endeavours a woman makes to bring forth her child; and -likewise, because during these strong throes her respiration is -intercepted, which causes the blood to have recourse to her face; also -her privy parts are swelled by the infant’s head lying in the birth, -which, by often thrusting, causes those parts to descend outwards. She -is much subject to vomiting, which is a sign of labour and speedy -delivery, though by ignorant people thought otherwise; for good pains -are thereby excited by the sympathy there is between the womb and the -stomach. Also when the birth is near, women are troubled with a -trembling in the thighs and legs, not with cold, like the beginning of -an ague fit, but with the heat of the whole body; though, it must be -granted, this does not happen always. Also, if the humours which then -flow from the womb are discoloured with blood, which the midwives call -_shows_, it is an infallible mark of the birth being near. And if then -the midwife puts up her fingers into the neck of the womb, she will find -the inner orifice dilated; at the opening of which, the membranes of the -infant, containing the water, present themselves, and are strongly -forced down with each pain she hath; at which time one may perceive them -sometimes to resist, and then again press forward the finger, being more -or less hard and extended, according as the pains are stronger or -weaker. These membranes, with the waters in them when they are before -the head of the child, which the midwives call _the gathering of the -waters_, resemble to the touch of the finger those eggs which have no -shell, but are covered only with a simple membrane. After this, the -pains still redoubling, the membranes are broken by a strong impulsion -of the waters, which flow away, and the head of the infant is presently -felt naked, and presents itself at the inward orifice of the womb. When -these waters come thus away, then the midwife may be assured the birth -is very near, this being the most certain sign there can be; for the -_amnios alantios_, which contained those waters, being broken by the -pressing forward of the birth, the child is no better able to subsist -long in the womb afterwards, than a naked man in a heap of snow. Now, -these waters, if the child comes presently after them, facilitate the -labour, by making the passage slippery; and, therefore, let no midwife -(as some have foolishly done) endeavour to force away the water, for -nature knows best when the true time of the birth is, and therefore -refrains the water till that time. But if by accident the water breaks -away too long before the birth, then such things as will hasten may be -safely administered, and what these are I will show in another section. - - - SECT. II. _How a woman ought to be ordered when the Time if her Labour - is come._ - -When it is known that the true time of her labour is come by the signs -laid down in the foregoing section, of which those that are most to be -relied on are pains and strong throes in the abdomen, forcing downwards -towards the womb, and a dilation of the inward orifice, which may be -perceived by touching it with the finger, and the gathering of the -waters before the head of the child, and thrusting down of the membranes -which contain them; through which, between the pains, one may in some -manner with the finger discover the part which presents (as we said -before), especially if it be the head of the child, by its roundness and -hardness; I say, if these things concur and are evident, the midwife may -be sure it is the time of the woman’s labour; and care must be taken to -get all things necessary to comfort her in that time. And the better to -help her, be sure to see she be not strait-laced: you may also give her -one strong clyster or more, if there be occasion, provided it be done at -the beginning, and before the child be too forward; for it will be -difficult for her to receive them afterwards. The benefit accruing -thereby will be, that they excite her gut to discharge itself of its -excrements, that so, the rectum being emptied, there may be more space -for the dilation of the passage; likewise to cause the pains to bear the -more downward, through endeavours she makes when she is at stool; and in -the meantime, all other necessary things for her labour should be put in -order, both for the mother and the child. To this end, some get a -midwife’s stool; but a pallet-bed, girded, is much the best way, placed -near the fire, if the reason require; which pallet ought to be placed, -that there may be easy access to it on every side, that the woman may be -more readily assisted as there is occasion. - -If the woman abounds with blood, to bleed her a little may not be -improper, for thereby she will both breathe better, and have her breasts -more at liberty, and likewise the more strength to bear down her pains; -and this may be done without danger, because the child being about that -time ready to be born, has no more need of the mother’s blood for its -nourishment: besides, this evacuation does many times prevent her having -a fever after delivery. Also, before her delivery, if her strength will -permit, let her walk up and down her chamber; and that she may have -strength so to do, it will be necessary to give her some good -strengthening things, such as jelly, broth, new-laid eggs, or some -spoonfuls of burnt wine; and let her by all means hold out her pains, -bearing them down as much as she can at the time when they take her; and -let the midwife from time to time touch the inward orifice with her -finger, to know whether the waters are ready to break, and whether the -birth will follow soon after. Let her also anoint the woman’s privities -with emollient oil, hog’s grease, and fresh butter, if she find they are -hard to be dilated. Let the midwife likewise be all the time near the -labouring woman, and diligently observe her gestures, complaints, and -pains; for by this she may guess pretty well how her labour advanceth, -because when she changes her ordinary groans into loud cries, it is a -sign the child is very near the birth; for at that time her pains are -greater and more frequent. Let the woman, likewise, by intervals rest -herself on the bed, to regain her strength, but not too long, especially -if she be little, short, and thick; for such women have always worse -labour, if they lie long on their beds in their travail. It is better, -therefore, that she walk about her chamber as much as she can, the woman -supporting her under the arms, if it be necessary; for by this means, -the weight of the child causeth the inward orifice of the womb to dilate -the sooner than in bed; and if her pains be stronger and more frequent, -her labour will not be near so long. - -Let not the labouring women be concerned at those qualms and vomitings -which perhaps she may find come upon her, for they will be much for her -advantage in the issue, however uneasy she may be for the time, as they -further her throes and pains by provoking downwards. - -When the waters of the child are ready and gathered (which may be -perceived through the membranes to present themselves to the inward -orifice) to the bigness of the whole dilation, the midwife ought to let -them break of themselves, and not, like some hasty midwives, who being -impatient of the woman’s long labour, break them, intending thereby to -hasten their business, when instead thereof they retard it; for, by the -too hasty breaking of these waters (which nature designed to cause the -infant to slide forth more easy) the passage remains dry, by which means -the pains and throes of the labouring woman are less efficacious to -bring forth than they would otherwise have been. It is therefore much -the better way to let the waters break of themselves; after which the -midwife may with ease feel the child by that part which first presents, -and thereby discerns whether it comes right, that is, with the head -foremost, for that is the most proper and natural way of its birth. If -the head comes right, she will find it round, big, hard, and equal; but -if it be any other part, she will find it unequal, rugged, and soft or -hard, according to the nature of the part it is. And this being the true -time when a woman ought to be delivered, if nature be not wanting to -perform its office; therefore, when the midwife finds the birth thus -coming forward, let her hasten to assist and deliver it, for it -ordinarily happens soon after, if it be natural. - -But if it happens, as sometimes it may, that the waters break away too -long before the birth, in such a case those things that hasten nature -may be safely administered. For which purpose, make use of pennyroyal, -dittany, juniper-berries, betony, and feverfew, boiled in white wine, -and give a draught of it; or it would be much better to take the juice -of it when it is in its prime, which is in May, and having clarified it, -make it into syrup, with double its weight of sugar, and keep it all the -year, to use when occasion calls for it: mugwort used in the same -manner, is also good in this case; also, a drachm of cinnamon powder, -given inwardly, profits much in this case; and so does tansey, boiled, -and applied to the privities; or an oil of it, so made and used, as you -were taught before. The following prescriptions are very good to speedy -deliverance to women in travail. - -1. A decoction of white wine made in savory, and drank. - -2. Take wild tansey, or silver weed, bruise it, and apply it to the -woman’s nostrils. - -3. Take date stones, and beat them to powder, and let her take half a -drachm of them in white wine at a time. - -4. Take parsley and bruise it, and press out the juice, and dip a linen -cloth in it, and put it up so dipped into the mouth of the womb: it will -presently cause the child to come away, though it be dead, and will -bring away the after-burden. Also, the juice of parsley is a thing of so -great virtue (especially stone parsley) that being drunk by a pregnant -woman it cleanseth not only the womb, but also the child in the womb, of -all gross humours. - -5. A scruple of castorum in powder, in any convenient liquor, is very -good to be taken in such a case; and so also is two or three drops of -spirit of castorum in any convenient liquor; also eight or nine drops of -spirit of myrrh, given in any convenient liquor, gives speedy -deliverance. - -6. Give a woman in such a case another woman’s milk to drink: it will -cause speedy delivery, and almost without pain. - -7. The juice of leeks, being drunk with warm water, highly operates to -cause speedy delivery. - -8. Take peony seeds, and beat them into powder, and mix the powder with -oil, with which oil anoint the loins and privities of the woman and -child; it will give her deliverance speedily, and with less pain than -can be imagined. - -9. Take a swallow’s nest, and dissolve it in water, strain it, and drink -it warm; it gives delivery with great speed and much ease. - -Note this also in general, that all things that move the terms, are good -for making the delivery easy; such as myrrh, white amber in white wine, -or lily-water, two scruples or a drachm; or cassia lignea, dittany, each -a drachm; cinnamon half a drachm, saffron a scruple; give a drachm: or -take borax mineral a drachm; and give it in sack: or take cassia lignea -a drachm: dittany, amber, of each a drachm; cinnamon, borax, of each a -drachm and a half; saffron a scruple; and give her half a drachm: or -give her some drops of oil of hazel in convenient liquor; or two or -three drops of oil of cinnamon in vervain water. Some prepare the -secundine thus:—Take the navel-string and dry it in an oven, take two -drachms of the powder, cinnamon a drachm, saffron half a scruple, with -juice of savin make trochisks; give two drachms: or wash the secundine -in wine, and bake it in a pot; then wash it in endive water and wine; -take half a drachm of it: long pepper, galangal, of each half a drachm: -plantain and endive seed, of each half a drachm; lavender seed four -scruples; make a powder: or take laudanum two drachms; storax, calamile, -benzoin, of each half a drachm; musk ambergris, each six grains; make a -powder, or trochisks for a fume. Or use pessaries to provoke the birth; -take galbanum dissolved in vinegar, an ounce; myrrh two drachms; with -oil of oats make a pessary. - - - _An Ointment for the Navel._ - -Take oil of keir two ounces, juice of savin an ounce, of leeks and -mercury each half an ounce; boil them to the consumption of the juice; -add galbanum dissolved in vinegar half an ounce; myrrh two drachms, -storax liquid a drachm; round bistort, sowbread, cinnamon, saffron a -drachm; with wax make an ointment, and apply it. - -If the birth be retarded through the weakness of the mother, refresh her -by applying wine and soap to the nose; confect. alkermas diamarg. - -These things may be applied to help nature in her delivery, when the -child comes to the birth the right way, and yet the birth be retarded: -but if she finds the child comes the wrong way, and is not able to -deliver the woman as she ought to be, by helping nature, and saving both -mother and child (for it is not enough to lay a woman, if it might be -done any other way with more safety and ease, and less hazard both to -woman and child), then let her send speedily for better and more able -help; and not as I once knew a midwife do, who, when a woman she was to -deliver had hard labour, rather than a man-midwife should be sent for, -undertook to deliver the woman herself (though told it was a man’s -business), and in her attempting it brought away the child but left the -head in the mother’s womb; and had not a man-midwife been presently sent -for, the mother had lost her life as well as the child: such persons may -rather be termed butchers than midwives. But supposing the woman’s -labour be natural, I will next show what the midwife ought to do, in -order to her delivery. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - OF NATURAL LABOUR; WHAT IT IS; AND WHAT THE MIDWIFE IS TO DO IN SUCH A - LABOUR. - - - SECT. I. _What Natural Labour is._ - -There are four things which denominate a woman’s natural labour; the -first, that it be at the full time; for, if a woman comes before her -time, it cannot be termed natural labour; neither will it be easy as -though she had completed her nine months. The second thing is, that it -be speedy and without any ill accident: for, when the time of her birth -is come, nature is not dilatory in the bringing of it forth, without -some ill accident intervene which renders it unnatural. The third is, -that the child be alive; for all will grant that the being delivered of -a dead child is very unnatural. The fourth thing requisite to a natural -birth is, that the child come right: for if the position of the child in -the womb be contrary to what is natural, the event will prove it so, by -making that which should be a time of life, the death of both the mother -and the child. - -Having thus told you what I mean by natural labour, I shall next show -how the midwife is to proceed therein, in order to the woman’s delivery. -When all the foregoing requisites concur, and after the waters be broke -of themselves, let there rather be a quilt upon the pallet bedstead than -a feather bed, having thereon linen, and cloths in many folds, with -other such things as are necessary, and that may be changed according to -the exigency requiring it, so that the woman may not be incommoded with -the blood, waters, and other filth which are voided in labour. The bed -ought so to be ordered, that the woman, being ready to be delivered, -should lie on her back upon it, having her body in a convenient posture; -that is, her head and breast a little raised, so that she be between -lying and sitting; for being so placed, she is best capable of -breathing, and likewise will have more strength to bear her pains than -if she lays otherwise, or sunk down in bed. Being so placed, she must -spread her thighs abroad, folding her legs a little towards her loins, -somewhat raised by a small pillow underneath, to the end her groin -should have more liberty to retire back; and let her feet be stayed -against some firm thing: besides this, let her take hold of some of the -good women attending her with her hands, that she may the better stay -herself during her pains. She being thus placed at the side of her bed, -having her midwife at hand the better to assist as nature requires, let -her take courage, and help her pains the best she can, bearing them down -when they take her, which she must do by holding her breath, and forcing -them as much as possible, in like manner as when she goes to stool; for -by such straining, the diaphragm, or midriff, being strongly thrust -downwards, necessarily forces down the womb and the child in it. In the -meantime, let the midwife endeavour to comfort her all she can, -exhorting her to bear her labour courageously, telling her it will be -quickly over, and that there is no fear but she will have a speedy -delivery. Let her midwife also, having no rings on her fingers, anoint -them with oil of fresh butter, and thereby dilate gently the inward -orifice of the womb, putting her finger ends into the entry thereof, and -then stretch them one from the other, when her pains take her; by this -means endeavouring to help forward the child, and thrusting, by little -and little, the sides of the orifice towards the hinder part of the -child’s head, anointing it with fresh butter, if it be necessary. - -When the head of the infant is a little advanced into the inward -orifice, the midwife’s phrase is, “It is crowned;” because it girds and -surrounds it just as a crown; but when it is so far that the extremities -begin to appear without the privy parts, then they say, “The child is in -the passage;” and at this time the woman feels herself as it were -scratched, or pricked with pins, and is ready to imagine that the -midwife hurts her, when it is occasioned by the violent distention of -those parts, and the laceration which the sometimes bigness of the -child’s head causeth there. When things are in this posture, let the -midwife seat herself conveniently to receive the child, which will come -quickly, and with her finger ends (which she must be sure to keep close -pared) let her endeavour to thrust the crowning of the womb (of which I -have spoken before) back over the head of the child; and as soon as it -is advanced as far as the ears, or thereabouts, let her take hold of the -two sides with her two hands, that when a good pain comes she may -quickly draw forth the child, taking care that the navel-string be not -entangled about the neck, or any other part, as sometimes it is, lest -thereby the after-burden be pulled with violence, and perhaps the womb -also, to which it is fastened, and so either cause her to flood, or else -break the strings, both which are of bad consequence to the woman, whose -delivery may thereby be rendered the more difficult. It must also be -carefully observed, that the head should not be drawn forth straight, -but shaking it a little from one side to the other, that the shoulders -may sooner and easier take their place immediately after it is past, -without losing any time, lest the head being past, the child be stopped -there by the largeness of the shoulders, and so come in danger of being -suffocated and strangled in the passage, as it sometimes happens, for -the want of care therein. But as soon as the head is born, if there be -need, she may slide her fingers under the arm-pits, and the rest of the -body will follow without any difficulty. - -As soon as the midwife hath in this manner drawn forth the child, let -her put it on one side, lest the blood and water which follow -immediately, should do it an injury, by running into its mouth and nose, -as they would do if it lay on its back, and so endanger the choaking of -it. The child being thus born, the next thing requisite is, to bring -away the after-burden: but before that, let the midwife be very careful -to examine whether there be more children in the womb; for sometimes a -woman may have twins that expected it not; which the midwife may easily -know, by the continuance of the pains after the child is born, and the -bigness of the mother’s abdomen. But the midwife may be sure of it, if -she puts her hand up the entry of the womb, and finds there another -watery gathering, and a child in it presenting to the passage; and if -she finds it so, she must have a care of going to fetch the after-birth, -till the woman be delivered of all the children she is pregnant with. -Wherefore the first string must be cut, being first tied with a thread -three or four double, and fasten the other end with a string to the -woman’s thighs; and then removing the child already born, she must take -care to deliver her of the rest, observing all the circumstances as with -the first; after which it will be necessary to fetch away the -after-birth or births. But of that I shall treat in another section; and -first show what is to be done to the new-born infant. - - - SECT. II. _Of the Cutting of the Child’s Navel-String._ - -Though this is accounted by many but a trifle, yet great care is to be -taken about it; and it shows none of the least art and skill of a -midwife to do it as it should be; and that it may be so done, the -midwife ought to observe, 1. The time. 2. The place. 3. The manner. 4. -The event. - -1. The time is, as soon as ever the infant comes out of the womb, -whether it brings part of the after-burden with it or not; for sometimes -the child brings into the world a piece of the amnios upon its head, and -is what midwives call the _caul_, and ignorantly, attribute some -extraordinary virtue to the child that is so born: but this opinion is -only the effect of their ignorance; for when the child is born with such -a crown (as some call it) upon its brows, it generally betokens -weakness, and denotes a short life. But to proceed to the matter in -hand. As soon as the child is come into the world, it should be -considered whether it is weak or strong; and if it be weak, let the -midwife gently put back part of the vital and natural blood into the -body of the child by its navel; for that recruits a weak child (the -vital and natural spirits being communicated by the mother to the child -by its navel-string); but if the child be strong, the operation is -needless. Only let me advise you, that many children that are born -seemingly dead, may be soon brought to life again, if you squeeze six or -seven drops of blood out of that part of the navel-string which is cut -off, and give it to the child inwardly. - -2. As to the place in which it should be cut, that is, whether it should -be cut long or short, it is that which authors can scarcely agree in, -and which many midwives quarrel about; some prescribing it to be cut at -four fingers’ breadth, which is, at best, but an uncertain rule, unless -all fingers were of one size. - -3. As to the manner in which it must be cut, let the midwife take a -brown thread, four or five times double, of an ell long or thereabouts, -tied with a single knot at each of the ends, to prevent their -entangling; and with this thread so accommodated (which the midwife must -have in readiness before the woman’s labour, as also a good pair of -scissors, that no time may be lost) let her tie the string within an -inch of the abdomen with a double knot, and, turning about the end of -the thread, let her tie two more on the other side of the string, -reiterating it again, if it be necessary; then let her cut off the navel -another inch below the ligatures, towards the after-birth, so that there -only remains but two inches of the string, in the midst of which will be -the knot we speak of, which must be so close knit as not to suffer a -drop of blood to squeeze out of the vessels; but care must be taken, not -to knit it so strait as to cut it in two, and therefore, the thread must -be pretty thick, and pretty strait cut, it being better too strait than -too loose; for some children have miserably lost their lives, with all -their blood, before it was discovered, because the navel-string was not -well tied; therefore great care must be taken that no blood squeeze -through; for if there do, a new knot must be made with the rest of the -string. You need not fear to bind the navel-string very hard, because it -is void of sense, and that part which you leave falls off in a very few -days, sometimes in six or seven, or sooner, but never tarries longer -than eight or nine. - -4. The last thing I mentioned was the event or consequence, or what -follows cutting the navel-string. As soon as the navel-string is cut -off, apply a little cotton or lint to the place to keep it warm, lest -the cold enter into the body of the child, which it most certainly will -do, if you have not bound it hard enough. If the lint or cotton you -apply to it be dipped in the oil of roses, it will be the better; and -then put another small rag three or four times double upon the abdomen: -upon the top of all, put another small bolster; and then swathe it with -a linen swathe, four fingers broad, to keep it steady, lest by moving -too much, or by being continually stirred from side to side, it comes to -fall off before the navel-string which you left remaining is falling -off. It is the usual custom of midwives to put a piece of burnt rag to -it, which we commonly call tinder; but I would advise them to put a -little ammoniac to it, because of its drying quality. - - - SECT. III. _How to bring away the After-burden._ - -A woman cannot be said to be fairly delivered, though the child be born, -till the after-burden be also taken from her; herein differing from most -animals, who, when they have brought forth their young cast forth -nothing else but some water, and the membranes which contained them. But -women have an after-labour, which sometimes proves more dangerous than -the first: and how to bring it safely away, without prejudice to her, -shall be my business to show in this section. - -As soon as the child is born, before the midwife either ties or cuts the -navel-string, lest the womb should close, let her take the string and -wind it once or twice about one or two of the fingers of her left hand -joined together, the better to hold it, with which she may draw it -moderately, and with the right hand she may only take a single hold of -it above the left near the privities, drawing likewise with that very -gently, resting the while the fore-finger of the string towards the same -hand, extended and stretched forth along the entrance of the vagina, -always observing, for greater facility, to draw it from the side where -the burden cleaves least; for, in so doing, the rest will separate the -better: and special care must be taken that it be not drawn forth with -too much violence, lest by breaking the string near the burden the -midwife be obliged to put the whole hand into the womb to deliver the -woman; and she need to be a very skilful person that undertakes it, lest -the womb, to which this burden is sometimes very strongly fastened, be -drawn away with it, as it has sometimes happened. It is, therefore, best -to use such remedies as may assist nature. And here take notice, that -what brings away the birth, will also bring away the after-birth. And -therefore, for affecting this work, I will lay down the following rules. - -1. Use the same means in bringing away the after-birth that you made use -of to bring away the birth; for the same care and circumspection are -needful now that were then. - -2. Considering the labouring woman cannot but be much spent by what she -has already undergone in bringing forth the infant; be therefore sure to -give her something to comfort her. And in this case good jelly broths, -also a little wine and toast in it, and other comforting things, will be -very necessary. - -3. A little hellebore in powder, to make her sneeze, is in this case -very proper. - -4. Tansey and the stone ætites, applied as before directed, are also of -good use in this case. - -5. If you take the herb vervain, and either boil it in wine, or make a -syrup with the juice of it, which you may do by adding to it double its -weight of sugar, (having clarified the juice before you boil it), a -spoonful of that given to the woman is very efficacious to bring away -the secundine; and featherfew and mugwort have the same operation, taken -as the former. - -6. Alexander boiled in wine, and the wine drank, also sweet servile, -sweet cicily, angelica roots, and muster-wort, are excellent remedies in -this case. - -7. Or, if this fail, the smoke of marigolds, received up a woman’s -privities by a funnel, has been known to bring away the after-birth, -even when the midwife let go her hand. - -8. Boil mugwort in water till it be very soft; then take it out, and -apply it in the manner of a poultice to the navel of the labouring -woman, and it instantly brings away the birth and after-birth. But -special care must be taken to remove it as soon as they come away, lest -by its longer tarrying it should draw away the womb also. - - -SECT. IV. _Of Laborious and Difficult Labours, and how the Midwife is to - proceed therein._ - -There are three sorts of bad labours, all painful and difficult, but not -all properly unnatural. It will be necessary therefore to distinguish -these. - -The _first_ of these labours is that wherein the mother and child suffer -very much by extreme pain and difficulty, even though the child come -right; and this is distinguishably called the laborious labour. - -The _second_ is that which is difficult, and differs not much from the -former, except that, besides those extraordinary pains, it is generally -attended with some unhappy accident, which by retarding the birth, -causes the difficulty: but these difficulties being removed, it -accelerates the birth, and hastens the delivery. - -Some have asked, what is the reason that women bring forth their -children with so much pain? I answer, the sense of feeling is -distributed to the whole body by the nerves; and the mouth of the womb -being so strait that it must of necessity be dilated at the time of the -woman’s delivery, the dilating thereof stretches the nerves, and from -thence comes the pain. And therefore the reason why some women have more -pain in their labour than others, proceeds from their having the mouth -of the matrix more full of nerves than others. The best way to remove -those difficulties that occasion hard pains and labour, is to show first -from whence they proceed. Now the difficulty of labour proceeds either -from the mother, or child, or both. - -From the mother, by reason of the indisposition of the body, or from -some particular part only, and chiefly the womb, as when the woman is -weak, and the mother is not active to expel the burden, or from weakness -or disease, or want of spirits; or it may be from some strong passion of -the mind with which she was once possessed; she may be too young, and so -may have the passage too strait; or too old, and then, if it be her -first child, because her pains are too dry and hard, and cannot easily -be dilated, as happens also to them which are too lean; likewise those -who are either small, short or deformed, as crooked women, who have not -breath enough to help their pains, and to bear them down, and persons -that are crooked having sometimes the bones of the passage not well -shaped. The cholic also hinders labour, by preventing the true pains; -and all great and active pains, as when the woman is taken with a -violent fever, a great flooding, frequent convulsions, bloody flux, or -any other great distemper. Also, excrements retained cause much -difficulty, and so does a stone in the bladder or when the bladder is -full of urine, without being able to void it; or when the woman is -troubled with great and painful piles. It may also be from the passages, -when the membranes are thick, the orifice too strait, and the neck of -the womb not sufficiently open, the passages pressed and strained by -tumours in the adjacent parts, or when the bones are too firm, and will -not open, which very much endangers the mother and child; or when the -passages are not slippery, by reason of the waters being broke too soon, -or the membranes being too thin. The womb may also be out of order with -respect to its bad situation, or conformation, having its neck too -strait, hard, and callous, which may easily be so naturally, or may come -by accident, being many times caused by a tumor, an imposthume, ulcer, -or superfluous flesh. - -As to hard labour occasioned by the child it is when the child happens -to stick to a mole, or when it is so weak it cannot break the membranes; -or if it be too big all over, or at the head only, or if the natural -vessels are twisted about its neck; when the belly is hydropical; or -when it is monstrous, having two heads, or joined to another child; -also, when the child is dead, or so weak that it can contribute nothing -to its birth; likewise when it comes wrong; or when there are two or -more. And to all these various difficulties there is oftentimes one -more, and that is, the ignorance of the midwife, who, for want of -understanding in her business, hinders nature in her work instead of -helping her. - -Having thus looked into the cases of hard labour, I will now show the -industrious midwife how she may minister some relief to the labouring -woman under these difficult circumstances. But it will require judgment -and understanding in the midwife, when she finds a woman in difficult -labour, to know the particular obstruction, or cause thereof, that so a -suitable remedy may be applied; as, for instance, when it happens by the -mother’s being too young or too strait, she must be gently treated, and -the passages anointed with oil, hog’s lard, or fresh butter, to relax -and dilate them the easier, lest there should happen a rupture of any -part when the child is born; for sometimes the peritoneum breaks, with -the skin from the privities of the fundament. - -But if the woman be in years with her first child, let her lower parts -be anointed to mollify the inward orifice, which, in such a case being -more hard and callous, does not easily yield to the distention of -labour, which is the true cause why such women are longer in labour, and -also why their children, being forced against the inward orifice of the -womb (which, as I have said, is a little callous) are born with great -humps and bruises on their heads. - -Those women that are very small and misshapen, should not be put to bed, -at least, till their waters are broke, but rather kept upright, and -assisted to walk about the chamber, by being supported under the arms; -for, by that means, they will breathe more freely, and mend their pains -better than on the bed, because there they lie on a heap. As for those -that are very lean, and have hard labour from that cause, let them -moisten the parts with oil and ointments, to make them more smooth and -slippery, that the head of the infant and the womb be not so compressed -and bruised by the hardness of the mother’s bones which forms the -passage. If the cause be weakness, she ought to be strengthened, the -better to support her pains; to which end give her good jelly broths, -and a little wine with a toast in it. If she fears her pains, let her be -comforted, assuring her that she will not endure many more, but be -delivered in a little time. But if her pains be slow and small, or none -at all, they must be provoked by frequent and pretty strong clysters; -let her walk about the chamber, that so the weight of child may help -them forwards. If she flood, or have strong convulsions, she must be -then helped by a speedy delivery; the operation I shall relate in the -section of unnatural labours. If she be costive, let her use clysters -which may also help to dispel the cholic, at those times very injurious, -because attended with useless pains, and because such bear not downward, -and so help not to forward the birth. If she find an obstruction or -stoppage of the urine, by reason the womb bears too much on the bladder, -let her lift up her abdomen a little with her hand, and try if she -receives any benefit; if she finds she does not, it will be necessary to -introduce a catheter into her bladder, and thereby draw forth her urine. -If the difficulty be from the ill posture of the woman, let her be -placed otherwise, in a posture more suitable and convenient for her; -also if it proceed from the indisposition of the womb, as from its -oblique situation, &c. it must be remedied, as well as it can, by -placing her body accordingly; or, if it be a vicious conformation, -having the neck too hard, too callous, and too strait, it must be -anointed with oils and ointments, as before directed. If the membranes -be so strong as that the waters do not break in due time, they may be -broken with the fingers, if the midwife be first well assured that the -child is forward in the passage, or else, by breaking the waters too -soon, the child may remain in danger of remaining dry a long time; to -supply which defect, you may moisten the parts with fomentations, -decoctions, and emollient oils: which yet is not half so well as when -nature does her work in her own time, with the ordinary slime and water. -These membranes sometimes do press forth with the waters three or four -fingers’ breadth out of the body before the child, resembling a bladder -full of water; but there is then no great danger to break them, if they -be not already broken; for when the case is so, the child is always in -readiness to follow, being in the passage; but let the midwife be very -careful not to pull it with her hand, lest the after-burden be thereby -loosened before its time, for it adheres thereto very strongly. If the -navel-string happen to come first, it must presently be put in again, -and kept so, if possible, or otherwise the woman must be immediately -delivered. But if the after-burden should come first, it must not be put -up again by any means; for the infant having no further occasion for it, -it would be but an obstacle if it were put up; in this case it must be -cut off, having tied the navel-string, and afterwards draw forth the -child with all the speed that may be, lest it be suffocated. - - - SECT. V. _Of Women labouring with a dead Child._ - -When the difficulty of labour arises from a dead child, it is a case of -great danger to the mother, and great care ought to be taken therein; -but before any thing be done, the midwife ought to be well assured the -child is dead indeed, which may be known by these signs. - -1. The breast suddenly slacks, or falls flat, or bags down. 2. A great -coldness, possesses the abdomen of the mother, especially about the -navel. 3. Her urine is thick, and a filthy stinking settles at the -bottom. 4. No motion of the child can be perceived; for the trial -whereof, let the midwife put her hand in warm water, and lay it upon the -abdomen; for that, if it is alive, will make it stir. 5. She is very -subject to dream of dead men, and be affrighted therewith. 6. She has -extravagant longings to eat such things as are contrary to nature. 7. -Her breath stinks, though not used so to do. 8. When she turns herself -in bed, the child sways that way like a lump of lead. - -These things being carefully observed, the midwife may make a judgment -whether the child be alive or dead, especially if the woman take the -following prescription: “Take half a pint of white wine and burn it, and -add thereto half an ounce of cinnamon, but no other spice whatever; and -when she has drank it, if her travailing pains come upon her the child -is certainly dead; but if not, the child may possibly be either weak or -sick, but not dead; this will bring her pains upon her, if it be dead, -and will refresh the child, if it be living; for cinnamon refresheth and -strengtheneth the child.” - -Now, if upon trial, it be found that the child is dead, let the mother -do all she can to forward the delivery, because a dead child can be -nowise helpful therein. It will be necessary, therefore, that she make -some comfortable things to prevent her fainting, by reason of the putrid -vapours ascending from the dead child. And in order to her delivery, let -her take the following herbs boiled in white wine, (or at least as many -of them as you can get), viz. dittany, betony, pennyroyal, sage, -featherfew, centuary, ivy leaves, and berries. Let her also take sweet -basil, in powder, and half a drachm at a time, in white wine; let her -privities be also anointed with the juice of the garden-tansey. Or take -the tansey in the summer, when it can be most plentifully had, and -before it runs up to the flower, and having bruised it well, boil it in -oil till the juice of it be consumed. If you set it in the sun, after -you have mixed it with oil, it will be more effectual. This an -industrious midwife, who would be prepared against all events, ought to -have always by her. As to the manner of her delivery, the same methods -must be used as are mentioned in the section of natural labour. And here -again I cannot but commend the stone ætites, held near the privities, -whose magnetic virtue renders it exceedingly necessary on this occasion, -for it draws the child any way, with the same facility that the -loadstone draws iron. - -Let the midwife also make a strong decoction of hyssop with water, and -let the woman drink it very hot, and it will in a little time bring away -the dead child. - -If, as soon as she is delivered of the dead child, you are in doubt that -part of the after-birth is left behind in the body (for in such cases as -these, many times, it rots, and comes away piecemeal), let her continue -drinking the same decoction till her body be cleansed. - -A decoction made of the herb muster-wort, used as you did the decoction -of hyssop, works the same effect. Let the midwife also take roots of -pollodum, and stamp them well; warm them a little, and bind them on the -soles of her feet, and it will soon bring away the child, either dead or -alive. - -The following medicines likewise are such as stir up the expulsive -faculty; but in this case they must be stronger, because the motion of -the child ceaseth. - -Take savin, round birthwort, trochisks of myrrh, afaran roots, cinnamon, -saffron, each half a drachm; make a powder, give a drachm. - -Or she may purge first, and then apply an emollient, anointing her about -the womb with oil of lilies, sweet almonds, camomile, hen and goose -grease. Also foment, to get out the child with a decoction of mercury, -orris, wild cucumbers, sæcus, broom flowers. Then anoint the privities -and loins with ointment of sowbread. Or, take coloquintida, birthwort, -of each a drachm; make a powder; add ammoniacum dissolved in wine, -ox-gall, each two drachms; with oil of keir make an ointment. Or this -pessary: - -Take birthwort, orris, black hellebore, coloquintida, myrrh, each a -drachm; powdered ammoniacum dissolved in wine, ox-gall, each two -drachms. Or make a fume with an ass’s hoof burnt, or gallianum, or -castor, and let it be taken in with a funnel. - -To take away pains, and strengthen the parts, foment with the decoction -of mugwort, mallows, rosemary, with wood myrtle, St. John’s wort, each -half an ounce, spermatic two drachms; deer’s suet an ounce; with wax -make anointment. Or, - -Take wax six ounces, spermaceti an ounce; melt them, dip flax therein, -and lay it all over her abdomen. - -If none of these things will do, the last remedy is to use surgery, and -then the midwife ought without delay to send for an expert and able -man-midwife, to deliver her by manual operation; of which I shall treat -more in the next chapter. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - _Of unnatural Labour._ - - -In showing the duty of a midwife, when the child-bearing woman’s labour -is unnatural, it will be requisite to show, in the first place, what I -mean by unnatural labour; for that women do bring forth children in pain -and sorrow is natural and common to all. Therefore that which I call -unnatural is, when the child comes to the birth in a contrary posture to -that which nature ordained, and in which the generality of children come -into the world. - -The right and natural birth is, when the child comes with its head -first; and yet this is too short a definition of a natural birth: for if -any part of the head but the crown comes first, so that the body follows -not in a straight line, it is a wrong and difficult birth, even though -the head comes first. Therefore, if the child comes with its feet first, -or with the side across, it is quite contrary to nature, or, to speak -more plainly, that which I call unnatural. - -Now, there are four general ways a child may come wrong. 1. When any of -the fore parts of the body first present themselves. 2. When, by an -unhappy transportation, any of the hinder parts of the body first -present themselves. 