presence of the evident cause for either little Bodies of extraneous heat being confused with the Blood like water boiling over the fire make it to boil up or this Feaver is induced by motion or by reason of transpiration being stopped even as Wines made hot by motion or when too closely stopped in the Ton are put into a Fervor but what way soever an inflamation is first excited presently the Spirits become enraged and being moved hither and thither compel the Blood to boil up and to be inlarged into a greater space with a spumous rarefaction wherefore the Vessels are distended and the membranous parts hauled hence follow pain chiefly in the Head and Loins a spontaneous weariness and as it were an inflation of the whole Body If that with the Spirit of the Blood a certain Sulphureous part be also in some measure inkindled a sharp heat is diffused through the whole the Pulse is vehement and quick the Urine red also thirst watchings and many other symptoms infest the reasons of which are added hereafter Concerning the Solution or Crisis of the Ephemeran Feaver and of the not putrid Synochus three things are chiefly requisite viz. a removing of the evident cause secondly a separation and a scattering of the depraved or excrementitious matter from the mass of Blood Thirdly a quieting of the parts of the Blood and a restitution of them to their natural and equal motion and site According as these succeed now more suddenly now more slowly and difficully this Disease is finished in a shorter or longer time 1. The evident cause which for the most part is extrinsick is easily removed and the sick are wont presently to avoid the presence or assiduity of that thing and do perceive a sense of any thing that is hurtful none taking a Feaver from Wine will still indulge the drinking of it as soon as any one grows more than usually hot in a Bath or the heat of the Sun 't is a trouble to them to stay longer 2. As to the Excrementitious matter which ought to be scattered and separated from the Blood this is either brought from without as when the Blood is infected by surfeit drinking of Wine sitting in the Sun or from a too hot Bath with Effluvia or little dry and Fermentative Bodies or this matter is begotten within as when its Liquor is stuffed with recrements or adust Particles from the deflagration of the Blood Either of these matters ought to be separated from the Blood to be dispersed and either by sweat or insensible breathing forth to be thrust out of doors before the Feaver be appeased wherefore when as the pores are bound up and transpiration hindred the Ephemeran Feaver is longer protracted and somtimes passes from a simple Synochus into a putrid 3. The evident cause being removed and this degenerate matter dispersed there is required for the remission a quieting and reducing into order the parts of the Blood for diverse Particles of the Blood being after this manner confused and by reason of the Feaverish heat carried up and down they do not presently get again the former order of situation and position but it is needful that they be by degrees extricated and by little and little restored to a just mixture Although this Disease after the removing of the evident cause for the most part ceases of its own accord within a while yet some Medicinal Remedies may be administred with good success especially when there is danger lest the Ephemeran Feaver should pass into a putrid The chief intentions should be to suppress the fervor of the Blood and to procure a more free transpiration to the which conduce first a breathing of a Vein a slender diet or rather abstinency cooling drinks and a bringing away the filth of the Belly by Clysters Sleep and Rest greatly help above all the rest which if wanting should be procured in time by Opiats and Anodynes Verily altho the Histories and Observations of those distempered with an Ephemeran Feaver contain in themselves nothing very rare yet I shall subjoin an example or two in this place whereby the delineation or type of this Disease may be illustrated A certain young Gentleman about twenty years of Age endued with a strong habit of Body by the immoderate drinking of strong Wine fell into a Feaverish distemper with thirst heat and with a great burning of his Precordia being let Blood he drank a great quantity of fair water and upon it presently a plentiful sweat following he grew shortly well In this case the more thin portion of the Blood being heated by the Spirits of the Wine fell into a rage caused the whole mass of Blood to be shaken and its frame to be loosned more than t was wont and for that reason that hapned to be more dissolved by the Ferment of the Heart and to be as it were inkindled by the active Particles loosned from the mixture until the Vessels being emptied by Phlebotomy the raging Blood was cooled and by the drinking of the water its fervor was attempered then the hot Effluvia being involved together with the adust matter with a copious Serum and sent away by Sweat the Blood at length recovered its due temper Moreover an ingenious young man of a sedentary life and also very much addicted to the Study of Learning when he had for somtime exercised himself beyond his strength in the hot Sunshine he began to complain of the pain of his head a want of Appetite a heat of his Precordia and of a Feaverish distemper all over to whom for that he was wholly averse to Physick I ordered an abstinence from all things whatsoever unless from Small-Beer and Grewel on the second day and so more on the third the symptoms remitted by little and little on the fourth he went home freed from the Feaver without any Medicine CHAP. IX Of a Putrid Feaver SO much for a Continual Feaver which is raised from the most simple heating of the Blood or its lowest degree of inordinate heat that which depends on a greater degree of heat follows viz. when the Oily or Sulphureous part of the Blood being too much heated swells up above measure and as it were forced into a flame and therefore from the similitude by which humid things putrifying conceive an heat this kind of Ebullition of the Blood because it induces an immoderate heat is called a putrid Feaver which name ought to be retained without injury because that in this Feaver the Synthesis of the Blood as is wont to happen in putrifying Liquors is very much unlocked When the Spirits only grow inraged as in an Ephemera the frame of the Blood is somwhat set open and loosened that it is more dissolved by the Ferment of the Heart than is wont and more Particles than naturally use to do leap forth and diffuse a more intense heat but yet the mixture of the Liquor as to its chief parts is conserved But when the Sulphureous matter taking
as often as he took going to sleep Diascordium or any other more temperate Cordial for the continuing his sweat tho in a very little quantity the night following he was without sleep and in great disquiet and then in the beginning of the morning a bleeding followed by which means indeed the Small Pox being full come forth the Life of the sick was in great danger by reason of this occasion happening once or twice wherefore when I had found by observation his blood apt to grow immoderately hot by so light a provocation I instituted this method as occasion served All Medicines being let alone he took for the quenching his thirst small beer and simple Almond Drink at his pleasure for his food because he vomited back all Oatmeal Grewel or Barly Broth he eat only apples roasted tender and drest with suggar and rose water often in a day Nature being contented with this slender ordering and being seen to be disturbed with any other thing performed happily its work that the sick person grew well without any grievous symptom afterwards the Small Pox from thence ripening and then of their own accord falling off In the middle of the Autumn of the former Year a Gentile Young Man being indued with a sharp Blood and obnoxious to a frequent bleeding at Nose fell sick of the Small Pox his Blood of its own accord grew immoderately hot that the whealks very quickly broke forth over all his Body Posset Drink with Marigold Flowers and other usual things boyled in it also Juleps or any Cordials tho temperate and gently provoking sweat most certainly stirr'd up a Flux of Blood in this Person wherefore I ordered the like manner of Dyet as in the sick Person before cited by which he found himself better however in the very state or standing of the Disease when the Small Pox being fully come forth by reason of a more difficult transpiration the Feaver is wont to be somewhat renewed in all this sick Man fell into a most plentiful bleeding that after a large profusion of Blood the Small Pox began to flagg or fall After that Remedies very many were tryed in vain for the staying of the Blood at length a little Bag being hung about his Neck in which was a Toad dryed in the Sun and bruised he first and immediately perceived ease tho the bleeding was by this means stayed and not any more returning whilst he constantly wore this peculiar Medicine in his Bosom our sick Man still using a most thin and cooling Dyet grew quite well that indeed from hence it may appear that altho the Blood in this Distemper is apt to be greatly coagulated yet so long as the Vital Spirits being strong and robust are able sufficiently to execute their government they indeavouring by their proper strength or forces do best of all separate and thrust forth the congealed portions of the Blood as it were by a certain skilful separation and this work is most of all hindred when the same spirits are too much irritated by Cordials or more hot food and agitated into confusion But in the Plague it happens otherwise because in this if any delay be granted the Spirits themselves are presently profligated by the venom wherefore here they must fight close and quick when in the Small Pox the Physician does his business better by delay Concerning letting of Blood at the instant breaking out of the Small Pox it is very dubious formerly among our Countrimen this was esteemed a wicked business neither were they wont to admit of Phlebotomy under any pretext of necessity but of late experience having taught us in some cases it is found that to let Blood hath been wholly profitable and necessary which evacuation however if it should be administred indifferently in every constitution or when this need should be it should be performed in too large a quantity by that means oftentimes very great damage arises Some years before I visited a young Gentlewoman of a storid countenance and more hot temperature growing into a Feaver after the fourth month of her being with Child she was troubled with a cruel vomiting a most cruel pain of the Loyns besides with most strong heat and thirst her pulse was swift with a strong and vehement vibration or beating altho the Small Pox had never been in that place yet these symptoms gave no light suspicion of this Disease however its great effervescency indicated that Blood should be taken away wherefore I took away about six ounces presently upon which the heat remitted somwhat yet the vomiting with a cruel pain in the Loyns remained still At the hour of sleep I gave her a Cordial Bolus with half a grain of our Laudanum by which means quiet sleep followed with a pleasant sweat and an allaying of all the symptoms the next morning the Small Pox came forth with which altho the sick Gentlewoman was greatly distempered yet she grew well without any dangerous sickness or fear of miscarrying and went out her full time The last Autumn a strong Man of an active and robust constitution of body yet of a pale countenance and more cold temper fell into a Feaver on the second day he was tormented with heat and thirst and a most cruel pain in his Loyns when I had prescribed Blood to be taken in a small quantity the unskilful Chirurgion who was sent for took from him almost half a pound a little after the sick man began to be all over in a cold sweat on a sudden to loose all strength to be troubled with a shivering a weak Pulse and unequal and frequent swooning At this time being sent for I gave him a temperate Cordial to be taken frequently His Spirits and Pulse being thereby restored the Feaver was renewed which afterwards for some days yea weeks exercised the sick man after a very irregular manner for he was wont for three or four days to grow very hot also to be infested with thirst watchings headach and other symptoms then to be troubled all over with a copious and critical sweat by which indeed for half a days space he found himself better But from thence the Feaver still growing worse heaped together again new matter till it was dispersed by another Crisis and then another After that he had been thus feaverish for at least twenty days irregularly at length the Small Pox began to come forth in several parts of his Body here and there and then the Feaver wholly remitted yet within few days by reason of some errors committed in his Dyet very many of the whealks began to fall down again few of them only being brought to maturity However instead of the subsiding Small Pocks a mighty Bubo grew up behind his right Ear from which being soon ripened and broke a great plenty of matter flowed forth for many days and so at length the corruptions of the Blood unable otherways to be dissipated were carried forth by degrees and the sick Person recovered perfect Health
Medicine the disposition of the Blood was very much hurt and when at first it was prone to a bilous Dyscrasie that it hardly did assimilate the alible Juice from this evident cause it forthwith degenerated that it wholy perverted the Nutriment into a Fermentative matter and so conceived the Feaverish disposition It is a common opinion that a Tertian Feaver can scarce be cured without a Vomit wherefore some Medicasters are wont under the pretext of the necessity to give to all whatsoever labouring with this Disease tho languishing and weak an Emetick Medicine not without great danger of life and those whom they judge wholy unfit for such a Medicine they leave as not easily cureable to Nature But as I have often found the contrary by experience this sort of practice is evilly instituted yea I rather judge for the cureing of a Tertian Feaver that Vomits are rarely or never to be required unless in a strong Body and very easily prone to Vomiting and when the Ventricle happens to be burthened with excrementitious matter but instead of it that a gentle Purge by which the load of the humors may be pleasantly brought away may be of better use because a Purge in this case doth the same thing as a Vomit to wit it evacuates the choleduct Vessels that the Bile being plentifully exhausted from the Blood the Feaverish Dyscrasie is mended But when the galish humor being emptied forth into the Ventricle is cast out upwards from thence there is great hurt brought to the stomach and a mighty perturbation excited in the whole Body But if that humour be inticed downwards by a gentle Purge it is sent forth of doors without any trouble Then if to a gentle Purge once or twice repeated be added a very slender dyet without flesh it often answers the preservatory Indication that there needs no other Remedies for the taking away the cause of this Disease but that these being rightly performed shall render beneficial those things which being either inwardly taken or outwardly applyed stop the Feaverish accession By this sort of plain and easie institution of Medicine viz. A Purge of the infusion of Senna and Rhubarb a slender dyet and a Febrifuge or Ague-resisting Topick laid either to the wrists or the breast I have known very often and in a very short time Tertian Feavers cured without the use of any other destroying Physick yea a thin dyet only with Amulets timely administred hath very happily cured Big-bellied women and also very weak old men whose strength could not bear Purging I have so often made tryal of this method with good success that I doubt not but that a Tertian Feaver may as easily be cured as any other Disease if it be at the begining handled after this manner viz. before the temper of the Blood be more hurt by an evil manner of Dyet or by Medicine untowardly administred For the truth of this thing I will relate this following History A certain noble young man indued with a bilous Temper had caught an intermitting Tertian Feaver upon the approach of the Fit he Vomited forth much yellow and greenish Choler then he was troubled most grievously for many hours with a great pain of the Heart and most strong Heat and Thirst On the day of the intermission there was taken from this person with whom I was by chance by my prescription eight ounces of Blood and in the afternoon was given an Emollient Glyster he also used a most slender Dyet viz. only made of Barly He took every night going to sleep this Opiate viz. Conserve of Roses vitriolated half a dram of Diascordium a scruple also every morning of the Salt of Wormwood a scruple in a spoonful of the Juice of Orange but when these did not succeed for the Fit returned somwhat more remiss but with cruel Vomiting as at first besides for that this sick person extreamly abhor'd a Vomitory Medicine because not long before this from a very gentle Emetick he had Vomited almost thirty times until being distempered with the Cramp and Convulsions he was brought into great weakness with hazard of his life therefore the day following the aforesaid Fit I gave him a Potion of an infusion of Senna Rhubarb and yellow Sanders with Salt of Wormwood in Spring-water by which he was Purged ten times with ease In the morning after and three hours before he expected the Fit I put to his wrists an Ague-resisting Medicine and took from him six ounces of Blood by which means he mist his Feaverish Fit and then being again Purged after the same manner became perfectly well If that the Tertian Feaver by reason of the evil Constitution of the sick or because of errors in Dyet or committed by Physick hath more deeply rooted it self that after a long sickness the Fits still grow worse and the sick extreamly languish with want of Strength Thirst and almost continual Heat want of Appetite wakeings weak Pulse high colour'd Urine and very full of Contents the Curatory method ought to be a little otherways instituted In this case first it is to be endeavour'd that the Dyscrasie of the Blood may be taken away wherefore the sick are to be fed with slender Aliments only as Barly broth or Grewel with opening Roots boiled in it flesh-broth being wholly laid aside the Belly is to be kept loose if need be with the use of Emollient Clysters besides Purges being omitted only digestive Medicines which fuse the Blood and bring away gently the serous Impurities by Urine also comforting Remedies which corroborate the Viscera and cherish the Spirits are chiefly to be insisted on To this end Apozems are fitly to be prepared of Herbs and Roots gently Diuretic also Opiats help very much of temperate Conserves with Sal Nitre or the fixed Salt of Herbs with shelly powders and the Spirit of Vitriol mixed together When the disposition of the Blood is somwhat mended that the Urine is clearer and less coloured also sleep quieter with a remission of thirst and heat following then may be profitably administred Remedies to stop the Feaverish fit wherefore Ague-resisting Amulets may be applyed to the Wrists or to the Soles of the Feet also the powder of Peruvian Bark or of somthing instead of it or also of the Barks of the Ash-Tree Tamarisk or Gentian with Salts mixed with them and drunk in White-Wine after the comings of the fits are taken away and the sick being to get strength and desire Food and in some measure to digest it gentle Purges may be of use but let the sick still abstain from a more plentiful Diet or participating of Flesh and they will shortly after recover perfect Health without any violent Purge or Phlebotomy CHAP. V. Of the Quotidian Intermitting Feaver BEcause of its affinity to the Tertian Feaver and likeness of fits the Quotidian or dayly Feaver comes next viz. whose Accession is wont to return every day It is the opinion of some that this sort of Feaver
took Cordial Julaps with Poyson-resisters Vesicatories or blistering Plasters were applyed to his neck and other Plasters to the soles of his feet on the sixth day a little Blood streamed from his nostrils on the seventh without any manifest through Crisis the Feaver very much abated the heat so gentle as to be perceived only by the Touch also the Urine pale thin and without any sediment yet he was much more grieviously troubled with sleepiness and a stupefaction of the Head so that his Urine and the excrements of his Belly came away involuntarily however being called upon he knew the standers by and answered to their questions These distempers notwithstanding the Remedies every day grew worse About the Fourteenth day the sick youth became so stupid as neither to be able to understand nor to speak yet he swallowed still what was put into his mouth tho unknowingly and his pulse was laudable enough about this time he fell into a Flux excited of it self by Nature for four day which at last ceasing a whiteish crust or scurf and as it were Chaulky began to spread over the whole cavity of his Mouth and Throat which being often in a day wiped away new presently broke forth when he had thus for four days more been sick he became better in his intellect and sense so that he was able to know his Parents and Friends to take notice of their words and to do somthing as he was bid but as his sensitive faculty began to be restored so he began to grow worse as to his speech and the Organs of swallowing without doubt the matter being fallen from the Brain into the beginnings of the Nerves a Palsie in the Tongue and Throat had succeeded to the heaviness and stupefaction which distemper in a short time so increased that afterwards the sick person could not swallow at all but that what he took in at the Mouth presently flowed back again neither could any thing go down into the Stomach when besides the cruelty of the Disease there was danger least he should be killed by Famine an Instrument was prepared of a pin of Chalk put into a little pliant wand and on the top of it a little tuft of silk made fit and this being thrust down his Throat opened the closing for a time whereby the Food taken in was suffered to pass after the use of this for a day or two he was able to swallow again and afterwards to take his Food well enough and within a few days he began to speak to discern any thing and becoming wonderful hungry to ask for all day long all sorts of Food and greedily to devour what ever was brought to him In the mean time by reason of his long sickness and the Nervous parts being grievously hurt he was grown so Lean that the Bones scarce sticking to the Skin he represented exactly a living Skeleton But afterwards by the sedulous indefatigable and prudent care of the Mother about his diet he recovered perfect Health and is yet living and well When this child had hardly arived to the height of his sickness his Brother elder about two years on the Ides of January was taken almost after the same manner At first he was troubled with a Torpor and heaviness of the Head then growing Feaverish with a sleepiness and stupidity he began to talk idly in his sleep then being awake hardly to come to himself after four or five days these symptoms grew more grievous he was able to understand little nor scarce to speak articulately and not without stammering His Urine was thick cloudy without Hypostasis or setling of the Contents there appeared as in his Brother red spots small like Flea-bites his Excrements both of his Belly and Bladder came away involuntarily But his Pulse was yet strong and equal his Hypochondria were stretched out and inflated with a tumor of the Abdomen about the eighth day he had a small stream of Blood on the eleventh day of his sickness he fell into a Diarrhaea by which in the space of five hours he cast forth seven times bilous thin and highly stinking stuff from whence there was some hope of his amendment but the next day after the flux of his Belly ceasing pains and torments cruelly infested his Belly that crying out and moaning night and day he sent forth most heavy complaints his Hypochondria and Abdomen were tumid like a Tympany and mightily distended when he could not receive any thing of ease from no remedies the most exquisite skill of many Physicians being tryed on the fourteenth day he died Convulsive in these torments A little after his death viz. on the thirteenth of February his Brother elder than him about eleven years old a youth of great hopes began to be Feaverish and as the others with a Torpor and heaviness of his Head tho less strongly affected but the heat in the Blood was greater which was of a more hot temperament and greater perturbation appeared that for the first six days besides heat and thirst he was troubled with a continual endeavour of excretion now by sweat now by stool His Urine was red and troubled some red spots as in the rest broke forth on the seventh day he had a bleeding about five Ounces which ceasing a great benumedness succeeded that for all that day and the night following he could scarce lift up his Eyes on the eighth day a most plentiful bleeding followed again at the Nose that there was danger lest he should have lost his life together with his Blood the Blood sprang so copiously from his left nostril that being received in a Bason it made little Bladders or bubbles by its fall when he had lost above two pound of Blood and being taken with a cold sweat began to lose his strength remedies were at length administred and the Flux was yet hardly stopped The Haemorrhage being stayed the Youth slept soundly and all that day became sleepy yet often awakning he remained well in his senses and was quick in sense and understanding and being asked of his health he said he was pretty well his Urine which was before red and troubled then appeared pale thin and with a laudable Hypostasis that the sick seemed especial because he wanted thirst or immoderate heat to be perfectly cured and freed from the Feaver on the following morning being the ninth day of the Feaver he remained yet torpid but being raised up he living chearfully and without intemperance seemed to be in a condition of growing well but that he began a little to faulter in his speech in the evening when it was lest suspected the Feaver being again inkindled on a sudden he fell into a Lethargy that he was scarce able to be awakned from sleep and being pulled scarce to know any body or to speak plainly altho so great a loss of Blood had gone before the Pulse was yet quick high and vehement also his Urine red after deriving and withdrawing remedies had been
and now fixed in the Bowels now in the extreme parts bring forth various Distempers Wherefore in a long languishing of the sick or otherwise for the sake of being sooner well Remedies should be given them which volatilise the Blood or hinder the stuffings of the Viscera or if stuffed may open them and their ferments as if extinct restore for this use those Remedies and Preparations chiefly help which are commonly called Digestives and Antiscorbuticks with which being timely administred I have known very many weak pale and as it were without Blood suddenly to recover a liveliness and vigor The Description of a Catarrhal Feaver Epidemical in the middle of the Spring in the Year 1658. taken the fourth of June AN equally intense Frost followed the next Winter the immoderate heat of the foregoing Summer so that no one living could remember such a Year for either excess both of heat and cold From the Ides of December almost to the vernal Equinox the Earth was covered with snow and the North wind constantly blowing all things without doors were frozen also afterwards from the beginning of the Spring almost to the beginning of June the same Wind still blowing the season was more like Winter than Spring unless now and then a hot day came between During the Winter unless that a Quartan Feaver contracted in Autumn infested some among our Countrimen there was a moderate state of health and freedom from all popular Diseases The Spring coming on an intermitting Tertian as used to do every year before fell upon some About the end of April suddenly a Distemper arose as it sent by some blast of the Stars which laid hold on very many together that in some Towns in the space of a Week above a thousand people fell sick together The particular symptom of this Disease and which first invaded the sick was a troublesome Cough with great spitting also a Catarrh falling down on the palat throat and nostrils also it was accompanied with a feaverish Distemper joyned with heat and thirst want of appetite a spontaneous weariness and a grievous pain in the Back and Limbs which Feaver however was more remiss in some that they could go abroad and follow their affairs in the time of their sickness but complaining in the mean time of want of strength and of languishing a loathing of food a Cough and a Catarrh But in some a very hot Distemper plainly appeared that being thrown into Bed they were troubled with burning thirst waking hoarsness and coughing almost continual somtimes there came upon this a bleeding at Nose and in some a bloody spittle and frequently a Bloody Flux such as were indued with an infirm Body or men of a more declining Age that were taken with this Disease not a few died of it but the more strong and almost all of an healthful constitution recovered those who falling sick of this Disease and died for the most part died by reason of the strength being leisurely wasted and a serous heap more and more gathered together in the Breast with the Feaver being increased and a difficulty of breath like those sick of an Hectic Feaver Concerning this Disease we are to inquire what procatartic cause it had that it should arise in the middle of the Spring suddenly and that the third part of Mankind almost should be distempered with the same in the space of a Month then the signs and symptoms being carefully collated the formal reason of this Disease also its Crisis and way of Cure ought to be assigned That the Northern Wind is most apt to produce Catarrhs besides the testimony of Hippocrates common experience doth make known but why Catarrhs did not spread at least in some peculiar places all the Winter and Spring but only in one months space and then joyned with a Feaver this Distemper should become Epidemical doth not so plainly appear I know many deduce the cause from the unequal temper of the Air at that time which altho for the most part very cold yet the North Wind sometimes lessening there would be a day or two very hot between wherefore from this occasion as from cold taken after the heat men should commonly fall sick But indeed for the exciting the Distemper so suddenly rising and commonly spreading there is required besides such an occasion a great foregoing cause or predisposition tho the other might suffice perhaps for an evident cause for to distemper them with this sickness for we ought to suppose that almost all men were prone to the receiving this Disease otherwise no evident cause could have exercised its power so potently on so many wherefore it seems very likely that this Disease had its Origine from the intemperance and great inordination of the year and as the Autumnal intermitting Feaver before described was the product of the preceding immoderate heat so this Catarrhal Feaver depended altogether upon the following part of the year being so extremely cold For the Blood being now throughly roasted by the very hot Summer and prone to the Feaver before described then being made more sourish by the Autumn urging it and apt for a Quartan Feaver afterwards being a little eventilated by reason of the strong cold of the Winter and hindred from its due perspiration retained yet its Dyscrasie or evil disposition and readily broke forth on the first occasion given wherefore when the Blood in the middle of the Spring as the juice of Vegetables being made more lively and also begun to flower and grow rank by reason of the stoppage being still continued was straitned in its Circulation and easily made prone to a feaverish effervescency and as the serous Water redounding in the Blood could not evaporate outwardly because of the Pores being still straitned by the cold restagnating within and chiefly falling upon the Lungs where it might be moved about instead of an outward breathing forth excited the so frequent and troublesom Cough The Original therefore and formal Reason of this Disease are founded chiefly on two things to wit that there together hapned a greater effervescency of the Blood than usual from the coming on of the Spring season and also a stoppage or great constriction of the Pores excited by the too great cold of the foregoing season that therefore there was not a free space granted to the Blood flowring or luxuriating in the Vessels The business being after the same manner as if Wine begun to grow hot should be put up into close shut Vessels for by this means either the Vessels or the Liquor were in danger to be lost Wherefore that we may contract the thing in short the cause that this Disease begun in the middle of the Spring having presently spread largely seised very many was not the blast of a malignant Air whereby the sick were distempered as if struck with a blasting but that at this time the Blood being inspired by the constitution of the Spring and so luxuriating and apt to grow hot was contracted
or straitned in its motion and the effluvias being constrained inwardly could not be sufficiently eventilated or cooled In every year tho temperate it is usual in the Spring and Autumn for some Epidemical Diseases to reign because at this time the Blood being as it were restored flowers anew and therefore intermitting Feavers and sometimes the Small Pox ordinarily spread in this season wherefore 't is no wonder after a great unequal constitution of the year and not natural when in this Spring the Blood boyling up more lively within the Vessels by reason of transpiration being hindred could not be freely circulated and sufficiently eventilated if for that cause great disorders follow and from this most common cause a distemper greatly Epidemical should be excited As to the symptoms joyned with this Disease a feaverish intemperature and whatsoever belongs to this the heat of the Praecordia thirst a spontaneous weariness pain in the Head Loyns and Limbs were induced from the Blood growing hot and not sufficiently eventilated hence in many a part of the thinner Blood being heated and the rest of the Liquor being only driven into confusion a simple Synochus or of more days was induced and this for the most part ceased within a few days But in some endued with a vitious disposition of Blood or evil habit of Body this kind of Feaver arising by reason of the same cause quickly passed into a very dangerous Putrid Feaver and often Mortal The Cough accompanying this Feaver with a Catarrh draws its Origine from a serous humor heaped up together in the Blood by reason of transpiration being hindred for a long time and then an effervescency being risen dropping forth more from the little Arteries gaping within for when the Pores are constrained the superfluous serosities in the Blood being wont to evaporate outwardly are poured forth on the Lungs by a proper castration or cleansing of the Blood wherefore by taking cold as they commonly term it that is from transpiration outwardly being hindred the Cough for the most part is stirred up And for a foregoing cause to this Distemper the flowing forth of the serum into the mass of Blood hath for the most part the chief place for from the long cold hindring the scorching of the Blood or the provision of the bile and prohibiting the breathing forth of the watry humor there was a necessity that very much of the serous humor should be heaped up in the Blood wherefore when the Blood flowring in the Spring conceived an heat the flowing forth of the serum and a pouring of it on the interior parts was wont to cause first the Cough as the proper symptom of this Disease and those whose Blood was more diluted by the mixtion of the serum and who were greatly obnoxious to the Cough and a Rheumatic Distemper were cured with less trouble of the feaverish Distemper the Prognostick of this Disease concerning private persons is for the most part easie that one may deliver the event from the first assault for if this sickness be excited in a strong Body and healthful before and that the feaverish Distemper be moderate and without any grievous and horrid symptom the business is free from danger and the Distemper is to be accounted but of light moment as that commonly is of catching cold neither needs a Physician be consulted nor Remedies unless trivial and ordinary be administred But if this Distemper happens in a weak and sickly Body with an evil provision or that the Feaver being carried into a Putrid Feaver or the Cough growing grievous induces difficult breathing and as it were a tabid or Consumptive disposition the event of the Disease is much to be suspected and often terminates in Death The common Prognostic that was taken from hence concerning the future state of the year conteins nothing to be feared or ominates any great ill by reason of the unequal intemperance of the year the great heats and then excessive cold we might fear Diseases to arise from the Dyscrasie of the Blood yet from the present condition we need neither suspect any noted depravation of the Air or Infection with poysonous breaths that from thence may be had any judgment of the Plague or Malignant Disease to be at hand As to what belongs to the Cure when this Disease is more lightly inflicted its Cure for the most part is left to Nature for this Feaver when it is only a simple Synochus is wont to be cured within a few days by sweat wherefore by a copious sweating for the most part about the third or fourth day the heat and thirst the weariness and heavy pains are allayed then the Cough being somewhat longer protracted by little and little afterwards remits and at length the sick leisurely grow well if this Disease hath rooted it self more deeply there is need of fit Remedies and an exact method of curing the Feaver growing worse is to be healed according to the Rules to be observed in a Putrid Feaver but nevertheless with this difference that because transpiration being hindred and the suffusion of the serous humor on the Lungs are chiefly in fault therefore Diaphoretic Remedies and those called pectoral are of more frequent use for these restrain the flowing forth of the serum from the Vessels within or by opening the Pores convey it forth of doors or precipitating it from the bosom of the Blood send it forth be the urinary passages therefore the method of Medicine for this Disease being brought into the worser state respects both the feaverish intemperance for the sake of curing which you are to be directed according to the intentions shewn in the Putrid Feaver and also the Rheumatic Distemper which however let it be secondary and not every expectorating Remedy or those used against a Cough are to be admitted but of that kind only which do not increase the Feaver the forms of these and the means of curing are to be sought from the precepts delivered generally for the Cure of the Putrid Feaver and of the Cough the helps which now by frequent experience are commonly said to bring Cure chiefly in this Disease are sweating or the provoking of sweat and letting of Blood for the Vessels being emptied by this or that means both the immoderate heat of the Blood and the abundance of the serum are restrained A Description of an Epidemical Feaver arising about the beginning of Autumn 1658. taken the 13th of September THE vernal Feaver but now described did not last longer than six weeks that it plainly was seen that it was only a more light flowring of the Blood which swelling up in the Spring and at the same time streightned in space for want of ventilation most impetuously boyled up like new Wine close shut up in Bottles and then ceased of it self Yet from thence as neither the year so neither our Blood did recover its due temperature and so another tinder or nest for a new Feaver was quickly gathered together
Fire and to renew it by little and little with spirit and vigor in a long time yet in the mean time after the heighth of this Disease when the Blood being made more weak and impure could not expel forth of doors this feaverish matter or adust recrements by a critical motion it often transferred it to the Brain and therefore about the height of this Feaver a torpor and stupidity of spirits sleepiness vertigo tingling of the ears tremblings and convulsive motions with a great oppression of the whole animal faculty were most often induced Men of a more cold temperament or in years who were taken with this Disease altho they were but little feaverish were wont however to be in greater danger of Life because in these besides the disposition of the Blood not easily reducible also what was gathered together in the fits that was extraneous and not to be mixed was hardly subdued and difficultly sifted forth of the mass of Blood wherefore both the Blood was still more notably depraved in its Crasis and in every fit more infected by the impure mixture Moreover the nervous Liquor was greatly perverted from its due temper and defiled most badly by the adust recrements continually poured on the Brain Therefore when old men melancholic or otherways sickly persons fell into this Feaver they became presently after its first assault stupified and for the most part vertiginous Tho in the fits the heat was not very sharp and piercing they were however very unquiet and still tossing about oftentimes they talked idly and at random after a long burning either no sweat or only partial and often broke off followed whereby the fit was not fully helped but that in the whole intervals the sick were thsrsty and remained very ill with a driness of the mouth a scurfiness of the Tongue and a suffusion of a viscous filth After some fits their strength being exceedingly cast down they were wholly fixed to their Beds or rise only for a little while could scarce stand or set a foot before another to move from place to place or able to walk in the mean time they laboured with a languishment a difficult breathing a nummedness of senses and a great debility of the whole nervous stock The Urine in most was highly red of a more deep colour and of a thicker consistency than in a common Tertian The Pulse whilst the strength was not wholly cast down for the most part was strong and equal afterwards when the sick became very languishing it was weak and unequal and oftentimes intermitting to which also constructures of the tendons and convulsive motions in the wrists being joyned were for the most part prognosticks of Death Those who leisurely being debilitated declined towards Death some little time before they died lay for the most part without speaking or knowing those about them as it were stupid and it rarely hapned in this Feaver that any one about to die was so perfect in their memory and intellect as to dispose of their Family affairs or to take leave of their friends But it hapned to those who escaped from a deep languishment and almost desperate condition not quickly or suddenly to recover from their manifest evil disposition but lying a long while wavering stupified and without strength that Nature at length not but after a doubtful and difficult strife got indeed scarcely the better of the Disease and then recovered strength by degrees and health lingringly and slowly If the nature and formal reason of this Epidemical Feaver but now described be demanded we say that this as that of the former year properly is an intermitting Feaver for what commonly spread bore that figure altho some here and there more rarely had it continual which we shall by the way mention by and by The seed plot or seminary of this need not be derived from the air being infected with any Infection but rather its leading cause is to be sought from the undue constitution of the year and from thence an indisposition of our Blood being acquired Because in the Spring and Autumn intermitting Feavers have yearly sprung up and increased to wit for that our Blood like to the juice of Vegetables is wont to be more lively moved than usual and to flower at those times Wherefore if the mass of Blood by reason of the foregoing season of the Summer or Winter should be altered from its due temperature and should contract either a sharp or atrabilous disposition or of any other kind its evil dispositions begun before are chiefly ripened about the Equinoxes to wit when the Blood more freely fermenting if that it hath departed from its natural disposition doth not so easily sanguifie but that it will be apt to pervert the alible juice poured to it into an extraneous and feaverish matter When therefore this year had not very much declined from a right constitution as not only the Dog-days going before but that the two solstices and the equinoxes were wholly intemperate it was no wonder if intermitting Feavers more frequent than usual and those noted with some unusual symptoms did increase about the Autumn That therefore an intermitting Epidemical Feaver raged at this time I judg it not to be attributed to the fault of the present Air but to the irregularities of the foregoing season yet from what causes and occasions some symptoms proper to this Feaver and distinct from the common rule of intermitting Feavers did arise will be worth our Inquiry I have already said that the provision that made this Feaver so deadly consisted in two things chiefly viz. the temper of the year now extremely cold then upon it very hot then that it had variously perverted the disposition of our Blood and had distempered the pores of the skin with an undue constitution According to the reasons taken from either I shall endeavour to explicate the accidents of this Disease and to assign the causes of its appearance 1. First We shall observe that the type of this Feaver was various to wit in some with a continual heat in others with an eruption of spots but in most intermitting and like a Tertian and sometimes tho rarely a Quotidian repeating the fits every day or every other day the cause of this diversity we impute to the more strong and potent morbific procatarxy of this year which produced in the Autumn a more common intermitting Feaver than it was wont wherefore in some perhaps indued with a more praved habit of Body it stirred up Feavers something malignant and in whom it caused intermitting Feavers according to the wonted manner of the season it made them to be noted with a peculiar appearance of symptoms 2. Those taken at this time with the Epidemical Feaver whether it was continual or intermitting suffered presently evil Distempers of the head viz. now they were wont to be infested with cruel head-ach now with a stupor or too great distraction of the Animal Spirits The reason of this is that the nervous
forth do not so readily convey away the vaporous Effluvia's of the blood hence it is that we fan the Air that it may be made more moveable and carry away more quickly and plentifully the soot or smoke from our Praecordia There yet remain some other smaller Considerations of Fire and Flame respecting indeed not so much the Essence as the production and extinction of either which whether and how far they may agree with the life of the Blood we shall briefly inquire into Fire or Flame is produced two ways viz. either it is kindled from another fire or flame or begot by an intestine motion of sulphureous Particles We have largely shewed the Species of either and the manner of their being made in our Tract of Fermentation only we omitted there that the accession of nitrous food was necessary for the sustaining it even as flame the life also of the hot or warm Blood we have observed to be produced by a twofold way to wit it is either inkindled from another life or soul as in Creatures that bring forth alive or intrinsical Particles predisposed to animation are at length raised up to life with the blood by a long cherishing of external heat as in oviparous or egg-laying Creatures If it be further demanded when and how the vital Flame is kindled first in the Blood I say some small beginnings of it are laid up from the conception it self in the Genital humour to wit when the rudiment of the bodily Soul culled out from the Souls of the Parents as a little spark stricken from those flames is hid in a convenient matter which being from thence raised up by the Mothers heat begins a little to glow and shine and afterwards being daily dilated with the blood brought forth and leisurely increased is equally extended with the Body which it actuates and animates But yet as long as the young one is included in the Egg or Womb the vital fire getting very little or scarce any aery food doth not yet break out into open flame but like a Brands end covered over with ashes burns only slowly and very little and spreads abroad scarce any heat wherefore both the formation and increase of the Embryo depends very much on the Mothers heat or the cherishment of some other analogical thing whereof being destitute it perishes but as soon as the young one is born in due time and begins to breathe the vital fire presently receiving the nitrous food largely unfolds it self and an heat or effervescency being raised up through the whole bloody mass it inkindles a certain flame and because the blood then first rushing into the Lungs having there gotten an accession of Air begins to burn the flesh of that Bowel at first reddish is shortly changed into a whitish colour like burnt ashes and the blood it self undergoes a notable alteration for what did flow of a dark Purple colour into the Pneumonick Vessels from the right side of the Heart returning from thence presently out of the Lungs becomes Crimson and as it were of a flame-colour and so shining passes through the left Ventricle of the Heart and the appending Arteries Indeed that in Creatures new-born the colour of the Lungs is so suddenly changed I think it ought to be attributed to the blood there at first more openly inkindled and their flesh as it were somewhat roasted although the mere inflation of the Lungs in a dead Embryo produces the like effect because the Membranes of the Lungs and the Parenchyma being distended and increased into a greater capacity shake off the stagnating blood and so draw it away into little and scarce to be discerned rivulets As to the Colour of the Blood so variously changed into circulating from a dark purple to a crimson and from this to that I say that the immediate cause of this is the admixtion of the nitrous Air with the Blood which certainly appears because the change into a crimson begins in that place where the blood chiefly gets the access of the Air viz. whilst it is transferred out of the Arteries into the Pneumonick Veins for in those it appears of a dark Purple in these every where florid as the most Learned Doctor Lower hath observed Further it yet farther appears that this alteration of the colour proceeds from the admixture of the Air because that crimson colour follows in the superficies of all blood let out of the Vessels by reason of its meeting or mingling with air and if the flowering or top be taken away another presently arises Besides the blood being let out of a Vein and very much struck with a switch or rod it becomes crimson through all and in like manner the blood of living Creatures shines at first within the Pneumonick Veins to wit presently after the influx of the air by the Wind-pipe and from thence by reason of the same Particles of inkindled air being yet retained it passes through all the Arteries still florid in the mean time from the Nitre of the Air mingled with the sulphureous Particles and burning with them the blood being greatly rarified and in truth expanded into flame impetuously swells up within all the passages of the Pneumonick Vein and the great Artery sending from it self copious breaths and hot Effluvia's but being dilated towards the ends of the Arteries and returning towards the Heart that it may enter more closely into the little mouths of the Veins it lays aside its turgid and burning aery Particles and being presently made more quiet and half extinct and so both its vigour and also its colour being changed it returns through the passages of the Veins that at length running into the Lungs it might renew its burning After this manner that the inkindled blood might flame through the whole Body with a perpetual and equal flame and successively renew its burning in all its Particles it ought to be carried about by a perpetual course from the nest of its accension into all parts and from these to that For this end the Machine or Engine of the Heart was needful as a Pin or Cock which being made with a double bosom might receive in it self from the whole Lungs the blood fresh inkindled that it might presently drive forward whilst burning into every part of the whole Body and might then receive the burnt and half extinguished blood returning from the whole Body which being imbued with new inflammable juyce it might deliver to the Lungs to be re-inkindled In performing this task although the Heart be a mere Muscle and exercised only with an animal motion seems to serve alone for the Circulation of the Blood yet in the mean time it so much helps to moderate the accension of the blood and its burning according to the rage of the passions and to direct other works and uses of the animated Body that we have thought the vital or flamy part of the Soul to have its chief and as it were Imperial seat in the Heart and
at all hapned the reason was because the nervous juice being slow and as it were mucilaginous and therefore heavy in its motion was not defaecated or cleared as the blood by a critical effervescency nor easily conceived that kinde of fermentation by which the pure might be separated from the impure Indeed I have known a sickness much like to this example to be often excited in our Country and to invade whole families especially children and the younger people Some years since a populary or childish feavour very much infesting the Brain and nervous stock exceedingly spread in this country yea almost thorow all England The History of which Disease being described in that time in which it raged viz. in the year 1661. I think it worth our pains to insert in this place of our Convulsive Pathology For from hence it may appear by what means and from what causes the Convulsive Symptoms which come upon any feavours are wont to be excited A Description of an Epidemical Feavour chiefly infestous to the Brain and nervous stock spreading in the year 1661. IN this Country before the last Summer viz. 1661. The hystory of an Epidemical feavour raging in the year 1661. we had been free for above two years from any popular disease unless such only as usually come in some places but then before the Summer Solstice the small-Pox a distemper here rarely Epidemical being rise in many places raged very much After that Summer which was extreamly hot and dry an Autumn moister then usual followed and after which a most mild winter almost without any cold in all which space the Earth was hardly covered with snow or was ever hard frozen It s procatartick or more remote cause above three or four days so that within a few weeks after the winter Solstice the Trees began to bud and the vernal plants to break forth from the bosom of the Earth and to flower and also the birds to build nests to this mild season not eventilated at the beginning of the spring by the nitrous little bodys that were wont to be blown from the North a filthyness of showrs and almost continual wet succeeded After the vernal aequinox a certain irregular and unaccustomed Feavour seised upon some here and there which within a month became so Epidemical that in many places it began to be called the New Disease Raging chiefly among children and youths it was wont to afflict them with a long and as it were a Chronical Sickness yea sometimes old men and men of middle Age though rarely were seised by it and those indeed it did sooner and more certainly kill The symptoms The Distemper at first invading any one did creep on them so silently that the beginnings of the sickness were scarce perceived for arising without immoderate heat or more sharp thirst it induced in the whole body a great debillity with a languishing of the Spirits and a torpitude or numbness of the function The Stomack was ready to loath any victuals and to be grieved at any thing put into it and yet not easie to vomit The sick were unfit for any motion and only lov'd to be idle or to ly down upon the Bed within a short time also sometime at the first coming of the Disease they complained of a heavy vertigo a tingling of the ears and often of a great tumult and perturbation of the brain Which kinde of Symptoms were very often esteemed as it were the peculiar signe of the approach of this Disease if in some those had been wanting or hapned to be more remiss instead of the head being affected after that manner the disease took more deep root in the Brest with an excited cough as shall be told by and by But whilst the brain and the nervous Appendix being after this manner affected the animal Spirits presently from the beginning of the sickness were benummed a slow and as it were hectick feavour was inkindled throughout but yet the effervescency of the blood which was hardly continual but flitting and uncertain was according to the disposition of the blood it self in some more intense in others more remiss and therefore thirst the white scurf of the Tongue and other Symptoms which accompany a feavourish distemper did more or less infest them sweating did not willingly follow nor could it easily or by a light thing be caused by Art yea neither this nor any other evacuation as it were critical at any time succeeding did suddenly help this disease but it persisting for many weeks and sometimes months reduced the sick to the highest Atrophie or wasting of all parts and often infected them with an incurable Consumption About the increase of the disease which hapned in most within eight days if the Distemper as it was often wont did settle chiefly in the head and nervous System most grievous Symtoms in their Dominions viz. a plain Phrensie or deep stupidity or Insensibility did molest them For I often observed in many children and not seldom in women after seven or eight days from their falling sick that their knowledge and Speech failed them and so the sick have lain for a long while yea sometimes for the space of a whole month without any taking notice of the by-standers and with an involuntary flux of their excrements but if they continued in some sort the use of Judgment and Reason they laboured with a frequent delirium and constantly with absurd and incongruous Chymera's in their sleep But in Men and others of a hotter temperament from the morbific matter instead of a Crisis being translated to the brain a Fury or dangerous and oftentimes deadly phrensie did succeed But if neither Stupidity nor great Distraction did fall upon them swimmings in the head Convulsive motions with Convulsions of the members leapings up of the tendons did grievously infest them In almost all the sick the belly was for the most part loose casting forth plentifully now yellow now thin and serous excrement with a great stink it was rarely that vomiting fell upon any one The urine in the whole process of the Disease unless when the morbifick matter being caried more plentifully into the Brain did threaten a phrensie was highly red so that some by reason of the deep colour of the water judg'd this feavour to have been plainly Scorbutick which notwithstanding appeared to be otherwise because antiscorbutic Remedies of which indeed many and almost of every kinde were tryed were little or nothing beneficial It was most of all to be admired how soon after the beginning of this Disease the flesh of the sick consumed and they reduced to the leanness of a Sceleton when in the mean time there was no great heat that might by degrees consume the solid parts nor any violent evacuation which might greatly take them down Besides these evills molesting the region of the head a distemper no less dangerous oftentimes fell upon the breast For in some tho not in all a cough very troublesome
same disease did fall upon our Countrey men here and there also at other times for that of late in this City all the younger people of a certain family were sick of it yea I remember that some time past very many laboured with such a feavour Out of the many histories and examples of sick people which it rendred when it was epidemical I will here propose one or two A strong and lively young man about the beginning of the spring 1661 falling Observation 1 sick without any evident cause without any great heat or thirst he became suddenly weak and as if enervated with a dejected appetite and languor of spirits Cathartick Remedies Antipyretics or allaying of heat digestives and also antiscorbuticks and others of various kindes administred by the prescriptions of the most famous Physitians availed nothing But notwithstanding the sick man hitherto languishing with a slow and wandring feavour with a quick and feeble pulse a deep-colour'd urine had kept his bed a fortnight besides being reduced to the greatest leanness he complained of a giddiness and as it were the fluctuation of a sound in his head and a tingling noyse in his ears Altho he was troubled with a great stupor yet his sleeps were mightily troubled and broken with delirious fables After four days when the feavour was not yet declined it was thought good to take away four or five ounces of blood by Leeches from the sedal veins from hence the feavour began to be much exasperated for a great intense heat with thirst watchings and almost continual tossing of the body also the tongue dry and scurfy appeared then quickly a troublesome cough with abundance of discoloured spittle followed to him were administred almond and barly-drinks with temperate bechicks or things to stop coughing boyled in them water of milk distill'd with snails and pectoral herbs the shelly-powders prepared nitre and often Cordial opiats which notwithstanding scarce giving any help the sick man still became more weak when in this manner being sick above two months space the feavourish distemperature and cough also dayly growing worse he seemed near death at length a voluntary sweating arising so that every night or every other night he sweat abundantly and from thence finding himself better using then the aforesaid Remedies he grew well within six weeks Till I had seen many sick people after the same manner I suspected this disease to be alltogether an hectick feavour with a consumptive disposition of the Lungs but when I saw many others at that time fall sick ordinarily after the like manner I easily instituted the Aetiologie or national account of this feavour such as I have already described to wit that the blood because of the intemperature of the year and perhaps from errors in dyet The reason of it had contracted a vitious procatarxis or remote cause Then it growing feavourishly hot and presently carrying its impurities to the brain and so depraving the juice watering it and the nervous stock induced the vertiginous distempers with a stupor a languishing of spirits and an atrophy of the whole body but so long as the blood did transfer its recrements from its own bosom into the brain and nervous appendix the feavourish heat continued more gentle and milde But afterwards when the tending downwards of the morbific matter by the opening of the hemorhoid veins was drawn away from the brain the same being first retained within the bloody mass increased the feavour then being poured on the Lungs excited the cruel cough with plentifull spittle but forasmuch as the flesh of the Lungs remained free from putrefaction as soon as the serous water was sent away by a more plentifull sweating the sick man became free both from the feavour and phthisis or Consumption that seemed so deplorable Observation 2 In the mean time whilst he lay sick I visited another about 12. years of age after the like manner affected But this when I was firâ—t sent for having been sick above a month was reduced to the leanness of a Skelliton besides he was troubled with a vertigo with a noise in his ears and deafness and also with a violent cough with yellow and as it were consumptive spittle his pulse was quick and feeble his urine red and thick his appetite much dejected his spirits so languid and his strength so cast down that he could not keep out of his bed I gave this youth to drink often in a day water distill'd from milk with snails and temperate herbs besides I ordered him an open decoction such as is in use for the Rickets to be daily taken instead of his ordinary drink by the help of which Remedies he was restored to his health in a months space At this time I was sent for to many other people of every age and sex distemper'd by the same disease now clearly Epidemical for it running thorow whole families not only in this City and the neighbouring parts but in the Countries at a great distance as I heard from Physitians dwelling in other places increased very much Those for the most part labouring with this feavour so be they were otherwise whole grew well by the fit use and order of medicine and dyet but it hapned very often but ill to those who were indued with a weakly constitution of brain and nervous stock or broken with age but not seldom the case of the sick became dangerous because the Physitians were not wont to be sent for presently after the beginning of the disease yea scarcely before it had more deeply spread abroad its roots and the opportunity of healing was past Observation 3 For that reason this feavour became very deadly in the family of a certain Noble man among his children originally obnoxious to Cephalic distempers About the vernal Aequinox a Boy of about eleven years of Age began to be sick At first without any vehement heat or thirst a dejection of appetite and want of strength came upon him Besides an almost continual giddiness did trouble him with a frequent danger of fainting that he often thought he was just dying By the advice of a certain woman attending him they dayly gave him Clisters then when from the foulness of the mouth and Tongue manifest signes of a Feavour appeared this Emperick on the fifth day gave him a vomit of the Infusion of Crocus metallorum and on the seaventh day a Cordial powder being administred she incited the sick youth covered with blankets to sweat his skin hardly began to be moist but presently he began to talk idly complained that his Cap was fallen into the water by and by becoming speechless within four hours whilst I was sent for he expir'd before I came Observation 4 A little while after the same disease fell upon his yonger Sister whose sickness however because it was accompanied with a frequent and humid Cough was thought at first to be only a taking of Cold but within a few days this Cough became plainly Convulsive so that
lifts up the ahdomen and hypochondria and feins a motion as it were the arising of a globe But afterwards the vital function labouring after this manner the animal faculty arises in its aide wherefore a necessity of motions in various parts urging the animal Spirits being driven impetuously into the beginnings of the nerves produce divers manners of Convulsions running here and there The Author endeavours to confirm this Opinion by the great help in this disease had by the taking away the bloody excretion both from things helpfull and things hurtfull in this paffion But though I cannot but praise this Doctrine of the suffocation of the womb as very ingenious and cunningly wrought yet that I do not consent to it in all things some reasons of great moment clearly hinder me Truly I confess that I do not understand how in some hysterical persons to wit who are of a more frigid temperament and are often troubled with the Pica and longing disease the blood should so immoderatly boyl up in the Lungs without any conspicuous notes of its growing hot in some other place I have known young maids by reason of the green-sickness as it were without blood to wit whose blood indeed being without life did remain without any exercise in the heart and was from thence difficâ—ltly enough drawn forth into the Lungs who yet were grievously obnoxious to the passions called hysterical Certainly it is not probable that the blood of these persons growing immoderatly hot should rush impetuously into the Pneumonick vessells and should stuff up their pores and passages very thickly when in the mean time such become short-breath'd by reason of the absence of the blood from the Lungs or its difficult admission to them Besides by what means comes it to pass that this violent course of the blood into the Lungs which is supposed to be made in this Fit brings forth no Inflammation in them for that the blood being too much heaped or rapidly put into any part is easily extravasated and is wont to excite an Inflammation hardly to be shaken off From whence it is therefore in the hysterical distemper the blood entring violently into the Lungs and distending them does not cause a peripneumonie or impostume of the Lungs Or wherefore the distempers as it were hysterical come not on an Inflammation of the Lungs otherwise caused wherefore it seems improbable that the blood swelling up with its proper anger or heat should rush into the Lungs and by stuffing them renders them too immovable and so secondarily and consequently induce Convulsions of the Diaphragma and other parts but it may rather seem that by reason of the Diaphragma and other organs of breathing being first affected with a Convulsion the blood should be forced to stagnate in the praecordia Besides it may be observ'd that the Lungs are not always afflicted before other parts for oftentimes the convulsive Symptoms begin elsewhere and not rarely bear the region of the breast wholly untouch'd Because in some the vertigo and Corruscations or sparklings of the eyes begin the fit to which succeed either weeping or laughing or convulsive motions of the Limbs without any straitness of the breath or oppression of the heart in others before respiration troubles them any way a swelling in the bottom of the belly with a vomiting and rumbling of the belly begins and often ends the fit so that the difficulty of breathing oftentimes follows these Symptoms at a great distance and is wont to be prevented by the tying strictly of swathing-bands about the hypochondria Moveover it seems that this ascent as it were of a certain round thing from the Hypogastrium or lower part of the belly can never proceed from the depression of the Diaphragma because in the hysterical fit this part is not always pressed down towards the lower parts but oftentimes drawn up to the higher parts and drives the Lungs upwards so that the spirit or breath being almost shut forth threatens the danger of Choaking By these and other reasons The hystericall distemper chiefly belongs to the Brain and nervous stock we are at length perswaded to that opinion that the distemper named from the womb is chiefly and primarily convulsive and chiefly depends on the brain and the nervous stock being affected and whatever inordination or irregularity from thence happens about the motion of the blood is only secondary and is made dependingly by the Convulsions of the Bowells But that this doth consist within the bounds of the head both the comparing of the symptoms which happen in the living and the anatomical observations of the dead clearly shew because we may observe that this distemper often takes its rise from a sudden fear great sadnesse or anger or other violent passion in which the spirits inhabiting the brain are chiefly affected besides to some an ill manner of dyet and various accidents whereby the humours being vitiated are heaped more plentifully within the head at first brings this evil Yea the manner of the fits clearly evinces the same forasmuch as a fullness of the head a vertigo a sparkling of the eyes a ringing noyse of the ears begin in many the hysterical fit and often conclude it Besides I have opened some women dead of other diseases tho while they were sick very obnoxious to hysterical passions in whom the womb being very well I have found in the hinder part of the head the beginnings of the nerves moistned and wholly drowned with a sharp serum as shall be more largely declared anon Having weighed these and other Reasons we doubt not to assert the Passions commonly called Hysterical to arise most often for that the animal spirits possessing the beginning of the Nerves within the head are infected with some taint to wit they being either acted or brought into Confusion or being tincted with vitious humours get to themselves an heterogeneous and explosive Copula The cause of the disease most often begins about the beginnings of the nerves which they carry far away with themselves into the Channells of the nerves and when the same spirits are filled to a plenitude with that Copula thorow all their series or orders either of their own accord or being occasionally moved they enter into explosions and so stir up Convulsive motions But that such a Copula adhering to the spirits is chiefly derived together with them into the interior nerves the reason is because in this passage towards the praecordia and viscera the animal spirits by reason of the distemper of the minde are very much disturbed wherefore they more easily admit any evills brought from another place and more readily conceive irregularities For the animal spirits chiefly for this occasion contract a convulsive disposition forasmuch as they from a violent impression are perverted out of their Courses and their wonted manner of Influence and acting hence they not only repeat their inordinations but also receive the heterogenious particles into their embraces and more easily
with their coming between and amplifie and enlarge the lineaments of the Body otherwise too short and contracted 4. Water is the chiefest Vehicle of Spirit and Sulphur by whose intervention they consociate one with another and with Salt for the other Principles being dissolved by a watery humor or at least diluted continue in motion without which they grow stiff as congealed things When Water is wanting the active Principles meet together too strictly and mutually rub against and consume themselves and when for this reason the suppliment of food is cut off the Body grows withered If humidity abounds too much these Elements are estranged or dissociated too much one from the other wherefore the subject becomes sluggish and slow and of less efficacy and unapt for motion Besides Bodies too moist are lyable very much to rottenness and Corruption because from too much Humidity the Combination of Spirit and Sulphur and Salt is too loosely effected that they do not mutually embrace one another nor are retained with their embracement in the subject Indeed Water abounding easily evaporates and then the frame of the mixture being loosened and the doors set open Spirit and Sulphur easily break forth the way being made and leave the subject as it were vapid or made sharp with Salt for from hence the infusions of Vegitables Decoctions Juices of Herbs and all Liquid preparations if the quantity of Water be greater than the rest of the Principles and improportionate quickly Corrupt Water is most easily drawn forth out of every thing by Distillation for when Spirit and Sulphur are often intangled with nets of Salt or Earth they hardly let go-their embraces and are not obedient but to a more intense heat and often times require a previous Putrefaction Water most easily and often with no labour is driven out of every Body But most often it snatches in its flying away some more loose Particles of Spirit and Sulphur and carries them with itself forth of doors 5. As the interjection of Water in Liquids so of Earth in Solids fills the empty little Spaces and Vacuities left by the other Principles For these hinder the active Principles from a too streight embrace whereby they should rub against themselves and cleave one to another also by its thickness it retains too Volatile things besides it inlarges the due substance and magnitude in Bodies The more that Earth abounds in any thing it is so much the less active but of longer duration hence Minerals endure a long while then next the greater Trees in the mean time Animals and the more slender Plants are but of short age In Distillations Earth ascends the Alembic almost not at all or but in a very little quantity for the most part it is left with a portion of Salt for a Caput Mortuum or Dead Head therefore it is called Terra Damnata or damned Earth because when the other Principles are freed the Prison being as it were broken this is still detained besides Earth being deprived of the Company of the rest is of no Use nor capable of change or exaltation Thus much for the Elements or Principles of Natural things considered apart and by themselves It follows that some of their Affinities and Conjugations be unfolded because these very strictly cohere with those and very hardly or not at all are joyned with others Out of the mutual Combination of some and disagreement of others various Affections arise the knowledg of which gives no little Light to the Doctrine of Fermentation There is a certain Kindred and Similitude of parts between Spirit and Sulphur which are agil or light and easily to be dissipated in both wherefore Spirit being driven forth of the Body draws abundantly with it Sulphureous Particles as is discerned in Spirituous Liquors Distilled out of any thing to some of which if you mingle Water the Liquor appears as it were troubled with precipitated Sulphur but the Spirit without the Sulphur is undiscernably mixed with the Water which however by reason of is Volatility may be also easily drawn away and separated by Distillation Altho Spirit and Sulphur are Principles very resembling and because of a ready motion either are inflameable yet they are not one and the same as is asserted by some For Sulphur Copiously subsists in Bodies almost destitute of Spirit to wit in common Sulphur Antimony and other Minerals in which its Particles are very fixed and of their own nature almost immoveable which is very far from the Nature of Spirits For they abounding in any mixture never lye idle and always in motion bring various alterations to the Subject where they dwell then if they abound in strength they easily and without tumult carry themselves forth of doors of their own accord But Sulphur altho it abound doth not easily evaporate but hath need of a strong heat or an actual fire that may make a way for it and lastly it breaks forth not without a stink or burning yea if you endeavour to Distil Oyly and Fat things although very Sulphureous with a moderate Fire they are wont to yield a Liquor only Waterish and not inflameable but if we provoke generous Wine which swells with Spirit by the gentle heat of a Bath a most burning Water will Still forth and apt wholly to be inflamed Spirit is not presently joyned with Salt For Sugar and Salts are scarcely dissolved by the rectified Spirit of Wine but are after a manner associated by a long digestion and circulation as is perceived in the Volatile Salt of Animals or Tincture drawn forth from the Salts of Herbs or of Minerals by the Spirit of Wine If that Spirits excel in plenty and virtue they assume to themselves and Volatilise the Saline Particles And therefore the Salt contained in the Juice or Blood of Animals being associated with Spirit is volatilised also the Spirit of Wine being Distilled by many Cohalations with the fixed Salt of Herbs renders it Volatile and makes it pass through the Alembic but if the power of the Salt be greater it tames the Spirit and fixes it Hence the blood being become Salt by means of an ill dyet becomes less Spirituous Fixed Salts and the Oyl of Vitriol fix the Spirits grown too volatile and unbridled and Coagulate the Spirit of Wine it self But Sulphur is a more fit subject of the Spirit by the coming between of which it easily is united with Salt and the other Principles and as Spirit best agrees with Sulphur and Water so Sulphur intimately cleaves to Earth and Salt As to Sulphur besides its affinity with Spirit it hath a great relation with Salt it self to the volatilisation of which it doth not a little help wherefore in Bodies which abound with a volatile Salt there is found plenty of Sulphur as in Amber Soot Hornes and Bones as also in the excrements of living Creatures where Salt and Sulphur are in motion and evaporate from the subject a very stinking smell is sent forth for Sulphur being
perish Wherefore she institutes new and more firm and lasting Combinations of Spirit Salt and Sulphur For she selects from the whole Substance of the Plant the more noble and highly active Particles and these being gathered together with a little Earth and Water she forms in the Seed as it were the quintessences of every Plant in the mean time the Trunk Leaves Stalks and the other Members of the Plant being almost quite deprived of the active Principles are much depauperated and are of less Efficacy and Virtue About Autumn after the Seeds are framed as it were pledges left in memory of the Plant the Particles of Spirits Salt and Sulphur which remain being now placed in their Strength or Exaltation endeavour a Dissolution and Departing one from another And first of all the Spirits evaporate by degrees with the Watery humour through the Doors set open by the Summer Sun with which the more pure parts of the Sulphur make also their Journey in the mean time the Salt being fixed with the Earth and more thick Sulphur is left behind Wherefore in most the Leaves fall at this time and in those of a tender and light Constitution the Principles are wholly dissipated and the Trunk and Stalk together with the Root wholly die In some after the falling of the Seed with the Leaves the Stalks wither in the mean time the Principles which may renew the Plant in the next Spring are preserved in the Root Also Winter coming on the face of things is wholly changed and the Elements which in the Spring did affect to be Joyned and to Marry one with another seek nothing more than Divorces The Spirits fly away from very many things and wander in the Air in the mean time the Particles of Salt and Sulphur lie as it were benummed and asleep Not only the Bodies of Vegetables but of very many Animals are left as it were dead all the Winter till they are raised again to life by the Spirit returning with the Vernal Sun and as it were animated anew But this little Branch being made concerning the Vegetation of Plants it is now fit that we proceed on our Journey to Fermentation by the Rule of our before established Method to what is to be observed concerning the parts and humours of Living Creatures CHAP. V. Of things to be Observed of Fermentation about Animals IT is so certain that the Bodies of Animals consist of the aforesaid Principles that it wants no proof For they so plentifully swell up with Spirit Salt and Sulphur that their Particles are obvious to the sense Wherefore they are moved with a more swift motion and more excellent senses of Life and Functions of Heat in the Subjects in which they are implanted are inlarged It would be too much labour and tedious here to describe the several manners and processes of Fermentations The first beginnings of Life proceed from the Spirit Fermenting in the Heart as it were in a certain little punct The motion of this is not as in Vegetables slow and insensible and only to be known by their increasing but presently becoming rapid is conspicuous to the Eyes because the Spirit leaping from the Punct as from a Prison being stirred and having obtained the Vehicle of Blood swiftly runs forth and leaping forth it cannot wholy fly away it makes hollow spaces for it self in the thick substance in which it is included for its excursion being compelled some other way backward Lastly being returned to the Heart it Ferments the more wherefore it stretches forth further the spaces of its Excursion and so easily makes an hollow way for its return back and after this manner for the carrying about the Blood Arteries and Veins as Channels and Rivulets are framed through all the parts of the Body and on such a Vicissitude of Motion or Reciprocation depends the life of living Creatures which that Nature might preserve a long while she placed the Ferment in the Heart by whose instinct or endeavour the Blood grows impetuously Hot and as it were inkindled into a Flame by its Deflagration diffuses the effluvia of its Heat round about on every side for by the Fermentation or Accension which the Blood suffers in the Bosome of the Heart very many Particles of Spirit Salt and Sulphur endeavour to break forth from its loosened frame by which being much rarified and like Water boyling over a Fire the moved and boyling Blood is carried through the Vessels not without great Tumult and Turgescency We would speak more in this place both of the Natural Fermentation of the Blood and the Feaverish but that we reserve this Consideration for a peculiar Tract where we Treat of Feavers Besides this Ferment constituted in the Chimny of the Heart upon which the motion and heat of the Blood very much depends there are others laid up every where in the Bowels of a diverse disposition by the help of which both the Chyle which is the Rudiment or Beginning of the Blood and the Animal Spirits its Quintessence are truly framed There are others also which serve for the perfecting the Blood transmuting it into other Liquors and freeing it from Excrementitious Matter It will be too far from our proposed method to wander to insist upon each of these and to reap anothers Harvest Wherefore I will only add in this place some select instances which may illustrate the Doctrine of Fermentation It is commonly received that the Concoction of the Chyle in the Ventricle is made by the means of a certain Acid Ferment That such a thing is the Acid belching in a full Stomach and the want of it in the loss of Stomach in Feaverish and Dysenterical people do testifie c. and its restitution a sign of Health to which may be added this Observation Chalybeat Medicines being taken at the Mouth a little after excite a Sulfureous savour in the Throat as if hard rosted Eggs had been eaten which seems wholly to be made by the Acid Ferment of the Ventricle gnawing the Iron even as Spirit of Vitriol being sprinkled upon the fileings of Steel excites such a stinking and Sulphureous Odor Some say this Ferment is breathed into the Stomach from the Spleen but by what means that may be done doth not yet appear by Anatomical Observation It seems not improbable that this Ferment is implanted in the Ventricle that it is only made by some remains of the perfected Chyle which fixed in the folds of the Ventricle and there growing sowr puts on the Nature of Ferment even as a portion of Dough being fermented or levened and and kept to a sowrness becomes a convenient Ferment or Leven for the making of Bread In like manner this kind of Acid humour being prepared from the Aliments and long carried in the Ventricle promotes the Concoction and subaction or subduing of the Food For Acid things which are full of Salt carried out to a Flux excellently conduce both to the Fermenting and Dissolving of Bodies Wherefore by
the action of this Salt and Sulphur with which eatable things very much abound are broken in the Ventricle and are reduced into very small parts The Chyle being after this manner Fermented acquires a Milky colour by reason that the Sulphureous Particles are dissolved together with the Saline and mixed with the Acid Ferment For if you pour an Acetous humour to any Liquor impregnated with Sulphur and volatile Salt it presently grows white like Milk as may be discerned in the preparing the Milk of Sulphur or the Resinous extracts of Vegetables Yea the Spirits of Harts Horn or Soot being very full of Volatile Salt if they be poured to any Acid Liquor or simple Water acquire a Milky colour Concerning this Ferment hid in the folds of the Ventricle it is observed that it is after various manners and changes the Aliments by a diverse means for tho in a sound Constitution it is indifferently Acid and chiefly owes its force and energie to the Salt being brought to a Flux yet it often declines from this laudable condition and conteins in it self either too much of sowrness or less than it ought to have In the former Case where the Salt hath got too sowr a Dominion all things taken in the Saline Particles being carried forth to a Flux and the rest unduly brought under presently grow sour as most often happens in Hypochondriack Distempers on the other side where the Volatile Principles obtain the first place Fermentation being too hastily made the Sulphureous parts of the Chyle are suddenly and as it were forceably exalted and the unconcocted of the Saline pass into Choler which ordinarily happens to those abounding with bitter Choler They therefore who have the Ventricle affected after this latter manner Sweet and Fat meats being eaten they are troubled with a bitter and bilious Taste Again they who suffer the contrary disposition altho they eat the most simple Food send forth plentifully Acid and Stinking belchings and indeed this seems to come to pass even after the same manner as when a little too much Yest is put to the Batch of Dough it becomes bitter or when too great a Portion of sour Ferment or Leven is put to the same Dough the Bread from thence contracts a mighty sowrness As the Blood in the Heart and appending Vessels the Chyle in the Ventricle so the Animal Spirit is wrought in the Brain whose Original and Motions are very much in the dark Neither doth it plainly appear as to the Animal Spirit by what workman it is prepared nor by what Channels it is carried at a distance quicker than the twinkling of an Eye But it seems to me that the Brain with Scull over it and the appending Nerves represent the little Head or Glassie Alembic with a Spunge laid upon it as we use to do for the highly rectifying of the Spirit of Wine for truly the Blood when Rarified by Heat is carried from the Chimny of the Heart to the Head even as the Spirit of Wine boyling in the Cucurbit and being resolved into Vapour is elevated into the Alembick where the Spunge covering all the opening of the Hole only transmits or suffers to pass through the more penetrating and very subtil Spirits and carries them to the snout of the Alembick in the mean time the more thick Particles are stayed and hindred from passing Not unlike this manner the blood being delated into the Head its spirituous volatil and subtil Particles being restrained within by the Skull and its menynges as by an Alembick are drunk up by the spungy substance of the Brain and there being made more noble or excellent are derived into the Nerves as so many snouts hanging to it In the mean time the more crass or thick Particles of the blood being hindred from entring are carried back by Circulation But the highly agil and subtil Spirits enter the smallest and scarcely at all open pores of the Brain and Nerves and run through them with a wonderful swiftness For there is need only of such Receptacles and Channels for the Animal Spirit in which there are none or at least very small cavities or holes otherwise the blood or excrementitious humours their Followers and Companions would not be excluded Also besides if these Spirits should run about through too open and loose spaces being easily dissipated they would fly away wherefore when there is need of a Pipe for the transmitting of blood or serous water the Spirit of Wine runs rapidly through the secret passages of the Instrument or Leather Neither doth the more strict frame of the Brain and Nerves serve only for the straining of the subtil from the thick and the pure from the impure but also that spirituous and most subtil Liquor being as it were distilled from the blood gets yet a farther perfection in the Brain for there being inspired by a certain Ferment whereby it is yet more volatilised it is made more fit for the performing the offices of motion and sense Because the substance of the Brain is exceeding full of a Volatile Salt which is of great Virtue for the sharpning and subtilising the Spirits therefore the Spirits of Harts Horn or of Soot are far more penetrating than Spirits of Wine The Seminal Vessels and Genital Parts do so swell up with Fermentative Particles that there is nothing more here Spirit Salt and Sulphur being together compacted and highly exalted seem in the Seed to be reduced as it were into a most noble Elixir These kind of active Principles do not only Ferment in the Womb for the forming of the Child or Young ones but also as it were with a living Ferment they inspire through all the Body the whole Mass of blood that it may be more Volatile and more sharply Hot wherefore in women who have the Ferment of the Womb in good order their Face is furnished with a curious and flourishing colour their heat is more lively and copious moreover the Mass of Blood growing too rank there is need of emptying it every Month by the Flux of their Courses but when this Fermentation from the Womb is wanting both Virgins and Women become Pale and as it were without blood short winded and unfit for any motion Also in men from the Seminal Ferment happen abundance of heat great strength a sounding Voice and a manly eruption of Beard and Hair by reason of the defect of this men grow womanish to wit a small Voice weak Heat and want of Beard are caused Since we Treat of Ferments which are found in the Animal Body we may here opportunely inquire what is the use of the Spleen concerning which all good things are said by some that it is as it were another Liver and serves for the making of blood for the Viscera of the lower Belly It is by others reputed to be of a most vile use that it is only the Sink or Jakes into which the Feculencies of the blood are cast By reason of its structure we
