CHAP. I. The Design of the whole WORK.

THe Art of Medicine from the first Invention thereof to the time of Hippocrates was merely Empirical, The beginning of the medicinal Art. as may be found by those who consult the Annalls. For that as several men made tryal of several remedies, if they found any by Experience to be helpful in any Disease, the same was made use of to others also in the like Case. Wherefore, as Herodotus tells us, the antient Egyptians did not carry their sick to the Physitian, but set them in the streets and high-ways that they might consult the Passengers for Cure of their Diseases. And so, Its increase and progress. both the Priests of these and of the Greeks; taking notice by what remedy every one was healed, committing it to writing, they laid up careful in their Temples their observations, that they might on occasion be communicated to other sick people. After this, the Heap of obser­vations dayly increasing, [...] Physick began to be reduced into precepts and [Page 2] method, and upon this double hinge, almost all the whole business turn'd, to wit that the matter of Medicine with all its furniture, might be aptly dispensed, and in several forms of prescriptions, and also that the Indicationes Therapeuticae, or the setting forth of the method of Curing, with the use of the medicinal Housholdstuff, might be rightly made known. If any one were very skilful in these two parts, he was thought to bear away the Bell in the Medicinal part of Physick. But truly in this matter, The shewing the reasons of medi­cinal Operations desired. and in the practice of Physick we may deservedly place among the things that are to be desired, what hath as yet been unfolded by no body, by what order, and by what affection of the parts of the humane Body, Medicines being taken inwardly, or outwardly applyed, do perform their operations, to wit, how and why this vomits that purges, others sweat, or move to some alteration, or operation of some other kind; what affinity there is of the parts and particulars in the agent, and patient, or dissimilitude, pulsion, impulsion, and reaction: and then with what strugling and fermentation they are agitated, when mix'd toge­ther, and by what Workmanship or Energie they produce their effects. The vulgar Solution of these was wont to be, that Medicines did work by certain spe­cifick Virtues, and did exercise their peculiar Powers, which thing truly is no more than to explicate the same thing by the same thing, as if they should say that some things are Vomits, because they are indued with the faculty of provoking us to vomit. Therefore for as much as this Therapeutic speculation has been almost left hitherto untouch'd by Physitians, The Reason of these things en­quired into me­chanically. it will seem worth the while to enquire into the reason as it were mechanically, which way Medicaments of every kind do exer­cise their force in our Bodies, to wit, that at our pleasures these do stir up the motion of avoyding the excrements in the Bowels or stop it, these excite the effer­vescencie of the Blood and Humours, or restrain them, and moreover by what peculiar respect they are able to yield comfort, as it were Tribute, to the wants of every part or member, or to irregular parts. Here, although it is not much to the purpose in what order the Species of Medicines are recited, yet for methods sake it seems good to me first of all to shew some general reasons of them, and in the next place to reduce them into Classes. Therefore as to the operations of medicines we ought chiefly to distinguish the places in which the virtues or their Energies do first and chiefly shew themselves, The Places of the operations of Me­dicines in the first place noted. which commonly are wont to be divided into three Regions: viz. First, into the first passages, in which chiefly are comprehended the Ventricle, Intestines, the Pipe of the Gall, and Pancreas, and also the Mouths of the Meseraick Vessels. Secondly the Mass of Blood and all its Sanguineous Appendices, to wit, the Praecordia, the Liver, the Spleen &c. Thirdly, the Brain, and all the System of the Nerves, with the Members and the habit of the Body. Besides these distinct Spheres of Activity, of which sometimes these or those apart from the rest, sometimes more, or all together are reach'd by Medicine. In the second place likewise we ought to consider the immediate Subjects on which Medicaments do operate, The Subjects of them the Spirits and the Hu­mours. and those are not doubtless the solid Parts, but are either the animal Spirits, or the Humours; nevertheless they also by the means of these are sometimes affected. Medicines inwardly taken, do act either immediately upon the animal Spirits, those which reside in the Fibres of the Oesophagus, After what manner Medi­cines do work upon the Spirits. of the Ventricle, of the Intestines, and in the first passages of other leading Pipes; or by means of the Blood upon those which do inhabit the Brain, and the nervous or membran [...] Fibres of more distant parts. When the Virtue of the Medicines touch them, whether these parts or those, they stir them up either by irrirating them into an extruding motion, or by comforting them make them expand themselves more largely, The Spices of the Humours reci­ted. and as it were rejoyce, or by asswaging qualifie their Disorders, and take away their Pains, or lastly by scattering them, they lull their Furie asleep. The Humours in which Medicines inwardly taken do impress their force, are both the Ferments, and Obliniments of the Ventricle and Intestines, The Blood with the nourishing Succus, and dross, viz. the Serum or Whey, either Bilis, the Pancreatick Juice the waterish Humour; and also the nervous Liquor: upon which sometimes singly, After what manner Medi­cines act upon them. and sometimes together, Medicines do diversely operate, in as much as they fling them down and destroy them, or reduce them from that state: Sometimes they stir them up when sloathful, or if too much boyling, they allay and gently asswage them, or lastly they alter them being enormant in Quality, Consistencie, Temperament and other Accidents, and sensibly restore them to their genuine [Page 3] Constitution. When therefore there are so many and so various Considerations about the Operations of Medicines, the thread of our method leads to the places in which their forces do first and most chiefly appear; and in that respect we will begin with Catharticks, both Vomitory and Purging: The designed me­thod of this Tract. Then we will handle next Diuretick Medicaments, Diaphoretick, and Cordials: and lastly we will speak of Opiats and Specificks, as they are vulgarly called, that is, of Medicines respecting, either the defects, or inequalities of the inward parts of each par­ticular Member. In the handling of each of these, Three things to be considered in every Evacua­tion. we shall observe these three things viz. First, We will shew in every kind of Evacuation the means whereby Medicines do operate and affect, either the Spirits, or the Humours of humane Bodies, or both of them, and with them also the solid parts. Secondly, We will take notice of all the Kinds of every Class of Medicines, or at least the chief of them, together with the more select forms of Prescriptions. Thirdly we will describe the Chymical Remedies of the first rank which belong to each, and the Reasons of them, that is, the Variations of Changes and Accidents which happen in their preparations, as also we will add the reasons of their Virtues and Effects, which appear in them when they are prepared. In the fourth place there may be super­added to these another Exercitation in the medicinal part of Physick, to wit, that other more elegant, and more profitable provisions of these kind of Medicines, the reasons of Chymical preparations being rightly weighed, may be found out. But we will reserve this Institution for some other time because it contains Secrets easily violated by those rash Quack-salvers, who not without danger to the sick make experiments dayly of every medicinal Precept they find written, without any Controul. But that which is next to be done is that we describe, briefly and ac­curately the first Passages, vulgarly so called, in humane Bodies: viz. In which Medicines do first of all begin to operate, and are as it were the stage of every medicinal Action.

CHAP. II. The Description, Use, and Affections of the Parts among which Medicines begin to work.

SInce that Medicines are carried by the same ways into the humane Body as Food, and are born every where throw the same Pipes, it will be therefore of use, The first passa­ges. viz. The Mouth of the Stomach, Ven­tricle, and In­testines, are the Stage of every medicinal ope­ration. for the right understanding the means how it is done, as well for the reasons of the Chyle as of the Evacuation, that we deliniate a certain Scene of the Parts and Inwards, in which either of these do act their Comedie. But to do this fully and amply in all its proportions, were to exhibite the Anatomie of the whole humane Body. Wherefore we will only deliniate briefly those parts, into which Medicines are received, and where they begin to operate. These are then the Oesophagus or mouth of the Stomach, the Ventricle, and the Intestines with their appendices, in which not only Vomits and Purges, but also Cordials, Opiates, The Spirits, and the Humours, the immediat subjects of Medicines. Diapho­reticks, yea and all other kind of Medicines, do first of all manifest their Virtues, and are determined to shew their Energies. We will not therefore give you a perfect description of these (which hath already been done accurately by other Anatomists,) but only brief Commentaries, The mediat are the Fibres, mem­branes, vessels and leading Pipes. which may serve to illustrate the business of Evacuation. Since then all Medicines more immediatly act upon the Spirits, or the humours, or on both together, and that the Subjects of them are the Fibres, Membranes, Vessells, and leading Pipes, we will particularly declare how these abide in the aforesaid Inwards, and how they are wont to affect.

The Oesophagus, according to the opinion of all Men, and common Observation, The Oesophgus consists of three Coats. consists of three Coats. The interior of these hath as it were a certain Covering on its innermost Superficies, consisting in Fibres, as it were very small Hairs which covers its hollowness all over as it were with a certain Down; The more in­ward Coat full of Nerves, and covered with a hairy Crust. the rest of the sub­stance of this Coat, is altogether nervous, endued with Fibres of various kinds, and diversely interwoven, like to the interior Coat of the Ventricle and Inte­stines [Page 4] Moreover this Membrane is continued to that which covers the Palate, Mouth, Jawes, and Lips: and also descending down even to the Ventricle, com­passeth about its Mouth, and covers it round below on the inside of the Mouth, for the space of three Fingers breadth. This extreme part, within the Orifice of the Stomach, of this Nervous Coat, which is somewhat thick, and hairy, appears very distinctly from the more inward Coat of the Ventricle which it covers; Covers for some space and enters into the Mouth of the Ventricle. which by a small Elixation may be more fully discerned; for then that Coat coming down from the Throat, appears wonderfully white, and otherwise, and more inward than that of the Stomach. This part without doubt serves chiefly to make the sense exquisite. Hence therefore grateful things being eaten, and swal­lowed down, a grateful affection of pleasure accompanies them even to the entrance of the Ventricle: so also from ingrateful things eaten, or thought upon by an irri­tation here made, And makes the sense of the lust in the whole throat and Mouth of the Ventricle. there oftentimes follows Nauseousness and Vomitings. More­over the deep letting in of this Coat into the Ventricle makes that intimate and quick intercourse between the Stomach and the Throat; so that if either part be provoked to Vomiting, presently the other is led by consent: and since the same Coat cloaths also other parts of the Mouth and Palate, these in like manner by a natural consent are affected in Vomiting.

The second Coat of the Oesopha­gus or middle­most being fleshy serves for moti­on.2. The next Coat of the Throat is somewhat fleshy and thick, as if it were a pierced Muscle. Hofmannus indeed asserts it to be a Muscle and to be ob­noxious to the Palsie and to Convulsions. The fleshie Fibres of this Coat were commonly thought round and transverse: but Clar. Stenon hath observed them to be spiral and of a double order, which mutually strike between one another, and are formed like two Cockles put opposite one to another. Upon these, as much as I have been able to collect by my own observation, the whole Oesopha­gus seems to be composed of two Muscles knit together, which make four parallel Lines with the Opposite Fibres, Two opposite orders of the moving Fibres. and cutting one another across. This plainly may be perceived, if this middle Coat of the Throat be taken off from the rest, and the extreme parts being tyed, it be distended by inflation, and some­times immerg'd in seething Water, that the Fibres may be contracted and swell, for so there will be discerned two series of descending Fibres with their Tendons. Then if this Coat be turnd on the other side, and be likewise blown up, the opposite orders of the ascending Fibres will appear to your sight. Lastly, if the Coat be cut in two in the middle by the long Tendon, and folded out plain, there will appear two parallel Lines on one superficies, and as many opposite upon the other.

The third or outmost Tunick of the Oesopha­gus.3. The third and outmost Coat of the Oesophagus which is common to that and to the Ventricle, arising from the Diaphragma or Midriff (to which it is uni­ted as it passes throw the Hole of it,) is most small and is indued with membranous Fibres only, and they very small.

The use of these Coats.As to the use and office of these parts, we say in General that the inmost Coat serves chiefly for the sense, the middlemost for the office of Motion, and the third that it might be as a covering for the whole: But because these are the first passages, or porch to Evacuation, it will be worth our pains that we inquire a little more largely and particularly into them.

What the Office of the Hairy Crust is.First then this interior Coat of the Oesophagus which is covered over with an hairy Crust as it were a certain Down (which also is common to the Palate and Tongue) seems to be so made for the better invitation to Eating, which is a thing so necessary to maintain Life, to wit, that whilst grateful food is swallow'd down, it might be able in the whole passage of the Oesophagus, to be lay'd hold on by those little hairs, and to stick for some time to them, that it might impress a sense of its pleasure. The nervous Coat is chiefly made for the sense. But that the Coat it self consists of so many variously inter­woven nervous Fibres is, that it is chiefly made for Sensation, next for strength and firmness, as a little basket woven with very many twiggs, and thirdly that that part might be the better extended. But the chief Office of them is to receive the approach of sensible things, and presently do deliver them to the common sense, so that according to the affections either to things pleasing or displeasing there stirred up, the motions of swallowing or rejecting might be continued, or excited a new.

Inquired if not also for motion.Here also it may be justly inquired into, whether this so very nervous Coat, so very much interwoven with numerous and various Fibres, may not also serve for some motion? For that it happens that the Oesophagus and its parts are diversly [Page 5] moved in Swallowing, Spitting, Vomiting, Yauning, and other affections, and when the other inward membranous parts, and chiefly the Ventricle and Inte­stines, are on every side moved: It ought to be unfolded how these various Actions, or passions are executed, and by what Fibres, and after what manner they are affected.

Fallopius the chiefest Anatomist of his time, The opinions of Fallopius, of the motion of the Membranes. when he had observed in the Muscle (which is the chief or the only Instrument of Local Motion) two parts, one of them which conteined the fleshie body of the Muscle, to consist of fleshie Fibres, and the other, which was the Chord or String, of nervous Fibres: and by these two the Body only of the Muscle to move and contract it self, but the Chord only to be drawn, not to move it self; at length he concludes that no particle in the Animal can move it self, unless it be Fibrous and hath true flesh. Observ. Anatom. p. 412.

Agreeable to this we have shown lately in a peculiar Tract, that, and how, Contraction on­ly performed by fleshy Fibres. every motion of Contraction is performed only by fleshy Fibres, viz. These by the sudden rushing in of the Spirits (which leap from the tendinous Fibres) being inflated and blown up, are presently made shorter, so that they thereby snatch up the parts hanging next them. But truly since it very plainly appears, some nervous parts, and especially the hollow Viscera or inward parts, not only to be contracted, but expanded, much blown upon, and inlarged into a greater capacity, which cannot certainly be made by the motion of Contraction; and since further it plain­ly appears that the animal Spirits move no less among the nervous Fibres, than in the fleshie, and not only to fill them gently, but sometimes to leap forth, very much irritated, or thrust forth more impetuously. These I say being premised, we will not doubt to conclude that the animal Spirits filling the nervous, or membranous Fibres, do not only effect sensation, which is their proper function, Expansion cau­sed by the ner­vous Fibres. but also certain local motions, to wit, expansion, or inflation. For whilst the animal Spirits in their extrusion being agitated, and notably rarified, do more impetuously enter into these Fibres (which as well as the fleshie, being disposed not in certain orders but every where about, may be very much attenuated, and in the greater expansions distended, and dilated) there is a necessity that the inward parts framed of these should be every where blown up, and their sides on all parts unfolded, and being to the utmost attenuated, should be enlarged into a greater Capacity. Truly by the institution of Nature, as often as it happens to come to pass after this manner, it is certainly, that whilst the parts which the membranes do order, stretch under or cover, by this means are expanded, the superfluous Humours, or those that being infixed molest them, or such as stick to them, might be shook off and removed. For this end, and by this means, we think Stretchings, At in Stretch­ing, Yauning, and Inflations of the inward parts. Yaunings and other certain motions of inflation and distention to be excited. Wherefore as in Yauning, we find the Pipe of the Oesophagus whether we will or no to be inlarged, and as it were blown up, and stretch'd out by a certain wind, we may conclude this affection to arise from thence, for as much as the inward Coat of the Throat, that it might shake off it [...] too much humidity (wherewith it is grieved) it is stretch'd out, How Yauning is made. and enlarged with a certain thrusting forth of the Spirits. Moreover whilst we strive to hinder this motion of Yauning (because it seems always troublesome, and unhandsom) presently the fleshy Fibres of the out­ward Coat, are moved to contraction: whereby there arises a certain strugling in the Coats of the Oesophagus (which we may easily perceive) made by these oppo­site endeavours of expansion and contraction. By what means the animal Spi­rits do blow upon the membranous Viscera in convulsive Affections, and lift them up, and intumefie, counterfieting the springing up of live Animals, is shown by us in some other place. Further, when by some incongruous Medicine, or Poyson, Distentions and horrid inflations of the Ventricle or Intestines, and that not sel­dom, sudden and excessive rising up of the whole Abdomen happen; The Extension of the membranes caused by the thrusting forth of the Spirits. they are thus made, in as much as the animal Spirits being highly irritated, and brought to use their explosive force, they run altogether into the membranous Fibres, and extend them to their utmost,; that the inward or Viscus which is knit to them is presently wholly blown up, and as much as it possibly may be is enlarged. But we will return from this little diversion of the membranous Motion, to consider the use of the other Coat of the Oesophagus.

The exterior Coat of the Throat, somewhat fleshy, and thick, for that indeed [Page 6] it consists of two orders of fleshy Fibres, which ascend and descend obliquely, and shoot mutually one through the other, may be thought to be as it were a double Muscle, and as one order of the double Fibres descending, serves for swallowing, the other without doubt ascending, The middlemost fleshy Coat of the Oesophagus consists of two orders of moti­onal Fibres. performs the business of Spitting, and Vomi­ting. I have known some by reason of a vehement Palsie in this fleshie Coat of the Oesophagus, to have swallow'd with very great difficulty, and others by reason that these Fibres where wholly loosned, to dye with Famine. Besides, it may be suspected that the sense of being strangled, and that round thing which ascends in those, labouring with the Hysterical passion to be from the Nervous Fibres of the inward Coat, whilst the Spirits in them are driven forth, being too much infla­ted and distended, 3. There is not much to be spoken of the outmost Coat of the Oesophagus, Its outermost Coat. which is common; for this consisting of most small, and membra­nous Fibres, seems almost to be only for a Cover to its inward parts.

The Description of the Ventricle.The Ventricle (in which the Oesophagus ends, thrusting its nervous Coat in­to its left Orifice) is somewhat long, like a Sleeve with a more ample bottom, spreading it self Orbicularly, with a plain, and short top, in which are two Orifices, placed one against another, at some distance: By that on the left side, the food that is taken in, descends by a right and perpendicular Pipe into the Cavity of the Stomach, where it is dissolved, and changed into Chyle; By the right hand door, whose passage is oblique, ascending again, it passes thence into the Guts; so that whatsoever goes out of the Stomach at either door, must be by a steep ascension; and as the Ventricle purges it self of what is contained within it on the left side, by Vomiting, or on the right side by Seige, there is a necessity that its bottom, and sides should be contracted together, and to widen upwards and to incline either to this or to that Orifice.

So much for the Faces of the Exterior part of the Stomach: but we will more largely consider its inward parts (which belongs to Evacuation) its Coats, with the textures of its Fibres, its Orifices, Vessels, and leading Pipes, and also the Actions, It hath three Coats. and uses of them all. The Ventricle as well as the Oesophagus consists of three Coats, one common with the Diaphragma, and two proper, outward, and inward.

The Innermost is nervous and covered with an hairy Crust.This innermost is wholly nervous, and (as we observ'd in the Throat) its inward superficies is every where covered with an hairy substance, or straight Threds inser­ted perpendicularly to the Coat it self (like to shaggie Silk.) This Crust on the inside covering the Ventricle, after a little seething appears very plainly, but yet distinct from that which covers the Throat (being more livid, and more white) and seems like that which covers the Tongue. And indeed the sharp and Crustie Superficies, both of the Tongue and of the Ventricle, ought to be so, that the particles of the chawed Food, and of what is swallowed down, might for some time be detained by it, and from thence by degrees delivered over to the nervous Coat, which else might by their immediate and naked touch be too much irritated, and afterwards might be in danger of growing hard. The use of the hairy Crust. Besides, this hairy Crust of the Ventricle serves also for other uses; for the reliques of the Chyle, being there­in lay'd up and kept for leven, or a certain ferment, they are become requisite, both for the Appetite, and for Digestion. But further this downyness on all sides defends and covers the Mouths of the Vessels, which are very thickly inser­ted into the nervous Coat, and also receive the humours flowing off from the Arteries and Nerves; whilst that in the mean time the Veins suck the Chyle, and other overflowing Juices in this part. This hairy Crust on the backside, or convex superficies, by which it sticks to the nervous Coat, is sowed all over with innume­rable ringy glandulaes, which without doubt do cover the Mouths of the Vessels, sticking in the nervous Coat, and as it should seem, receive and strain through them the humour destinated for them, or more immediatly lay'd up by them.

This glandu­lous Coat seems to be distinct from the other Coats.This covering or hairy Crust, may be easily separated from the Stomach after it hath been dipped into warm Water, and appears to be a Coat of it self, firm enough, and distinct from others, and for the reason aforesaid may not improperly be called the Glandulous Coat. This therefore being taken away, the nervous Coat appears consisting of Fibres of various kinds, and diversly interwoven, by whose rare Web A. A. innumerable sanguiferous Vessels with their close Branches do shew themselves; and terminate in its interior superficies, where they stick to the glandulous Coat. The portions of both these Membranes, to [Page 7] wit, the nervous and glandulous are represented by Figures in the fourth Table.

This nervous Coat constitutes the interior Cavity of the Ventricle, like to a Chymical Vessel or Matrace, in which the Food is dissolved, and digested into Chyle. Its Fibres chiefly serve for sensation, The nervous Coat is hid with innumerable Blood-carrying Vessels. and perhaps somewhat also for motion. As to the first, these being empty, they stir up Hunger, and being wrinkled up either through Dryness, or Saltness, or Heat, by Spiced Meats, or Wine, they cause Thirst: when sharp and acid Humours do prick or pull them, it causes the Gnawing of the Stomach. Lastly, The Office of this Coat as to the sense. all Medicines do first of all act upon these Fibres, and according to the sensible impression made upon them, the Operation after this or that manner happens, as shall anon be more specially declared. As soon as these Fibres are filled by fit Aliment put into the Ventricle, presently there arises a certain Satiety and Complacency in the Spirits inhabiting them, and from thence a certain refection and as it were rejoycing by the consent of their whole Convention, or of all the sensitive Soul. In the mean time as the Veins do suck the most subtil part of the Chyle, most rich Food is given to the vital Flame.

As to the motion of this Coat, The Affections as to motion. although we should deny to it spontaneous Contractions, yet it very manifestly appears, that it is frequently distended, inflated, blown up, and inlarged into a greater Capacity: which comes to pass, How the Inflati­ons and disten­tions of the In­wards are made by the nervous Fibres being affected. not only by the Winds begot within the cavity of the Stomach, but more often by the Spirits inhabiting the Fibres themselves; which, if they be very much irritated and agitated into an explosive Impetuousness, they highly inflate, and distend them all at once, whilst they tumultuously and in heaps run into them, and so intumifie the whole membrane like to a blown up Bladder. For if these nervous Fibres are made hollow and like a Pipe, and that the Wind on a sudden is blown into them, there is a necessity that that Vessel about which they are woven, should be thereby distended and dilated. In like manner also it is when the Spirits, as it were struck with a Fury, do rush more impetuously into them. For this conjunct Cause, the Ventricle, being so affected, is wont to be blown up in Hysterical Paroxysms, and Colicks, and very often in the Hypochondriack passion. From hence also sighs arise, and their reciprocations, which happen, because that the Ventricle, by these Fibres, is sometimes inflated, and sometims thrust back by the Systole of the Diaphragma. Lastly, deadly and venemous Medicines, in as much as they stimulate the Spirits, and furiously stir them up into these Fibres, they often induce horrid Inflations and Distensions of the other Inwards of the Ventricle, The reason of the Tympany hinted. and almost from the like Reason we affirm the Tympanie to arise.

This Interior Coat in healthful Bodies has many wrinkles, or folds, shewing themselves in the hollow Superficies of the Ventricle, which seem to be as it were so many Furrows or Inclosures, into which the small portions of the Chyle are scattered here and there, and detained by degrees for the sake of the better con­coction, and that they might not flow together into a thick Mass. How the folds and wrinkles of the Ventricle are made, and for what use. These Folds are made, for that this Coat is much larger then the exterior fleshy Coat, it is therefore necessary that it should have folds, or wrinkles, that it may be contained by the o­ther. In Gluttons and great Drinkers, in whom by the too often, and too much filling of the Ventricle the fleshy Coat is very much extended, they have also the interior equally extended, all its wrinkles vanishing, it seems plain and smooth like a blown Bladder. The aforesaid wrinkles and folds are expressed in the first Figure of the fourth Table.

2. The next Coat of the Ventricle, which is specially and wholly fleshy, The Fleshie Coat of the Ventricle. consists al­together of fleshy Fibres, and seems to serve only for motion, and that for the Con­tractive only. But truly the whole Body of the Ventricle is covered with a mem­brane or this fleshy Pannicle, which draws it together and composes it diversly, for many various uses and offices that it meets with. Many orders of motional Fibres in the fleshy Coat. And for that the Stomach in the work of Chylification, and in the Operation of Medicines, ought to be altered and changed into various gestures, therefore this Coat contains manifold orders of motional Fibres, never enough to be admired. Although it be not easie to des­cribe them being so very intricate, yet because it makes much for the reasons of Evacuation, I shall to my power endeavour to give you this particular Anatomie hitherto almost untouched.

That you may see this Furniture, How the furni­ture of the Sto­mach may be seen. let the Ventricle of a Man or Sheep being emp­tied, having a ligature about both orifices, be inflated, and oftentimes immersed [Page 6] [...] [Page 7] [...] [Page 8] in scalding Water, that the Fibres a little contracted may swell, until it seems half boyled; then the outward Coat or the membrane Covering the whole Ventricle may be noted. The Fibres of this, running from one Orifice to another, compass about the Bottom and the Sides of the Stomach, Viz. to im­merge it in hot Water. the whole length of them, and they appear to be shorter or longer according to the various compass of their stretchings out, and also more streight or more oblique. Moreover in some places viz. near the Orifices and about the bottom and ends of the Stomach, they are much thicker than in the middle, and there indeed they may be seen after a manner fleshie and moving. The nervous Fibres of this Membrane (as may in like man­ner be observed in most of the Muscles) cut the fleshy Fibres lying close under them in right angles; Then the out­ward Coat be­ing observed and separated is to be taken off. so that they not only cover them, but bind them fast, that they may be contained each of them in their orders, and that they may not leap out. The second Table very aptly represents this Figure.

Then the order of the Exterior Fibres of the fleshy Coat will appear.This Coat therefore being separated, and removed, underneath lyeth the series of fleshy Fibres in right Angles, which compassing about on the superior Plane, the Bottom, and Sides of the Ventricle, even to the depth of it, which is the Interstitium of the Orifices, they terminate in the Orifices themselves. Without doubt the Office of these is, while they are contracted, to draw upwards the bottom and sides of the Ventricle, and thereby to straiten its cavity, so that what is contained therein, being spread abroad either towards this or that Orifice, might be evacuated. The exterior or convex Superficies of this fleshy Coat with the order of motricious Fibres, is exactly delineated in the third Table.

But that its extruding motion might be determinately made, either towards this or that Orifice, and the matter included in the Stomach might be conveyed forth either by Vomit, or by Seige, is the work of the other Series of Fibres, which be­ing transverse in respect of the other, bring together one Extremity of the Stomach, sc. the left or right, against the other; So that whilst the Fibres of both kinds do coact, the Stomach being contracted in all its dimensions, and broad upwards, doth cast out what is contained therein by that Orifice to which on occa­sion it is inclined. And that there are such Fibres, and that they ly under the for­mer, may be very plainly made manifest to these who shall see the other interior or concave superficies of this Coat. How the order of the interior Fibres may be found out. Therefore the Ventricle may be so inverted, the Orifice of the Pylorus being a little cut, and its joyning turned back, that the interior and concave superficies, and the exterior and convex may come together, and then the hairy Crusts of the interior Membrane with its wrinkles and folds, as is above described, and elegantly expressed in the first Figure of the fourth Table, will appear. Then after a light immersion in warm Water, the hairy Crust being se­parated, and taken away, we may see the nervous Coat it self, covered over with a most thick Ramification of Vessels: we have taken care that the portions of either of these and the superficies of them, with the Glandula's, and to which of the Vessels they stick, may be discerned in describing exactly the second and third Figure of the same Table. Their descripti­on. Then lastly the nervous Coat being wholly taken away, the interior fibrous Superficies of the fleshy or middle Coat, as it is delineated to the Life in the fifth Table, appears in view. So that in this Ramification of fleshy Fibres there is a notable order, which are seen to arise behind the Mouth of the Ventricle, and to compass about its left extremity, and then they are carried forward towards the right region of the Stomach. A notable company of these running along on either side in streight Lines to the top or summit of the Ventricle, enter into the hole of the Pylorus, hiding here and there the length of its Cavitie, terminates in the Orifice it self, as it is represented in the fifth Figure. But the other Fibres of this Order range on both sides of the Stomach obliquely, The use of its Fibres. and so likewise towards its bottom, where they meet. The Office of the former seems to be applied to what is to be done by either of the Orifices, by one for the avoyding the excrements, which is done by the lower, and also respectively by the upper; for the same Fibres draw to the right or left, accor­ding to the convulsion beginning at this or that end of them; as we have shown in our Tract of the motion of the Muscles, lately published. If at any time a contraction be­gins towards the Pylorus, whilst there the bottom of the Ventricle and the sides are drawn together by other Fibres, both interior, and exterior, its mouth also is by those right ones inclined towards the Pylorus, therefore what ever is contained in the Stomach is transmitted to the Intestines. But if the contraction be begun by other Fibres at the end of these, towards the mouth of the Ventricle, whilst there, its [Page 9] bottom and sides are drawn together by other Fibres, the Pylorus also is drawn together towards it, for the action of Vomiting. As to what respects the other oblique Fibres of this order, whilst by a Convulsion beginning from the right end of them, they are drawn downward and obliquely, The same fleshy Fibres effect op­posite contracti­ons. by their motion they incline the left chamber of the Ventricle towards the bottom and Pylorus, cooking for nourishment, what is there more strictly compressed and rolled together: On the other side also, by the Convulsion begun from the left, they being contracted up­wards and obliquely, cause the bottom and right chamber of the Ventricle to be snatch'd up towards its mouth, to excite Vomiting. According to either of these contractions, the exterior fleshie Fibres, constituting the convex superficies of the middle Coat conspire in the action, so that they strain more the cavity of the Ventricle, and more aptly compose the endeavours for evacuation upward or downward. Wherefore according to which, an irritation being here or there made, a contraction begins either towards the Pylorus or the mouth of the Ventri­cle, and the whole capacity of the Ventricle being collected, and brought upwards, it is inclined hither or thither, and endeavours to cast forth either above or below. We have taken care that either superficies of this Coat, and the distinct series of the motricious Fibres therein, be exactly described in the Figures of the third and fifth Table. I shall not in this place reherse and explicate every species of con­tractive motions, which this fleshy Tunicle of the Ventricle hath; of which sort are such as are wont to be stirr'd up in those that are affected with the Cramp, we shall shew them in another place, and we will declare how they are moved by the operations of Medicines, when we shall treat of each in their kind. In the mean time we will take notice of those motions to which this fleshy Coat is wont to obey, the Instinct or Impulse diversly to be communicated, viz. First of all, and chiefly from the nervous Coat lying under, which, What contracti­ons the fleshy Tunicle follows: The instinct from whence. as from the contents of the Ventricle it is variously affected, by and by, for retention or expulsion sake provokes into contractions of this or that sort. But the Nerves inserted into this fleshy Coat, carry to it the various instincts of motions from the [...] the neighbouring parts, or remote from above or from beneath. From hence the Ventricle is oftentimes disturbed, and after divers manners moved by the Phantasie, by the Appetite, yea and by divers affections either of the Soul, or of eve­ry part of the Body.

The outward Tunicle of the Ventricle is common to it and the Oesophagus, The outward Coat of the Ven­tricle very ner­vous. of the same texture and substance, as we intimated even as to the use of it, this being the covering of the whole Ventricle, it cloaths the fleshie Fibres of the under-ly­ing Coat, binds them with its Fibres, and holds them fast together as it were with Twiggs. The Fibres of this membrane (as we have already observ'd) are in certain places more thick, that when the Ventricle is fill'd beyond its measure it might be very much distended. These seem to serve but little for motion, but yet somewhat to sense; although there should be but a very small use of it, for that nothing from without can fall upon it, nor any thing taken in at the Mouth can touch it. But if that some serous Humour or impostume, or constant bilious Suffusion happen on the neighbouring or contiguous parts, for as much as this Coat is much, and often irritated, there is excited in the Stomach almost a continual nauseousness, want of Appetite, and frequent Vomiting, as I have ob­served in very many that have been dissected after they have been dead. The chief use of this Tunicle is, that being the whole covering of the Ventricle, And perhaps tendinous. it cloaths the fleshy Fibres of the underlying Membrane, sustains the Ramifications of the Ves­sells, and serves as well for the strengthning the Ventricle, as for to conserve its heat. Moreover it is not improbable, that there are in certain places of this Coat ner­vous Fibres, in the place of Tendons, respecting the fleshy Fibres lying under them.

The Ventricle being after this manner like a sleeve, The twofold Orifice of the Stomach. made up of its three Tuni­cles, as it were a threefold Garment, hath two doors or orifices, placed on the top, over against one another. One of them on the left side stands for the Insertion of the Mouth of the Oesophagus into the Mouth of the Ventricle; and is after the same manner, as if the Pipe of a Tunnel were directed into the hole of a Bladder to be filled: The right and perpendicular Pipe admits whatever is put in and swallow'd down into the Stomach. The other Orifice on the right side is continued by a long and oblique Ascention into the Duodenum, and by degrees puts into it the Chyle elaborated in the Ventricle.

Near this Orifice the wonderful Enfoldings of the double Nerve, wandring to the Ventricle, being delated as it were at its utmost bound, are plac'd, making as it were a kind of Net wherewith its whole circuit is hidden: Besides both the hairie, and nervous Tunicle of the Oesophagus cloaths the cavity of this farther; The Nerves and nervous foldings belonging to the Mouth of the Ventricle. hence it is that the Mouth of the Ventricle being exceeding sensible doth wonderfully communicate with the other noble parts, and chiefly with the Brain and the Prae­cordia, so that indeed it was not for nothing that Helmont did place here the seat of the Soul.

The description of the Pylorus.The other Orifice commonly called the Pylorus on the right side of the Stomach having a capacious hole, by degrees grows long and narrow, and ends in a small hole, and from thence being retorted it is continued into the Duodenum. Here the Tunicles are much more thick than in any other place of the Ventricle. The ner­vous innermost is very rough with wrinkles and furrows, and is lifted up into the very hole it self, in a longish lump like to the Pipe of a Gutter, for the end certain­ly, that the Chyle going forth by degrees may not be suck'd back again into the Stomach. The fleshy Tunicle, as every where besides, hath two series of Fibres; for some compassing about the Hole they bind it, and as occasion serves, shut it fast; and others being carried by its sides the whole length of them, gathering to­gether the other parts of the Stomach upward, do lead towards this door. But on the other side, these Fibres by reason of the contraction being at the other ends of them, do often draw the Pylorus towards the left Orifice, as in Vomiting: and if so be the Convulsion be long continued, the Duodenum is drawn upward, and for that reason, Choler and the Pancreatick Humours are drawn forth into the Ven­tricle.

The Office of the Pylorus.The Office of the Pylorus is, not only largely to transmit what is contained in the Ventricle, and together in great heaps, to the Intestines (which indeed it fre­quently doth in purges and Diarrhaeas) but rather the Chyle being well digested, to receive it into its bosom, and to keep it there for some time, and then by little and little and by very small portions thrust it forth. For truly its den being long, and capacious, it seems to be a certain resting or baiting place in the Ventricle into which a portion of the Chylous Mass, being more thorowly digested and per­fected, may retire, and abide in quiet, until another part more crude, and latelier put in, may be more concocted in the bottom of the Ventricle. Hence it is, that when things have been eaten, oftentimes that which is ingrateful is vomited up, the other more grateful meats in the mean time remaining in the Stomach; viz. for that there are very many as it were distinct Cells in the Ventricle, in which those things put in are divided one from another, and may so remain. More­over it is to be observed that vomiting Medicines when they work gently, do only stir the parts next the left Orifice of the Ventricle, but if they do more strongly irritate them, they draw from within, and upwards the Pylorus it self with the Duodenum hanging to it, so as to make an Evacuati­on of the forc'd Bilis into the Ventricle.

Vessels belong­ing to the Ven­tricle.The Vessels belonging to the Ventricle are Nerves, Arteries, and Veins; the description of the former is exactly enough delivered in our Neurologie: viz. That the wandering parile Nerves ending on either side of the Stomach give to it notable branches, foldings, and manifold sprouts; moreover the nervous foldings of the Intercostal Pares, being placed here and there in the Hypochondria and in the Abdomen, send very many and eminent branches to the Ventricle: Nerves. which is the reason, that vomiting so often succeeds in Hysterick and Hypochondraick Passions and in Colicks.

Innumerable Sanguiferous Vessels belong to the Ventricle.There belong very many blood-carrying Vessels to the Ventricle, which may be plainly seen, if the Stomach of a Man, a Dog, or a Hog, the Caeliack Vessels being first bound, and cut off, be taken out, and the Orifices being drawn together, it be blown into, it will then be a very pleasant sight to see the lesser Truncks of the Veins and Arteries, part of them inserted in the top of the Ventricle; and part of them in its bottom, which by and by run one throw another into lesser Branches, and then dividing themselves again into very little and more small branches and shoots, mutually to clip, and on every side stretched out to creep about the whole compass of the Sto­mach, and with its branchie shoots to hide it. These Sanguineous Vessels tending inwardly, and at length scattered in innumerable sprouts are termi­nated [Page 11] in the inmost nervous Tunicle; whose interior superficies through the thickness of the Puncts in which the Vessels end, is dyed red and as it were made bloody. This manifestly appears if that after the Stomach is immersed in warm Water, the hairy Tunicle be separated; Which end in the interior superfi­cies of the ner­vous Coat. for then the nervous Tunicle by reason of the close endings of the Vessels seems hidden as it were with a little bloody Net.

If you inquire into the use of them, The use of them. they are ordained to be the cheif Instru­ment, for to convey the heat which is for concoction and digestion in the Ven­tricle, and hence they convey a sufficiently plentiful matter and Fire, viz. in as much as the Blood growing hot, round about the bottom and all the sides of the Ventricle, like a Cauldron, it is detained as a perpetual lighted fire; and indeed somewhat to this end, that bloody Lake seems to be there situated. But yet besides this, these Sanguiferous Vessels as we think, have another, not less necessary Office, viz. The Arteries to lay up some humour in the Ven­tricle, and the Veins to carry away thence perpetually some other, so that there may be made by their means an immediate and constant commerce back­ward and forward between the Chyle and the Blood.

But truly as Aliments being put in are dissolved not only by concoction, The Arteries carry the fer­mental Humor. but much more by Fermentation in the Ventricle, and disposed into an homoge­neous Chyle, they by a certain spiritual Liquor there, which as it were fer­ment (even as the Barm of Ale ferments other Ale) are imbued: This kind of Humour (and indeed plenty of it is required) the Arteries only can furnish, and this being conjoyned with the reliques of the chyle sticking in the hairy Crust, without doubt constitutes that juice which is commonly called the Fer­ment of the Stomach. Moreover when from things eaten oftentimes a quick Refection is required, The Veins re­ceive the nutri­tious Juice. and that truly it cannot be made by the long wanderings of the Intestines, and of the Chyliferous Vessels, what more like way is there than that the Veins sticking most closely within the cavity of the Ventricle, should receive a certain more subtle portion of the Chyle, and forthwith pour it into the Blood? After what manner the Sanguiferous Vessels inserted into the bottom and top of the Stomach do hide all its superficies with a thick and mani­fold Ramification, is to the life expressed in the first Figure.

3. We will go from the Ventricle to the Intestines, which being twofold, The Intestine twofold, viz. small and big. to wit, thin and thick, there will be no need here to write the History of them all, for that the number of them, and their conformation is already ve­ry well known, not only to Anatomists, but to every Butcher. In the former, as much as belongs to the medicinal part, there ought to be considered first their site and Fabrick, secondly their Tunicles, and thirdly their Vessels and leading Pipe. The Office of these is, to receive the Chyle elaborated and dressed in the Ventricle, to ferment it more, and from it more elabourated and perfected to press forth the nutritious Juice into the Chyliferous Vessels. Among these Intestines Cathartick Medicines do chiefly perform their ope­rations.

Although there be but one continued Pipe of the small Guts, yet for the distinct Offices that they have, The site and di­mensions of the small Guts. they are distinguished as it were into three Stadia, and as if there were so many Guts, have so many distinct names impo­sed on them. In the first of these the Chyle descending from the Pylorus, by and by is stained with new Ferments, viz. Choler and the Pancreatick juice, with which, since all its Masse by degrees, and all its parts ought to be imbued, therefore every portion passeth by a swift passage into this Region, viz. the Duodenum. In the next Circuit, to wit, the Jejune or empty Gut, the Chyle fermenting is strained more freed from sourness, and acquires a greater vo­latileness; and as here also it ought not to stay long, by and by being fermen­ted, it is carried forward, and leaves for the most part the pipe empty. With­in the third Den, the Chyle being volatilised and perfected, is copiously hea­ped up, and stays there for some time, whilst the Intestine Ileon being so full of Chyle, strains it a little with is fleshy Fibres, the more pure and subtiler part is pressed forth to be transmitted to the blood, into the milkie Vessels (and also according to our opinion into the Mesaraick Veins) and at length the rest of the Faeces, and almost worn out are moved forward to the thick Intestines.

All these Intestines, or the whole Pipe of them, There are three Coats of the In­testines. have their Coats formed after the [Page 12] same manner, which also do not much differ from the membranes of the Ventricle, unless that they are a little thinner. All the Intestines, both the small and the thick (except in the beginning and end of them, and a certain part of the Colon which is joyned to the Omentum) are as it were plainly knit to the brim of the Circular Mesenterie: Concerning which in the mean time it is wonderful, how that these Intestines which are about six Ells long, may be comprehended in that compass, that they are not above a Span distant from the Centre. Also we may observe, that the Plane of the Mesenterie is collected into many and great folds, How they are tyed to the Me­senterie. and hath in its Circumference the length of three Ells; moreover that the Circumference of the Mesenterie, that it might press together the length of the Intestines, doth enfold in every single handful about twelve handfuls of the In­testines. As for many reasons it ought to be made after this manner, so chiefly, both that the Intestines might subsist in a little and narrow place distinctly, and without confusion; and also that they might be moved, by a slow and successive motion, and as it were creepingly, from one end to the other. For as much as the Tendons of the motricious Fibres, by which the Pipes or Cavities of the Intestines are drawn together, are placed on the Brim or Border of the Mesenterie, it is from this Inward, that the instinct of every Intestinal motion proceeds, as shall anon be more clearly shown: In the mean time, we will a little handle the Coats of the small Guts.

The inmost Tu­nicle has very many transverse wrinkles.The inmost of these hath very many transverse Wrinkles, as it were eminent Ridges, which are movable, and are as so many remoras of the Chyle, and also serve to moderate its retention, viz. that it pass not too soon, and before it be perfected enough, and throwly pressed, flow with the faeces themselves to the thick Intestine. These Wrinkles, as Fallopius hath very well observed, for that they are much longer in this inward Coat than the outward, therefore it is crispie and crumbled. For if this be taken off from the other, and that their foldings be stretched out, this will exceed the other three times in the length.

The nervous Coat of them is also covered with an hairy Crust.Further, this interior altogether nervous Coat, containing in it the little mouths both of the milkie and bloody Vessels, is cover'd with the like crusty Nap as the inside of the Ventricle, and seems to be for the same use, viz. it covers and defends the mouths of the Vessels, and moreover susteins the first approaches of the Chyle, and of other contents, and then delivers them over by little and little to the nervous Coat. But this Coat consisting of every kind of Fibres, and constituting the inmost Chamber of the Intestinal Pipe, serves first of all for Sensation, and provokes according to the impressions made on it self, the fleshy Coat lying over it, to assist the excretorie motions more slow, or more swift upwards (but that rarely) or downwards. If at any time the in­ternal superficies of this be stimulated by sharp things contained in it, or in­congruous Humours do strike against its Fibres, presently by reason of the fee­ling Sense, troublesome griefs and torments are stirred up. Besides this ner­vous Coat is found to be very obnoxious both to distentions by included winds, and also to expansions, and intumifications by reason of the Spirits a­mong its fibres. But this besides its nervous fibres, with which it is diversly interwoven, Innumerable san­guiferous Ves­sels do terminate in it. is every where covered also (as we have before mentioned to be in the Stomach) with a thick or close ramification of blood-carrying Vessels terminating therein: hence, as we may suspect, the Arteries perhaps do leave every where a certain recrementitious humour in the cavities of the Inte­stines, and the mesaraick Veins, no less than the milkie Vessels receive there a portion of the Chyle, and carry it immediately to the Blood.

2. The fleshy or middle Coat.2. The second or middle Coat of the small Guts is a little thicker, and al­together fleshy. Of this there are two orders of motricious Fibres lying under one another. The first and interior is ringie, which compassing every where with a close series the whole Pipe of all the Intestines, In which is two orders of motri­cious fibres. or all their whole Cavities, is implanted as it were by a Tendon, on the border of the Mesente­rie. Viz. of streight and circular. The other order is of streight Fibres, or longways, which lying over the others, and cutting them in right angles, stretch the whole length of the In­testines; and the outmost Coat seems to be in the place of Tendons to them, which being altogether nervous or as it were tendinous, is wrapped about with an universal series of these Fibres.

Their use is en­quired into.As to their use, as it is the business of the Intestines to move forward the [Page 13] Chyle, and the faeces part by part, and so indeed by urging it to carry it at length throw all their Pipes; moreover whilst that they themselves are con­tracted, and abbreviated, so that their Cavities may be straitned to press forth the more subtil part of the Chyle into the milkie Vessels, and Mesaraick Veins, it is very obvious and easy to be conceived, how the aforesaid Fibres do per­form this double task: for whilst the circular Fibres are successively or one se­ries after another contracted, they make narrow the depth of the Intestines, and at the same time the long ones being inflated and intumified, they make it more strait, and also make it shorter, so that there will be a necessity that the contents of these inwards, be compressed behind, and urged continually forward.

In the mean time it is not to be thought that the contractions of either kind of Fibres are so great and continual, What kind of motion the In­testines have. that all the contents of the Intestines are driven forward altogether from one part to another (although that this doth sometimes happen in purges and looseness as we think) but ordinarily those lighter, and broken Convulsions, but yet made one series after another, and often repeated, do as it were shake the Intestines, so that they make the Chyle and the faeces gently to move forward from place to place. But by reason of these shakings of the Intestines, and their often repeated contractions, the Chyle being perpetually agitated, is the more elaborated and easily pressed forth into the Vessells gaping for its reception. But if it be ask'd by what instinct the forementioned Fibres of either kind be provoked into motion, Their instinct chiefly from the irritation of the nervous Coat. and are determined, now these parts now those, one series after another to con­traction, I say that the Intestines have it even as the Ventricle, viz. it de­pends upon the Sense of the nervous motion in either of the fleshy Coats, so that the contractions of that follow the irritations of this. As often as any thing that is disagreeing, or incongruous, impresseth any troublesome sensation upon the nervous Fibres, presently to shake it off, the moving Fibres draw to­gether the affected part of the Intestine, that they might drive away whatever is troublesom.

First of all the reliques of the Chyle, From what cau­ses the nervous Fibres are wont to be irritated. which after the pure Juice is enough pressed forth, do ordinarily, and gently irritate the nervous Fibres, they be­coming decay'd and troublesom; for until the distribution of the Chyle be throughly acted, the moving Fibres being contracted before, lest that it should slide away too soon, they are still, afterwards Convulsions being stirred up behind, they cast it forth as unprofitable. Secondly the nervous Fibres are a little more sharply agitated by Choler, and the pancreatick Juice from their Pipes, also by sharp Humours, and hurtful Suffusions from within the Arteries, whereby the same more often, and more strong contractions succeed. Third­ly yet a more vehement Irritation, and preternatural, is wont to be caused, from disagreeing, and disproportionate Aliments, also from Medicines and Poysons, the last of which but one is a little farther particularly treated of.

Moreover the fleshy and moving Fibres of the Intestines, sometimes by reason of other more remote Causes are stirred up to solutive contractions of the Belly. For violent passions of the Mind or the Body do frequently intro­duce a Diarrhaea, viz. in as much as the Spirits being placed among the [...] or principal parts of the nervous appendix, being more notably disturb'd, forthwith making known their disorder by the Pipes of the nerves or the nervous shoots, to the Spirits inhabiting the Intestines, they provoke them into an excremental Convulsion. By what reason contractions do succeed irritati­ons. After what manner soever the irritation is made, contractions follow, for that the animal Spirits leap forth both from the tendinous border of the Mesenterie into the fleshy annular Fibres, and al­so from the tendinous Fibres of the outward Coat into the fleshy longitudinal Fibres, both which, whilst they so blow up and intumifie, they thereby do render them more short and contracted. It would be too much from the pur­pose, any further here to expound what parts the Mesenterie obeys in per­forming this Peristaltick motion of the Intestines; for besides that the tendons of the circular Fibres are rooted in the border of it, you are farther to be advertis'd that in its Plane the moving Fibres do tend directly from the Centre to the Circumference, the office of which cannot be otherwise thought to be, than that they, according to the instinct here given, being there variously con­tracted [Page 14] do stir up the like contractions, either in these or in those parts of the Intestines.

We have not much to say of the outmost Coat of the Intestines; this have­ing its rise from the Peritonaeum, The outermost Coat of the In­testines. and being wrapped about the former Coats, since it is altogether thin and nervous, it is commonly esteemed to be only as a covering for the rest: but yet, as the Series of the longitudinal Fibres do im­mediatly ly under this Coat, and that none of their tendons are any where else to be found, and that indeed this Coat is tendinous, we may very well suspect that the animal Spirits do leap forth of the nervous Fibres of this, for the contractions of those fleshy Fibres, and that the Convulsion ceasing, they return back into these.

Vhe Vessels and Pipes belonging to the Intestines.The Vessels and Pipes, which belong to the small Guts, are the Vehicles ei­ther of the Spirits, or the Humours, of the former sort are the Nerves and their enfoldings and shoots, all which we have largely enough unfolded in our Neurologie. What belongs to the other leading Pipes, they are such as either carry the Humours to the Intestines, as the Choler-carying and Pancre­atick Passage, and the Arteries; and after a sort also the Nerves (as we have shown in another place discoursing of the Colick) or such as do carry away the Humours from these Inwards, as the milkie Vessels, and the mesaraick Veins. Every one of these Pipes, and also the Spirits, and Humours that flow in them, and moreover either what are contained in the cavities of the Viscera, or that remain in their nervous or fleshy Fibres, are either Subjects, or Objects of Evacuation, and are wont first and immediatly to be affected by all manner of Medicines, but after what ways, the Knowledge shall be designed in the par­ticular of every kind of Evacuation.

Concerning the biliarie Passage, and the Pancreatick Pipe, for as much as so many Authors have already spoke very much of them, and notwithstanding the Truth may yet ly hid, or remain ambiguous yet (since there is a necessity that it must be very prolix and intricate) this will be no opportune place to en­terprise the disquisition. What Vomits and Purges act in these parts shall be shown hereafter,

Innumerable Blood-carying Vessels belong to the Intestines.As to what appertains to the Sanguiferous Vessels, the observation is com­mon, that very many Arteries and Veins do branch themselves forth thorow the whole Mesenterie, and from thence distribute to all the Intestines innume­rable Suckers. Concerning which we shall further advertise, as they are in­serted into the outer Coat, a few Suckers only hang to this, but the greater branches, almost all of them presently hiding themselves within, do run back to the inmost Coat in which they terminate, and do send forth on all sides in­finite and exceeding small Shoots, which very thickly hide its Superficies.

But it may cause a wonder wherefore that there should be in these almost blood­less Inwards of themselves, so great an afflux of Blood designed. It is not un­likely that this is only done for the dispensing of the heat and nourishment, when as the Muscles and the outward Coats of the Intestines are contracted with few­er Vessels, The use of them inquired into. there had need be the greater plenty in these. Mebius that he might loose this Knot, affirms that Nature had given so great plenty of Arteries to the Intestines, that the excrements of the Mothers Blood whereby the Embryo is nourished, at that time might be carryed away to the Intestines. The reason of which he ads for that the Intestines of the Embryo or Infant being newly born contain a black Excrement. But truly this Argument easily falls if we grant (as it is likely) with Harvie and our late Writers, that the Embryo sucks and receives a nutricious Liquor in at the Mouth in the Mothers Womb, But it may rather be said, that these Arteries do purge away the Dreggs of the Blood in adult living Creatures, oftentimes by the Intestines as a Sink, the unnecessary being carryed away by disgestion and by other wayes: and in the mean time the Veins receive a certain portion of the Chyle, and presently mix it with the Blood.

Of the thick In­testines.There will be no great need to speak here much of the thick Intestines, as to what appertains to evacuation, because that the Virtue of Medicines taken in at the Mouth is almost exhausted, before they can come into these Inwards, so that the irritation of these arise partly by a consent of the superior Intestines, and partly by their contents being violently disturbed, rather then from the Medi­cine [Page 15] it self. They have the same Coats as the small Guts; and as the faeces as­cend strait into the Colon, there is need of more strong fleshy Fibres, which make a strong motion of contraction. Hence if there be an Inflammation or Sphacelisimus (as I have often known,) about the beginning of the Colon, so that the fleshy Fibres being hurt that they are not able to make the Contracti­ons to lift the faeces upwards, they flowing back towards the Ileon, do cause the incurable Iliack Passion. The Iliack passi­on often comes by the Inflammati­on of the Colon. Moreover in this Intestine those champered cove­rings or Caverns are added, that the faeces being the longer detained in the Belly, the trouble of often letting them forth may be taken away. The Eva­cuation belonging to this Region, consists chiefly in Clysters. In some the in­terior Coat of the Colon is so very tender and sensible, that by reason of a Clyster injected, although to ease Pains, presently the Spirits growing hot, and being thrust forth among the nervous Fibres, they hugely put up the mem­branes, and distend them, so that they excite great trouble through the whole Abdomen. What we have now delivered concerning the Excretory motions of the Inwards, depending upon the contractions of the fleshy Fibres, will be better manifested, if our Hypothesis be consulted of the fashion and motion of the Muscle not long since published. As for the rest, for the more clear il­lustrating of the Anatomie of these parts, we have taken care to add here the Figures of each of them most exactly, and to the Life delineated by a most skil­ful Artist, and although in the description of the Ventricle with the Oesophagus and Intestines, we have followed Fallopius and others both Ancient and Modern, and have assigned to every one of them only three Coats; yet by the sepa­ration of these (after their being immersed in hot Water) being a little more accurately made four distinctly appeared. For the hairy Crust, which some have esteemed only an addition to the nervous Coat, is a peculiar Membrane, thick enough of it self, and for the innumerable little Glandulas with which its exterior superficies abounds, may be properly called the Glandulous Coat, as may manifestly appear by the Figures.

CHAP. I. Of Vomiting and of Vomitory Medicines.