3. When either of the sides, or, 4. the feet present -themselves first. To these the different wrong postures that a child can -present itself may be reduced. - - -SECT. I. _How to deliver a Woman of a Dead Child, by Manual Operation._ - -When manual operation is necessary, let the operator acquaint the woman -of the absolute necessity there is for such an operation; and that, as -the child has already lost its life, there is no other way left for the -saving of hers. Let him also inform her, for her encouragement, that he -doubts not, with the divine blessing, to deliver her safely; and that -the pain arising thereby will not to be so great as she fears. Then let -him stir up the woman’s pains by giving her some sharp clyster, to -excite her throes to bear down and bring forth the child. And if this -prevail not, let him proceed with the manual operation. - -First, therefore, let her be placed across the bed that he may operate -the easier, and let her lie on her back, with her hips a little higher -than her head, or at least the body equally placed, when it is necessary -to put back or turn the infant to give it a better posture. Being thus -situated, she must fold her legs so as her heels be towards her body, -and her thighs spread, and held so by a couple of strong persons: there -must be others also to support her under her arms, that the body may not -slide down when the child is drawn forth; for which, sometimes, a great -strength is required. Let the sheets and blankets cover her thighs, for -decency’s sake, and with respect to the assistance, and also to prevent -her catching cold; the operator herein governing himself as well with -respect to his convenience, and the facility and surety of the -operation, as to other things. Then let him anoint the entrance of the -womb with oil or fresh butter, if necessary, that so with more ease he -may introduce his hand, which must also be anointed; and having, by the -signs before-mentioned, received satisfaction that the child is dead, he -must do his endeavours to fetch it away as soon as he possibly can. If -the child offer the head first, he must gently put it back, until he -hath liberty to introduce his hand quite into the womb; then sliding it -along to find the feet, let him draw it forth by them, being very -careful to keep the head from being locked into the passage, and that it -be not separated from the body; which may be effected the more easily, -because the child being very rotten and putrefied, the operator needs -not be so mindful to keep the breast and face downwards as he is in -living births. But if, notwithstanding all these precautions, by reason -of the child’s putrefaction, the head should be separated and left -behind in the womb, it must be drawn forth according to the directions -which have been given in the third section of this chapter. But when the -head, coming first, is so far advanced that it cannot well be put back, -it is better to draw it forth so, than to torment the woman too much by -putting it back to turn it and bring it by the feet: but the head being -a part round and slippery, it may so happen that the operator cannot -take hold of it by reason of its moisture, nor put them up to the side -of it, because of its bigness; he must therefore take a proper -instrument, and put it up as far as he can, without violence, between -the womb and the child’s head, observing to keep the point of it towards -the head (for the child being dead before, there can be no danger in the -operation,) and let him fasten it there, giving it hold of the bones of -the skull, that it may not slide; and after it is well fixed in the -head, he may therewith draw it forth, keeping the ends of his left hand -flat upon the opposite side, the better to help to disengage it, and by -wagging it a little, to conduct it directly out of the passage, until -the head be quite born; and then taking hold of it with the hands only, -the shoulders may be drawn into the passage, and so sliding the fingers -of both hands under the arm-pits, the child may be quite delivered; and -then the after-burden fetched, to finish the operation, being careful -not to pluck the navel-string too hard, lest it break, as often happens, -when it is corrupt. - -If the dead child comes with the arms up to the shoulder so extremely -swelled that the woman must suffer too great violence to have it put -back, it is then (being first well assured that the child is dead) best -to take it off by the shoulder points, by twisting three or four times -about, which is very easily done by reason of the softness and -tenderness of the body. After the arm is so separated, and no longer -possesses the passage, the operator will have more room to put up his -hand into the womb, to fetch the child by the feet and bring it away. - -But although the operator be sure the child is dead in the womb, yet he -must not therefore presently use instruments, because they are never to -be used but when hands are not sufficient, and there is no other remedy -to prevent the woman’s danger, or to bring forth the child any other -way; and the judicious operator will choose that way which is the least -hazardous and most safe. - - - SECT. II. _How a Woman must be Delivered, when the Child’s Feet come - first._ - -There is nothing more obvious to those whose business it is to assist -labouring women, than that the several unnatural postures in which -children present themselves at their birth, are the occasion of most of -the bad labour and ill accidents that happen unto them in that -condition. - -And since midwives are very often obliged, because of the unnatural -situations, to draw the children forth by the feet, I conceive it to be -most proper first to show how a child must be brought forth that -presents itself in that posture, because it will be a guide to several -of the rest. - -I know indeed in this case it is the advice of several authors to change -the figure, and place the head so that it may present to the birth; and -this counsel I should be very inclinable to follow, could they but also -show how it may be done. But it will appear very difficult, if not -impossible, to be performed, if we would avoid the danger that by such -violent agitations both the mother and the child must be put into; and -therefore my opinion is, that it is better to draw forth by the feet, -when it presents itself in that posture, than to venture a worse -accident by turning it. - -As soon, therefore, as the waters are broken, and it is known that the -child comes thus, and that the womb is open enough to admit the -midwife’s or operator’s hand into it, or else by anointing the passage -with oil or hog’s grease, to endeavour to dilate it by degrees, using -her fingers to this purpose, spreading them one from the other, after -they are together entered, and continuing to do so till they be -sufficiently dilated, then, taking care that her nails be well pared, no -rings on her fingers, and her hands well anointed with oil or fresh -butter, and the woman placed in the manner directed in the former -section, let her gently introduce her hand into the entrance of the -womb, where, finding the child’s feet, let her draw it forth in the -manner I shall presently direct; only let her first see whether it -presents one foot or both; and if but one foot, she ought to consider -whether it be the right foot or left, and also in what fashion it comes: -for, by that means, she will soon come to know where to find the other, -which, as soon as she knows and finds, let her gently draw it forth with -the other; but of this she must be especially careful, viz. that the -second be not the foot of another child; for, if so, it may be of the -utmost consequence, for she may sooner split both mother and child, than -draw them forth: but this may be easily prevented, if she but slide the -hand up by the first leg and thigh to the twist, and there find both -thighs joined together, and descending from one and the same body. And -this is also the best means to find the other foot, when it comes but -with one. - -As soon as the midwife has found both the child’s feet, she may draw -them forth, and holding them together, may bring them by little in this -manner; taking afterwards hold of the arms and thighs, as soon as she -can come at them, drawing them so till the hips come forth. While this -is doing, let her observe to wrap the parts in a single cloth, that so -her hands, being always greasy, slide not on the infant’s body, which is -very slippery, because of the vicious humours which are all over it; -which being done, she may take hold under the hips, so as to draw it -forth to the beginning of the breast; and let her on both sides with her -hand bring down the child’s hand along its body, which she may easily -find; and then let her take care that the belly and face of the child be -downwards: for, if they should be upwards, there would be some danger of -its being stopped by the chin, over the share-bone; and therefore, if it -be not so, she must turn it to the posture; which may easily be done, if -she takes proper hold of the body when the breast and arms are forth, in -the manner as we have said, and draws it, turning it in proportion on -that side which it most inclines to, till it be turned with the face -downwards; and so, having brought it to the shoulders, let her lose no -time, desiring the woman at the same time to bear down, that so drawing -the head at that instant may take its place, and not be stopped in the -passage. Some children there are whose heads are so big, that when the -whole body is born, yet that stops the passage, though the midwife takes -all possible care to prevent it. And when this happens, she must -endeavour to draw forth the child by the shoulders, taking care that she -separate not the body from the head, (as I have known it done by the -midwife,) discharging it by little and little from the bones in the -passage with the fingers of each hand, sliding them on each side -opposite the other, sometimes above and sometimes under, till the work -be ended; endeavouring to despatch it as soon as possible, lest the -child be suffocated, as it will unavoidably be, if it remain long in -that posture; and this being well and carefully effected, she may soon -after fetch away the after-birth, as I have before directed. - - -SECT. III. _How to bring away the Head of the Child, when separated from - the Body, and left behind in the Womb._ - -Though the utmost care be taken in bringing away the child by the feet, -yet if it happen to be dead, it is sometimes so putrefied and corrupt, -that with the least pull the head separates from the body, and remains -alone in the womb, and cannot be brought away but with a manual -operation and great difficulty, it being extremely slippery, by reason -of the place where it is, and from the roundness of its figure, on which -no hold can be taken; and so very great is the difficulty in this case, -that sometimes two or three able practitioners of midwifery have, one -after the other, left the operation unfinished, as not able to effect -it, after the utmost industry, skill and strength; so that the woman, -not being able to be delivered, perished. To prevent which fatal -accident, let the following operation be observed. - -When the infant’s head separates from the body, and is left alone -behind, whether through putrefaction or otherwise, let the operator -immediately, without any delay, whilst the womb is still open, direct up -his right hand to the mouth of the head (for no other hole can there be -had), and having found it, let him put one or two of his fingers into -it, and the thumb under its chin; then let him draw it by little and -little, holding it by the jaws: but if that fails, as sometimes it will, -when putrefied, then let him pull out the right hand, and slide up his -left with which he must support the head, and with the right let him -take a narrow instrument called a _crotchet_, but let it be strong, and -with a single branch, which he must guide along the inside of his hand, -with the point of it towards it, for fear of hurting the womb; and -having thus introduced it, let him turn it towards the head, to strike -either in an eye-hole, or the hole of an ear, or behind the head, or -else between the sutures, as he finds it most convenient and easy; and -then draw forth the head so fastened with the said instrument, still -helping to conduct it with his left hand; but when he hath it brought -near the passage, being strongly fastened to the instrument, let him -remember to draw forth his hand, that the passage, not being filled with -it, may be larger and easier, keeping still a finger or two on the side -of the head, the better to disengage it. - -There is also another method, with more ease and less hardship than the -former: let the operator take a soft fillet or linen slip, of about four -fingers’ breadth, and the length of three quarters of an ell, or -thereabouts, taking the two ends with the left hand, and the middle with -the right, and let him so put it up with his right as that it may be -beyond the head, to embrace it as a sling doth a stone, and afterwards -draw forth the fillet by the two ends together; it will thus be easily -drawn forth, the fillet not hindering the least passage, because it -takes up little or no space. - -When the head is fetched out of the womb, care must be taken that not -the least part of it be left behind, and likewise to cleanse the womb of -the after-burden, if yet remaining. If the burden be wholly separated -from the side of the womb, that ought to be first brought away, because -it may also hinder the taking hold of the head. But if it still adheres -to the womb, it must not be meddled with till the head be brought away; -for if one should endeavour to separate it from the womb, it might then -cause a flooding, which would be augmented by the violence of the -operation; the vessels to which it is joined remaining for the most part -open as long as the womb is distended, which the head causeth while it -is retained in it, and cannot be closed till this strange body be -voided, and this it doth by contracting and compressing itself together, -as has been more fully before explained. Besides, the after-birth -remaining thus cleaving to the womb during the operation prevents it -from receiving easily either bruise or hurt. - - -SECT. IV. _How to deliver a Woman when the Child’s Head is presented to - the Birth._ - -Though some may think it a natural labour, when the child’s head comes -first; yet, if the child’s head present not the right way, even that is -an unnatural labour; and therefore, though the head comes first, yet if -it be the side of the head instead of the crown, it is very dangerous -both to the mother and child, for the child’s neck would be broken, if -born in that manner; and by how much the mother’s pains continue to bear -the child, which is impossible unless the head be rightly placed, the -more the passages are stopped. Therefore, as soon as the position of the -child is known, the woman must be laid with all speed, lest the child -should advance further into this vicious posture, and thereby render it -more difficult to thrust it back, which must be done, in order to place -the head right in the passage, as it ought to be. - -To this purpose, therefore, place the woman so that her thighs may be a -little higher than her head and shoulders, causing her to lean a little -upon the opposite side to the child’s ill posture; then let the operator -slide up his hand, well anointed with oil, by the side of the child’s -head, to bring it right gently with his fingers between the head and the -womb; but if the head be so engaged that it cannot be done that way, he -must put his hand up to the shoulders, that so by thrusting them back a -little into the womb, sometimes on the one side and sometimes on the -other, he may, by little and little, give a natural position. I confess -it would be better, if the operator could put back the child by its -shoulders with both hands: but the head takes up so much room, that he -can only make use of his fingers, with which he must perform this -operation, and with the help of the finger ends of the other hand put -forward the child’s birth, as in natural labour. - -Some children present their face first, having their hands turned back, -in which posture it is extremely difficult for a child to be born; and -if it continues so long, the face will be swelled, and become black and -blue, so that it will at first appear monstrous, which is occasioned as -well by the compression of it in that place, as by the midwife’s fingers -in handling it, in order to place it in a better posture. But this -blackness will wear away in three or four days’ time, by anointing it -often with oil of sweet almonds. To deliver the birth, the same -operation must be used as in the former, when the child comes first with -the side of the head; only let the midwife or operator work very gently, -to avoid as much as possible the bruising the face. - - - SECT. V. _How to Deliver a Woman when the Child presents one or both - Hands together with the Head._ - -Sometimes the infant will present some other part together with its -head; which if it does, it is usually with one or both its hands; and -this hinders the birth, because the hands take up part of that passage -which is little enough for the head alone: besides when this happens, -they generally cause the head to lean on one side; and therefore this -position may be well styled unnatural. When the child presents thus, the -first thing to be done, after it is perceived, must be to prevent it -from coming down more, or engaging further in the passage; and therefore -the operator having placed the woman on the bed, with her head lower -than her thighs, must guide and put back the infant’s hand with his own -as much as may be, or both of them, if they both come down, to give way -to the child’s head; and this being done, if the head be on one side, it -must be brought into its natural posture, in the middle of the passage, -that it may come in a straight line, and then proceed as directed in the -foregoing section. - - -SECT. VI. _How a Woman ought to be delivered, when the Hands and Feet of - the Infant come together._ - -There are none but will readily grant, that when the hands and feet of -an infant present together, the labour must be unnatural; because it is -possible a child can be born in that manner. In this case therefore, -when the midwife guides her hand to the orifice of the womb, she will -perceive only many fingers close together; and if it be not sufficiently -dilated, it will be a good while before the hands and feet be -sufficiently distinguished; for they are sometimes so shut and pressed -together, that they seem to be all of one and the same shape: but where -the womb is open enough to introduce the hand into it, she will easily -know which are the hands and which are the feet; and having taken -particular notice thereof, let her slide up her hand, and presently -direct it towards the infant’s breast, which she will find very near, -and then let her very gently thrust back the body towards the bottom of -the womb leaving the feet in the same place where she found them: and -then, having placed the woman in a convenient posture, that is to say, -her thighs a little raised above her breast, and (which situation ought -also to be observed when the child is to be put back into the womb), let -the midwife afterwards take hold of the child by the feet, and draw it -forth, as is directed in the second section. - -This labour, though somewhat troublesome, yet is much better than when -the child presents only its hands; for then the child must be quite -turned round before it can be drawn forth; but in this they are ready, -presenting themselves, and there is little to do but to lift and thrust -back the upper part of the body, which is almost done of itself, by -drawing by the feet alone. - -I confess there are many authors that have written of labours, who would -have all wrong births reduced to a natural figure; which is, to turn it -that it may come with the head first. But those that have written thus -are such as never understood the practical part; for if they had the -least experience therein, they would know that it is impossible; at -least, if it were to be done, that violence must necessarily be used in -doing it, that would very probably be the death of both mother and child -in the operation. - -I would therefore lay down, as a general rule, that whensoever a child -presents itself wrong to the birth, in what posture soever, from the -shoulders to the feet, it is the best way, and the soonest done, to draw -it out by the feet; and that it is better to search for them, if they do -not present themselves, than to try to put them into their natural -posture, and place the head foremost; for the great endeavours necessary -to be used in turning the child in the womb, do so much weaken both the -mother and the child, that there remains not afterwards strength enough -to commit the operation to the work of nature; for, usually, the woman -hath no more throes or pains fit for labour after she has been so -wrought upon: for which reason it would be difficult, and tedious at -best; and the child by such an operation made very weak, would be in -extreme danger of perishing before it could be born. It is therefore -much better in these cases to bring it away immediately by the feet; -searching for them, as I have already directed, when they do not present -themselves; by which the mother will be prevented a tedious labour, and -the child be often brought alive into the world, who otherwise could -hardly escape death. - - - SECT. VII. _How a Woman should be delivered that has Twins, which - present themselves in different Postures._ - -We have already spoken something of the birth of twins in the chapter of -natural labour; for it is not an unnatural labour barely to have twins, -provided they come in a right position to the birth. But when they -present themselves in different postures, they come properly under the -denomination of unnatural labours; and if when one child presents itself -in a wrong figure, it makes the labour dangerous and unnatural, it must -needs make it much more so when there are several, and render it not -only more painful to the mother and children, but to the operator also; -for they often trouble each other, and hinder both their births. Besides -which, the womb is so filled with them, that the operator can hardly -introduce his hand without much violence, which he must do, if they are -to be turned or thrust back to give them a better position. - -When a woman is pregnant with two children, they rarely present to the -birth together, the one generally being more forward than the other; and -that is the reason that but one is felt, and that many times the midwife -knows not that there are twins till the first is born, and that she is -going to fetch away the after-birth. In the first chapter, wherein I -treated of natural labour, I have showed how a woman should be delivered -of twins, presenting themselves both right; and therefore, before I -close the chapter of unnatural labour, it only remains that I show what -ought to be done when they either both come wrong, or one of them only, -as for the most part it happens; the first generally coming right, and -the second with the feet forward, or in some worse posture. In such a -case, the birth of the first must be hastened as much as possible, to -make way for the second, which is best brought away by the feet, without -endeavouring to place it right, because it has been, as well as its -mother, already tired and weakened by the birth of the first, and there -would be greater danger of its death than likelihood of its coming out -of the womb that way. - -But if, when the first is born naturally, the second should likewise -offer its head to the birth, it would be then best to leave nature to -finish what she has so well begun; and if nature should be too slow in -her work, some of those things mentioned in the fourth chapter, to -accelerate the birth, may be properly enough applied: and if, after -that, the second birth should be yet delayed, let a manual operation be -deferred no longer; but the woman being properly placed, as has been -before directed, let the operator direct his hand gently into the womb -to find the feet, and so draw forth the second child, which will be the -more easily effected, because there is a way made sufficiently by the -birth of the first; and if the waters of this second child be not broke, -as it often happens, yet, intending to bring it by the feet, he need not -scruple to break the membranes with his fingers; for though, when the -birth of a child is left to the operation of nature, it is necessary -that the waters should break of themselves, yet when the child is -brought out of the womb by art, there is no danger of breaking them; -nay, on the contrary, it becomes necessary; for without the waters are -broken, it would be impossible to turn the child. - -But herein principally lies the cares of the operator, that he be not -deceived, when either the hands or feet of both children offer -themselves together to the birth; in this case he ought well to consider -the operation, as, whether they be not joined together, or any way -monstrous; and which part belongs to one child, and which to the other; -that so they may be fetched one after the other, and not both together, -as may be, if it were not duly considered; taking the right foot of the -one and the left of the other, and so drawing them together, as if they -belonged to one body, because there is a left and a right, by which -means it would be impossible ever to deliver them. But a skilful -operator will easily prevent this, if, having found two or three of -several children presenting together in the passage, and taking aside -two of the forwardest, a right and a left, and sliding his arm along the -legs and thighs up to the wrist, he finds they both belong to one body; -of which being thus assured, he may begin to draw forth the nearest, -without regarding which is the strongest or weakest, bigger or less, -living or dead, having first put aside that part of the other child -which offers to have the more way, and so dispatch the first as soon as -may be, observing the same rules as if there were but one, that is -keeping the breast and face downwards, with every circumstance directed -in that section where the child comes with its feet first, and not fetch -the burden till the second child is born. And therefore, when the -operator hath drawn forth one child, he must separate it from the -burden, having tied and cut the navel-string, and then fetch the other -by the feet in the same manner, and afterwards bring away the -after-burden with the two strings as hath been before showed. If the -children present any other part but the feet, the operator may follow -the same method as directed in the foregoing section where the several -unnatural positions are fully treated of. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - DIRECTIONS FOR CHILD-BEARING WOMEN IN THEIR LYING-IN. - - - SECT. I. _How a Woman newly Delivered ought to be ordered._ - -As soon as she is laid in her bed, let her be placed in it conveniently -for ease and rest, which she stands in great need of, to recover herself -of the great fatigue she underwent during her travail; and that she may -lie the more easily let her hands and body be a little raised, that she -may breathe more freely, and cleanse the better, especially of that -blood which then comes away, that so it may not clot, which being -restrained causeth great pain. - -Having thus placed her in bed, let her take a draught of burnt white -wine, having a drachm of spermaceti melted therein. The herb vervain is -also singularly good for a woman in this condition, boiling it in what -she either eats or drinks, fortifying the womb so exceedingly, that it -will do more good in two days, than any other thing does in double that -time, having no offensive taste. And this is no more than what she -stands in need of; for her lower parts being greatly distended till the -birth of the infant, it is good to endeavour the prevention of an -inflammation there. Let there also be outwardly applied, all over the -bottom of her abdomen and privities, the following anodyne and -cataplasm: Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and two or three -new-laid eggs, yolks and whites, stirring them together in an earthen -pipkin over hot embers, till they come to the consistence of a poultice; -which being spread upon a cloth, must be applied to those parts, -indifferently warm, having first taken away the closure (which was put -to her presently after her delivery,) and likewise such clots of blood -as were then left. Let this lie on five or six hours, and then renew it -again as you see cause. - -Great care ought to be taken at first, that if her body be very weak, -she be not kept too hot, for extremity of heat weakens nature and -dissolves the strength; and whether she be weak or strong, be sure that -no cold air comes near her first; for cold is an enemy to the spermatic -parts, and if it get into the womb, it increases the after-pains, causes -swelling in the womb, and hurts the nerves. As to her diet, let it be -hot, and let her eat but a little at a time. Let her avoid the light for -the first three days, and longer if she be weak, for her labour weakens -her eyes exceedingly, by a harmony between the womb and them. Let her -also avoid great noise, sadness, and trouble of mind. - -If the womb be foul, which may be easily perceived by the impurity of -the blood (which will then easily come away in clots or stinking, of if -you suspect any of the after-burden to be left behind, which may -sometimes happen,) make her drink of featherfew, mugwort, pennyroyal, -and mother of thyme, boiled in white wine and sweetened with sugar. - -Panado and new-laid eggs are the best meat for her at first; of which -she may eat often but not too much at a time. And let her nurse use -cinnamon in all her meats and drinks, for it generally strengthens the -womb. - -Let her stir as little as may be, till after the fifth, sixth, or -seventh day of her delivery, if she be weak; and let her take as little -meat as possible, for that tends to weaken her very much. - -If she goes not well to stool, give a clyster made only with the -decoction of mallows and a little brown sugar. - -When she hath lain-in a week or more, let her use such things as close -the womb, of which knot-grass and comfrey are very good; and to them you -may add a little polypodium, for it will do her good, both leaves and -root being bruised. - - - SECT. II. _How to remedy those Accidents which a Lying-in Woman is - subject to._ - -I. The first common and usual accident that troubles women in their -lying-in, is after-pains. They proceed from cold and wind contained in -the bowels, with which they are easily filled after labour, because then -they have more room to dilate than when the child was in the womb, by -which they were compressed; and also because nourishment and matter, -contained as well in them as in the stomach, have been so confusedly -agitated from side to side during the pains of labour, by the throes -which always must compress the belly, that they could not be well -digested, whence the wind is afterwards generated, and by consequence -the gripes which the woman feels running in her bowels from side to -side, according as the wind moves more or less, and sometimes likewise -from the womb, because of the compression and commotion which the bowels -make. These being generally the case, let us now apply a suitable -remedy. - -1. Boil an egg soft, and pour out the yolk of it: with which mix a -spoonful of cinnamon-water, and let her drink it; and if you mix in it -two grains of ambergris, it will be better; and yet vervain taken in any -thing she drinks, will be as effectual as the other. - -2. Give the lying-in woman, immediately after delivery, oil of sweet -almonds and syrup of maiden-hair mixed together. Some prefer oil of -walnuts, provided it be made of nuts that are very good; but it tastes -worse than the other at best. This will lenify the inside of the -intestines by unctuousness, and by that means bring away that which is -contained in them more easily. - -3. Take and boil onions well in water, then stamp them with oil of -cinnamon, spread them on a cloth, and apply them to the region of the -womb. - -4. Let her be careful to keep her body warm, and not to drink too cold; -and if the pain prove violent, hot cloths, from time to time, must be -laid on her abdomen, or a pancake fried in walnut oil may be applied to -it, without swathing her body too strait. And for the better evacuating -the wind out of the intestines, give her a clyster, which may be -repeated as often as necessity requires. - -5. Take bay-berries, beat them to powder, put the powder upon a -chafing-dish of coals, and let her receive the smoke of them up her -privities. - -6. Take tar and bear’s grease, of each an equal quantity, boil them -together, and whilst it is boiling, add a little pigeon’s dung to it. -Spread some of this upon a linen cloth, and apply it to the reins of the -back of her that is troubled with after-pains, and it will give her -speedy ease. - -Lastly, Let her take half a drachm of bay-berries beaten into a powder -in a draught of muscadel or tent. - -II. Another accident to which women in child-bed are subject is the -hemorrhoids, or piles, occasioned through the great straining in -bringing the child into the world. To cure this, - -1. Let her be let blood in the saphæna vein. - -2. Let her use polypodium in her meat and drink, bruised and boiled. - -3. Take an onion, and having made a hole in the middle of it, fill it -full of oil, roast it, and having bruised it all together, apply it to -the fundament. - -4. Take a dozen of snails, without shells if you can get them, or else -so many shell snails, and pull them out, and having bruised them with a -little oil, apply them warm as before. - -5. If she go not well to stool, let her take an ounce of cassia fistula -drawn at night going to bed; she needs no change of diet after. - -III. Retention of the menses is another accident happening to women in -child-bed; and which is of so dangerous a consequence, that, if not -timely remedied, it proves mortal. When this happens, - -1. Let the woman take such medicines as strongly provoke the terms, such -as dittany, betony, pennyroyal, featherfew, centuary, juniper-berries, -peony roots. - -2. Let her take two or three spoonfuls of briony water each morning. - -3. Gentian roots beaten into a powder, and a drachm of it taken every -morning in wine, are an extraordinary remedy. - -4. The root of birthwort, either long or round, so used and taken as the -former, are very good. - -5. Take twelve peony seeds, and beat them into a very fine powder, and -let her drink them in a draught of hot cardus posset, and let her sweat -after. And if this last medicine do not bring them down the first time -she takes it, let her take as much more three hours after, and it seldom -fails. - -IV. Overflowing of the menses is another accident incidental to -child-bearing women. For which, - -1. Take shepherd’s purse, either boiled in any convenient liquor, or -dried and beaten into a powder, and it will be an admirable remedy to -stop them, this being especially appropriated to the privities. - -2. The flower and leaves of brambles, or either of them, being dried and -beaten into a powder, and a drachm of them taken every morning in a -spoonful of red wine, or in a decoction of leaves of the same (which -perhaps is much better,) is an admirable remedy for the immoderate -flowing of the terms in women. - -V. Excoriations, bruises, and rents of the lower part of the womb are -often occasioned by that violent distention and separation of the four -carbuncles in a woman’s labour. For the healing whereof, as soon as the -woman is laid, if there be only simple contusions and excoriations, then -let the anodyne cataplasms, formerly directed, be applied to the lower -parts to ease the pain, made of the yolks and whites of new-laid egg and -oil of roses, boiled a little over warm embers, continually stirring it -till it is mixed, and then spread on a fine cloth; it must be applied -very warm to the bearing-place for five or six hours, and when it is -taken away, lay some fine rags, dipped in oil of St. John’s wort twice -or thrice a day; also foment the parts with barley-water and honey of -roses, to cleanse them from the excrements which pass. - -VI. The curding and clotting of the milk is another accident which -happens to women in child-bed; for, in the beginning of child-bed, the -woman’s milk is not purified, because of the great commotions her body -suffered during her labour, which affected all the parts, and it is then -moved with many humours. Now this clotting of the milk does, for the -most part, proceed from the breasts not being fully drawn, and that -either because she has too much milk, and that the infant is too small -and weak to suck all, or because she does not desire to be a nurse; for -the milk, in those cases remaining in the breast after concoction, -without being drawn, loseth the sweetness and the balsamic quality it -had, and by reason of the heat it acquires, and the too long stay it -makes there, it sours, curds, and clots, in like manner as we see runnet -put into ordinary milk turn it into curds. The curding of the milk may -be also caused by having taken a great cold, and not keeping the breast -well covered. - -But from what cause soever this curding of the milk proceeds, the most -certain remedy is, speedily to draw the breasts until it is emitted and -dried. But in regard that the infant, by reason of weakness, cannot draw -strong enough, the woman being hard marked when her milk is curded, it -will be most proper to get another woman to draw her breasts until the -milk comes freely, and then she may give her child suck. And that she -may not afterwards be troubled with a surplus of milk, she must eat such -diet as gives but little nourishment, and keep her body open. - -But if the case be such, that the woman neither can nor will be a nurse, -it is necessary to apply other remedies for the curing of this -distemper: for then it will be best not to draw the breasts: for that -will be the way to bring more milk into them. For which purpose, it will -be necessary to empty the body, by bleeding the arm: besides which, let -the humours be drawn by strong clysters and bleeding in the feet: nor -will it be amiss to purge gently; and to digest, dissolve, and dissipate -the curded milk, apply a cataplasm of pure honey, or that of the four -brains dissolved in a decoction of sage, milk, smallage, and fennel, -mixing with it oil of camomile, with which oil let the breasts be well -anointed. The following liniment is also good to scatter and dissipate -the milk. - - - _A Liniment to Scatter and Dissipate the Milk._ - -That the milk flowing back to the breast may without offence be -dissipated, you must use this ointment; “Take pure wax two ounces, -linseed half a pound; when the wax is melted, let the liniment be made, -wherein linen cloths must be dipped, and, according to their largeness, -be laid upon the breast; and when it shall be dispersed, and pains no -more, let other linen cloths be dipped in the distilled water of acorns, -and put them upon them.” - -_Note._ That the cloths dipped into distilled water of acorns must be -used only by those who cannot nurse their own children: but if a -swelling in the breast of her who gives suck do arise from abundance of -milk, and threatens an inflammation, let her use the former ointment, -but abstain from using the distilled water of acorns. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - _Directions for the Nurses, in ordering Newly-born Children._ - - -When the child’s navel-string hath been cut, according to the rules -prescribed, let the midwife presently cleanse it from the excrements and -filth it brings with it; of which some are within the body, as the urine -in the bladder, and the excrements found in the guts; and others -without, which are thick, whitish, and clammy, proceeding from the -sliminess of the waters. There are children sometimes covered all over -with this, that one would think they were rubbed over with soft cheese; -and some women are of so easy a belief, that they really think it so, -because they had eaten some while they were enceinte. From these -excrements let the child be cleansed with wine and water a little -warmed, washing every part therewith, but chiefly the head, because of -the hair, also on the folds of the groin, arm-pits, and privities; which -parts must be gently cleansed with a linen rag, or a soft sponge, dipped -in lukewarm wine. If this clammy or viscous excrement stick so close -that it will not easily be washed off from those places, it may be -fetched off with oil of sweet almonds, or a little fresh butter melted -with wine, and afterwards well dried off; also make tents of fine rags, -and wetting them in this liquor, clear the ears and nostrils; but for -the eyes, wipe them only with a dry soft rag, and dipping it in the -wine, lest it should make them smart. - -The child being thus washed, and cleansed from the native blood and -impurities which attend it into the world, it must in the next place be -searched, to see whether all things be right about it, and that there is -no fault or dislocation; whether it has suffered any violence by its -birth, in any part of its body; and whether all the parts be well and -duly shaped; that suitable remedies may be applied, if any thing be -found not right. Nor is it enough to see that all be right without, and -that the outside of the body be cleansed, but she must chiefly observe -whether it dischargeth the excrements contained within, and whether the -passage be open; for some have been born without having been perforated. -Therefore, let her examine whether the conduits of the urine and stool -be clear, for want of which some have died, not being able to void their -excrements, because timely care was not taken at first. As to the urine, -all children, as well males as females, do make water as soon as they -are born, if they can, especially if they feel the heat of the fire, and -sometimes also void the excrements, but not so soon as the urine. If the -infant does not ordure the first day, then put up into its fundament a -small suppository, to stir it up to be discharged, that it may not cause -painful gripes by remaining so long in the belly. A sugar almond may be -proper for this purpose, anointed over with a little boiled honey; or -else a small piece of Castile-soap rubbed over with fresh butter; also -give the child for this purpose a little syrup of roses or violets at -the mouth, mixed with some oil of sweet almonds drawn without a fire, -anointing the belly also with the same oil or fresh butter. - -The midwife having thus washed and cleansed the child, according to the -before-mentioned directions, let her begin to swaddle it in swathing -clothes, and when she dresses the head, let her put small rags behind -the ears to dry up the filth which usually engenders there, and so let -her do also in the folds of the arm-pits and groin, and so swathe it; -then wrap it up warm in a bed with blankets, which there is scarcely any -woman so ignorant but knows well enough how to do: only let me give them -this caution, that they swathe not the child too strait in its blankets, -especially about the breast and stomach, that it may breathe the more -freely, and not be forced to vomit up the milk it sucks, because the -stomach cannot be sufficiently extended to contain it; therefore let its -arms and legs be wrapped in its bed stretched and straight, and swathed -to keep them so, viz, the arms along its sides, and its legs equally -both together, with a little of the bed between them, that they may not -be galled by rubbing each other; then let the head be kept steady and -straight, with a stay fastened on each side of the blanket; and then -wrap the child up in a mantle and blankets to keep it warm. Let none -think this of swathing the infant is needless to set down, for it is -necessary it should be thus swaddled, to give its little body a straight -figure, which is most decent and proper for a man, and to accustom him -to keep upon his feet, who otherwise would go upon all fours, as most -other animals do. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - - SECT. I. _Of Gripes and Pains in the Bellies of young Children._ - - -This I mention first, as it is often the first and most common distemper -which happens to little infants after their birth; many children being -so troubled therewith, that it causes them to cry night and day, and at -last die of it. The cause of it for the most part comes from the sudden -change of their nourishment, for having always received it from the -umbilical vessel whilst in the mother’s womb, they come on a sudden not -only to change the manner of receiving it, but the nature and quality of -what they receive, as soon as they are born; for instead of purified -blood only, which is conveyed to them by means of the umbilical vein -only, they are now obliged to be nourished by their mother’s milk, which -they suck with their mouths, and from which are engendered many -excrements, causing gripes and pains; and not only because it is not so -pure as the blood with which it was nourished in the womb, because the -stomach and the intestines cannot make a good digestion, being -unaccustomed to it. It is also caused sometimes by a rough phlegm, and -sometimes by worms; for physicians affirm, that worms have been bred in -children even in their mother’s womb. - -_Cure._—If it proceed from the too sudden change of nourishment, the -remedy must be to forbear giving the child suck for some days, lest the -milk be mixed with phlegm, which is then in the stomach corrupt: and at -first it must suck but little, until it is accustomed to digest it. If -it be the excrements in the intestines, which, by their long stay, -increase these pains, give it at the mouth a little oil of sweet almonds -and syrup of roses: if it be worms, lay a cloth dipped in oil of -wormwood, mixed with ox-gall upon the belly, or a small cataplasm mixed -with the powder of rue, wormwood, coloquintida, aloes, and the seeds of -citron incorporated with ox-gall and the powder of lupines. Or give it -oil of sweet almonds, with sugar-candy, and a scruple of aniseed: it -purgeth new-born babes from green choler and stinking phlegm; and, if it -be given with sugar-pap, it allays the griping pains of the belly. Also, -anoint the belly with oil of dill, or pelitory stamp, with oil of -camomile. - - - SECT. II. _Of Weakness in newly-born Infants._ - -Weakness is an accident that many children bring into the world along -with them, and is often occasioned by the labour of the mother; by the -violence and length whereof they suffer so much, that they are born with -great weakness, and many times it is difficult to know whether they are -alive or dead, their body appearing so senseless and their face so blue -and livid, that they seem to be quite choked; and even after some hours, -their showing any signs of life is attained with weakness, that it looks -like a return from death, and that they are still in a dying condition. - -_Cure._—Lay the infant speedily in a warm blanket, and carry it to the -fire, and then let the midwife take a little wine in her mouth and spout -it into its mouth, repeating it often, if there be occasion. Let her -apply linen to the breast and belly dipped in wine, and let the face be -uncovered, that it may breathe the more freely; also, let the midwife -keep its mouth a little open, cleanse the nostrils with small linen -tents dipped in white wine, that it may receive the smell of it; and let -her chafe every part of its body well with warm cloths, to bring back -its blood and spirits, which, being retired inwards, through weakness, -often puts it in danger of being choked. By the application of these -means, the infant will gradually recover strength, and begin to stir its -limbs by degrees, and at length to cry; and though it be but weakly at -first, yet afterwards, as it breathes more freely, its cry will become -strong. - - - SECT. III. _Of the Fundament being closed up in a newly-born Infant._ - -Another defect that new-born infants are liable to is, to have their -fundaments closed up; by which they can never evacuate the new -excrements engendered by the milk they suck, nor that which was amassed -in their intestines before birth, which is certainly mortal without a -speedy remedy. There have been some female children who have had their -fundaments quite closed, and yet have voided the excrements of the guts -by an orifice, which nature, to supply that defect, had made within the -neck of the womb. - -_Cure._—Here we must take notice, that the fundament is closed two ways: -either by a single skin, through which one may discover some black and -blue marks, proceeding from the excrements retained, which, if one touch -with the finger, there is a softness felt within, and thereabout it -ought to be pierced; or else it is quite stopped by a thick fleshy -substance, in such sort that there appears nothing without by which its -true situation may be known. When there is nothing but the single skin -which makes the closure, the operation is very easy, and the children -may do very well; for then an aperture or opening may be made with a -small incision-knife, cross ways, that it may the better receive a round -form, and that the place may not afterwards grow together, taking care -not to prejudice the sphincter or muscles of the rectum. The incision -being thus made, the excrements will certainly have issue. But if, by -reason of their long stay in the belly, they become so dry that the -infant cannot void them, then let a clyster be given to moisten and -bring them away; afterwards put a linen tent into the new-made -fundament, which, at first, had best be anointed with honey of roses, -and towards the end, with a drying cicatrizing ointment, such as -unguentum album, or ponphilex, observing to cleanse the infant of its -excrements, and dry it again as soon and as often as it evacuates them, -that so the aperture may be prevented from turning into a malignant -ulcer. - -But if the fundament be stopped up in such a manner, that neither mark -nor appearance of it can be seen or felt, then the operation is much -more difficult; and even when it is done, the danger is much greater, -that the infant will not survive it. Then if it be a female, and it -sends forth its excrements by the way I have mentioned before, it is -better not to meddle, than, by endeavouring to remedy an inconvenience, -run an extreme hazard of the infant’s death. But when there is no vent -for the excrements, without which death is unavoidable, then the -operation is justifiable. - -_Operation._—Let the operator, with a small incision-knife that hath but -one edge, enter into the void place, and turning the back of it upwards, -within half a finger’s breadth from the child’s anus, which is the place -where he will certainly find the intestine; let him thrust it forward, -that it may be open enough to give free vent to the matter there -contained, being especially careful of the sphincter; after which, let -the wound be dressed according to the method directed. - - - SECT. IV. _Of the Thrush, or Ulcers in the Mouth of the Infant._ - -This thrush is a distemper that children are very subject to, and it -arises from bad milk, or from foul humour in the stomach; for sometimes, -though there be not ill humour in the milk itself, yet it may corrupt -the child’s stomach because of its weakness, or some other -indisposition; in which, acquiring an acrimony instead of being well -digested, there arise from thence biting vapours, which, forming a thick -viscosity, do thereby produce this distemper. - -_Cure._—It is often difficult, as physicians tell us, because it is -seated in hot and moist places, where the putrefaction is easily -augmented; and because the remedies applied cannot lodge there, being -soon washed with spittle. But if it arises from too hot quality in the -nurse’s milk, care must be taken to temper and cool, prescribing her -cool diet, bleeding and purging her also, if there be occasion. - -Take lentiles husked, powder them, and lay a little of them upon the -child’s gums. Or take bdellium flower half an ounce, and with oil of -roses make a liniment. Also wash the child’s mouth with barley and -plantain water, and honey of roses, or syrup of dry roses, mixing with -them a little verjuice of lemons, as well to loosen and cleanse the -vicious humours which cleave to the inside of the child’s mouth, as to -cool those parts which are already over-heated. This may be done by -means of a small fine rag fastened to the end of a little stick, and -dipped therein, whereby the ulcers may be gently rubbed, being careful -not to put the child in too much pain, lest an inflammation make the -distemper worse. The child’s body must also be kept open, that the -humours being carried to the lower parts, the vapours may not ascend, as -it is usual for them to do when the body is costive, and the excrements -too long retained. - -If the ulcers appear malignant, let such remedies be used to do their -work speedily, that the evil qualities that cause them being thereby -instantly corrected, their malignity may be prevented; and in this case -touch the ulcers with plantain water, sharpened with the spirits of -vitriol; for the remedy must be made sharp according to the malignity of -the distemper. It will be necessary to purge these ill humours out of -the whole habit of the child, by giving half an ounce of succory with -rhubarb. - - - SECT. V. _Of Pains in the Ears, Inflammation, Moisture, &c._ - -The brain in infants is very moist, and hath many excrements which -nature cannot send out at the proper passages; they get often to the -ears, and there cause pains, flux of blood, with inflammation, and -matter with pain; this in children is hard to be known, as they have no -other way to make it known but by constant crying; you will perceive -them ready to feel their ears themselves, but will not let others touch -them if they can prevent it; and sometimes you may discern the parts -above the ears to be very red. - -These pains, if let alone, are of dangerous consequences, because they -may bring forth watchings and epilepsy; for the moisture breeds worms -there, and fouls the spongy bones, and by degrees causes incurable -deafness. - -_Cure._—Allay the pain with convenient speed, but have a care of using -strong remedies. Therefore only use warm milk about the ears, with the -decoction of poppy tops, or oil of violets: to take away the moisture, -use honey of roses, and let aquamollis be dropped into the ears; or take -virgin honey, half an ounce; red wine two ounces; alum, saffron, -saltpetre, each a drachm; mix them at the fire; or drop in hemp seed oil -with a little wine. - - -SECT. VI. _Of Redness, and Inflammation of the Buttocks, Groin, and the - Thighs of a Young Child._ - -If there be no care taken to change and wash the child’s bed as soon as -it is fouled with the excrements, and to keep the child very clean, the -acrimony will be sure to cause redness, and beget a smarting in the -buttocks, groin, and thighs of the child, which, by reason of the pain -will afterwards be subject to inflammations, which follow the sooner, -through the delicacy and tenderness of their skin, from which the -outward skin of the body is in a short time separated and worn away. - -_Cure._—First, keep the child cleanly: and, secondly, take off the -sharpness of its urine. As to keeping it cleanly, she must be a sorry -nurse that needs to be taught how to do it; for if she lets it have but -dry, clean, and warm beds, and clothes, as often and as soon as it has -fouled and wet them, either by its urine or excrements, it will be -sufficient. And as to taking off the sharpness of the child’s urine, -that must be done by the nurse’s taking a cool diet, that her milk may -have the same quality; and therefore she ought to abstain from all -things that may tend to heat it. - -But besides these cooling and drying remedies are requisite to be -applied to the inflamed parts; therefore let the parts be bathed with -plantain water, with a fourth of lime-water added to it, each time the -child’s excrements are wiped off; and if the pain be very great, let it -only be fomented with lukewarm milk. Some kind of drying powder, or a -little milldust strewed upon the parts affected, may be proper enough, -and is used by many women. Also, unguentum album, or diapampholigos, -spread upon a small piece of leather, in form of a plaster, will not be -amiss. - -But the chief thing must be the nurse’s taking great care to wrap the -inflamed parts with fine rags when she opens the child, that those parts -may not gather and be pained by rubbing together. - - - SECT. VII. _Of Vomiting in young Children._ - -Vomiting in children proceeds sometimes from too much milk, and -sometimes from bad milk, and as often from a moist loose stomach; for as -dryness retains, so looseness lets go. This is, for the most part, -without danger in children; and they that vomit from their birth are the -lustiest; for the stomach not being used to meat, and milk being taken -too much, crudities are easily bred, or the milk is corrupted; and it is -better to vomit these up than to keep them in; but if vomiting last -long, it will cause an atrophy, or consumption, for want of nourishment. - -_Cure._—If this be from too much milk, that which is emitted is yellow -and green, or otherwise ill-coloured and stinking; in this case, mend -the milk, as has been shown before; cleanse the child with honey of -roses, and strengthen its stomach with syrup of milk and quinces made -into an electuary. If the humours be hot and sharp, give the syrup of -pomegranates, currants, and coral; and apply to the bowels the plaster -of bread, the stomach cerate, or bread dipped in hot wine; or oil of -mastich, quinces, mint, wormwood, each half an ounce; of nutmegs, by -expression, half a drachm; chemical oil of mint, three drops. Coral hath -an occult property to prevent vomiting, and is therefore hung about the -neck. - - - SECT. VIII. _Of breeding Teeth in young Children._ - -This is a very great yet necessary evil in all children, having a -variety of symptoms joined with it. They begin to come forth, not all at -once, but one after the other, about the sixth or seventh month; the -fore-teeth coming first, then the eye-teeth, and, last of all, the -grinders. The eye-teeth cause more pain to the child than any of the -rest, because they have a deep root, and a small nerve which hath -communication with that which makes the eye move. - -In the breeding of the teeth, first they feel an itching in their gums, -then they are pierced as with a needle, and pricked by the sharp bones, -whence proceed great pains, watching, inflammation of the gums, fever, -looseness, and convulsions, especially when they breed their eye-teeth. - -The signs when children breed their teeth are these. - -1. It is known by the time, which is usually about the seventh month. - -2. Their gums are swelled, and they feel a great heat there, with an -itching, which makes them put their fingers into their mouths to rub -them, a moisture also distils from the gums into the mouth, because of -the pains they feel there. - -3. They hold the nipple faster than before. - -4. The gums are white when the teeth begin to come; and the nurse, in -giving them suck, finds the mouth hotter, and that they are much -changed, crying every moment, and cannot sleep, or but very little at a -time. - -The fever that follows breeding of teeth comes from choleric humours, -inflamed by watching, pain, and heat. And the longer teeth are breeding, -the more dangerous it is; so that many, in the breeding of them, die of -fevers and convulsions. - -_Cure._—Two things are to be regarded:—one is, to preserve the child -from the evil accidents that may happen to it by reason of the great -pain; the other, to assist, as much as may be, the cutting of the teeth, -when they can hardly cut the gums themselves. - -For the first of these, viz. the preventing those accidents of the -child, the nurse ought to take great care to keep a good diet and to use -all things that may cool and temper milk, that so a fever may not follow -the pain of the teeth. And to prevent the humour from falling too much -upon the inflamed gums, let the child’s belly be kept always loose by -gentle clysters, if it be bound; though oftentimes there is no need of -them, because they are at those times usually troubled with a looseness; -and yet, for all that, clysters may not be improper. - -As to the other, which is to assist in cutting the teeth; that the nurse -must do from time to time by mollifying and loosening them, and by -rubbing them with the fingers dipped in butter or honey; or let the -child have a virgin-wax candle to chew upon; or anoint the gums with the -mucilage of quince made with mallow-waters, or with the brains of a -hare; also foment the cheeks with the decoction of althœa, and camomile -flower and dill, or with the juice of mallows and fresh butter. If the -gums are inflamed, add juice of nightshade and lettuce. I have already -said, the nurse ought to take a temperate diet: I shall now only add, -that barley-broth, water-gruel, raw eggs, prunes, lettuce, and endive, -are good for her; but let her avoid salt, sharp, biting, and peppered -meats and wine. - - - SECT. IX. _Of the Flux of the Belly, or Looseness in Infants._ - -It is very common for infants to have the flux of the belly, or -looseness, especially upon the least indisposition: nor is it to be -wondered at, seeing their natural moistness contributes so much thereto; -and even if it be so extraordinary violent, such are in a better state -of health than those that are bound. The flux, if violent, proceeds from -divers causes: as, 1. From breeding of the teeth, and it is then -commonly attended with a fever, in which the concoction is hindered, and -the nourishment corrupted. 2. From watching. 3. From pain. 4. From -stirring up the humours by a fever. 5. When they suck or drink too much -in a fever. Sometimes they have a flux without breeding of teeth, from -inward cold in the guts or stomach that obstructs concoction. If it be -from the teeth, it is easily known; for the signs in breeding of teeth -will discover it. If it be from external cold, there are signs of other -causes. If from a humour flowing from the head, there are signs of a -catarrh, and the excrements are frothy. If crude and raw humours are -voided, and there be wind, belching, and phlegmatic excrements; or if -they be yellow, green, and stink, the flux is from a hot sharp humour. -It is best in breeding of teeth when the belly is loose, as I have said -before: but if it be too violent, and you are afraid it may end in a -consumption, it must be stopped; and if the excrements that are voided -be black, and attended with a fever, it is very bad. - -_Cure._—The remedy in this case is principally with respect to the -nurse, and the condition of the milk must be chiefly observed; the nurse -must be cautioned that she eat no green fruit, nor things of hard -concoction. If the child suck not, remove the flux with such purges as -leave the cooling quality behind them, as syrup of honey or roses, or a -clyster. Take the decoction of millium, myrobalans, of each two or three -ounces, with an ounce or two of syrup of roses, and make a clyster. -After cleansing, if it proceed from a hot cause, give syrup of dried -roses, quinces, myrtles, with a little sanguis draconis. Also anoint -with oil of roses, myrtles, mastich, each two drachms; with oil of -myrtles and wax make an ointment. Or take red roses and moulin, of each -a handful; cypress roots two drachms; make a bag, boil it in red wine, -and apply it to the belly. Or, use the plaster of bread, or stomach -ointment. If the cause be cold, and the excrements white, give syrup of -mastich and quinces, with mint-water. Use outwardly mint, mastich, -cummin; or take rose seeds an ounce; cummin, aniseeds, each two drachms; -with oil of mastich, wormwood, and wax, make an ointment. - - - SECT. X. _Of the Epilepsy and Convulsions in Children._ - -This is a distemper that is often fatal to young children, and -frequently proceeds from the brain, as when the humours that cause it -are bred in the brain, originating either from the parents, or from -vapours and bad humours that twitch the membranes of the brain: it is -also sometimes caused by other distempers, and by bad diet: likewise the -toothache, when the brain consents, causes it, and so does a sudden -fright. As to the distemper itself, it is as manifest and well enough -known where it is; and as to the cause whence it comes, you may know by -the signs of the disease whether it come from bad milk, or worms, or -teeth; if these are all absent, it is certain that the brain is first -affected; if it comes from the small-pox or measles, it ceaseth when -they come forth, if nature be strong enough. - -_Cure._—For the remedy of this grievous and often mortal distemper, give -the following powder, to prevent it, to a child as soon as it is born: -take male peony roots, gathered in the decrease of the moon, a scruple; -with leaf gold make a powder; take peony roots a drachm; peony seeds, -misteltoe of the oak, elk’s hoofs, amber, each a scruple; musk, two -grains; make a powder. The best part of the cure is taking care of the -nurse’s diet, which must be regular, by all means. If it be from corrupt -milk provoke a vomit; to do which, hold down the tongue, and put a -quill, dipped in sweet almonds, down the throat. If it come from the -worms, give such things as will kill the worms. If there be a fever, -with respect to that also, give coral smaraged with elk’s hoof. In the -fit, give epileptic water, as lavender water, and rub with oil of amber, -or hang a peony root, and elk’s hoof smaraged, about the child’s neck. - -As to a convulsion, it is when the brain labours to cast out that which -troubles it: the manner is in the narrow of the back, and fountain of -the nerves; it is a stubborn disease, and often kills. - -Wash the body, when in the fit, with decoction of althea, lily roots, -peony and camomile flowerets, and anoint it with goose grease, orris, -lilies, foxes, turpentine, mastich, storax, and calamint. The sun-flower -is also very good, boiled in water, to wash the child. - - - - - PROPER AND SAFE REMEDIES - FOR - CURING ALL THOSE DISTEMPERS - THAT ARE PECULIAR - TO THE FEMALE SEX. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - _The Diseases of the Womb._ - - -I have already said, that the womb is the field of generation; and if -this field be corrupted, it is vain to expect any fruit, though it be -ever so well sown. It is therefore not without reason that I intend in -this chapter to set down the several distempers to which the womb is -obnoxious, with proper and safe remedies against them. - - - SECT. I. _Of the Hot Distemper of the Womb._ - -This distemper consists in excess of heat; for as heat of the womb is -necessary for conception, so if it be too much, it nourisheth not the -seed, but disperseth its heat and hinders the conception. This -preternatural heat is sometimes from the birth, and causes barrenness; -but if it be accidental, it is from hot causes, that bring the heat and -the blood to the womb; it arises from internal and external medicines, -and from too much hot meat, drink, and exercise. Those that are troubled -with this distemper have but few menses, and those are yellow, black, -burnt, or sharp; are subject to headache, and abound with choler; and -when the distemper is strong upon them, they have but few terms, which -are out of order, being bad and hard to flow, and in time they become -hypochondriacs, and for the most part barren, having sometimes a frenzy -of the womb. - -_Cure._—The remedy is to use coolers, so that they offend not the -vessels that must open the flux of the terms. Therefore, take the -following inwardly, succory, endive, violets, water lilies, sorrel, -lettuce, saunders, and syrups and conserve made thereof. Also take -conserve of succory, violets, water lilies, burrage, each an ounce; -conserve of roses, half an ounce, diamargation frigid, diatriascancal, -each half a drachm; and with syrup of violets, or juice of citrons, make -an electuary. For outward applications, make use of ointment of roses, -violets, water lilies, gourd, venus, narvel, applied to the back and -loins. - -Let the air be cool, her garments thin, and her food endive, lettuce, -succory, and barley. Give her no hot meats, nor strong wine, unless -mixed with water. Rest is good for her, she may sleep as long as she -pleases. - - - SECT. II. _Of the Cold Distemper of the Womb._ - -This distemper is the reverse of the foregoing, and equally an enemy to -generation, being caused by a cold quality abounding to excess, and -proceeds from a too cold air, rest, idleness, and cooling medicines. The -terms are phlegmatic, thick, and slimy, and do not flow as they should; -the womb is windy, and the seed crude and waterish. It is the cause of -obstructions, and barrenness, and hard to be cured. - -_Cure._—Take galengal, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, each two drachms; -ginger, cubebs, nedory, cardamum, each an ounce; grains of paradise, -long pepper, each half an ounce; beat them, and put them into six quarts -of wine for eight days; then add sage, mint, balm, mother-wort, of each -three handfuls: let them stand eight days more, then pour off the wine, -and beat the herbs and the spice, and then pour off the wine again, and -distil them. Or you may use this: take cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace, -ginger, cubebs, cardamum, grains of paradise, each an ounce and a half; -galengal six drachms, long pepper half an ounce, zedoary five drachms, -bruise them, and add six quarts of wine; put them into a cellar nine -days, daily stirring them; then add of mint two handfuls, and let them -stand fourteen days; pour off the wine, and bruise them, and then pour -on the wine again, and distil them. Also anoint with oil of lilies, rue, -angelica, bays, cinnamon, cloves, mace, and nutmeg. Let her diet and air -be warm, her meat of easy concoction, seasoned with aniseed, fennel, and -thyme; and let her avoid raw fruits and milk diet. - - - SECT. III. _Of the Inflation of the Womb._ - -The inflation of the womb is a stretching of it by wind, called by some -a windy mole; the wind proceeds from a cold matter, whether thick or -thin, contained in the veins of the womb by which the heat thereof is -overcome, and which either flows thither from other parts, or is -gathered there by cold meats and drinks. Cold air may be a producing -cause of it also, as women that lie-in are exposed to it. The wind is -contained either in the cavity of the vessels of the womb, or between -the tunicles, and may be known by a swelling in the region of the womb, -which sometimes reaches to the navel, loins, and diaphragm, and rises -and abates as the wind increaseth or decreaseth. It differs from the -dropsy, in that it never swells so high. That neither physician nor -midwife may take it for conception, let them observe the signs of the -pregnant woman laid down in a former part of this work; and if any sign -be wanting, they may suspect it to be an inflation; of which this is a -further sign, that in conception the swelling is invariable; also if you -strike upon the belly, in an inflation, there will be a noise, but not -so in case there be a conception. It also differs from a mole, because -in that there is a weight and hardness in the abdomen, and when the -patient moves from one side to the other she feels a great weight which -moveth; but not so in this. If the inflation continue without the cavity -of the womb, the pain is greater and more extensive, nor is there any -noise, because the wind is more pent up. - -_Cure._—This distemper is neither of a long continuance, nor dangerous, -if looked after in time; and if it be in the cavity of the womb, is more -easily expelled. To which purpose give her diaphnicon, with a little -castor, and sharp clysters that expel the wind. If this distemper happen -to a woman in travail, let her not purge after delivery, nor bleed, -because it is from a cold matter; but if it come after child-bearing, -and her terms come down sufficiently, and she has fulness of blood, let -the saphæna vein be opened; after which let her take the following -electuary: take conserve of betony and rosemary, of each an ounce and a -half; candied eringoes, citron peel candied, each half an ounce; -diacinium, diaganel, each a drachm; oil of aniseed six drops; and with -syrup of citrons make an electuary. For outward application make a -cataplasm of rue, mugwort, camomile, dill, calamint, new pennyroyal, -thyme, with oil of rue, keir, and camomile. And let the following -clyster, to expel the wind, be put into the womb; take angus castus, -cinnamon, each two drachms; boil them in wine to half a pint. She may -likewise use sulphur, Bath and Spa waters, both inward and outward, -because they expel wind. - - - SECT. IV. _Of the Straitness of the Womb, and its Vessels._ - -This is another effect of the womb, which is a very great obstruction to -the bearing of children, hindering both the flow of the menses and -conception, and is seated in the vessels of the womb, and the neck -thereof. The causes of this straitness are thick and rough humours, that -stop the mouth of the veins and arteries. These humours are bred either -by gross or too much nourishment, when the heat of the womb is so weak -that it cannot attenuate the humours, which, by reason thereof, either -flow from the whole body, or are gathered into the womb. Now, the -vessels are made straiter or closer several ways: sometimes by -inflammation, schirrous, or other tumours; sometimes by compressions, -scars, or by flesh and membranes that grow after a wound. The signs by -which this is known are, the stoppage of the terms, not conceiving, and -crudities abounding in the body, which are all shown by particular -signs; for if there is a wound, or the secundine pulled out by force, -phlegm comes from the wound; if stoppage of the terms be from an old -obstruction by humours, it is hard to be cured; if it be only from the -disorderly use of astringents, it is more curable; if it be from a -schirrous, or other tumours, that compress or close the vessel, the -disease is incurable. - -_Cure._—For the cure of that which is curable, obstructions must be -taken away, phlegm must be purged, and she may be let blood, as will be -hereafter directed in the stoppage of the terms. Then use the following -medicine: take of aniseed and fennel seed, each a drachm; rosemary, -pennyroyal, calamint, betony flowers, each an ounce; saffron, half a -drachm, with wine. Or take asparagus roots, parsley roots, each an -ounce; pennyroyal, calamint, each a handful; wall-flowers, -gilly-flowers, each two handfuls; boil, strain, and add syrup of mugwort -an ounce and a half. For a fomentation, take pennyroyal, mercury, -calamint, marjoram, mugwort, each two handfuls; rosemary, bays, -camomile-flowers, each a handful; boil them in water, and foment the -groin and bottom of the abdomen; or let her sit up to the navel in a -bath, and then anoint about the groin with oil of rue, lilies, dill, &c. - - - SECT. V. _Of the Falling of the Womb._ - -This is another evil effect of the womb, which is both very troublesome, -and also an hinderance to conception. Sometimes the womb falleth to the -middle of the thighs, nay, almost to the knees, and may be known then by -its hanging out. Now, that which causeth the womb to change its place -is, that the ligaments, by which it is bound to the other parts, are not -in order; for there are four ligaments, two above, broad and membranous, -that come from the peritoneum, and two below, that are nervous, round -and hollow; it is also bound to the great vessels by veins and arteries, -and to the back by nerves; but the place is changed when it is drawn -another way, or when the ligaments are loose, and it falls down by its -own weight. It is drawn on one side when the menses are hindered from -flowing, and the veins and arteries are full, namely, those that go to -the womb. If it be a mole on one side, the liver and spleen cause it; by -the liver veins on the right side, and the spleen on the left, as they -are more or less filled. Others are of opinion, it comes from the -solution of the connection of the fibrous neck and parts adjacent; and -that it is from the weight of the womb descending; this we deny not; but -the ligaments must be loose or broken. But women in a dropsy could not -be said to have the womb fallen down, if it came only from looseness; -but in them it is caused by the saltness of the water, which dries more -than it moistens. Now, if there be a little tumour, within or without -the privities, like a skin stretched, or a weight felt upon the -privities, it is nothing else but a descent of the womb; but if there be -a tumour like a goose’s egg, and a hole at the bottom, and there is at -first a great pain in the parts to which the womb is fastened, as the -loins, the bottom of the abdomen, and the os sacrum, it proceeds from -the breaking or stretching of the ligaments; and a little after, the -pain is abated, and there is an impediment in walking, and sometimes -blood comes from the breach of the vessels, and the excrements and urine -are stopped, and then a fever and convulsion ensueth, oftentime proving -mortal, especially if it happen to pregnant women. - -_Cure._—For the cure of this distemper, first put up the womb, before -the air alter it, or it be swollen or inflamed: and for this purpose -give a clyster to remove the excrements, and lay her upon her back, with -her legs abroad, and her thighs lifted up, and head down; then take the -tumour in your hand, and thrust it in without violence; if it be swelled -by alteration and cold, foment it with a decoction of mallows, althæa, -lime, fenugreek, camomile flowers, bay berries, and anoint it with oil -of lilies, and hen’s grease. If there be an inflammation, do not put it -up, but fright it in, by putting a red hot iron before it and making a -show as if you intended to burn it; but first sprinkle upon it the -powder of mastich, frankincense, and the like; thus, take frankincense, -mastich, each two drachms; sarcocol, steeped in milk, a drachm; -pomegranate flowers, sanguis draconis, each half a drachm. When it is -put up, let her lie with her legs stretched, and one upon the other, for -eight or ten days and make a pessary in the form of a pear, with cork or -sponge, and put it into the womb, dipped in sharp wine, or juice of -acacia, with powder of sanguis, with galbanum and bdellium. Apply also a -cupping-glass, with a great flame, under the navel or paps, or to both -kidneys, and lay this plaster to the back: take opoponax, two ounces; -storax liquid, half an ounce; mastich, frankincense, pitch, bole, each -two drachms; then with wax make a plaster; or, take laudanum, a drachm -and a half; mastich, and frankincense, each half a drachm; wood aloes, -cloves, spike, each half a drachm; ash-coloured ambergris, four grains; -musk, half a scruple; make two round plasters to be laid on each side of -the navel: make a fume of snails’ skins salted, or of garlic, and let it -be taken in by the funnel. Use also astringent fomentations of bramble -leaves, plantain, horse tails, myrtles, each two handfuls; worm-seed, -two handfuls; pomegranate flowers, half an ounce; boil them in wine and -water. For an injection take comfrey root an ounce; rupture work, two -drachms; yarrow, mugwort, each half an ounce; boil them in red wine, and -inject with a syringe. To strengthen the womb, take hartshorn, bays, of -each a drachm; myrrh, half a drachm; make a powder for two doses, and -give it with sharp wine. Or, you may take zedoary, parsnip seed, crabs’ -eyes prepared, each a drachm; nutmeg, half a drachm; and give a drachm -in powder; but astringents must be used with great caution, lest by -stopping the menses, a worse mischief follow. To keep it in its place, -make rollers and ligatures as for a rupture; and put pessaries into the -bottom of the womb, that may force it to remain. Let the diet be such as -has drying, astringent, and glueing qualities, as rice, starch, quinces, -pears, and green cheese; but let the summer fruits be avoided; and let -her wine be astringent and red. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - OF DISEASES RELATING TO WOMEN’S MONTHLY TERMS. - - - SECT. I. _Of Women’s Monthly Terms in General._ - -That divine Providence, which with a wisdom peculiar to itself has -appointed woman to conceive, and to bear and bring forth children, has -provided for the nourishment of children during their recess in the womb -of their mother, by that redundancy of the blood which is natural to all -women; and which, flowing out at certain periods of time (when they are -not pregnant), are from thence called _terms_ and _menses_, from their -monthly flux of excrementitious and unprofitable blood. Now, that the -matter flowing forth is excrementitious, is to be understood only with -respect to the redundancy and overplus thereof, being an excrement only -with respect to its quality; for as to its quality, it is as pure and -incorrupt as any blood in the veins; and this appears from the final -cause of it, which is the propagation and conservation of mankind; and -also, from the generation of it, being the superfluity of the last -aliment of the fleshy parts. If any ask, if the menses be not of a -hurtful quality, how can they cause such venomous effects? If they fall -upon trees and herbs, they make one barren and mortify the other. I -answer, this malignity is contracted in the womb; for the woman wanting -native heat to digest the superfluity, sends it to the matrix, where -seating itself till the mouth of the womb be dilated, it becomes corrupt -and mortified; which may easily be, considering the heat and moistness -of the place; and so this blood being out of its proper vessels, offends -in quality. - - - SECT. II. _Of Terms coming out of order, either before or after the - usual Time._ - -Having, in the former part of this work, treated of the suppression and -overflow of the monthly terms, I shall content myself with referring the -reader thereto, and proceed to speak of their coming out of order, -either before or after the usual time. - -Both these proceed from an ill constitution of body. Every thing is -beautiful in its order, in nature, as well as in mortality; and if the -order of nature be broke it shows the body to be out of order. Of each -of these effects briefly. - -When the monthly terms come before their time, showing a depraved -excretion, and flowing sometimes twice a month, the cause is in the -blood, which stirs up the expulsive faculty of the womb, or else in the -whole body, and is frequently occasioned by the person’s diet, which -increases the blood too much, making it too sharp or too hot. If the -retentive faculty of the womb be weak, and the expulsive faculty strong, -and of a quick sense, it brings them forth the sooner. Sometimes they -flow sooner by reason of a fall, stroke, or some violent passion, which -the parties themselves can best relate. If it be from heat, thin and -sharp humours, it is known by the distemper of the whole body. The -looseness of the vessels, and weakness of the retentive faculty, is -known from a moist and loose habit of the body. It is more troublesome -than dangerous. If it proceed from a sharp blood, let her temper it by a -good diet and medicines. To which purpose, let her use baths of iron -water, that correct the distemper of the bowels, and then evacuate. If -it proceed from the retentive faculty, and looseness of the vessels, it -is to be corrected with gentle astringents. - -As to the menses flowing after the usual time, the causes are, thickness -of the blood and the smallness of its quantity, with the straitness of -the passage, and the weakness of the expulsive faculties. Either of -these singly may stop the menses, but if they all concur, they render -the distemper worse. If the blood abounds not in such a quantity as may -stir up nature to expel it, its purging must necessarily be deferred -till there be enough. And if the blood be thick, the passage stopped, -and the expulsive faculty weak, the menses must needs be out of order, -and the purging of them retarded. - -For the cure of this, if the quantity of blood be small, let her use a -larger diet, and very little exercise. If the blood be thick and foul, -let it be made thin, and the humours mixed therewith be evacuated. It is -good to purge after the menses have done flowing, and to use calamint; -and indeed the oftener she purges the better. She may also use fumes and -pessaries, apply cupping-glasses without scarification to the inside of -the thighs, and rub the legs and scarify the ancles, and hold the feet -in warm water four or five days before the menses come down. Let her -also anoint the bottom part of her abdomen with things proper to provoke -the terms. - - - _Remedies for Disorders in Women’s Paps._ - -Make a cataplasm of bean meal and salad oil, and lay it to the place -affected. Or anoint with the juice of papilaris. This must be done when -the paps are very sore. - -If the paps be hard and swelled, take a handful of rue, colewort roots, -horehound and mint; if you cannot get all these conveniently, any two -will do; pound the handful in honey, and apply it once every day till -healed. - -If the nipples be stiff and sore, anoint twice a day with Florence oil -till healed. - -If the paps be flappy and hanging, bruise a little hemlock, and apply it -to the breast for three days; but let it not stand above seven hours. -Or, which is safer, rusæ juice well boiled, with a little smapios added -thereto, and anoint. - -If the paps be hard and dead, make a plate of lead pretty thin, to -answer the breasts; let this stand nine hours each day, for three days. -Or sassafras bruised, and used in like manner. - - - _Receipt for Procuring Milk._ - -Drink arpleni, drawn as tea, for twenty-one days. Or eat aniseeds. Also -the juice of arbor vitæ, a glassful once a day for eleven days, is very -good, for it quickens the memory, strengthens the body, and causeth milk -to flow in abundance. - - - _Directions for Drawing of Blood._ - -Drawing of blood was at first invented for good and salutary purposes, -although often abused and misapplied. To bleed in the left arm removes -long-continued pains and head-aches. It is also good for those who have -got falls and bruises. - -Bleeding is good for many disorders, and generally proves a cure, except -in some very extraordinary cases; and in these cases bleeding is -hurtful. - -If a woman be pregnant, to draw a little blood will give her ease, good -health and a lusty child. - -Bleeding is a most certain cure for no less than twenty-one disorders, -without any outward or inward applications; and for many more, with -application of drugs, herbs and flowers. - -When the moon is on the increase, you may let blood at any time, day or -night; but when she is on the decline, you must bleed only in the -morning. - -Bleeding may be performed from the month of March to November. No -bleeding in December, January, or February, unless an occasion require -it. The months of March, April, and November, are the three chief months -of the year for bleeding in; but it may be performed with safety from -the 9th of March to the 19th of November. - -To prevent the dangers that may arise from the unskilful drawing of -blood, let none open a vein but a person of experience and practice. -There are three sorts of people you must not let draw blood: first, -ignorant and inexperienced pretenders. Secondly, those who have bad -sight and trembling hands, whether skilled or unskilled. For when the -hand trembles, the lancet is apt to startle from the vein, and the flesh -be thereby damaged, which may hurt, canker, and very much torment the -patient. Thirdly, let no woman bleed you, but such as has gone through a -course of midwifery at college; for those who are unskilful may cut an -artery, to the great damage of the patient. Besides, what is still -worse, those pretended bleeders, who take it up at their own hand, -generally keep unedged and rusty lancets, which will prove hurtful even -in a skilful hand. Accordingly, you ought to be cautious in choosing -your physician: a man of learning knows what vein to open for each -disorder; he knows how much blood to take as soon as he sees the -patient; and he can give you suitable advice concerning your disorder. - -[Illustration: - - FORM OF A MALE CHILD IN THE WOMB. - - EXPLANATION. - - A The uterus, as stretched to near its full extent, containing the - _fœtus_ entangled in the _funis_.—B. B. The superior part of the - _ossa ilium_.—C. C. The _actebula_. D. D. The remaining posterior - parts of the _ossa ischium_.—E. The _coccyx_.—F. The inferior part - of the _rectum_.—G. G. The _vagina_ stretched on each side.—H. The - _os uteri_, stretching to its full extent.—I. I. Part of the _vesica - urinaria_.—K. K. The _placenta_ at the superior and posterior parts - of the _uterus_.—L. The _Membranes_.—M. The _funis umbilicalis_. -] - - - - - ARISTOTLE’S BOOK OF PROBLEMS, - WITH OTHER - ASTRONOMERS, ASTROLOGERS, AND PHYSICIANS, - CONCERNING - THE STATE OF MAN’S BODY. - - -Q. Among all living creatures, why hath man only his countenance lifted -up towards heaven? A. 1. From the will of the Creator. But, although -this answer be true, yet it seemeth not to be of force, because that so -all questions might be easily resolved. Therefore, 2. I answer, that, -for the most part, every workman doth make his first work worse, and -then his second better; so God creating all other animals before man -gave them their face looking down to the earth; and then secondly, he -created man, unto whom he gave an upright shape, lifted unto heaven, -because it is drawn from divinity, and is derived from the goodness of -God, who maketh all his works both perfect and good. 3. Man only among -all living creatures, is ordained to the kingdom of heaven and therefore -hath his face elevated and lifted up to heaven, because that, despising -earthly and worldly things, he ought often to contemplate on heavenly -things. 4. That the reasonable man is like unto angels, and finally -ordained towards God; and therefore he hath a figure looking upward. 5. -Man is a microcosm, that is, a little world, and therefore he doth -command all other living creatures, and they obey him. 6. Naturally -there is unto every thing and every work that form and figure given -which is fit and proper for its motion; as unto the heavens roundness, -to the fire a pyramidical form, that is, broad beneath and sharp towards -the top, which form is most apt to ascend; and so man has his face -towards heaven, to behold the wonders of God’s works. - -Q. Why are the heads of men hairy? A. The hair is the ornament of the -head, and the brain is purged of gross humours by the growing of the -hair, from the highest to the lowest, which pass through the pores of -the exterior flesh, become dry, and converted into hair. This appears to -be the case from the circumstance that in all man’s body there is -nothing drier than the hair, for it is drier than the bones; and it is -well known that some beasts are nourished with bones, as dogs, but they -cannot digest feathers or hair, but void them undigested, being too hot -for nourishment. 