shall be an Argument that I may Err yea if you please that I have Erred however if I should have rightly traced forth any marks in this at least new search of Truth and shall have incited others who are far better able by this occasion to the full finishing of it it will not repent me altogether of this tho rash beginning OF FEAVERS CHAP. I. The Anatomy of the Blood and its Resolution into five Principles A comparing it with Wine and Milk THE Doctrine of Fermentation being explicated it remains that we handle the chief Instance or Example of it to wit Feavers For it seems that a Feaver is only a Fermentation or immoderate Heat brought into the blood and humors It s name is derived from Februo or Purgament which also is derived from Ferveo to be Hot which word indeed is commodiously put to every Feaver for that the blood in this Disease grows hot and besides by its fervor as working must it is Purged from its filthinesses But that this Fermentation or Feaverish effervescency may be rightly explicated these three things are to be considered First What the Fermenting Liquor is whether only blood or any humors besides Secondly In what Principles in the mixture and in what proportion of them this Liquor consists Thirdly and lastly By what motion and turgescency of those parts or Particles of which the blood is made the Feaverish effervescency is stirred up These being thus premised the Doctrin of Feavers shall be delivered not from the Opinions of others but acccording to the comparisons of Reasons picked tho from ours yet from diligent and frequent observation and confirmed by certain Experiments all which however I willingly submit to the judgment of the more skilful It plainly appears even to the sense that the Blood doth hugely boil up and rage in a Feaver for every one tho rude and unskilful being in a Feaver complains of the blood being distempered and of the same growing hot in the Vessels and as it were put into a fury Also besides the blood raging in the Veins and Arteries it may be lawfully suspected that that juice with which the Brain and Nervous parts are watered is wont oftentimes to be in fault for when this Liquor is seen to be carried back from the blood into the Nervous stock by a constant motion and certain Circulation and from thence through the Lymphatick Vessels into the Bosom of the blood it is probable if by reason of a taint contracted from the blood that humor be depraved in its disposition or is perverted from its equal motion that from thence the Rigor and Pain Convulsion Delirium Phrensie and many more symptoms of the Nervous kind usual in Feavers do arise After the Blood and Nervous Liquor two other humors for that being apt to grow hot fall into our consideration viz. The Chyme or nourishing Juice continually coming to the Mass of Blood and the serous Latex perpetually departing from the same which tho they be the first and last Liquors separated from the Blood and distinct from it yet being confused with it they ought to be esteemed as its associate parts or complements For the nourishable Juice being fresh brought is accounted the crude part of the blood and to be assimilated and the Serum its stale part and to be carried away And after this manner so long as either are Circulated with the blood it self in the Vessels they participate of the heats of the first begotten blood and oftentimes occasionally begin them or increase them being begun but by what means these things come to be done is declared hereafter in their proper places As to the rest of humors which are only the recrements of the Nutritious juice or the blood when they are included either in their proper Receptacles or constrained in the narrow spaces in the Viscera neither wash the several parts of the Body with a continual lustration as the blood or Nervous Liquor or the other humors but now recited are to be exempted from this rank somtimes perhaps they may be the occasional cause that the blood doth conceive an undue Effervescency or that it persists in it longer but it is only the blood with the Nervous Liquor the alible juice and Serum associates which boiling up above measure with its heat and stirred up with a rage through the Vessels diffuses the preternatural heat and induces the formal reason of the Feaver but how this comes to be done is not to be known plainly but by a more near beholding the Nature of Blood and as it were an Anatomy made of its Liquor There are in the Blood as in all Fermentative Liquors Heterogeneous Particles which as they are of a diverse Figure and Energy remain a long while in the mixture by their mutual opposing one another and subaction the motion of Fermentation is continually conserved as is perceived in Wine Beer and other Liquors then if the mixtion of the Liquor be somwhat unlocked by the adding of Ferments the Native Particles being freed from their bonds do yet more swell up and induce Fermentation with a more rapid motion and heat which is seen in a familiar Experiment of the Chymists viz. when fluid Salts are mixed with Saline Liquors of another kind from thence a great heat and ebullition are stirred up Wherefore we ought to inquire concerning the Blood of what Particles it consists that it should be fit to Ferment as Wine Beer and other Liquors of its own Nature then by the help of what kind of Ferments both its Natural and Feaverish heats are performed with warmth and a more quick motion The Mass of the Blood by the opinion of the Antients was thought to consist of four humors to wit Blood Phlegm Choler and Melancholy and it was affirmed that according to the eminency of this or that humor diverse temperaments are formed and that by reason of their fervors or exorbitances almost all Diseases do arise This Opinion tho it flourished from the time of Galen in the Schools of Physicians yet in our Age in which the Circular motion of the Blood and other affections of it were made known before not understood it began to be a little suspected nor to be so generally made use of for the solving the Phaenomenas of Diseases because these sort of humors do not constitute the blood but what are so called except the Blood are only the recrements of the blood which ought continually to be separated from it For in truth the Blood is an only humor not one thing about the Viscera and another in the habit of the Body nor is it moved at one time by Phlegm and another time with Choler or Melancholy as is commonly asserted but the Liquor growing hot in the Vessels is only Blood and wheresoever it is carried through all the parts of the Body it is still the same and like it self But because by reason of the abundance of the implanted heat in some and because of the
smalness of it in others the Coction of the Aliment is now quicker now slower performed in the Bowels and in the Vessels therefore the temper of the Blood tho but one and always the same Liquor becomes diverse and according to the various disposition of this it may be said that men are Choleric Melancholic or of another temperament Besides because whilst the Blood is made in its Circulation in the Vessels some parts continually grow Old and others are supplied anew hence from Crudity or too much Coction there is a necessity that what is excrementitious should be heaped together which notwithstanding by its effervescency as by the working or depuration of Wines it comes to pass it is separated from its Mass viz. the watry humor fixed in the Bowels or solid parts is it which is called Phlegm some Reliques of adust Salt and Sulphur being separated in the Liver and received by the Choleduct Vessels are called Choler the Earthy feculences being laid up in the Spleen are termed Melancholy In the mean time the Blood if rightly purified ought to want Choler Phlegm and Melancholy even as when some Wines or Beer are purified the more light Particles are carried upwards which constitute its Flowers or Head and the dregs are prest down to the bottom which grow together into Feces or Tartar yet none can truly say it Wine or Beer is composed of Froth Tartar and a Vinous Liquor But as these humors commonly so called are made out of the other Principles viz. Choler out of Salt and Sulphur with an admixtion of Spirit and Water and Melancholy out of the same with an addition of Earth and as the blood is immediately forged out of these kind of Principles and is wont to be resolved sensibly into the same I thought best the common acception of humors being laid aside to bring into use these celebrated Principles of the Chymists for the unfolding the Nature of the Blood and its affections There are therefore in the blood as in all Liquors apt to be Fermented very much of Water and Spirit a mean of Salt and Sulphur and a little of Earth The blood being loosned by putrefaction exhibits the same separated and distinct Also in the blood contained in the Vessels or being fresh let out from them we may discover their energies and effects besides when in the Food whereby we are fed by the juice of which the Liquor of the blood is made these same are implanted no man will go about to deny that the blood also is made from them wherefore I will briefly run through these and endeavour to shew by what means the Consistency the Properties and the Affections of the Blood are made by them 1. Spirits which readily obtain the chief place are a subtil and greatly volatile portion of the blood Their Particles always expansed and endeavouring to fly away do move about the more thick little Bodies of the rest wherewith they are involved and continually detein them in the motion of Fermentation The Liquor of the blood continually boils up with their effervescency or growing hot and equal expansion in the Vessels and the rest of the Principles are contained in an orderly motion and within the bond of the exact mixture if any Heterogeneous thing or unagreable to the mixture be poured into the bloody Mass presently the Spirits being disturbed in their motion rage shake the blood and force it to grow hugely hot until what is extraneous and not missible is either subdued and reduced or cast out of doors By the irradiation or rather the irrigation or watering of these the Bodies of the Nerves are inflated the Functions of the Viscera and also the Offices of motion and sensation are performed from the want of Spirits also from their motion being depraved or hindred arise great vices of the Natural oeconomy or Government The more quick motion and effervescency of these in the blood above what is in Wine chiefly depends upon the Ferment of the Heart because whilst the blood passes through the Bosom of the Heart its mixture is very much loosned so that the Spirits together with the Sulphureous Particles being somwhat loosned and as it were inkindled into a flame leap forth and are much expanded and from thence they impart by their deflagration a heat to the whole By reason of this kind of expansion and suffusion of heat there is made a continual expence of Spirits which being rarified as it were inkindled continually fly away and are evaporated forth a doors and as long as we live there is made a continual reparation of these by aliments chiefly the most delicate which contain in themselves very much of Spirit and swelling matter from which juice being drawn by digestion and collated to the blood is assimilated to it and fills up its defects When the Blood of Animals is distilled the Spirits like Aqua Vitae ascend of a limpid colour they are made very sharp and pricking by the adhesion of the Salt yet they are not so easily drawn off as the Spirits of Wine but that there is need of a more intense fire to force them because they are hardly driven from the fellowship of the thicker parts with which they are involved 2. That there is plenty of Sulphur in the blood it is plainly seen because we are chiefly fed with Fat and Sulphureous Aliments also the Nutriment from the blood carried to the solid parts goes into Sulphur and Fatness It is most likely from the dissolution of this that the red Tincture of the Blood doth arise for Sulphureous Bodies before any others impart to the solvent Menstruum a colour highly full of redness and when by reason of too great Crudity the Sulphur is less dissolved the blood becomes watery and pale that it will scarce dye a Linnen ragg red The Mass of blood being impregnated with Sulphur and together with Spirits it becomes very Fermentable which however whilst it enters the Ventricles of the Heart there suffers a greater effervescency or rather accension and on the Particles chiefly Sulphureous being inflamed and thence diffused through the whole the lively and vital heat in us depends When the Sulphureous part is carried forth and doth too much luxuriate in the blood it perverts its disposition from its due state that therefore the blood being either depraved or made more bilous or Cholerick doth not rightly Cook the nourishing juice or being inkindled throughout it conceives heats and ardours such as arise in a continual Feaver For the Sulphur being too much exalted and swelling more than it ought stirs up great heats in the blood and they whose blood is more plentifully impregnated with Sulphur are most obnoxious to Feavers By reason of the Particles of this being incocted with the Nutritious juice and from thence carried to the solid parts fatness softness and tenderness come to our Body From the Flesh or Blood putrefying by reason of the abundance of evaporated Sulphur a most evil stink
breaths forth In the distillation of Blood Sulphur ascends under the form of a blackish Oyl which also by reason of the Empyreuma stinks most wickedly 3. That Salt is in the blood is evinced by the Salt which tho fixed is drawn forth by being eaten from Vegetables and from other eatable things at first less volatile afterwards by the most excellent digestion of Nature and Circulation is highly volatilised that it passes through not only without a remaining Caput Mortuum all the members and parts of our Body but also the blood being exposed to distillation ascends the Alembic and leaves the dead Head as insipid earth If at any time the Saline Particles are not rightly exalted in the Blood by reason of ill digestion but remain crude and for the most part fixed from thence the blood becomes thick and unfit for Circulation so that obstructions are begot in the bowels and solid parts and serous Crudities are every where heaped together But if the Salt be too much carried forth and suffers a Flux the Spirit being depressed or deficient a sour and bitter disposition is given to the blood such as is observed in Scorbutical people and those sick of a Quartan Feaver Also from the Salt for this reason being variously coagulated the Stone Kings-Evil Gout Leprosie and very many other Chronical Diseases arise But when Coction being rightly performed in the bowels and Vessels the Salt is duly exalted and being associated with the Spirit is volatilised then by reason of its mixture the Liquor of the blood more equally ferments also is defended from Putrefaction Stagnation and Coagulation Also the Saline Particles bridle the fiercenesses of the Spirits and especially of Sulphur wherefore those who have their blood well filled with a Volatile Salt are less obnoxious to Feavers also hence those who often are let blood are more apt to Feavers 4. Besides There are in the blood as it is a thick humour and hath a gross consistence many Earthy Particles from hence also it s too great Volatilisation is as it were supported and it s too hasty accension hindered even as Charcoal-dust is added oftentimes to Gun-Powder in a greater proportion that all its parts may not take fire at once and too soon Further from the Terrestrial Particles of the blood and Nutritious Juice the bulk and increase of the Body proceeds Lastly from the distillation of the Blood a light and friable Caput Mortuum is left in great plenty 5. Upon the watery part of the blood depends its fluidness for from hence its stagnation is hindered and the blood is circulated in the Vessels without growing thick or stiff also it s too great conflagration and adustion is restrained and its heat attempered When blood is distilled a clear and insipid water is drawn off at least in a double proportion to the rest for from hence the matter of Urine Sweat and every humid Excrement for the most part proceeds What things were but now asserted concerning the Principles of the blood and the affections to be deduced thence will better appear if we consider consider a little the blood according to its sensible parts and shall compare it with other Liquors which are in dayly use among us Those sort of Liquors which have a very great Analogy with the blood are vâ—z Rich Wine and Milk As to the reasons of Fermentation and growing Hot it is most fitly compared to Wine as to its consistency coagulation and departure of the parts one from another it is likened to Milk In the first place therefore it is observed of Wine that so long as it is shut up in the Vessel or Pipe its subtil and spirituous Particles do perpetually agitate or very much shake others more thick break them and render them fit for an exact mixtion what is heterogeneous and unfit for subaction or mingling is separated by its growing hot In the mean time the purified Liquor greatly fermenting is in perpetual motion whereby all the parts as Atoms variously moved up and down in a beam or streak of light do stretch themselves forth on every side and contend with a constant rowling about from top to bottom and from thence to the top again By the attrition and refraction of the Particles very many Effluvia of Atoms go away from the Liquor which if the Vessel being closely shut they are kept within the Liquor grows too excessively hot and oftentimes causes the containing Vessel to burst in pieces Blood much after the same manner being shut up within the Veins and the Arteries is urged with a constant Circulation The Vital Spirit makes subtil breaks and exactly molds the more thick Particles what is heterogeneous and not mixable it expels forth of doors in the mean time by the refraction and kneading of the parts Effluvia of heat do constantly stream forth and evaporate through the pores which being shut in if transpiration be hindred presently by reason of the too great boyling of the blood a Feaver is inkindled Secondly we will observe concerning Wines that they grow turgid or swell up if any extraneous thing and of a Fermentative Nature be poured to them yea somtimes that they are moved more than ordinary of their own accord For when by a long digestion the Sulphureous part of the Wine is too much exalted it conceives a greater heat than it ought and unless presently appeased perverts the disposition of the whole Liquor with its swelling up It seems to be for the very like reason that the Feaverish heat which is wont to be introduced by reason of the same Causes is stirred up in the blood as shall be shown in the next Chapter where we treat of the Motion and Heat of the blood The third Observation or comparing of the Blood with Wine shall be of this sort Wines as also many other Liquors as for example Beer or Sider have their times of crudity maturation and defection For when they are first made the Spirituous parts are so obvolved by the others more thick that they shew themselves but little and put forth almost nothing of strength or virtue and as the other Particles are not yet subtilised nor truly concocted the whole Liquor remains crude and of an ungrateful tast and if put to distillation not any Spirit ascends From this state it comes by degrees to perfection and when the Spirits being extricated from their intanglements obtain their own right and have subtilized and exalted the more thick Particles of the rest the whole mass of the Liquor becomes Clear Spirituous Sweet and Balsamick Lastly when by a long Fermentation the Spirits are consumed and begin at length to fail the state of defection is induced whereby Wines and other Liquors either pass into a tastlesness or at last the Salt and the Sulphur being too much exalted are made sowr or unsavory In like manner the blood also while it is Circulated in the Vessels may be considered according to this kind of threefold disposition
not much vitiated goes into parts like Milk but if it be exceedingly depraved when it settles it shews a far different disposition and as to its single Contents is allotted into various appearances for the Cream growing together on the top is seen to be somtimes white somtimes green now yellow or of livid or lead colour also it becomes not tender but very viscous or clammy that like a Membrane it can scarce be pulled in pieces When the blood long growing hot with a Feaverish distemper is let forth from the cut Vein in its Superficies instead of a Scarlet Cream there grows together often a white skin or of some other colour the reason of which is because the blood is throughly rosted by too great Ebullition and its more pure portion as it were by a certain elixation is boiled forth from a red and tender substance to a white and tough but if in the mean time the bloody mass be not sufficiently purged from the adust recrements of Salt and Sulphur the colour of this little skin becomes yellow or livid and therefore the water swimming over it is often tinged by the same means Further the Purple Crassament or thick substance is also various viz. somtimes it is of a blackish colour when the blood is scorched too much by a long effervesency When the Fibres are vitiated as in the Liver they grow not together but the Liquor like Beasting Milk remains somwhat thick and yet fluid which indeed argues a great corruption of the blood as uses to happen in a putrid Feaver a very great Cachexy somtimes the watery Latex is wanting as in Hectical people and in too great a Diaphoresis Somtimes it superabounds as in Dropical people neither will the whole go into a white Coagulum by heat In some Cachectical people the blood being made more watery appears like watered flesh I knew one indued with a vicious habit of body that was wont to have blood of a whitish colour and like to Milk when it was let forth and afterwards when he grew better by Chalybiat Medicines his blood was moderately red but concerning the setling of the blood and its appearances there is enough But as blood being emitted from the Vessels by its coagulation and departure of the parts one from another imitates the various substances of congealed Milk so somtimes being shut within the Veins and Arteries like same fused by a Coagulum enters altogether into the like mutation from Morbific causes by reason of which change being hindred in its Circulation or somwhere congealed and fixed according to its portions it produces many distempers for it seems that from hence the Pleurisie the Squinancy the Inflammation of the Lungs the Dysentery take their Original and to this Cause the Pestilent diseases ow chiefly their deadliness as shall be said hereafter in its place It is sufficient that we have hitherto drawn a parallel of the blood from which comparison with Wine and Milk may be gathered what sort of Particles and Substances it comprehends in it self viz. Spirituous and very agil or nimble such as generous or rich Wine has for the heat and motion and besides soft and tender such as are in Milk for the nourishment of the Body Yea also this Analogy of it with Wine and Milk is yet further confirmed by the use of them in our diet out of which the blood is generated forasmuch as Milk is the best and most simple Aliment and with it Infants and Children who have need of a plentiful provision of blood are nourished chiefly But Wine copiously begets vital Spirits before all other things and being weak and fallen excellently restores them wherefore it is wont to be esteemed instead of Nectar for old men or those of ripe years The Nature and Analysis of the blood flowing within the Vessels being opened after this manner the Nutritious Juice deserves yet our consideration being supplyed from the blood and separated out of the mass of blood for the nourishment of the solid parts and cleaving to them whereby it may be the better assimilated like Dew For the Nerves Tendons and the rest of the solid parts of the whole Body are washed with a certain alible juice The Vital Spirits having obtained the Nervous Bodies for a Vehicle of this blow them forth at length and expeditiously execute the actions of Sense also that humor coming upon the solid parts and assimulated with them inlarges their bulk and growth This is not a place to inquire after the Origine Birth and manner of the dispensation of this It shall suffice only that we have noted that it is supplyed from the mass of blood and as it is rendered highly probable by the most Learned Doctor Glisson and Doctor Wharton after it hath past through the Nervous part by a certain Circulation what remains being now made as it were poor and lifeless is sent back by the Lymphatic Vessels to the blood Whilst this Juice being little cocted or purged from dregs is sent from the depraved blood to the Nervous parts t is wont variously to irritate them into Cramps and Convulsive Motions also no few Symptoms in Feavers arise by reason of the depravation and irregular Motion of this Juice as shall be more largely laid open in another place CHAP. II. Of the Motion and Heats of the Blood SO much for the Anatomy of the Blood as to its primary Elements and Constitutive parts into which it is sensibly wont to be resolved also as to its Affections which appear clearly by the comparing it with Wine and Milk it remains for us next to enquire concerning the motion of the Blood both Natural viz. by the help of what Ferment and by what swelling up of parts it is Circulated in a perpetual motion through the Vessels and preternatural viz. for what Causes and what fury of parts when it boils up above measure in the Vessels and conceives Feaverish Effervescences These being rightly unfolded and premised we will enter upon the Doctrine of Feavers Concerning the Natural Motion of the Blood we shall not here enquire of its Circulation viz by what Structure of the Heart and Vessels it is wheeled about after a constant manner as it were in a water Engine but of its Fermentation viz. by what mixtion of parts and mutual action of them together among themselves like Wine fermenting in the Ton it continually boils up And this kind of motion as it were truly an intestine war of the blood depends both on the Heterogeneity of the parts of the blood it self and on the various Ferments which are breathed into the mass of the blood from the Bowels As to the first those things which have altogether like Particles do not ferment wherefore neither distilled waters Chymical Oils Spirits of Wine or other simple Liquors are moved as hath been already observed but I have said that Blood according to the Nature things quickly irritable doth consist of a proportionate mixture of the Elements
Liquor of the blood to boil up and to grow hot with heat and a plentiful emission of Soot just like Spirit of Nitre when it is poured on the Butter of Antimony so that the blood flowing in gently through the Veins being forthwith Rarified into spume and vapour by the ferment of the Heart runs very impetuously through the passages of the Arteries T is almost the same thing whether it be said to be done either by this or by that way for the alteration which the blood receives in the Heart may be equally deduced from a flame or a Nitrous Sulphureous ferment there supposed to be placed Because whilst the blood slides into the Ventricles of the Heart presently the frame of the Liquor is loosned and the active Particles especially the Spirituous and Sulphureous the bond of the mixture being broke do leap forth from the rest and strive to expand themselves on every side but being kept in by the Vessels and being forced together with the remaining Liquor through the open passages of the Arteries they rush with violence and swelling up by the way they can find and by that means diffuse Effluvia of heat through the whole body there is little difference whether this expansion of the Particles of the blood and exertion into the liberty of motion be said to be done by Accension or by Fermentation forasmuch as by either way the frame of the blood may be so unlocked that from thence the Particles of Spirit Salt and especially of Sulphur being incited into motion as it were by an inkindled fire may impart heat to the whole Body But this Rarefaction or Accension of the blood in the Heart very much depends upon the disposition and constitution of the blood it self for if its Liquor be rightly cocted being made volatile and like rich Wine brought to maturity it then Ferments there after its due manner whereby the soluted Particles of the Spirits and Sulphur diffuse an equal and moderate heat to all parts But if the blood by reason of an ill manner of feeding and want of Concoction be crude and watry then it is less inkindled in the Heart and from thence follow a frigid intemperance of the whole difficult breathing and wheesing with a weak pulse and languishing as in Cachectical people those distempered with the Green Sickness and such as are about to die may be perceived but if the blood becomes too luxuriant and apt to grow turgid by reason of plenty of Sulphur being carried forth or of its Effluvia being restrained or of eating hot things either its Accension or Fermentation in the Heart is very much increased so that from thence a Feaverish heat and greater effervescencies than usual are stirred up in the whole This various Fermentation of the blood in the Heart according to the various temper of the same may be illustrated by the example of Wine fresh Must that is yet crude though it be boiled or put on the fire will not burn but this being purified and brought to maturity is easily inkindled but sends forth a small flame and quickly out The same at first growing hot or otherwise warmed if inkindled is greatly inflamed and for the most part is consumed by its burning Whilst the Blood after this manner being rarified or inkindled in the Heart and from thence growing hot through the passages of the Vessels is resolved into minute parts some little bodies depart from its loosned frame which refuse at last to be united and fitted with the rest of the Liquor but these are of a twofold Nature either thin which like smoke from the burning fire or Effluvia from a Fermenting Liquor do evaporate from the Liquor of the Blood by a constant Diaphoresis through the breathing holes of the Body or more thick which like ashes left after burning or the settling dregs after Fermentation ought to be soon strained from the mass of Blood and to be carried forth of doors for otherwise by their confusion they produce notable perturbations in the Blood Whereby the Blood growing more hot is dissolved in the Heart therefore these recrements both Fuliginous and Earthy are more plentifully heaped together and when by reason of too great congestion they cannot be presently subdued and secluded from the mass of Blood they bring forth a swelling up of the Blood and Feaverish Heats Concerning the Motion Heat and Natural Fermentation of the Blood in the equal tenor of which the means of our Health consists what hath hitherto been spoken shall suffice We will treat a little more largely of the preternatural or too great effervescency on which the types and Paroxysms of Feavers depend I call that too much or Preternatural Fermentation when the Blood like a Pot boiling over the fire grows hot above measure and being rarified with a swelling spume distends the Vessels excites a more quick pulse and like a Sulphureous Liquor having taken fire diffuses a burning heat on every side This kind of motion or Fermentation of the Blood will be best of all illustrated by an example of Wines growing hot For Wines besides the gentle and equal Fermentation by which they are at first purified at some times do so remarkably grow hot and boil up that they fly out of the mouth of the Vessel and if they are closely stopped up cause it to burst in pieces After this manner as if struck with fury unless they are immediately drawn away from the Tartar or their Lees into another Vessel they will not cease from growing hot until the Spirit being very much loosned and the Sulphur or Salt too much exalted they are either made unsavory or degenerate into a sowrness Such an Effervescency in wont to be stirred up for two causes chiefly First When any extraneous thing and not miscible is poured into the Ton so some drops of Tallow or Fat being dropped into the Cask will produce this motion or secondly when Wines being enriched with too rich a Lee or Tartar by reason of the Sulphureous parts being above measure exalted conceive heats of their own accord and exceedingly boil up For in whatsoever substance Sulphur abounds and its Particles being loosned from the mixture consociate together and are bound close in one there such immoderate heats are procured After a like tho not wholly the same manner whereby Wines grow hot the boiling up of the Blood is induced to wit either what is forein and not akin to the Blood is mixed with it that when it is not assimilated is wont to cause a Perturbation and growing hot until that Heterogeneous thing is either subdued or cast forth of doors and the Particles of the Blood being confused and troubled are at last shaken forth and that they get again their former place and position in the mixture Or Secondly the Blood grows hot above measure because some Principle or its constitutive Element viz. Spirit or Sulphur is carried forth beyond its Natural temper and becomes enraged whereby indeed the
Particles of this or that being not agreeable to the rest are loosned from the mixture being loosned they become more violent than they ought shake much the Liquor of the Blood and bring forth a heat which is not allayed till the Blood being as it were inflamed burns forth with the long fire of a Feaver By either way whether the Blood grows hot in the Vessels by reason of the pouring in of a thing not miscible or by reason of the rage of the Spirit or Sulphur being carried forth because from thence its frame is more loosned therefore it is more inkindled in the Heart and the active Particles first loosned from the Ferment there implanted do grow exceeding hot leap forth from the mixture and disperse on every side by their motion a strong heat and as it were fiery but yet with this difference that the Effervency which depends upon the mingling of some extraneous thing with the Blood is for the most part short or renewed which when what was Heterogeneous is separated or subdued is quieted of its own accord and the shaken parts of the Blood and put out of order easily return to their Natural site and disposition But the Ebullition which arises from the inordination of the Spirit or Sulphur being enraged is continual to wit here the whole mass of the Blood is so loosned and dissolved from the strict bond of the mixture that as an Oily Liquor having taken fire it ceases not to grow hot or to be inflamed till the Particles of Spirit or Sulphur or the Combustible matter be for the most part burnt out There remains yet a third manner of Preternatural Fervency whereby the Blood is subject to alteration which happens not to Wine but most often to Milk viz. when at any time from a Morbific cause a coagulation of its Liquor is induced so that its substance is poured forth and goes into parts and there is a separation made of the thick and earthy from the thin by which means the Blood is not fitly circulated in the Vessels but that its congealed portions being apt to be fixed in the extream parts or to stand still in the Heart do interrupt the equal motion or grievously hinder it For the sake of the restoring of which Effervency greater are wont to be stirred up in the Blood to wit such as happen ordinarily in a Plurisie the Plague Small-pox or the Venereal Disease CHAP. III. Of Intermitting or Agues Feavers BY the Premises which we have spoken of already concerning the Anatomy Motion and Heats of the Blood there now lies open an easie passage to the handling of Feavers The Notions which are commonly set forth concerning a Feaver out of the force and Etymology of the word I here purposely omit It may be described after this manner that it is An inordinate motion of the Blood and a too great Heat of it with burning and thirst and other Symptoms besides whereby the Natural oeconomy or Government is variously disturbed As we have remarked already concerning the growing hot of the Blood so now we do of a Feaver that indeed its accession is either short and by fits which is therefore termed Intermitting or else great and long protracted which is called a continual Feaver We will first speak of the Intermitting Feaver Tho an Intermitting Feaver in our Popular Idiom is known by a proper Name and is distinguished contrary to a Feaver commonly taken yet because it hath too great Effervency of the Blood joyned to it it is to be called a Feaver It is peculiar to this from a continual Feaver that it hath certain remissions or times of intermission that every fit begins with cold or shaking for the most part and ends in Sweat that the accessions or coming of the fits return at set Periods and certain intervals of times that a Clock is not more exact Wherefore we will first discourse concerning this Feaver in general what sort of heat of the Blood it is which continues its fit and from whence it is raised up Secondly Wherefore the fit appears equally with cold and shaking as with sweat following Thirdly What may be the cause of the Inmission as also of its certain set Periods Fourthly and Lastly Are added some irregularities of Intermitting Feavers as when now cold now heat or sweat is wanting or when the Periods are wandring and uncertain when the Remission or space of Intermission is not equal but now comes sooner now later and somtimes redoubled and I will endeavor to show the reasons of these and of other Phenomena or appearances which variously happen in this Distemper These being laid open we will go on to unfold in the next Chapter the division of an Intermitting Feaver and the kinds of it As to the first The Effervency of the Blood in an Intermitting Feaver or Ague for the time of the fit is as violent and strong as in a continual Feaver wherefore it is concluded that the parts of the Blood among themselves or some Heterogeneous thing being mixed with it do strive together and Ferment above measure But there is required that they may Ferment or too greatly boil up among themselves that some Principle as chiefly Spirit or Sulphur being too much exalted and enraged do appear above the rest which when it cannot be yoaked with them brings in a continual strife and heat but from this cause a continual Feaver draws its rise because such an Ebullition of the Blood being once begun is not suddenly allayed and when it is appeased it does not afterwards presently return Wherefore for an Intermitting Feaver 't is to be supposed that some Heterogeneous thing is mingled with the Blood whose Particles when they are not assimilated make so long an Ebullition of the same till either being kneaded they are rendered miscible or being subtilised are shut forth of doors Wherefore such a matter being brought under or shut forth of doors the fit ceases and when this matter springs again it stirs up a new Ebullition and so a new fit is brought on Concerning this Matter which being mixed with the Blood induces the periodical Heats and the other Symptoms of an Intermitting Feaver 't is very ambiguously and diversly disputed among Physicians where it is generated in what seat or place it lodges and by what means it so exactly observes the times of its Motion and Ebullition But it would be a work of too much labour and tediousness to recount here all the Arguments of the Ancients and Moderns to reduce them into order and to weigh their reasons Wherefore doubting I propose what has come into my mind when I thought deeply of the matter and submit to the judgment of others Of necessity there is somthing which brings in the Heat of the Blood exactly periodical that is generated in our Body at the several periods or accessions of the Feaver always in a set measure and equal proportion and is communicated to the mass of Blood with which when
the Blood is filled to a plenitude it forthwith grows turgid and conceives an heat But this is supposed to be either an Excrementitious humor sliding down into some Mines which by degrees and at a set time being brought to an increase and moved Ferments with the Blood or it is the nutritious Juice supplyed from the matter of Food and delated in weight and measure which when it is not assimilated by reason of a defect in sanguification being heaped up to a fulness for its own expulsion induces a turgency in the Blood The reason of Intermitting Feavers is commonly explicated by the former way and the causes of the Intermission and set times of approach are fetcht from the nature of the Humor and the seat or place where it is cherished The Nest or Mine of this Disease almost by an unanimous consent is fixed on the first shop of the Body and from hence the reason of the Intermission is fetched and the continual difference of an Intermitting Feaver but they affirm the matter to be Choler Phlegm and Melancholy and as these humors are said to putrifie flower or sooner so the Feaverish courses are said to be absolved in the space of one or more days But this Opinion after the Circulation of the Blood hath been made plainly known to all is deservedly rejected For when the Blood never stagnates in the Vessels but washes every place with a perpetual motion and continually carries away their filth it is impossible that the Mine of this Disease should subsist in the Mesaraick Veins where it is commonly asserted to be as to what belongs to the cavities or dens for the heaping up of the humors in the Viscera it neither appears by what means such should be formed without a Tumor or Imposthume nor by what instinct such humors shut up in their Nest do increase are consumed and lastly spring forth again at so exact intervals of times Besides what is affirmed concerning Bile Phlegm and Melancholy and of their periodical motions we hold wholly suspected because these sort of humors are not afforded sincere such as are described in the Schools but the Blood having gotten a various disposition now being hotter now colder its nature imitates the qualities of such humors or in its Circulating it lays aside its Recrements which being deposited in little Chests or Vessels are falsely believed to be Morbific and Preternatural humors Wherefore as the nutritious Juice is the only humor wherewith the mass of Blood is dayly refreshed and its supplements are made still in measure and proportion without doubt the periodical heats of the Blood are to be drawn from the accession and commixtion of this I have already remarked concerning the Particles of the Blood a triple state of crudity maturation and defection to wit the nourishing Juice supplyed from the dayly Food comes crude is mixed with the Blood and being for some time Circulated is assimilated to it and is ripened into a perfect humor afterwards growing stale it goes into parts and is laid aside Whilst after this equal manner the Blood is continually restored and its losses repaired it very quietly Ferments without any trouble or immoderate heat and is Circulated within the Vessels but if the supplement of the nourishing Juice is not as before ripened nor goes into Blood by a perfect digestion its Particles being confused with the Blood remain as it were some Heterogeneous thing and not exactly akin in the mass of Blood with which when it is filled to a plenitude the Blood forthwith grows troubled and conceives a Feaverish heat whereby the fresh supply of this depraved Juice is either overcome or cast forth of doors I say therefore from the first instant in which the nourishing Juice is not assimilated with the Blood its Particles tho mixed with it are as yet Circulated with it without any great tumult or perturbation and so afterwards till the mass of the Blood is filled with them to a turgency but then it quickly boils up and conceives a heat almost after the same manner as new Beer put into Bottles which if they are closely stopped that nothing may evaporate is at first contained in those Vessels without heat or force afterwards when the Effluvia being still restrained the mass of the Liquor swells up notably Ferments and by reason of the force of Fermentation oftentimes makes the Bottles fly in pieces also this happens at a set time and in the space of so mnay hours as in an Intermitting Feaver the Liquor arises to its height of turgescency There yet remains a difficulty for what cause the nutritious Juice being confused with the Blood is not assimilated but degenerates into an Heterogeneous and Fermentative matter I suppose this to be done for the most part not by the default of the Aliments nor yet of the Bowels but by the vice of the Blood it self For the Blood even as Wine somtimes passes from its native and genuine disposition into an acid sowr or austere disposition and because the Blood makes Blood it comes to pass that when it is departed from its due temper it easily perverts the provision of the nutritious Juice by which it should be repaired What that disposition of the Blood is and by what means contracted shall be told hereafter when we speak of the kinds of Intermitting Feavers and of their evident and Procatarctick causes The Heat or Effervescency therefore of the Blood which constitutes the fit of an Intermitting Feaver depends only upon the assimilation of the nourishing Juice being hindered the Particles of this being commixed with the Blood are not as before ripened nor are made into perfect Blood but by the mixture of these the mass of Blood as it were new drink is imbued with little Bodies greatly Fermentative when the which are more thickly heaped together and the Blood is filled with them to a swelling up it presently grows hot and a mighty agitation and strife of the Particles is made by which they break and subtilise one another till at length the vital Spirit getting the dominion and the rest being brought under what is extraneous is thrust forth of doors from the company of which the Blood being freed the remission and intermission of the aguish fit follows but afterwards from a new supply of this Juice a new fit is brought on Secondly As to the shaking or cold preceding the heat in this Distemper I say when the Particles of the nourishing Juice do proceed from a state of crudity towards maturity but do not attain it they contract a notable sowrishness with which they greatly prick and haule the nervous parts and cause the sense of cold even as new Beer which being stopped close in Bottles passes from a sweet into an acid and nitrous tast that for the cuttingness and cold can scarce be swallowed When therefore the Particles of this sort of crude Juice being indued with a Nitrous sowrness do fill the mass of the Blood to a fulness
or to a swelling up and when they being more thickly heaped together begin to enter into a Flux they first of all strike down the Vital Spirits with their sharpness and somwhat overthrow their heat wherefore the Blood becomes colder and is more slowly circulated yea and by reason of the defect of heat the sense of cold is perceived in the whole Body and a pulse very rare exists Moreover when the nervous and solid parts are watered with this sort of acetous Juice for their last nourishment by the Flux of this which happens together with the turgescency of the Blood these sensible parts are pulled and irritated into Tremblings and Convulsions And this without doubt is the true and genuine cause of the cold and shaking which are excited in a fit of the intermitting Feauer to wit the Flux and swelling up of the nourishing Juice degenerated into a Nitrous matter with which the Spirits and Heat being suffused are blunted and the Nervous Bodies being provoked are moved into tremblings But afterwards when these Nitrous Particles being thrust forth from some part into the Superficies of the Body the Blood is somwhat freed from their weight and oppression the Vital Spirits recollect themselves and begin to shine forth but from thence a most intense heat succeeds because both the mass of Blood by reason of the growing hot with the Feaverish matter being loosened and also its mixture being laxed the Sulphureour Particles are more plentifully inkindled in the Heart and because the pores of the skin being possessed by the same matter thrust forth towards the circumference of the Body the vaporous Effluvia are restrained within which do more shake and make hot the Blood that heat persists still in the Blood until that Fermentative matter being wholly burnt out and together with the adust recrements remaining after the burning being fully brought under and subtilised and involved with the Serum insensibly evaporates by sweat or transpiration Thirdly These things being premised it will not be hard to shew the reasons and causes of the intermission as also of the set periods viz. the intermission follows because all the Morbific matter is dispersed in one fit and so till new be substituted there is a necessity that a remission follow But new matter begins to be begot of which the last fit failed to wit the mass of Blood being but now emptied receives the nourishing Juice and perverts it as before by reason of its defect of due making of Blood and of Concoction into a Fermentative matter but its little plenty stirs up little or no trouble or Fermentation but when the Blood is filled to a swelling up it presently ferments and is in Flux even as when new Beer or new Wine shut up a long while in a Vessel at length at a certain time boils up and leapes forth at the mouth of the Vessel But that the Fits or Accessions do for the most part come again at set intervals of times and that so certainly that a Clock is not more exact the reason is because the nourishable Juice is for the most part supplyed from the Viscera to the Blood flowing in the Vessels in an equal measure and manner for tho we do not dayly take exactly so much meat and drink in weight and dimension yet because we for the most part eat at set hours for the satisfying the Appetite from the things eaten and the mass of the Chyme heaped up in the Bowels an equal portion of the nutritious Juice is conveyed to the Blood through the Milky Vessels wherefore if at such hours so much of the nutritious humor is poured into the Blood which increasing to a fulness and swelling up it brings on the fit that day certainly this being finished in the space of the same time sufficient matter is laid up for the following fit But if errors in feeding be committed and that the sick indulging their Appetite eat more plentifully or inordinately the approach of the fit anticipates the wonted hour by reason of the Bloods being filled sooner with the Feaverish matter if that the sick are abstemious and more sparingly take their Food the intermission is drawn out longer If it be yet asked wherefore the periods of intermitting Feavers be not of one kind and of the same distance but that some repeat or come again dayly others on the third or fourth day The cause is the diverse constitution of the Blood to wit whereby it is perverted from its due temper now into a sourish now into an acid or sharp or into an austere or harsh disposition By reason of the diverse evil constitution of this the alible Juice being fresh carried departs more or less from maturation and is perverted into matter apt sooner or later to ferment When the Blood has acquired a sour hot and bilous disposition I suppose that some part of the nourishing Juice is ripened into perfect humor and is assimilated with the Blood and so goes into Food to be carried to the solid parts and is affixed to them but the other part of it from the Blood being too much cocted and depraved is changed into a Feaverish matter and supposing that half of the nutritious Juice is after this manner perverted in double the time in which it is said to have a full Concoction in our Body that is after eight and forty hours this kind of Fermentative matter rises to a plenitude and turgescency and then induces the fit of a Tertian Feaver If that by reason of the austere and pontic nature of the degenerated Blood in which a fixed Salt with an Earthy Faeces is exalted too much and therefore apt to ferment more slowly only a third part of the nutritious Juice is corrupted then in three times the space of the aforesaid time the fit is induced that is after seventy two hours in which the period of a Quartan is wont to be concluded But if by reason of a greater infection of the Blood almost the whole supplement of the nutritious Juice is perverted into a Feaverish matter then in the space of that time in which the plenary coction ought to be absolved in the Vessels and habit of the Body that is after twenty four hours this matter arises up to the motion of turgescency and brings on the Quotidian fit And hence it comes to pass that in a Quartan Feaver strength and courage do not presently fail whilst in a Tertian the sick are wont to become more weak but in a Quotidian Feaver they are sooner brought into languishing and greatest weakness to wit in each as more or less of the nutritious Juice goes into the Food of the Disease so much also is drawn away from the strength and firmness of the Body But more fully of these when we treat of the several kinds of Intermitting Feavers and the Causes of them Against the equal Circuits of these Feavers it is argued that for the most part the fits do anticipate the set time of the
day by the space of some hours and sometimes also come after it But in truth this objection is taken away if the times of intermission be computed not by days but by hours for so the intervals which but now seemed to be now sooner now longer protracted will appear for the most part equal by this Rule forasmuch as in respect of the day it is said a Tertian Feaver somtimes prevents the wonted time of its accession two three or more hours or comes after it in the mean time every circuit exactly repeats or comes again every time after so many hours Wherefore the chief differences of Intermitting Feavers consist in this only that the time of the accession in one Feaver comes more swiftly and in another more slowly viz. now at twenty four hours distance now at thirty four now at seventy or the like From what hath been said unless I am deceived it clearly appears what the Effervescency of the Blood is which constitutes the fit of an Intermitting Feaver from whence the fore-runners of cold and shaking and lastly what may be the reason of the intermission and of the set periods But that these and many other appearances of this distemper depend upon the evil disposition of the Blood and because of the depravation of the nutritious Juice and not from humor lurking in some mine will yet more manifestly appear from the collation of the signs and symptoms which are to be met with worthy of note in this distemper then secondly from the Procatartic or more remote causes being truly weighed which are wont to induce this distemper and thirdly and lastly from the ways of the Crisis and Cures by which this Disease either ceases of its own accord or is driven away by the help of Medicines First Among the Signs the Pulse and Urine deserve the chief consideration The Pulse the cold fit coming on is very rare and low which clearly argues the Heat and Vital Spirits in the Blood to be as it were overwhelmed by some crude matter not easily combustible just as a fire inkindled on the Hearth and then covered with green wood glows very slowly and flames forth little which afterwards the crude humor being blown away breaks forth into an open and very strong flame so also the Blood the crude matter which is in Flux being somthing overcome or dispersed is very much inkindled and what remains in the Blood is burnt up when fermenting with the Particles of it and induces a most violent heat with thirst wherefore the Blood growing impetuously hot is urged with a vehement and most swift Pulse otherwise it being too much heaped together in the Heart might cause the danger of choaking As to the Urine that is imbued especially in a Tertian Feaver with a deep colour and as it were inflamed also when the Contents are wanting which seems to denote a scorching of the Blood and too adust temper moreover in this Distemper different from others the Urine for the most part is ill when the Patient is pretty well and on the contrary forasmuch as all the time of the intermission it is at a great distance from its natural state it becomes filled with a red colour and thick being exposed to the cold and lays down a plentiful sediment like to Bole-Armoniack which is of necessity to be so done because in the whole interval of the remission the Feaverish matter is circulated with the Blood and there rises to maturity with a secret increase But in the middle of the fit when the heat and burning are at the greatest the Urine is laudable and comes more near to the natural viz. the Fermentative matter being sent to the Circumference of the Body The symptoms preceding the fit confirm the same thing for many hours before the fit begins a perturbation of the humors and blood is perceived an Headach Vertigo sparkling of the Eyes unquiet Sleep c. which plainly shew the Blood first infected with the Fermenting matter and the assault of the fit to be only so long deferred until the mass of the Blood is filled to a swelling up with the same kind of matter The fore-runners of the approach of the fit are now a paleness at the ends of the Fingers or Toes or in the Nails somtimes a Convulsion or numness now a coldness and pain in the Loins and Thighs and somtimes a shivering and trembling invade the whole Body which clearly shew the Blood in the Arteries and Veins and also the thin Liquor in the Nervous parts first to conceive the motion of Fermentation and this Effervescency not to be excited from any other fire-place or mine If it be objected that the sick are most often infested with Vomiting about the time of the fit from whence it may seem to be concluded that the chiefest hurtful matter is established in the Ventricle and in the first passages especially when this distemper is chiefly cured by the timely taking of a Vomit I confess very great Vomitings are somtimes stirred up in the fit of an intermitting Feaver but this more often happens because in the Feaverish shivering the membranes of the whole Body are pulled wherefore the Ventricle also as it is a very Nervous part is distempered with a Convulsion and having from thence contracted a Spasm casts forth upwards whatsoever lurks in its bosom Besides if that the Choler-bearing Vessels swell up with Bile or Choler by the same Convulsion also of the Viscera the Bile is pressed forth into the Duodenum by the Galish passage and is emptied into the Ventricle and there by its fierceness provokes yet to more cruel Vomiting wherefore for the most part the vomiting which is excited for this reason follows the shaking only But that the Choler was not in the Stomach before the fit troubled it but only pressed forth from the Choleduct passage by the Spasm and Convulsive motions of the Viscera and poured forth into the Ventricle appears from hence because if a Vomit be given in the midst of the interval between the two fits little or nothing of bilous matter will be drawn forth besides this bitter humor is of that fierceness that it cannot be long contained in the Ventricle but presently it will procure the pain of the Heart and Vomiting Besides this sort of Vomiting excited in the shaking fit somtimes a Vomiting is provoked in the midst of the burning fit or in the sweat the cause of which is the redundancy of the bilish humor in the Blood of which if there be greater plenty than what diluted with Serum may be sent forth by Sweat a great part of it whilst the Blood is circulated about the crevises of the Liver is laid aside in the Choleduct Vessels which when being filled to a distention exonerate themselves and send away the Choler to the Intestines and Ventricle and there a Convulsion being presently stirred up somtimes Vomiting is provoked and somtimes the Belly becomes loose and the Stools liquid In this Year
1657. I observed very many affected after this manner for when after an hot and dry Summer about the middle of Autumn an Intermitting Feaver generally raged the sick were wont suddenly to grow very ill in the middle of their hot fit and somtimes also in their sweating and the Sweat being struck in to be taken with Swooning but shortly after when a Choleric Vomiting followed they were eased Not only the signs and symptoms but the Procatartic or more remote Causes of this Disease clearly indicate that it takes its rise from the temper of the Blood being changed because Intermitting Feavers are most frequent in the season and places in which the Blood receives the greatest alteration from the Air viz. either in the Spring when the vernal heat shutting out the Winters cold causes the Blood before benumed and apt to be more slowly moved to begin to flourish and luxuriate in the Vessels and from thence to get a bilous and hot temper or in the Autumn when the Blood being torrified or roasted by the Summers heat and therefore its Spirits very much depressed and Salt and Sulphur exalted acquires now a sharp and Choleric now a binding and austere disposition wherefore at this season Feavers now Tertian now Quartan are frequent besides in some places there is that constitution of the Heaven that on all men whatsoever there comes either a Tertian or more frequently a Quartan Feaver although in the first offices where the Mine of the Disease is commonly believed to be lodged there be no congestion of humors by reason of an ill manner of living or sickly disposition Yea they most easily fall into this Disease who have their inwards firm and strong and who abound with a lively heat on the contrary those who by reason of a weak Concoction heap up Crudities in the first passages continually that they are prone to the Dropsie or Cachexia remain free for the most part from this Distemper to wit the Blood being made more watery like Wine degenerated into a tastless substance is altogether unapt to be fermented No less doth the Cure of Intermitting Feavers seem to prove this our Assertion whether it be Natural and Critical or Artificial and performed by the help of Medicines As to the first Intermitting Feavers are wont to be terminated after a twofold manner The first is when from the fits themselves the temper of the Blood is altered and oft times is reduced into its Natural disposition For when in every coming of the fit very much of Sulphur and adust Salt is burnt out and exhaled by Sweat the Liquor of the Blood by that means becomes more temperate and less torrid wherefore oftentimes this Disease is cured at six or seven periods and of its own accord ceases but if it be longer protracted and that the Blood being somwhat changed from the sharp and bilous temper or disposition is not restored to its Natural temper somtimes it degenerates into an Acid Watery and also Pontic or saltish temper from whence a long Tertian Feaver passes into a Quotidian or a Quartan also oftentimes because the Blood is greatly depraved by the long continuance of this Feaver the Jaundies or the Scurvy or the Cachexia follow The other manner whereby this Disease is terminated is when the change of the Air or the Country brings a notable alteration of the Blood for so Feavers begun at the times of the Equinoxes are ended about the time of the Solstices also the sick traveling into another Region often grow well As to the cure of it by the Institutions of the Medicines it uses to be done two ways viz. Empirically and Dogmatically and in this Disease Empirical remedies sought from Quack-salvers and old Women are more esteemed and oftentimes do more than the prescriptions of Physicians administred after the exact method of cureing Empirical Remedies which are said to cure Intermitting Feavers or Agues are of that sort which drive away the approaching Fit without any Evacuation and are either taken inwardly or are outwardly applyed where the Pulses chiefly beat viz. For the most part they are bound either to the region of the heart or to the hand-wrists or to the soles of the feet these sometimes are so commonly known to help that some have warranted the sudden cure of this Disease by these Remedies under the pain of some Forfeiture Wherefore it is worth our inquiry how these operate and by what way or means they stop the Feaverish accessions It is clear First that those which are outwardly applyed do immediatly impart force and action to the Blood and Spirits and when they drive away the Fit by preventing without the Evacuation of humor or any matter of necessity the reason of this effect consists only in this that by the use of these sort of Medicines the turgescency or swelling up of the Blood with the Feaverish matter and Fermentation are stop'd to wit from the Medicine tyed about the Body certain little Bodys or Effluvia are communicated to the Blood which do very much fix and bind together the particles of it or also as it were precipitate them by fusing and shaking them and by either way the spontaneous growing hot of the Blood is hindred as when cold water is put into a boyling Pot or as when Vinegar or Alum is flung into new and working Beer presently Fermentation ceases and the Liquor acquires a new tast and consistency whereby it becomes fit to be drunk as if it had been kept to ripen a long time But that these Ague-stoppers do work after this manner it is plainly seen because those which are of principal note do excell in a Styptic and binding force or else with a precipitating virtue hence Sea-salt Nitre Sal-gemmae the Juice of Plantan Shepherds-burse any binding Herbs pounded with Vinegar and the like bound to the wrists the root of Yarrow Tormentile also Campher hung about the neck are said to take away this Disease yea those also which are taken inwardly are of the same rank The Juice of Plantan Red-rose water Alum for that they fix and constrain the Blood a decoction of Piper Sal Armoniac or of Wormwood Spirit of Vitrial also a sudden passion of anger or fear forasmuch as they precipitate the Blood by fusing and shaking it do oftentimes hinder the Agues approach even as the Concussion and shaking much any Liquour or the infusion of astringent things into it hinder its spontaneous Effervescency and rage It is usual with some Empiricks for the cure of Agues to tye a little knot in a Linnen rag or a piece of Paper roled up so strickly to the wrists pressing hard upon the beating of the Pulse that the circulation of the Blood is somewhat hindred and by this means the Aguish fit coming on is driven away Very many by this way I have none to be most certainly cured of a tedious sickness the reason of which seems to be that whilst the Blood is hindred from its motion in
any part it grows more tumultuous in the other parts and so by this perturbation stirred up in the whole Blood the spontaneous Effervescency of the Liquor being about to follow is hindred But that the Fit by this or ony other means being once hindred does not afterwards easily return the reason is Because if this Feaverish and depraved matter be contained longer in the Blood it is afterwards cocted and in some measure ripened and therefore the Blood does not as before altogether pervert either this or the provision coming to it anew but begins to digest and assimilate it besides when the Fit is once stop'd its custom is broke by the instinct of which alone Nature oftentimes repeats those her Errors for as when it has once made a fault it is wont more readily to do ill after the same way so when it once omits its fault it more easily accustoms it self to do better The dogmatical cure is instituted for the most part by Vomitory and Purging Medicines also with the letting of Blood with which the sick are miserably tormented and the Disease seldom profligated or driven away that deservedly this Distemper is called the shame of Physicians but Tertian Feavers are sometimes carried away by a Vomit given just before the coming of the Fit which indeed happens as I think for the reason before mentioned For I have said That the cause of a Tertian Feaver is an evil disposition of the Blood whereby it passes into a four and bilous Nature and therefore it doth not rightly assimilate the nutritious Juice brought to it but changes it into a Fermentative matter wherefore if the Bile or Choler be copiously drawn forth of the Blood that Cholerick and hot intemperance is very much taken away and that Fermentative power ceases of it self But Emetick Medicines do chiefly perform this for if they operate-strongly a Convulsion is not only brought to the bottom of the Ventricle but also the Duodenum with an inverse motion is drawn together towards the Pylorus and the Choler by a continual thrusting forward being squees'd forth from the Choleduct passage is poured into the Ventricle which is presently cast out by Vomit which being copiously performed the galish bladder is almost emptied and after that it becomes a receptacle that draws forth and separates the bilous humor or the particles of adust Sulphur and Salt plentifully poured into the Blood the next Fit sometimes is by this means prevented not because the mine of the Disease is extirpated by Vomit but because an Evacuation and motion is excited contrary to the Feaverish motion and for that reason the spontaneous Effervescency of the Blood is prevented Also by this means sometimes the Disease is taken away after the Fit because this way the Blood is fully cleared from the bilous humor It is worthy observation that in a Quartan Feaver Vomits profit nothing and seldom in a Tertian unless administred presently at the beginning whilst the Feaverish disposition is yet light and not fully confirmed Concerning Intermitting Feavers in general there yet remain some Irregulars of them to be explicated which vary from the wonted manner for unless these unusual appearances be solved this our Hypothesis will seem to be defective and to halt in one part First therefore they are wont somtimes to lack the cold or shaking fit This Intermitting Feaver is frequent in Autumn whose fits are wont to exercise the sick only with heat and that most Violent and in many they come with great Vomiting but no Sweat or Cold then after four or five periods upon the coming on of the fit the sick are wont to be chil and presently after to quake and in the declination to sweat The reason of this was because from the very hot Summer the Constitution of the Blood was become sharp and very much burnt Wherefore the Particles of the crude Juice being commixed with it were presently terrified or made hot and scorched that they did not at first like new Beer grow hot with an Acrimony and then afterwards blaze forth but a turgescency being stirred up like dry wood laid upon a fire presently the whole took fire and broke forth into flames but afterwards the Liquor of the Blood being fired by several fits became less torrid that the depraved Alible Juice was not presently torrified but passed into a Nitrous matter and fermenting with a sharpness which at first swelling up induced the sense of cold to the whole Body When the cold fit was begun for the most part Sweat concluded it which indeed hapned because the Blood being made more watery is more easily resolved into vapour with the Feaverish matter even as a watery Liquor is more easily drawn forth by distillation than what is Oily or of a more thick consistency It often happens in the declination of this Disease when the fits begin to lessen that the sense of cold and shaking by little and little are diminished and at length vanish and the fit only troubles the sick with a light burning The reason of which is because at this time the Blood being somwhat restored towards its natural state begins to concoct and ripen the crude juice so that a great part of it is assimilated but some Excrements being heaped together in the Blood bring forth as yet a light burning but when the Feaverish Particles do not participate of the Nitrous Acrimony the Fermentation of the Blood is induced without any shivering by which what was extraneous burns forth is either subdued or carried forth of doors Somtimes also in the declination of this Disease the fits appear without any burning only with a light cold The reason of which is because the Morbific matter being rather Nitrous than Sulphureous when it is in Flux does somwhat blunt the Natural Heat and by that means is dissipated and vanishes without any great deflagration There is yet a great doubt concerning the intervals of the periods which somtimes seem to be double in the same Feaver that the first Accession answers to the third and either perhaps comes in the morning and again the second to the fourth and both happen in the Evening and so forward wherefore the Feaver bearing this figure is wont to be named a double Tertian or Quartan of which it doth not easily appear how they should be done if the fits depend upon the evil disposition of the Blood and from thence on a Congestion to a Turgescency of the depraved Nourishing Juice for which cause they commonly affirm that this double figure is stirred up or draws its original from a double Nest or Mine but to me it seems most likely that in this case somtimes it happens for the Feaver to be simple and of one kind also its types or figures to be alike and all congruous one to another but the error to arise because the interstitia of the periods are not computed by hours but days For when as the beginnings of the fits are distant one from
Blood and somewhat depraved conceives a Flux and departing from the rest of the Blood ferments with a nitrous sharpness then being inkindled and shaken by the Spirit and vital heat it induces the Fit with a very strong burning A Tertian Feaver is wont to be more frequent in the Spring at which time the Blood is livelier and richer and therefore more fitted for this kind of Feaverish distemper If this Feaver being taken be ended within a moderate time t is commonly said to be a Medicine rather than a Disease which is partly true because by this means the impurities of the Blood burn out the obstructions of the Viscera are discharged and in truth the whole body is ventilated so that 't is wholly freed from every Excrementitious matter and the seminary of growing Diseases But if this Disease be long protracted it becomes the cause of many Sicknesses and of a long want of Health For from hence the mass of the Blood is very much deprived of the vital Spirit and like Wine too much fermented in a manner grows lifeless wherefore the Jaundice Scurvy or Cachexia follow this Feaver being long er'e it be cured For by its frequent Fits the vital Spirit very much evaporates and because it is but little restored by things eaten the Blood therefore becomes weaker and almost without life In the mean time the particles of Salt and Sulphur are carried forth more and exalted from whence the Blood is made sharp and salt and so more unfit for Circulation and Transpiration Moreover This Disease being long protracted oftentimes changes its Figure and from a Tertian Feaver becomes either a Quotidian or sometimes a Quartan then sometimes from either it returns into a Tertian The reason of this is the disposition of the Blood being variously changed which at first being sharp and bilous had perverted the nutritious Juice by that means that it arise to a fulness of swelling up on the third day afterwards by the frequent Deflagration becoming less sharp or in truth more waterish it grows far weaker as to its Constitution so that it doth very little or not at all assimulate the nourishable humor and ripen it and by that means the increase of the Fermentative matter is made sooner and the Fits return daily or else the Blood from a sharp and bilous intemperance the constitution of the Heaven or the year bringing on this alteration is changed into an austere or saltish and therefore more slowly perverts the nourishing Juice and the increase of the Feaverish matter gathering together more slowly it doth not conceive the Fits till on the fourth day but if either by the means of Physick or Dyet the temper of the Blood is reduced from either Dyscrasie towards a bilous the periods also are altered and they resume the figure of a Tertian Certain symptoms are wont to come upon a Tertian Feaver which are commonly esteemed for the Crises of this Disease and in truth sometimes these appearing the Distemper either clearly ceases or begins to abate of its wonted fierceness But these kind of signs are chiefly these three viz. The Erysipelas or an Eruption of pimples in the Lips the yellow Jaundice and an Inflamation or swelling suddenly excited in this or that part of the body very often there happens after three or four Fits to the Sick little ulcers with a crusty scab to break forth about the Lips and altho there be no coming away of any matter in all the body beside yet from hence they presage that the Feaver is about to depart which sometimes the event proves true But indeed sometimes I have observed that the hoped for effect has not succeeded but that the Feaver pertinaciously and for a long while hath afflicted them when their Lips have been broken out But as to what respects this Symptom it seems to arise for that the Blood having got a more free Diaphoresis it not only thrusts forth adoors the more thin and smokie recrements but also the more thick and when the same in other parts more easily exhale thorow the more open Pores they stick in their passage about the Lips by reason of the skin being more strictly bound together and because the vaporous matter abounds in particles of adust Salt and Sulphur being fixed in the skin it there hinders Circulation and therefore induces Pustles and little Ulcers perhaps the more hot breath which is breathed forth from the mouth and nostrils may contribute something to this Distemper forasmuch as it scorches and burns the Blood and Juices flowing thither wherefore it may be said That this eruption of Pustles denotes only a more full Diaphoresis in the whole by which the more thick as well as the thin recrements of the adust Blood evaporate forth of doors For I have known in some from a Tertian Feaver little welks like the small Pox to break out in their whole body that if by this more plentiful Ventilation as it were a purging the Blood be so freed that it recovers its pristine disposition the Feaver is cured But if as sometimes it happens some recrements tho more thick break forth yet others stay within and still cherish the Feaverish disposition those little Ulcers argue only a greater taint of the Blood and pertinacy of the Disease therefore it may be observed when that scabs break out in the lips if the Feaver does not presently abate that it will be more grievous and tedious for the future Sometimes the yellow Jaundice comes upon a Tertian Feaver and cures it which Hippocrates has also taken notice of the reason of which is because when the Blood has got a sharp or bilous disposition that therefore it had perverted the alible Juice and from thence had heaped together excrementitious matter it is oftentimes freed by that Dyscrasie when by a sudden Secretion the recrements of adust Salt and Sulphur are more plentiful purged forth This the Choleduct vessels being irritated by Physick or of their own accord and so pouring out plentifully the Bile from the Blood do often perform because Vomiting Purging and especially a Diarrhea or Lask very much conduce to the cure of this Disease yea sometimes the Blood it self putting forth of its own accord thrusts forth the bilous recrements as its off-scourings and in the circulating puts them forth in the skin and so inducing the yellow Jaundice cures this Feaver When an Inflamation as sometimes t is wont comes upon this Distemper the Ague is commonly said to fall down into the part distempered with the Tumor But that by such a breaking forth this Disease is cured 't is no wonder because the Blood by this means continually lays aside out of his bosom the provision of the degenerate nutritious Juice and transfers it to the distempered part and therefore the degenerate and fermentative matter in the mass of Blood does not easily arise to a fulness of swelling up wherefore the Belly being perpetually loose hath by degrees helped some for that the
Blood by this means readily casts forth its burthen now growing low and not having a more full increase yielded to it sometimes also a Deafness suddenly arising the Tertian Feaver has presently ceased to wit by reason of a continual translation of the Feaverish matter from the bosom of the Blood into the head If that the Tertian Feaver within a short time neither by the free accord of Nature declines by degrees that it doth clearly cease within seven or ten periods nor is cured by any of the aforesaid means nor is removed by the help of Medicine but that after ten or twelve Fits the sick are still grievously afflicted it will be a very hard task to cure it because the Blood from the continual heaping of the Feaverish matter and by the frequent burnings becomes at length so depraved that it concocts nothing truly for the nourishment of the Body and for the sustaining its strength neither is it able to shake thorowly out of its bosom the impurities and excrements whereby the Disease may make a Crisis or separation but in truth the same growing in strength every day the Blood besides its Dyscrasie or evil disposition begins to be hurt somewhat in its mixture wherefore more frequent Fits infest them nor does a perfect Remission come between but that the sick being very weak and languishing are almost continually Feaverish with thirst and heat when it is come to this pass unless they are succour'd by remedies from Art or that the change of the Place and Air bring timely help this Disease often ends in death As to its cure the method of healing is commonly directed to this one scope to wit that the mine of the Disease may be extirpated and that the Feaverish matter may be eradicated out of our Body without any cherisher remaining or fear of relapsing wherefore Vomits and Purges are diligently Instituted which when profiting nothing to the cure but that the Patients strength is very much broken the sick are left by the Physicians and the business is wholly committed to Nature The Intentions as it seems to me ought to be of this sort First a restitution of the Blood to its natural Temper Secondly a prevention of the depravation of the nourishing Juice as much as may be Thirdly an Inhibition of the Feaverish Fermentation that the Fit may not be excited And these Indications take place not only in a Tertian Feaver but in any other intermitting Feaver besides which yet are to be performed not by the same ways and remedies but by several according to the diversity of the Disease of the condition of the sick and of the symptoms chiefly urging However in the curing of this Disease there is more to be attributed to Nature and to a good order of Dyet or way of Living than to Physick 1. Concerning the first Intention to wit that the Blood may be reduced to its natural Temper Vomits letting of Blood and Purging are of great use especially if they be celebrated in the beginning of the Disease Vomitories help both for that they Purge the Ventricle that the first Concoction may be better performed and by that means the nourishing Chyme may be more purely supplyed for matter of the Blood but chiefly for that by plentifully pressing forth the Bile from the Choleduct passage they empty the Galish bag as by that means the Bile is poured forth more full from the mass of Blood and so the Blood is purified from the recrements of adust Salt and Sulphur The opening of a Vein cools and ventilates the Blood as by that means t is less torrified or scorched and is circulated more freely in the Vessels without danger of burning Also Purging plentifully draws forth and by provoking expresses or squeeses out the Bile from the galish Vessels and consequently from the mass of Blood For this end to wit the reduction of the Blood Digestives bring help the more temperate Vinegars or Acetous things forasmuch as they fuse and alter the Blood and do attemper its fervor Somtimes also the change of â—he Soil and Air notably amends the evil constitution of the Blood before all other Remedies whatsoever The second Intention is excellently performed by Dyet and an exact manner of living which in this Disease ought to be slender and sparing wherefore it is commonly said Starving is the best Remedy for this Disease and it appears by common experience that by a more spare eating the coming of the Ague fit is very often prolonged beyond its wonted Custom There are especially two things to be observed concerning Eating and Drinking The first that the food be slender that nothing Sulphureous or Spirituous be given for so the Conflagration of the Blood will be lessened then secondly that the Fit approaching or urging nothing of Aliment be taken wherefore in fasting the Fit is lighter and sooner finished As to the third thing proposed the Inhibition of the Feaverish Fit is instituted by Remedies which stay the Fermentation of the Blood But tho this Remedy seems Empirical and unmethodical and very failable to Physicians yet I have found these Feavers to be very often cured by this means when Medicines have profited nothing What they are and by what means without the suspicion of Witchcraft they afford help for the curing this Disease is before noted We shall here only advertise you that the use of these is most profitable after Physick and opening a Vein if there be need of it and unless these be rightly performed before-hand those other rarely stop the Fit But Vomiting Purging and breathing a Vein unless they be presently celebrated after the beginning yield little help yea more often are wont to hinder For whilst the Blood is strong in vital spirit its evil disposition may with easie labour be corrected or amended wherefore if the Bile about the beginning be copiously drawn forth or the Blood eventilated it is reduced to its natural Complexion but afterwards in the progress of this Disease the Spirit being now very much exhausted and the Salt and Sulphur too much exalted if these kind of Evacuations be administred they do more debilitate the disposition of the Blood and therefore it is clear by observation that the Tertian Feaver is rarely or never cured by these Remedies late administred and often passes into a Quotidian I my self have known some in the Spring time being strong in very good health from a more strong Emetick taken for prevention sake causing a violence by the Evacuation to have presently fallen into a Tertian Feaver and others for some time cured of this Feaver when they had taken a strong Purge for the carrying away of the remains of the Feaverish matter upon it to have fallen into a Relapse It may be readily said that the mine of the Disease being before at quiet was stirred up and brought into Act after this manner by the Medicine But if you consider this thing rightly it may rather be said that from the strong
is only a double Tertian and doth arise from a dispersed matter having gotten a twofold Nest to which I cannot assent and I suppose its begining is to be attributed to a peculiar Dyscrasie of the Blood In this the symptoms of cold and heat are more remiss but its fit is longer continued and oftentimes it is wont to last eighteen or twenty hours This Feaver for the most part follows a Tertian for when the Vital Spirit is very much flown away by the frequent deflagration of the Blood and the Feaverish disposition still remaining the Blood is made weaker it doth not concoct the nourishing Juice or ripen it but perverts almost the whole into a Fermentative matter wherefore it comes sooner to its increase and is gathered together to a plenitude of swelling up within double the time than at first But because the congested matter participates equally of crudity and adustion therefore the heat of the burning is lesser and more unequal and like green wood laid on the fire slowly burns for which reason the fit endures longer Somtimes it happens that a Quotidian Feaver doth arise without a Tertian going before viz. when a Feaverish disposition falls upon a Cacochymic Body or full of evil humors and stuffed with depraved Juices for then the Blood being poor in Spirits perverts in a greater measure the nutritious Juice and in a shorter time gathers to a fulness of swelling up But that which begins an every days Ague oftentimes changes its figure and becomes a Tertian just as a Tertian often goes into a Quotidian because between these Feavers and their causes there is a great vicinity and the constitution of the Blood being a little changed it makes a transition from one to another A Quotidian Intermitting Feaver is not so easily cured as a Tertian For whether it comes at first simple or follows upon another Intermitting Feaver it is still excited from a stronger cause and argues a greater dyscrasie of the Blood which will not presently give way to Remedies But also if this Feaver be of long continuance or comes upon another Chronical Disease it has most often adjoyned to it besides the taint of the Blood the infirmities of the inwards to wit the Blood being spoiled easily affixeth its impurities by degrees heaped up on the Viscera whilst it passes through their Meanders from hence it is that in a Quotidian Feaver the weight of the Ventricle an extension of the Hypochondria Obstructions or Tumors now of the Liver now of the Spleen or Mesentery are joyned together but these kind of distempers are not the cause of the Feaver as is commonly believed but only its product Wherefore in this Feaver besides the simple method of Cure which is shown in the Tertian many other intentions or coindications come under consideration to wit that the Ventricle be cleansed from its load of humors the stuffings of the Inwards freed Infirmities corroborated and that together with these the Dyscrasie of the Blood may be mended and the Accessions of the Feaver may be restrained must by all means be endeavoured from whence by reason of these kind of various intentions we come to the Cure by a longer way In this case Vomits if strength will bear them are of benefit before all other Medicines also Purges whereby the assiduous supply of Excrementitious matter may be drawn forth are often to be repeated Besides these digestive Remedies openers of Obstructions such as restore the Ferment of the Viscera and Blood and correct their evil dispositions are frequently to be administred Wherefore the fixed Salts of Herbs and their Extracts Acid Spirits of Minerals and somtimes preparations of Steel do very much help concerning these main things the task will be hard when by reason of the manifold evil many things are to be done together yet by reason of the assiduity of the Feaverish fit there is leisure for the sick to use few only In Distempers so complicated tho the reason of the method requires the impediments to be first removed and then to Cure the Disease yet I have known this kind of Feaver beset with many other distempers in a Body full of humors often Cured without method and by an Empirical way viz. after a light provision of the whole Ague-resisting Remedies being outwardly applyed have at first stopped the Feaverish fit that then there was time for the Curing the other distempers and more happy occasions of healing were granted I lately visited a Noble Lady who being long indued with a Cachectical habit of Body a month after her lying in being weak and languishing was taken with a quotidian Intermitting Feaver after six or seven fits of it her strength was so much cast down that she could scarce rise out of or sit up in her Bed nor able to take never so little Food tho very slender but upon it most grievous molestations were raised up in her stomach besides the Region of her Ventricle and left Hypochondrium was wholly beset with a hard shining tumor and cruelly painful by reason of her strength being mightily cast down there was no place left for Evacuation but the use of Clysters also her Stomach being very weak loathed all other Remedies unless very grateful and only in a very small quantity In this difficult case circumscribed between narrow limits of Curing I counselled these few things to wit that twice in a day she should take this mixture viz. The magisterial water of Earth-worms two Ounces of Elixer Proprietatis twelve drops Moreover I ordered to be applyed to her Ventricle a Fomentation of the Leaves of Sea-Wormwood Centaury Southernwood with the Roots of Gentian boiled in White-Wine in an open Vessel also that after the Fomentation a Cake of Tosted-Bread and dipped in the same Liquor should be worn upon her Stomach besides Ague-resisting Medicines were ordered for her wrists and with these Remedies only she mist her Ague fit on the third day and remained free from it afterwards then by the use of Chalybeat Remedies she became perfectly well within a short time CHAP. VI. Of a Quartan Feaver IN a Quartan Feaver the period is longer than in the rest to wit which is extended to the fourth day inclusively also its continuance uses to be longer and its cure harder because this Disease is protracted for many months yea oftentimes for years and seldom or scarce at all is cured by Medicines The Fit for the most part begins with cold and shaking to which a very troublesome heat succeeds but more remiss than in a Tertian Sweat for the most part concludes the Fit At the first coming of the Disease the Fits are more grievous and very infestous and keep the sick in their Beds yea they make them lose their strength and vigour of Body But afterwards the trouble is more easily born so that the Fits are suffer'd out of Bed and somtimes in a Journy or being about any business If it continue long it induces the Scurvy or Hypochondriac
distemper and involves men in an unhealthful condition The causes which dispose to this Disease are first the constitution of the Soil and Air because this Distemper is proper to the fall of the Leaf or Autumn that you rarely find this Feaver to begin but about that time also in some places especially about the Sea-coasts this uses to be general or common to the Region and to come upon those living there or Strangers coming thither from elsewhere A declining age which is past its acme or height also a melancholick Temper and which by reason of an ill manner of living is obnoxious to the Hypochondriac Distemper cause this besides long Feavers of another kind and Chronical Diseases often pass into a Quartan Feaver According to these positions and rightly weighed it may be said that a Quartan Feaver even as the other intermitting Feavers depends upon a vitious disposition of the Blood to wit because the nutritious Juice being by degrees delated into the Vessels is perverted into a Fermentative matter and the effervescency of this heaped up even to a fulness of swelling over constitutes the Fit of the Quartan Feaver But as in this Feaver there are some things which are peculiar from the rest we will inquire what kind of Dyscrasie of the Blood it is in this Disease distinct from the others and by what means it excites the very remarkable Symptoms The opinion which is commonly had concerning this thing is very far from truth almost by the consent of all the Essence and beginning of a Quartan Feaver is ascribed to a melancholick humour heaped up somwhere in the first passages and there periodically Putrifying Instead of this we affirm that in this Disease the Liquor of the Blood doth pass from a sweet spirituous and balsamick into an acid and somwhat austere Nature like Wine growing sowre to wit there is too great a want of Spirits and the Terrestrial or Tartareous part of the Blood which consists chiefly of Salt and Earth is too much exalted and being carried forth into a Flux induces the sourness of the mass of Blood Even as Beer being disturbed by Thunder and infected with a troubled lee or dregs grows sour The Blood after this manner degenerated from its native disposition doth not rightly dress the alible Juice and assimilate it to it self but perverts it into an extraneous matter with which when it is satisfied to a fulness in the vessels and the nervous parts are watered by the Juice from thence arising a Flux of this matter and as it were a spontaneous effervency follows by which indeed the Feaverish Fit is induced with shivering and heat as is wont to be in a Tertian In a Quartan Feaver the periods have longer intervals because when the Dyscrasie of the Blood is become sourish and therefore less violent and hot it perverts the alible Juice without strife or tumult wherefore it assimilates some of it and the depravation of the rest does not so far recede from its natural state as in a Tertian and from hence its congestion to a plenitude is made longer and almost in another half of that time in which a Tertian rises up to a Turgescency And therefore those taken with this Feaver are indifferently well and are strong which is a sign that the nutritious Juice is less depraved also the Fits are made without cruel burning because the nutritious humor is perverted into a fermentative matter without great adustion But why this Disease is so hard to be cured and so pertinaciously infests the sick the cause is the melancholic constitution of the Blood which is not easily to be taken away and yields almost to no Remedies The cholerick disposition of the Blood is mended by the frequent Deflagration and ceases often of its own accord even as too rich Wines are depressed by their own growing hot and are wont to be reduced into their due state but this melancholick Dyscrasie of the Blood in which with a want and defect of Spirits Salt and Earth are too much exalted as when Wines grow sour is most hard to be restored and is almost of the same labour and difficulty as to put again life and a vinous Spirit into Vinegar For that the Blood depraved after this manner may be restored it will be needful that its whole mass should be volatilised and as it were made Spiritual anew wherefore in this case evacuations profit not a jot yea by more depauperating the Blood oftentimes the strength is cast down beyond help but they had need to exalt and make volatile what is fixed and to promote a Transpiration or Spiritualisation in the whole mass of Blood From hence it is that in this Disease the change of the Air and Region most often brings help before all other Remedies For the Spring following oftentimes takes away those Quartan Feavers that had arisen the Autumn before which without doubt happens because the changed condition of the Air is wont to alter for the better the evil disposition of the Blood also for the same reason the change of the place most often cures this Distemper inexpugnable to all Physick If it be demanded wherefore this Disease chiefly begins in the Autumn and rarely in the Spring or Summer time I say the Autumnal time doth most fitly produce this kind of Feaverish disposition of the Blood for when very much of the Spirit and Sulphur hath flown away by the Summers heat and that what is left begins to be bound up by the cold the Liquor of the Blood as Wine growing sour by too much heat easily degenerates into a saltish and acidulous or sharp Nature This also the Sea air by infecting the Blood and Spirits with saline Vapours falling on them easily procures yea also the affinity of this Disease with the Scurvy and Hypochondriac distemper plainly shews the evil disposition of the Blood to be in fault whereby it becomes salt and earthy with the want of Spirit Concerning Quartan Feavers the last year was so abundantly fruitful of observations that many might collect by ocular Inspection whatever belong to this Disease for when the most hot Summer was past about the end of it an Epidemical Feaver of which in another place you shall have a description followed then the Autumn coming on when that Disease had ceased a Quartan Feaver began very much to rage that in very many places the fourth part of the people was taken with it neither did it only infest old men splenitick and melancholick men but of every age and temper also Infants Children and young men ordinarily which was clearly a sign that this Distemper had drawn its rise not from a melancholick humour heaped up by the default of the Spleen but from the Dyscrasie of the Blood brought in through the intemperance of the year for the mass of the Blood after too great heats even as Wines after immoderate effervescencies was made fit to grow somwhat sour or to get an austere disposition and