HAving after this manner laid forth the Stage for medicinal Action, or at least briefly shadowed forth its first Circle, it now is incumbent upon us to describe the several kinds of medicinal Operations, the reasons of them, and the ways of their Affecting. Therefore we will inquire from the begin­ning what is acted in the first Stadium, to wit, in the Ventricle, and how vomi­tory Medicines do work. Where in the first place it behoves us to explain, what kind of Affection Vomiting is, also for what cause, and upon what occasions, either according or besides Nature it is wont to be excited. Then in the se­cond place shall be shown upon what Parts, or Spirits inhabiting them, or the watry Humours, and after what manner Medicines, while they provoke to Vomit, do operate,

As to the first, when any one is affected with Vomiting, How the Ven­tricle and Oe­sophagus are affected in Vo­miting. he may perceive in himself the Bottom of the Ventricle to be drawn upward, and the upper Orifice to be opened, and in the mean time (as it seems) the Pylorus being shut fast, or drawn inward, by an inversed motion at the same time the whole Pipe of the Oeso­phagus, to wit, from the Bottom to the Top, to endeavour as it were with a cer­tain kind of pumping, that what is therein contained may be thrust up higher, and at last cast forth at the Mouth. These kinds of motions of these parts, are made without doubt by the fleshy Fibres which compose the middle Coat of the Ventri­cle. For we may perceive in this Coat, two distinct Orders of fleshy or motional Fibres, which compass about the Stomach thorow its whole dimensions, and being together contracted, they gather close its Bottom and Sides, draw them up­wards, and incline them either towards this or that Orifice; for that the Con­tents may be cast forth at the door, sometimes at this, sometimes at that. As to the interior Fibres, which determine the contractions of all the rest either to this or to that Evacuation, if there be any where made about the Bottom or Sides of the Stomach, a gentle irritation, the Convulsion begins towards the Pylorus, and the internal moving Fibres are at their right Ends first and soonest contracted, the whole joyning of the ventricle being there contracted, it pours forth its loding into the Intestines: but if the irritation be vehement, and very provoking in any part of the Stomach excited, it will not be easily restrai­ned or transferred towards the Intestines, the Convulsion beginning towards the left ends of the interior Fibres, and leading towards the Mouth of the Ventri­cle, it makes there the whole Capacity of the Stomach being extremely strait­ned and contracted, to be drawn up together; so that the Pylorus being drawn inwards and shut fast, and the Mouth of the Ventricle open, what ever is therein contained, is cast out upwards. The same fleshy Fibres, By what fleshy Fibres the E­metick Convul­sion is performed. as the animal Spirits variously stirred up do leap forth out of these or those Tendons first, in the right or left ends of them, there they begin their Convulsions, and are determined to provoke to Stool or to Vomit respectively. Moreover whilst that the Ventricle is disposed after the aforesaid manner to the upper egestion, the Oesophagus con­spires also in the action for the casting forth its Contents upwards. And for as much as we have noted in the fleshy Coat two double orders of moving Fi­bres, of which one of them ascending obliquely, the other descending, they all mutually do cut one another; the Office of the former seems to be, that they in straining to Vomit being one series after another contracted, may shut up the [Page 20] Throat behind for the casting forth of its Balast, and so cause it to be forced to that gaping of the Mouth.

Vomiting therefore, for as much as it is a violent motion of the Stomach, and very often involuntary, Vomiting or a Convulsive mo­tion. it is not undeservedly called Convulsive; which further we do affirm to proceed from the Explosion, or a certain great Expansion (accor­ding to our Spasmologie deliver'd in another place) of the animal Spirits, which possess these fleshy Fibres. For truly these Spirits being highly irritated and then presently bursting forth, they first of all rush impetuously from the Tendons plan­ted near the left Orifice, and then presently out of others into the fleshy Fibres, and highly inflate and abbreviate them, so that the whole parts of that Coat being brought nigh together one after another, the whole Cavitie of the Stomach be­ing straitned, and folded together, and so contracted upwards towards the left O­rifice, it drives forward or more upward as it were with the stroke of a Bolt, what­soever is therein contained, that it may be bolted forth by Vomiting.

How Vomiting differs from o­ther Convulsi­ons.In most of the other kinds of Convulsions, the convulsive motion is wont to be made towards the same limit as the natural: but Vomiting seems to be an affecti­on contrary or at least opposite to the ordinary and natural Action of the Stomach. For it is its solemn and almost constant gesture, the whole or its parts, to be drawn downwards, or towards the Pylorus: for there is need of such a motion and of its tendencie, whereby the aliment swallowed down may be able to descend into the bottom of the Ventricle and there to be more straitly pressed, to be rolled from side to side, to be digested into Chyle, and at length to be transmit­ted to the Intestines. Therefore for these uses the moving Fibres of either order being inflated by the gentle incursion of the Spirits they easily compose the Ven­tricle after that manner which the instinct of Nature suggests.

But if any Irritation happens to the nervous Fibres of the Stomach, whilst the hurt is but small and easily removed, the expulsive Contraction is begun rather to­wards the Pylorus than towards the Throat: but in Vomiting the Convulsion of the moving fibres beginning at the other ends of them, viz. the left ends, and straitways becoming violent and impetuous compells the whole Cavity of the Stomach collected together, and greatly straitned, to be drawn up, and to be e­vacuated that way. The reason of which is, that if there be any thing very troublesom and disagreeing to Nature setled in the Stomach, it ought not be car­ried about the ordin [...]y way, by the long ambages of the Intestines, that it might be at last expelled at the Fundament; but to be cast out by a more near exit, and that out of hand to be sifted out, lest by its stay it might cause an incura­ble disease. Besides, when very great grief happens in other parts at a distance from the Ventricle, lest that, whilst Nature is busied about them, the Stomach (where is the first Enkindling of Life) should receive any hurt, often­times for its greater safety Vomiting is excited by a consent. So that it is provided by the deep providence of the Divine Architect for the more certain custody of the humane Body as it were a Tower, as often as as an external Enemie shall in­vade, or that a sedition shall arise among the proper Inhabitants, forthwith, whatsoever Guests, as persons suspected, are cast forth at the nearest Passage, to wit, the Gate of the Ventricle.

Therefore the next or conjunct cause of Vomiting is a sudden and vehement Explosion of the animal Spirits seated in the fleshy Coat of the Ventricle, by which indeed they are very much irritated, The Conjunct cause of Vomi­ting. and then expansed, and rarefied, as they leap impetuously from all the tendinous Fibres, and then first and chiefly from those that are placed near the Mouth of the Ventric [...]e, into the fleshy Fibres, so that they suddenly blow them up, and abbreviate them, wherefore as the Sides and Bottom of the Stomach being of course brought near together, and all together snatch'd upwards towards the left Orifice, they cast forth what ever is contained therein to the Pipe of the Oesophagus; from whence (when as its contraction from the Bottom to the Top immediatly follows) it is caried forth at the gapind of the Mouth.

By what reason the Spirits are stirred up in Emetic Convul­sions.These sorts of Spirits begin the emetick Explosions, because they are highly irritated: but after what manner that is done we have snown in our Tract of con­vulsive Affections; for that they being highly endued with an Elastick Nature, from a certain [...], yea sometimes they leap forth of their own accord by reason of some heterogeneous joyning together, and impetuously fling themselves [Page 21] forth on all sides. But for what causes and by what means it happens that they are so irritated, we shall inquire anon. In the mean time it may be observed that the Spirits inhabiting the Fibres of the Stomach do exist in some more thick and firm, that they are not, unless by a more strong irritation, agitated into an emetick Explosion; but in others they are either more subtil, or too much elastick, that from a light occasion they are incited to a vomitive Convulsion. Moreover when any thing hurtful or molesting afflicts the fleshy Fibres of the Stomach, a Convulsi­on is excited in these towards the Pylorus, in others it is more readily carried to­wards the Mouth of the Ventricle, and from thence either Vomiting or Purging proceeds.

As to what appertains to the more remote causes of Vomiting, The more remote causes of Vomi­ting. of which num­ber are whatsoever do much or grievously irritate the Spirits seated in the fleshy Fibres of the Stomach: which truly happens to be done after very many ways, we shall reduce them to some certain Heads. And in the first place may be refer­red hither improportionate objects approaching the interior and nervous Coat of the Ventricle or rather the Spirits inhabiting it; for this being hauled, oftentimes provokes the other lying over it into emetick Convulsions. These Provocatives are either taken in at the Mouth, to wit, disagreeing Food, Medicines, or Poy­sons, or else a Matter begotten in the Ventricle, or lastly brought thither from a­far by the Arteries and the Nerves; or in the second place the Spirits inhabiting the fleshy Fibres of the Stomach are irritated by reason of some trouble from other Spirits at a distance inflicted here or there, and communicated from thence to the Ventricle by the Pipes of the Fibres or Nerves. Vomiting excited after the former manner, may be called the proper affection of the Ventricle, and this latter to be done by consent. We shall note some Instances of all of these.

In the first place therefore an irritation made in the interior Tunicle, Vomiting in respect of the Ventricle is ei­ther Idiopathick or Sympathick. of the Ventricle provokes Vomiting before any other cause whatsoever. For this part be­ing nervous and very sensible of impressions from all things conteined in the Stomach and according as these are either pleasant or grievous, the fleshy overlying Coat is stirred up to the motion of embracing or casting off; and as to the latter of these, The former pro­ceeds from the irritation of its nervous Co [...]. as the improportionate object is more or less troublesom to Nature, either Vomi­ting or Purging is stirred up. Further in this Coat of the Stomach there seems to be placed some peculiar sensibleness, both as to the touch and to the taste distinct from any other thing in the whole Body, For truly when Medicines, or some Aliments, as Stibium, Mercurius Vitae, the Flowers of Antimony, the Spawn of the Barbel, with many others being chewed in the Mouth, they have caused no trouble to the Sense, but these being sunk down into the Stomach, how cruelly do they irri­tate this Coat, and quickly stir up most grievous Convulsions. Moreover if any one should swallow down, though unknown, a small portion of disagreeing Aliment by Antipathy, though it be never so small, cover'd over with other Meats, and hid as it were with a Mask, it is known by the Stomach, and as if he were an Enemy entred clandestinly, he is immediatly by an excited force cast out of doors. The emetick provocatives taken in at the Mouth are either Medicins, The emetick Irritation. the reasons of whose actings shall be given hereafter, or Poysons, which produce that effect, for as much as they being of an infestous nature, do at the first touch overthrow the Stomachal Spirits, and bring them as it were into a Furie, or in the third place Aliments of which there is enough commonly known, The emetick Matter. for if they offend in a manifest or occult quantity, or in quality, or in the manner of taking them, or are improportionate to the Stomach, 1. Either taken in at the Mouth. they for that cause do not rarely stir up Vomiting.

Secondly, the emetick Matter is sometimes begotten in the Ventricle; to wit, 2. Or begotten in the Ventricle. when the things taken in are not in fault; and when the Chyle or fermentative Juice of the Ventricle degenerates into a sharp, austere, or bitter, or otherways infestous Humour, and for that cause irritative, as it very often happens in Cho­lerick and Hypochondriack persons.

Thirdly, nor is this provocative Humour less frequently poured into the Ven­tricle, from another place: for besides that Choler, 3. Or is poured in thither from another place. and (as some are of opinion) the pancreatick Juice, sometimes singly, and sometimes together, being emptied into the Stomach, mutually striving and boyling up do provoke its Fibres into vomitive Convulsions, there is moreover an heterogeneous Matter translated hi­ther by the Arteries, which oftentimes stirs up very great Vomitings; so it very [Page 22] often happens in the Paroxysms and Crises of Fevers, and especially in the Plague, and small Pox. Sometimes the sanguineous mass boyling up, not being indeed able to expell its superfluities by the [...] or Perspiration, it pours it forth by the branches of the Coeliack Arterie, and by the cavities of the Ventricle and Intestines; so that their Coats being notably hauled they suffer horrid Vomitings, and also dy­senterick Passions; also the Vomitive matter seems not only to descend by the Arteries but sometimes also by the Nerves. Hence very often the Colick ari­ses as we have clearly enough shown: But truly I have observed in many (who have been obnoxious to convulsive Passions) after a short Headach, with heaviness, and Vertigo, that a vomiting affection hath followed: that they returned back by Vomit what they have daily taken in, without any notable impurity of the Stomach. The matter so poured forth by the Arteries or Nerves upon the Coat of the Stomach, so it be loose and easily to be dissipated, is quickly shaken off a­gain, so that the Affection soon passes away, but if it be more fixed and adhering more pertinaciously to them, yea sometimes growing into Humours of various kinds it induces a daily vomiting disposition, and not easily curable.

So much of Vomiting, whose material or irritative cause being placed some­where about the internal superficies of the Stomach, and affecting the nervous Fibres by a naked touch, stirs up the Spirits inhabiting in the fleshy Fibres into emetick Explosions. Sympathetick Vomiting or by consent. There remain very many other species of Vomiting, in which an irritatian is made in other places, and presently the Stomach is stirred up to Convulsions by consent: For indeed as there is so much alliance, and mu­tual dependency between this Inward and most of the other parts, it often happens, by reason of some of the animal Spirits somewhere very greatly disturbed, that by and by the other Spirits that reside in the Ventricle, either by the continuity of the Fibres, or by the passage of the Nerves, come to be in like manner affected, and to be driven into vomitive Explosions.

By the consent of what parts it is stirred up.The places of this sort of Sympathetick Vomiting are either more near, to wit, both the Orifices of the Stomach with the Duodenum and the Oesophagus, or more remote, viz. the [...], and meninges (or thin Skins about the Brain and Heart) as also the Spleen, the Reins, the Ureters, Mesenterie, the Matrix, and perhaps other Inwards of the Abdomen; in one of which, or many of them toge­ther there being excited a Convulsion, and from thence communicated to the Sto­mach by the Pipes of the Nerves, it stirs up its fleshy Fibres into emetick Con­tractions. In like manner when the animal Spirits in the Head are very much disturbed, their disorder by and by doth effect by consent those other inhabiting the Ventricle, and stirs them up into the like Convulsions or [...]: we will note some instances of each of these, with the reasons of them.

2. Either Orisice being affected.In the first place either of the Orifices or doors of the Stomach, as they are very sensible by reason of the manifold Insertions of the Nerves, they are easily irrita­ted; and for that cause being brought sometimes inwardly sometimes outwardly, and variously expansed, or shut up, they excite excretory Convulsions in the whole Ventricle, tending either upwards or downwards. There is nothing almost in it self but that that it is sensible of, and the acid or bitter Humours fluctuating in the Stomach, and biting the left Orifice do provoke a Nauseousness and Vomi­ting. No less is the same effect produced by the flowing of the Bile into the Py­lorus.

Vomiting from the Pylorus be­ing affected.It would be too much from the purpose to relate the Dreams of Helmont of the dignity and dominion of these parts; he affirms the left Orifice to be the Seat of the Soul, and the right, to wit, the Pylorus, of the Appetite, and to be the shop of the other Passions merely natural; besides from its indignation, and obstinate shutting up, horrid Vomitings to proceed. Although we do not at all assent to these; yet by reason of this Door's being too much shut up, that Vomiting and other evil affections of the Stomach do arise, the following Histories will declare.

An anatomick Observation of this.An illustrious young man, being a long while Cachectical, and labouring with often Vomiting, and that dayly for many Months and almost continually, at last his strength being quite worn out he dyed. The Carccase being opened I found the Pylorue full of Scirrhi very tender, and sensible Pimples, round about, which had almost shut up its Mouth; so that the Chyle geting between the space of the Nodes, did extreamly putrefie, and for that cause the whole Inward was al­most [Page 23] continually affected with a most troublesome Sense, and Convulsion. No less will a very rare case of a certain Man of Oxford shew, an almost perpetual Vomiting to be stirred up by the shutting up of the left Orifice. A strong Man, and other­wise healthful enough, labouring for a long time with often Vomiting, he was wont, very often, though not allways, presently to cast up whatsoever he had eaten. At length the Disease having overcome all remedies, Vomiting from the Mouth of the Ventricle being affected. he was brought into that condition, that growing hungry he would eat until the Oesophagus was filled up to the Throat, in the mean time nothing sliding down into the Ventricle, he cast up raw (or crude) whatsoever he had taken in: when that no Medicines could help, and he languished away for hunger, and every Day was in danger of Death, A notable case of this. I prepared an Instrument for him like a Rod, of a whale Bone, with a little round Button of Spunge fixed to the top of it; Vomiting. the sick Man having taken down meat and drink into his Throat, presently putting this down in the Oesophagus, he did thrust down into the Ventricle, its Orifice being opened, the Food which other­wise would come back again; and by this means he hath daily taken his sustenance for sixteen Years and doth yet use the same Machine, and is yet alive, and well, who would otherwise perish for want of Food. Without doubt in this case the Mouth of the Stomach being always closed, either by a Tumour or Palsie, nothing could be admitted into the Ventricle unless it were violently opened.

No less frequently a Convulsion being excited, The Sympathic cause of Vomi­ting in the Oe­sophagus. by reason of Irritations above this left Orifice, and below the Pylorus in its neighbouring parts, and propagated by the continuity of the Fibres into the Ventricle, it there stirs up emetick con­tractions. When in the swallowing down of Food by the Pipe of the Oesophagus, it sticks by reason of a Palsie or Obstruction, and stimulates the nervous Fibres, presently the fleshy Fibres being contracted upwards they also by a consent force the Ventricle into a Convulsion. The like effect at all times happens from the Palate and Ʋvula's beeing irritated. Hence very often an endeavour to Vomit, or vomiting is stirred up, from ingrateful Meat or Drink, allmost as soon as tasted in the Mouth, also by a feather put down the Throat. For the same reason also in the Pthisick sometimes a Vomiting accompanies, or follows the vehement Cough; to wit, throw the hauling or concussion of the same Coat, Also below the Ventricle in the Bowels. which in like manner covers the Throat, and the top of the wind-pipe. In like manner in the lower appendix of the Ventricle, viz. in the Intestines, if that any trouble happens any where with a Convulsion, oftentimes that affection, by the Conti­nuitie of the Fibres creeping upwards, provokes Vomiting. For this reason Vomiting is excited in the Cholerick Disease, Iliack Passion and other Torments of the Intestines. Hence also some whose Viscera are very tender in taking of a Glister constantly Vomit. It were easie, to heap up very many Instances of this kind, but we will pass on to other causes of Vomiting.

3. Besides these now mentioned ways in which an irritation is made in the Ven­tricle it self, or in its appendix, it sometimes happens that the Stomach, guilt­less and well enough of it self, suffers through default of other parts seated at a great distance; which is not done by the great continuity of Fibres, but by the Passage or Commerce of the Nerves. For truly by the leading Pipe of these, The cause of Vomiting some­times in the Head. when that the Animal Spirits are disturbed in one place, others dwelling afar off they receive the like irritations and fall into contractions: hence from a wound or grievous blow upon the Head, for as much as the Spirits within the Ence­phalon being disturbed; by the passage of the eighth pair of Nerves, they stir up the others residing in the Ventricle into the Convulsions, Vomiting frequently fol­lows: for the same reason, some being in a Ship, or riding in a Coach are troub­led with huge Vomiting. The cause of which Sickness is not by any means (as some affirm) the agitation of the Humours; but truly the Animal Spirits in­habiting the Brain, being compelled into inordinate motions, they fall tumultu­ously upon the beginning of the Nerves, and by their leading Pipe stir up the emetick contractions of the Inwards. In the mean time the Matter cast out by Vomiting, is mere choler, which is by reason of the former Convulsion powred forth by the Choler-carrying Vessels; so far is it that it should be the primary cause of Vomiting. Further when that the Stemms out of the Trunk of the same eighth pair of Nerves and the inferior Branches, disturbed in the peculiar Inwards of the Abdomen are irritated into Convulsions, In the remote parts of the Ab­domen. other Stemms however untouched do not unfrequently receive the like disturbance, and they themselves impart to [Page 24] the other Inwards. and chiefly to the Ventricle, convulsive Motions. This of Vomiting is manifest for that it is stirred up in Nephritick Paroxysms, also in the Passions of the Colick, and hysterick Affections so called.

Thus far of Vomiting in general, and of its subject, formal reason, causes and various manners of doing it, in which hath been shown, that this affection is allto­gether stirred up by the Spirits inhabiting the fleshy Coat of the Ventricle being highly provoked, and drawn by their acting into convulsive Explosions, and they for the most part and chiefly into that sort of contractive Motions, by reason of the troublesom sense impressed on the interior nervous Coat; besides that those irregularities of the Spirits so affected, by reason of the Spirits being distur­bed in other places, do communicate by the continuity of the Fibres, or the Pipe of the Nerves, How the emetick Medicines do o­perate. their disorder to the Ventricle. These things being premi­sed, it remains next that (as it was in the second place proposed) treating of vomi­tive Medicines, we do shew by what manner and by what sort of strife they ope­rate in the Ventricle, and other parts of our Body.

Concerning these it is very obvious to conceive, that Vomits being taken in at the Mouth, and received into the Ventricle, do at the first irritate its interior nervous Coat, and press on it a sense of the trouble, and afterwards by the insti­gation of this the over-lying fleshy Coat is affected, and stirred up to excreto­ry contractions for the casting off this Grief. But truly as to the manner of irri­tation and the ways of excretion, there are some differences, and the reasons of them are not very manifest.

For first of all when that cathartick Medicines, being taken into the Stomach do provoke its fleshy Fibres into exterior contractions, from whence comes it, that from these more often and rather Vomiting is stirred up, and from those purging, not indifferently either?

2. Further concerning those which for the most part and allmost constantly move Vomiting it is to be observed, a certain Energie either in the manifest reason of its working, to produce that effect, as when that which is taken is truly in­grateful in taste, in smell, or any other sensible quality, or that they offend in quantity; and moreover some Medicines, to be given, being more properly and spe­cifically disposed for Vomits, the emetick Virtue of which is altogether hid from our senses, only it betrays it self by manifest effects in the Stomach. The solutions of these will make very much to the well building up of Emetologie.

Vomitory Medi­cines from Ca­tharticks differ, are either.1. As to the first, that such a Medicine should rather operate by Vomit, than by Stool, that ought to consist in the particles of it, which, as they are deadly or at least disagreeing to Nature, besides that they may be so as to the quality, or quantity, that neither may indeed be overcome by the Stomach; neither may they be able to be suffered by it so long until being scoured off by little and lit­tle from the Fibres or little Strings, and together with other Juices leasurely and by Parts be cast out by the Pylorus. But truly because they either do more severely haul the Fibres of the Ventricle, or adhere more pertinaciously to them, or do aggravate it by their motion, and distend it, presently the fleshy Fi­bres prepare for excretory Convulsions, and then by the instinct of Nature, they are rather contracted after that manner, by which they may send forth a doors that which troubles them with the greater force, and by the shortest Exit. How the fleshy Fibres are moved in order to Purging, we shall declare hereafter.

Emeticks which are either gent­ler or stronger.2. As to what respects the distinction of Emeticks, and the divers reasons of their working, they are commonly understood to be twofold, viz. more gentle and more strong; the former of which do bring into open view their emetick Force, and bring forth their irritative Power by manifest Marks: as when the Decoction of Hyssop or Carduus, or the infusion of Sea Onyon or Radish Roots, or a solution of Vitriol, warm Water or honied Wine or such like be plentiful­ly drank; which even at first sight move the Stomach with the tast, they are for­ced to a striving to Vomit: those being exhibited, that Vomiting might follow, oftentimes an irritation of the Palat or Throat is fain to be supplied, secondly the more strong Emeticks, (and which more properly belong to this Class) are Medicines of that sort, that if they be taken in due quantity they stir up Vomiting almost in all persons: of which are first of all white Hellebore, Nux vomica, Vitriol, as also the various preparations of Mercurie, which although proper e­nough [Page 25] for the use of a Physitian, yea although they are indeed very necessary, yet as to their Nature and Forces, in which the emetick Power consists, they seem to differ little from Poysons; wherefore if they be given in too great a dose, they do not rarely cause Death. By what course and after what manner of affecting, The more strong differ little from Poysons. these do operate in the Ventricle and on the other parts of the humane Body, now indeed remains to be inquired into; we will first of all add the most notable Phaeno­mena which do chiefly occur in this kind of Evacuation.

Antimonial Emeticks and other more strong being taken into the Stomach, are not wont presently (unless in such who before-hand loth them) to irritate, By what means they operate in the Ventricle. or to give a sense of their trouble; but afterwards sometimes sooner sometimes later, a nauseousness and perturbation is perceived, then a contraction of the Stomach, and ascending, with an opening of its Orifice and a leaping up of the Oesophagus to­wards the Throat follows; and presently after Vomiting; this being done, these Viscera sink down, and for a little time are quiet: but a little while after the inquietude of the Stomach, and nauseousness and the ascension of that, and of the Throat returns with Vomiting, and so the force of Vomiting, and ceasing from it, are often repeated by turns, until this operation ceases, the strength of the Medicine being wholly worn out.

At the beginning of Vomiting the Ventricle seems only to be contracted up­wards, and not to be hugely provoked. Afterwards, And by what rite or manner they affect it. its Convulsions are more vehement, and unfold themselves more largely, so that the Duodenum by an inverted motion, directs its contractions upwards, and whatsoever is contained in the Stomach (which is the intent of the emetick irritation) pours forth: if the irri­tation be yet further stretch'd, there not only follows Convulsions, but often times distentions, and puffings up, and the more dangerous Convulsions of the Ventricle, to wit, a yexing or hickcock: and truly by reason of the animal Spirits being disturbed in their whole Systasit, and sometimes too much dissipated or ex­cited, frequent Swoonings, cold Sweats, and not seldom deadly Convulsions of the Members or of the whole Body happen.

A stronger Emetick being taken, when the Stomach begins to cast, What several sorts of matter, and of what kind, are cast out by Vomits. first of all is cast out that which fluctuates in its Cavity, next whatsoever of viscous Flegm that sticks to its hairy Scurf or is hid in its Folds. If the Vellication persevere, the serous Humours are pressed forth of the little Mouths of the Arteries and Nerves; then the Convulsion being communicated to the Duodenum by its Pipes, the Choler and pancreatick juice being extorted from the Passages, they are carried forth and spread into the Ventricle. Hence the bilious matter for the most part is cast forth last of all, and then not seldom mere Bile is copiously vo­mited forth: which if it so happens, upon every turn of excretion, Pains be­ing excited a little below the Ventricle on the right side do creep upwards; which without doubt proceeds from the Biles being thrust out into the Duodenum and from thence spread abroad within the Pylorus by reason of the convulsive Motion, and inversion of the Intestines. If that the irritation doth not yet cease, the Ar­teries (their little Mouths being highly irritated) do pour forth the Humours to be purged out, from the whole mass of the Blood.

From this History of Vomiting it may be lawful to conjecture, The reason of vomitory Medi­cines and the manner of their working descri­bed. how and by what means an emetick Medicine doth operate, viz. this being immersed in the Ventricle, mingling it self with the Humour which is conteined in that place, and impressing its Tincture, by little and little is received by the hairy Crust co­vering the inward Supe [...]cies: from thence the nervous Fibres, framing the in­terior Coat, and sustaining this Crust, leasurely imbibe this virulent Tincture; with which when they are in part filled, they begin by reason of the incongruity of the Juice, to grow into Wrinkles, and to be greatly unquiet, from whence the overlying fleshy Fibres, being irritated because of the grief received from the nervous Fibres, they begin here and there up and down, the first lighter Convul­sions; from whence comes a nauseousness and perturbation of the Stomach; and by and by the Spirits inhabiting all those of either interior order grow hig [...] an­gry, and thrusting themselves forth they cause very strong and emetick Con­tractions, whereby that grief shook off from the nervous Fibres might be cast forth by Vomit: and when by this means these Fibres are freed from the me­dicinal Juice which they had drunk in, the endeavour to Vomit Ceases for a while; until being again imbued with a new provision of the Virulent Tincture, which [Page 26] they had then drawn from the hairy Crust they are provoked into the like trouble and emetick Irritation: and so often the force of Vomiting is repeated until the mat­ter of the poysonous Tincture, be also cleansed from the hairy Crust and that it be at length wholly cast out a doors, Wherefore Eme­ticks operate by turns and inter­vals. and that the nervous Fibres of the interior Coat do not imbibe any more of that Poyson.

But indeed it doth not always follow that Vomiting doth therefore cease, al­though the Medicine be wholly cast out, Wherefore Vomi­ting is easily quieted. and none of its Contagion left behind, for notwithstanding those Spirits of the Stomach oftentimes, being too much pro­voked they very hardly lay aside their Furie; so that they are irritated by any other Juice which the nervous Fibres drink in, and are agitated into emetick Convulsions, and also repeat them by frequent Fitts: wherefore then, that Vo­miting might cease, there should nothing either of nourishing or of cordial Drink be taken into the Ventricle, but it must be appeased by sleep, and the application of an outward fomentation.

The Humours be­ing expressed in­to the Ventricle oftentimes in­crease the opera­tion of the Me­dicine.Further sometimes other Humours being expressed out of the Vessels, and pou­red into the Ventricle especially from the passage of the Bile, doth not only add strength to the Vomitory Medicine, but its operation being ended, they continue, to provoke the Stomach further, and to urge it into excretorie Contractions: yea its nervous Fibres drink in that yellow Poyson, not less troublesom than the emetick Tincture, excite Convulsions, and continue beyond the force of the Medicine, these frequent fits of Vomiting, for the thrusting away that grief. For this reason, when that Choler abounds, upon every light occasion it is sent into the Stomach: and very often by the most gentle Medicine a cruel Vomiting with horrid Symptoms is excited, for the appeasing of which it is convenient to exhibit an asswaging Glister, whereby the turgencie of the choler may be solicited towards the inferior parts.

Wherefore Vomi­tory Medicines work in some sooner or present­ly.But that sometimes Vomiting immediately follows the emetick being taken, when, to wit, the Medicine is scarce got to the bottom of the Ventricle, nor yet entred deeply into its Fibres, the cause is, either that the hairy Crust being in some part worn out (as it is wont in Gluttons, and great Drinkers) the nervous Fibres being naked are quickly and easily irritated, or because the phantasie, being averse to the Medicine, it first of all brings in a nauseousness, or lastly because the Sto­mach being much burthened with the putrefaction of the excrementitious mat­ter, it was before hand prone of its own accord to Vomit. As to what apper­taines to the nervous Fibres which drinking in the emetick Tincture conceive a Sense of the Grief, whereby the fleshy Fibres are irritated into contractive Convulsions; they are indeed the same, which cause very much the hunger or barking of the Stomach, being emptie, and being dry, thirst; and being satisfied by the grateful Juice of the aliments, they communicate a complacency to the Ventricle, and a refection besides to the whole Body.

Vomitorie Me­dicines in solid forms work.It is obvious enough to be understood when as they are wont to administer E­metick Medicines in a liquid or a solid form, how the former do come to an irri­tative plenitude. But yet as to the latter it is doubted by some and that deser­vedly, even by which way a very little Powder, as of Antimony or of the Flowers of Antimony, being taken in weight but three or four Grains, should cause so very great Vomiting; when from so small a Medicine, and not easilie penetra­ting, it should seem that these Fibres scarce in any part should be imbued, at least not so much as might suffice for an emetick irritation. For this we say that that Medicine given in a dry substance, is presently dissol [...]d, and doth impregnate the Humour great enough in the Ventricle, so as by an Infusion made even of Crocus Metellorum, the Stomachal Fibres imbibe the dissolved particles of the anti­monial Sulphur, and from thence are irritated into emetick Convulsions.

Vomitory Medi­cines do not ope­rate alike in e­very dose.What is asserted by some that a vomitory Medicine given in how great a dose so­ever doth not operate more strongly, than if it had been taken only in a lesser quan­tity, is very far from the truth, and the experiment of this thing is not to be ma [...] without danger; for that if there be more particles of the Medicine, they also [...]bue the more Fibres, and entring more deeply into them, they more grie­vously provoke them, Vomitory Medi­cines are not indued with a specific Vertue. so that more cruel and frequent Convulsions must necessa­rily follow.

As to the vulgar opinion, that Vomitory Medicines do agitate the Humours up­wards and sift them out through the upper parts by a certain specifick propertie, it [Page 27] seems to be meerly frivolous; for of what sort that Virtue should be, none hath been able to explicate, nor indeed to prove that there is in truth any such thing. In the mean time for the understanding of the Emetologie it will be enough to conceive that the particles of a Medicine very infestous to Nature being imbibed by the nervous Fibres of the interior Coat of the Stomach, do induce a great trouble to them; from thence that that Juice might suddenly and the nearest way be expelled again, the fleshy Fibres of the other Coat are irritated, and instiga­ted into Emetic Convulsions. But that indeed is urged by some, that white Hel­lebore applyed to the Navel, and an infusion of Crocus Metallorum given glister­ways doth move to Vomit, haveing often made the experiment I cannot find to be true. But if it should be so sometimes, why should not a violent irritation inflicted on the Intestines, at the same time stir up Convulsions and inverted Con­tractions, and afterwards secondarily and by consent Vomiting in the Ventricle? (by the like way indeed, this affection of the Ventricle, comes oftentimes in the colick, and in the Iliac Passion) one time, I injected into the jugular Vein of a strong Dog about six ounces of Wine impregnated with an infusion of Antimony; about five or six minutes after he began to reel, and faulter in his going and af­terwards to Vomit extreamly. But we may suppose this effect to have been cau­sed from the Medicine assaulting the Brain rather then the Stomach, when the like Vomiting follows after a Liniment or a Fomentation of the Juice or decocti­on of Tobacco applyed to the Head.

Neither is that opinion built upon less trifling Foundations and as we judge, They operate not on peculiar Hu­mours. as far from the truth, which affirms certain vomitory Medicines to work upon cho­ler, others on Flegm and others on Melancholy, and to bring away this or that Humour, search'd out and as it were whole from the rest. But about the choice to be made in Emeticks, the cheif regard of the difference to be observed is, that in some griefs the more gentle are to be administred, From whence that vulgar Er­ror arose. which disturb nothing beyond the Ventricle, and do gently bring away only those things which flow about its Cavity, or adhere to its Coats: in other cases more strong are convenient, that by a Convulsion communicated also to other viscera, whatsoever excrements over­flows in them, or is heaped up any where else, may be moved out of the Mine, and presently cast forth a doors either upwards or downwards. And for that some­times a viscous Matter and as it were Phlegmatic is cheifly sifted forth, the cause is, for that the ballast of the Ventricle, the receptacle of the bilious Humour be­ing unshaken, is almost only purged out, but when the choler-carrying Vessels are cleansed, the excretion comes forth the most part bilious. The Vomiting of a black Humour depends very much upon the Tincture of the Medicine, for vitriolated Medicines infect the out cast Matter with blackness.

Evacuation by Vomit as it is more violent than by Stool, The emetick E­vacuation if it be convenient is more Efficacious than any other. so if there be strength to bear it, in some diseases it is more profitable or helps more than ten purgati­ons. For by this means heavie Phlegm growing in the Folds of the Stomach, which all the other Catharticks slide besides, is purged away or cleansed as with a Broom, besides the neighbouring parts, the Pancreas, Mesenterie, Spleen, and Liver it self are moved by its strong Convulsion, so that obstructions made in them also, what­ever stagnations there be of the Blood and Humours, are easily removed by this kind of Remedy. The extraneous Ferments begot every where in the Body, and also the more secret Seeds of Diseases are rarely extirpated without the applying of vomitory Medicines; but chiefly in the Diseases of the Brain and Nerves the use of Emeticks is esteemed very helpful, for by this kind of evacuation, not only the Filth of the Stomach and the Inwards, which pollutes the Chyle and Blood, is plentifully cleansed away, but also the Glandulas, which are the emunctories of the Blood, and nervous Juice, being placed in the viscera are squeesed. the Cho­ler-leading Vessels, and other receptacles of the Excrements are copiously evacua­ted, for that the same being emptied they more readily receive the Serum and other Purges of either Humour, and the superfluities otherwise apt to restagnate into the Head: moreover, when as the innumerable little Mouths of the Arteries un­der the hairy Crust do open into the Ventricle, this being by a vomitory Medicine notably hauled, they pour forth what vitious or malignant Humours are a­bounding in the Blood, and there by Vomit they are sifted forth, and therefore it is chiefly for this reason difficult diseases are best cured by Emeticks, and scarcely without them. For truly these Medicines should be of an untamable and active [Page 28] Nature, and not only squeez forth the superfluous Humours from the mass of the Blood by pulling and hauling the Arteries, but scatter abroad the Blood, by en­tring into the Pipes of the Veins, which there do gape and are innumerable, and do precipitate its serosities and other excrements and cause them to separate. But in the mean time this emetic Evacuation ought not to be used indifferently by all; For that in some the tone of the Ventricle is too lax and weak, and the constituti­on so tender that the Spirits immediately become faint with vomitory Medicines, and loose their strength: But more Dange­rous. others again have Viscera of an immoderate and perti­nacious Sensation, that although they are very difficult to Vomit, yet having once begun Vomiting it is not easily allayed, but with the very often endeavouring to vomit, they are brought to a great loss of their strength and to a failing of their Spirits.

The Indication of the vomitory Medicine.Wherefore that the vomitory Medicine may be rightly exhibited, we ought to weigh, what are its Indications or Signs of the need of it, to whom to be per­mitted, and to whom to be prohibited. Emeticks seem to be needed, when the bilious and bitterish Humour fluctuates in the Ventricle, that from thence a nause­ousness, an ingrateful savour, or short Headach do arise, also if the Stomach be bur­thened with a clammy Phlegm, as in the long disease of Maids, and in Men after Surfeting, and inordinate Eating. In most cases when with difficulty of Breathing the Ventricle being full is affected with a Queasiness or Nauscousness, evacuation by purging is wont to be used. Further when the Stomach is pressed with an extrane­ous ferment that what soever is put into it is presently cast back again by Vomit, also by reason of far distant parts, Vomiting is not seldom used succesfully: for by this means the Choler-carying Vessels are very greatly emptied, that the Cho­ler being plentifully powred forth from the Blood its feverish dyscrasie may be ta­ken away. Furthermore, for as much as the superfluities or stagnations of the nervous Humour are most easily cured by the means of this evacuation; in the Gout, Asthma, Epilepsie, Madness, and very many other Diseases, which are accounted great and difficult, the use of Emeticks comes to be no small means of curing. Secondly they permit the taking of this Remedie, 2. To whom per­mitted. where there is strength of the Viscera and firm constitution of Body, and chiefly to these who have a more short Breast and Neck, and whose Mouth and Ventricle are not far distant: also the Laxity of the Matter to be purged forth, a ready separation, also an appeasing of Nature, and an intention or leasure to this work make for the facility of Vomiting. Thirdly they prohibit an Emetick where there is a difficulty of Vomiting or an unaptness found by a former experience, 3. To whom pro­hibited. a tender and soft constitution of Body, a tall, and slender Stature, infirm Inwards, and breifly where there is a consump­tive disposition, with an Ulcer of the Lungs, or spitting of Blood: also a too great Cachexie or evil disposition of Body in which there is danger, lest the Hu­mours should be pressed forth from the whole Body into the Ventricle: also they exclude altogether this kind of Evacuation where there is an unwonted efferve­scency of the Blood, the Paroxysms of Feavors, and the expectation of the Crisis.

The Medicaments whcih are called Vomits are wont to be distinguished accor­ding to the force of their operating into gentle, mean, and strong: as to the mat­ter out of which they are taken or prepared, it is out of the parts of Minerals, Vegetables and Animals: The Division of Emeticks. as to the savour they are very ingrateful to the Palate, as Vitriol, Tabacco, Roots of Bryonie &c. or grateful enough in Savour; as the Fruit of Mezereon, Indian Nut, the Spawn of the Barbel or Mullet, or else al­most insipid, as the Flowers of Antimony, Crocus Metallorum, Mercurius Vitae &c.

CHAP. II. Prescriptions of Vomits, and the declaration of the Reasons of some of them as to their prepe­rations and Chymical Analysis.

TAke of Oxymel of Squills ℥iss of Wine of Squills ℥iss, mingle them and make a Vomitorie.

Take from 6 to 9 of the fresh Leaves of Asara bacca, Bruise them and put them into ℥iij of white Wine, squeese them forth, and take it with care.

Take of the Powder of the Roots of Asarabacca, ʒj to ℈iiij of Oxymel of Squills ℥iss mingle them and take it in a draught of Posset-drink.

Take of the Salt of Vitriol from ℈j to ℈ij or ʒj let it be taken in a draught of Posset-drink.

Take of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum ℥ss to ℥ss or ℥iss let it be taken in a draught of Posset-drink with governance.

℞ Of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum ʒvj of the Wine of Squills ℥iss of the Syrup of Vinegar simple ℥ss mingle them and make a Vomitorie.

℞ Of the Sulphur of Antimony gr. vj to viij of the Cream of Tartar ℈j mingle them, let it be given in the Pap of an Apple, or in a stew'd Prune or a spoonful of Grew­el.

℞ Of Mercurius Vitae gr. iij to vj take it after the same manner: so likewise are ta­ken the Flowers of Antimony, or Aurum Vitae or Praecipitatum Solare, and Tur­bith Minerale.

The Chymical Emeticks which are cheifly known are prepared first out of Vitriol, second­ly out of Antimony, thirdly out of Mercurie.

CHAP. III. Of the Remedy of too much Vomiting, also of Antie­metick Medicines, or such as stop Vomiting.

NAture being incited to a violent motion, oftentimes goes beyond its bounds, and runs forth beyond measure, so that there is sometimes need of a stop or remora, whereby its violence might be stayed. This is plainly discerned in vo­miting, if at any time it be immoderate, through the operation of a medicine, or for any other occasions; it therefore belongs as much to Medicine to allay this fury of the Stomach as to stir it up. How many ways, and for what causes Vo­miting is wont to happen without taking an Emetick, we have already declared: Besides it is obvious to common observation, that this evacuation provoked by Medicine is sometimes so violent and so long, that unless it be stopped by the help of Art, Life it self will be in manifest danger. Therefore as in the practice of Physick Emetick medicines are of necessary use; Immoderate Vo­miting proceeds either from an Emetick Medi­cine or from o­ther Causes. so sometimes for the stopping that Excretion (as often as it shall be too much or preternatural) Remedies con­trary to the former, or Antidotes for Vomiting are made known. We will there­fore in the first place, shew how excessive Vomitings caused by an Emetick are cu­red: And then Secondly, by what means and remedies preternatural Vomiting, raised by reason of other Causes, may be helped.

As to the first, Vomiting raised by a medicine becomes more vehement and continues longer, because the animal Spirits being irritated beyond measure and growing angry; their disorders are not easily or presently remitted, but that they thrusting forth themselves do by frequent fits stir up violent Emetick Convulsions, and often repeat them. Moreover that explosive Force begun in the Ventricle, is not seldom propagated to the Spirits inhabiting the neighbouring parts, and from thence to others, and at last sometimes to their whole Systasis, in so much that Torments and Convulsions in the Viscera, afterwards in the Midriff, and lastly in the whole Body with manifest danger of Life follow Vomiting.

The Reasons of the former are unfolded.The Spirits are above measure irritated, either from the Medicine only by rea­son of the disproportion of quality or quantity to them; or else from the other humours, as the like sharp serum, and others being poured into the Ventricle in the time of Vomiting. Besides in some the animal Spirits are so tender and Elastick, [Page 37] that from every Emetick irritation though very light, both those inhabiting the Ventricle, and those also which are near about are excited into Convulsive Explo­sions. Hence many erquiring from the Vomitory about the Milt, Paunch, and other inwards, impute the whole business to the Vapours stirred up by the Medi­cine, when indeed it happens altogether by reason of the Animal Spirits being rea­dily too much moved, and hardly to be appeased.

If this overworking be caused by the Medicine, let the Patient, Its Cure. being presently put to Bed, make use of both external and internal remedies: And first of all that the Lodgers in the Ventricle may be quieted; let there be administred either a fo­mentation warm, of the Decoction of Pontick Wormwood, Mint, and Spices in red Wine, or a Cake of a piece of bread tosted, and dipped in Claret Wine warmed, applied thereto. Let there be a Glister given of Milk with Treacle dis­solved therein: Let also warm Frictions of the members be used, and strong Liga­tures above the Knees which may drive away the Convulsions from those parts. Let the Ventricle in the mean time be kept empty, unless swooning follows: But as soon as he may be able to take any thing of food or medicine, let him have some Cordial water or warm burnt wine. In very great perturbation, if the Pulse admit it, Treacle Andromick, or Diascordium, also sometimes a solution of Lau­danum or Opiatick Tinctures are convenient.

In preternatural Vomiting stirred up from other Causes, Vomiting from other Causes is either Critick or Symptomatick. we must consider whether it be Critick or Judicial, or Symptomatick Signal. In the former there is nothing to be done suddenly or rashly: that superfluity whilst they have strength, may not be stop'd, but the going forth of the matter to be expelled is either to be facilitated or hastned, or to be carried forth by some other way. Hence be­ing urged by a naufeousness and striving to vomit; it is convenient to give Posset-drink simple or with the leaves of Carduus boyled therein, also sometimes Oxymel, and wine of Squills or Antimonial Wine. Sometimes Glysters are used, and some­times also a gentle purge carries away the matter, boyling in the Stomach by a more easie way of exclusion through the Intestines.

(2. The latter is ei­ther Idiopathick or Sympathick.) In Symptomatick Vomiting a conjunct cause (as we have already intimated) either subsisting in the Ventricle, produces that Idiopathick or proper Affection; or fixed in other parts stirs up their Convulsions, and a Communication being made by the Nerves, the Emetick perturbations in the Ventricle, as in the Nephritick Paroxysms, Colicks, Hysterick passions, Vertigo and many others use to happen, the healing of which sort of Sympathick Vomiting, depends upon the cure of the primary Disease.

When the Stomach is primarily affected, the Cause is, When the Stomach is primarily af­fected what me­thod to be used. that the Nervous Fibres irritated above measure, provoke the other motricious Fibres into excretory Con­vulsions. But these are irritated from an improportionate Object, viz. In as much as they are not able to thrust forth to the Intestines or to overcome, or to digest rightly a certain matter which lies upon them, but are necessitated by exciting Vomiting to cast it the soonest way out of doors. That Matter beomes so in­congruous or untamable by its own proper viciousness, for as much as offending in quality or quantity it provokes the Nervous Fibres; or by the fault of the Sto­mach it self, because that its tone is lax, and its Fibres becomes so weak, that they cannot be able to overcome or tolerate the Chyle it self, much less the ex­crementitious humours, but that being impatient of its burthen, they cast forth whatsoever is contained within by Vomiting. As there are various causes of either of these, and manners of affecting, we will here shew some of the chief of them, together with the Remedies and the reasons of the Cure.

The Emetick matter subsisting in the Ventricle is either poured into it from ano­ther place, or is begot there by reason of its depravity or want of Concoction: in either respect the present Ballast is first of all to be carried forth, then its more fruitful increase must be cut away, or provided against.

Therefore that the filthy Colluvies of the viscous matter may be cleansed out of the Ventricle, let there be prescrib'd a gentle Vomit, of Carduus Posset-drink, or of Oxymel or Wine of Squills or of the decoction of the Flowers of Camo­mil, or of the Roots of Agrimony with the solution of the Salt of Vitriol or such like, then the Reliques may be gently carried off by Glysters or Cat [...]ur­ticks either by the Pills of Mastich: Stomach Pills with Gumms, or sacred Tin­cture or with the Infusion of Rhubarb. Moreover when the impure rank Blood [Page 38] heaping up anon a new provision of incongruous Matter oftentimes flowing into the Ventricle either through the Arteries, or the Choler-carrying Vessels, brings in an emetick Disposition. Blood letting doth not rarely give help, and therefore the Vomitings of great bellied Women are frequently cured by this kind of Remedy. Besides those things are convenient which may attemper the Blood, whereby the less adust Excrements may be therein generated. Hence it is that Whey, the drinking of medicinal Waters, the Juice of Herbs, Sal Pru­nellae and such like for as much as they scatter the Blood, and carry its Excre­ments to another place, they often take away the Vomitive Disposition. These kinds of remedies are likewise used if that frequent and daily Vomiting, proceeds (according to the opinion of some) from the meeting and wrestling of the biliary and pancreatick Humours, and their regurgitation into the Ven­tricle.

The frequent Vomiting and the hardest to be cured is that which proceeds from an incongruous Matter begot within the Ventricle, and from thence becomes Emetick, for as much certainly as by reason of the vitiated Ferment of this Viscus, whatsoever is eaten, degenerates into an irritative putrefaction. Wherefore in this case, after that the filth of the Stomach is cleansed by a gentle Evacuation, they are wont to make use of remedies commonly called Digestive; which, The Vomiting [...]roceeding from [...]he Ventricles being Vitiated how to be cured. even as the fermental Juice of the Ventricle, being very much of a sal­tish disposition and sometimes also of a sulphureous, shall be in a various state of Fixation, flowing or adustion, consist after a divers manner, and are rather helpful now this way now that way.

In Belching, and acid Vomiting, these following Medicines may be tryed, and the Rule of the Method to be relyed upon may be chosen out of the things that bring help.

Remedies a­gainst the too much acidness of its Ferment.Take of the Powder of Ari Compos. ℥iss, of the Salt of Wormwood ʒij, of the Sugar of Roses ʒiij, make a Powder, give of it in the Morning and at five a clock in the afternoon, ʒj in a little draught of Ale boyled with Mace and a Crust of Bread or in distilled Water or Tincture of Roman Wormwood.

Take of the Powder of Ivory, the Eyes of Crabs, of red Coral alike of each ʒij, of calcined Coral ʒj, of red Sanders, Cinnamon ana ʒss make a Powder, Dose ʒss after the same manner.

Take of Lignum Aloes of yellow Sanders, of the Bark of Mint, of each ʒij, of white Chalk ʒvj, Sugarcandy ℥ss, of the solution of Tragacant, of the Water of Mints, make a Past, and let them be formed into Troches of ʒss weight, let him eat iij or iiij thrice or oftner in a Day.

2, Against its Ferment being too sour.Take of the Tincture of the Salt of Tartar ℥j, the Dose is ℈j to ʒss, twice a Day in some proper distilled Water.

2. In sour Vomiting, Medicines endued with a warm, sharp, vitriolick Salt are more convenient,

That famous one of Riverius in this case is the chief.

Take of the Salt of Wormwood ℈j given in a spoonful of the Juice of Limons.

Take of prepared Coral ʒij, of the Salt of Wormwood ʒiss, of the Juice of Limons ℥iiij let them stand in a larg Glass, add to them of the strong Water of Cinnamon ℥ij. The Dose is a Spoonful or two twice a Day, the Glass being first shaken.

Take of Ivory, Coral, of each ʒij pouder, of the Vitriol of Steel ʒj, of Su­gar-candie ʒj mingle them, and divide them into 6 or 8 Parts, of which take one part twice in a Day in some convenient Vehicle.

In this case purging mineral Waters which have much Nitre in them, also your Iron tinged Waters and indeed our artificial Chalybeates are wont to give notable help. 3. Against the Stomach being to bitter.

If at any time the Stomach perverting the most part of what is put into it to a bilious and bitter Rottenness (as it often is wont) and for that reason is prone to frequent Vomitings, then both sharp, and also bitter remedies are convenient.

Take of Elixir Proprietatis ℥j, the Dose ℈j twice in a day in some fit Ve­hicle.

Take of Rhubarb Powder gr. xxv, of the Salt of Wormwood ℈j, of the Water of Cinnamon ℥ss, of the Juice of Lemons ℥j, mingle them, take of it by it self or mixt with some other Liquor.

Take Powder of Ari Compos. ℥iss, of Tartar Crystalized ʒiij, of the Vitriol of Steel ʒj, of Sugar ℥ss, make a powder; the dose is ʒss, or ℈ij every Morning drinking after it a draught of the tincture of Pontic Wormword or Coffee.

Take of the Powder of Crabbs Eyes ℥ss, of the Chalybeate Tartar ʒij, of Su­gar-Candie ʒj, make a Powder; the Dose ʒss in a fit Vehicle twice in a day.

Oftentimes the cause of a frequent and habitual Vomiting is not so much the matter irritating the Ventricle, as the debility of its nervous Fibres, Vomiting from the debility of the Ventricle. and their too great propensity to irritation; for that they are so tender or infirm that they are not able neither to Concoct what is taken in, nor to suffer the weight or burthen of them, but that they are presently irritated by any thing lying upon them, and therefore to expel what is so troublesome, they provoke the fleshy Fibres into Emetick Convulsions.

There are two principal Causes of this kind of Affection; Of which there are two causes. viz. either the de­bility of the Stomach is in the Fibers themselves contracted by inordinate passions, as surfeiting too often, and immoderate drinking by too frequent taking of Wine or strong Waters, and by other inordinacies of eating and drinking, so that these Fibres, for as much as they are beyond measure distended, or made too hot and as it were roasted, are not able to admit or contain the animal Spirits in enough plentiful abundance: Or the to [...]e of the Fibres is de­cay'd. Or secondly these Fibres although they may be well enough of themselves, yet for that the Nerves are in some other place obstructed, they are destitute of the due afflux of Spirits, and from thence being languid and flaccid, they are not able to bear what is taken in, but presently being aggravated, 2. Or there is a defect of Spirits by reason the Nerves are ob­structed. they endeavour to cast it forth by Vo­miting: so I have known many without any impurity of the Ventricle, or Languor contracted through irregularities, affected with a certain kind of palsie of that Viscus, to have wanted appetite, and to have been obnoxi­ous to assiduous Vomiting.

In the former Disease those kind of remedies are prescribed, The cure of the former affection. which may cause the too much distended and tenuated Fibres to wrinkle them­selves and to be contracted into a shorter Space; also such as may allure thither more copiously the Spirits by their grateful usage, and cherish the Languid.

Take of the Elixir of Vitriol of Mynsichtus ℥j; the Dose is from 10 drops to 15 twice or thrice in a Day in a spoonful of distilled Water, drink­ing 7 or 8 spoonfuls of the same after it.

Take the tops of Cypress vj handfuls, of the Leaves of Clary iiij hand­fulls of exterior Barks of Orange 12, Cinnamon, Mace of each ℥j, of the Roots of Galingal the less, and of Cypress of each ℥ss; being sliced and bruised let them be put into viij lb of Brunswick Beer and distilled in an ordinary Still.

Take of the Tincture of Tolutan Balsom wtih the Tincture of the Salt of Tartar extracted ℥j, Dose 20 gr. with the same Vehicle, the Tincture of Wormwood prepared with the same Menstruum may be try­ed.

Take of the Powder of the Flowers of Wormwood, of Mirtle dryed in the hot Sun, of each ʒij, Cinamon, Flowers of red Roses of each ʒj, Cubebs, Roots of Galingal the less of each ʒss, of red Coral broken ʒj, make of them all a subtle Powder, then with ℥vj of the whitest Sugar dissolved in Cinamon Water and boyled up to a Consistency make of them all Tablets each weighing ℥ss, eat one or two as often in a Day as you please.

Take of the Conserve of red Roses vitriolated ℥iiij candied Myrabolans ʒij, Ginger candied in the Indies ℥ss, Species of Hyacynth ʒij, of the red­dest Crocus of Steel ʒj, Syrrop of Coral what will suffice, make thereof an Electuary the Dose ʒj, twice in a Day drinking after it a little draught of distilled Water,

2. In the debility or resolution of the Ventricle by reason of the Nerves being somewhere obstructed, How the Palsie of the Ventricle is to be cured. Antiparalytick Remedies joyned with Stoma­challs are of chiefest use.

Take of the Elix. Proprietatis Tart. ℥j, the Dose ℈j, twice in a Day [Page 40] with the Water above prescribed, The Tincture of the Salt of Tartar, of Coral, of Antimony, may be made use of after the same manner. In this case also the sweet Spirits of Salt, the Spirit of Sal Armoniac or its Flowers do give notable help. Besides Vomitories and Purges, and even Diaphoreticks are oftentimes successfully administred. I have known this Disease sometimes happily cured by bathing in our Baths of Bathe.

CHAP. I. Of Purging and of purging Medicines.

PUrging seems to be an Affection contrary to Vomiting, or rather inverted; for truly in this and in that, they run from the Prisons of the same Ven­tricle, to a divers Goal. Purging in an affection contra­ry or inverse to Vomiting. For even as in Vomiting the interior fleshy Fibres of the Stomach being inflated by the sudden running in of the Spirits into their left Ends, and so being contracted they make its bottom and sides to be drawn together, and to be brought upwards towards the left Orifice, to the end that its Contents may be carried forth above: so in purging, the same fleshy Fibres being in like manner inflated at their right ends, and contracted, they cause the whole circumference of the Stomach to be gathered together, and to be inclined towards the Pylorus, that the Excrement may pass away by the in­ferior Parts. As the excretory Motion begun from the Ventricle is continu­ed by the Oesophagus, so it is in purging by the Intestines, and either of them is propagated by the fleshy Fibres from part to part to the end. In either affection the motion of the Stomach is violent, and after a manner con­vulsive, so that sometimes either is changed into the other. For purging being too much hastned from a sharp Provocative, oftentimes causes Vomi­ting: in like manner purging of the Belly follows from an emetick Medicine: the reason of which is, because the animal Spirits being vehemently irritated, and thrust forth, they leap diversely sometimes into these and sometimes in­to those ends of the fleshy Fibres; almost after the same manner as if you should too much urge a generous Horse with your Spurrs, you will force him sometimes to run forward, and sometimes to leap backward.

Therefore Purging is an excretorie Motion in the Ventricle, Its Description. and in the In­testines, by reason of their fleshy Fibres being swiftly and orderly contracted quicker and faster whereby the Chyle and its Faeces, both the recrements of the Humours, or the Corruptions there begotten, or pour'd in from another Part, may be thrust on from one part unto another until they be cast forth a doors at the Fundament as thorow a Sink. For the Ventricle being irritated by the prickings of the Cathartick, contracting it self quicker and more straitly to­wards the Pylorus, pours forth whatsoever it cherishes in its Bosom, into the Duodenum; and the Intestines being pulled together, they reiterate greater and more frequent excretorie Spasms, by which most of the Contents before heaped up in their Cavities, or attracted, or expressed at that time, are ex­cluded. Also Purging is that sort of violent and constrained Excretion, which Nature being quiet performs at leasure and at times; in such Nature being provoked, acts not without tumult and a certain perturbation. There­fore for the more perfect knowledge of Purgation it seems requisite, that first of all we should shew what are the Contents of the Ventricle and the Intestines, both their proper, and those suggested from another place, which are wont to be sent forth by Stool. Then these being effected, it will be reason to ex­plicate by what means, and by what strife purging Medicines do perform their Operations. The Contents of the Ventricle and the Inte­stines which purging Medi­cines [...]arry forth.