2. It is answered, that the brain is purged in three -different ways; of superfluous watery humours by the eyes, of choler by -the nose, and of phlegm by the hair; which is the opinion of the best -physicians. - -Q. Why have men longer hair on their heads than any other living -creatures? A. Arist. de. Generat. Anim. says, that men have the moistest -brains of all living creatures, from which the seed proceedeth which is -converted into the long hair of the head. 2. The humours of men are fat, -and do not become dry easily; and therefore the hair groweth long on -them. In beasts, the humours easily dry, and therefore the hair groweth -not so long. - -Q. Why doth the hair take deeper root in man’s skin than in that of any -other living creatures? A. Because it has greater store of nourishment -in man, and therefore grows more in the inward parts of man. And this is -the reason why in other creatures the hair doth alter and change with -the skin, and not in man, unless by a scar or wound. - -Q. Why have women longer hair than men? A. 1. Because women are moister -and more phlegmatic than men; and therefore there is more matter for -hair in them, and, by consequence, the length also of their hair. And, -furthermore, this matter is more increased in women than men from their -interior parts, and especially in the time of their monthly terms, -because the matter doth then ascend, whereby the humour which breedeth -the hair doth increase. 2. Because women want beards; so the matter of -the beard doth go into that of the hair. - -Q. Why have some women soft hair and some hard? A. 1. The hair hath -proportion with the skin; of which some is hard, some thick, some subtle -and soft, and some gross; therefore the hair which grows out of a thick -gross skin, is thick and gross; that which groweth out of a subtle and -fine skin is fine and soft; when the pores are open, then cometh forth -much humour, and therefore hard hair is engendered; and when the pores -are strait, then there doth grow soft and fine hair. This doth evidently -appear in men, because women have softer hair than they; for in women -the pores are shut and strait, by reason of their coldness. 2. Because -for the most part, choleric men have harder and thicker hair than -others, by reason of their heat, and because their pores are always -open, and therefore they have beards sooner than others. For this reason -also, those beasts which have hard hair are the boldest, because such -have proceeded from heat and choler, examples of which we have in the -bear and boar; and contrariwise, those beasts that have soft hair are -fearful, because they are cold, as the hare and the hart. 3. From the -climate where a man is born; because in hot regions hard and gross hair -is engendered, as appears in the Ethiopians, and the contrary is the -case in cold countries towards the north. - -Q. Why have some men curled hair and some smooth? A. From the superior -degree of heat in some men, which makes the hair curl and grow upward: -this is proved by a man’s having smooth hair when he goes into a hot -bath, and it afterwards becomes curled. Therefore, keepers of baths have -often curled hair, as also Ethiopians and choleric men. But the cause of -the smoothness is the abundance of moist humours. - -Q. Why have not women beards? A. Because they want heat; which is the -case with some effeminate men, who are beardless from the same cause, -and have complexions like women. - -Q. Why doth the hair grow on those who are hanged? A. Because their -bodies are exposed to the sun, which by its heat doth dissolve all -moisture into the fume or vapour of which the hair doth grow. - -Q. Why is the hair of the beard thicker and grosser than elsewhere; and -the more men are shaven, the harder and thicker it groweth? A. Because -by so much as the humours or vapours of any liquid are dissolved and -taken away, so much the more doth the humour remaining draw to the same; -and therefore, the more the hair is shaven, the thicker the humours -gather which engenders the hair, and cause it to wax hard. - -Q. Why are women smoother and fairer than men? A. Because in women much -of the humidity and superfluity, which are the matter and cause of the -hair of the body, is expelled with their monthly terms; which -superfluity, remaining in men, through vapours passes into hair. - -Q. Why doth man, above all other creatures, wax hoary and gray? A. -Because man hath the hottest heart of all living creatures; and, -therefore, nature being most wise, lest a man should be suffocated -through the heat of his heart, hath placed the heart which is most hot, -under the brain, which is most cold; to the end that the heat of the -heart may be tempered by the coldness of the brain; and contrariwise, -that the coldness of the brain may be qualified by the heat of the -heart; and thereby there might be a temperature in both. A proof of this -is, that of all living creatures man hath the worst breath when he comes -to full age. Furthermore, man doth consume nearly half his time in -sleep, which doth proceed from the great excess of coldness and moisture -in the brain, and from his wanting natural heat to digest and consume -that moisture, which heat he hath in his youth, and therefore in that -age it is not gray, but in old age when heat faileth; because then the -vapours ascending from the stomach remain undigested and unconsumed for -want of natural heat, and thus putrefy, of which putrefaction of humours -the whiteness doth follow which is called grayness or hoariness. Whereby -it doth appear, that hoariness is nothing else but a whiteness of hair, -caused by a putrefaction of the humours about the roots of the hair, -through the want of natural heat in old age. Sometimes all grayness is -caused by the naughtiness of the complexion, which may happen in youth; -sometimes through over great fear and care, as appeareth in merchants, -sailors, and thieves. - -Q. Why doth red hair grow white sooner than hair of any other colour? A. -Because redness is an infirmity of the hair; for it is engendered of a -weak and infirm matter, that is of matter corrupted with the flowers of -the woman; and therefore it waxes white sooner than any other. - -Q. Why do wolves grow grisly? A. To understand this question, note the -difference between grayness and grisliness: grayness is caused through -defect of natural heat, but grisliness through devouring and heat. The -wolf being a devouring animal beast, he eateth gluttonously without -chewing, and enough at once for three days; in consequence of which, -gross vapours are engendered in the wolfs body, which cause grisliness. -Grayness and grisliness have this difference; grayness is only in the -head, but grisliness all over the body. - -Q. Why do horses grow grisly and gray? A. Because they are for the most -part in the sun, and heat naturally causes putrefaction; therefore the -matter of air doth putrefy, and in consequence they are quickly peeled. - -Q. Why are not women bald? A. Because they are cold and moist, which are -the causes that the hair remaineth; for moistness doth give nutriment to -the hair, and coldness doth bind the pores. - -Q. Why are not blind men naturally bald? A. Because the eye hath -moisture in it, and that moisture which should pass through by the -substance of the eyes doth become a sufficient nutriment for the hair, -and therefore they are seldom bald. - -Q. Why doth the hair stand on end when men are afraid? A. Because in -time of fear the heat doth go from the outward parts of the body into -the inward to help the heart, and so the pores in which the hair is -fastened are shut up; after which stopping and shutting up of the pores, -the standing up of the hair doth follow. - - - _Of the Head._ - -Q. Why is a man’s head round? A. Because it contains in it the moistest -parts of the living creature; and also that the brain may be defended -thereby, as with a shield. - -Q. Why is the head not absolutely long, but somewhat round? A. To the -end that the three creeks and cells of the brain might the better be -distinguished: that is, the fancy in the forehead, the discoursing or -reasonable part in the middle, and memory in the hindermost part. - -Q. Why doth a man lift up his head towards the heavens when he doth -imagine? A. Because the imagination is the fore part of the head or -brain, and therefore it lifteth up itself, that the creeks or cells of -the imagination may be opened, and that the spirits which help the -imagination, and are fit for that purpose, having their concourse -thither, may help the imagination. - -Q. Why doth a man, when he museth or thinketh of things past, look -towards the earth? A. Because the cell or creek which is behind, is the -creek or chamber of the memory; and therefore that looketh towards the -heavens when the head is bowed down, and so that cell is open, to the -end that the spirits which perfect the memory should enter in. - -Q. Why is not the head fleshy, like other parts of the body? A. Because -the head would be too heavy, and would not stand steadily. Also, a head -loaded with flesh betokens an evil complexion. - -Q. Why is the head subject to aches and griefs? A. By reason that evil -humours, which proceed from the stomach, ascend up to the head and -disturb the brain, and so cause pain in the head: sometimes it proceeds -from overmuch filling the stomach, because two great sinews pass from -the brain to the mouth of the stomach, and therefore these two parts do -always suffer grief together. - -Q. Why have women the headache oftener than man? A. By reason of their -monthly terms, which men are not troubled with; and by which a moist, -unclean, and venomous fume is produced, that seeks passage upwards, and -so causes the headache. - -Q. Why is the brain white? A. 1. Because it is cold, and coldness is the -mother of white. 2. Because it may receive the similitude and likeness -of all colours, which the white colour can best do, because it is most -simple. - -Q. Why are all the senses in the head? A. Because the brain is there, on -which all the senses depend, and are directed by it; and consequently, -it maketh all the spirits to feel, and governeth all the membranes. - -Q. Why cannot a person escape death if the brain or heart be hurt? A. -Because the brain and heart are the two principal parts which concern -life; and, therefore, if they be hurt, there is no remedy left for cure. - -Q. Why is the brain moist? A. Because it may easily receive an -impression, which moisture can best do, as it appeareth in wax, which -doth easily receive the print of the seal when soft. - -Q. Why is the brain cold? A. 1. Because that by this coldness it may -clear the understanding of man, and make it subtle. 2. That by the -coldness of the brain the heat of the heart may be tempered. - - - _Of the Eyes._ - -Q. Why have you one nose and two eyes? A. Because light is more -necessary for us than smelling; and therefore it doth proceed from the -goodness of Nature, that if we receive any hurt or loss of one eye, the -other may remain. - -Q. Why have children great eyes in their youth, which become small as -they grow up? A. It proceeds from the want of fire, and from the -assemblage and meeting together of the light and humour; the eyes being -lightened by the sun, which doth lighten the easy humour thereof and -purge them; and, in the absence of the sun, those humours become dark -and black, and the sight not so good. - -Q. Why does the blueish gray eye see badly in the day-time, and well in -the night? A. Because grayness is light and shining of itself, and the -spirits with which we see are weakened in the day-time and strengthened -in the night. - -Q. Why are men’s eyes of divers colours? A. By reason of diversity of -humours. The eye hath four coverings and three humours. The first -covering is called consolidative, which is the outermost, strong and -fat. The second is called a horny skin or covering, of the likeness of a -horn; which is a clear covering. The third, uvea, of the likeness of a -black grape. The fourth is called a cobweb. The first humour is called -_abungines_, from its likeness unto the white of an egg. The second -_glarial_; that is, clear, like unto crystalline. The third, _vitreous_; -that is, clear as glass. And the diversity of humours causeth the -diversity of the eye. - -Q. Why are men who have but one eye good archers? and why do good -archers commonly shut one eye? And why do such as behold the stars look -through a trunk with one eye? A. This matter is handled in the -perspective arts; and the reason is, as it doth appear in _The Book of -Causes_, because that every virtue and strength united and knit together -is stronger than when dispersed and scattered. Therefore all the force -of seeing dispersed in two eyes, the one being shut, is gathered into -the other; and so the light is fortified in him; and by consequence he -doth see better and more certainly with one eye being shut, than when -both are open. - -Q. Why do those that drink and laugh much shed most tears? A. Because -that while they drink and laugh without measure, the air which is drawn -in doth not pass out through the wind-pipe, and so with force is -directed and sent to the eyes, and by their pores passing out, doth -expel the humours of the eyes; which humour being so expelled brings -tears. - -Q. Why do such as weep much, urine but little? A. Because the radical -humidity of a tear and of urine are of one and the same nature; and -therefore, where weeping doth increase, urine diminishes. And that they -are of one nature is plain to the taste, because they are both salt. - -Q. Why do some that have clear eyes see nothing? A. By reason of the -oppilation and naughtiness of the sinews with which we see; for the -temples being destroyed, the strength of the light cannot be carried -from the brain to the eye. - -Q. Why is the eye clear and smooth like glass? A. 1. Because the things -which may be seen are better beaten back from a smooth thing than -otherwise, that thereby the sight should strengthen. 2. Because the eye -is moist above all parts of the body, and of a waterish nature; and as -the water is clear and smooth, so likewise is the eye. - -Q. Why do men and beasts who have their eyes deep in their head see best -far off? A. Because the force and power by which we see is not dispersed -in them, and doth go directly to the thing which is seen. Thus, when a -man doth stand in a deep ditch or well, he doth see in the day-time the -stars of the firmament; because then the power of the sight and of the -beams are not scattered. - -Q. Wherefore do those men who have eyes far out in their head not see -far distant? A. Because the beams of the sight which pass from the eye -are scattered on every side, and go not directly unto the thing that is -seen, and therefore the sight is weakened. - -Q. Why are many beasts born blind, as lions’ whelps and dogs’ whelps? A. -Because such beasts are not yet of perfect ripeness and maturity, and -the course of nutriment doth not work in them. Thus, the swallow, whose -eyes, if they were taken out when they are young in their nest, would -grow in again. And this is the case in many beasts who are brought forth -before their time, as it were dead, as bears’ whelps. - -Q. Why do the eyes of a woman that hath her flowers stain new glass? And -why doth a basilisk kill a man with his sight? A. 1. When the flowers do -run from a woman, then a most venomous air is distilled from them, which -doth ascend into the woman’s head; and she having pain in her head, doth -wrap it up with a cloth or handkerchief; and, because the eyes are full -of insensible holes, which are called pores, there the air seeketh a -passage and infects the eyes, which are full of blood. The eyes also -appear dropping and full of tears, by reason of the evil vapour that is -in them; and these vapours are incorporated and multiplied till they -come to the glass before them; and by reason that such a glass is round, -clear, and smooth, it doth easily receive that which is unclean. 2. The -basilisk is a very venomous and infectious animal, and there pass from -his eyes venomous vapours, which are multiplied upon the thing which is -seen by him, and even unto the eye of man; the which venomous vapours or -humours entering into the body do infect him, and so in the end the man -dieth. And this is also the reason why the basilisk, looking upon a -shield perfectly well made with fast clammy pitch, or any hard smooth -thing, doth kill itself, because the humours are beaten back from the -hard smooth thing unto the basilisk, by which beating back he is killed. - -Q. Why is the sparkling in cats’ eyes and wolves’ eyes seen in the dark -and not in the light? A. Because that the greater light doth darken the -lesser; and therefore in a greater light the sparkling cannot be seen; -but the greater the darkness, the easier it is seen, and is made more -strong and shining. - -Q. Why is the sight retreated and refreshed by a green colour? A. -Because green doth merely move the sight, and therefore doth comfort it; -but this doth not black nor white colours, because these colours do -vehemently stir and alter the organ and instrument of the sight, and -therefore make the greater violence; and by how much the more violent -the thing is which is felt or seen, the more it doth destroy and weaken -the sense. - - - _Of the Nose._ - -Q. Why doth the nose stand out farther than any other part of the body? -A. 1. Because the nose is as it were, the sink of the brain, by which -the phlegm of the brain is purged; and therefore it doth stand forth, -lest the other parts should be defiled. 2. Because the nose is the -beauty of the face, and doth smell. - -Q. Why hath man the worst smell of all creatures? A. Because man hath -most brains of all creatures; and, therefore, by exceeding coldness and -moisture, the brain wanteth a good disposition, and by consequence, the -smelling instrument is not good; yea, some men have no smell. - -Q. Why have vultures and comorants a keen smell? A. Because they have a -very dry brain; and therefore, the air carrying the smell is not -hindered by the humidity of the brain, but doth presently touch its -instrument; and, therefore, vultures, tigers, and other ravenous beasts, -have been known to come five hundred miles after dead bodies. - -Q. Why did nature make the nostrils? A. 1. Because, the mouth being -shut, we draw breath in by the nostrils to refresh the heart. 2. Because -the air which proceedeth from the mouth doth savour badly, because of -the vapours which rise from the stomach, but that which we breathe from -the nose is not noisome. 3. Because the phlegm which doth proceed from -the brain is purged by them. - -Q. Why do men sneeze? A. That the expulsive virtue and power of the -sight should thereby be purged, and the brain also, from superfluities: -because, as the lungs are purged by coughing, so is the sight and brain -by sneezing; and therefore physicians give sneezing medicaments to purge -the brain; and thus it is, such sick persons that cannot sneeze die -quickly, because it is a sign their brain is wholly stuffed with evil -humours, which cannot be purged. - -Q. Why do not such as are apoplectic sneeze; that is, such as are -subject easily to bleed? A. Because the passages or ventricles of the -brain are stopped; and if they could sneeze, their apoplexy would be -loosed. - -Q. Why does the heat of the sun provoke sneezing, and not the heat of -the fire? A. Because the heat of the sun doth dissolve, but not consume, -and therefore the vapour dissolved is expelled by sneezing; but the heat -of the fire doth dissolve and consume, and therefore doth rather hinder -sneezing than provoke it. - - - _Of the Ears_ - -Q. Why do beasts move their ears, and not men? A. Because there is a -certain muscle near the under-jaw which doth cause motion in the ear; -and therefore that muscle being extended and stretched, men do not move -their ears, as it hath been seen in divers men; but all beasts do use -that muscle or fleshy sinew, and therefore do move their ears. - -Q. Why is rain prognosticated by the pricking up of asses’ ears? A. -Because the ass is of a melancholic constitution, and the approach of -rain produceth that effect upon such a constitution. In the time of rain -all beasts prick up their ears, but the ass before it comes. - -Q. Why have some animals no ears? A. Nature giveth unto every thing that -which is fit for it; but if she had given birds ears, their flying would -have been hindered by them. Likewise fish want ears, because they would -hinder their swimming, and have only certain little holes through which -they hear. - -Q. Why have bats ears, although of the bird kind? A. Because they are -partly birds in nature, in that they fly, by reason whereof they have -wings; and partly they are hairy, and seem to be of the nature of mice, -therefore nature hath given them ears. - -Q. Why have men only round ears? A. Because the shape of the whole and -of the parts should be proportionable, and especially in all things of -one nature; for as a drop of water is round, so the whole water; and so, -because a man’s head is round, the ear inclines towards the same figure; -but the heads of beasts are somewhat long, and so the ears are drawn -into length likewise. - -Q. Why hath nature given all living creatures ears? A. 1. Because with -them they should hear. 2. Because by the ear choleric superfluity is -purged; for as the head is purged of phlegmatic superfluity by the nose, -so from choleric by the ears. - - - _Of the Mouth._ - -Q. Why hath the mouth lips to compass it? A. Because the lips cover and -defend the teeth; for it would be unseemly if the teeth were always -seen. Also, the teeth being of a cold nature, would soon be hurt if they -were not covered with lips. - -Q. Why has a man two eyes, two ears, and but one mouth? A. Because a man -should speak but little, and hear and see much. And by hearing and the -light we see the difference of things. - -Q. Why hath a man a mouth? A. 1. Because the mouth is the gate or door -of the stomach. 2. Because the meat is chewed in the mouth, and prepared -and made ready for the first digestion. 3. Because the air drawn into -the hollow of the mouth for the refreshing of the heart is made pure and -subtle. - -Q. Why are the lips moveable? A. For the purpose of forming the voice -and words, which cannot be perfectly done without them. For, as without -_a_, _b_, _c_, there is no writing, so without the lips no voice can be -well formed. - -Q. What causes man to yawn or gape? A. It proceeds from the thick fume -and vapours that fill the jaws; by the expulsion of which is caused the -stretching out and expansion of the jaws, and opening of the mouth. - -Q. Why doth a man gape when he seeth another doing the same? A. It -proceeds from the imagination. And this is proved by the similitude of -the ass, who, by reason of his melancholy, doth retain his superfluity -for a long time, and would neither eat nor make water unless he should -hear another doing the like. - - - _Of the Teeth._ - -Q. Why do the teeth only, amongst all other bones, experience the sense -of feeling? A. That they may discern heat and cold, that hurt them, -which other bones need not. - -Q. Why have men more teeth than women? A. By reason of the abundance of -heat and blood, which is more in men than women. - -Q. Why do the teeth grow to the end of our life, and not the other -bones? A. Because otherwise they would be consumed with chewing and -grinding. - -Q. Why do the teeth only come again when they fail, or be taken out, and -other bones being taken away grow no more? A. Because all other bones -are engendered of the humidity which is called radical, and so they -breed in the womb of the mother; but the teeth are engendered of -nutritive humidity, which is renewed and increased from day to day. - -Q. Why do the fore-teeth fall in youth, and grow again, and not the -cheek teeth? A. From the defect of matter, and from the figure; because -the fore-teeth are sharp, and the others broad. Also, it is the office -of the fore-teeth to cut the meat, and therefore they are sharp; and the -office of the other to chew the meat, and therefore they are broad in -fashion, which is fittest for that purpose. - -Q. Why do the fore-teeth grow soonest? A. Because we want them sooner in -cutting than the others in chewing. - -Q. Why do the teeth grow black in human creatures in their old age? A. -It is occasioned by the corruption of the meat, and the corruption of -phlegm, with a choleric humour. - -Q. Why are colt’s teeth yellow, and of the colour of saffron, when they -are young, and become white when they grow up? A. Because horses have -abundance of watery humours in them, which in their youth are digested -and converted into grossness; but in old age heat diminishes, and the -watery humours remain, whose proper colour is white. - -Q. Why did nature give living creatures teeth? A. To some to fight with, -and for defence of their lives, as unto wolves and bats; unto some to -eat with, as unto horses; unto some for the forming of voice, as unto -men. - -Q. Why do horned beasts want their upper teeth? A. Horns and teeth are -caused by the same matter, that is, nutrimental humidity, and therefore -the matter which passeth into horns turneth not into teeth, consequently -they want the upper teeth. And beasts cannot chew well; therefore, to -supply the want of teeth, they have two stomachs, from whence it -returns, and they chew it again; then it goes into the other to be -digested. - -Q. Why are some creatures brought forth, with teeth, as kids and lambs; -and some without, as men? A. Nature doth not want unnecessary things, -nor abound in superfluous; and therefore because these beasts, not long -after they are fallen, do need teeth, they are fallen with teeth; but -men, being nourished by their mother, for a long time, do not stand in -need of teeth. - - - _Of the Tongue._ - -Q. Why is the tongue full of pores? A. Because the tongue is the means -whereby we taste; and through the mouth, in the pores of the tongue, -doth proceed the sense of tasting. Again, it is observed, that frothy -spittle is sent into the mouth by the tongue from the lungs, moistening -the meat, and making it ready for digestion. - -Q. Why do the tongues of such as are sick of agues judge all things -bitter? A. Because the stomachs of such people are filled with choleric -humours; and choler is very bitter, as appeareth by the gall; therefore, -this bitter fume doth infect their tongues; and so the tongue being full -of those tastes, doth judge every thing bitter. - -Q. Why doth the tongue water when we hear sour and sharp things spoken -of? A. Because the imaginative virtue or power is of greater force than -the power and faculty of tasting; and when we imagine a taste, we -conceive the power of tasting as a means; there is nothing felt by the -taste, but by means of the spittle the tongue doth water. - -Q. Why do some persons stammer and lisp? A. Sometimes through the -moistness of the tongue and brain, as in children, who cannot speak -plainly nor pronounce many letters. Sometimes it happeneth by reason of -the shrinking of certain sinews which go to the tongue, which are -corrupted with phlegm. - -Q. Why are the tongues of serpents and mad dogs venomous? A. Because of -the malignity and tumosity of the venomous humour which predominates in -them. - -Q. Why is a dog’s tongue good for medicine, and a horse’s tongue -pestiferous? A. By reason of some secret property, or that the tongue of -a dog is full of pores, and so doth draw and take the viscosity of a -wound. It is observed that a dog hath some humour in his tongue, with -which, by licking, he doth heal; but the contrary effect is in a horse’s -tongue. - -Q. Why is spittle white? A. By reason of the continual movement of the -tongue, whereof heat is engendered, which doth make this superfluity -white; that is seen on the froth of water. - -Q. Why is spittle unsavoury and without taste? A. If it had a certain -determinate taste, then the tongue would not taste at all, but only give -the taste of spittle, and could not distinguish others. - -Q. Why does the spittle of one that is fasting heal an imposthume? A. -Because it is well digested, and made subtle. - -Q. Why do some abound in spittle more than others? A. This doth proceed -of a phlegmatic complexion, which doth predominate in them; and such are -liable to a quotidian ague, which ariseth from the predominance of -phlegm: the contrary, in those that spit little, because heat abounds in -them, which consumes the humidity of the spittle; and so the defect of -spittle is the sign of fever. - -Q. Why is the spittle of a man who is fasting more subtle than of one -who is full? A. Because the spittle is without the viscosity of meat, -which is wont to make the spittle of one who is full, gross and thick. - -Q. From whence proceedeth the spittle of man? A. From the froth of the -lungs, which, according to the physicians, is the seat of the phlegm. - -Q. Why have not birds spittle? A. Because they have very dry lungs. - -Q. Why doth the tongue sometimes lose the use of speaking? A. It is -occasioned by a palsy or apoplexy, which is a sudden effusion of blood, -and by gross humours; and sometimes also by infection of _spiritus -animalis_ in the middle cell of the brain, which hinders the spirits -from being carried to the tongue. - - - _Of the Roof of the Mouth._ - -Q. Why are fruits, before they are ripe, of a bitter or sour relish, and -afterwards sweet? A. A sour relish or taste proceeds from coldness and -want of heat in gross and thick humidity; but a sweet taste is produced -by sufficient heat; therefore, in the ripe fruit humidity is subtle -through the heat of the sun, and such fruit is commonly sweet; but -before it is ripe, as humidity is gross or subtle for want of heat, the -fruit is bitter or sour. - -Q. Why are we better delighted with sweet tastes than with bitter or any -other? A. Because a sweet thing is hot and moist, and through its heat -dissolves and consumes superfluous humidities, and by this humidity -immundicity is washed away; but a sharp eager taste, by reason of the -cold which predominates in it, doth bind overmuch, and prick and offend -the parts of the body in purging, and therefore we do not delight in -that taste. - -Q. Why doth a sharp taste, as that of vinegar, provoke appetite rather -than any other? A. Because it is cold, and doth cool. For it is the -nature of cold to desire and draw, and therefore it is the cause of -appetite. - -Q. Why do we draw in more air than we breathe out? A. Because much air -is drawn in that is converted into nutriment, and with the vital spirits -is contained in the lungs. Therefore a beast is not suffocated so long -as it receives air with its lungs, in which some part of the air -remaineth also. - -Q. Why doth the air seem to be expelled and put forth, seeing the air is -invisible, by reason of its variety and thinness? A. Because the air -which is received in us, is mingled with vapours and fumes from the -heart, by reason whereof it is made thick, and so is seen. And this is -proved by experience, because that in winter we see our breath; for the -coldness of the air doth bind the breath mixed with fume, and so it is -thickened and made gross, and by consequence is seen. - -Q. Why have some persons stinking breath? A. Because of evil fumes that -arise from the stomach. And sometimes it doth proceed from the -corruption of the airy parts of the body, as the lungs. The breath of -lepers is so infected, that it would poison birds if near them, because -the inward parts are very corrupt. - -Q. Why are lepers hoarse? A. Because the vocal instruments are -corrupted, that is, the lights. - -Q. Why do persons become hoarse? A. Because of the rheum descending from -the brain filling the conduit of the lights: and sometimes through -imposthumes of the throat, or rheum gathering in the neck. - -Q. Why have the females of all living creatures the shrillest voice, the -crow only excepted, and a woman a shriller and smaller voice than a man? -A. By reason of the composition of the veins the vocal arteries of voice -are formed, as appears by this similitude, that a small pipe sounds -shriller than a great. Also in women, because the passage where the -voice is formed is made narrow and strait, by reason of cold, it being -the nature of cold to bind; but in men, the passage is open and wider -through heat, because it is the property of heat to open and dissolve. -It proceedeth in women through the moistness of the lungs, and weakness -of the heat. Young and diseased men have sharp and shrill voices from -the same cause. - -Q. Why doth the voice change in men at fourteen, and in women at twelve? -A. Because then the beginning of the voice is slackened and loosened; -and this is proved by the similitude of the string of an instrument let -down or loosened which gives a great sound; and also because eunuchs, -capons, &c. have softer and slenderer voices than others, in consequence -of the absence of generating powers. - -Q. Why do small birds sing more and louder than great ones, as appears -in the lark and nightingale? A. Because the spirits of small birds are -subtle and soft, and the organ conduit strait, as appeareth in a pipe; -therefore their notes following easily at desire they sing very soft. - -Q. Why do bees, wasps, locusts, and many other such like insects, make a -noise, seeing they have no lungs, nor instruments of voice? A. Because -in them there is a certain small skin, which, when struck by the air, -causeth a sound. - -Q. Why do not fish make a sound? A. Because they have no lungs, but only -gills, nor yet a heart; and therefore they need not the drawing in of -the air, and by consequence they make no noise, because a noise is the -percussion of the air which is drawn. - - - _Of the Neck._ - -Q. Why hath a living creature a neck? A. Because the neck is the -supporter of the head, and therefore the neck is in the middle between -the head and the body, to the intent that by it and by its sinews, -motion and sense of the body might be conveyed through all the body; and -that by means of the neck, the heart, which is very hot, might be -separated from the brain. - -Q. Why do some creatures want necks, as serpents and fishes? A. Because -they want hearts, and therefore want that assistance which we have -spoken of; or else they have a neck in some inward part of them, which -is not distinguished outwardly. - -Q. Why is the neck full of bones and joints? A. That it may bear and -sustain the head the better. Also, because the backbone is joined to the -brain in the neck, and from thence it receives marrow, which is of the -substance of the brain. - -Q. Why have some creatures long necks, as cranes, storks, and such like? -A. Because such birds seek their food at the bottom of waters. And some -creatures have short necks, as sparrows, hawks, &c. because such are -ravenous, and therefore for strength have short necks; as appeareth in -the ox, which has a short neck and strong. - -Q. Why is the neck hollow, and especially before, about the tongue? A. -Because there are two passages, whereof the one doth carry the meat to -the nutritive instrument, or stomach and liver, which is called by the -Greeks _Œsophagus_; and the other is the wind-pipe. - -Q. Why is the artery made with rings and circle? A. The better to bow -and give a good sounding. - - - _Of the Shoulders and Arms._ - -Q, Why hath a man shoulders and arms? A. To lift and carry burdens. - -Q. Why are the arms round? A. For the swifter and speedier work. - -Q. Why are the arms thick? A. That they may be strong to lift and bear -burdens, and thrust and give a strong blow; so their bones are thick, -because they contain much marrow, or they would be easily corrupted and -injured. - -Q. Why do the arms become small and slender in some diseases, as in mad -men and such as are sick of the dropsy? A. Because all the parts of the -body do suffer the one with the other; and therefore one member being in -grief, all the humours do concur and run thither to give succour and -help to the aforesaid grief. - -Q. Why have brute beasts no arms? A. Their fore feet are instead of -arms, and in their place. - - - _Of the Hands._ - -Q. For what use hath a man hands, and an ape also like unto a man? A. -The hand is an instrument that a man doth especially make use of, -because many things are done by the hands and not by any other part. - -Q. Why are some men ambo-dexter, that is, they use the left hand as the -right? A. By reason of the great heat of the heart, and for the hot -bowing of the same; for it is that which makes a man as nimble of the -left hand as of the right. - -Q. Why are the fingers full of joints? A. To be more fit and apt to -receive and keep what are put in them. - -Q. Why hath every finger three joints, and the thumb but two? A. The -thumb hath three, but the third is joined to the arm, therefore is -stronger than the other, fingers; and is called pollox, or polico, that -is to excel in strength. - -Q. Why are the fingers of the right hand nimbler than the fingers of the -left? A. It proceedeth from the heat that predominates in those parts, -and causeth greater agility. - - - _Of the Nails._ - -Q. From whence do nails proceed? A. Of the tumosity and humours, which -are resolved and go into the extremities of the fingers, and they are -dried through the power of the external air, and brought to the hardness -of horn. - -Q. Why do the nails of old men grow black and pale? A. Because the heat -of the heart decaying, causeth their beauty to decay also. - -Q. Why are men judged to be good or evil complexioned by the colour of -their nails? A. Because they give witness of the goodness or badness of -the heart, and therefore of the complexion; for if they be somewhat red, -they betoken choler well tempered; but if they be yellowish or black, -they signify melancholy. - -Q. Why do white spots appear in the nails? A. Through mixture of phlegm -with the nutriment. - - - _Of the Paps and Dugs._ - -Q. Why are the paps placed upon the breasts? A. Because the breast is -the seat of the heart, which is most hot; and therefore the paps grow -there, to the end that the menses being conveyed thither, as being near -to the heat of the heart, should the sooner be digested, perfected, and -converted into the matter and substance of the milk. - -Q. Why are the paps below the breasts in beasts, and above the breasts -in woman? A. Because woman goes upright, and has two legs only: and -therefore if her paps were below her breasts, they would hinder her -going; but beasts having four feet prevents that inconveniency. - -Q. Why have not men as great paps and breasts as women? A. Because men -have not monthly terms, and therefore have no vessel deputed for them. - -Q. Whether are great, small or middle-sized paps best for children to -suck? A. In great ones the heat is dispersed, and there is no good -digestion of the milk; but in small ones the power and force is strong, -because a virtue united is strongest, and by consequence there is a good -digestion of the milk. - -Q. Why do the paps of young women begin to grow about 13 or 15 years of -age? A. Because then the flowers have no course to the teats, by which -the young one is nourished, but follow their ordinary course, and -therefore wax soft. - -Q. Why hath a woman who is pregnant of a boy, the right pap harder than -the left? A. Because the male child is conceived in the right side of -the mother: and therefore the flowers do run to the right pap and make -it hard. - -Q. Why doth it show weakness of the child, when the milk doth drop out -of the paps before the woman is delivered? A. Because the milk is the -proper nutriment of the child in the womb of the mother; therefore if -the milk run out, it is a token that the child is not nourished, and -consequently is weak. - -Q. Why doth the hardness of the paps betoken the health of the child in -the womb? A. Because the flowers are converted into milk, and that milk -doth sufficiently nourish the child, and thereby strength is signified. - -Q. Why are women’s paps hard when they be pregnant, and soft at other -times? A. Because they swell then, and are puffed up; and the great -moisture which proceeds from the flowers doth run into the paps, which -at other seasons remaineth in the matrix or womb, and is expelled by the -place deputed for that end. - -Q. By what means doth the milk of the paps come to the matrix or womb? -A. There is a certain knitting and coupling of the paps with the womb, -and there are certain veins which the midwives do cut in the time of the -birth of the child, and by those veins the milk flows in at the navel of -the child, and so it receives nourishment by the navel. - -Q. Why is it a sign of a male child in the womb, when the milk that -runneth out of a woman’s breast is thick, and not much, and of a female -when it is thin? A. Because a woman that goeth with a boy, hath a great -heat in her, which doth perfect the milk and make it thick; but she who -goes with a girl hath not so much heat, and therefore the milk is -undigested, imperfect, watery, and thin, and will swim above the water -if it be put into it. - -Q. Why is the milk white, seeing the flowers are red, of which it is -engendered? A. Because blood which is well purged and concocted becomes -white, as appeareth in flesh whose proper colour is red, and being -boiled is white. Also, because every humour which is engendered of the -body, is made like unto that part in colour where it is engendered, as -near as it can be; but because the flesh of the paps is white, therefore -the colour of the milk is white. - -Q. Why doth a cow give milk more abundantly than other beasts? A. -Because she is a great eating beast, and where there is much monthly -superfluity engendered, there is much milk; because it is nothing else -but that blood purged and tried. - -Q. Why is not milk wholesome? A. 1. Because it curdeth in the stomach, -whereof an evil breath is bred. 2. Because the milk doth grow sour in -the stomach, where evil humours are bred, and infect the breath. - -Q. Why is milk bad for such as have the headache? A. Because it is -easily turned into great fumosities, and hath much terrestrial substance -in it, the which ascending doth cause the headache. - -Q. Why is milk fit nutriment for infants? A. Because it is a natural and -usual food, and they were nourished by the same in the womb. - -Q. Why are the white-meats made of a new-milked cow good? A. Because -milk at that time is very spongy, expels many fumosities, and, as it -were, purges at that time. - -Q. Why do physicians forbid the eating of fish and milk at the same -time? A. Because they produce a leprosy, and because they are -phlegmatic. - -Q. Why have not birds and fish milk and paps? A. Because paps would -hinder the flight of birds. And although fish have neither paps nor -milk, the females cast much spawn, which the male touches with a small -gut, and causes their kind to continue in succession. - - - _Of the Back._ - -Q. Why have beasts backs? A. 1. Because the back is the way and mien of -the body, from which are extended and spread throughout all the sinews -of the backbone. 