be profitably taken in distilled Water or Whey also a clear infusion of it the more thick substance being cast away produces the like effect but of shorter durance I have taken care to reduce this powder into Pills with the mucilage of Tragacanth with a little cost to the sick to be given to some after what manner soever it is taken unless to those loathing and abhorring every Medicine it causes no manifest evacuation and takes away the Fit almost from all neither is it only in a Quartan Feaver but in the other kinds of intermitting Feavers to wit in every one where there is any remission coming between given with good success It is commonly ordered that a gentle Purge should be taken before this but in some who are very weak and keep their Beds this powder being taken carefully without any previous Medicine hath procured laudable effects In the mean time I will ingeniously confess that I have not seen an intermitting Feaver quite cured by this Bark once taken nay rather the Fits not only of a Quartan but of a Tertian and Quotidian Feaver wholly overcome easily by other Remedies seeming to be driven away by this powder have constantly return'd after a short time For this Reason they who suppress intermitting Feavers otherways easily curable no necessity urging them by this Medicine for a little while only seem to institute a deceitful Medicine and do no more than those who skin over a rotten Ulcer which will shortly break out again in truth in some cases the use of this will be requisite viz. when by the too great assiduity of the Fits the spirits of the sick are cast down truces are by this means procured by which Nature may recollect her self and afterwards may be more able to fight against this potent Enemy also that a Quartan Feaver during the Autumn and Winter may pass over with little trouble this Bark is profitably administred But those who expect a longer resting time from the assaults of this Feaver are bid to take this powder in greater quantity and more often to wit that they should take two drams three several times one after another whether the Fits return or no by this means they remain longer free yet they retain within the Enemy still tho asleep If it be demanded concerning the Nature of this Bark and the virtue in suppressing the fits of Intermitting Feavers it is not to be dissembled that 't is very difficult to explicate the causes of these kind of effects and the manner of working because there is not found as yet in any Subject besides the like efficacy but from a singular experiment a general Reason is not to be rightly fitted however from the appearances diligently Collated we will deduce some Theses in order which may make at least some steps towards if not obtain the verity of this thing It is to be noted therefore in the first place that this Medicine being inwardly taken especially exerciseth its force and energy on the mass of Blood because it does not at all irritate the Viscera neither causes in them any excretion or trouble besides whilst it communicates its virtue to the Blood it doth not at all put forth Antifeaverish property wherefore not always the next following fit but the second or the third is prevented by the same being taken and for this reason that it may sooner affect the Blood it is a usual thing to drink the Liquor very much impregnated with the same powder for so its Particles are more easily conveyed into the mass of Blood Secondly the virtue of this Bark being impressed on the Blood stays in it for some time and that either shorter or longer according as either a greater or lesser portion of the Medicine was taken inwardly for the Particles of this being confused with the Blood are a long while circulated with it and by how much the longer they stay by so much the more they affect its mass and produce a longer effect for though Aliments and some other things taken in for that they are presently overcome by the native heat put off whatever they have of virtue within some few hours this being then assimilated or sent forth adoors they cease to operate yet some Medicines being taken inwardly because they are not easily tamed nor cast forth of doors presently by an irritation stirred up they remain for many days very active and hold a long time the Juices and the Blood in this or that manner of Fermentation this may be observed of some Medicines also of Poysons and Counterpoysons the once or twice taking of which for some days is wont to affect our Bodies for a longer time for 't is an usual thing with Cathartic Medicines when they work little by Vomit or Stool to break forth after many weeks outwardly in Pustles and Wealks yea if Death be avoided from the drinking of Poyson every body knows that the virulency will lie hid a long time in the Blood and Juices In like manner also this powder and perhaps very many other things inwardly taken altho they seem asleep yet continue to act on the Spirits and Humors Thirdly altho this Medicine acts immediately on the Blood and Humors yet it takes not wholly away the Feaverish Dyscrasie implanted in them for as soon as its force is consumed and all its Particles are flown away from the mixture of the Blood the Distemper being only suppressed for a time at length rises up and repeats its fits after its wonted manner but forasmuch as Nature by the space of this cessation becomes stronger therefore after the Relaps the fits not as before but on the third or fourth day according to the first figure of the Disease are wont to return Fourthly It is remarked that this Remedy does not stop the Feaverish accessions as the ordinary Ague-resisters or Febrifuges by fixing or also by fusing the Blood for then the next fit always and not the second or third following after is prevented According to which positions that we may instead of a Corollary subjoin some things concerning the manner it self of working whereby this Medicine seems to act we say it is most likely that when the Particles proceeding from the same being taken are throughly mixed with the Blood they compel it into a certain new Fermentation by which whilst the Particles of the Blood are continually agitated they are wholly hindered that they cannot heap up any Excrementitious matter or enter into Feaverish turgescencies for as after the biting of a mad dog or stinging of any venemous Creatures the Blood it self and nervous Juice are a long while impoysoned yet lest they should conceive presently great irregularities Counter-poysons being taken do hinder their Liquors by retaining them in another Fermentation the use of which if so long continued whilst the virulent little Bodies are quite flown away no horrid symptom is to be feared from that evil being contracted but if the strength of the Remedy being too sparingly
growing hot and which constitutes a distinct kind of continual Feaver is excited from a certain malignant and invenomed Ferment by which when the mass of the Blood is imbued and the Spirits and the Sulphureous part together conceive an heat and their burning is not sooner appeased than that either that malignant matter be consumed and cast forth of doors or else a certain coagulation and as it were putrefaction of the Blood from its corruptive venom is induced by which both circulation is hindered and the Vital Spirit extinguished This malignity is wont to arise either from a certain contagion received from without or from some infection begotten within us according to these ways the malignant Feaver Small-pox Measels and also the Plague draw their beginnings and by their contagion far and near set upon many There are therefore three degrees or manners of growing hot by which the kinds of continual Feavers are determined From the subtil portion of the Blood made hot or the Ebullition of the Spirits the Ephemera arises as also the Synochus of one or more days by the Sulphureous or Oily part of the Blood being too hot and inkindled the putrid Feaver is stirred up then thirdly upon an invenomed taint infecting the Blood and congealing its Liquor malignant Feavers depend In every one of these by the depravation or rather corruption of the Alible Juice fresh carried into the Blood the various fits inequalities and critical motions arise But before I enter upon the several kinds of a continued Feaver it is requisite for me to consider how the growing hot of the Blood in a continual Feaver differs from that other which constitutes Intermitting Feavers I say therefore that the growing hot of the Blood in an Intermitting Feaver depends only upon the commixtion of a certain Fermentative matter and not rightly miscible with the Blood and on its growing up to a fulness of boiling over Because of this heat with the Blood in the Vessels and of the deflagration in the Heart the fit is induced because of its growing cool the intermission follows that in the coming between of the fits neither the Spirits nor Sulphur become outragious but the bond of the mixture being kept whole the Liquor is circulated in the Vessels equally and without trouble on the contrary in a continual Feaver the disorders of the Spirits and of Sulphur of either or both together by their proper Ebullition also without the mixture of any other stir up the Ebullition of the Blood wherefore there are required for an intermission besides the difflation or cooling of the Excrementitious matter a deflagration of the inkindled Blood and a reduction of it to its due Temper The Constitution of the Blood in a continual Feaver is of the same sort as of Wines when they grow hot upon too rich a Lee to wit are mighty in Spirit and grow turgid with exalted Sulphur and therefore they conceive a Fervor and greatly boil up of their own accord without the mixture of any other thing In an Intermitting Feaver the Blood is moved after that manner as Wines when they conceive an heat because of somthing poured to them that is not miscible with them Moreover in this Feaver the disposition of the Blood is of that sort as of Wines when in their decay and declination they become ropy unsavory or acid to wit in which the Spirit is depressed that in the mean time either Salt or Sulphur or both together appear above the rest and infect the whole Liquor with their disorder An Intermitting Feaver for the most part is free from danger because the constitutive parts of the Blood altho they should somwhat change their disposition however keep the bond of mixture and whilst they are in power are circulated equally in the Vessels yea they pervert the nutritious Juice into a matter not altogether besides Nature but rather infesting with its fulness and turgescency In a continual Feaver besides the intemperance the mixture of the Blood and constitution of the Liquor are somwhat loosned and its corruption easily follows wherefore this Disease often ends in death further the nourishing Juice is depraved into a matter wholly vitious and altogether infestous to Nature CHAP. VIII Of the Ephemera or Feaver for a Day I Have said the least degree of heat which induces a continual Feaver is placed in the subtil and Spirituous part of the Blood being too much agitated and heated for this like the Spirit of Wine boils up on every light occasion and conceives a fervor by a too great motion of the Body or perturbation of mind by the ambient heat as of the Sun or vapours by hot things taken inwardly as the drinking of Wine and the eating of peppered meats and being irritated by such like For the Spirits of the Blood easily take fire and being impetuously moved are not presently appeased but they move throughly other Particles of the Blood variously confound and snatch them into a rapid and disorderly motion also from this motion of the Spirits the Sulphur or Oily part of the Blood is more boiled forth somwhat more dissolved and somthing more fully inkindled in the Heart by which means an intense heat is raised up in the whole Body But forasmuch as Sulphur is inkindled and inflamed only by small parts and not in the whole that fervor of the Spirits is quickly appeased and ceases wherefore the Feaver which is excited by this means for the most part is terminated within twenty four hours and therefore is called an Ephemera or a Feaver of a day If that by reason of a greater heat of the Spirituous Blood it is prolonged further it rarely exceeds three days and is called an Ephemera of more days or a Synochus not putrid but if it should happen to be lengthned beyond this time this Feaver easily passes into a putrid viz. from the dayly Ebullition of the Spirituous Blood the more thick Particles of the Sulphur at length begin to take fire and involve the whole mass of Blood in its Effervescency even as the Spirit of Turpentine being shut up in a Cucurbit and being put into a Sand Furnace if it be forced with a moderate heat boils up gently as the Blood in a Feaver of a day but if the heat be made more strong the Liquor grows impetuously hot till it breaks forth into a flame to which the inflamation of the Blood in a putrid Feaver may be very aptly compared The Days Feaver and Synochus simple rarely begin without an evident cause Besides what hath been but now said immoderate Labour Watchings a sudden passion of the mind a constriction of the pores a Surfeit also a Bubo or inflamed Sore a Wound the coming down of the Milk in Child-bearing Women are wont to induce them The procatartic Causes which dispose to this are an hot temper of Body an active habit a sedentary life and difuse of exercise The chief beginnings of this Disease depend upon the
fire grows hot above measure the bond of the mixture for the greatest part is loosed that its Principles are almost wholly drawn away by the Ferment of the Heart and the active Particles being loosned from the mixture break forth as it were into a flame Wherefore the Liquor of the Blood being after this manner rarified in the Heart and as it were inkindled is from thence carried through the Vessels with a most rapid motion and disperses very many Effluvia of heat from its deflagration Hence the whole mass of Blood like water put over the fire continually boiling distends the Vessels pulls the Brain and Nervous parts raises up Convulsions and pains in them very much destroys the Vital Spirits with its heat wasts the Ferments of the Bowels hinders the Offices of concoction and dispensation often depraves the nourishing Juice destinated for the Nervous stock that from thence exceeding great disorders of the Animal Spirits follow yea almost perverts the whole oeconomy of Nature The course of this Disease shews it self after this manner It rarely begins without a procatartic cause or previous disposition to wit the Sulphureous or oily part of the Blood is first too much carried forth and exalted beyond its due tenor which afterwards either of its own accord like Hay not eventilated begins to grow hot or by the coming of an evident cause it is forced into a preternatural heat But when it grows turgid in the first place by reason of the admixtion of a crude Juice with the Blood now a shivering now heat infests which shew themselves unequally like fire which is covered with green wood sends forth now smoak now flame But at length the fire glowing more largely as here the victor fire spreads it self abroad so there sooner than said the whole mass of Blood is inflamed and is urged at once with heat and a most swift motion Nor is this immoderate heat of the Blood appeased before its active particles being loosned from the mixture and then successively inkindled in the Heart are wholly burned out which doth not happen but in the space of many days And then at length this Feaver ceases when the remaining Liquor of the Blood the Spirit and Sulphur being very much consumed being made lifeless and poor is fit only for a weak and small fermentation From this kind of deflagration of the Blood and also of the alible Juice by the same fire burnt out the recrements or little Bodies of torrified matter are heaped up in the Blood which yet do more promote its fervor and ebullition and for a time increase the Feaverish distemper After the Blood hath very much burned forth and these kind of little Bodies are gathered together to a fulness of swelling up the vital Spirit endeavors a separation and tries to concoct and to overcome what it may these adust recrements and then having put a great many of them into a swelling up a Flux being risen strives to shut them wholly out And indeed in the subaction and seclusion of this matter chiefly consists the event of this Disease for if the vital Spirit being strong the Bloody humor when it hath sufficiently burned forth and shall be freed from these adust particles should recover its pristine tenor whereby it is made fit for motion and a due fermentation in the Heart the sick tends towards health but if by a long deflagration and an inextricable confusion of the morbific matter the liquor of the Blood being wanting of Spirits and more pure Sulphur or those same by the impure mixture growing ill being as it were put under the yoak is rendred so lifeless that it is not any longer rarified by the ferment of the Heart or inkindled by degrees its heat and motion together with Life it self decays The procatartick causes which dispose to this Disease are an hot and humid Temper an active habit of Body a youthful Age the Spring time or Summer season a high and rich Dyet besides the often drinking of rich Wines a sedentâ—ry and idle life a Body full of gross humors and stuffed with vitious Juices but above all the rest it appears by observation that the frequent letting of Blood renders men more apt to Feavers wherefore it is commonly said from whom Blood is once drawn that unless they do the same every year they are prone to a Feaver The reason of this is unless I am deceiv'd by the frequent letting of Blood the Sulphur is more copiously gathered together in the mass of Blood in the mean time the Salt which should bridle it and hinder it from raging by this means is drawn away for the Blood the older it grows becomes so much the more Salt the Salt of all the Elements not evaporating But by how much the more the Blood abounds in Salt by so much the less it abounds in Sulphur for Salt eats and consumes the Sulphur and makes it evaporate wherefore they who are lean and abound with a Salt Blood are less prone to Feavers But when by the letting of Blood the ancient Blood is drawn forth in its stead another more rich and more impregnated with Sulphur is substituted so that it becomes less Salt and more Sulphurous Hence it is that those who often let Blood are not only prone to Feavers but also are wont to grow fat because of the Bloods being more impregnated with Sulphureous Juice The evident causes which deduce the latent disposition of this Feaver into act are of the same sort which procure an Ephemeran Feaver and simple Synochus in this rank chiefly come Transpiration being hindred and Surfeiting By reason of the effluvia being restrained the mass of the Blood being increased in bulk grows turgid and conceives a Fervor as it were from a certain ferment inspired anew and cruelly boyls up from thence presently the pores are more obstructed by the infartion of the effluvia and the frame of the Liquor being loosned the particles of the Sulphur exuberating in the Blood leap forth from the mixture and are inflamed by the ferment of the heart as it were by fire put to them and so they enkindle a very intense Feaver But from a Surfeit both an immoderate fermentation is induced in the Blood and also a nitrous Sulphureous matter apt for adustion and an inkindling is conveyed as it were food to the burning Blood In this Feaver four times or seasons are to be observed in which as it were so many posts or spaces its course is performed These are then The Beginning the Augmentation the Height and Declination These are wont to be finished in some sooner in others more slowly or in a longer time The beginning ought to be computed from the time the Blood begins to be made hot and its Sulphur to conceive a burning untill the ardors and burnings are diffused thorow the whole mass of Blood The Increase or Augmentation is from the time that the Blood being made hot and inkindled thorow the whole burns forth
for some time and its mass is aggravated with the Recrements or burnt Particles which increase the fermentation The state or standing of the Disease is when after the Blood has sufficiently burned forth and its burning now remits the long vexed Blood like a noble wrestler when his adversary is a little yielding recollecting all his strength endeavours a bringing under and a separation of that adust matter with which it is filled to a plenitude and also a Crisis or separation being once or oftner attempted an expulsion of it forth of doors The Declination succeeds after the Crisis or secretion in which the Blood grows less hot with a languishing fire and either the vital Spirit being as yet strong overcomes what is left of that adust and extraneous matter and by degrees puts it forth until it is restored to its former vigour or whilst the same Spirit is too much depressed the liquor of the Blood is still stuffed with adust recrements and therefore becomes troubled and depauperated that it neither assimilates the nourishing Juice nor is made fit for an accension in the heart for the sustaining the lamp of Life 1. When therefore any one is taken with a putrid Feaver the first assault is for the most part accompanied with a shivering or horror for when the Blood begins to grow hot there is a flux made and a swelling up of the crude Juice freshly gathered together in the Vessels even as in the fit of an intermitting Feaver heat and somtimes sweat follow upon the shivering by which the matter of that crude Juice is inkindled and dispersed afterwards a certain remission of the heat follows but yet from the fire still glowing in the Blood a lassitude and perturbation with thirst and waking continually infest A pain arises in the Head or Loins partly from the ebullition of the Blood and partly from the motion of the nervous Juice being hindred also a nauseousness or a vomiting offends the Stomach because the Bile flowing out of the Choleduct Vessels is poured into it and a Convulsion from Vapors and from the sharp Juice brought thorow the Arteries is excited in the Stomach In the mean time altho the heat be more increased and inequal it is not yet strong because the Blood as yet abounding with crude Juices is only inkindled by parts and therefore burns out a little and then ceases and at last returns like a flame that is made by wet and moist straw In this condition for some days the Disease remains the Urine is more red than usual by reason of the Salt and Sulphur being more dissolved and infected with the serum It still retains its Hypostasis or substance because the Coction and assimilation are not altogether depraved it appears greater than ordinary in its sediment which is yet easily separated and falls to the bottom of its own accord At this time they may let Blood and administer Physick by Vomit or Purge so it be done without any great perturbation of the Blood it often happens from these kinds of evacuations timely performed that a greater increase of the Disease is prevented and the Feaver as it were killed in the shell The limits of this stadium or space are variously determined according to the temper of the sick and other accidents of the Disease somtimes the first rudiments of this Feaver are laid in a day or two somtimes the beginning of the Disease is extended to more if in a corpulent Body full of Spirit Juice and hot Blood or it happen in a youthful Age and very hot season if the disposition to a Feaver be potent and the evident cause coming thereupon be strong the Feaverish heat being once begun quickly invades all the Blood and on the second or third day having rooted it self the Disease arises to its increase but if the Feaverish indisposition be begun in a less hot Body a Phlegmatic temper or a melancholy and in old age or a cold season the entrance is longer and scarce exceeds the limits of this first stadium or space before the sixth or seventh day 2. The increase of this Disease is computed from what time the burning of the Feaver hath possest the whole mass of Blood that is the Sulphur or the oily part of the Blood having been long heated and growing fervent in parts at length like Hay laid up wet breaks forth after a long heating all at once into a flame the Blood at this time cruelly boils up and very much inkindled in the Heart by its deflagration diffuses as it were a fiery heat thorow the whole Body and especially in the precordia hence the sick complain of intolerable thirst besides a pain of the head pertinacious wakings and oftentimes a delirium Phrensie and Convulsive motions infest all food whatsoever is loathsom either it is cast up again by Vomit or if retained being baked by too much heat it goes into a Feaverish matter besides there happens a bitterness of the mouth an ingrateful savor a scurfiness of the Tongue a vehement and quick Pulse an Urine highly red and for the most part troubled full of Contents without Hypostasis or laudable sediment when the Blood is at this time almost wholly inkindled by its deflagration it begets great plenty of adust matter as it were ashes remaining after a Fire with which the serum being very much stuffed renders the Urine thick and big with Contents Also the Blood being filled with a load of this to a rising up is irritated into Critical motions by which this Feaverish matter if it may be done being brought under and separated is shut out of doors and indeed this state of the Feaver induces that in which a Judgment is discerned between Nature and the Disease the strife being as it were brought to an aequilibrium and therefore the evacuation which follows from thence is called the Crisis The state therefore or height of a putrid Feaver is that time of the Disease in which Nature endeavors a Crisis or an expulsion of the adust matter remaining after the deflagration of the Blood To this is required in the first place that the Blood hath now for the most part burned forth because in the midst of its burning Nature is not at leisure for a Crisis nor is it ever prosperously endeavored nor in truth procured by Art with good Success Secondly that the spirit of the Blood doth first by some means subdue this adust matter or Caput mortuum separate it from the profitable and render a period to the expulsion for otherways tho a copious evacuation happens Nature will never be free from her burthen Thirdly that this matter be gathered together in such a quantity that by its turgency it may irritate Nature to a Critical expulsion If these rightly concur a perfect Crisis of the Disease for the most part succeeds in which even as in the Fits of intermitting Feavers a Flux being arisen whatsoever extraneous and heterogeneous thing is contained in the bosom
of the Blood is exagitated then being separated and involved with serum it is thrust forth of doors when any thing of these is wanting the Crisis for the most part is in vain and not to be trusted and rarely cures the Disease For if in the midst of the burning before the Blood hath sufficiently burned forth an evacuation happens by Sweat a Lask Bleeding or any other way the adust matter is not all separated or else if for the present it be drawn away for the greatest part the Blood more largely flaming out presently substitutes new and will renew the Feaver again that seemed to be vanquished If that this matter not being yet overcome nor brought to a fulness of rising up be irritated to an expulsion by Nature an imperfect and partial Crisis only follows and when the first indeavor of excretion shall be in vain rarely a perfect and curatory succeeds after that one time The Crisis in a continual Feaver is almost the same thing as the Fit of the intermitting Feavers For as in this when the mass of Blood is filled to a fulness of swelling up with the particles of depraved alible Juice and fitted for maturation there are made a Flux secretion and expulsion out of doors of that matter so in a continual Feaver from the deflagration of the Blood and alible Juice very many little Bodies of adust matter are gathered together with which when the Blood is aggravated and is at leasure a little from the burning it overcomes them by little and little separates them and then a Flux being raised up endeavors to cast them out of doors wherefore as the Fits of intermitting Feavers come not but at a set time and after so many hours so also the Critical motions happen from the fourth day to the fourth or perhaps from the seventh day to the seventh for in this kind of space the Blood being inkindled burns forth and with its burning makes an heap of adust matter as it were ashes which being troublesom to Nature by their irritation induces Critical motions Therefore what some affirm is not true That the Crises depend altogether on the influences of the Moon and Stars and follow their Aspects Quadrations Oppositions or Conjunctions because the Critical evacuations are only determined by the gathering together and the swelling up of the adust matter For as soon as the Blood is at leasure from the deflagration and being filled with the particle of that adust matter is able in some measure to overcome and separate them presently a Flux or swelling up being risen it endeavors to thrust them forth by any way which for that they are easily to be separated from the Blood and the breathing places of the skin are sufficiently open being involved with serum are sent away with sweat And this is the best way of the Crisis which if it rightly succeeds very often wholly and at one time perfectly cures the Disease without danger of relapse To this next follows the Crisis which which is endeavored by the Hemorrhage or bleeding at nose for this matter as it were the flowring being moved with the Blood if it be not cast forth by sweat by reason of a less free transpiration is transferred from the heart into some remote part and frequently is cast into the head by the impetuous rapture of the Blood where if a passage be open from the private holes opening into the nostrils the morbific matter leaps forth of doors with a portion of the Blood But otherways being oftentimes fixed in the Brain brings a phrensie delirium or other grievous and tedious Diseases of the head yea t is to be observed that almost in all continual Feavers whatsoever when they are hardly or imperfectly cured so that the Blood is infected for a long time with the Feaverish matter or adust recrements that from thence the nervous Juice as it seems contracting an infection pertinacious distempers to wit watchings also Deliriums Tremblings Convulsive motions and long adhering weakness of the nervous parts follow Also there are other ways of Crisis by which Nature endeavors not at once and wholly but by little and little and by parts to expel the Feaverish matter now by Urine now by Vomit or Stool now by breakings forth and buboes or biles by what way soever that it may be done with a good event it is required that the deflagration of the Blood be past and that the adust matter be concocted and rendered fit to be separated The state or standing of the Disease is therefore not one and simple nor always happens after the same manner but with a various difference of symptoms and tending to far different events But by a prudent Physician a Prognostication is expedient to be given in what space of time the Disease will come to its height or standing and what end it will have If the Feaver be vehement from the beginning and suddenly invades the whole mass of Blood with a burning if it urges constantly and equally without any remission with a ferocity of symptoms for the most part the Blood will so much burn forth in the space of four days that the adust matter will arise to a fulness of swelling up for the making a Crisis But if its beginnings are more slow and the accension of the Blood often interrupted the Feaver will come to its acme or height about the seventh day If it should begin yet more remiss the standing of the Disease is wont to be drawn out to the Eleventh or Fourteenth day In the mean time it is to be noted that as the Fits of intermitting Feavers return at set times so the Critical motions in continual Feavers but for the most part they observe the fourth day for altho the Crisis may be perfectly prorogued to the fourteenth seventeenth or perhaps the twentieth day because all things requisite to the full curing of the Disease do not sooner concur yet in the time betwixt more light motions happen by which the Feaverish matter arising leisurely to an increase is a little emptied and as it were cut off by parts until Nature may be able to enter upon its more full discussion but when the great provision of the adust matter in the burning Blood is heaped up in the Vessels Nature unless otherways disturbed on every fourth day being tyred with the plenty of matter trys to shake off part of its burthen by a certain swelling up wherefore for the most part the Critical motions happen on the fourth seventh eleventh and fourteenth days not by the direction of the Planets but by reason of the necessity of Nature As to the event whether the Crisis shall be good or not certain foreknowledges are taken from the strength of the sick the Pulse Urine and other signs and concourse of symptoms If the sick appear with some strength the fire of the Feaver urging hath a strong and equal Pulse if the Urine be of a moderate consistency with some sediment with a
about the accidents which happen in the first passages lest that whilst we oppose them we should pervert the motion of Nature and lest whilst we fortifie these parts against the course of the Morbific matter we untowardly keep the same shut up in the mass of Blood The Symptom chiefly to be considered about the Bloody mass are an heat diffused through the whole a burning of the Praecordia thirst a disorder of the Pulse a red urine a spontaneous wearisomness a loss of all strength out of which rightly considered these things following may be known viz. what the manner of the heat is or with what tenour the burning Blood flames forth what times of remission or of increase its Effervescency observes in the deflagration whether it retains its Crasis or mixture whole for the burning of it and circulation of it inkindled what strength of the Heart will suffice and what space the Vessels may require so long as the Blood burns what plenty of adust recrements it may heap up by what means it may overcome separate or at lest endeavour to separate the same and lastly what way of a Crisis it endeavours and with what success The accidents which have a respect to the thin Liquor with the Brain and Nervous Appendix are disorders concerning sleep and waking a debility of the whole Body a trembling shivering pains Convulsive motions Cramps of the Viscera Stupifaction Phrensie and the observation of which suggests what the temper and constitution of that thin Liquor may be by what means it waters and influtes the Nervous parts and performs its circutes through them how the Animal Spirits execute the functions of the Viscera what the state of the Brain may be whether it remain free from the incursion of the Feaverish matter or whether it be not in danger of being overwhelmed by reason of its critical metastasis or translation Concerning the habit of the body may be observed what may be the reason of sweating and the manner of it whether only by vaporous Effluvia or by sweats or also by little wealks whether the flesh falls away on the sudden from its wonted bulk Or whether it retains it self a long while What the colour of the Face is And the vigor or habit of the Eyes from these well laid together the course of the Feaver may be best of all measured at what time it will come to its hight or standing Whether Nature will prevail over the Disease or not with what manner of separation and with what success she will endeavor the expulsion of the Feaverish matter also by these signs may be learned by what degrees the Blood growing hot and often congealed doth tend towards Putrefaction or Corruption whether it does any thing concoct the alible Juice poured to it or whether or not it presently casts forth of doors all its provision by sweat as often happens in the declination of this Disease By these symptoms and signs a yet more plentiful Indication may be had if first it be known upon what causes the several species of them depend and by what provision they are wont to be raised up in our Body wherefore I have thought it worth our labour to recount particularly the chief of these and to explicate the reasons of them and their ways of working But the symptoms chiefly to be observed in a putrid Synochus or continual fervor without intermissions are an heat in the whole Body a spontaneous weariness a burning of the Precordia intolerable thirst an ardor and scurfiness of the Tongue or Jawes a pain of the head and loins pertinacious watchings Phrensie Convulsive motions a Syncope Heart-burning Vomiting Nauseousness want of Appetite a Loosness a Flux with which not all at once now with these now with those this Disease is wont to be beset 1. Heat which is felt sharp and biteing in the whole Body depends upon the too great effervency of the Blood and the accension of it in the Heart For the Sulphureous or oily part of the Blood being exalted and taking an heat is inkindled in the heart in a double proportion more than it was wont wherefore it copiously diffuses by its deflagration effluvia of heat thorow the whole Body When the Sulphur is less dissolved and inkindled in the heart as in the green sickness or the white dropsical Disease c. Heat is wanting in the whole but in a Feaver when the Sulphur too much burns forth Heat superabounds For heat depends not only upon the actual inflamation of the Sulphur or the firing of it but an intense heat is excited without fire in many mixtures where the particles of Sulphur are dissolved by corrosion or are more thickly heaped together for want of ventilation wherefore when Iron is corroded by any acid mineral Spirit or when Spirit of Nitre is poured on the butter of Antimony a mighty heat with a fume is produced in like manner when Dung or Hay laid up wet are kept from ventilation grow highly hot it is the same reason why the Blood burns above measure in Feavers to wit the particles of the Sulphur being too much exalted and made hot are more thickly heaped together in the Vessels and are more dissolved and as it were inkindled by the ferment of the Heart wherefore they every way diffuse heat being loosned in the bond of the mixture and every where stretched forth or expansed 2. A spontaneous weariness or lassitude is felt in the whole Body to wit by reason of the Vessels being distented with the boiling Blood also the musculous flesh is very much stuffed with Blood and a copious breath that it is made less fit for motion as they who are sick of an Anasarca have their limbs very unwealdy by reason of the aboundance of serous humor besides in Feavers by reason of the inflamation of the Blood the Juice which is sent for a supply to the nervous stock departs from its due temper that it becomes little fit for the actuating the Body 3. The burning of the Praecordia is made by reason of the Blood being more copiously enkindled in the Chimny of the Heart which from thence boiles forth into the Lungs with great ardency wherefore by how much the neerer this Region is to that fire place of heat it is pierced therefore with the greater burning 4. An almost unquenchable Thirst is caused both from the glowing heat in the Praecordia also by reason of the sharp and hot particles of the Feaverish matter affixed to the ventricle in the circulating of the Blood which indeed desire to be washed even as salted and spiced meats being plentifully eaten or also strong or sour things rouled in the mouth or throat for this kind of distemper calls for a more free swallowing down of Drink as a member too much heated the pouring on of cold water 5. The ardor and scurfiness of the Tongue and Jawes as also oftentimes an accretion of a certain white or yellow or black filth happen without
doubt because of the heat and soot exhaled from the Ventricle and Lungs burning with heat but the Tongue grows white as often as that humidity with which it is naturally much imbued is dried up and parched and so the exterior skin of the Tongue is as it were roasted by the burning heat from hence also it becomes scurfie which is also seen in healthful people when it happens that the Tongue is scorched by broth or any other very hot suppings in like manner as when the Tongues of Animals are boiled for the use of the Table their skin becomes white and sharp or rugged For whether the spittle is drawn from the maxillary glandulas as the doctrine of the most ingenious Wharton hath first made known or any other humor from the glandulas of the Jawes or elsewhere yet because by the reason of the heat and dryness it grows too thick and becomes clammy also then the outward skin of the Tongue grows nevertheless white but also it is covered with a certain filthy glew to wit because that humor by reason of its thickness may smear the Tongue but cannot wet or moisten it but if it happens that the Tongue is inwardly suffused with a bilous humor or outwardly tinged as comes to pass by the use of Choler-abounding Vomits then its hairy nap being spongy imbibing the yellow poyson exhibits also the like colour If that lastly the heat be so strong that it burns the Blood and inkindles a fire more ardent than usual it follows that from the fire place of the Heart the breathing places through the Lungs scarcely sufficing for the ventilating so great fire soot or smoak is raised up which being smitten to the furnace of the Pallat strikes against the Tongue as it were in a reverberatory and infects it with blackness But this same kind of blackness and as other filthinesses of the Tongue is most conspicuous in its middle parts because the more exterior compass is cleansed by its frequent rubbing against the gums and palate 6. Somtimes it happens in Feavers and especially about their declinations that the Tongue palat gums yea the cavity of the whole mouth and throat are covered over with a certain viscous matter as it were a whitish crust which being often wiped off presently new springs again and unless by rubbing diligently and washing the mouth this crusty matter be frequently wiped away the sick are in hazard of being choaked This kind of distemper is most often excited in Children newly born for they are wont for the most part within fourteen days with an external growing hot to be sprinkled thorow the whole skin with broad and red spots if that this suffusion of redness do not freely break forth or vanishes away sooner than it ought for the most part this whitish crust follows in the parts of the mouth This symptom when it troubles Infants after this manner is wont to be ascribed to the fault of the Milk to wit that being to sharp it induces the ulcerous distemper of the mouth In those sick with Feavers it is commonly attributed to thick vapors and soottie elevated from the ventricle But to me it seems most likely that in either this distemper arises from the impurities of the whole Blood and perhaps in some measure of the nervous Juice deposited about these parts for as often as in the mass of either humor any extraneous thing intimately mixed is contained that it is not to be dispersed by sweat nor easily sent away by Urine that most often is fixed with the serous filth about the mouth from whence Catarrhs tumors and troublesom spittings are caused For when for the chewing of the meats the salival humor in this place ought to be plentifully suffused nature very often endeavors to send forth of doors what is superfluous or otherways troublesome by these usual ways of excretion Hence from Mercury being taken when both the Blood and nervous Juice are abundantly stuffed with its most smally divided particles and endeavor to thrust them forth being involved with serum because they are not able to exterminate those mercurial little Bodies being intimately confused neither by sweat urine or by any other ways what is remaining they endeavor to expel thorow the Arteries and other passages which supply the mouth with spittle the same being involved with the serous Latex Also in like manner in Feavers when from a long deflagration of the Blood the adust matter is very much heaped together of which no small part remaining after the Crisis is yet confounded with the Blood and nervous Juice being fixed either to the brain or to some other place from them it is at length supped up again 't is most probable that this matter is throughly roasted by a long concoction and so becomes almost like Glew thick wherefore being not able to be dispersed neither by spittle or insensible transpiration nor to be separated by the urinarie passages but at length leisurely runs out by the little Arteries and other passages of the spittle lying open into the Palat as the most usual way of excretion and forthwith by reason of its thickness grows into that glewiness The same reason holds in Infants whose Blood being made impure by filths contracted in the Womb presently it endeavors to purifie it self by that exterior putting forth which if it do not rightly succeed by reason of the thickness of the matter immediatly the viscous impurities are exterminated by this way as the more open I have known some in the declination of a Feaver to whom not only this kind of Crust of gummy matter has hapned in the parts of the mouth but a copious salivation as if they had taken mercury with a stinking of the breath also a swelling of the Tongue and Gums hath been raised up for many days 7. The pain of the Head in Feavers is excited because of the Meninges of the Brain being pulled or hauled with vapors and with a sharp Blood and hot for the Blood being impetuously moved by reason of the direction of the great Arterie is carried in a greater plenty to the Head than to the lower parts because the passage from the bosom of the Heart to the head is strait from the same to the inferior members oblique and as it were reflected wherefore as the membranes are very sensible and that there the Blood is stopped and reverberated in its rapid course it is no wonder if cruel headaches are excited in Feavers Besides this impetuous flowing of the Blood wherewith as it were by a certain Ramming the membranes of the Head being distended ake grievously also somtime Headaches arise by reason of the nervous Juice which is supplyed from the burning Blood being too sharp and pricking wherefore when the membranes and nervous parts are watered with the same they being pulled by its acrimony are moved into Pains and Convulsions 8. In like manner also the other distempers of the Head as watchings delirium Phrensie Convulsion
c. arise somtimes from the Blood being in a rage and so stirring up inordinate motions in the Brain and somtimes also from the nervous Juice being depraved and therefore made improportionate to the regiment of the Animal Spirits But most often these kind of symptoms are frequent in Feavers by reason of the translation of the Feaverish matter from the bosom of the Blood into these parts For the Blood being full of the adust recrements remaining after the deflagration endeavors like the flowring of new Wine to subdue and exclude them from its Company by every manner of way which a Flux being arisen when it cannot expel by Sweat Urine or bleeding it oftentimes transfers to the substance of the Brain and there fixes them and from hence chiefly the aforsaid distempers when they are fixed and firmly rooted draw their original when as the lighter and that are easily moved often proceed from the afore-recited causes 9. Convulsive motions happen in Feavers for divers causes somtimes because of the matter being heaped together in the first passages which there haules the membranous parts with its notable pravity and then by the consent of the nervous stock the Convulsion is presently Communicated to the beginning of the Nerves in the Brain and by that means draws aside now these and now those parts by which means Worms abounding in the Viscera sharp humors being stirred and strong Medicines induce Convulsions or secondly when the Feaver is a partaker of some malignity so in the small Pox Measels or the Plague frequently Convulsions happen to wit because the Blood is altered from its benign and natural temper into a destroying and venomous by which the Nerves and their beginnings are pierced and forced into Convulsions Also oftentimes without the suspition of malignity in a putrid Feaver Convulsive motions are induced by reason of the translation of the Feaverish matter to the Brain as was but now intimated so I have often observed when the Disease is not presently cured with the Crisis the sick ly by it with a tedious sickness and are made obnoxious to tremblings and Convulsive motions Thirdly and lastly for the most part in every Feaver which terminates in Death Convulsive motions are the sad forerunners of it which I think to happen not only from the malignity of the matter with which the nervous stock is pulled and pierced but because the Spirits very much exhausted and debilitated do not sufficiently blow up and distend the Bodies of the Nerves wherefore being released from their wonted extension and tonick motion they are however by a more weak indeavor of the Spirits agitated into a disordered motion 10. A syncope or swooning is wont to be raised up several ways in Feavers but chiefly for these three causes to wit either from the mouth of the Ventricle being distempered which part as it is interwoven with a manifold texture of Nerves is very sensible and because from the same branch of the sixth pare little shoots of Nerves are equally derived to the heart and to the Ventricle of the Orifice of the Ventricle so implanted with Nerves be distempered with any great trouble it is also Communicated to the heart and either the motion is stopped in it or at least an inordinate one is excited whereby the equal Flux of the Spirits and the Blood is interrupted for a time I knew one in an acute Feaver taken with a frequent swooning which distemper wholly ceased after he had cast forth by Vomit a long and smooth Worm Secondly a syncope also is somtimes induced because the invenomed matter is circulated with the Blood which suddenly fixes and extinguishes the vital Spirits and congeals the Blood it self that it is apt to stagnate in the heart as usually happens in the Pest small Pox c. of which we shall speak particularly hereafter Thirdly a syncope is wont to happen by reason of the more rare texture of the Spirits which as they are very tender and subtil are easily unbent by any immoderate motion or pain so I have known some who being quiet in bed have found themselves well enough but being removed from one place to another presently have swooned away 11. The pain of the Heart happens in Feavers when the Ventricle and especially its Orifices by reason of the manifold insertions of Nerves being very sensible are beset with a sharp and bitterish humor or else with an acid and corrosive for hence a pain and trouble arises from the acrimony of the humor after the same manner as when the sphincter of the fundament is afflicted in Cholloric dejections with pain and molestation 12. By reason of the same cause Vomiting and nauseousness are wont to be excited to wit by the Ventricles being beset and irritated to a Convulsion from an extraneous matter and not akin to it self Such an excrementitious matter may be gathered together in the Ventricle by three ways for either the aliments partly by reason of a want of an acid ferment by which they should be rightly Cooked and partly by reason of the burning heat of the Ventricle are roasted into such a Corruption or Secondly this kind of matter is laid up in the Ventricle from the Arteries terminating in its Cavity as uses to happen in the small Pox the Plague and malignant Feavers or Thirdly meer Choler being pressed forth from the Choleduct Vessels into the empty intestine by reason of an inverse motion and as it were Convulsive of that intestine it is poured into the Ventricle want of Appetite also happens by reason of the Ventricles abounding with vitious Juices and because the acid ferment is wholly perverted by the scorching heat These kind of distempers of the Ventricle and Viscera somtimes arise from an excrementitious matter to wit alimentous degenerated in the concoction heaped together a long while before the Feaver in the first passages which not seldom becomes the occasional cause of the Feaver it self but somtimes nauseousness want of Appetite Vomiting pain of the Heart c. are the immediate products of the Feaver for when the day before the sickness those distempered have been well enough in their Stomack as soon as the immoderate heat of the Blood was induced whilst it boiled up above measure both the Effluvia and the recrements being wonted to be evaporated outwardly also the bilous humor flowing out of the Choleduct Vessels are poured into the Ventricle by which its Crasis is overthrown also the Reliques of the Chyle and other contents in the Viscera are egregiously depraved from whence the aforesaid Distempers draw their Original 14. No less frequent a symptom in Feavers is a Diarrhea or Flux of the Belly which somtime happens about the begining of the Disease and arises for the most part either from the Bile flowing forth of the Coleduct Vessels into the Duodenum or from the recrements of the Blood and Nervous Juice poured forth from the Arteries and the passage of the Pancreas into the intestines All the
aforesaid humors but especially the Choleric when they are supplied in abundance often Ferment with the mass remaining of the Chyme that the same swelling up with a spumous rarefaction irritates the intestines and provokes to the motion of excretion somtimes also about the standing of the Disease and in the declination of it a Lask is excited and so either Nature being Conqueress the more thick purgings of the Blood are this way critically sifted forth or being overcome the Flux of the Belly is the effect and sign of the Viscera wholly losing their strength and firm tenour It somtimes happens in a Feaver that the Belly is always bound that it is not at all loosned but by Physick and tho the sick take nothing but liquid things for many days the stools are still of a solid consistence and hard this seems for the most part to be done when the Blood growing sharply and exceeding hot like fire consumes the humidities wherever they flow and draws to it self out of the Bowels the watery matter by a Copious emission of vapours and presently makes it to be evaporated outwardly wherefore the thicker part being left in the intestines is made firm from the scorching heat as it were a Caput Mortuum remaining after distillation A Dyssentery is a distemper so frequent in continual Feavers that some years it becomes Epidemical and not more mild than the Plague kills many The cause of it is wont to be not any humor produced within in the Viscera that corrodes the intestines with its Acrimony as some affirm but a certain infection impressed on the Blood and so intimately confused with it that under the form of a vapour or a sincere humor it cannot be pulled away from the Blood wherefore the thrusting forwards towards the intestines unlocks the little mouths of the Arteries and makes there little Ulcers and exudations or flowings forth of the Blood like as when from the Feaverish Blood Pustles and inflamations break forth outwardly with a flowring towards the skin But it is most likely these dysenteric distempers which accompany Malignant or Epidemical Feavers arise from a certain coagulation of the Blood as shall be more fully declared hereafter And here also among the symptoms of Feavers might be recited what are wont to appear outwardly in the superficies of the Body as are Spots Whelks Buboes Carbuncles c. but because these belong after an especial manner to a Malignant Feaver therefore we will forbear in this place from the consideration of them until we shall speak of the Plague Small-pox the Pestilential and Malignant Feaver The Pulse and Urine shall conclude here the troop of symptoms and signs in a Putrid Feaver which are much heeded for the finding out both the state and the strength of the sick For as there are two things by which our life is propped viz. Heat inkindled in the Heart and concoction to be made in the Viscera and Vessels because the Pulse and Urine best show the alterations in either induced in a Feaver therefore from hence a most certain judgment is taken of this Disease about to end in Death or Health I think it is not needful to speak of thâ—se at large or to recount the several causes and differences of either It will suffice for me to note here the chiefest things of them and what are worthy of consideration in the course of Feavers And first of all the Pulse is consulted as it were a Thermometer or Weather-Glass constituted by Nature that from thence the heat inkindled in a Feaver might be meted which if it should be more strong stirs up a great ebullition or boiling up of the Blood the Artery beats more strongly and quicker so long as the Spirits are in strength then they being a little exhausted the more strong Pulse is remitted which however is compensated with swiftness and is made quick and small If the Feaver be gentler and is troubled with a lesser burning the Pulse also declines less from its Natural condition and the moderation of this in the whole course of the Disease denotes the truces of Nature Neither doth the Pulse only betray the forces of the Feaver as of an Enemy but shews also plainly the strength of Nature and her ability of resisting So long as the Pulse is laudable the matter goes well and it shews good hopes but from the evil state of this a bad omen is shewn and a despair of Health So without a frequent and diligent examination of the Pulse a Physician connot make a right judgment or Prognostication or safely prescribe Physick 1. As to the first thing it ought to be known as much as may be what every ones Pulse is according to its Natural Constitution for it is in these stronger in those weaker then it is to be considered in every moment of the Feavers by what degrees it is distant from its Natural state for now it is somtimes more vehement and argues the Feaver to grow stronger now it is depressed below its wont and denotes the Spirits and Strength dejected Those whose Pulse in Health beats weakly and languishing when taken with a Feaver if they have a small and weak Pulse it is not so evil a sign that we should presently despair of their Health In whom the Pulse is by Nature strong and vehement if after the Crisis of the Disease it hath scarce a moderate vigour tho it be not wholly weak it argues the condition of the sick to be suspected and not safe If from the begining of the Feaver before the Blood has flamed out or if a Crisis being made when part of the burthen is drawn away or at another time without an evident cause the Pulse becomes weak it portends evilly but if after long watchings or great evacuations the Pulse is made a little weaker Health is not therefore to be despaired of because the strength cast down by these means or overwhelmed may be restored and the Spirits renewed When the Pulse is suddenly altered for the worse tho the sick seem to be better as to the rest of the symptoms you may forespeak the sad prognostication of Death and so contrariwise altho most horrid symptoms urge and yet the Pulse is laudable Health may be yet hoped for If in a strong man that hath a Feaver the Pulse is very small and creepingly or becomes like the motion of Ants death is at hand 2. In the exhibiting of Medicines cautions and rules of no small moment are taken Purging and Vomiting are forbid by the pulse being too quick and violent also by being low and depressed because whilst the Blood is too fervent evacuation helps little because both what is hurtful is not separated also for that by the perturbation the strength or spirits are more debilitated But when the spirits are broken and strength cast down Medicines cast them more down and somtimes wholly overthrows them Wherefore when a Physitian thinks of evacuation upwards or downwards he first examines the pulse
and goes about this work only when Nature is strong and quiet that she may at once be at leisure for the operation of the Medicine and may have sufficient strength Nor is there less need of circumspection in sweating Medicines and Cordials which if administred in the Feaverish fit do too much strengthen the former violent motion of the Heart and oftentimes break its strength also when the Pulse is very languid if hot and strong Cordials are administred as when a small flame is troubled with a more strong blast of wind life is easily extinguished wherefore t is a vulgar observation that Cordials often accelerate death for that by too much troubling the Blood they sooner beat down strength There is yet the most need of the caution and direction of the Pulse in exhibiting narcoticks for these because they perform their work by extinguishing and fixing the too fierce vital spirits if used in a weak or inconstant Pulse either by diminishing the vital spirits render them wholly insufficient for the Disease or by suffocating them too much cause a perpetual sleep wherefore in a languid unequal or formicating or creeping Pulse opiats are to be shun'd more than a mad Dog or a Snake An unequal and intermitting Pulse has a most evil report from the writings of Physitians yet altho of an ill note does not so certainly portend death as a weak Pulse for I have known many to have recovered tho by those kind of signs condemned to the Grave because the inordination of the Spirits and the Blood may be more certainly and easily composed or allayed than their dejection restored 2. The inspection of Urines in Feavers before all other Diseases whatsoever hath more of certainty and is of greatest use for from hence the conditions of the sick and of the Disease are best known and the medical intentions concerning what is to be done are better directed what observations and rules concerning this thing are vulgarly set forth are so many that it would be almost an infinite labour and tediousness to recount them all it will be sufficient here to note the chief of them Concerning the Urines of persons in Feavers there are chiefly to be considered the colour consistency contents and subsidency or setling The colour of the Urine shews the measure or excess of heat in the Blood which as it is increased and becomes more remiss the Urine also is more or less red the cause of which is the ebullition of the Blood or the effervescency induced from the Feaver to the Blood by reason of which the particles of Salt and Sulphur implanted in the Blood humors and solid parts are more dissolved and incocted with the serum and impart to it a redness even as when Salt of Tartar and common Sulphur being mixed one with another and boiled in water impart a deep red colour to the Liquor The Urines of some are highly red when they are but a little or lightly Feaverish and on the contrary the Urines of others labouring with a Feaverish burning are less coloured Who abound with lively heat and a very hot Blood or are obnoxious to the Scurvy phthifis or hypochondriac distemper when by taking cold condensation surfeit or drinking of Wine they are troubled by any little Feaver they render a Urine strongly red for that the particles of Salt and Sulphur remain exalted in their Blood and before half loosned wherefore there is a necessity that the Feaver urging they are more boiled in the serum on the contrary they who are indued with a cold temper with a faint and weak Pulse being taken with a Feaver with a greater effervescency of the Blood render their Urine less coloured The consistency contents and subsidency of Urines being put as it were upon the same thrid depend all of them on the adust and recrementitious matter which is remaining in the Blood after the Feaverish deflagration if there shall be plenty of this the consistency of the Urine becomes somwhat thicker and after it has stood it is troubled by the cold but if there be a lesser quantity of this or otherways derived than to the Reins to wit by sweat or is called away by a critical translation to this or that part the consistency is made thinner and the Liquor remains clear Also the particles of this matter do inlarge the contents of the Urine which shew themselves diversly according as the nutricious Juice is now somwhat cooked and assimilated by the Blood now altogether perverted and carried into a putrifaction some signs of concoction and assimulation shew themselves in the Urines of Feaverish persons now a laudable Hypostasis now some marks and rudiments of the same A want of Hypostasis and the confusion and perturbation of the Urine denote the concoction vitiated But as this matter is more or less roasted in the Blood the contents are now of a pale now of a red colour like oker By reason that the recrements confounded with the Blood either the Spirit being strong begin to be overcome and separated or the same being depressed too much they are less able to be separated also the contents of the Urine are wont to be more or less sooner or slower separated from the rest of the Liquor and to sink down towards the bottom As to the Prognosticks to be taken from the Urine we may take notice that the colour of the Urine being somwhat more remiss the consistency mean the contents few and the subsiding free or easily collected into a Cloud portend good on the contrary a deep red a thick and troubled consistency thick and cloudy contents which slowly or scarce at all sink to the bottom denote a very great heat plenty of adust matter and its being brought under and secretion difficult or frustrated As to the Medicinal directions the business depends on this that we attend by the frequent inspection of the Urine the motion of Nature and be helpful to the same neither is it to be moved by purge or sweat but when a certain hypostasis of the Urine shews signs of concoction and separation I thought it needless to say any more here concerning this matter because those things are more largly handled elsewhere in a proper place which belong to Urines CHAP. XI Of the Kinds and Cure of a Putrid Synochus or contitinual Feaver ANd thus much for a Putrid Synochus in general in which is described its formal reason according to the accidents and symptoms which are commonly observed in its Figure there are besides I shall not say species but some varieties or irregularities of this Disease in which this Feaver somtimes declines from this common Rule and by reason of some accidental Distempers gets new names and distinctions In the first place therefore a Putrid Synochus is wont to be divided into Symptomatick and essential It is called Symptomatick which draws its beginning from some other Distemper or Disease before excited in the Body so that the Feaver is only a
symptom coming upon that other Disease of which sort is accounted what depends upon the squinancy plurisie the inflamation or imposthume of the Lungs or any imposthume from a wound or ulcer in a principle part or its neighbourhood of which we think a little otherways viz. That truly no Putrid Feaver is merely Symptomatical perhaps it may arise occasionally from some other Distemper but it is founded immediatly in the Sulphureous part of the Blood being made too hot and as it were inkindled for without a Procatarsis or preceeding indisposition of the Blood the aforesaid Distempers rarely or not at all cause a Putrid Feaver As to what respects the squinancy plurisie the inflamation or imposthume of the Lungs and the like I say that these are the products of the Feaver or Distempers following it but by no means the cause of it for most often the evident cause went before which produced the Feaverish effervescency of the Blood as a taking of cold evacuation being hindered c. then altho the sick do not openly grow presently into a Feaver yet a greater ebullition of the Blood than was wont is stirred up as may be easily conjectured from the Urine Pulse and inquietude of the whole Body After some days â—nhw sooner now later an Inflamation is brought forth in one part or other the reason of which may probable enough be said to be of this sort The Blood by reason of the effluvia being retained which are like ferment is increased in its bulk and grows more turgid than its wont in the Vessels and when for want of Ventilation it is streightned in the space of its circulation it easily springs forth where it can find a passage through the Arteries and being extravasated from the broken thred of Circulation it gathers together into a Tumor and because from this kind of tumor an heat and pain are increased in the part the Blood is more disturbed in its motion and so the Feaver at first inkindled is more aggravated Further in these kind of Distempers we may take notice of a certain aptitude of the Blood to be coagulated whereby it is made less fluid so that it is apt to be congealed in the lesser Vessels even as it is to be perceived in Milk when it begins to sour for then it will not be boiled nor heated over the fire without coagulation and in like manner there is to be suspected in the Blood a certain disposition to growing sour by reason of which it is made more obnoxious to coagulation for it easily appears that in a plurisie a peripneumonia the squinancy and the like Diseases the inflamation or extravasation of the Blood does not always depend on the exuberancy of the Blood and plenitude of the Vessels for oftentimes the Blood is stopped in its motion with a weak pulse and a sinking down of the Vessels and being extravasated in the side or elsewhere causes a most acute pain yea being driven from one part by and by it is fixed in another and somtimes it begins to stagnate in the heart it self and there oftentimes induces a deadly oppression wherefore some pluritical people are wont when the pains are gone to complain of a great burthen and as it were weight fixed about the region of the Heart And when we have opened the dead Bodies of such as have dyed of these kind of Diseases we have seen the Blood to be gathered together in little bits or oblong gobblets in the secret parts of the Heart and round about the cavities of the Vessels But for that these Diseases are wont to be handled apart from the Feaver therefore we shall say no more of them here It only remains that we inquire whether the Feaver which accompanies these Distempers is to be esteemed in the rank of those that are called Putrid or not To which we reply that most often they are simple Feavers in which only a subtil and spirituous part of the Blood is inflamed and therefore it the extravasated Blood may be restored to circulation by a plentiful detraction of the Blood or an emptying the Vessels by sweat presently the growing hot of the Blood is appeased and the Feaver shortly allayed But somtimes when a predisposition as in a Plethora or fulness of good humor or in a great Cacochymie or fulness of evil Juices brings it on together with the same kind of distempers a Putrid Feaver is inkindled wholly from the same cause Among the symptomatick Feavers is reckoned that which is commonly called the slow Feaver they who are sick of this are more than usually hot especially after eating any motion or exercise the Urine for the most part is red the Spirits are feeble and strength cast down as to their appetite and rest they are indifferently well they have neither Cough nor much spitting but they daily like those in Consumptions grow lean without any evident cause The fault for the most part is ascribed to obstructions in some inward as the liver spleen or mesentery by whose default the aliment is not well Cooked nor rightly dispensed But it seems to me that this sort of distemper is immediatly founded in the evil disposition of the Blood by which it is inclined into a too salt and sour temper and therefore is rendred less apt for nutrition and an equal circulation For the Blood in the Heart just like oil in a Lamp if it redounds too much with saline Particles is inkindled not pleasantly and equally but with a noise and great evaporation of the parts whereby indeed it is sooner wasted and exhibits but a languishing and weak flame I opened one somtime since dead of this Disease in whom the Viscera destinated to concoction were well enough but the Lungs were without moisture and dry and beset throughout with a sandy matter like Chaulk Also oftentimes in this Disease the Mesentery is beset the glandules being filled with such a Chaulky matter But whether the Blood being made more saltish doth first bring in these kind of distempers of the Viscera or whether the Dyscrasie or evil disposition of the Viscera first brings it upon the Blood is uncertain it seems probable that either distemper depends upon the other and that the causes of either evil are reciprocal But the Feaver which chiefly deserves to be called Symptomatic is that which is excited in Phthisical persons from an Ulcer or Consumption of the Lungs For the whole Blood whilst it passes thorow the Lungs in its circulation often impresses on this Inward the ideas of very many Diseases and on the other side receives the same from it being evilly affected whatsoever impure thing is conteined in the mass of the Blood as the flowring of New Wine is cast forth by extremities of the Arteries wherefore when Nature being made more weak it cannot transfer its recrements into the superficies of the Body it deposes them by a more near Purgation into the Lungs From hence a Cacochymia or fulness of ill
juices and many Chronical Diseases end in a Consumption in like manner when the flesh of the Lungs wasts or abounding with an Ulcerous matter becomes half putrid the Blood passing through it is infected with the purulent matter or tabid infection and for that cause is stirred up into a continual Effervescency by reason of the confusion of somthing not miscible and wherefore it induces an assiduous Feaver and wholly perverts the Alible Juice The same reason is of Feavers form an Ulcer or Imposthume oftentimes raised up in other parts for these even as the tabid constitution of the Lungs cause oftentimes a Consumption and Hectick Feaver The full consideration of these are not for this place wherefore we will return whence we have digressed to a Putrid Feaver properly called or essential The Essential Putrid Synochus is wont to be divided into a Putrid such as is already described into a Causon or hot burning Feaver and besides into a Quotidian Tertian and Quartan The Putrid Synochus but now delineated ought to be the rule or square of the rest to whose type most Feavers which are of this kind are to be composed As to the rest but now mentioned according as they vary their kind I shall briefly subjoyn The Causon or Burning Feaver is that which performs its course with a greater heat almost intolerable thirst and other symptoms arguing a greater inflamation of the Blood The formal reason of it by which it is differenced from the rest consists in this that the temper of the Blood is hotter that is abounds more with fireable Sulphur therefore when it grows fervent it is inkindled in a greater plenty and with its deflagration diffuses the Effluvia of a most intense heat through the whole Body its motion is acute and quickly comes to its standing it is compassed about with more horrid symptoms hath a difficult Crisis and an even full of danger But as to what respects those periods or fits in which a Putrid Feaver somtimes is wont to be more cruel at a set time and as if intermitting now every day now every third or fourth day repeats as it were the Feaverish fit the reason of this seems not easily to be explicated especially if we reject from this cense the fewer humors to the spontaneous motion of which this distemper is commonly ascribed concerning this matter what seems most likely to me I shall doubtingly propose In a continual Feaver there are two chief things as we have already noted which for the most part induce the Effervency of the Blood to wit the exaltation and inkindling of the Sulphureous part of the Blood then consequently an heaping together of the adust matter and remaining after the burning of the Blood to a swelling up upon the former the continuance of the Feaver upon the other its standing and critical perturbations depend to these some times a certain third thing happens to wit a fulness and swelling up of the crude Juice from the Aliments newly taken which in a continual Feaver as in the fits of Intermitting Feavers induces a greater Effervency at set intervals of times But why this does not always happen nor wholly after the same manner the reason is this when the Putrid Synochus is very acute and the whole Blood almost is quickly inflamed and highly rages whatsoever of Nutritious Juice is poured to the Blood is presently burnt and consumed by the fire wherefore little or nothing of it is conteined in the mass of Blood for the matter of a fit But if this Feaver be less acute and the Blood only flames forth moderately and in parts the supplement of the crude Juice is not wholly consumed by the burning but is perverted by a more gentle fire into a Fermentative matter which when it arises in the Vessels to a fulness of swelling up conceives a Flux and by its Effervency makes stronger the Feaverish heat before glowing in the Blood as it were by the coming of new fewel The flowring of this matter doth not seldom begin with a light shivering or cold and somtimes end with sweat but for the most part it is exhaled by insensible transpiration In every fit besides the provision of the degenerate Nutritious Juice somthing from the adust and burnt matter of the Blood evaporates wherefore the Crisis of the Disease is drawn forth longer that t is hardly cured under eleven or fourteen days yea for the most part in this sort of Feaver with fits and remissions coming between the perfect Cure of the Disease happens scarcely within twenty days and somtimes leisurely without any through Crisis it remits and then by a long declination it is ended in Death or Health But that this kind of remission and acerbation or growing more violent are varied according to the type of an Intermitting Feaver that they repeat their turns now every day now every other day and somtimes not but within four days the reason of this is to be sought from the Doctrine before delivered of Intermitting Feavers to wit that according as the Dyscrasie of the Blood diversly appears the suppliment of the degenerate Nutritious Juice arises to the fulness of swelling up either sooner or later and for that reason its Effervency causes now more frequent now more rare fits in this Feaver Concerning the Cure of Putrid Feavers of every kind there are four general intentions on which the whole stress of the matter depends First that the Blood if it may be done may be defended from burning and the flame or fire inkindled in its Sulphureous part be wholly suppressed which about the first beginning of this Disease happens to be often brought about Secondly that when the Blood having taken fire cannot be presently extinguished that at least it may perform its burning more mildly and with lesser hurt Thirdly the deflagration being ended that the Liquor of the Blood be freed from the recrements of the adust and burnt matter and afterwards restored to its Natural temper and vigor Fourthly that the symptoms chiefly troubling may be timely helped the which unless taken away will frustrate the work both of Nature and Medicine As to particular Remedies with which these intentions may be served there are various prescriptions and forms of Medicines not only among Physicians but also among old women and Emperies ordinarily in use from which however like a Sword in a blind mans hand used without difference and exact method of healing more hurt than good most often accrues to the sick There will be no need here to repeat the forms of Purges Cordials and of other Medicines eligantly enough delivered among many Authors I will add in few words some chief indications and Medical Cautions which ought to be observed in the course of this Feaver according to its various times and divers symptoms 1. At the first beginning of this Disease the business will be that the Feaver may be presently suppressed and the inflamation of the heated Sulphur may be inhibited to which
the opening of a Vein doth chiefly conduce for by this means the Blood is eventilated and the heated Particles too much heaped together and almost ready to be fired are dissipated one from another as when Hey apt to burn if exposed to the open Air its firing is prevented Besides let a slender diet be instituted in which nothing Spirituous or Sulphureous ought to be administred The Viscera and first passages should be freed from the load of excrementitious matter wherefore Clysters are of necessary use somtimes also Vomits and gentle Purges by which somtimes timely and with judgment administred the Feaver presently after the beginning is extinguished the Food of the fire being drawn away If that notwithstanding this method the burning spreads more abroad and more and more dayly snatches hold of the Sulphureous Particles of the Blood it must be indeavoured as much as may be that the deflagration proceed gently without great tumult 2 When the Feaver is augmented if the Blood be too hot and distends the Vessels very much with a vehement and strong Pulse if watchings a Phrensie or a pain of the Head cruelly urge the letting of Blood may be again repeated Transpiration as much as may be should be freely procured wherefore let the sick keep in bed for the most part let the diet be sparing of the most slender Aliments also drink small and plentiful that the burning Blood may be diluted with a more plentiful Serum Clysters are administred safe enough and in truth commodiously but Medicines whether Cathartics or Diaphoretics and which too much exagitate the Blood are to be shunned with the same industry as blasts of wind to burning houses but rather Opiates and Anodines which fix and bind up the Blood and Spirits are to be made use of also Juleps and Decoctions which refrigerate the burning Viscera attemper the Blood and cherish the Spirits are often to be exhibited acetous Liquors of Vegetables or Minerals also putrified Nitre because they restrain the rage of the Blood and extinguish Thirst are truly convenient Hot waters and Spirits Cordial and Bezoartic powders so long as the Disease is not malignant are not to be meddled with If that the Blood be unequally circulated and is carried more towards the Head than the Feet Epithemas are profitable of the warm flesh or Inwards of Animals applyed to the soles of the Feet 3. When the Feaver is at its standing the motion of Nature is diligently to be attended whether it will make a Crisis or not Wherefore nothing rashly is to be attempted by the Physician the opening a Vein or strong Purgation is wholly to be forbid but after that the Feaverish burning is somwhat remitted from the deflagration of the Blood and signs of concoction appear in the Urine if that the motion of Nature be slow a Sweat or gentle Purge may be admitted which however are better and safer done by the Physician when Nature first by a critical motion hath entered upon the seclusion of the Morbific matter If that all things are crude and troubled the Urine yet turbid without sediment or separation of parts if the strength be languishing the Pulse weak if there be no Crisis going before or only in vain any evacuation either by Sweat or Purge is not to be attempted without manifest danger of life but it must be longer staid for that the Spirits of the Blood may recover themselves may by some means overcome the excrementitious and adust matter and then by degrees may separate it and put it forth in the mean time the Spirits are to be cherished with temperate Cordials the immoderate Effervency of the Blood if it still be is to be stopped and its due Fermentation sustained which in truth is best performed by Corals Pearls and such kind of powders which indeed are dissolved by the Ferments of the Viscera and then Ferment with the Blood and greatly restore its weak and wavering motion In the mean time whilst Nature is labouring all obstacles and impediments are to be removed and especially the provision of excrements heaped up in the first passages is to be brought away by the frequent use of Clysters 4 By what way or method the symptoms chiefly urging ought to be handled will not be easily prescribed by certain Rules because they themselves require somtimes to be presently appeased and quieted and somtimes to be quickned forward and what is somthing more perhaps at another time they are to be left wholly to Nature Some of these are too opposed with gentle and lenitive Remedies but others with more sharp and irritative Physic yet in the mean time it is a precept to be held in all that you dilligently wait upon the footsteps of Nature which if it works wrongfully its disorder is to be reduced if rightly yet too vehemently to be bridled If she works rightly yet too slowly or more weakly than she should the business will be that her endeavour may be incited and helped by the help of Medicine 5. In the declination of the Feaver when after a perfect Crisis Nature is stronger than the Disease the business goes well nor is there much business left for a Physician It only remains to propose an exact manner of diet that the sick may soon recover strength without fear of relapsing also it is requisite to exterminate the Reliques of the Feaverish matter with a light Purgation About Diet they often fall on the Rock of relapsing viz. by the too hasty eating of flesh meats or more strong Food the sick relapse into the Feaver for when the Viscera are weak and the Aliments unless very slender not easily digested and when also the disposition of the Blood is weaker that it does not assimilate the more strong nourishing Juice if any thing improportionate is brought to either the regiment of Nature is again perverted and all goes ill Wherefore those growing well should for a long time refrain from flesh and when at length they use it it should not be unless the Urine shall be like that of healthful people and no more troubled by the cold and then indeed it will be safest to begin with broths made of flesh and then by degrees to proceed to more strong Aliments 6. When from an imperfect Crisis things are grown doubtful and remain yet undetermined then is the Physicians most difficult task The motions and strength of Nature are carefully to be waited on whether it begins to prevail on the Disease or to yield to it If signs of concoction appear and that there is strength a gentle evacuation and only by leisure is to be celebrated In the mean time the symptoms most urging are to be succoured with convenient Remedies all impediments to be taken away and strength is to be sustained as much as may be with Cordials and a right manner of living or diet 7. When from an evil or no Crisis all things turn to the worse and when the Physician almost dispaires of Curing the
Disease he may predict its event suspected and much to be feared But yet he ought not to trust to a naked Prognostication to hinder all things else but that as yet what is in the Medical Art should be consulted for Health tho desperate Remedies may be administred to the symptoms most infesting the Spirits of the Blood almost extinct may be restored by Cordials When we despond of Health life should be prolonged as long as it may and at least a fair exit procured According to the various types but now described of a Putrid Feaver I might readily add very many Histories of sick people and particular observations made about their Cure for these kind of examples are usually met with in our dayly practice so that they are sufficient to fill a great Volumn out of these however with the good leave of the honest Reader I will briefly propose some few respecting the several kinds of the aforesaid Feaver by which their Doctrine and Method of healing them above delivered may be illustrated A Noble Matron about fifty years of Age of a slender habit of Body little stature indued with a ruddy Complection when on the fifteenth day of June by reason of the Summers heat she had put on more thin Garments than she was wont felt herself ill in the Evening from thence she was distempered with a nauseousness and oppression of her Stomach she felt wandring pains troubling her now in her shoulders now in her back very thirsty yet without any immoderate heat on the second and third day almost after the same manner on the fourth day after a Vomit Viz. of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum one Ounce given she cast forth yellow bile four times and had three Stools and seemed to be eased the night following she slept somthing better but on the next day the Feaver being throughly inkindled she complained of thirst a burning of the Praecordia and of a pain now in her side now in her back presently blood was taken to eight Ounces her Urine was of a very deep red thick and troubled without any Hypostasis or setling of the Contents her Pulse unequal and often intermitting the following night without sleep on the sixth day of the Disease early in the Morning a small Sweat broke forth from whence the heat somthing abated which in the Evening again grew stronger on the seventh day a very acute heat with thirst burning an inordinate and intermitting Pulse as also with a mighty restlessness and tossing of the whole Body troubled her on the eighth the symptoms were somwhat more remiss also in the Urine some marks of an Hypostasis she took that day posset-drink with Meadow-sweet boiled in it and sweated plentifully and was cured of her Feaver All the time of her sickness for Food they gave only smal Beer Posset drink Barly broth or Grewel also frequently Clysters Drink and a cooling Julep they gave her at her pleasure This Noble Lady through transpiration being hindred fell into a Putrid Synochus the Effluvia wont to be evaporated through the skin being retained within together with the Choler flowing out of the Choleric Vessels and fixed to the Viscera did overthrow the dispositions of their parts and especially gave trouble to the Stomach and raised up pains and Convulsions in the parts filled with Muscles and Membranes the Pulse was unequal and intermitting not because of the malignity of the Disease as in the Plague but by reason a certain proper disposition of the Heart by which indeed its ferment being not well constituted the Blood growing fervent is not presently equally inkindled and wholly leaps forth but a part of the Blood in flowing in a small then a greater and after some turns the graatest proportion stoping for a moment of time in the Bosoms of the Heart produces the unequal and intermitting Pulse I have known in many others clearly the like distemper of the Pulse to wit so long as they were free from intemperance the Pulse was altogether equal and orderly but if they were more strongly heated than usually by any sudden passion of the mind or too great agitation of the Body presently they were affected with an unequal Pulse and between the vibrations or strikings intermitting perhaps 4 7 10 or 20. and as often as they fell into a Feaver the Pulse shewed it self after this irregular manner When this habitual irregularity concerning the Pulse was not yet made known to me by frequent experience I was wont to suspect still a malignity in the Disease and to foretel a fatal event which hapned otherwise On the fifth day in this sick person the Feaver although slowly inkindled came to an augmentation and from thence past through the rest of the stations with a swift motion on the sixth a light emptying of the adust matter arising to a fulness a sweat being risen and so a certain remission of the Feaverish heat followed on the seventh day this adust matter arising to its height of increase made the standing of the Disease to which at length on the eighth day a plentiful sweat with all things requisite to a good Crisis followed and perfectly Cured the Feaver because as it ought to be those three things went before this critical evacuation viz. first a full and sufficient deflagration of the Blood as appeared by the very strong heat and plainly fiery continued for three days before also secondly a congestion of the adust matter to a plenitude as was collected by the high disquiet and tossing about the preceeding and then a certain Pepasmus or Concoction of the same matter and a begun secretion in the Blood which a ceasing of the symptoms and signs of Concoction in the Urine shewed wherefore the Copious sweat coming upon so laudable a sign so long as there was no suspition of malignity portended nothing but good About the beginning of the year 1656 a Gentleman endued with an active habit of Body without any manifest cause unless that being much addicted to study he used no exercise after it became ill at first he complained of a nauseousness and want of Appetite with a great Headach on the second day he was affected now with a shivering now with heat several times reciprocating besides with thirst and burning of the Praecordia with a scurfieness of the Tongue and an ingrateful savour On that day he took ten drams of an Emetick Liquor by which he Vomited seven times and cast up a great quantity of yellow bile and had four Stools the night following he was unquiet and almost wholly without sleep and in which the sick person grew more Feaverish with an increased heat on the third day when the aforesaid symptoms were grown worse he was let Blood to ten Ounces his Urine was red thick and with a copious sediment his Pulse quick and vehement at night he sweat a little with a short sleep but disturbed on the following morning he seemed to be a little eased yet in the evening