1. As to the first, the chief Contents of the Ventricle and Intestines are the Chylous Mass, and its remaining Faeces after the distribution of the nutricious Juice, the filth of these [...]nwards smeering the hairy Crust, and Water sticking [Page 42] in its Glandulaes; with which go a serous water flowing from the mouths of the Arteries, as also the Recrements of the blood and humours, which by the Choler carrying Vessels, the Pipe of the Pancreas, the mouths of the Arteries, and also by the extremities of the nervous Fibres, The chylous mass, the remaining faeces, muck, wa­ter, and serum abounding in the Glandulaes and Arteries. and by other ways perhaps, are poured into their interior Cavities: For thorow the intestinal Pipes, as it were through a sink, the whole impurity of the Body is wont not seldom to be purged forth; which indeed if restagnating within, they either puff up through their plenty, or being imbued with sharpness, by making slippery, or by stimulating the Belly they provoke to very frequent and plentiful Stools.

2. Wind.Besides these kind of Contents there is yet another resulting from these, viz. Winds, which are wont to be stirred up within the Stomach, and the Cavities of the Intestines more than in any other part of the whole Body, and seem to be pro­duced after this manner: Whilst that the Aliments being constrained in the Bow­els, and digested, are dissolved by their ferments and heat; very many Effluvia come from them, which if they might obtain an open and free space, would va­nish away going into the Air, but they being shut up within a membrane, and ga­thered together; they constitute in heap of Vapours as it were wind: which of­tentimes blows up and distends the Intestines, How winds are begotten within the Cavities of the Bowels. and which, way being given, rushing out, moves along with it excretions: But being shut up creates torments, and not rarely an inflation of the belly. Winds arising from the dissolving of the Aliments in the Bowels, are begot after such like manner, as when Pearls, Corals, or other Concretes being put into a Matrace are dissolved by their Menstrua: For very many vapours arise from their solutions, which if they are straitly kept in, will enforce the Vessel that contains them to fly or break to pieces. In like manner from the dissolution or concoction, or fermentation of the Aliment within the first passages, very copious Efflavia arise; which being gathered together and shut up within the Membranes become wind: to whose more plentiful increase some other causes do contribute. For the colluctation and effervescency of Juices not rightly mixed do notably perform this: For that whilst the adventitious humours, or heterogeneous things heaped together, and chiefly Medicaments do ferment with the other contents of the Intestines, from the mutual refraction of Particles very many little bodies proceeding, they are gathered together into a Vapour. More­over from the blood it self bubling up, when as a copious breath every where flows out, some part of it breaking forth from the Arteries into the cavities of the Viscera doth there increase the produced heap of Blasts. But further yet, the extensions of the Viscera, and their Convulsive Intumescencies, add to the more plentiful heap of Winds: For whilst the Membranes by reason of the explosions of the Spirits, Blasts are some­times the Cause and sometimes effects of the Ex­tensions in the Viscera. and their inordinate excursions, are very much distended; the in­ternal Cavity as a blown up bladder is much enlarged, by reason that a portion of the included humour within that vacuity, as it were a Cucurbit after the fire is out, is rarefied into wind; which afterwards when the stiffness of the Membrane gives way, breaks forth with a force, or passes through the nearest windings of the Intestines tumultuously. After what man­ner the winds in Cramps are wont to be begotten. For this reason, when any part of the Intestine by an inflammation, or falling down of sharp humours, shall be obnoxious to convulsive stretchings forth, also Winds continually brought forth become very troublesom. When I have opened the dead bodies of many dying of an inflammation in the Colon; I found in all of them their whole Intestines distended to the utmost, and as it were blown up with Wind: Which without doubt happened, not because the Wind first begotten had distended those Viscera; but when from the spirits of the Membrane greatly irritated, and thrust forth among their Fibres, they should be very much distended; therefore those Blasts were begotten to fill up the Vacuum, and so by consequence secondarily. From this cause we have formerly intimated the Tympany to arise, as, in another place, perhaps we shall sometime or other more largely declare. As therefore there is wont to be a very plenti­ful store of Winds in the Stone or Gravel, in the Colical, Hypocondriacal, and Hysterical passions, they are not, as 'tis commonly thought, me causes of those Diseases, but only the effects. Indeed whilst by the Paroxysms of those Membranes the irregular extensive Affections arise, and that the hollow Viscera do swell up by the Spirits violently running forth, from hence presently, that the empty space may be filled, a certain humidity being shut up, is resolved into vapours, from which the blasts arise. Wherefore when the distention of the affected part is re­laxed, [Page 43] the Wind so suddenly produced is driven to some other place, by the falling down of the Membranes. So much concerning the Contents of the Ventricle and Intestines, which are the objects of cathartick Evacuation. Now, which next be­longs to the same subject, let us enquire what the motion is of those V [...]scera, whereby these Contents being either leisurely carried along, are sent forth at their due times; or else being hastily thrust on, they are cast out by heaps.

Because for the conservation of Life living C [...]eatures ought to be repaired by often and plent [...]ful feeding; How the natural excretory motion of the Intestines is made. there is a necessity therefore that the Aliment supply with nutricious j [...]ice the con [...]inual d [...]cays, and that the Reliques be timely removed, so that the old leavings of the Chyme may give place for new Provision. For after that a portion of the Chyle (in which the Elements being perfectly loose­ned, are freed from the bond of mixture) more pure and elaborate is pressed forth into the Chyle carrying Pipes, what remains partici [...]ating with the pricking Salt of a more thick Sulphur, contracts a most grievous stink: Wherefore it ought to be removed from the vicin [...]ty of the fresh chylous Mass, into the thicker Inte­stines, and at length wholly out of the Body. Whereby these things may be the better affected, Nature gives to the Intestines an almost constant, and as it were, solemn excretory motion, and constitutes various incitements or provocatives to that motion.

1. As to the first, the excretory motion of the Intestines, as of the Ventricle, By what Fibres it is effected. is effected altogether by the fleshy Fibres, composing the middle Coat of either of the Viscera, and we have taken notice of a double order or series of them in the whole passage of the Chyle, to wit, from the Oesophagus to the streight Intestine. The exterior order indeed of the intestinal Fibres, are stretched in length through all those Viscera, and strait upon the whole superficies; but the interior series or order, consists in circular Fibres compassing about on every side, as it were set thick with little Rings, the pipes of the Intestines; as it is represented in the third figure of the same Table. The Fibres of either kind being contracted together, do straiten the Cavities of those Intestines through all their dimensions: which whilst it is done successively and by one order after another, and as it were by jumps, there is a necessity that whatsoever is therein contained, should gently and even creepingly be carried along, the forepart being even thrust forward by the following part. This sort of motion of the Intestines is commonly called Vermicular, because it is continued from one part to another as in a creeping Worm; and is continually acted according to the use and needs of Nature more or less, without also our knowing of it; because indeed these Viscera ought to move away their burthen very leisurely: But lest that sometimes they should, being i­dle, desist from this task, they are urged as occasion serves by divers provo­catives.

For in the first place the heap it self of the Chyle and the Faeces; By what provo­catives the na­tural excretory motion is urged. aggravating and so irritating with its weight the nervous Fibres of the interior Coat upon which it leans, impresses upon them a certain sense of the trouble, and thence pre­sently as soon as they are filled with the nutricious Juice, and now growing weary of the rest of the Burthen, 1. By the bur­then and trouble of the faeces. they instigate the fleshy Fibres to vermicular Contracti­ons, for the further moving away the Contents. When by this means the Con­tents of the Belly being leisurely one part after another thrust forward, do descend near to the end of the Colon, because then the musculous part of the right Inte­stine feels a pressing; therefore the voluntary comes in the room of the natural Motion, whereby the Sphincter of the Arse-hole being opened, and the Muscles of the Abdomen being compressed, the Excrements are cast forth of the doors. More­over the Organs of Respiration do contribute something to this excretory motion of the Intestines, for that indeed they perpetually drawing here and there up and down the inferior Belly, whilst they so shake its contents, they make them to move gently forward.

Besides the aforesaid irritation, by which the fleshy Fibres by the instinct of Na­ture, and by an ordinary way are provoked into frequent and almost continual Vermiculations, there happen yet some other provocatives and various incite­ments, which constrain or hasten as occasion is offered, those excretory Contracti­ons, and not seldom compel them into compulsive; so that the Belly is forced to cast out its contents hastily and impetuously, as if they were provoked by a Ca­thartick. But these intrinsick irritaments of the Belly are in the first place incon­gruous [Page 44] or immoderate food, Corruptions of degenerate Chyle, plentiful excre­ments of the Blood and nervous Juice, or sharp overflowings out of the Glandula's and other Emunctories of the Viscera, and chiefly from the receptacle of the Gall and Pipe of the Pancreas, To which happen many accidents of other things. as also serosities, or superfluous humours or incongru­ous flowing from the Blood and from the stock of the Nerves, and from the in­ward disposition of the Body. Concerning the chief of these, because they arise oftentimes in purging, and do intend the operation of the Medicine, we will speak specially and briefly.

Incongruous food or depraved in the Concoction.In the first place therefore, Aliments, if at any time they are perverted in their concretion, or will not be overcome, they do not seldom cause a Diarrhoea or lask, as it often happens in a surfeit, inordinate feeding, from unagreeable meats and other errors in Diet, or from the depravations of the ferment of the Stomach. Yea by reason of want of digestion, sometimes also through obstructions in the Mesentery or intestinal Pipe, by reason of too much viscousness sticking upon the glaudulous Coat or mouths of the Vessels, that hinders the distribution of the nu­tricious Juice, and therefore the whole matter almost of things eaten, being re­tained in the first passages, produces frequent and plentiful Stools.

2. Choler and the pancreatick juice.2. The excrements of the Blood and of the nervous Juice, being heaped to­gether in the glandula's of the Viscera, the bag of the Gall, the pipe of the Pan­creas, and perhaps in other receptacles; if at any time they flow over through plenitude or irritation; they are abundantly thrust down into the cavities of the Intestines, and in as much as they there pull or hawl the nervous Fibres, and with other Juices grow hot, they oftentimes produce a Diarrhoea. It seems the yellow Choler is as it were a kind of natural Cathartick, which plentifully flowing forth of the Choler-carrying Vessels moves a spontaneous purging.

3. An excremental matter from a yet more remote Region, to wit, either from the mass of the Blood, 3. Humours from Blood, nervous juice from their Viscera, and habit of the Bo­dy being tran­slated to the In­testines are car­ried away by Stool. or from the nervous Liquor and its emunctories; or from the whole habit of the Body, being sometimes transmitted to the Intestines, irri­tates their nervous Fibres, and from thence stirs up the fleshy Fibres into excreto­ry Convulsions. For in the aforesaid parts and places, and chiefly in the bloody Mass, the degenerate or superfluous humours arising up, when they are not easily or sufficiently to be sent away by evaporation or pissing, ofttimes a Metastasis be­ing made within; they overflow thickly every where from the gaping mouths of the intestinal Vessels, causing very frequent and watry Stools. And truly some­times the Blood it self, being vitiated into a thickness and apt to coagulate; when it cannot be circulated readily through these small Vessels, frequently breaks forth in great abundance, and causes a dysentery or bloody Flux. But it is to be obser­ved, when the exterior Pores are shut up by cold, or the skinny tumours do sud­denly vanish, a flux of the Belly succeeds. I have known many obnoxious to a constipation of the Belly, to have been cured by this kind of Remedy only; to wit, that they arose from Bed betimes in the morning, an hour sooner than they were wont. For how much the accustomed perspiration is lessened, so much is added to make slippery the Belly. These things being thus premised concerning the various Contents of the Intestines, both those inbred and accessory; and also concerning the excretory motion of these Inwards, both natural and ordinary and both violent and constrain'd, also concerning the various provocatives or irri­tations, by which the Belly by the accord of Nature is wont to be moderately loosed or more inordinately disturbed: It will be easie to shew by what means, and by what kind of strife purging Medicines do move the Ventricle and Intestines to excretions, and cause their contents to be carried forth, now these, now those apart, How Cathar­ticks bring a­way the Contents of the same Vis­cera. and sometimes many together.

When purging Medicines are taken in a liquid form, they are already enough prepared for the work, but if they consist of a solid substance, being taken into the Ventricle and dissolved by its ferment and imbued; they make, as it were, a tincture which becomes a Cathartick; By what means these do work in a liquid form and how in a so­lid. purging after the same manner as the Li­quor, according to the following means and reason. It seems that this kind of liquor, being first of all shut up in the Ventricle, and afterwards in the Intestines, by and by imbues the hairy filaments of the interior Coat with the Glandula's, and whilst it adheres closely to them, By what order now on these parts now on those. its Particles enter into the nervous Fibres, and both sanguiferous and Chyliferous Vessels, and irritate every one of these and also the Choler-bearing Pore and pipe of the Pancreas to make them render their [Page 45] Contents, and as it were to spue them forth. In the mean time the nervous Fibres of the interior Coat are hauled partly by the imbibed Medicine, and partly by the Humours pressed forth into its Cavity, the fleshy Fibres of the superior Coat begin the Excretorie Convulsions, whereby that which is trouble­som might be removed. By what means these are done first in the Ventricle, and then successively in the parts and in what parts of the Intestines, and what sort of Humours are picked forth in the whole Passage, we will a little more accurately consider.

1. As to the Stomach it seems to be done after this manner following, 1. What their action is with­in the Ventricle. viz. The Cathartick Tincture being diffused within the Stomach, it first of all imbues the hairy Raggs of the inward Coat, and adhering very closely to them, from thence it is delivered to the nervous Fibres, entring into which and quickly filling them even to saturity, at length it begins to irritate them; who there­fore presently wringling themselves endeavour to put away the imbibed Liquor together with its proper Juice, and the viscous Phlegm laid up in the folds of the Stomach. Further certain other Particles of the same Medicine, while it stays in the Stomach, enter into the Mouths of the Vessels, and Glandulas, and pull them, and cause the Serosities in them and other Humours to be wrung forth, and emulged. To wit, in the first place they move the ner­vous Fibres in­to a Sense of the Trouble, then the moving Fi­bres into Excre­tory Convulsions. And whilst that the Bottom of the Stomach and the nervous Fibres are so grieved and provoked by these kind of troublesom Con­tents, the fleshy Fibres being stirred up into excretory Contractions, they draw together the bottom and sides of the Stomach upwards and incline them towards the Pylorus; that its loading with the medicinal Tincture might be cast forth adoors, and be transmitted to the Intestines. After that the Stomach for a little while obtains a sedation and quiet rest, until that the nervous Fi­bres drinking in a new provision from part of the same Tincture sticking still to the hary Filaments are again irritated; and so as a new loading is moved and expressed into the hollowness of the Stomach, the fleshy Fibres repeat again the excretory Convulsions for its casting forth, and this is so acted by turns until the Poyson of the Medicine be wholly purged, and wiped clean away from the hairie Raggs, and that the Spirits inhabiting the Fibres lay aside their an­gers; which sometimes quickly and easily succeeds, so that after an Hour or two the Stomach is free from any trouble impressed by the Medicine, the re­maining perturbation being altogether translated to the Intestinal Region. But yet it very often happens, from a Cathartick being taken, that short but very sharp Vomitings are excited, and nevertheless though the Medicine be cast up, that a Purging plentiful enough follows. The reason of which is, for that too great and violent an irritation being made at the beginning, it stirr'd up more strong, that is, emetick Convulsions; then after that the force of that ir­ritament was lessened or broken, the contractions became more gentle and Ca­thartick. For truly, the Virtue of a purging Medicine and of a Vomit, and the manner of their Working, differ not so much as to their specifick quali­ties, as chiefly in this respect, Whence the fre­quent change of these Motions proceed. that the trouble given by the irritation of that is more easily and longer to be tollerated, that it may at length be transmitted to the Intestines, but not that which is excited by an Emetick. But that sometimes Vomiting arises, after the operation plentifully made by Stool, the cause seems to be, that the Tincture of the Medicine, being more deeply imbibed by the hairy Coat, is not easily wiped off; wherefore after very ma­ny purgative Endeavours had in vain, at length an Emetick Convulsion is stir­red up for the thorowly shaking it off. It is a usual thing for the Stomach before it be emptied by a Medicine, to be stirred up to Vomit by things taken in with notable nauseousness and trouble, because indeed the Chyle by reason of an hindred or depraved Concoction degenerates into an incongruous and irritative putrefaction. But that the most part of the purging Medicine slides away too soon out of the Ventricle, and without clensiing away its fliths, spending its greatest strength within the intestinal Pipes: by what means this is done we will see next.

The Cathartick Tincture being thrust forth of the Stomach, The operation of the Carhartick within the Du­odenum and small Gute. and carying with it from thence a certain excrementitious matter, slides into the Intestines; where it imbues presently in the passage of the Duodenum and the superior Ili­on, the Filaments or Raggs of the hairy Coat, and sticks closely to them: then [Page 46] the medicamental Particles being plentifully poured upon the nervous Fibres, they also enter into the Pipes of the Glandu [...]aes and of other Vessels, and ir­ritate the Spirits inhabiting them, and when they begin to wax hot with the Humours there abounding, they compell them as it were to be milked or pres­sed forth from thence, and so they stir up a great perturbation in them all; wherefore the fleshy Fibres being inflated and contracted by the irritated Spi­rits, and agitating into Explosions, fall into excretory Convulsions, for the shaking off that trouble. Hence when the superior Region of the Intestinal Pipe is provoked into frequent and strong Vermiculations, whereby the Con­tents might be driven further off, that motion of Excretion being begun is propagated to the rest of the Intestines, and those together being stimulated by the Contents of the Superior being thrust forth into their Cavities, fall into excretory Convulsions one after another, untill the Faeces of the Belly which stay last of all be thrust forth of Door, others and then others coming in their places. The Cathartick Tincture as if infested with Spirits, irritates the ner­vous Fibres (as it hath been shown) into Corrugations, and dolorous extensions oftentimes, and the fleshy Fibres into Excretory Convulsions: then for as much as the same begins to ferment with the Humours, and the Contents of the Intestines, an Ebullition being made within their Cavities, and Blasts stirred up, it variously blows up, and distends the conteining Membranes, and so causes the unloading of the Belly with wringing pains and with a noyse.

The action of the Cathartick on the biliarie and pancreatick Pore.Whilst that the nervous and fleshy Fibres are provoked into such sensible trouble by reason of the Spirits being irritated by the cathartick Tincture, and into excretory Convulsions, also the biliarie and pancreatick Pores being pulled and shaken, put forth their Humours, and as it were spew them forth out into the Cavities of the Intestines: both of which being poured abroad and espe­cially more copiously from the Bile, the membranes being irritated as much as by the Medicine it self, they are urged into frequenter and stronger Excreti­ons; and so when the stools are tinged by the yellowness of that Humour, it is said commonly (though falsly) that the yellow Choler is pick'd forth and peculi­arly brought away by the Medicine. If that the Humours poured forth from these Pipes do mutually grow hot, and as some think do struggle one with a­nother with a notable Orgasm or violent Appetite; for that a yet greater per­turbation with a turgency of Humours, and Blast of wind within the Cavities of the Intestines, will be stirred up.

Not only Choler and the pancreatick Juice are pressed forth by the Cathar­tick into the intestinal Pipes, Also what it is on the Glandu­laes and Mouths of the Arteries. but further the serous Humours are as it were milked forth from the Glandulaes of the interior Coat, being straitned by rea­son of the Vellication, and the Mouths of the Arteri [...]s rubbed, and opened, which do wash more the Contents of the Belly, and both by making slippery, and by irritating move forward the Excrements. But the intestinal muck it self besmeering the hairy Crust is indeed washed out by the serous Humours wrung forth, and by reason of the nervous Fibres being wrinkled, and shaken, is wiped away, goes to the purgings of the Belly, and increases their heap. Truly sometimes this muck being very much wiped off, and the Mouths of the Vessels notably pulled and as it were shaven, meer Blood flowing out causes the Stools to be bloody.

The Energie of the Cathartick is extended up­on the Blood, ner­vous Juice and solid Parts.Purging Medicines, for that they irritate the Spirits, and ferment with the Humours, do after this manner perform their Operations within the Cavities of the Stomach and Intestines. But from what kind of Particles or Elements of the Medicine both this irritative Force and fermentative Virtue proceeds, we will anon inquire: In the mean time, we may observe that the Energie of the Cathartick is extended a great way beyond the first Passages, to wit, into the bloody Mass, and nervous Liquor, and so consequently somewhat to the Brain, Praecordia, and other Parts, or Viscera.

What its operati­on is in the Blood.1. As to the Blood, it appears from hence that the Particles of the Cathar­tick is received into its Mass, and circulated with it, because by some, the U­rine changes it Smell and Colour. Because the Milk of a Nurse taking Phy­sick purges the Infant. Some Medicines evacuate the Waters of Hydropical Persons by Stool. The Resine of Jalap is wont to purge the lixivial Serum of the Smell of the Urine. Besides by the common observat [...]on, both of the An­cients [Page 47] and of those of latter Days, a carthatick opportunely given in the decli­nation of a Feaver, brings away the feavourish matter first made ripe, and apt to be separated. Wherefore it is beyond all doubt, that certain little Bodies of the Purging Medicine are admitted into the Blood, and spread abroad thorow its whole Liquor. And indeed there is no long search to be made concerning the ways of its entrance, for that there is a necessity that some Particles of the Me­dicine, being thorowly mixed with the nourishing Juice; do creep thorow the milkie Vessels. This is perfor­med partly by fermentation, partly by irrita­tion. Further when as certain of the Veins as a most thick Wood are every where inserted into the interior Coat of all the inward Parts of digesti­on, it will be obvious enough to conceive, that some Particles of the Medicine, as well as of the Aliment are carried into the Blood by these Pipes, which be­ing difflated in a great abundance first within the Veins, and afterwards also with­in the Arteries (whilst that they are altogether heterogeneous and untameable) do agitate its Mass, and variously scatter it, and provokes an exclusion of it self together with other excrements of the Blood. But the Blood so scattered abroad, and stirred up into excretory fermentation, thrusts down the Particles of the Medicine, together with other recrements to be purged forth by the little Pas­sages of the Intestinal Arteries at that time also pulled and opened by the Me­dicine, into the Cavities of their Viscera, from whence by and by they are sent away by Stool. After this manner, the serous Filth, and Superfluities or Cor­ruptions of the Blood are purged forth, from the Mass being sent together with the Cathartick Tincture to the Intestines. Moreover when as Sanguiferous Ves­sels being by this means to be filled, other superfluous or recrementitious Hu­mours being first deposited ab [...]t the Viscera, Praecordia, Brain, or habit of the Body, are swallowed up i [...] the bloody Mass, and presently from thence, during its Excretory Effervencie, being snatch'd rowards the Intestines which way is then open, are cast forth adoors; and so after this manner Cathartick Medicines operate on the whole Body, and carry away from the Parts howso­ever remote the Incongruous, and to be exempted Matter.

As we have already noted three degrees of the humoral Diarrhoea or natu­ral Cathartick, so now it seems best, that we constitute so many species or Classes of medicinal Purgation. Three degrees of Cathartick Ope­ration. The first of these is when by reason that the nervous Fibres of the Intestines being gently provoked, the fleshy Fibres being contracted more straitly and more often a little above their wonted manner, they move forward their more loose Contents, more swiftly from one part to another, and at length gently cast them out of Doors. In the second species of Purgation, some Humours besides, being wrung forth from the biliarie Pore, the Pipe of the Pancreas and the Mouths of Vessels hauled by the Medicine, are thrust forth together with the Faeces of the Belly. In the third these Pipes being more vehe­mently provoked, they pour forth into the Cavities of the Intestines a great plenty of every kind of Humour, and further a recrementitious matter both from the Blood, scattered, and precipitated by reason of the admitted Particles of the Medicine, and by consequence also from the nervous Juice, and other Parts, is purged forth being carried by the Arteries to the Intestines.

I think it appears plain enough by these that a Cathartick acts only by irri­tation, Catharticks do not operate by Attraction or Election. fermentation and expulsion and not (as is commonly said) by Attracti­on; nor does it indeed become a reasonable Philosopher nor any that hath the use of ratiocination to affirm any Medicines by reason of similitude of Sub­stance, or I know not what Specifick Virtues to act upon any determinate Hu­mour and to carry it whole and by it self out a Doors. But that sometimes Choler, Phlegm Matter, Serum or Melancholy is judged to be separated apart one from another, that seems to be so done, either because Medicines do irri­tate in the Viscera after a diverse manner, or they ferment with the Blood and other Humours by various means, or lastly they put the Tincture in the Stools themselves. It will be worth our while that we shew some reasons and instan­ces of every one of these.

First therefore, Medicines do irritate within the Cavities of the Viscera af­ter a divers manner according as they contain more volatile or fixed Particles, more gentle, or more eager, more soft or more asper, and for that cause stir up now in these places now in those sooner and rather more light or stronger Excretory Convulsions. Of these kinds are Roses, Violets, Cassia, The difference and reason of the operations of Ca­tharticks. Manna and [Page 48] others the like, which are of subtil parts and very tenuous, and for the most part do not disturb the Ventricle; but being come to the Pylorus, they begin to irritate the more exquisitely sensible nervous Coat of of the Duodenum, and before they go any further they there spend almost all their whole Strength; and so as the biliary Pore is shaken by the pulling and corrugation of that Coat, bilious Stools follow. On the contrary others, 1. For as much as they irritate after a diverse manner in the Viscera. as Gumm Ammoniack, Opopanax, Sagapenum, Turbith and the like, which consist of a thicker and more viscous matter, and more ob­tuse Particles, are not of so prompt an operation, that they should presently irri­tate; but being dissolved within the Ventricle, and thence sliding into the Inte­stines, and being brought into them not presently, but after some time, and after that they have for a while adhered to their Coats, they begin their Vellications beneath the biliary Pore, wherefore they shave and wipe away besides the faeces of the belly, and certain serosities pressed from the mouths of the Vessels, the filth besmearing the Intestines, and therefore they cause the appearances of pituitous Stools.

2. For as much as they ferment variously with the blood.2. For as much as Medicines indued with Particles of a diverse kind, do ferment after a diverse manner with the Blood and other juices; therefore follow now se­rous now bilious Stools, or else of another kind. For some, as chiefly Aloes and Rheubarb; because they contain in themselves Particles as it were of an adust matter, they beget such in the Blood; and so also stir up its adust excrements into motion, and force more plentifully into the choler carrying Pipes: And for this reason when the Bile more copiously heaped together, flows from its receptacles into the Intestines; the Stools become mo [...]e bilious. I have known some accustomed to be purged by by drinking two pints of simple raw Milk, to cast out by Stool nothing but yellow choler: The reason of which is, f [...] [...]at Milk it self goes into choler, as may be inferred from the bitter belching, and the heat of the Blood (as it were swelling bile) being quickly stirred up. Further, other Catharticks as Jalap, Colo­cynthida, Elaterium and certain preparations of Mercury consist of more sharp and not seldom as it were maturating Particles; wherefore the which being received by the Intestines, and from thence transmitted to the Blood, notably disperse its Mass, and precipitate it very much into serosity: Yea sometimes they as it were poyson and corrupt its Crasis, or natural Complexion. Then indeed at the same time in which the Blood is scattered abroad, there is a vellication in the Intestines, and the serous excrements of the Blood, and its corruptions and melted fats are spewed forth into the cavities of those Viscera, from the mouths of the Arteries there opened; and so they induce very watry Stools. If that after the Blood so scattered abroad by the Medicine, and hurt in its natural Complexion, a little or no plentiful evacuation follows by Stool; the Blood being even more depraved by the incongruous mixture and corruptions, acquires from thence either a notable Dyscrasie, or pouring forth its recrements and corruptions into the habit of the Body, causes pustula's and watry bladders to break forth in the skin. For so from a greatly used Evacuation inconveniently made, The evils of Ela­terian or strong­er Purging. oftentimes great evils follow: Nei­ther is it for nothing that the common people are so afraid, if at any time the Me­dicine should work but little, lest the Virulency contracted and left from thence, should lye hid a long time after in the Body, and at length produce malignant Diseases: For sometimes from such an occasion as it were leprous passions or alte­rations of the senses are stirred up; so not long since when as a Cathartick Pow­der (and as it seems Mercurial) was exhibited by an Emperick to two Sons of a certain Oxfordian, Shown in a no­table History. one of them was purged in the space of forty eight hours a hundred times at least, with great torment and swooning away of the Spirits: In the mean time the other being a little older had no Stool, but within a few days his Hair fell off, his Nails grew black, and moreover in a short time after watry Pustulaes broke forth through his whole Body, which growing hard into a crusty Scab, and then falling off, presently new ones sprung up again: This kind of Di­sease, by reason of the complexion of the Blood highly vitiated, and as it were, poysoned, yielding to no remedies, exercised most grievously this poor Wretch, above two years before it could be perfectly cured. Not only from Mercurial Me­dicines, but sometimes from other Catharticks taken from the family of Vegeta­bles, the Mass of the Blood is so depraved, that it cannot be restored or renewed but in a long time after: So that Helmont doth not altogether vndeservedly ca­lumniate, saying cathartick Medicines do not always or only bring away the [Page 49] humours first existing in the Body, but by their corrupt power cause them to be depraved.

3. The error of elective Purgation carries its Roots yet more deep, for that when sometimes the liquids thrust forth through the Belly, Whence the error of elective Pur­gation begun. change their Colours from the Medicine; 'tis falsely believed the bilous and melancholy first existing to be brought away apart from the other humours, there is nothing more usual than from Rhubarb, Aloes, the roots of Cucurma, and certain other medicinals being ta­ken, as the Urines so the Stools to be tinged with a yellowness: In like manner the infusion of Senna, al [...]o Catharticks in which Chalybeats or Vitriolicks are mix­ed, dye the faeces of the Belly which they evacuate with blackness. Further the diverse constitution of the Body, and disposition of humours produces divers ap­pearances of Excrements. Because when the Choler-carrying Vessels swell with Byle in these, the Salts of the vitriolick Tincture in these, being black Parents are housed in the first passages; and in other places through the ill means of living, very many serosities are heaped up in the whole Body, wherefore when these kind of Stools follow from any medicine whatsoever, if that these humours com­monly called Cholerick or derived from the Choler, those from the heat of me­lancholy or these watry happen to be purged, such are affirmed to be picked forth by the elective Medicament. What therefore belongs to the choice to be had in purging Medicines, notwithstanding that those cryed up classes of Medicines ap­propriated to this or that juice, do not please; yet we think that any Catharticks in all cases are not indifferently to be usurped, but that it is the work of the judg­ment of a prudent Physician, and of a sagacious discerning, that according to the strength, temperament, the ability or tenuity of the Viscera, bearing, custom and imagination of the Patients; yea, according to the nature, time, and condition of the Disease, that a purgation gentler or stronger, from hot or temperate things gentle or more sharp, in solid substance or liquid, or some other of another kind or form, be prescribed.

The more ancient Physicians, with whom also many Neotericks agree, The preparation of the humours not necessary to purging. did or­dain a previous preparation of the humours for elective Purgation, as necessary to it: Wherefore in their practical Books as often as cathartick Evacuation is pre­scribed, a long series of destinated preparations for eyery humour, in a solemn manner as it were with a certain pomp is proposed; the use of which though specious enough seems not to be profitable; because in truth there are no such humours, as we shall shew clearly in another place. But truly as a purge is not convenient at any time, nor in any state of Body, that you may go about it rightly; What preparation is required for purging. both op­portunity and a certain preparation is required, and both these respect the first passages and the sanguinious Mass.

As to the first, if at any time the Stomach is burthened, 1. In respect of the Stomach. either with the loading of a viscous Phlegm, or is troubled with an Aestuation of turgid Bile, a Cathartick is very often used in vain or unhappily, unless these Contents are first of all brush­ed out by a Vomitory, or their aggravation and effervescency mended by Di­gestives.

But as to what belongs to the Blood, Purging is oftentimes unseasonable, 2. In respect of the Blood. and sometimes also incongruous; but in neither of these cases are the ordinary prepa­rations convenient, but only Alteratives: Because not these imaginary humours are to be disposed for evacuation, but the Blood it self ought to be reduced either from its troubled and confused state, to a quiet Condition; or from a Debility or Dyscrasie to a strong and equal temperament. Whilst that the Blood feavourishly boyling is disturbed in its mixture, a Purge is always conceived to be hurtful; and therefore condemned by Hippocrates and the Ancients: No less are those Evacuati­ons forbid whilst its Mass being languid and weak, doth not arise to due fermenta­tion. Further, when the Blood is above measure bilous or watry, or is too much inclined either to Coagulations or Fusions, Purgings and such kind of drainings, do not move away its depravation, but oftentimes augment it. But in these cases alterative Remedies are rather prescribed, which may destroy the wicked Com­binations or else the Separations of the Salts, Sulphur, and Serum, and take away their enormities: But concerning these Medicines of cathartick Evacuation, either previous, or which is often better, these supplying its turn, viz. Digestives and Alteratives, we speak of them specially hereafter.

There do not occur many more things to be spoken concerning the Theory [Page 50] of purging Medicines, besides truly (as appears by what has been already said) Catharticks irritate both the Spirits inhabiting the splanchnick Fibres, to wit, these into troublesome Sensions or Feelings, and therefore the others into excretory Contractions, A double faculty or virtue of a Cathartick; ir­ritative and fer­mentative. further ferment both the humours and the Blood, and compel them into various fusions and separations of Parts: It rests that we enquire upon what kind of Particles, whether elementary or secondary, and (as I may so say) Qualita­tive, this double Virtue both irritative and fermentative depends. Concerning these in general we observe, By what elemen­tary Particles either of them depends. which afterwards shall be confirmed by instances, the irritative force which uses to shew it self in the Viscera, and by whose instinct the cathartick Convulsions are provoked by no means to proceed from the principles of the Medicine either spiritual, watry, or earthly Particles, neither from the Saline or Sulphureous alone by themselves, The irritative doth not proceed from Spirit, Wa­ter or Earth. but to arise from them always combined, and sometimes with others joyned to them. For although Salt and Sulphur are the chief Instruments of cathartick Irritation, yet neither of them simple uses to be so infestous to the Viscera, as that it should stir up the moving Fibres into Excretory Convulsions, Nor from Salt or Sulphur alone. but they conjoyned together, do mutually exalt one another, and inforce into little prickings, yea acquire an inimical, and indeed an untameable disposition to our Body. But from them combined toge­ther. The tincture of Antimony, also its Ceruss brings no trouble to the Stomach, but are rather grateful, and Cordials. But the Crocus of Metals, Stibium, the butter of Antimony, and others prepared out of Sulphur and salt conjoyned become Emeticks or great and strong Catharticks. In like man­ner we somewhere observe the saline and sulphureous Particles separated one from another, and by themselves, to be grateful enough in smell and taste, but those be­ing intimately commixt presently to attract a Fetor and rammishness.

But as to what respects the Cathartick Fermentation, it doth not so plainly ap­pear whether indeed the same Particles which irritate the Spirits into Excretory Con­vulsions, On what kind of Particles the fermentative vir­tue depends. do also scatter the blood, and make it to separate into parts, so that they may cast forth its Excrements into the Cavities of the Viscera from the mouths of the Arteries. Truly the Blood even as milk is for the most part scattered and pre­cipitated into serosities only by acid things; as shall be hereafter largely declared by experiments and reasons. The Alcale salts fixed and volatile and also Ni­trous do not dissolve the Mixtion of the Blood, but rather preserves it whole, and being soluted restore it; and in like manner do the Spirits of Wine and other most pure Sulphureans: But let the acid salt only be wanting to promote the Cathartick, the purging force of Medicines may be broken, or wholly taken a way by nothing more.

Therefore that we may give our judgement concerning purging Medicines, exami­nation being made by the sense, it seems most likely, that they imbued (being for the most part of a sharp taste and somewhat pungitive) with a certain volatile and sharp salt, together with Sulphur, (which salt in the more strong is as it were Septick or Pu­trefactive) but these their sulphureous saline particles do not scatter the Blood by means of the acid or other precipitatory salts, for as much as whilst they embrace more intimately and friendly certain parts of it, they snatch them away from their other companions, and bind them to themselves; but on the contrary the Cathartick Particles being incongruous to the whole bloody Mass, The Cathartick force of a Me­dicine from Sul­phur, we call a latile Salt, and as it were pu­trefactive. and to all its Particles, and as they are immiscible and untameable, they agitate all those with their confusion, and stir them up to an expurgative effervency; which, there being presently re­ceived a more quick pulse of the Heart, is not quieted before all Heterogeneous Bodies be cast out of doors, a certain portion of the serous Humour wherewith they are mixed being expulsed with them and sometimes other excrements of the blood. The bloody Mass being infected after the like manner by the Particles of a strong Cathartick growes hot, even as generous Wines, heterogeneous things be­ing cast into the But, are said to ferment anew, for the exclusion of that incongru­ous thing, so that sometimes they boyl up within the Cask, until that either the Vessel be broken, or that their Complexion be thorowly vitiated. But this doth not so frequently happen to the bloody Liquor, because both the incongruous Parti­cles of the Cathartick, and others of the Blood vitiated and separated by them, The more strong Catharticks work by stool e­ven as Cantha­rides by the U­rine. cast out by the Arteries and scattered on every side, and especially more wide­ly opening, into the Cavities of the Intestines. However sometimes the more ve­hement purgers greatly pervert the Temperament of the Blood, and as it were poyson it. But truly some of them planely putrefactive, and corruptive, do work [Page 51] by stool after the like manner, as Cantharides by urine; to wit, they melt and corrupt in part the sanguinious Liquor, then its meltings being rejected with the particles of the Medicine, for their sharpness, they very mu [...]h irritate the parts which they pass thorow, and often corrode them. Wherefore they who have a care of their health or life, must shun Empiricks, using for the most part only Mercurial or Elaterian evacuation, more than a Dog or a Snake.

CHAP. II. The Kinds and Forms of Purging Medicines and the Reasons of their Compositions.

MInerals do not contribute much to the Class of Catharticks; Scarce any Ca­tharticks out of minerals. although the more celebrated Vomitories and Diaphoreticks are chiefly taken out of its store: But Purgers for that they are of a middle vertue and of a diverse Opera­tion, will not be made out of those impure and hard Concretes. For if that any elaterian force be left, how correct soever it be, as it were some sharp prickings in the mixture, whatsoever of irritation proceeds from thence in the Ventricle, The chief Eme­ticks and Dia­phoreticks are taken out of that store. induces vomiting, but if those be wholly taken away, no Excretion is stirred up in the Viscera, but by reason of some reliques of the alchale Salts, of all it orce runs into sweating. For indeed emetick Medicines seem to be of that sort, which, when they can by no means be subdued in the Ventricle, and tamed, and are in­dued with more sharp and as it were pricklie, to wit, sulphureous saline Particles, provoke the stomachal Fibres violently into excretory Convulsions, whereby they might be thence exterminated in a moment by the shortest way, to wit, by Vomit: The reason of this difference in­quired into. on the contrary Diaphoreticks, though they cannot be overcome and tamed, yet indeed their Stimulaes or Prickles being taken away, their Particles are broken into small as it were globulary or round bits, and free from Prickles, do not irritate the Sto­mach, but passing into the Mass of blood, ferment that, being immiscible, and not to be tamed, and stir up an universal effervency, whereby they may evaporate with the serous juice, and other excrements of the Blood. But purging Medicines be­ing indued with incongruous, but yet more blunt and weaker Particles, do not presently or vehemently irritate the stomachal Fibres; but yet after they have en­tered them a little more deeply, they first move a troublesome sense, then that they may cast forth a doors what is troublesome, without much perturbation; they cause the wonted and ordinary excretory motions, to wit, by the intestinal Pipes to be increased and multiplied.

But yet some from Minerals as Mercurius dulcis, Lapis Lazuli, the Armenian stone, Some purging Medicines not properly so called out of Minerals. and some others though improperly are numbred with Catharticks, for they are not of a trusty or certain operation, therefore should be rarely given by themselves for that end, but with other purgers are given not without benefit.

But descending to Vegetables, we here enter into a large field, Very many Ca­tharticks and of various Kinds from vegetables. and thick beset with Catharticks: which, for that they are many, are wont to be numbred, and distributed in various manners; to wit into more gentle, more moderate, and more vehement, also into such as carry away Choler, such as carry away Melan­choly, such as carry away Phlegm, and into such as carry away Water: further into purgative minoratives or lesseners and eradicatives or rooters up. A numbring of Purgers. It is not for us to insist upon every one of these Tribes, but we shall reduce the whole Cathar­tick store to three kinds only, to wit, in the first place to be reckoned those which cause a light irritation in the Viscera, and only a gentle fermentation in the blood and humours: of which kind are Violets, Cassia, Tamarinds Roses, Rhubarb, Senna, Myrobalans, Epithymum, Carthamus, Agarick, Aloes, and the like. In the second place such as stir up both a vellication in the Viscera, and an effer­vescency in the humours more strongly, for as much as by these, great pertur­bations, and sometimes feavourish, by those convulsions with pains though not very great are excited: in which Cense are placed Scammony, Turbith, Hermo­dactyls, [Page 52] Mechoacan, Jalap, Danewort, Elder, Opopanax, Sagapenum. Lastly are placed such as cruelly pull and tear the Ventricle and Intestines, yea thorow­ly agitate, diffuse, and separate the blood and other humours in their mixtion, with a certain septick or putrefying force: such are Hellebore, Elaterium, Solda­nella, Euphorbium, Spurge, Colocynthida. &c.

Vegetable Ca­tharticks do not want much chy­mical Prepara­tion.Vegetables have not always as minerals, need of a long preparation to unlock their close-joynted Powers; for these oftentimes, whilst that the mixtion is whole (but of those we have observed otherways) do operate more strongly. For the vertue of these consists in a subtil and fugacious Systasis, and need not to be reduced by great labour and chymical preparation into Extracts, Magisterials or Quintessences, but very many of them as Rhubarb, Manna, Cassia, Senna, Myrobalans, &c. being re­duced into little pills or powders, or infused in a fit liquor or decocted, work both better and easilier; which if vexed by too much artifice, either they wholly cast a­way their purgative force, Some of them are made better by extraction. or they exercise it slowly and with trouble. It is an u­sual thing for the drawing forth the Tinctures of Vegetables, to impregnate the liquor into which they are put with the salt of Tartar or of Wormwood, for so they obtain a deep colour. Although I do not disallow this way, for as much as the fixed salts of the herbs do boyl up with the acid juices of the Ventricle and Intestines, yet the deceit lying in it ought to be done away: for that the salts do not draw forth that tincture, What the Salt of Tartar contri­butes to the ex­traction of pur­ging tinctures. but make it appear. For if you add the salt of Tar­tar to the infusion of Rhubarb, Senna or other Vegetables already made, and strain­ed, forthwith its Tincture or Colour becomes much more deep: the reason of which is, for that the fixed saline Particles being something blunt do fill up the pores of the liquor, so that the beams of the light are very much broken in passing tho­row them: for which reason every Tincture is made deeper because of the salt of Tartar, by the spirit of Vitriol being infused therein, whose Particles are sharp poynted, without the precipitation of any matter becomes presently more clear and thin.

Chymical prepa­ration for resi­nous and saline extracts very useful.But truly some of the vegetable Catharticks are likewise mended by a Chymical preparation: for from some filled with Salt and Sulphur the active and benign Par­ticles may be picked forth from the remaining more dull and malignant, and redu­ced into resinous Extracts or some other compendious things of another kind; the Analysis and short composition of these is certainly instituted, with very good profit. Wherefore for the rightly preparing certain Catharticks we draw forth with the spirit of Wine, the sulphureous and something the saltish part, as in the Magisteries of the Resin of Jalap, Scammony, Mechoacan &c. For others we use Saline Menstruums, to wit, distilled vinegar, or waters exacuated or made sharp with the spirit of Vitriol or salt of Tartar: and that for a double respect; to wit, either that the active Particles being separated from the terrestrial matter, the Me­dicine may be composed in a lesser heap and more elegant form; or that all the fierce or virulent mixt qualities may be taken away or subdued.

The chief Forms of purging Me­dicines are no­ted.It would be a business of infinite and tedious labour, to recount here all the sim­ple Catharticks, their preparations, dispensations, and doses singly: what is e­nough for our purpose, as the chief compositions of purging medecines, are Potions, Powders, Boles, Electuaries, Morsels or Tablets, and medicated Ale or Wine, we shall shew the more select prescriptions of every one of these, and those of a threefold kind, according to which the operation of the Medicine ought to be gentle, moderate or strong; to which fourthly are added Receits of easily prepa­red Medicines for poor people.

Potions gentle.I. Gentle Potions. ℞ Rhubarb sliced ʒiij, yellow sanders ʒss, salt of Tartar ℈j, put them all night into cold water of Chicory and white Wine ℥ijss, to ℥iij strain'd, add of Syrup of Chicory and Rhubarb ℥ss, water of Cinamon ʒij. make a potion.

Moderate.2. Moderate. Take of the best Senna ʒiij, of Rhabarb, Thoches of Agarick of each ʒjss. yellow Sanders ℈ij, of the salt of Tartar ʒss, of Coriander seeds ʒj. in­fuse them close all night in spring water and white-wine warmed of each ℥iij, of it strained ℥iiij, add to it syrup of purging Apples ℥j, water of Mirabolans ʒij, make a Potion, or take of the decoction of Sen, Gereonis ℥iiij, of the syrup of Roses So­lut. ℥j, of the Cream of Tartar ʒss, Cinamon water ʒij, make a Potion.

Take of the best Cassia Fistula, of Tamarinds of each ℥ss, Coriander seeds ʒij, boyl them in ℥x, of spring water till a third part be consumed, take it, clarify it with the white of an Egg, strain it and add thereto of syrup of Pippins ℥j, and the Po­tion is made.

[Page 53]3. Strong. Take of the Decoction of Sen. Gereonis (with the addition of the Strings of black Hellebore and Agarick of each ʒiss) ℥vj. Of the Syrup of Ro­ses Solut. or the Flowers of Peaches ℥j. of Water of Mirabolans ʒij or.

Take of the best Senna ℥ss, Strong. of the extremities of black Hellebore and Turbith of each ʒij, of red Sanders ʒj, of coriander Seeds ʒiss, of the Salt of Tartar ʒss, make a close Infusion and warm of white Wine ℥viij, all night, of the clear straining ℥v, add to it of the Electuarie of the Juice of Roses ʒiij, of the Syrup of the purging Thorn ʒvj, Cinnamon Water ʒij, the Potion is made.

4. Potions easie to be made for the Poor. Easily prepared▪ Take of purging Line one hand­ful, of sweet Fenil Seeds ʒij, boyl them in as much spring Water as will suf­fice to ℥vj, adding thereto of white Wine ℥ij, the Potion is made. After the same manner may be prepared a purging draught of the Flowers of Damask Ro­ses, also of Peach Leaves, also of the Roots of the Eupatorium of Avicenna or Agrimony.

2. Pills. First of easie operation. Take of Stomach Pills with Gumms ℈j, 2. Gentle Pills. to ʒss, of Tartar vitrioled gr. ij, of the Balsom of Peru what will suffice make thereof 3 or 4 Pills. After the same manner may be made Pills out of the mass of Pill, Ruffi, Mastick, de Succino or Amber, also of our Extract Solut. the de­scription of which may be had in the Tract of the Scurvie.

2. Moderate. Take of Stomach Pills with Gumms ʒss, Moderate. of the resign of Jalap gr. iiij to x, of Tartar Vitriolat. gr. vj, Gumm Ammoniack dissolv'd as much as will suffice, make Pil. iiij. After the same manner may be made Pills out of the mass of Pil. de Succino: Tart. Quercetan. Also in the place of Resine of Ja­lap may be put of Sulphur of Scammonie gr. vj to xij, or of the Resine of Scammo­nie gr. viij to xiiij, or take Pil. Stom. with Gums, ana ℈j of the Resine of Ja­lap. gr. vj to xij, as much of the Balsam of Peru as will suffice make Pil. iiij.

3. Stronger. Take of Pil. Rud. ij ʒss of the Resine of Jalap gr. viij to xij, Stronger. of the Balsom of Peru what will suffice, make Pills iiij to be taken with gover­nance. After the like manner they may be made out of the mass of Pill Cochie: de Sagapeno. Take of Pil ex Duobus ℈ to ʒss. Calomelanos ℈j make iiij, to be taken with governance.

4. Easie to be made and of lesser price. Easie to be had. Take of the choice Pouder of Jalap ʒij, of Diagridium ʒj, of Cloves and Ginger, of each ℈j, Ammoniac Solut. what will suffice, make a mass, the Dose is ʒss.

3. Pouders. First the more gentle. Take of Rhubarb the Pouder ʒss, 3. Pouders gen­tle. of the Salt of Wormwood ℈ss, of Cloves gr. ij, make a Pouder, let it be given in a spoonful of small Cinnamon water, or in a draught of Broth.

Take of the Pouder of the greater composition of Sena ʒss to ʒj, in a draught of Posset drink.

Take of the Pouder of the Leaves of Sena ℈j, Calomel, gr. xvij, yellow San­ders ℈ss, make a Pouder, let it be given in a spoonful of Panada.

2. Moderate. Take of the Pouder of Diasen. ʒj, of Creme of Tartar ℈j, Moderate. make a Pouder, let it be given in a draught of Broth.

Take of the Resin of Jalap gr. x, Calamel ℈j, Cloves gr. vj, make a powder taken after the like manner.

Take of the Species of Diaturbith with Rhubarb ʒss to ʒj, of Creme of Tartar ℈j to ʒss. 3. Stranger.

3. More strong. Take of Turbith, Hermodactyles ana ʒiij, Diagridium ʒj, Ginger ℈j, make a Powder, the Dose ʒss to ʒj.

Take of the Powder of Cornachini ʒj. After the same manner may be gi­ven the Powder Hermodactyl. Composit. also the Powder Hydrotick of Riverius.

4. Cheap and Easie to be got. Easie to be got. Take of the Powder of the Roots of select Ja­lap ʒj, of Ginger ℈j, let it be given in a draught of white Wine. In like manner the Powder of the Roots of Mechoacan, also the Leaves of Sena to ʒj may be taken in any Liquor.

4. Boles and Electuaries. First such as work gently. 4. Boles and E­lectuaries.

Take of Electuary Lenitive ʒss, of the Cream of Tartar ʒss, Syrup of Roses q. s. make a Bolus. Take fresh Cassia ℥ss, Powder of Rhubarb ʒss, Cream of Tartar ℈j, Syrup of Roses what will suffice, let a Bole be made.

2. Moderate. Take of Elect. Lenitive ℥ss, of Cream of Tartar ʒss, Moderate. of Re­sine of Jalap gr. vj, Syrup of Roses what will suffice to make a Bole.

Take of electuary Diaphaenici ℥ss, powder of Hermodactyls compounded ʒss, Syrup of Elder what will serve: Let a Bole be made.

3. Stronger. Take of Electuary of the Juice of Roses ℥ss, Resine of Jalap gr. x, Stronger. Cream of Tartar ʒss, Syrup of Elder as much as will make a Bole.

Electuaries are compounded out of the same Compositions in a greater quantity, by adding conserves of Damask Roses or of Peach Flowers: The dose to be taken betimes every morning, or twice or thrice a week, is the quantity of a Chess­nut.

Easie to be had.4. Boles and Electuaries easie to be gotten. Take of the Powders of the Roots of Jalap ℥j, of Mechoacan ℥ss, of Ginger ʒij, of Cloves ʒj, of Cream of Tartar ʒiij, of the salt of Wormwood ʒj, of Sugar ℥ij, Syrup of Roses solutive what shall suffice: Let an Electuary be made. The dose is the quantity of a Walnut.

Solutive Confections and laxing Sweetmeats, the Diaprunum of Sylvius in the thirtieth Page of the practice of Physick.

Morsels or Ta­blets.5. Morsels or Tablets of moderate operation. Take of the powder of Me­choacan, Turbith Gummous, of each ℥ss, of Scammony sulphurated ʒij, of the Resine of Jalap ʒj, Red Sanders ʒj, Cream of Tartar ʒij, Conserves of Violets ℥j, of Sugar dissolved in Rose-water and boyled up to a consistence, j pound and an half, make Tablets weighing ʒj. The dose j or ij of the purging Tablets; Page 18. of the Praxis of Physick, Sylvius.

Medicinal Wines and Ale.6. Medicated Wines and Ale or moderate Purgers. Take of the leaves of Senna ℥iss, of Turbith, of Mechoacan, of each ʒvj; of the strings of black Helle­bore ʒiij, Cubebs, Galingal Roots, Cinnamon bruised, of each ʒij: Let them be put into a large Glass with 4 Pints of Rhenish Wine, of salt of Tartar ʒiss; let them stand cool and covered for six days, add to it Sugar Candy ℥iij, and pass it thorow the sleeve of Hippocrates. The dose is ℥iij or iiij.

Take of the leaves of Senna ℥iij, of the Roots of Polypodium of the Oak, and of sharp pointed Dock prepared of each ℥ij, of Turbith, of Mechoacan, of each ℥iss, of Epithymum, Red Sanders, of each ℥j, Coriander seeds ℥iss, let them be sliced and bruised, and let a bag be prepared according to Art for 4 Gallons of Ale. The dose ℥xij to a Pint every morning, or twice or thrice in a week.

CHAP III. Concerning the Remedy of excessive Purging, or of Medicines stopping too great Purgation or Diar­rhoea. Also concerning the London Dysentery, the knowledge or Theory of which, and the Method of Curing it is inquired into.

THere is equally need of a Bridle as well as of Spurs no less about the right orde­ring of Purging than of Vomiting: For as sometimes Cathartick Medicines are of necessary use to make slippery the Belly, or to cause plentiful going to the Stool; so if that evacuation be immoderate, or shall not be easily tollerable, op­posite Remedies or Antidotes of the Diarrhoea or Dysenterick Affection are to be prescribed. By what means and after what manner of affecting purgers do per­form their operations, also for what causes besides, and occasions, spontaneous Purgings do frequently happen, is already shown. It shall be our present business in every of these cases, to wit, both in the medicamental Hypercatharsis or exces­sive Purging, also in the Diarrhoea and dysenterick Affections to propose the means of curing them, together with select prescriptions or forms of Remedies.

The reason of the Medicinal Hy­percatharsis.A purging Medicine being improportionate either in quality or quantity, works more strongly and longer, and for as much as by irritating too much the nervous [Page 57] Fibres, the animal Spirits are agitated into excandescencies or angers not easily to be allayed, and for as much as it scatters the blood and the humours, and as it were melts them, therefore that their liquifications might be thrust down into the ca­vities of the Viscera, yet greater excretory irritations are made.

The Therapeutick Method hath respect both to the precaution or prevention and curation of the Hypercatharsis or excessive Purging. As to the first there is need of consideration and caution before evacuation in its operation, and after its ope­ration. For in the first place, Its precaution. 1. Before Eva­cuation. it very much behoves to weigh both the constitu­tion, strength, and custom of the Body to be purged, as also the nature, dose, manner of working, and ordinary effects of the Medicine to be given; then to proportionate by collected marks the vertue of the Agent according to the bearing of the patient. Secondly whilst that the Medicine operates, 2. In its opera­tion. the Viscera of dis­gestion, the Blood and animal Spirits should be kept free from any other per­turbation. Wherefore in that time neither any gross aliments, nor viscous, nor many which may trouble the Belly, should be taken in; all External Cold whereby the Pores of the Body are shut up, should be carefully shunned; lastly the Mind should be pleasing, even and serene, and free from Cares, and more hard Studies. Thirdly the operation of the Medicine being finished, 3. Afterwards. the Excandescency of the ani­mal Spirits ought to be quieted, and the Effervescencie of the Blood and Humours to be appeased; for which end an anodine Medicine, or a gentle Hypnotick or cau­sing rest is given according to the following Forms.

Take of the Water of Cowslip Flowers ℥ij of Barly Cinnamon water, Syrop of Poppies, of each ℥ss, of Pearls ℈ss, make a draught to be taken going to rest. or

Take of Conserve of red Roses Vitriolate ℈ij, of Diascordium ʒss, of Pearls ℈ss, of Diacordium what will suffice, make a Bolus to be taken going to sleep.