2. Because it should be a guard and defence for the -soft parts of the body, as for the stomach, liver, lights and such like. -3. Because it is the foundation of all the bones, as the ribs, fastened -to the backbone. - -Q. Why hath the backbone so many joints or knots, called _spondelia_? A. -Because the moving and bending it, without such joints, could not be -done; and therefore they are wrong who say that elephants have no such -joints, for without them they could not move. - -Q. Why do fish die after their backbones are broken? A. Because in fish -the backbone is instead of the heart; now the heart is the first thing -that lives, and the last that dies; and when that bone is broken, fish -can live no longer. - -Q. Why doth a man die soon after the marrow is hurt or perished? A. -Because the marrow proceeds from the brain, which is the principal part -of a man. - -Q. Why have some men the piles? A. Those men are cold and melancholy, -which melancholy first passes to the spleen, its proper seat, but there -cannot be retained, for the abundance of blood; for which reason it is -conveyed to the backbone, where there are certain veins which terminate -in the back, and receive the blood. When those veins are full of the -melancholy blood, then the conduits of nature are opened, and the blood -issues out once a month, like women’s terms. Those men who have this -course of blood, are kept from many infirmities, such as the dropsy, -plague, &c. - -Q. Why are the Jews much subject to this disease? A. Because they eat -much phlegmatic and cold meats, which breed melancholy blood, which is -purged with the flux. Another reason is, motion causes heat, and heat -digestion; but strict Jews never move, labour, nor converse much, which -breeds a coldness in them, and hinders digestion, causing melancholic -blood, which is by this means purged out. - - - _Of the Heart._ - -Q. Why are the lungs light, spongy, and full of holes? A. That the air -may be received into them for cooling the heart, and expelling humours, -because the lungs are the fan of the heart; and as a pair of bellows are -raised up by taking in the air, and shrunk by blowing it out, so -likewise the lungs draw the air to cool the heart, and cast it out, lest -through too much air drawn in, the heart should be suffocated. - -Q. Why is the flesh of the lungs white? A. Because they are in continual -motion. - -Q. Why have those beasts only lungs that have hearts? A. Because the -lungs are no part for themselves, but for the heart; and therefore it -were superfluous for those creatures to have lungs that have no hearts. - -Q. Why do such creatures as have no lungs want a bladder? A. Because -such drink no water to make their meat digest, and need no bladder for -urine; as appears in such birds who do not drink at all, viz. the falcon -and sparrow-hawk. - -Q. Why is the heart in the midst of the body? A. That it may impart life -to all parts of the body; and therefore it is compared to the sun, which -is placed in the midst of the planets, to give light to them all. - -Q. Why only in men is the heart on the left side? A. To the end that the -heat of the heart may mitigate the coldness of the spleen; for the -spleen is the seat of melancholy, which is on the left side also. - -Q. Why is the heart first engendered; for the heart doth live and die -last? A. Because the heart is the beginning and original of life, and -without it no part can live. For of the seed retained in the matrix, -there is engendered a little small skin, which compasses the seed; -whereof the heart is made of the purest blood; then of blood not so -pure, the liver; and of thick and cold blood the marrow and brain. - -Q. Why are beasts bold that have little hearts? A. Because in a little -heart the heat is well united and vehement, and the blood touching it -doth quickly heat it, and is speedily carried to the other parts of the -body, which gives courage and boldness. - -Q. Why are creatures with a large heart timorous, as the hare? A. The -heart is dispersed in such a one, and not able to heat the blood which -cometh to it; by which means fear is bred. - -Q. How is it that the heart is continually moving? A. Because in it -there is a certain spirit which is more subtle than air, and by reason -of its thickness and rarefaction seeks a larger space, filling the -hollow room of the heart, hence the dilating and opening of the heart; -and because the heart is earthly, the thrusting and moving ceasing, its -parts are at rest, tending downwards. As a proof of this, take an acorn, -which, if put into the fire, the heat dissolves its humidity, therefore -it occupies a greater space, so that the rind cannot contain it, but -puffs up and throws it into the fire. The like of the heart. Therefore -the heart of a living creature is triangular, having its least part -towards its left side, and the greater towards the right; and doth also -open and shut in the least part, by which means it is in continual -motion; the first motion is called _diastole_, that is, extending the -breast or heart; the other _systole_, that is, shutting of the heart; -and from these all the motions of the body proceed, and that of the -pulse which physicians feel. - -Q. How comes it that the flesh of the heart is so compact and knit -together? A. Because in thick compacted substances heat is strongly -received and united. And because the heart with its heat should moderate -the coldness of the brain, it is made of that fat flesh apt to keep a -strong heat. - -Q. How comes the heart to be the hottest part of all living creatures? -A. It is so compacted as to receive heat best, and because it should -mitigate the coldness of the brain. - -Q. Why is the heart the beginning of life? A. It is plain that in it the -vital spark is bred, which is the seat of life; and therefore the heart -having two receptacles, viz. the right and the left, the right hath more -blood than spirits; which spirit is engendered to give life and vivify -the body. - -Q. Why is the heart long and sharp like a pyramid? A. The round figure -hath an angle, therefore the heart is round, for fear any poison or -hurtful matter should be retained in it; and because that figure is -fittest for motion. - -Q. How comes the blood chiefly to be in the heart? A. The blood in the -heart has its proper or efficient place, which some attribute to the -liver; and therefore the heart doth not receive blood from any other -parts, but all other parts from it. - -Q. How comes it that some creatures want a heart? A. Although they have -no heart, yet they have somewhat that answers for it, as appears in eels -and fish that have the backbone instead of the heart. - -Q. Why does the heart beat in some creatures when the head is off, as in -birds and hens? A. Because the heart lives first and dies last, and -therefore beats longer than other parts. - -Q. Why doth the heat of the heart sometimes fail of a sudden, as in -those who have the falling sickness? A. This proceeds from the defect of -the heart itself, and of certain small sinks with which it is covered, -which being infected and corrupted, the heart faileth on a sudden: -sometimes only by reason of the parts adjoining; and therefore, when any -venomous humour goes out of the stomach, that turns the heart and parts -adjoining, that causeth the fainting. - - - _Of the Stomach._ - -Q. For what reason is the stomach large and wide? A. Because in it the -food is first concocted or digested as it were in a pot, to the end that -that which is pure should be separated from that which is not; and -therefore, according to the quantity of food, the stomach is enlarged. - -Q. How comes it that the stomach is round? A. Because if it had angles -and corners, food would remain in them, and breed ill humours, so that a -man would never want agues, which humours are evacuated and consumed, -and not hid in any such corners, by the roundness of the stomach. - -Q. How comes the stomach to be full of sinews? A. Because the sinews can -be extended and enlarged; and so is the stomach when it is full; but -when empty it is drawn together; and therefore nature provides those -sinews. - -Q. How comes the stomach to digest? A. Because of the heat which is in -it, and comes from the parts adjoining, that is, the liver and the -heart. For as we see in metals, the heat of the fire takes away the rust -and dross from iron, the silver from tin, and gold from copper; so also -by digestion the pure is separated from the impure. - -Q. For what reason doth the stomach join the liver? A. Because the liver -is very hot, and with its heat helps digestion, and provokes appetite. - -Q. Why are we commonly cold after dinner? A. Because then the heat goes -to the stomach to further digestion, and so the other parts grow cold. - -Q. Why is it hurtful to study soon after dinner? A. Because when the -heat labours to help the imagination in study, it ceases from digesting -the food, which remains undigested; therefore people should walk some -time after meals. - -Q. How cometh the stomach slowly to digest meat? A. Because it swims in -the stomach. Now, the best digestion is in the bottom of the stomach, -because the fat descends not there: such as eat fat meat are very -sleepy, by reason that digestion is hindered. - -Q. Why is all the body wrong, when the stomach is uneasy? A. Because the -stomach is knit with the brain, heart, and liver, which are the -principal parts in man; and when it is not well the others are -indisposed. Again, if the first digestion be hindered, the others are -also hindered; for in the first digestion is the beginning of the -infirmity of the stomach. - -Q. Why are young men sooner hungry than old men? A. Young men do digest -for three causes; 1. For growing: 2. For restoring of life: and, 3. For -conservation of life. Also, young men are hot and dry, and therefore the -heat doth digest more, and by consequence they desire more. - -Q. Why do physicians prescribe that men should eat when they have an -appetite? A. Because much hunger and emptiness will fill the stomach -with naughty rotten humours, which are drawn in instead of meat; for, if -we fast over night, we have an appetite to meat, but none in the -morning; as then the stomach is filled with naughty humours, and -especially its mouth, which is no true filling, but a deceitful one. And -therefore, after we have eaten a little, our stomach comes to us again; -for the first morsel, having made clean the mouth of the stomach, doth -provoke the appetite. - -Q. Why do physicians prescribe that we should not eat too much at a -time, but by little and little? A. Because when the stomach is full, the -meat doth swim in it, which is a dangerous thing. Another reason is, -that very green wood doth put out the fire, so much meat chokes the -natural heat and puts it out; and therefore the best physic is to use -temperance in eating and drinking. - -Q. Why do we desire change of meats according to the change of times; as -in winter, beef, pork, mutton; in summer, light meats, as veal, lamb, -&c.? A. Because the complexion of the body is altered and changed -according to the time of the year. Another reason is, that this proceeds -from the quality of the season; because the cold in winter doth cause a -better digestion. - -Q. Why should not the meat we eat be as hot as pepper and ginger? A. -Because as hot meat doth inflame the blood, and dispose it to a leprosy; -so, on the contrary, meat too cold doth mortify and chill the blood. Our -meat should not be over sharp, because it wastes the constitution; too -much sauce doth burn the entrails, and inclineth to often drinking; raw -meat doth the same; and over sweet meats to constipate and cling the -veins together. - -Q. Why is it a good custom to eat cheese after dinner, and pears after -all meat? A. Because by reason of its earthliness and thickness it -tendeth down towards the bottom of the stomach, and so putteth down the -meat; and the like of pears. Note, that new cheese is better than old; -and that old soft cheese is very bad, and causeth the headache and -stopping of the liver; and the older the worse. Whereof it is said, that -cheese digesteth all things but itself. - -Q. Why are nuts good after cheese, as the proverb is, After fish nuts, -and after flesh cheese? A. Because fish is of hard digestion, and doth -easily putrefy and corrupt; and nuts are a remedy against poison. - -Q. Why is it unwholesome to wait long for one dish after another, and to -eat of divers kinds of meat? A. Because the first begins to digest when -the last is eaten, and so digestion is not equally made. But yet this -rule is to be noted, dishes light of digestion, as chickens, kids, veal, -soft eggs, and such like, should be first eaten: because, if they should -be first served and eaten, and were digested, they would hinder the -digestion of the others; and the light meats not digested would be -corrupted in the stomach, and kept in the stomach violently, whereof -would follow belching, loathing, headache, bellyache, and great thirst. -It is very hurtful too, at the same meal, to drink wine and milk because -they are productive of leprosy. - -Q. Whether is meat or drink best for the stomach? A. Drink is sooner -digested than meat, because meat is of great substance, and more -material than drink, and therefore meat is harder to digest. - -Q. Why is it good to drink after dinner? A. Because the drink will make -the meat readier to digest. The stomach is like unto a pot which doth -boil meat, and therefore physicians do counsel to drink at meals. - -Q. Why is it good to forbear a late supper? A. Because there is little -moving or stirring after supper, and so the meat is not sent down to the -bottom of the stomach, but remaineth undigested, and so breeds hurts; -therefore a light supper is best. - - - _Of the Blood._ - -Q. Why is it necessary that every living thing that hath blood have also -a liver? A. Because the blood is first made in the liver, its seat, -being drawn from the stomach by certain principal veins, and so -engendered. - -Q. Why is the blood red? A. 1. It is like the part in which it is made, -viz. the liver, which is red. 2. It is likewise sweet, because it is -well digested and concocted; but if it hath a little earthy matter mixed -with it, that makes it somewhat salt. - -Q. How is women’s blood thicker than men’s? A. Their coldness thickens, -binds, congeals, and joins together. - -Q. How comes the blood to all parts of the body through the liver, and -by what means? A. Through the principal veins, as the veins of the head, -liver, &c. to nourish all the body. - - - _Of the Urine._ - -Q. How doth the urine come into the bladder, seeing the bladder is shut? -A. Some say by sweating; others, by a small skin in the bladder, which -opens and lets in the urine. Urine is a certain and not deceitful -messenger of the health and infirmity of man. Men make white urine in -the morning, and before dinner red, but after dinner pale, and also -after supper. - -Q. Why is it hurtful to drink much cold water? A. Because one contrary -doth hinder and expel another; water is very cold, and lying so in the -stomach hinders digestion. - -Q. Why is it unwholesome to drink new wine? A. 1. It cannot be digested; -therefore it causes the belly to swell, and a kind of bloody flux. 2. It -hinders making water. - -Q. Why do physicians forbid us to labour presently after dinner? A. 1. -Because motion hinders the virtue and power of digestion. 2. Because -stirring immediately after dinner causes the different parts of the body -to draw the meat to them, which often breeds sickness. 3. Because motion -makes the food descend before it is digested. But after supper it is -good to walk a little, that the food may go to the bottom of the -stomach. - -Q. Why is it good to walk after dinner? A. Because it makes a man well -disposed, and fortifies and strengthens the natural heat, causing the -superfluities of the stomach to descend. - -Q. Why is it wholesome to vomit? A. It purges the stomach of all naughty -humours, expelling them, which would breed agues if they should remain -in it; and purges the eyes and head, clearing the brain. - -Q. How comes sleep to strengthen the stomach and digestive faculty? A. -Because in sleep the heat draws inwards, and helps digestion: but when -awake, the heat returns, and is dispersed through the body. - - - _Of the Gall and Spleen._ - -Q. How come living creatures to have a gall? A. Because choleric humours -are received into it, which through their acidity helps the guts to -expel superfluities, also it helps digestion. - -Q. How comes the jaundice to proceed from the gall? A. The humour of the -guts is blueish and yellow; therefore when its pores are stopped, the -humours cannot go into the sack thereof, but are mingled with the blood, -wandering throughout all the body, and infecting the skin. - -Q. Why hath a horse, mule, ass, or cow, no gall? A. Those creatures have -no gall in one place, as in a purse or vessel, yet they have one -dispersed in small veins. - -Q. How comes the spleen to be black? A. It is occasioned by terrestrial -and earthy matter of a black colour. According to physicians, the spleen -is the receptacle of melancholy, and that is black. - -Q. Why is he lean who hath a large spleen? A. Because the spleen draws -much water to itself, which would turn to fat; therefore, men that have -a small spleen are fat. - -Q. Why does the spleen cause men to laugh, as says Isidorus: “We laugh -with the spleen, we are angry with the gall, we are wise with the heart, -we love with the liver, we feel with the brain, and speak with the -lungs.” A. The reason is, the spleen draws much melancholy to it, being -its proper seat, the which melancholy proceeds from sadness, and is -there consumed; and the cause failing, the effect doth so likewise. And -by the same reason the gall causes anger, for choleric men are often -angry, because they have much gall. - - - _Of Monsters._ - -Q. Doth nature make any monsters? A. She doth; if she did not, then -would she be deprived of her end. For of things possible, she doth -always propose to bring forth that which is most perfect and best; but -in the end, through the evil disposition of the matter, not being able -to bring forth that which she intended, she brings forth that which she -can. As it happened in Albertus’s time, when, in a certain village, a -cow brought forth a calf, half a man; then the countrymen suspecting a -shepherd, would have burnt him with the cow; but Albertus, being skilful -in astronomy, said, that this did proceed from a special constellation, -and so delivered the shepherd from their hands. - -Q. Are there one or two? A. To find out, you must look into the heart; -if there are two hearts, there are two men. - - - _Of Infants._ - -Q. Why are some children like their father, some like their mother, some -to both, and some to neither? A. If the seed of the father wholly -overcome that of the mother, the child doth resemble the father; but if -the mother’s predominate, then it is like the mother; but if it be like -neither, that doth happen sometimes through the four qualities, -sometimes through the influence of some heavenly constellation. - -Q. Why are children oftener like the father than the mother? A. It -proceeds from the imagination of the mother, as appeared in a queen who -had her imagination on a blackamoor; and in an Ethiopian queen, who -brought forth a white child, because her imagination was upon a white -colour; as is seen in Jacob’s skill in casting rods of divers colours -into the water when his sheep went to ram. - -Q. Why do children born in the eighth month for the most part die -quickly; and why are they called the children of the moon? A. Because -the moon is a cold planet, which has dominion over the child, and -therefore doth bind it with its coldness, which is the cause of its -death. - -Q. Why doth a child cry as soon as it is born? Because of the sudden -change from heat to cold; which cold doth affect its tenderness. Another -reason is, because the child’s soft and tender body is wringed and put -together coming out of the narrow and strait passage of the matrix; and -especially, the brain being moist, and the head being pressed and -wrinkled together, is the cause that some humours distil by the eyes, -which are the cause of tears and weeping. - -Q. Why doth the child put its fingers into its mouth as soon as it -cometh into the world? A. Because that coming out of the womb it cometh -out of a hot bath, and entering into the cold, puts its fingers into its -mouth for want of heat. - - - _Of the Child in the Womb._ - -Q. How is the child engendered in the womb? A. The first six days the -seed hath the colour of milk; but in the six following a red colour, -which is near unto the disposition of flesh; and then it is changed into -a thick substance of blood. But in the twelve days following, this -substance becomes so thick and round, that it is capable of receiving -shape and form. - -Q. Doth the child in the womb void excrements or make water? A. No; -because it hath not the first digestion which is in the stomach. It -receives no food by the mouth, but by the navel; therefore, makes no -urine, but sweats, which is but little, and is received in a skin in the -matrix, which at the birth is cast out. - - - Of Abortion and Untimely Birth. - -Q. Why do women that eat unwholesome meats easily miscarry? A. Because -they breed putrefied seed, which, the mind abhorring, doth cast it out -of the womb, as unfit for the most noble shape which is adapted to -receive the soul. - -Q. Why doth wrestling and leaping cause the casting of the child, as -some subtle women do on purpose? A. The vapour is burning, and doth -easily hurt the tender substance of the child, entering at the pores of -the matrix. - -Q. Why doth much joy cause a woman to miscarry? A. Because in a time of -joy woman is destitute of heat, and so miscarriage doth follow. - -Q. Why do women easily miscarry when they are first with child, viz. the -first, second, or third month? A. As apples and pears easily fall at -first, because the knots or ligaments are weak, so it is with a child in -the womb. - -Q. Why is it hard to miscarry in the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth -months? A. Because the ligaments are stronger and well fortified. - - - _Of Divers Matters._ - -Q. Why has not a man a tail like a beast? A. Because a man is a noble -creature, whose property it is to sit; which a beast, having a tail, -cannot. - -Q. Why does hot water freeze sooner than cold? A. Hot water is thinner, -and gives better entrance to the frost. - -Q. Why cannot drunken men judge of taste as well as sober men? A. -Because the tongue being full of pores and spongy, receives great -moisture into it, and more in drunken men than in sober; therefore the -tongue, through often drinking, is full of bad humours; and so the -faculty of tasting is rendered out of order: also, through the -thickening of the taste itself, drink taken by drunkards is not -presently felt. And by this may be also understood why drunkards have -not a perfect speech. - -Q. Why have melancholy beasts long ears? A. The ears proceed from a cold -and dry substance, called a gristle, which is apt to become bone; and -because melancholy beasts do abound with this kind of substance, they -have long ears. - -Q. Why do hares sleep with their eyes open? A. 1. They have their eyes -standing out, and their eye-lids short, therefore never quite shut. 2. -They are timorous, and, as a safeguard to themselves, sleep with their -eyes open. - -Q. Why do not crows feed their young till they be nine days old? A. -Because seeing them of another colour, they think they are of another -kind. - -Q. Why are sheep and pigeons mild? A. They want gall, the cause of -anger. - -Q. How comes it that birds do not make water? A. Because that -superfluity which would be converted in urine, is turned into feathers. - -Q. How do we hear better by night than by day? A. Because there is a -greater quietness in the night than in the day, for the sun doth not -exhale the vapours by night, but it doth in the day: therefore the mean -is more fit than in the day; and the mean being fit, the motion is -better received, which is said to be caused by a sound. - -Q. For what reason doth a man laugh sooner when touched in the arm-pits -than in the other parts of the body? A. Because there is in that place a -meeting of many sinews, and the mean we touch, which is the flesh, is -more subtle than in other parts, and therefore of finer feeling. When a -man is moderately and gently touched there, the spirits that are -dispersed, run into the face, and cause laughter. - -Q. Why do some women love white men and some black men? A. 1. Some have -a weak sight, and such delight in black, because white doth hurt the -sight more than black. 2. Because like delight in like; but some women -are of a hot nature, and such are delighted with black, because -blackness followeth heat; and others are of a cold nature, and those are -delighted with white, because cold produces white. - -Q. Why do men incline to sleep after labour? A. Because, through -continual moving, the heat is dispersed to the external parts of the -body, which, after labour, is gathered together to the internal parts, -there to digest; and from digestion vapours arise from the heart to the -brain, which stop the passage by which the natural heat should be -dispersed to the external parts: and then, the external parts being cold -and thick, by reason of the coldness of the brain, sleep is easily -procured. By this it appeareth, that such as eat and drink too much, do -sleep much and long, because there are great store of humours and -vapours bred in such persons, which cannot be digested and consumed by -the natural heat. - -Q. Why are such as sleep much evil disposed and ill-coloured? A. Because -in too much sleep moisture is gathered together which cannot be -consumed, and so it doth covet to go out through the superficial parts -of the body, and especially it resorts to the face, and therefore is the -cause of bad colour, as appeareth in such as are phlegmatic, and who -desire more sleep than others. - -Q. Why do some imagine in their sleep that they eat and drink sweet -things? A. Because the phlegm drawn up by the jaws doth distil and drop -to the throat; and this phlegm is sweet after a sore sweat, and that -seemeth so to them. - -Q. Why do some dream in their sleep that they are in the water and -drowned, and some that they are in the water and not drowned; especially -such as are phlegmatic? A. Because when the phlegmatic substance doth -turn to the high parts of the body, then they think they are in the -water and drowned; but when that substance draweth into the internal -parts, then they think they escape. Another reason may be, overmuch -repletion and drunkenness; and therefore, when men are overmuch filled -with meat, the fumes and vapours ascend and gather together, and they -are drowned and strangled; but if they cannot ascend so high, then they -seem to escape. - -Q. May a man procure a dream, by an external cause? A. It may be done. -If a man speak softly at another’s ear and awake him not, then of this -stirring of the spirits there are thunderings and buzzings in the head, -which cause dreaming. - -Q. How many humours are there in a man’s body? A. Four; whereof every -one hath its proper place. The first is choler, called by physicians -_stava bilis_, which is placed in the liver. The second is melancholy, -called _atra bilis_, whose seat is in the spleen. The third is phlegm, -whose place is in the head. The fourth is blood, whose place is in the -heart. - -Q. What condition and quality hath a man of a sanguine complexion? A. He -is fair and beautiful; hath his hair for the most part smooth; is bold; -retaineth that which he hath conceived; is shame-faced, given to music, -a lover of sciences, liberal, courteous, and not desirous of revenge. - -Q. What properties do follow those of a phlegmatic complexion? A. They -are dull of wit, their hair never curls, they are seldom very thirsty, -much given to sleep, dream of things belonging to water, are fearful, -covetous, and given to heap up riches. - -Q. What are the properties of a choleric man? A. He is soon angry, -furious, and quarrelsome, given to war, pale coloured, and unquiet, -drinks much, sleeps little, and desires women’s company much. - -Q. What are the properties of a melancholy man? A. He is brown in -complexion, unquiet, his veins hidden, eateth little, and digesteth -less, dreameth of dark and confused things, is sad, fearful, exceeding -covetous, and incontinent. - -Q. What dreams do follow these complexions? A. Pleasant merry dreams do -follow the sanguine; fearful dreams the melancholic; the choleric dream -of children, fighting, and fire; the phlegmatic dream of water. This is -the reason why a man’s complexion is said to be known by his dreams. - -Q. What is the reason that if you cover an egg over with salt, and let -it lie in it a few days, all the meat within is consumed? A. The great -dryness of the salt consumes the substance of the egg. - -Q. Why is the melancholic complexion the worst? A. Because it proceeds -from the dregs of blood, is an enemy to mirth, and bringeth on an aged -appearance and death, being cold and dry. - -Q. What is the cause that some men die joyful, and some in extreme -grief? A. Over great joy doth overmuch heat the internal parts of the -body; and overmuch grief doth drown and suffocate the heart, which -failing, a man dieth. - -Q. Why hath a man so much hair on his head? A. The hair of the head -proceeds from the vapours which arise from the stomach, and ascend to -the head, and also from the superfluities which are in the brain; and -those two passing through the pores of the head are converted into hair, -by reason of the heat and dryness of the head. And because man’s body is -full of humours, and he hath more brains that any other creature, and -also more superfluities in the brains, which the heat expelleth: hence -it followeth that he hath more hair than any other living creature. - -Q. How many ways is the brain purged, and other hidden places of the -body? A. Four; the watery and gross humours are purged by the eyes, -melancholy by the ears, choler by the nose, and phlegm by the hair. - -Q. What is the reason that such as are very fat in their youth are in -danger of dying on a sudden? A. Such have very small and close veins, by -reason of their fatness, so that the air and the breath can hardly have -free course in them; and thereupon the natural heat, wanting the -refreshment of air, is put out, and as it were, quenched. - -Q. Why do garlic and onions grow after they are gathered? A. It -proceedeth from the humidity that is in them. - -Q. Why do men feel cool sooner than women? A. Because men, being more -hot than women, have their pores more open, and therefore it doth sooner -enter into them than women. - -Q. Why are not old men subject to the plague like young men and -children? A. They are cold, and their pores are not so open as in youth: -and therefore the infecting air doth not penetrate so soon by reason of -their coldness. - -Q. Why do we cast water in a man’s face when he swooneth? A. Because -that through the coldness of water the heat may run to the heart, and so -give strength. - -Q. Why are those waters best and most delicate which run towards the -rising sun? A. Because they are the soonest stricken with the sun-beams, -and made pure and subtle, the sun having them under it, and by that -means taking off the coldness and gross vapours which they gather from -the ground they run through. - -Q. Why have women such weak and small voices? A. Because their -instruments and organs of speaking, by reason of their coldness, are -small and narrow; and therefore, receiving but little air, causes the -voice to be effeminate. - -Q. Wherefore doth it proceed that want of sleep doth weaken the brain -and the body? A. Much watching doth engender choler, the which being hot -doth dry up and lessen the humours which serve the brain, the head, and -other parts of the body. - -Q. Wherefore doth vinegar so readily staunch the blood? A. From its cold -virtue; for all cold is naturally binding, and vinegar being cold, hath -the like property. - -Q. Why is sea-water saltier in summer than in winter? A. From the heat -of the sun, seeing by experience that a salt thing being heated becometh -more salt. - -Q. Why do men live longer in hot regions than in cold? A. Because they -may be more dry, and by that means the natural heat is better preserved -in them than in cold countries. - -Q. Why is well-water seldom or ever good? A. All water which standeth -still in the spring, and is never heated by the sun-beams, is very -heavy, and hath much earthy matter in it; and therefore, wanting the -heat of the sun, is naught. - -Q, Why do men sleep better and more at ease on the right side than on -the left? A. Because when they lie on the left side, the lungs do lie -upon and cover the heart, which is on that side under the pap; now the -heart, the fountain of life, being thus occupied and hindered with the -lungs, cannot exercise its own proper operation, as being overmuch -heated with the lungs lying upon it, and therefore wanting the -refreshment of the air which the lungs do give it, like the blowing of a -pair of bellows, is choked and suffocated; but by lying on the right -side, these inconveniences are avoided. - -Q. What is the reason that old men sneeze with great difficulty? A. -Because that through their coldness their arteries are very narrow and -close, and therefore the heat is not of force to expel the cold. - -Q. Why doth a drunken man think that all things about him do turn round? -A. Because the spirits which serve the sight are mingled with vapours -and fumes, arising from the liquors he has drunk: the overmuch heat -causeth the eye to be in continual motion; and the eye being round -causeth all things about it to seem to go round. - -Q. Wherefore doth it proceed, that bread which is made with salt, is -lighter than that which is made without it, considering salt is very -heavy of itself? A. Although bread is heavy of itself, yet the salt -dries it, and makes it light, by reason of the heat which it hath; and -the more heat there is in it, the better the bread is, and the lighter -and more wholesome for the body. - -Q. Why is not new bread good for the stomach? A. Because it is full of -moistness, and thick hot vapours, which do corrupt the blood; and hot -bread is blacker than cold, because heat is the mother of blackness, and -because the vapours are not gone out of it. - -Q. Why do lettuces make a man sleep? A. Because they engender gross -vapours. - -Q. Why do the dregs of wine and oil go to the bottom, and those of honey -swim uppermost? A. Because the dregs of wine and oil are earthly, and -therefore go to the bottom; but honey is a liquid that cometh from the -stomach and belly of the bee, and is there in some sort purified and -made subtle; on which account the dregs are most light and hot, and -therefore go uppermost. - -Q. Why do cats’ and wolves’ eyes shine in the night, and not in the day? -A. The eyes of these beasts are by nature more crystalline than the eyes -of other beasts, and therefore do shine in darkness; but the brightness -of the sun doth hinder them from being seen in the day-time. - -Q. What is the reason that some men, when they see others dance, do the -like with their hands and feet, or by other gestures of the body? A. -Because the sight having carried the represented unto the mind that -action, and judging the same to be pleasant and delightful, therefore -the imagination draweth the like of it in conceit, and stirs up the body -by the gestures. - -Q. Why does much sleep cause some to grow fat and some lean? A. Those -who are of ill complexion, when they sleep, do consume and digest the -superfluities of what they have eaten, and therefore become fat. But -such as are of good complexion, when they sleep, are more cold and -digest less. - -Q. How and from what cause do we suffer hunger better that thirst? A. -When the stomach has nothing else to consume, it consumeth the phlegm -and humours which it findeth most ready and most at hand; and therefore -we suffer hunger better than thirst, because the heat hath nothing to -refresh itself with. - -Q. Why doth the hair fall after a great sickness? A. Where the sickness -is long, as in an ague, the humours of the head are dried up through -over much heat, and, therefore, wanting nourishment, the hair falls. - -Q. Why doth the hair of the eye-brows grow long in old men? A. Because -through their age the bones of the eye-lids are thin for want of heat, -and therefore the hair doth grow there, by reason of the rheum of the -eyes. - -Q. Whereof proceedeth gaping? A. Of gross vapours, which occupy the -vital spirits of the head, and of the coldness of the senses, causing -sleepiness. - -Q. What is the reason that some flowers do open with the sun rising, and -shut with the setting? A. Cold doth close and shut, as hath been said, -but the heat of the sun doth open and enlarge. Some compare the sun to -the soul of the body; for as the soul giveth life, so the sun doth give -life, and vivicate all things; but cold bringeth death, withering and -decaying all things. - -Q. Why doth grief cause men to grow old and gray? A. Age is nothing else -but dryness and want of humours of the body; grief then causeth -alteration, and heat dryness; age and greyness follow immediately. - -Q. Why are gelded beasts weaker than such as are not gelded? A. Because -they have less heat, and by that means less force and strength. - - - - - THE PROBLEMS - of - MARCUS ANTONIUS ZIMARAS SANCTIPERTIAS. - - -Q. Why is it esteemed in the judgement of the most wise, the hardest -thing to know a man’s self? A. Because nothing can be known that is of -so great importance to man, for the regulation of his conduct in life. -Without this knowledge, man is like the ship which has neither compass -nor rudder to conduct her to port, and is tossed by every passion and -prejudice to which his natural constitution is subjected. To know the -form and natural perfection of man’s self, according to the -philosophers, is a task too hard; and a man, says Plato, is nothing, or -if he be any thing, he is nothing but his soul. - -Q. Why is a man, though endowed with reason, the most unjust of all -living creatures? A. Because only man is desirous of honour; and so it -happens that every one covets to seem good, and yet naturally shuns -labour, though he attain no virtue by it. - -Q. Why is man the proudest of all living creatures? A. By reason of his -great knowledge; or as philosophers say, all intelligent beings have -understanding, nothing remains that escapes man’s knowledge in -particular; or it is because he hath rule over all earthly creatures, -and all things seem to be brought under his dominion. - -Q. Why have beasts their hearts in the middle of their breasts, and man -his inclining to the left side? A. To moderate the cold on that side. - -Q. What is the cause that the suffocation of the matrix, which happens -to women through strife and contention, is more dangerous than the -detaining of the flowers? A. Because the more perfect an excrement is, -in its natural disposition, the worse it is when it is altered from that -disposition, and drawn to the contrary quality; as is seen in vinegar, -which is sharpest when it is made of the best wine. And so it happens -that the more men love one another, the more they fall into variance and -discord. - -Q. How come women’s bodies to be looser, softer, and less than men’s; -and why do they want hair? A. By reason of their menses; for with them -their superfluities go away, which would produce hair; and thereby the -flesh is filled, consequently the veins are more hid in women than in -men. - -Q. What is the reason that when we think upon a horrible thing, we are -stricken with fear? A. Because the conceit or imagination of things has -force and virtue. For Plato saith, the fancy of things has some affinity -with the things themselves; for the image and representation of cold and -heat is such as the nature of things are. Or it is, because when we -comprehend any dreadful matter, the blood runneth to the internal parts; -and therefore the external parts are cold, and shake with fear. - -Q. Why doth a radish root help digestion, and yet itself remaineth -undigested? A. Because the substance consisteth of divers parts; for -there are some thin parts in it, which are fit to digest meat, the which -being dissolved, there doth remain some thick and close substance in it, -which the heat cannot digest. - -Q. Why do such as cleave wood cleave it easier in the length than -athwart? A. Because in the wood there is a grain, whereby if it be cut -in length, in the very cutting, one part naturally separateth from -another. - -Q. What is the reason, that if a spear be stricken on the end, the sound -cometh sooner to one which standeth near, than to him who striketh? A. -Because, as hath been said, there is a certain long grain in wood, -directly forward filled with air, but on the other side there is none, -and therefore a beam or spear being stricken on the end, the air which -is hidden receiveth a sound in the aforesaid grain, which serveth for -its passage; and seeing the sound cannot go easily out, it is carried -unto the ear of him who is opposite; as those passages do not go from -side to side, a sound cannot be distinctly heard there. - -Q. Why are the thighs and calves of the legs of men fleshy, seeing the -legs of beasts are not so? A. Because men only go upright; and therefore -nature hath given the lower parts corpulency, and taken it away from the -upper; and thus she has made the buttocks, the thighs, and calves of the -legs fleshy. - -Q. Why are the sensible powers in the heart; yet, if the hinder part of -the brain be hurt, the memory suffereth by it; if the fore part, the -imagination; if the middle, the cogitative part? A. It is because the -brain is appointed by Nature to cool the heat of the heart; whereof it -is, that in divers parts it serveth the powers and instruments with -their heat, for every action of the soul doth not proceed from one -measure of heat. - - - THE PROBLEMS - OF - ALEXANDER APHRODISEUS. - - -Q. Why doth the sun make a man black, and dirt white, wax soft, and dirt -hard? A. By reason of the disposition of the substance that doth suffer. -All humours, phlegm excepted, when heated above measure, do seem black -about the skin; and dirt, being full either of saltpetre, or salt -liquor, when the sun hath consumed its dregs and filth, doth become -white again; when the sun hath drawn and stirred up the humidity of wax, -it is softened; but in dirt the sun doth consume the humidity, which is -very much, and makes it hard. - -Q. Why are round ulcers hard to be cured? A. Because they are bred of a -sharp choler, which eats and gnaws; and because it doth run, dropping -and gnawing, it makes a round ulcer; for which reason it requires drying -medicines, as physicians assert. - -Q. Why is honey sweet to all men but such as have the jaundice? A. -Because they have much bitter choler all over their bodies, which -abounds in the tongue; whence it happens, when they eat honey the -humours are stirred, and the taste itself, by the bitterness, of choler, -causes an imagination that the honey is bitter. - -Q. Why doth water cast on serpents cause them to fly? A. Because they -are dry and cold by nature, having but little blood, and therefore fly -from excessive coldness. - -Q, Why doth an egg break if it be roasted and not if boiled? A. When -moisture comes near the fire, it is heated very much, and so breeds -wind, which being put up in little room, forces its way out, and breaks -the shell: the like happens to tubs, and earthen vessels, when new wine -is put into them: too much phlegm breaks the shell of an egg in -roasting; it is the same with earthen pots too much heated; wherefore -some people wet an egg when they intend to roast it. Hot water, by its -softness, doth dissipate its humidity by little and little, and -dissolves it through the thinness and passages of the shell. - -Q. Why have children gravel breeding in their bladders, and old men in -their kidneys and reins? A. Because children have strait passages in -their kidneys, and an earthy thick humour is thrust with violence by the -urine to the bladder, which hath wide conduits and passages, that give -room for the urine and humour whereof gravel is engendered, which waxes -thick, and seats itself, in the manner it is. In old men it is the -reverse, for they have wide passages of the veins, back, and kidneys, -that the urine may pass away, and the earthy humour congeal and sink -down; the colour of the gravel shows the humour whereof the stone comes. - -Q. Why is it, if the stone do congeal and wax hard through heat, we use -not contrary things to dissolve it by coldness, but light things, as -parsley, fennel, and the like? A. It is thought to fall out by an -excessive scorching heat, by which the stones do crumble into sand, as -in the manner of earthen vessels, which, when they are over-heated or -roasted, turn to sand. And by this means it happens that small stones -are voided, together with sand, in making water. Sometimes cold drink -thrusts out the stone, the kidneys being stretched, and casting it out -by a great effort, thus easing the belly of its burden. Besides, it -often happens that immoderate heat of the kidneys, or reins of the back -(through which the stone doth grow) is quenched with coldness. - -Q. Why is the curing of an ulcer or bile in the kidney or bladder very -hard? A. Because the urine, being sharp, doth ulcerate the sore. Ulcers -are worse to cure in the bladder than in the kidneys, because the urine -stays in the former, but runs away from the latter. - -Q. Why do chaff and straw keep water hot, but make snow cold? A. Because -the nature of chaff wants a manifest quality; seeing, therefore, that of -its own nature it can be easily mingled, and consumed by that which it -is annexed unto, it easily assumes the same nature, and being put into -hot things, it is easily hot, heats again, and keeps hot; and, on the -contrary, being made cold by the snow, and making the snow cold, it -keeps it in its coldness. - -Q. Why have we oftentime a pain in making water? A. Because sharp choler -issuing out, and pricking the bladder of the urine, doth provoke and -stir up the whole body to ease the part offended and to expel the humour -moderately. This doth happen most of all unto children, because they -have moist excrements, by reason of their often filling. - -Q. Why have some medicines of one kind contrary effects, as experience -proves; for mastich doth expel, dissolve, and also knit; and vinegar -cools and heats? A. Because there are some invisible bodies in them, not -by confusion, but by interposition; as sand moistened doth clog together -and seem to be but one body, though indeed there are many small bodies -in sand. And since this is so, it is not absurd that contrary qualities -and virtues should be hidden in mastich, and that nature hath given that -virtue to these bodies. - -Q. Why do nurses rock and move their children when they would draw them -to sleep? A. To the end that the humours being scattered by moving, may -move the brains; but those of more years cannot endure this. - -Q. Why doth oil, being drank, cause one to vomit, and especially yellow -choler? A. Because, being light, and ascending upwards, it provoketh the -nutriment in the stomach, and lifteth it up, and so the stomach being -grieved, summoneth the ejective virtue to vomit, and especially choler, -because that is light, and consisteth of subtle parts, and therefore the -sooner carried upward; for when it is mingled with any moist thing, it -runneth into the highest room. - -Q. Why doth not oil mingle with moist things? A. Because, being pliant, -soft, and