all things grew worse with most strong wakings heat and thirst on the fifth day by a light sweat the heat somwhat remitted which yet a little before the evening returned with its wonted fierceness The night again was wholly without sleep with a continual tossing up and down of his Body In the morning by a little gentle sweating he felt a little ease in the evening an encrease again of all things more cruelly the night also was very unquiet about the beginning of the next day a sweat as before succeeded and a little more plentifully on this day was a manifest change towards health the heat and thirst was a little less vehement his Urine was less red with some Hypostasis thence for three days the Feaver leisurly declined yet every night he had a certain fit but more remiss than before on the eleventh day he sweated more plentifully and was perfectly Cured all the time of his sickness he used a most spare diet taking truly nothing of Aliment besides small Beer and Posset drink made of it he somtimes took drink and cooling Juleps of boiled Barly and distilled waters dayly if his Belly was not loose of it self an emollient Clyster was administred he used no other Physic besides to wit neither Purge nor Cordial But the Feaver being allayed he was twice Purged and from thence quickly grew well This Feaver was a Putrid Synochus as may be conjectured by the shivering about the beginning and then with continual heat thirst watchings and other symptoms grieviously infesting for many days but forasmuch as its intemperature was exasperated every night it might be called a continued Quotidian This Disease made its first assault without any evident cause because the Blood being little ventilated like Wine growing hot of it self had conceived an ardour from the exalted Sulphur the Choler flowing forth from the Choleduct Vessels and likewise the Purgings of the raging Blood being poured about inwardly as it is wont to do for the most part in Feavers presently stirred up troubles and disorders in the first passages therefore by reason of the excrementitious matter there heaped up there was procured a depletion and soon after the beginning a Vomiting notwithstanding which evacuation and likewise a more strong Purging of the Belly by Stool if administred the Feaver being wholly inkindled because they too much agitate the Blood and disturb greatly the Concoction of the adust Feaverish matter for that reason bring more damage for the most part than benefit to the sick The first station of this Disease viz until the whole Blood was fired was extended to the third day and then from thence when the Blood flaming forth was burthened with adust recrements its greater ebullition with a frequent endeavour of expulsion by sweat followed on the seventh day when the Blood for the greatest part had flamed forth and the adust recrements heaped up in its bosom to a fulness of swelling up began to be troublesom the critical motion was stirred up by which nevertheless that matter not being as yet wholly subdued nor ready for separation the Disease was not perfectly Cured but after another period the same increasing at last being stirred up on the eleventh day brought on that other and perfectly Curing swelling up in the days between because besides the recrements remaining after the deflagration of the Blood and reserved for a Crisis also from the Nutritious Juice not presently taking fire but after a peculiar manner depraved other matter in the bosom of the Blood apt to a swelling up was gathered together therefore from the continual increase and Flux of this there hapned to this Feaver continual fits such as are wont in Intermitting Feavers on set days and hours suffocating Catarrh For this kind of distemper as also the Cough with great spitting arises not for that the watery humor as is commonly said falls from the head into the throat and lungs but because the serous Latex is poured forth now from the pneumonic vessels immediately into the lungs now dropping forth from the Arteries opening into the larynx falls down on the breast on the third day from the same serous humor with a portion of the Blood being fixed in the side the acute pain arose for the Blood beginning to grow fervent when as yet it did contain in it self a crude matter and as it should seem somthing sour from the degenerate alible juice deposed the same because it could not cast it forth of doors by sweat by a proper lustration or purging through the intercostal Arteries into the membrane surrounding the Ribs and there as it is always wont in a Plurisie either by coagulation which may be lawfully suspected or by the shutting up of the vessels the Blood being intangled with the same matter is stopped in its motion then being increased in its bulk by a new coming still of the Blood it causes a break of the union and so an acute pain That in this sick woman the same kind of matter disturbing the mass of Blood with a portion of it extravasated was fixed about the Pleura it from thence hapned because the pain urging the urine was clear and not full of contents then when the vessels by reason of Phlebotomie being emptied they supped up again that matter into its mass before exterminated from the Blood the urine presently became troubled and again big with contents The pulse was unequal and intermitting because of the idiocrasie or proper disposition which she was wont to have in every intemperature for when I cured this woman of a Feaver many years before her pulse being unequal and intermitting had struck a fear in me and others of a sad presage concerning the event of the disease which however at that time as also in this sickness ceased prosperously without any horrid Symptom A strong young man and corpulent after immoderate exercise about the Summer solstice and then a sudden cold coming upon the heat found himself ill At first a want of Appetite nauseousness and cruel pain of the head as also thirst and a more intense heat than usual troubled him on the second day an acute pain invaded him â—n his right side with a Cough and difficult breathing Blood being presently taken plentifully from the Arm of the same side that pain remitted somwhat which yet in the evening returned being made more cruel by a Cough and bloody spittle The night followed without sleep and very unquiet on the third day he was again let blood besides Liniments and fomentations were applyed to his side Moreover pouders Juleps and antipleuretick decoctions being taken inwardly about night the pain almost wholly ceased Then by and by he was afflicted with a cruel headach and a vertigo on the fourth day a stream of Blood fell from his right nostril about two ounces by which the pain of his head clearly ceased and the vertigo but in the Evening the pain in the side before distempered returned with greater fierceness In the mean
time his Pulse was small and weak that when it was consulted upon for the letting him blood again 't was thought dangerous lest his dejected strength would not admit of such a remedy wherefore Phlebotomie was performed only in a very small quantity and a fomentation and a Cataplasme was prescribed to be diligently applyed to his side besides twenty drops of the spirit of Harts-horn to be taken in a spoonful of Cordial Julep and the same to be repeated continually within the space of six hours He sweat that night very much and the pain much remitted his spitting was but little interspersed with Blood which within a day wholly ceased and the pain also leisurely vanished The sick man took twice a day a scruple of the same spirit of Harts-horn and within a few days he grew perfectly well without relapsing This Feaver was a simple Synochus stir'd up from the evident cause viz. a Constriction of the pores as soon as the Blood began to be somwhat filled with adust recrements and so to swell up more the matter which should have been separated by reason of its peculiar evil was transferred into the Pleura and being there fixed compelled the Blood coming to it to be coagulated and therefore to be stopped in its circulation and when it could not be received by the veins presently to be extravasated from hence hapned the acute pain in the side and bloody spittle by and by after the beginning of this Disease then afterwards the same matter being thrust out of that nest which it had got and being supped up again into the mass of Blood was fixed in the head and there inducing the like stagnation of the Blood and as it is probable coagulation caused the vertigo and cruel pain which nevertheless was quickly cured by the hemorrhage being arisen by reason of the extravasated Blood A part of the morbific matter being after this manner drawn away the other part resumed by the Blood was again conveyed to its usual nest to wit the side before distempered where depositing its latex to wit a portion of the Blood it did coagulate it again and compelled it to be extravasated or to flow out of the vessels For that pain being renewed on the fourth day with the bloody spittle from the ebullition of the Blood too extreamly and therefore flowing out of the vessels would not be brought away because at that time the Pulse was small and weak with a falling down of the vessels that indeed the Blood was thought to have been run all out of the vessels for that being coagulated by the morbific matter and therefore tho expulsed the Arteries yet not being able to be carried back by the veins it was stopped in its circulation Upon this an acute pain followed because the Blood being heaped together by its frequent approach and elevated into a Tumor made a dissolution of the union also by and by from the beginning a bloody spittle came upon it because the Blood being restrained within in the Body somwhere in its motion by reason of the most tender and easily opening little mouths of the vessels ran forth into the Cavities when to the same outwardly extravasated by reason of a more thick skin and the mouths of the little vessels being locked up no way lay open unless by its being made and ripened into an Imposthume The opening of a vein profited in the beginning of the Pleurisie because it restrained the Blood somwhere hindred in its circuit from too great effervency but especially for that when the vessels were by that means greatly emptied they did again receive and render fluent whatsoever humors were before exterminated and also the Blood beginning to stagnate in the distempered part Also the remedies helping most about the beginning of this Disease were of that sort which hinder the coagulation of the Blood or dissolve it in the coagulating such they are which abound very much with a volatile or an alchalisate Salt to wit spirit of Soot of Blood Harts-horn also spirit and salt of Urine the pouder of the claws and eyes of Crabs of a Boars tooth or the Jaw of a Pike are of known use Among the common people it is a custom to drink an infusion of Horse dung which medicine indeed I have known often to have brought help in deplorable cases In the mean time all acid things whatsoever because they more coagulate the Blood and hinder expectoration are highly hurtful in this Disease CHAP. XII Of a malignant or pestilential Feaver in general BEsides the continual Feaver which is already-described and which arises from some principle of the Blood being too much carried forth there is another species of this which is stirred up by reason of the Blood being touched with some invenomed Infection and therefore liable to enter into various coagulations and corruptions In which not only the Spirit and the Sulphur as in a Putrid Feaver rage and compel the Blood to grow immoderately hot but besides the mixture of the Blood is presently dissolved and its liquor goes into parts and so most horrid Symptoms with manifest danger of life are induced in this sort of distemper Under this rank we comprehend malignant and pestilential Feavers the Plague small-Pox and Measles of which we shall speak presently Pestilential Diseases wander so in the dark and have an unknown original that their causes and beings are seldom explicated without having a recourse to occult qualities By the unanimous consent of all the strength and power of these are placed in an invenomed matter because we perceive from a pestilent distemper strength suddenly to be overthrown and life quickly destroyed no otherwise than from the driâ—king of Poyson And therefore for the explicating the nature of the pestilence it will not be besides the matter first to inquire concerning Poyson in general and by what means it distempers our Bodies then to shew what sort of Poyson is sprinkled in the Plague and contagious Diseases which being performed we will treat particularly of the Diseases but now recited Every thing deserves the name of Poyson which striking into our Body after an occult manner vehemently hurts the temper and actions of any part or of the whole profligates the Spirits or perverts their motions solves the mixtures of the Liquors and induces Coagulations and Corruptions destroys the functions and ferments of the Viscera and so suddenly and hiddenly brings life into danger of these which after this manner lie in wait for us there is a mighty plenty and very rich provision in the nature of things oftentimes they are inly begotten within our body outwardly they are abundantly supplyed from every Coast and out of every tract of Earth water and air these daily arise out of the distinct families of minerals vegetables and Animals and so mingle themselves with our food yea with our medicine that we may complain with Plinie quod non sit fateri an rerum natura largius mala an remedia genuerit That
it was not known whether Nature had begot greater Evils or Remedies As there is great varieties of Poysons so as to their Subjects and ways of hurting there is no less diversity of them for the most Poysons in their whole substance are said to be contrary to us that whatsoever they come to with a burning force and like fierce fire they reduce into ashes yet out of these some being noted for a peculiar raising of hurt do more endammage one part or substance than another The subjects on which the taint of Poyson is next and more immediatly inflicted are twofold to wit the animal Spirits or the spirituous subtil Liquor flowing in the Brain and nervous stock and the Blood flowing in the Vessels and heart when the object is carried only to one or being improportionate at one to either that from thence the disposition of the Liquors or of the containing parts is overthrown whereby the necessary functions for the performing of life and sense are restrained and this done latently and as it were unforeseen these kind of distempers we ascribe to Poyson The nervous bodies with the animal Spirit are not invaded wholly after the same manner by every sort of Poysons for they are tormented now with a Stupor now with Convulsions and those of divers kinds and manners The bile of a Tarantula causes dancing A power sent from the Torpedo by the Angle or lines of the Net stupifies the hand of the Fisher The roots of the wild Parsnip or the seeds of Lolium or Darnel being eaten make men mad Opium Mandrakes Henbane and the like cause deep and somtimes deadly sleep These and many others chiefly impress their Poyson on the spirituous or animal faculty without any great perturbation of the Blood or hurt brought to the heart There are also some Poysons which most of all insinuate their malignity to the mass of Blood wherefore from some Medicines there have been produced a yellow or black Jaundice somtimes a Leprosie or leprous distempers and swellings of the whole body vapours breaking forth from secret hollows of the Earth also from Coals newly inkindled often suffocating the vital Spirits at once congeal the Blood and stop it in its motion whereby the flame of life in the heart could not be continued How much corruption of the mass of Blood is imparted from the pestilent Infection is perspicuous to every one from the spots and Whelks which are as it were the marks of the blasted Blood If the hurt being first inflicted to either viz. The regiment of the Heart or Brain be more lightly made it is for the most part cured without any great offence to either wherefore Convulsive motions Stupifaction Lethargie Melancholy Paralytick distempers do not seldom begin with a laudable Pulse and without an immoderate effervescency of the Blood and then if the distemper does not get strength leisurely end and cease There are other Poysons which often deprave the Blood and by dissolving its mixture corrupt it in the mean time the animal functions remain whole enough But if the ferment of the Poyson be stronger and hath more deeply fixed its roots presently the Poyson is dispersed from one Province to the other for when the nervous parts swell up with a virulent juice a portion of the Poyson is carried with the nervous Latex returning through the Lymphatick Vessels into the veins easily into the bosom of the Blood and infects its mass with the evil with which it was big also from the Blood being grievously impoysoned the juice by which the nerves are watered quickly contract the infection hence mad men are in a Feaver and those taken with a pestilent Feaver are most often tormented with a Delirium or Phrensie Concerning these things we must consider what the alteration is or the impression of hurt which is inflicted from the Poyson to the animal Spirit with the brain and nervous appendex and what also to the Blood with the Heart and the annexed Vessels tho here it is not in the power of humane skill or wit plainly to shew or as it were point out with the finger the manner of its being done yet we may be able to attain to some little knowledge of this thing by reasoning and by comparing it with other distempers Concerning the former we shall observe that the subtil Liquor or animal Spirits wherewith the Nervous Bodies are blown up and by whose expansion sense and motion perform their reciprocal actions are easily perverted from their tensity and equal expansion for as the Nerves are of a soft texture and the Spirits which abound in them of a very subtil substance they cannot endure any strong or vehement objects wherefore when any violent or improportionate thing falls on them they are often compelled from their expansion and excursion into flight and a running backward and not seldom into irregularities of motions wherefore sudden passions of the mind distract them and drive them into Spasms and Convulsions when the Alible Juice by which they are repaired is supplyed too sharp sour or austere they suffer now Palsies and now contractures If that some object more incongruous such as we have affirmed Poyson to be should be offered whose Particles are indued with such fierceness or are of such a kind of configuration that when they grow impetuously hot with the Nervous Liquor they shake or lose here and there its more subtil or spirituous part or wholly drive it away and fix the remaining Liquor either with a styptic force or by ebullition force it into inordinate motions hence of necessity evil distempers of the Brain and Nervous parts arise viz. somtimes a Convulsion Trembling Shivering somtimes loosnings or a stupefaction and other symptoms of more grievous note What things after this manner infect the Nervous Juice with Poyson are now more thick and only when they are applyed in a very Corporeal substance do inflict their hurt now they are thin and being resolved even into a vapour or breath pour forth from a certain little prick the ferment of Poyson through the whole Nervous stock Somtimes the Poyson of some hurtful thing being eaten first begins its Tragedy in the Ventricle more often by a naked touch leaves on the superficies of the Body a virulent taint which easily and quickly with its ferment contaminates the Spirits dispersed through the whole The Infection wherever inflicted either within or without is more largely dispersed from the extremities of the Nerves by their easie passage being from thence brought into consent of the evil by the very many little shoots of the same branch Often a more light touch of an invenomed thing by the finger or extremity of any other member presently communicates to the Brain the received infection and from thence it is retorted into the whole Body and the farthest members the reason of this is that both the Particles of the Nervous Juice and of the same invenomed infection are so light and ready for motion that they
pass through most swiftly as the Rays of light through a Diaphanous medium the whole mass of one another 2. As often as the Blood contracts hurt from some Poysonous thing the Poyson is fixed within either slow and of lesser activity which does not presently betray it self nor break forth into cruel symptoms till of a long time after it is ripened by a silent fermentation and hath first infected the whole mass of Blood as may be observed in some Poysons which are said to kill at a distance and not till after some months or years Or the Poysons inspired into the Blood are imbued with a much more acute sting that from their Contagion the Infection contracted presently breaks forth into cruel symptoms and thereupon follows now a Feaverish effervency with Vomiting Thirst and burning of the Precordia now a swelling up of the whole Body a discoloration of the skin oftentimes a breaking forth of whelks and buboes and frequently also a sudden loss of all strength so that sudden death without tumult and almost insensibly steals upon one where by the way it is to be noted If the Spirits of the Blood provoked by the enemy are able to encounter him and to strive for the victory this Feaverish ebullition of the Blood is stirred up from the conflict but if the Particles of the Poyson being far stronger suddenly profligate the Spirits of the Blood and extinguish life presently the Bloody mass is corrupted neither can it be circulated in the Vessels nor rightly inkindled in the heart If it be yet demanded what mutations the Blood infected with Poyson undergoes either in its substance or consistency that for that reason it is rendered unfit for the sustaining of Life I answer after this manner some Poysons fuse the Blood and too much precipitate its serosity such are Medicines which by a strong killing Purging or by a Profluvium of Urine or a discoloration or swelling up of the whole Body or with an eruption of Pustules cause a very great secretion of the serous Latex in the mean time a great ebullition of the mass of Blood is induced whereby the Vital Spirits are greatly destroyed the Particles of Salt and Sulphur too much exalted by the Concoction and are often so roasted that a Yellow or Black Jaundies is caused There are Poysons of another kind far more dangerous which congeal the Blood and by destroying its mixture corrupt it viz. the first induce a congelation to the Bloody mass and then a Putrefaction for when the Spirits of the Blood being overthrown by the contagion of the Poyson are dissipated the equal mixture of the Liquor is loosned wherefore the more thick Particles mutually infold one another and like Milk when Rennet is put to it or growing sowr of it self are coagulated apart hence the Blood curdles in the Vessels that it is less readily circulated in them coagulated portions of this being inwardly diluted into the bosom of the Heart are apt to stagnate there and so to bring forth frequent syncopes and swounings being carried outwardly and in the circulating fixed in the skin somtimes being more plentifully heaped together they induce a suffusion of blackness through the whole somtimes being more sparingly dispersed they cause only spots or Purple marks like black and blew stroaks and other appearances of malignity But the coagulation of the Blood quickly disposes it to putrefaction or corruption as is seen in extravasated Blood which is wont to grow soon black and putrid For the Spirit being exhaled the Particles of Sulphur and Salt remaining in the Blood begin to go apart one from another and to break the bond of the mixture from whence follows Putrefaction These things being thus premised of Poyson in general the reason of the method requires that we enter upon the handling of Feavers which draw their Original altogether from a malignant and invenomed infection and as under this title the Pest or Plague easily obtains the chief place I will begin with its consideration and afterwards I will speak of malignant Feavers Small-pox and Measels in order But yet before I shall propose its definition I will briefly inquire of the pestiferous Poyson what its disposition and Nature may be also from whence it may be born and lastly by what means it is propagated into others by contagion For the expressing the Nature of the Plague Authors are wont to choose some invenomed Bodies and from their names to frame an Elogy of this most wicked Disease wherefore in the definition of the pest are commonly recounted the Nepelline Aconital and Arsenical Poyson the Lethiferous force of which however as it consists in a very thick matter and does not exert or put forth itself but by a Corporal contact doth not truly imitate the essence of the Pestilential Disease for this is founded in a Spiritual and Vaporous infection by which its Effluvia being every way diffused so potently unfold themselves that out of the best seminary or seed plot they quickly propagate a fruitful Crop of death and destruction By reason of its notable activity this infection may deserve to be called as it were a certain quintessence of Poyson the very agil and subtil Particles of this do penetrate all Bodies and inspire them with its ferment for either being dispersed through the Air or hid in a certain tender or cherishing nest tho they strike against the human Body but lightly and as it were through a Casement they easily subdue it for both the Animal Spirits and those of the blood they quickly infect and by that means shortly pour forth the Venomous taint into all the members When a Pestilential Breath or Vapour hath invaded any one and that Poyson hath first laid hold on the Animal Spirits or those of the Blood or both of them at once as hath been already said of Poysons the taint is quickly derived from the subtil and more thin substance of these into a more thick matter because it quickly ferments the whole mass of Blood or of the Nervous Juice and the excrementitious humors every where abounding and from thence is deduced into the solid parts and fixes the evil in them If this Disease first possesses the Animal Spirits presently the hurt is communicated to the Brain and the Nervous stock and especially to the Ventricle forthwith it impoysons the humour growing in these loosens its mixture perverts the regular motion and renderr it wholly incongruous and infestous to the more tender substance of the containing parts by and by from thence Cramps and Convulsive motions cruel Vomitings pains of the Heart also Phrensies deliriums or pertinacious watchings are stirred up about the first assault of the Disease when in the mean time the infection not being yet dispersed through the Blood the sick are not Feaverish nor are troubled with inordinate Pulse or Syncope or appearances of marks which symptoms however arise afterwards as soon as the Blood is infected If when the Spirits of the
motion of the Blood is a little hindred a tumour at first small is induced which afterwards by a malignant ferment unfolding it self more largely being leisurely increased creeps into the neighbouring part A suppuration follows not because the matter being extravasated and stagnating is not concocted and digested by a gentle heat but by reason of the particles of the outrageous Sulphur together with the carried forth Salt being heaped up in these Tumors and because of the stagnation they being presently loosened from the mixture a burning is excited as if a Cautery were affixed to the part pieces and lobes of skins eaten as it were from a covered Eschar fall off because the Corrosive venom impacted in the Muscles gnaws not only to the superficies but those that lie transvers through the whole substance wherefore before all the flesh is consumed with the membranes in which the eaten pieces were invalved some piece as it were cut off from the rest falls away A Carbuncle oftentimes but one oftentimes more arise somtimes they are alone somtimes they are accompanied with a Bubo A pestilent Bubo springs forth only in glandulous places into whose substance goes not only the Blood congealed by the Poyson and carried through the Arteries but the nervous juice heaped up there and carried back into the Veins Because this Tumor happens from less torrid juices and in part more frigid therefore it partakes of suppuration For the matter being leisurely heaped together when by reason of the stagnation the vital Spirit being departed it had lost the form of Blood it was by a long concoction converted into matter from the particles of Salt and Sulphur exalted and restrained in the Tumor But that these Tumors only happen in the Glandulas the reason is not that by the destination of Nature the nest or tinder of the Disease is carried to these parts but as the particles of the virulent infection abound every where in the Blood and nervous juice they are more readily gathered together as in a common Family and where the Blood being dilated to the extream parts of the Arteries and is so not readily received and carried back by the veins and also the alible juice to be carried back from the nerves into the veins is deposed either of these as it appears clearly by late observations of Anatomists and by experience are made or done about the Glandulas wherefore when in these parts either humors being stuffed with the pestilent seeds of the contagion come together at once as it were the nest of the malignity because of the virulency here deposed from either is blown up Whelks fiery inflamations and purple spots in respect of the venom are of the same stuff as the Tumors but now described but in these the product of the virulency consists in a lesser substance yet with greater danger by reason of the seeds of the Poyson being more dispersed more small portions of the coagulated Blood being fixed in the skin constitute these lesser appearances wherefore out of these some being increased are ripened into little itching blisters others by reason of a certain blasting or deadness of the corrupted Blood grow into black and blew and purple Spots Altho the Plague by reason of its sudden secret and very swift assault upon sick people hardly gives time or place for a prognostick and when this Disease by reason of the occult manner of hurting contains in it self nothing that is not suspected yet there are some signs that appear in its course by which we are wont to foretel either Life or Death The business is then desperate if the Disease pass presently into an Epidemical distemper and makes violent assaults if that bleeding or only a small sweat follows in the beginning of the Disease if the Urine be thick and troubled the Pulse unequal and weak if a Convulsion or a Phrensie presently follow if the Vomits or Stools are blewish black or highly stinking if the Whelks at first contract a redness afterwards a blewness if the Carbuncles are many if the Buboes at first swelling up disappear if strength be suddenly lost the face horrid or grows black and blew if with a shivering of the outward parts there be an heat of the bowels especially if these or many of them happen in a body full of ill humors or in an unwholsom season On the contrary the sick may be bid to be of good chear if the condition of the Pestilence be lighter and less deadly if the Disease happens in a robust and healthful body with a strong mind if remedies may be timely had before the Disease hath possessed the whole mass of Blood Also if with a continuance of strength high and equal Pulse a suppuration of the Buboes and a large profusion of matter with the absence of more horrid Symptoms the course of the Disease is performed In the mean time altho here we may hope all good yet we are not to be secure because somtimes the snares of life are laid privily with the laudable appearance of signs and we suffer most grievously as from a reconciled Enemy whose fierce threatnings we seemed to have shun'd Concerning the curing of very many sicknesses the business is chiefly committed to Nature to whose necessity Physick is the Midwife and the office and science of a Physician chiefly is busied in these that occasions of giving convenient aids to this labouring be attended but the Plague hath this peculiar that its cure is not at all to be left to Nature but that it is to be endeavoured any way by remedies gathered from Art Nor are we to be solicitous of a more opportune or as it were a gentler time but Medicines are most quickly to be prepared and we must not stay for them some hours no nor minutes But because whilst the Pestilence reigns there is no less need of care that the Contagion may be driven far away than that the Disease being impressed may be cured therefore a double task is incumbent on the Physician to wit that he looks to the prevention of this malignant Disease as well as to the cure To prescribe a method for both these had been a work of too much tediousness and to have given you a dish a thousand times dressed by Authors wherefore we will only touch lightly here some chief Indications and hast to other things Preventive cautions either respect the Republique and belong to the Magistrate or private persons to whom it should be taught what is to be done by all men when the Plague is feared The publique care in the time of the Plague consists chiefly in these that Divine worship be truly observed that all nests of Putrefaction be cut off that filths Dunghils and all stinking things may be removed out of the Streets and all occasion of the Contagion diligently avoided and that an wholsom means of living be constantly observed by the Citizens For which end the use of fruits and of other unwholsom things should be
interdicted that poor people who have not plenty or choice of food should be provided for at the publique charge If still the Pestilence begins to spread the empoysoned force of the Air should be corrected as much as may be which may be best done by the frequent burning of Sulphureous things the infected should be separated from the sound and the dead Carcases and houshold-stuff should be avoided and lastly that able and fit Physicians and Ministers be provided for the use of the sound and the necessities of the sick The preventive means of a private person is wont to be concluded in these three things viz. Diet Physick and Chirurgery Diet respects the six nonnatural things among which of the greatest moment are the Air and passions of the mind as to the rest Hippocrates his precept may suffice viz. Labour Meat Drink Sleep Venus should be taken moderately The Pestilent Air should be avoided by going into some other place or corrected by the well burning of Sulphureous things or whilst we breath it should be cured by fumigations and sweet smells often carried near the nostrils As to the passions of the minds fear and sadness whilst the Pestilence rages are as it were another Plague for in these the seeds of the envenomed Contagion which are placed in the superficies of the Body as it were on the edge of a whirlpool are snatched inwardly by a certain force and carried to the Heart wherefore t is a most excellent Antidote to be of a chearful and confident mind I have known many who as Helmont was wont to say by fortifying the Archeus with Wine and confidence never used any other Poyson-resisting Medicines and remained without any hurt of the Contagion among the infected and on the contrary some struck with fear when they have dwelt far from all Contagion have drank in the seeds of the Pestilence as if they were derived from the Stars Among the Chirurgical things to be administred for preservation sake are wont to be commended the opening of a Vein Cauteries and Amulets Where there is a fulness with a great swelling up of the Blood or in those who constantly by long cuâ—â—om are wont to be let Blood it is convenient to open a Vein For the less the Blood grows hot and is circulated without Tumult in the Vessels it will be so much the longer ere it be contaminated by the pestiferous Disease Issues made by Cauteries are so much used almost by the suffrage of all for preservation sake against the Plague that t is become the most common receipt For these by a constant transmission pour forth the assiduous coming of the superfluous and excrementitious matter and if that the infections of the Pestilence be admitted inwardly they are cast forth of doors at these open ports Amulets hung about the neck or born on the wrists are believed to have a wonderful force against the Pestilence of these among some of the greatest esteem are such as are made out of Arsnick quick-silver the pouder of Toads and other Poysons That the same in this case may be profitable besides the observations of Physicians this reason may seem to persuade somthing The Effluvia or atomical little bodies emerging now from these bodies now residing upon these are before affirmed to fly about through the whole Region of the Air these as they are diversly figured some of them easily cohere with others but if they strike against some of another form they oppose and overturn them hence the particles of the pestilent Infection which are adverse to our Spirits excellently agree with those little bodies of Poyson placed near and are readily fixed to them wherefore the Amulets made of Poyson do this viz. They receive the seeds of the Pestilence meeting us into themselves by reason of the likeness of parts also by alluring the same from our bodies into their embraces they in some measure free the infected from the infection The Medicinal prevention hath a twofold scope First that the assiduous coming of the excrementitious matter or humors be taken away by a gentle purging as often as there is need Secondly that by the daily taking Poyson-resisting Medicines our Spirits and Body may be fortified against the assault of the Poyson By the former the Food and cherishers of which encrease putrefaction brought in by the Poyson are drawn away by the latter the first inkindling of the pestiferous Infection as it were a deadly fire is inhibited Alexipharmies or Medicines contrary to Poysons seem to be helpful against the contagion of the Plague for this twofold Reason Both because the mass of Blood and Viscera being filled with the particles of these and also the Spirits before possessed with the same they do not easily admit of the company of the impoysoned Infection also because the Blood being incited by the gentle fury of these is kept from coagulation Thus much for preservation it follows now that we speak of the cure of the Plague The doctrine of which is either general and comprehends remedies which for this end are taken from Diet Chirurgery and Medicine or special which delivers the use and Cautions to be exhibited about those Remedies and by what means we are to oppose the Symptoms variously arising Diet comprehends the use of the six non-naturals but the chief care and medical cautions are to be given about eating the primary Indications of this consist not at one and the same time together but ought to be supplyed by turns according to the nature of the thing and the exigency of nature In respect of the malignity and of the loss of strength Aliments are to be desired which greatly cherish the Spirits and bring a more plentiful nourishment in respect of the Feaverish distemper a more slender refrigerating Diet and temperating the Blood seems to be required The Physician must regard either but he may rather intend his Remedies against the malignity than the Feaver The helps that belong to Chirurgery are the opening a Vein which seldom and very cautiously ought to be used in this Disease because the Blood being too much exhausted and the Vessels falling down sweat is not so easily procured instead of this it is better to use Cupping with scarification For this and Blistering are rightly applyed for the drawing forth of the Venom moreover against Buboes Inflamations or malignant Ulcers produced by them Cataplasms Fomentations Plasters Oyntments and many other things to be outwardly applyed are to be sought for from Chirurgery in which some Poysons as the Electric of Poyson are prescribed by some to be admixed wherefore preparations of Arsnick to wit the oil and balsom of it are commended by many in this case too of most excellent use and efficacy Medicines for the cure of the Plague are either Evacuators or Poyson-resisters The intention of the former is that the serous Latex in the Blood and the excrementitious humors which abound in the Viscera be thrust forth of doors and together with
them very many particles of the invenomed Infection every where dispersed in the Body But these are both Vomitories and Purgers the use of which is more rare and only in the beginning of the Disease also Diaphoreticks or sweating Medicines which at some times may be suffered according as there is strength are to be prescribed in the Plague For these more fully and from the whole body at once evacuate yea and by agitating the Blood defend it from Congelation and as they move from the Center still to the Circumference they drive the empoysoned ferment also the Corruptions of the Blood and humors far from the heart and so chase the Enemy without the Camp But Vomits and Purges evacuate less universally and by Concentrating the malignant matter oftentimes carry it inwardly and fix it to the Bowels But these Medicines whether they operate by purging or sweating ought to be of that kind which have particles rather agreeable to the empoysoned infection than to our Blood or Spirits for such a Medicine will pass through the various windings of our body with its whole forces and unmixt and by reason of the similitude of either more certainly takes hold of the virulent matter of the Disease and carries it forth of doors with it self by the mutual adhesion of the parts which way provoked nature leads Wherefore Medicines whether Catharticks or Sudorificks are commended before others which are prepared out of Mercury Antimony Gold Sulphur Vitriol Arsnick and the like which when they cannot be subjugated by our heat or mastered become the best Remedies against the Poyson of a pestilent Disease for these do not only potently evacuate superfluous things but when as they put forth very strong and untameable particles and explicate them every where in the body dissipate the ferments of the Poyson growing here and there and hinder them from maturation and as these Remedies being of themselves not to be overcome by Nature are necessitated to be carried outwardly through the open passages of the body they carry forth of doors with them whatsoever extraneous or hostile thing is met with As to Poyson-resisting Medicines or Alexiterians which are said to resist the Poyson of this Disease without any sensible evacuation they are for the most part such whose particles are not very much of kin to Nature so as to goe into Aliment nor so diverse as to provoke to an excretion The same being inwardly taken and broken into the smallest pieces inspire the Blood and juices flowing together in the Vessels and Viscera with their little bodies as with a new ferment and by moving the same gently and by keeping them in an equal mixture defend them from Coagulation and Putrefaction dissipate the particles begun to be heaped up one from another by the same gentle agitation and hinder them from maturity and lastly by pre-possessing the Blood and Spirits defend them from the impressions of the pestilent mark Among these some more simple Remedies are commended as Rue Scordium c. but most of all by far are esteemed those that are compounded wherefore Treacle Mithridate and Diascordium some of which are compos'd of no less than fifty simples that 't is esteemed a crime in Medicines so compleat in all numbers to omit one Plant or one Dram of them in their Compositions the reason perchance is because very many things being put together may make a mass whose diverse kinds of particles being exalted by long digestion may stir up the greater fermentation in our Blood and humors Having after this manner ranked the Remedies in which we ought to be instructed for the curing of the Plague now next we should speak of the method of cure viz. What first and then what next should be done in order but that this Disease hath so precipitous a Course that there is neither place for deliberation nor is there frequently any Physician to be gotten for fear of the Contagion wherefore there is no need here of of many prescripts or a long series of Indications this business is to be quickly performed and may be comprehended in a few things Therefore when the pestilence reigning any one is distempered with the Contagion of this Disease the help of the omnipotent God being requested by Prayers presently Remedies are to be flown to If the Plague happens in a body not throughly purged and prone to Vomiting presently let a Vomit be taken whose operation being finished immediatly let a sweat be provoked by taking Diaphoreticks and the same continued as strength can bear it and afterwards be often repeated Besides let Alexipharmicks or Poyson-resisters be used almost every moment until by the eruption of Whelks Inflamations or Buboes all the Venom be wholly driven forth of doors but in the mean time proper and respective Remedies are to be opposed to the most urging Symptoms but especially fit helps are to be sought from Chirurgery for the cure of the Buboes and Plague-sores the whole weight of this business leans on these two Intentions that the pestiferous Poyson may be every way expelled from within and then that the recourse of what is driven forth be with equal diligence prevented Concerning the Plague we cannot so readily write examples and histories of sick persons with exact diaries of the Symptoms because these kind of sicknesses came not every year neither when they spread is it lawful for every Physician that takes care of his own health frequently to visit the sick or to stay long with them whereby he may denote all accidents and diligently consider the reasons of them which task however the renowned Diemerbrochius did so firmly persist in that after him others may lawfully be superseded from this work when somtimes past in this City viz. 1645. the Plague tho not great had spread Doctor Henry Sayer a very learned Physician and happy in his practice many others refusing this province boldly visited all the sick poor as well as rich daily administred to them Physick and handled with his own hands their Buboes and virulent Ulcers and so cured very many sick by his sedulous tho dangerous Labour That he might fortifie himself against the Contagion before he went into the infected houses he was wont only to drink a large draught of Sack and then his perambulation about the borders of Death and the very jaws of the Grave being finished to repeat the same Antidote After he had in this City as if inviolable as to the Plague a long while taken care of the affairs of the Sick without any hurt he was sent for to Wallingford-Castle where this Disease cruelly Raged as another Aesculapius by the Governour of the place But there being so bold as to lye in the same Bed with a certain Captain his intimate Companion who was taken with the Plague he quickly received the Contagion of the same Disease nor were the Arts then profitable to the Master which had been helpful to so many others but there with great sorrow of the
Inhabitants nor without great loss to the Medical Science he dyed of that Disease As to others distempered by the Pestilence he was wont to order this kind of method of healing if he was sent for before the Buboes or Whelks appeared outwardly for the most part he gave a Vomit the prescriptions of which were of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum somtimes with white and somtimes with Roman Vitriol The Vomiting being ended he commanded them to be presently put into a sweat by the taking of Diaphoreticks and thence some intervals being granted for the recovery of strength the sweating to be continued to the declination of the Disease but if he were sent for to the sick after the appearances of the marks the Vomiting being let alone he insisted only upon Sudorificks CHAP. XIV Of Pestilential and Malignant Feavers in specie and of others Epidemical AFter having unfolded the Nature of the Plague by the order of our Tract we ought to proceed to the Diseases which seem to be nearest like its Nature which chiefly are Feavers called Pestilent and Malignant for t is commonly noted that Feavers somtimes reign popularly which for the vehemency of symptoms the great slaughter of the sick and the great force of contagion scarce give place to the Pestilence which however because they imitate the type of Putrid Feavers and do not so certainly kill the sick as the Plague or so certainly infect others they deserve the name not of the Plague but by a more minute appellation of a Pestilential Feaver Besides these there are Feavers of another kind the perniciousness and Contagion of which appear more remiss yet because they are infestous beyond the force of Putrid Feavers and seem to contain in themselves in a manner the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or hand of God of Hippocrates are yet by a more soft appellation called Malignat Feavers Those Feavers differ both from the Pest and from one another according to the degree and vehemency of contagion and deadlyness as the Plague is a Disease highly contagious and deadly to human kind t is the Pestilent Feaver which commonly spreads with a lesser diffusion of its infection and frequency of burials When the infection is only suspected and the Crisis happens beyond the event of vulgar Feavers only not to be trusted or less safe t is esteemed for a Malignant Feaver They are yet more fully described thus When the Feaver commonly spreads abroad which for the variety of symptoms puts on the likeness of the Putrid Feaver so called to wit when there are present Thirst Burning Weariness Anxiety roughness of the Tongue Watchings Phrensie Vomiting want of Appetite Syncopy Swooning Heart-pains and a concourse of other most terrible accidents if there happen besides spots either like to the little Flea-bites or broad ones like black and blew strokes and livid we esteem this disease of an evil Nature If besides these it is not cured after the wonted manner of Feavers but that the strength of the sick is cast down without any manifest cause and that death comes often unlooked for and unsuspected against the Prognostic of the Physician there is yet a greater cause of suspicion of malignity But if it kills very many of the sick and that those who converse with the sick contract the evil of the same Disease that the same Disease spreads through all the Villages or Cities it may be said to be more than malignant a pestilential Feaver which is yet fully proved if it rages in very many ordinarily with a certain common symptom as when a Squinancy Dysentery or deadly Sweat such as in times past spread in England accompany these sort of Feavers If that a Feaver arises which Distempers many living in the same Region together almost after the same manner which notwithstanding observes the laws of a common Putrid Feaver in its course and is cured almost after the same manner this is not said to be Pestilent but only a Malignant Feaver unless that in some labouring with a remarkable Cacochymy or fulness of ill humors the appearances of Buboes or of spots somtimes with a deadly Crisis and a contagion creeping upon others betray some signs of Malignity If it be demanded to which Class of the aforesaid Feavers these sort of Pestilential and Malignant Feavers ought to be placed we ascribe them only to the rank of continual Feavers we discharge or acquit intermitting Feavers because by intervals they grant such firm Truces to Nature and then they regularly and exactly observe their periods which does not consist with an invenomed disposition Also we except Hectic Feavers from malignity because otherwise their mortality would not be so long delayed but that partaking of Poyson they would kill sooner among continual Feavers altho we affirm that the simple synochal Feavers are not free yet they are rarely touched with this evil but most of all the Feaver which shews the notes of pestility or malignity is of that sort which resembles the figure of the Putrid Feaver so called for when in these Feavers besides the appearances of virulency we perceive a continual growing hot of the Blood which passes through the courses or stadia of beginning increase standing and declination as in Putrid Feavers we deservedly affirm here the Sulphureous part of the Blood to be heated and inkindled and by its burning to have brought in the Feaver wherefore in these kind of Feavers two things are especially to be noted the growing hot of the Blood and the malignity joyned with it of which now this now that is the greater also in both there is a great Latitude and very many degrees of its intension or heat according to which the Feaver becomes more or less acute or malignant The growing hot of the Blood is performed after the same manner as is already said concerning Putrid Feavers to wit the Sulphureous part of the Blood growing hot above measure as it were takes fire by its fervor in the time of its burning it accumulates a great quantity of adust matter upon whose subaction and seclusion depend the state and Crisis after the wonted manner of Feavers but besides these the Blood being infected with a certain venomous taint in the burning it begins by reason of the malignant ferment to be coagulated into parts and to putrifie wherefore besides the usual symptoms of the common Feaver by reason of some congealed portions of the Blood follow either deadly Distempers Swooning a dejection of the Spirits also appearances of spots and marks besides venomous Effluvia which depart from the sick that are able to raise up the like Distemper in others by the force of their contagion wherefore by reason of its perniciousness and contagion and their various degrees it is called either a Pestilent or Malignant Feaver Also whilst the Blood growing hot is infected with a venemous and malignant ferment not only proper coagulations of its mass with a disposition to putrifaction are induced but also the Nervous
but for the most part after the deflagration of the Blood continued for six or seven days this remitting and instead of a Crisis the adust matter being translated to the Brain the sick for a long time keeping their Beds with raging somtimes but more often with a stupefaction with great weakness and somtimes with Convulsive motions scarcely escaped at last About the middle of the Summer besides the Contagion and frequent burials this Disease betrayed its malignity and pestilential force in open signs viz. By the eruption of Whelks and Spots because about this time in many there appeared without any great burning of the Feaver an unequal weak and very much disordered pulse also without a manifest expense of Spirits their strength presently became languishing and very much dejected In others sick after the same manner appeared little Blisters or Measles now small and red now broad and livid in many Buboes as in the Plague about the glandulas of these some died silently and unforeseen without any great strugling of the Spirits or Feaverish burning excited in the Blood in the mean time others by and by becoming furibundous whilst they lived suffered most horrid distractions of the animal Spirits Those about to escape from this Disease without any laudible Crisis unless they were the sooner freed by a sweat provoked by Art the Brain and nervous stock becoming distempered at length with a benummedness of the senses tremblings vertigo debility of the members and Convulsive motions did not grow well but of a long time after During the Dog-days this Disease being still infestous began to be handled not as a Feaver but as a lesser Plague and to be overcome only by Poyson-resisting Remedies letting of Blood was believed to be fatal to this Vomits and Purges somtimes tho not often were made use of but the chiefest means of Cure were accounted to be procured by Alexiteriums and timely sweat For this end besides the prescripts of Physicians to be had at the Apothecaries some Emperical Remedies deserved no small praise then first of all the pouder of the Countess of Kent began to be of great esteem in this Country also of no less note was another pouder of the colour of Ashes which a certain Courtier staying by chance in this City gave to many with good success and to others approving of the use of it he sold it at a great price the sick were wont having taken half a dram of this in any Liquor to fall into a most plentiful sweat and so to be freed from the virulency of the Disease That Diaphoretick whose preparation I afterwards learnt from the Cousen German of the Author was only the pouder of Toads purged throughly with Salt and then washed in the best Wine and lightly calcined in an earthen Pot. The Autumn coming on this Disease by degrees remitted its wonted fierceness that fewer grew sick of it and of them many grew well till the approach of the Winter when this Feaver almost wholly vanished and health was rendred to this City and the Country round about fully and wholly Thus you have seen the beginning progress and end of this Feaver at first only a Camp Feaver but at length became Pestilential and Epidemical That at first the Disease began in the Souldiers Camp may seem to be imputed not only to their nastiness and stinking smells but in some sort to a common vice of the Air for as these Feavers come not every year their original may be ascribed partly to the peculiar Constitution of the year Because by that means a more light intemperance of the Air being contracted tho it did not affect the more healthful Inhabitants yet in the Army where evident causes viz. errors in the six non-naturals very much happen to the general procatartic cause there is a necessity for these kind of sicknesses easily to be excited For the constitution of this year was in the Spring very moist and slabbery almost with continual shours to which a more hot Summer succeeding and the infection of the Feaverish Contagion here first increasing still grew worse and disposed all Bodies the more for the receiving it wherefore that this Disease was almost proper to this Region and at this time Epidemical the seed of it ought to be ascribed to its first rising from the Army being quartered round about But forasmuch as it afterwards being made Pestilential and very Epidemical it infected most of the people living here and killed not a few the reason was the evil affection of the Air which because of the intemperance of the year being unwholsom besides by the continual breathing forth of stinking vapours from the Souldiers Camps and the quarters of the sick it became at last so vitious that the infection of the Feaver being dispersed in it was greatly exalted and arose almost to the virulency of the Plague Diemerbrochius relates from the like Camp Feaver arising in the Summer at Spires afterwards another Malignant and Pestilential and then the Plague it self to have accrewed Also it was a sign that this Feaver of ours became at last equal to the Plague it self besides the great force of the Contagion and the frequency of Burials most wicked distempers of the Blood and nervous Liquor being brought presently upon all by it because strength being suddenly overthrown the weak intermitting pulse the creeping forth of measly Blisters the eruption of Buboes argued the Coagulation and corruptive disposition of the Blood besides the Delirium Madness Phrensie Stupefaction Sleepiness Vertigo Tremblings Convulsive motions and divers other distempers of the Head shewed the great hurt of the Brain and nervous stock That the figure or Idea of this malignant Feaver may be painted to the life very many observations or histories of sick people are easily to be had of the many examples of this Disease I shall only mention a few which hapned some years since in the house of a venerable man and as with a mournful slaughter so not without some admiration About the Winter Solstice in the year 1653. a youth of about Seven years old without any manifest cause found himself ill being troubled with a pain of his Head Sleepiness and mighty Stupefaction with it he had a Feaver tho not strong with an ordinary burning which grew more grievous only by wandring fits somtimes once somtimes twice in Twenty four hours space presently from the beginning he slept almost continually also he was wont in his sleep to cry out to talk idly and to leap often out of his Bed being awakned and somtimes of his own accord awaking he presently came to himself and constantly called for drink his Urine was red and full of Contents his pulse equal and strong enough in his wrists appeared light contractures of the tendons and in his neck and other parts of his Body some red spots like Flea-bites At the first was ordered a light Purgation and a frequent taking down of the Belly by the use of Clysters he daily
wherefore children most often escape old men or such as are of years are more in danger viz. in children or young people transpiration is more easie also the habit of the Body more firm and healthful But altho the venomous seeds of this Disease for the most part are wont to be dispersed or blown away at once and with one sickness yet it somtimes happens that a part of the ininfection being still left the sick have fallen into this Disease twice or thrice 2. The evident cause which stirs up these fermentative seeds and most often brings them into act may be said to be threefold viz. The contagion received from some place the disposition of the Air and the immoderate perturbation of the Blood and Humors It is most manifest by daily experience that this Disease doth come upon others and spread abroad by contagion viz. from the infected Body continually flow Effluvia which being received by other Bodies presently like poyson they ferment with the Blood and suscitate or awaken the lurking or sleeping seeds of the same Disease Homogeneous with themselves and dispose them into the figure or Idea of this Disease neither is the infection only communicated by contact but at a distance They who live within the same house or neighbouring to the sick easily receive the infection also it is cherished in Cloaths and dissipated afar off and transferred to more remote places They who are of kin one to another soonest infect each other also they who are fearful and extreamly dread this Disease more readily fall into it For by fear the Particles of the infection are conveyed inwardly from the superficies of the Body At what time the contagion spreads and that the Small-pox are Epidemical all other Diseases almost degenerate into this Secondly a certain peculiar disposition of the Air notably induces the Small-pox hence most often it becomes Popular and rages ordinarily through whole Regions Cities and Villages hence also it more often exists in the Spring and Autumn because at that time especially diverse manners of little Bodies and by that means tumultuating flow about in the Air which we draw in with the vital Air and so various effervescencies of the Blood and Humors and Ideas of Diseases are raised up Neither doth this Disease become only more frequent and Epidemical for these Causes but also it gets a manifold Nature that somtimes the Small-pox are deadly and as it were pestiferous and somtimes they are more mild and benign to wit as they have contracted more or less of malignity from the Air hence also somtimes black and livid Whelks or Pustils appear and have much of the Nature of the Plague Thirdly somtimes tho the tinder of contagion be absent and that no malignant constitution of the Air had gone before yet by reason of the Blood and Humors being immoderately disturbed the Small-pox do arise so I have known some to have fallen into this Disease from a surfeit or immoderate exercise when none besides in the whole Country about hath been sick of it to wit the seeds of this evil lying hid without any previous infection being stirred up by a too great fervor of the Blood and being associated gathering together easily defile and infect the whole mass of the Blood with their ferment 3 So much for the secret leading and evident causes but as to the conjunct cause viz. which is the formal reason of this Disease or the manner of its being made the business seems a little more intricate It is commonly wont to be compared to Must growing hot or Beer when it Purges in the Vat For if you put to these Liquors any thing of ferment as their Particles are Heterogeneous and of wonderful activity presently they diffuse themselves through the whole substance of the Liquor they exagitate the more thick and impure Bodies against which they are dashed beat them asunder and role about them until a flowring being made they drive the same from the intimate embrace or company of the Liquor to the outmost superficies After the like manner the Heterogeneous seeds of this Disease are thought to ferment the Blood and then by a certain eruption of Whelks or Pustles like the flowring purifies it But indeed if we should more strictly consider the business there will appear here a great difference because the infection of the Small-pox is as it were a ferment but corruptive and compels the Blood to grow hot not towards perfection but depravation for when the Particles of this venomous infection strike against the receiving subject they presently raise up little Bodies like to themselves and born with us with which being associated they pass through the whole mass of the Blood and make it to grow highly turgid and to boil up and after some time growing fervent to go into parts and to be coagulated viz. the dispersed seeds of the Poyson dissolve the mixture of the Blood presently profligate the more pure Spirits then they joyn its more thick Particles to themselves and by their adhesion render them as it were congealed The portions being so coagulated together with the infolded seeds of the poyson being left by the rest of the Blood in its circuit between the extremities of the Vessels are affixed to the skin by which means if Nature being strong enough doth cast forth the whole poyson with the congealed Blood the remaining mass of the Blood altho made poorer remains however in a condition to continue life and health but if the Blood being too excessively congealed cannot be purified after this manner or if portions of the Blood growing together with the poyson do not fully break forth or at last do stagnate within they wholly corrupt the Liquor of the Blood or else being affixed to the Viscera and especially to the Heart they destroy their constitution and strength Portions of the congealed Blood with the poyson begin to break forth about the fourth day now sooner now later because coagulation is not presently induced but after some time in which the venom unfolds it self and ferments the Blood with its effervency First light portions of the infected Blood and those but few in number like to Flea-bites are fixed in the skin quickly after more appear and those first broke forth by the accession of new matter and by the continual appulsion of the congealed Blood increase and are elevated into a tumor then these whelks at first red being by degrees increased at length grow white viz. the Blood being thrust forth of the Vessels with the poyson by reason of the heat and stagnation is changed into matter about the seventh day after the eruption the white tumors grow crusty into a dry scab for the more thin part of the matter being evaporated the rest grows hard which then having eaten and broke off the Cuticula or outward thin skin falls away from the flesh or next skin When the infection of the Small-pox is at once impressed on the Blood and
Spirits it very rarely can be blotted out or dissipated by Medicines or blood letting but that its hidden disposition will break forth into act wherefore at first it diffuses it self by little and little and inspires the mass of Blood as it were with a ferment hence an ebullition and growing hot are produced in the whole Body the Vessels are distended the Viscera provoked the membranes pulled until the seeds of the contagion by fusing and coagulating the Blood being at length involved with its congealed portions are thrust forth of doors The essence of this Disease will be better laid open if that I shall recount the signs and symptoms which are to be observed in its whole course and shall add in order the reasons and causes of them on which they depend but they are those which either indicate the Disease being present or that foretel its state and event As to the Diagnosis of this Disease by which it may be known whether any one at first falling sick will have the Small-pox or not at that time are to be considered the force of the contagion and the concourse of the symptoms first appearing for if by reason of the evil constitution of the Air this Disease doth spread abroad every where none then is taken with a Feaver without the suspition of the Small-pox especially if they never had them before in their lives but if this Disease be more rare and without fear of contagion yet its unlooked for assault quickly betrays it self by these sort of signs and symptoms 1. There is a wandring and uncertain Feaver somtimes strong somtimes more remiss observing no reason of increase or growing continually hot so that the sick are now highly hot by and by without any evident cause they are without a Feaver the cause of which is for that the fermentative seeds are not agitated by an equal motion but like fire half choaked now increases more and now are almost quelled and ready to expire until the burning spreading more largly the flame every where breaks forth 2. A pain in the Head and Loins is so peculiar a sign in this Disease that it almost alone in a continual Feaver signifies the approach of the small-pox the reason of which is commonly imputed to the greater Vessels being very much distended by the effervency of the Blood but indeed it appears not wherefore the same trouble is not caused equally in other parts by reason of the like distention of the Vessels and wherefore in the small-pox more than in a burning Feaver or in other Feavers where the Blood grows more hot these kind of pains should increase yea it may be observed that great pains now in the Head now in the Loins do urge when the Blood but little swelling up the Vessels are not amplified viz in the beginning of the Disease when the Feaverish distemper is not yet conspicuous whilst the sick as yet goe abroad and are well in their stomach upon the first coming on of the small-pox they betray themselves by these kind of pains Wherefore the cause of these kind of dolorific pains seems rather to subsist in the nervous stock viz. in the Brain and spinal marrow and that by reason of the membranes and nervous parts being pulled or hauled by the particles of the Poyson these pains do arise For it is most likely that the innate seeds of the small-pox are chiefly hidden in the Spermatick parts and that first of all the Contagion lays hold on for the most part the animal Spirits hence the first effervency is stirred up in the juice wherewith the Brain and nervous parts but especially the Spinal marrow are watered and from thence the evil is Communicated to the mass of Blood wherefore this Disease beginning the Head and Loins are tormented with cruel pain afterwards the venom being translated into the Blood the Feaverish effervescency is stirred up in the whole 3. Great anxiety and unquietness and somtimes a swooning infest the sick viz. by reason of the perturbed motion of the Blood as also its equal mixture beginning to be solved by the Poysonous ferment the Blood from thence being apt to stagnate in the Heart and to be hindred in its Circuit causes these affections to be thus excited 4. Cruel Vomiting also when the Ventricle is free from an impure ballast of humors very often accompanies this Disease the reason of which is because the fermentative seeds being stirred up into motion by the little Arteries gaping into the Coates of the Ventricle are deposed by every appulse of the Blood and raise up Vomiting as if the particles of stibium had been swallowed but afterwards assoon as sweating being procured the Poyson is driven forth outwardly this Symptom ceases and the sick are well in their stomach without any purging forth of the noxious matter 5. With these may be ranked the Symptoms which shew themselves according to the various habitudes of the Body after a diverse manner as heavy sleepiness terrors in sleep deliriums tremblings and convulsions sneezing heat redness a sense of pricking over the whole Body involuntary tears a sparkling and itching of the eyes a tumor or swelling up of the face a vehemency of Symptoms from the beginning that the Disease seems presently to have attained its strength the reason of all which may easily be elucidated if what hath been already said concerning the Symptoms of Feavers be observed with respect to the diverse tempers of the sick their habit and age as also the condition of the year 2. As to the Prognosis of this Disease by the Symtomatick signs it is indicated to be either salutary or mortal or of a doubtful Event 1. The business promises well when this Disease has benign circumstances to wit when it happens in a good constitution of the Air and Year at what time the small-pox are less malignant and pestilential as in the year 1654 at Oxford about Autumn the small-pox spread abundantly yet very many escaped with them but before in the year 1649. this Disease was more rare yet most dyed of it Also there is less danger if it should happen in the age of Childhood or Infancy or in a sanguine temper and good habit of Body or in a Family to whose Ancestors the small-pox have not proved mortal Besides if in the whole course of the Disease the Symptoms prove laudable if in the first assault there be a gentle Feaver without cruel Vomiting Swooning Delirium or other horrid Distempers if the Feaver about the fourth day be allayed with the Symptoms chiefly urging and then some little red spots begin to appear if on the second day of the coming forth of those little red spot they become more conspicuous which afterwards grow together by degrees into little Pimples and are ripened into matter if about the tenth day or thereabouts after the eruption the white tumors begin to scab and by little and little from thence to fall off if after their first coming forth the small-pox
are soft distinct few round sharp pointed lying only towards the skin and not in the inward parts you may be confident the sick will do very well and is in a good condition 2. The appearances which in the small-pox signifie the business to be suspected and full of danger are of this sort if there be a malignant constitution of the Air that this Disease becomes Pestilential and that many die of it if men of more ripe years or middle age be taken with it if it happens in a cold and melancholick temper or in an impure or evil humoured Body where the Blood is not rightly circulated nor transpiration truly performed or if the Hypochondria or Precordia are obstructed some of the Viscera infirm or troubled with an Ulcer or if the habit of the Body be too fat the small-pox happen not without great danger of life nor is it less to be feared when presently after the beginning a great Feaver cruel Vomiting Swooning a dejection of strength Phrensie or Delirium come upon them and that these desist not upon the full coming forth of the small-pox for these signifie a too great perturbation in the Blood and humours also a confusion and contumacy of the morbifick matter which can neither be subdued nor easily separated from the mass of Blood or equally extruded from it if there be an anxiety and great unquietness with an inordinate boyling up and growing hot of the Blood also a great thirst a difficulty of breathing also a flux of the Belly or Dysentery they shew that sweating is hindred and that the malignant humours restagnate towards the inward parts The small-pox breaking forth slowly argue the crudity and untameableness of the matter and the impotency of Nature and t is much more a sign if they come forth double and continued in too excessive a quantity and confusion and also if there be a disordered expulsion and irregular of that matter when not in certain issues but every where undistinguishable The pox being hard signifie the incoction of the same matter being depressed a weak expulsion and they are the worse if in the midst of them appear black spots or if purple spots familiar to the Feaver or the Plague are sprinkled among the pox they indicate a great malignity and putrefaction of the Blood such as is wont to be found in the Pestilence Lastly the pox being black livid or green are of an evil omen because besides the coagulations of the Blood they argue its deadlinesses and corruptions as in a Gangreen or pestilent Plague sore if when the small-pox being come forth they presently grow dry and the swelling of the parts remit it shews a going back of the malignant matter or of the congealed Blood with the Poyson and a restagnation of it to the inward parts from whence unless a more free Diaphoresis or sweating be excited that it may be thrust forth of doors again death for the most part quickly follows For from hence the Blood being more coagulated enters into putrefaction also it is apt to be hindred in its motion and to stagnate in the heart and Vessels If after the coming forth of the small-pox a flux of the Belly or a Bleeding at nose comes upon them it is an evil sign because by this means the Venom driven outwardly is again called back inwardly but somtimes I have observed these Symptoms to have hapned with great ease to the sick viz. Nature being before oppressed and burthened after this manner part of the burthen being as it were detracted she was eased wherefore she buckled her self to the work of sweating and more readily expedited the expulsion of the noxious matter As to the Curative part since the stadium or course of this Disease hath three seasons as it were so many measures distinct one from another the Curative intentions ought to be accommodated to each of these wherefore the Curative method concerning the small-pox teacheth first what is to be done so long as the Blood boyles up and grows hot inwardly with the motion of the fermentative matter and before the small-pox appear which period for the most part is finished in four or five days Secondly what means or manner of Dyet and Physick is to be instituted after the coming forth of the small-pox until the state or standing of the Disease viz. whilst the whelks or pox come to the height and being fully suppurated or ripened begin to dry Thirdly and lastly what we must observe in the declining of the Disease even whilst the small-pox growing dry fall off 1. As to the first let the intention be that we may carry away every impediment of Nature whereby the Blood being infected by the ferment of the Small-pox and apt to be coagulated may yet retain an equal motion in the Heart and without stagnation in the Vessels and growing hot may expel forth of doors the congealed portions with the Poyson in the mean time there must be a caution least the work of fermentation or growing hot be any ways hindred or too much provoked for by this the mass of the Blood is agitated into congealed portions more than it ought to be by that other it is restrained too much in its motion nor are the invenomed Particles sent forth of doors with the congealed Blood Nature in the work of secretion and expulsion is wont to be hindred by too great an heap of excrements in the Viscera or by the abundance of Blood in the Vessels wherefore upon the first assault of the Disease care must be taken that if need be an evacuation by Vomit or Stool be timely procured but only more mild Purges and gentle are to be used which do not too much provoke or disturb the Humors wherefore at this time Purges Emetics or Clysters now these now those take place also the letting of Blood if there be a fulness is performed with good success During this growing hot of the Blood dyet ought to be instituted slender and moderately cooling viz. Barly-Broth or Grewel of Oatmeal Posset-drink Small Beer or the like Flesh and Flesh Broths are to be avoided whereby the Blood by reason of the too great plenty of Sulphureous Food may be inkindled more than it ought also all cold and sharp or acid things are hurtful for these congeal the Blood more and contract the little mouths of the Vessels by their astriction or binding Nature that the Small-pox come forth less freely also hot things and Cordials are cautiously to be administred for by these the Blood and Humors are too much agitated and driven into confusion 2. When the Small-pox begin to appear there are three things which by a constant Rule we prescribe to be performed to every sick person to wit that a soft and gentle Sweat be still continued in the Blood also that the Throat and Eyes may be preserved from a too great eruption of the Small-pox That the Blood lightly growing hot may emit the Small-pox decoctions of Figs
Marigold flowers and shavings of Harts-Horn in Posset-drink are commonly prescribed and the use of them is general for a long time almost with all people for the same intention we are wont somtimes in a day to give them moderate Cordials but the more hot and strong are carefully to be shunned Purging and Blood letting here are most wickedly enterprised and these tho necessity compelled Physicians dare not meddle with for fear of blame For to defend the Throat and Gutteral parts we put on the outer skin a defence of Saffron dipped in Breast Milk and sowed in a Rag for these by opening the pores draw away the venom outwardly from the most inward part of the Throat also for this end we administer Gargarisms and things to wash the mouth which by their restriction restrain the coming forth of the Small-pox withing we defend the Eyes with peculiar Medicines of Rose-water and Breast Milk with Saffron and such like frequently iterated from the incursion of the Small-pox Besides these sometimes certain most horrid symptoms do trouble which must be timely helped with convenient Remedies somtimes there are present Watchings Phrensie Bleeding at Nose Vomiting Loosness and a falling back of the Small-pox for these and divers others as occasion arises a prudent Physician knows how to provide in which however there is need of great caution least whilst we take care of the smaller matters the great work of Nature shold be disturbed by a too great molestation of Medicines For in all this time there is one and a continued Crisis wherefore nothing is to be meddled with rashly There is required the most care and circumspection of the Physician and Nurses or those that administer to the sick when this Disease is at its height or standing viz. least that when the Small-pox be fully come forth and brought to their greatest height transpiration should be hindered for then the sick are in danger of renewing the Feaver and of the restagnation of the Malignant matter within whilst we study to prevent the one we for the most part bring on the other 3. When the Disease shall be in its declination and the Small-pox begin to wither and Scab the business for the most part is out of danger nor is there much need of a Physician let the sick tho he grow very hungry content himself still with a slender dyet and without flesh if the Scabs fall off slowly we are wont to ripen them with Lineaments and peculiar Medicines to make them fall and care should be taken that they leave not behind them too great pits after the sick having the Scabs every where fallen off and are able to rise and walk about the Chamber the filthy Excrementitious matter in the Bowels is to be carried away by two or three times Purging and then they may be permitted to use a more plentiful and stronger dyet The Measles are so much akin to the Small-pox that with most Authors they have not deserved to be handled apart from them but that either distemper have been treated of together after the like manner and method The essence and cure differ at least accidentally or as they are greater or lesser because in the Measles the whealks rise not up to so great a bulk neither are they suppuritated wherefore the sickness is sooner ended and with less danger This distemper is wont mostly to spread upon children more rarely among those of years or old men also those who first have had the Small-pox are not afterwards so obnoxious to the Measles but in most things either distemper are of kin viz. the evil being contracted in the Womb disposes men only and all men once to the Measles the malignant constitution of the Air and somtimes a surfeit and most often the contagion are wont to bring the hidden disposition into act there are present marks of malignity and the sickness oftentimes becomes Epidemical and with mortality and contagion That I may briefly contract the sum of the matter it seems that the Measles are a certain lighter flowring of on extraneous ferment contracted from the Womb by which some Particles being stirred up into motion make the Blood lightly to grow hot and to be a little coagulated wherefore the marks from thence spread abroad are dissipated without any breaking of the Cuticula or outward skin by evaporation only but the Small-pox are a more full and strong agitation according to all the Particles of the same ferment which causing a greater ebullition and coagulation of the Blood produces far more full whelks and greater in bulk and not to be dissolved but by suppuration or growing into matter when the Small-pox preceed they are not only exempt from the same disease any more but also from the Measles because they consume only some of the Particles of the ferment leave still a disposition to the Small-pox wherefore old men or those of years are not so readily infected with the Measles because they are either freed from the contagion by having before had the Small-pox or else the infection of this more light Disease is easily resisted by their more strong Spirits It were easie to illustrate the afore-recited Doctrine concerning the Small Pox with Histories and Observations of the sick because there is no Disease besides can supply with a greater plenty of Examples or variety of Accidents but of the great number of this kind I shall only propose in this place a few Cases and those remarkable for some irregularities It is a usual thing to handle all that are sick of the Small Pox with a like or wholly the same method of Curing and manner of Dyet wherefore a Physician is rarely sent for to the common sort but the business is wholly committed to some women professing themselves skilful in this Disease and these are wont to boyl in their broths and all the suppings of the sick Marigold Flowers shaving of Harts-horn and sometimes Figs also every night to administer a Bolus of Diascordium and they who grow not well by this kind of Government tho not neglected yet are affirmed to be incurable by reason of the cruelty of the Disease But truly this kind of practice is not convenient for all alike nor to be administred to every one indifferently as these two following Histories will make manifest A Young Man about 20 years of Age of a slender body and more hot temperature began to be feaverish in the beginning of the Spring at first cruel Vomitings an oppression of the heart and frequent changes of heat and shivering a pain in his Loyns a disturbance of his fancy and wakings infested him on the third day the Small Pox appearing those symptoms remitted but still the Feaver with heat and thirst continued Not only the accustomed Decoctions in this Disease but also a most elegant Julep of a most grateful taste were so nauseous and troublesome to him that he would not so much as taste the same but with a great deal of trouble
CHAP. XVI Of Feavers of Child-bearing Women VUlgar Experience abundantly testifies that the Feavers of Women lying in are very dangerous beyond the disposition of other common Feavers also that the same differ very much as to their essence from both a simple and putrid Synochus plainly appears from their signs and symptoms rightly weigh'd wherefore I believe it not to be from the matter to handle after malignant Feavers the acute Diseases of Women lying in being exceeding neer of kin to those for their mortality or perniciousness Yet before I shall enter upon the unfolding these Diseases it behoves us to consider their subjects viz. the Bodies of Women in Child-bed after what manner they are predisposed and by what provision they are made obnoxious to these kind of sicknesses Concerning this the first thing that offers itself is that the Flux of the menstruous Blood is wholly convenient to be suffered by human kind and at this time for Women concerning whose nature and original we shall not inquire in this place but it shall suffice to note that in them the particles of the Blood to be periodically thrust forth are very Permentative which if reteined in the Body beyond the wonted manner of Nature are very often the cause of many Diseases unless only when a Woman conceives with Child For all the time of her being big Bellied the monthly Flowers are stopped without any incommodiousness and in the mean time milk or the alible juice is disposed in great plenty about the parts of the Womb for the nourishment of the Child but after the Birth this daily suppression of the monthly Flowers is recompensed by a copious flowing forth of the Lochia or what comes away after the Birth and the milk within three days having wholly left the Womb springs forth plentifully into the Breasts at which time Women lying in are wont to be troubled with a small Feaver If that the milk be driven away from the Breasts it restagnates again towards the Womb and is thrust forth together with the Lochia under the form of a whitish humour In the mean time the Womb after the Birth becomes subject to various distempers for oftentimes its tone is hurt the unity is dissolved and many other accidents are induced which render Women lying in subject to danger wherefore that their acute Diseases may be rightly unfolded it is convenient for to consider chiefly these three things viz. first the nourishment of the Child or the Generation of Milk both in the Womb and in the Dugs and the metastasis or translation of it from one to another Secondly the purging of the Mothers Blood or the profluvium of the Lochia after a long suppression of the Menstrua Thirdly the condition of the Womb after the Birth and its influence on other parts of the Body And these being premised we will speak of the Feavers of Women lying in viz. both the milkie and the putrid called and that deservedly malignant by reason of its deadliness First the Milk and nourishing humour being heaped up in the parts of the Womb for the nourishment of the Child are of a like nature tho somewhat different in consistency Milk is indeed more thick because it ought to be received in at the mouth and to be kept in the Ventricle and afterwards it more thin portion to be conveyed to the mass of Blood The other alible Juice is more thin and like the water of distilled Milk because 't is immediately poured into the Blood of the Embryo thorow the umbilick Vessels without any previous digestion Either Juice is supposed to come from the Chyle fresh made in the mothers stomach what is reposed or laid up in the Breast is more thick and white by reason of the more thin or open strainer and coction in the greater Glandulas on the contrary it happens in the Womb ootherwise where the Glandulas are smaller and the Straining more close But there is a great disagreement among Authors concerning the passages by which this humor is carried both in the Breasts and into the Cake of the Womb. Some contend that Milk only is begotten of the Blood more plentifully cocted in the Glandulas which yet by reason of the immense dispense of Milk which consists not with the Blood this seems not probable Others affirm that the Chyle or Milkie humor is immediately conveyed from the Viscera of Concoction thorow occult passages without any alteration into either receptacles But in the mean time while these passages lie open it seems indeed to me more likely that from the meat taken into the Mothers Stomach a portion of the Chyle thence made is presently supped up into the Veins which having obtained the vehicle of the Blood before it be assimilated by it is said up in the Glandulas destinated here and there for the receiving of it being carried by the Arteries and lastly separated from the mass of Blood for as it appears that drink being plentifully taken presently passes thorow the whole mass of Blood and is rendered by Urine like water and as old Ulcers by means of the Blood coming between prey upon the nutritious humor from the whole Body and pour it forth under the shape of a putrified matter Why may not the alible Juice in like manner being strained by the Collander of the Glandulas before it has indued the colour of Blood go into a Milkie humour This indeed seems more probable because whilst the Milk is carried from the Womb into the Breasts and on the contrary passing thorow the mass of Blood it is wont to stir up a perturbation thorow the whole with a feaverish intemperance besides in the first days after the Birth when the Glandulas do less rightly perform the office of secretion Beasts who have not the Lochia give a bloody Milk which is drawn forth of their Udders that is mixt with Blood by reason of the plenty of it flowing forth together Secondly As to what belongs to the Menstrua being suppressed in the time of being with Child and the Lochia plentifully coming away after being Delivered we say that after the Conception of the Child the Menstrua ought to be suppressed by Divine Designation for that the flowing of them often causes abortion then because the Vessels are filled by a continual stilling forth of the alible juice into the parts of the Womb the mass of the Blood doth not arise into swellings up to be allayed by the menstruous Flux For the same reason Women for the most part have not their courses so long as they give suck Perhaps in some indued with a more hot Blood the monthly courses flow both whilst they are Big-bellied and in the time of their giving suck but that more rarely and is wont not to happen without trouble yet in the mean time the Menstrua being suppressed during the time of being with Child because much less of the nutritious humor is expended at that time for Milk they much more deprave the Blood
Womb an inflation of the Belly and hypochondria a rumbling vomiting sobbing and streightness of the Praecordia difficult breathing a sense of choaking and oftentimes a stupor and want of speech or at least some of these are excited nor does the Tragedy to easily leave but that also the Brain being hurt by the continuance of the distemper by that means the evil is retorted upon other parts that oftentimes the whole nervous stock is compelled into irregularities of motions For what commonly is said to be done by vapours and the distemper called the ascent of vapours creeping from the nether parts to the upper is nothing else than the parts of the Membranes and nervous passages being successively driven into Convulsions Further in these sort of distempers the hurt action doth not always begin or is at first perceived in that region or place where the hurt is inflicted neither do the passions which are called hysterical proceed only from the Womb for sometimes the trouble is immediately brought from the Brain or the Convulsions and Contractions begin in the extreme parts and sometimes the extremities of the Nerves somewhere in the Viscera as the Stomach Spleen Reins no less than the Womb are haled in which irregularities being arisen they are continued into the neighbouring part and from thence to the Brain From whence again the Convulsions are reflected to other parts and not seldom thorow the whole Body Just so the business in Child-bearing Women and with others in Feavers as I have often observed to wit some by reason of their Womb being evilly affected but others by reason of a Feaverish matter fixed in the Brain by a critical metastasis or translation fall into passions like to the hysterical And these things being rightly prepensed concerning the praevious provision in the Feavers of Women in Child-bed there is not any thing that we should stick at in the entrance more so that we take notice that the bodies of Women lying in especially those who are feeble and of a more tender constitution are debilitated chiefly after a difficult and hard Labour so that by reason of this occasion only they easily conceive feaverish intemperatures and being brought in by this or any other means they are hardly able to bear them We will next speak of the Feavers themselves with which Women Lying in are wont to be sick of which Distempers there are commonly recounted as it were three kinds viz. the Milkie Feaver the Putrid the Symptomatic or of that manner by a certain borrowed symptom but is chiefly marked with the Pleurisie Squinancy or the Small-Pox of which we will discourse in order The Milkie Feaver WE have already said that as yet it was uncertain of what matter Milk was immediately made and by what passages it is carried into the Breasts moreover when this part appears not at all to anatomical inspection I am of the opinion that the Milkie Chyme being made out of aliments in the Bowels and from thence confused to the Blood for nourishing juice is presently again for the most part of it separated from its mass by the help of the Glandulas in the Womb or in the Breasts that it might supply the Child with nutriment either in the Mothers Belly or in her bosom by the Breasts In the time of going with Child altho the greatest part of this is derived to the Womb yet in the last months a little quantity of it is laid up in the Breasts but about the third or fourth day after being brought to bed the Milk is more plentifully carried into the Breasts and as it were with a certain force that it quickly fills them to a stretching them forth and begins to be troublesome At this time Women lying in tho not all yet most are wont to be troubled with a feaverish intemperature with thirst heat and an inquietude of the whole Body they complain of a pain very troublesome in the Back and Shoulders of a fullness and burning of the Breasts and unless the Milk be diligently drawn forth it being too much congested or heaped up oftentimes brings forth an inflamation with an Imposthume following of it in the Breasts This Feaver whilst the Lochia are in good order hardly lasts three days but that about that space it is wont to be allayed a plentiful sweating arising of its own accord yet this intemperature being excited by the coming of the Milk is somewhat increased and continued longer if that the Milk entring the Breasts in abundance be not milked forth but is again repelled from thence for by its departure as well as by its coming a perturbation is wont to happen in the whole Body with thirst and heat which also more certainly comes to pass if it happens to be driven away violently by repelling Topicks But being driven by their help from the Breasts or departing of its own accord it is thrust forth with the Lochia in the form of a whitish humor and a sweat or more plentiful transpiration exterminates the Reliques of the Disease If that with this kind of intemperance brought in by reason of the commotion of the Milk the Lochia be stopped or errors in eating and drinking be committed or any other evident cause should happen that may encrease the fervor of the Blood very often the Milkie Feaver presently acquiring worse symptoms changes into a putrid or rather malignant Feaver The cause or formal reason of the aforesaid Feaver whilst the way of the Milk lies hid may be only proposed from an hypothesis and as it were a certain Augury for being supposed that this milky humor is carried to the Breasts immediately by a peculiar passage from the Viscera of concoction without any commerce with the Blood this feaverish Distemper arises for that the Breasts being filled with Milk and greatly distended the sanguineous Vessels are so compressed that they do not easily transmit the Blood flowing thither from whence the Blood being hindred in its circuit begins to tumultuate thorow its whole mass and the Spirits being inordinately moved and wholly confused it conceives a fervor such as being induced by a stopping Surfeit Inflamation or Wound constitutes ordinarily the simple Synochus but if the matter of the Milk as it is not improbable passes thorow the Blood this Feaver of Women in Child-bed seems to spring from hence that when this Latex is transferred to the Breasts having left the Womb a great portion of it subsists in the mass of the Blood which indeed for that it exceeds the due provision of the nourishing juice and so cannot be wholly assimilated and besides abounds in heterogeneous parts and as it were something extraneous and not mingleable with the Blood creates a trouble therefore for the carrying it forth of doors and putting it forth this three days feaverish Distemper is employed For when the milky Chile being used to be separated about the Womb by and by after being Delivered of a Child that wax of excretion is hindred restagnating into