If that these things being omitted, or notwithstanding all this Caution, The Cure of Ex­cessive purging. that an excessive purging by reason of the Medicine should happen, presently let the pa­tient be put into a warm Bed and handled after this following Method. In the first place let there be applyed to the Ventricle and to the region of the whole E­pigastrium or Belly, a plaister made out of the Treacle, or foment it with warm Linnen stoops dipped in the Decoction of Wormwood, Mints, with Spices and red Wine, and so wrung out: then let him take a Bole of Treacle Andromach. or it being dissolved in Cinnamon water. Moreover let him drink now and then a spoonful or two of burnt Wine with Mint water therein. If troubled with the wringing of the Gutts, let a Glister of warm Milk with Treacle dissolved therein, be given: and sometimes they ought to apply warm frictions to the exterior Mem­bers, and Ligatures, where by the Blood may be brought outward, and be detai­ned from too great a Colliquation, and effusion into the Cavities of the Viscera: then in the evening, if that there be strength and that the Pulse appears robust e­nough, let a dose of Diacodium, or Laudanum in some fit Vehicle be taken.

As to the other kinds of too much Purging, which, What is to be done in the Symptomes of the Diarrhoea. without a Cathartick being given are wont to arise from various Causes and occasions, they require a Medi­cine; I say for the most part they be merely Symptomaticks of and depend upon other Diseases, and the Method of their cure is the same as of those Diseases themselves from whence they spring. So indeed in the Scorbute and Phthisick it is usual for the Diseased to be troubled with a frequent Flux of the Belly: the Me­thod of curing doth not respect this Symptom, but the cause of the primarie sick­ness to be done away. But yet sometimes the Flux of the Belly (which is wont to be called the Diarrhaea, or Dysenterie) seems a disease of it self; and truly in this City of London, since this kind of Disease is wont to reign almost every Year, and is commonly esteemed peculiar to the place, this place will be very fit, to in­quire a little further into its Nature, Causes, and method of curing it.

Although the word Dysenteria in common acceptation denotes the bloody Flux of the Belly as well as the humoral Lask. 1 yet saving the Etymologie, The London Dy­senterie. it is law­ful to apply this Name to the London Disease also when it is not bloody. For I have often, and for a long while, observed this kind of Flux, which is wont to in­fest us every Year about Autumn for the most part, commonly called the wring­ing of the Belly or (according to our Speech) the Griping of the Gutts, to be of two far different kinds; in the one the Stools are watry, Two kinds of it viz. watry and bloody. and as it were clear with a sudden failing of strength, but the other bloody, yet they are tollerable; [Page 58] in the mean time bilous or phlegmatick Stools (whilst either of the diseases raged) very rarely happen, and denote the Disease to be not of so ill a condition. By which, both these Dysenterical Diseases are known clearly one from another, as to their Differences, Causes, and formal Reasons, it will be to the purpose to shew here Ex­amples of either of these, observed then by me, and plainly described in those years when they were peculiar.

A description of the former.In the Year 1670 about the Autumnal Aequinox very many laboured with the un­bloody Dysenterie, but very cruel and very dangerous. The disease invading suddenly and frequently without any manifest occasion, did reduce those labou­ring with it, by great Vomiting, frequent and watry Stools, quickly to a very great debility, to horrid failure of the Spirits, and loss of all their strength. I knew some the day before well enough and very strong, in twelve hours space so miserably cast down by the Tyranny of this Disease, that with a weak and small Pulse, cold Sweat, short and quick Breath, they seemed just ready to dye: and truly not a few to whom fit Remedies or opportunity of cure were wanting, were suddenly killed by it. This sickness raging for a whole month began to decrease about the middle of October, and before the beginning of November was almost wholly vanished. Very few in that time had bloody stools, and not many Bilous but very many had Vomits, and watrie, almost clear and plentiful Stools, whilst that popular Dysenterie raged so cruelly in the City, in the Country or at least three miles beyond the City, almost none was sick of it. Besides here, although very many were sick, the disease did not seem to be propagated by Contagion, but to affect those only that were predisposed. For it did not take those who were con­versant in the same Family with the sick any sooner, than those who shun'd their Houses.

Its Cure.For the Cure of this Disease no Evacuation did help, yea Phlebotomie, Vomi­ting, and purging sometimes did hurt; but for the most part, the remedies were only Cordials, and those the most hot, to wit, abounding in Spirits, and Sulphur or volatile Salt, that were beneficial; insomuch as the Spirits of Wine with Su­gar a little burnt became as it were the epidemical popular remedy, and in such a Dysenterie for the most part profitable, although in the other bloody Flux, in­differently used, oftentimes was found hurtful. The method of curing which I happily administred to very many then, and also am wont still in the like Case, was according to the following manner.

Take of Treacle Andromach. ʒj, or ʒiss, in your Bed drink after it of the fol­lowing Julep 7 or 8 Spoonfuls, Bole. and repeat it every third, fourth or fifth hour.

JulepsTake of Mint water, Cinnamon barly Water, of each ℥iij. of strong Cinna­mon Water, Treacle Water, Plague Water: of each ℥iij, Powder of Pearls ʒj of Crystals of Sugar ℥ss, mingle them and make a Julep: at the same time let there be applyed warm to the Ventricle a little piece of Bread tosted and done over with Treacle dipped in warm water or red Wine, and by and by changed.

Opiates.In the Evening if the Pulse and breathing shall be strong enough give him to drink in a little draught of Plague Water, of liquid Laudanum prepared with Juice of Quinces, gr. xx.

Take of Diascordium ʒj, of liquid Laudanum ℈ss, Powder of Crabs Claws Compounded ℈j, of Cinnamon Water what will suffice: make a Bole to be taken going to sleep.

To such as Treacle and Mithridate are nauseous or not agreeable, let there be given a dose of the following Powder or of the Spirit of Treacle every third hour with the Julep.

Take of the Powder of Crabs Claws compound, of the Roots of Contrayerva, of Serpentaria Virgin. of each ʒj, of Cinnamon, of Tormentile Roots, of each ʒss, of Saffron, of Cocheneel of each ℈j, make a Pouder: the Dose is ʒss to ℈ij.

Spirits.Take of the Spirit of Treacle prepared with Armoniac. ʒiij. the Dose is ℈j, with the Julep every fourth hour. After the same manner the Spirits of Harts Horn, or of Soot may be given. Let his drink be Ale boyled with a Crust of Bread, Mace, and Cinnamon, and sweetened, or burnt Wine diluted with Mint Wa­ter. Let his food be Broth of a Pullet, or Gruel, or Panada with the shavings of Harts Horn, Ivory, Scorzonera Roots &c. boyled in it.

The reason of this Disease.Let us enquire now concerning the reason of this particular Disease, what is its chief conjunct Cause, to wit, what kind of peccant Humour that is to be purg­ed [Page 59] out, that should so infest the Viscera, and should irritate them into excretory Convulsions with torments, Perturbation of the whole Body, and sudden fai­lure of all their strength. Certainly none will think this, Choler, or pancreatick Juice, or what else you will to be begotten within the intestinal Pipes: neither do we believe it indeed from the meer Blood, (as sometimes happens in the Crisis of Fevours poured forth into the Viscera. But rather we suspect (as by the sudden Languor and soon falling down of the Spirits, and enervation of all the parts it will be lawful to conjecture) in this disease the more noble Juices of the Body, to wit, the nervous and nutricious placed in the solid parts to be wholly vitiated from their natural Complexion; and dissolved and spread abroad as it were a stream, and to overflow into the bloody Mass; then presently from it (they being indeed incongruous and immiscible, and unapt to be sent away by urine or by transpira­tion) to be transferred towards the Stomach, and Intestines by the Celiack Ves­sels, and there flowing forth from the thick planted little mouths of the Arteries, to stir up these horrid dysenterical Symptoms. Further it seems that together the Blood it self being scattered abroad by the flood of the other humours, is melted with them, and being loosened in its complexion, its meltings do burst forth with the other excrements into the Cavities of the Viscera.

Certainly all the moving Fibres with the fainting away of the whole Soul on a sudden can proceed from no other Cause, but that the humour actuating them, It arises chiefly from the vitious­ness of the ner­vous Liquor, and in which the animal Spirits dwell, leaving them wholly, doth slow forth; and in­deed we suppose it to flow forth, for as much as it being vitiated in its complexion, and growing sower like milk doth molest the conteining Parts, and irritate them into wrinkles whereby it may be shaken off. Besides we take notice that this Dis­ease always or for the most part began with Co [...], to which nevertheless heat and a feavourish burning did not succeed, because the Blood, although but little viti­ated in it self, nevertheless being wholly overturned by the slood of another in­vading juice, could not emerge or recollect it self, that it might grow fevorishly hot as in the Crisis. Hence it was that Cordials, except very strong and hot, as hot waters and Spirits, Treacle, Mithridate and the like, did not help, whose highly active Particles, whilst they easily entered into the mouths of the splanch­nical Vessels did repel the out flowing humours, and further insinuating themselves by degrees into the bloody Mass, they did invigorate it, and stir it up into fermen­tation, and into the motion of evaporation; whereby it might be able to recover its former disposition, and to cast back into the habit of the Body whatsoever in­congruous thing had entred into it.

So much for the conjunct or next cause of this Disease, Its more remot [...] Causes. the more remote are pre­ceding or antecedent, and manifest or evident; those denote from what occasion or provision this kind of morbid and epidemical Diathesis or disposition proceeds; and these for what occasions it rather breaks forth into a dysenterick Affection. As to the former, that this disease rages more frequently in Autumn, it is ascribed by many, to the immoderate or rather autumnal eating of the Summer Fruits; Wherefore Au­tumnal and Epi­demical. which indeed we should easily admit to be a part of the cause of the bloody Flux, and al­so we may deservedly suspect the aforsaid disease to have some certain rise from thence. But truly this cause of the Disease does not appear to be from hence true and equal, because that many inhabitants of this City abstaining from fruit, or using them sparingly, every where laboured with this unbloody Flux whilst it was gene­ral; and others who are fruit eaters in the neighbouring Villages altogether free from it were affected with other Fevours without any gripings of the Belly or Flux. For truly I have often observed (which also hapned this Year) after an exceeding hot and dry Summer, in the Autumn Epidemick and irregular Fevours to have hapned in many places of England, and at the same time very few Lon­doners to have fallen sick of that Fevour, but very many of the dysenterick Dis­ease: the reason of which seems to be, that when our Bodies by reason of the foregoing Intemperateness of the Summer, are disposed to autumnal Fevours, they are rather determined, in this thick and smoaky Air into this kind of Disease. Its antecedent causes are 1. The thickness of the London Air. Be­cause that transpiration being hindred, the corruptions of the degenerate humours, being unable to be carried forth thorow the Pores of the skin, overflow within, and there bursting forth from all the Arteries together, they cause these horrid af­fections of the Viscera.

Further, the summer season, according as it is more or less, 2. The intempe­rateness of the Year. hot or cold and [Page 60] moist, or dry, makes great alteration in the humours of our Bodies, and even also in some fermentative juices; and perverts them oftentimes from their ge­nuine Complexion into a bitter, or sharp, or adust Nature. Besides in some years this mutation is impressed chiefly on the Blood, and in others rather upon the nervous Liquor. By reason of the former, for the most part autumnal or sharp continual, or cruel intermitting Fevours do follow; in respect of the other ir­regular Fevours, and if an ill condition do arise; in which without any great in­calescency of the Blood, or crisis of the Disease, very dangerous affections of the Brain and nervous stock do happen. Moreover in these kinds of affections, ei­ther the excrements of the nervous liquor growing degenerate by degrees, be­ing of a slow motion, leasurely and by little and little heaped up without any critick turgescency, and remaining a long while within the containing parts, bring forth nervous Fevours, with numness and cold; (such as we have described in our Spasmologie) or else the corruptions of that juice very much, and sudden­ly changed in its complexion, are carried forth more, and growing active do a­rise up with certain overflowings, and flow back on all sides into the mass of Blood, from the Fibres, and from the Nerves, and from the solid Parts, and from thence presently running over into the cavities of the Viscera, produce this sort of un­bloody Flux which we have now described; and hence it further appears that this watry flux of the Belly arises rather from the depravation and colliquation of the nervous and nutritious juice, than of the blood it self, by reason of the sudden and and great dejections of the spirits (which such an effusion of the mere blood could not bring forth) because that those labouring with this Disease, are not trou­bled with the heat or ardor of the juices, or scabritiousness of the Tongue, but do very well bear the hottest Me [...]icines; and assoon as an inversion of the pec­cant humour and a retorsion of it into the habit of the Body, by these things ta­ken, is procured, they easily grow well without a fevour, watchings and other consequences of corrupted Blood.

Its evident Cau­ses.We have not much to say of the evident causes of this Disease, when there is such a constitution of the year, that by reason of the evil influence of the air or Heaven, the juices procreated from the blood, to wit, the nervous and nutritious do degenerate from their due temperament or crasis into a strange infectious Nature, and as it seems sower, and for that cause dysenterick. Errors in living at that time permitted, with other non-naturals do cherish, increase, and sooner bring on this sort of depraved disposition into an Eccathartick turgescency: it will not be worth our while here particularly to explicate all the manifest causes and occasions, by which they are made, but rather let us pass them over, to exhibit the knowledge of the other, to wit, bloody dysentery.

CHAP. I. Of the Diuresis or Evacuation by Ʋrine, and of Diu­retick Medicines.

WE have some time since largely enough set forth the Original of the Urine, and its composition whilst it was either a part or an excrement of the Blood, its Offices and manner of Separation. But we shall here further note, The near kin of the Diuresis and the Diaphore­sis with one a­nother. that this hath a certain affinity with sweat, that, and not seldom, they change their courses, and the matter of the one is conveyed forth adoors by the emunctories of the other: For that the cutaneous Emanations if they are strong and impetuous; snatch along with them much of the serous liquor destinated for the Reins, and transfer it into sweat: Also on the other side, when by a copious afflux the serum is cast forth by the Reins, it brings inwardly very many little bodies that are wont to exhale by the Skin, and involving them in its torrent, sends them away by the urinary passages. Hence it comes to pass, that Diaphoretick and Diuretick Medicines, are of a very near alike use, and sometimes reciprocal: By either of them being taken, the mass of the Blood is scattered abroad or precipitated, at least it is compelled to separate into parts, for that the serum drawn away from the rest of the Blood, may be dri­ven forth adoors by the more easie way which shall be granted.

What the matter of the Urine is, and from whence it comes.Although the immediate matter of the Urine flows only from the Blood, and is carried by the only passage of the emulging Arteries to the Ureters, yet oftentimes mediately that is wont to have manifold springs, and indeed divers, which for the most part may be distinguished by a threefold consideration, viz. It is stale or mere excrement, It is threefold. and is the watry part of the Blood growing stale, which being circulated with it for some time, acquires from the incocted saline and sulphureous Particles a lixivial Tincture. Or Secondly, it is that Dilutum or steeped Liquor, of the yet crude Chyle, which indeed is poured abroad or suffufed in great abun­dance with the Blood, and being separated again from it before it is dyed with the Tincture, causes an Urine plainly limpid, or clear. Thirdly and lastly, the matter of the Urine oftentimes is a certain water, for the most part suffused or poured a­broad from the Blood, or as it were distilled into the solid parts, glandula's and Pipes of the Lymphae or water carriers, which being plentifully laid up together, and then of its own accord or some occasion being given, gathering together a Flood, and dropping forth from its receptacles by the limphaeducts, it is carried back into the veins; from whence by a swift passage, passing through the Blood untouched; it is thrust down by the Arteries into the Reins; and for that the Particles of Salt and Sulphur are not incocted or boyled into this, by reason of its short stay in the Blood, from thence a Urine also limpid or clear is produced. The Urine of men in health, for the most part does participate after a sort of each of these, and accord­ing as the matter exceeds in this or that together, the Urine appears more or less or not at all tinged. The serum coming from every part, and being mixed with the Blood, is separated again from it in the circulation in divers places but chiefly in the Reins: For that the Blood bubling up within the Arteries, and being very much rarefied, whereby being separated from thence it might pass into the Veins; there is a necessity that it should put off its serosities and divert them to some other place. [Page 67] As this is performed every where through the whole body, so more copiously and after a certain peculiar manner in the Reins.

But though it be commonly enough known that the separation of the serum is made in this place, yet it is very much controverted by what means it is done, How the serum is separated from the Blood with­in the Reins. whilst these affirm the serous liquor to be drawn to the Reins, to be there only strained thorow; and others believe a certain ferment to be established in the Reins, by whose inspiration the serum of the Blood, as that of Milk, is scattered and precipitated by a sharp coagulation; and the odor, and the rank and ungrate­ful savour of this Viscus seems after a sort to argue that the thing is so. Before that we can certainly determine any thing of the virtues of Medicines which pro­voke Urine, and their manner of operating; it will be necessary to unfold this doubt; what is performed in the Reins by the accustomed means of Nature, and what in the sanguineous Mass, for the separation of the serum.

And first of all there is no need of proving the serum not to be drawn to the Reins among Philosophers, The serum is not drawn to the Reins. when that of late similar attraction has begun to be wholly exploded by most Virtuoso's, and all local motion is affirmed to be made on­ly by impulse. And indeed, what has regard to the present business, by whatso­ever things the circulation of the Blood is made known, it also plainly appears, that as the Blood so the serum being an inseparable Companion within its Vessels, is driven forward by the mere motion or impulse of the Heart to the Reins. But whether it be there separated by percolation or straining only, or also by a certain precipitation, we must, that it may plainly appear, a little more accurately inquire or search into the Anatomy and use of the Reins.

Concerning the structure and use of the Reins, as divers both ancient and mo­dern Authors have published various things, The Structure of the Reins and the most famous Bellinus hath the most accurately shewed their Anatomy. Indeed every one hath shewed plainly the Blood to be carried to the Reins by the emulgent Arteries, and to be carried back a­gain by the Veins: This the Laws and Inspection of sanguineous Circulation mani­festly declare, but in what places, through what Pipes, and by what workmanship the serum in the Reins is separated from the Blood, and thrust away into the Re­ceiver; lay hid a long while from the most diligent searchers, until the aforesaid Author by an happy invention, discovered the substance of the Reins to be neither Parenchymous, Use. (clotted or congealed bloody substance) as the Liver and Spleen or Milt; nor fleshy Fibres, as the Heart and Bodies of the Muscles, but an heap of membraneous little hollow Pipes, and by these so very small passages the serum being delated from the circumference of the Reins towards their Centre, to be di­stilled forth into the Receiver: For as much as the emulgent Artery being divided into greater Branches, then into lesser, and at length into very small shoots, con­veys the Blood on every side to the utmost superficies of the Reins; but here when growing hot and rarefied, it sweats forth from the mouths of the Vessels, whilst the bloody part is received by the Veins to be returned back, the serous part is in­sinuated into the very narrow pores of the little hollow Pipes impervious to the Blood, and flowing through their Pipes on every side towards the Receiver, it is thrust down into a papillary substance, out of which it leisurely distills into the Receiver.

By this it appears that the serum is separated from the Blood, by a certain per­colation in the Reins: The serum is se­parated from the Blood by a strai­ning within the Reins. Indeed after the like manner as when the same is thrust forth of the Arteries every where into the Glandula's, for the matter of Tears, of Spittle, of the droppings of the Nose, and of other Excretions. But further, it is to be thought, that this also is done as it were by the fusion of the Blood, for that the Blood being of its own nature clammy, and apt to be coagulated whilst that it passes through the Reins, it is very much scattered and attenuated by a lixi­vial ferment of this part; because that the serous water may separate more easily from it: For indeed Piss or Stale being imbued with saltness, whilst that it conti­nually washes thorow the passages of the Reins, affixes to them saline Particles, The Reins are strong as it were with ferment. and from thence infects it with a strong smell or with a certain lixivial besmearing, where­by whilst the Blood passing through those Viscera is inspired, it is preserved conti­nually fluid from curdling, and apt to separate into parts in the straining, even as also Milk is defended from Coagulation by salt of Tartar infused. Yea Blood it self when sent forth from its Vessel, is wont presently to curdle and to be coagula­ted, by reason of a solution of salt of Tartar or Armoniack being thereon poured, [Page 68] remains fluid: Therefore a real Ferment doth not, as is commonly beleeved, precipitate the Blood, but defends it from such a condition, whereby it may be it self more freely circulated, and its Serum may be separated in due quantity by straining. And truly it is plane enough, that the Reins are imbued with such a lixivial ferment in eating them being cook'd, which are by reason thereof of a very rank and ungrateful both tast and smell.

Part of the nu­tricious juice is sent away toge­ther with the se­rum thorow the Reins.Whilst that the Serum is separated after this manner in the Reins partly by per­colation and partly by fusion, not only the bloody part, but also the nutritious as to the greatest portion of it, passing thorow the very narrow Pores of that strainer, is carried back with the Blood by the Veins; in the mean time the se­rous liquor, being imbued with a saltness both in the sanguinious Mass, and by the ferment of the Reins, perpetually slides down by the urinary Pipes into the Receiver, and washes away, and carries with it a certain tenuous and more elaborated part of the nourishing juice, which is the Hypostasis or residence of healthful urine.

The matter of U­rine proceeds chiefly from the Blood.But truly Stale or the matter of Urine as to its substance, quantity, and qua­lity, proceeds chiefly from the bloody Mass. For that, as this, hath three chief offices, as we have shewn else where, to wit, an accension or inkindling for to su­stain the vital flame, an Instillation of the animal spirits into the Brain, and a distribution of the nutriment unto all pars; by reason of all and each of those, there is a necessity that it should be moistned with a great deal of watry humour, and should be continually rinsed with fresh, and the old still should be sent away, and that this should be done in a due and constant manner, is of great moment for the conservation of Health.

The serum is se­parated from the blood sometimes too hardly, some­times too easily.The fresh serous Liquor is introduced into the Blood, together with the nou­rishing juice by an easie labour, and is for the most part thorowly mingled with it without any obstacle; but yet the old doth not always so readily and truly go away from it as need requires; but is wanting after divers ways about its excretion, and from thence the occasion of very many diseases arise. For truly the Serum sometimes sticks more unseasonably to the Blood, and will not extricate it self from its em­braces, as in Fevours evilly, and not thorowly as 'tis judged, also in the phleg­matick Dropsie, and Cacochymy or ill digestion. But that sometimes although expulsed by the Blood, the reins relinquishing it (which is its chief way of ex­cretion) is diverted to some other place, as in Catarrh's, gouty or scorbutical flu­xions, also in every dropsie: Sometimes also on the contrary, the serum passing away too soon from the fellowship of the Blood, before it hath performed its task flies away, and supping up the portions of the more profitable humours, snatches them away with it self, as in the Diabetes or pissing Evil, and in great floods of Urine which sometimes happen, and by and by cease again. In these kind of cases as often as the quantity of Urine is either too much defective or too much abounds, the Reins are not always or chiefly in the fault, but the Brain, and rather the Blood, for that its Mass now too strict and compacted, does not easily send away the serum, and other contents to be purged forth, now to lax and apt to be scattered abroad, doth not contain long enough both the serum and nourishing juice: Concerning which causes and the means whereby such irregularities happen, we will a little fur­ther inquire.

The reason of this is best unfolded by the fusion, co­agulation and reduction of Milk.And indeed the analogy of the Blood with milk, (which we have in another place more largely unfolded, and shall here briefly touch upon) conduces very much to the solving of this knot. You must know that Milk whilst that its mixture is kept whole, although it be warm or boyl upon the Fire; all its Particles being promiscu­ously temperated, do keep the Liquor uniform: But if any acid thing be put thereto hot, presently the more thick Particles grow thicker into coagulation, and in the mean time the watry with many saline Particles, are scattered into a tenuous and copious water. Yea it is a well known and vulgar observation, that Milk kept so long that it begins to grow sower, if it be set over the fire, will be coagulated of it self without any sharp thing being put into it. Moreover on the contrary, if that Milk be impregnated with any Salt of divers condition from acid Salt, as to wit, fixed, nitrous, or volatile, being first dissolved therein, it will not then be coa­gulated by any acid thing therein infused whilst it boyls upon the fire: For I have often try'd this with the salt of Tartar and of Wormwood, with mineral Crystal, with Flowers of Salt Armoniack, Spirit of Harts-horn, and others of the same kind. Further, which seems more wonderful, if any of these Salts or any [Page 69] solution of them be instilled to milk boyling on the fire, and coagulated by some infused acid thing, the coagulation before made for the most part is taken away, and the white, hard, thick matter vanishes, and the liquor at length is rendred thin and almost limpid, although it doth not wholly resume the lactiform and ho­mogeneous kind. And indeed I have sufficiently learned by often made experiments that these kind of mutations do constantly happen, viz. if Beer, Whitewine, By what means the coagulation of Milk may be inhibited or ta­ken away. Cyder, Vinegar, or any acid juice whatsoever, be dropped into Milk hot over the fire, presently leaving the whole form of Milk it goes into a white thick mat­ter, and a diluted serum. Then if to all this yet warm, the salt of Tartar, Worm­wood, or any other deliquated vegetable whatsoever, or a solution of Salt Nitre, or Armoniack, yea the Flowers or Spirits of these, as also the spirits of Harts-horn, of Soot, and such like be poured in, and the mixture be a little agitated, almost the whole Crassament doth vanish quite away, only some small portions, and cer­tain little coagulated bits remaining, which will swim dispersed up and down tho­row the whole Liquor. Further yet on the contrary, if that fixed or nitrous Salt, or Flowers, or Spirits of Salt Armoniack, or also Spirits of Harts-horn, or of Soot, be cast into boyling Milk, and then if you should pour into the hot Liquor, Ale or Whitewine, Cyder or any other sharp Liquor you please, no fusion or coa­gulation of the Milk shall follow thereupon. It will be worth our labour to con­sider here from what causes each of these are made, and what analogy they bear with the fusion, or inextricability or disintanglement of the serum in the sanguini­ous Mass.

By the anatomy of Milk it plainly appears, The reasons of them are shewed. that there is in it fewer spirituous Particles, very many watry, sulphureous and terrestrial indifferent, and in like manner saline, which are partly volatile and partly fixed: Therefore whilst that the mixtion is kept whole, the saline Particles sticking to the sulphureous, divide them one from another, and also hinder them that they flee not away, or be com­bined with the Terrestrial. In the mean time, the serous coming between the rest so equally intermixt, fill up all the vacuities and make the Liquor as it were homo­geneous; but then that there should presently follow a fusion and coagulation of the Liquor upon some sharp thing being poured to it, the reason is because the fluid Parti­cles of the Salt in the acid thing, take hold of whatsoever others saline, to wit, both fixed and violatile, are in the Milk; to which whilst they are strictly united, the sulphureous Particles sliding from the embraces of the acid Salts do come toge­ther, and so being combined mutually among themselves, and with the terrestri­al, they cause that thick substance separating from the rest of the Liquor: In the mean time, the watry Liquor having its pores almost emptied of its Sulphur and Earth, and almost only impregnated with the combinations of the Salts, by and by it becomes thin and diluted. That the thing is so, it plainly appears by the even now cited experiments, for as much as this coagulation of the Milk is hin­dred or taken away, by the casting in of Salt either fixed, nitrous, or volatile; for every one of these Salts lays hold on the acid Salt of the infused Curd, and so prevents or breaks off its combinations with the saline Particles implanted in the Milk: But that the coagulation of the Milk being done away, it is not restored to its pristine form; the reason is, because the extraneous Particles of the adject­ed Salts remaining still in the mixtion, do hinder the redintegration of the same mixture; but if they could be taken forth again, certainly the first mixture and lactiform would return again: Wherefore it may be thought of the Blood, that it being at any time depraved, although by fusion or coagulation, because it is wont to exterminate from it self all the heterogeneus Particles, it may recover its due and pristine mixtion.

But that Milk being long kept and growing sower, should coagulate upon the fire of its own accord without any acid thing being infused; the reason is, be­cause in that Liquor then tending to putrefaction, the volatile saline Particles (as the manner is) being depressed into the fluor or stream, they become acid: Wherefore these, the pores of the Milk being opened in the boyling, snatch hold of their fellow saline-fixed Particles, to which whilst they adhere, the sulphureous slide away from them, and being mutually combined between themselves, and with the terrestrial, they make the white thick substance, the serum together with the combinations of the Salts, being fused or melted into an aquositie. Cold Milk neither of its own accord, nor by any sharp thing being poured into it [Page 70] is coagulated, because, whilst that the Pores are shut, the intestine Particles how­soever disposed so as they may be ready for new marriages or divorces, do not easily unloose themselves, but the Passages being opened by the heat they pre­sently enter into private Combinations, and Schisms or Separations, as occasion serves.

What Analogie there is in the Blood to the Co­agulation of Milk, and of the Inhibition or re­duction of this.These things being admitted thus concerning the Fusion and Coagulation of Milk, and Inhibition and reduction from that condition, let us now consider whether in these any like or analogical thing is correspondent to the Blood, and indeed although it be granted that Blood being let forth of its Vessel, will not, as milk boyling over the fire, resolve into Constitutive parts, or variously scat­ter or coagulate, and then be again reduced from that Condition, by the affusion of Salts, because indeed the Consistencie of the Blood is thicker than of Milk, and is more apt to cloder, moreover this flame or its life being extinct, it is al­tered very much from what it was in the Vessels: but yet I have found by fre­quent tryal, which the experiments of others confirm, that the same Liquors, which do fuse a precipitate Milk, as distilled Vinegar, Spirits of Vitriol, a Dilute of Salt or Nitre, and other Acids also being poured upon warm Blood, do pre­sently coagulate it, and so discolour it, that it grows black in the whole Mass, one portion goes into a clottie Cake and the other into a watry and thin Serum. Besides these, What alterations Chymical Li­quors produce be­ing poured upon warm Blood. which inhibit, or take away the Coagulation of Milk, as Oyl of Tartar, fixed Salts of Herbs, a solution of Salt Nitre, of quick Lime, Spirits of Salt Armoniack, Harts Horn and the like being poured upon warm Blood, doth amend, or conserve its mixtion whole, as may be argued from its shining and red sparkling Colour, and its Consistencie remaining alike for a long time; wherefore as it easily follows from hence, it appears that Blood, although in an unlike proportion, That the Blood may rightly put away the Se­rum it ought to be preserved or reduced both from too much growing thick, or too much fu­sion. is made up of the same kind of Elementary Particles, as Milk. Indeed there are in this more plenty of Spirit, Sulphur, Salt, and Earth; and less Serum than in Milk. From whence it may be concluded that the Blood being rightly disposed, to wit, more thick, and too apt to grow together or to clodder, is less able to be fused, and to be loosned into much serositie, not­withstanding whilst that it passes thorow the Reins in the Circulation, the su­perfluous aquosities, partly by the strainer of the Reins, and partly by their fer­ment, keeping the Blood from too much Coagulation, by degrees are separated and sent away. But when the Blood is vitiated in its complexion, there is fai­ling both as to its Constitution, and about the manifold separation of the Serum. As to the former, the Blood is now too hot and sharp, now too thick and fecu­lent, and sometimes also above measure, thin and watry: and according to its degenerate sort of state various sicknesses arise, of which we shall not particular­ly treat in this place. But yet for as much as the Blood is amiss in its Crasis or Consistence, though its Serum be separated in due measure and manner, no ve­ry great healthful Condition doth therefore presently follow. But the Origin of very many Diseases do happen, by reason of the separation of the Serum not being rightly performed. Of the Separati­on. But as to this, as there may be divers manner of fai­lings, the fault may be very much in the Defect, or in the Excess. For some­times the Serous Latex sticks too pertinaciously in the Bosome of the Blood, 1. The separati­on of the Serum offending in ex­cess. and on the contrary, sometimes slides away too soon, and in this respect the Blood, not containing the Serum spews it forth by the little Passages of the Arteries, in very many places, and almost every where; and so thrusting it down into the Viscera or habit of the Body, produces an Ascites or watrie Dropsie thorow the whole Body, and now sending it away immoderately to the Reins, inforces a Diabetes or excessive Pissing. Also in defect. The Blood too much retaining the Serum, being very much heated as in a Fevour, hath its body too strict, with complicated and more thick particles boyled together, so that the more tenuous particles cannot easily break forth; or it being stuffed with Scorbutick Salt and Sulphur, becomes very viscid and tenacious, so that the serosities very hardly slide from the embraces of the rest. The Distributi­on of the Diu­reticks. As thus the departure of the serous Liquor from the blood is after a divers manner hindred, or perverted, there are also Diuretick Medicines of a diverse disposition and operation, which notwithstanding may be distinguished: 1. As to the End. and first as to the end, according to which they have a regard to the Mass of Blood, 2. As to the Matter. or the Reins, or to both together. Secondly as to the matter, in which respects they are either Sulphureous or Saline, and these a­gain [Page 71] are various, according as the Saline Particles are in a condition of fixedness, of flowing, or of Volatility, or further as they are Nitrous, or Alchalisate. In the third place as to the form, these Medicines may be had in a divers manner, but for the most part their Compositions, as to their Species, are Drinks, 3. As to the Form. or Powders, or Boles, or Pills, or Chymical Liquors, concerning which we shall par­ticularly speak anon. In the mean time allthough it seems to belong rather to Pathologie or the treating of the Passions than to the Pharmaceuticks or Curing by Medicines, to explicate the single scopes or ends of Diureticks, yet I think it will be to the purpose to design or draw forth briefly the cheif of them here. And then in the second place to distinguish the diuretick Medicines as to the mat­ter, which is almost in all of them only Saline, into certain Classes, and lastly, to add thereto the more select forms of prescriptions in every Kind.

First therefore when the Blood becomes so crass and tenacious by a fixed Salt with Sulphur and Earth incocted together and mutually combined, 1. Saline diu­reticks. that the watrie Particles do not easily separate from the rest; 1. What are re­quisite in the too strict joynting of the Blood. Diureticks of that kind are behoveful, which may make laxe its close joynting, and scatter abroad the Serum, which are rich in volatile or acid Salt: for such Particles do chiefly dissolve the Combinations enterd into by the fixed Salt. For as much as this dis­position is common both to the Fevour and the Scurvie in the former Disease, diureticks are chiefly proper, both the acid temperates of Vegetables, also of salt Nitre, of the Spirits of sea Salt, of Vitriol &c. Also such as are indued with volatile Salt, as the spirits of Harts Horn, of salt Armoniack, salt of Am­ber, of Vipers and of others of that kind which we rehersed before in the Class of Diureticks. In the scorbutick Disposition when the Urine is both little and thick, the Juices of Herbs, and preparation both sower and acid are of egre­gious use, also salt and spirit of Urine, of Sal Armoniack, Tartar &c.

Secondly sometimes the Blood does not retain long enough the Serum within its close enfolding, but being obnoxious even to Fluxions or rather Coagulations, Secondly what in the too lax. putting it away here and there plentifully in great abundance, stirs up Catarrhs or tumors in divers places; or else the Blood being habitually weak and also in ill disposition, to wit, inclining to sowerness, so far as that it is apt to coagulate its more thick Particles; therefore as the more thin are every where sent away in the Circulating, and falling down upon the weaker parts, they cause now Ce­phalick Diseases or Thoracious, now an Ascites or Anasarca. Moreover from a like cause the Diabetes doth arise as shall be declared by and by. But truly ve­ry many difficult Diseases, which are imputed wrongfully to the Dyscrasie of the Viscera, do arise from this Cause; to wit, that the Blood being evilly tempered, and obnoxious to Coagulations, when it cannot continue the whole thred of Cir­culation; it puts away the Serum, too readily apt to go away, in divers places. In these cases the Diureticks to be given should be of that kind which does not scatter the Blood, but take away its Coagulations, as they are which are indued with fixed, volatile atd alchalisate Salt, besides such as strengthen or restore the ferment of the Reins as some sulphureals and spirituals. To these Ends are Di­ureticks, Sulphureous and Mixt Salts, the Lixivials of Herbs, the Pouders of Shells, Salt and Spirit of Urine and Millipedes or hog Lice, horse Raddish Roots, Parsly Seed, Nutmegs, Turpentine and its preparations, Spirits of Wine, the Virtue of all which is not to fuse the Blood, and to precipitate the Serosities out of its Mass (acids do that chiefly, and in those cases more often hinder the Diu­resis) but to dissolve the Coagulations of the Blood, for the end that its close joyning together recovering a whole intire mixtion, and being more expediti­ously circulated thorow the Vessels, it might sup up again the Serum any where gone out of the Vessels, or disposed, and at length may deliver it to be sent away by the Reins: by which means, according to both these allmost opposite ends of Healing, the Diureticks of every kind should operate, and chiefly under what Forms they should be dispensed, we shall now shew next.

CHAP. II. The Kinds and Forms of Diureticks, also the Ae­tiology of the Chymical Preparations of them.

FIrst therefore, what belongs to the Saline Diureticks, ought to be referred hither, as we have often told you that Salts of whatsoever divers conditi­on being commixed together, do mutually lay hold of one another, and by and by are joyned close together; and while they are so combined, other Particles, being loosned from the mixture do separate or fly away into Parts. This is planely perceived when the fluid or acid Salt is mixed together with the fixed or Alchalisate, The divers states of Salts. also when the fluid or fixed with the Volatile or sharp. In truth all the business of all sorts of solutions and precipitations depends upon this only affection of Salts. Wherefore as the Blood and the Humours of our Body, a­bounds very much in Salt, and being wont to be variously changed by it from one State to another and for that cause a morbid Disposition to accrue, and more­over as divers sorts of Saline Diurericks are full of fixed, Their various affections. fluid, nitrous, vola­tile or Alchalisate Salt, there will be always need of great Discretion and Judg­ment of the Physitian, that the Saline Particles in the Medicine may differ from those in our Body. By what means this may be done, we shall declare by run­ning thorow every kind of Diuretick Salts.

Diureticks re­plenished with acid Salt.Among the Diureticks imbued with acid Salt, the spirit of Salt or Nitre, also the Juice of Limons and Sorrel, white Wine, Rhenish Wine and Cyder, are chiefly and commonly noted, and very often perform that intention: for these do only fuse the Blood, and precipitate it into serosities, even as sharp things dropped into warm Milk. Notwithstanding this does not happen to all alike, nor to every one indifferently. In a healthful constitution or not very far from it, For whom Con­venient. the Salt of the Blood is partly fixed and part­ly Nitrous, and partly Volatile; also in some Scorbutical and Hydropical People it becomes for the most part fixed. Wherefore in all these cases Diureticks indued with acid Salt are administred with success: but in Catar­rhous affections, and in some Hydropical and Scorbutical, when the Saline fixed Particles of the Blood are carried into the Form of a stream, and the Volatile are depressed (as it often happens) sharp acetons Remedies do rather hurt than good; for as much as they do more pervert the Blood degenerated from its right Disposition, but rather in these cases, Medicines indued with a fixed or Volatile Salt, are of Use.

CHAP III. Of the too much Evacuation by Ʋrine, and its Remedy; and especially of the Diabetes or Pissing Evil, whose Theory and Method of Curing, is inquired into.

THe Diabetes was a Disease so rare among the Ancients, The Diabetes formerly rarely and not yet well known. that many fa­mous Physicians made no mention of it; and Galen knew only two sick of it: But in our Age given to good fellowship and gusling down chiefly of unallayed Wine; we meet with examples and instances e­nough, I may say daily, of this Disease. But yet as familiar as it is, and though it be known as to its Type, its causes and formal reason notwithstanding, is al­most altogether unknown. That I may be so bold to Philosophize, or rather to conjecture concerning these; we will first of all give you a description of this Di­sease, as to all or the chief Phaenomena of it: Then we will endeavour diligently to find out from the fault, of what part or humour every of them single do arise.

Diabetes is called so from [...] Transeo, Its description, or passing through too swift a pas­sage of the matter that is drunk, also a prostuvium or thorow-slux of Urine. Those labouring with this Disease, piss a great deal more than they drink, or take of any liquid aliment; and moreover they have always joyned with it continual thirst, and a gentle, and as it were hectick Fever. But that as many Authors affirm the drink to be little or nothing changed, is very far from truth; because the Urine in all (that I have known who hath hapned to have it, and I believe to be so in all) very much differing both from the drink taken in, and also from any humour that is wont to be begot in our Body, was wonderfully sweet as it were imbued with Honey or Sugar. The occasion of the foresaid error (as I suppose) was the [Page 80] colour of the Urine, which always appears crude, and watry as of those labou­ring with the Pica or with the Dropsie. That we may carefully search out the reasons of these Symptoms, we must first inquire from whence so quick and co­pious an excretion of Urine comes, and then we will proceed to the shewing of the remaining Reason of this Disease.

Its cause is not the attraction of the Reins.It no way pleases us what some do assign for the cause of the Diabetes, the attracting force of the Reins: because the Blood is not drawn to the Reins but driven thither by the motion of the Heart. Further neither doth the Serum seem to be drawn or emulged from the Blood washing thorow them, but to be separated (as we have already more clearly shewed) partly by straining, and partly by fusion or a certain kind of precipitation: wherefore we believe the Diabetes to be rather and more immediately an affection of the Blood than of the Reins, But rather a De­liquium of the Blood. and to take from thence its origin, for as much as the mass of Blood is as it were melted, and is too copiously fused into serosity: which easily ap­pears truly from the quantity of the Urine increased into so great immensity, which cannot proceed but from a melting and consumption of the Blood. Where­fore also the remaining Blood, its Serum going away so plentifully, becomes more crass or thick, and more apt to be coagulated, as may be argued from the swift working Pulse: for the Heart is therefore more rapidously moved, that whilst it exagitates the Blood more than usual, it might preserve it from Coagulation. Further that the fluidity of this, apt to be dangerous by reason of the too great loss of the serous Liquor, might be continued, potulent mat­ter is most plentifully taken in an huge thirst provoking to it, and besides the Humours that are within the solid parts are supped up from the Blood, yea their fillings are melted for the reparation of this; hence it is that those labou­ring with this Disease are exceeding thirsty, and quickly grow lean.

The Conjunct Cause is chiefly in the Blood.Therefore, that I may endeavour to shew the conjunct cause and formal Rea­son of the Diabetes, I am led to believe the Crasis or mixtion of the Blood to be so laxed and as it were dissolved that the watry Particles cannot be con­tained by the more thick, bat that they quickly sliding from their embraces, and being imbued with saline Particles, do run forth thorow the most open Passages of the Reins. But in the mean time other humours both from with­out and from within for the moystning the Blood, and hindring it from coagu­lation, are conveyed into it; and the praecordia are urged even with a migh­ty force into a more rapid motion.

Sometimes partly in the Reins.But besides we think the Reins sometimes to be some part of the conjunct Cause, for that their ferment is wont sometimes to be so vitiated, that it doth not preserve the Blood by any influx of lixivial Salt, in due mixtion, and flui­dity, for the cause that the Serum might be separated from it by percolation on­ly; but sometimes it happens from an acid Salt laid up in the Reins, that the Blood is precipitated whilst it passes thorow them, as it were by a certain Coa­gulation or runnet into a copious serosity, which is by and by sent away by the Ureters. Hence it is to be observed that a plentiful and limpid Urine is made by most of those obnoxious to the Nephritis or Gravel, in a violent pa­roxysm or fit. The cause of which is, that the acid Humour, delated thither by the nervous Pipes, (as we have somewhere shewen) and exciting Pain, doth first fuse the Blood sliding into the Reins, and causes the going away of a more plentiful serum from it.

But it is not improbable but that a plentiful [...] or excessive evacuation by Urine, may in a sort proceed from an evil conformation of the Reins, for as much as their lympathick little hollow Tubuli being too ample, and o­pen, they receive too readily the serous Liquor, and transmit it too swiftly without any Remora, so that therefore its greatest quantity runs forth into U­rine. But in truth as I may grant these little Tubes sometimes and chiefly in those troubled with the Stone or gravel, to be too open, yet for that cause there should be rather purged forth a bloody then a copious Water. And in­deed we think a bloody Urine cheifly to proceed from some such Cause. More­over when a copious and bloody Urine comes together, we judge a dyscrasie of the Blood to concur with an evil Conformation of the Reins, as shall be declared by and by in a notable case, of a certain sick person.

In the mean time as it is not to be doubted that the cheif and most frequent [Page 81] cause of the Diabetes consists in the Mixtion of Blood being too dissolute and lax; so also by the like Reason, the small Diuresis or lesser than ought to be al­so very often depends upon the too strict, and as it were close joynting of the Blood. As this disease often arises from the close joynting of the Blood be­ing too dissolute, Moreover we may opportunely inquire whether that the total sup­pression of the Urine dos not sometimes proceed from such a cause? For though it is commonly enough known, that the cause of the Ischuria or more strong and pertinacious stopping of the urinal Passages, being most often placed below the Reins, depends altogether upon the urinarie pipes being wholly stopped, and when I my self have opened many dead by the Urines being wholly suppres­sed, I found in all the invincible cause of Death to have been an obstruction of the only Ureter a little before open (the other being long time shut up) by a Stone newly got in. So the suppression of the Urine sometimes is from the too strict joynting of the Blood. Yet the most learned Doctor Riverius shews two cases of sick people in whom the Ischuria or total suppression of Urine, and that for many Days was cured by Phlebotomie only; and therefore he ascribes the Cause of the Disease to the Emulging Veins being above measure distended, so that they could not contract themselves for the expulsion of the Serum, even as it may be observed every where in the urinal Bladder, which being very full, is not easily composed to the making of Water. But indeed as we give belief (as 'tis likely) to these Histories, yet we ought not to assent to the Aetiology. Because that is not the office of the Emulging Veins, which that famous man hath assigned them, for not the Veins, but the Arteries constantly convey the Serum together with the Blood, without any danger of hardness or plenitude of Urine; but as the Serum does not quickly run forth into the open Passages, the reason seems to be, that the Mass of the Blood being too strict, and compacted hardly lets go out of its Bosome the watry liquor intimately mixed with it.

Hither may be referred the Anatomical Observation lately made on the dead Body of the Reverend Bishop of Chester when as that most illustrious Lord, This is confirm'd by anatomical Observations, be­ing a long while troubled with the Stone, at last by a continual suppression of U­rine had yeilded to Death, presently all did presume, the cause of Death to have been the Ureters being wholy stopped up by a Stone or gravelly matter, but by a disquisition made through a most accurate Anatomie, not any obstruction at all in those Pipes, or impediment of the Urine could be found. The like anatomi­cal observation was related to me by that most learned man, Doctor Lower not long before made by himself, where the Ischuria being deadly had not left any signs of it about the urinary Vessels: Hence it is easy to divine, for besides the reins were whole and sound, that the cause of this disease was altogether in the too great Concretion and Compaction of the Blood.

But to return from this diversion after having unfolded the conjunct cause, The procatartick Causes of the Diabetes. and the Reason of the Diabetes, we will proceed to the searching out its procatarctick or more remote causes. Therefore if it be inquired into, from whence the joyn­ting or compaction of the Blood becomes so loose and lax, and apt to melt in­to serosities; we say of this even as of Milk, that its fusion proceeds frum this, for that as in its Mass Salts of a divers nature do agree, or are associated, the other particles (which separated themselves from them of course, and are con­teined in the mixtion) being freed from the Saline, presently go away into Parts. If that it shall be further inquired into, from whence those Salts come, by whose private combination we suppose the mixtion of the Blood to be loosed, They are first a­cid humors hap­pening to the Blood, and fusing or precipitating it after the man­ner of Milk. and its fu­sion introduced; we need no long search for them: for it planely appears, that there is naturally in the bloody Mass, fixed and volatile saline Particles, to which if at any time an acid Salt doth plentifully come, or obtains a flux, it will easi­ly excite the aforesaid Affection. Hence it is that Rhenish Wine, Cyder, and acid Liquors being drunk provoke a more plentiful Diuresis or Evacuation by Urine; therefore also in some sickly People whose Blood abounds in an acid Salt, Medicines indued with a fixed or volatile Salt are wont to move the Urine. Nei­ther doth this Affection still happen only from things taken, but from the hu­mours produced within. It is observed that many obnoxious to Convulsive af­fections, before or after the paroxysms do make a great plenty of limpid, or clear watry Urine, the cause of which certainly is, for that the recrements or su­perfluities of the Blood and nervous Juice being heaped up in the solid parts, whensoever they being degenerated into a sowerness, shall swell up and flow back again upon the Blood, they induce its fusion, and for that reason a flux of Urine. [Page 82] Wherefore when there is such a constant, and habitual profusion of Urine, nothing can be more likely said than that the excrementitious humours being sent away into the solid parts, and from thence after they had there contracted a sower­ness being returned into the Blood, they fuse or melt its Liquor into too much serosity, and for that reason provoke so continual, and immense excretion.

The same kind of acid Humour chiefly from the nerves and ner­vous Stock.But we deservedly ascribe the chiefest part of this evil to the Nervous Juice, for as much as whensoever this departs from a right Crasis or disposition, as we have else where shown, it becomes very malignant and deadly both to the other Humours and to the solid Parts; wherefore by this being depraved the mixture of the Blood also is chiefly in danger to be perverted. But we may well argue that the nervous Juice is depraved, because in the Diabetes the animal Spirits do ve­ry much languish, and presently all nutrition is frustrated.

Hence sp [...]smo­dick Affections oftentimes pre­ceed the Dia­betes.Further, which may notably confirm this opinion, I have observed in many obnoxious to this Disease by intervals, that a little before they have fallen into a flux of Urine, they have suffered wandring pains, and corrugations of the ner­vous parts in the whole Body, sometimes with stupor or sense of pricking, some­times with frequent Convulsions, and little leapings of the tendons, and other perturbations and inquietudes of the Spirits: being indeed a manifest sign, that the Liquor watering the nervous Fibres degenerating from its Crasis, and being full of feculencies doth irritate the Spirits, and drive them into irregularities. Then afterwards when the recrements and superfluities of the nervous juice overflowing into the Mass of Blood from an arisen Flux cause a Diabetes, the aforesaid symp­toms cease, but with a languor of the Spirits, and a failing of strength succeed­ing.

How the Dia­betes and the Dropsy differ.The Diabetes is commonly called the Chamber-pot Dropsy, and some affirm either the Disease to be indeed the same, and to have the same causes, and for­mal Reason, and the symptoms only to be varied as to the manner of the serous excretion; to wit, that the Blood in either being alike affected not able to con­tain the Serum, and being constrained to spue it forth from the Arteries, in the one pours it forth into the habit it self of the Body, and Cavities of the Vis­cera, and in the other, puts it aside in the Reins abundantly to be carried away by the Ureters. But truly if the business be more narrowly considered, there will be found a notable difference between these two Diseases. For the Anasarca takes its original for the most part firstly from hence, because the Blood being imbecill, and too frigid is not enough enkindled, and heated, that it might continually concoct the Chyle that is carried to it, and assimilate it, and so volatilize it, as thereby it might be conteined in its bosome in the Circulation; but there is a necessity to spue this forth in all places together with the serous juice, and to leave it neer the Interstitia of the Vessels: then afterwards the Disease growing grievous the blood is not only made weak by Crudities, but becoming degenerate in its complexion is obnoxious to fluxions, and to Coagulations, and for that cause be­gets serous humours more plentifully, and pours them forth upon the undue parts, more impetuously. But on the contrary in the Diabetes the Blood is e­nough, yea to the utmost hot, and too much enkindled and concocts swiftly, and beyond measure the Chyle is carried to it: yea it melts the solid Parts, and sups up their meltings, carries them about with it thorow the Vessels, and boyls or cooks it more then enough; but when as by reason of the meeting of Salts the Com­pages or consistence of the Blood is thorowly dissolved, and fused into serosities, portions being separated within the reins, whatsoever are able to break away, run forth by the Ureters. If any Disease like, but inverse to the Diabetes (to wit, in which the Blood being dissolved into serosities, did pour forth its liquids thorow the whole Body) did ever happen, without doubt it was sometime the epidemical Fevour called the English Sweat, where the Blood melting into aquo­sities did pour forth all the humours both profitable and unprofitable, even to the expence of the vital food, into the pores of the Body to be sent away by Sweat.

The evident cau­ses of the Dia­betes.So much concerning the formal Reason and causes, to wit, the conjunct and more remote, of the Disease of the Diabetes, as to the evident, causes to wit, the occasions by which the acid juices, which excite the fusion to coagulation of the Blood, are begot in our Body, these are of a various kind and original. An ill manner of living, and chiefly an assiduous and immoderate drinking of Cider, [Page 83] Beer, or sharp Wines; sometimes sadness, long grief, also convulsive affections, and other inordinations and depressions of the animal spirits are wont to beget and cherish this morbid Disposition. I knew one using Rhenish Wine for his or­dinary drink twenty days together, that contracted an incurable Diabetes, of of which he dyed within a month, notwithstanding all the remedies and councels of a great many famous Physitians. I remember two Women obnoxious to con­vulsive and hypochondriack Affections, to whom accrued from thence a great flood of Urine with languor, and wasting away of the Flesh.

The Theory of this Disease being now explicated, The explication of notable Symp­toms in the Dia­betes. there remains yet for us to shew the reasons of the known symptoms, I suppose some of them to be ma­nifest enough out of the premises, to wit, wherefore there is so swift and copious an excretion of urine in the Diabetes: But that the sick are fevourish, and ve­ry thirsty, the reason is partly, From whence the often and co­pious pissing. because the humours and the juices by which both the Blood and the solid parts are moystned and refreshed, are by a too continual expense drawn forth by the Diuresis, or urinary evacuation, From whence the Fevour with thirst and lan­guishing. where­fore the throat is dry, and the Praecordia are greatly heated: and partly because the Heart by the urgent instinct of Nature, and the Lungs are provoked into a more rapid motion, that the Blood being deprived of the moystning Serum, might be hindred from coagulation or concretion or growing together, and might be continued in its due Circulation.

But it seems more hard to unfold, Wehrefore the U­rine of the sick is sweet lik ho­ny. wherefore the Urine of the sick is so won­derfully sweet, or hath an honied taste; when rather on the contrary if accor­ding to our Hypothesis the fusion of the Blood and (which therefore follows) the profusion of the Urine happens by reason of the combinations of Salts, the Li­quor certainly impregnated with these should be rather salt then sweet. But it is easy to unfold this in declaring first of all that the urine is deprived of its salt taste, for as much as many Salts that are of divers Nature are combined in it. For this appears by a manifold experiment in Chymistry, that if Salts that are of a divers Nature, as fixed and volatile, be mixed with an acid thing, the acri­mony of either is diminished or lost; wherefore we need not wonder that the u­rine of those labouring with the Diabetes is not salt. But why that it is won­derfully sweet like Sugar or hony, this difficulty is worthy of explanation. The honied taste is not from the nutritious juice, but from the com­binations of Salts with Sul­phur.

Some would think this effect to arise from this, that together with the Blood running forth thorow the Reins, both the recent nutritious Liquor, and the meltings of the solid parts are sent away, wherefore it should seem not impro­bable that this sweetness should be procured from these fat juices being mixed with Stale. But indeed from that mixture only a soft taste like milk or broth of flesh, pleasingly soft, but not sweet like hony should arise, yea but to this which is not only grateful but in a manner pricking, Saline spiculas or little stin­gings together with sulphureous sweetnings (as I have else where shewed) ought to concur. Wherefore as we have shewed Sugar and Hony to be made sweet de­servedly by the concretions of saline Sulphurs, so it may be suspected of the U­rine in the Diabetes, that with the salts combined in the Serum sulphureous Par­ticles picked forth of the Colliquation of the solid parts, do grow together.

As to the fore-knowledge, this Disease at first is often easily cured, Prognosticks of the Disease. but be­ing confirmed most rarely or with difficulty. For as much as the disposition of the Blood being but a little laxed, is reduced without great trouble, but that being very much loosed so that very many parts separate the one from the other, it scarce or never can be restored.

As to what belongs to the Cure, it seems a most hard thing in this Disease to draw true propositions of curing, for that its cause lies so deeply hid, and hath its origine so deep and remote. For, what is commonly thought, that the Reins, and the other solid parts, containing or transmitting the Serum and the Blood are in the fault, because that they send away too hastily their contents, and for that cause of astringing Medicines are chiefly and altogether to be insisted on: I say both reason and experience doth contradict both this Hypothesis and practice, for that few or none are cured by this Method: and it is highly improbable (if I may not say impossible) for that Diuresis to proceed from such a cause. Three I [...]dicati­ons of t [...]e curing Part.