thick in itself, it cannot be divided into parts, and so -cannot be mingled; neither if it be put on earth can it enter into it. - -Q. Why are water and oil frozen in cold weather, and wine and vinegar -are not? A. Because that oil, being without quality, and fit to be -compounded with any thing, is cold quickly, and so extremely, that it is -most cold. Water, being cold of nature, doth easily freeze when it is -made colder than its own nature. Wine being hot, and of subtle parts, -suffereth no freezing. - -Q. Why do contrary things in quality bring forth the same effect? A. -That which is moist is hardened and bound alike by heat and cold. Snow -and liquid do freeze with cold; a plaster, and gravel in the bladder, -are made dry with heat. The effect indeed is the same, but by two divers -actions; the heat doth consume and eat the abundance of moisture; but -the cold stopping and shutting with its overmuch thickness, doth wring -out the filthy humidity, like as a sponge wrung with the hand doth cast -out the water which it hath in the pores or small passages. - -Q. Why doth a shaking or quivering seize us oftentimes when any fearful -matter doth happen, as a great noise or crack made, the sudden downfall -of water, or the fall of a large tree? A. Because that oftentimes the -humours being digested and consumed by time, and made thin and weak, all -the heat, vehemently, suddenly, and sharply flying into the inward part -of the body, consumeth the humours which cause the disease. - -Q. Why do steel glasses shine so clearly? A. Because they are lined in -the inside with white lead, whose nature is shining, and being put to -glass, which is lucid and transparent, doth shine much more; and casts -its beams through its passages, and without the body of the glass; and -by that means the glass is very shining and clear. - -Q. Why do we see ourselves in glasses and clear water? A. Because the -quality of the sight, passing into the bright bodies by reflection, doth -return again on the beam of the eyes, as the image of him who looketh on -it. - -Q. What is the reason, that if you cast a stone into standing water -which is near the surface of the earth it causes many circles, and not -if the water be deep in the earth? A. Because that the stone with the -vehemence of the cast, doth agitate the water in every part of it, until -it come to the bottom; and if there be a very great vehemence in the -throw, the circle is still greater, the stone going down to the bottom -causing many circles. For, first of all, it doth divide the outermost -and superficial parts of the water in many parts, and so always going -down to the bottom, again dividing the water, it maketh another circle, -and this is done successively until the stone resteth; and because the -vehemence of the stone is slackened still as it goes down, of necessity -the last circle is less than the first, because by that and also by its -force the water is divided. - -Q. Why are such as are deaf by nature dumb? A. Because they cannot speak -and express that which they never heard. Some physicians do say, that -there is one knitting and uniting of sinews belonging to the like -disposition. But such as are dumb by accident are not deaf at all, for -then there ariseth a local passion. - -Q. Why doth itching arise when an ulcer doth wax whole and phlegm cease? -A. Because the part which is healed and made sound doth pursue the relic -of the humours which remained there against nature, and which was the -cause of the bile, and so going out through the skin, and dissolving -itself, doth originally cause the itch. - -Q. How comes a man to sneeze oftener and more vehemently than a beast? -A. Because he uses more meats and drinks, and of more different sorts, -and that more than requisite; the which, when he cannot digest as he -would, he doth gather together much air and spirit, by reason of much -humidity; the spirits then very subtle, ascending into the head, often -force a man to void them, and so provoke sneezing. The noise caused -thereby proceeds from a vehement spirit or breath passing through the -conduits of the nostrils, as belching doth the stomach, or breaking wind -by the fundament, the voice by the throat, and a sound by the ear. - -Q. How come the hair and nails of dead people to grow? A. Because the -flesh rotting, withering, and falling away, that which was hidden about -the root of the hair doth now appear as growing. Some say that it grows -indeed, because carcases are dissolved in the beginning to many -excrements and superfluities by putrefaction. These going out at the -uppermost parts of the body by some passages, do increase the growth of -the hair. - -Q. Why does not the hair of the feet soon grow grey? A. For this reason, -because that through great motion they disperse and dissolve the -superfluous phlegm that breeds grayness. - -Q. Why, if you put hot burnt barley upon a horse’s sore, is the hair -which grows upon the sore not white but like the other hair? A. Because -it hath the force of expelling, and doth drive away and dissolve the -phlegm, as well as all other unprofitable matter that is gathered -together through the weakness of the parts, or crudity of the sore. - -Q. Why doth hair never grow on an ulcer or bile? A. Because man hath a -thick skin, as is seen by the thickness of his hair; and if the scar be -thicker than the skin itself, it stops the passages from whence the hair -should grow. Horses have thinner skins, as is plain by their thick hair; -therefore all passages are not stopped in their wounds and sores; and -after the excrements which were gathered together have broken a passage -through those small pores, the hair doth grow. - -Q. Why is Fortune painted with a double forehead, the one side bald and -the other hairy? A. The baldness signifies adversity; and hairiness -prosperity, which we enjoy when it pleaseth her. - -Q. Why have some commended flattery? A. Because flattery setteth forth -before our eyes what we ought to be, though not what we are. - -Q. Wherefore should virtue be painted girded? A. To show that virtuous -men should not be slothful, but diligent, and always in action. - -Q. Why did the ancients say it was better to fall into the hands of a -raven than a flatterer? A. Because ravens do not eat us till we are -dead, but flatterers devour us alive. - -Q. Why have choleric men beards before others? A. Because they are hot, -and their pores large. - -Q. How comes it that such as have the hiccough do ease themselves by -holding their breath? A. The breath retained doth heat the interior -parts of the body and the hiccough proceeds from cold. - -Q. How comes it that old men remember well what they have seen and done -in their youth, and forget such things as they see and do in their old -age? A. Things learned in youth take deep root and habitude in a person, -but those learned in age are forgotten, because the senses are weakened. - -Q. What kind of covetousness is best? A. That of time, when employed as -it ought to be. - -Q. Why is our life compared to a play? A. Because the dishonest do -occupy the place of the honest, and the worst sort the room of the good. - -Q. Why do dolphins, when they appear above the water, denote a storm or -tempest approaching? A. Because at the beginning of a tempest there do -arise from the bottom of the sea certain hot exhalations and vapours -which heat the dolphins, causing them to rise up for cold air. - -Q. Why did the Romans call Fabius Maximus the target of the people, and -Marcellus the sword? A. Because the one adapted himself to the service -of the commonwealth, and the other was very eager to revenge the -injuries of his country; and yet they were in the senate joined -together, because the gravity of the one would moderate the courage and -boldness of the other. - -Q. Why doth the shining of the moon hurt the head? A. Because it moves -the humours of the brain, and cannot afterwards dissolve them. - -Q. If water do not nourish, why do men drink it? A. Because water causes -the nutriment to spread through the body. - -Q. Why is sneezing good? A. Because it purgeth the brain, as milk is -purged by the cough. - -Q. Why is hot water lighter than cold? A. Because boiling water has less -ventosity, and is more light and subtle, the earthy and heavy substance -being separated from it. - -Q. How comes marsh and pond water to be bad? A. By reason they are -phlegmatic, and do corrupt in summer; the fineness of the water is -turned into vapours, and the earthiness doth remain. - -Q. Why are studious and learned men soonest bald? A. It proceeds from a -weakness of the spirits, or because warmth of digestion causes phlegm to -abound in them. - -Q. Why doth much watching make the brain feeble? A. Because it increases -choler, which dries and extenuates the body. - -Q. Why are boys apt to change their voices about fourteen years of age? -A. Because that then nature doth cause a great and sudden change of -voice, experience proves this to be true; for at that time we may say -that women’s paps do grow great, do hold and gather milk, and also those -places that are above the hips, in which the young fruit would remain. -Likewise men’s breasts and shoulders, which then can bear great and -heavy burdens. The body is bigger and dilated, as the alternation and -change of every part doth testify, and the harshness of the voice and -hoarseness; for the rough artery, the wind-pipe, being made wide in the -beginning, and the exterior and outward part within being unequal to the -throat, the air going out the rough uneven pipe doth then become unequal -and sharp, and after hoarse, something like unto the voice of a goat, -wherefore it has its name called Bronchus. The same doth also happen to -them unto whose rough artery distillation doth flow; it happens by -reason of the drooping humidity that a light small skin filled unequally -causes the uneven going forth of the spirit and air. Understand that the -wind-pipe of goats is such by reason of the abundance of humidity. The -like doth happen unto all such as nature hath given a rough artery, as -unto cranes. After the age of fourteen they leave off that voice, -because the artery is made wider and reacheth its natural evenness and -quality. - -Q. Why do hard dens, hollow and high places, send back the likeness and -sound of the voice? A. Because that in such places also by reflection do -return back the image of a sound, for the voice doth beat the air, and -the air the place, which the more it is beaten the more it doth bear, -and therefore doth cause the more vehement sound of the voice; moist -places, and as it were soft, yielding to the stroke, and dissolving it, -give no sound; for according to the quantity of the stroke, the quality -and quantity of the voice is given, which is called an echo. Some do -idly fable that she is a goddess; some say that Pan was in love with -her, which without doubt is false. He was some wise man, who did first -desire to search out the cause of that voice; and as they who love, and -cannot enjoy that love, are grieved, so in like manner was he very sorry -until he found out the solution of that cause: as Endymion also, who -first found out the course of the moon, watching all night, and -observing her course, and searching her motion, did sleep in the -day-time, and therefore they do fable that he was beloved of her, and -that she came to him when he was asleep, because she did give the -philosopher the solution of the course of herself. They say also that he -was a shepherd, because that in the desert and high places he did mark -the course of the moon. And they gave him also the pipe, because that -the high places are blown with wind, or else because he sought out the -consonancy of figures. Prometheus, also, being a wise man, sought the -course of the star, which is called the eagle in the firmament, his -nature and place; and when he was as it were wasted with the desire of -learning, then at last he rested, when Hercules did resolve unto him all -doubts with his wisdom. - -Q. Why do not swine cry when they are carried with their snouts upwards? -A. Because that above all other beasts they bend more to the earth. They -delight in filth, and that they seek, and therefore in the sudden change -of their face, they be as it were strangers, and being amazed with so -much light do keep that silence; some say the wind-pipe doth close -together by reason of the straitness of it. - -Q. Why do swine delight in dirt? A. As the physicians do say, they are -naturally delighted with it, because they have a great liver, in which -desire is, as Aristotle saith; the wideness of the snout is the cause, -for he hath smelling which doth dissolve itself, and as it were strive -with stench. - -Q. Why do many beasts wag their tails when they see their friends, and a -lion and a bull beat their sides when they are angry? A. Because they -have the marrow of their backs reaching to the tail, which hath the -force of motion in it, the imagination acknowledging that which is known -to them as it were with the hand, as happens to men, doth force them to -move their tails. This doth manifestly show some secret force to be -within them, which doth acknowledge what they ought. In the anger of -lions and bulls nature doth consent to the mind, and causeth it to be -gently moved, as men do sometimes when they are angry, beating their -hands on other parts; when the mind cannot be revenged on that which -doth hurt, it presently seeks out some other source, and cures the -malady with a stroke or blow. - -Q. How come steel glasses to be better for the sight than any other -kind? A. Because steel is hard, and doth present unto us more -substantially the air that receiveth the light. - -Q. How doth love show its greater force; by making the fool to become -wise, or the wise to become a fool? A. In attributing wisdom to him that -hath it not; for it is harder to build than to pull down; and ordinarily -love and folly are but an alteration of the mind. - -Q. How comes much labour and fatigue to be bad for the sight? A. Because -it dries the blood too much. - -Q. Why is goat’s milk reckoned best for the stomach? A. Because it is -thick, not slimy; and they feed on wood and boughs rather than grass. - -Q. Why do grief and vexation bring gray hairs? A. Because they dry, -which bringeth on grayness. - -Q. How come those to be most merry who have the thickest blood? A. -Because the blood which is fat and thick makes the spirits firm and -constant, wherein consists the force of all creatures. - -Q. Whether is it hardest to obtain a person’s love, or to keep it when -obtained? A. It is hardest to keep it, by reason of the inconstancy of -man, who is quickly angry, and soon weary of a thing; hard to be gained, -and slippery to keep. - -Q. Why do serpents shun the herb rue? A. Because they are very cold, -dry, and full of sinews, and that herb is of a contrary nature. - -Q. Why is a capon better to eat than a cock? A. Because a capon loses -not his moisture by treading the hens. - -Q. Why is our smell less in winter than summer? A. Because the air is -thick, and less moveable. - -Q. Why does hair burn so quickly? A. Because it is dry and cold. - -Q. Why is love compared to a labyrinth? A. Because the entry and coming -in is easy, and the going out impossible, or very hard. - - - - - DISPLAYING - THE SECRETS OF NATURE, - RELATING TO - PHYSIOGNOMY. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - - SECT. _I Of Physiognomy, showing what it is, and from whence it is - derived._ - -Physiognomy is an ingenious science, or knowledge of nature, by. which -the inclinations and dispositions of every creature are understood, and -because some of the members are uncompounded and entire of themselves, -as the tongue, the heart, &c. and some are of a mixed nature, as the -eyes, the nose, and others; we therefore say that there are signs which -agree and live together, which inform a wise man how to make his -judgment before he be too rash to deliver it to the world. - -Nor is it to be esteemed a foolish or idle art, seeing it is derived -from superior bodies; for there is no part of the face of man but what -is under the peculiar influence or government not only of the seven -planets, but also of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, and the -dispositions, vices, virtues, and fatility, either of a man or woman, -are plainly foretold, if the person pretending to the knowledge thereof -be an artist, which, that my reader may hereby attain to, I shall set -these things in a clearer light. - -The reader should remember that the forehead is governed by Mars; the -right eye is under the dominion of Sol; the left is ruled by the Moon; -the right ear is under Jupiter; the left Saturn; the rule of the nose is -claimed by Venus; and nimble Mercury, the significator of eloquence, -claims the dominion of the mouth, and that very justly. - -[Illustration] - -Thus have the seven planets divided the face among them, but not with so -absolute a sway, but that the twelve signs of the Zodiac do also come in -with a part, (See the engraving): And therefore the sign Cancer presides -in the upper part of the forehead, and Leo attends upon the right -eye-brow, as Sagittarius does upon the right eye, and Libra upon the -right ear: upon the left eye-brow you will find Aquarius: and Gemini and -Aries taking care of the left ear: Taurus rules in the middle of the -forehead, and Capricorn the chin: Scorpio takes upon him the protection -of the nose: Virgo claims the precedence of the right cheek, Pisces the -left. And thus the face of man is cantoned out amongst the signs and -planets; which being carefully attended to, will sufficiently inform the -artist how to pass a judgment. For according to the sign or planet -ruling, so also is the judgment to be of the part ruled, which all those -that have understanding know easily how to apply. - -In the judgment that is to be made from physiognomy, there is a great -difference betwixt a man and a woman; the reason is, because in respect -of the whole composition, men more fully comprehend it than women do, as -may evidently appear in the manner and method we shall give. Wherefore -the judgments which we shall pass in every chapter, do properly concern -a man, as comprehending the whole species, and but improperly the woman, -as being but a part thereof, and derived from the man; and therefore -whoever is called to give judgment on such and such a face, ought to be -wary about all the lines and marks that belong to it, respect being also -had to the sex: for when we behold a man whose face is like unto a -woman’s, and we pass a judgment upon it, having diligently observed it, -and not on the face only but on the other parts of the body, as his -hands, &c. in like manner we also behold the face of a woman, who in -respect of her flesh and blood is like unto a man, and in the disposure -also of the greatest parts of the body. But does physiognomy give the -same judgment on her, as it does of a man that is like unto her? By no -means, but far otherwise; in regard that the conception of the woman is -much different from that of a man, even in those respects which are said -to be common. Now in those common respects two parts are attributed to a -man, a third part to a woman. - -Wherefore it being our intention to give you an exact account, according -to the rule of physiognomy, of all and every part of the members of the -body, we will begin with the head, as it hath relation only to man and -woman, and not to any other creature, that the work may be more obvious -to every reader. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - _Of the Judgment of Physiognomy._ - - -Hair that hangs down without curling, if it be of a fair complexion, -thin and soft withal, signifies a man to be naturally faint-hearted, and -of a weak body, but of a quiet and harmless disposition. Hair that is -big, and thick, and short withal, denotes a man to be of a strong -constitution, secure, bold, deceitful, and for the most part, unquiet -and vain, lusting after beauty, and more foolish than wise, though -fortune may favour him. He whose hair is partly curled and partly -hanging down, is commonly wise, or a very great fool, or else as very a -knave as he is a fool. He whose hair grows thick on his temples and his -brow, one may at the first sight certainly conclude that such a man is -by nature simple, vain, luxurious, lustful, credulous, clownish in his -speech and conversation, and dull in his apprehension. He whose hair not -only curls very much, but bushes out, and stands on end, if the hair be -white, or of a yellowish colour, he is by nature proud and bold, dull of -apprehension, soon angry, given to lying, malicious, and ready to do any -mischief. He whose hair rises in the corner of his temples, and is gross -and rough withal, is a man highly conceited of himself, inclined to -malice, but cunningly conceals it, is very courtly, and a lover of new -fashions. He who hath much hair, that is to say, whose hair is thick all -over his head, is naturally vain and very luxurious, of a good -digestion, easy of belief, and slow of performance, of a weak memory, -and for the most part unfortunate. He whose hair is of a reddish -complexion, is for the most part, if not always, proud, deceitful, -detracting, and full of envy. He whose hair is extraordinary fair, is -for the most part a man fit for all praiseworthy enterprises, a lover of -honours, and much more inclined to do good than evil; laborious and -careful to perform whatsoever is committed to his care, secret in -carrying on any business, and fortunate. Hair of a yellowish colour -shows a man to be good-conditioned, and willing to do any thing, -fearful, shame-faced, and weak of body, but strong in the abilities of -the mind, and more apt to remember than to revenge an injury. He whose -hair is of a brownish colour, and curled not too much nor too little, is -a well disposed man, inclined to that which is good, a lover of peace, -cleanliness, and good manners. He whose hair turns gray or hoary in the -time of his youth, is generally given to women, vain, false, unstable, -and talkative. Note. That whatever signification the hair has in men, it -has the same in women also. - -The forehead that riseth in a round, signifies a man liberally merry, of -a good understanding, and generally inclined to virtue. He whose -forehead is fleshy, and the bone of the brow jutting out, and without -wrinkles, is a man much inclined to suits of law, contentious, vain, -deceitful, and addicted to follow ill courses. He whose forehead is very -low and little, is of a good understanding, magnanimous, but extremely -bold and confident, and a great pretender to love and honour. He whose -forehead seems sharp, and pointed up in the corners of his temples, so -that the bone seems to jut forth a little, is a man naturally weak and -fickle, and weak in the intellectuals. He whose brow upon the temples is -full of flesh, is a man of a great spirit, proud, watchful, and of a -gross understanding. He whose brow is full of wrinkles, and has as it -were a seam coming down the middle of the forehead, so that a man may -think he hath two foreheads, is one that is of a great spirit, a great -wit, void of deceit, and yet of a hard fortune. He who has a full large -forehead, and a little round withal, destitute of hair, or at least that -has little on it, is bold, malicious, high-spirited, full of choler, and -apt to transgress beyond all bounds, and yet of a good wit, and very -apprehensive. He whose forehead is long and high, and jutting forth, and -whose face is figured, almost sharp and picked towards the chin, is one -reasonably honest, but weak and simple, and of a hard fortune. - -Those eye-brows that are much arched, whether in man or woman, and which -by frequent motion elevate themselves, show the person to be proud, -high-spirited, vain-glorious, bold and threatening, a lover of beauty, -and indifferently inclined to either good or evil. He whose eye-lids -bend downwards when he speaks to another, or when he looks upon him, and -who has a kind of skulking look, is by nature a penurious wretch, close -in all his actions, of a very few words, but full of malice in his -heart. He whose eye-brows are thick, and have but little hair upon them, -is but weak in his intellectuals, and too credulous, very sincere, -sociable, and desirous of good company. He whose eye-brows are folded, -and the hair thick, and bending downwards, is one that is clownish and -unlearned, heavy, suspicious, miserable, envious, and one that will -cheat and cozen you if he can, and is only to be kept honest by good -looking to. He whose eye-brows have but short hair and of a whitish -colour, is fearful, and very easy of belief, and apt to undertake any -thing. Those on the other side whose eye-brows are black, and the hair -of them but thin, will do nothing without great consideration, and are -bold and confident of the performance of what they undertake: neither -are they apt to believe any thing without reason for so doing. - -If the space between the eye-brows be of more than ordinary distance, it -shows the person to be hard-hearted, envious, close, cunning, -apprehensive, greedy of novelties, of a vain fortune, addicted to -cruelty more than love. But those men whose eye-brows are at lesser -distance from each other, are for the most part of a dull understanding; -yet subtle enough in their dealings, and of an uncommon boldness, which -is often attended with great felicity; but that which is most -commendable in them is, that they are most sure and constant in their -friendship. - -Great and full eyes in either man or woman, show the person to be for -the most part slothful, bold, envious, a bad concealer of secrets, -miserable, vain, given to lying, and yet of a bad memory, slow in -invention, weak in his intellectuals, and yet very much conceited of -that little knack of wisdom he thinks himself master of. He whose eyes -are hollow in his head, and therefore discerns excellently well at a -great distance, is one that is suspicious, malicious, furious, perverse -in his conversation, of an extraordinary memory, bold, cruel and false -both in words and deeds, threatening, vicious, luxurious, proud, -envious, and treacherous; but he whose eyes are as it were starting out -of his head, is a simple foolish person, shameless, very fertile, and -easy to be persuaded either to vice or virtue. He who looks studiously -and acutely with his eyes and eye-lids downwards, denotes thereby to be -of a malicious nature, very treacherous, false, unfaithful, envious, -miserable, impious towards God, and dishonest towards men. He whose eyes -are small and conveniently round, is bashful and weak, very credulous, -liberal to others, and even in his conversation. He whose eyes look -asquint, is thereby denoted to be a deceitful person, unjust, envious, -furious, a great liar, and as the effect of all this, miserable. He who -hath a wandering eye, and which is rolling up and down, is for the most -part a vain, simple, deceitful man, lustful, treacherous, or -high-minded, an admirer of the fair sex, and one easy to be persuaded to -virtue or vice. He or she whose eyes are twinkling, and which move -forward or backward, shows the person to be luxurious, unfaithful, and -treacherous, presumptuous, and hard to believe any thing that is spoken. -If a person has any greenness mingled in the white of his eyes, such is -commonly silly, and often very false, vain and deceitful, unkind to his -friends, a great concealer of his own secrets, and very choleric. Those -whose eyes are every way rolling up and down, or they who seldom move -their eyes, and when they do, do as it were draw their eyes inwardly, -and accurately fasten them upon some object, such are by their -inclinations very malicious, vain-glorious, slothful, unfaithful, -envious, false and contentious. They whose eyes are addicted to -blood-shot, are naturally choleric, proud, disdainful, cruel without -shame, perfidious, and much inclined to superstition. They that have -eyes like oxen, are persons of good nutriment, but of a weak memory, are -dull of understanding, and silly in their conversation. But he whose -eyes are neither too little nor too big, and inclined to black, do -signify a man mild, peaceable, honest, witty, and of a good -understanding: and one that, when need requires, will be serviceable to -his friend. - -A long and thin nose denotes a man bold, furious, angry, vain, easy to -be persuaded either to good or evil, weak and credulous. A long nose -extended, the tip of it bending downwards, shows the person to be wise, -discreet, secret and officious, honest, faithful, and one who will not -be over-reached in bargaining. - -A bottle-nose is what denotes a man to be impetuous in obtaining his -desires, also vain, false, luxurious, weak, and an uncertain man, apt to -believe, and easy to be persuaded. A nose broad in the middle, and less -towards the end, denotes a vain talkative person, a liar, and one of a -hard fortune. He who hath a long and great nose, is an admirer of the -fair sex, but ignorant of the knowledge of any thing that is good, -extremely addicted to vice; assiduous in obtaining what he desires, and -very secret in the prosecution of it; and though very ignorant, would -fain be thought very knowing. - -A nose very sharp on the tip of it, and neither too long nor too short, -too thick nor too thin, denotes the person, if a man, to be of a fretful -disposition, always pining and peevish; and if a woman, a scold, or -contentious, wedded to her own humours; of a morose and dogged carriage, -and if married, a plague to her husband. A nose very round at the end of -it, and having but little nostrils, shows the person to be munificent, -and liberal, true to his trust, but withal very proud, credulous and -vain. A nose very long and thin at the end of it, and something round -withal, signifies one bold in his discourse, honest in his dealings, -patient in receiving, and slow in offering injuries, but yet privately -malicious. He whose nose is naturally more red than any other part of -his face, is thereby denoted to be covetous, impious, luxurious, and an -enemy to goodness. A nose that turns up again, and is long and full on -the tip of it, shows the person that has it to be bold, proud, covetous, -envious, luxurious, a liar and deceiver, vain-glorious, unfortunate and -contentious. He whose nose riseth high in the middle, is prudent and -polite, and of great courage, honourable in his actions, and true to his -word. A nose big at the end shows a person to be of a peaceable -disposition, industrious and faithful, and of a good understanding. A -very wide nose, with wide nostrils, denotes a man dull of apprehension, -and inclined more to simplicity than wisdom, and withal contentious, -vain-glorious, and a liar. - -A great and wide mouth shows a man to be bold, warlike, shameless and -stout, a great liar, and as great a talker, also a great eater; but as -to his intellectuals he is very dull, being for the most part very -simple. A little mouth shows the person to be of a quiet and pacific -temper, somewhat fearful, but faithful, secret, modest, bountiful, and -but a little eater. - -He whose mouth smells of a bad breath, is one of a corrupted liver or -lungs, is oftentimes vain, wanton, deceitful, of indifferent intellects, -envious, covetous, and a promise-breaker. He that has a sweet breath, is -the contrary. - -The lips, when they are very big and blubbering, show a person to be -credulous, foolish, dull, and stupid, and apt to be enticed to any -thing. Lips of a different size denote a person to be discreet, secret -in all things, judicious and of good wit, but somewhat hasty. To have -lips well coloured, and more thin than thick, shows a person to be -good-humoured in all things, and more easily persuaded to good than -evil. To have one lip bigger than the other shows variety of fortunes, -and denotes the party to be of a dull, sluggish temper, and but of a -very indifferent understanding, as being much addicted to folly. - -When the teeth are small, and but weak in performing their office, and -especially if they are short and few, though they show the person to be -of a weak constitution, yet they denote him to be of a meek disposition, -honest, faithful, and secret in whatsoever he is intrusted with. To have -some teeth longer and shorter than others, denotes a person to be of a -good apprehension, but bold, disdainful, envious and proud. To have -teeth very long and growing sharp towards the end, if they are long in -chewing, and thin, denotes the person to be envious, gluttonous, bold, -shameless, unfaithful, and suspicious. When the teeth look very brown or -yellowish, whether they be long or short, it shows the person to be of a -suspicious temper, envious, deceitful and turbulant. To have teeth -strong and close together, shows the person to be of a long life, a -desirer of novelties, and things that are fair and beautiful, but of a -high spirit, and one that will have his humour in all things; he loves -to hear news, and repeat it afterwards, and is apt to entertain any -thing to his behalf. To have teeth thin and weak, shows a weak feeble -man, and one of short life, and of a weak apprehension; but chaste, -shame-faced, tractable and honest. - -A tongue to be too swift of speech shows a man to be downright foolish, -or at best but a very vain wit. A stammering tongue, or one that -stumbles in the mouth, signifies a man of a weak understanding, and of a -wavering mind, quickly in rage, and soon pacified. A very thick and -rough tongue denotes a man to be apprehensive, subtle, and full of -compliments, yet vain and deceitful, treacherous, and prone to impiety. -A thin tongue shows a man of wisdom and sound judgment, very ingenious, -and of an affable disposition, yet sometimes timorous, and too -credulous. - -A great and full voice in either sex shows them to be of a great spirit, -confident, proud, and wilful. A faint and weak voice, attended with but -little breath, show a person to be of a good understanding, a nimble -fancy, a little eater, but weak of body, and of a timorous disposition. -A loud and shrill voice which sounds clearly, denotes a person -provident, sagacious, true, and ingenious, but withal capricious, -vain-glorious, and too credulous. A strong voice when a man sings, -denotes him to be of a strong constitution, and of a good understanding, -neither too penurious nor too prodigal, also ingenious, and an admirer -of the fair sex. A weak and trembling voice shows the owner of it to be -envious, suspicious, slow in business, feeble and fearful. A loud, -shrill, and unpleasant voice signifies one bold and valiant, but -quarrelsome and injurious, and altogether wedded to his own humours, and -governed by his own counsels. A rough and hoarse voice, whether in -speaking or singing, declares one to be a dull and heavy person, of much -guts and little brain. A full and yet mild voice and pleasing to the -hearer, shows the person to be of a quiet and peaceable disposition, -(which is a great virtue, and rare to be found in a woman) and also very -thrifty and secret, not prone to anger, but of a yielding temper. A -voice beginning low or in the bass, and ending high in the treble, -denotes a person to be violent, angry, bold and secure. - -A thick and full chin abounding with too much flesh, shows a man -inclined to peace, honest and true to his trust, but slow in invention, -and easy to be drawn either to good or evil. A peaked chin and -reasonably full of flesh, shows a person to be of a good understanding, -a high spirit, and laudable conversation. A double chin shows a -peaceable disposition, but dull of apprehension, vain, credulous, a -great supplanter, and secret in all his actions. A crooked chin, bending -upwards and peaked for want of flesh, is by the rules of physiognomy, -according to nature a very bad man, being proud, impudent, envious, -threatening, deceitful, prone to anger and treachery, and a great thief. - -The hair of young men usually begins to grow down upon their chins at 15 -years of age, and sometimes sooner. These hairs proceed from the -superfluity of heat; the fumes whereof ascend to their chin, like smoke -to the funnel of a chimney; and because it cannot find an open passage -by which it may ascend higher, it vents itself forth in the hairs which -are called the beard. There are very few, are almost no women at all -that have hairs on their cheeks; and the reason is, those humours which -cause hair to grow on the cheeks of a man are by a woman evacuated in -the monthly terms, which they have more or less, according to the heat -or coldness of their constitution, and the age and motion of the moon. -Yet sometimes women of a hot constitution have hair to be seen on their -cheeks, but more commonly on their lips, or near unto their mouths, -where the heat most aboundeth. And where this happens, such women are -much addicted to the company of men, and of a strong and manly -constitution. A woman who hath little hair on her cheeks, or about her -mouth and lips, is of a good complexion, weak constitution, shame-faced, -mild and obedient; whereas a woman of more hot constitution is quite -otherwise. But in a man, a beard well composed and thick of hair, -signifies a man of good nature, honest, loving, sociable, and full of -humanity: on the contrary he that hath but a little beard, is for the -most part proud, pining, peevish, and unsociable. They who have no -beards, have always shrill and strange kind of squeaking voices, and are -of a weak constitution, which is apparent in the case of eunuchs, who, -after they are deprived of their virility, are transformed from the -nature of men into the condition of women. - -Great and thick ears are a certain sign of a foolish person, or a bad -memory and worse understanding. But small and thin ears show a person to -be of a good wit, grave, secret, thrifty, modest, resolute, of a good -memory, and one willing to serve his friend. He whose ears are longer -than ordinary, is thereby signified to be a bold man, uncivil, vain, -foolish, serviceable to another more than himself, and a man of small -industry, but of a great stomach. - -A face apt to sweat at every motion, shows the person to be of a hot -constitution, vain and luxurious, of a good stomach, but a bad -understanding, and a worse conversation. A very fleshy face shows the -person to be of a fearful disposition, but a merry heart, and withal -bountiful and discreet, easy to be entreated, and apt to believe every -thing. A lean face, by the rules of physiognomy, denotes the person to -be of a good understanding, but somewhat capricious and disdainful in -his conversation. A little and round face shows a person to be simple, -very fearful, of a bad memory, and a clownish disposition. A plump face -full of carbuncles, shows a man to be a great drinker of wine, vain, -daring, and soon intoxicated. A face red or high-coloured, shows a man -to be much inclined to choler, and one that will be soon angry and not -easily pacified. A long and lean face shows a man to be both bold, -injurious and deceitful. A face every way of a due proportion, denotes -an ingenious person, one fit for any thing, and very much inclined to -what is good. One of a broad full flat face is, by the rules of -physiognomy, of a dull, lumpish, heavy constitution, and that for one -virtue has three vices. A plain flat face, without any rising, shows a -person to be very wise, loving and courtly in his carriage, faithful to -his friend, and patient in adversity. A face sinking down a little, with -crosses in it, inclining to leanness, denotes a person to be very -laborious, but envious, deceitful, false, quarrelsome, vain, and silly, -of a dull and clownish behaviour. A face of a handsome proportion, and -more inclining to fat than lean, shows a person just in Ills actions, -true to his word, civil and respectful in his behaviour, of an -indifferent understanding, and of an extraordinary memory. A crooked -face, long and lean, denotes a man endued with as bad qualities as the -face is with ill features. A face broad about the brows, and sharper and -less as it grows towards the chin, shows a man simple and foolish in -managing his affairs, vain in his discourse, envious in his nature, -deceitful, quarrelsome, and rude in his conversation. A face well -coloured, full of good features, and of an exact symmetry, and a just -proportion in all its parts, and which is delightful to look upon, is -commonly the index of a fairer mind, and shows a person to be well -disposed; but withal declares that virtue is not so impregnably seated -there, but that by strong temptations (especially by the fair sex) it -may be supplanted and overcome by vice. A pale complexion shows the -person not only to be very fickle but very malicious, treacherous, -false, proud, presumptuous, and extremely unfaithful. A face well -coloured shows the person to be of a praiseworthy disposition, and a -sound complexion, easy of belief, and respectful to his friend, ready to -do a courtsey, and very easy to be drawn to any thing. - -A great head and round withal, denotes the person to be secret, and of -great application in carrying on business, and also ingenious, and of a -large imaginative faculty and invention; and likewise laborious, -constant and honest. The head whose gullet stands forth, and inclines -towards the earth, signifies a person thrifty, wise, peaceable, secret, -of a retired temper, and constant in the management of his affairs. A -long head and face, and great, withal, denotes a vain, foolish, idle, -and weak person, credulous and very envious. To have one’s head always -shaking, and moving from side to side, denotes a shallow, weak person, -unstable in all his actions, given to lying, a great deceiver, a great -talker, and prodigal in all his fortunes. A big head and broad face show -a man to be very courageous, a great hunter after women, very -suspicious, bold and shameless. He who hath a very big head, but not so -proportionate as it ought to the body, if he hath a short neck and -crooked gullet, is generally a man of apprehension, wise, secret, -ingenious, of sound judgment, faithful, true and courteous to all. He -who hath a little head, and long slender throat, is for the most part a -man very weak, yet apt to learn, but unfortunate in his actions. And so -much shall suffice with respect to the head and face. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - _Of Judgments drawn from several other parts of Man’s Body._ - - -In the body of man, the head and face are the principal parts, being the -index which heaven has laid open to every one’s view to make a judgment -therefrom, therefore I have been the larger in my judgment from the -several parts thereof. But to the other parts, I shall be much more -brief, as not being so obvious to the eyes of men: yet I would proceed -in order. - -The throat, if it be white, whether it be fat or lean, shows a man to be -vain-glorious, timorous, wanton, and very subject to choler. If the -throat be so thin and lean that the veins appear, it shows a man to be -weak, slow, and of a dull and heavy constitution. - -A long neck shows one to have a long and slender foot, and that the -person is stiff and inflexible either to good or evil. A short neck -shows one to be witty and ingenious, but deceitful and inconstant, well -skilled in the use of arms, and yet cares not to use them, but is a -great lover of peace and quietness. - -A lean shoulder bone signifies a man to be weak, timorous, peaceful, not -laborious, and yet fit for any employment. He whose shoulder-bones are -of a great bigness is commonly, by the rule of physiognomy, a strong -man, faithful, but unfortunate; somewhat dull of understanding, very -laborious, a great eater and drinker, and one equally contented in all -conditions. He whose shoulder bone seems to be smooth, is by the rule of -nature modest in his look, and temperate in all his actions, both at bed -and board. He whose shoulder bone bends and is crooked inwardly, is -commonly a dull person and deceitful. - -Long arms hanging down and touching the knees, though such arms are -rarely seen, denotes a man liberal, but withal vain-glorious, proud, and -inconstant. He whose arms are very short in respect to the stature of -his body, is thereby signified to be a man of high and gallant spirit, -of a graceful temper bold and warlike. He whose arms are full of bones, -sinews and flesh, is a great desirer of novelties and beauties, and one -that is very credulous and apt to believe every thing. He whose arms are -very hairy, whether they be lean or fat, is for the most part a -luxurious person, weak in body and mind, very suspicious, and malicious -withal. He whose arms have no hair on them at all, is of a weak -judgment, very angry, vain, wanton, credulous, easily deceived himself, -yet a great deceiver of others, no fighter, and very apt to betray his -dearest friends. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - _Of Palmistry, showing the various Judgments drawn from the Hand._ - - -Being engaged in this part of the work to show what judgment may be -drawn according to physiognomy, from the several parts of the body, and -coming in order to speak of the hands, it has put me under the necessity -of saying something about palmistry, which is judgment made of the -conditions, inclinations, and fortunes of men and women, from the -various lines and characters nature has imprinted in their hands, which -are almost as various as the hands that have them. - -The reader should remember, that one of the lines of the hand, and which -indeed is reckoned the principal, is called the line of life; this line -incloses the thumb, separating it from the hollow of the hand. The next -to it, which is called the natural line, takes its beginning from the -rising of the fore-finger, near the line of life, and reaches to the -table-line, and generally makes a triangle. The table line, commonly -called the line of fortune, begins under the little finger, and ends -under the middle finger. The girdle of Venus, which is another line so -called, begins near the first-joint in the little finger, and ends -between the fore-finger and the middle finger. The line of death is that -which plainly appears in a counter line to that of life, and is called -the sister line, ending usually as the other ends; for when the line of -life is ended, death comes, and it can go no further. There are lines in -the fleshy parts, as in the ball of the thumb, which is called the mount -of Venus; under each of the fingers are also mounts, which are each -governed by several planets; and the hollow of the hand is called the -plain of Mars. - -I proceed to give judgment from these several lines. In palmistry, the -left hand is chiefly to be regarded, because therein the lines are most -visible, and have the strictest communication with the heart and brain. -In the next place, observe the line of life, and if it be fair, extended -to its full length, and not broken with an intermixture of cross lines, -it shows long life and health, and it is the same if a double line -appears, as there sometimes does. When the stars appear in this line, it -is a signification of great losses and calamities; if on it there be the -figures of two O’s or a Y, it threatens the person with blindness; if it -wraps itself about the table-line, then does it promise wealth and -honour to be attended by prudence and industry. If the line be cut and -jagged at the upper end, it denotes much sickness; if this line be cut -by any line coming from the mount of Venus, it declares the person to be -unfortunate in love and business also, and threatens him with sudden -death. A cross between the line of life and the table-line, shows the -person to be very liberal and charitable, one of a noble spirit. Let us -see the signification of the table-line. - -The table-line, when broad and of a lively colour, shows a healthful -constitution, and a quiet contented mind, and of a courageous spirit: -but if it has crosses towards the little finger, it threatens the party -with much affliction by sickness. If the line be double, or divided into -three parts at any of the extremities, it shows the person to be of a -generous temper, and of a good fortune to support it; but if this line -be forked at the end, it threatens the person shall suffer by -jealousies, and doubts, and loss of riches gotten by deceit. If three -points such as these ∴ are found in it, they denote the person prudent -and liberal, a lover of learning, and of a good temper; if it spreads -towards the fore and middle finger and ends blunt, it denotes -preferment. Let us now see what is signified by the middle-line. This -line has in it oftentimes (for there is scarce a hand in which it varies -not) divers very significant characters. Many small lines between this -and the table-line threaten the party with sickness, and also give him -hopes of recovery. A half cross branching into this line declares the -person shall have honour, riches, and good success in all his -undertakings. A half moon denotes cold and watery distempers; but a sun -or star upon this line, denotes prosperity and riches: this line, double -in a woman, shows she will have several husbands, but no children. - -The line of Venus, if it happens to be cut or divided near the -fore-finger, threatens ruin to the party, and that it shall befall him -by means of lascivious women, and bad company. Two crosses upon this -line, one being on the fore-finger and the other bending towards the -little finger, shows the part to be weak, and inclined to modesty and -virtue; indeed it generally denotes modesty in women; and therefore -those who desire such, usually choose them by this standard. - -The liver line, if it be straight and crossed by other lines, shows the -person to be of a sound judgment, and a piercing understanding; but if -it be winding, crooked, and bending outward, it shows deceit and -flattery, and the party is not to be trusted. If it makes a triangle, or -quadrangle, it shows the person to be of a noble descent, and ambitious -of honour and promotion. If it happens that this line and the middle -line begin near each other, it denotes a person to be weak in his -judgment, if a man; but if a woman, in danger by hard labour. - -The plain of Mars being in the hollow of the hand, most of the lines -pass through it, which renders it very significant. This plain being -hollow, and the lines being crooked and distorted, threatens the party -to fall by his enemies. When the lines beginning at the wrist are long -within the plain, reaching to the brawn of the hand, that shows the -person to be much given to quarrelling, often in broils, and of a hot -and fiery spirit, by which he shall suffer much damage. If deep and -large crosses be in the middle of the plain, it shows the party shall -obtain honour by martial exploits; but if it be a woman, she shall have -several husbands, and easy labour with her children. - -The line of Death is fatal, when crosses or broken lines appear in it; -for they threaten the person with sickness and a short life. A clouded -moon appearing therein, threatens a child-bed woman with death. A bloody -spot in the line, denotes a violent death. A star like a comet, threaten -ruin by war, and death by pestilence. But if a bright sun appears -therein, it promises long life and prosperity. - -As for the lines of the wrist being fair, they denote good fortune; but -if crossed and broken, the contrary. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - _Judgments according to Physiognomy, drawn from the different parts of - the Body, from the Hands to the Feet._ - - -A large and full breast shows a man valiant and courageous, but withal -proud and hard to deal with, quickly angry, and very apprehensive of an -injury: he whose breast is narrow, and which riseth a little in the -middle of it, is, by the best rules of physiognomy, of a clear spirit, -of a great understanding, good in counsel, very faithful, clean both in -mind and body, yet as an enemy to this, he is soon angry, inclined long -to keep it. He whose breast is somewhat hairy is very luxurious, and -serviceable to another. He who hath no hair upon his breast, is a man -weak by nature, of a slender capacity, and very timorous, but of a -laudable life and conversation, inclined to peace, and much retired to -himself. - -The back of the chine bone, if the flesh be any thing hairy and lean, -and higher than any other part that is behind, signifies a man -shameless, beastly, and withal malicious. He whose back is large, big, -and fat, is thereby denoted to be a strong and stout man, but of a heavy -disposition, vain, slow, and full of deceit. - -He or she whose belly is soft all over the body, is weak, lustful, and -fearful upon little or no occasion, of a good understanding, and an -excellent invention, but a little eater, faithful, but of various -fortune, and meets with more adversity that prosperity. He whose flesh -is rough and hard, is a man of strong constitution, and very bold, but -vain, proud, and of a cruel temper. A person whose skin is smooth, fat, -and white, is curious, vain-glorious, timorous, shame-faced, malicious, -false, and too wise to believe all he hears. - -The legs of both men and women have a fleshy substance behind, which are -called calves, which nature hath given them (as in our book of living -creatures we have observed) in lieu of those long tails which most other -creatures have pendent behind. Now a great calf, and he whose legs are -of a great bone, and hairy withal, denotes the person to be strong, -bold, secure, dull in understanding, and slow in business, inclined to -procreation, and for the most part fortunate in his undertakings. Little -legs, and but little hair on them, show the person to be weak, fearful, -of a quick understanding, and neither luxurious at bed nor board. - -The feet of either men or women, if broad and thick with flesh, and long -in figure, especially if the skin feels hard, they are by nature of a -strong constitution, and gross nutriment, but of a weak intellect, which -renders the understanding vain. But feet that are thin and lean, and of -a soft skin, show the person to be weak of body, but of a strong -understanding, and of an excellent wit. - -The soles of the feet do administer plain and evident signs, whereby the -disposition and constitution of men and women may be known, as do the -palms of their hands, as being full of lines, by which lines all the -fortunes or the misfortunes of men and women may be known, and their -manners and inclinations made plainly to appear. But this in general we -may take notice, as that many long lines and strokes do presage great -affliction, and a very troublesome life, attended with much grief and -toil, care, poverty, and misery; but short lines, if they are thick and -full of cross lines, are yet worse in every degree. Those, the skin of -whose soles are very thick and gross, are for the most part able, -strong, and venturous. Whereas, on the contrary, those, the skin of -whose soles of their feet is thin, are generally weak and timorous. - -I shall now, before I conclude, (having given an account of what -judgments may be made by observing the several parts of the body, from -the crown of the head to the soles of the feet) give an account of what -judgments may be drawn by the rule of physiognomy from things extraneous -which are found upon many, and which indeed to them are parts of the -body, but are so far from being necessary parts that they are the -deformity and burden of it and speak of the habits of the body, as they -distinguished persons. - - - _Of Crooked and Deformed Persons._ - -A crooked breast or shoulder, or the exuberance of flesh in the body -either of man or woman, signifies the person to be extremely -parsimonious and ingenious, and of a great understanding, but very -covetous, and scraping after the things of the world, attended also with -a very bad memory, being also very deceitful and malicious: they are -seldom in a medium, but either virtuous or extremely vicious. But if the -person deformed hath an excrescence on his breast instead of the back, -he is for the most part of a double heart and very mischievous. - - -_Of the divers Manners of going, and particular Posture both of Men and - Women_, - -He or she who goes slowly, making great steps as they go, are generally -persons of bad memory, and dull of apprehension, given to loitering, and -not apt to believe what is told them. He who goes apace, and makes short -steps, is most successful in all his undertakings, swift in his -imagination, and humble in the disposition of his affairs. He who walks -wide and uneven steps, and sidelong withal, is one of a greedy, sordid -nature, subtle, malicious, and willing to do evil. - - - _Of the Gait or Motion in Men or Women._ - -Every man hath a certain gait or motion, and so in like manner hath -every woman; for a man to be shaking his head, or using any light motion -with his hands or feet, whether he stands or sits, or speaks, is always -accompanied with an extravagant motion, unnecessary, superfluous and -unhandsome. Such a man, by the rule of physiognomy, is vain, unwise, -unchaste, a detractor, unstable, and unfaithful. He or she whose motion -is not much when discoursing with any one, is for the most part wise and -well bred, and fit for any employment, ingenious and apprehensive, -frugal, faithful, and industrious in business. He whose posture is -forwards and backwards, or, as it were whisking up and down, mimical, is -thereby denoted to be a vain silly person, of a heavy and dull wit, and -very malicious. He whose motion is lame and limping, or otherwise -imperfect, or that counterfeits an imperfection, is denoted to be -envious, malicious, false, and detracting. - - - _Judgments drawn from the Stature of Man._ - -Physiognomy draws several judgments also from the stature of man, which -take as followeth: if a man be upright and straight, inclined rather to -leanness than fat, it shows him to be bold, cruel, proud, clamorous, -hard to please, and harder to be reconciled when displeased, very -frugal, deceitful, and in many things malicious. To be tall of stature, -and corpulent with it, denotes him to be not only handsome but valiant -also, but of no extraordinary understanding, and which is worst of all, -ungrateful and trepanning. He who is extremely tall, and very lean and -thin, is a projecting man, that designs no good to himself, importunate -to obtain what he desires, and extremely wedded to his own humour. He -who is thick and short, is vain, envious, suspicious, and very shallow -of apprehension, easy of belief, but very long before he will forget an -injury. He who is lean and short, but upright withal, is, by the rule of -physiognomy, wise and ingenious, bold and confident, and of a good -understanding, but of a deceitful heart. He who stoops as he goes, not -so much by age as custom, is very laborious, a retainer of secrets, but -very incredulous, and not easy to believe every vain report he hears. He -that goes with his belly stretching forth, is sociable, merry, and easy -to be persuaded. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - _Of the Power of Celestial Bodies over Men and Women._ - - -Having spoken thus largely of Physiognomy, and the judgments given -thereby concerning the dispositions and inclinations of men and women, -drawn by the said art, from every part of the bodies of men and women, -it will be convenient here to show how all these things come to pass; -and how it is that the secret inclinations and future fate of men and -women may be known from the consideration of the several parts of the -bodies. They arise from the power and dominion of superior powers over -bodies inferior; by superior powers I understand the 12 Signs of the -Zodiac, whose signs, characters, and significations are as follow. - -[Illustration] - -_Aris_, the Ram, which governs the head and face. - -_Taurus_, the Bull, which governs the neck. - -_Gemini_, the Twins, governs the hands and arms. - -_Cancer_, the Crab, governs the breast and stomach. - -_Leo_, the Lion, governs the back and heart. - -_Virgo_, the Virgin, governs the belly and bowels. - -_Libra_, the Balances, governs the reins and loins. - -_Scorpio_, the Scorpion, governs the secret parts. - -_Sagittary_, the Centaur, governs the thighs. - -_Capricorn_, the Goat, governs the knees. - -_Aquarius_, the Water-Bearer, governs the legs and ancles. - -_Pisces_, the Fish, governs the feet. - -It is here furthermore necessary to let the reader know, that the -ancients have divided the Celestial Sphere into twelve parts, according -to the number of these signs, which are termed houses; and have placed -the twelve signs in their houses, as in the first house Aries, in the -second Taurus, in the third Gemini, &c. And besides their assigning the -twelve signs to the twelves houses, they allot to each house its proper -business. - -To the first house they give the signification of life. - -The second house has the signification of wealth, substance, or riches. - -The third is the mansion of brethren. - -The fourth is the house of parentage. _ - -The fifth is the house of children. - -The sixth is the house of sickness or disease. - -The seventh is the house of wedlock, and also of enemies, because -oftentimes a wife or husband proves the worst enemy. - -The eighth is the house of death. - -The ninth is the house of religion. - -The tenth is the signification of honour. - -The eleventh of friendship. - -The twelfth is the house of affliction and woe. - -Now, astrologically speaking, a house is a certain space in the heaven -or firmament, divided by certain degrees, through which the planets have -their motion, and in which they have their residence, and are situated. -And these houses are divided by thirty degrees, for every sign has so -many degrees. And these signs or houses are called the houses of such -and such planets as make their residence therein, and are such as -delight in them, and as they are deposited in such and such houses are -said to be either dignified or debilitated. For though the planets in -their several revolutions go through all the houses, yet there are some -houses which they are more properly said to delight in: As, for -instance, Aries and Scorpio are the houses of Mars; Taurus and Libra, of -Venus; Gemini and Virgo, of Mercury; Sagittarius and Pisces are the -houses of Jupiter; Capricorn and Aquarius are the houses of Saturn; Leo -is the house of the Sun; and Cancer is the house of the Moon. - -Now to sum up the whole, and show how this concerns physiognomy, is -thus: as the body of man, as we have shown, is not only governed by the -signs and planets, but every part is appropriated to one or another of -them, so according to the particular influence of each sign or planet, -so governing, is the disposition, inclination, and nature of the person -governed. For such and such tokens and marks do show a person to be born -under such and such a planet; so according to the nature, power, and -influences of the planets, is the judgment to be made of that person. By -which the reader may see that the judgments drawn from physiognomy are -grounded upon a certain veracity. - - - - - THE MIDWIFE’S VADE-MECUM; - CONTAINING - PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS FOR MIDWIVES, NURSES, &c. - - -Those that take upon them the office of midwives, ought to take care to -fit themselves for that employment by the knowledge of those things that -are necessary for the discharge thereof. And such persons ought to be of -the middle age, neither too young nor too old; and of a good habit of -body, not subject to disease, fears, or sudden frights. Nor are the -qualifications assigned to a good surgeon improper for a midwife, viz, a -lady’s hand, a hawk’s eye, a lion’s heart; to which may be added, -activity of body, and a convenient strength, with caution and diligence; -not subject to drowsiness or impatience. She ought also to be sober, -affable, courteous, chaste, not coveteous, or subject to passion, but -bountiful and compassionate; and, above all, she ought to be qualified -as the Egyptian midwives of old, that is, to have the fear of God, which -is the principal thing in every state and condition, and will furnish -her, on all occasions, both with wisdom and discretion. - -When the time of birth draws near and the good woman finds her -travailing pains begin to come upon her, let her send for her midwife in -time, better too soon than too late, and get those things ready which -are necessary upon such occasions. When the midwife comes, let her first -find whether the true time of the birth be come; for by not properly -observing this, many a child hath been spoiled, and the life of the -mother endangered; or at least given her double the pain needful. For -unskilful midwives, not minding this, have given things to force down -the child, and thereby disturb the course of her natural labour; whereas -nature works best in her own time and way. I do confess, it is somewhat -difficult to know the true time of a woman’s labour, they being troubled -with pains long before their true labour comes, even some weeks before; -the reason of which I conceive to be the heat of their reins; and this -may be readily known by the swelling of their legs; and therefore, when -women with child find their legs swell overmuch, they may be assured -that their reins are too hot. For the cure whereof, let them cool the -reins, before the time of their labour, with oil of poppies, and oil of -violets, or water-lillies, by anointing the reins of their backs with -them; for such women whose reins are very hot, have usually hard -labours. But in this case, above all the remedies that I know, I prefer -the decoction of them in water; and then having strained and clarified -it with the white of an egg, boil it into a syrup with its equal weight -of sugar, and keep it for use. - -There are two skins that compass the child in the womb; the one is the -_amnios_, and this is the inner skin; the other is the _allantois_, and -this is the skin that holds the urine of the child during the time that -it abides in the womb. Both these skins, by the violent stirring of the -child near the time of its birth, are broken; and then the urine and -sweat of the child contained in them fall down to the neck of the womb; -and this is that which the midwives call _the waters_, and is an -infallible sign that the birth is very near; for the child is no more -able to subsist in the womb after those skins are broken, than a naked -man is in the cold air. These waters, if the child come presently after -them, facilitate the labour, by making the passage slippery; and -therefore the midwife must have a care that she force not the waters -away, for nature knows better the true time of the birth than she, and -usually retains the waters till that time. - - - GENUINE RECIPES FOR CAUSING SPEEDY DELIVERY. - -A loadstone held in the travailing woman’s hand. Take wild tansy, bruise -and apply it to the woman’s nostrils. Take also date stones, and beat -them to powder, and let her take a drachm of them in white wine at a -time. - -Take parsley, bruise it, and press out the juice, and put it up (being -so dipped) into the mouth of the womb, and it will presently cause the -child to come away, though it be dead, and the after-burden also; -besides it cleanseth the womb, and also the child in the womb, of all -gross humours. - -Let no midwife ever force away a child, unless she is sure it is dead. I -once was where a woman was in labour, which being very hard, her midwife -sent for another midwife to assist her, which midwife sending the first -down stairs, and designing to have the honour of delivering the woman -herself, forced away the body of the child, and left the head behind; of -which the woman was forced afterwards to be delivered by a man-midwife. - -After the child is born, great care is to be taken by the midwife in -cutting the navel-string, which, though by some is accounted but a -trifle, yet it requires none of the least skill of a midwife, to do it -with that prudence and judgment that are requisite. And that it may be -done so, you must consider, as soon as the child is free from its -mother, whether it is weak or strong; if the child be weak, put back -gently part of the vital and natural blood in the body of the child by -its navel (for both the vital and natural spirits are communicated by -the mother to the child by its navel-string); for that doth much recruit -a weak child; but if the child be strong, you may forbear. - -As to the manner of cutting the child’s navel-string, let the ligature -or binding be very strong; and be sure not to cut it off very near the -binding, lest the binding unloose. You need not fear to bind the -navel-string very hard, because it is void of sense; and that part of -the navel-string which you leave on falls off of its own accord in a few -days; the whole course of nature being now changed in the child, it -having another way ordained to nourish it. It is no matter with what -instrument you cut it off, so it be sharp and you do it cleverly. The -piece of the navel-string that falls off, be sure you keep it from -touching the ground; remember what I have before told you concerning -this matter, and if you keep it by you it may be of use. The -navel-string being cut off, put a little cotton or lint to the place, to -keep it warm, lest the cold enter the body of the child, which it will -be apt to do if it be not bound up hard enough. - -The next thing to be done, is to bring away the after-birth, or -secundine, else it will be very dangerous for the woman. But this must -be done by gentle means, and without delay, for in this case especially -delays are dangerous; and also in what I have set down before, as good -to cause speedy delivery, and bring away the after-birth. And after the -birth and after-birth are brought away, if the woman’s body be very -weak, keep her not too warm; for extremity of heat doth weaken nature -and dissolve the strength; but whether she be weak or strong, let no -cold air come near her at first; for cold is an enemy to the spermatic -parts. If cold goes into the womb, it increases the after-pains, causes -swelling in the womb, and does great hurt to the nerves. - -If what I have written be carefully observed by midwives, and such -nurses as keep women in their lying-in, by God’s blessing, the child-bed -woman may do very well, and both midwife and nurse gain credit and -reputation. For though these directions may in some things thwart the -common practice, yet they are grounded upon experience, and will -infallibly answer the end. - -But there are several accidents that lying-in women are subject unto -which must be provided against; and these I will speak of next. - -The first I shall mention are after-pains, about the cause of which, -authors very much differ; some think they are caused by the thinness, -some by the sliminess, and others by the sharpness of the blood; but my -own opinion is, they proceed from cold and water. But whatever the cause -may be, this I know, that if my foregoing directions be observed, they -will be very much abated, if not quite taken away. But in case they do -happen, boil an egg, and pour out the yoke of it, with which mix a -spoonful of cinnamon-water, and let her drink of it; and if you mix it -with two grains of ambergris, it will better. - -The second accident lying-in women are subject to is excoriation in the -lower part of the womb. To help this, use oil of sweet almonds, or -rather oil of St. John’s wort, to anoint the part with. - -Another accident is, that sometimes, through very hard labour, and the -great straining to bring the child into the world, the lying-in woman -comes to be troubled with the hemorrhoids or piles. To cure this, let -her use polypodium bruised, and boiled in her meat and drink. - -A fourth thing that often follows is, the retention of the menses; this -is very dangerous, and, if not remedied, proves mortal. But for this, -let her take such medicines as strongly provoke the terms; and such are -peony roots, dittany, juniper-berries, betony, centaury, sage, savory, -pennyroyal, feverfew. - -The last thing I shall mention is, the overflowing of the menses. This -happens not so often as the foregoing, but yet sometimes it does; and in -such cases take shepherd’s purse, either boiled in any convenient -liquor, or dried and beaten to powder, and you will find it very good to -stop them. - -Having thus finished the Vade-Mecum for Midwives, before I conclude I -will add something of the choice and qualifications of good nurses; that -those who have occasion for them, may know how to order themselves, for -the good of the children whom they nurse. - -1. Let her age be between 20 and 30, for then she is in her prime. - -2. Let her be in health, for her sickness infects the milk, and the milk -the child. - -3. Let her be a prudent woman, for such a one will be careful of the -child. - -4. Let her be not too poor; for if she wants, the child must want too. - -5. Let her be well bred; for ill bred nurses corrupt good nature. - -6. If it be a boy that is to be nursed, let the nurse be such a one -whose last child was a boy, and so it will be the more agreeable; but if -it be a girl, let the nurse be one whose last child was a girl. - -7. If the nurse has a husband, see that he be a good likely man, and not -given to debauchery; for that may have an influence upon the child. - -8. In the last place, let the nurse take care that she be not pregnant -herself; for, if so, she must of necessity either spoil her own, or -yours, or both. - -To the nurse thus qualified, you may put your child without danger. And -let such a nurse take the following directions, for the better governing -and ordering herself in that station. - - - _Approved Directions to Nurses._ - -1. Let her use her body to exercise. If she hath nothing else to do, let -her exercise herself by dancing the child; for moderate exercise causeth -good digestion; and I am sure good blood must needs make good milk, and -good milk cannot fail making a thriving child. - -2. Let her live in good air; there is nothing more natural than this. It -is the want of this makes so many children die in London; and even those -few that live are not of the best constitutions, for gross and thick air -makes unwieldy bodies and dull wits. - -3. Let her be careful of her diet, and avoid all salt meats, garlics, -leeks, onions, and mustard, excessive drinking wine, strong beer, or -ale, for they trouble the child’s body with choler: cheese, both new and -old, afflicts it with melancholy, and all fish with phlegm. - -4. Let her never deny herself sleep when she is drowsy, for by that -means she will be more wakeful when the child cries. - -5. Let her avoid all disquiets of mind, anger, vexation, sorrow, and -grief; for these things very much disorder a woman, and therefore must -needs be hurtful to her milk. - -6. If the nurse’s milk happen to be corrupted by an accident, as -sometimes it may be, being either too hot or too cold, in such cases let -her diet be good, and let her observe the cautions which have already -been given her. And then, if her milk be too hot, let her cool it with -endive, succory, lettuce, sorrel, purslain, and plantain; if it be too -cold, let her use burorage, vervain, buglos, mother of thyme, and -cinnamon; and let her observe this general rule, that whatsoever -strengthens the child in the womb, the same attends the milk. - -7. If the nurse wants milk, the thistle, commonly called the lady’s -thistle, is an excellent thing for the breeding of milk, there being few -things growing (if any) that breeds more and better milk than that doth; -also the hoofs of the forefeet of the cow, dried and beaten to powder, -and a drachm of the powder taken every morning in any convenient liquor, -increases milk. - - - _Choice Remedies for increasing Milk._ - -If any nurse be given to much fretting, it makes her lean, and hinders -digestion; and she can never have store of milk, nor what she hath be -good. Bad meats and drinks also hinder the increase of milk, and -therefore ought to be forborne. A woman that would increase her milk, -should eat the best of food, (that is if she can get it,) and let her -drink milk wherein fennel seeds have been steeped. Let her take -barley-water, and burrage, and spinach; also goat’s milk, and lamb -sodden with verjuice. Let her also comfort the stomach with confection -of aniseed, carraway, and cummin seeds, and also use those seeds sodden -in water; also take barley-water, and boil therein green fennel and -dill, and sweeten it with sugar, and drink it at pleasure. - -Hot fomentations open the breasts, and attract the blood, as decoction -of fennel, smallage, or stamped mint applied. Or, take fennel and -parsley, green, each a handful, boil and stamp them, and barley-meal -half an ounce, with seed drachm, storax, calamint, two drachms, oil of -lilies two ounces, and make a poultice. - -Lastly, take half an ounce of deer’s suet, and as much parsley roots, an -ounce and a half of barley-meal, three drachms of red storax, and three -ounces of oil of sweet almonds; boil the roots well, and beat them to -pap, then mingle the other amongst them, and put it warm to the nipples, -and it will increase the milk. - -And thus, courteous reader, I have at length finished what I have -designed; and can truly affirm, that thou hast here those recipes, -remedies, and directions given unto thee with respect to child-bearing -women, midwives and nurses, that are worth their weight in gold, and -will assuredly answer the end, whenever thou hast occasion to make use -of them, they not being things taken on trust from tradition or hearsay, -but the result and dictates of sound judgment and experience. - - - THE VENEREAL DISEASE. - -In a former edition of this book the venereal disease was omitted. The -reasons, however, which at that time induced me to leave it out, have, -upon more mature consideration, vanished. Bad consequences, no doubt, -may arise from ignorant persons tampering with medicine in this -disorder; but the danger from that quarter seems to be more than -balanced by the great and solid advantages which must arise to the -patient from an early knowledge of his case, and an attention to a plan -of regimen, which, if it does not cure the disease, will be sure to -render it more mild, and less hurtful to the constitution. - -It is peculiarly unfortunate for the unhappy person who contracts this -disease, that it lies under a sort of disgrace. This renders disguise -necessary, and makes the patient either conceal his disorder altogether, -or apply to those who promise a sudden and secret cure; but who, in -fact, only remove the symptoms for a time, while they fix the disease -deeper in the habit. By this means a slight infection, which might have -been easily removed, is often converted into an obstinate, and sometimes -incurable malady. - -Another unfavourable circumstance attending this disease is, that it -assumes a variety of different shapes, and may with more propriety be -called an assemblage of diseases, than a single one. No two diseases can -require a more different mode of treatment than this does in its -different stages. Hence the folly and danger of trusting to any -particular nostrum for the cure of it. Such nostrums are, however, -generally administered in the same manner to all who apply for them, -without the least regard to the state of the disease, the constitution -of the patient, the degree of infection, and a thousand other -circumstances of the utmost importance. - -Though the venereal disease is generally the fruit of unlawful embraces, -yet it may be communicated to the innocent as well as the guilty. -Infants, nurses, midwives, and married women whose husbands lead -dissolute lives, are often affected with it, and frequently lose their -lives by not being aware of their danger in due time. The unhappy -condition of such persons will certainly plead our excuse, if any excuse -be necessary, for endeavouring to point out the symptoms and cure of -this too common disease. - -To enumerate all its different symptoms, however, and to trace the -disease minutely through its various stages, would require a much larger -space than falls to this part of my subject; I shall therefore confine -my observations chiefly to circumstances of importance, omitting such as -are either trifling, or which occur but seldom. I shall likewise pass -over the history of the disease, with the different methods of treatment -which it has undergone, since it was first introduced into Europe, and -many other circumstances of a similar nature; all of which, though they -might tend to amuse the reader, yet could afford him little or no useful -knowledge. - - - OF THE VIRULENT GONORRHŒA. - -The Virulent Gonorrhœa is an involuntary discharge of infectious mucus -from the parts of generation in either sex. It generally makes its -appearance within eight or ten days after the infection has been -received; sometimes it appears in two or three days, and at other times -not before the end of four or five weeks. Previous to the discharge, the -patient feels an itching, with a small degree of pain in the genitals. -Afterwards a thin glary matter begins to distil from the urinary -passage, which stains the linen, and occasions a small degree of -titillation, particularly at the time of making water; this gradually -increasing, arises at length to a degree of heat and pain, which are -chiefly perceived about the extremity of the urinary passage, where a -slight degree of redness and inflammation likewise begins to appear. - -As the disorder advances, the pain, heat of the urine, and running, -increase, while fresh symptoms daily ensue. In men the erections become -painful and involuntary, and are more frequent and lasting than when -natural. This symptom is most troublesome when the patient is warm in -bed. - -The pain which was at first only perceived towards the extremity, now -begins to reach up all the urinary passage, and is more intense just -after the patient has done making water. The running gradually recedes -from the colour of semen, grows yellow, and at length puts on the -appearance of mucus. - -When the disorder has arrived at its height, all the symptoms are more -intense; the heat of the urine is so great, that the patient dreads the -making water; and though he feels a constant inclination this way, yet -it is rendered with the greatest difficulty, and often only by drops; -the involuntary erections now become extremely painful and frequent; -there is also a pain, heat, and sense of fulness about the seat, and the -running is plentiful and sharp, of a brown, greenish, and sometimes of a -bloody colour. - -By a proper treatment, the violence of the symptoms gradually abates; -the heat and urine goes off, the involuntary and painful erections, and -the heat and pain about the seat, become easier; and the running also -gradually decreases, grows whiter and thicker, till at last it entirely -disappears. - -By attending to these symptoms, the gonorrhœa may be generally -distinguished from any other disease. There are, however, some few -disorders for which it may be mistaken, as an ulcer of the kidneys or -bladder, the _fluor albus_, or whites in women, &c. But in the former of -these, the matter comes away only with the urine, or when the sphincter -of the bladder is open; whereas in a gonorrhœa the discharge is -constant. The latter is more difficult to distinguish, and must be known -chiefly from its effects; as pain, communicating the infection, &c. - -REGIMEN.—When a person has reason to suspect that he has caught the -venereal infection, he ought most strictly to observe a cooling regimen, -to avoid everything of a heating nature, as wines, spiritous liquors, -rich sauces, spices, salted, high seasoned, and smoke dried provisions, -particularly salt itself in every shape; as also all aromatic and -stimulating vegetables, as onions, garlic, shalot, nutmeg, mustard, -cinnamon, mace, ginger, and such like. His food ought chiefly to consist -of mild vegetables, milk, broths, light puddings, panado, gruels, &c. -His drink may be barley-water, milk and water, decoctions of -marshmallows and liquorice, linseed tea, or clear whey. Of these he -ought to drink plentifully. Violent exercise of all kinds, especially -riding on horseback, and venereal pleasures, are to be avoided. The -patient must beware of cold, and when the inflammation is violent, he -ought to keep his bed. - -MEDICINE.—A virulent gonorrhœa can rarely be cured speedily and -effectually at the same time. The patient ought, therefore, not to -expect nor the physician to promise it. It will often continue for two -or three weeks, and sometimes for five or six, even where the treatment -has been very proper. - -Sometimes, indeed, a slight infection may be carried off in a few days, -by bathing the parts in warm milk and water, and injecting frequently up -the urethra a little sweet oil, or linseed tea, about the warmth of new -milk. Should these not succeed in carrying off the infection, they will -at least have a tendency to lessen its virulence. - -To effect a cure, however, astringent injections will generally be found -necessary. There may be various ways prepared, but I think those made -with the white vitriol are both more safe and efficacious. They can be -made stronger or weaker as circumstances may require; but it is best to -begin with the more gentle, and increase their power if necessary. I -generally ordered a dram of white vitriol to be dissolved in eight or -nine ounces of common or rose-water, and an ordinary syringe full of it -to be thrown up three or four times a day. If this quantity does not -perform a cure, it may be repeated, and the dose increased. - -Whether injections be used or not, cooling purges are always proper in -the gonorrhœa. They ought not, however, to be of the strong or drastic -kind. Whatever raises a violent commotion in the body increases the -danger, and tends to drive the disease deeper into the habit. Procuring -two or three stools every second or third day for the first fortnight, -and the same number every fourth or fifth day for the second, will -generally be sufficient to remove the inflammatory symptoms, to diminish -the running, and to change its colour and consistence. It gradually -becomes more white and ropy as the virulence abates.[1] - -Footnote 1: - - If the patient can swallow a solution of salts and manna, he may take - six drams; or, if his constitution requires it, an ounce of the - former, with half an ounce of the latter. These may be dissolved in an - English pint of boiling water, whey, or thin water-gruel, and taken - early in the morning. If an infusion of senna and tamarinds be more - agreeable, two drams of the former, and an ounce of the latter, may be - infused all night in an English pint of boiling water. The infusion - may be strained next morning, and half an ounce of Glauber’s salts - dissolved in it. A tea-cupful of this infusion may be taken every half - hour till it operates. Should the patient prefer an electuary, the - following will be found to answer very well. Take of the lenitive - electuary, four ounces, cream of tartar two ounces, jalap in powder - two drams, rhubarb one dram, and as much of the syrup Of pale roses as - will serve to make up the whole into a soft electuary. Two or three - tea-spoonfuls of this may be taken over night, and about the same - quantity next morning, every day that the patient chooses to take a - purge. The doses of the above medicines may be increased or - diminished, according as the patient finds it necessary. We have - ordered the salts to be dissolved in a large quantity of water, - because, it renders their operation more mild. - -When the inflammatory symptoms run high, bleeding is always necessary at -the beginning. This operation, as in other topical inflammations, must -be repeated according to the strength and constitution of the patient, -and the vehemence and urgency of the symptoms. - -Medicines which promote the secretion of urine are likewise proper in -this stage of the disorder. For this purpose an ounce of nitre and two -ounces of gum-arabic, pounded together, may be divided into twenty-four -doses, one of which may be taken frequently in a cup of the patient’s -drink. If these should make him pass his urine so often as to become -troublesome to him, he may either take them less frequently, or leave -out the nitre altogether, and take equal parts of gum-arabic and cream -of tartar. These may be pounded together, and a tea-spoonful taken in a -cup of the patient’s drink four or five times a day. I have generally -found this answer extremely well, both as a diuretic, and for keeping -the body gently open. - -When the pain and inflammation are seated high, towards the neck of the -bladder, it will be proper frequently to throw up an emollient clyster, -which, besides the benefit of procuring stools will serve as a -fomentation to the inflamed parts. - -Soft poultices, when they can conveniently be applied to the parts, are -of great service. They may be made of the flour of linseed, or of -wheat-bread and milk softened with fresh butter or sweet oil. When -poultices cannot be conveniently used, cloths wrung out of warm water, -or bladders filled with warm milk and water, may be applied. I have -often known the most excruciating pains, during the inflammatory state -of the gonorrhœa, relieved by one of these applications. - -Few things tend more to keep off inflammation in the spermatic vessels, -than a proper suspensory for the scrotum. It ought to be so contrived as -to support the testicles, and should be worn from the first appearance -of the disease, till it has ceased some weeks. - -The above treatment will sometimes remove the gonorrhœa so quickly, that -the person will be in doubt whether he really laboured under that -disease. This, however, is too favourable a turn to be often expected. -It more frequently happens, that we are able to procure an abatement or -remission of the inflammatory symptoms, so far as to make it safe to -have recourse to the great antidote _mercury_. - -Many people, on the first appearance of a gonorrhœa, fly to the use of -mercury. This is a bad plan. Mercury is often not at all necessary in a -gonorrhœa; and when taken too early, it does mischief. It may be -necessary to complete the cure, but can never be proper at the -commencement of it. - -When bleeding, purging, fomentations, and the other things recommended -above, have eased the pain, softened the pulse, relieved the heat of -urine, and rendered the involuntary ejections less frequent, the patient -may begin to use mercury in any form that is least disagreeable to him. - -If he takes the common mercurial pill, two at night and one in the -morning will be a sufficient dose at first. Should they affect the mouth -too much, the dose must be lessened; if not at all, it may be increased -to five or six pills in the day. If calomel be thought preferable, two -or three grains of it, formed into a bolus, with a little of the -conserve of hips, may be taken at bed-time, and the dose gradually -increased to eight or ten grains. One of the most common preparations of -mercury now in use is the corrosive sublimate. This may be taken in the -manner afterwards recommended under the confirmed lues or pox. I have -always found it one of the most safe and efficacious medicines when -properly used. - -The foregoing medicines may either be taken every day, or every other -day, as the patient is able to bear them. They ought never to be taken -in such quantity as to raise a salivation, unless in a very slight -degree. This disease may be more safely, and as certainly, cured without -a salivation as with it. When the mercury runs off by the mouth, it is -not so successful in carrying off the disease, as when it continues -longer in the body, and is discharged gradually. - -Should the patient be purged or griped in the night by the mercury, he -may take half a dram of the opiate confection dissolved in an ounce of -cinnamon-water, to prevent bloody stools, which are apt to happen should -the patient catch cold, or if the mercury has not been duly prepared. -When the bowels are weak, and the mercury is apt to gripe or purge, -these disagreeable consequences may be prevented by taking, with the -foregoing pills or bolus, half a dram or two scruples of diascordium, or -of the Japonic confection. - -To prevent the disagreeable circumstance of the mercury’s affecting the -mouth too much, or bringing on a salivation, it may be combined with -purgatives. With this view the laxative mercurial pill has been -contrived, the usual dose of which is half a dram, or three pills night -and morning, to be repeated every other day; but the safer way is for -the patient to begin with two, or even with one pill, gradually -increasing the dose. - -To such persons as can neither swallow a bolus nor a pill, mercury may -be given in a liquid form, as it can be suspended even in a watery -vehicle, by means of gum-arabic, which not only serves this purpose, but -likewise prevents the mercury from affecting the mouth, and renders it -in many respects a better medicine.