malignity and the greatest perniciousness of the Disease depend are two viz. first a depraved disposition of the Blood from the long suppression of the monthly Flux Secondly after the Birth the evil affections of the Womb from the dangerous Labours of Women who undergo the Divine Malediction appointed them from the Menstrua being long suppressed the Blood not only swells up and its Sulphureous parts being too much carried forth are rendred more apt for burning but besides the mass of the Blood is imbued with very fermentative Particles so that as hath been already hinted as if it were touched with a venemous infection presently growing fervent it is disposed towards putrefaction and corruptive disorders and besides forthwith impoysons the nervous Liquor and renders it infestuous to the Brain and the whole nervous stock These kind of evils being impressed on the Blood ought to be purged forth by the Flux of the Lochia but if after the Birth the Womb be out of order the Lochia are not only stopped and so a purifying of all the Blood is hindred but besides stinking corruptions or defilements are thence bestowed on the Blood and grievously infect it Also by reason of convulsive motions begun about the Womb and from thence continued to other parts inordinations are stirred up in the Blood and juices which oftentimes conspire either the production or the acerbation or growing worse of the Feaver The evident causes which induce an actual effervescency either to the Blood having gotten an ill disposition or invert the vices of the whole Body to the Womb are after a diverse sort A painful Labour a solution of the unity about the Womb a bruise a retention of preternatural things an ulcerous disposition and very many other accidents which are induced by a certain necessity may do this But the occasions that are at the dispose of the Patients and easily to be avoided which are wont to excite this kind of Feaver are chiefly two viz. an ill manner of Dyet and the taking of cold It is an usual thing to give to weak Women after being Delivered on the first or second day the flesh of living Creatures or Broths made of flesh meats and other foods very improportionate to their dispositions from whence presently arise an indigestion and great trouble in the Bowels and a feaverish distemper in the Blood by reason of a more rich nutritious juice than ought to be Besides the errors in Dyet oftentimes hurt is caused for that their Bodies being so very tender also by reason of the labours of the Birth and bringing forth the Child the passages are on every side opened they are exposed too heedlessly to the cold for most of them being impatient of their Bed within a day or two or sooner than they should do rise out of it and put on their Cloaths from whence presently the Pores of the skin being suddenly contracted and the Air being admitted into the parts of the Womb transpiration is hindred and often the Lochia on the sudden are stopped either of which suffices to excite the feaverish distemper The conjunct cause or formal reason of this kind of sickness chiefly comprehends these three things to wit there are present first a very notable discrasie of the Blood that growing hot from the Feaver being occasionally induced it doth not equally burn forth nor leisurely overcome the adust recrements and afterwards critically thrust them forth but the Blood growing hot is presently loosned in its mixture and its frame being unlocked turns and declines towards corruption hence when it grows but a little cool the spirits being shaken out of their dominion are moved into confusion In the mean time the Sulphureous Particles become untamed and fierce wherefore the strength falls down without any manifest cause the Pulse is made weak and disordered after the deflagration of the Blood altho the adust recrements are very much heaped up yet nothing is rightly concocted or separated but the sick being greatly oppressed in Nature tho they continually sweat receive nevertheless oftentimes no ease from thence but the feaverish matter which ought to be thrust forth being transmitted into the head and nervous stock induces there most grievous perturbations of the animal regiment Secondly the Tragedy of this Disease owes no small part of it to the nervous juice being presently made sharp and so improportionate to the Brain and its Appendix for this being infected from the taint contracted from the Blood doth not gently water or pleasantly blow up its subjects but notably hale or pull those tender parts as when an infusion of vitriol is poured upon a Worm and irritates or provokes them into convulsions and into motions as if of dancing or suddenly leaping forth and sometimes wholly overturns their functions hence comes contractures grievous convulsions dilerium wakings and sometimes stupification and the sleepy Disease upon Women Lying in Thirdly whilst these things are done oftentimes a third band of symptoms infest the sick to wit for that the Womb being hurt by some evil moves it self disorderly and is struck with a Convulsion according to these or those parts from thence by and by convulsive motions invade by the membranes and nervous passages the whole Region of the Abdomen wherefore the Viscera and Hypocondria are blown up belchings and grievous vomitings are stirred up then the Distemper creeping upwards and possessing the nervous parts of the Thorax a difficult breathing and unequal a palpitation of the heart a sense of choaking in the throat by reason of the Muscles being there drawn backward and other symptoms through the whole Body are excited the same evil being at last carried to the Brain The Feavers of Women in Child-bed almost never want danger but sometimes it happens about the beginning that they are cured by a slender Dyet and by the Flux of the Lochia being restored but if the feaverish distemper does root it self more deeply that the whole Blood is inkindled and immoderately grows hot the Prognostick ought not to be esteemed of a light Omen and there will be a greater reason of danger if besides the heat being suffused all over the sick are troubled with a frequent shivering if they are affected or molested with a great disquietness and wakings with sudden concussions of the Body or a contracture of the Tendons or if thirdly they complain on the fourth day of a tingling of their ears with a great repletion or fulness of the head you may from thence collect the evil to grow worse viz. a translation of the feaverish and hurtful matter to the Brain nor is it less to be feared if they have on them an oppression and weight of the Praecordia that the sick cannot breath freely nor draw their breath deep and from the bottom of their breast but only from the top and that frequently and sighingly and that they move themselves restlesly hither and thither For this argues the Blood to stagnate in its circulation about the Heart and
things and that are indued with a styptic or binding vertue are equally to be avoided for these fix the Blood and bind it too much and hinder its very requisite Purgation both by the Lochia and by transpiration thorow the skin But rather though the Feaver be urgent give them decoctions powders and confections of things moderately hot of which sort are as is already said decoctions or Distilled Waters of the Flowers of Marigoids the Leaves of Pennyroyal Mugwort the roots of Scorzonera also Bezoartic Powders Spirits of Harts-horn fixed salts of Herbs c. If the Lochia should be stopt that their Flux may be again provoked must be indeavoured every way To the moving of this conduce frictions and ligatures about the Thighs and Legs sometimes Cupping-Glasses or Blisters about the Thighs or Hips also in the soles of the Feet also sometimes the opening a Vein in the Ankle is convenient in the mean time a fomentation of the hysterical decoction is to be applied about the Pubis or the Caul of a Weather or Sheep taken out warm may be layed to the bottom of the Belly and experience manifests that sometimes injections into the Womb are profitable If the Belly yields not it may be gently brought down with a violet suppository so called or an emollient Clyster of more strong provocations you must take heed because in Women Lying in even as in a Malignant Feaver from a copious dejection with loss of Spirits Life is quickly lost If with the suppression of the Lochia there be a notable perturbation of the Blood with vomiting thirst and wakings I have often known Laudanum mixt with Saffron given with happy success Instead of a cooling Julep this kind of mixture is convenient viz. take of water of Pennyroyal and Balm each three ounces of hysterical water two ounces of the Syrrop of Mugwort three ounces and an half of the tincture of Saffron two drams of Castor ty'd in a rag and hung in the glass one scruple mingle these and let them drink of this three or four spoonfuls oftentimes in a day 2. If notwithstanding the use of these Remedies the Feaver grows still worse and by degrees is increased with worser symptoms that besides the disorders of the Blood the Brain and nervous parts begin to be touched Medicines tho many of every kind may be tryed do little yea in this case the indications are almost the same with those made use of in the Plague it self forasmuch as the Lochia being for a good while suppressed they cannot easily be reduced or scarcely at all in the great confusion of the Blood and humors therefore it is convenient quickly to move a sweating to wit that the corruptions impressed on the Blood and nervous juice and restagnating from the Womb may be carried forth some how by sweat and insensible transpiration Therefore here Powders and Confections of Bezoar Spirit of Hartshorn or of Soot tinctures of Corals or Pearls help I have sometimes seen by the help of those kind of Medicines in a desperate case when the Pulse and other symptoms have appeared a little better some small hopes to shew themselves yet Cure rarely to follow but when the use of these Cordials were left off the sick with a weak Pulse and a Loosness presently arising have been precipitated to Death 3. When yet the business of the sick proves still worse when the Feaver being increased the Pulse is weak and unequal and frequent horrors and convulsive motions in the whole body with a delirium and stupefaction infest them then the Physitian having first made a Prognostication of Death may insist upon a few Remedies and those only Cordials and must wholly abstain from blood-letting scarification blistering or the use of Cupping-glasses for such administrations beget only an odium and blame that by so doing we are esteemed by some Women as wicked and cruel The Symptomatic Feavers of Women in Child-bed THE Acute Diseases of Women in Child-bed shew themselves not only according to the Figure of the aforesaid Feaver but sometimes they are beset with some signal symptoms to wit the Squinancy Pleurifie inflamation of the Lungs Dysentery Small-Pox or of some other kind and at that time they get the appellations of those Distempers It will not be here seasonable to repeat at large what belongs to the essences and natures of each but I shall briefly shew what these sicknesses being complicated with the distempers of Women Lying in contain peculiarly as to the Causes or Cures All these symptoms we suppose to proceed from a certain Coagulation of the Blood and from thence its extravasation But whilst the Blood is extravasated or put forth of the Vessels in one part its efflux however natural and critical is hindred in another wherefore it is dangerous lest whilst the Blood begins to be coagulated either in a particular or accustomed nest of Coagulation or universally in its whole mass the flowing of the Lochia be stopped which in truth for the most part happens and therefore these Distempers for the most part are deadly to Women in Child-bed yet the cause of their Death for the most part happens with some difference viz. in the Small Pox the flowing of the Lochia draws inwardly the malignity begun to be carried forth outwardly and forthwith compels the mass of Blood and the heart it self to be impoysoned with its evil and therefore in the Small Pox these purgings of the Womb are convenient to be stopped But in the Pleurisie Squinancy and the rest when the provocative of the Disease being fixed here or there in a particular place draws to it self the impurities of the Blood which ought to be separated or sifted forth by the Lochia and derives it streight from the Womb for that reason it increases the impurity of the Blood The Lochia being stopped in the Small Pox by the more universal manner or way of excretion may be shut forth of doors with the venemous Particles of the Disease which thing indeed does not succeed in the rest by reason of the minute and more sparing manner of excretion Of these the Squinancy Pleurisie and Inflamation of the Lungs by reason both of the great similitude of the Cause and analogy of the Cure may be considered together when any Woman Lying in is distempered with any of these it is to be supposed that besides the Infection gathered together in the time of being Big-bellied there happens a certain sourish disposition of the Blood by the means of which whilst that it self grows feaverishly hot certain Particles of it being fused with the sourness enter into congelation in this or that part like Milk growing sour and then to be coagulated The Blood being there frozen or congealed and hindred in its circuit stops the passage of the rest but the Blood being obstructed in its motion buts against the impediment and so being heaped up about it and driven forth of the Vessels grows into a tumour from thence presently whatsoever is
contained in its mass that is heterogeneous and to be sifted forth is layed aside into the distempered part as it were a sink wherefore the corruptions of the Blood that ought to be purged forth by the Womb are derived from thence towards the nest of this Disease which when they cannot be sufficiently purged forth by this way both more remarkably corrupt the Liquor of the Blood and render the particular distemper viz. the Squinancy Pleurisie or any other more hard to be cured For the Cure of these kind of complicated distempers presently from the very beginning it should be endeavoured that the Blood being fixed somewhere and begun to be extravasated may be restored to Circulation that it may not impostumate because very rarely Women Lying in are cured of these Symptomatic Feavers by an Imposthume or spitting forth of the corrupt matter Wherefore internal Remedies which fuse the Blood and free it from Coagulation are to be made use of of which sort are chiefly Diaphoretics full of a volatile Salt as Spirit of Hartshorn Soot Urine also the Salts themselves in like manner Shelly and Bezoartic Powders Lapis Prunellae Decoctions and Juleps of Vegetables provoking Urine or the terms with all which ought to be mixed what by experience are found proper for the distempers of the Womb Besides discussing Remedies which may drive away the impacted matter and disperse it of which sort are Liniments Fomentations and Cataplasms are diligently to be applied In the mean time the more impetuous motion and immoderate effervency of the Blood are to be removed and its purgings by all the ways possible transferred to the inferior parts For this end Frictions Ligatures Epispastics and if need be Scarifying about the Feet and Legs are to be administred if the distemper very much growing worse a taking away of Blood be indicated unless there be a great fulness in the whole Body and a very acute inflamation in the distempered part it will be best to open a Vein in the Foot or to take away Blood from the hemorrhoid Veins by Leeches But if necessity urges it may be done in the Arm it self if after that Letting Blood if another be admitted let it be done in the Leg but you are to be warned that in these cases the opening a Vein is to be ordered very cautiously for unless it brings present help which I have rarely known it to do immediately the Pulse being made more weak the business of the sick becomes much worse The Dysentery takes its rise almost for the like cause with the aforesaid distempers but in this because the extravasated Blood is presently poured forth nor being retained in the Body becomes there troublesome or is any more corrupted and as this Flux makes an excretion near the Womb and does not afterwards dreive it to any other place there is less of danger to be feared from this Disease than from those aforesaid yet oftentimes this Disease is fatal to Women in Child-bed for that indeed the rather because things attempering the Blood and moderately binding are ordered for the Dysentery for these are found too apt to inhibit the Flux of the Lochia wherefore in this case until the Women Lying in are sufficiently purged by a long Flux the Cure of the other Disease is to be omitted and the fierceness of the symptoms is to be allayed only with gentle asswaging things The indications of the Small Pox do not only differ from those above described but indeed they are beset with contraries to themselves for they require as hath been said that the Flux of the Lochia should be moderately staid yet in the mean time that the flowring forth of the Blood and a gentle sweat ought to be continued for when in this Disease the invenomed ferment is twofold and the corrupt Particles of the Blood are carried outwardly in a twofold way you must beware lest that the lesser and straiter part should draw to its door the whole matter or more than it were able to send forth therefore lest the Lochia flowing more plentifully should recall inwardly the venom apt to flower outwardly the manner or way of Dyet is somewhat to be changed and specially those things which have a poyson resisting force and are also astringent as the roots of Tormentil and Bistort are to be boyled in the Broths of the sick also Powders Juleps and Opiats indued with such like virtue are convenient to be administred at due intervals yea in this case by no means Women should be indulged that they might eat flesh or Broth made of it or to rise out of their Bed but the quiet both of mind and Body is to be procured as much as may be and a Dyet to be ordered of those things that move not the Blood and the business almost wholly to be committed to God and Nature What hath already been said concerning the acute Diseases of Women in Child-bed may easily be illustrated with Histories and Observations But examples which may be brought in this thing for the greatest part are mournful and of an ill chance because those Feavers for the most part end in Death But to describe these kind of sicknesses does neither confirm the work of the Physitian nor render approved the method of Medicine altogether taken in them however because the knowledg of these may make for the better discovery of this Disease I shall here propose some singular cases of Women Lying in and variety of symptoms in which altho the forms and means of Cure more sparingly occur yet we may have some rules of precaution of no contemplable use A Gentlewoman in her six and twentieth year of her Age brought forth her sixth Child with very difficult Labour and not without danger of her Life yet presently after she began to be better on the second day she eat a whole Chicken on the third rose out of her Bed and sate in a Chair for four hours the night following she found her self ill at which time her Milk came into her Breasts which by the application of Diaculum Plaisters soon vanished the next morning she complained of a weariness and as it were an ulcerous pain of her whole Body also of a vomiting nauseousness and fulness about the Ventricle and Hypochondria the following night was full of trouble on the fifth day she was plainly in a Feaver she felt now a shivering now a heat every where increasing she nauseated every thing and was troubled at her Stomach moreover being unquiet and without sleep the Lochia flowed little but a whitish humor commonly called the Flux of the Milk came away In the evening she had a weight and as it were a sleepiness about her forehead and temples and began to sleep a little but awaking in half an hour being disturbed with Phantasms she complained of her head as if increased in bulk also of her jaws being set that she could not open her teeth and her fists being strongly clutched she seemed as
if she felt a pricking and stupor or numness in her whole Body her Ventricle and Hypochondria stood still inflated and stretched forth they administred to her Frictions Ligatures Cupping-glasses and other Remedies both inward and outward that might recall the Lochia and drive the recrements of the Blood from the head Her Pulse being weak and disordered would not admit of Letting Blood Powders and Juleps which might gently move sweating and fuse the Blood and nervous juice and hinder them from restagnating were diligently given her yea fomentations now of Wollen Cloaths dipped in emollient Decoctions and now of warm inwards of living Creatures were applied to her Belly in the mean time stinking things such as they use to the Mother Fits were put to her nose which might drive away the impetuousness of the Spirits and Blood carried into the head but these and other things being for several hours carefully performed she seem'd to feel some ease but still she feared to shut her eyes or to settle herself to sleep for her eye lids being closed a thousand Phantasms ran in her mind with noise and tingling in her whole head she continued that night almost without sleep assoon as she had begun to sleep presently being affrighted and feeling a weight in her Precordia she was awaked on the sixth day about noon she was troubled with a great shivering or rather an horror with a strong concussion of the whole Body to which as in the fit of an Ague by and by heat and then sweat copiously followed but from thence nothing of ease accrued to the sick for presently after the sweat the feaverish heat was renewed and convulsive distempers infested her more the night following with the rest of the symptoms growing worse first a Palsie was excited in her tongue and by and by in her throat that she could not speak and scarce swallow at all on the seventh day about the same hour a shivering invaded her again with heat and sweat then her Pulse being much weaker and unequal also a difficult breathing and fetching the breath short and quick with her Breast lifted up she knew not them about her on the eighth day she died There was a manifold occasion of the death of this Gentlewoman predisposed to a Feaver by reason of her Big-belly and which had increased the malignity of the Disease over and above for the hurt received by her hard Labour the sudden exclusion of the Milk from her Breasts the eating of flesh and the rising too soon our of her bed hapning together made as it were a conspiration for the greater evil The Blood being touched with a feaverish burning presently conceived inordinations and snatched into it self the Lochia and perhaps other defilements of the Womb and so by that means acquired a greater infection and plainly venemous disposition the membranes of the Viscera being imbrued with the degenerate nervous juice were struck either with Convulsive motions or with Convulsions continued to them from the Womb for these kind of inflations about the Abdomen and those distentions are the effects of Convulsions For altho the direct Fibres drawing the member do oftentimes press it yet since the Fibres are direct and transverse and others placed in a various site the membranes are pulled together into an hollowness by their coming together the part swells up like a blown bladder into whose vacuity the Air being rarefied secondarily carries it self forward But it is not the Air as is commonly said or a blast there at first heaped up that is the cause of the distention The Blood growing hot in our sick person and being quickly filled with an adust and malignant matter did endeavour to subdue it and being unable to put it forth by sweat forthwith fixed it in the Brain the first suffusion of the same matter into the head by reason of the animal Spirits being half overthrown brought in that sense of her head being much increased in bulk which thing happened by the like means as when the foot being taken with a sleepiness seems as if it felt much bigger than it is But that after some case the distemper grew worse by sleep and closing of her eyes the reason is because waking and the exercise of the senses shake off and remove from them somewhat the matter besieging the Brain and Nerves which notwithstanding being neer and in its precincts sleep creeping on is as it were supped up by them and enters their Bodies more deeply with the alible juice But the Blood altho it had plentifully poured forth its recrements in the Brain yet did not itself become free but being still full with an impure ballast it conceived as it were a critical flowring and attempted to shake off its burthen once or twice as it is wont in a great excretion with a shivering and with heat and sweat following it by which endeavour however nothing was further effected than that the matter sticking to the Brain pierced more deeply into it and becoming fixed in some little shoots of the Nerves took away her speech and swallowing and afterwards her senses and the mass of Blood being by degrees more and more depraved at length became unable to sustain Life A noble Gentlewoman being married a little before she was twenty years of Age and being with Child used during the time an ill dyet and little or no exercise yet falling into Labour and suffering the torments with intermission and frequent case for twelve hours at length was brought to Bed of a Son The Child with the after-birth came away and all things were right about the Womb the first and second day she found her self indifferently well but on the third after a light shivering she began to complain of thirst and heat to which a loosness followed that she had that day four stools the following night she was almost without sleep the feaverish distemper remained after that in the same manner for two days daily she purged three or four time the Lochia as yet flowed moderately when on the sixth day by the persuasion of the Women she had took some astringent thing to moderate the Flux of her Belly the purgings of the Womb were almost wholly stayed at which time the Feaver became more strong and symptoms as it were hysterical appeared for in her Precordia she had great and frequent oppressions and was troubled with a sense of choaking in her throat on the seventh day the heat was yet stronger and her breathing difficult and laborious but then by the prescription of a Physician at that time first sent for Blood was taken from her foot to three ounces by which she was better for four hours for a quiet steep with a plentiful sweat followed upon it and the Lochia appeared again tho in small quantity In the Evening again all things grew worse her strength being very much lost her Pulse weaker and unequal she complained also of a noise and tingling of her ears with a fulness of her
head moreover a leaping up of the tendons in her wrists also she had sudden concussions of her wholy Body yet still her loosness held to her were administred by the prescripts of several Physicians Cordials and other Remedies and kinds of Administrations carefully but nothing profited her Pulse being more weak and her strength leisurely wasting she died on the ninth day after she was delivered This Feaver very much depended upon the vitious provision of the Body as the procatartic cause for I have often observed that it fares ill with Women Lying in who when Big bellied devoured fruit and any unwholsom trash and living without motion or exercise indulged themselves with ease and rest the Blood by reason of the previous Cachexie conceived a burning without any evident cause as it were of its own accord But growing hot laying inwardly still its recrements and impurities caused the Diarrhea neither yet was its mass made more pure by its almost continual excretion yea rather being still more depraved in its mixtion or crasis the Blood at length wholly departed from its proper disposition and became unable to be fermented in the heart whereby heat and breath might be every where dispersed The loosness excited by the motion of Nature was untowardly stopped especially by the use of astringent things for this I have often observed never to be done without paying for it because the Flux of the Belly has cured some that have been ill but in this Lady and in many others as has abundantly appeared to our experience altho it did not take away the Feaver yet it freed her from the more grievous distempers of the Brain and nervous stock from whence this sick person was wholly free from a Delirium nor was struck with Convulsive motions till reduced almost to extremity The Mother of a Family and a Gentlewoman about 36 years of Age or upwards being with Child of her seventeenth Child was troubled and very anxious lest she should die of that Child-bearing But God favouring she was delivered well enough of a Son and for three days after she was very cheerful on the fourth day when she had eaten more than she should do of a Chicken a little before night she fell into a feaverish Distemper with vomiting and a stopping of the Lochia all night she lay restless and without sleep the next morning she had four stools and seemed somewhat eased about Noon about which time I came to her she complained again of heat and thirst as also a palpitation of the heart and of the ascent of some substance in her throat her Pulse was quick and small her Urine red the Lochia scarce appeared I ordered her Juleps Cordials and things to purge the Womb besides a fomentation for the bottom of her Belly also her Legs and Feet to be rubbed often with warm Wollen Cloaths at going to sleep I gave her of Laudanum one grain with Saffron Pouder half a scruple in a spoonful of Treacle-water She slept well and the Lochia came down plentifully and by that means with a slender dyet and continuing to provoke moderately the Flux of the Womb for a few days she became very well The immoderate eating of flesh as an evident and almost only sufficient cause without any great provision or vitious predisposition induced the Feaver The Lochia restagnating into the Blood increased its intemperance and presently brought troubles upon the nervous kind but in the mean time the Blood altho growing hot did not undergo any great corruption but when the recrements heaped up by the Surfeit were sent forth by the loosness and the Blood the Lochia being restored began to be purged forth again after its wonted manner this Feaver wanting a further malignant ferment quickly vanished A noble Lady young and fair was brought to Bed of a second Child and for six days as to the Lochia and other accidents she was well and wholly free from the suspicion of any intemperature she ate flesh daily and rising from her Bed was brisk and chearful in her Chamber on the seventh day without any manifest cause a shivering came upon her with a Feaver and a lessning of the Lochia but not suppressed to the tenth day after her Delivery she was only moderately feaverish whilst the purgings of the Womb yet flowed she remained free from any grievous symptom but then although she was greatly feaverish she was more cheerful than ordinary and seemed more confident of her health at Night she slept little or nothing the morning following at which time I first visited her she clearly raved the Lochia were stopped also her whole Body was shaken with horror the tendons in her wrists were pulled together so that I could hardly distinguish her Pulse which in the mean time was weak unequal and very quick I said she would die quickly unless God should miraculously restore her by his Divine Power however six grains of Oriental Bezoar being given her in a spoonful of Cordial Julep brought upon her a plentiful sweat with a better Pulse then other Cordials being given wiâ—â— due intervals gave some little hopes tho I doubted they would not continue aâ—tâ—r four hours from the time that I came the sick Lady had of her own accord a great Stool and presently her strength wholly failed her and within half an hour she died When there hapned nothing of ill to this Lady as to her Delivery or Womb so pernicious a Feaver and so suddenly Mortal could not happen without a great and malignant procatarsis of the Blood and humors whether a more full Dyet or taking Cold or any other evident cause gave a beginning to this is uncertain because the Women and Nurses helping her knew of no manifest occasion of her sickness The Feaver being inkindled the infection of the Blood could not be wholly carried away by the purging of the Womb tho long continued tho for that reason the more cruel symptoms came not presently upon her yet the evil still lurked within and the Disease being very acute shewing it self with a swift motion on the fourth day when Nature should have indeavoured a Crisis the matter of the Feaver being moved but not overcome as it were in a moment overturned at once the Brain and nervous parts whence Death was to be expected and suddenly followed A Woman well known who had scarce passed the twentieth Year of her Age of a florid countenance and slender Body after her being brought to Bed when the Lochia flowed immoderately made use of some astringent Remedies by the counsel of those about her by which means they were wholly stopped but a Flux of her Belly succeeded which when it had increased for three days the Women gave her other things for the stopping her Loosness nor were they frustrated in the success in the mean time in the place of the former evil they had brought a most dangerous Feaver and distempers as it were hysterical for the unhappy Gentlewoman Lying in was troubled
with thirst heat wakings and at several turns with swoonings and cold sweats at this time being sent for I prescribed her Cardaic Remedies and such as moved the purgings of the Womb and also a Clyster to be given her at length the Flux of her Belly being provoked the Lochia also came down and the sick Woman being freed from the aforesaid symptoms and the more grievous Disease to wit the Remedies of the Nurses quickly grew well of her Feaver The more plentiful Flux of the Womb hapning to this Woman removed the Procatartic cause of a more grievous Disease wherefore when they had committed so many errors about the ordering her viz. first in stopping the Lochia then what might compensate their defect in hindring the Flux of her Belly yet the Feaver was only light and without any venomous taint impressed on the Blood the like to this I have known to happen frequently to wit when at first the purgings of the Womb have flown very plentifully afterwards when they have flown very sparingly and sometimes stopped the Women in Child-bed have escaped And by the way it is here to be noted that it is wholly dangerous to inhibit or at least divert and cross any motion of Nature incited tho irregular A Noble Gentlewoman about 20 years of Age indued with a smooth and full habit of Body miscarried twice in the space of a Year when she had again Conceived by the prescription of her Physician she provoked a Vomit once a month by drinking plentifully Posset Drink by which she was wont to cast forth much thick tough Phlegm also in the time of her being with Child he Let her Blood 5 times the time of her going being over she was brought to Bed of a Son with very hard Labour the Secundine came whole away and she purged notably on the second day whilst she was lifted upon her feet in Bed that the Sheets and the Blankets might be laid in better order she took Cold and by that means the bloody Lochia wholly stopped and only a little serous Water came away on the third day she began to complain of an acute pain in her right side to which the Women laid Bags of Camomil made hot with Bricks but the distemper grew worse with a bloody spittle on the fourth day of her being brought to Bed a most â—harp pain with a difficult breathing and very Laborious invaded her by the prescription of her Physician then coming to her from the neigbourhood six ounces of Blood was taken away out of the Basilic Vein and she felt sudden ease for 10 hours she was better in the middle of the night the pricking pain returned with its wonted fierceness at length other Physicians being called to Counsel they agreed that it was necessary to open a Vein again in the arm of the distempered side four ounces of Blood being taken away the pain remitted and the sick breathed better then by Diasphoretic Remedies she fell into a great sweat with a quiet sleep But the Pulse was made quicker and weaker also contractures of the tendons in her wrists appeared presently afterwards she talked idly and within 24 hours after she was last Let Blood she departed That this Lady fell into a Pleurisie with a Feaver upon the Lochia being suppressed the cause in some measure seemed to be the Letting of Blood so often in the time of her being with Child for by this means the Blood being accustomed to be eventilated at the arm afterwards growing hot leaving the Womb was carried violently towards the place of its letting forth where when it found not a passage it fixed in the neighbouring side as the next nest to the place of extravasation yea besides the usual manner of a Pleurisie there was no small malignity hapned to this Disease for the Blood being hindred from being let forth of the Vessels began presently to be corrupted in its disposition and in the third day of the Feaver was so much depraved that it could not be any longer fermented in the heart so as to Prorogue Life It was not so with the Wife of a certain Smith who was brought to Bed at what time her Children had the Small Pox in the same House and she her self as it seemed had taken the Contagion of the same Disease for on the second day after her Delivery they began to break forth with a feaverish heat and pain in her Loyns which indeed for three days whilst the Lochia moderately flowed arose rightly into little swellings altho the purging of the Womb was very copious at that time she had the Small Pox very thick all over her Body not only in the superficies of her skin but also they filled the cavity of her mouth and throat so that she could scarce speak or swallow The sixth day of her Lying in the Lochia flowed immoderately from whence presently fell upon the sick a frequent swooning with a flagging of the Small Pox Convulsions and other symptoms of an ill nature which threatned Death soon being sent for I prescribed half a dram of this Powder to be taken constantly every three hours in a spoonful of the following Julep viz. take of the Roots of Tormentil in Powder drams two of the best Bole Armonie dram one of the species of Hyacinth half a dram make a Powder Take of the Compound Water of Scordium of Dragons of Meadowsweet each three ounces of Therecal Vinegar one ounce of the Syrup of Corals two ounces of Harts-horn burnt half a dram make a Julep Besides I ordered to be boyled in her Broths and in every thing she drank the Roots of Tormentil by these Remedies the purging of her Womb was soon wholly stopped and the Small Pox by degrees being ripened came off without any grievous symptom Indeed this case was difficult and was cured with great danger viz. for either the Lochia or the Small Pox to have been restrained inwardly was very dangerous and yet the more full eruption of the one hindred the motion of the other so long as either moderately proceeded things being permitted to the conduct of Nature was moderately well but when one of them became ill the work of Art was required and it was requisite to bridle the Lochia but to provoke the Small Pox. CHAP. XVII Of Epidemical Feavers HAving meditated rather a Commentary than an intire Tract I had thought here to have concluded our Discourse of Feavers But forasmuch as certain Epidemical Feavers do often spread which observe no Laws nor can be brought to any certain rule of Doctrine but being irregular vary every year and for that reason as often as any of them increase or spread abroad presently it is called the new Disease therefore I thought it worth our while because general precepts concerning these Feavers are not to be delivered to subjoyn some particular Histories of some of this kind for out of the various provision of symptoms whereby they are wont to be noted the nature and the whole
born not from the Contagion communicated by the Air and immediately fixing its evil on men but rather from a certain feaverish predisposition or nature impressed somewhile before on our Bodies because of the intemperance of the Year which at length having gotten maturity on the least occasion is brought into Act and so breaks not forth into this Feaver so much as it sifts it forth For when about the Calends of July the Air was immoderately hot with a most intense heat for many days is easily altered our Blood towards an hot and bilous intemperance by which as 〈◊〉 â—ine growing more hot than it should do the sweet part and the spirituous was much consumed in the mean time the Saline and Sulphureous was too much carried forth that by that means the Liquor easily contracted a rancor or sourness We have in another place shewn that this kind of disposition of the Blood whereby indeed it turns from a sweet and spirituous temper into a bilous or choleric is most apt for intermitting Feavers Hence the alible juice which is continually carried into the mass of Blood is not rightly concocted nor assimilated into Blood but perverted as it were into an extraneous and fermentative matter which arising to a fulness in the bosom of the Blood it self and growing turgid according to its increase at set periods as we have already shewn induces the fits of the intermitting Feaver when therefore from the great burning heat of this Summer the Blood almost of all men becoming more hot than usual was very much scorched it is no wonder if from thence it should contract a great aptitude for intermitting Feavers But why not whilst the fervor of the Heaven was yet urgent but a little after this Disease spread it self the reason is because this indisposition is not impressed on our Blood at once or at one time but by little and little and not but of a long time and therefore Diseases like Fruits are chiefly ripened in Autumn after the foregoing heat of the Summer This aptitude or feaverish disposition all do not contract alike those whose Blood is of a more hot Nature and abounds more in Sulphur and for that cause is sooner scorched also such who labour or stay long in the heat of the Sun and open Air by reason of their Blood being more remarkably torrified more easily fell into this Disease wherefore at first it chiefly raged among Husbandmen in the Country of these who had acquired an aptitude to this Feaver from the Blood being before scorched some perhaps fell into this of their own accord the feaverish disposition being leisurely carried forth to a maturity others by reason of a light occasion or evident cause which was wont otherways to stir up the feaverish burning as from taking Cold Surfeit drinking of Wine and the like and others fell sick from the Contagion received of others for as the effluvia constantly came away from the sick when they pierced Bodies predisposed to the like distemper they easily excited the hid powers into Act. As to the third Proposition to wit that the conjunct cause of this Disease and its formal Reason may be known we must put you in mind of those things which we have elsewhere delivered concerning the nature of intermitting Feavers for we suppose the retorrid and bilous constitution of the Blood as the basis of this Disease by reason of which the alible juice being supplied daily as it were in a certain measure is not rightly concocted but by the assation or scorching becomes or goes into a fermentative matter not miscible with the Blood When the Blood is filled to a fullness with this matter which happens at set intervals of times because the alible juice is supplied as it were by a set measure it of its own accord conceives a swelling up and the growing hot or effervescency being excited for the carrying away of this matter causes the feaverish fit which so long indures till this feaverish matter being inkindled and as it were burnt in the heart is wholly dissipated with sweat From these things premised it is made plain that in this distemper we now discourse of there are some things happen by a peculiar way from the common kind of intermitting Feavers and therefore it was noted and that not undeservedly with the appellation of a New Feaver which are First That about the beginning of the Disease fits did a long while afflict the sick without cold or shaking but with a most intense heat thirst and cruel vomiting by which the sweat hardly and for the most part partial and often interrupted succeeded whereby the fit was not finished but of a long time The reason of which may be only laid upon the very choleric disposition of the Blood and being above measure scorched For this proceeding from the domineering Sulphur wholly inhibits the wonted sourness of the Blood which follows its turgency or swelling up and is wont to stir up the cold or shivering and by reason of this kind of temper of the Blood too much roasting and as it were burning the alible juice the Blood growing turgid together with that juice and being stirred up into motion is inkindled more than it is wont in the heart and by its deflagration induces a most intense and troublesome heat with thirst to the sick Cholerick vomitings happen not only at the beginning but in the middle of the fit by reason of the abundance of choler with which the Choleduct Vessels being too much filled infuse the intestines which then a Convulsion being stirred up is easily emptied into the Ventricle sweat hardly succeeds because the bile abounds more than the serum wherefore the feaverish matter being burnt it is not easily sifted forth by sweat but being either mingled with the Blood causes the long effervency or being carried towards the intestines produces Vomiting or a Flux Secondly This Feaver differs from the vulgar intermitting Feaver because after the fit was ended there was no full intermission even to a remission but the sick still remained languishing and thirsty and as to appetite sleep and other accidents very ill which indeed hapned because by the intense heat of the fit more of the Blood and feaverish matter is inkindled than that its recrements remaining after its deflagration are able presently to be dissipated especially because the sweat by reason of the dryness of the matter very hardly succeeds nor is the feaverish matter enough diluted with the serous Latex to be sifted forth wherefore the Blood by its Contagion in the time of the fit not being perfectly freed grows hot still neither the fit being ended doth it get any full truce from the Disease In the mean time whilst the Blood is urged after this manner with almost a continual effervency it differs from a Synochus because in this the Sulphureous part of the Blood being too much carried forth and as it were inflamed causes the Feaver by its deflagration but the continual
to vomiting let a more plentiful evacuation be procured by a gentle Emetie in the time of the fit The opening of a Vein and Purging ought not to be administred unless between the fits for whilst the Blood grows mainly hot or is resolved into sweat Nature ought not to be called back from the Work begun nor her endeavours to be disturbed by the prescriptions of Physicians wherefore after the 〈◊〉 being past and the sweat throughly finished a Purging may be instituted by a gentle Cathartic and the same afterwards sometimes repeated on the like occasion for by this method not only the provision of the excrementitious matter is brought away from the first passages but chiefly the choler-bearing Vessels being emptied the choler is copiously drawn forth from the mass of Blood and by that means the Blood is restored to its natural Crasis or disposition The Letting of Blood if it be indicated should be performed presently after the beginning for so its Liquor being too turgent or swelling up is eventilated whereby both the nutritious juice is less perverted and the fit urging it burns forth with a less heat together with the morbifick matter but otherwise if a Vein be opened after a long sickness when the Blood being made poorer and more watry more of the morbific matter is heaped together and does not rightly concoct and sift it forth it detracts much from the strength of Nature and nothing from the power of the Disease In the interval of the fits when there is no place for opening a Vein nor Purging let the Belly be kept loose by the constant use of Clysters also digestive Remedies of acetous or saline Liquors and Powders are to be exhibited of which sort are Cream of Tartar fixed Salts of Herbs Tartar Vitriolate Harts-horn burnt Spirit of Vitriol and Salt c. for these restore the lost or sleepy ferments of the Viscera purifie the Blood by fusing it also separate the morbific matter and as it were precipitate it also at this time between if pertinations waking infest the sick and overthrow their strength it may be lawful to administer anodyne and gentle narcotic Remedies but never in the fit for then they greatly hinder the subduing and sifting forth of the feaverish matter and draw out in length the fit that would end sooner These things are to be done about the interstitia or intervals of the fits but whilst the fit is urgent altho the sick then chiefly send for and call upon Physiicans yet at this time their prescripts are limited to a narrower space If Vomiting notwithstanding an Emetic being given still infest it may be more freely provoked either by simple Posset Drink or with bitter Herbs boyled in it But let the chiefest means of help be in temperating the heat and thirst which most grievously torments the sick in this Feaver For whilst the Blood growing hot with the morbific matter and being inkindled in the Heart leaps forth into the Lungs stirs up there a cruel Inflamation which requires a profusion of a cold humor as it were for the extinguishing the Flame wherefore they greedily desire without any measure drink for want of which the sick are almost killed with too great heat and their Blood being almost wholly rarified into flame and fume the thrid of Circulation is hardly continued wherefore drink ought to be wholly granted to those in Feavers which however if it be taken in too large a quantity it at first more disturbs the estuating Blood and at length brings confusion to the feaverish matter begun to be separated that from thence the Work of subaction and secretion is longer protacted and the fit is made longer also besides large drinking causes troubles in the Ventricle and by disturbing it and often provoking Vomiting hinders the breathing forth and calls inward the sweat breaking forth or perhaps already broke forth wherefore at first the heat of the Feaver being inkindled altho the sick be very thirsty let them only sip a little and abstain from drink as much as they can afterwards when the matter being burnt and subdued begins to be dissipated by sweat they may be more freely indulged as to this for so the sweating is greatly helped and the fit is sooner finished as to the nature of the Drink let them take sometimes Posset Drink sometimes Small Beer or Barly Water and sometimes simple Water or sharpned with the juice of Lemons In this case the use of Sal Prunellae is deservedly praised to be given in every Liquor for this with its nitrosity wonderfully allays the raging Blood and potently moves sweats I have often observed in the midst of a fit the sick wont to fall into a swoon or syncopy to whom presently they give Cordials or hot Waters that much increase the violence of the Feaver and bring forth more troubles than usual that the fit is more difficultly finished But these faintings for the most part happen either from a bilous humor suffused in the Ventricle or by reason of the sweat suddenly breaking forth and against these I always found the most present Remedy that either a feather being put down the throat Vomiting may be provoked or that Liquor being plentifully drunk a sweat may be again raised up also in the whole course of this Feaver I am wont never to give any Cordials or alexiteriums The Dyet in this Feaver ought to be only slender and not nourishing all sorts of Flesh or any thing prepared of them are wholly to be avoided for as these abound with Sulphur they give a more plentiful food as Oyl poured on Flame to the hot or enkindled Blood besides nothing spiritous as strong Waters strong Beer or Wine is to be yielded to but Decoctions or Broths of Oat-meal or Barly altered with cooling Herbs are chiefly to be used also Posset Drink and small Beer or Whey is to be given them at their pleasure for by this means when a very slender and watry nourishing juice is conveyed to the mass of Blood the soluted Particles of Sulphur burn forth sooner and with the less tumult also the recrements of the adust matter are more easily carried from the bosom of the Blood but if on the contrary a more rich or plentiful nourishment be administred the effervency of the Blood is thereby very much augmented and the Blood is more infected by the confusion or pouring in of the adust matter After that the Blood being much burnt forth by frequent fits and the Feaver being in its declination remits of its fervor and fierceness you must take heed lest the sick at length growing well fall not into a Cachexie or Scorbutic Distemper for the disposition of the Viscera being hurt and the Blood very much depauperated the alible juice though not scorched so as at first is not however rightly concocted and ripened into perfect Blood but by reason of the want of transpiration the serous excrements being imbued with a fixed salt are greatly heaped together
Because after the Summer solstice the North wind still blowing a cold season remained for a long while so that the Fruit and Corn this year was feared by the Husbandmen would scarce be throughly ripened but after this a little before the beginning of July a most fierce heat followed for several days and when the Dog days were begun the Air grew most cruelly hot that one could scarce indure the open Air. By reason of this heat and cold in excess the temperature of this year was very unequal wherefore there was a necessity for our Blood to be now fixed and as it were congealed now too much roasted and so perverted from its natural disposition to a scorched and melancholly temper also it came to pass that the Pores of the skin were much altered from their right constitution that by that means an insensible transpiration could not be performed after the wonted manner From the time that the former Feaver ceased almost to the end of the Dog days there was a state of health and free from all popular Diseases but then a few here and there among the Villages and in lesser places first fell sick but afterwards about the end of August a new Feaver suddenly arising began to spread through whole Regions every-where round about us also this as the other which spread the last Autumn raged chiefly in Country Houses and Villages but in the mean time few of the Inhabitants of the greater Towns and Cities fell sick At the same time in other Regions situate at a distance from us yea almost throughout England the Epidemical Feaver was said to rage and in some other places to be far more deadly than it was about our Country Perhaps the Idea of this Feaver now reigning had not the provision of its symptoms alike in all places or was noted wholly with the same appearances and accidents yet whatever it shewed in our parts as to its nature I shall briefly and succinctly add from our own proper observation or what I had learnt being communicated from others About the beginning of this Disease its figure was wandring and very uncertain because in some there was a continual fervor in others it was intermitting being renewed by set fits but at this time it hapned to very many as a pathognomic symptom that they were ill in their brain and nervous stock that presently from the very beginning of this Feaver almost all complained of their head being grievously distempered For a cruel headach infested some and hardness of hearing with a noise in the ears troubled others but to most was wont to happen either a stupidness and heavy sleepiness with a vertiginous Distemper or pertinacious wakings with a delirium and distractions of the animal spirits I have observed in some that on the first or second day of their sickness that little broad and red spots like to the measles have leisurely broke forth in the whole body which being shortly vanished the Feaver presently became stronger and especially the Distempers of the head far more grievous From thence a benumedness of the senses and a sleepiness fell upon some for many days that they lay a long while as if dying without speaking or knowledg of their friends I knew others to have fallen from hence into a Lethargy and others cast into an Apoplexie and some into a Phrensie and Delirium Of these the younger and strong men yet not without a long languishment and doubtful recovery most of them escaped in the mean time old men or other ways weak and sickly generally died Those who fell sick with the Feaver as it were continual with those notes of malignity were more rare and the distempered were only sporadically in some houses only But the sickness which most commonly spread about us fell upon most and tho it cruelly raged it seemed to imitate an intermitting Feaver to wit either a Tertian or a Quotidian for that the sick had fits either every day or which I more often observed every other day which infested them grievously and a long while with cold heat and sweat succeeding in order but these kind of fits as also the course of the whole Disease were wont to be noted with diversity according to the age and temper of the sick and with various concourse of symptoms and accidents Yet this was common to most of I had like to have said all the sick that together with the Feaver they were troubled with Cephalic Distempers When therefore any one was troubled with this Disease whether the sickness was excited from an evident cause or Contagion or without any manifest occasion its coming betrayed it self by a pain in the head and often in the loyns with thirst want of appetite spontaneous weariness and heat tho not strong if it hapned in a young Body of a florid Blood and more hot temper the fits wanted the cold and shivering about its beginning but they were very troublesome and sharp with long heat The sick were often troubled with vomiting and their head aked cruelly for the most part sweat difficulty succeeded which being often partial and quickly broke off rarely cured the fit but when the sweat failed they grew hot again that scarce in 18 or 24 hours the fit was finished in some In the mean time from the Blood being very fervent the phantasie was disturbed that oftentimes a Delirium absurd or idle talking wakings and high inquietudes were stirred up during the fit but the same being finished in the time between still a troublesome thirst a slow heat languor of spirits and great debility of strength with an headach and a vertiginous Distemper for the most part molested them It was rarely found for any to find themselves indifferently well as in a common Tertian between the fits About the beginning of the Disease the feaverish fiercenesses were somewhat more mild which afterwards at every turn leisurely grew worse and then began with cold and shaking to which nevertheless after a long and very troublesome heat sweat very hardly succeeded in most so that the fit rarely ended in its due temper Within six or seven periods the strength of the sick was much cast down that being made languid and weak they had an hard task to struggle with the Disease because unless Nature were succoured by Art the Feaver still prevailed and rarely or never in a short time was it cured by a Crisis or leisurely remitted but it brought the sick into great streights by its long siege and still persisting till the Blood being by its frequent deflagration made very liveless and watery was unable to grow too hot in the Vessels of its own accord or to be inkindled more plentifully in the heart and then oftentimes became so dead and wanting of spirits that being insufficient for the continuing of the Vital Lamp it brought in Death But sometimes the mass of Blood being depraved and made poor by this Disease was able tho hardly to continue the half extinct Vital
juice as well as the Blood by reason of the intemperance of the year was much altered from its due Crasis or Disposition viz. by nature sweet and spirituous and was become now heavy and almost lifeless now sharp and too much pungitive Besides also the mass it self of the Blood very much contributed to this evil for whilst it grew hot the vaporous effluvia which ought to have been dispersed outwardly by reason of the Pores being shut up were poured upon the Brain and membranes of the head and by reason of this kind of stopping impressed almost on all sweat hardly and not but partial and often interrupted succeded in the fits hence also in the height of the Disease a perfect Crisis or spontaneous rarely or never hapned to Cure it but instead of this if the business was committed to Nature the adust matter or recrements gathered together in the Blood were transferred to the head and there raised up now the sleepy evil now Phrensies and those long and stubborn 3. That the fits sometimes begun without cold or shivering but with a troublesome heat and were prolonged with a difficult sweat partial and often interrupted then forasmuch as the same being finished the sick began again to wax hot that the fits were not finished without a long evaporation of a dry breath the cause was the too sharp and bilous disposition of the Blood whereby when it grew turgid it was stuffed rather with adust Salt and Sulphur than a serous juice and presently conceived an inkindling without any previous Flux of nitrous matter and therefore for want of serum and by reason of the Pores being shut up its deflagration was continued for a long time almost only with a dry exhalation and scarce at last ended in a remission And therefore the interstitia of the fits were most troublesome with heat and thirst Head-ach Vertigo and other Distempers because the feaverish matter being heaped up in the Blood was not all dispersed by the several fits but part of it being left after the fit as it were extraneous and not miscible induced almost a continual burning 4. It was observed that those distempered with this Feaver presently lost their strength and flesh that after a fit or two they panted for breath and being very weak were not able to stand or go without being led when it is an usual thing in an intermitting Feaver that is common for the Patient to be very lively and cheerful between the fits the reason of the difference is because in this Feaver the mass of the Blood is both more depraved by the impure mixture of the degenerate juice and especially that the same is more perverted from its natural disposition and therefore when it boyls up less out of the fits it yet ferments not rightly and equally in the bosom of the heart wherefore when by any more quick motion or agitation of the Body the Blood is carried more impetuously into the bosom of the heart because it is not there presently inkindled it both leaps forth of doors and by its stagnation causes the oppression of the heart and great weakning of the Vital Spirits By reason of this kind of dyscrasie of the Blood to wit whereby it is made more unfit for due Fermentation and inkindling in the heart also some Beasts and especially Horses in the Spring time are made hard breathed and very unapt to any rapid motion 5. Lastly We are to inquire concerning this Feaver wherefore it spread chiefly in Villages in lesser Towns and the Country when Cities and greater Towns were less troubled with it It might seem that this Distemper should be excited from marshie Fogs and other hurtful Vapours plentifully heaped together in this or that Tract of the Air but there is a better reason for that the inhabitants of these kind of places being more exposed to the Spring cold and then to the Summer heats might have contracted a greater Dyscrasie of the Blood and so a more apt disposition to this Feaver For in truth the Inhabitants of the Country could scarce go out of their houses but they were exposed to the Sun's Beams or the fervor of the heated Air. Besides Country-men Husbandmen and such as were accustomed to Labours among whom this Feaver chiefly raged from their immoderate toyl in the Sun or open Air also using a bad and sharp Dyet sooner acquired an adust and torrid disposition of the Blood and so more apt for this Disease than Citizens and Townsmen who lived an idle life and enjoyed wholsome food and mostly continued within doors and in refrigerating shades We may believe this assertion for that not only the Epidemical Feaver now raging but also another of the Autumn before excited by reason of the evil disposition of the Blood increased chiefly among the Countrymen and inhabitants of the Country but the popular Feaver which arose in the middle of the Spring depending chiefly upon transpiration being hindred mostly infested Citizens and the Inhabitants of Towns whilst rustical men that were wont by Labour and Exercise to procure a more free breathing forth remained free The general Prognostication of this Disease seems only to ominate or foretel the like evil almost to follow this as followed the Epidemical Feaver of the former Autumn to wit the Augury being taken rather from the intemperance of our Blood than from the evil of the Air not the Pest but a Quartane Feaver might be feared to come upon it As to the particular Indication as Signs that promise Health or Death I shall briefly mention them and they chiefly respect the temper and government either of the Blood with the Vital Spirit or else of the nervous juice with the animal Spirit If it be plainly indicated from the Pulse Urine from Actions less hurt and the appearance of other symptoms that the Blood as to its feaverish disposition is not very much perverted from its natural temper that in the fits it moderately burns forth and in every Combat easily subdues the load of the feaverish matter and wholly shakes it off from its company that after same fits the mass of Blood is somewhat restored towards its due temper that it perverts little the alible juice and sifts forth with a more gentle rising up what is extraneous and not mingleable and that if in the mean time the other spirituous Liquor rightly inspires and waters the Brain and nervous Bodies that sleep waking sensation and motion are performed well or at least indifferently all good is to be hoped concerning the sick But if it appears from the same Fountains of Indications that the Blood hath acquired in this Feaver a disposition far removed from the natural if it perverts much of the alible juice and then from its extraneous and incongruous mixture the Liquor of the Blood is greatly disturbed and the Spirits driven into confusion if in the fits the Blood too strongly and in a long time burns forth yet doth not truly subdue the
into the Mass of Blood and as the milkie passages carry it about by a long compass whereby it may be instilled into the descending Trunk of the Vena cava so that it may be carried in a more near way viz. into the ascending Trunk of the same by these Vessels forasmuch as the Blood being made poorer in its Circulation returning from either part before it had entred the Heart it ought to be refreshed with a new juice whereby it might more lively ferment in the bosom of the Heart but forasmuch as the much greater part of the Blood is carryed upwards surely it may seem agreeable to truth that at least some portion of the nourishing Juice may be added to this as it were a sustenance it being before burnt forth and almost lifeless for its new inkindling in the Heart The Arguments that seem to perswade to this not of light moment I could here heap together but I should so divert far from our proposition wherefore that we so suddenly make a waterish Urine after Drinking I esteem to be done after a manner as was but now said therefore the Liquor that is carryed so hastily from the Aliments to the Mass of Blood passing thorow the so narrow windings as are the Membranes of the Viscera being drawn as it were by distillation the more thick matter being rejected consists almost only of Water and Spirit with which indeed it refreshes the vital Spirits and dilutes the Blood about which task when the spirituous part is consumed the watry Latex because of its plenty being heavy and troublesome is continually sent away by the Reins and when it comes from the Ventricle not yet imbued with Salt and Sulphur nor is long circulated with the Blood that it might by that means acquire a lixivial tincture it is rendred thin and clear CHAP. III. Of the Consistence and Contents of the Urine of Sound People SO much for the Quantity and colour of Urines which proceed from a sound Body but as to what belongs to the Contents we must know that there ought to be nothing besides the Hypostasis in a sound Urine but what this is and by what means it sinks down remains to be unfolded in the next place So long as the Mass of Blood being fused with the serous and nourishable humour is continually Circulated in the Vessels from it a certain nutritious juice is made by a perpetual digestion which being put continually to the solid parts goes into nourishment This first of all is digested into a glutinous humour like the white of an Egg afterwards into thin Filaments or Rags which being interwoven in the Pores and little spaces of the solid parts still afford to them an increase of new substance but whilst the Serum being mixed with the Blood washes all the Regions of the Body it sucks up into it self a certain superfluous portion of this last Aliment to be lay'd on the solid parts and carries it forth of dores with it self and this it is that constitutes the Hypostasis or settlement in Urines wherefore so long as this is present it indicates how far Concoction and Nutrition in some measure is performed and is accounted a laudable sign its absence shews Crudity and Cachectical people or a Dyscrasie in Feavours it consisting of small Threads or Filaments is dispersed at first thorow the whole body of the Urine and then is collected into a little Cloud by this means These Filaments or Threads are long and smooth also indued with some sharpnesses like Brier-pricks that from thence being shaken about they easily lay hold of one another and are fastned together even as if into an Urinal full of water you should cast many Hairs and then by shaking about the Vessel the hairs at first swimming dispersedly in a little time would lay hold on one another and be collected into a little bundle after the same manner as it seems the little threads which constitute the Hypostasis or settlement being variously here and there agitated by the colour and spirits implanted in the Urine intangle and thrust upon one another untill they gather into one little Cloud by the mutual knitting of all together and because these Filaments are compacted and more solid than the other Contents of the Urine they sink towards the bottom with their weight It is very likely that these kind of Filaments make the Hypostasis in the Urines of Sound people for that the Blood being well constituted and disposed to nourishment is very much stuffed with Fibres or white Filaments because when a Vein is opened if the Blood let out be received into warm water it will be conspicuous to any one for the red thick substance being diluted with the liquor these smooth and white threads swim in the water wherefore it seems that some of these thin or slender rags being snatch'd away with the serous juce are the matter of this cloud subsiding in the Urine wherefore in Cachectical people by reason of Crudity the Blood being very waterish and unfit for nourishment is destitute of these well labour'd Fibrils also in Dyscrasies when the nutritious humour the Blood being too much scorched is not rightly concocted into these kind of Filaments the Hypostasis in Urines is either wholly wanting or is very confused and disturbed It is said to be a good and laudable Hypostasis which is of a whitish colour of a round and equal figure and sinks towards the bottom to which are required First that that last Aliment be rightly labour'd whereby the Filaments may become white smooth and solid like to slender Fibres Secondly that the Urine be sufficiently strong in spirits which as is beheld in the growing hot of Must or new Wine may agitate and compel here and there all parts Thirdly that the liquor be not too thick nor that its Pores be first possessed by strange bodies whereby the motion of the contents may be hindred but that a sufficient space may be left for the free agitating and tossing about these kind of Particles If the substance be red it is a sign that that last Aliment is scorched and burnt with too much heat wherefore such a sediment for the most part is in the beginning of a Feavour so long as the Coction in the Viscera and Vessels is not wholly perverted if the Hypostasis be broken and unequal it is a sign that the nutriment destinated for the solid parts is not rightly and equally concocted and that its Particles are not homogene and alike in every part wherefore the Filaments do not cohere together but these with those and they with others are entangled apart hence some more thick descend towards the bottom and others more light swim upon the top When the Hypostasis does not wholly sink down but hangs all of it either in the middle or upper Region that happens because that those Filaments are not perfectly laboured nor solid and compact but more rare and spungy or because the liquor is thicker
fuse it as it were with a Coagulum or Runnet as are sharp things and preparations of Salts will more freely provoke Urine It sometimes happens that the Urines of the sick are made in a large quantity and very profuse that in a day and a nights space they make perhaps twice or thrice as much water as the Liquids they have taken the causes of which distemper are also various and the significations very divers if after the suppression of Urine or its quantity formerly lessened if in Hydropick distempers Rheumatisms or passions of the nervous stock or in the Crises of Feavers a flowing down of the Urine follows either of its own accord or by the use of Diureticks it denotes a Cure of the disease or preternatural disposition or at least a declining of it But if as I have often observed in a lean and weak constitution without any of the previous distempers but now recited the Urine exceeds much the Liquids taken and from thence a great debility of the whole follows this indeed signifies an evil disposition with a tendency to a wasting or Consumption I have known some women of a tender and most fine make who sometimes being ill for many days were wont daily to make water in a great abundance exceeding twice the Liquids taken and that watry and thin without contents or settlement at which time they have complained of a languishing of strength difficult respiration and an impotency to motion I suppose in this case that the blood and nervous juyce grow too sour from the salt carried forth and suffering a Flux and therefore that they are somewhat loosned in their mixture and fused so much into serosity as to be made fit for it For it is to be observed that all Liquids though more thick and mucilaginous if they be kept to a sourness presently become for the most part watry and limpid also the flowing down of the Urine is sometimes seen to arise from such a disposition of the blood and humors for that the Urine so copiously excreted is like Vinegar in taste and these kind of distempers are usually cured chiefly by Chalybeates and not by binding and thickning things But as to what respects the Colour the Urine of sound people may be the square or rule to which all the rest of the sick may be referred for as the colour of sound peoples is Citron the Urine of the sick is paler than Citron and so either watry or white or higher coloured than it whose chief kinds are flame-colour yellow red green and black I shall run through every one of these briefly and endeavour to weigh them together by what causes all the alterations may be made and what distempers or provisions of diseases they are wont to make known The Urine is watry or limpid when by reason of the indigestion of the Ventricle the saline and sulphureous particles of things eaten are not rightly subjugated nor being smally broken are made so volatile that being dissolved in the Serum they may impart to it a tincture which it may carry with it through the several turnings and windings of its passage For the Latex or juyce to be changed into Urine because it is forced through very secret passages and narrow as it were by a certain distillation therefore it is wholly deprived of the colour and consistency which it had from the taken Liquids and imbibes almost nothing but the volatile part from the Chyme whose Vehicle it is Wherefore if by reason of the great crudity the Salt Sulphur and other contents are not first made volatile in the Viscera nor afterwards dissolved in the Vessels that they may make their passage together with the serous juyce it being at last stripped almost of all is sent out like clear water That such Urines do want the active principles it is a sign because they are kept a long time from putrefaction This sort of Urine denotes in Virgins for the most part the Green-sickness in most the Cachexy or Dropsie in all it is a note of indigestion and crudity Sometimes in those obnoxious to the Stone it foretels the approach of the fit viz. whilst the Serum is coagulated by the stony juyce in the Reins its dissolutions and contents are congealed into a tartareous matter only a watry juyce or Latex staying behind Those who for some time make a thin and watry Urine whatever sickness they are obnoxious to have often adjoyned to it a difficulty of breathing and shortness thereof after motion and a distention about the region of the Ventricle and as it were a swelling up after eating The reason of the former wholly depends on the defect of spirits in the blood because its liquor is not fully imbued with active principles of Spirit Sulphur and Salt rightly exalted therefore it is not sufficiently kindled by the ferment of the heart whereby the whole may presently leap forth and break as it were into a flame but that hardly fermenting and being apt to stagnate in the heart and for the most part to reside there burdens it grievously wherefore if the blood so disposed is urged more than it is wont by a more quick motion into the bosom of the Heart because not being rarified of its own accord it may presently go wholly forth therefore there is need of great endeavour of the Lungs and a more quick or frequent agitation whereby it may be carried forth Therefore watry Urines signifie this kind of Crudity in the blood because for as much as they receive no tincture almost from the Salt and Sulphur it is a sign that the Particles are little dissolved in the mass of blood or are rendred volatile As to what appertains to the inflation of the Ventricle of which also limpid or clear Urines are the effect and sign I say because of a defect of due Fermentation the Chyle goes not into a volatile Cream but like bread not fermented into a sad and heavy mass which indeed is slowly and not without a residence of viscous Phlegm carried out of the stomach its reliques being impacted in the folds and Membranes of the Ventricle obstruct all the Pores and passages that nothing may vapour forth nor that the thin and spirituous part may be conveyed as it ought to be by the secret passages to the blood hence flatulencies are begotten which continually distend the Ventricle and blow it up beyond its due bulk also when those Feculencies are left a long time in the stomach they abound in a fixed Salt and degenerate now into an acid now into a vitriolick matter or of some other nature from whence Heart-aches desire of absurd things oftentimes Heat with cruel thirst and sometimes Vomiting arise some of which though they argue a very sharp heat to lye hid within yet by reason of the want of concoction such distempers often render the Urine crude and watry We have treated thus largely of a limpid or clear Urine because from hence the reasons of the
they had a urine highly red with a plentiful red sediment In the mean time it did not appear either by the Pulse languishing of the Spirits or Head-aches that the blood grew excessively hot or that they had a Feaver Wherefore I suppose that this kind of distemper doth chiefly consist in the nervous stock and depends on the exorbitances of the saline Principle rather than the sulphureous 4. Also in the confirmed Phthisis or Consumption especially if an Hectick Feaver be joyned with it there is a red Urine the reason of which is if at any time an Ulcer is excited in the Lungs the putrid filth from thence being mingled with the blood sliding by causes in it almost a continual effervescency whereby the sulphureous and saline particles being more plentifully dissolved and boiled in the Serum affect its liquor with redness besides by reason of the blood being defiled after this manner the nourishing Juyce degenerates almost wholly into putrefaction by whose recrements the urine being filled grows more red and is very much stuffed with contents The sign or note of this is that the sick for the most part grow hot after eating and that they are troubled with an heat through their whole body followed with a nightly sweat besides their urines yield a thick and copious sediment to wit when the nourishing Juyce being mixed with the blood is not assimilated it stirs up in it a fervour and being degenerate into an extraneous matter exhales partly by sweat through the Pores of the skin and partly being transmitted to the urine very much heightens its colour and consistency Thus far of a red Urine whose several species but now related have more degrees of intention and remission accordingly as the causes altering the colour and consistence in them are either weaker or stronger 4. As to what belongs to a green and black Urine I confess I have never seen those kind of deep colours exactly like those of Leeks and Ink in any urine but I imagine I may have seen the appearance of a greenish colour from a more deep yellow and of a blackish urine from the same with a cloudy and somewhat a dark mixture and from thence called by Authors a green and black Urine But those urines coloured after that manner are esteemed either signs of the Jaundice or of being distempered with some virulency of the blood if they continue so constantly for some time or such urines as occasion offers are variously changed and are now of this or that and presently of another colour So I have known Hypochondriacks wont to make such urines as it were critically for some time and then afterwards to render them like sound men As to the first when the Jaundice is very great upon them that the adust portions of Sulphur and Salt remain a long time in the mass of blood they acquire by a long incoction a fulness of the yellow colour at first green and afterwards black and impart the same to the Serum For if the yellow Bile being taken out of the bag of the Gall and put into a Cucurbit be exposed to the gentle heat of a Bath the same in a short time will grow green and afterwards appear like the blackest Ink wherefore in the black Jaundice which is only the yellow carried forth into a worse state by its long stay or continuance there is nothing more usual than to make black urines Besides these kind of urines sometimes appear in a malignant Feaver and in the Plague also often from drinking of poyson and in this case it is for the most part a sign of death because it argues the blood greatly corrupted and the spirits profligated and the bond of the mixture loosned as it were the deadly or mortified distemper even as where some part of our body being distempered with an Ulcer is afterward taken with a Gangrene or mortification forthwith the flowing corrupt matter which was at first white waterish or yellow becomes black Wherefore in the forementioned distempers when the urine grows black the Serum and the blood being wholly vitiated the skin also is dyed outwardly with such a colour As to what belongs to urines periodically tinctured with a greenish colour and especially with black which happen often to Hypochondriacks it is most likely that such arise from the melancholick Feculencies laid up in the Spleen and from thence by reason of its congestion too much flowing forth sometimes and confused with the blood for such a matter being often poured into the Ventricle in some men stirs up black Vomitings also in others the same being supp'd up from the blood passing through may impart suffusions of the same colours to the serous Juyce So much for the Colours of Urines of which the more pale arise from too much Crudity almost all the high-coloured either from the Salt and Sulphur plentifully dissolved and sometimes from the adust recrements throughly boiled in the Serum or from the more thick contents of the urine whether they be the Calx and remaining part of the aliment degenerated in the concoction or the wasting or melting of the pining body or some part of it evilly distempered what hath been said may be better understood if the means whereby these kind of dissolved things or contents are able variously to change the colour of the urine be unfolded The causes of the diversity of appearances of colours and their variously changing as also of the cloudiness and clearness in Urines as in all other Liquors depend only on the various incidency and emersion of the beams of light as is hinted in another place in the Tract of Fermentation For if the substance of the liquor be rare and thin with open Pores and passages that the beams of light may easily pass through it is shining and clear like fountain-water but if the Pores of the liquor be filled with contents or little bodies swimming in it so that the luminous beams are broken in their passage but so that at length they may shew themselves according to those various manners of refraction and emission there will appear a Citron a Saffron or red colour in a yet clear liquor If that in the little spaces of the Pores yet more obstructed the light cannot pass through there is a darkness induced but then if the immersed beams be a little or nothing reflected the liquor will appear of a brown or dark colour but if they are beaten back according to the diverse manner of reflection a white ashy or some other kind of appearance is induced From this being supposed according as the liquor of the urine sometimes almost wholly deprived of Salt and Sulphur and other things dissolved easily admits of light sometimes either very much stuffed or else moderately with these kind of contents either distorts the beams falling on them in their passage or wholly imbibes them or lastly beats them back it were easie to explicate all the Phenomena or appearances of colours and their
consistence It often happens that the colour of the same Urine is variously changed for what is made red being exposed to the air becomes white or of a dark colour and then after a long time of a Citron colour the reason of which is this if I am not deceived this kind of urine when it is made is red because the Pores of the Liquor are very full of contents yet so long as they are dilated with heat they transmit the rays of light although variously distorted that they may at length shew themselves or appear but this urine is no sooner exposed to the cold but that the Pores being straitned the site and position of the parts is changed in the contents and by that means the passage of the beams of light is hindred wherefore the liquor presently becomes cloudy and according as those beams are reflected after this or that manner a white or brown or some other kind of colour is induced but at length the contents falling down towards the bottom with their weight the Pores being freed transmit again the rays of light and do not distort them wherefore a clear or a Citron colour appears From these things which have been spoken concerning the Colours of Urines may appear what is the cause of the various consistence of urines For as the particles of Salt and Sulphur of the adust matter or nutritious Juyce depraved in the assimilating are more or less boiled in the Serum urines also get their more thin or thick consistency It remains next that we speak more clearly of the Contents in preternatural Urines whereof we have often made mention CHAP. V. Of the Contents in the Urines of sick People WE suppose the Contents in the Urines of sick people to be twofold viz. either universal which proceed from the mass of Blood and of the nervous Liquor and respect the habit of the whole Body or particular which are the layings aside or excrements of one bowel or part ill affected of which we shall speak anon Those of the former kind which come away from the whole are either natural viz. Filaments or small threads constituting the Hypostasis or settlement as in sound Urines or preternatural which chiefly are particles of the nutritious humour degenerate from assimilation and constitute the more thick bodies of the sediment in Urines and lastly to these if there be a feaverish intemperance the adust matter of the blood after deflagration and diluted in the serous Juyce is added and increases the bulk of the Contents But these Contents both natural and preternatural of Urines represent themselves after a various manner as the blood more or less unduly grows hot also as the aliments in the bowels and vessels are variously concocted and either the superfluities or corruptions of the Chyme from thence made are washed away with the Serum for if the nourishable humour transmitted to the blood is not all perverted but a great portion of it laid upon the solid parts is changed into nourishment some parts of this also rightly made being mixed with the Serum impress yet some marks of an Hypostasis in urines Also from the adust or degenerate matter a preternatural sediment is framed yet little and thin neither doth it wholly blot out the appearances of this natural Wherefore in the beginning and declination of a Feaver sometimes also in a Consumption or a Cachexy an Hypostasis though not so perfect is perceived If that the greater portion of the same Chyme growing hot with the blood by reason of the immoderate heat is perverted into an heterogene matter which afterward is sent away with the Serum as hurtful and unprofitable presently an obscure and imperfect Hypostasis appears and besides it very many contents are seen in the urines which heighten their colour and consistency Such an urine which contains an Hypostasis though imperfect together with other things of the same kind dissolved in it if it be kept in a warm place the Hypostasis will be perceived alone but the rest of the contents comprehended in the pores of the urine dilated by the heat are made wholly inconspicuous or not to be seen yet afterwards the little spaces of the Pores being straitned by cold the same contents are precipitated and by that means they render the site and position changed and the urine troubled and cloudy and blot out the appearance of the Hypostasis These kind of urines in the better state of Feavers in a Catarrh Cough difficulty of perspiration fulness of humours and in the more light Dyscrasies are wont to be made But if in the more grievous state of sickness the Concoction be wholly vitiated and the whole nutritious Juyce changed into a putrefaction these kind of contents also may be perceived in the urine without an Hypostasis and signifies variously in diseases after their various ways of being precipitated and sinking down and constituting a diverse kind of sediment to wit as the separation of the parts succeed soon or late or not at all and as the matter falling down shall be little or much or also of a white red or dark colour I will briefly run through what is most notable and worthy observation concerning this thing 1. This kind of Urine being full of contents is not sometimes at all precipitated unless the substance of the liquor be dissolved by putrefaction a long time after but remains a long while troubled and somewhat cloudy with little bodies swimming through the whole The reason of this is either because these contents are too much incocted in the Serum so that the spirits implanted therein cannot separate the pure from the impure the thick from the thin as may be perceived in brewing Beer if that the Mault be too much boiled the liquor shall never grow clear or else the urine remains troubled because it is wholly destitute of spirits which may compel the parts of the liquor into the motion of Fermentation as it usually comes to pass in Beer growing sour by reason of Thunder or of immoderate heat and being infected with a troubled Feces or Lee will scarce ever be rightly made clear again This kind of urine is perceived for the most part in very dangerous Feavers and sometimes in a desperate Cachexy and always portends evil 2. Sometimes it happens that the Urine is so full of contents that it begins to be troubled whilst it is yet warm I have often observed it after this manner in a slow Feaver whose heat was gentle and more remiss to wit in which the particles of the nutritious crassament or substance are depraved but being a little subdued by heat or boiled in the Serum they easily fall out of its pores as when common Sulphur is boiled in Lye if that before it be perfectly dissolved it be taken from the fire the liquor at first clear and red by reason of the quick precipitation of the dissolved matter becomes presently troubled dark and of a somewhat whitish colour 3.