Therefore in this Disease as in most others there are three chief therapeutick Indications. viz. Curatory, Preservatory, and Vital. The first of those re­specting the Disease, and endeavouring to restrain the excessive Diuresis or urina­ry [Page 84] evacuation, cannot be done without the Second, which aiming at the cause of the Disease endeavors to preserve, and to restore, the mixture of the Blood or its due Complexion. Wherefore the chief Intentions of healing as to the me­dicinal Cure of this Disease are to take care there be no fusion of the Blood, The chief Inten­tions of healing. and if any be made to take it away. In the First place the fusion of the Blood is in­hibited whilst that its more crass parts, To hinder the fu­sion of the Blood. and watry do continue themselves, and are contained together, neither the one go away from the other so continually and very hastily; which indeed is effected by thickning Remedies commonly so called; whose viscous and very glutinous bodies being admitted into the bloody Mass do pertinaciously stick close to its active Particles, and so separate them one from another, and hinder them, lest they should be mutually combined among themselves by an arisen flood or with suffused saline Particles from another place. For this end Rice, white Starch, also Gums, and some Resins are wont to be help­ful in this Disease. 2. To take it a­way being made. In the second place, that the fusion of the Blood being alrea­dy made, may be taken away, those sorts of Remedies have been made known which dissolve the concretions of the Salts, so that all the implanted elementary Particles, being at last made of their own kind, may recover their former State, and so make whole again the ancient complexion or Crasis of the Blood. Of this sort are such as have an effect on coagulated Milk, fixed, volatile, and nitrous Salts, also spirits of Harts horn, of Sal Armoniack and such like, as we have shew'd before. Which is proba­ble to be effected by Salines of a divers Nature. The reason of which is (as we have in the same place intimated) that whilst the saline, fixed, volatile or nitrous Particles, being in a sufficient quantity put into the Milk, do meet with the acid or precipitatory Particles, and are com­bined with them, the remaining saline Particles which are bound, being now freed and diffused thorow the Mass of the Liquor do dissociate the sulphureous terre­strial combined among themselves, and disperse them on every side, because that all the Particles being equally mixed again, they might mutually contain themselves, and be contained. So also by these the anology of the Blood is altered by reason of the saline Stagmas powred thereto being warm, we have there shewn by received experiments. But yet for curing the Diabetes, because that saline Medicaments are for the most part esteemed to be always Diuretick, we must not easily or rashly give them, although in the mean time, as neither reason so neither experience is contrary to this Method. For I have often prescribed in this Disease the tincture of Anti­mony with good success, also a water of a solution of quick Lime with shavings of Sassaphras, Anis seeds, Raisins and Liquorish, according to the vulgar Receipt, is very much commended by some.

An History.A certain noble Earl, noble both by the splendor of his Birth, and for those known excellencies of his mind, of a sanguineous temper, of a fresh Countenance, and in the strength of his Age, it being uncertain by what causes became too prone to a Diuresis; and so as for many months, he was wont to suffer oftentimes a Pro­fluvium or flux of Urine, at length (as it seems) he fell into a confirmed, and de­plorable Diabetes. For besides that in the space of a day and a night, he voyded almost a gallon and half of limpid Urine, wonderfully sweet, and as it were ho­nied, he was also affected with an huge thirst, and a Fevour as it were hectick, with great languor of the Spirits, the failing of Strength, and Consumption of the whole Body. When at this time I was sent for to consult with the famous Physitians Doctor Micklethwait and Doctor Witherly, these following remedies (by the use of which he was seen shortly to grow well) were prescribed.

Take the tops of the Cypress tree Mviij, of the whites of Egs beaten ij, of Ci­namon ℥ss, Example of the Cure. being cut small pour them into new Milk lbviij, distill it with ordi­nary Stills, taking care it taste not of the fire: Let him take ℥vj, thrice in a day.

Take Gum Arabick and Gum Tragacanth of each ʒvj, of penid. Sugar ℥j, make a powder. Let him take about ʒj or ʒjss, twice in a day with the distilled Water ℥iij or ℥iiij.

Take of powder of Rhubarb 15 gr: of Cinamon vj gr: make a powder to be taken n the morning repeating it in six or seven days.

Take of Couslip water ℥iij, of Cinamon Barly water ʒij, Syrup of Diaco­dium ℥ss, make a draught to be taken every evening.

His Diet was only of Milk which he took now crude, and diluted with distil­led water or else with Barly water, sometimes boiled with white Bread, or with Barly oftentimes in a day. When by the use of these he grew better every day, [Page 85] within a months time he seemed to be quite well: When he began to be indiffe­rent well, the insipid Urine was not much more than the quantity of the liquids that he took, and then it was something saltish, and less than what he drank: Then after a little while growing strong, with his wonted order of Spirits, he returned to his former Diet.

But yet the disposition to this Disease did not so thorowly cease, A Relapse of the same disease. but that af­terwards being apt to relapse by frequent fits, by reason of any disorders of living, and perhaps by reason of changes about the times of the year; he at first made his Water more plentifully, and then limpid and sweet, with a feverish thirst and languishing of Spirits: But by the use of the same Medicines it was wont to go away again in a short time. Not long since after a long interval of health, a little before he began to fall into a flux of Urine, he suffered great enormities and defects in the nervous Stock; viz. a numness or torpor and vertigo in the Brain, sudden Convulsions in the Members, little leaping of the tendons, and felt various runnings about as it were of a wind creeping here and there: Then when by the use of fit remedies, the aforesaid symptoms seemed to be cured; the Dia­betes after its wonted manner (the matter flowing forth of the Fibers and solid parts into the Blood, and from thence to the Reins and urinary passages) return­ed afresh.

At this time the aforesaid Physicians being called to Council, they advised the same method, and almost the same Remedies as had been formerly used, by the use of which when within a few days he began to find himself better; it was thought good to be prescribed for him, water of quick Lime to be taken thrice a day about ℥v or ℥vj: By which Remedy having used it four days, he made his water in a moderate quantity, well tinged and coloured and somewhat salt, and as to the rest, he seemed almost whole, as he had been in times past.

CHAP. IV. The Kinds and Forms of Ischuretical Medicines, or such as help to stop the Ʋrine in Ex­cess.

AStringent Medicines properly called, to wit, Austere, Bitter and Styptick, which by corrugating the Fibres of the Viscera, and by contracting them in­to a shorter space, do stop their expulsive and excretory Force, and for that cause do hinder an excessive Catharsis upwards and downwards, although they are wont vulgarly to be prescribed, do effect little or nothing to the restraining the Diure­sis, because the vertue of these hath no power upon the bloody Mass, Astringents do not help in the Diabetes. and doth not reach to the Reins and Bladder. Wherefore in the Diabetes it is in vain, that the Barks and Flowers of Granates, Medlers, Tormentil Roots, and the like are prescribed; as Reason tells us, so Experience confirms this to us. But the Remedies which are taken to help chiefly in the Diabetes, and do exactly quadrate with our Hypothesis, as we have before hinted, are of a double kind, viz. the first which do hinder the combinations of the Salts, and consequently the fu­sion of the Blood, of which sort are those which are said to be thickners, and have viscous and glutinous Particles, which being admitted into the mass of Blood, do pertinaciously adhere to its active Particles and dissociate them, and do hinder that they may not be combined mutually among themselves, nor with saline Par­ticles poured forth from another place. Secondly, which dissolve the accretions of the Salts, that they may restore the mixtion of the Blood, Three chief In­tentions of Cu­ring. of which sort are the Salts of another nature, that are apt to cohere to the acid Salt, and to draw [Page 86] away that from the combinations so begun in the Blood, as chiefly those Medicines endued with a fixed; as also with a volatile and alchalisate Salt. Besides these two chief kinds of Ischureticks, there remains another secondary, viz. Hypno­tick, or causing rest; which by putting a stop or stay to the animal oeco­nomy, makes the vital Regimen or Governance to be much more quietly performed, and for that reason with a lesser fusion of the Blood, or precipitation of the serous and nutritious humour. It rests now that we add some select Forms of every kind of these Medicines.

1. The thick­ning of the Blood.1. The first scope of curing by which we endeavour by thickning the Blood, to take away its fusion or to hinder it, is performed by these fol­lowing.

Powders.Take of Gum Arabick, Tragacanth powdered, of each ℥j, of Sugar'd Pellets ℥ss, make a Powder and divide it into sixteen parts: Take one part thrice a day, dissolving it in distilled water, or in a decoction of the Roots of Comphry, in Spring Water, or Milk.

Electuary.Take of resumtive Electuary ℥iij, of the species of Diatragacanth frigid ℥j, of Red Coral broken ʒij, Confection de Hyacint. ʒjss, gelly of Vipers Flesh what will suffice: Make an Electuary, of which take three times a day the quantity of a Walnut.

Take of white Amber, Mastick, and Olibanum powdered, of each ℥j, the powder of Haly ℥ij, of Balsom of Tolu ℥ss: Make a subtle Powder, the Dose ʒss three or four times in a day.

Decoction.Take of the Roots of the greater Comfry, of water Lillies, of each ℥iij, of sliced Dates ℥ij, of the seeds of Mallows, of silk Worms, Plantane, and Flea-wort, of each ℥ss, boyl them in Spring Water lbiiij, till half be con­sumed: Add to the straining of the Syrup of water Lillies ℥ij: The Dose is ℥iiij thrice a day.

Take of the decoction of Barly with water Lilly Roots lbjss, of sweet Almonds bruised ℥jss, Emulsion. of the seeds of white Poppy, of Purslain, of Lettice, of each ℥ss: Make an Emulsion according to Art. The Dose ℥iiij thrice a day.

Take of the tops of Cypress Mvj, of the leaves of Clary Miiij, of the Flowers of blind Nettles, A distilled Wa­ter. Comfry, and water Lillies, of each Miiij, of the Roots of water Lillies, and Comfry, of each lbss, of Mace ℥j: All of them being cut small, put them into new Milk lbviij, distil them with an ordinary Still. The Dose ℥iiij thrice in a day, with the Powder or the Electucry above prescribed.

2. The reducti­on or fixing of the Blood.In the second place, Although saline Medicines of every kind are ac­counted Diuretick, and every one of them in some Cases, for as much as they fuse the Blood, and make its serosities to go away more copiously, they are in a measure Diuretick: Wherefore the use of them may be well suspected in the Diabetes, yet for the reason above cited, to wit, that by meeting with the acid Salt (when it predominates in the Blood) they take away and hinder its fusion and deliquescency. I do not at all doubt but they may be administred sometimes with success, for the curing of the Fluxes of the Urine; and as soon as an opportunity shall be given, I have resolved to find out the truth of this, by cautiously trying it: And in­deed it appears, that this may be safely enough experimented; be­cause I have heard for certain, that one labouring with the Diabetes, was cured by an infusion of quick Lime. But for that the saline Medicines, (which t [...]ke away the dominion of the acid Salt, and as we suppose, bind it, as it were, with Chains) are endued with either a fixed, or a vola­tile, or an Alchalisate Salt, I wil recite some forms of Ischureticks, in which each of these are the Basis.

1. Medicines endued with a fixed Salt.In the first place therefore, when the fixed Salt by it self, or joyned with Sulphur, is required for the ground.

Take of the Tincture of the salt of Tartar, or of its deliquium, what will suffice, Tinctures. let it be given in a little draught of some decoction or distil­led water, but now described, thrice in a day.

Take of the Tincture of Antimony, let it be taken after the same manner thrice in a day, the use of this I have by frequent experience learned to be very profitable in this Disease.

Take of salt of Coral ℈j, let it be taken after the same man­ner.

Take of the infusion of quick Lime lbj, Electuary. the Dose ℥iiij or ℥iij thrice in a day, taking before a dose of the Electuary or Powder above pre­scribed.

Take of Conserves of the Flowers of blind Nettles, and of the great­er Comfry ℥iiij, of the reddest Crocus of Steel ℥ss, of Coral calcined to a whiteness ʒij, Syrup of Comfry what will suffice to make an Electuary. The Dose ʒij thrice in a day.

Take of lapis specularis calcined ℥j, the dose ʒss to ʒj, twice or thrice in a day. Powder. Countrymen with this Medicine happily cure their Cattle that make a bloody water.

Take of Coral calcined white and powdered ʒiij, powder of Gum Arabick, Tragacanth, of each ʒj, make a Powder, divide it into ten parts: Take one three times a day in a convenient Vehicle, to wit, boyled or di­stilled water.

Take of Crocus Martis the reddest ʒvj, of Gum lac powdered ℥ss, red San­ders ʒj. Make a Powder, divide it into twenty parts, of which take one three times a day.

Take of Harts Horn burnt and powdered ℥ss, Decoction. let it be boyled in water of the Smiths Forge lbiiij till half be consumed, adding towards the end a Crust of Bread, of the Roots of the greater Comfry, of water Lillies dryed, of each ℥jss, to the straining add of Sugar, Lozenges perled ℥ij, take of it ℥iiij thrice a day.

2. Medicines endued with an Alchalisate Salt, of which sort are Corals, 2. Remedies en­dued with Al­chalisate Salt. Pearls, Cuttle Bone, Harts Horn, Ivory, powders of Shells, and such like, as they are commonly used against Rheumatick Diseases, so also for the Diabetes: And indeed according to our Hypothesis, for as much as they re­ceive the acid Salt abounding in the Blood, and for that reason preserve the bloody Mass from fusion, a benefit is oftentimes not vainly expected from them.

Take of the reddest Coral made very thin, of Cuttle Bone, of each ℥ss, of Harts Horn philosophically calcined ʒiij, of Pearls, of Ivory, Powder. of Crabs Eyes, of each ʒj, mingle them and make a Powder: The dose ʒss, thrice in a day in a fit Vehicle.

Take of the same Powder ℥iij, of the Species of Diatragacanth frigid ℥ij, of Sugar-Candy ℥ij, Electuary. make a Powder with what will suffice of the solu­tion of Gum Arabick, make a paste: Let it be made into Troches weighing ʒss, take iij or iiij thrice or oftner in a day.

Take of the same Powder ℥ij, of Electuary resumptive ℥iiij, conserves of flowers of water Lillies ℥iij, of the same Syrup what will suffice: Make an Electuary, take thereof the quantity of a Chesnut thrice in a day, drinking after it a draught of the Apozem, or distilled Water above prescribed.

3. For the same Reason that Medicines endued with a fixed and alcha­lisate Salt, so also those with a volatile, 3. Remedies [...] ­dued with a vo­latile Salt. seem convenient for the curing the Diabetes: For these as well as they receive the acid Salt (by which the Blood is fused and melted into serosity) and draw it off, so that its liquor might recover its due complexion.

Take of Tincture solar with sal Armoniack, A Tincture. (as I was wont easily) prepared ℥j: The dose is twenty drops thrice in a day. Spirits of Blood, of Soot, of Harts Horn also may be tryed in this disease.

Take of Salt of Amber ʒj, of the reddest Crocus Martis ʒij, Powder. mingle them and divide it into twelve parts: The dose is one part three times in a day.

What belongs to the third kind of Remedies in the Diabetes, Hypnotick. viz. Hypnotick, which by stopping the animal Spirits retard the course of the Blood, and so hinder something its effervescency and fusion: I am wont [Page 88] to prescribe to some to take every Evening Diacodium, and if that does not do, liquid Laudanum, or quinced or tartarisated, and to give it sucessfully now every night, now every other night.

Take of the decoction of Barly, with the dryed Roots of Comfry ℥ss ℥vj, of the Seeds of white Poppy ʒij, of sweet Almonds blanched number vj: Make an Emulsion according to Art, to be taken every Night going to Sleep.

Take of the magisterial distilled Water above prescribed ℥iij, of the solution of Tragacanth ʒij, of Diacodium ℥ss to ʒvj, to be taken going to Sleep.

Take of the conserve of water Lilly flowers ʒij, of tartarisated or quinced Laudanum ℈j, of the Tincture of Steel, drops vj: Make a Bolus to be taken going to Sleep.

CHAP. I. Of Sweating and Hydrotick Medicines, or Evacua­ting by Sweat.

THe Aliments for the nourishing of the Bodies of Animals, are taken in at one passage only, to wit, by the Mouth: But Nature provident e­nough, hath formed a manifold going forth or many ways of Evacua­tion, whereby the superfluities of the nourishing matter, or all the incongruous Particles either taken from some other place, or begotten within, might be cast forth adoors: Whatsoever of Food there is occasion for, it ought to en­ter always in at the same door, for that it might be sufficiently known and exami­ned, for poysons would easily creep in through more, or postern doors opening inwards together with the Aliments; One only way of Ingestion, ma [...]y of Egestion lye open. that if any hostile matter for all the watch of this single door should enter in, or should be begotten by the fault of an inter­nal governance, this might be able to lye hid in no lurking place or corner, but that there might be in the same place doors opened for its exclusion: The reason of this is hinted. For if any Heterogeneous thing should subsist in the first passages, it is purged forth by vo­mit or purging; if that going farther it should mingle it self with the Blood or nervous Juice, or stick close to the solid parts, by and by it is cast forth by tran­spiration and sweat, or else by Urine. But if that Nature for that it is slothful, or hindred, cannot either quickly or sufficiently send forth of its own accord, the extraneous matters by these passages, Medicine must supply with convenient Remedies, whereby every defect or fault about the manner and ways of Excre­tions may be helped. Therefore as we reasoning of Vomiting, Purging, and Evacuation by Urine, have more largely shewed already, How Medicine helps its defects by Evacuation, by Sweat, and likewise by other Excretions. what sort of Medicines destinated to those ends do produce their operations on the affections both of the Humours, of the Spirits, and of the Viscera; so now there remains in this place to be unfolded by what way and by what Medicines, a more plentiful Diaphoresis (or evacuation by sweat) or sweating, if at any time needful, is wont to be provoked. That these may be the better known, it is behooful in the first place to declare what the matter of Sweat is, and its formal reason, and in what, and by how many ways plentiful sweating very often happens without evacuation, by reason of external accidents, or by an intestine Orgasm of humors or spirits.

In the Diaphoresis or evacuation by Sweat contrary to Purging, the motion of ex­cretion tends from the first passages, How Evacuati­on by Sweat dif­fers from Purg­ing. and as it were from the most inward Center of the Body to the Circumference: In both these the Arteries do carry more to the places of Evacuation, than the Veins do carry back; at other times the Veins do render back from the places which are opposite to them, more than the Arteries do force away. In purging, a greater load is imposed to be carried by the splanchnical Arteries, together with the Veins respecting the habit of the body: But it is quite contrary in evacuation by Sweat, because in this whilst the Arteries do convey more than ordinary towards the circuit of the Body, the Mesaraick Veins do carry away a greater provision from the Viscera of concoction, than the Arteries do bring thither. In like manner in the other evacuation, whilst the splanchnick Arteries do pour forth into the Viscera more than is due, the extrinsick Veins carry back more from the habit of the Body, than the Arteries carry thither. Where­fore as either evacuation is procured by many ways, so also this way not the least, viz. whilst the Arteries respecting either the Viscera or the habit of the Body are urged into more rapid motions, a greater load of humours is pressed into the Veins [Page 88] [...] [Page 89] [...] [Page 90] which are of an opposite power. By what means Diaphoreticks do perform both these intentions shall be declared anon: In the mean time, we will take notice a­bout the Diaphoresis in its kind, that sweating in respect of the ordinary perspi­ration is esteemed even as a Diarrhoea to the natural emptying of the Belly, to wit, that is only a quicker, and more intense transpiration. For as often as the Blood growing more hot than ordinary and as it were flaming forth, emits more copiously its hot Effluvias, these carrying with them many Particles of the Serum, make Sweat.

The matter of Sweat is either Elementary or Humoral.The matter of sweat may be called either elementary or humoral; as to the first, this in like manner as urine consists of Spirit, Salt, and Sulphur moderate, of more copious Serum and a very little of Earth. That it is so, is easily gathered from the expence of the Spirits in sweating, the watry substance, salt taste, unctu­osity and feculency of this Excrement: 1. What the Par­ticles of the for­mer are. For indeed whilst the Blood for the prolong­ing the Life of living Creatures is continually enkindled in the Lungs, and from thence flaming forth is conveyed from the Heart by the Arteries into all parts, certain subtil, to wit, spirituous and sulphury Particles, being most fit to fly away, do copiously pro­ceed from its enkindled and rarefied Liquor; which flowing forth thorow the Pores of the Body, snatch with them forth adoors very many little bodies of the Serum, and somewhat of the rest also. If that these kind of Effluvias be few, they fly away leisurely, and exhaling moderately, they vanish away almost undiscernable, but if these Effluvias being more heaped up do break forth thickly, whilst they can scarce pierce thorow the pores of the Skin, they are condensed into water, even as in like manner vapours being sent forth from boyling water, make wet the cover of the Pot that lies over them.

2. Of what the latter consists.The ordinary humoral matter of the sweat is scarce any thing else but the Se­rum of the Blood, to which sometimes are joyned, if indeed that excretion be inordinate, portions of the nutritious and nervous Liquor, and other humours from the Viscera, Glandulas, and lymphick Vessels, being forced away, yea farci­ments or meltings of the solid Parts: But this, whatsoever it be, is chiefly cast forth from the Arteries, although we cannot deny that something besides doth sweat forth also from the Nerves; moreover something of Humour is attenuated into vapour by the force of heat, from the Fibres and solid Parts, which growes again into dew about the Skin. But indeed it is the Blood it self only, which by its heat makes every humour evaporate, and emits the cheifest part of what it sweats forth from its own bosom.

Three things re­quired to swea­ting.That sweat may copiously and easily break forth, these three things are required, viz. That the blood growing more hot then ordinary be more rapidly circulated, Secondly, that its latex or water, with very many watry Particles, and those so­luted, that is, to be separated from the remaining Liquor, and apt to be resolved into vapour, may abundantly flow over. Thirdly and lastly, that the Pores of the whole Body may be sufficiently unlocked and lying open.

The first Condi­tion is that the blood may be more rapidly circulated.1. The reason of the first condition seems manifest enough, for unless the blood being rapidly circulated, is carried in so great plenty through the Arteries, that the residue cannot be all received in its reduction by the venose Artery, by the lymphick Vessels or insensibly exhaled by perspiration, there would be nothing superfluous, that might issue forth by sweat: for this Latex or water is out of the superfluous or reject­ed matter of those Pipes. But the Blood for the stirring up the more plentiful sweat is circulated more rapidly, for as much as it is driven about with a great force by reason of the more often and more vehement Systoles or Pulses of the heart. Of the effect of which as there are many evident causes, they may all of them or at least the chief of them be reduced to the two following kinds.

The efficient cause both for actuating and also variously altering the motion of the Heart, Which depends partly on the blood, and part­ly on the animal Spirits. are the animal Spirits flowing from the Cerebell or little Brain; but the final cause is the circulation of the Blood: for, as its primitive motion is in­stituted for its sake, so accordingly as the blood ought to be circulated by reason of many occasions, either quicker, or slower, vehemently, or leisurely, or af­ter other ways, for that end also the Beating or Pulse of the heart is diversly va­ried. How often soever therefore it is so intended that it might stir up sweat, it comes to be so done either by the necessity or need of the Blood, or by the In­stigation of the animal Spirits.

How this Cause is from the bloods [...].Whensoever the Blood growes more hot than it ought or is enkindled, lest it should be chocked within the bosom of the Heart, it ought to be turned about more [Page 91] rapidously. But of such an effervescency or enkindling there are too many causes, and pretexts. For sometimes the Blood being too much carried forth by its proper Sulphur, after the manner of Vines, swells up of its own accord. Further that, from hot things taken in at the mouth, by reason of an ambient or outward heat, a more quick motion of the Body, the shutting up of the Pores, and many occa­sions being heated or agitated above measure, and more than usually inkindled, requires to be so circumagitated or turned about, for that sweating might fol­low.

2. And how from the part of the animal Spirits. Sometimes the Blood being quiet of it self is moved into an hydrotick effer­vescency, by the Instigation of the animal Spirits. For indeed in acute griefs, violent passions, in great impediments of the natural and vital functions, in the Ago­ny it self of Death, and in other faintings or affections of the Spirits, when the health of the body is greatly in danger, the sensitive Soul, that it might conserve the vital flame of the Blood from expiring, instigates the Heart into a most rapid motion, whereby, whilst the Blood is driven about more impetuously, for the most part also sweat is stirred up.

The second thing requisite for the stirring up of sweat is, 2. Of the Ephi­drosis. that whilst the Blood growes exceeding hot, or is inflamed more than its wont, and emits plen­tiful Effluvias, The second Con­dition is that the joyntings of the blood be lax­ed and loosned. its Latex or water in the serous humour which is apt to go away and to be exhaled from its remaining Mass, abundantly overflowes; for other­wise a dry evaporation alone as from boyled oyl, also urged by a fevourish or a­ny other intense heat breaks forth, and no sweat. Those whose blood is full of Serum, and have it somewhat soluted and lax, upon very light occasions fall into sweating. But if that the Serum be deficient, or be too much compacted by the Blood, or being very much thickned by reason of incocted feculencies, it is not easily separated; and if the burning heat of a continual burning fevour doth trou­ble one, and that most strong Diaphoreticks be administred, scarce any sweat at all follows.

Thirdly, 3. The third Con­dition of swea­ting that the Pores be open e­nough. it is required for the right procuring of sweating that whilst the Blood grows hot, and is sufficiently moistned by a watry and easily separable hu­mour, the Pores also of the skin should be unlocked and lye open; for unless the Body be perspirable, it will be in vain to endeavour a Diaphoresis or sweating. Some have so very thick skins and almost not to be pierced thorow, that if helpt too by winter cold, thou mayest oftentimes wring out water sooner from a Pumice Stone than out of their hides.

So much for the chief things necessary for the stirring up of the Ephidrosis or sweating, which for that sometimes they may be in some part defective, The causes of too much sweating are hinted. may be the cause that sweat hardly or not at all succeeds, so sometimes by reason of the excess of these, or some other irregularities about the humours or habit of the Bo­dy, too often and too plentiful sweating is wont to infest some; so much that the nutritious Juice is no sooner conveyed to the Blood, but the whole presently; with the serous water sweating out at the Pores of the skin, is spent in moisture. If we shall inquire into the Reasons of this, these three do chiefly occur, in some of which or in all together they seem to consist.

1. A too great propension therefore to sweating arises, 1. The first of which is Dyscra­sy or debility or a more sparing inkindling of the Blood. because the Blood is vitiated in its Crasis, and being made weaker doth not assimilate the nutritious Juice which it receives from the Chyle; wherefore, as a Stomach of a broken and un­sound tone, it is compelled to vomit forth the infused humour, as soon as it is fil­led with it. Hence it is that nocturnal sweatings and very grievous do so very much follow in continual Fevours; for as much as in these the Mass of the blood (like sower milk, which being made hot over the fire, is fused of its own accord with­out the addition, of any coagulating thing, and precipitated into serosity) is of so loose joynting, that it is upon every light occasion loosned in the mixtion. To which it may happen that the blood being impoverished is not fully inkindled, wherefore there is a necessity for it that the crude juices, that are but little wasted by efflagration, should whilst the blood is incited break forth more plentifully into sweat.

Secondly, It is not improbable that the too great propension to sweat does in some measure proceed from this cause, 2. The Evacua­tion of the Se­rum by other wonted ways be­ing prohibited, viz. that either the Reins or the Lym­phaeducts do not every where sufficiently perform their offices. For if by chance the superfluous serosities of the arterious blood are not sent away by this or that [Page 92] way, there will be a necessity that they must be somewhere stored up, hinder the circulation of the blood, and not seldom cause the Dropsy.

Thirdly, If at any time for the aforesaid Reasons the sweating disposition shall affect one, The third the o­peness of the Pores. the same may be further increased, and more often and more copious sweats may distill forth of the Pores of the skin, and passages shall be more open than ordinary; which kind of affection is sometimes from nature, and sometimes from some accident. I have known the Bodies of some to be so cribrose or full of holes that they were not able to suffer the least breath of air, who also by every more quick motion, or by the heat of the Sun, the fire, or of the Bed, would be forth­with dissolved into moisture.

The formal Rea­son and conjunct Cause of Sweat.From these which are required to the full provoking of [...] or, Suda­tion, and that too much cause it, thus laid down, it will be easie to gather, what both the formal Reason and conjunct Cause of sweat may be; for either consists in this, that the blood abounding in Serum, and lying somewhat loosned in its joyn­ting, whilst that by a more quick pulse of the heart it is circulated more rapi­dously, and so more carried thorow the Arteries, than can be presently the bloody part returned back by the Veins, and the serous part sent away by the Reins and Lymphaeducts; therefore there will be a necessity that whatsoever of the Serum is superfluous imbued also with other Particles, must sweat out thorow the suffii­ently open pores of the skin.

Its more remote causes.What belongs to the other causes, of sweating, viz. Procatarctick and evident, they which are of the former kind respect either the Mass of blood, or the ani­mal spirits. For these (as we have already hinted) being obnoxious to convulsive, and other irregular Affections, sometimes either of their own accord or occasional­ly fall into explosive and inordinate motions; by which also the Praecordia being hugely agitated, they impetuously drive about the Blood, and cause it by that means to be loosned into sweats. But truly the antecedent cause of spontaneous Ephidrosis or sweating more often lies hid in the bloody Mass: for if at any time heterogeneous Particles, and wholly incongruous, are heaped together to a ful­ness in its bosom, that, at length being burthened growes hot or works with an arisen Flux, that, what is burthensom together with the serous water might be separated and cast forth adoors by sweat; which sort of sweat according to the easy, difficult, or impossible excretion of the offending matter is called ei­ther Critick (which is moreover more or less perfect) or Symptomatick. We have largely enough discoursed concerning these in our Puretology, so that there is no need to say any more of it here.

The evident cau­ses of Sudation.2. The evident causes of sudation to wit, which very much provoke by them­selves a wonted Ephidrosis or Sudation without a Procatarxis, or medical Indication, as they are various, and divers, viz. things taken in at the mouth, or outwardly apply­ed, too great a commotion of the Mind, or Body with many others, it will be here convenient to note briefly the chief of them together with the distinct Reasons of their affecting: By which rightly understood will be better known by what means and with what diversity Medicines destinated to this business do move the Dia­phoresis with sweat.

1. Agitation of the Body.1. In the first place therefore, sweat is wont to be provoked by a more quick mo­tion of the Body, as may be well perceived in running, leaping, carrying of bur­thens, pulling or drawing and such like. The reason of which is, because the Muscles of the Body being vehemently exercised, they press together the inter­posing Vessels, and so thorowly agitate the Blood, and drive it too and fro strong­ly; and as by this means the Veins are very much strained, the Blood more easi­ly slides forth, and creeps much more swiftly towards the heart thorow their Pipes being more and more opened; and so as it is more copiously laid up together with­in its right bosom, it oppresses it, or almost choaks it, and the Heart and Lungs, for the more rapid driving about of the blood do diligently labour by quicker and stronger endeavours: hence at length as that is more enkindled within the Praecor­dia, and by that means rarefied, and made loose in its joynting, it exhales far more little bodies of heat, that is, of Spirit and Sulphur; which carrying forth adoors with them the serosities (whilst all the Vessels do so swell up) unable to be reduced, To which are al­so added the pas­sion of th [...] Mind. cause sweat. And as of the Body, so also the immoderate exercises of the Mind move sweats.

[Page 93]2, The ambient heat as that of the Sun, Fire, a Bath, Hot house, or such like, is apt to provoke sweat; because hot Effluvias being sent from without into our Bo­dies, and entring somewhat into the skin, unlock both its Pores, and passages, and also make hot the Blood, and compel it as water over a fire to boyl up; 2. Ambient heat. and so as being loosned from its joynting together, and rarefied, the sudorifick vapours more copiously are exhaled. Neither doth the meer extrinsick Heat move sweat only, but also that proper heat being detained about the compass of the Body from whence it did exhale. For there is nothing more usual than that any one lying in Bed, whilst he is covered with many bed-cloaths should fall into sweat. The rea­son of which is clear enough, for the breathings forth already departed, and be­ing restrained about the superficies of the body hath the nature of a dry Bath.

Sometimes the restraint of usual transpiration causes Sweat; 3. The hin­drance of won­ted transpirati­on. the reason of which is because the Blood being prohibited from a more free breathing forth, as Must or new Wine being too strait shut up in a Cask, more impetuously ferments; and thence being more rarefied and consequently being agitated in a more rapid circuit, there is a necessity for it to be dissolvid into sweat. In times past it was a custom among the Irish, if any one were sick of a Fevour, to roll him up in woollen cloths wetted with cold water, by which means a plentiful sweat succeeding the disease was often broken. The like experiment I have heard to be try'd with our Coun­trymen with good success.

4. Hot aliments being taken, especially Salt, Pepper, and candied Spices, 4. Hot things taken inwardly. also drinks of strong Waters, strong Beer, and generous Wines, for as much as they imbue either the Blood with active Particles or with provokatives, as it were a certain sting or fury, or that they minister to it being very hot and burning, sul­phureous and inflamable nourishments, as it were oyl to a Lamp, they stir up a more plentiful Diapneon of halituous or breathy matter, and for that cause greater swea­tings forth of the abounding Serum.

So much for the Nature of Sweat, and of both the conjunct and manifest causes. The differences of Sweat. As to what be ongs to its differences, it is wont to be distinguished many ways, to wit, that itl was spontaneous or forced, or partial or universal, or critick or symptomatick, the reasons of all which are clearly enough made known by what hath been already said. Moreover sweat is either hot, of which we have discour­sed hitherto, or cold in the Act, which sort is frequently excited by a panick fear, The causes of cold Sweat. a very acute grief, swooning, and in every sudden failing of the Spirits, and the a­gony of Death. The cause of this seems to be, that from a huge and sudden pas­sion, the whole soul sinking down contract its compass, and therefore the Spirits being scatter'd, and the Blood with the heat being drawn back towards the Heart, the outmost Effluvias passing forth thorow the skin being left by the following, and destitute of Heat, therefore they are condensed into a cold Vapour, even as by the like Reason it is wont to happen in distilling. For if you suddenly repress or extinguish the fire, presently the warm exhalation filling the Alembick is re­solved into a dew.

From these things thus premised and shown, Of what sort Diaphoretick Medicines ought to be. which are chiefly requisite to the provoking of Sweat, and by which occasions chiefly, and ordinary accidents it is wont to be stirred up, it will not be difficult to shew with what powers and Parti­cles Diaphoretick Medicines ought to be enricht, and by what means they pro­duce their effects And first of all, as to what belong to their Properties or Vir­tues. Hydroticks or sweating Medicines that are to be taken inwardly ought to be of that kind which may make the blood to be more hot than ordinary, and by consequence to evaporate; also which may after a sort unlock and fuse its Mass oftentimes too much compacted, and thickned, that from thence its serosities may more easily be separated and go away, and at the same time dispose them so separated, rather to be cast forth by a Diaphoresis or sweating than by Urine or Siege. These are the two primary requisits or Indicancies to the Ephidrosis, by the right accomplishing of which the Diaphoreticks of a various kind and energy are wont to be administred. As to what belongs to the three things requisite (which we made mention of before) viz. the apertion of the Pores, this is effected for the most part only by external Applications, but yet by what means and after what man­ner it is wont to be done, shall be shewn hereafter. In the mean time that we may speak of sweating Medicines that are to be taken in at the mouth, it behoves us in the first place to shew by what general means those do operate; then by what [Page 94] difference, and particular manner of affecting, and lastly with what virtue eve­ry kind, to wit, those wholly mixed or of one of the elements, viz. of Spirit, Sul­phur, or Salt, being insigned, do exercise their Power both in the Viscera and in the Humours about the provoking of Sweat.

The general rea­son of their En­ergy.1. As to the first concerning Diaphoretick Medicines in general, we note them to be such whose Particles are friendly enough to the Ventricle and Intestines, and do not provoke to any convulsion or excretory motion; moreover that they are in no wise to be overcome by them or to be assimilated like to Aliments; but that being taken into the Stomach they forthwith dispose both the animal Spirits, and al­so the Blood to yeild to an Ephidrosis or sweating. But indeed some of them be­ing immersed in the Ventricle, and dissolved, by and by they stir up, and recreate the animal Spirits every where abounding in the nervous Fibres (of which the inte­rior Coat is made) for the end that the Hypostasis of the whole sensitive Soul being presently erected, and stretched forth into a greater compass, they might make the Praecordia to be more lively actuated, and so the blood being rarefied and more inkindled, to be carried about more rapidously, and so to be driven into a Dia­phoresis or sweating. Further, in the mean time the Particles of the same Medi­cine do pour themselves into the blood which waters the stomachal Vessels (which most thickly cover the nervous Coat) and whilst that they by and by ferment it, and make it to grow hot, they compel it to be forced thorow the veins more ra­pidly than it is wont towards the Praecordia; to which when it is more impetuous­ly brought, presently the Pulse of the heart being increased the whole Mass of blood rarefied, and more inkindled, and by the Particles of the Medicine most in­timately mixed with it, agitated, it is carried along more quick thorow the Ar­teries to all the exterior parts; where when all its water is not able to be carried back, or received by the Veins or other leading Pipes, there is a very great neces­sity for much of the serous humour to be resolved into Sweat. But the Particles of the sweating Medicine, being admitted according to the aforesaid manner into the Blood, do not only ferment and agitate its Liquor, but oftentimes they so loosen, and unlock its mistion, that its Serum and other excrements may be more easily separated and sent away. But for as much as this may happen to be done by a divers means according both to the divers constitution of the blood, and the Nature or preparation of the Medicine; it will here be worth our while briefly to explicate the chief Indications about moving a Diaphoresis or sweating, and the various ways of prosecuting it, together with the Reasons of them. But it is further to be noted in the first place that Hydrotick or sweating Medicines as to their ways of working and operations, Sweating Me­dicines are neer a kin to most Cardiacks or Cordials. have a great affinity with most Cordi­als commonly so called, in so much that many things of either kind are of common use or reciprocal, and as they so differ chiefly as to their greater or lesser efficacy, as often as it is behoveful to pass from one kind to another, there is need almost only to augment or diminish the Dose, and chiefly to choose fit times for admini­string.

The matters of sweating Medi­cines are either integral parts of the mixture.As to what belongs therefore both to the various kind, and preparation of the matter out of which Hydrotick Medicines are taken; they are for the most part the whole parts or elementary of every mixture. To wit, they are either natural concretes in their whole substance, or simples, or extracts which are given, as when the Leaves, Roots, or Seeds of Carduus, Contrayerva, Angelica, or the like are taken in Powder, Or Elementary. Decoction, Conserves, or Magistery: or Diaphoreticks that consist in Particles of this or that element, to wit, spirituous, sulphureous, or saline, or in simples, or any other very excellent things; as if that Salt, or Spirit, or Oyl, are drawn out of Carduus or any other vegetable body, mineral or animal, and are reduced either by themselves or with other prepared things in­to the form of a Medicine, we will briefly touch of all or at least the chief of these kinds.

1. What are of the former kinds.1. Diaphoreticks, whose virtue consists in the integral Particles of the whole Concrete, are inequally mixed, although they seem to excell in one certain ele­ment ( viz. saline) more then in the rest of the Elements, and to own its virtue chiefly to it: But that salt, upon which the sweating force depends, offers it self in a double condition: For in some concretes it is volatile, and sharp or bitter, and inothers Alchalisate, and as it were fixed.

1. In the first rank are very many vegetables, esteemed by the Ancients for An­tidotes, [Page 95] as the leaves of Scordium, Carduus, Scabious Poyson-resister, the flowers of Caltha, Camomil, the Roots of Butter-bur, Zodoary, Galingal, &c. Also the confections of Mithridate, Treacle, Diascordium, also decoctions of Guaicum, Box, and such like. The Medicines of which being put into the Ventricle and dissolved, they make a Tincture, whose Particles seeing that they are more hot and exotick, do awaken the animal Spirits, from whence the praecordia being more lively actuated, drive about the Blood more rapidly. By what means they operate. But also they go in and fer­ment the blood, abounding in the stomachal Vessels, and so whilst they make it to be carried back quicker towards the heart, they are also a Cause, that it is ve­hemently and sweatingly driven forward through the Arteries into the habit of the Body. 2. The other species of Diaphoreticks, which whilst they consist of integral parts mixed, have a most excellent alchal Salt; are Stones, and bony and shelly parts of Animals and Vegetables, as Bezoar, Pearls, Eyes and Claws of Crabs, and such like, whose Diaphoretick Virtue proceeds chiefly from the Al­chal Salt; for as much as its Particles sometimes meeting with an acid Salt, both in the Viscera and also in the Blood, and growing hot or fermenting with it, by that means cause the sanguinious Mass to be fused and its serosities to be separa­ted, and resolved into sweat.

2. Hydrotick Medicines, which after the spagyrick Analysis owe their vertue, 2. Hydroticks whose Particles are elementary, of what sort, and how many they are. either to these or to those elementary Particles, being formed from various sub­jects, and with a diverse manner of preparation, are chiefly either spirituous or saline, or either combined one with the other, or with some sulphureous Particles. For such as are merely, or for the greatest part sulphureous, are less fit for this intention, because such being very infestous to the Viscera, oftentimes provoke a nauseousness, and not seldom vomiting: Moreover such as are Oily by reason of abundance of Sulphur and Fat, are not so ready to insinuate their Particles into the mass of Blood. We will make a special search by what means or by what af­fection of the Spirits or Blood, these other do move sweat.

1. And in the first place to the spirituous substance we refer Hot Waters and Liquors endued with any vinous Spirit, 1. Spirituous. of which sort are abundance from the fruits of Vegetables, or from dry things maturated by fermentation, or resolved by putrefaction, distilled by the chymical Art, as are the spirits of Wine, of Cy­der, of Beer, of Juniper Berries, of Elder Berries, of black Cherries, with many others which are commonly called Spirits; and are taken either simple or limpid by themselves, or impregnated by the infusion of other simples, are distilled a­gain or given under the form of a Tincture. These kind of winy Liquors being taken inwardly, for as much as they both set up the animal Spirits and provoke them into a greater expansion, (whereby in like manner the motion of the Heart is increased) and for as much as they agitate the Blood, and (as by the access of Oyl to flame) cause it to be more inkindled; they move sweat. For the same reason and means of affecting, whereby these are wont to be called Diaphoreticks, they may be also Cardiacks or Cordials, if they be given in a lesser dose.

To the provoking of Sweat, prepared Salines of a various kind and diverse condi­tion, use to be prescribed, and indeed with good success; 2. Salines. which notwithstanding do not exagitate the blood, as Particles of the whole mixture, or merely spirituous, ei­ther by reason of their heterogeneity, or inkindle an inflammability, but only by forcing into its saline Particles, which whilst they snatch them into their embra­ces, they pull them away from their too strict combination with others, By what means they operate. so that the joynting together of the Blood being laxed, and the Pulse increased, the su­perfluous serosities and other excrements, may be more easily separated and sent away by sweat. In how manifold a Condition their saline Par­ticles are. To this Cense or Rank (as in like manner we have shewed above to be in Diureticks, and as also will afterwards appear in Cardiacks) Salts almost of every condition ought to be referred, especially volatile, fluid, fixed, and ni­trous Salt, out of which single or compounded among themselves Diaphoreticks of the chiefest note are gathered, which being inwardly taken and meeting with other Salts both in the Viscera, and also those abounding in the mass of Blood, and drawing them away from the embraces of other Particles, unlock the Blood and rarefie it, and so dispose it to Diaphoresis. The chief kinds of these, and their manner of working, we will unfold anon; in the mean time notwithstand­ing, as these saline Medicines which are wont to move to sweats, are also given to move Urine, and sometimes also for Cordials, it behoves us to shew by what [Page 96] preparation, and besides with what requisites, whilst we give the same Medicines, we may be able to prosecute the Diaphoresis apart from those other Inten­tions.

With what pre­paration and manner of admi­nistration Dia­phoreticks are to be given.And indeed we take notice that sudorificks inwardly taken, seldom or never o­perate of their own accord, as Emeticks, Cathartieks, or Diureticks, but rather there is always need of a Rule to actuate the Medicine, and to determinate it to that energie: Wherefore a Diaphoretick being given, presently the Patient is to be handled after that manner, that both the Pores of the Body may be opened, and that the Pulse of the Heart may be much inforced. For these ends he is to be kept either in Bed, or a Bath, or in the heat of a hot-house, or else exercised with a more quick or hard motion of the Body, Both a fit subject and time to sweat is to be chosen. which that they may the better succeed in stirring up of Sweat, both the most fit time and subject, as often as it is in our power, is to be chosen; to wit, when the Blood has obtained a laudable Crisis or not very malignant, then when it abounds with much serous humour, and when as to its Particles it is not too much confused or disturbed, but is apt to be easily unlocked, and to be separated and fused into parts: For in a bilous Temperament in a lean and dry constitution, in the midst of a burning Ague fit, when all things are disturbed and indigested; oftentimes Diaphoreticks prove in vain or to ill purpose. Moreover, as often as they may seem to be of use, it is not convenient to give any of them indifferently, but the condition of the Salts, and also appropria­ted Medicines are to be chosen, according to the various condition of the Blood, and the diverse manner of powers in it, now of this Element now of that. Con­cerning these with what choice, and in what kind of Forms they ought to be pre­scribed, we will speak in the following Section.

CHAP. II. The Kinds and Forms of Diaphoreticks, also the Reasons of some of their Chymical Prepara­tions.

The disposing of Diaphoretical Medicines.SUdorifick Medicines, for as much as they are manifold and divers, and to be ordained in a various respect, are wont to be reduced into Classes; therefore I think good first of all to distinguish and recense them here, both as to the Form or manner of Constitution, and as to the Matter out of which they are made. Their most usual forms are 1. And Forms. Powders, 2. Chymical Liquors, 3. Potions, 4. Bo­lus, 5. Diet Drinks. The matter of every one of these are either the integral parts of the whole mixture, or they are some elementary parts of some mixture resolved or loosened by Chymistry, and they are either more simple, viz. either spirituous or saline, which latter again are either volatile or fixed, or also acetous or nitrous; or lastly the sudorifick Particles so divided and separated by the Art of Chymistry, are Elementaries compounded among themselves, viz. spirituous Salines, or saline Sulphurs. Whilst we run through all these kinds in order, we will make ready for you the more select forms of prescriptions of every kind of matter.

1. Diaphoreticks whose Bases are the integral parts of the mixture, in which likewise a sharp or volatile Salt is most potent, 1. Which have for their basis the integral parts of the mix­t [...]re. oftentimes help to the provoking of Sweat for this reason, for as much as their Particles being admitted into the Blood, as they are immiscible and also indomitable or not to be overcome, they very much agitate and divide its Mass, and as it were draw it into small pieces, so that at length as the joynting together of the Blood being much laxed, and put into an effervescency or fermenting, together with the Particles of the Medicine, [Page 97] to be cast forth by reason of their heterogeneity, the superfluous serosities, and the recrements and Corruptions of the Blood are cast forth adoors, what are of this Rank are wont to be exhibited in the form of Pouder, Bolus, Potion and Diet-Drink, according to the following Forms of Prescriptions. Their Forms.

Take of the Powder of the Roots of Contrayerva, of Virginian Dragon Wort, 1. Pouders. of Butter-burr, of each ʒj, of Coccinel, of Saffron, of each ʒss, make a Pouder, the Dose is ʒss, with some fit Vehicle.

Take of the Pouder of Vipers ʒj, let it be given in a convenient Liquor.

Take of the Pouder of Toads prepared from ʒss to ʒj.

When Diaphoreticks ought to excel in a singular Alchal Salt, or mixed with the former.

Take Oriental Bezoar ℈ss to ʒss, let it be given in a spoonful of distilled Wa­ter or other Vehicle.

Take of Pouder of Claws Compounded ℈j to ʒss, let it be given after the same manner. The Bezoartick Pouder is made after this manner.

Take of the Powder of the Roots of Contrayerva, of Crabs Claws simple of each ℥ij, of Pearls, of both Corals, of the whitest Amber, of Crabs Eyes, of Harts Horn, of Crystal prepared of each ℥j, of the western Bezoar, of Lemnian Earth of each ℥ss, of the Ceruss of Antimony ℥ij, of Coccinel ℥ss, Ambergriefe ʒiss, musk ʒss, make a subtil Pouder, which may be formed into little round Pills with the gelly of the Skins of Vipers. The Dose ℈j to ʒj.

Take of the Pouder of this Bezoart ℈j, of Toads prepared vj gr. make a Pou­der, let it be given in a spoonful of Treacle Water.

2. 2. Boluses. Boles whose Basis is the integral parts of the mixture are reduced into the form of a Confection, Extract, and Conserve.

Take of Mithridate ʒss to ʒj, of the Bezoartick Pouder ℈j to ʒss, of the Syrup of the Juice of Citrons what will suffice, make a Bolus; in the place of Mithridate may be put Treacle or Diascordium or Confection Liberans of Hyacynt: also Be­zoar poudered or the Pouder of the Roots of Contrayerva or, others such like may supply the place of the Bezoartick Pouder.

Take of the Extract of Treacle ʒss to ʒj, of Bezoartick Pouder ℈j, make a Bolus.

Take Extract of Carduus ʒss, of Bezoartick Pouder ℈j, Salt of Wormwood gr. xv, with what will suffice of the Syrup of the Juice of Citrons make a Bolus.

3. 3. Potions. Ptoions whose Bases are the common Decoctions or Infusions and Tinctures of Vegetables.

Take of the Roots of Butter-bur ℥j, of the seeds of the same ʒij, Decoctions. the roots of condite Eringo ʒvj, of Carduus Seeds ʒij, let them be boyled in Spring Water lbj to lbss dissolve in the Colature of Mithridate ʒss or ℈ij, let it be taken warm in Bed.

After the like manner may be boyled the Leaves of Carduus, the Flowers of Caltha or of Cammomile in as much posset Liquor as will suffice, of which give ℥vj or viij hot, by it self or with some Pouder, Confection or other Diaphore­tick being added.

4. Various kinds of Diaphoretick Infusions, Infusions and Tinctures. and Tinctures may be prepared by Extracting the Virtues of simple Vegetables and of Confections with wine Vinegar or distilled Water, which being afterwards strained, and clarified by set­ling, are given by themselves or added to other Liquors oftentimes with success. Hither ought to be referred Waters, Wines and Bezoartick Vinegars prepa­red by Infusion, the forms of which are every where to be found among Au­thors. Moreover the Tincture of Vegetables very Efficacious in a little dose are made after this manner.

Take of the Roots of Contrayerva lbj, bruised and put into a Matrace, Chynical Tin­ctures. pour to them of the Spirit of Wine lbiij, let them digest till the Tincture be drawn forth, which strain, and let it be abstracted in Balneo to the Consistency of Hony. The first Spirit abstracted keep by it self from the rest, pour more to the re­sidence, and lastly extract the Tincture whose Dose is in a fit Vehicle from ʒss to ʒj.

Diet Drinks whose Bases are the Decoctions of Liquors, designed for the cure of the Venereal Disease and of other Chronical Affections deeply rooted in the Blood and Humours. 5, Diet-drinks.

For indeed a very intense and frequent sudation, viz. for a long time, is or­dinarily required for the cure of some Diseases; to wit, that not only the impu­rities, and corruptions of the Viscera and the Humours may be purged forth, but that the morbifick Tinctures deeply impressed in them might be wholly blotted out, and as it were extracted. For this end it will not be enough to give now and then a sudorifick Bolus, but a whole Diet ought to be orderd for this pur­pose: wherefore let all the Drink be a Diaphoretick Decoction, after which Dose taken also in the morning, let a plentiful sweat be provoked further by the heat of a Bath or Stove. Then when as by this reason both the Pores of the Skin are unlocked, and that Nature also is inclined to sweating, the whole day besides by the use of the same Drink, the recrements of the Blood and ner­vous Juice should evaporate by a continual breathing forth. By this method not only the Pox is most safely and for the most part certainly cured, but also other Herculean or difficult Diseases are indeed happily healed.

Take of the shavings of Lignum Sanctum ℥iiij, of Sarsaparilla ℥vj, of China ℥ij, of all the Sanders of each ℥j, of shavings of Ivory and of Harts Horn of each ℥ss, of Antimony poudered and tyed up in a ragg ℥vj, let them be infu­sed according to Art, and boyled in Spring Water lbxvj till half be consumed: then strain it. To the remaining ingredients pour a like quantity of Water, make an infusion, and a decoction to the consummation of the third part, adding to it of Raisins of the Sun lbj, of Liquorish ℥j, strain it, and let it be reserved for the ordinarie Drink.

In a bilous Temperament, and a more sharp and hot Blood, let the Guaicum be omitted, increasing the Quantity of China and Sarsa.

Diaphoreticks easie to be got ready.Diaphoreticks which consist of the Integral parts of the whole mixture easily got for poor People are to be prescribed according to the following forms.

In malignant Feavours take of conserves of Lujula ʒj of Mithridate ʒiiss, mingle them, let it be taken drinking a draught of Posset Drink after it, with the Leaves of Carduus or of Scordium, or Cammomil, or Marigold Flowers boyled in it.

Take of the Pouder of the Roots of the Virginian Serpentary ʒss to ʒj, let it be given in a fit Vehicle, or take of the Pouder of the Roots of Butter-bur ʒ after the same manner.

In ordinary Cases let there be given of the decoction of Grummel or Milium Solis or of Butter-bur Roots or of Virginian Serpentary, or of the Roots and Seeds of the great Bur. In the Venereal Disease a decoction of Saponary or Sope­wort or the shavings of Box and the like, which may serve instead of the De­coction of Woods of greater Price.

2. Forms of Chymical Dia­phoreticks.2. Sudorifick Medicines prepared out of the Elementary parts of the mixture have for their Basis either a Spirit, or a Salt sometimes simple, sometimes com­bined with another Salt or with Sulphur. The spirituous are prescribed accor­ding to these following Forms.

1. Which have for their ground spiritual Parti­cles.1 The Spirit of Treacle Camphorated ʒss to ʒj or ʒiss, let it be given in a convenient Liquor. After the same manner many other Spirits stilled out of the Juices of Vegetables maturated by Fermentation and appropiated to certain Di­seases may be given to provoke Sweat when it is required. Of which sort are the Spirits of black Cherries, of Elder Berries and of Juniper Berries with many o­thers. The Spirits of Harts Horn, of Soot, of Blood and the like ought rather to be ranked in the Class of Salts.

2. Which have spiritual Parti­cles combined with others.2. Diaphoreticks, whose Bases are Spirits with other combined Elementarie Particles, are prescribed after this manner. Take of the simple mixture ʒj, let it be given in a convenient Vehicle. Hither are referred also what are of a Spirit with a fixed a Salt or Sulphur combined together. Of which sort are the Tinctures of the Salt of Tartar and of Antimony, the Dose of which is ℈j to ℈ij in some other Liquor. Moreover Distilled Waters, in which the spirituous Particles are allay­ed or mixed with the Waters are wont oftentimes to be given to move Sweat with good success.

Distilled Waters.Take of the Roots of Butter-bur, of Valerian of each ℥ij, of Zedoary, Con­trayerva Virgin. Serpentary of each ℥iss, of the Flowers of Butter-bur Miiij, of Saffron ʒij being all cut and brused pour to them of spanish Wine lbiiij, distil it according to Art, and let the whole Liquor be mixed. The Dose ℥iiss to ℥iij, [Page 99] or take of the Roots of Angelica, of Imperatoria, of each ℥iiij, of Zedoary, of Enula Campane, of Poyson-resister, of Gentian, of the lesser Galingal of each ℥j, of the tops of Carduus, of Rue, of Angelica of each Miij, of the middle Bark of an Ash ℥vj being cut and bruised, add to it of Mithridate, of Treacle Andro­mach. each ℥ij, mingle them and pour upon them of the best wine lbvj, of distil­led Vinegar lbij, distill them according to art, the dose is ℥iij.

The dose of the aforesaid Waters may be actuated by the addition of Chy­mical Liquors or Salts. These sort of Liquors indued With a wine Spirit, are cheifly and almost only convenient for old People, also for such as are indued with a more cold temperament, as for those that are obnoxious to the Palsie or the Dropsie; but in a hot Constitution, and when there is a heat of the Visce­ra or a feavourish Effervescencie of the Blood, for as much as they torrefie, and enkindle it too much, they are wont rather to hinder than to help.

Diaphoreticks whose Basis is saline, 2. Whose Basis is Saline. as they are of a various Nature viz. (ac­cording as the volatile fixed Acetous or Nitrous Salt exists) so they are of a di­vers use, and operation, hence it is that in some cases these are better, and in others those, or they are administred, as we have noted before to be in Diure­ticks.

1. Fixed, 1. Which are of a fixed or vola­tile Salt. and Volatile Salts are most convenient for those whose Blood very much abounds in a Serous Humour. Moreover when at any time the Juice wa­tering both the Viscera and the Nervous stock turnes into a sowerness, as it is wont to do in Dropsical and Cacochymical Persons and in those who are obnox­ious to Convulsive Affections, those Medicines are given to provoke the Ephi­drosis or sweating forth; for whilst that they meet with the acid saline Parti­cles of the Humours, and are combined with them, they unlock the joynting to­gether of the Blood, and also by reason of an heterogeneous mixture agitate its Mass; hence that the Serosities may be more easily separated, and brought out­ward thorow the Pores of the Skin, they are prescribed in the form of a Pouder, Their Forms. Bolus and Liquor,

Take of the Flowers of Salt Armoniack ℈ss, of mineral Crystal gr. xv, 1. Pouders. of Be­zoartick Pouder ℈j, mingle them, and let it be given in a Spoonful of Sudorifick Water.

Take of the Salt of Tartar ℈j, of the Ceruss of Antimony gr. 25, make a Pou­der, let it be given after the same manner.