[2] - -Footnote 2: - - Take quicksilver one dram, gum-arabic reduced to a mucilage two drams; - let the quicksilver be rubbed with the mucilage, in a marble mortar, - until the globules of mercury entirely disappear; afterwards and - gradually, still continuing the trituration, add half an ounce of - balsamic syrup, and eight ounces of simply cinnamon-water. Two - table-spoonfuls of this solution may be taken night and morning. Some - reckon this the best form in which quicksilver can be exhibited for - the cure of gonorrhœa. - -It happens very fortunately for those who cannot be brought to take -mercury inwardly, and likewise for persons whose bowels are too tender -to bear it, that an external application of it will answer equally well, -and in some respects better. It must be acknowledged, that mercury, -taken inwardly for any length of time, greatly weakens and disorders the -bowels; for which reason, when a plentiful use of it becomes necessary, -we would prefer rubbing in to the mercurial pills. The common mercurial, -or blue ointment, will answer very well. Of that which is made by -rubbing together equal quantities of hogslard and quicksilver, about a -dram may be used at a time. The best time for rubbing it in is at night, -and the most proper place the inner side of the thighs. The patient -should sit beside the fire when he rubs, and should wear flannel drawers -next his skin at the time he is using the ointment. If ointment of a -weaker or stronger kind be used, the quantity must be increased or -diminished in proportion. - -If, during the use of the ointment, the inflammation of the genital -parts, together with the heat and feverishness, should return, or if the -mouth should grow sore, the gums tender, and the breath becomes -offensive, a dose or two of Glauber’s salts, or some other cooling -purge, may be taken, and the rubbing intermitted for a few days. As -soon, however, as the signs of spitting are gone off, if the virulency -be not quite corrected, the ointment must be repeated, but in smaller -quantities, and at longer intervals than before. Whatever way mercury is -administered, its use must be persisted in as long as any virulency is -suspected to remain. - -During this, which may be called the second stage of the disorder, -though so strict a regimen is not necessary as in the first or -inflammatory state, yet intemperance of every kind ought to be avoided. -The food must be light, plain, and of easy digestion; and the greatest -indulgence that may be allowed, with respect to drink, is a little wine -diluted with a sufficient quantity of water. Spiritous liquors are to be -avoided in every shape. I have often known the inflammatory symptoms -renewed and heightened, the running increased, and the cure rendered -extremely difficult and tedious, by one fit of excessive drinking. - -When the above treatment has removed the heat of urine, and soreness of -the genital parts; when the quantity of running is lessened, without any -pain or swelling in the groin or testicle supervening; when the patient -is free from involuntary erections; and lastly, when the running becomes -pale, whitish, void of ill smell, and tenacious or ropy; when all or -most of these symptoms appear, the gonorrhœa is arrived at its last -stage, and we may gradually proceed to treat it as a gleet with -astringent and agglutinating medicines. - - - OF GLEETS. - -A gonorrhœa frequently repeated, or improperly treated, often ends in a -gleet, which may either proceed from a relaxation, or from some remains -of the disease. It is, however, of the greatest importance in the cure -of the gleet, to know from which of these causes it proceeds. When the -discharge proves very obstinate, and receives little or no check from -astringent remedies, there is ground to suspect that it is owing to the -latter; but if the drain is constant, and is chiefly observable when the -patient is stimulated by lascivious ideas, or upon straining to go to -stool, we may reasonably conclude that it is chiefly owing to the -former. - -In the cure of a gleet proceeding from relaxation, the principal design -is to brace and restore a proper degree of tension to the debilitated -and relaxed vessels. For this purpose, besides the medicines recommended -in the gonorrhœa, the patient may have recourse to stronger and more -powerful astringents, as the Peruvian bark,[3] alum, vitriol, galls, -tormentil, bistort, ballustines, tincture of gum kino, &c. The -injections may be rendered more astringent by the addition of a few -grains of alum, or increasing the quantity of vitriol as far as the -parts are able to bear it. - -Footnote 3: - - The Peruvian bark may be combined with other astringents, and prepared - in the following manner:—Take of Peruvian bark bruised six drams, of - fresh galls bruised two drams, boil them in a pound and a half of - water to a pound; to the strained liquor add three ounces of the - simple tincture of the bark. A small tea-cupful of this may be taken - three times a day, adding to each cup fifteen or twenty drops of the - acid elixir of vitriol. - -The last remedy which we shall mention, in this case, is the cold bath, -than which there is not a more powerful bracer in the whole compass of -medicine. It ought never to be omitted in this species of gleet, unless -there be something in the constitution of the patient which renders the -use of it unsafe. The chief objections to the use of the cold bath are a -full habit, and an unsound state of the viscera. The danger of the -former may always be lessened, if not removed, by purging and bleeding; -but the latter is an insurmountable obstacle, as the pressure of the -water, and the sudden contraction of the external vessels, by throwing -the blood with too much force upon the internal parts are apt to -occasion ruptures of the vessels, or a flux of humours upon the diseased -organs. But where no objections of this kind prevail, the patient ought -to plunge over head in water every morning fasting, for three or four -weeks together. He should not, however, stay long in the water, and -should take care to have his skin dried as soon as he comes out. - -The regimen proper in this case is the same as was mentioned in the last -stage of the gonorrhœa: the diet must be drying and astringent, and the -drink Spa, Pyrmont, or Bristol waters with which a little claret or red -wine may sometimes be mixed. - -When the gleet does not in the smallest degree yield to these medicines, -there is reason to suspect that it proceeds from ulcers. In this case -recourse must be had to mercury, and such medicines as tend to correct -any predominant acrimony with which the juices may be affected, as the -decoction of China, sarsaparilla, sassafras, or the like. - -Mr. Fordyce says, he has seen many obstinate gleets, of two, three, or -four years standing, effectually cured by a mercurial inunction, when -almost every other medicine has been tried in vain. Dr. Chapman seems to -be of the same opinion; but says, he has always found the mercury -succeed best in this case when joined with terebinthinate and other -agglutinating medicines. For which reason the Doctor recommends pills -made of calomel and Venice turpentine;[4] and desires that their use may -be accompanied with a decoction of guaiacum or sarsaparilla. - -Footnote 4: - - Take Venice turpentine, boiled to a sufficient degree of hardness, - half an ounce, calomel half a dram. Let these be mixed and formed into - sixty pills, of which five or six may be taken night and morning. If, - during the use of these pills, the mouth should grow sore, or the - breath become offensive, they must be discontinued till these symptoms - disappear. - -The last kind of remedy which we shall mention for the cure of ulcers in -the urinary passage, are the supperating candles or bougies. As these -are prepared various ways, and are generally to be bought ready made, it -is needless to spend time in enumerating the different ingredients of -which they are composed, or teaching the manner of preparing them. -Before a bougie be introduced into the urethra, however, it should be -smeared all over with sweet oil, to prevent it from stimulating too -suddenly. It may be suffered to continue in from one to seven hours, -according as the patient can bear it. Obstinate ulcers are not only -often healed, but tumours or excrescences in the urinary passages taken -away, and an obstruction of urine removed, by means of bougies. -Obstinate gleets may be removed by the use of bougies. - - - OF THE SWELLED TESTICLE. - -The swelled testicle may either proceed from infection lately -contracted, or from the venereal poison lurking in the body; the latter -indeed is not very common, but the former frequently happens both in the -first and second stages of a gonorrhœa; particularly when the running is -unseasonably checked, by cold, hard drinking, strong drastic purges, -violent exercise, the too early use of astringent medicines, or the -like. - -In the inflammatory stage, bleeding is necessary, which must be repeated -according to the urgency of the symptoms.[5] The food must be light, and -the drink diluting. High-seasoned food, flesh, wines, and every thing of -a heating nature, are to be avoided. Fomentations are of singular -service. Poultices of bread and milk, softened with fresh butter or oil, -are likewise very proper, and ought constantly to be applied when the -patient is in bed; when he is up the testicles should be kept warm, and -supported by a suspensory, which may easily be contrived in such a -manner as to prevent the weight of the testicle from having any effect. - -Footnote 5: - - I have been accustomed for some time past to apply leeches to inflamed - testicles, which practice has always been followed with the most happy - effects. - -If it should be found impracticable to clear the testicle by the cooling -regimen now pointed out, and extended according to circumstances, it -will be necessary to lead the patient through such a complete -antivenereal course as shall ensure him against any future uneasiness. -For this purpose, besides rubbing the mercurial ointment on the thighs -as directed in the gonorrhœa, the patient must be confined to bed, if -necessary, for five or six weeks, suspending the testicle, all the -while, with a bag or truss, and plying him inwardly with strong -decoctions of sarsaparilla. - -When these means do not succeed, and there is reason to suspect a -scrofulous or cancerous habit, either of which may support a schirrous -induration, after a venereal poison is corrected, the parts should be -fomented daily with a decoction of hemlock, the bruised leaves of which -may likewise be added to the poultice, and the extract at the same time -taken inwardly.[6] This practice is strongly recommended by Dr. Storck -in schirrous and cancerous cases; and Mr. Fordyce assures us, that by -this method he has cured diseased testicles of two or three years -standing, even when ulcerated, and when the schirrous had begun to be -affected with pricking and lancing pains. - -Footnote 6: - - The extract of hemlock may be made into pills, and taken in the manner - directed under the article Cancer. - - - OF BUBOES. - -Venereal buboes are hard tumours seated in the groin, occasioned by the -venereal poison lodged in this part. They are of two kinds, viz. such as -proceed from a recent infection, and such as accompany a confirmed lues. - -The cure of recent buboes, that is, such as appear soon after impure -coition, may be first attempted by _dispersion_; and, if that should not -succeed, by _suppuration_. To promote the dispersion of a buboe, the -same regimen must be observed as was directed in the first stage of a -gonorrhœa. The patient must likewise be bled, and take some cooling -purges, as the decoction of tamarinds and senna, Glauber’s salts, and -the like. If by this course the swelling and other inflammatory symptoms -abate, we may safely proceed to use the mercury, which must be continued -till the venereal virus is quite subdued.[7] - -Footnote 7: - - For the dispersion of a Bubo, a number of leeches applied to the part - affected will be found equally efficacious as in the inflamed - testicle. - -But if the buboe should, from the beginning, be attended with great -heat, pain, and pulsation, it will be proper to promote its suppuration. -For this purpose the patient may be allowed to use his ordinary diet, -and to take now and then a glass of wine. Emollient cataplasms, -consisting of bread and milk softened with oil or fresh butter, may be -applied to the part; and, in cold constitutions, where the tumour -advances slowly, white lily roots boiled, or sliced onions raw, and a -sufficient quantity of yellow basilicon, may be added to the poultice. - -When the tumour is ripe, which may be known by its conical figure, the -softness of the skin, and a fluctuation of the matter plainly to be felt -under the finger, it may be opened either by a caustic or a lancet, and -afterwards dressed with digestive ointment. - -It sometimes, however, happens that buboes can neither be dispersed nor -brought to a suppuration, but remain hard indolent tumours. In this case -the indurated glands must be consumed by caustic; if they should become -schirrous, they must be dissolved by the application of hemlock, both -externally and internally, as directed in the schirrous testicle. - - - OF CHANCRES. - -Chancres are superficial, callous, eating ulcers, which may happen -either with or without gonorrhœa. They are commonly seated about the -glands, and make their appearance in the following manner:—First a -little red pimple arises, which soon becomes pointed at top, and is -filled with a whitish matter inclining to yellow. This pimple is hot, -and itches generally before it breaks; afterwards it degenerates into an -obstinate ulcer, the bottom of which is usually covered with a viscid -mucus, and whose edges gradually become hard and callous. Sometimes the -first appearance resembles a simple excoriation of the cuticle; which, -however, if the cause be venereal, soon becomes a true chancre. - -A chancre is sometimes a primary affection, but it is much oftener -symptomatic, and is the mark of a confirmed lues. Primary chancres -discover themselves soon after the coition, and are generally seated in -parts covered with a thin cuticle, as the lips, the nipples of women, -the _glens penis_ of men, &c.[8] - -Footnote 8: - - When the venereal ulcers are seated in the lips, the infection may be - communicated by kissing. I have seen very obstinate venereal ulcers in - the lips, which I have all the reason in the world to believe were - communicated in this manner. Nurses ought to beware of suckling - infected children, or having their breasts drawn by persons tainted - with the venereal disease. This caution is peculiarly necessary for - nurses who reside in the neighbourhood of great towns. - -When the chancre appears soon after impure coition, its treatment is -nearly similar to that of the virulent gonorrhœa. The patient must -observe the cooling regimen, lose a little blood, and take some gentle -doses of salts and manna. The parts affected ought frequently to be -bathed or rather soaked in warm milk and water, and if the inflammation -be great, an emollient poultice or cataplasm may be applied to them. -This course will, in most cases, be sufficient to abate the -inflammation, and prepare the patient for the use of mercury. - -Symptomatic chancres are commonly accompanied with ulcers in the throat, -nocturnal pains, scabby eruptions about the roots of the hair, and other -symptoms of a confirmed lues. Though they may be seated in any of the -parts mentioned above, they commonly appear upon the private parts, or -the inside of the thigh. They are less painful, but frequently much -larger and harder than primary chancres. As their cure must depend upon -that of the pox, of which they are only a symptom, we shall take no -further notice of them till we come to treat of a confirmed lues.[9] - -Footnote 9: - - I have found it answer extremely well to sprinkle chancres twice a day - with calomel. This will often perform a cure without any other - application whatever. If the chancres are upon the _glans_, they may - be washed with milk and water a little warm, and afterwards the - calomel may be applied as above. - -Thus we have related most of the symptoms which accompany or succeed a -violent gonorrhœa, and have also given a short view of their proper -treatment; there are, however, several others which sometimes attend -this disease, as a _strangury_ or obstruction of urine, _a phymosis_, -_paraphymosis_, &c. - -A strangury may be occasioned either by a spasmodic constriction, or an -inflammation of the urethra and parts about the neck of the bladder. In -the former case the patient begins to void his urine with tolerable -ease; but, as soon as it touches the galled or inflamed urethra, a -sudden constriction takes place, and the urine is voided by spurts, -sometimes by drops only. When the strangury is owing to an inflammation -about the neck of the bladder, there is a constant heat and uneasiness -of the part, a perpetual desire to make water, while the patient can -only render a few drops, and a troublesome _tenesmus_, or constant -inclination to go to stool. - -When the strangury is owing to spasm, such medicines as tend to dilute -and blunt the salts of the urine will be proper. For this purpose, -besides the common diluting liquors, soft and cooling emulsions, -sweetened with the syrup of poppies, may be used. Should these not have -the desired effect, bleeding and emollient fomentations will be -necessary. - -When the complaint is evidently owing to an inflammation about the neck -of the bladder, bleeding must be more liberally performed, and repeated -according to the urgency of the symptoms. After bleeding, if the -strangury still continues, soft clysters, with a proper quantity of -laudanum in them, may be administered, and emollient fomentations -applied to the region of the bladder. At the same time, the patient may -take every four hours a tea-cupful of barley-water, to an English pint -of which six ounces of the syrup of marshmallows, and four ounces of the -oil of sweet almonds, and half an ounce of nitre may be added. If these -remedies should not relieve the complaint, and a total suppression of -urine should come on, bleeding must be repeated, and the patient set in -a warm bath up to the middle. It will be proper in this case to -discontinue the diuretics, and to draw off the water with a catheter; -but as the patient is seldom able to bear its being introduced, we would -rather recommend the use of mild bougies. These often lubricate the -passage, and greatly facilitate the discharge of urine. Whenever they -begin to stimulate or give any uneasiness, they may be withdrawn. - -The _phymosis_ is such a constriction of the prepuce over the glans, as -hinders it from being drawn backwards; the _paraphymosis_, on the -contrary, is such a constriction of the prepuce behind the glans, as -hinders it from being brought forward. - -The treatment of these symptoms is so nearly the same with that of the -virulent gonorrhœa, that we have no occasion to enlarge upon it. In -general, bleeding, purging, poultices, and emollient fomentations, are -sufficient. Should these, however, fail of removing the stricture, and -the parts be threatened with a mortification, twenty or thirty grains of -ipecacuana, and one grain of emetic tartar may be given for a vomit, and -may be worked off with warm water or thin gruel. - -It sometimes happens, that in spite of all endeavours to the contrary, -the inflammation goes on, and symptoms of a beginning mortification -appear. When this is the case, the prepuce must be scarified with a -lancet, and, if necessary, divided, in order to prevent a strangulation, -and set the imprisoned glans at liberty. We shall not describe the -manner of performing this operation, as it ought always to be done by a -surgeon. When a mortification has actually taken place, it will be -necessary, besides the above operations, to foment the parts frequently -with cloths wrung out of a strong decoction of camomile-flowers and -bark, and to give the patient a dram of the bark in powder every two or -three hours. - -With regard to the _priapism_, _chordee_, and other distortions of the -_penis_, their treatment is no way different from that of the gonorrhœa. -When they prove very troublesome, the patient may take a few drops of -laudanum at night, especially after the operation of a purgative through -the day. - - - OF A CONFIRMED LUES. - -We have hitherto treated of those affections in which the venereal -poison is supposed to be confined chiefly to the particular part by -which it was received, and shall next take a view of the lues in its -confirmed state: that is, when the poison is actually received into the -blood, and circulating with it through every part of the body, mixes -with the several secretions, and renders the whole habit tainted. - -The symptoms of a confirmed lues are, buboes in the groin, pains of the -head and joints, which are peculiarly troublesome in the night, or when -the patient is warm in bed; scabs and scurfs on various parts of the -body, especially on the head, of a yellowish colour, resembling a -honey-comb; corroding ulcers in various parts of the body, which -generally begin about the throat, from whence they creep gradually, by -the palate, towards the cartilage of the nose, which they destroy; -excrescences or exostoses arise in the middle of the bones, and their -spongy ends become brittle and break upon the least accident; at other -times they are soft, and bend like wax: the conglobate glands become -hard and callous, and form in the neck, arm-pits, groin, and mesentery, -hard moveable tumours, like the king’s-evil; tumours of different kinds -are likewise formed in the lymphatic vessels, tendons, ligaments, and -nerves, as the _gummata_, _ganglia_, _nodes_, _tophs_, &c.; the eyes are -affected with itching, pain, redness, and sometimes with total -blindness, and the ears with a singing noise, pain, and deafness, while -their internal substance is exulcerated and rendered carious; at length -all the animal, vital, and natural functions are depraved; the face -becomes pale and livid; the body emaciated and unfit for motion, and the -miserable patient falls into an atrophy or wasting consumption. - -Women have symptoms peculiar to the sex; as cancers of the breast; a -suppression or overflowing of the menses; the whites; hysteric -affections; an inflammation, abscess, schirrus, gangrene, cancer, or -ulcer of the womb: they are generally either barren or subject to -abortion; or if they bring children into the world, they have universal -erysipelas, are half rotten, and covered with ulcers. - -Such is the catalogue of symptoms attending this dreadful disease in its -confirmed state. Indeed, they are seldom all to be met with in the same -person, or at the same time; so many of them, however, are generally -present as are sufficient to alarm the patient; and if he has reason to -suspect the infection is lurking in his body, he ought immediately to -set about the expulsion of it, otherwise the most tragical consequence -will ensue. - -The only certain remedy hitherto known in Europe for the cure of this -disease, is mercury, which may be used in a great variety of forms, with -nearly the same success. Some time ago it was reckoned impossible to -cure a confirmed lues without a salivation. This method is now, however, -pretty generally laid aside, and mercury is found to be as efficacious, -or rather more so, in expelling the venereal poison, when administered -in such a manner as not to run off the salivatory glands. - -Though many are of opinion that the mercurial ointment is as efficacious -as any other preparation of that mineral; yet experience has taught me -to think otherwise. I have often seen the most obstinate venereal cases, -where great quantities of mercurial ointment had been used in vain, -yield to the saline preparations of mercury. Nor am I so singular in -this opinion. Mr. Clare, a very eminent surgeon, assured me, that for -some time past he had employed in venereal cases a saline preparation of -mercury with most happy success. This preparation, rubbed with a -sufficient quantity of any mild powder, he applied, in small portions, -to the tongue, where, with a gentle degree of friction, it was -immediately absorbed, and produced its full effect upon the system, -without doing the least injury to the stomach or bowels; a matter of -greater importance in the application of this most active and powerful -remedy. - -It is impossible to ascertain either the exact quantity of medicines -that must be taken, or the time they ought to be continued in order to -perform a cure. These will ever vary according to the constitution of -the patient, the season of the year, the degree of infection, the time -it has lodged in the body, &c. But though it is difficult, as Astruc -observes, to determine a priori, what quantity of mercury will, in the -whole, be necessary to cure this distemper completely, yet it may be -judged of a posteriori, from the abatement and ceasing of the symptoms. -The same author adds, that commonly not less than two ounces of the -strong mercurial ointment is sufficient, and not more than three or four -ounces necessary. - -The only chemical preparation of mercury which we shall take notice of, -is the corrosive sublimate. This was some time ago brought into use for -the venereal disease in Germany, by the illustrious Baron Van Swieten; -and was soon after introduced into Britain by the learned Sir John -Pringle, at that time a physician to the army. The method of giving it -is as follows: One grain of corrosive sublimate is dissolved in two -ounces of French brandy or malt spirits; and of this solution an -ordinary table-spoonful, or the quantity of half an ounce, is to be -taken twice a day, and to be continued as long as any symptoms of the -disorder remain. To those whose stomachs cannot bear the solution, the -sublimate may be given in form of a pill.[10] - -Footnote 10: - - The sublimate may be given in distilled water, or any other liquid - that the patient chooses. I commonly order ten grains to be dissolved - in an ounce of the spirit of wine, for the convenience of carriage, - and let the patient take twenty or thirty drops of it night and - morning, in half a glass of brandy or other spirits. - -Several roots, woods, and barks, have been recommended for curing the -venereal disease; but none of them have been found, upon experience, to -answer the high encomiums which had been bestowed upon them. Though no -one of these is to be depended upon alone, yet, when joined with -mercury, some of them are found to be very beneficial in promoting a -cure. One of the best we know yet is sarsaparilla. - -The mezereon-root is likewise found to be a powerful assistant to the -sublimate, or any other mercurial. It may either be used along with the -sarsaparilla, or by itself. Those who choose to use the mezereon by -itself, may boil an ounce of the fresh bark, taken from the root, in -twelve English pints of water, to eight, adding towards the end an ounce -of liquorice. The dose of this is the same as of the decoction of -sarsaparilla. - -We have been told, that the natives of America cure the venereal -disease, in every stage, by a decoction of the root of a plant called -the Lobelia. It is used either fresh or dried; but we have no certain -accounts with regard to the proportion. Sometimes they mix other roots -with it, as those of the ranunculus, the ceanothus, &c.; but whether -they are designed to disguise or assist it, is doubtful. The patient -takes a large draught of the decoction early in the morning, and -continues to use it for his ordinary drink throughout the day.[11] - -Footnote 11: - - Though we are still very much in the dark with regard to the method of - curing this disease among the natives of America, yet it is generally - affirmed that they do cure it with speed, safety, and success, and - that without the least knowledge of mercury. Hence it becomes an - object of considerable importance to discover their method of cure. - This might surely be done by making trials of the various plants which - are found in those parts, and particularly of such as the natives are - known to make use of. All people in a rude state take their medicines - chiefly from the vegetable kingdom, and are often possessed of - valuable secrets with regard to the virtues of plants, of which more - enlightened nations are ignorant. Indeed, we make no doubt but some - plants of our own growth, were proper pains taken to discover them, - would be found as efficacious in curing the venereal disease as those - in America. It must, however, be remembered, that what will cure the - venereal disease in one country, will not always be found to have - equal success in another. - -Many other roots and woods might be mentioned which have been extolled -for curing the venereal disease, as the china roots, the roots of -soap-wart, burdock, &c., as also the wood of guaiacum and sassafras; but -as none of these have been found to possess virtues superior to those -already mentioned, we shall, for the sake of brevity, pass them over, -and shall conclude our observations on this disease, with a few general -remarks concerning the proper management of the patient and the nature -of the infection. - - - GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. - -The condition of the patient ought always to be considered previous to -his entering upon a course of mercury in any form. It would be equally -rash and dangerous to administer mercury to a person labouring under any -violent acute disease, as a putrid fever, pleurisy, peripnuemony, or the -like. It would likewise be dangerous in some chronic cases; as a slow -hectic fever, or the last stage of a consumption. Sometimes, however, -these diseases proceed from a confirmed lues; in which case it will be -necessary to give mercury. In chronic diseases of a less dangerous -nature, as the asthma, the gravel, and such like, mercury, if necessary, -may be safely administered. If the patient’s strength has been greatly -exhausted by sickness, labour, abstinence, or any other cause, the use -of mercury must be postponed, till by time, rest, and a nourishing diet, -it can be sufficiently restored. - -Mercury ought not to be administered to women during the menstrual flux, -or when the period is near at hand. Neither should it be given in the -last stage of pregnancy. If, however, the woman be not near the time of -her delivery, and circumstances render it necessary, mercury may be -given, but in smaller doses, and at greater intervals than usual; with -these precautions, both the mother and child may be cured at the same -time, if not, the disorder will at least be kept from growing worse, -till the woman be brought to bed, and sufficiently recovered, when a -more effectual method may be pursued, which, if she suckles her child, -will in all probability be sufficient for the cure of both. - -Mercury ought always to be administered to infants with the greatest -caution. Their tender condition unfits them for supporting a salivation, -and makes it necessary to administer even the mildest preparations of -mercury to them with a sparing hand. A similar conduct is recommended in -the treatment of old persons, who have the misfortune to labour under a -confirmed lues. No doubt the infirmities of age must render people less -able to undergo the fatigues of a salivation; but this, as was formerly -observed, is never necessary; besides, we have generally found that -mercury had much less effect upon very old persons, than on those who -were younger. - -Hysteric and hypochondriac persons, and such as are subject to an -habitual diarrhœa or dysentery, or to frequent and violent attacks of -epilepsy, or who are afflicted with the scrofula or the scurvy, ought to -be cautious in the use of mercury. Where any one of these disorders -prevails it ought either, if possible, to be cured, or at least -palliated, before the patient enters upon a course of mercury. When this -cannot be done, the mercury must be administered in smaller doses, and -at longer intervals than usual. The most proper seasons for entering -upon a course of mercury, are the spring and autumn, when the air is of -a moderate warmth. If the circumstances of the case, however, will not -admit of delay, we must not defer the cure on account of the season, but -must administer the mercury; taking care, at the same time, to keep the -patient’s chamber warmer or cooler according as the season of the year -requires. - -The next thing to be considered is the preparation necessary to be -observed before we proceed to administer a course of mercury. Some lay -great stress upon this circumstance, observing that by previously -relaxing the vessels, and correcting any disorder which may happen to -prevail in the blood, not only the mercury will be disposed to act more -kindly, but many other inconveniencies will be prevented. - -We have already recommended bleeding and gentle purges, previous to the -administration of mercury, and shall only now add, that these are always -to be repeated according to the age, strength, constitution, and other -circumstances of the patient. Afterwards, if it can be conveniently -done, the patient ought to bathe once or twice a day, for a few days, in -lukewarm water. His diet, in the meantime, must be light, moist, and -cooling. Wine and all heating liquors, also violent bodily exercise, and -all great exertions of the mind, are carefully to be avoided. - -A proper regimen is likewise to be observed by such as are under a -course of mercury. Inattention to this not only endangers the patient’s -life, but often also disappoints him of a cure. A much smaller quantity -of mercury will be sufficient for the cure of a person who lives low, -keeps warm, and avoids all manner of excess, than of one who cannot -endure to put the smallest restraint upon his appetites; indeed, it but -rarely happens that such are thoroughly cured. - -There is hardly any thing of more importance, either for preventing or -removing venereal infection than cleanliness. By an early attention to -this, the infection might often be prevented from entering the body; and -where it has already taken place, its effects may be greatly mitigated. -The moment any person has reason to suspect that he has received the -infection, he ought to wash the parts with water and spirits, sweet oil, -or milk and water; a small quantity of the last may likewise be injected -up the urethra, if it can be conveniently done. Whether this disease at -first took its rise from dirtiness is hard to say; but wherever that -prevails the infection is found in its greatest virulence, which gives -ground to believe that a strict attention to cleanliness would go far -towards extirpating it altogether.[12] - -Footnote 12: - - I have not only seen a recent infection carried off in a few days by - means of cleanliness, _viz._, bathing, fomentations, injections, &c., - but have likewise found it of the greatest advantage in the more - advanced stages of the disease. Of this I had lately a very remarkable - instance in a man whose penis was almost wholly consumed by venereal - ulcers; the matter had been allowed to continue on the sores without - any care having been taken to clean them, till, notwithstanding the - use of mercury and other medicines, it had produced the effects - mentioned. I ordered warm milk and water to be injected three or four - times a day into all the sinuous ulcers, in order to wash out the - matter; after which they were stuffed with dry lint to absorb the - fresh matter as it was generated. The patient at the same time took - every day half a grain of the corrosive sublimate of mercury, - dissolved in an ounce of brandy, and drank an English quart of the - decoction of sarsaparilla. By this treatment, in about six weeks, he - was perfectly cured; and, what was very remarkable, a part of the - penis was actually regenerated. - - Dr. Gilchrist has given an account of a species of the _lues venerea_ - which prevails in the west of Scotland, to which the natives give the - name of _Sibbins_ or _Sivvins_. The doctor observes, that the - spreading of this disease is chiefly owing to a neglect of - cleanliness, and seems to think, that by due attention to this - _virtue_, it might be extirpated. The treatment of this disease is - similar to that of a confirmed lues or pox. The _yaws_, a disease - which is now very common both in America and the West India Islands, - may also be cured in the same manner. - -When the venereal disease has been neglected, or improperly treated, it -often becomes a disorder of the habit. In this case the cure must be -attempted by restoratives, as milk diet, the decoction of sarsaparilla, -and such like, to which mercury may be added. It is a common practice in -North Britain to send such patients to drink goat-whey. This is a very -proper plan, providing the infection has been totally eradicated -beforehand; but when that is not the case, and the patient trusts to the -whey for finishing his cure, he will be often disappointed. I have -frequently known the disease return with all its virulence after a -course of goat-whey, even when that course had been thought quite -sufficient for completing the cure. - -One of the most unfortunate circumstances attending patients in this -disease, is the necessity they are often laid under of hurrying the -cure. This induces them to take medicine too fast, and to leave it off -too soon. A few grains more of medicine, or a few days longer -confinement, would often be sufficient to perform the cure; whereas, by -neglect of these, a small degree of virulence is still left in the -system, which gradually vitiates, and at length contaminates the whole -mass. To avoid this, we would advise, that the patient should never -leave off taking medicine immediately upon the disappearing of the -symptoms, but continue it for some time after, gradually lessening the -quantity, till there is reason to believe the disease is entirely -eradicated. - -It is not only difficult, but absolutely impossible, to ascertain the -exact degree of virulence that may attend the disease; for which reason -it will always be a much safer rule to continue the use of medicine too -long, than to leave it off too soon. This seems to be the leading maxim -of a modern practitioner of some note for the venereal disease, who -always orders his patients to perform a quarantine of forty days, during -which time he takes forty bottles of, I suppose, a strong decoction of -sarsaparilla, or some other antivenereal simple. Whoever takes this -method, and adds a sufficient quantity of corrosive sublimate, or some -other active preparation of mercury to the decoction, will seldom fail -to cure a confirmed lues. - -It is peculiarly unfortunate for the cure of this disease, that not one -in ten of those who contract it, are either able or willing to submit to -a proper plan of regimen. The patient is willing to take medicine; but -he must follow his business, and to prevent suspicions, must eat and -drink like the rest of the family. This is the true source of -nine-tenths, of all the mischief arising from venereal disease. I never -knew the cure attended with any great difficulty or danger where the -patient strictly followed the physician’s advice; but a volume would not -be sufficient to point out the dreadful consequences which proceed from -an opposite conduct. Schirrous testicles, ulcerous sore throats, -madness, consumptions, carious bones, and a rotten progeny, are a few of -the blessings derived from this source. - -There is a species of false reasoning, with regard to this disease, -which proves fatal to many. A person of a sound constitution contracts a -slight degree of the disorder. He gets well without taking any great -care, or using much medicine, and hence concludes, that this will always -be the case. The next time the disease occurs, though ten times more -virulent, he pursues the same course, and his constitution is ruined. -Indeed, the different degrees of virulence in the small-pox are not -greater than in this disease, though, as the learned Sydenham observes, -in some cases the most skilful physicians cannot cure, and in others the -most ignorant old women cannot kill the patient in that disorder. Though -a good constitution is always in favour of the patient, yet too great -stress may be laid upon it. It does not appear from observation, that -the most robust constitution is able to overcome the virulence of the -venereal contagion, after it has got into the habit. In this case, a -proper course of medicine is always indispensably necessary. - -Although it is impossible, on account of the different degrees of -virulence, &c., to lay down fixed and certain rules, for the cure of -this disease, yet the following general plan will always be found safe, -and often successful, viz.: to bleed and administer gentle purges with -diuretics during the inflammatory state, and, as soon as the symptoms of -inflammation are abated, to administer mercury, in any form that may be -most agreeable to the patient. The same medicine, assisted by the -decoction of sarsaparilla, and a proper regimen, will not only secure -the constitution against the further progress of a confirmed pox, but -will generally perform a complete cure. - -Although the venereal disease may not be a proper subject of discussion -for regular families and the nursery, yet there are many individuals to -whom the observations here made may be of service in that complaint. -There is no disease which opens so wide a field for the quack, none in -which he so completely picks the pocket and ruins the constitution of -the ignorant and unwary. Mercury, though looked upon as a certain cure -in every species of this disease, is only proper in one; and though -every apothecary’s boy pretends to cure the venereal disease by it, -there is no medicine oftener misapplied. Though mercury is a certain -cure for the _lues venerea_, it is a medicine of so very active a nature -that it cannot be administered with too much care; it is the chief -ingredient in all the nostrums daily advertised for the cure of this -disease, and those who value their health or their life, should beware -of allowing themselves to become, in a matter so serious, the dupes of -imposture. - - - CONCLUSION. - - COURTEOUS READER, - -In the Works of the renowned and famous philosopher, ARISTOTLE, you have -got laid before you a Collection of the best Observations on the Secrets -of Nature, that ever the world was favoured with on the subject. Let me -now entreat you, who have read them, and all those who may hereafter do -so, to mark well what is therein contained, and thereby direct your -future conduct, which you will find to your advantage. Whatever young -and inconsiderate persons may think or say of what is herein contained, -it is absolutely necessary to be known; and, when reduced to practice, -may prove the happy means of preventing many fatal and lamentable -consequences, which ignorance and inconsideration produce. Farewell. - - - THE END. - - - JOHN SMITH, TOOLY STREET, LONDON. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in - spelling. - 2. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. - 3. 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