But what most usually comes to pass that this sort of Urine big with contents as long as it is hot and some time after seems clear and perspicuous when it grows cold is wont to be troubled and as if some Runnet were infused to be precipitated according to all its parts yet the same if held near the fire or in warm water for a little space shall grow clear again The reason of this is already fully unfolded where we spake of the Causes of Cloudiness and of Clearness 4. After that the Urine being exposed to the cold is precipitated in this manner it may be observed by what means its contents descend to the bottom for sometimes they settle in a short time and if the liquor grows clear in the space of two or three hours it is a sign that the liquor of the urine is not too thick nor very much filled with Salt and Sulphur wherefore in the beginning or declination of Feavers when the heat is slack such an urine is most often made sometimes such a settlement follows not but in the space of many days the reason of which is because the consistence of the liquor is thicker than it should be therefore the contents or dissolved things are not so easily let go from its embrace that they may fall down to the bottom by their weight These kind of urines are wont to be made in the state or height of Feavers and most often precede an evil Crisis 5. Of no less a diverse kind are the sediments which fall to the bottom That I may pass over in this place the filthy matter and blood sand gravel and the like deposited from some parts I shall mention those which are the products of the whole body and they for the most part are either white or brown or red like Oker If you strain urine when it hath stood long through brown paper you may collect these contents I have often seen a whiteness like Chalk and sometimes red like Bole Armene without doubt there is the same matter of all to wit the recrements of the deflagrated blood and of the nutritious juyce depraved in the assimilating which as they are burnt by heat in our body and diversly perverted appear also in the urine under a various colour and form even as Antimony mixed with Nitre as it is more or less calcined exhibits a Calx now red now Saffron-colour now yellow now brown The like reason is as it seems of the sediments of urines which are as it were the Calx of the sulphureous and earthy matter burnt forth by the fire of the Feaver in the Viscera and Vessels 6. Besides these kinds of Contents which happen in the Urines of sick people I have often observed that after the urine had stood a long while something was affixed to the sides of the glass like sand and indeed in divers figures for now these little bodies like sand grow together with a sharp and unequal superficies now with ridges like the Crystals of Nitre and some shine and are pellucid like Ice I have seen these kind of Crystals fixed to the Urinal sometimes in the urines of those troubled with a Dysentery also in those troubled with pertinacious wakings Sometimes in urines when they have stood long a certain Cream will swim on the top as when Tartar is boiled in water this kind of whitish crust growing together in the superficies of the urine is commonly thought to be fat and fattish things and taken for the melting of the solid parts wherefore such as are wont to make such an urine are presently pronounced to be consumptive and in a desperate condition But indeed that is only a saline concretion which if put into the fire will not melt but grows hard into a crusty substance Yea both this and the other concrescences of urines are as it were the Tartar brought forth in them by a certain Coagulation But such a concretion depends altogether on the particles of the fluid or acetous Salt combined with others of the fixed or Alcalisate Salt For in every subject where there is a commixtion of the Salts of either kind Crystallizations and Coagulations of a diverse manner are caused either spontaneously by Nature or may be procured by artificial separation wherefore this kind of urine on which this Cream swims or that Crystals gather in the sides of the Vessels indicates the blood to be departed from its sweet and Balsamick nature such as depends on the volatile Salt into an acid and corrosive by reason of the flux and fixity of the saline Principle Such an urine if it be evaporated leaves in the bottom of the Vessel great plenty of Salt the distempers wherein it is usually found as I have often observed are spitting of blood Atrophy or general wasting and the Hypochondriack disposition In the Urines of sick people it is worth observation whether they dye the Urinal or not For sometimes in Feavers the urine is no sooner put into the Glass but presently it darkens its sides with a whitish cloud and again at another time this does not happen I suppose that the Glass is dyed when the liquor of the urine is fuller of dissolved Sulphur than its pores can contain within themselves as may be perceived in Lye wherein common Sulphur or Antimony is boiled Also every urine if it stand in the Glass till it putrifie will infect its sides with a crust or cloud sometimes whitish sometimes reddish sometimes of another colour for the frame of the liquor being loosned by putrefaction the particles of the Sulphur being loosned from the bond of mixture stick to the Glass But in the urines of sick people sometimes this presently follows because the Sulphur is more copiously dissolved than can be included in its pores As to what respects the particular Contents of Urines they indeed are manifold and may come from many parts and places yet they most often depend on diseases implanted about the Reins Bladder and Urinary passages sometimes it happens by reason of an Imposthume in the Liver Spleen Lungs or other Inward or by reason of preternatural humours heaped up in those places and flowing out with their fulness an extraneous matter is transmitted into the mass of blood and thence into the serous Juyce but this happens more rarely because an Imposthume being broken within for the most part pours out its matter into the cavities of the Viscera from which there is no passage open into the urinary passages besides the mass of blood flowing with impurities does not presently endeavour to send them forth by urine but oftner by sweat spitting breaking out of Wheals Tumors or by other ways of excretion Wherefore it appears by common observation that the other contents of urines than which we have above cited are chiefly sent from the Reins and their dependences the chief of which are sand stones blood matter bits of flesh skins branny or mealy sediments which for the most part signifie either
the stony or an ulcerous distemper or both together planted beyond the emulgent Vessels It is an usual thing for some to void with their water gravel or small find of a red colour in great quantity some of these are obnoxious to the stone in the Reins and are frequently tormented with Nephritick fits I have also known others without pain or other grievous Symptom for a long time to make a sandy water All urines whatsoever if they stand for some time in a leaded or earthy glazed vessel affix this kind of red land to the sides and bottom of the Pot to wit the volatile Salt of the urine is coagulated with the fixed Salt of the Metal so when Sal Armoniac being mixed with the filings of Steel Sea-Salt or Vitriol is sublimated the elevated flours grow notably red wherefore it seems that these kind of little sands are begot in the Reins for that the Salt of the urine is coagulated with the Tartarous feculencies laid up about the windings of the Reins from whence the sandy matter is made which is presently washed away by the serous Juyce passing through Therefore the gravel that is so frequently made are no small parts or fragments of a greater stone as is commonly thought but extemporary products of the blood and Serum washing the winding passages of the Reins By what means little stones are produced in the Bladder or Reins is not to be fully discoursed in this place But without doubt it is done rather by Coagulation than Exsiccation or Excalefaction by drying or heating I have observed some sick of the Stone in the Bladder who after they have made water were wont to void with great striving and pain a thick and viscous Juyce which presently hardned into a scaly matter the smell of this was like Lye and of such a consistence as Lye evaporated to a thickness the liquor of which being made thick presently stiffens into a saline hardness Lesser stones sometimes pass through the urinary passages and are carried out the greater remain unmoved in their Cells The places wherein they are usually begotten are the narrow winding bosoms of the Reins from thence the smaller slide into the Bladder and if not excerned they grow into great stones I once saw many great stones shut up as it were in a Chest about the sides of the Bladder between its Membranes these without doubt being sent from the Reins while smaller remained in the passages of the Ureters creeping between the Coats of the Bladder and there by degrees did increase in bulk A Matron so distempered long before her death cast out of the urinary passage a Membrane thick and broad full of sandy matter which as appeared after her body was opened was part of the interior Tunick of the Bladder worn and broken by the stones there included It is ordinary for Nephritick people or such as are troubled with the Stone frequently to void blood or matter with their Urine for from a greater stone and endued with sharpness the flesh of the Reins is easily worn and the mouths of the Vessels opened whereby blood flowing out tinges the urine and when a solution of unity is caused in this manner in the Reins an Ulcer most commonly follows whereby matter and filthy stuff are poured out with the serous water and constitute a plentiful and stinking sediment in the urine then the sore being more inlarged by the Ulcer more large profusions of blood often follow and the flesh it self of the Reins being worn away and by degrees eaten off is voided with the urine I visited once an ancient Woman who daily voided with her urine for many months pure blood in great quantity besides as often as she made water she used to void in great quantity pieces of flesh great gobbets as it were the little Tubes of the Vessels eaten away that it was suspected one of her Kidneys was all thus cut away from her body yet afterwards by a vulnerary Decoction acidulated with Spirit of Vitriol that bloody water was staid and this Woman lives still well and in health I knew another Matron who used for a long time in making water to void at first blood with a purulent matter and Membranes then the bloody water ceasing for many years she made a waterish urine with a copious sediment and white like snot sinking down to the bottom of the Urinal Afterwards when she began to want that sediment a feaverish intemperance followed with pains wandring here and there with a languishing of strength and other dangerous Symptoms and when this sick Woman was brought into danger of her life a Tumor arising in her left side about her Reins and ripening into a Boil or Sore by reason of the large flowing out of the matter freed her but yet an hollow and sinuous Ulcer pouring out a thin matter remained in that place during her life and being sometimes healed up would presently break out again Scarce two years after this Noble Lady having endured the suppression of her urine for fourteen days became apoplectick and dyed Her body being opened her left Kidney was quite gone in the place of it a membranous substance growing to the Loyns infolding the extremities of the Vessels and Ureter was grown up some prints or marks of the Ureter remained but without any opening into the hollowness of the passage yea a certain ichor or serosity dropping out from the little mouths of the emulgent Artery was carried outwardly into that sinuous Ulcer The other Kidney was very full of sandy matter and small stones besides near the top of the Ureter a stone about the bigness of ones thumb was fixed whose extremity was so fitted and firmly impacted to the passage or cavity of the Ureter that it shut it up just like a Tap and quite hindered the passage of the serous Juyce The purulent matter comes into the urine not only from the Reins but sometimes out of the Bladder and urinary passage distempered with an Ulcer and sometimes also a corrupt seed or white flux or menstruous blood are poured into urines from the Vessels and genital parts and produce in them preternatural settlements 4. In the Urines of sick people are often seen abundance of white Contents composed of most small bodies which when they are setled fill up above half the liquor and make it white and duskish the rest remaining limpid and thin in the upper region of the Urinal this kind of sediment is called Mealy because it is like water imbued with meal Concerning this it is doubtful whether it proceeds from the whole mass of blood or only from the urinary Viscera It appears by observation that the same sort of urine is always made in the stone of the Bladder also sometimes by reason of the Kidney being oppressed with some great stone I never saw such a settlement in urines without a Nephritick distemper wherefore I have thought it almost indubitable to be always a sign of the Stone And
necessary first to publish the Disquisitions of the nature of this Soul and its manner of subsisting and also of its Parts and Powers that from these things rightly known its preternatural Passions may at length be the better discovered But concerning these very hard matters and difficult to be unfolded when I had begun to frame as I think probable and rational Arguments I saw well that they would be looked upon and laughed at by some as unusual things and Paradoxes which indeed it becomes me not to take ill but to let every one freely to enjoy his own sense and to use in all things his own opinion and judgment Among the many things conjecturally proposed by me which I could not avoid two chief Arguments are opposed to wit that I had affirmed that the blood for the continuing of life was inkindled and that the animal Spirits for the motive act were exploded which terms though perhaps they may sound rough and strange to be applied to the animal oeconomy yet if any one shall weigh the Reasons and Arguments which do perswade to the truth of either opinion I doubt not but that there will be none who will not give their assent or easily pardon me for mine In the first place therefore because there are so many opinions concerning the growing hot of the Blood for that some attribute it to an innate heat others to a flame in the Heart some also to a fermentation of the bloody mass and others to its inkindling therefore I shall endeavour more narrowly to introspect the matter and as much as I am able to build upon a more certain Ratiocination its genuine Cause though very abstruse We have formerly discoursed concerning that Soul which is common to the more perfect Beasts with that subordinate or more inferiour of Man and have shewed it to be indeed Corporeal and to consist of two parts the one of these rooted in the blood we called a Flame and the other dwelling in the Brain and nervous stock Light As we shall here only treat of the former I think it will be no difficult matter to make use of the same Reasons and Instances which truly conclude or at least very like truth that in the first place the blood is animate or hath life secondly that this Animation is in its accension or inkindling or consists in an affection most analogical to this 1. Not only the opinions of Philosophers but the undoubted testimony of the Sacred Scripture plainly asserts the animation of the blood to wit the use of blood was forbidden in the Mosaical Law for this reason because the Blood is the Life or Soul which is also apparent by the observation of the most famous Harvey for that its motion is to be observed by the eye shews that it first lives and last dyes For the greater proof of this it is commonly known that Animals only live so long as the blood remains in its due plenty and motion and that they presently dye if either too great a quantity of this be taken away or its motion suppressed But as to the second Proposition to wit that the life or soul of the fervent blood depends upon its inkindling this will appear probable if I shall shew First that the liquor of the blood ought to be very hot in the more perfect living Creatures Secondly that this growing hot can be produced or conserved in the blood by no other means besides accension or inkindling Thirdly that some chief affections as it were proper passions of fire and flame are agreeable to the life only of the blood growing hot Fourthly and lastly these being clearly shewn some other less signal accidents and properties in which common flame and life agree are added and also we will unfold how and in what respect they differ among themselves As to the first we affirm that the blood is perpetually moved in all living Creatures besides in the more perfect it doth estuate or grow hot in act Indeed its undiscontinued motion is required both for the conservation of the disposition of the blood it self whose liquor would otherwise be subject to stagnation and putrefaction as also that being carried about in the whole body it might be able to give a due tribute to all parts For that the offices of the blood at least in the more perfect living Creatures are divers and manifold viz. to instil matter in the Brain and nervous stock for the animal Spirits to dispense the nutritious Juyce into all the solid parts to suggest to the motive parts an elastic Copula and besides to separate all recrements and worn out Particles and to put them aside into convenient Emunctories But although the mere motion of the Blood in less perfect Animals or at least its moderate swelling up such as may be perceived in Wine and other Liquors agitated into Fermentation is able to sustain and perform the oeconomy of Nature to wit for as much as both a crude nutriment is every where received from the river of the blood though cool continually flowing into all parts of the whole Body and that fewer spirits and more thick as it were separated by percolation or straining enter the Brain and nervous stock with that plenty that may suffice for local motion and the Organs of the few senses to be rudely actuated yet the blood watering the bodies of more perfect Animals require offices of a far more excellent kind for it ought not only to be carried about with a continual and more rapid motion but very much to swell up yea actually to grow hot or effervent to wit for that end that its frame or substance being very much loosned it may more copiously send forth the respective Particles of various kinds every where falling off from it and may dispose them here and there for the use and wants of Nature But first for that the animal Spirits are continually to be supplied in great plenty from the mass of blood and that there is need for the elastic Particles requisite for the locomotive function to be thence perpetually poured into all the Muscles it seems very necessary that the liquor from whence these generous and manifold supplements are drawn should be actually hot or rather should burn forth to wit that the aforesaid Particles not sufficiently to be unlocked but by heat or burning should freely run out from the substance or frame of the liquor which truly is manifest because from Wine and also from the same bloody Liquor and all other spirituous things a subtil and spirituous humour is copiously drawn but not to be performed by distillation without heat or fire Yea the sulphureous Particles although they are less apt to be exhaled from any Liquor yet they most readily fly out by inkindling the subject By these there is an apparent necessity of the blood 's growing hot for the perfection of the animal as well as vital function but that it may appear by what means this is done
to wit whether by Accension or by Fermentation or by any other way we shall first in general inquire by what means and for what causes any liquid things are wont to grow hot then we shall consider to which of these the growing hot of the blood ought to be attributed Concerning these we say that there are only three ways or so many kinds of causes by which Liquors conceive a heat viz. first by fire or heat being put to them as when water is made to seeth or boil over the fire or that it grows hot by the heat of the Sun a Bath or Stove or by the dissolution of quick Lime instances of all which are commonly known For the same reason Bath-waters seem to boil For that we may instance in our own Baths to wit they are impregnated neither with Sulphur nor fixed Salt as I have plainly experimented by distilling and evaporating them and by pouring into them precipitating Liquors yea by dissolving them with Sulphur and many other ways They most resemble Lime-water and they as we believe grow hot from a like cause to wit by imbibing the fiery little bodies somewhere hid within the Earth Of these unless it had been superfluous we had here given a fuller description which may perhaps be done at some other time Secondly when saline Corrosives which are of a diverse kind being mingled with themselves or with sulphureous things work mutually one on another with a great strife and agitation of Particles and oftentimes excite heat yea sometimes fume and flame as when the Spirit and Butter of Antimony are poured to or mixed with stygian Water wherein lixivial Salts are melted or with Oyl of Turpentine or other distilled things besides when corrosive Liquors eat metallick Bodies they often grow hot Thirdly and the only way besides as I suppose whereby a liquid thing is made hot is when any humour being very much imbued with Sulphur or Spirit conceives a burning by putting a flame to it and so grows hot by burning forth This is ordinarily seen in oily or very spirituous Liquors being inkindled and inflamed There remain indeed some other ways of Calefaction to wit Fermentation Putrefaction and Attrition whereby more thick Bodies or Solids often conceive a fervour but they produce not such an effect in Liquids whilst the mealy Mass or Dough is fermented the active Particles being stirred up into motion unfold themselves on every side and lift up the bulk or substance of the subject in the mean time for as much as the sulphureous Particles being agitated with them take hold one of another and begin to be combined a certain heat though more remiss is excited in like manner from Putrefaction Dung or wet Hay get an heat to wit for as much as the sulphureous Particles within included are very thickly heaped up together then being combined together they break out in troops yet no Liquors either thin or thick whether they ferment or putrifie do for that reason at any time grow hot For Wines whilst in fermenting they break in pieces the sides of the Tun or overflow the top of the Vessel with a great noise and ebullition do not actually grow hot yea not so much as grow warm The blood being let out of the Body and placed in convenient Glasses either to ferment or putrifie doth not get any actual heat yet in truth we grant the Blood in living Creatures to be fermented and by fermenting to be putrified yea and some other offices of the animal oeconomy to perform the same moreover we have formerly shewed from its Fermentation being hindred or too much increased or otherwise depraâ—ed divers kinds of diseases to be produced yet we deny the heat of the blood to be excited by Fermentation Because neither the blood of more frigid Animals nor Wines nor any other Liquors though agitated with the highest Fermentation are for that reason actually hot And indeed the reason seems evident enough to wit because the sulphureous Particles being raised up in the more thick subjects though they lay hold on one another mutually and being more thickly heaped together raise up heat yet in Liquids the same kind of Particles however stirred up or agitated are immediately disjoyned by the watry coming between and are hindred from their mutual embrace and combination so that they cannot of themselves produce an actual heat For the same reason hard Bodies being rubbed one against another or violently knocked or bruised do not only produce heat but oftentimes fire whenas yet Liquids however shaken and agitated do not grow warm Therefore as there are only three ways whereby actual heat may be begotten in all Liquors we shall inquire to which of these the heat of the Blood may be ascribed First Some say it is the first way from the opinion both of the Ancients and of some of the Moderns the Blood is said to grow hot by reason of some hot thing put to it to wit whilst those affirm an innate heat and these a little flame to be placed in the Heart and to heat the blood passing through it but either of these opinions easily fails from which it is clear that the Heart is a mere Muscle her doth contain in it self any tinder or matter for a flame or heat I know not how implanted fit for their continuance For though it be confessed that on the continual motion of this Bowel which is only animal the Circulation of the Blood doth depend yet the Heart borrows heat altogether from the blood and not the blood from the Heart Secondly As to what respects the second way of making hot a liquid thing to wit whereby a great heat is excited by the mixing of saline Corrosives together or also oily or by corroding a metallick Body I think there is none that will seriously assert that the blood grows hot from such a cause for that its liquor in its natural state is always homogene and although it be stuffed with plenty of Salt it is however with that which is volatile gentle and benign only But there is not to be found either in the Heart or in any other place a saline or any otherwise heterogene Mine whereby the bloody liquor by working or corroding may get or conceive an heat to wit it behoves either such a Mine or the Body to be corroded to be perpetually renewed because the ebullition and heat raised up by the strife of Salts ceases as soon as the Salts are combined or the Body corroded If at any time the saline Particles of the humours in our Body depart from their right temper and become enormous and unbridled for that reason the blood as to heat and motion enters into some irregularities yet it seems impossible that it should originally and perpetually become hot by the congression and strife or corrosion of the Salts Thirdly As to the third way whereby Liquids are made hot though it may seem an uncouth saying That the blood is so inkindled
Symptoms That this happens in those that are hindred from respiration because the vital flame of the blood is wanting of the nitrous food of the Air rather than overthrown by its proper soot or smoke being detained Exper. 41. the most Famous Boyl also by his Experiments hath put it out of doubt for he hath observed that hot living Creatures being put within a glassy Globe and shut up did far sooner expire the air being drawn away from them than the same being left within it though in the former case there was more space left for the receiving the smoke left the retaining of it might constipate the blood yet however if the heat of the blood should arise from Fermentation or the congression of dissimilar Particles or from an ebullition by reason of admitted heat or from any other cause besides accension it is so far that that effect could be inhibited or suppressed by reason of the air being excluded that on the contrary it would rather for that cause become more strong or intense For it appears by a common observation that Liquors chiefly fermentable the more strictly they are kept in the Vessel the more they grow hot and the air being admitted through some vent-hole they presently cease from their fury Moreover Mr. Boyl's Experiments clearly shew that the effervescencies or growing servent stirred up by the ebullition of unlike Particles or by corrosion also the boiling up of hot water in a glassie Sphere are above measure increased after the air is sucked out Experiment Physicom 41 42 43. That most ingenious Tract of the aforesaid Author supplies us with many Experiments whereby it is abundantly manifest that the intestine motions of those Particles and almost of every thing besides fire and life are very much heightned or made strong in the space emptied of air but their act presently after the air is withdrawn is extinguished hence we may conclude the life of a living Creature to be either fire or something analogical to it The like to these is yet more clearly observed by the diggers of Minerals who ordinarily experiment in subterranean Caves where either the Nitre is wanting or is driven away by some strange damp or vapour so that they are in danger of being stifled or smothered at the same time the flame of the Candle is diminished becomes blue and at length expires The second thing requisite to sustain a flame is a constant supply of sulphureous food whereby it may continually be fed which being substracted or by reason of some incongruous mixture depraved the flame is extinguished as is perceived in a Lamp which for want of oyl or water poured in its place expires further as this sulphureous food is more or less suggested sometimes more plentifully sometimes more sparingly the flame being more or less intense is sometimes produced clear sometimes smoaky in the mean time the food being constantly consumed by burning goes away partly into vaporous Effluvia's and partly into ashes which are made up of some Particles of Earth Salt and Sulphur But it is much otherwise in Liquors exposed to Fermentation to which if new Particles be continually administred and the old ones depart the Fermentation is hindred or disturbed In like manner as in Flame the Blood of the hotter Animals and this only in all natural things besides fire requires a constant and copious sulphureous food and that being quickly worn is for the most part consumed in vaporous Effluvia's a Caput mortuum being left of Earth Salt and stinking Sulphur In the mean time from its food consumed by burning it disposes other Particles for other uses That the life or flame of the blood doth continually want aliment there is none but daily finds it in himself For if that be for some time denied the vigor of the blood is diminished yea and consuming the solid parts it snatches into its bosom their remnants and other humours of the Body whereby it may be fed If the nutriment daily suggested from things taken be too thin and watry the fervour of the blood like flame without food uses to be remitted but if the food be very sulphureous and swelling with a vinous Spirit and plentifully taken in the blood is presently inflamed and often breaks out into a Feaver as it were an open burning In the interim out of that food of the blood exhausted or consumed as it seems by accension hot Effluvia's full of soot and vapour go away which according to a just account far exceed all the other excrements of the Body and that their nature is plainly fiery the frequent burning of the mouth and tongue and infecting them with blackness like the soot or smoke of a Chimney witnesses besides from the inflamed blood adust Feces like a Caput mortuum are sent into the Bladder of the Gall Spleen and perhaps into other Emunctories Thirdly That inkindled Flame may for some time continue there is need of continual ventilation to wit that its sooty Effluvia's may still fly away which else being detained and heaped together thereabouts will suffocate the fire because by obstructing the Pores of the inflamed Body they hinder the eruption of the sulphureous matter to be inflamed Although this condition doth often interfere with the other more potent viz. the necessity of nitrous food to be so drawn in from the air that it can scarce be distinguished from it yet we may plainly perceive from the detained soot gathered together about the snuff the light to be put out for which cause a Lamp whose wick is made of plumous Alum or other incombustible matter will not as it promises endure any long time because the soot sticking to the wick hinders the access of the oyl to the flame for this reason blasts of wind from the Air wiping away the sootiness doth not only render the flame more clear that is free from fume and thick vapour but food being sufficiently given to it it becomes more durable Even as Flame the life of the Blood requires also continual ventilation to which end besides the greater breathing places of the Breast innumerable lesser viz. the Pores of the skin gaping every where through the whole Body do send forth Effluvia's departing plentifully from the boiling blood which if it happens to be hindred or too closely shut up the blood will grow excessively hot being as it were beset with fume and vapour besides there is need to shorten its circuit that passing through the Lungs with a more frequent turn it might there as much as it can dispel all its soot or smoak When the Heavens are heated the Air seems as it were immoveable and to stagnate we are wont very much to estuate or grow hot about the Praecordia for that the blood being fed with a more sparing nitrous food doth not burn so clearly but glows with a more suffocating and intrinsick burning further for that the Particles of the Air being less nimble when they are inspired and expired or breathed
Lungs in every distemper or affection as of Grief Joy Fear and the like also in the fits of Diseases the Heart is disposed after a various manner and hence it comes to pass that the blood flowing in fluctuates and is inkindled with a diverse rage of which there will be a more opportune place of discoursing when we shall treat of the Passions Whilst we consider that the burning of the Blood and for that reason the vital or flamy part of the Corporeal Soul doth not appear lively or vigorous in all nor ever after the same manner or measure yet it exists according to the various constitutions of the blood to wit as it is more or less sulphureous spirituous saltish or watry yea and according to the divers constitutions and conformations both of the food with which this flame is nourished as also of the little spiracles or breathing holes by which it is eventilated and further of the Heart it self whereby it is agitated and driven about here and there the accension of blood varies also in every one by means of several other accidents to wit as its flame is sometimes great clear and expanded sometimes small contracted or cloudy sometimes equal and in order sometimes unequal and often interrupted yea and it becomes subject to many other mutations also because the Soul it self having gotten a various nature or disposition it conceives divers affections and manners whereof we shall speak hereafter for as much as it is not a little thing that the disposition of the whole Soul depends upon the temperament of the bloody mass and the degree and manner of its accension or inkindling It clearly appears from what hath been said that Fire and Life do dye or are extinguished alike many ways to wit there is an end of either if the access of nitrous food or the departure of Effluvia's be hindred or if the oily or sulphureous aliment requisite to either be consumed too much withdrawn or perverted from its inflammable disposition of each whereof it is so clearly apparent that there needs no farther explication Thus far we have shewn that the Life of the Blood or that part of the Soul growing therein is a certain kind of Flame let us now see by what means it is disposed to burning and how near it comes to the similitude of a burning Candle or Lamp A common Lamp whether designed to give heat or light for the most part is wont to be made after this manner to wit the Oyl flowing perpetually to the wick gives continual food to the flame wherefore as there is but one fire-place or hearth only of light and heat the action of either is limited only to one place and so as often as there is need of more places at once or divers parts of the same space or body to be illuminated or made warm we place here and there divers lighted Candles or Lamps But if an Instrument made with great artifice such as is truly an animated Body with one liquor only contained in it should be made hot throughout the whole and to be kept always warm it ought not only to be lightly inkindled in the wick but in the whole superficies and derived by fit Tubes or Pipes to all the parts of the Machine then the burning liquor ought to enjoy proportionably to all its parts an access of nitrous Air and to lay aside Effluvia's and other recrements and ought also to have a supply of that constant expence these kind of offices are not to be performed any where up and down but only in some set places therefore the burning liquor ought to be carried about through the whole with a perpetual turn that all its portions might enjoy successively all those priviledges and at once heat the whole capacity of the containing Machine to wit both the inward and outward recesses Indeed such a Bannian or Bathing Engine artificially made might aptly represent the real Divine handy-work of the Circulation of Blood and what burns in it the Life-lamp But it may be objected that the Blood seems not to be inflammable of its own nature further since there is no flame of this heat or effervency to be beheld with the eyes it may well be doubted whether there be such a thing or no. I say first That the Chymical Analysis of the blood shews very many particles of Sulphur and of Spirit yea a plentiful stock of inflammable Oyl which are however mixed with other more thick Elements in a just proportion to bridle their too great inkindling to wit that this liquor might flame out by little and little and only through fewer parts for the constituting of a benign and gentle Lamp of life wherefore the blood being let out of a Vein upon a burning fire doth in some measure burn though it is not like the Spirits of Wine or Oyl of Turpentine turning all into a flame besides the whole mass of blood as the Oyl of a Lamp ought not to be fired yea its burning is instituted for that end that whilst all the Particles of the Mixture being freed some sulphureous and spirituous are consumed by burning others more subtil being sent in Troops might serve for the necessary uses of the animal Regiment and also others more thick or crass and nourishing as it were boiled or roasted might be dispensed for the cherishing all parts besides that all the dead or worn out and excrementitious may be sent away by fit or convenient sinks and others constantly substituted in their places by nourishment But in the interim that the vital Flame which destinated to so many offices we suppose to be inkindled in the Blood otherwise than the common flame which is plainly conspicuous appears not at all a probable reason thereof may be given as it is most thin and burns in the Heart and its depending Vessels as it were shut up in Receptacles it doth not clearly flame out but perhaps remains in the form of smoke or a vapour or breath yea although the blood should openly flame out yet it might be so done that its shining being most thin may not be perceived by our sight as in the clear light of the day we cannot behold a glowing red hot Iron nor shining sparks nor false fires nor rotten wood nor many other things shining by night why then may not the vital fire even thinner than they quite escape our sight Although sometimes hot living Creatures use to send forth a certain fire or flame only conspicuous by night For we have known in some endued with a hot and vaporous blood when they have put off their inner garments at night going to bed near a fire or Candle a very thin and shining flame to have shewn it self which hath possessed the whole inferiour region of the Body The reason of which affection seems wholly the same as when the evaporating fume of a Torch just put out is again inflamed by a light inkindling and manifestly argues that another flame
Appendices are the less accurately discerned and investigated all which being reduced into an Epitomy are plainly represented more commodiously in the dissection of Beasts Wherefore when the form and composition of the Brain in a Dog Calf Sheep Hog and many other four-footed beasts were little different the magnitude only excepted from the figure of the same and the disposition of the parts in a man I was the more satisfied to compose a certain Anatomy of the Brain by the frequent dissection of all sorts of living Creatures And in this imployment for that I shall shew the communities and differences which the subjected parts obtain in various Animals compared among themselves and with Man certainly from such a compared Anatomy not only the faculties and uses of every Organ but the impressions influences and secret ways of working of the sensitive Soul it self will be discovered Concerning the Heads of living Creatures in the dissection of which it happened for us chiefly to be exercised it was observed as to the chief parts of the Head that there was a notable Analogy between Man and four-footed Beasts also between Birds and Fishes For when the first Inhabitants of the new-made World were produced as one day brought forth Fowl and Fishes at once another in like manner Man and four-footed Beasts so there is in either twin species a like form of the Brain but between that Child of the former and this of the following day there is found a great difference as to those parts For as much therefore as Men and four-footed Beasts have got more perfect Brains and more alike among themselves we have ordered our Observations from their Inspection Then afterwards we shall deliver the Anatomy of the Brain in Fowl and Fishes And here first concerning the Heads of Men and four-footed Beasts as we hinted but now we will propose a Method of Dissection it self or of Anatomical Administration and will at once recite all the parts one after another and as it were in a compendious Catalogue then we will by and by more largely draw out the Particles of the Brain and of its Appendix so shadowed in a short Table and will design their uses and actions for the exercise of every faculty When therefore we had in our hands the Head of a Man or Dog Calf or Sheep it s more outward coverings were taken off concerning which as they are well enough known we are not at all solicitous then the covering of the Skull being divided by a Saw or Instrument and taken away on every side the bones are broken off with a pair of Scissers or a Penknife to the Basis of the Skull that so the Contents might as much as may be be all made plain or open to the Spectators What therefore comes first in view is the hard Meninx including all the rest with a common covering This Membrane outwardly and above is knit to the Skull in divers places especially about the Sutures but indeed about the foot or Basis it most strictly cleaves to the bones so that it cannot easily be pulled away Inwardly or in its hollow superficies it is lax and loose enough unless that nigh all its bosoms by the insertions of the Veins and in the Basis of the Skull by the Arteries and the Nerves it is tyed to the Pia Mater This same Membrane between the Interstitia or division of the Brain and besides of the Cerebel it self insinuating it self deeply on one side and rising up again on the other leaves some duplicatures or infoldings in which being shut up above by the increase of the same Membrane Cavities which they commonly call Bosoms are formed to wit by this means almost the three first bosoms are constituted but the fourth is a smooth and longish and also hollow process of the same Membrane which is sent through the Interstitia of the Brain nigh the end of the callous body even to the pineal Glandula The Cavities of the greater Bosoms are severed in many places as it were into little Cells as it seems for that end that the blood passing so through the various turnings in those ends may be hindred from a more rapid motion Besides this Meninx or Film of the Brain admits two Arteries from either side one conjugation of which arises not far from the Carotick Arteries through the holes of the Cuniform bone but the other from the bone of the Forehead all which indeed being diffused through the exteriour superficies of the Membrane water it but are terminated partly in the Skull especially nigh the Sutures whither they convey the blood and partly in the bosoms where what is superfluous is laid up Moreover these Arteries perforate the hard Meninge in several places on the top of the Brain as Webser observes and impart some shoots to the Pia Mater Lastly the exteriour superficies of this Meninge is no where planted with so many shoots of Veins as Arteries but from its four Bosoms which are the veinous Receptacles of the blood many Veins go out through the interiour superficies of this Membrane which being inserted in the Pia Mater are presently dispersed through its whole compass and the same sliding down on every side from the bosoms meet every where the Arteries ascending from the Basis of the Head and being intermingled with them constitute the manifold infoldings of the Vessels That these may be the better beheld after the Arteries are sufficiently noted let the hard Meninx be cut round near the border of the broken Skull then let whatever of it serves for a covering and partition to the Brain and Cerebel be lifted up that the goings out of the Vessels viz. the Veins and their distributions into the Pia Mater may be considered which being afterwards broken asunder let the Membrane with its bosoms be wholly taken away but the reliques of this Membrane which stick to the bones at the bottom of the Skull should be separated so that the whole frame or substance of the Brain and its Appendix may be somewhat elevated and moved here and there be every where conspicuous and at length taken from the Skull But that these things may be performed you must begin from the anterior or fore part where the bone of the Forehead separates it Therefore if the prow of the Brain hid under this bone be a little lifted up the mammillary processes come presently in sight together with the smelling Nerves hanging to them which being dissected near the insertion there will appear an hollowness in either process These are large and round also full of clear water in Calves but in either smelling Nerve a manifest Cavity is found continued on either side to the anterior Ventricles of the Brain to which if a Pipe be put and blown into presently the whole substance of the Brain will swell Next the smelling Nerves about the Cocks comb two small Arteries are seen to arise from the Skull and to be carried towards the Interstitium of the Brain
first arises within the Skull either Carotides through the cross branches sent from one side to the other before they perforate the dura Mater communicate among themselves And as in most other living Creatures the Artery however before branched forth yet being made one single Trunk goes into the Brain in a Horse either Carotick Artery being parted in two sends forth upwards two branches arising from the dura Mater in two distinct places In a Dog Fox Sheep Calf Stag and many other four-footed beasts either of the Carotides whilst hid within the Skull under the dura Mater being divided into small shoots and complicated with other Vessels to wit both Veins and nervous Fibres constitutes the Net-like infoldings which infoldings being stretched out on either side of the Turky Chair fill the cavity there existing then after manifold divarications of all the Vessels some arterious shoots being disintangled from the others and again united grow together into one Trunk which boring thorow the dura Mater pailes straight into the Brain The aforesaid Infolding is commonly called the wonderful Net and that deservedly for there is nothing in the whole fabrick of the animal Body more worthy of admiration in which besides the arterious little branches which proceed from either of the ascending Carotides the veinous shoots though fewer meet with those descending from the inward Jugular branches and both kinds of Vessels being divided into small shoots like a bundle of twisted silk are variously folded together which complications of the Vessels however are sustained by the nervous Fibres supplied from the greater Trunk of the fifth pair of Nerves The aforesaid infolding of the Vessels or wonderful Net in some Animals is far greater and contains much more divarications of the Vessels than it hath in others for in a Calf Sheep Goat which are fed with grass its frame is larger than in a Dog Cat and other flesh-eating and hotter Brutes Further it is observable where the wonderful Net is greater that the infolding of one side is ingrafted into the infolding of the other opposite side and that from both many more shoots of the Vessels do enter into the pituitary Kernel so indeed that if you shall inject Ink into the Trunk of the Artery below the Skull the Vessels on either side or the infoldings will be dyed with the same tincture and the black liquor will flow out of the Trunk of the opposite Artery Figura V. By this kind of provision the Arteries about to enter the Brain are provided yea and the passages of the Veins destinated for the returning of the blood from thence seem also to be disposed with a wonderful artifice For when the anterior bosoms transfer their load into the two Laterals which are the posterior and they themselves end in the Jugular Veins it is observed that those latter bosoms have furrows or cavities insculped whereby they may settle or rest upon the hinder part of the Head and whenas either bosom through a proper hole being about to go into the Jugular Vein slides out of the Skull nigh that hole in the outward part of the Skull a round and ample den is made hollow and covered over by the extremity on either side of the same bosom inlarged into a greater capacity to the end that the blood whilst it slides forth out of the Head with a full torrent should not rush into the Veins with too rapid and vertiginous an influx and so make a forcible entry on the Heart it self therefore it hath here a diversion large enough in which estuating or boiling up till a more free and open space may be granted to its course it may be staid without any trouble Certainly there can be nothing more artificial thought upon and that can better argue the Providence of the great Creator than this fit or convenient disposition of the blood in the brain and without it and the way of its reciprocation in divers Animals accommodated to the necessity of every one And lastly in the dissection of Beasts other miracles of the same nature happen whereby shewing the finger and Divine workmanship of the Deity a most strong and invincible Argument may be opposed to the most perverse Atheist The Fifth Figure SHews the interior Basis of an humane Skull where is shewn after what manner the Vessels of every kind cut off from the Brain and about to go out of the Skull are hid or laid up under the dura Mater A. The hollowness of the Bone of the Forehead B. The close or mound of the Cribriform or Sieve-like Bone CC. The mammillary Processes which are much thinner and endued with a less open cavity than in four-footed Beasts endued with a more excellent sense of smelling DD. The Optick Nerves being far separated go out of the Skull otherwise than in most brute Beasts E. The pituitary Glandula or Kernel with the top of the Tunnel inserted into it FF The Carotidick Arteries shewing themselves nigh its sides GG The moving Nerves of the Eyes going out of the Skull HH The pathetick Nerves hid under the dura Mater go out from the Skull at the same hole with the former II. The fifth pair of Nerves hid under the dura Mater KK The sixth pair stretched forth under the dura Mater and go out also at the same hole with the third and fourth pair LL. The seventh pair entring with a double Process the stony Bone MM. The eighth or the wandring pair seen to grow together with an accessory Nerve of many Fibres NN. as it goes out of the Skull NN. The accessory Nerve to the wandring pair OO The ninth pair PP The tenth pair tending downwards hid under the dura Mater where the Vertebral Artery ascends QQ The lateral or Side-bosom The Sixth Figure Shews the Basis of a Calfs Skull where is shewn after what manner the Vessels cut off from the Brain and about to go out from the Skull are drowned under the dura Mater AA The hollownesses of the spongie Bone BB. The mammillary Processes which the smelling Nerves being cut off appear hollow C. The Optick Nerves united being presently separated again they go out of the Skull D. The pituitary Kernel EE The Carotidick Arteries emerging nigh its sides FF The motory Nerves of the Eyes going out of the Skull GG The pathetick Nerves of the Eyes hid under the dura Mater going out of the Skull at the same hole with the former HH The fifth pair of Nerves demersed under the dura Mater II. The sixth pair drowned under the dura Mater and going out at the same hole with the fourth and fifth KK kk The seventh pair entring the stony Bone with a double Process LL. The eighth pair or the wandring pair with many Fibres and an accessory Nerve seen to grow together going out of the Skull MM. The ninth pair NN. The tenth pair tending downwards hid under the dura Mater CHAP. V. The Brains of Fowls and Fishes described
Cat Horse Fox and many other Animals from whose manner of living and use it is required that they be moved with a swift motion that bony fence commonly called the Triangular Bone is sent down deeply between the Brain and the Cerebel yea and all the bosoms pass through that bone in the holes curiously made hollow in it The Vessels belonging to the dura Mater are either Arteries that carry the blood thither or they are Veins which receiving from thence the superfluous blood and from the whole Head besides return it towards the Heart As to the first sort of Vessels on either side two Arteries arising from the Carotidick Artery on the same side before it comes to the Basis of the Brain are carried into the dura Mater which notwithstanding only possessing the exterior superficies or convex part carry blood and juyce to this Membrane also in some measure to the Skull and its coverings As to the Vessels carrying the blood back this Meninx contains four into which as into a great Sea all the Rivulets of the Arteries serving the whole Head do exonerate themselves to wit there are observed in this Membrane four noted Cavities commonly called Bosoms which are disposed after that manner that like Promptuaries or Store-houses framed in several places they receive the blood returning from every region and corner of the brain For the third bosom or the longitudinal looks towards the anterior brain the fourth towards its middle but the first and second admit the blood flowing back from the Cerebel and hinder part of the brain Further out of these the third and fourth disburden themselves into the first and second and these at length transfer their burden into the Jugular Veins On every side from these bosoms the lesser Vessels viz. the chanels of the Veins are sent forth which going out nigh the interior or concave superficies of the dura Mater are presently inserted into the Pia Mater and following its protension being distributed through the whole compass and all the interior recesses of the brain and its Appendix within the Skull and being complicated with the Arteries receive the superfluous blood and carry it into those greater cavities That it is so it plainly appears because if you squirt a liquor dyed with Ink into the Pipe of the Artery that passing through the arterious shoots and then the veinous goes through at last into the bosoms Whilst the blood returning from the whole interior Head is collected within those bosoms as with a full belly it seems also in another respect to be of a very notable use to wit for the supplying of heat requisite for the distilling forth of the animal Spirits as if it were a certain Chymical operation For as much as the blood to be distilled is contained in the Vessels interwoven into the Pia Mater the superiour Rivers diffused on every side through the dura Mater the heat being brought to it like a Balneum Mariae flow about the underlying blood and so force out of it a most subtil Liquor into the substance of the Brain or rather the blood raising up heat within the bosoms is like the fire of suppression which in the distillation by descent is inkindled round about the Vessel containing the matter to be distilled For indeed the interior substance of the Brain for that it is endued with plenty of Salt and very little Sulphur is of a more frigid temper wherefore that from the blood watering its superficies the spirituous part may be stilled forth and forced into its middle or marrow the degree of the ambient heat ought to be made the more strong such indeed as the blood collected in the ample Estuaries of the bosoms may easily afford Further as those bosoms being distended with heated blood are like a certain distillatory Bath so the other Membrane of the dura Mater being stretched out about the whole Head is like an impervious Alembick which with its covering keeps within the spirituous breaths that they may not be immoderately evaporated Concerning this Membrane there may yet be considered with what motion or sense it is endued And as to sense 't is not to be doubted but that it hath it exquisitely For since all the Membranes have feeling and owe that faculty to the afflux of the animal Spirits from the Brain surely this Meninx for that it is nearer and very much of kin to the Brain and its Appendix so that it clothes very many Nerves going out of the Skull it obtains a very accurate virtue of feeling which thing also may be argued from the effect because the pains of the Head often proceed from the breach of unity excited in this Membrane But that it hath motion it can hardly be thought because it is tyed in very many places to the Skull and yet it is probable that the same may sometimes in some parts at least be contracted and wringled or drawn together And certainly there is no doubt that it is contracted and remitted in sneesing In like manner when from an hurt of this a Vomiting or Convulsive motions follow in the Viscera or Members this Membrane is the cause which being somewhere contracted or divided infolds with it self the substance contained within with the same Convulsion or Spasm Concerning the motion of this Membrane a curious mind may yet further consider its texture and especially how it is within the cavities of the bosoms and the Interstitium or separation of the Brain and Cerebel For in these places are found many Fibres or as it were greater or nervous cords or strings such as we have observed to be variously stretched out in the Ventricles of the Heart Within the bosoms from the various processes of the Membrane a cavity full of turnings and windings and manifoldly divided as it were with many little Cells is constituted This seems to be thus made to this end to wit that the blood returning back from divers little rivers into the cavities of the bosoms may be retarded by several obstacles as it were little flood-gates lest perhaps rushing too impetuously and by heaps it might flow within this Sea with a vertiginous and inordinate motion But there is observed besides these intrications and little cells of this Meninx in the heads of four-footed beasts that moreover in the whole cavity of the bosoms very many cords as it were Ligaments are every where produced from one side to the other The office of these is partly that they may contain the sides of the cavity within their due ends of aperture and dilation lest they should be distended above measure by the vehement rushing in of the blood and so may press upon the substance of the brain Yea the contexture of these whitish Fibres which are met with both within the cavities of the bosoms and in this Meninx going about the Cerebel and distinguishing between it and the Brain seems to intimate that they serve also to some motion For it may be
suspected that those strong Fibres and as it were Ligaments do sometimes contract sometimes dilate and variously draw the Membrane to which they are knit From these kind of motions of the dura Mater the blood flowing within the bosoms may be variously agitated and as occasion serves sometimes hastened in its Circle and sometimes restrained or hindred for in many affections of the sensitive Soul the blood being disturbed from its equal circulation is sometimes precipitated by heaps and impetuously to the Heart and sometimes detained from its nest longer nigh the confines of the Brain But that various whirlwinds of passions stir up such irregularities in the motion of the blood the nervous parts implanted about the Praecordia are in some measure the cause which by contracting or dilating the same variously moderate the course of the blood yet so that in the mean time some part of this office is due from the brain it self or at least to its Appendix Indeed the brain it self wants motion but the blood passing through its substance for as much as it is poured wholly in this Meninx and passes through its receptacles is at the motion and beck of this Membrane sometimes driven away from the brain and commanded to succour the Heart as in fear and great sadness sometimes being hastened towards the brain is for some time prohibited from flowing back as in shame indignation and some other affections Truly that these kind of interior processes of the bosoms and as it were transverse strings or cords do conduce to the more commodious reduction of the blood we gather also from hence that in working beasts whose brain because they feed and go with a prone and hanging down head is in greater danger of an inundation of the blood those processes are very big for that they being successively contracted may leisurely thrust out the blood apt otherwise to stagnate by reason of the inclination of the head Neither is it from the purpose to observe here that these same Animals are always furnished for that reason with a greater wonderful Net by which means indeed it is provided that the blood may not too much invade the brain by heaps as care is taken by the artifice but now described lest the same should make too long stay in the brain and so oppress its more weak frame Therefore in the last place that I may recollect what I have said of the dura Mater and rehearse its chief uses First It covers over the Skull within and reaches to it somewhat of nourishment by the Vessels Secondly It is a covering to the whole head and serves to distinguish its chief parts Thirdly It contains the Vessels designed for the reducing the blood from the whole interior head which in the mean time by reason of the plenty of the blood contained in them and the opportunity of their situation administer requisite heat for the distillation of the Spirits Fourthly It provides ways for the admission and going out of all the Vessels within the Skull and fortifies them to which may be added that it bestows on some of them their Coats as shall be shewn anon Fifthly and lastly This Meninx being here and there contracted or divided by the animal Spirits variously moved according to the passions of the Soul or the necessities of Nature stays the blood sometimes longer near the confines of the Brain sometimes drives it forward from thence towards the Praecordia CHAP. VII Of the thinner Meninx or Pia Mater of its stretching out as also of the Infoldings of the Vessels every where interwoven with it THE interior Meninx or Pia Mater is far thinner than the exterior and consists of a most subtle contexture of Fibres This does not compass about the Encephalon's superficies as loosly as the Dura Mater but embraces it so very strictly that it is very hardly separated from it besides it insinuates it self into all its turnings and windings and furrows and clothes their inward parts Further this Meninx although it be thin yet being covered over throughout with the infoldings of Arteries and Veins is interwoven with them and so waters all the spaces of the Brain and Cerebel with innumerable rivers For as the Region of either of these especially of the Brain is full of turnings and windings this Membrane in like manner grows to the deep furrows of the crankling turnings about and also to the tops of the ridges yea the chief complications of the Vessels are still placed in the vallies as if they were there hid in regard of their safety Neither doth this Meninx only cover the gapings of the turnings and windings about but also gathers together the tops or heights of all their interstices or places between and knits them together and so makes the whole superficies of the Head plain globous and as it were like the World That the diffusion of this wonderful Membrane into all the turnings and windings of the Brain and the distribution of the Vessels through those most intimate recesses may be the better beheld let the head of a man or of a brute beast that dyed of the Dropsie be opened For in such whose brain abounds with much moisture the little stays whereby this Meninx is fixed to the substance of the brain are loosned so that the Membrane with the infoldings of the Vessels may be easily drawn away and pulled off almost whole which indeed being pulled off the folds of the brain will appear naked also the insertions of the Vessels every where into the more inward substance of the brain may be perceived But to a sound and dry brain the Pia Mater sticks so closely that it can scarce be drawn away in any part or separated with a Penknife We have already shewn after what manner the Veins and Arteries which creeping like Ivy are knit into the Pia Mater and variously interwoven into it cover over with most thick little shoots the whole compass of the Brain and Cerebel and their Interstices the gapings of the crankling turnings and windings about bosoms and cavities and send forth every where small shoots into the medullary substance so that it is not to be doubted but that the animal Spirits being as it were stilled forth immediately from the blood every where in the whole head are received into the Pores and passages of the Brain and Cerebel From hence it will be easie to assign the use or office of the Pia Mater viz. First this Membrane clothes the universal parts of the whole Encephalon and distinguishes them all one from another For indeed this lying over all the gapings and interstices of the turnings and windings is instead of a mound or fence by which the animal Spirits are restrained every where within their proper cells and orbs of expansion nor are they permitted by this means to run beyond their bounds and so confound the acts of the many Faculties Then secondly this Meninx sustains all the blood-carrying Vessels viz. both the Arteries and Veins
together with their manifold productions and so affords a passage to the blood by carrying it to and fro towards the brain Concerning these Vessels which are knit to this Meninx and follow its stretching out into all parts there are many admirable things to be met with and highly worthy of note the uses and reasons of which is our purpose to search into As to these we shall first observe that these Arteries and Veins otherwise than in any other part of the body besides not arising nigh one another go forth as companions but going forth from opposite ends meet every where mutually viz. the Arteries ascend from the Basis of the Skull and by creeping through the whole emit upwards shoots and branches which are met by the Pipes of the Veins arising out of the bosoms and carried downwards By this means the rivers of the blood seem to be made equal every where in the Brain viz. whilst the smaller shoots of the Veins follow or match the greater branches of the Arteries and on the contrary the small branches of the Arteries the Trunks of the Veins Secondly We have already shewn that these Vessels are variously and very much ingrafted or inoculated among themselves not only the Arteries with the Veins but what is more rare and singular Arteries with Arteries to wit the Carotidick Arteries of one side in many places are united with the Carotides of the other side besides the Vertebrals of either side among themselves and are also inoculated into the posterior branches of the Carotides before united The joynings together of the Carotides in most living Creatures are made about the Basis of the Skull under the Dura Mater and that after a diverse manner in some communicated through the Vessels of the wonderful Net from one side to the other in others as in a Horse we have observed with a certain admiration the arterious chanel is produced between the Trunks of the Carotides whereby the blood may be carried from one side to the other and so on the contrary But besides between the Dura Mater about the Basis of the Head the same kind of ingraftings of the Arteries are still seen in man and all perfect four-footed beasts The reason of these seems to be partly that the blood to be carried from the Heart into divers Regions of the Brain might be exactly mingled as to its parts and particles before it come to the place designed For the Torrent of the blood because divided into lesser rivulets is incident to languish in so long a circuit and its Spirits to be depauperated and lastly it self to grow cool unless that various courses of its Latex should anew inkindle this vital flame about to be extinguished or dye But there is another reason far greater than this of these manifold ingraftings of the Vessels to wit that there may be a manifold way and that more certain for the blood about to go into divers Regions of the Brain laid open for each so that if by chance one or two should be stopt there might easily be found another passage instead of them as for example if the Carotides of one side should be obstructed then the Vessels of the other side might provide for either Province Also as to the Vertebral Arteries there is the same manner of provision made Further if both the Carotides should be stopped the offices of each might be supplied through the Vertebrals and so on the other side the Carotides may supply the defects of the shut up Vertebrals After this manner lest there should be wanting an afflux of the blood at any time in any part of the Brain or its Appendix within the Skull there is care taken with singular Art For as there are four distinct passages and those remote one from the other of this Latex if perchance three of them should happen to be shut up the blood being carried through one only will soon supply or fill the chanels and passages of all the rest Which thing I have found by Experience often tryed not without admiration and great pleasure To wit I have squirted oftentimes into either Artery of the Carotides a liquor dyed with Ink and presently the branches on either side yea and the chief shoots of the Vertebrals have been dyed with the same tincture yea if such an injection be sometimes iterated by one only passage the Vessels creeping into every corner and secret place of the Brain and Cerebel will be imbued with the same colour Also in those who have the wonderful Net the Tincture or dyed Liquor being injected in one side it will come through the Net-like infoldings of the Vessels in both sides Hence it plainly appears that there is a communication between the Vessels watering the whole Head and although every Artery is carried to one only Region as its peculiar Province and provides for it apart yet lest that any part should be deprived of the influence of the blood more ways lye open to every part by the ingraftings of those vessels so that if the proper vessels by chance should be wanting in their office its defect may presently be compensated by others neighbouring It is not long since we dissected the dead body of a certain man whom a great Scirrhus or hard Swelling within the Mesentery growing at last ulcerous had killed When his Skull was opened we beheld those things belonging to the Head and found the right Carotides rising within the Skull plainly bony or rather stony its cavity being almost wholly shut up so that the influx of the blood being denied to this passage it seemed wonderful wherefore this sick person had not dyed before of an Apoplexy which indeed he was so far from that he enjoyed to the last moment of his life the free exercise of his mind and animal function For indeed Nature had substituted a sufficient Remedy against that danger of an Apoplexy to wit the Vertebral Artery of the same side in which the Carotidick was wanting the bulk of the Pipe being enlarged became thrice as big as both its Pipes on the other side because the blood being excluded the Carotidick adding it self to the wonted provision of the Vertebral Artery and flowing with a double flood into the same belly had so dilated the chanel of that Artery above measure This Gentleman about the beginning of his sickness was tormented with a cruel pain of the Head towards the left side The cause whereof cannot be more probably assigned than that the blood excluded from the right Carotidick Artery when at first it rushed more impetuously in the left had distended the Membrane and therefore the same distemper did afterwards vanish of its own accord to wit the superfluous blood being derived through the Vertebral Artery Thirdly Concerning these sanguiferous Vessels covering the Pia Mater we observe that the Arteries and Veins whilst they meet one another going out from opposite ends do not only transfer their burden immediately through the several branches
or shoots mutually ingrafted as is wont to be done in other parts of the Body but being variously complicated and interwoven do constitute every where admirable infoldings into which for the most part very small and very numerous Glandula's or Kernels are inserted Which thing is seen not only in the infoldings which are called Choroeides by which name besides those which are found within the plicature or folding up of the Brain we also intend others planted together behind the Cerebel but these kind of infoldings of the Vessels with Glandula's sowed between are seen every where to be sprinkled through the whole compass and interior recesses of the Brain and Cerebel and especially between the gapings of their turnings and windings and interstices This is clearly manifest in a moister Brain or in an Hydropical where the very small Glandula's which otherwise are scarce to be seen being intumified by the moisture are easily beheld Moreover from the aforesaid infoldings on every side implanted little slender Vessels being every where sent forth enter the Cortical and in some measure the medullary substance of the Brain and its Appendix for if you squirt into the Carotides a black liquor besides the shoots of the Vessels which it dyes every where with the same colour little blackish pricks will appear sprinkled in the substance of the Brain Further if the brain of a living Animal be cut up the live blood will spring forth both from its Cortex and medullary part The reason and end of all which if they be inquired into it seems that these foldings of the Vessels being variously complicated with repeated windings about as if they were little serpentine chanels hanging to an Alembick through whose narrow straits the blood passing with a long circuit becomes still more subtil and elaborated to wit it s thicker part being by degrees put off in its passage or sent away by the little branches of the Veins and so at length the only pure and most spirituous blood and it self now ready to go into animal Spirits is admitted within the Pores and passages of the brain But as the blood or sanguinolent part is supped up by the Veins so it 's very likely the Serum or watry part is received by the Glandula's or Kernels interwoven in them For it appears not for what other end these Arteries are every where beset with so many Kernels unless they should lay up in them the superfluous serosities Between these infoldings there appear not any Nerves to be found which may require any juyce or serous humor from these Kernels and 't is not yet found whether these Lymphaeducts or Water-carriers be accompanied with any Vessel wherefore it may be lawful to suppose that whilst the purer and spirituous part of the blood being separated from the rest of its mass is stilled forth into the brain the serous humidities are received by the Glandula's which are numerous and that they are for some time retained by them till they may be sent away into the Veins growing empty again Thus far we have beheld only the superior branchings forth of the blood-carrying Vessels which are every where interwoven in the Pia Mater and their infoldings which like the leaves of a Wood or creeping Ivy cover the exterior compass of the whole Head But by what means and as it were Chymical Artifice these Vessels do instil the animal Spirits into the Brain and Cerebel and serve for the use of one another besides shall be told anon after we have considered of the inferior Aspect and next the ground of this most thick Wood viz. the greater Trunks of all the Arteries which are destinated for the Brain where they pass through the Skull and shew themselves beyond it CHAP. VIII Shews with what difference the Arteries in various Animals pass through the Skull also for what use the wonderful Net is made and the reason of it THE Arteries destinated to the Brain are four in number viz. two Carotides and as many Vertebrals Concerning the former we have already observed that their Trunks pass through the Wedge-like Bone as it were with a mechanical provision to wit either Artery is so bowed and intorted in its ascent that the blood before it can reach to the Brain by a repeated stopping of shores or hindred by a certain lett or impediment might flow to it less rapidly and more slowly But this is not effected after one and the same manner in all Animals for although the ascent of the Artery be oblique and intorted in all yet in some viz. in a Man and a Horse it being bowed about with a greater compass still enters even to the Brain with a single and undivided Trunk when in most other beasts the same passes the Skull with a lesser circuit and sliding presently under the Dura Mater diversifies it self there into Retiform infoldings commonly called the wonderful Net Therefore it seems to be to the purpose that we inquire into the various reasons of this difference In the first place therefore we shall advertise you that the Carotidick Artery in a man enters a little more backward the Skull than in any other Animal viz. nigh that hole through which the lateral bosom slides out of the Skull about to be implanted into the Jugular Vein for in the rest this Artery arises within the Skull under the end or acute process of the stony Bone But in an humane Head the same being carried about by a longer compass that the Torrent of the blood before it comes to the border of the Brain might flow slowly and pleasantly with a broken force attains to the Basis of the Skull nigh the den made by the ingress of the lateral bosom where being presently intorted it enters the proper Chanel insculped in the Wedg-like Bone and for the greater assurance it is clothed besides with a thicker additional Coat This double defence seems to be given it lest the blood boiling up too much and whilst it is carried violently towards the head should make a Whirlpool about the ingress of the Skull to wit where it begins to be wreathed about from its direct ascent and should break by its stood the banks of the Belly unless they were more firm The Artery being slid out of the bony chanel lays aside also its ascititious or additional Coat and now being well enough defended within the Skull goes forward clothed only with its proper Coat and creeps under the Dura Mater and being as it were depressed in the midst of its passage into a valley being immediately carried out again it goes on till it comes to the head of the Turky Chair where again being bent in and intorted with a certain compass it ascends straight and boring through the Dura Mater is carried towards the Brain The Trunk of this Carotis like a Meander passing through the Skull with a very much bending way or passage is aptly represented in the first Figure of the following Table If the reason of this
kind of Conformation be inquired into it easily occurs that in an humane Head where the generous Affections and the great forces and ardors of the Souls are stirred up the approach of the blood to the confines of the Brain ought to be free and expeditious and it is behoveful for its River not to run in narrow and manifoldly divided Rivulets which would scarce drive a Mill but always with a broad and open chanel such as might bear a Ship under Sail. And indeed in this respect a man differs from most brute beasts in which the Artery being divided into a thousand little shoots lest it should carry the blood with a fuller chanel or more quick course than is requisite makes the Net-like infoldings by which indeed it comes to pass that the blood slides into the Brain very slowly and with a gentle and almost even stream If that be true as some affirm that the wonderful Net also is sometimes found in an humane Brain I believe it is only in those sort of men who being of a slender wit or unmoved disposition and destitute of all force and ardor of the mind are little better than dull working beasts in fortitude and wisdom Secondly The conformation of the Carotidick Artery in a Horse comes nearest its structure in a man for in this the Artery enters the Skull also lower and with a greater compass than in other four-footed beasts which being passed its Trunk being intorted with a certain compass and then a little depressed goes forward whole to the side of the Turky Chair still with a full and broad chanel which truly ought to be made so because magnanimous and fierce forces are convenient for this Animal born as it were for War and any dangerous attempts and so there was need that the blood might ascend the Brain with a free and plentiful course and when occasion requires with a full Torrent But though the blood passes through the Basis of a Horses Skull in the same undivided chanel yet it ought not to come to the Brain it self in one single passage because the frame or substance of this in a Horse being far weaker and colder than in a man it might be overthrown and drowned by the blood rushing in by heaps wherefore the great River of the Artery disburdens it self by two Emissaries and pours out its Latex at so many distinct places of the Brain Further as if by this means there were not yet sufficient caution against the Deluge of the Brain a transverse or cross chanel as it were a diversion is formed between the chanels of either Artery through which the blood being straitned for room may go aside and flow and reflow from one bank or chanel to another rather than oppress or overflow the Brain Also besides certain shoots being sent out from the Trunk of either Artery are inserted into the pituitary Glandula the use of which is doubtless to separate certain serosities of the too watry blood and to lay them up into that Glandula whereby the rest of the bloody Latex to be carried to the Brain becomes more pure and free from dregs By what means the Carotidick Arteries in the head of a Horse pass through the Basis of the Skull is represented in the second Figure of the following Table I have not yet had the means to inspect the brains of a Lyon or a Monkey but there is reason to suspect that in these also the Carotides do pass through the Skull with a single Trunk In a Sheep Calf Hog yea in a Dog Fox Cat and other four-footed beasts which I have hitherto opened this Artery is divaricated into Net-like infoldings which Vessels for what causes and for what uses they are so made we shall now inquire into Thirdly therefore most other four-footed beasts different from a Man and a Horse have the wonderful Net adjoyned to the Carotidick Artery In truth this is met with in so many that common Anatomy hath ascribed it to all Animals and also to man it self In whom it is found we observe that the Artery about to enter the Skull is not carried about with so long a compass but rising up nigh the hinder part of the Turkish Chair is presently divided into small shoots yet so as one little chanel is stretched right out which the blood quietly running to passes through without any stay being carried straight into the Brain but from the side of this many rivulets are derived on every side into which the blood impetuously ascending may be easily diverted These little rivers are partly ingrafted into the veinous passages of the same and the Vessels of the other side and are partly carried into the pituitary Glandula and partly a compass being fetched are returned into the former chanel or belly of the Artery That it is so besides naked inspection appears plainly by this Experiment If below the Skull an inky liquor be gently and by degrees injected into the Trunk of the Carotis that passing through the strait passage is carried presently into the Brain nor does it dye the lateral infolded Vessels with its tincture but if this liquor be immitted continually and forcibly presently running into the folds it will make black the Vessels of the same and of the opposite side also entring the hither part of the Glandula and its interior substance If the use of these kind of infoldings of the Vessels or the wonderful Net be inquired into I say that it is made chiefly for these ends viz. First that the Torrent of the blood being divided into small rivulets it s more rapid course may be so far dull'd or broken that it may be but leisurely instilled into the Brain For otherwise in labouring beasts who go with their heads hanging down and have but a weak brain the more free influx of the blood might easily overthrow the fabrick of the Brain and spoil the animal Spirits Secondly the divarication of the Carotides into Net like infoldings hath another use of no less moment to wit that the more watry blood being as it is its temperament in most Beasts and especially in those who are fed with herbage before it be poured upon the Brain might carry away some part of the superfluous Serum to the pituitary Glandula and instil the other part into the branches or shoots of the Veins to be returned towards the Heart Thirdly and lastly for as much as the Vessels on either side are mutually inoculated by this means there is care taken both that the blood may be exactly mixed before it ascends to the Brain as also that more certain ways may be made for its passage because if perchance an obstruction should happen in one side of the wonderful Net the blood by that infolding being presently carried to the other may find a passage for this cause to wit that the blood might be the better prevented from any impediment in its passage the Vessels are not only inoculated under the Dura Mater about
the wonderful Net but the Arteries again on either side do the same thing as soon as they being knit to the Pia Mater reach the superficies of the Brain as hath been already shewn By these sort of ingraftings of the Vessels in the wonderful Net it comes to pass that an inky liquor being injected into one of the Carotides and forced upwards descends by the Trunk of the Artery on the opposite side as we have elsewhere observed Some rude draught of the wonderful Net is expressed in the third Figure of the following Table The First Figure Shews the ascent of the Carotidick Artery and its situation within an humane Skull before it is carried towards the Brain A. The Trunk of the Artery ascending towards the Skull B. The same whilst it is included in the bony Chanel being clothed with an additional Coat BC. The incurvature or bending of the Artery reaching within the bosom of the Skull representing the bending of a double S. D. The Trunk of the same being carried towards the Brain The Second Figure Shews the ascent of the Carotidick Arteries and their situation in a Horses Skull AA Either Carotidick Artery ascending towards the Skull BB. The Trunk of either having past the Skull pressed down as it were into a valley CC. The communications of either by cross Branches DD. A Branch from either Trunk destinated for the Dura Mater dddd Little shoots on either side sent into the pituitary Glandula or Kernel EE FF Either Carotidick Artery being divided before it reaches the Brain and ascending with a double Trunk The Third Figure Shews the wonderful Net with the pituitary Kernel in a Calfs Skull A. a. The direct Chanel of the Artery B. The Net-like Infoldings of the Vessels stretched out by that Chanel towards the pituitary Kernel C. The pituitary Glandula or Kernel The Fourth Figure Shews after what manner the lateral Bosom goes into the Jugular Vein with a diverting place hanging to it A. The lateral Bosom descending B. That Bosom sliding into the Skull and dilating it self into a large and round Cavity for the receiving of which there is a peculiar Den formed in the outward part of the Skull Fig I Fig II Fig III Fig IIII C. The aforesaid Cavity or diverting place in which the blood about to descend may go aside lest it should else rush too strongly upon the Jugular Vein by which also care is taken that the blood may not flow back or regurgitate out of the Jugular Vein into the Bosom D. The beginning of the Jugular Vein But as the Carotides of whose office and ascent we have hitherto spoken carry the destinated Tribute of the blood to the Brain so the Vertebrals serve chiefly for the watering the Cerebel and the hinder part of the oblong Marrow Hence we observe because the conformation of the Cerebel is alike in all Creatures therefore also the Vertebral Arteries different from the Carotides are found alike in all without any great difference Nor does there seem to be need of any great provision for the admission or entrance of the Vertebral Arteries within the Skull because as they carry a lesser portion of the blood and for that the blood it self that is to be bestowed on the Cerebel is wont there to be agitated or moved with no perturbations of passions or conceptions therefore there is not that necessity that there should be placed any remora or any incitement for its Torrent The Vertebral Artery arising from the branch in the fifth Rib in its whole ascent through the hinder part of the Head passes through the little holes cut in the extuberances of the Vertebrae till it comes near the Basis of the hinder part of the Head where the same being bent down on either side and admitted into the Skull by the last hole excepting where the spinal Marrow goes forth is carried by the side of the oblong marrow but as soon as it is brought to the region of the Cerebel it sends forth branches on either side which cover its superficies and besides on its back side make infoldings no less signal than those commonly called the Choroeides and with larger Kernels more thickly interwoven As those shoots convey the Juyce requisite for the stilling forth the animal Spirits so these convey the heated blood and the purified from the serous Colluvies Further beneath the Cerebel both the Vertebral branches inclining mutually one to another are united as it were for that end that if the flowing of the blood should be stopped on either side it might be supplied from the other to the whole compass of the Cerebel and its neighbouring parts These sanguiferous Vessels covering the Cerebel even as the others do the Brain make signal infoldings both in its outward superficies and in that of the oblong marrow and also within its lappets and folds from which small shoots are sent forth every where into its under-lying substance so that from these a subtil liquor as it were stilled forth and imbibed by the Cortical substance of the Cerebel seems to go into animal Spirits By what means and in what parts of the Head the production of the animal Spirits is performed remains next to be inquired into CHAP. IX Shews by what provision and in what places of the Head the Animal Spirits are begotten Also other Uses and Accidents of the Pia Mater are added FRom the description of the Sanguiducts or Blood-carrying Vessels which cover and weave about on every side the Pia Mater hitherto handled we are led by a certain thread to consider by what provision and in what places of the Brain and its Appendix the production of the animal Spirits is performed 1. As to the first it appears from what hath been already said that the blood is it self the matter out of which the animal Spirits are drawn and that the Vessels containing and carrying it every where through the whole compass of the Head are like distillatory Organs which by circulating more exactly and as it were subliming the blood separate it s purer and more active particles from the rest and subtilize them and at length insinuate those spiritualized into the Brain and its Appendix Concerning this matter to be distilled there is care taken and indeed by the best means that its stock or provision may be still supplied in fit quality and due quantity In respect of the quality from the whole bloody mass a portion highly volatile spirituous and endued with active Elements ought constantly to arise towards the Head which thing succeeds partly of its own accord and partly that it might be more commodiously done care is taken with a certain artificialness to wit the Vertebral Arteries in all Creatures ascending straight and almost perpendicularly do in a manner cause that only the more subtil and light blood is carried upwards the remaining more thick as it were sinking down for the baser offices of the Limbs and of some of the Bowels Yea also the