Take of the Pouder of Bezoartick mineral ℈j to ʒss, of Gascoins Pouder ℈j, make a Pouder, let it be given in like manner.

Take of the Ceruss of Antimony ℈j to ʒss, of the Flowers of salt Armo­niack ℈ss, make a Pouder.

These may be given in the form of a Bole by mixing the aforesaid Doses with Treacle, Mithridate or Diascordium or with the Extract of Carduus, Boles. Gen­tian, or the like.

Take of Bezoarticum minerale ℈j, of the Flowers of Sal Armoniack gr. vj, of Mithridate ʒss make a Bolus.

Take of the Salt of Harts Horn gr. viij, of Bezoartick Pouder gr. xv, of the extract of Treacle ℈j, make a Bolus or Pills iij.

3. If more convenient in a Liquid form. Liquors. Take of the spirit of Harts Horn or of Soot or of salt Armoniack drops 15 to 20 in a little draught of Sudorifick Wa­ter from ℥iij to ℥iiij, let it be taken with governance.

Take of Sal Armoniack Flowers ℈ss, of the Salt of Tartar gr. 15 of sudorifick Water ℥iij, mingle them and make a draught.

3 Diaphoreticks, which have for their Basis nitrous Salt, 3. Whose Basis is Salt Nitre. are wont to help al­most in the same Cases or those above made of fixed and volatile Salt; for as much as they destroy the Powers of the acid Salt, and so dispose the mistion of the Blood, that whilst it ferments, its Serum and excrements may be more easi­ly separated and sent away.

Take of Crystal mineral ʒiij, of the Salt of Harts Horn or of Soot or of Vipers ʒj, mix them, the Dose ℈j to ʒss in some fit Vehecle.

Take of Sal Prunellae ʒij, Bezoart mineral or ceruss of Antimony ʒj, make a Pouder the Dose ℈ij to ʒj.

4. Diaphoreticks whose Basis is an acid Salt cheifly prevail against the Pow­ers of fixed Salt, and Sulphur. 4. Whose Basis is an acid Salt. When at any time the Mass of Blood becomes [Page 100] too much shut up or bound fast by reason of the saline fixed Particles being com­bined with the sulphureous and terrestrial, that it will not easily let go its serosities to be sent away by sweat (as sometimes is wont to be in continual Fevours and the scorbutick affection) the acid Salt in the given Medicine meeting with a fixed salt in the Body, and snatching it into its embraces, takes away its wicked Combi­nations, and so unlocks the fermenting blood, and disposes it to an Ephidrosis of sweating disposition.

Powders.Take of the spirit of Tartar ʒss to ʒj, of sudorifick Water ℥iij, of the flowers of Sal Armoniack ℈ss, mingle them.

Take of the simple Mixture ʒss to ℈ij, let it be given in a spoonful of Treacle or Bezoartick Water.

Take of Bezoartick Vinegar ℥ss to ℥j, of Carduus water ℥ij, of Plague ʒvj, min­gle them, and make a draught.

5. Sulphureous Diaphoreticks.5. Some things merely or for the most part sulphureous, are commonly ranked in the Class of Diaphoreticks. As for example, some natural Balsoms and others made, also chymical Oyls, and chiefly of Guaicum, Box, Camphor, Hartshorn, and Soot, also the resinous extract of the more ponderous Woods with many others, which although they effect little by themselves to the provoking of Sweat, yet be­ing conjoyned with other Salines, I think they may not be altogether unprofita­ble; for as much as in a frigid Constitution, and too phlegmatick, the sulphureous Salines do rarefy the too watry blood no less than the spirituous, and dispose it to be evaporated more freely.

Take of Opobalsom gut. vj, to xij. of Baulm water or ground lvy ℥iij, of Sudo­rifick Water ℥ss, let it be taken every morning for many days for the provoking the Ephidrosis or evacuation by sweat. It is convenient for pthisical people and for Ulcers in the Reins.

In like manner but in a greater Dose is given, the Peruvian Balsom, also the tincture of Tolutan Balsom, also drops of compounded Balsoms.

Pills.Take of the Resine of Guaicum pouder'd ʒij, of the chymical Oyl of the same ℈j, of Bezoartick Mineral, and Gum Guaicum of each ʒjss, of Peruvian Balsom what will suffice, make a mass for Pills, Dose ʒss to ℈ij, drinking after it a dose of su­dorifick Water, of a decoction of Woods.

CHAP III. Of too great or depraved Diaphoresis or Sweating, and its Remedy.

As our Life is in a continual flux, therefore as new things ought to be added and put to it, so old and out-worn things ought continually to be drawn and carried away from it: Wherefore that all superfluous and incongruous Parti­cles whatsoever, may be perpetually moved away; there are manifold ways of departings and excretions; in the doing of which, however Nature oftentimes knows not a measure, and goes either on this side or beyond, that which is most commodious. How it behoveth us to correct or moderate those Evacuations, which leading inward from the circumference or exterior compass of the Body, do purge forth by a certain particular Sink, as often as they offend in excess or in defect, we have shewed above: The way of our method requires now, that we also shew a Remedy, if that at any time the Diaphoresis or evacuation by sweat­ing, (which tending from the Centre towards the Circumference, is the chief ge­neral and diffusive Excretion) should be too much or depraved.

Excessive sweat­ing is a frequent Affection.And indeed that this sort of affection doth too often happen, is obvious enough to common observation; for that there is nothing more usual, than that those labouring with the Phthisick or Scurvy, and others that are hardly recovered out of long Fevers, yea some without any disease or evident prophasis, live obnoxious to assiduous, and oftentimes very great Sweats. Therefore concerning the E­phidrosis excessive, we will enquire first how many ways, and from what causes such an Evacuation may arise: Then we will shew what Remedies, and what kind [Page 105] of a manner of Administrations are most convenient in every case of it.

As to the first of these; often and immoderate Sweating is sometimes a Symptom of some other present Disease; for this is familiar (as we said but now) in the Phthisick and Scurvie: the reason of which is this, to wit, Sometimes it is a symptome of ano­ther Disease. that when the Blood be­ing corrupted either by some impure Miasm, or having got an evil disposition, doth not rightly concoct and assimilate the nourishing Juice continually suffused into its Mass, it sifts out and casts forth adoors by Sweat that do far degene­rate, heaped up to a fulness together with other excrements.

The Cure of this Sudation depends wholly on the healing of the Disease whose Symptom it is; in the mean time concerning this as much as belongs to the man­ner of Living, a profitable and necessary Indication is taken from that Symptom, to wit, that when nightly and copious Sweats happen in those Diseases, a Diet should be prescribed altogether of light aliments, viz. milk Grewel, Barly Cream and such like, whose light and soft Particles the bloody Mass may bear, and not of Flesh, or stronger Meats.

2. An excessive Ephidrosis is sometimes an effect of another past and gon Disease, 2. When also it is an Effect. as when it succeeds long Fevours: for so it still happens that fevourish burn­ings do terminate in hydrotick Dews (as an hot Summer ends in a rainy Autumn) that scarce any one can recover from a long Disease with this indisposition remain­ing; which notwithstanding is moderate and easily to be cured in some, but in others more grievous, and not less infestous than the Disease whose offspring it was. I knew a young Man, who growing well after a quartan Ague of ten Months, A notable exam­ple of excessive Sweating. when he began to want his Fitts, he daily melted into so profuse Sweats, that he was necessitated to change his Shirt and Sheets all wetted (as if they were dip­ped in Water) thrice every Night. By reason of this Evacuation continuing so for many Weeks, his Flesh so fell away, and his strength was so exhausted, that he was almost reduced to the dryness of a Skeleton. He, when he had used a long time various Remedies without any benefit, at length by the drinking Eve­ning and Morning of Asses Milk, and his other diet being ordered of Cowes Milk, grew well in a short time.

In such like Cases the Blood perpetually casting back its contents, The reason of it. and as it were vomiting them forth by the mouths of the Arteries, presently cast forth a doors not only the Chyle suffused from the Viscera, but moreover supping up again for its Food both the nervous Juice, and the Farciments or fillings up of the solid parts, by and by loathing all those together, with the nutritious Liquor, expells them by the Pores of the Skin.

The chief Cause of this Disease seems to consist in the dyscrasie and debilitie of the Blood; The cause of ex­cessive Sweating. for as much as its Liquor like sower Milk is apt to be continually fused, and precipitated into serosities; wherefore both its proper meltings, and also the humours which are poured in from any other place that cannot indeed be assimilated, are forthwith separated, Partly from the vitiated Crasis of the Blood. and when the Pores of the Skin are ve­ry open, are sent forth adoors by Diaphoresis or sweating rather than by any other way of excretion. But that the Blood is disposed so into fusions or fluxes, for the most part the cause is the Dominion of the fluid or acid Salts (even as in sower Milk) in its Mass. But sometimes the nervous Juice degenerated into a sowerness is first and rather the fault, for by that reason its Acid Excrements being chewed over again in the Blood, do fuse its Mass, and precipitate it into serosities: further from such a cause we do Judge the Diabetes and the English Sweat so called (because it was here general) to have had their origin.

This kind of excessive Ephidrosis is not wont only to arise from the vitiated Crasis and fermentation of the Blood, Partly from its lack of Heat. but sometimes by reason of its depraved Enkindling. It hath been already shewn by what means the Blood breaks forth into Sweat feavourishly growing hot by reason of the excess of Sulphur. More­over this Symptom sometimes follows no less by reason of the Defect of Sulphur: for when that the Blood being impoverished, and made more watrie is less en­kindled, therefore as often as it is urged into a more rapid motion by an acqui­red heat, or agitation of the Body, there will be a necessity that its serosities (be­cause they cannot be consumed by heat, or insensibly exhaled) should be resol­ved into Sweat. Sulphur is wanting in the Blood either because it is consumed, as after long Feavours, or because it is not enough generated by reason of lack of Sustenance. We may observe this latter not only in many men who being strait­ned [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 104] [...] [Page 105] [...] [Page 106] for Food or using a Lenten Diet, presently fall into an Ephidrosis or swea­ting by a more quick running or walking, but remarkably in Beasts, who when they are fed with Grass or new Hay sweat very much, and quickly languish with any Labour.

Its Cure.As to what belongs to the Cure, hidden Ephidrosis or Sweating by reason of the aforesaid Causes, and Prophasis—the Therapeutick Intentions are chiefly these three, viz, First to take away, or mend the Dyscrasie or evil Disposition or the Debilitites of the Humours. Secondly a little to bind up the too open Pores of the Skin. Thirdly to derive the Serum of the Blood and the watry Excre­ments towards the Reins.

1. The first Indi­cation.1. The first of these is performed by these sort of Remedies which destroy the Powers of the acid Salt in the Blood or nervous Juice, also which may pro­mote (if perchance it should be defective) the Exaltation of the Sulphur. For which ends, To take away the evil dispositions of the Humours. Antiscorbutes, Chalibeates, also Medicines indued with a volatile, ni­trous and alchalisate Salt do oftenest give help. We will shew you some forms of each of them.

Electuary.Take of the Conserves of the Flowers of Chichorie, Fumitory of each ℥ij of the Pouder of Ivorie, Harts Horn, prepared Coral of each ʒj, of Pearls ʒss, Species of Diarrhodon Abbatis ʒj, of Lignum Aloes, yellow Sanders and red San­ders each ʒss, of Sal Prunellae ℈iiij with what will suffice of Syrup of Fumitory, make a Confection, let them take the quantity of a Walnut in the Evening, and first in the Morning, drinking after it of the following Julep or of the Distilled Water ℥iij.

Julep.Take of Fumitory water, of simple Walnut water of each ℥vj, of Snales, of Worms, each ℥j, of Sugar ʒvj, mix them and make a Julep.

A distilled Wa­ter.Take of the Tops of the Firr Tree, Tamarisk, Cypress of each Miiij, of Mirtle Mij, of Leaves of water Cresses, Brooklime, Liverwort, St. Johns Wort, Harts Tongue, Betony, of each Miij, of the exterior Rinds of 12 Orenges cut and bru­sed: pour them into Brunswick Beer lbviij, distill it in ordinary Stils, mix the whole Liquor and sweeten it at your pleasure, the Dose is ℥iij twice a day.

An Expression.Take of the Leaves of Sowthistle, of water Cresses, Plantane, Brooklime, each Miij, being brused pour them into the aforesaid distilled Water lbj and make a strong expression, the Dose ℥iij to iiij at nine a clock in the Morning and five in the afternoon.

Chalibeates.According to this Method I am wont to prescribe in the failing of strength and nightly Sweats after long Fevours, but if these remedies help not, we then must come to Chalibeates.

Syrup.Take of the Syrop of Steel ℥vj, let it be taken one Spoonful in the Morning and at 5 a Clock with the Water above prescribed ℥iiij.

A Pouder.Take of the Pouder of Ivory, of Coral prepared each ʒij, of the Crocus of Steel, of the Salt of Steel, each ʒjss, make a Pouder, the Dose ʒss, twice a day with the same distilled Water ℥iiij.

Tinctures.Take of the Tincture of the Salt of Tartar ℥j, the Dose gut. 20 to 30 twice a day with distilled Water. After the same manner may be given Tincture of Coral, also Tincture gotten from Gumms and Balsams. Further in these cases the Spirit of Harts Horn, of Urine or Soot are oftentimes given with suc­cess.

The second Inten­tion consists in the alteration of the Pores.The second Intention for the Cure of excessive Sweating consisting in the due Constitution of the pores is performed for the most part only by Exterior Ad­ministrations; for which end are prescribed anoyntings of the whole Body with Oyles of Almonds, of Palm, Oyntments of Orenge Flowers and such like, yea Linnen dyed with these are worn. Sometimes Bathings in cold Water or in the River, and sometimes the change of the Air are convenient. As to the use of these (which is known commonly enough) we need not prescribe any particular Governance.

Of the Affection which is com­monly called an Aptitude to catch Cold.But here it seems very opportune, to speak a few Words of a certain Affecti­on troublesom to Sweating or at least regarding the excessive or inordinate Dia­pnoe. I have oftentimes observed some to have had the Pores of the Body (or the Organs of Transpiration) disposed in that manner that they are hurt by no­thing more than by the unaccustomed Blast or Approach of the Air; in so much that when in good liking and well in flesh also as to Appetite, Sleep, and [Page 107] having the right strength of their Members, they seem found or well, yet they were not able to bear naked the least Blast of Wind or Air, but presently there followed a great Perturbation of Spirits with a failing of all the Faculties and an indisposition of the whole Body; Its Description. which kind of Irregularity so lightly Contract­ed they cannot either quickly or easily shake off, but hardly, and not but after a long time recover their former healthful Condition: Those proclive to this Dyspathy or Infirmity fear the Air more then others do Fire or Water. Hence some dare not go forth adoors, others living within a close Chamber suffer nei­ther Door or Casement to be opened, and if by chance a little Breath of Air get in by some hidden chink, they presently feel it, and are hurt by it. I have known some from such a cause fixed for many Months in their Bed. I remem­ber a Footman healthful and strong enough, who for above ten Years never went out of his Chamber, nor could be perswaded to it, nor hired at any rate to go forth: and when afterwards the House being on fire he was drawn out by force, he was very dangerously cast down by it for very many Months without any other hurt: others are affraid to stand or walk upon an Earthen Floor or Brick or Stone Pavement, for that they are wont thereby to contract great hurt very many other the like cases every where happen, to whom further this in­felicity is added, that few commiserate those that are so affected, neither are they believed to be sick indeed but only in Imagination.

That we may a little therefore search into the nature of this Affection, The reason is searched into. we think that it is not for nothing that they complain, but without doubt they feel a certain pain or trouble in themselves inflicted by the received Cold, or by the altered manner of transpiration, but that it may appear what it is, and in what the reason of it consists, it behoveth us in the first place to consider, by what ordinary means the Particles of the ambient Air get into the Pores of our Skin, and affect the subjects of them, to wit, the Animal Spirits diffused every where over the Superficies of the Body. For indeed as they are of a certain etherial disposition or Nature, these appear to be greatly refreshed, and to be stirred up into as it were a flattering Expansion by the neer of kin particles both of the Air and Light, whilst those come proportionate to them: and in like manner the Blood, whilst that it passes thorow in its Circuit, the exterior Bor­der of the Body, By what means both the Blood and Spirits are affected by the en­compassing Air. exhales even there as in the Praecordia by the Mouths of the Ar­teries its Mists or Smokes, and receives by the gapings of the Veins the sulphu­reous Food for the sustaining its Flame. For these benefits both of the Blood and of the animal Spirits, the Pores of the Skin are conveniently made and ought to ly open in that manner, that the Particles of the Air and Light in a moderate plenty being somewhat refracted, and with a gentle sliding to, might strike the outmost Borders of the substance of either of them. For otherwise if there should be an improportionate approach of the agent to this or that patient or to both together, presently perturbations arise in this, or that, or together in either part of the Soul. For if the out-dwelling Spirits are either weak, or in­firm of themselves and quickly dissipable, or by reason of the Pores of the Skin lying too much open are exposed to the more sharp and naked air, it still comes to pass that they are forced upon every light occasion into flights and distracti­ons; and for that cause Griefs, Convulsions or resolutions or unbindings are stirred up here and there, not only about the exterior parts of the Body; but sometimes, from taking Cold (as they use to say) a falling down of the whole Bo­dy (which is not quickly or easily raised up) succeeds. And indeed from thence the aforesaid inordinations about the Diapnoe do chiefly arise, for as much as the sensitive Soul, being either not strong or not munited enough, lyes too open to injuries of the external Air; and so is disturbed at its more strong approach in this or that part, or together in its whole Hypostasis, and is forced into irre­gularities not presently to be recovered. Further hence also the flamie part of the Soul is wont to be affected and moved, by consent no less then by its pro­per passion or Idiopathic because of an improportionate incountring of Air. For that the Fibres, and nervous Branches being carried into Corrugations and Con­vulsions, the Sanguiferous Vessels twining about them are by them variously straitned, that for that reason the Blood is compelled into inordinate fluctuati­ons. Moreover the bloody Mass by it self very much purges forth its evills both as to its inkindling, and also as to the disposition of its depraved transpi­ration. [Page 108] In respect of the former the vital flame growing about the superficies of the Body, is wont to be compelled by its more sharp or hard blowing into nod­dings and trepidations and various inequalities, which shake the whole Soul. Then it is commonly enough known that there is nothing more can endanger the mixture of the Blood than a vitiated Diapnoe or transpiration: for hence Fluxes, and precipitations in the Mass of its serosity arise, from which happen Catharrs, Coughs, From the afore­said Affection Symptoms pro­ceed. Asthmatical, Nepthritick, and Arthritick Paroxysms.

From these it will be easie to draw forth the formal Reason and also the causes and cures of this Affection of which we now treat. For that any one may contract from cold, or from the incountring of the naked air any where in this or that mem­ber, pain, or numness, or Palsy, it so comes to pass because the animal Spirits flowing among the membraneous Fibres being struck and put to flight, are agita­ted into distractions: but if that more amply from such a cause the Languor of the whole body, and casting down of the strength do happen, not a private handful or Band o'f the Spirits but their whole Hypostasis or the intire sensitive Soul seems be stricken; which being strucken and so contracted into a lesser compass and made shorter, it sinks down within the Organs of the Body, and suffers its faculties to flag. Besides these, if that a tumor of a little continuance, or a Phlegmon, the Toothach, Cough, or Pleurisy, happen to any one unwarily exposed to the Air, or if cold, heat presently following, and feavourish burnings arise, it is a sign that the Blood is no less affected by the improportionate approach of the Air than the animal Spirits, and therefore its Liquor being disturbed in motion and enkindling is either disposed to fevourish Effervescencies, or being loosned in its mixture it is compelled into various fluxes and precipitations of the serous Juice. It would be an immense and tedious labour to describe here all the Affections or Diseases which owe their original to such a cause. Hence proceed the Headach, Vertigo, the sleepy Diseases, the Pose or stuffing of the Head, the Squinzy, the Inflammati­on of the eyes, Cough, Vomiting, Loosness, and abundance of other Diseases; in so much that the common people are wont to refer the evident causes almost of all Diseases to these two kinds, to wit, surfeting and taking cold.

The Proca­tarxis or pre­disposition of the aforesaid Diseass consists.Hitherto we have described the formal Reason, and conjunct causes of depra­ved transpiration. As to what respects the Procatarxis or predisposition, for which some sooner than others are apt to catch cold, I say this consists in the vitiousness or default of the animal Spirits, or of the Blood, or of the Pores, of one of these, or of more together.

1. Partly in the Spirits.The Animal Spirits are sometimes in the fault, because being weak they are not able to suffer any thing that is hard or sharp which may come to them from without, but presently at the approach of the naked Air they are thrown into flights and distractions, even as many after long sickness abhor to be in the open air, and as­soon as they are exposed to the Sunbeams very often fall into relapses: further sometimes the Spirits incline this evill to sweatings, for as much they being dege­nerate and having gotten a sharp and unquiet Disposition, they are carried by eve­ry blast of Air into irregularities, wherefore those who by reason of the spirits be­ing so disposed do become Hypochondriacal, also obnoxious to the Affection which we have described, are troubled with cold upon every light occasion.

2. Partly in the Blood.2. The Blood disposes to an habitude of depraved transpiration for a twofold reason, viz. both in respect of its temperament and of its mixture. As to this latter, oftentimes the joynting together of the Blood is so lax and loose, that upon every small cause and chiefly by reason of the approach of a cold or moyst Air, it is cast into fluxions and precipitations of its serosities, in so much as those indu­ed with such blood dare not go forth adoors at all, yea scarce look out. But the sanguineous Mass as to its temperament being often very hot and vaporous, ex­hales highly sharp and penetrative Effluvias; by which, whilst the Pores of the skin are too much unlock'd and laid open, both the spirits and the vital flame are exposed more than they ought to the injuries of the naked Air and Winds.

3. In the evil constitution of the Pores.Thirdly, the evil constitution of the Pores produced by sickness or by other means, or also being natural and born so, very much inclines to that habit of depraved sweating. For if those passages being too open do almost always gape wide, the Blood and Spirits in the whole or in some parts are not enough defenced against the encounter of the external Air. Such an amplitude of Pores is natural, and bred in some, as those who are indued with soft and loose flesh, have their skin for the [Page 109] most part thin and very full of holes: besides it is wont to be frequently contract­ed by various accidents: after a sudorifick Diet long continued, also after frequent sweatings which use to break forth about the declinings of Fevours, the Pores of the skin being extended and laid wide open to the utmost for a long time, they afterwards continually gape, and almost always remain more open.

This Disease although it doth not threaten Death, Its Cure. yet because it renders life very troublesome or altogether unprofitable, it highly deserves a Cure: for which endeavour the curatory Intentions are chiefly these three, viz. First that the De­bilities, or dejections or impoverishments both of the Spirits and of the Blood may be cured. Secondly, that the Dyscrasies of either of them (if perchance there be any) may be taken away. Thirdly, that a due conformation of the Pores may be procured.

The chief point of this Business lies about the first Intention, 1. The first In­tention, a Cor­roboration of the Spirits. for as much as it respects the strengthning of the animal Spitits or the making larger of the whole sensitive Soul: But unless the Patients are perswaded to assume a certain Confidence, that they may go forth adoors to exercise their utmost strength, and to endeavour to accustom nature daily to more sharp and hard things, all Medicine will be in vain; wherefore there will need a plentiful way of living and alacrity no less than of Me­dicine, to wit, that the plenty of animal Spirits may be daily restored and increa­sed, and moreover thereby made more firm for bolder attempts: for which end generous Wines with good fare moderately taken are very requisite Further Studies and Cares (whereby the Soul may be depressed) being omitted, the time must be spent in leasure and recreations or moderate exercises. By such a way of living rightly instituted, as the animal Spirit is comforted, so the decay and im­poverishment of the blood is restored.

For the same ends also these following Medicines may be profitably admini­stred.

Take of the spirit of Amber, Armoniack, what will suffice, Spirits. take gut. 15 to 20 in the evening and in the morning first, in a spoonful of the following distilled wa­ter drinking after it nine spoonfuls of the same.

Take of the leaves of Sage or Rosemary, Thyme, of Savory, of Marjoram, A distilled wa­ter. of Costmary of each M. iiij, of the Roots of Angelica, of Imperatory of each ℥vj, of Zedoaory, of Galingal the less, of the aromatick Reed, of the Florentine Iris, of each ℥iss, of Cubebs ℥iss, of Nutmegs, Cloves, Cinamon, of each ℥j, of the outward Rind of twelve Oranges and of six Lemons, being cut and brused, put them into white Wine and Canary lbiiij, and distill them in common stills, let the whole Liquor be mixed and sweetned with refined Sugar. In the distilling, hang at the nose of the Still in a little bag Amber Grease℈j, Musk ℈ss.

Take of the tincture of Antimony or of Tolutan Balsom℥j, Tinctures. take of them gut. 15 to 20, in the morning about nine a clock and five in the afternoon, in a spoon­ful of the aforesaid prescribed water, drinking after it ℥iij of the same, or rather in the morning a draught of Tea or of Coffee or of Chocolate with Sage boyled in it.

A little before dinner take a draught of Xeroeuse Wine.

When these have been for some time used and that it seem good to intermit them, take in their place these following.

In the place of the Spirits take a Dose of the following Electuary morning and evening with distilled Water or Viper Wine.

Take of wet candied Citron pill ℥iss, of candied Mirobalans ℥j, Electuary, of Nutmeg and Ginger candied of each ℥ss, of Confectio Hamech, Alchermes of each ʒiij, of pre­pared Pearls, red Coral prepared each ʒiss, with the syrop or the juice of Alcher­mes, make an Electuary.

Let him drink for his ordinary drink Medicated Ale made after the following manner, viz. put into a Vessel of four gallons this following Bag. Physical Ale.

Take an old Cock half boyled, and cut into small Pieces, of Sage and Harts­tongue dryed, of each Mij, of Dates cut vj, of the shavings of Sassafrass ℥ij, being cut and brused mingle them, make up a little bag with them and put it into the Vessel after it has worked.

2. 2. The second Intention the a­mending the hu­mours. The second Intention undertaking the amendment of the Dyscrasies of the depraved dispositions of the Spirits, and blood, is performed by the same remedies which are convenient for the Hypochondriack and Melancholy Affecti­on; [Page 110] wherefore those prescriptions formerly deliver'd by us for the cure of those Affections may serve here.

3. Concerning the third Intention which appoints for the right conformation of the Pores of the skin as for its due cloathing airs, 3. The third in­tention, the alte­ration of the Pores. fires and means of living, there is little left for a Physiitian. For the deseased fearing themselves and their strength according to their own Imaginations, do so cloath themselves, shut them­selves in their chamber as in a Cloyster, Which is best performed by the change of the Air. indulge themselves in a Bed or Fire, even as they are carried by their own genius harkning to no precepts of their Friends or of the Physitian. Whatsoever others counsel them about those things they re­ject, objecting their own experience and knowledge taken from what doth help and what doth hurt them. The means of Advice which I received from them, and is wont to help, is but one almost, that they change the Air and Soil, by which they do not seldom change also their mind. For although they are addicted to close houses or to a chamber, when as being carried to forrain parts they breath a more warm and serene air, it is scarce credible how soon they grow well. So much for perverse and depraved Diapnoes or transpiration. The Theory of which Affection we have therefore shewed more fully because it hath been left untouched by others: now we will return from whence we have digressed to excessive Dia­phoresis or sweating.

The third kind of sudation which is a Di­sease by it self.There remains yet a third species of this Affection, to wit, immoderate swea­ting, which is not as the former a Symptom or effect of another present or past Disease, but is a Disease of it self or beginning from it self, or is the Parent of a morbid Affection. To the first Rank especially belongs that pestilent sweating, in time past, general among our Countrymen, known thorow the whole World by the name of the English Sweat, into the reason of which we shall by and by search. But, that we say nothing here of the bloody, black, bluish, stinking, or sweet smel­ling Sweat, of all which mention is made by Authors worthy to be believed, (and some of which also have fallen under our observation) we often advertise that some without any manifest cause do fall into the habit of Ephidrosis or of swea­ting, and from thence that evacuation being increased daily sometimes grows im­measurable; in so much that the humidities of the whole Body seem to be poured forth by sweat. And indeed it is no wonder that this Affection being once begun should increase daily; for those sweating much or often are very thirsty, and for that reason drink hugely, and so the more they drink the more they sweat, so that these two are reciprocally the cause and effect by turns and so produce one another in a long Series. A notable story of it. There is yet living in this Kingdom a noble Lady, famous now for many years for an immense or rather stupendious Ephidrosis, for that she does not only every night, moysten or thorowly wet her Linnen and Bedcloaths, but besides distills into a bason put under her thighs many ounces, yea according to com­mon fame many pounds of mere Sweat; in the mean time there is a necessity by rea­son of continual thirst provoking thereto, to take more plentifully of liquid things, by which as strength is restored so the sweat is continued. I received the History of this admirable affection, both from many worthy of belief, and (although she did ne­ver consult me for the recovering of her health) from the sick Ladies own mouth. However she had taken Remedies from many Physicians, and had tryed divers ways of living and the Regiment of the six non-naturals, she had drunk almost all kinds of Waters, had tryed the Air of others Countries and especially of France, but for all that she could do, this notable Lady doth yet labour with this troublesome distillation. Although it will not be easy for me to shew the Reason of this case, I being ignorant of what hapned in the beginning, progress and alterations of this Disease. What was to be observed from things helpful or hurtful, and only seeing her once, speech was had of it only by the by: yet however it may be lawful to suspect that in this, The reason of it. as in other Instances of Nature, the Serum of the blood, be­ing too apt to go away, leaving the passages thorow the Reins, Lymphaeducts, Glandulas and other ordinary ways of excretion did affect this by the Pores of the skin occasionally begun, and afterwards facilitated by a certain habitude, and con­stantly to observe it; to which perhaps may be added that the potency of the fluid Salt in the Blood and the nervous Juice, might cause a continual fusion of the blood, and a more plentiful separation of the Serum. To the curing of this Dis­ease, when it being confirmed by a continual habit, and the oeconomy of Nature being wholly inverted by it, I know not whether any Remedy, or any Method of [Page 111] curing would be profitable. And certainly nothing would be proposed by me if I should by chance speak to her about it. But if that great Remedy for a vitiated Diapnoe or Transpiration, to wit, change of air, should be repeated, they should not go any more into France, but into Denmark or Sweedland.

It will be very apposite to this business to discourse a little of the English Sweat, Of the English Sweat. sometimes past peculiar and very deadly to our Countrymen, both at home and a­broad. But this Disease hath not been seen in an Age, and that an example of it hath been made known to us only by the writings of others, we shall not go about to raise any Hypothesis about its nature and causes, but after having described its History out of Authors only propose by way of commentary our conjectures.

The English Sweat began in the Year 1485 about the beginning of August and lasted to the end of October; The History of the Disease. and although Sennertus said that this evill was familiar and contiunal for 40 years one after another to this Region, yet our own Country­men both Physicians, and Historians, who then lived or neer that time, have observed that it had perfect and great intervals, and that it returned only four times in the space of 66 years, viz. 1506, 1517, 1528, 1551, and that it raged scarce above six months at any time, and that there was always a very wet season going before it. But in some of those years in which it raged, it made every where great slaughters, that in some places, every time of its Reign the third part of men were found wan­ting. So great was its malignity that so soon as it invaded any City, it took away every day five or six hundred, and scarce one hundred of all the sick would esape. I think it good to insert here an example of the Disease compendiously and metho­dically described by Sennertus, and consonant to our own Authors. An example of the Disease out of Sennertus. Those who were taken with this Disease, were presently dispatch'd without long languishing, a Bubo, Carbuncle, or Pimples, and grew weak in mind with a great Languor of strength with unquietness, palpitation of Heart, headach, frequent quick and un­equal pulse, with great palpitation of the Heart; and also they flowted with abun­dance of sweat and perpetually, which ended not till the Disease was at an end which hapned within twenty four Hours. For those who would not be pleased with swea­ting, nor used Cordials, and who bore the heat more impatiently, and took cold, they all suddenly dyed within twenty four hours. Afterwards when the reason of this Disease became known that the sick were drawn to sweats, and did fortify them­selves with Cordials, fewer died. Sen. de feb. Lib 4. Cap 15. Concerning its cure Polidor Virgil writes a little more accurately. Its Cure descri­bed. After many experiment sand obser­vations taken from things helpful and hurtful to the sick, by use they found out the promptest Remedy for every one to be after this manner. Out of Polidor Virgil. If any one were ta­ken with this sweat in the day time, he presently went to Bed with his cloaths on, if in the night and in Bed he then rested quiet, nor moved himself from the place till twenty four hours were past; in the mean time, he cover'd himself so with cloaths that the sweat might not be provoked, but that it might still forth of its own accord softly, he took no meat if he were able to fast so long nor any more of drink he was accustomed to, and that warm, than might be just enough to ex­tinguish thirst, in this cure the chief thing was that he did beware of taking cold, or so much as to put his hand or foot out of the Bedcloaths for a little air, for to do it was deadly. Others added that in the whole twenty four hours space he was to abstain wholly from sleep. This Disease because it was wont in so short a space to terminate in Life or Death was called by the Physitians an Ephemera or Fevour of a days space. Those who recovered from this pestilent Sweat, after they had sometime continued well, sometimes fell into it again, yea sometimes a third time.

That we may presume to deliver a Reason of this dire Affection from these Phaenomena, The Season of it inquired into. let it first be lawful for us to suspect the formal Reason and also the conjunct Cause of this pestilent Ephidrosis to consist in this, that the Blood being infected with the meeting of a certain malignant or venomous matter, and for that cause being presently dissolved in its Crasis and fused into serosities, therefore for the most quick expulsion of this virulent Mixture it is resolved into Sweat as the most universal and most ample manner of excretion; whereby indeed if per­chance it hapned by this secretion that all the venomous Particles were presently driven forth adoors, the Disease presently terminated in health; or otherwise, ve­ry frequently in Death.

But next to it ought to be inquired into whether this malignant matter is be­got [Page 112] first in the Blood, or poured into it from some other place. If it be said the former it will be supposed, the Mass of Blood to have acquired an unquiet putre­factive Diathesis even as in the Plague by reason of a malignant Constitution of the Year and Air; which afterwards breaks forth either of its own accord, when it is brought to a plenitude, or by contagion, as it were enkindled into a dangerous and ofttimes corruptive Turgescencie, The primarie Cause. but I cannot suspect the busi­ness so in this malignant Sweat, as this in the first place shews that no signs of a corrupt or much vitiated Blood occur before in or after the Fit. For be­sides that this Fevour not very intense wants Spots, Pimples, Buboes and other Marks of an envenomed or very much fermenting Blood, moreover it is termi­nated in a Night and a Days space, which scarce ever is wont to happen in Di­seases deeply radicated within the bloody Mass.

In the nervous Juice.Wherefore I am rather led to believe the evil of this Disease to be primitive­ly founded in the nervous Liquor, and from thence to be communicated to the Blood whilst it performs the Tragedy of that malignant Ephidrosis. For it seems that this Humour, watring all the Fibres of the whole Body, and being the Vehicle in all places of the animal Spirits, by reason of the intemperateness of the Year leaving its due Crasis, to wit, a volatile saline Spirit degenerates into an acetous Nature, or some more vitious and at length malignant Disposition; and as this comes to that state of Depravation, then either of its own accord by rea­son of plenitude or excited by reason of the Ferment of Contagion, it conceives a turgescency or Flux being shaken forth from those irritated parts, and flowing back into the sanguineous Mass, it presently impoysons the whole, and dissolves its joynting, and by and by that it might be expelled it incites into that very great eccritick Effervescency. Hence copious Sweats (because this is the next and most ample way of excretion) break forth; by which extream strugling of Na­ture if perchance it happens that the whole Poyson be sent forth again from the Blood into the habit of the Body, and thence cast forth every where by an universal, and for a while continual Ephidrosis, Health quickly shines forth as fair Weather after the Clouds are wholly discussed; but if by that fermentation, and endeavour of Secretion into which the Blood is stirred up, for the sake of ex­pelling the malignant Miasma, the venomous Particles are not suddenly and whol­ly cast forth, the Mass of Blood both in a manner deprived of the Serum, and un­done in its Crasis, not being able to be longer continued to a vital Flame, it vanishes.

The reason of the Symptomes.From these it is not hard to give the reasons of its Empirical Cure and to assign the Causes of the Symptoms. For that the Disease being urgent, or about the beginning of its assault before the Fevour seems to be inkindled, presently an un­wonted Languor, a defection of the Mind, an utter overthrow of strength, pain of the Head, Palpitation of the Heart, with a quick, frequent, and unequal pulse, and other affections of the nervous kind did infest the sick, it was a sign that the nervous Parts were affected before the Blood, and that from them that evil deduced its original.

2. As a more copious Sweat (which was sometimes both symptomatick and also critick) did arise about the beginning of the Fevour being otherwise in ma­ny others, the reason is, that the morbifick Latex or Water redounding from the Fibres and nervous Parts into the bloody Mass, for that cause it is presently at its first approach cast forth, nor suffered to stay any longer or to be intimately mingled with the Blood. For indeed in a state not very unhealthful, the ner­vous Liquor scarce ever agrees with the Blood: wherefore if at any time by cer­tain turns that does flow back into this, it is by and by shook out again; and before it is infected with a lixivial Tincture being sent away by the Reins ex­cites a flood of Limpid Urine, which we have informed you to happen indeed often in Convulsive Affections. From the like case out of which this Disease springs, the un­bloody Dysente­rie and the Diabetes arise. But if the degenerate, or depraved nervous Liquor doth continually flow into the Blood, it produces sometimes the unbloody Dysentery, such as we have already described, sometimes the Diabetes as we formerly shewed. But by reason of the lesser and private restagnations of the same Humour, we have formerly shewed that cancrous, running, scirrhous, or knotty, and other Tumours of an evil kind do arise. But indeed in the Dis­ease we now speak of, that nervous Liquor is truly so very malignant and pesti­lent that at the first touch it empoysons the Blood, and fuses it into serosities, [Page 113] to be sent away quickly by Sweat; for otherwise if it were permitted to stay in the bloody Mass for a few Hours and to circulate and be thorowly mixed with it, it would wholly corrupt, and plainly mortifie it. Hence in that method of cu­ring, there is so great Caution found by frequent experience, that from the first assault of the Disease, the Sick immediatly (not staying whilst their Cloathes may be pulled off and put into Bed) being covered with bed Cloathes are put to Sweat, and continue for 24 Hours an equal Ephidrosis excited in the whole Body, and are not suffered in the mean time to stir neither Hand nor Foot, nor to take food nor sleep; that is they may do nothing whereby that pestilent Latex may be any more, or intimately mixed with the Blood, or whereby its most quick and total exclusion might be hindred. That if this kind of quick plentiful and equal Sudation stirred up by the instinct of Nature, and regulated by Medicine may be so long continued, that the whole Poyson may exhale thorow the Pores of the Skin, the afflicted presently grow whole without any cutaneous breakings forth, gentle Feavour, long Infirmity, nightly Sweats and other Consequences of Vitiated Blood. Why those who are recovered from this Disease are obnoxious to fall into it a­gain. But for as much as the nervous Liquor after its corruptions so purged forth, is apt to be depraved again after the same manner, and so being moved by reason of plenitude or contagion to redound from the nervous Parts into the Blood and in like maner to impoyson it; therefore some after they have been perfectly well have usually been taken a second time, yea sometimes a third with the same Disease. There will be no need to add any forms of Medicines in this Case, because the whole business of the Cure, almost wholly depends on the right ordering or administring of the Sick. Besides it would be very imperti­nent to prescribe Physick, and a method against so unwonted a Disease which we hope will never return again, and if that it should ever return hereafter, it is un­certain whether the same way of curing ought to be observed in all things.

CHAP. I. Of Cardiack and Alexiterian Medicines or Cordials and Antidotes against Poyson.

Cordials and Antidotes a­gainst Poyson were always of common use.IN ancient Medicine, and also in our yet Vulgar and Empirical, which old Wo­men and Quacksalvers exercise, Medicines called Cordials and Antidotes a­gainst Poyson were always of most publick use and of a great Rank. The sim­ples of these are most numerous, their Compositions add to the heap, and almost fill all the Pages in all the Dispensatories both Ancient and Modern. But what has respect to the reasons of their Effects and the way of operating, viz. upon what kinds of Particles their Virtues depend, and by what affection either of the Heart, or Blood, or Spirits, or of the other Humours they exercise their Powers, concerning these I say, I find nothing said by Physitians or Philosophers which might at any time satisfie a Mind desirous of Truth. For the unfolding the Virtues of Cardiacks, they do not as in the other part of medicinal Cure insist upon the sensible and manifest Qualities, but they run to the Occult and Specifick, yea to the Actions of the whole substance; In the mean time if the thing be atten­tively considered, and the true and genuine Reasons of it be searched out, it will easily appear, that the notion it self of a Cardiack Remedy is very unfitly framed, and is but a vulgar Error.

Their vulgar Attributes.The Cardiack Remedies are esteemed to be of that sort, which succour the Heart labouring after any manner of way; wherefore it is every where said in Authors these do notably comfort the Heart, that keeps the Heart unhurt from all putrefaction, yea others relieve the weak or oppressed Heart, Cure its fain­ting, or trembling, and preserve it from Corruption. Moreover because in the Pest, Small Pox, and malignant Fevours, it is believed that the Heart is cor­rupted or beset with Venom or malignity, therefore Remedies, which are wont to give help in those sicknesses, are not only called simply Cordials but A­lexiterions and Alexipharmacas that is Preservatives or Antidotes against Poy­sons.

From whence re­medies which defend life are called Cardi­acks.This opinion both of Cardiack and Alexiterian Medicines, seems to have risen from thence, for as much as in times past it was thought and is commonly believ­ed, that the Heart is the beginning of all Life and Heat, and for that cause that our Life or Death depends upon its immediate Affection: Hence whatsoever things do refresh the Soul and make us lively and chearful, they are believed to do that, for as much as they are benign and friendly to the Heart; and on the contrary, others to induce sadness and melancholy, for as much as they are enemies and incon­gruous to the Heart.

These do not act properly on the Heart.But indeed when as we have shown more largely elsewhere, that the Heart is not the subject of Life, but that it is chiefly and almost only the Blood, and that the Soul it self (upon whose existence and action of the Body, Life depends) is founded partly in the Blood and partly in the heap of animal Spirits, it easily fol­lows that the Remedies which conserve the Life whole, or restore it being in dan­ger, do respect these parts of the Soul, to wit, the Blood and the animal Spirits, rather and more immediately than the Heart: For this is not so noble and princi­pal an Inward as it hath been hitherto esteemed, but a mere Muscle consisting only of Flesh and Tendons, after the manner of the rest, and serving for the driving about of the Blood: But as often as it is deficient or wanting in rightly performing this Office, this is not its proper fault, but happens by the evil either of the Blood or animal Spirits by which it is actuated.

Therefore that the reasons and manner of working of Medicines which are called Cordials may be known, it behoves us to consider these two things, viz. First, by how many or by which ways chiefly, the Blood being amiss as to its in­kindling, or as to its mixture, and not seldom being in danger, But in the Blood and animal Spi­rits. requires helping Medicines, by which it may be preserved or amended. Secondly, by what means the Heart, by reason of a defect or fault in the animal Regiment, is hindred or perverted from its due motion, and wherefore Medicines which plentifully in­crease, and more rightly, compose the Spirits, are prescribed.

As to the First, the Blood in respect of its accension either is deficient or exceeds; How in the Blood. and in either respect divers manner of Medicines, to wit, hot or cold, as it were, Oyl or Water are required; and therefore they are commonly called Cordials, although they affect not at all the heart: For although from these being taken the motion of the Heart is oftentimes altered, and for that reason the Pulse becomes presently quicker or slower, stronger or weaker. Yet this is made so, because the motion of the Heart depending altogether upon the in-flowing of the animal Spirits (by a wonderful consent and cooperation between either part of the Soul) is exactly proportionated according to the accension or inkindling of the Blood: Wherefore as the Blood intends or enlarges, or remits or lessens by taken in Me­dicines its effervescency or heat; of a sudden the animal Spirits which agitate the Heart, observing exactly its condition, make the Heart to shake quicker or flower, and so if from the same Medicine a systasis of the animal Spirits be effected, therefore also a greater or less strong or vehement Pulse is caused, when as in the mean time the virtue of that Medicine reaches no more to the Heart it self, than to the Hand or Foot or to any other Muscle: Therefore that the first class of Cardiacks whereby the enormities of the Blood are healed, may be instituted, it will behove us to weigh by how many, and by which ways its Liquor is wont to be perverted and depraved, both as to its accension and as to its Crasis, then what kind of Remedies commonly esteemed Cardiacks, are required for every one of its evils.

In the first place therefore, the Blood sometimes is not enough inkindled, The Blood offends as to its accensi­on and Crasis. nor is circulated with vigor, as is observed in many languid persons, to wit, such as linger with a long egritude, or such as have had great slowings of the Hemorrhoids, or other immoderate Evacuations, or broken with old Age; also in such who are very pale and cold in their extreme parts; with a weak Pulse and decayed strength. The Reason of which is, 1. When it is less inkindled than it ought to be. for that the Blood by reason of the sulphureous Parti­cles being too much consumed or depressed, becomes almost vapid and decayed; and from thence is so very sparingly and smally inkindled in the Lungs: To which oftentimes is added, that the animal Regiment also flagging or growing weary; the Heart being destitute of a more full influx of Spirits, does not enough exagi­tate the Blood, whereby it might more lively ferment, and be inkindled.

The Remedies to be given in this case are generous Wines, Hot Waters, What Remedies are prescribed. or more mild distilled with Spices, aromatick Powders, Species, and Confections, Chymical Oyls and Spirits, Tinctures, Elixirs, and other things endued with spi­rituons and sulphureous Particles, which do more agitate the Blood, and render it more inflammable and turgid; and as they together raise up and comfort the a­nimal spirits; therefore they make the Heart to beat more lively and strongly. The Forms of these are set down at the end of this Chapter.

Secondly, oftentimes the Blood by reason of sulphureous Particles, 2. What also when too much enkindled. too much soluted and constrained into an effervescency; is inkindled more than it ought to be, and disperseth too strong an heat and very troublesome through the whole Body: Wherefore that it so very much rarefied and flaming forth, may be con­tained, and at the same time fanned within the Vessels, the Heart striking vehe­mently and swiftly, drives about the Blood with great labour and striving: There­fore in this case there ought to be administred cooling and temperate Cardiack Remedies, which may quench and allay the fervor of the Blood, and also gently refresh the animal Spirits whereby they may be able to be more strong to perform the present task of Life: To which ends are wont to be used distilled waters of Burrage, Balm, of Couslip Flowers, Marigolds, the Rinds of the whole Citron, also the Syrups and Conserves of the Flowers and Leaves of the same kind of Ve­getables, the juices of Sorrel, Citrons, Oranges, mineral Crystal, and such like, to which Opiates are very often joyned with success; for the force of the Heart [Page 116] being somewhat restrained, the Blood more easily and sooner remits its effer­vescency.

These are the more simple Cardiacks, which are designed to effect only one in­tention, 2. The Blood of­fending as to its Crasis or mix­ture, requires only Cardiacks in Fevers, and then to wit, the raising up or the depressing of the sanguineous Flame. But moreover the Blood is not only wont to be depraved and diversly perverted as to its inkindling, but also as to its mixture or Crasis. But yet Cordials are not pre­sently required to all its dyscrasies, but only in those which being excited in Fe­vers when they are sudden and very great, do threaten a total corruption of the Mass of Blood.

It is either too strict in its joynting,1. The Blood growing feverishly hot, is indangered as to its Crasis chiefly two ways, to wit, either the band of its mistion is too strict, so that all its Particles are complicated within themselves, and are mutually combined so as the unprofi­table and excrementitious cannot be extricated or separated from the profitable, and the thin from the thick; as happens in some continual and putrid Fevers, which although they are little or nothing malignant, yet because they are not a­ble to be judged upon by sweat or transpiration, they sometimes are terminated in death: Wherefore in this case they are prescribed for Cardiacks, which unlock and open this joynting together of the Blood, to the end that the serous Latex with other recrements, may abscede and be sent away from the concretion of the rest.

Or too loose.2. The Crasis of the Blood is besides in danger to be subverted by another and quite contrary way in Fevers, and for that reason other kind of Cardiack Reme­dies, viz. Alexipharmacas or Alexiterians are prescribed: For truly it often hap­pens that its joynting together is too much laxed, and as to its Crasis, torn asunder by heterogeneous Particles, either begot within its own proper bosom, or else poured in thither from some other place, so that the common bond of its mistion being loosened, it goes away every where into parts, and then portions of the coagulated or extravasated, and stagnating Blood being fixed here and there, be­gin to putresie and corrupt, and at length the whole sanguineous Liquor becomes so much vitiated, that it is not fit any longer to continue the Flame, or for the animal Spirits distilling into the Brain: Wherefore there will then be a necessity for all its functions by degrees to flag, and lastly, Life to be de­stroyed.

What Remedies the latter Evil requires.Cardiacks in this case mostly requisite, consist of those kind of Particles, which being carried into the Blood and circulated with it, are however untameable, yet benign: Wherefore whilst they enter into all the passages and pores of the bloody Mass, they every where agitate the other malignant Particles, pull them from their concretions, and at length either overcome them, or thrust them forth a­doors. And so, as the Blood being freed from that empoysoned mixtion, and also delivered from all the private Coagulations, is torn again into very small and elementary Particles, it recovers quickly its pristine and healthful mixture.

Viz. Alexite­rian.Indeed that it may better appear by what means Alexiterians do conserve the Blood and juices of our Body from pestiferous blasts, or defend them being already touched by them from putrefaction; it behoves us to shew how other Liquors ob­noxious to putrefaction, are preserved a long time, or being corrupted may be restored again.

How these defend the Blood from putrefaction.Therefore it is observed of Beer, that it being apt of its own nature to grow sower, is made durable by the boyling therein the flowers of the Hop; yea, that common Water, when it otherwise quickly putrefies, being impregnated by the boyling or infusion of bitter Vegetables, (of which sort also Alexipharmacks are made) continues a long time uncorrupted: Besides that the juices of Herbs and some other Liquors being already putrefied, if that they may be fumigated by the burning of Sulphur, will recover their pristine vigor. Moreover, that Wines, Beer, and other kinds of Drinks, being almost vapid and dead; being anew stirred by a fermentation within them do often revive: The reason of which is, for that as the corruption of every thing consists in the loosening of the elemen­tary Particles and their going away one from another, whatsoever detains them, tending to flight and confusion, yet in motion and perfect mixture, preserves that Concrete whole and sound. Further, if any thing in like manner compels toge­ther the Elements being loosened, and mutually about to go one from another, and stirs them up into a new fermentation, it drives away putrefaction from the [Page 117] Concrete although begun, and gives to it again a firm Constitution. These kind of alterations and preserving Liquors by art from Corruption, is known by every Plebean; and indeed in the Plague and malignant diseases, Alexipharmacks seem to perform the same effect: For these being often taken, for as much as they con­tinually agitate the Blood. and compel it into an higher fermentation, they con­serve its mixture whole, notwithstanding the influences of the hurtful miasmata: Yea after the malignity being impressed, and the Crasis of the Blood after the a­foresaid manner, being begun to be laxed and loosened, these sort of Remedies being given even to a moving a Diaphoresis, for as much as they decoct the Mias­mata of the received infection, and induce a new fermentation opposite to the o­ther corrupt one, they oftentimes obliterate the impressions or the force of the pestiferous infection. The kinds and forms of these sort of Alexiterian Medicines, are set down hereafter.

In the mean time, as to what respects these other Cardiacks, What sort of Car­diacks are pre­scribed in the too closejoynting of the Blood. by which the too strict joynting of the fermenting Blood is loosened and unlocked, for the sending away the the feverish matter and other Excrements, that the vertues and means of the operating of these may be better known, what we have above said concern­ing the energies of Diureticks and Diaphoreticks, ought to be referred hither. For in truth, those Medicines are of a very near kin to some Cardiacks, yea are sometimes of common or reciprocal use, for as much as sometimes the vitiated Crasis of the Blood cannot be relieved, unless that first its joynting being unlock­ed, there be a way laid open for the sending away the serous water by the Reins or the Pores of the Skin. Salines do best of all perform every of these scopes of healing: For as we have oftentimes already noted, the opening of every Body both liquid and solid, is effected almost only with a saline Key.

We have experimentally declared in the Chapter of the Diuresis, how by rea­son of the various infusions of Salts, the coagulation of Milk and its reduction from that state or inhibition are performed, and what analogy they have with the Blood; even as in Milk and in the fluid Blood, so likewise is it in fixed Metals, and other Minerals: For the Concretion or Compaction almost of every thing is from the salt of one kind, the dissolution by some of another, They are chiefly salines and of a diverse kind. which snatches into its embraces the first Salt, and so a precipitation is made by some Salt of a diverse kind whhich destroys the combinations of the former. We have before declared these things so clearly and largely, that there will be no need to repeat them here. That therefore we have placed Salines in Cardiacks, no less than in Diureticks and Diaphoreticks, the same reason is for all: It now remains that we briefly shew what are the chief species which belong to that Rank or Cense of this kind, and the reasons and ways of their operating.

1. In the first place therefore, Cardiacks endued with a volatil Salt, 1. Cordials en­dued with a vo­latil Salt. offer them­selves and carry away the palm from many others, as the spirits of Harts-horn, of Salt Armoniack, Compounds, viz. of Amber and Treacle distilled from the Roots of the Virginian Serpentaria, and other Alexiterians, also what was the only and universal Medicine of a late Doctor, a Physician going over to the Empirical Sect, the spirits of dead mens Sculls dug out of their Graves. Hither also ought to be referred the Salt of Vipers, also the powder of Toads closely calcined, (which I knew very famous and beneficial formerly, in the epidemical pestilential Fever at Oxford in the Year 1643.) with many others. These sorts of Remedies have called back many from the very jaws of Death, and indeed they are often very beneficial in a diverse and manifold respect, viz. First, for as much as they open the mass of Blood, too much thickened and straitned by a feverish effervescency, by meeting with the fixed or acid Salts, and snatching them into their embraces; and so they promote a separation and excretion of the morbifick matter, both besides that they relieve the animal Spirits, and stir them up when slothful to the performing their duty. To which we may add, that these Medi­cines in malignant Fevers do overcome, and not rarely extinguish the venomous Particles of the morbifick Matter.

2. The second place among saline Cardiacks, ought in right to belong to Re­medies endued with an Alchalisate or petrifying Salt, 2. Which are powerful in a [...] Alchal or petri­fying Salt. for these are esteemed com­monly famous Cordials. Of these sorts are the Bezoar, Stone, Pearls, Corals, the bone from the Heart of a Stag, the Horn of the same Beast, the powder of an Elephants Tooth, the Eyes and Claws of Crabs, and other stony and shelly Pow­ders, [Page 118] which common Experience witnesses to be very often given with success: And the reason of the help seems to consist in this, that the Particles of the Alchal Salt in the Medicine, meet with the Particles of the acid Salt in our Bodies, and by and by they intimately joyn together, and so destroy their fiercenesses, and a­ny other wicked combinations. To the class of these sort of Cardiacks also Bo­lus Armenius, Lemnian sealed Earth, and other Marls are deservedly ranked, not therefore however, that they succour (as the vulgar say) the sick Heart, but for as much as they destroy the powers of the acid or fixed Salt, either in the Viscera or in the mass of Blood, and presently allay or correct the enormities produced by them.

3. If I should exclude from this Rank of Cardiacks acetous Medicines, or en­dued with a fluid Salt, 3. In a fluid or acetous Salt. the Authority almost almost of all Physicians, and especi­ally of the Ancients, would rise up against me: For these for the most part are esteemed famous Alexiterians against the Pestilence. For the curing of malignant Fevers, Theriacal and Bezoartick Acetes are highly cryed up, yea Vinegar or ace­tous things are put into waters distilled for that use. For the same reason the spirits of Vitriol, the juices of Citrons, of Pomegranates, of Wood-sorrel with many others of the same kind, are esteemed in the number of Cordials and Alexi­pharmacons; and indeed by good right, because these do best of all dissolve the combinations of the fixed Salt with the adust Sulphur, and overcome their fierce­nesses; and therefore by these sort of Remedies, the coagulations and extravasa­tions of the Blood that are wont to happen in malignant Fevers, are often pre­vented or cured.

4. For the same or the like Reasons, by which the aforesaid salines, others also whose basis is a fixed Salt, 4. In a fixed Salt. are numbred with Cardiacks, or are put into their com­positions: For that as divers sorts of Salts are begot in our Bodies, and that they pass every where from one state to another; hence it is that they ought to give for every intention, salines not of one but of a diverse kind. By what reason those endued with a fixed or lixivial Salt, take away or correct the enormities of the acid Salt reigning in the Viscera and the Blood, we have shown before.

5. Salt Nitre by good right is ranked with Cardiacks, seeing that without its Particles inspired with the Air the Life of Animals could not subsist: 5. In a nitrous Salt. But this be­ing taken inwardly at the Mouth is esteemed a famous Antepyreuticon, for as much as it takes away the thirst, and greatly allays the feverish heat, which notwith­standing it effects, not only by helping the mistion of the Blood but also its ac­cension or enkindling. We have elsewhere shewed, that for the making of flame, together with the sulphureous Particles, nitrous are required, and by how much more plentiful they are, the more clear and bright it burns. Wherefore when the matter enkindled, which consists for the most part of Sulphur, with Salt and Earth mixed together sends forth but an obscure flame vitiated with Smoak and Soot, if that Nitre be cast in, it presently becomes splendid and temperate and shines forth with a brightness. In like maner we think it to be in Fevours when the Blood, being stuft with adust Feculencies, fumes forth with a suffocating heat, rather than openly flames forth, Particles of Nitre being taken in at the mouth, and carried into the blood, by and by make it to burn more clearly and is there­fore beneficial or benign: to the end that the joynting of its liquor being more opened, its excrements both serous and fuliginous may go away freely. Where­fore our Verulamius truly observes that the Particles of Nitre being carried into the Ventricle and also inspired together with the Air conduces very much to the maintaining and the prolonging of our Life.

These are the chief kinds of Cardiack Medicines, whose operation is chiefly up­on the Mass of Blood, whose close or too strict joynting, and thickning by con­tinual concoction, they somewhat fuse and open, that there may be a way opened for the morbifick matter: or they hinder the Blood from putrefaction being dissolved by an heterogeneous and malignant mixture, and broken into venemous portions and therefore obnoxious to stagnations, and corrupt Coagulations; for as much as the Particles of these Cardiack Alexiterions being carried into the Blood, and confused with it, in the circulating notwithstanding not being assimilated by it, or overcome, they every where rise against the venomous Particles, and either overcome them, or expel them forth adoors; to the end that the bloody Mass be­ing [Page 119] freed from all malignity, and extricated from all coagulations, might quickly recover its pristine Disposition. Both these medicines for as much as they pre­serve the Blood from corruption, or extinction, are commonly called Cardiacks but may be more properly Vitals. The aforesaid Remedies are ra­ra [...]r to be cal­led vitals.

But if it be further inquired into, how these, or those being put into the Ven­tricle, without any notable action, or passion there stirred up, do so suddenly transfer their Energies almost unmixed into the bloody Mass: I say in the first place, that these Medicines, are by no means adverse or contrary, How these being put into the Ven­tricle, do by and by operate [...]pon the Blood. but very congruous or agreeable to the Animal Spirits; wherefore they do not irritate the nervous Fibres of the Ventricle neither into a sense of Grief, nor into excretory Motions; but ra­ther provoke the Spirits inhabiting them into a certain Ovation or Complacency, by whose undulation presently the whole Soul is expanded. Then in the second place the passage from the Ventricle into the blood is not, as hath been formerly thought, so long, or is carried by so many ambages or turnings, and windings, that there should be any fear lest the virtue of the Medicine should be lost in the way; but in a moment is carried from the ends of these into those: For as we have ob­served above, innumerable sanguiferous Vessels thickly planted do cover the inte­rior nervous Coat of the Ventricle, by which reason not only cathartick Medicines, but whatsoever others being destinated for the Praecordia, or the Brain, yea for the uttermost border of the Body, not being yet gone forth from the Ventricle, do begin their operations in the blood.

So much for Cardiacks so commonly called for that they restore the Blood be­ing depraved as to its accension or mixture, to wit, 2. The second kind of Cardi­acks which re­spect the Animal Spirits. either of them or both of them together, or reduce it to a better Crasis. Whose operation and vertue, as it brings succours to the endangered Life; they (as we have hinted) rather may be more properly termed Vitalia or Vitals. But moreover some Medicines, that are known by the name of Cordials, for as much as they first and more immediately shew or exert their Energies upon the Animal Spirits, and so they erect, vigorate or compose either some portion, or the whole Hypostasis of the sensitive Soul be­ing too much contracted, depressed or otherwise disturbed. And indeed these sorts of Remedies do as it were, although more remotely, affect the heart it self: For that when from these being given, the whole sensitive Soul is elevated, and more largely expanded, also the spirits destinated for the praecordia, do slow into them more plentifully, and actuate them more lively; and therefore the Pulse before weak and slagging, presently strikes more strongly, and the Blood is driven a­bout with a greater force. These sort of Medicines being esteemed by a certain right for Cardiacks, do not much differ as to the matter from other Vitals, chief­ly respecting the Blood: Yea some of them are common to either kind. These are of a twofold kind. As to the means of affecting these latter, may be aptly reduced to two heads, and for as much as they are either gentle or sharp, they follow the same scope, to wit, they either set up and confirm as it were by gentle stroking and soft handling the animal Spirits, or else by vexing them and urging them as it were with prick­ings or Goads, they compel them to more quick and sometimes to more regu­lar motions,

The Cardiacks of the former kind assoon as they are entered into the Stomach, yea sometimes as soon as tasted in the Mouth, do put forth their Virtues, 1. Gentle s [...] ­kers of the Spi­rits. and with a grateful approach cherish the Spirits dwelling in the first passages, or as it were the Porch of the Body, or restore them; then by their continuity, Which sort do stir up an effect either presentl [...] in the Viscera, or in the S [...] ­ries. the same rejoycing being delivered over successively to other Spirits, and from them to others, it presently waves thorough the whole chain of the Sensitive Soul; so that both the Brain and the Praecordia being irradiated by a more full influx of as it were rejoycing Spirits, they perform much more briskly and more chear­fully the duties of their Functions. For this end (having a care of a too great incitation of the Blood) they make waters commonly called Cordial Waters distilled with Wine or winie Spirits, and with Spices; also prepared with Musk and Amber Grise. Also Aromatick Pouders mixed with the same. Besides hi­ther belong the magisteries of Corals, and Pearls, and Tinctures, also Elixirs, and very many others of the same kind breathing forth a grateful scent or odor; hence also sweet smells, and pleasant sights for as much as they recreate the ani­mal Spirits are numbred among Cardiacks: for whatsoever doth gently affect and delight the Spirits presiding in every Sensory, doth by and by raise up and [Page 120] amplifie the whole Soul. In the mean time, other Cardiacks of this Rank with­out any great affection of the Spirits placed in the entrance, yea the first passages and mass of Blood being almost unsaluted, are perceived to operate first within the compass of the Head: [...]r at length in [...]he compass of the Brain. Of which sort are certain Cephalicks so called, which when as they are not grateful to the Palat or Ventricle, and do scarce ferment or stir the Blood; yet they illustrate the Brain, and sharpen and corroborate the ani­mal Spirits dwelling in it. Of this kind seem to be Sage, Betony, Rosemary, Vervain, with many others.

2. Certain other Medicaments and kinds of Administrations, (which are not undeservedly ranked among Cardiacks) do operate after a different manner, 2. Or these Car­diacks are asper and irritating. and for that reason bestow quite another help; to wit, these do not gently stroke the Animal Spirits, and make them to be equally expanded; but they rather irritate and compel them to run and be carried forth hither and thither for that end, when that they being before out of order and dispersed unequally; they abound in some places more thickly and in others more thinly; and therefore intermit or perversly perform certain Duties of their functions, and chiefly within the Brain or Praecordia: Then the best Remedy is that they be then disturbed, and more agitated by an ingrateful Medicine; wherefore they being stirred up by in­flicted Stripes, as it wire whipped, leave their former irregularities, and of their own accord return into regular orders: Which compel the Spirits as it were by whip­ping them into order. For so it is a usual thing in swoon­ings, Syncopes, Oppression or Convulsion of the Heart; yea almost in all other Irregularities, Languors, and Faintings away of the Spirits, to give Spirits of Harts Horn, Soot, Sal Armoniack, or the tincture of Castor or Asa foetida, with other Liquors. These and the like, as volatil Salts and empyreumatick or strong smelling Chymical Oyls to put to the Nose, is expedient, as also in sudden defecti­ons of the Soul, to sprinkle cold water on the Face, to shake very much the Body, to pull the Nose, and sometimes to strike or buffet the Body, avails. These kind of Administrations bring help, for as much as they stir up or exsuscitate the Ani­mal Spirits oppressed or distracted, or doing some other thing besides their pro­per Office, and then command them being expansed, and as it were, set again into order, to their former Offices. But that some suppose that help to pro­ceed from hence, for that the Blood being hindred somewhere in its course, and stagnating chiefly within the praecordia, brings forth the aforesaid affections, and is restored into motion by those Remedies and means of Administrations: I say, that the cause of those Affections and the Cure, depends only secondarily and mediately upon the Blood: But that firstly the stagnation of the Blood proceeds from the animal motion of the Heart being stopped, and that the impediments of that are not to be taken away, but by the restitution of this. The various kinds of Medicines esteemed for Cardiacks being now rehearsed, and their manner and ways of working on the Blood or Spirits, or both of them to­gether, being (as I think) rightly drawn or designed, it yet rests that we put down some select Forms of them, appropriated by Physicians to every one of the aforesaid Intentions.

CHAP. II. Kinds and Forms of Cardiacks.

BEcause we have distinguished Medicines commonly esteemed for Cardiacks into two kinds, viz. some which chiefly and more immediately affect the Blood, 1. Cardiacks in­creasing the ac­cension of the Blood. and others the animal Spirits; in their first rank we have placed those which are destinated for the regulating the enkindling of the Blood, which compel its too cold liquor and slow in motion to grow more hot, and being exalted or increased with more plenty of sulphureous Particles, more abundantly to be inkindled and to flame forth: Of which sort are brisk Wines, strong Waters, distilled Compo­sitions, Spirits and Tinctures of Saffron, Elixir Vitae, of Quercetan, the tincture of salt of Tartar, of Steel, and other things filled with Spirit and chiefly with plenty of Sulphur, of which sometimes these, sometimes those may be taken at the pleasure of every patient. As often as by reason of the Bloods being but lit­tle inkindled, and for that cause too much heaped up and almost standing still within the praecordia, a languor and weariness of Spirits, with a great oppression of the Heart do infest: in this case Aqua mirabilis, Clove, Cinamon, and Worm­wood Waters, compounded with the Rinds of Oranges, and distilled with Wine, are convenient. To which is sometimes added a dose of some Spirit, Elixir, or Tincture.

But here is need of great caution, The abuse of these is described. lest these kind of Cordials be so often indul­ged: For I have known many both men and women, by the often use of these to fall into this evil custom, that they were necessitated oftentimes in a day to drink a draught of strong Wine, Spirits, or of some strong Waters. Moreover their Doses (because Nature being little accustomed to extraordinaries, doth not long endure their Contents) daily to increase, and often to repeat; so that at length the Stomach was not able to suffer or digest any moderate thing, ever expecting stronger and hotter things: But some Visceras and especially the Liver, are so dryed and rosted, that the Blood being wasted as to its provision, and depraved as to its Crasis, a morbiferous Cacochymia or shortning of Life follows there­upon.

Many and various are the occasions for which many people are brought into this most evil custom of sipping Cardiack Liquors: Upon what occa­sions this is wont to grow Custo­mary. For besides sudden languish­ings stirred up perhaps, by great sorrow, cruel labour, immense Sweats, or sharp grief; moreover if at any time Aliments not agreeable, do bring a trouble or nauseousness to the Stomach, or by reason of a convulsive Diathesis, a syncope or insensibleness seems to threaten: Further, for many other causes it is a usual thing to take vinous Spirits or Aqua vitae, though very improperly so called, then after such kind of Cordials being often taken, they begin to be agreeable and delight­ful, by every sup of them the mass of Blood being a little more enlarged and more inkindled, it causes the Hypostasis of the whole Soul to be amplified and in­vited into a certain rejoycing; which afterwards sinks down again, but the Soul mindful of that complacency and not content with its present condition, at length affects the same, and by and by looks earnestly for the same to be taken again: Wherefore for every trouble of the Body or Mind, as soon as the Spirits begin a little to flag, a draught of Cordial Waters is sought for to erect them presently, and if it be ready at hand it is drunk, and so by reason of often stretching forth the Sails of the Soul to no purpose, the fabrick of the Body as of a Ship, perishes and decays. Nor does this evil Custom grow in use with Gluttons and great drinkers only, but sometimes learned men and very fair and ingenious Women, by often sipping Spirits and strong Waters, whereby they might the better fur­nish and exhilarate the quickness of their mind, spoyl and very often quite de­stroy their own health. There will be no need to add here any forms of these kind of Cardiacks, so well and commonly known, it seems enough to have here noted the abuse of them.

In the second Class of Cardiacks we have placed those which do somewhat allay the too great effervescency of the Blood, and do a little restrain and attemperate its immoderate burning; as distilled Waters, acid and nitrous things. &c.

2. What do al­lay the too great enkindling of the blood.Take of the water of Wood forrel, of whole Citrons, of Strawberries, of each ℥iiij, of the syrup of the Juice of Citrons ℥j, of the powder of Pearls ʒj, make a Julep, the Dose is ℥ij, three or four times in a day.

Take of the water of Pippins or sweet smelling Apples, of Rasberries, of each ℥vj, Julep. of the syrup of Violets ℥j, of the spirit of Vitriol gut. 12, make a Ju­lep.

Take of Spring water lbjss, of the juice of Lemons ℥j, of Sugar ℥jss, make a Drink, of which take when you please ℥iij.

Apozem.Take Grass Roots ℥iij, of candied Eringoes ℥vj, two Apples sliced (or of Co­rinthian Grapes ℥ij,) the shavings of Ivory and Hartshorn each ʒij, of the leaves of Wood-sorrel Mj, boyl them in lbiij of Spring water to lbij, add to the strain­ing of Sal Prunellae ʒiss, of syrup of Violets ℥iss, make an Apozem, the Dose is ℥iij or iiij, thrice a day.

Take of the Conserves of red Roses Vitriolat. ℥iiij, Spring water lbij, dissolve it in a close thing and warm, then strain it, the Dose is ℥iij, at pleasure.

Confection.Take of Conserve of Oxyacant. Rob of Rasberries, of each ℥iss, of prepared Pearl ʒss, Confection Hyacinth ʒj, of syrup of the Juice of Citron what will suffice, make a Confection, the Dose is ʒss, thrice in a day.

3. Cardiacks o­pening the too strict joynting of the blood whilst that it ferments.The third class of Cardiacks furnishes these sort of Medicines, which being destinated against the evils of the fermenting Blood do unlock and open its strict joynting together, whereby its superfluities may be separated and sent away. These as they are chiefly and almost only Salines, for the multiplicity of Particles of which they consist, they are also after a divers manner in the condition of Salts; as for the most part their Basis is either Volatile or Alchalisate, or acid, fixed or nitrous Salt. Some of whose forms we will here propose.

1. Of that kind whose Basis is a volatile Salt.First Cardiacks indued with a volatile Salt are wont to be given profitably both in Fevers in respect of the Blood and also in swoonings and sudden languors in re­spect of the animal Spirits, according to the following prescriptions.

Spirits.Take of the spirit of Hartshorn gut. 15 to 20, of Treacle water ʒij, let it be given in a spoon drinking after it a draught of an appropriate Liquor: after the same manner may be given the spirits of Blood, of mens Sculls, of Soot or the spirit of Sal Armoniack compounded.

Powders.Take of the salt of Vipers ʒj, of Crystal Mineral ʒij of the powder of Claws compounded ʒiss, mingle it and make a powder, the Dose is ʒiss to ℈ij, in a spoonful of cordial Julep, drinking after it a little draught of the same.

Take of the flowers of Sal Armoniack ℈ss, of Bezoartick Mineral ℈j, make a powder to be given in a spoonful of proper Liquor.

2. Whose Basis is an Alchale Salt.Secondly they are chiefly noted by the name of Cordials with the vulgar whose Basis is an Alchalisate Salt or petrifying: as in the first place Oriental Bezoar, Pearls, Corals, and other stony and shelly Powders.

Take of Gascoins powder or of Claws compounded ℈j to ʒss, let it be given in a spoonful of cordial Julep, drinking after it of the same ℥ij.

Take of Oriental Bezoar gr. vj to xx, let it be given after the same manner.

Take of the powder and of the Claws and Eyes of Crabs of each ʒj, of Pearls and Corals both prepared of each ℈iiij, both Bezoars of each ʒss, the best Bole Armeniack, Diaphoretick Gold each ℈ij, Bezoartick mineral ʒj, mingle them and make a cardiack Powder, Dose is ℈j to ℈ij, or ʒj, in a fit Vehicle,

In Pleurisies what are conve­nient.These following are esteemed most proper in Pleurifies, for as much as by de­stroying the powers of the acid Salt they take away or hinder the coagulations and extravasations of the Blood.

Take of the pouder of a wild Bores Tooth ʒss to ʒj, crystal Mineral ℈j, of the pouder of the Flowers of Red Poppy ℈ss: make a pouder to be taken in any Li­quor. After the same manner is given the pouder of Crabs eyes, and of the jaws of the Pike fish.

3. Nitrous Car­diacks.Hither belong also preparations of Nitre which according to the following Forms, hath been often given in Fevours with success.

Take of Mineral Crystal ℈j, of the volatile Salt of Hartshorn gr. iij to vj, mingle them, make a Pouder, let it be given in a spoonful of Cordial Julep.

Take of Mineral Crystal, of Diaphoretick Antimony of each ℈j, of Bezoar­tick Pouder ℈ss, let it be given after the same manner.

4. Medicines whose Basis is a fluid or acid Salt, for the unlocking the jointing of the Blood in Fevours, are prescribed according to the following forms. Cordials whose Basis is an acid Salt.

Take of the spirit of Vitriol gut. iiij to vj, of Cordial Water ℥iiij, of Treacle water ʒij, of the syrup of the juice of Citrons ʒiij, of Pearls ℈ss, make a draught to be taken twice or thrice in a day. In the same manner may be taken the spirit of Salt of Nitre. For the same end the drink of Cherbet with Lemons dissol­ved in Spring water, also the divine drink of the Palm tree are convenient.

Take of the pouder of Hartshorn calcined, or of Antimony Diaphoretick ʒiij, spirit of Vitriol or of Salt ʒj. let them be brused together in a glass Mortar and dryed, the Dose is ℈j to ʒss, in a spoonful of Cordial Julep.

The fixed Salts or lixivials of Herbs are often put into the compositions of A­lexipharmacons. Besides Medicines whose Basis they are, 5. What abound in a fixed Salt. for as much as they are noted, to be very famous Febrifuges or helpers in Fevours ought also to be numbred with Cardiacks.

Take of the salt of Wormwood ℈j, of Carduus water ℥iij, of the spirit of Vi­triol or oyl of Sulphur ℈j, of the syrup of Violets ʒiij, make a draught to be ta­ken two or three hours before the fit.

Take of the water of the whole Citron, of Wood-Sorrel each lbss, of the salt of Tartar ʒiss, of the juice of Lemons ʒij, of Sugar ℥ss, mingle them, make a Ju­lep, whose use is in irregular Fevours which have day by day sharp fits without sha­king. The Dose is ℥iij, twice in a day.

The last Class of Cardiacks, and indeed in some respect the chiefest, Alexiterian Cordials which hinder the joyn­ting of the blood being too loose from putrefact­ion are either. is due to Alex­iterians, for as much as they are chiefly vitals. The Kinds and Forms of these are so numerous, that if I should recount every one or the chief of them only, this work would increase into a great volumn. And there are already of these sort of Medicines, extant both many & great Antidotaries; therefore we shall be very sparing concerning this matter. Seeing that Alexiterians are either Preservatory or Curatory; we will in the first place shew you some select Remedies to be administred to those yet in health, against the contagion of every pestilence or malignity, in the mean time let­ting alone what is wont to be prescribed about the cure and alteration of the am­bient Air; then in the second place we shall give you the select forms of prescrip­tions to be used after the Contagion is taken.

CHAP. III. Of Cardiack Passions and their Remedies.

Cardiack Pas­sions are wont to be so called.AFter the Cardiack Medicines so called, though improperly, follows to be han­dled the cardiack Passion, in which indeed the Heart labours and therefore truly requires cordial Remedies. Under this true name are commonly noted two Affections somewhat divers in themselves; The trembling and the beating of the Heart. to wit, the trembling of the Heart and its Palpitation▪ in either of which Affections the motion or inordinate pulse of the Heart seems to be in a manner convulsive: but yet the inordination of the for­mer consists in the frequency of its Vibrations, and of the other in their vehemen­cy. We will first search into the Reason of this latter, and then we will endea­vour also to shew the knowledge of the other, and lastly the cure of them both.

The description of the latter.The Palpitation of the Heart is sometimes so vehement and great, as not only manifestly to be perceived by touch, but also to be beheld by the eyes, yea some­times may be heard at a certain distance. Moreover it hath been related by cre­dible Authors, that by the more vehement vibration of the Heart and percussion of the Ribs they have sometimes been broken or in younger people driven forth and continued protuberous or sticking out.

The Reason of it searched into.But truly although this motion may be perceived by so many of the senses, yet it does not appear to reason what part is so moved, that it should make the left side of the Breast to leap out by every one of its strokes. I do believe that all both [Page 125] the learned and unskilful, will say with one consent that the part so moved and strongly shaken is the Heart it self; but I ask whether it be the whole frame of the Heart, or any part of it, that so leaps forth, and transgresses the wonted Sphear of its vibration? If it be said it is its whole Body that is so carried forth, I would have them say whether this is made in its Systole or Diastole: Certainly not the first, It proceeds not from the Convul­sive motion of the Heart it self. for whilst the heart is contracted, as may appear by inspection, its bigness as to all its parts is lesned; no more can it be said in Diastole, because in that state the Heart returns only to its ordinary and natural site and magnitude, and remains a little time in it. Hence seeing that according to the Laws of its vibration how strong or increased soever, the Heart cannot so palpitate, and leap forth; (which also further ap­pears, because in a sevourish Fit when it beats most vehemently, it does not leap forth and strike the sides) I was once suspicious that during that affection it did ob­tain a convulsive motion, and quite contrary to its ordinary motion; whereby being agitated like a convulsive Member, the Heart was wholly elevated and mo­ved forth of its place. But the Neurology being more fully understood I pre­sently fell from this opinion, because it is certain that the Heart can no ways be lifted up or carried forth, by any other Muscle, besides it own moving Fibres. Wherefore considering this thing more seriously, it at length came into my mind that whilst the Heart is contracted, for the excluding the Blood from its confines and that its tops and sidesyeild on every side and are brought nearer; if notwithstan­ding all the blood be not forthwith wholly cast forth and sent away at every Systole, there will be a necessity for the roots of the Vessels silled to the hight and very much extended to leap forth with a certain force, then by reason of the verberation here made, the whole frame of the Heart to be greatly shaken.

Truly that this Affection doth arise from some such cause sometimes I have seen confirmed of late by an anatomical observation. It sometimes pro­ceeds from the e [...]flux of the Blood into the Arteries being hindred. A godly and known divine af­ter that he had lived obnoxious to the palpitation of the Heart, at very many times now of its own accord now occasionally, he began at length to be afflicted with it continually night and day, with a grievous pursiness, and then within a few months being worn out with the assiduity of this most troublesome Disease, he dyed. His dead Body being opened, the right corner of his Heart appeared tu­mid with concreted blood, a little lap of which being hugely increased and ex­tended contained great plenty of clotted blood. The Reason of these contents did presently appear, viz. because the Lungs being hugely obstructed and stuffed with black extravasated gore stagnating every where, were not able to admit of the blood continually to be thrust forth from the Ventricle: wherefore whilst the Heart highly labouring for its total exclusion is contracted inward towards the middle by every Systole, and as to its magnitude is diminished; its Basis by reason of the blood there heaped up and sticking or reverberating in its passage, being very much filled bunches forth, and because of the greatness of the Lap, or little Ear; being more tumid, shakes more largely and reaches to the side.

But indeed the Heart is seen to beat not only from this cause; Besides it is wont to arise from other causes. because this Dis­ease is not always constant and perpetual, but for the most being wandring, and uncertain infests at certain times, and then of its own accord or by the use of Remedies ceases. Besides it has hapned to some frequently whose Lungs are whole enough and free from any infection.

However although this Disease may arise from divers causes, yet we judge the same means of affecting to be even in them all. For it seems that the Heart only palpitates, for as much as whilst the Cone and sides being contracted together, it is straitned in its Systole, the Basis with the Roots of the Vessels being enlarged by reason of the blood there heaped up and sometimes adhering or repercussed, swells out or is tumefied. In truth from hence it appears that the course of the Blood in this place is somewhat hindred or beaten back, because whilst the Heart is ve­hemently and strongly shaken in the side, the Artery in the wrist for the most part beats languidly and weakly, as it were containing but a small River of Blood. Therefore as the conjunct cause or formal reason of this Disease, This affection for the [...]st part de­pends upon the vitiousness of the Blood or of the Vessels be­longing to the Heart. consists altoge­ther in the stopping and aggestion of the Blood about the Basis of the Heart and Roots of the Vessels, it follows that we must inquire after how many ways and for what other causes this kind of affection is wont to be produced.

Concerning these as we do not lay the fault much on the Flesh or the proper moving Fibres of the Heart, this Evil chiefly seems to be imputed either to the [Page 126] Blood or to the Vessels hanging to the Heart. The reason of the first is plain e­nough, for as much as those indued with a watry Blood or less apt to an effervescen­cy or enkindling, as Virgins labouring with the green Sickness or chachectical men or women, are found for the most part obnoxious to this Disease, and are wont to be troubled with its assault constantly upon every the least quick motion of the Body. The reason of the former explain­ed. The cause of which is, for that the Blood consisting of sluggish and not active enough Particles, is not cast forth freely and expeditiously from the Bosoms of the Heart, but part of it oftentimes remains in them and easily stagnates: therefore as often as by the motion of the Body more plenty is brought into them that its whole provision cannot be cast forth by every Systole, the Heart labouring with mighty strugling drives it forth scarce beyond its Basis and the roots of the Vessels; where when it is heaped together, and remaining a little while, makes the parts con­taining it to bunch out, it causes the cardiack Passion together with a Dyspnoea or shortness of Breath.

2. In the other case either the Vessels are ob­structed or they are affected with a Convul­sion.Besides this cardiack affection does oftentimes infest some, notwithstanding they are indued with a very hot Blood and apt to be readily enough inkindled or to ferment. This evil is frequent and familiar with very many much troubled with the Hypochondriack, Hysterick, or otherwise convulsive Passion: wherefore in these cases we have deservedly suspected the Arteries belonging to the Heart to have been in the fault. By what means their obstruction hindring the free ef­flux of the Blood from the heart, An example of the former is proposed. causes the palpitation of the Heart, the Hist­ory now recited manifestly declares: besides the shutting up of those Vessels, and infarsions or stuffings up being by other ways excited may produce the same ef­fect. I knew an old Man accustomed for many years to the often drinking of stale strong Beer, and also of Wine, was wont to suffer frequent assaults of the a­foresaid Disease; who dying afterwards with an ulcerous inflammation of the Sto­mach, with daily vomiting, with languor of Spirit, and other Symtoms; when I opened his dead body, I found the Trunk of the great Artery assoon as it was gone from the Heart to be bony or rather stony and its sides to be greatly compressed, that a chink only being left, And diverse kinds noted. not half the torrent of the Blood could flow that should do. So that I might very well ascribe the cardiack Passion so very troublesome to him to this cause. But it is probable this Affection does sometimes proceed from the Blood clotting within the Bosom of the Heart, and the adjoyning Ves­sels, and being concreted as it were into a fleshy Crust.

How the palpi­tation of the Heart is a con­vulsive Affecti­on.But besides these, for as much as the cardiack Palpitation is wont oftentimes to be accompanied (as we but now intimated) with other convulsive Affections, we may suspect also that its cause is sometimes meerly convulsive. We have for­merly shewed out of anatomical observations in our Neurologie, the Nerves, and nervous Branches almost innumerable in very many places and cheifly neer the Basis of the Heart to be folded and wound about the Trunks of the Arteries; the Use and Actions of which we think to be of this Nature that the divers manner of Heats, Fluxes and Refluxes, yea sometimes Stagnations of the Blood that are wont to be excited by reason of the vehement affections of Anger, Fear, Joy, Sorrow, and such like, may so come to them, for as much as these little nervous Strings do variously strain, press together, or perhaps sometimes wholly shut up these sanguiferous Vessels. Besides it is not very improbable that by reason of those Vessels being convulsively affected, and a little longer constrained, so that they hinder the free exilition of the Blood from the Heart, the assaults of the cardiack Palpitation may arise. Indeed we may very well impute both this, and those o­ther passions of the Heart to such a cause; but as to the means of doing it we a lit­tle seem to differ from that opinion. For what use the many nerves are inserted in­to the Coats of the Arteries. For after I had weighed more exactly the use and actions of the Nerves. I understood at length that they or their shoots did not draw or constrain any thing at all, but that all this business was perfor­med wholly by the fleshy Fibres, and that the nerves only do convey to these moving parts, new and abundance of Spirits, and also the instincts of approach­ing motions: which like kind of Office they performs towards the membra­neous Fibres for the business of Sensation.

The Arteries be­ing indued with moving Fibres.Therefore whilst I did seriously search for what uses so many Nerves sowed tho­row the Coats of the Vessels did serve, at length I found these Arteries by their own strength to contract and dilate themselves even like other Praecordia, and for the performing their motions both naturally and pathetically, both the plenty of Spi­rits, [Page 127] and the means of Instincts to be carried through those Nerves. For by ana­tomical observation it plainly appears that the middle Coat of every Arterie, is clearly muscularie, and through the whole consists of fleshy Fibres as those of the Ventricle, the Intestines, and some other Visceras, which ringy Fibres com­passing about with a thick Series, as it were of small Hairs, the Pipe or Tube of the Arterie, do atchieve without doubt their proper Systoles and Diastoles, even as the Heart it self. Wherefore in the first place, Is moved like other Muscles and the Heart it self. whilst the Cardiack Fibres and then these Arterious, are successively, and one Series after another contract­ed, there is a necessity that the Blood should be rapidly driven along, from one bound to another. Wherefore it is not for nothing that some Physitians have at­tributed also a pulsifick Facultie to the Arteries: for that it is very improbable that the circuit of the Blood is performed by the impulse of the Heart as it were the stroke of a Bar. It is more likely by much that the Arterie in its whole pas­sage being contracted as it were at the back of every sanguineous Flood, should urge it every where thorow those little smaller rivulets and more narrow spaces. According to this ordinary rite in equally driving about the Blood, the Arteries seem to have their constant turns of Systoles and Diastoles. Which although they are very swift, more quick than the twinkle of an Eye, yet they are made suc­cessively thorow all the parts of the Arterious Tube. And is often af­fected with a Convulsion or Cramp. But as we have noted that the equal course of the Blood is diversly broken off, and disturbed according to the force of assaults of the Passions, there will be a necessity that it is only so done for as much as the Arteries (by reason of an Instinct given through the Nerves to the moving Fibres) being suddenly constrained in divers places, they either stop, or repress, or drive to and fro more impetuously, the sanguineous Flood. In Fear, sudden Sorrow, Shame, Love and other Affections bringing in a conster­nation or great confusion of Mind, it is probable that the Trunk of the Aorta is so contracted and straitned by these Fibres suddenly and for some time drawn together, that the Blood very hardly and not but by very little Portions drops forth from the Bosome of the Heart. From whence the palpitation of the Heart often arises. Wherefore from it there heaped up and stagnating, there is presently felt a mighty burthen, and a great oppression: then if to this stop of the Blood, a strong and vehement pulsation of the Heart for the casting forth of the Blood follows, it will be necessary by reason that the Blood being ejected at every Systole to the Basis of the Heart, and there repercussed, for those parts to be very much distended, and for that reason the cardiack Palpi­tation to be produced.

But as vehement Passions of the Mind do bring this affection almost upon every one, so Hypochondriacal Persons, Wherefore this affection is fa­miliar to Hypo­chondriacal per­sons. and such as are convulsively disposed are sub­ject to its assaults upon every light occasion, yea sometimes without any manifest cause. But in some the Splanchnick and Cardiack Nerves are wont often to be beset with a morbifick matter; so that it being moved by reason of plenitude or irritation, compells the Spirits inhabiting those parts, and neer about, frequently into Convulsions and inordinate Contractions; it still happens because that the Nerves being inserted in the Roots of the Cardiack Arteries from such a cause af­fected, also the Fibres of these Vessels being convulsively affected, and contracted therewith, by which means it is said to stir up the cardiack Palpitation. By what means the cardiack Nerves are irritated from a neer or remote cause, by a mor­bifick matter subsisting either in the Head neer to the Nervous beginning, or a­bout the Praecordia or Hypocondria, and are carried into Convulsions or Cramps of divers Kinds, we have shown in some other place, from whence the causes of the Cardiack Palpitation may be deduced as often as the same shall be also Convul­sive.

As to what belongs to the cure of this Disease, Its Cure is propo­sed. as the causes of it are various and manifold, a divers way of Cure also ought to be shown. For what some affirm that these Remedies commonly called Cordials do refresh the Heart, and are believed to bring help to it being sick, in some cases it is contrary both to rea­son and common experience to give them. Therefore as we have above declared that the palpitation of the Heart proceeds from the fault of the Blood or of the Arteries hanging to the Heart, and hinted the various means of either of these be­ing affected, it now remains that we accommodate an apt method of Curing of every kind of this Disease, together with select Forms of Remedies.

1. In the first place therefore as often as this Disease proceeds from the default [Page 124] of the Blood, the primarie Therapeutick Intention will be to exalt to a better C [...]asis the too watery Blood being unable to be enkindled and to ferment, and to lift up and increase its active Principles being depressed or diminished; to which end spirituous Medicines, What it ought to be as often as the fault is in the Blood. also salines of every kind, sulphureous and chiefly Chalybeate Medicines conduce, yea hither may be referred what are wont to be prescribed in the Pica or longing Disease, the Leucophlegmacie or Phlegmatick Dropsie and the colder Scorbute.

Electuary.Take of the Conserves of the yellow Pontic Wormwood, of Orenges and Li­mons, of each ℥ij, of the Pouder of Winteran Bark ʒij, of the Species of Diacur­cuma ʒj. of Steel prepared with Sulphur ʒiij, of the Salt of Wormwood ʒjss, with what will suffice of the Syrop of the Rind of Citrons, make an Electuary. The Dose the quantity of a Nutmeg in the Morning and five a Clock in the after-noon, drinking after it of the following Julep ℥iij, and walking upon it.

Julep.Take of the water of the Leaves of Aristoloch, or Birthwort lbj, of Penyroyal, of Hisop, of each ℥iiij, of the Water of Earthworms, of Snales, and Aq. Mirabilis of each ℥j, of Sugar ℥j: mingle them and make a Julep.

Tincture.Ta [...]e of the Tincture of Antimony ℥j. The Dose is gut. 20 to 25 twice in a Day with the same Julep. Moreover hither may be ranked the Tincture of Steel, or the Syrop of the same, also the Elixir proprietatis with many others.

How this Af­fection ought to be handled pro­ceeding from the Arteries being obstructed.In the second place the Palpitation of the Heart, both oftner and much more crueller arises from the Cardiack Arteries being in fault: and then their Fault is either an obstruction or a Spasmodick Affection.

This first Disease is for the most part continual, and is often incurable; but especially if it be excited from tabid Lungs, or the Roots of the Arteries being compressed, or half filled by reason of some bony Tubercle or excrescency. which sort of cause if at any time they appear, and may be perfectly known, it were in vain to endeavour their taking away; but rather that it is only to bed one, that the life of the sick though miserable may be a little longer prolonged by some ease being procured by means of Hypnoticks.

But indeed it is not improbable (as we hinted but now) that the Arteries, sometimes from Polypous Concretions that are wont to be begotten there and sometimes within the Bosom of the Heart, are in a great part filled up; and for that cause the free and whole exilition of the Blood is hindred. But as we suppose the Diagnosis or thorow Knowledge of this very difficult, so likewise the Cure not less rare. When there is suspition of it, Saline Medicines seem to be of the greatest use; and of those, they that are indued with a Volatile or an Acid Salt are to be given: but not together, but those for some space (which not helping) then it will he necessary to try the others.

Medicines indu­ed with a vola­tile Salt.Take of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack Compound, viz. with Millepedes or with other Antasthmaticks or things good against the stoppings of the Lungs distilled ʒiij, the Dose is 15 Drops to 20, thrice in a Day with a Julep or proper distilled Water. After the same manner may be tryed the Spirits of Harts Horn, Soot, Blood or of mens Skulls.

S [...] as have an acid Salt for their Ground.Take of the Spirit of Sea Salt, or of Vitriol distilled with the Spirits of Wine impregnated with Pneumonick Herbs, and often Cohobated ʒiij, Dose gut. 15. to 20 after the same manner. For this use the Spirit of Tartar of the Woods Guaicum or Box.

The Cure of the Disea [...] [...] from the Arte­ [...]s convulsively affected.3. The Palpitation of the Heart is most often a convulsive Affection, and is wont to be produced from the like cause and means of affecting as other Hypochon­driack or asthmatick affections. Whose Cure also ought to be endeavoured it like manner by antispasmodic Remedies or things good against Cramps or Con­vulsions. But the Choice of which is made with a certain difference, according as the Disease appears to be either of a Hot or Cold Temperament.

S [...]ts.1. In respect of the former these following are prescribed. Take of the Spirits, Amber, Armoniack ʒiij, the Dose is gut. 15 to 20, twice in a Day with a Julep or proper distilled Water. After the same manner may be given at times the Tincture of Tartar, Steel, or Antimony.

CHAP. I. Of Opiate Medicines or Causing Sleep▪

AFter the Cardiack Medicine by a certain Law of Method, the Hypnotick follows. For that Sleep oftentimes comes moderately and seasonably it becomes of it self a great Cardiack Remedy. But this passion is not always wont to be present, when nor as it ought to be, but sometimes affects us evilly with its troublesome presence, sometimes with its absence. By the true institution of Nature, The vicissitude of Sleeping and Waking necessa­ry for health. Sleep and Waking, as Castor and Pollux, ought to have their turns one after another, and the one to give place to the other, accord­ing to the just bounds of Reigning. This vicissitude so long as it is rightly ob­served, doth very much conduce both to the preserving the health of the Body, and to the furnishing of the gifts of the Mind: But if the dominion of either of them be too long continued, it will quickly be that there will not be long a whole mind in a whole Body. By immoderate sleep, all the faculties both of the natural and animal Function, become very much stupified, and from hence one becomes more fit for the Grave than for Society. On the contrary, over great Waking de­stroys the strength, and makes infirm or perverts the Animal powers: Wherefore among the Remedies accommodated to our needs, the most wise Creator hath ab­undantly provided for these uses, to wit, that it should be in our power to pro­cure or repel Sleep and Waking, as often as it shall seem convenient, and as often as they shall offend in excess, or in defect to moderate them: Which Medicines and by what means of working on the humane Body, they are wont to procure these desired effects, it now lyes upon us to shew, and first we will speak of Opi­ates or Remedies procuring Sleep.

In the tract of the Affections of the Brain.That it may better appear what the Hypnotick Medicines do, and by what kind of affection of the Brain, animal Spirits, and of the other parts they cause Sleep, hither ought to be referred what we elsewhere have very largely discours­ed, concerning the Nature, Subject, Causes, and effects of Sleep: To wit, we have shown the immediate subject of Sleep to be the animal Spirits, not all, but only of the Brain, and the inhabitants of the nervous Appendix, viz. which exe­cute the Office of all the Senses, and of every spontaneous motion, they in the mean time being taken away, which serve for performing the actions of the merely natural and vital faculty.

The Contents of the Opiology are fou [...].These things being premised concerning Opiates, it shall first be enquired into, by what means they affect the animal Spirits, so that as it were by a blast of a Medicine, they presently as if they were bound fast in Chains, subside or sink down and leave their Tasks. In the second place it behoves us to shew where the Hypnotick Medicines begin their operation, viz. whether in the Ventricle or the Brain, or whether not in both together, or successively. In the third place, it shall be determined how far Opiates do extend their energies, whether they reach only to the Spirits of the Brain, and the inhabitants of its Appendix, seeing that they only are capable of natural Sleep, or else to the others of the Cerebel or little Brain also, and to those presiding in its Dominion. Lastly, in the fourth place, it will be worth our labour to add some notable Ef­fects and Accidents of the chief Hypnoticks, together with the reasons of them.

[Page 137]1. As to the first of these, to wit, that it may appear by what means Opiates do affect the animal Spirits whilst they bring them to sleep, we have in another place largely declared our opinion: which is that I think they do not exercise their powers by raising up vapours into the head, nor by opening the Pores of the Brain, 1. How Opiates do affect the a­nimal Spirits. whereby the vaporous matter or otherwise soporiferous is admitted; but only by destroying or profligating some animal Spirits, wherefore the rest as being ama­zed, or compelled more inwardly, or at least being called back from their wonted Efflux into the nervous parts, do relinquish or remit for a little while their Tasks. It manifestly appears to be so, because Narcoticks, if they are taken in too great a Dose, for as much as they destroy the spirits in so great abundance that the vi­tal Function can be no longer obeyed, cause death. But they being given in a just quantity, and with other circumstances aptly agreeing, for as much as they overthrow and amaze some spirits, and wholly extinguish others, they allay the too great fierceness and impetuosity of the sensitive Soul, for the end that she being made more contract, and as it were sinking down within her self may ly quiet: almost by the like means as when the inspersion of water causes presently the compass of the flame more vehemently breaking forth to be restrained, and to be reduced within moderate bounds.

If that it be further asked, In what kind of Particl [...]s their virtue con­sists. in what matter and how disposed the narcotick Vir­tue of the Medicine consists? no manifest quality as of cold, heat, or of other kind ought to be pretended, nor presently must we sly to I know not what occult qualities. It may be lawful to suppose that Opiates do consist in such kind of Par­ticles, which are greatly contrary to the animal Spirits, and are extinguishers or rather poysoners of them. It will not be easy to shew of what sort of subsistences or conformation the contrary Particles of either kinds are, because they are not perceivable by the sense, and the Anology of the like adverse Particles is not met with in any other subjects. But yet as it is lawful to conjecture, it seems that as the animal Spirits are most subtil little bodies, composed of spirits and volatile salt united together and highly exalted; Opiates on the contrary consist of a stin­king Sulphur, that is of Sulphur, with a fixed salt and carthy matter combined together, and carried forth to an efferation or fierceness; which kind of concrete, is well enough known to be so much contrary to the subtil texture of the animal Spirits, that sometimes they profligate them at a distance by their mere Effluvia, they being scarce or not at all perceivable by the smell; but their Particles (after they are taken inwardly) being diffused thorow the blood and nervous juice, where­ever they meet within them some of the Bands of the Forces of the animal Spi­rits, they poyson them and as it were extinguish them. But in what places this is first or chiefly done shall be next inquired into.

2. We have formerly shewn speaking of sleep, 2 In what pla­ces Opiates do first and chiefly operate. this affection according to the ordinary rites of Nature to begin from the shell of the Brain, viz. the Spirits dwel­ling there and being as it were watchmen first of all to recede, and their Arms as it were being laid aside to give way to Idleness; then presently all the rest to whom these Idlenesses are permitted, in like manner lying down to indulge sleep.

These spirits of the first Band being about to obtain Rest, relinquish their Stations either because they are wearied or lesned in their forces, they of their own accord leave their Tasks until they may be recreated, or because they are drawn away from thence, or lastly drawn more inwardly by some gentle or pleasant han­dling. The first of these ordinarily and often happens by reason of an influx or inundation of the nervous juice, and sometimes of the serous Latex. To wit, first in the shell of the Brain For those humours being poured forth from the Blood (whilst that it is satisfied) washing the outmost Bounds of the Brain, into its cordial or shelly substance, fill the Pores and all the passages, and so they repress the spirits and hinder them from their free expansion by which they make their watches. The reason of all these and the means of doing it we have already largely declared in another Tract: From which being truly weighed it will be just to think that the Particles of every kind of Opiate after it is taken being carried into the Blood, and circulated with it doth chiefly ex­ercise its narcotick or stupefying force neer the shell of the Brain; for they meet within this place the first forces of the animal spirits, and destroy or rather extin­guish wholly many of these placed in the fore part of the Battle; then, by reason that the other spirits of this Troop being made now thinner go back, and their [Page 138] emanation being restrained fly towards the middle of the Brain; and so whilst these withdraw themselves from the Battel, and rejoyce for their retreat, all the rest within the sensories where they are placed as in so many watch-towers, their succours being gone, Where they de­stroy the outmost spirits and com­pel the next to these to go back inwardly. some follow and leaving their watches recede, and give way to idleness.

After this manner the Particles of Opiates for as much as they profligate, and destroy certain animal Spirits standing in the Cortex of the Brain, and do repel and put to flight those which are next, so that their influx to the Sensories is suspended, they procure sleep; They lessen or call back their Efflux to the nervous parts. but yet by what means, in so short a space (as it sometimes happens) viz. presently assoon as the Medicine is taken, and whilst it is scarce dis­solved in the Ventricle, sleep creeps upon one, when it seems to be a work of some little time, in which the soporiferous Particles may be carried from the Stomach into the Blood and thence by its passage to the Brain, is not ease to unfold. First I may say to this that the Journy from the Ventricle to the Head by the Blood is expe­ditious enough, Opiates by some means whilst they are in the Ventricle do ex­ert their virtues. and may be performed in a very little time: but besides I am led to opine that Opiates sometimes by acting more immediatly on the Ventricle and by its mere contact before there is any commerce of the Blood, do after a sort procure sleep. Elsewhere we have deservedly assigned among the evident causes of this Affection the aggravation of the Stomach; for how often does any one, having eaten more gross and undigested meats causing trouble and heaviness of the Stomach become presently sleepy? The reason of which seems to be for that there is a great affinity between the spirits of the Stomach and those inhabiting the Brain, and an intimate Sympathy betwixt them, so that the afflictions and evils of either of them do afflict the other (which indeed may very easily be shewn in many Instances) hence it easily comes to pass that by reason of the spirits which preside in the Ventricle being highly oppressed, and hindred from their free expansion, and as it were ex­pulsed, presently the Hypostasis of the whole Soul and especially that principal part set before the Brain in like manner is straitned contracts its Sayls and submits its whole self to the yoak of sleep. The reason of this unfolded. How much the rather may it be thought when at any time the spirits of the Stomach imbibing the opiatick Juice are impoysoned, and in a great abundance destroyed, that presently all those watching about the [...] do every where give place, and are oppressed with sleep, which is not only the Image of Death, but sometimes one and the same? Indeed we have related elsewhere a very rare and true History of such kind of effects from Opium being taken, viz. of a certain strong man and moderatly healthful, who having taken too great a Dose of Laudanum for the asswaging the colick pains was immediatly taken with an intollerable weight and stupor about the Ventricle, and within four hours dyed, neither yet did there happen to him any sleep, but his last and deadly.

These are the chief and most usual places, viz. the Ventricle and the Cortex of the Brain in which Opiates exercising their powers do begin or procure sleep. Not­withstanding it appears besides by common observation that they being admini­stred after many other ways, do impress a certain Narcosm or stupefaction to the whole sensitive Soul or at least to a portion of it which is ordinarily and naturally capeble of sleep. A Liniment of Opium being applyed to the forehead, also an Enema imbued with its solution are soporiferous. Some have found to their da­mage the like effect from the same things being put into their Nostrils or a hollow tooth; so that it appears that this Medicine may be admitted from any place to the animal Spirits, and doth destroy whatsoever are next it by its mere touch; and sometimes so that a contraction or sinking down of the whole Soul as it were be­ing moved with an Eclipse of the principle Faculties follows: although it is also very like that the Particles of the Opium may be carried from those places by the passages of the Blood to the Cortex of the Brain.

3. How far and to what parts the virtue of Opiates doth reach.Having thus shown you the weapons of Opiates by which they effascinate or hurt, and the place where they first or chiefly operate, now follows to be spoken of the Sphere of their Activity, viz. into what parts or Particles of the Body, and how far in them they extend their forces. By what hath been already said it appears plain enough that they act upon the animal Spirits; but let us seek if not also upon the Blood, They do not em­poyson the Blood as they do the Spirits. and other humours? certainly that the Blood is not at all vitiated by them, I judge first from their so very little Dose, by which it is high­ly improbable for the Blood to be empoysoned or corrupted: then for that though [Page 139] Narcoticks be often applyed, yet no Stigma's or Pustles or little whelks appear in the skin or Viscera, which use to happen to the Blood being any ways empoysoned. Moreover to whom the use of Opium becomes familiar, that it does not hurt the animal Spirits although daily taken in a great quantity, no Dyscrasy of the Blood is wont to be produced from thence. In the mean time we must not think the Par­ticles of Opium to be agreeable to the blood, and to be assimilated by it, but rather to be wholly heterogeneous and immiscible: wherefore it is no sooner come into its Mass but by and by they are expelled from it, and from thence being partly poured on the Cortex of the Brain, cause sleep, partly cast forth by the pores of the skin stir up Sweat, and not seldom an itching (as I have observed in many) very trouble­some. As to the other Humours, I see no reason for us to judge that Opiates do affix any blemish to the Serum, or nervous Liquor, or lastly to the nutritious Juice; so that their virtue, and energy seems to belong to the animal Spirits. Opiates prim [...] ­rily act upon th [...] Spirits inha [...] ­ting the Brain.

Notwithstanding they are wont to affect all these not after a like manner, but O­piates given in a moderate Dose do chiefly and almost only reach to those Spirits to whom the priviledges of natural and ordinary sleep is granted, the rest being either untouched or not much hindred. Wherefore from Laudanum being taken the senses both internal and external are tied up, in the mean time the Pulse, Res­piration, also the offices of concoction and separation are performed after their wonted custom, and after some time the spirits of the former Dominion, their forces being restored do lastly shew themselves, and the chains of sleep being sha­ken off return of their own accord to their wonted watches.

If that an opiatick Medicine is more strong then it ought to be, When their force reaches to the Ce­rebel or littl [...] Brain. it not only im­poses more strong chains on the spirits of the Brain and those inhabiting its Ap­pendix whereby they are longer bound up, but also inlarges its narcotick force into the other province of the animal Dominion; so that after its larger Dose the ap­petite is for the most part beaten down, respiration very much straitned, and is rendred not only difficult but also unequal; and also sometimes the motion of the heart it self fails so much, that the Pulse being weaker there happens a certain E­clipse or torpor of all the faculties with a cold Sweat, so that sometimes from such a Medicine follows a perpetual sleep, the reason of which is for that the opiatick Poy­son being further diffused goes into the Globe of the Cerebel or little Brain and destroying or utterly discomfiting in great abundance the spirit inhabiting it, cau­ses the motion of the Heart at first to grow weak and then quite to cease, so that the vital Flame is extinguished.

These things being premised concerning the nature, manner of working, 4. The good or evil effects of Opiates. subjects, and limits or Sphere of Activity of Opiates, it now lies upon us to recount the chief effects and accidents both good and evil which are wont to happen from the use of them: and then to add some cautions about the right method of Hyp­notick Medicine, therefore let us see in the first place, after what manner and in what cases opiatick Medicines are wont to be helpful.

The good or benefit to be procured by the use of Opiates is wont to belong ei­ther to the animal spirits or to the blood and Humours: 1. Their good respect either the Spirits or Blood and Humours. Those are indeed first and more immediatly, these only secondarily and by the means of those affected.

As often as the animal Spirits being above measure stirred up act either too much or irregularly about the performing their offices for the allaying their force or in­ordinations, Narcoticks being timely administred do oftentimes bring notable help: those kind of exorbitancies for which the use of Opiates is prescribed, res­pect either the sense or motion. As the former Function is twofold, They are requi­red for the spi­rits as to the sensitive or mo­tive Function. the chief vices of the internal senses are watchings and Delirium; but the sickness of the ex­ternal chiefly requiring this Medicine is pain. The irregularities of the Motions to be rectifiied by Narcoticks are first a more vehement Pulse, Convulsions of the Praecordia or Viscera, and also the too violent and excessive excretions of these. So there are many and divers cases in which whilst the animal Spirits like fierce and furious Horses run about, or leap beyond their bounds, To either in a various respect. they ought to be reduced or restrained by Opiates as it were with Bridles. We shall here briefly set down some instances of every one of these together with the means of doing and the rea­sons of curing.

1. In respect of the watching of the internal Senses. In the first place therefore Opiates are necessarily and exceeding properly prescribed for watching or waking, for as much as sleep is an Affection contrary to this, and for that reason it becomes curative. For what causes and by what [Page 140] means watchings are wont to be excited and to remain a long time, we have largely enough shown in a late Tract; in all those Cases of the animal Spirits being sometimes too much carried forth, and being of themselves inquiet and importunate since they every where blow up and irradiate both the sensorie Or­gains, and especially the outmost Border of the Brain; the opiatick Particles, being carried hither by the passage of the Blood do forthwith destroy or cast down or scatter the Spirits watching in the forefront, so that the next who be­ing compelled do abide more inwardly, and being kept from their emanation on every side, they are restrained very much, wherefore presently all the extrin­sick Spirits inhabiting the Organs of every Spontaneous, both sense and motion, being destitute of the wonted Afflux of those Capitals do also leave their watch­es and retiring inwardly do become Idle.

2. and Deliri­um.Secondly in Delirian Affections Opiates are often administred with benefit (al­though sometimes they rather hurt, as shall be hereafter declared) the reason of the former is that when the Spirits being too much stirred up within the Brain, and struck as it were with a fury they easily leap beyond the customary and wonted Paths of their Passages, then a narcotick Medicine approaching nigh to the border of the Brain, doth repress them blown up like hounds that are apt to expatiate, and stops them a little while from all motion, as oftentimes when they are at last moved they repeat their former methods and rightly per­form their ancient Functions.

In respect of the external sense for pain.Thirdly Opium is esteemed of most excellent use for the quieting all manner of Pains whatsoever, wherefore it deservedly is wont to be called Nepenthe, and is a truly divine Remedie. And indeed we can scarcely enough admire how this Medicine, whilst some notable torture or intolerable Pain of some Member or the Viscera doth afflict, as it were an Inchantment doth yeild a sudden help and Ces­sation from Pain, yea sometimes without sleep or at least before sleep comes. Moreover 'tis yet more stupendious that whilst the Opiatick Particles do conti­nue to operate and to exercise their narcotick or stupefactive Power, yea some­times a little after sleep is ended there is an high Alleviation or easement and free­dom from Pain in the Part afflicted, but then the force of the Medicine being spent, the Pains return, neither do they remit their atrocity, unless whilst they are charmed again by the same Medicine.

By what means Opiates do allay Pain without sleep or after it is ended.It doth not easily appear to him who searches the reason of this, in what part the Anodyne Medicine doth most strongly operate and exert its Virtue, whilst it allays Pains without sleep or after it is finished, and continues its Cessation for some appointed time, viz. whether its narcotick Force is imployed on the grie­ved Part, or on the common sensorie, or on the whole sensitive Soul. The rea­son of the Difference of the propositions is, because Pain being excited in one place is felt in another, and its effect is poured forth through the whole Soul. Its production consists in this, that the nervous Fibres are irritated very much, and pulled one from another by some incongruous, and greatly unproportionate thing, so that the Spirits abounding in them are by and by distracted, and being snatched from their equal expansion are agitated into Confusion: but the sense of Pain is effected for as much as that perturbation of the Spirits, by a certain undu­lation through the nervous Passages to the common sensory, viz. chamfered, delated Bodies, doth stir up the Spirits there implanted into the like Distracti­on: which sort of Affection going forward even to the very middle of the Brain, moves the Imagination, and from thence being presently reflected thorow the whole Hypostasis of Spirits, diffuses a certain trouble or inquietude. Therefore as this Pain is a Passion so largely extended and of so various a respect, it may well be searched into, what kind of Sphere of Activity Anodynes have.

Concerning these there is no cause of Doubt, but as often as sleep is induced by Opium being first taken, a Cessation from Pain consequently succeeds: then also this more immediate effect of it presently follows; to wit, for as much as those which actuate the first sensory are also bound with the Spirits inhabiting the Brain; and for that cause although the paining Part be irritated, the sense of all Pain is inhibited: but indeed that when the patient awakes, and so remaining doth lively exercise all the animal Functions, continues free from Pain for many hours after the Opium is taken, and then the strength of the Medicine bein spent pre­sently the same Tragedy returns, this Knot certainly deserves to be loosed.