Carotides in a man having an erected head higher than the rest of the parts and in a Horse in some sort lifting up his face have also the same priviledge to wit that by their more steep ascent only the more pure and volatile blood may ascend to the region of the Brain But in other four-footed beasts who go with a prone or hanging head and who have a more frigid and watry blood which may easily slide into and too much wash the Brain this evil is in some part prevented by the wonderful Net and pituitary Glandula joyned to the Carotides which indeed receive the superfluous humidities of the blood and so make it more pure and free from dregs before it comes to the brain But that the blood may be supplied still in due quantity to wit as it were in weight and measure from the distillatory Vessels stretched about the compass of the Head there is a notable provision made in all the Carotides about the Basis of the Skull because their crooked imbowings and branching into infoldings hinders the too great or too rapid approach of the blood then lest the passage of it should at any time be shut up the mutual ingraftings of all the Vessels on either side do help or provide for After this manner the business of extracting the animal Spirits is performed even as a Chymical Elixir to wit great care is taken in the beginning of that Operation both that choice of matter may be had and that only a due proportion of it be exposed to distillation The blood by this means as it were a Chymical work prepared is carried by the fourfold Chariot of the Arteries to four distinct regions of the Head and as the sanguiferous Vessels being distributed with separate ramifications or branches through the whole compass of the Brain and its Appendix cover all the heights of its compassings about or gyrations and also all its crevices and their gapings and recesses they bring to their doors the matter to be distilled into the Head every where through the whole circumference of the Brain and Cerebel nigh the Cortical substance of either out of which as the Spirits are distilled by this means it is brought about that they are insinuated into the subjected substance of either The blood being carried through the narrow infoldings and divarications of the Vessels as it were as was said through the serpentine chanels of an Alembick is made extremely subtle as much as may be in its liquor in the mean time what is bloody is received by the little shoots of the Veins associates or meeting one another every where and what is serous by the Kernels every where dispersed yet it s more purified and spirituous part being carried on further through the very small shoots sent forth on all sides are instilled more deeply into the very Pores and passages of the Brain and Cerebel which presently flowing from the Cortical substance into the medullary there exercise the gifts of the animal Function What peculiar body and constitutive particles of the Brain it self and Cerebel conduce to the generation and perfection of the animal Spirits within the substance of either shall be shewn hereafter when we treat of the Use of those Parts now shall be taken notice of what we before mentioned to wit that the fluid extillation of the spirituous liquor from the blood about the Pia Mater is performed after a signal manner both from the ambient heat which is stirred up from the blood contained within the bosoms as it were from a Balneo Mariae inriched by the continual flowing of it anew and also from the obduction of the Meninges like an Alembick by which the spirituous Particles apt to fly away are constrained and forced into the parts beneath But indeed though the animal Spirits are procreated wholly from the blood yet the blood watering the Brain and its Appendix is not only bestowed on this work for as to the sanguiferous Vessels which arising out of the Trunks both of the Carotides and the Vertebrals cover over the whole Head and all its parts and processes though many of them yet not all are little distillatory chanels of the animal Spirits For the animal Spirits are not produced in all places to which these Vessels reach for we affirm that these Spirits are only procreated in the Brain and Cerebel which it were easie to prove by the Symptoms which happen in the Apoplexy and Palsie and shall be afterwards clearly shewn and from this double fountain of the animal Spirits they flow out into all the rest of the parts and irradiate by a constant influence the whole nervous stock In the mean time the oblong marrow and its various processes and protuberances are either retreating places or high roads for the animal Spirits procreated in the Brain and Cerebel and flowing from thence But for as much as the Arteries and Veins clothe these parts also with a thick series of shoots and that within the infolding of the Brain the folds called Choroeides are hung slack and loosly these seem to be so made for other reasons viz. both that these parts might be actuated by heat supplied as it were from a continual fire and also that the nourishing Juyce might be bestowed on the Spirits which flow there As to the first that the animal Spirits now perfected may be freely expanded and irradiate the nervous System there seems to be required that the ambient heat being excited by the blood flowing thither might open all the little spaces for their passage and notably dilate or lay open for them ways or roads wherefore we intimated before because the little shoots of the Vessels ought not to be deeply inserted into the callous body for that lest the commerce of the Spirits diverting in this Mart or meeting place should be disturbed by the perpetual influence of the blood therefore the infolding of the Choroeides is hung under its chamber that at least by this nigh situation as by a Stove or Hot-house the heat there might be preserved Besides we intimated another use of this infolding to wit that the blood passing through the very narrow Meanders and convolutions or rollings about of the Vessels might lay aside its serous recrements into the Glandula's or passages of the Veins 2. But secondly That many branches and lesser shoots of the same Vessels which water the Brain and Cerebel cover also the oblong marrow and in some measure enter into its Pores and deeper substance within which the animal Spirits are not begotten but only exercised and expanded I say that this is so made for this other respect to wit that the substance of the oblong marrow might imbibe a constant provision of nourishment from the pouring in of the blood whereof it hath need For whilst the animal Spirits flowing into the nervous stock from the Brain and Cerebel pass through this passage as it were the high road some food he e ought to be administred to
of the primary intention of Nature but result only secondarily and accidentally from the complication of the Brain he will be far from thinking that the supreme seat of the Soul is fixed there where being hem'd in with a most noble Guard of Spirits it doth execute and perform its Functions For it neither appears at all out of what matter and by what artifice the Spirits are there begotten nor by what ways of emanation they are derived from thence into the other parts of the Brain and nervous System Wherefore almost all Anatomists who are of a later Age have attributed that vile office of a Jakes or sink to this more inward chamber of the Brain To which Opinion there has been some trust given for that these Ventricles are often seen in the dead to be filled with water also from these ways seem to lye open for excretion both towards the Tunnel and also into the Sieve-like Bone It is observed that where-ever the blood flows more copiously into any part and waters it there Vapors or watry Humors are begotten from the superfluous Serum left in the circulation which for the most part either exhale out through vaporous Effluvia's or are brought back into the blood by the Veins or Lymphatick Vessels But when the blood by a plentiful influx waters not only the Cortex of the Brain but the interior marrow also it remains that the serous Latex when-ever it abounds more in the blood than that its superfluities may be reduced immediately by the Veins or by the Lymphaeducts if they be there or may be separated by the Glandula's should slide down into this den made hollow within the infolding of the Brain Truly there are many instances which plainly evince that the serous humors are ordinarily laid up in the Ventricles of the Brain Anatomical Observations of men dying of many Cephalick diseases and especially of soporiferous or sleepy distempers confirm this Yea it may be lawfully thought that natural sleep follows for that the Pores and passages of the Brain are occupied and stuffed with a watry Latex which serves for a Vehicle to the Spirits Then as often as a profound sleep invades any one from a Surfeit or drinking of Wine the cause is that the little spaces in the medullary substance of the Brain destinated for the motions of the Spirits are too much obstructed by a Narcotick or a watry humor certain reliques of which being resolved into vapor and thrust out from the company of the Spirits do often sweat out or drop into this Vacuum or empty space After this manner it may be believed concerning the Ventricles of the Brain or the empty space left within its plicature or folding together But in truth because this matter hath been very much controverted among Physicians of every Age and the right decision of it seems to be of great moment for the explicating the offices of the other parts of the Head I will here compare together the reasons for and against this Opinion that we may at length give our Judgment of this Opinion what may be either true or most likely CHAP. XII It is inquired into whether the serous Humors heaped together within the Vacuity of the Brain be sent out by the Pituitary Glandula and the Sieve-like Bone or not SInce Experience testifies that the Serum and excrementitious I may justly say morbifick and oftentimes deadly Humors are found frequently within these Ventricles of the Brain we ought to inquire more diligently concerning their passage in and out and the rather for that it is very much doubted by some concerning the use of these Dens nor are there wanting those in this late Age who have endeavoured to bring into vogue the ancient Opinion though long since exploded concerning the Spirits being begot in this place and here exercised I believe without doubting for the reasons before alledged that the Spirits are not here begotten nor exercised and no less certain is it made by Experience that the serous Colluvies is here often gathered together This therefore only remains that we should see from whence and how this flows hither and then by what ways of Excretion the same should be carried out As to the first it is exceeding probable that the serous Latex which is the Vehicle of the Spirits newly produced and is introduced together with them into the Pores of the Brain after it is grown stale and being attenuated into Vapour doth distil forth into this Cavern and there at last grows into a watry Humor for otherwise what becomes of that Humor or into what other Receptacle could it be derived Besides this ordinary and I believe assiduous heaping together of the serous Colluvies within the Ventricles of the Brain certainly it may be believed that this kind of serous Humor is distilled out of the Glandula's inserted in the Choroeidal infolding being too much filled into the Ventricles so called I have often seen in a Dropsie the Glandula's of the Brain to be intumified and like grains of Barley bursting with too much wet to become flaccid or withered so that they could not retain the ferosities brought to them but continually disposed them into the Cavity beneath Truly in a Dropsie of the Brain these Cavities or Ventricles are always seen to be full of water the cause of which kind of distemper is the blood being made more watry puts off in its circulation a greater heap of Serum than the Veins can presently carry back or the Glandula's are able to receive and retain For indeed that the Serum redounding on every side from the Vessels may the better slide into the Ventricles of the Brain it is so ordered that the greater infoldings of the Vessels with the inserted Glandula's should be disposed near all the Ventricles of the Head because not only the infolding Choroeides is placed nigh the concourse of the three Ventricles in the Brain but another infolding and no less noted which we above described with greater Glandula's is set behind the Cerebel nigh the fourth Ventricle In all as it seems for that end such care is taken that the watry part coming from the blood which is destinated either for the Brain or the Cerebel for that it is not fit for the procreating of Spirits might run into these infoldings of the Vessels But yet if a greater plenty of Serum be there laid up than can be contained in them or may be sent away outwardly whatever is superfluous will slide into the Cavity underneath Hence it appears from whence and by what means the serous heap is gathered together within the Ventricles of the Brain certainly to deny this going out is no other than to assert every ones Brain big with a Viper which cannot be brought forth but by gnawing asunder the bowels of its parent Who shall lightly consider the parts nigh the Ventricles and their Fabricks at first sight only would swear with the Ancients that the excrements of the brain were laid aside both lower
through the Tunnel into the Palate and above or more forward through the mammillary Processes into the Nostrils But if the structure of these parts be a little more diligently searched into there is no body who presently will not easily think that by neither of these ways the excretion of any humor can be made for neither from the pituitary Glandula through the Wedge-like bone nor from the mammillary Processes through the holes of the Sieve-like bone is there any manifest aperture or opening to be perceived But in very truth we do suppose that the brain is in some measure purged by both these Emunctories for that objection may be answered That the translations of Humors in living Creatures are easily performed through places that seem impervious or unpassable for while the Pores and passages in all the parts of a living Creature are dilated by spirit and heat they transmit the rain of the Serum as through the fine texture of a woolen Cloth This plainly appears from Arthritick distempers in which the serous Latex creeps by degrees through the nervous bodies and passing through very small spaces makes a falling down of humors sometimes upon these parts and sometimes upon others so that it is obvious that the Membranes and nervous Processes drink in the serous humors like Sponges and then by a light compression render them by heaps as is manifest in the Tooth-ach for as often as a Bodkin or Instrument is put up into a hollow Tooth clear water will come out plentifully Indeed in the body of a living Creature the passages of humors are not only made through open passages and chanels but the thinner and more watry Latex creeps through the solid and smooth bodies of the Nerves as also the Fibres and the Membranes as through the holes of a Filtre and so is transferred through imperceptible straits from place to place I sometime knew in the Impostume of the Lungs the humor to have been derived through the Membranes growing to the Pleura from the bag into an Issue made in the side and so the spitting ceasing the disease that seemed otherwise incurable was healed by such a way of Evacuation Why in like manner may we not suppose the serous humors falling down from the Ventricles of the Brain into the pituitary Glandula and the mammillary Processes to be carried away through the Nerves or Membranes passing through here or there Concerning the Tunnel the thing is probable enough because the position and structure of this seem to shew that some humor is carried out of the Ventricles of the Brain towards the pituitary Glandula For this part is so constituted that a falling down of the humors may be made from every angle and recess of the interior Brain and its Appendix into its aperture or opening And as in several Animals the figure and site of the Ventricles vary very much as we have already shewn yet in every one of them all the Ventricles of the Head whatsoever they be have their openings gaping towards the Tunnel But that this Kernel or Glandula to which the passage of the Tunnel is inserted receives and carries out the serous humors seems also to appear from hence because it admits not only those falling from the brain into its Pores but also those secreted from the blood ascending into the brain For that in many four-footed beasts certain Vessels are inserted to this Glandula from either Carotidick Artery which intimately enters its substance a sign of which is that Ink being injected into the Trunk of either Artery dyes with a black colour the wonderful Net if it be there and oftner the interior substance of this Glandula whence it may be argued that the office of this Glandula is to receive the superfluous serosities and it receives not only those sent away in the return from the brain but sometimes preoccupies or prevents them and is wont to derive them from the blood before it is carried to the brain And therefore this Glandula is very small if the superfluities of the Serum be derived to it only from the brain but greater if they come to it also from the blood to wit as it executes either one or a double office as we have already shewn at large But as to what respects the way of passing through to wit by which the humors deposited in this Glandula are carried out the vulgar Opinion is that they do come away through the holes of the bone beneath into the Palate wherefore in those kind of Animals who have the wonderful Net and many of its shoots enter this Glandula more holes are made in the underlying bone Further if you take away the ditch or gutter of the Wedge-like bone or the seat of this Glandula cut off from the Skull and pour water upon its holes being made bare from the Membrane it passing presently through the substance of the whole bone will suddenly still forth through other holes lying open in the sides of the bone Yet this Experiment concludes nothing for the Opinion proposed because these holes are wholly wanting in some Creatures and very much in an humane Skull in those who have them as in a Calf especially it is observed that the same are filled by some hollow Vessels into which if a black liquor be cast by a Syringe that passing through the substance of the bone will go into many other Vessels lying under the bone and at length into the Trunk of the Jugular Vein which certainly is a sign that the humors are not carried from hence into the Palate But as to the Vessels which cover over the holes of the bone and which more abundantly lye under the same they seem to be either Veins or Lymphaeducts But among these it is lawful to conjecture the chief means of Excretion whereby the serous humors laid up in the pituitary Kernel may be carried out to wit that they are remanded back from it as from most other Glandula's or Kernels into the mass of blood In a Calf the thing lies open to ocular inspection nor is it to be doubted of other Animals who have the admirable Net because as the arterious branches so also the veinous reach to this Glandula which sup up not only the humors deposited from the Arteries but also those falling from the Ventricles of the Brain Yea it may be lawfully believed that in a Man also a Horse and in other Creatures who want the strange or wonderful Net there are other Lymphaeducts or Water-carriers or some such kind of Vessels as are seen in the head of a Calf that most certainly carry the humors from this Glandula We cannot so easily find out their footsteps because before these break out of their dens the tracts of the Lymphaeducts if there be any would vanish Nor can we find out these Vessels in all as in a Calf by injection because the holes of the bone by which as by the leading of a thread the injection arrives at and dyes the
sanguiferous Vessels going out of the Skull with them and following either Nerve even to the Basis of the Eye are knit into the Trunk of either There is a noted shoot of the Artery destinated to this office carried from the anterior branches of the Carotides Hence as I suppose a reason may be given wherefore when by drinking or more plentiful eating a sleepiness is caused presently a great heaviness and as it were an oppression is felt about the Eyes For when the blood very much boiling up fills above measure the Vessels watering the Brain and by distending them obstructs the Pores of the Brain those Nerves also from the blood in like manner boiling up within the Optick Vessels are pressed together in their whole passage In Fowls and Fishes this chamber of the Optick Nerves bunching out with a great bulk is not much less than the Brain it self for as we but now intimated what is instead of the callous body is placed here and in this place the animal Spirits seem to have their chief Mart or Empory in a most large medullar chamber or the Sphere of their Expansion And so when from hence the animal Spirits are derived from so full and plentiful a Store-house it is for that reason Fowls are furnished with so curious an Eye and with so highly perspicacious and acute a sight And the same perhaps may hold concerning Fishes if that we consider the sight in these is performed in a thicker Medium and often double In some Animals in the midst of these chambers of either Optick Nerve the shanks of the oblong Marrow a little opening Leave a chink or aperture which receiving the serosities coming from every region of the Brain and its Appendix sends them through the Tunnel into the pituitary Glandula There is no need that we should discourse much here of the Tunnel and the pituitary Glandula because already speaking of the Ventricles of the Brain or the empty space left within its plicature we fell occasionally on the consideration of both these where we shewed that the serous humors which were wont to be heaped together within many places of the Brain and of its Appendix do all slide down on every side from each angle and recess of it into the steep opening of the Tunnel and so there is a necessity that they should be poured out by it into the pituitary Glandula Further it is manifest that this Glandula in some Animals is charged with a double office to wit as it receives the serosities sent from above from the Brain so also it separates the humors from the blood brought to the same from the wonderful Net by the Arteries and prepossessing them imbibes them before their ingress to the Brain Wherefore this part is furnished with a substance of a double kind viz. one reddish more thin and interwoven with Blood-carrying Vessels which constitutes either side of it and the other more white placed in the middle to which the Tunnel is inserted Fig VIII a But having shewn that this Glandula receives the humors so brought by a double Tribute we did diligently inquire concerning the ways and means whereby they are at length carried away from thence and as it appears by an Experiment that there is a passage open from this Glandula into the Vessels lying underneath the bone and from thence into the Jugular Veins we affirmed that 't was most likely that the humors to be carried away from this Glandula after the manner of others may be reduced at last into the bloody mass I shall not add any more concerning these things but proceed to the other parts of the oblong Marrow But that what hath been said concerning the shanks of the oblong Marrow and their tops viz. the chamfered bodies may be the better understood it will seem to the purpose that we represent the Images of all these in the following Figure The Eighth Figure REpresents the oblong Marrow taken out of the Head of a Sheep with the Brain cut off and removed and with the Cerebel and one streaked Body cut in two in the middle and other things chiefly belonging to the medullar Trunk AA The chamfered Body cut in two in the midst that its marrowy chamferings may appear B. The other chamfered Body whole covered with the Choroeidal Infolding with the extreme portion of the callous Body CC. sticking to the same CC. The brim or extremity of the callous Body cleaving to the chamfered Body D. The Basis of the Fornix E. The right wing of the Choroeidal Infolding F. The passage of the Veins being stretched out from the fourth Bosom which being presently forked constitutes the veinous portion of either wing of the Choroeidal Infolding under the beginning of this passage very much beset with Fibres and sanguiferous Vessels the Pineal Glandula lyes hid G. The hole or chink leading to the Tunnel HH The chambers of the Optick Nerves II. The medullary Processes or the ways of passage which lead from the medullar stock into the orbicular Protuberances KK The Buttock-form orbicular Protuberances LL. The lesser Protuberances called Testes M. The meeting together of the Processes ascending obliquely from the Testes into the Cerebel N. The hole of the lower Ventricle lying under the orbicular Protuberances OO The Pathetick Nerves of the Eyes PP The medullary Processes stretched out from the Testes into the Cerebel QQ Other medullar Processes which being sent from the Cerebel towards the oblong Marrow compass about its stock and constitute the annular or ringy Protuberance RR. The lowest or third Processes of the Cerebel which being inserted to the medullar Trunk become additional cords or strings of it SS The medullar Ramifications or Branchings of the Cerebel TT The middle marrows of either Cerebel in which its three medullary Processes constituting either little foot of it grow together V. The Ditch constituting the fourth Ventricle in the medullar Trunk X. The extremity of the oblong Marrow about to end in the Spinal CHAP. XIV Of the Uses of the Pineal Glandula and the Choroeidal Infolding also of the orbicular Prominences which are commonly called Nates and Testes and other Parts which seem to be dependences of them BElow the Chambers of the Optick Nerves in a common Valley which lyes between the tops of these and the Buttock-form Prominences is placed the Pineal Glandula or Kernel in form of a Pine-apple called also Conarium this is not only found in Man and four-footed beasts but Fowls and Fishes also are endued with the same Wherefore although from hence it may be concluded that this is of necessary use yet we can scarce believe this to be the seat of the Soul or its chief Faculties to arise from it because Animals which seem to be almost quite destitute of Imagination Memory and other superior Powers of the Soul have this Glandula or Kernel large and fair enough It is observed in all Animals of every kind and form that to this Glandula always placed nigh the
the Nerves only carry from the Head the instinct for the performing of that motion In like manner in Sensation the Fibres receive first of all and immediately the impressions of sensible things and express the same as musical strings do the strikings of a quill or fingers by an intrinsecal modification of the Particles and represent the various approaches of the object by the like motion of the Fibrils as by a moveable and fluid Character whose Idea the Nerves transfer only to the Head Concerning the nervous Fibres it behoves us to inquire from whence they have their rise For it appears plainly that they arise not immediately from the Head or its medullar Appendix nor is it less improbable that they are produced as 't is commonly said from the Nerves because what is asserted that the Fibres are productions of the Nerves and little bits or pieces of them torn off as it were into hairy branches seems unlikely for that the Fibres in some parts being placed nigh exceed in their bulk the magnitude of the Nerve that is brought to that part at least an hundred-fold which thing appears clearly from the Tendon of every Muscle which being made up of united Fibres is observed to be far greater than the Nerve inserted to it And indeed for almost the like reason we are induced to think the nervous Humor it self also whereby the Membranes and musculous Fibres are wont to be watered to be derived unto them not by the only means and passage of the Nerves because it is heaped up much more plentifully and in more abundance than can be carried thither through those narrow passages as appears clearly in Ulcers of the Kings Evil or in Impostumes or Wounds of the Tendons and nervous parts in which a glutinous Humor drops forth in so great abundance that all the Nerves of the whole Body could scarce be able to supply it Wherefore concerning these it seems that we may affirm that the Fibres are not continued portions of the Nerves broken off into little hairy strings or Capillaments and that all the Fibres originally proceed not from the Nerves because some of them viz. those interwoven to the Heart and its Vessels are of equal birth with the Nerves themselves and coexist with them together from the beginning However most Fibres as to their production depend upon the Nerves and all which way soever brought forth receive constantly from the Nerves the forces and supplements of the animal Spirits and also the Instincts of the Motions to be performed by them Therefore to recount the births or kinds of Fibres they are first either spermatick and first begotten the rudiments or first beginnings of which being of the like antiquity as the Heart and Brain placed in the Conception afterwards leisurely increase to wit such are as hath been said those in the Heart it self in its depending Vessels the Membranes and some other parts which form the first stuff or threads of the Embryo or secondly other Fibres are produced secondarily and by a second birth of which sort chiefly are such which are interwoven into the parts taken for the compleating of the animal Fabrick and especially those termed Sanguineous which we think to be begotten after this manner The Heart and Brain with the Arteries and Nerves hanging to them are primigenious parts and highly original but these for the second birth of others and for the nutrition and increase of all the sensitive parts distribute a twofold humor viz. one spirituous and endued with very active Particles which perpetually flow though but in a very small quantity through the passages of the Nerves from the Brain and Cerebel and the other slow and softer which being every where laid aside through the Arteries from the bloody mass is rendred more plentifully This latter being of it self dull and thicker by much is actuated by the former and being imbued by it as by a certain Ferment acquires strength and power of growth or vegetation But indeed the nervous Juyce forasmuch as it diffuses with it self the animal Spirits imparts to every part besides the faculties of Motion and Sense the determinations also of form and figure Further whilst that being joyned to the other arterious humor is disposed into the substance and matter of the member or part to be nourished it forms some tracts as it were to wit the Fibres themselves in which the animal Spirits coming together with them reside and are expatiated These twofold or twin humors coupling together in every sensitive part constitute a liquor truly nutritious to wit which is both spirituous and nourishable And in truth both these Juyces viz. the nervous and arterious being married together are as it were the male and female seed which being mingled in a fruitful womb produces the plastick Humor by whose virtue the living creature is formed and increases Hence may be observed as the particles of the spirituous liquor or of the other more watry juyce viz. this latter being supplied from the Arteries or that from the Nerves are strong or excel as to their properties or powers all living creatures become more or less nimble active and ready to any motion and labour Besides from the default or depravation of the one and the other humor excelling the sorts or kinds of this or that disease are excited concerning which and also what belongs to the explication of the nutritious Humor we may perhaps have some other time occasion to discourse The animal Spirits which enter and fill the ordained series of the Fibres as so many little places flow thither by the passages of the Nerves notwithstanding the Spirits which are seated in the Fibres interwoven with the musculous stock receive nourishment yea and as it were auxiliary forces from the arterious blood there plentifully flowing whereby indeed both the Spirits themselves acquire for the performing of Motions a greater force and as it were elastick so that their force being stirred up by a strong endeavour it seems like the explosion of Gun-powder and also the same Spirits being continually consumed within the Muscles more profusely than is wont to be in the Membranes and other parts are in some measure made up or repaired from the bloody sustenance because whenas the arterious Juyce joyns more plentifully with the nervous flowing within the sanguineous parts it may be well thought that it also lays upon the Spirits brought thither with it as it were some nitrosulphureous particles and intimately fixes them on them and so by reason of this Copula highly flatuous and apt to be rarified the Spirits themselves become there more active so that in every motive endeavour whereby the Muscle is suddenly intumified they as if inkindled are exploded Moreover a sudden refection of the consumed or wasted Spirits after great exercise or labour is for this reason also performed by the blood for that the spirituous particles being left and forsaken by motion presently a new Copula of the same kind of
matter apt for explosion is joyned to them For it is not possible that the immense loss of Spirits which happens in hard labours if they were wholly destroyed in so short a time should be able to be restored by supplements coming only through the Nerves We shall discourse more largely of these things if at any time hereafter we shall treat of the Motions of the Muscles The animal Spirits being disposed within the several Muscles according to the series of Fibres seem as it were so many distinct Troops or Companies of Souldiers all which being set as it were in a Watch-tower are ordained as a new impression is carried to them by the Nerves either from the objects outwardly or more inwardly from the Head forthwith into various forms and peculiar orders for the performing of motion or sense of this or that kind The carriage or behaviour of these is worth the seeing in an animal newly killed and its skin taken off For when life perishes and all the force of the Spirits flowing in through the Nerves hath quite ceased yet the Spirits implanted into the whole Body breaking forth from the Muscles still move and shake them and force them into several Convulsions and trembling motions From what hath been said we may gather what the disposition or order of the animal Spirits may be in the whole animal Body to wit those procreated in the cortical substance both of the Brain and Cerebel are congregated into the middles of either as it were into distinct Empories or Marts and an expansion being made in either they cause certain interior powers of the sensitive Soul to be exercised yet the same Spirits affecting more room enter the oblong Marrow as it were the Chest as hath been said of a musical Organ and fill it full within which flowing they carry to and fro the impressions of sensible Things and the Instincts of Motions From the oblong and spinal Marrow the same Spirits unless when they are otherwise busied tending outwardly flow towards the several parts of the whole Body which notwithstanding wandring so out of doors because they pass through very strait ways in their passage to wit the slender bodies of the Nerves they break not forth in heaps or in a thick troop but only contracted orderly and as it were by bands or divisions but they being carried beyond the extremities of the Nerves and there possessing the Membranes Muscles and other sensible parts dilate themselves as it were into a most ample field and with a very diffuse Army they dwell in the Pores and passages of the Fibres planted every where about where also being endowed from the blood with new food they become more lively and more expeditious or ready for the designed offices Here perhaps it may be demanded how the animal Spirits diffused in such numerous troops through the habit of the Body are able to be supplied by so strait chanels of the Nerves To which we reply That those which reside more outwardly do not quickly evaporate nor are remanded back by Circulation wherefore when all the Fibres are filled by an influx of the Spirits made by little and little from the beginning very small supplements suffice to repair their expence For neither are those dwelling more outwardly for that they are repaired by the bloody food much consumed though in frequent action Hence may be noted the difference between the distributions of the blood and animal Spirits That Latex because it is reduced in a circle its Vessels are in the whole passage proportionated as to the bulk of the Trunk and the branchings sent from it to wit so that the branches of the great Artery being carried from the Heart contain at the least so much of the blood as the shoots reaching forth from them into all the parts But because the animal Spirits being once begotten and carried more outwardly subsist longer there and evaporate very slowly and by little and little therefore the Vessels carrying them viz. the Nerves in respect of the Fibres receiving them are made much lesser in proportion lest perhaps by too great a supplement of the animal Spirits and the too thick gathering of the fresh ones still into the nervous parts the Army of the Veterans before instructed should be confounded and so the orders of all being disturbed the exercises of the animal Function should be performed any how For indeed when at any time the Spirits are made too sharp so that being therefore struck as it were with madness they rush upon the nervous System with tumult and impetuosity from thence a great unquietness and continual throwing about of the Members are wont to be excited to which sometimes madness and fury succeed In the order and ordination of the animal Spirits such as was but now described the Hypostasis or the Essence of the sensitive Soul consists to wit which is only a certain Systasis or shadowy subsistence of those Spirits which like Atoms or subtil Particles being chained and adhering mutually one to another are figured together in a certain Species Moreover the faculties of the same Soul depend upon the various Metathesis and gesticulation of those Spirits within the aforesaid Organs of the Head and nervous System But the consideration of this Soul and its powers requires a peculiar Tract which hereafter God willing we intend in the mean time our Method demands of us that according to our weak skill by the cense or numbering of the Nerves being particularly made we should deliver an exact Neurology or Doctrine of the Nerves But for that in the premised general consideration of the Nerves and Fibres there was mention made of the nervous and nutritious Juyce notwithstanding what belongs to their powers and natures hath been neither fully nor clearly enough delivered therefore we will a little divert here and make it our business to inquire what sort of Juyces and Humors are carried into the parts of the animated body for their nourishment and by what ways or passages then this difficulty being removed a plain and easie way leads into the Doctrine of the Nerves CHAP. XX. Of the Nervous Liquor and whether that or the bloody Humor be Nutritious SInce the Circulation of the Blood was made known and it hath been plainly made appear that it did no where stagnate and stand still long but was carried in a reciprocal motion always as in a circle it began to grow doubtful whether its Latex is nutritious or not For besides that the more rapid course of the blood as of a torrent might seem to wear the banks which it flowed between and to carry away some Particles from them rather than to be able to affix any thing to them the substance it self also of the blood for that it is more torrid and uneven is thought to be altogether unfit for nutrition Wherefore that a Juyce may be found more convenient or fit for this office the passages and hidden recesses of the Nerves are to be
viewed and as a certain Latex is found to flow within their Pores and passages presently the blood being rejected that nervous humor is gifted with the title of nutritious but yet by what right and after what manner nutrition is performed shall be our present purpose to inquire And here first of all that we may take the part of the blood it will be easie to shew that there is matter contained in it fit enough for the nourishment of the body and a sufficient store of it For besides the sulphureous substance of the blood which within the fire-place of the Heart with a continual inkindling and by that means deflagration in the Vessels produces life and in the more perfect Animals heat there is found also a certain other humor soft and alible which in the Circulation being distributed through several parts of the Body by increasing them adds nourishment and bulk yea the deflagration it self of the blood plainly as a Kitchin-fire in dressing meat as it were boils and prepares this humor whereby it more easily is assimilated into the substance of every part to be nourished Hence it comes to pass that by reason of a defect of heat in the blood no less than of excess nutrition is often hindered But that this kind of alible Juyce is contained in the bloody mass the Anatomy or spontaneous Analysis of its Latex sufficiently declares for the extravasated blood when it goes into parts of its own accord this liquor being disjoyned from the purple thick part and swimming a top of it appears clear or limpid but by reason of its more thick contents to wit the nutritious Particles like the white of an Egg it is easily made thick and grows white by a gentle heat which thing appears by this familiar Experiment to wit if you shall evaporate a little of it only in a Skillet over the fire the whole liquor will presently grow together into a white Gelly By this liquor as the blood is more or less imbued with it living Creatures grow and become more fleshy or lean for both the blood of younger Animals being loosned from cold is wont to shew much more of this kind of white than more ancient or older Creatures and we may take notice daily at our Tables that very much of this kind of Gelly comes out of the flesh of a Lamb or Calf being boiled or roasted and nothing almost from Mutton or Beef especially if old Therefore we may lawfully suppose that the blood is truly nourishable and that the whole or at least the greatest part of the matter for the adding bulk or substance to every part is dispensed from it but if at any time it be defective in this its office that happens not out of the natural unfitness of it but because its disposition is sometimes depraved and as the Stomach labouring with some vice rejects or perverts the Chyle to be cooked by it But the blood as it is not the only and alone humor which is distributed in the animated Body so neither seems it able to perform alone and of it self the whole office of nutrition For besides that being diffused through the Arteries and Veins another Latex is every where dispensed from the Head through the Nerves which shall be shewn to afford something at least to nourishment As to the first there are many reasons which declare that kind of humor to be in the Brain and nervous stock and to abound in their whole passages For unless the animal Spirits continually flowing out should be founded in such a Latex which is their Vehicle they would not be contiguous or joyned nor able to continue and knit together the Systasis of the sensitive Soul For if Hippocrates did observe long since that Cramps and Convulsive motions were produced from driness and emptiness that perhaps might happen by this means to wit because the humor in the Nerves or Fibres being deficient the Spirits distracted one from another were separated which notwithstanding that they might still retain their mutual embraces and as it were folding of hands bend the containing bodies and very much contract and so force them into Convulsions Besides Wounds and Impostumes of the Tendons and nervous parts seem to witness the diffusion of the nervous Juyce either of which drop forth a thin Ichor and wholly unlike to the mere bloody Excretion no less may be argued from the Ganglia and Evil running Sores In time of sleeping the aforesaid humor is wont to flow more plentifully into the Brain and Nerves and to obstruct their passages and therefore yawnings and stretchings come frequently upon those awaking that its reliques might be shook off Lastly we might readily shew that from the depravation of the nervous humor Melancholy Madness and some wonderful Convulsive distempers proceed But it may be objected that there is no such kind of humor because the Nerves being cut asunder it is not perceived to flow out and that the Nerves being also bound they do not swell above the Ligature as Arteries and Veins But it may be answered That the liquor flowing in the nervous stock is very subtil and spirituous and which by any striving or wrinkling up of those parts when they are roughly handled may easily evaporate and be blown away or dispersed unperceivably Then further 't is observed in the Whelps of some Animals newly litter'd who have as yet that juyce viscous and not easily to be dispersed and that have their Nerves greater if they be bound hard together with cords they will swell above the Ligature Therefore seeing it appears that a certain Humor doth creep through the blind Pipes and passages of the Head and of the Appendix both medullar and nervous it behoves us next of all to inquire from whence that comes thither and whither it tends and lastly of what kind of nature and use it is Concerning these first it appears from what hath been said that the aforesaid Latex serving for a Vehicle of the animal Spirits is perpetually instilled together with them from the blood watering the exterior confines of the Brain and Cerebel which from thence passing through the medullar Trunk is afterwards with a gentle spring poured through the whole frame of the nervous System so that the first fountains of the nervous humor are in the Brain and Cerebel But further to this Juyce conveying the forces of the animal Spirits and supplied only from the Head there joyns a certain other humor as it were auxiliar in the whole passage and restores and refreshes it otherwise about to grow deficient We think that these kind of supplements and subsidies which happen to come from elsewhere to the nervous Juyce flowing from the Head are received and admitted inwardly from the sides and extremities of the medullar and nervous System We have already shewed that an humor as it were secondary is instilled from the blood watering these parts in its whole passage because the Arteries follow not only the medullar Trunk
and are assimilated into their substances In the mean time because the animal Spirits are poured out in great plenty with the nervous Juyce those which are at leisure from the work of nutrition or remain after that is finished turn aside every where into the Fibres as into proper dwelling-houses and there being ready for the offices of sense and motion stay which offices indeed that those Spirits the Inhabitants of the Fibres may the better perform they acquire from the blood watering the Muscles certain auxiliary forces wherefore they being endued with a certain elastick force are apt to be highly rarified and as it were exploded But indeed we suppose that as the nervous Liquor being turgid with animal Spirit causes the arterious humor to become nutritious so in compensation of this the animal Spirits remaining of the work of nutrition and every where disposed within the Fibres receive from the arterious blood a mixture or certain Copula by whose help and cooperation the same Spirits exert or put forth much more strongly their locomotive force For it seems that little sulphureous bodies are added to the spirituous-saline particles from the watering blood and so when the animal Spirits are furnished with this Copula they being stirred up into motion shake off the borrowed particles which being struck with a certain force like the explosion of Gun-powder suddenly intumifie the Muscles and so by contracting them very much they cause a vehement motive endeavour We shall have an occasion of discoursing more at large of this when we treat of the Motion of the Muscles Yet in the mean time we shall take notice that the Muscles of the whole Body as to their motion have a certain Analogy with the motion of the Heart For indeed the animal Spirits in the Heart flowing within the fibres and nervous threads with which this part is much beset receive plentifully sulphureous little bodies from the inflowing blood distending the sides of either bosom which whilst the same Spirits being filled to a fulness shake off and as it were explode a Systole of the whole Heart its sides being carried with a certain force inwards is brought in or caused whereby the blood from either side the bosom is cast out as it were by the impulse of a Spring or Bolt Truly unless the Spirits inhabiting the Heart should receive food and matter of explosion from the blood it self their stock supplied or sent by the passage of the few and small Nerves would not suffice for the performing of the undiscontinued motion A sign of this is that from a defect or depravation of the blood as well as of the animal Spirits the motion also of the Heart is â—efective or diminished And not much unlike in the Muscles as in the Heart is the business performed the Spirits inhabiting their Fibres receive a sulphureous Copula and apt for explosion from the blood there more plentifully flowing than about the Membranes with which being endued as often as they receive from the Nerve as it were the fiery inkindling or the match the instinct of the motion to be performed they being excited and striking of their Copula very much inflate or blow up the Muscle and intumifie it for performing or compassing the motive endeavour Nor is it much to purpose or makes any great difference that the motion of the Heart stirred up by a perpetual instinct is found always necessary but the Muscles the most of them only occasionally and at the command of the Animal do put forth their motive power for the Diaphragma and some Muscles dedicated to Respiration are urged with a perpetual Systole and Diastole as well as the Heart it self From the aforesaid Hypothesis concerning the offices and uses of the nervous and arterious Juyce Arguments that otherwise determine the work of Nutrition may be easily answered For that the blood is said rather to prey upon the solid parts than to replenish them that ought to be attributed to the Disease and Dyscrasie of it and not to it simply because sometimes the blood is accused for that it too much stuffs the solid parts to wit forasmuch as its mass being waterish and weak it lays aside the alible Juyce which not being truly cook'd is still crude and vicious with very great plenty about the habit of the Body and so induces an Anasarca In the mean time it ought to be granted That as it is the blood that is evil which heaps up too much vicious nutriment so it is the same which being well and right doth laudably perform the office of Nutrition But that it is argued That the nervous is rather the nourishing Juyce because by reason of its defect depravation or too prodigal expence the acts of nutrition are wont to be hindred or perverted it is easie to reply to this That the impediments of the nervous Juyce being made vicious respect the form of nourishment and not the matter of it to wit it sometimes happens that the blood dispenses the alible matter in due plenty and disposition which notwithstanding by the fault of the nervous Juyce is not rightly assimilated When an impotency of motion comes upon a too great distension of the Muscle or Tendon with pain shortly nutrition being hindred a Jelly grows about the distempered part which notwithstanding drops not out of the Nerve as is commonly said but the glutinous humor being poured out of the Arteries for aliment for that it cannot be received by the hurt part is gathered together there nor is it to be thought that Tumors or Strumous Ulcers or the running Sores of the Evil do contain or pour out only a nervous humor since the matter of either is for the most part bloody which by reason of the evil Ferment of the nervous Juyce puts on a strange form and that diversly degenerous This supposition of the twofold Humor for the matter and form of nourishment is taken to be of egregious use for the solving of the most difficult Phaenomena which are met with about the Distempers of the Brain and nervous Juyce yea that Pathology seriously considered seems to infer as a certain necessary consequence that a twofold Juyce is necessary for the work of Nutrition as some other time perhaps we may shew In the mean time leaving this Speculation we shall proceed to the remaining Task of our Anatomy to wit the Neurologie or of the Nerves in particular THE Description and Use OF THE NERVES CHAP. XXI The first four Pair of Nerves arising within the Skull are described THE division or distinction of the Nerves by reason of their various respects is wont to be manifold to wit as they are either soft or hard singular or numerous in their beginnings or that they serve either to the faculty of Sense or Motion or to both together But they are commonly distinguished That some Nerves arising within the Skull proceed from the oblong Marrow and others going out of the joynts of the Vertebrae are derived
knots of reflection are not alike on both sides also for what end the Cardiack branches proceed from both knots As to the first that the left returning Nerve not as its pair binds about the axillary Artery some reason seems to be because the left axillary Artery arising below is carried as the right by a bending and not a straight passage into the Arm wherefore the little cord of the Nerve compassing about its Trunk hath no fixed but a very moveable knot of reflection for that it might easily slide from its place But it may rather be said that it is for other uses and those more necessary that these Nerves compass about those Vessels after that manner For when they as it were Reins or Bridles cast on the blood-carrying Vessels by pulling them hither and thither variously determine the course of the blood it seems to be required that one returning Nerve should bind together or constringe the axillary Artery and the other the descending Trunk of the Aorta for as often as there is need for the blood to flow forwards towards the Head more plentifully the returning Nerves perform it easily by pulling upwards the aforesaid Arteries But the blood after a sort ought to be continually urged into the higher parts lest otherwise by its weight it should turn too much downwards wherefore in all Expiration or breathing forth when the Trachea drawing nearer together its folds is contracted upwards the blood about to descend through the Aorta is snatched upwards by one tract of the nervous little cord and in like manner the axillary Artery in the right side being shaken with it the blood flowing in the whole ascending Trunk of the Aorta is driven upwards a little swifter But besides this continual and equal snatching up of the blood towards the upper parts it is sometimes occasionally urged towards the Head by a more intense and quick motion of the Trachea and also by a more full and swift course For as often as any Animal grows angry the voice presently shews signs of such an Affection and oftentimes by chiding they make it sharp as men when they are angry chide or brawl and Dogs bark Now from such an intension of the voice and chiding as the upper rings of the Trachea a reciprocation being there made are often struck together so the blood also the Aorta being strongly drawn is urged upwards by a copious afflux so that it presently dyes the countenance and eyes of angry people with a redness and induces to the Brain it self a greater heat and provocatives to anger and a greater glowing or infiring to the Spirits by stirring them up For the same reason in Joy and Gladness forasmuch as the Trachea is exercised by singing or laughing the blood also is poured out more plentifully towards the exterior and especially the upper parts And from hence the cause is plain wherefore either returning Nerve sends forth Cardiack branches from the knot of reflection or turning back to wit that in those kind of affections the notice of which the Trachea in sounds or voices gives by the help of the Nerves the Heart it self by its means also might be affected For so as often as we wrangle or brawl the Heart being irritated presently inkindles the blood more and drives it forward more plentifully as food for those Affections towards the Brain Also in laughter great rejoycing or singing by the passage of those Nerves the Heart being brought into a consent or Sympathy or joynt action presently explodes or drives out the blood by a swifter pulse and casts it hastily out which otherwise would be heavy and troublesom by a slower motion or stagnation wherefore those sort of actions to wit laughing and singing are said to alleviate the Heart because they make the blood more freely and readily to be poured out of the bosoms of the Heart and also by the supplying help of the Lungs to be emptied into the same Below the production of the left returning Nerve another noted Nerve is carried towards the hindermost region of the Heart which being carried with a certain compass about its Basis sends forth frequent shoots which cover the left side of the hinder Hemisphere Fig. 9. o. Then this branch meeting with another pair sent from the opposite side towards the Heart and distributing shoots into the right side of the hinder Hemisphere is united with it Fig. 9. q. This Cardiack branch destinated to the hinder region of the Heart is produced apart below the rest that it might be carried by it self to its Province without the meeting with or implication of others the pairs are ingraffed on either side that they might accompany one another and be together drawn in the same action of the Heart It appears not plain whether these nerves conspire with the other Cardiack nerves arising above reaching forth to the anterior Hemisphere of the Heart or whether this pair effect not the Systole of the Heart and the upper its Diastole However it is certain shoots of the kindred or stock of either being ingraffed with others of another stock communicate one with the other The Trunk of the wandring pair sends forth on both sides very many noted branches from the region of the Heart which are spread on every side into all the Lobes of the Lungs the Bronchia of the Trachea and the Coat of the Oesophagus hard by descending Fig. 9. s.s.s. Those which go into the Lungs pass every where through their whole substance following the ramifications of the Veins and Arteries and the Pipes of the Bronchia which chanels of blood and air they variously climb over and bind about through their whole tract When that so many noted branchings of the Nerves are bestowed on the Lungs it is a wonder that by some they should be thought to be insensible and immoveable of themselves Yea it is doubted by many whether these Bowels do cause the motions of the Systole and Diastole of themselves by their own endeavour For that it is a received Opinion That this reciprocation of the Lungs doth proceed wholly from the motion of the Thorax and doth obey or observe its dilatation or constriction with a certain necessary dependency viz. that the Breast being dilated or spread open after the manner of a pair of Bellows doth compel the ambient Air into the Trachea which rushing into the Lungs blows up and distends them then the same Breast subsiding or sinking of it self that the Lungs being pressed together with the weight of it do breath forth the Air before intruded In truth however that I might judge that the Diaphragma and the Muscles of the Breast do conduce much to Respiration yet that these parts should perform this office alone and that the Lungs are merely passive I cannot grant For Respiration is chiefly instituted for the sake of the blood and the Heart and its act is wont to be determined according to the various disposition of these and to be
the Prostatae are apt to be moved not only by the turgescency of the Seed but also by the passage of the intercostal Nerve are wont to be irritated with too unseasonable an action according to the impressions made by the Senses or the Brain into the consent of which presently the Yard is excited Concerning the Nerves which belong to the Testicles here is not much to be spoken for we have often sought in vain for a great company of nervous passages in them I have very diligently searched sometimes in Man also in a Fox Dog Calf and likewise in a Boar and Monkey but could never find belonging to them but one nerve carried from the Vertebral pair which also for the most part is bestowed on the Cremasteral Muscle Fig. 11. M. so that although an excellent humor is prepared within those parts yet it doth not easily appear that its matter is derived thither through the nerves for we think the Genital humor is no more dispensed by the nerves than the nutritious For truly it seems that the Arteries instil a spirituous liquor into the Testicles after the same manner as in the Brain wherefore in their neighbourhood these sanguiferous Vessels being very much divaricated or spread abroad are turned about into little serpentine chanels whereby they subtilize the humor destinated to the Testicles and insinuate it having put off all thickness and Feculency and being truly sublimated into their substance because there as within the Cortex of the Brain the spirituous liquor being imbued with a volatile Salt implanted in the part passes into the most noble Clyssus viz. the Genital humor But here is not a place to discourse more largely of the nature and origine of the Seed yet because it is commonly objected That the Seed is made of the nervous Juyce and plenty of Spirits fetched from the Brain and therefore a large expence of it doth induce quickly on the Brain and Nerves a great debility and enervation I say this comes to pass because after great profusions of the Seed for the restauration of the same humor of which Nature is more solicitous than for the benefit of the individual presently greater Tributes of the spirituous Liquor are required from the blood to be laid up into the Testicles wherefore the Brain is made languid being defrauded of its due stock and afflux of the same spirituous liquor and the Spirits influencing it and the nervous System because they are deficient in the Fountain it self are very much depauperated and become flagging Besides we may add That the animal Spirits also which actuate the Prostatae coming from the spinal Marrow are consumed about the Venereal acts very much so that the Loyns are also enervated for this reason CHAP. XXVIII Of the Spinal Nerve an Accessory to the wandring Pair also of the Nerve of the Diaphragma AFter we have unfolded the Nerves of the wandring and intercostal pair which being Executers of the involuntary Function are stretched out to the Praecordia and all the Viscera of the middle and lower Belly and also to some other parts Next to these follow some other Nerves communicating with the aforesaid in their beginning or in the exercise of the same office viz. the spinal Nerve and the Nerve of the Diaphragma of which we will speak in order We have already shewn that the Nerve of the wandring pair in the beginning is made up of numerous Fibres to which is joyned another noted Nerve arising from afar and being ingraffed with them goes forth together with them out of the Skull Concerning this Nerve because the beginning and distribution of it being very irregular have not as yet been noted by other Anatomists it may seem worth our labour to make a little more diligent inquiry Therefore if we would search into the beginning of this nerve that is found beginning with a sharp point in the side of the spinal Marrow nigh the sixth or seventh Vertebrae of the Neck Fig. 12. C. C. But being increased in its ascent is no where inserted into the medullar Trunk but in its whole tract on both sides leans on its side to which it is knit by certain admitted Fibres towards the superficies This arising up from the Neck after this manner and being carried within the Skull is joyned to the Fibres of the wandring pair and is ingraffed with them seeming to grow together into one Trunk and goes out with them at the same hole from the Skull which being passed through the spinal Nerve presently departing from the Trunk of the wandring pair is at length reflected outward Fig. 9. ♀ ♂ This stranger or travelling nerve after a short commerce having left his companion is carried upon the Muscles of the Neck to which it imparts some shoots and is inoculated with a certain shoot of the tenth pair but from thence being carried on further it goes alone by a long passage till it comes to the Scapular Muscle on which it is almost wholly bestowed Fig. 9. ☽ This nerve is found constantly not only in Man and four-footed Beasts but also in Fowls and Fishes and in these it seems to be destinated instead of Arms and for the moving of their wings and fins Concerning the use of this Nerve and the reason of its irregular beginning we shall conjecture after this manner Forasmuch as that is destinated for the performing the motions of the Muscles belonging to the Arms and Neck therefore it ought to arise out of the spinal Marrow but that it is not carried by a direct and near way into its Province but being carried about by a long compass before it enters upon its task communicates in its beginning with the nerve of the wandring pair certainly this seems to be done to the end that this Spinal nerve being carried into the parts of the wandring pair might perform the acts of the Function only involuntary And indeed it may be observed That besides the spontaneous motions wherewith the Neck and Arms are wont to be imployed with the previous intention of doing this or that thing those parts also before any other member are affected with pathetick and sudden motions according to the force of the Passions the animal not being conscious of it For almost all living Creatures do not only turn about their necks at any noise to behold whatever might cause fear but they being any ways affrighted in the twinkling of an eye fly away their feet wings fins or other part answerable to them being set into a rapid motion The Neck and the Arms are pliable or observant not only to fear but in like manner to the other Passions For brute Animals as well as Man being puffed up with pride or anger as we have elsewhere intimated have their Necks swollen and their Crests lifted up But as to Man his hands and arms are so obsequious to the Passions and almost to all the conceptions of the Brain that they are continually agitated in the doing of any
so laid up about the caverns of the Nostrils may be emptied it ought to be carried away or wiped out from thence by a vehement blowing of the Air or breath Wherefore it is observed That whilst the inward parts of the Nostrils being very sensible begin to be wrinkled together from some sharp thing pulling or pricking them and by that means to draw out the watry humor presently by reason of the passage from thence by the branches of the fifth pair into the intercostal Trunk and from thence by the passage of the nerves which are extended from its Cervical infolding into the nerve of the Diaphragma the consent of the same Action or Convulsion is produced even into the cross bound or Midriff so that by the same Act as it were with which the Nostrils are wrinkled the Diaphragma also with the Diastole being stronger and longer draw out is depressed that the Breast being dilated as much as may be the Air may be the more copiously inspired Then as soon as the Spasm or Convulsion of the Membranes drawn together within the Nostrils and fore-part of the Head begins to remit presently the Midriff leaping back with a force causes the inspired Air to be violently exploded or driven out which strongly wipes away and carries forth with it the humor pressed out within the caverns of the Nostrils We yet ought to inquire concerning the Nerve of the Diaphragma what is the reason that it always proceeds from the Brachial nerves and why it doth not rather arise immediately from the spinal Marrow Truly from hence it seems to follow that the motion of the Arms in some sort respects the action of the Diaphragma or on the contrary that this depends on that Indeed between these two a certain respect or habitude happens which easily appears by this Argument The Arms or fore Legs in all Creatures are made for labour and hard exercise because by the force of these men fight and perform the most hard and laborious things and Brutes run and ascend the most steep places with great pains But it is very well known that by too much labour and over-vehement motion of body the act of Respiration is very much increased so that the breath almost fails and is oftentimes in danger to be lost The reason of this is because by great exercise the blood is too much forced into the bosom of the Heart which lest it should suffocate it that it might be emptied into the Lungs very frequent and difficult Respiration is instituted Therefore from hence may be inferred That the exercises of the Body ought to be regulated according to the state of the Praecordia or that the motion of the Arms should observe the action of the Diaphragma viz. lest they being stirred by a violent motion cause the blood to be driven more into the bosoms of the Heart than the Diaphragma instituting a most frequent Respiration can draw from thence into the Lungs That this Rule may be perpetually observed of all living Creatures it is so provided that the nerve of the Diaphragma chiefly conducing to Respiration should be tyed as it were a bridle to the Brachial nerves which are the principal in the motion of the Body and so might timely warn these if unmindful of their duty and as soon as breath fails should command them to desist from further moving the Body Wherefore we observe when at any time labouring Cattle are urged beyond their strength in labour or motion oftentimes either some deadly hurt of the heart follows or else some uncurable disease of the Diaphragma for by such immoderate labour either the Beast languishing quickly dyes when it is commonly said that his heart is broke or else the tone of the Diaphragma being wholly broken Respiration ever after becomes painful and difficult which is wont to happen ordinarily to Horses who are driven into too rapid a course with a full Belly CHAP. XXIX Of the Reason of the difference that happens between the Nerves of the wandring and Intercostal Pair in Man and brute Beasts also of the other Pairs of the Nerves arising both within the Skull and from the Spinal Marrow also something of the Blood-carrying Vessels which belong to the Spinal Marrow THus far we have described all the Nerves stretching out to the Praecordia and Viscera also to most of the other parts which are the Organs of the involuntary Function according to the manner by which they are wrought in man and we have shewn their Offices and Uses and the Reasons of the most noted appearances in all Before we proceed to the other Conjugations of the Nerves it behoves us to shew with what difference the aforesaid Nerves are found in brute Beasts and for what end such a difference is ordained It was already intimated That the Trunk of the wandring pair in four-footed Beasts doth send forth to the Heart and its Appendix more nervous Vessels than in Man The reason of which is obvious because the Cardiack nerves in Brutes proceed almost only from this pair and scarce at all from the intercostal wherefore when they are only of one origination therefore more are required all which not-notwithstanding are much fewer than the same are in Man from a double stock viz. being carried from both the Nerves forasmuch as Beasts want prudence and are not much obnoxious to various and divers Passions therefore there was no need that the Spirits should be derived from the Head into the Praecordia by a double passage viz. that one should be required for the exercise of the vital Function and the other for the reciprocating impressions of the Affections but that it may suffice that all those destinated to every one of their offices may be carried still in the same path In most Brutes the intercostal Nerve goes alone from the Ganglioform infolding of it almost without any branching to its infolding of the Thorax in which passage however it is not always after the same manner in all for in some it is carried single and apart from the Trunk of the wandring pair nor doth it communicate with it in its whole journey unless a little higher by a shoot sent down from the Ganglioform infolding but in many the intercostal Nerve passes presently from its Ganglioform infolding into the neighbouring infolding of the wandring pair Fig. 10. C. where when both the nerves seem to close together from thence both being involved under the same common inclosure as it were one Trunk they are carried together till it comes over against the first Rib and there an infolding being made the intercostal nerve departing from the wandring pair is carried into the infolding of the Thorax and the other nerve also is stretched between this and that infolding which nerves when one is carried under the other above the Artery of the Chanel-bone making as it were an handle straiten its Trunk Fig. 10. g. Although the intercostal Nerve is carried from the Throat to the top of the
with a Coat gotten from the second Membrane they become as it were one Trunk which Trunk going out at the space between the knot of the Vertebrae is again divided into many nerves destinated to several parts After this manner in the whole tract of the spinal Marrow the Vertebral nerves have their birth but in those places where the Brachial and the Crural nerves go out both the thickness and the breadth of the spinal Marrow are increased and also the handfuls or bands of the Fibres are larger All these are well represented in Fig. 12. The Brachial Nerves are not only far greater than the Vertebrals so that they appear as it were large and broad nervous chords but that they may conspire together and serve for the strong motions of the Arms or the fore Legs of Beasts it is observed That very many of them are knit together by the cross nervous Processes These Processes in four-footed Beasts the fore Legs of whom are destinated for unweariable pains and difficult lobour are produced cross-ways after a curious manner as may be discerned Fig. 10. l. l. The use of these seems to sustain not only the consent of action in many nerves together but also their mutual strength that some bands of Spirits might awaken or stir up others and for the exercising strongly the locomotive force they might mutually support and relieve one another And not much unlike this the business is about the Crural Nerves where nervous cords signally large being produced from the Junctures of the Vertebrae whilst they descend towards the Thigh they which are above receive in their whole tract the nervous Processes which are sent out still from those below Fig. 11. p. p. p. We may yet take notice farther concerning the spinal Marrow that as it sends out Nerves by bands and as it were by troops in an orderly series and military order so it s sanguiferous Vessels are disposed with no less signal artifice For those which are carried in the superficies of the spinal Marrow and the Arteries Veins and other Sanguiducts which are nigh its compass do contain some things more rare and highly worth the noting In the first place we may observe That the blood-carrying Vessels do cloath the whole substance or frame of the spinal Marrow as well as the oblong Marrow with a thick series of shoots which may be made more manifest to any one if first of all Ink were injected into the Vertebral Artery for from such an injection often repeated it will easily appear that the infoldings of the Vessels do cover as it were in the shape of a Net the upper tract of the Marrow But by what means these Vessels proceed on both sides from the Trunk of the Vertebral Artery and also the blood-carrying Veins which are destinated to the whole spinal Marrow and the inferior portion of its arterious passages doth not so plainly appear because the bony Cloisters of the Vertebrae are not broken through without much labour especially in grown up living Creatures and in that work the beginnings and branchings out of very many Vessels are wont to be blotted out But that we might more accurately search into these hid things we made the Dissections of several Embryons in which we were able to dissect the Vertebrae as yet soft and to take out of them the Marrow whole and to look more narrowly into all the recesses of the Bones further that all the tracts and branchings out of them might be the better perceived in all the Vessels we did cast in divers coloured Liquors And we had our desired wish for presently we found with much admiration that those kind of Vessels viz. Arteries Bosoms and Veins which respect the Head belong also to the spinal Marrow with no less a noted disposition of provision When we did dissect the Heads apart from the Spine we did think according to the Opinion of the Vulgar that the Vertebral Arteries did belong only to the Head and when there did appear in the cut off Trunk of the oblong Marrow three arterious branches as they are described above in the first and second Table therefore in the Explication of either Figure we have affirmed the Vertebral Artery to be carried with a triple branch into the hinder part of the Head But the Vertebral Artery pays to the superior part of the Spine as great Tributes of Blood as to the Head it self and that middle arterious branch which is marked in the first Figure with the Letter T in the second with S doth not ascend into the Head but descends from that concourse of Vertebral Arteries towards the Spine and conveys downward from the common flowing together of the blood there made by many Arteries the Latex for the watring the top of the spinal Marrow Wherefore in this place it seems convenient that we do not only correct that errour of ours but that we deliver an exact Description of all the Vessels which are destinated to the Spine viz. which contain many wonderful things As therefore these Vessels are of a threefold kind viz. Arteries Bosoms and Veins we will expose each of them particularly and first concerning the Arteries we say The Arteries which carry the Blood towards the Spine are disposed after one manner above the Heart and after another below it As to the first whereas the Trunk of the Aorta being there cleft presently into many branches departs from the Region of the Spine therefore the Vertebral Artery is produced on both sides from its axillary branches which ascending straight into the hinder part of the Head sends forth a branch into the meeting together of every Vertebra But below the Heart forasmuch as the Aorta in its whole descent lyeth on the Spine two Arteries are received into the Spine from its bottom nigh its Internodia or spaces between the knots of the Vertebra so that if the Trunk of the Aorta be cut open long-ways there will appear a series of double holes through its whole tract after a most curious manner as in the head of a Lamprey The arterious Branches which are carried both above and below the Heart towards the Spine becoming presently forked bestow one shoot on the neighbouring Muscles and another they insert into the Junctures of the Vertebrae which being carried within the bony Den is cleft presently into three branches two of which are bestowed on the medullar Trunk and the other on the Membrane compassing about the bony Den before Tab. 13. Fig. 3. a. b. c. d. e. As to the shoots destinated to the medullar Trunk they presently tending two ways and meeting with either maniple or band of nervous Fibres ascend towards their beginnings and so one little Artery having got to the superficies of the hinder Marrow distributes into it hairy Vessels but the other arterious shoot which is the greater and chiefest as soon as it attains the margin of the former Marrow is carried from thence by an oblique passage into the middle
fear or Anger or of Sadness of spirit affecting the inhabitants of the Encephalon the passion called Hysteric and Hypochondriac doth so often arise Further that in the evill Crises of Feavours when the adust recrements of the blood are transfer'd into the head Convulsions do generally succeed Moreover and this is the reason why the Vertigo the inflation of the head torpor of the minde and other accidents of the Supreme Region are wont to be the proamium of Spasmes presently following in the Inwards and not seldom in the whole Body Wherefore it is not to be doubted but that the heterogeneous and explosive particles are instilled from the Blood together with the nervous juice into the Brain which afterwards being thrust forth into the nervous stock do there grow to the Spirits and with them bring on a Convulsive disposition In truth the Spasmodick distempers which are either universal or at least occupie many parts of the body at once arise for the most part by this only means But in the mean time we will not deny but that particular Spasms which contain themselves within Certain places the Head being no ways affected are induced sometimes by other means For if the nerves imbibe their humour from either end to wit the root and the extream fragments which both the learned Glisson maintains to be most likely and by us is shewed in our Neurologie not without great probabillity it may be from hence inferr'd that the Spasmodick particles are broght inwardly not only from the beginning of the Nerves but somewhat also by their extremities Therefore that perhaps appears clear and plain enough Sometimes received from the ends of the Nerves that from the spleen being evilly affected Spasms arising about its region do not seldom affect the Hypochondria and Praecordia I have known some from a tumour or ulcer existing in the Mesenterie womb and other inwards were wont to have Convulsions both in the grieved part and also all about it the reason of which seems to be no other than that the heterogeneous particles being more plentifully heaped up in the affected place Creeping also into the nervous fibres planted nigh thereunto supply them with matter for Convulsive motions like to fired gunpowder But indeed Spasms arising from such a cause are not wont to diffuse themselves far about nor always to ascend to the Head These things being thus premised concerning the inward and next Cause of the Spasmodic Distemper which we affirm to arise chiefly and most often from the head it self and in some respect also from the extremities of the Nerves it now remains that we more particularly declare the Various remoter Causes in either Kinde The more remote Causes of Spasms and the manifold provision of this disease The Convulsive Disease therefore for the most part takes its original from the head to wit as often as the heterogeneous and explosive particles being diffused from the blood into the Brain or its medullarie Appendix are afterwards derived to the nervous stock and there grow together with the Spirits But this happens to come to pass from various causes for there are very many ways and means whereby the morbifick matter is admitted into the head and very many also whereby it is deduced into this or that region of the nervous System and according to the various translations of this kind of morbifick matter the divers kinds of Convulsive motions are constituted 1 The mortifick matter is heaped up within the Head by the default both of the blood send-it Therefore that the Heterogeneous and Spasmodick particles are admitted into the Encephalon it is to be imputed to the fault both of the blood sending and of the Brain receiving it 1. When the Blood powrs upon the Head the morbifick matter either all its whole mass is depraved as it frequently happens in malignant feavours also in the Scorbutick cacochymick and chiefly in an originally corrupt Distemper or the Blood of it self innocent and incorrupt receives elsewhere malignant little bodys and afterwards fixes them on the brain so in great impurities of the Inwards and chiefly when any parts are affected with an Inflamation or virulent ulcer or hurtfull ferment for from such mines the taint of the disease the noxious particles bubble up into the blood and afterwards in its passage are laid up in the Brain So by reason that the spleen womb and other inwards being evilly affected Convulsive Diseases are excited which notwithstanding depend more immediatly upon the Brain receiving the corruption of those parts through the commerce of the Blood And also of the brain receiving it 2. But in the second place the Blood however vitious it should be and impregnated with the morbid seed it could not easily leave its Infection on the head unless there were some fault in the Constitution of the brain and its Appendix as long as these parts are well made and are full of vigour they defend themselves and what belongs to them and the doors being shut they admit nothing but an unmixt spirituous Liquour destinated for their use but if either the passages and pores of the Brain are too lax or the door-keeping Spirits leave or are called off from their watches an heterogeneous and morsific matter creeps in together with the nervous juice and unfolds its malignity in the animal government As to the evil disposition of the Brain it self The evil disposition of the brain is either hereditary it is sometimes hereditary So those sprung from parents obnoxious to the Epilepsie or Convulsions are themselves for the most part prone to the same Distempers and indeed the Constitution of the brain may several ways become vitious from the birth for either its temperature is more moist or more dry than it should be or it may be faulty by the excess or defect of either Quallity Sometimes the pores are more lax or its consistency is too soft or too hard and also the Conformation of the parts of the Brain Or acquired and its Appendix may be after an undue manner But sometimes the disposition of the Brain and Nerves originally whole and firm is vitiated by accident and acquires a morbid inclination long Intemperance may enervate these parts as also malignant feavours and chronical Diseases very much debillitate them besides outward accidents as the excess of heat or cold an ulcer or a blow oftentimes perverts their Crases and renders them more incident to the impressions of Diseases But as to the Constitution or irregularities of the animal Spirits by reason of which the heterogeneous and Spasmodick particles enter the brain without any repulse and more easily cleave to it it is to be observed that the animal Spirits are in some more tender and easily dissipable from their very birth so that indeed they are not able to suffer any thing very strong or vehement to be brought to the sense or Imagination but strait they fly into confusions For this Reason women