For the solving of which we may not say, the Spirits of the grieved part, or those inhabiting the common sensory, viz. either these or those singly or both together are bound by the Anodyne Medicine. For that it is not credible for the particles of the Opium so to penetrate and so deeply to enter into the Brain and nervous Stock, that in so short a time they should descend, The reason of i [...] unfolded. that being o­vercome and unhurt to its outmost Confines; further neither is it to be thought, that the Spirits inhabiting the chamferated Bodies (whilst the Analesia or Cessa­tion of Pain for some time during the waking remains) being awakened for the receiving of all the Impressions of other sensibles, are made deaf only to the ap­proaches made from the paining part. Since therefore the Indolency after sleep is finished, ought to be referred neither to the grieving part, neither to the first sensory stupefied by the Opium, let us see how the reason of this may be de­duced from a certain narcotick Affection of the whole sensitive Soul. After we have premised these two things this will easily be manifested.

In the first place it is absolutely necessary for the stirring up or continuing of any pain, It consists in those two things, viz. In the first place there is re­quired to Pain a copious Afflux of Spirits to the part affected. that there be a very great plenty of Spirits abounding in the part af­fected: because the excandescency, distraction, and mutual allision or beating of the tumultuating Spirits one against another, are the conjunct Causes themselves of that troublesom sense which is called Pain; wherefore if that an afflux of Spi­rits from the bound Nerves to the paining place may be hindred or much dimi­nished, there will be a necessity for the Pain to cease; for that those Spirits be­ing destitute of new forces or supplies, ly so thinly and dispersed in the Fibres, that they scarcely touch one another, at least that they do not break forth into fu­rie and indignation.

2. Which Opiates s [...]spend. This kind of Destitution or withdrawing of Spirits here required for the causing an Analesia or Cessation from Pain, and may be procured by no other re­medy or experiment is very often produced by Opium being given. For truly not only some outmost, and as it were precursory Spirits (as is said) are destroy­ed by the Particles of this Medicine besieging the Border of the [...], but the first springing forth of these within the midst of the Brain and Cerebel, and for that cause the Efflux upon the nervous Stock by and by are greatly suppres­sed, for that during the Energie of the Opium they are dispensed much more spa­ringly and less into the Praecordia, Viscera, yea and into all the other parts. Hence the Pulse and respiration do remit of their vehemency and quickness, and some­time this becomes suddenly difficult or hard and that weak or debilitated; also for the most part there comes upon all the Members and Limbs an unwonted Lan­guor and Sloathfulness. For the same rea­son Opiates take away Convulsi­ons. Moreover from hence the Viscera being before provok­ed into either excretory Convulsions by Vomit or Stool, or dolorifick as in the Col­lick or Stone, do leave their inordinations: viz. for this reason because whilst that a subsidiarie plenty and Supplements of Spirits are wanting in the part afflicted, those few that are left are not at leasure any longer for tumult and anger: yea that they may be able to subsist and maintain themselves they ly quiet: But after­wards when the Particles of the Opium being scattered or blown away, the stock of Spirits within the Encephalon and their emanation from thence on the nervous Parts is renewed, so that they may descend again to the Parts affected in a full Stream and fill full again their Fibres, forthwith by reason of the Spirits being a­gain accumulated and stirred up as before, the same Convulsions or Pains re­turn.

Without doubt according to this means of affecting and according to the reason but now assigned Opiates do for the most part quiet the fiercest Pains, and do pro­cure an Indolency with or without sleep, and do continue it for some determinate time after sleep is a good while finished; which space being elapsed, the Pains by and by do wax grievous again and are shortly increased to their wonted fierceness. The Effect of these kind of Affections, is commonly enough known in the Cure of the scorbutick Colick, and seems as it were a certain Exorcism; for as much as the Pain, as a Daemon or evil Spirit may be only bound for a certain determinate Time, and then again begins to rage. They help in the Stone and Gout. Among the dolorisick Diseases to which Opium brings help, the Gout and Stone in the Bladder may by right challenge a place. In Arthritick Pains that Anodyne has been an egregious and as it were a divine Succor. This latter Disease, when it rages most cruelly in old Men and that they cannot be cured by cutting, it admits of case by no other Remedy but [Page 142] from Narcoticks. Wherefore in this case I have perswaded some to the constant and daily use of Laudanum or Diacodium, which as they have done with great comfort of Life, they got no hurt by it, although they encreasing its Dose as­cended to a great quantity. So much for the Reasons of healing or helping the to be regulated enormities of the sensitive Function which Opium is wont to help: let us at length see how, and how much this Panacea serves for the healing or quieting the irregularities of Motions,

2. How Opiates help the irregu­larities of the motive Functi­on.2 The Immoderation or Irregularity of the motive Function for the rightly composing of which the use of Opiates is prescribed, have chiefly a respect to the Praecordia and Viscera; (for Convulsions about the Head and Members do not so necessarily require this Medicine.) To the first of them ought to be referred the Pulse, and Respiration, as often as this or that shall be more frequent or more vehement than it ought: For when in Fevors the motions of the Heart and Lungs being more intense do more rapidly carry about the Blood so that then both as to its accension, and as to its Crasis it is greatly perverted, and can­not separate its superfluities being so thorowly incocted, the impetuosity of those parts is somewhat broken by a Narcotick being administred; so that the Blood by and by being gently and temperatly Circulated it diffuses a less intense Heat, and being loosned in its Joynting, sends forth its Serum, and impurities by Sweat and Urine. 1. They lessen the vehemency of the Pulse and Respi­ration. Opiates do extenuate and depress the Act of the Pulse, and of Respiration; for as much as they do somewhat stop the Springs of the ani­mal Spirits in the little Brain, and diminish their efflux from thence destinated to the nervous Praecordia, which if it should happen to be too much, then a great dejection of the Vital Function, yea sometimes Death follows.

They regulate the inordinations of Respiration.Respiration not only as it is vehement but also for as much as the same may be interrupted, Convulsive or divers other ways irregular, frequently hath need of a Narcotick Medicine; this is wont to help before all other Remedies in a vio­lent or very frequent and continually troublesom Cough. But in Asthmatick Paroxysms where the Organs of Respiration being most laboriously exercised, the diseased seem to be in the very Agony of Death it self, a Dose of a very fit Opiate, as it were unexpectedly renders all things presently serene and tranquill. The reason of which sort of Affections is, that in those Dispositions where some trouble doth beset the chiefly vital Parts, the Spirits inhabiting them be­ing highly irritated break forth into cruel Excandescencies and by acting too much disturb and invert all things: wherefore when a Narcotick being taken, the Succors are drawn away from the Spirits so raving, they presently being extenuated and as it were succourless, lay down their inordinations. Further a Narcotick Medicine seems no less necessary against the immoderate or Convul­sive motions of the Viscera, Further Opiates do allay the ex­cretory Convulsi­ons of the Vis­cera. viz. of the Ventricle and Intestines. For this is wont oftentimes to help chiefly in horrid Vomiting and in too excessive or vi­olent purging. The Dysenterick Affections can scarce be cured without Opi­um; not that this Medicine fixes the boyling, and fierce Juices and Humours, but stops the excretory Convulsions of the Fibres, and that partly by stupefying by its meer Contact the spirits implanted within the Cavities of the Viscera them­selves, and partly by suppressing the Spirits within the Cerebel about to flow from thence to those parts, of whose aid being deprived they easily lay aside their Convulsive Excandescencies. I might here recount the Convulsions or pains of other parts that are wont to be either allayed or taken away by Opium, but there is now enough said of the Energy of this Medicine, and of the Effects of Anodynes which are shewn first and chiefly on the animal Spirits; let us now see what kind of Virtue and alterative force it obtains on the Blood and Hu­mours.

How Opiates o­perate on the Blood.And indeed there is no body almost of an ordinary Capacity but sees plain e­nough that Opiates operate on the Blood and Juices of our Body and do allay their Inordinations. In Catarrhs and Defluxions of every kind, we fly often­times to these as to the last Refuge; these strongly stay bloody excretions, al­so restrain the Serous when they are excessive and colliquative or melting, or reduce them: They repress the immoderate Ebullition of the Blood growing fe­vourishly hot, and lessen the too great inkindling thereof. Lastly these happily quiet all fluxes from whatsoever cause stirred up in our Body, and induce most often an Halcyon or calm state to the Blood however disturbed.

Although these sort of Effects for the most part are produced (as we intima­ted before) thorow the mediating Affections of the animal Spirits (for that the nervous Fibres being inordinately contracted do agitate the Blood and Humours, and compel them into divers fluctuations and exundations, therefore a suppres­sion of these Convulsions by Opiates presently renders these smooth and tranquil:) But yet it seems also probable that the opiatick Particles, By what means Opiatick parti­cles operate on the Blood. whilst they are pou­red into the Blood do cause certain alterations to its Liquor by their meer syn­crasie or Commixtion: for we have shewed above that these are altogether untame­able, and immiscible and heterogeneous to the Blood; which therefore since they appear not Enemies or injurious to its Liquor, may be after a sort esteemed for Alexiterians, of the same sort doubtless, which being confused with the Blood, do quickly and almost untouched pass thorow its Mass, and by ope­ning all holes and Pores in their Passage make an open way for the Serum and other superfluities or malignities closely bound or shut up, to go forth, yea drive them before them out adoors. Wherefore not altogether undeservedly is it that Opium is (as it were an Alexipharmacon) put into the Compositions of the chief Antidotes as of Treacle, Mithridate and Diascordium.

Indeed, tis a sign that the Particles of Opium being eaten are presently carried into the Blood and swiftly pass thorow its Mass, because they suddenly, after the Medicine is taken, being carryed to the Encephalon, procure sleep and ease. More­over it appears by common Experience that they procure Sweat and move Urine, They quickly pass thorow the Blood. in so much that these effects are reckoned commonly to the Virtues of Opium. Further that its Particles are not Venomous to the Blood but rather Alexiterian or resisting Poyson may be gathered from hence, And therefore are to be esteemed A­lexiterian. because that Laudanum is often­times administred with great success in the Plague, small Pox, malignant Fe­vours, yea also in divers others: but in the mean time we do not easily appre­hend those Qualities which some attribute to this Medicine of fixing and thick­ning the Blood; unless perchance it may be said to effect it, for as much as by unlocking its joynting, it causes its serosities to be plentifully separated and sent away, They move Sweat and Urine. so that the remaining Liquor becomes thicker and more Com­pact.

But indeed that Opiatick Medicines do fuse the Blood and sometimes after the manner of Alexitaerians move both Sweat and Urine strongly as I have found it by frequent experience, A notable Histo­ry of their such like Efficacy. so by the following History (which I here add for a conclusion) it shall be manifested to all. Some time past I was advised with con­cerning a certain Gentleman very cacochymick or full of evil Humors, and mise­rably vexed with nightly Pains arising from the Venereal Disease being not, or not well cured. I prescribed many things, but in vain; because very much ab­horring Medicines he would yield to take nothing almost besides a Dose of Lau­danum only once or twice a week for the appeasing his Pains; shortly become Hydropical from an Ascites and also an Anasarca, he swelled so much that he could scarce move from one side to the other without the help of Servants. In this condition I being at length sent for to him, and finding him obstinate for his foretaken Medicines, I made a Prognostick that he was not far from Death and that it was certainly to be expected, therefore he should prepare himself and his affairs for Eternity. He not much disturbed earnestly asked that for his more easy dying, he might take our Laudanum, before but sparingly permitted him, at his pleasure or at least in the Evening also: granting it with a certain admo­nition, I left him and gave him as I thought the last farewel. Afterwards he took that Medicine dayly, and dayly increased its Dose so that in a short time he had taken an incredible quantity of it. By the use of this only Medicine he grew better every Day, and within a months space was so well that being free from all Humours and Pains, he had got a Stomach and went abroad. By the assiduous use of this Opiate his Thirst before much troubling him went away, and being every Night put into a great Sweat he also made plenty of Urine. I might here shew many cures of of other Diseases esteemed deplorable perfor­med only by the benefit of Opium; but this being somewhat besides the mat­ter and tedious, I will only note in short one or two more.

Almost three Years since a noble Woman after an autumnal Fevour fell into a cruel Colick with Vomiting and sharp pains miserably afflicting the Members and Viscera. The second Histo­ry. Remedies of every Kind both internal and external being careful­ly [Page 144] administred for many Weeks, became useless, but the noble Lady within twenty Days was reduced to that Languor and extenuation of Body, that there was scarce any hope left that she should ever recover again: for being fixed to her Bed and almost always without sleep, she was constantly affected with the trouble or egrotation of the Ventricle, casting back again by Vomit whatever she took either of Physick or Food, besides she was almost continually tormented with Pains about the Belly and Loyns, and sometimes also in the Head and Joynts: being sent for to her, when I had tryed divers Medicines, nothing agreed with her besides a Dose of liquid Laudanum, which at first I ventured to give and that not without fear and caution twice only in a Week for the mitigating her Pains: she desired at length that she might take that remedy every other Night, and then every Night. And so using this without any hurt, she obtained at Night a plentiful sleep and pleasing enough, and for some time an Indolency and easie digestion of her Stomach, and so by degrees gathering strength left her Bed and began to fall to her wonted Aliments; but then she could and would take other Medicines, till at length she was quite well.

The third Histo­ry.No less was a certain Woman of note wont to declare the praises of this Di­vine Medicine being obnoxious for very many Years to most cruel Colical Pains. For as often as she fell sick of that Disease, she felt intolerable Torments and could be releived by no Remedy besides Opium, wherefore she took every Night a Dose of it, until the morbifick matter being by degrees taken away, she at last became free from all Languishment and Pains.

CHAP. II. Of the Harms and Incommodities of Opium, to which is added Cautions about the use of it.

HItherto we have shown the good of Opium and as it were its Angelical Face, together with the manner and the Reasons of its helping. If the other Phasis of this Medicine as of a turned piece of Coyn be looked upon, it will appear plainly Diabolical; in which we may find out not less of hurt and Evil than we did of benefit in that of the former, so very much Poyson is joyned to this Medicine, that by its frequent and familiar use we cannot secure our selves; wherefore as we have declared its benefits, so it behoves us to admonish you of its harms, so that it is with this Medicine as with a Sea Voyage; that the less danger and difficulty may be met with, 'tis fit that both the Ports they may run into, and the Rocks to be shunned, be well known.

Which and how many ways Opi­um is wont to hurt.That the use of Opium hath been sometimes thought hurtful and evil, we have seen by the sad experience of some who have no sooner taken it but they fell in­to a perpetual sleep, and of others who by reason of too great or untimely a Dose of it have snatched away their Lives or else render it unhappy and unprofi­table afterwards, by the hurt of the principal Faculties. Instances and Examples of this Nature are every where too frequently to be met with, made by Quacksal­vers and Empiricks. I have known some who having taken a Pill of Laudanum to have fallen into so profound a sleep that they could never be awakned: they have lived indeed three or four Days having their Pulse, respiration and heat well enough, yet not to be recalled to Sense and waking by any remedies or tortures. However I have observed from Opium taken by others that they have slept mode­rately only, yea sometimes little or not at all, and presently to be worse as to their pulse, respiration and heat: these indeed were wont to languish assoon as they had taken the Medicine, then to draw their Breath difficultly, and so grow worse and worse, nor could their strength be restored to them by any Cordials but by [Page 145] degrees lingring they lost their lives. I have somewhere received an History of a certain robust man killed by Opium, who fell into no Sleep but the last and deadly, viz. Death it self; he presently upon taking the Medicine, complained of a great weight and coldness of his Ventricle, by and by he was affected with a notable languor and a sinking down of all his Spirits, and a coldness of the extreme parts, and within four hours complaining that his eyes grew dim and then quite blind, he expired.

By this 'tis easily gathered that Opium does not always destroy Life by one and the same way, but has obtained at least two chief ways of killing. Its Poyson affects first either the Brain or Cerebel. The Reason of one of them consists in this, that the Particles of the Medicine being taken, do first and rather affect the Brain; of the other, that they in like manner infest the Cerebel or little Brain. As to this latter the business is according to the following manner; if after the Medicine being taken, it happens by chance that the Orb of the Cerebel be so beset by the narcotick little Bodies, that the outmost spirits being forthwith destroyed, the afflux of the interior towards the Praecordia is di­minished, and then by little and little cut off; there will be a necessity for the heart and the Organs of Respiration. first of all to flagg in the duties of the vi­tal Function; and then wholly to cease from labour: In the mean time as the sick being free from an heavy torpor do awake, they are well enough in mind, and whilst they live are perfect in Sense. But if the opiatick Particles breaking in first of all, and with a full charge upon the border or Sphere of the Brain, and its inhabitants are strongly invaded; in so muah that by and by the outmost Spi­rits being profligated, also all the internal possessing its middle are greatly over­thrown, and lest they may spring up again and recruit anew, their forces are altogether suppressed, then presently a deep sleep or an invincible and perpetual drowsiness or stupefaction follows. In the mean time the Pulse and Respiration continuing for some time in a due state.

Besides these kind of deadly slaughters which Opium still attempts upon humane Life, this Medicine hath obtained very many other ways of hurting, which of­tentimes becomes destructive to some private function or part of the Body. Since 'twill be tedious to rehearse all the kinds of lesser harms, which Narcoticks are wont to stir up, It produces Evils in the Head, Breast, or Belly. we will here only shew what evils do sometimes happen from the improper or untimely use of it in the Head, what in the Breast, and also what in the Belly.

1. As to the First, In the Head. it is well enough known that the chief Functions of the Soul, viz. Memory, Discourse, and sharpness of Wit, are very often notably hurt by Narcoticks. The frequent use of them debilitates the memory in many men, I know one that lost that faculty wholly by too great a dose of Laudanum taken when in a Fever; then after some weeks; when the use of it begun to re­turn, he could only remember what was done at a certain or peculiar time, and nothing of what was done before or after. I know some to have contracted a slowness or stupidity of wit, and others madness by this Medicine. How Opium af­fects the Turks. Hence (as Freitagius nortes) when Prosper Alpinus and Bellonius write, that the Egyptians and Turks are fed with Opium, for getting Boldness, Alacrity, and Appetite to Venus; they add however, that those devourers of Opium although they seem to be well in health and not to be hurt with the use of it, yet that they are rendred more cold, and that their fun­ctions were worse, and that they appeared almost perpetually drunk and torpid, and were made full of Hair stupid and inconstant, now affirming and now denying, so that people were afraid to meddle or converse with them; that also it became a by-word, which they objected as a blot one to another: Go thou hast eat Opium, which is no other than a­mongst us, when they upbraid any one of Fudling or Drunkenness. Freitag. lib. de Opio Cap. 3. The Reason of these appears plain enough from what hath been already said, viz. Opium produces the effects but now recited, for that it assaults first and chiefly the Brain, and whilst it there destroys or profligates some animal Spi­rits, it perverts many others from their wonted ways of Emanations, and bends them into deuious or unusuall tracts. But tht Opium is devoured in a great quantity by the Turks (I may add also some of our Countrymen having gotten by long Custom, as it were, a certain defence or Armour of proof against its poy­son) unhurt, or at least without any danger of life; the Reason is because its Particles, although at first they are infestous and poysonous to the Spirits, yet by the frequent use they at length become more congruous and familiar; even as [Page 146] we have observed concerning the taking of Tobacco in a Pipe, which when 'tis wont at first for a few days, to cause a Vertigo or dizziness, and oftentimes vo­miting or purging, yea a cold Sweat with a trembling, and frequent faintings; yet afterwards we take it without any disturbance, yea at length with great de­light. But that a greater dose of Opium should add to them a boldness of Mind, so that they go to fight undauntedly and with notable confidence, the cause seems to be that that Medicine by stupefying somewhat the Spirits renders them asto­nished, so that how terrible soever the things be that they meet with, to the Senses they are unmoved. Lastly, that it is asserted that Opiates provoke to Venery, when it should rather seem they should suppress that fury by their extin­guishing the Spirits: We say (if that in truth it has that effect) that the genital humour and the Spirits abounding in it, do not descend from the Brain, but is poured forth immediately into the spermatick Vessels, because that for as much as Opiates do hinder or make less the genesis of Spirits within the Brain, perhaps thy cause them to be more plentifully diverted to the genital mem­bers.

2. What evils of the Breast O­pium produces.2. That Opiates are sometimes hurtful to the Praecordia and Breast, it plainly enough appears, because they depress and diminish the Pulse and Respiration; and sometimes also (as we have shewed above) cause them to grow weak, and by degrees wholly to cease: Wherefore in Fevers where the Blood being greatly depraved, seems to have no, or no good Crasis, and that it yields to the Animal Kingdom but very few, and weak Spirits only, Narcoticks are almost always hurtful, and as it were poysons, for though in the Plague and in malignant Fe­vers, whilst the Pulse and Respiration are strong; Mithridate, Treacle, and Di­ascordium, yea Laudanum are oftentimes given with success: Yet if at any time in those Diseases, and in other Fevers not much malignant, the vital function lan­guishes, these famous Antidotes are but very sparingly, but more strong Opiates not at all to be used. Moreover, in a most laborious Cough, Phthisick, Pleurisie, Empyema, and in other Diseases of the Breast, in every one of them where Na­ture is stirred up, suddenly so that casting forth what is troublesome and griev­ous to the Breast, and urges it with its great endeavour, and also where the Or­gans of Respiration being destitute of great plenty of Spirits, grow weak, and perform their work difficultly and hardly, we must abstain from Opium no less than from Poyson; for in such a case Narcoticks increase the weight to be re­moved, and fix it, and lessen the strength of the parts which ought to remove them away.

3. And what in the lowest Belly.3. We have above shewed that Opiates do operate within the Viscera of con­coction and other parts of the lower Belly, and oftentimes in a various respect do bring notable helps, notwithstanding they are not always so benign and friendly to this Region; but as it will be easily shewed they sometimes cause a great evil. For truly Narcoticks being often taken, are very injurious sometimes to the prin­cipal faculty, viz. to the Appetite or desire of Aliments, (on which depends all nourishment, and the Root of Life) for that they very much blunt it, and not rarely wholly destroy it: For when the Spirits inhabiting the interior Coat of the Ventricle, are stupefied or destroy by the Opiatick Particles, so that those nervous Fibres although empty are no more corrugated, for which cause all hunger ceases, and food not at all desired, but that being brought to the Stomach, because being what is given is rather a trouble than delight; it is by and by spewed forth again. Moreover, for the same Reason the concocting force of the Ventricle is often debilitated, and the excretory motions both of this and of the Intestines, grow sluggish: For 'tis a common observation, that the want of Appetite, and slothfulness of the Belly, are the familiar effects of an Opiatick Me­dicine.

From these it will not be difficult to draw precepts and medicinal Cautions, about the right use of opiatick Pharmacy, Physical Cauti­ons about the use of Opium. which indeed may be done by observ­ing these four following things, viz. Before a narcotick Medicine be administred, we must weigh, 1. What the Constitution of the Patient may be. 2. What kind of Disease it is with which he labours. 3. In what state the Animal Spirits are, in respect both of the Animal and Vital Function. 4. And lastly, in what condition the Blood and Humours are. 1. In respect of the constitution of the Sick.

1. As to the First, when an Hypnotick is required, see that the Temperament [Page 147] of the Sick, the habit of Body or Indisposition, Custom, kind of Life, do not in­dicate the contrary. As for example, those who are endued with a moderate stature, firm Body and well set, hot Blood, lively or quick Aspect, do better bear this Medicine, and more often take it with benefit; which besides they may much more securely use, if they have been before accustomed to it. On the con­trary, it agrees much less, yea is sometimes very hurtful to those who are too fat or too lean, likewise to those who being of a rare texture have Spirits easily dissipable, or of a more cold temperament, have soft and flaccid Flesh, and that are of themselves sleepy and dull, of a sluggish and indocile nature: To which add also if that they never had experimented that Medicine before.

2. 2. In respect of the Disease. The nature of the Disease is of great moment sometimes for or contrary to Opiates. In more light affections to make use of it (according to Septalius) is the trick of a Physical Adulator: In the Palsie, Vertigo, Incubus, or Night-mare, Apo­plexy, also in the Orthopnoea or straitness of the Lights, in the Dropsie of the Breast or Abdomen, in the Stupor or trembling of the Members, in very malignant Fevers, and in the paroxysms of intermitting Fevers, or in the Crises of others, Narcoticks are most often interdicted. Besides in the Cough with much spittle and thick in the Asthma, and in all other thoracious Affections with an oppression of the Lungs, and in the Hysterick and other convulsive Passions, they are not to be given but rarely, and not without caution and counsel of a prudent Physician. But yet in cruel Headach, Catarrhs, Colicks, Plurisie, ordinary Fevers, in Vo­miting, Dysentery, in Nephritick Paroxysms, in Gouts and all kinds of Pains, the opiatick Pharmacy is not only allowed, but is sought for as the only; and as it were divine Panacaea.

3. But as often as this is proposed or is deliberated on, we ought also to con­sider in what condition the Animal Spirits presiding in each Dominion are: 3. In respect of the animal Spi­rits. For if they are already few or oppressed, and do not enough expand themselves they ought by no means to be any more lessened or thrown down by Medicine: Where­fore whilst that the Animal Faculties as to the sense or discursion are not very vigorous, or do not sufficiently exert themselves, or when the Pulse and Respira­tion take the turns of their reciprocations but weakly, or are stopped or inequal or also more quick or slow than usual, or lastly, if a stupor or enervation with an unwonted languishment, possesses the members and motive parts, all kind of Hypnotick Pharmacy is to be avoided: But we doubt not to use the same, when at any time it is required by reason of some more grievous Diseases, if that the Animal Spirits according to these and the other respects be robust enough, or are also too much expansed or enlarged, or carried forth above measure or become fierce or unruly.

4. 4. In respect of the Blood and Humours. But in the mean time the Condition of the Blood and humours is not to be neglected, because sometimes the wicked and naughty condition of these does altogether forbid Opiates, or permit them to be taken but sparingly, and with a certain restriction: The Blood forbids the use of them when it offends either in quantity or quality, or in its Crasis or Disposition. As to the former, the bloody Latex either superabounds or is deficient; in either respect it excludes Narcotick Pharmacy: For in the first place, whensoever the Blood is turging with plenty, and boyling up as in a Fever, it hugely distends the Vessels, and so the Praecordia do highly labour to drive it about most quickly, with swiftly repeated turns of Systoles, lest it should any where stagnate or flow over; then certainly to give a Narcotick, whereby that labour and endeavour of the Heart most necessary for the preservation of Life should be hindred; would be the part rather of a poysoner than of a Physician. Wherefore in the Plethora or overcharge of Blood, Phlebo­tomy ought to be used instead of Opiates. In the second place, no less evil pro­ceeds from Narcoticks, as often as in the defect or want of Blood; as after great hemorrhages, long fastings, or continual sicknesses they are administred, because, when the flood or the Blood is very small, and by reason of its exiguity hardly continued, lest that its fluor should be broken off and so cease; the Heart strives for or endeavours its quick circumagitation, working with a very nimble Pulse, as it were, with double endeavours. From hence it is plain to conceive what hurt Opiates will cause, which put a remora or stop to this endeavour of the Heart then so highly necessary. Indeed for this Reason it seems to be that we interdict Sleep to women presently after the Birth of the Child, whilst the Lochia are flow­ing [Page 148] down, and to others in a free mission of Blood or immense Hemorrhage, viz. lest the Spirits in the time of Sleep being called back, should leave the Heart with which it swiftly drives about the diminished River of the Blood. Further, some­times the Blood offending in quality, or (as I may more properly speak) in its Crasis, forbids the use of Opiates; because whilst in a Cacochymia or Fever, the Blood being very much stuffed with recrements or superfluities, ought to be agi­tated and more swiftly circulated by a greater labour of the Heart, to wit, that the heterogeneous Particles might be overcome and quickly evaporated; the o­peration of a Narcotick coming between doth stop this endeavour of the Praecor­dia, and so retards, and sometimes frustrates the lustration or circulation of the Blood.

As to what respects the other recrementitious humours, that are wont to be accumulated within the Ventricle or Intestines, these also ought to be carried a­way, or purged forth by Vomit or Stool before an Opiate be administred; for o­therwise being fixed there they will stick more pertinaciously. Because the splanch­nick Fibres being stupefied by the Medicine are not irritated as before; neither easily go about or lively perform the excretory Convulsions for the expelling those superfluities: Wherefore according to the old Precept, if that there be any thing to be evacuated, let it be evacuated before the Narcotick Pharmacy or E­vacuation.

CHAP. III. The Kinds, Preparations, and Forms of Opiates.

AFter having sufficiently unfolded the Narcotick Pharmacy in general, and shewn the means and the manner of its working, it behoves us next to re­count and particularly consider, both the simple and compound Medicines endow­ed with such a vertue, and so to institute a certain Opiology.

The distinction of Anodyne Me­dicines.Therefore in the first place according to the Method observed by most Authors, we will distinguish Remedies accounted for Anodynes into two forms, viz. as they are stronger or weaker: For indeed some of them being plainly narcotick do not only compel to a preternatural sleep, but as occasion requires indolency, Stupor, and unduly given, not rarely Death. But yet there are other Medicines of this kind prescribed, which not by stupefying or destroying the angry Spirits, but by stroking and softening them, gently draw and compose them to Rest.

A rehearsal of Narcoticks.1. They are wont to refer to the former Class of these (which may only be properly called Opiates or Narcoticks) Poppy both the white and the wild, Hen­bane, Hounds or Dogs tongue, Mandrakes, Nightshade, and certain others more venomous; and so never to be medicinally prescribed: But the Roots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds, and the thickned Juices of some of these not so unwholesome are made use of, and (as we have above-shown) are often taken with great success. But truly since each of these have something of poyson mixed with them, there­fore they are not indifferently to be prescribed, now these now those, as in o­ther Physical Medicines, but only to make use of those which are approved of by a safe and long experience. White Poppy. Hence at length Custom (from which it is not safe to recede without danger to humane Life) hath obtained that Poppy and prepara­tions of it, are the Basis or Complement of almost the whole opiatick Pharmaceu­tice, the seeds of Henbain, and the Roots and Juice of Hounds Tongue, are put into the compositions of some Hypnoticks; notwithstanding as often as we en­deavour [Page 149] thorowly and also safely to provoke Sleep, the whole force of the Me­dicine is placed in Opium or Diacodium. There will be no need here to describe the white Poppy, out of which these are made, nor to shew the extraction of the opiatick Juice, or the composition of that Syrup, since that they are suffici­ently enough declared in the Botanick and Antidotary Books both of the Ancients and Moderns. But what remains for us to do and which is more to our purpose, is that we now endeavour to expound the elementary parts of Opium, and from thence to search out the vertues both of the Diacodium, and the means of their intoxicating.

The body of Opium may as to its constitutive parts be better known, The nature and parts of Opium. and ex­amined whole and untouched, than resolved spagyrically: because if it be distil­led by fire by reason of plenty of impure Sulphur it contracts an horrible Empereu­ma or fiery tast, and diffuses a very hurtful stink. But yet it is obvious to the sense that sulphureous Particles do abound in this concrete, which also its most filthy Odor, and its inflammability manifestly declare: and although it is equally certain that saline Particles are adjoyned to the Sulphur, and so this concrete doth chiefly consist of these two together with a little Earth, yet of what nature and in what state that Salt should be, cannot be defined; but so much we may be able to affirm from the effects that this sulphureous saline Concretion is altogether con­trary, and destructive to the Texture of the animal Spirits, which is spiritual and saline volatile. In what the nar­cotick force con­sists. And indeed it may be gathered from very many instances that narcotick force lies hid in the Sulphur with the aculeated Salt (from whence it acquires so stinking a smell) for of this nature are the white Poppy, Mandrake, Henbane, Tobacco, and other Opiates, all which have almost alike stinking smell, and in the smelling to them very ungrateful to our Spirits. Moreover because the animal Spirits may be somewhat of a divers Texture in various Bodies, there­fore Opiates may work more strongly and virulently on some than others. The Turks and Egyptians, in whom from an adust blood, It doth not ope­rate after a like manner in all. more fixed Spirits and less volatile are procured, eat Opium without hurt or at least without danger of Life, the Europians not so, who have more subtle and purer Spirits. Dogs devour Opium in a great quantity without any sleepiness or death. A little dose of it present­ly kils a Cat, for that the spirits of this beast, so very saline volatile cannot at all endure the narcotick Sulphur. And hence it is that one grain of the oyl of To­bacco being laid upon the tongue of this Animal presently excites Convulsions and Stupor, to which forthwith death follows. It hurts not a Dog so as it does a Cat or a Man. Once I saw given to an ordinary Dog sops of Bread rolled in ʒij of Opium: after which growing very sick he became torpid or rather stupid, and drawing his Breath difficultly and laboriously seemed as if he was about to dye, but then within half an hour he eased his belly plenti­fully with the most horrid and troublesome stink that ever I smelt in my life, and presently thereupon he became well and lively. But that such a quantity of Opium did the less hurt to this Animal, perhaps the cause may in part be the notably acid ferment of his Ventricle, by which the Particles of the narcotick Sulphur might be somewhat broken and overcome; and so by reason of this Sulphur being very much dissolved by the acid Menstruum of the Stomach, the highly stinking de­jection of the Belly proceeded. Some Instance [...] of this. For it is to be observed of other Bodies whilst that an acid body acts on a sulphureous, there is excited an ingrateful smell: For so it is wont to be when Aqua Stygia or spirits of Vitriol are poured upon the filings of Iron. In like manner also when the spirits of Vinegar is mixed with an Antimo­nial Lixivium. I might take notice of many others of this kind. But indeed 'tis not to be denied that the Particles of Opium do work on the dogs spirits which not­withstanding do more strongly resist the narcotick Venom than the spirits of a Man, or of other Beasts, as it is clear by the History but now mentioned; for as much as when the torpor and difficult and disturbed Respiration by reason of the spirits inhabiting the Encephalon being affected by the narcotick began to arise, those symtoms assoon as the narcotick matter was overcome by purging presently vanished. Besides I have known the truth of this opinion confirmed more by an anatomical experiment. Many years ago we saw about three ounces of the tincture of Opium done in Canary tranfused into the Jugulary Vein of a little Dog, the vein being closed the dog ran about after his wonted manner and seemed little or nothing affected or changed; after a quarter of an hour he began to be a lit­tle stupefied, to nod his head, and at length began to fall into a Sleep, but not [Page 150] permitting him when we had hindred him a while by beating, terrifying, and coursing him about, at length the soporous Affection being so done away he be­came whole and lively enough: as it appears from hence, the opiatick Poyson is so overcome either within the Viscera of concoction by their ferments, or else re­sisted by the animal spirits themselves, as that it is not always, nor alike in all, either an Hypnotick or deadly.

As to what respects the top of the white Poppy with the seeds, of which Did­codium, Decoctions, Emulsions, and other hypnotick Confections are made, it planely appears that these are far less indued with narcotick Sulphur then the concrete juice of Opium; and what of it is in them is much more pure and inno­cent. Wherefore we oftner and more securely give Remedies composed of this: For it is not fit to make use of Laudanum unless when for the vehemency of Sym­toms Diacodiates will do little good. Diacodiates. Further as these contain in themselves less of virulency, they want not much preparation but being simply made by decocti­on, or Infusion, or expression, they may be brought into medical use: but Opi­um is seldom so simple and prescribed by it self, but is wont to be corrected and composed after a various and divers preparation, whereby it may become a safe Anodyne.

Preparations of Opium.The preparation of Opium is either simple or with dissolvers and correctors joyned with it. The way of the former consists almost only in this, that its Mass be­ing sliced into little flakes is so long exposed to the heat of the Fire or the Sun until the narcotick Sulphur being in part evaporated, the rest becomes friable and less stinking: which kind of preparation is wont to be first made before others. For whether we would endeavour to get the Tincture, Extract or Confection of O­pium, first this previous operation is dryed and reduced into a powder. More­over hither ought to be referred its fumigation with Sulphur by the same means as we cure Scammony: because the acid vapour ascending from the common Sulphur whilst it burns, overcomes or breaks very much the virulency of either of them both of the narcotick and cathartick Sulphur.

The Opiates of the Ancients re­peated.The preparations of Opium with adjuncts or rather its Compositions, are di­vers and many; of which some were more famous and noted among the Ancients, others among those of latter days. The Opiates of the Ancients chiefly noted are Pills of Dogs Tongue, the Requies of Nicolaus, and Philonium, of the last of which there were four, viz. Roman, Persian, (the use of which is yet some­what retained) and the Philonium of Galen and of Mesue.

The descriptions of all these are seen commonly in every Antidotary, so that there is no need to repeat them here. The reason of the Compositions of these chief Anodynes, although built upon an erroneous foundation, as to the other respects is understood well enough. For that out of a false supposition that O­pium being cold in the fourth degree most of what they received into their Phi­loniums being hot in the same degree, viz. Wild Pellitory, Euphorbium, white Pepper, and others are added, of the like nature, which truly are not impro­perly correctors of Opium. But yet not as if it were their Heat opposes the frigidity or coldness of that (because indeed it is not cold but rarher hot) but these sharp biting things being full of volatile Salt, do predominate over the nar­cotick Sulphur of the Opium, and break its virulency.

Laudanums in­vented by latter Physitians.The Opiates of our Neotericks by reason of the Laudability of such a Medi­cine are commonly called Laudana; and because they take away pains, by some also named Nepenthes. About what time these were first made known, Ronodaeus very ingenuously complains, Renodaeus of Laudanum. that there were a company of false Physicians arisen, who for the most usual Pills of Dogs Tongue, gave an opiate Confection called by them Lauda­num, with which they promised not only to restore sleep, but also to drive away all Diseases. So much (says he) has the Encomium of this Medicine prevailed with these runagates that there is no Empirick, none so dull medicaster or not so common a Barter who does not pro­fess himself a Laudanist. Without doubt this custom however evil and most pernicious to humane Life is not yet worn out. For that also among our Countrymen there is not only a company but a swarm rather of false Chymists and Quacksalvers; eve­ry one of which boasts of his peculiar Laudanum, which they rashly give in eve­ry Disease and Condition, and if by chance it happens for the sick to sleep and wake again, presently they sing and are Cock a hoop, when rather they merit the gallows, for that the Pulse and Respiration being overthrown by reason [Page 151] of their unseasonably giving an Opiate, oftentimes all hopes of the Crisis and of the cure is frustrated: wherefore it behoves you to be warned whoever hath any regard to his Life, that you diligently beware of these unskilful Laudanists.

Not only the use of Opiates but much more the Invention and preparation of them are to be prohibited to Empiricks, and Quacksalvers: For indeed it is the work of a prudent and learned Physitian, so to temper their Venoms as that they may not be poyson, but Antidote. Wherefore Laudana's are not to be admitted into practice unless such as are invented by skilful men and long made tryal of; of which sort there are many extant publickly received and approved of, so that there is no need of new ones daily to be devised. Laudana in form of an ex­tract. The more Ancient Laudana's of Paraselsus, Crollius, Quercetan, Hartman, and other famous Chymists by them related and described in many Pharmacopoeas are composed only in the form of an extract; in all which the Tincture of Opium drawn forth with a sit Menstruum is the Basis or ground; to which tincture others are added, viz. of Saffron, Ca­stor, (which Guianerus names the Bezoar of Opium) Species Diambrae, and such like; and so all being confused together are distilled in Balneo, that the Menstruum being drawn off, the remainder may be reduced to the consistency of Hony, in the finishing of which lastly Pearls, precious Powders, Chymical Oyls, and o­ther things esteemed Cardiacks are added: The Medicine being so made up is given for the most part in form of a Pill,

Although these sort of Laudana's are efficacious enough and seem to be elegant­ly composed, Liquid Lauda­na's. yet the Neotericks somewhat varying the form make their con­sistence (whereby they may be the better taken in any Liquor) liquid; and also for that when any opiatick Pill (not more noted for its benefits than for its Harms) may be a terror to some, a dose of liquid Laudanum (if perhaps it seems necessary the patient refusing it) may be better hid, and being poured into other liquor may pass rather for a Cordial than an Hypnotick. And indeed concerning the use of Opiates the sick are sometimes too much and sometimes too little cautious, and so as they are in one case to be warned, so in the other they ought to be drawn to it and deceived. For the making the liquid Laudanum in like manner as the solid the Tinctures of the Opium and the adjuncts are extracted one from another al­most after the same way; which being all confused and the Menstruums drawn off to the middle, there will remain a Medicine splendidly red or blushing whose dose is wont to be from ℈ss to ℈j.

Concerning these two kinds of Laudana's, What Menstru­um is most fit for the making the Laudanum. it is a great matter with what kinds of Menstruum the Tincture of the Opium is extracted; so that the business has caus­ed great contention among some Chymists of no small note; whilst they supposing it cold use the spirit of Wine, others on the contrary to bridle the heat of Opium, dissolve it in the spirit of Vinegar or in the juice of Citrons: Indeed either Men­struum is sufficient and are almost both alike, so it be reduced into an extract; but if in a liquid form there can be no solutive of Opium better to be met with than the spirit of Wine impregnated with the volatilised Salt of Tartar. For this most readily dissolves its Mass, receives a tincture like to a resplendent Ruby; more­over somewhat brings under the narcotick Sulphur and takes away its evil smell: Indeed the salt of Tartar is the best corrector of Opium, or rather its Antidote. Hence the opiatick Pill of a certain empirick, in which the dissolvent of the Opi­um is salt of Tartar imbued with the oyl of Turpentine, hath been accounted of no contemptible use, there is added to that Composition the powder of white Hellebore; but that only as I suppose they may assert some Parodoxes, that tamed poysons become the most precious Medicines.

Of late years the use of a certain liquid Laudanum the Author of which is com­monly said to be Helmont, hath grown famous: The Laudanum called Helmon­tian. it hath for its Menstruum the juice of Quinces put into a fermentation with Yest or Barm of Ale or Beer; when this has extracted the Tincture of Opium being dyed with a deep yellow, which being strai­ned and aromatised, and drawn off to the half in Balneo; then the remaining part is reserved for use, and is this liquid Laudanum, whose dose is from gut. 15 to 20. The other part by a further distillation is reduced into a pilulary form and is gi­ven from gr. j to ij. That liquid Opium I have often given with an happy success in dysenterick Affections: But our liquid Laudanum (which we do more often use) hath for its Menstruuw the tincture of the salt of Tartar brought to the highest red by long digestion; and as the Tincture of Opium extracted by this, is the ground [Page 152] of the Medicine, we add for its complement Saffron, Castor, Cloves, and Lignum Aloes, the dose from 15 to 25 props.

2. After white Poppy and the preparation of it we shall speak next of the wild or erratick which hath indeed a certain hypnotick virtue but far more gentle and benign than the other; Wild Poppy and its preparations. wherefore in some cases it is exceeding convenient, and one may be more secure as to its use. Of this may be had in the Apothecaries shop the Syrup and the distilled Water, which are often given with great benefit in most continual Fevers; and are thought to help in the Pleurisy with a certain specifick force; because truly they take away pains, and by stopping somewhat the Pulse depress the feverish aestuation of the Blood. Further, a tincture is prepa­red of the flowers of this infused in the spirit of Wine, which is a famous Medi­cine among the Empiricks and good Women, and esteemed very good against a Surfet. The reason of whose help seems to be, that the spirits of the Wine deli­ver the contents of the Stomach from putrefaction, and the narcotick virtue of the Flowers provides against the assaulting Fevers.

Dogs-tongue and its prepara­tions.3. Having finished Meconology or Poppyology; in the Class of Narcoticks fol­lows, Mandrake, Henbane, Cynogloss or Dogs-Tongue, Tobacco. As for the two first because they are scarce at all made use of in Medicines (unless the seeds of Henbane) I shall say nothing; but Dogs tongue breathing an odor plainly sopori­ferous, openly shews its narcotick Nature, and invites us as it were by the fairness of its form to the taking of it willingly: For it is a very neat Plant, having soft Leaves, and pleasantly flowrishing is crowned with a bright Red and most delicate purplish Flowers: The powder of its Roots was put into and denominated that ancient and famous Opiate called Pills of Cynoygloss or Dogs-tongue: The juice of the whole Plant gather'd about the beginning of the Spring being expressed, and depurated by a close and warm digestion, and decanted from its Faeces, yeilds a clear Liquor and splendidly reddish or blushing like a Ruby. This may be used either for a Menstruum for the making up of narcotick Confections, or an Hypno­tick Syrup may be prepared of it, or lastly being evaporated it may be reduced into an extract, from which, as out of Opium, by fit Menstruums, Tinctures and Extracts are gotten.

Tobacco.Tobacco by right challenges a place among them and brings up the rear of Nar­coticks; for although it is not put into their compositions, yet its fume being ta­ken in a pipe oftentimes produces the same effects as they: yea, not only causes sleep it self but sometimes its contrary, waking. I shall not go about to describe the origin or manner of this custom commonly known to every one of every Sex, Age, and Condition, Indeed why I rank it with Opiates is because it doth almost the same thing with our Countrymen as Opium with the Turks: to wit, either of them by affecting the animal Spirits after an unaccustomed manner, and by rendring them as it were astonished, disposes them to the doing or suffering of any thing without any great sense of trouble or weariness. The effect of the taking this. Wherefore virtues and effects not only manifold but diverse, yea (as I hinted but now) contrary and repugnant one to another are ascribed to the smoak of Tobacco taken at the mouth after the vul­gar way. For it is ordinary said to warm us when chill and cold, also to refrige­rate those that are hot, to cause or to drive away sleep, in like manner to extin­guish or to excite hunger and thirst: the reason of all which consists in this, that the animal spirits being gently agitated by this Enthymiama or inflamed smoak, and as it were provoked into certain dances, they are wholly deaf to the approaches of any troublesome thing; yea whatsoever is hard to be perfomed by them, or to be suffer'd, they do being almost insensible and undisturb'd: wherefore the use of Tobacco (when it may be had) seems not only necessary but profitable for Soldi­ers and Mariners; for that it renders them both fearless of any dangers, and pa­tient of Hunger, The reasons. Cold, and Labour. But truly it appears from hence that this greatly narcotick fume is very infestous to the spirits (before by frequent custom it becomes familiar to them) because there is none almost who at the first taking and use of it but suffers great perturbations in his Brain and nervous Stock. For when at any time one is initiated into this dry potation, presently as if he were drunk he is affected with a Vertigo and Scotomia or diziness in the head, then a cruel vo­miting and sometimes purging follows, the feet grow weak or stagger, the hands tremble, the tongue faulters, or speaks at random. Oftentimes also a cold sweat and terrible swoonings follow; the cause of all which is, that the animal Spirits [Page 153] being as it were intoxicated by the narcotick Sulphur, are distracted very much in their whole dominion, and are agitated into Ataxias or irregularities; not only the first and second time, but oftentimes, tis for a very long while after their first taking it before they can be able to take the fume of Tobacco without great con­fusion of the spirits. But assoon as this custome becomes familiar and customary; 'tis grateful, and takes the animal Spirits with so great a witchcraft or plea­sing allurements, that some had rather be interdicted meat or drink than the use of it. The reason of which is that this smoaking gently awaking or stirring up the animal Spirits at any time sluggish and sloathful, and as it were tickling them, pro­vokes them into gentle and expansive motions, with which they are wonderfully recreated as with the drinking of Wine.

So much for the chief Narcoticks, and their preparations, and manner of u­sing of them, all which belong to the stock of Vegetables: but that minerals may not be thought to effect nothing, there are some who boast they have prepared out of their more hard concretes most excellent Opiates altogether without Opi­um. Quercetan prescribes a certain Nepenthe to be made out of the narcotick Sul­phur of Vitriol and from the oyl of the Sun and Moon (or of Gold and Silver) with the tincture of Corals and of other famous Cordials, highly efficacious for the ta­king away of all pains and languors: The virtues of which Medicine I am so far from admiring that I rather think there is no such Sulphur and metallick Oyls, or that in truth there can be little or nothing gotten: Therefore returning to the real and genuine Narcoticks, we will as a complement to the work set down some of their select forms; which we will digest into certain Classes according as the Opiates have for their Basis either the Syrup or distilled Water of wild Poppy, or Diacodium or Laudanum extract or liquid or Pills of Styrax or of Cynogloss or last­ly Philonium. The Basis of nar­cotick compositi­ons.

Take of the water of wild Poppies, of Cowslip water, of each ℥vj, of the sy­rup of the leaves of Poppies ℥ij, of Sal Prunellae ʒss, mingle it and make a Julep, the dose is ℥iij or iiij, thrice a day, in a Pleurisy pains, 1. The water and syrup of red Poppy. and watchings without a Fever or any manifest cause.

Take of poppy Water ʒiiij to vj, let it be taken by it self sometimes twice or thrice a day for the same end.

Take of Diacodium ℥ss to ℥vj, Cowslip water ℥iij, Treacle water ʒiij, Potions. make a Potion.

Take of Carduus water ℥iij, Diacodium ℥ss, spirits of Hartshorn ℈ss to ℈j, make a draught for the provoking sleep or sweat.

Take of Diascordium ʒss, Gascoins powder ℈j, of Diacodium ʒij, of Diacodium ʒij, mingle it, take it in a spoon.

Take of Diacodium ℥iij, Snail water ℥j, mingle it. Convenient in a Cough, Phthisick, and the dose one spoonful at the hour of rest, and if need be, repeat it at midnight.

Take of London Laudanum gr. j, 2. Laudanum extract. of the powder of compounded Claws ℈ss to ℈j, with what will suffice of the syrup of Cloves, make three Pills to be taken going to rest.

Take of Laudanum gr. j, of stomach Pills cum Gummi ʒss, Pills. make four Pills to be taken going to sleep against the Colick.

Take of Laudanum gr. j to jss, of Diascordium ℈j, make a Bolus, Bolus. in the place of Diascordium may be added the confection of Alchermes or de Hyacinth.

Take of Laudanum gr. j, dissolve it in one spoonful of Treacle water, A draught. add of the water of Cowslips, ℥ij, make a draught.

Take of our liquid Laudanum tartarisated gut. 20, 3. Liquid Lau­danum tartari­sated. let it be given in one spoon­ful of Aqua mirabilis or Cinamon water or any other convenient Water. It is good in colick pains, nephritick or gouty pains.

Take of the Species of Hiera ʒss, of the same Laudanum 20 gut. make four pills to be taken going to rest, to purge and allay pains in Colicks.

Take of liquid Laudanum Cydoniat. gut. 15 to 20, 4. Liquid Lau­danum quin­ced. let it be given in one spoon­ful of Cinamon water the smallest for dysenterick Effects.

Take of the conserves of red Roses ℥j, Treacle Andromach. Confectio Hamech, each ʒij, powder of red Cloath ʒj, Laudanum Cydoniat. ʒij, syrup of Coral what will suffice, make a confection, the dose is ʒj, every fourth or fifth hour in very bloody Dysenteries with pains.

Take of Pill de Styrax gr. v to vj, of the milk of Sulphur ℈ss, of the oyl of An­niseeds gut. j, of the Balsom of Peru what will suffice make three Pills to be taken in Coughs, Asthmas, &c.

5. Pills of Sty­rax.Take of the Pills de Cynogloss or Dogs-tongue gr. vj to viij, make two Pills to be taken going to sleep for the same Intentions.

And of Cyno­gloss.Take of Roman Philonium ℈j to ℈ij, conserves of Cloves ʒss, mingle them, and make a Bolus to be taken going to rest. Convenient in the Colick, in a cold Tem­perament. 6. Philonium.

An antihypno­tick Remedy.After having sufficiently explicated the narcotick Remedies, we should next speak of Medicines merely Anodyne: viz. which not by profligating or by stupefying, but only by softning and by stroking do gently compose, and flatter into rest the animal Spirits being any way disturbed or grown fiere or angry. But it ought to be manifest concerning the [...] of these, whether there are any such in truth, before we make any disquisition of the [...] or how they are: For besides this, that Fomentations, Cataplasms, Liniments, being outwardly applyed, and Clysters in­jected into the Intestines sometimes do allay pains, I have not known any other effect to be performed from those kind of mere Anodynes at least taken inwardly at the mouth: Wherefore it does not seem worth the while to trouble our selves about the Aetiology of these to which there is no faith to be given, for the conci­liating sleep or for the allaying of Pains when they are very urgent.

But as we have fully discoursed hitherto of Opiates, and of their preparations and ways of operating: according to our former method now should follow to be handled, the contrary Medicines to these, or Antihypnoticks, viz. which by dri­ving away sleep too much troublesome do render us wakeful; had I not fully per­formed this task formerly in the Pathology of the Brain (where we have treated of the Lethargy and other soporiferous Affections and their Remedies) so that there is no need to repeat here the same again. Coffee drink. But since that both there and in other places hath been made by us frequent mention of a certain Liquor called Coffee, highly efficacious for the driving away the Narcosis or stupefyingness; it seems not to be altogether from the purpose to speak here a little more (than we have else where hinted) concerning this Drink and the effects of it, and the rea­sons of its acting. It will be from the purpose to discourse of its Antiquity, and of its common use now among the Turks, and formerly among the Arabians and other Eastern People: but that this Drink also of late years is brought into custom by our own Countrymen, and that there is almost none but understands well e­nough by experience its efficacy and virtue for the driving away of sleep, we will therefore inquire into the reasons of this so well known and experienced Effect. Its effect. We have said (in the Chapter of Waking) that the reason of it consists in this, that this Drink insinuates adust Particles (which we may find both by our taste and smell that it abounds with) into the blood; and from thence into the nervous Juice, which for that cause both by their incongruity and their mobility or unquietness, detain the Pores of the exterior Brain continually open, and by some other way of fettering them add to the Spirits, laying aside their torpor or drowsiness, cer­tain furies and provokings by which they are excited to the longer performing of their duties: For indeed to the inducing of sleep these two things are necessa­ry, one or the other of which is still first or rather for the effecting it. To wit, it behoves the Pores and all the passages of the exterior brain or its Cortex or shell to be stuffed very much and filled full, and so to be shut up by the Liquor, there as it were stilled forth and overflowing from the Blood; Its Aetielogy delivered. then besides for the cau­sing of this effect there is need that the animal Spirits excluded from the Pores, and those passages, and besides oftentimes burthened with nutritious and serous Par­ticles, being given to Idleness, should betake themselves to the middle of the Brain. Concerning this task requisite to sleep there is not still one and the same order. For sometimes the animal Spirits first and of their own accord relinquish those spaces the nervous juice by and by rushing into the same voyd places; but sometimes the nervous Humour with the serous being more plentifully poured in, the first invades those passages driving their spirits thence against their wills and compelling them inwardly.

But the operation of Coffee seems contrary to both effects. The adust Parti­cles highly active and ready being delated into the Blood not presently after the drinking it, do somewhat fuse its Liquor, the serous water being detruded towards [Page 155] the Reins and habit of the Body; further they driving towards the brain easily o­pen its Pores which they detain very open with their mobility; then they grow­ing to the Spirits do uncloath them from all other Particles both gravative or nutritious, and so stir them up on every side being light and nimble and make them to be stretched abroad thorow the whole compass of the Brain freed from any hea­vy oppletion and obstruction.

In the mean time notwithstanding, Its benefits and imcommodities noted. whilst the Spirits being continually and un­weariedly exercised after this manner, are deprived of the access and assimilati­on of the nervous juice, plenty of them are not sufficiently renewed after the won­ted manner. Indeed the old veterane Spirits are rendred more agil and nimble, but the supplies of the new ones are diminished. Hence as it easily appears that this drink though most commonly used, and very profitable in some cases, and very medicinal; is to others perhaps very hurtful, or less healthful, Indeed that it is so, not only reason but also common observation every where dictitates, for as much as the great drinkers of Coffee become lean, and oftentimes paralytick and obnoxious to an impotency to Venus. The first effect is so frequently and every where known, that I have for that reason only forbid many the drinking of Coffee because it disposes to leanness,

For that as the Blood by the excessive and continual use of it is made more sharp and torrid, it therefore becomes less able for nourishment. It makes people lean. But as to the Affects of the Brain or nervous Stock, I do frequently prescribe this drink sooner than any thing else for their cure, and therefore am wont to send the sick to the Coffee houses sooner than to the Apothecaries shops.

Indeed in very many cephalick Diseases and Sicknesse, viz. great Headaches, It disposes to the Palsy. Vertigo, Lethargy, Catarrhs and such like, where there is with a full habit of bo­dy and cold or less hot temperament and waterish blood, an humid brain, but a torpor and slothfulness of the animal Spirits, the drinking of Coffee is often taken with great benefit, for continually drinking it wonderfully clears and illustrates either part of the Soul, and dispels all the clouds of each function: but on the con­trary, who are lean and of a bilous or melancholy Temperament or have a sharp blood or torrid, a hot brain or animal Spirits too much stirred up and unquiet, ought to abstain wholly from this drink; for that it rather perverts both the spi­rits and humours and renders them also weak and altogether unable for the per­forming their functions. For I have observed many not indued with plenty enough of spirits, and obnoxious to the Headach, Vertigo, the Palpitation of the Heart, the trembling or numness of the joynts, to have become worse presently upon the drinking of Coffee, and suddenly to have felt an unwonted languor in their whole Body.