Why Epilepticks fall down with violence do not fall as those that are apoplectick or have swounding fits but are rather stricken down with violence against the Earth or any other bodys that are by chance opposite to them as if they were smitten down by some wicked Spirit so that very often some part of the head or face is hurt with the violent fall And those so distempered even like the Daemonaicks in the Gospel are frequently flung into the fire or the water but it may be here declared that the Epilepticks become obnoxious to these kinde of evills for that the fit coming upon them all knowledge or providence is taken from them and further the nerves neighbouring to the head being strongly contracted the whole bulk of the Body is carried away headlong but in the Syncope and Apoplexie the fall of the distemperd Body seems as the ruines of a building which happens by reason that its props are taken away but indeed in the falling Sicknesse it is no otherwise than if a house were overthrown by the blowing up of Gunpowder which is removed much from the place where it stood 2ly It is commonly esteemed a great pathognomick From whence the Foam at the mouth of these troubled with the falling sickness comes or peculiar Symtom of the Epilepsie if when the diseased being fallen to the earth and suffering most horrid Convulsions there flows from the mouth a spumous Spittle or foam which indeed is thought to be pressed from the Brain being strongly contracted into the palate But in truth though it be granted that this flux of spume be very often a signe of the falling Sicknesse yet it is not so appropriated to this disease but that the same sometimes happens in the Apoplexie in deep sleep in hysterical distempers and other convulsive diseases Besides this kinde of Foam does not descend from the Brain for there is no passage open by which it may pass but from the Lungs being inflated and elevated even to the Larinx or the top of the sharp arterie from whence spittle foams forth with a certain fervency and ebullition For the fit of the falling evill growing urgent when most of the nerves in the whole Body are drawn together those also that serve for the motions of the Lungs and Diaphragma suffer most cruel convulsions and lifting up all the praecordia upwards continue them almost immovable in a long Systole so that the breathing and pulse cannot be at all perceived In the mean time because the blood straitned within the bosom of the heart distends it and also almost choakes it the Lungs however hindred that they cannot be moved after their wonted and natural manner perform what they can with a thick and hasty agitation whereby the blood may be drawn forth from the Heart by which endeavour of theirs the shaking aire by the frequent or thick respiration raises the viscous or clammy humidity into froth like the shaking of the white of an egg by and by it lifts it upwards towards the Cavity of the mouth and so at last drives it out of doors wherefore a foam or spumous spittle does often succeed in other distempers where the pneumonic or breathing nerves are either contracted or are hindred from performing their Function Why some in the Falling knock their Breasts 3ly Moreover from the same reason it comes to passe that some Epilepticks being fallen to the ground beat most greviously their Breasts with their Hands and are hardly to be held from it for when the Praecordia being troubled with the Spasm and hindred that they cannot move themselves after their wonted manner and the blood stagnating in them not without a great oppression of the heart threatens a suffocation of Life then it is that the sick strikes their Breast to wit that the praecordia so shaken and as it were moved up and down might renew their motions and so the blood might be relieved from its stagnation and the heart from its heavy oppression and this is done after the same manner as when some that are sleeping being tickled or bit by a flea unknown to themselves presently rub or scratch the affected place The prognostication of the Disease As to the Prognostication of the disease we have already declared that it is of very difficult Cure which difficultly consists in this that the middle of the Brain in which is the chief spring and fountain of the animal Spirits is very much debilitated not only by the morbifick cause but also by its effects to wit the several fits and its pores loosened so that they ly open for the entrance of every heterogeneous matter and so the morbid disposition it self being confirmed by the repeated Paroxisms and taking deeper root it is hardly taken away But it is to be observ'd that the Epilepsie sometimes terminates of it self and is sometimes overcome by the help of medicines which happens about the age of puberty and then only so that who are not cured that time being elapsed that is before the twenty fifth year of age they scarce ever after recover their health for about the time of ripe age there is a twofold alteration of the humane Body and therefore there often happens a Solution or loosing of the falling sicknesse or of any other disease deeply rooted For first at that time the genital humour begins to be heaped together in the spermatick Vessells from whence it follows that the Spiritious particles and what are wont to grow to them nitro-sulphureous and morbifick particles are layd up not only in the brain but also in the testicles wherefore if this heterogenious Copula of the Spirits be more plentifully caryed to that new storehouse from thence the brain becoming free often leaves the epileptical or otherways morbid disposition 2. About the time of ripe age as the Blood pours forth something before destinated for the brain through the Spermatic Arteries to the genitals so also it receives as a recompense a certain ferment from those parts through the veins to wit certain particles imbued with a seminal tincture are caryed back into the bloody mass which makes it vigorous and inspire into it a new and lively virtue wherefore at that time the gifts both of the Body and minde chiefly shew themselves Hairs break out the voyce becomes greater the courses of women flow and other accidents happen whereby it is plain that both the blood and nervous Juce are impregnated with a certain fresh ferment wherefore the morbific ferments or seeds unlesse they be overcome by this new natural firment they afterwards continue untameable even to Death But that the Epilepsie is sometimes cured by the help of medicines Experience doth testifie we shall anon discourse of the method of healing and shew the reasons of the most famous medicines in the mean time as to what further belongs to the prognostication of this Disease if it end not about the time of ripe age neither can be driven away
exterminated by the putting forth the Red-gum or red spreadings thorow the skin Wherefore a water now thin and Serous now thick and sticking and either participating of praeternatural Salts and sulphures is layd up within these or those recesses and Cavities of the Brain Cerebel and oblong pith the recrements of which when they begirt the beginings or ends of this or that nerve and sometimes many together affix on the Spirits inhabiting them heterogeneous particles and apt for Spasmodic or Convulsive explosions For as soon as the nerves have deeply imbibed such particles the spirits being burthened with their Copula endeavour either of their own accord or being incited by evident Causes to thrust and shake it off and so they enter into Spasmodic or Convulsive explosions The evident Causes which bring on Convulsive motions in children praedisposed are of two Kindes viz. In the first place whatsoever stir up unwonted effervescencies of the blood whether they be excesses of heat or cold a too plentifull nourishment or hotter then should be the changes of the air and weather and chiefly the periodical times of the Moon for by reason of these and other the like occasions the Blood growing more hot than by right it should be affixes sooner to the Spirits an heterogeneous Copula even to a fullness and causes it presently to be struck off and exploded by them throughly disturbed 2ly An Irritation in almost every part of the nervous System does not seldome bring into Act a Spasmodic or Convulsive Disposition wherefore not only an excess of tangible qualities outwardly inflicted but the milk Coagulated in the stomack choler or other sharp humours or also wormes knawing the Intestines are wont to excite Spasms or Convulsions Besides these kinde of evident Causes as they are stronger sometimes induce Spasmodick Distempers of themselves and without a praevious Disposition even so worms and perchance sharp humours cause Convulsive motions to some children at least to the more tender That it might more certainly and to the sense appear what kinde of morbific matter might be in Convulsive motions I have opened the dead bodies of many which this disease had opprest I have allways in vain sought the cause within the Visecra and first passages of Concoction In the heads of many a serous water being heaped up within the Cavity under the Cerebel and distending the Membrane which cloaths the oblong pith or marrow did overflow the beginings of the nerves in some no footsteps of this Disease appeared so that what sticking to the Spirits did irritate them into explosions was of so imperceivable a bulk and its originall so altogether hid that it could not be found out by the most perspicatious scrutiny of the sight Sometime past in this City many chilbren of a certain woman dyed of this Disease at length the fourth as the others dyed within the month we dissected the Head and here no serous Colluvies or water did overflow the ventricles but only the substance of the Brain and its appendix was moister then ordinary and looser what was most worthy of observation was that in the Cavity which lyes under the Cerebel upon the trunk of the oblong pith we found a remarkable heap of clotter'd and as it were concreted blood but in truth it is uncertain whether this matter deposited there from the begining had primarily caused the convulsions or rather whether this blood being extravasated and expressed by the contraction of the parts planted round about was not the effect and product of the Convulsions and not the cause of them for also in Apoplectical people this kinde of Phaenomenon ordinarily happens which yet we shall afterwards shew to be rather the effect than the cause of the disease Indeed the heterogeneous Particles which flow to the blood from the womb are wont to be sent away through efflorencies or Cutaneous Pustles in the whole Body in many children in others being poured on the head are the material cause of the Convulsive Distemper may be inferr'd besides the reasons before recited from the remedies chiefly helping For that in little children obnoxious to this haereditarie Disease the Convulsive fits are best prevented if that an issue be made Presently after they are born in the nape of the neck and blood drawn with a Leech from the jugular Veins for the corruptions of the nervous juce are brought away by that and the impure buddings of the blood are diverted from the head by this by these ways of Administrations when before two or three children of the same Parent have dyed of Convulsions soon after they were born all the rest have been freed from the same evill 2ly Thus much concerning the Convulsive motions of Children which are wont to infest them by reason of an Infection contracted from the womb â—f that at this bout they should escape the Disease it self or at least its deadly strokes nevertheless about rhe time of breeding teeth they would be found at last to be obnoxious to the same danger for when the Teeth especially the greater are about to cut oftentimes a feavour is excited to which not seldom Convulsions are Joyned and though at this Time children are grown stronger and may better bear the fits of the disease then when new born yet the convulsive Distemper now stirred up by no other grievous occasion becomes very dangerous and sometimes deadly But forasmuch as childern who fall into feavours about the time of breeding of Teeth are not all tormented with Convulsions it therefore follows that some disposition to this disease either innate or acquired doth precede and that the pain caused from the breeding the Teeth is to be esteemed only the means of a more strong evident Cause to wit Children who being indued either with a Cacochymia or juce causing ill digestion or with a more weak constitution of the brain and nervous stock have their animal Spirits too much adulterated or dissipable are sometimes disposed for the coming of Convulsive distempers wherefore when so acute pain together with a feavor afflicts that latent disposition is brought into Act. If it be here ask'd for what reason a feavour and then Convulsive motions following thereupon come to those Praedisposed in teething it may be answer'd that either effect may be attributed to the pain as the immediate Cause We experimentally know by our selves what the torment is that follows an irritation about the roots of the Teeth in truth so great and so cruell that a more cruell can scarce be for that one or two notable shoots of the 5th pare of nerves reaches to the roots of each Tooth which when it ss hauled by the sharp particles of the Blood or other humours there layd up causes a most sharp sense of trouble or pain by its Corrugation But this kinde of Vellication or hauling of this Nerve happens thus to children breeding teeth because that the membranes and fibres are every way distended by the Teeth now increasing into a greater bulk and
kinde of remedy I often experienced with success in little Children For that by the means as it were another breathing place is opened to the mass of blood silently and covertly growing hot and obtruding its soot or smoak on the more noble parts and for that reason its impure efflorescencies or puttings forth are drawn away from the brain and lungs Therefore although this feavour of an ill Condition may be accounted as it were malignant yet forasmuch as the blood is not presently apt to be coagulated but to be too much poured forth and to bestow its serosities on the nobler parts to wit the brain and lungs therefore Phlebotomy so it be administred in the beginning of the disease is convenient allmost to all For the same reason Cathartick Medicines and chiefly vomitory are administred at the very beginning of the disease for these do not only evacuate the viscera of concoction and so draw away the chief fomenting of the disease and as it were its originall but besides they draw forth the serosities from the blood and so effect its cleansing rather in the stomach and Intestines then in the head and lungs Further by Emeticks for that the receiving Glandulaes of the Lympheducts are pulled with a great shaking the superfluities of the nervous juice least they should evilly affect the brain and its dependencies are expressed forth into the lower bowells also for this end the belly is to be kept continually loose by the use of Clysters But in the mean time whilst the blood being infected with the taint of this disease threatens the brain or praecordia with the evill it will not be safe to attempt any thing with Diaphoreticks or sweating medicines or Diureticks or such as evacuate by urine or also with Catharticks vomiting and purging medicines For these kinde of medicines forasmuch as they greatly pour out the blood and compell its serosities into more open issuings forth all the recrements being apt to fall away from the mass of the blood are easily obtruded on the brain or Lungs when they are of a more feeble constitution So in the youth above-mentioned a loss of speech came upon the raising of an untimely sweat Also I have known that Sudorificks no other then chaly beats in the morbid disposition of the lungs have brought on a waisting or Consumption Vomits and Purges are to be administred Phlebotomy therefore and if need be vomiting or purging either one or other or both being to be made use of at the very beginning of the disease the other Intentions shall be to draw away the morbific serosities of the blood apt to flow forth on the head or breast and to derive them gently by other ways of evacuation Blistering plaisters and to put them forth of doors To this end Vesicatories or blistering plaisters ought to be applyed to the nape of the neck or Parotida or jugular Arteries or to the Arm-pits or the Groin or about the thighs or calves of the legs sometimes in this part sometimes in that to wit that the little Ulcers being here and there excited and continually running might plentifully pour forth the serum imbued with the morbid and heterogeneous particles Diureticks But Remedies gently carrying the serum into the Reins and urinary passages are most often administred with success For this business diuretical Apozems and Julaps are to be ordained after the following forms A diuretick Apozem Take of the Roots of Scorzonera cherfoil grass and of Eryngoes candied each Ê’ vi 1. Apple cut of the leaves of pimpinell meadow-sweet each i. handfull of Raysons of the Sun â„¥ i ss of harts-horn burnt Ê’ ii being cut and bruised let them be boyled on a clear fire in four pints of spring water to the Consumption of the third part to the straining being cleared ii pints add of the Syrrop of green Cytorns or violets â„¥ ii of sal prunellaÊ’ i ss make an Apozem The dose â„¥ iiii to vi thrice in a day Or into that straining put 15 blanched sweet Almonds and of the four cold seeds An Emulsion each Ê’ i. being bruised make an Emulsion according to Art Take water of Dragons and of black-Cherries each â„¥ iiii of scordium compound Ê’ ii of Threacle water â„¥ i ss of syrrop of Clove-gilliflowers Julap â„¥ ii of the spirit of vitriol xii drops make a Julap Take oftentimes in a day in small beer or posset-drink half a dram A Power or ii scruples of sal-prunella Besides in this feavour medicines gently sweating of that sort chiefly which restores the animal spirits and defends them from any heterogeneous Copula Gentle Diaphoreticks are of very great use wherefore either the powder of pearls or the spirit of harts horn or of blood in a moderate dose are administred twice in a day viz. Morning and Evening Clysters are to be given almost every day and if it be thought fit Glisters a gently loosning purge may be taken once or twice in a week The dyet prescribed ought to be slender as in other feavours Dyet let them be wholly interdicted from flesh or broath made thereof only let the sick feed on Grewell or barly-broth and let their drink be small beer or posset-drink If that notwithstanding any preventive physick the morbific matter should lodge in the brain or Lungs or both together so that a dissolution or inordination of the animal function or also a violent cough should assalt them it must be consider'd what is to be done in either state of the disease carried forth after this manner into an evill condition but then the curative Indications ought to respect the stupor or madness or cough and lastly if in the declination of the disease these symptoms do remit proper Remedies are to be adhibited against the Atrophie as it were the last fortress of this Feavour 1st Therefore if the morbifick matter as it is often wont being brought to the brain should bring in an Insensibleness or a soporiferous or sleepy distemper The Curatory Method in the unsensibleness and madness remedies drawing it another way and deriving it some way from the head and besides such as stir up the animal spirits and take away the impure Copula ought carefully to be administred wherefore in this case the use of Epispasticks or such things that draw the water outwardly should be much increased and let the spirit of Harts-horn be exhibited allmost every sixth hour in a little bigger dose let blood be also taken by the sucking of Leeches more largely from the jugular veins the Salvatella or the sedal veins If the distemper remits not the head being shaven let Emollient fomentations be often applyed thereto Further let Cupping-Glasses Plaisters and Cataplasms be laid to the soals of the feet and other means of Administrations such as are commonly prescribed for the curing of the stupor or Insensibleness ought to be used In like manner if on the evill or no Crisis of this
the formal Reason or the means of generation The reason of the aforesaid case whereby the Convulsive matter falling down into the nervous stock did produce these admirable Symptomes we may lawfully suppose that the same being thrust forth from the Confines of the head being yet more firm into the spinal marrow and its Appendix and being like a malignant firment it first infected with heterogeneous and highly explosive particles these parts of the juce watering the whole mass which cleaving to the spirits every where disposed thorow their whole series and agitating them as it were with a certain fury did stir them up into continuall explosions When in truth the nervous juice as is said was so fermented by the inflowing of the Convulsive matter that which did other ways water the containing parts with a gentle falling on them and through the same did pass over the animal spirits with an equal Expansion now the same did torment the nervous fibres with various contractions and Corrugations or shrinkings up and did hinder both the spirits flowing in being too much burthened with an heterogeneous Copula from their due irradiation and also variously moving those implanted in every part did incite them as it were with a diabolical Inspiration so that no more obeying the Empire of the will they ran into inordinate motions and did renew them translated rapidly here ahd there with a perpetuall reciprocation But altho the heterogeneous particles being poured forth with the blood into the brain and thence thrust forth into the nervous stock did not enter rightly the beginnings of all the nerves but chiefly and almost only the spinal marrow and its nervous shoots so that the internal Viscera also the parts of the eyes mouth and face remained free from any Convulsion yet that same explosive force being hindred by some violence whereby it entred less in the outward members presently like wild-fire a way being found it was wont to run into the praecordia and bowells of the lower belly viz. because the inflowing spirits being struck with a certain fury and requiring a larger space in which they might exercise their madness being excluded from one place presently enter another somewhere open wherefore if that fury had been repulsed both from the members and the viscera no doubt but it would have flown back on the brain and brought thither madness or as it were an Epileptical Insensibleness which Symptoms indeed hapned to be wanting for that the brain of this most ingenious Gentlewoman being indued with a more firm Constitution did take from the nervous Liquor freshly instilled whatsoever was congruous and spiritous for its proper food and enjoy'd it In the mean time it did depress all the morbific particles into the spinal marrow by which the involuntary motions of the members were excited after that manner as we said but now Being requested to undertake the Cure of this worthy Virgin first The Curatory Method Observed in this case a light preparation of her body being made I gave her a solutive potion of the Infusion of Senna and Rhubarb with yellow Sanders and salt of Wormwood added to it by which she was purged 12 times with great ease the next day I took viii ounces of blood from her left Arm every evening I gave her an opiate of the water and Syrrop of the flowers of Lungwort with the powder of pearls besides once within vi hours I prescrib'd her to take a dose of the spirits of Harts-horn in a draught of the following Julap Take of the waters of black Cherries Walnuts and the flowers of Paeony each ℥ iii. of the Antipeleptic of Langius ℥ ii of the Syrrop of the flowers of the male-paeony ℥ ii of the powder of pearls ℈ i. mix it and make a Julap because she could not endure much purging Clysters with Sugar'd-milk were made use of frequently besides antispasmodic oyntments being applyed to the hinder part of her neck and the back-bone we order'd often rubbing of the distemper'd members with warm woollen Cloaths wetted in proper oyl By the use of these the sick person within 6 days seem'd to be very much helped for the Convulsive motions allmost wholly ceased and she could contain her members quietly in their due position only her head sometimes by a lighter Contraction was compelled to bend gently this way and that way further she was able to stand a little and rise out of her chair but when she went to step forward she went not rightly but obliquely on one side At this time going away I left her much better and in a manifest state of growing well But after another week when the North-winde being high and arisen in Night time the window not being fast shut blew very much upon the sick person being in Bed she presently taking cold relapsed into that kinde of Condition that she became obnoxious not only to Convulsive passions but to an universal periodical palsie for after that she was forced to move about turn and winde variously all her limbs successively with her head and members by turns bent and thrown about here and there as before from morning to night till at night these kinde of motions wholly ceasing a resolution of her members or palsie succeeded so that she was not able to stir either hand or foot or any other part of her body besides or to exereise any motive bending of the body lying in her bed allmost immovable like a stone but being a little refresh'd with sleep about morning as she recovered some little strength or virtue of the regular motive faculty by bending tho but weakly here and there her arms and legs so also the involuntary and Convulsive motions did constantly return enduring from that time all the day which again at the Evening were changed into these resolutions of the Limbs By these it appears clearly that the sick Gentlewoman laboured with a two-fold disease viz. a Palsie and Convulsion and that the materiall Cause of either was somewhat distinct For it seems that the animal spirits every where abounding being burdened with narcotick particles were almost continually bound besides that in the time of sleeping together with the nervous juiee the Convulsive particles plentifully flowing in clove also to the spirits for the explosions of which the spirits being incited produced the involuntary motions but also at that time the narcotic Copula being somewhat shaken off they were then able in some sort to perform the voluntary or regular also Besides the Remedies but now recited they did carefully administer very many others allmost of every kinde viz. Antiscorbuticks antiparaleticks Decoctions sudorificks or sweating medicines distilled waters spirits Elixirs Tincture Baths Liniments with many others by the use of which the Symptoms were something remitted but yet the disease was not wholly cured the universal palsie soon ceased that she was able at any time to move her Limbs and to bend them here and there and also the involuntary motions did trouble
as it were ulcerous disposition of the pallat and Oesophagus I prescribed that she should drink every morning her own urine fresh made this whilst it was very Saltish was wont to give her great ease but at sometimes her urine flow'd from her thin and plentifully which being nothing salt but like to sour vinegar from the drinking of that she received little or no benefit The Reason of the Case but now described seems not much unlike the former unless that in this sick Gentlewoman the explosive particles had enter'd into more passages of the nerves to wit besides the appendixes of the spinall marrow into those dedicated for the office of breathing and also by fits into those designed for the motion of the Tongue and almost perpetually tormented the Spirits abounding in them with Rage or fury But that the Cure of this Disease hapen'd by the falling down of the sharp humour into the emunctories of the mouth and throat we may from thence gather that the material Cause of this was the heterogeneous particles and as it were nitrous begotten in the blood which when from thence being passed thorow from the brain they were carried into the nervous stock caused the aforesaid Distempers But assoon as by the help of Remedies the more plentifull provision of that matter was hinderd and the morbifick particles allready produced both from the blood and the Brain and nervous stock were derived into those emunctories of the head the Convulsive Distemper presently ceased and within a short time such a Crisis or secretion still remaining the perfect Cure of the Disease followed Forasmuch as the urine being of it self very salt and as it were lixivial became at some times sourish which did not give any help as the former to the sourness of the throat it may hence be gathered that the salt particles of the blood and humours coming away by the urine had a twofold state or condition to wit of fixedness and fluedness wherefore the serum imbued by them became now of this now of that nature for it seems that the Saline particles being degenerate within the mass of the blood remained fixed and rendred the urine for the most part Lixiviall but those which flowed without the blood in the nervous juce or were laid up about the solid parts did degenerate into a flux or acetousness and therefore from these being derived into the emunctuaries of the mouth that noted sourness of the mouth and Oesophagus proceeded moreover when these kinde of particles being gathered to a fullness in the nervous juce and solid parts did swell up and arising to a fluxion boyled up into the blood presently these being sent away from thence in heaps thorow the Reines rendred the urine increased in quantity sourish But forasmuch as the Saline particles being of a divers Condition and that those of the same kinde could not be mingled together they mutually moved against one another and break their forces therefore the salt urine and not the sour healed the sourness of the throat It appears by a vulgar experiment that the most sharp Spirit of Vitriol by the mixture of the Salt of Tartar or any other lixivial grows very milde yea and yet from thence appears that the acid humour sweating out into the parts of the mouth and throat of this Gentlewoman came near the nature of sharp Vitriol because the fume of Tobacco being taken at the mouth of the sick person was wonderfully sweet as it happens to such who have beforehand tasted Vitriol Because we treat here of admirable Convulsions which do not ordinarily happen and whose nature and causes ly deeply hid for the better illustration of these kinde of Distempers we will yet shew one or two more Cases no less wonderfull than the former About ten years since I visited the daughter of a certain Nobleman troubled Observation 3 after that manner with Convulsive motions that some thought her possessed with an evill Spirit This Virgin about 16. years of age fair and well-made yet begotten of a paralytick Father without any evident Cause about the winter-solstice began to fall ill At first she was troubled though not in any grievous manner with an head-ach and giddiness for many days then she felt now in one of her arms and then in another a trembling and sudden Contraction which kinde of Convulsions returning often that day endured scarce a moment the next day sitting nigh her Sister in a Chair suddenly leaping out she fetch'd one or two jumps and many others successively with wonderfull agility at the distance of many feet then when she was come to the farther part of the Chamber she stood leaping a great while in the same place and every time to a great height when her legs were quite tired with leaping she fell on the floor and presently she flung her head here and there with wonderfull violence as if she would shake it from her neck As soon as she ceased from this motion for weariness presently the same fury invaded her hands and feet so that she was forced strongly to exercise these members by striking the walls or posts or by beating the pavement when by reason of shame or modesty due to her friends and by-standers she did hinder her self with great violence from these motions for all the while she was her self and spake soberly the distemper being sent inwardly she was very much infested with a mighty oppression of the heart with a bemoaning and very noisefull sobbing then when she would ease her self she was forced presently the fury being transmitted to the muscles of the outward Limbs either to leap about or to fling here and there cruelly her head or arms or also to run about the Chamber most swiftly or to beat the ground with her feet because these kinde of vehement motitions of her Limbs or viscera in the Tragedy of the distemper did mutually relieve themseives returning as it were in a round Coming the 5th day after this Lady had been sick The Curatory Method I gave her a vomit of the fusion of Crocus Mettallorum wine of squills and salt of Vitriol by which she vomited 7 times cancker'd oile or choller in a great plenty with the mixture of a sharp and as it were vitriolic humour The next day ten ounces of blood was taken from the Saphana vein besides she took twice in a day antidotes of the powders of pretious Stones of humane skull and the root of the male paeony By the use of these within a week she seem'd to be cured she continued for many days afterwards free from the aforesaid distempers But after two weeks at the time of the full Moon she fell into a relapse of the same disease more cruell than before for besides those wonderfull leapings and vehement Conversions and roulings about of her head and members she was forced besides to fetch often a most rapid course round about the Chamber she began at this time from the praescripts of others
and the blood did drink up the same from the nourishing juice sent as a supply from the Bowells These being thus supposed we must consider in what space of time the bloody mass is filled with those morbific particles and then in what measure it pours them forth into the nervous Liquor As to these that it may the better appear after what manner it was done in the case of this sick person you must know that she took in 24. hours space only at one time a full meal to wit after the second fit was ended she supped moderately about 7 of the Clock the rest of the day wanting an Appetite she hardly took any food therefore it is probable that the morbific matter was poured forth together with the nutritious provision into the bloody mass chiefly in the night time and that more plentifully than that all could presently be derived into the nervous Liquor The heterogeneous particles which are first conveyed from the blood newly satisfyed into the nervous Liquor being heaped up to the fulness did excite the first fit the coming of which therefore was longer delayed because both one space is required wherein the blood and then another wherein the brain and nerves are to be filled after this fit was over because the blood yet full containing in it self more particles of the same kinde pours them suddenly on the nervous juice therefore the other fit is induced within thrice the space of the former but this being ended because both the bloody mass and the nervous juice are wholly freed from their burthen the sick person finding her self better than at any other time took her food greedily enough but after that when to the next following fit first the bloody mass and then the nervous juice ought to be filled with the morbific matter therefore 10. hours are required for this double task but forasmuch as there is only need for the second fit that the other particles should be derived from the bloody mass yet full into the nervous juice therefore for this effect a much less space doth suffice viz. of 6 hours After I had seen this Lady who had labour'd for many weeks with these kinde of periodicall fits I order'd that three hours before the second fit The Curatory Method ten ounces of blood should be taken out of the vein on the foot which being done the coming of the fit in the evening being expected quite left her neither did it return at all afterwards but the other fit observing its former time dayly returned till the Patient being let blood a little before its coming remained that day free from the disease which however returning the day after according to the same manner exercised her for many months In the mean time because the cold of the winter was very great she forbore for some time the use of remedies but the spring coming on this honourable Lady being brought to Oxford was Cured by the following method First I gave her this Cathartick and I took care that it was repeated every 6th or 7th day Take of the Sulphur of Antimony grains 6 of Mercurius dulcis 1. scruple of the Resine of Julap gr iv of ginger gr vi let them be beaten together in a morter then adde of the Conserves of Violets i. dram make a bolus It was wont to provoke two or three vomits and three or four stools The flux of her Terms came constantly in great abundance at the set times wherefore when the blood seem'd very plentifull and hot I order'd phlebotomy twice or thrice in the midst betwixt the times of her Terms Besides every day that she did not purge she took twice in a day 4 pills of the following mass drinking after them a little draught of the Julap below prescribed Take of the Roots of the male-Paeony â„¥ ss of Virginian snakeweed Contrayerva Cretic Dittany each Ê’ iâ—i of humane skull prepared Ê’ i ss of an Elks clawÊ’ i. of red Corral prepared of the powder of Pearls each Ê’ i. of the salt of Wormwood Ê’ ii of the salt of CorrallÊ’ i. with what will suffice of the syrrop of the flowers of the male-paeony make a mass Take of the water of the flowers of the male-paeony of black Cherries and of Wallnuts each â„¥ iiii of the antiepileptic of Langius â„¥ ii of the syrrop of the flowers of Paeony â„¥ i ss of Castor tyed in a knot and hung in the glass Ê’ i. mix them and make a Julap When she began to loath the Pills they being omitted she took twice a day to wit in the Morning and the Evening about one scruple of the following powder in a spoonfull of Julap drinking after it 4. or 5. spoonfulls of the same Take of Bezar-stone of either white Amber of Pearls prepared of red Corrall each ℈ i. of humane skull ℈ ii of the root of Virginian snakeweed and the seeds of Rue each Ê’ ss mingle them and make a powder let her take ℈ i. Morning and Evening with a dose of the above-prescribed Julap Then when also this medicine began to be tedious to her she used the pills or the Elixir proprietatis and also sometimes for many days the Spirits of Harts-horn At last she began to be helped by that powder being daily taken for some space In the mean time whilst this method of healing was ordained her hair being shaven from her head it was covered only with a thin covering She wore upon her Belly an Hysterical plaister mixed with Galbanum for her ordinary drink she took a Bochet of Sarsa and China the roots of the male-Paeony and other proper things infused in Spring-water and boyled Within a month the Fits were something remitted then being by degrees made gentler and lesser at length they almost quite ceased unless that at the time of her Terms one or two fits of the disease was wont to trouble her Further she labour'd with an almost constant giddiness and queasiness of Stomach in the middle of the Summer she drunk Astrop-waters for a fortnight and was perfectly well But as for the means in generall to be shown for the Cure of these admirable Convulsions it will not be easie to assigne either fit remedies for this herculean disease or a certain method of Cure approved by often experience for besides that these like cases are seldome met with it is likewise observed that the same Medicines which at this time were helpfull to this sick person being given to another or to the same helpt nothing at another time The reason of which seems to be because the cause of the Disease consists in the discrasie or evill disposition of the nervous juice which Liquor is not always perverted after one and the same manner But by the manifold combination of the salts and Sulphures it gets a morbid nature of a various manner and kinde and oftentimes changes it wherefore in the most grievious distempers of this kinde not the vulgar medicines taken from the
combine with them Wherefore forasmuch as the animal spirits running thorow the nerves of the wandring pair and Intercostals are continually entangled with all perturbations both of the Concupiscable and irascible Appetite it is no wonder if they acquire a convulsive disposition before the rest It being supposed which indeed ought to be supposed that the animal spirits have contracted an heterogenious and explosive Copula The same cause afterwards disposed thorow the whole passage of the Nerves now the nervous origines and carried it together with it self into the interior nerves and spread it thorow all their passages it will not be hard to assigne the Reasons of the hystericall fit and of all its Symptoms For first of all the disease being ready to fall upon one oftentimes the Vertigo a rolling about of the eyes and a certain inflation of the brain as it were praevious skirmishings are stirred up because the whole band of the Spirits being in readiness for explosions the more light companies of them leaping back towards the brain are first struck off then Presently a perturbation succeeds in the bottom of the belly or hypochondria for that the Spirits within the enfoldings here and there are next disturbed For we have elsewhere shown if at any time the animal Spirits are exploded in a certain whole Series those which abode in the extream parts first of all enter into that assertion Wherefore the beginnings of this Disease are found to be or the most Part in the head and Bowells but that the Convulsions are first perceived now in the bottom of the belly now in the hypochondria the reason is because the morbific matter is sometimes carried by the passage of the intercostal nerve into the utmost mesenteric enfoldings but sometimes the same being slid down not beyond the ends of the wandring pair subsists much neerer to wit about the enfoldings of the spleen or stomack When therefore the animal Spirits as hath been shown within the nervs of the wandring pair and intercostals are imbued from their origine The reason of the hysterical symptoms unfolded even to their utmost ends with an heterogeneous and explosive Copula they at length either from mere fullness or by an irritation somewhere made are stirred up to explosions in which affection if any Spirits leap forth towards the middle of the brain they induce the Vertigo the inflation and other praevious accidents of the head but the Spirits inhabiting the other extremity of the nervous Trunk viz. the mesenteric enfoldings begin chiefly to be exploded which presently by their letting off compell the lower Parts of the hypogastrum to be lifted up and contracted upwards and so induce the ascention of a certain bulk as it were of the womb then when the upper parts of the enfoldings of the mesentory are by degrees intangled with the same distemper and the bowells annexed to the same are elevated and drawn forceably towards the upper parts the violent swelling of the Abdomen as it were with a certain leaping forth succeeds Further the Ventricle is not only elevated by changing its place all its fibres to wit the direct oblique and transverse being affected at once with the Convulsion is often distended like a blown bladder hence very often vomiting or at least a rumbling and murmur of the hypochondria are excited but as soon as the Spirits being exploded with a certain series it comes to the Region of the Thorax the diaphragma being drawn together with an huge diastole is sometimes depressed and so meeting with the ascention of the viscera causes an Inflation and high intumescency or swelling up with a mighty strugling so that the laces of those in this distemper must be forthwith loosned or else they are in danger of falling into a trance In the mean time the Diaphragma being so depressed and its diastole continued the bloud remains almost immovable in the praecordia and so by its stagnation causes a great oppression and very often a faâ—ling of the vital function Further the Convulsion of the Diaphragma happens sometimes towards the upper parts and so that driving the Lungs upwards induces a violent Systole and protracted longer than it should be and when by this means the blood is driven forward into the pneumonic vessells and is not at last received from the bosome of the heart it stagnates there and besides in the whole Body from whence the oppression of the heart and oftentimes a swooning yea sometimes a want of speech and motion now with a blewness of the face and now with a dead aspect follow After these things are acted in the lower and middle Region at length the distemper reaches to the head by the passage of the nerves as it were a fiery inkindling and the spirits being there exploded leaping now towards the middle of the brain produce a swimming in the head and often symptoms very like the Epilepsy sometimes the spirits there exploded rush into the beginnings of the other Nerves and there stir up the like explosions wherefore hysterical people towards the end of the fit often Laugh or weep or talk Idly sometimes the parts of the face and mouth yea sometimes the arms and other members are troubled with convulsive motions and so when at length all the spirits which had contracted an heterogeneous Copula are exploded the fit ends but presently after matter for another fit begins to be gathered together From whence the diversity of the symptoms happens It sometimes happens that the convusive disposition is not drawn out so long and largely for besides that oftentimes the nerves only of the wandring pair and the intercostalls are troubled with it that neither the brain nor the outward members are at all molested yea sometime neither the interior nerves themselves are possessed with the morbific cause thorow their whole processes for the convulsive Disposition as we but now intimated oftentimes arrives not beyond the enfoldings of the spleen or stomack and then the fit beginning from the inflation of the ventricle or left hypochondrium is thought to arise not from the fault of the womb but of the spleen which kinde of distemper by and by being brought to the Thorax and there involving the Diaphragma and Lungs with a Convulsion stops respiration and the motion of the heart or in some manner perverts it but then from thence the fit passes over now with and now without a great perturbation of the Head These things happen indeed after a various manner according as it happens that the morbific matter or explosive Copula descending from the head is gathered together as it were heaps of gun-powder more or less now in this now in that part But concerning which matter by what means the same being brought forth in the head first affects the beginnings of the nerves and so constitutes the procatartick or more remote Cause of the passion called Hysterical now remains next to be inquired into The more remote Cause of
frequently salling upon her rogether with it great swellings arose behinde her ears and in her neck of the same side to which she was never before obnoxious in all her life It is not to be doubted in this case but that from those Glandulas which are the Emunctuaries or sinks of the nervous Liquor being too much pressed together the superfluities of that humour wont to be sent away from thence by the Lymphatic vessells restagnating in the head brought forth those evills because the arising of the aforesaid symptoms so suddenly and manifestly followed upon the wearing of that Truss upon the Groin that even her Mother laid the cause of the Disease upon that occasion Besides also I have observed in others the recrements of the nervous humour being somewhere stopp'd in their Course restagnating towards the head have not only brought in convulsive symptoms but from thence the Kings Evill Objections against the aforesaid hypothesis answered So much for the formal Reason of the different original of the distemper called hysterical as also of the genuine Causes of its symptoms Out of which it seems to appear plainly that those passions do not depend always on the womb but much more often on the fault of the brain and of other parts of the nervous stock But many things are objected against these which according to the old opinion cast all the blame on the womb To wit it seems so to be done because the assault of this disease invades almost only women yea and women that are not well about their womb viz. Child-bearing women or such who have their courses stopt are chiefly obnoxious to it Besides it may be argued from things helpfull for it because a plaister worn upon the lower part of the belly also a strict girding of the belly and hypochondria by which the ascent of the womb may be hindred do not seldom drive away the fit just falling on them this also shews it that sweet things held to the nose brings on the fit and stinking things drive the same away it is said to happen quite contrary if the same things be laid to the belly or privy member That we may wipe off these objections we say first that the symptoms which seem hysterical do not only happen to women for we have shown already by the history brought by us that a certain man has been obnoxious to those kinde of fits with the ascention of a bulk in the bottom of the belly but that women are much more often troubled with those convulsive diseases than men two reasons may be shown viz. First for that their animal constitution is much weaker to wit they have the brain and nerves softer and of a less firm texture that they are not able to suffer any thing strongly or to resist every injury also the animal spirits in them being more prone to flight and distraction more easily admit an heterogeneous and explosive Copula from hence Women from any sudden terror or great sadness fall into mighty disorder of spirits when men from the same occasion are scarcely disturb'd at all Secondly women more readily receive the convulsive disposition because they gather a more plentifull heap of the morbific matter for that whilst they lead for the most part a sedentary Life the blood for want of ventilation becomes more impure besides in this sex it originally abounds with heterogeneous and fermentative particles wherefore it is convenient for it to be more often purged by the flux of their Courses by which notwithstanding not always what is extraneous and incongruous is wholly cast forth from the bloody Mass but that there remains that which being poured on the brain and its appendix as occasion is given becomes the cause of the convulsive distemper Moreover when the menstrual flux being stop'd a convulsive disposition is occasioned it is not therefore to be thought that such a distemper is rais'd up from the womb but that the bloody mass being more than usually imbued with heterogeneous particles carries them together with the nervous juice to the head yea chiefly for this reason also child-bearing women are found obnoxious to the passions as it were hysterical for besides that the membranes of the womb being hurt a convulsion there begun by reason of the felt trouble creeps upwards and is at last communicated to the head it most often happens that the blood being infected by the termes being retained grows hot with a feavourish burning and then instead of a crisis the malignant infection is carried to the brain from whence convulsive and not seldom soporiferous or sleepy distempers are excited But that it is argued that this disease seems to be hysterical because Remedies applyed about the abdomen often bring help it will be easy to shew that the morbific cause planted in the mesentery oftner than in the womb is sometimes either taken away by that means or restrained from its Influence besides the same kinde of applications about the hypogastrium are no less profitable altho the original of the distemper be derived from the head it self for we have shewn before that when the heterogeneous and explosive matter descending from the head brings a convulsive disposition to the spirits disposed within the whole processes of the interior nerves the convulsive motions therefore excited begin from the extremities of the nerves and so creep upwards towards their beginnings so that first of all the viscera of the lower belly then the praecordia and lastly the brain it self are affected but if the outmost spirits viz. those dwelling in the enfoldings of the mesentery be restrained from entring into explosions all the rest in the remaining nervous passage continue in their orders and this plaisters worn upon the navel do often effect for they repress and compel into order with their odour the spirits from leaping forth yea also not seldom they shake off and drive away the Copula cleaving to them wherefore when the explosions there about to be made are restrained the convulsive fit is wholly prevented which yet is more apparent for that if the Convulsion begun in the lower belly and from thence ascending like a Globe be presently suppressed and by a strong binding together of those parts it be hindred that it creep not upwards oftentimes the convulsive passion is broken off the praecordia and the brain being untouch'd wherefore it is a common custome for sick women to binde strictly the Epigastrium with swaths or rolers and so to stop the progress of the symptoms towards the upper parts For when the animal spirits enter into Convulsions successively as it were a fiery enkindling where-ever the tinder or cherishing matter is cut off or intercepted the distemper is there restrained As to the various effects of odors to wit that sweet things bring on the fit but stinking things drive the same away it may be said that the former do loosen the animal spirits by pleasing them and too much release them from their
the belly and groin yea also let them be often provoked to sneezing it is convenient to give some in the middle of the fit a draught of simple cold water or in which Champhir had been dissolved Preservatory 2. The preservatory Indication comprehends these three Intentions viz. In the first place to take away or to derive to some other place the impurities of the blood apt to be poured forth on the brain and nervous stock Secondly to fortifie the brain and so to strengthen the indwelling spirits that they may either not at all receive or may easily shake off the heterogeneous Copula Thirdly to amend whatsoever is enormous in the womb and contributes to the convulsive disposition 1. The first Intention is performed by purging and phlebotomy and other common ways of purifying and purging the blood and humours If there be opportunity for an emetic I judge it best allways to begin with it especially in Cacochymicks or bodies full of evill humors in the longing disease and Pica and in such whose great load of viscous phlegm stuffed within the folds and coats of the ventricle hinders the virtues of other medicines The next day after the Vomit unless any thing bids the contrary let blood be taken in women of a hotter temper presently from the Arm and afterwards if need be from the foot or from the sedal veins with Leeches but in bodies troubled with obstructions and less hot let blood be taken more sparingly and more rarely and only in places scituate below the womb After these Evacuations if they are to be ordered rightly performed once within six or seven days a purge is to be prescribed according to the following forms Take of pill-fetida major Ê’ i ss of the resine of Julap xii grains of Tartar Vitriolat and Castor each ℈ i. of ammoniac dissolved in hysterical water what will suffice to make xii pills for iii. doses Or take of the resine of Jalap gr xviii of CalomelausÊ’ i. of Castor ℈ i. make a powder let it be divided into iii. parts for iii. doses let it be given in the pap of a roasted apple or in Conserves of Borage so those induced with a more hot temperament a dose of extract or our solutive syrrop may conveniently be administred for the revulsion of the morbific matter from the head Issues made in the calf of the leg or thigh and sometimes vesicatories legatures and painfull rubbings are wont to be administred But not only a purging of the blood and a revulsion of its recrements from the head but an alteration of its Liquor and reduction of it to its due temperament have here a place Wherefore in some hysterical people steel Medicines help in others the use of Spaw-waters or whay in others the baths are wont to be signally profitable The second Intention to wit the rectification of the brain and animal spirits is performed with Cephalic and properly anti-convulsive medicines which indeed ate to be diligently exhibited almost every day when they do not purge or bleed since there are various species of such like Remedies and several manners of administrations we will here add some of the more choice forms Take of the Lees of bryony Assa fetida Castor each Ê’ i. of the Salt of Coral Amber Tin each Ê’ ss of Galbanum dissolved in hysterical water what will suffice to make a Mass dose half a scruple to ℈ i. morning and evening drinking after it a dose of proper liquors Or Take of the seeds of Wilde-parsnips of nettles each Ê’ ii of vitriol of SteelÊ’ i. of the extract of Gentium featherfew each Ê’ i ss with what will suffice of the syrrop of Mugwort make a mass let half a dram be taken after the same manner If the form of a powder pleases better Take of the Roots of Virginian snakeweed and Contrayerva each Ê’ i ss of Coral prepared of Pearls of white-Amber each Ê’ i. mingle them make a powder Dose ℈ i. to half a dram morning and evening with an appropriat Liquor Opiats are Composed after this manner Take of the Conserves of the flowers of the Lilly Convallis of the male-paeony of betony each â„¥ ii of the seeds of Paeony of red Coral prepared each Ê’ ii of the powder of Cretic DittanyÊ’ i ss of the salt of wormwoodÊ’ ii with what will suffice of the syrrop of the rinds of Citrons make an Electuary The dose morning and evening the quantity of a nutmeg After the same manner may be given to poor people Conserves of the Tree of Life or of the leaves of Rue twice in a day The Liquors appropriat against the hysterical affections and to be drunk after the aforesaid Medicines are either distilled waters which are to be taken by themselves or with other things in form of a Julap or decoctions or tinctures and Infusions Take of the water of Mugwort and of penny Royal each half a pint of histerical water â„¥ iiii of the Tincture of Castor â„¥ ss of the Syrrop of Coralls â„¥ i ss mix them The dose from â„¥ i to â„¥ i ss with any of the medicines afore described Take of the leaves of Penneroyall of Fetherfew of either Southernwood of Calaminth of Nep and of either Horehound each i handfull of the Roots of Bryonie â„¥ iiii of the seeds of Parsnips â„¥ ii cut and brused put them into white-wine or Cider six pints and so distill them according to art Take of the Root of the male Peony Angelica Valerian each â„¥ ss of the leaves of mugwort ground Pine Calaminth Peneroyal and Missletow of the Oak each i handfull of the Seeds of either wilde Parsneps eacâ—Ê’ iii of Raifins i. handfull let them be boyled in 4 pints of Spring-water to the half add to it of white-wine lib i ss strain it and keep it in close vessells The dose â„¥ iii or 4 twice in a day Take of the wild-Parsnep Seeds brused â„¥ ii of Castor â„¥ i let them be put into a Glass with i quart of white wine The dose â„¥ ii twice in a day 3. As to the third Intention which inhibiting the disorders of the womb doth promote the cure of the passion called hysterical I say first of all what in times past was believed concerning the Cause and scope of curing the disease that the womb did ascend therefore that it ought to be reduced into its right place is altogether fictitious as we have elsewhere shown The falling down of the womb or its coming forth oftentimes happens but rarely or never produces the hysterical Distempers Besides the dislocation of the womb in childbearing Women sometimes happens presently after their bringing forth to wit when the body of the womb being made Capacious and newly emptied doth not sink down or fall within the Tunnel in its right place but upwards inclines now to the right side now to the left and there being drawn together like a purse is folded into a great bulk which kinde of bulk remaining long nigh
the mean time it is to be observed The hypochondriacal distempers belong to the nervous kinde that the chief Symptoms of this sickness are Convulsive and depend immediately upon the irregularities of the animal Spirits and the nervous juice rather than on the evill disposition of the Viscera serving for Concoction But indeed from whence the first rise of this most complicated Disease proceeds and by what means it brings forth the divers manners of distempers in so many places will not be so easie to determine It would be a tedious thing to shew here The causes of the hypochondriac passion is inquired into what the ancient and modern Physitians thought of the hypochondriack Passion and of its essence and Causes we will only take notice that most of them do ascribe this sickly Disposition to the only fault of the Spleen In the mean time some contend that the whole confines of this Inward partaking of part of the fault the blood flowing every where in the Splenetick and Epigastric Vessells or those belonging to the Spleen and belly for that it being guilty of an hot and dry intemperature and so obnoxious to too much fermentation brings forth the original or gives a beginning to this manifold evill But the famous Highmore affording relief as well to the Spleen as the Womb hath cast the chief Cause of this Disease wholly on the vitious Constitution of the ventricle and from thence he would have the reasons of the aforesaid Symptoms to be originally sought But indeed that he might frame a fit hypothesis for the solving the Phaenomena of this sickness he first supposes the tone of the stomach to become too loose and weak that for that reason it hardly and very imperfectly Concocts the aliments so that the thin and more Spirituous part of the Chyle being sent from thence sooner than it ought to the blood perverts its disposition to a hot and sour temper then the residue of the food by a longer stay within the Ventricle degenerates into a ponderous and viscous or clammy Phlegme which also by its Stagnation even as it is observable in things to be eaten being longer kept becomes very sour or sharp But from hence that learned Man argues that from the blood made too serous and thin its effervescencies quickly passing thorow it are induced and from the stomach loaded with ballast of ropy or viscous matter the winde and distentions of the Ventricle and hypochondria as also the belching and troublesome Spitting do arise whereby indeed he wholly exempts the Spleen from this fault he contends that it doth neither draw to it self the melancholly dregs of the blood nor serves for any office whatsoever about the Sanguification or the making of blood but that its use almost only consists in this that this Inward swelling up or growing turgid with very hot blood it administers heat to the adjacent Ventricle and cherishes it with gentle warmth Altho I may so far assent to this famous Author concerning this opinion The Hypothesis of Dr. Highmore sifted that I yield the ventricle doth often grievously labour in this Distemper forasmuch as the tone of which being made lax and its strength broken by reason of the indigestion of the aliment a load of viscous Phlegm or Petuitous matter is begotten even in its bosom to which by reason of the Saline particles being brought into a flux by their long stay oftentimes a notable soarness and austereness happen then because the fault in the first Concoction is not mended the dyscrasies and disorders of the blood receive that want of digestion in the second But yet he cannot draw me into that opinion that the ventricle is always chiefly in the fault or that the other Symptoms of the hypochondriacal Disease depend only on its vitious Constitution For I have known many cruelly afflicted with this sickness who have been well enough in their stomach although they have very much complained of the pulsation in the left hypochondrium of the straitness of the breast and a wandring pain excited in it also of the trembling and oppression of the heart with a continual fear and disturbed Imagination in the mean time they were wont to desire food greatly and to digest whatsoever was eaten without any trouble of the ventricle or heaviness and also without any spitting or acid belching yea I have observed others great drinkers and using an evill manner of living to have contracted a loosness of the stomach with an ill digestion windiness and frequent vomiting who sound enough about their praecordia and animal faculties were not at all accounted for hypochondriacs Besides in this Distemper the ventricle is often rather sick from the vitiousness of other parts or of the Blood than from its own default because it is usual for those sort of sick people to be well in their stomach so long as they may lye abed and breath it forth but when they are raised up the pores being shut up and the dregginess of the bloudy mass stagnating within presently to be afflicted with the pain of the heart an aggestion of winde and frequent endeavours to vomit For these and other Considerable Reasons I judge the original of the hypochondriacal Disease to be derived from some other fountain than the weakness of the Ventricle but forasmuch as among the parts here primarily suspected to be affected great complaints are made against the Spleen it will be worth our while to enquire what office this Inward doth discharge then as often as it fails in it whether it contributes to this Disease The use of the Spleen is inquired into Tho I may grant with Doctor Highmore that the Spleen doth cherish the Ventricle with its warmth and so perhaps in some measure help Concoction yet I do not conclude this part to be framed chiefly for that end but for some more noble uses because there seems to be need for the digesting of the food in the stomach not so much of heat as of an active ferment For fishes being actually cold devour their food whole and without the help of heat easily concoct the same being resolved as it were by a certain menstrum besides it is observed of the spleen that though in man its whole substance lyes near to the ventricle in most other creatures who are indued with a longish form as to the greatest part of it it is removed far from the Ventricle Further if the Spleen be the only Chimny in which the blood warming the Ventricle is contained what is the reason that it rather than the Liver or Lungs becomes of a livid or blewish colour and is stuffed with a black blood and that less hot See his discourse of fermentation Chap. 5th When I consider these things which sometime since I have observed concerning the use of the Spleen it seems far more probable that a certain dreggy portion viz. a matter consisting of an earthly and fixed salt is layd up in this Inward
by the blood carried to it by the arteries which being exalted there as it were by digestion and into the nature of a ferment is lastly committed to the blood flowing from it by the veins which inspires or quickens it with a certain leven or fermentation and performs the same thing about its Spirit or making it Spirituous as our ferment commonly called Leven doth being put into a batch of bread or dough for as a certain portion of the unbak'd bread or dough being kept to a sourness preserves the same nature that it doth ferment or leaven other bread or dough and stirs up in it the otherwise sluggish particles into motion so it seems that the blood being laid up in the milt or Spleen and there getting a sourness as it were by stagnation puts on the nature of a ferment whereby indeed the rest of the mass of blood and perhaps the other humours are actuated and as it were Spiritualised into a more lively motion What hath been ingeniously wrote by a late author viz. the most learned Velthusius concerning the use of the Spleen may have relation to this for he hath determined as highly probable a ferment to be contained in this Inward whereby the sluggish particles of the blood are brought into a state of activity Because taking notice that in children and others indued with a sanguine temperament and more fat or dull habit of body even as their manners and disposition of minde were inclined to idleness softness and dulness so their Spleen was ever of a reddish colour and full of florid blood like the Liver from hence he concludes that the spleen doth but little perform its office in these as the gential parts before ripe age or in those of weak loyns but on the contrary forasmuch as men of a middle age and chiefly in those who are of a severe Countenance and of a lean body as in them appear marks of cunning Sagacity fortitude and constancy so their spleen is found to be of a livid or blewish colour and imbued with blood as it were muddy further he argues from hence that the blood being kept long in the spleen as in a Conduit or receptacle turns plainly into ferment by which its remaining mass being from thence inspired is made more subtil and begets more acute Spirits both in the vital and in the Animal Kingdom or Government For he supposes our bodies naturally to abound with too much humidity by which indeed the function of the parts and many of the viscera are very much dull'd but that the spleen doth communicate to the mass of blood solid firm and constant parts and not easily to be dissipated and that those do wipe away that moistness and with it carry away in some measure that softness from the blood and Spirits which is predominate in tender age almost after the same manner as the north-winde or the eastern gales fanning and intimately penetrating the air with the dryness and strength of their parts breathe health or strength to the air and to our Bodies But since I have in another place declared what I have formerly thought concerning the Spleen there will be no need to repeat it in this yet I shall further note that in bodies of living creatures compacted out of a quinarie of elements as the spirits ought to be more strong then the rest so indeed they being intangled with a viscous humidity of Sulphur and water are so hindred that oftentimes they are not able to exercise their strength or powers lively enough hence saline particles for that they are very much fermenting are required for this that the spirituous little bodies almost overwhelmed by the embrace of the others and stupifyed might lie awakened and set at liberty and into motion Wherefore we experience in our selves when the spirits are dull'd by the blood being too much exhal'd that notable help is brought by sharp liquors as chiefly small wines and Cider for these kinde of Remedies sharpen the Spirits and shake off all heaviness Such a kinde of fermenting virtue we easily believe to be continually exercised by the Spleen being in right order towards the blood and nervous Liquor For as this Inward is formed with a threefold sort of vessells viz. with arteries and veins and besides with great enfoldings of the nerves and a most thick Contexture of nervous fibres we think the use of each of them to be set apart for this end to wit by the Arteries the blood is carried to the Spleen hence it lays up its dreggs composed of a fixed Salt and an earthly matter in its passages and porosities and these there layd up as it were by a certain digestion are brought into a juice very fermentive A portion also of which being carried back to the blood by the veins is continually mixed with it and so its whole mass is inspired with those kinde of fermentive particles from the Spleen by which a certain austerity and sharpness with vigour of motion is given unto it so that for that reason the blood it self is carried more lively in the vessells also from thence the nervous juice procreated from the blood being more active supplies the animal regiment But truly the Spleen doth not only by this means mediatly and by the intervention of the blood inspire the brain and nervous stock with a fermentive virtue but it may be lawfully believed that this is done somewhat more immediately by the passage of the nerves dispersed in the spleen for because in this part anatomie discovers a great company of Nerves and nervous enfoldings and of fibres springing from them it may well be doubted for what use they should serve Concerning this it is first to be observ'd that the ventricle and the Spleen have a most intimate Commerce with the brain insomuch that Helmont did place the seat of the Soul in those Inwards but this is possible to be done by no more commodious way than by the aforesaid nerves Wherefore we may here disservedly suspect that not only the animal Spirits are the messengers between the one part and the other but also that the nervous Liquour which is both the food and the ventricle of these spirits doth descend now from the brain towards these Inwards and now being received from these Viscera's by the nerves doth creep thorow towards the head which kinde of spleeny Juice being dilated to the brain sharpens the animal Spirits and raises them up being slothfull and irritates them into quick motions from whence it is commonly said the sharpness and sagacity of the minde doth proceed from the Spleen and Splenetick people are accounted Ingenious But it is probable that the rage and force of the passions being begun by the Spirits inhabiting the brain are carried to the spleen by the passage of the nerves and so the spirits there dwelling are pathetically troubled and the blood flowing thither is moved into a multitude of perturbations for from hence it in some measure falls
where there is a predominancy of adust Sulphur and in wandring effervescencies in scorbutical and unequall heats both of the blood and nervous stock by it self or mixed with other medicines as an enforcement but yet in more tender Constitutions 't is dangerous lest the tone and fibres of the ventricle should be hurt by its acrimony and too great constriction or astringency 6. In the last place follows the astringent Crocus Martis or the Crocus of Steel prepared by fire through a long Calcination viz. The filings the off-scourings or thin plates of Iron should be so placed in a reverberating fornace that they may be continually heated by a most strong flame The filing being thus exposed to the naked fire first of all it grows reddish and runs together into little hard round balls but after 3. or 4. days swelling up suddenly into an higher heap it becomes extream light impalpable and of a most curious purple Colour In this preparation the Sulphureous and saline particles whilst by the force of the fire they begin to come away from the concreet do mutually take hold one of another and so being combined together grow into little balls but afterwards those particles both Saline and Sulphureous being wholly profligated and fiery particles succeeding in their place the whole mass swelling up into a bulk and made as it were spungie becomes most light A Medicine thus prepared in some Cases is of most excellent use and second to none of the Chalybeats to wit almost in all extravasations or too great eruptions of the Serum and blood as in outward haemorrhages or in inward bleedings in the Diarrhaea the Diabatis and in a vehement Catarrh also I have known no remedy better than this in the Ascitis or in the beginning of a Dropsie and this also I have heard to be highly approved of lately by a most famous and expert Physitian of our own Country Concerning which medicine notwithstanding since it is wholly destitute both of Saline and sulphureous Particles and consists almost only of earthly and fiery particles it is very ambiguous by what faculty it operates and produces so praise-worthy an effect in man's body for there seems to be in this left no more Caput mortuum or dead head or terra damnata then in vitriol or in any of the other mettalls distilled be a most intense fire As to this if I may Conjecture it seems first that to this preparation some Activity is due whereby it exerts it self and unfolds its virtues either by shutting up obstructions or by binding together the Vessells or nervous fibres of the Viscera from the fiery particles shut up in the most fixed earth and from them breaking forth within the body But the chiefest reason of helping consists in this that the earthy particles the Saline by which they were strickly held being wholly gone desire greedily to be reunited to them or such like Wherefore this Crocus martis being immersed in our Bodies snatches to it self whatsoever Salts it meets with and intimately binds them and so while it sucks up like a sponge very many saline particles it takes away many enormities arising chiefly from the flux of the Salts By this means Burnt harts-horn Spodium and Antimony Diaphoretic when they bring help exert or put forth their virtues CHAPTER XII Of the Convulsive Cough and Asthma An example of a Cough meerly Convulsive THe history before related doth clearly manifest that sometimes a Cough may be caused without any great fault of the Lungs by reason of the sliding down of the morbific matter upon the pneumonick nerves or those belonging to respiration to wit where it was shown in the Case of the noble Virgin labouring with Convulsive fits and also with a grievous and continual giddiness that when by the prescript of the Physitian a fomentation of Cephalic Decoction was applyed to her head presently the Giddiness ceas'd and in its place follow'd a great Cough without any Spitting but night and day almost perpetually troubling her which without doubt hapned by reason of the Convulsive matter being driven from the brain into the beginnings of the nerves This kinde of example of a Cough meerly Convulsive more rarely happens in persons of ripe years as the like distemper I have not often seen But in children 't is usual This distemper frequent enough in children also sometimes I have known it in Men for a cough to arise from a serous Colluvies overflowing the Lungs which when at first it was Simple and moderate afterwards it became vehement and Convulsive so that in Coughing the Diaphragma being drawn upwards and held in a long Systole or frequently repeated the Lungs being greatly straitned were much hindred in their motion In the mean time by reason of the breathing being hindred and the blood being restrained within the Praecordia and for that cause stagnating in other places the sick were in danger of being choaked and often acquired a livid or dead countenance But in this Case besides the Convulsions raised up about the Praecordia by the force of Coughing the Ventricle also being often brought Into a consent cast forth by vomit whatever it contained in its bosom yea and I know in some tender ones after this manner affected the Disease wandring from thence into other parts did raise up Convulsive motions in the Face eyes and limbs and at length became deadly This kinde of Convulsive Cough is very frequent among children and some years lays hold on so many that it seems to be plainly Epidemical when it roots it self it is very difficult to be cured by Remedies yea often being long protracted it is hardly otherwise to be cured but by the state of the year being changed If the causes of the aforesaid Case be inquired into it will be so plain The reason of it to refer the procatartic or more remote cause to the redundancy of the Serous humour in the bloody mass and in some sort in the whole body a portion of which matter dropping forth from the little mouths of the Arteries on the Lungs creates the ordinary Cough afterwards when the serous Colluvies or heap of waters yet exuberateing in the Blood and stuffed with Convulsive particles is also heaped up within the head the same entring the pneumonic nerves increases the simple into a Convulsive Cough For when those nerves being irritated first about their extremities are exercised above measure for that reason they more easily imbibe the Convulsive matter laid up nigh their beginnings and so when at length they are driven into irregular motions in two places to wit in the head and at the tale and that for two distinct causes viz. from the irritation of the Spirits and from their explosion it is no wonder if the Cough at first Common being afterwards brought into this evill state becomes so cruel and Convulsive Moreover when it sometimes happens that the same matter heaped up in the head does enter some other nerve
therefore Convulsive passions of another manner often come upon the Convulsive Cough Having shown after this manner that a cough doth arise not only The Convulsion Asthma nor always by the fault of the Lungs but sometimes from a solitary Convulsive cause but oftener superinduced by this on a pneumatic Distemper also we do not doubt to determine almost the same thing concerning another certain Distemper of the Thorax to wit the Asthma For whether this Disease be continuall or periodical in either Case the Symptom chiefly urging is difficult Breathing Sometimes it depends of the Lungs together with the nerves being affected which indeed seems to be excited for this reason because the Lungs being too much inflated and distended extremely fills the Cavity of the Thorax neither do they fall down as they should do by turns hence the Spirit or breath remaining within is not sent forth freely enough neither indeed can fresh aire be easily induced by reason the space is before filled whilest the Lungs are so longer contained in a continual or very little remiss Diastole oftentimes the Diaphragma is urged contrary to its manner into a violent Systole and being drawn upwards is wont more and more to lift up the Lungs and to hinder their falling down whereby it comes to pass that respiration becoms yet more difficult and more laborious We easily believe that this kinde of hard breathing Distemper doth sometimes happen by the fault of the Lungs because anatomical Inspection hath plainly detected it For if a great Serous Colluvies being layd up in the Thorax very much stuffs the Lungs and so much obstructs all their pores and passages that the blood being hindred in its Circute cannot freely pass thorow the Pneumonic Vessells for that reason indeed such like anhelous Distempers are sometimes made Then as often as the blood growing more hot and rarified by exercise or the heat of the Bed requires a larger space for its Circulation within the Lungs then presently from such an occasion a more frequent Respiration or an asthmatical fit is stirred up If beside this morbid Disposition of the Breast the Sanguineous mass also abounding with a serous water should be apt to sudden fluxions and effervescencies of the Serum from hence also by reason of the violent course of the Serum growing hot into the Lungs being before obstructed and greatly filled very often most grievous assaults of this Disease and almost suffocating do happen Moreover sometimes beside the roots of the asthma as it is said being fixed about the Praecordia certain shoots of the same disease budding forth from the head meet with the former and being complicated with them produce the more cruel fruits of the Dyspnaea or want of Breath For because the Lungs being stuffed with Serum another quantity of the same more largely redounding in the blood being imbued with Convulsive particles is poured on the head the same more readily entring the pneumonic nerves than others causes the Asthma of the Thorax at first Simple and modetate to become periodically vehement and Convulsive Of these kinde of Distempers viz. the Dyspnaea being excited by the singular fault of the Lungs and with a Companion very many instances and examples have fallen under our observation and do almost dayly happen For there is nothing more usual then for those that are sick of an inveterate cough or any other evill disposition of the Lungs at length the Dropsie or Scurvie hapning to become Asthmatick to wit when the Blood being made much more impure lays up also its serous dreggs in the head these more readily and indeed more easily enter then others the pneumonic nerves as being weaker and often irritated neer their extremities and in them do heap up matter for a Convulsive Dyspnaea An Asthma sometimes meerly Convulsive proceeds from the nerves only being affected Further sometimes I have observed most grievous fits of an Asthma to have hapned without any notable fault of the Lungs so that truly I did think that this disease was sometimes meerly Convulsive and its fits only excited because the serous colluvies or watery heap being stufft with explosive particles entring into the nerves performing the Diastole of the Lungs grows to the Spirits therein flowing which being afterwards struck off together and for a long while by reason of plentitude or irritation the Lungs are detained as it were inflated and stiff so that they can perform neither the offices of drawing in or of breathing out But the fit being finished a free and equal respiration follow'd as before the fit began and no cough or signs of a sickly disposition of the Lungs did appear As I have observed this kinde of Dyspnaea or difficult breathing meerly Convulsive to have hapned in many I will here shew you one or two histories of it A certain strong and fat Gentleman having used for some time a more full and inordinate Diet without any exercise began to be ill about the beginning of the winter at first he was troubled with a pain and heaviness of his head with a grear giddiness and fear of swoonding and believing himself just about to dye being otherways healthfull within a few days these Symptoms pass'd into an apparent Stupor or rather Lethargie he being let blood in his Arm I caused carefully to be applied Cupping-glasses Vesicatories and sharp Clysters with many other Remedies In the space of 42. hours coming to himself he was sensible and shook off all torpor or drousiness But although his brain was cleared yet he was taken with a great weakness and numbness in his members which Distempers however were shortly cured with antiparyletic and antiscorbutic Remedies But after a fortnight he began again to complain of an heaviness and giddiness in his head then the next day after he fell into a horrid Asthma that the Lungs being suddenly inflated and endeavouring to come upwards the Breath which was very quick and laborious was hindred and not being able to come forth he was in danger every minute of an hour to be choaked This fit as it was cruel so it pass'd over within 12. hours without any spitting cough or vomit and then within a weeks space he lost all the trouble of his breast but then the like fit of the Dyspnaea or difficult breathing returning exercis'd him somewhat more gently and afterwards he was wont to be troubled with such a fit of the Asthma nigh to the great mutations of the Air chiefly in great cold or the falling of Snow Observation 2 I knew another Gentleman sick of an inveterate Scurvy who having no manner of Cough was troubled now with a great head-ach and for many days with a giddiness or Vertigo then at another time being free from those Symptoms he was taken with a most cruell fit of the Asthma and he endured these Distempers now this now that frequently but especially about the greater tropicks of the year The Reason It is not to be doubted but in the
or the Guts Intrinsical Inward Inverse A turning inside out or outside in upside down quite contrary Inverted Turned wrong-side out or upside down quite changed from its natural scituation Involuntary Not with the will unwilling Irradiation A beaming forth or lasting forth beams like the Sun Sometimes applyed to the spirits beaming themselves forth or running forth from their Centre like beams Irrigation A watering wetting or moistning Irritate To provoke anger or stir up Irritated Provoked anger'd or stirred up Ischuria The disease of the Bladder the stoppage of the Water when it cannot come forth but by drops and with pain Ischuretical One so troubled with that distemper Jugular Belonging to the Throat the Throat-vein and Artery Julap A cooling Cordial or a mixed Potion to cool and refresh the heated spirits used in Feavers L Lactiform Like milk or in the form of milk Languor Feebleness failing or decay of strength fainting or weakness of spirits Larynx The top of the Asper Artery or the head thereof which reacheth up to the Mouth or Jaw which with the bone Hyoides joyned thereto serves for breathing and forming of the voyce or the air into articulate sounds Lassitude Weariness and irksomness Lateral Belonging to the side Latex Liquor or Juyce of any sort in the Body Laudanum A Medicine used by Physitians to cause rest given in difficult Cases Lienary Belonging to the Spleen Leipothymy A swouning or fainting away of the spirits Lethiferous Deadly that causeth death Leucophlegmacy The kind of Dropsy that riseth of white phlegm throughout all the Body and makes the flesh spongy Ligature A band or string bound hard about the Arm Leg or any other part of the Body Limature The pouder or dust that cometh of fileing the fileings of steel or other metals Limpid Clear pure and bright like Water Linctus A Medicine that is to be lick'd with the Tongue Liniments Ointments Lixivial Belonging to Lie made of Ashes Lobes Lappets or such as the Liver is distinguished into Lochia All that comes away from a Woman after she is brought to bed Locomotive That moves from place to place Lucophlegmacy See Leucophlegmacy Lumbary Belonging to the Loins Luxuriat To grow rank or abound Lymphic Vessels that carry or contain the waterish humors of the Body Lymphatic Vessels that carry or contain the waterish humors of the Body Lympheducts Water-Carriers or Conveyors the same sort of Vessels which carry forth the waterish humors M Magma The blended dross and faeces of several Metals as also of Chymical Extractions Mammillary Processes in the Temples Bones hanging down like broken brows of Banks representing the fashion of Teats and Cows Vdders Mansorius A Muscle which springing up circularly from the Throat-bone of the upper Jaw moveth the nether Jaw Massoterie A Muscle which springing up circularly from the Throat-bone of the upper Jaw moveth the nether Jaw Mandible The Jaw wherein the Teeth are set Mastic A certain medicinal Gum. Masticator The Pipe or Conduit that conveys the pituitous matter out of the Head into the Mouth Matrace A Vessel used for Chymical Distillations Maturation A ripening Maxillary Belonging to the Jaws Maxillar Belonging to the Jaws Mechoacan A purging Drug brought from the Indies Meconium The juice of the Leaves and heads of Poppy Medastinum Or Mediastinum the thin membrane that divides the middle belly or the Breast from the Throat to the Midriff into two bosoms or hollows one on the right side the other on the left Medullar Marrowy or belonging to the marrow or pith or the white substance of the Brain Membranes The little thin skins joyning the bones and sinews together in several parts of the body the upper thin skins of any part Meninges The thin skins that enwrap the Brain both of the pia mater dura mater one called the hard the other the soft Meninx Menstruum A preparation made by Chymists to dissolve metals also to extract tinctures and the virtues of medicinal druggs woods flowers herbs c. Mesentery A certain thick fat skin or the double skin that fastens the bowels to the back and each to other Meseraic Veins arise or are rather inclosed in Mesentery being branches of the great vein by which the Guts are nourished and the juice of the meat concocted is conveyed to the Liver to be made blood Mercurie Quick-silver and its preparations of it Metaphysical Supernatural things of sublime speculation beyond nature Metastasis Is translation or when a disease removes out of one place into another Metathesis Is transposing the puting of one thing for another Miasm Infection or taint Microscope A Perspective-glass to behold minute and very small bodies a Magnifying glass Millepedes The hundred-feeted Creature and Heslog-sows or Hog-lice Mirabolans A certain medicinal fruit brought out of the Indies Modification A measuring or bringing into measure Morbid Sick corrupt filthy or naughty That causeth the Sickness or disease Morbifick Sick corrupt filthy or naughty That causeth the Sickness or disease Mucilage Thick boiling up of a thing to a gelly or thick consistency Munited Defended or fortified Muscles Parts of the body that serve for motion softer and more fleshy than the sinews Musculous Full of Muscles or belonging to the Muscles Myologie The doctrine of the Muscles N. Narcotick Stupifactive or that makes the part sensless Nates Two prominences in the brain so called because in the form of Buttocks Natiform In the form of a Buttock Neoterics People or men of late times Nepenthe A drink to drive away melancholy Nephritis A pain in the reins of the back also the Stone or Gravel in the Reins Nephritic One troubled with the pain in the Reins Nerves Are the sinews which convey the spirits that serve for life and motion through the whole body Neurologie The doctrine of the Nerves Nitre That as is usually called Saltpetre A salt taken out of the earth Nitrosulphureous Nitre mix'd with Sulphur or of a nitrous and sulphureous nature or quality O. Oblique Cross traverse a slope not strait or right Oblong Longish or somewhat long Oeconomie A certain order of doing any thing an houshold rule regiment or governance Oesophagus The mouth of the stomack Olibanum An outlandish Gum. Opiologie The doctrine of Opium Opium Made up of the juice of wild poppie used to stupifie and bring into a sensless sleep Opiats Medicines made of Opium for some part of its ingredients to cause sleep and ease for pains Optic Belonging to the sight as the Nerves that bring the virtue of seeing to the eyes Opopanax The juice made of a certain herb Ophthalmic A medicine to cure the diseases of the eyes Orgasm Rage or fury Orifice The hole of a wound or the mouth of any thing Origine Beginning rise or birth of a thing Orbicular Of a round form or shape Orthopnoea Is such a straitness of breath that one cannot breath or fetch breath without stretching out of the neck or holding it upright Os Pubis Is the bone at the bottom
that comes every day Quartan Every fourth day an Ague that has two days of intermission and comes on the fourth day again R. Ramifications Branchings forth like the Veins Arteries and Nerves up and down the body resembling the small twigs and branchings of Trees Rarefaction A making of any thing rare or thin Ratiocination Reasoning debating or arguing of a thing or the faculty of reasoning Reciprocation A returning back or a mutual partaking of a thing or depending on another by a mutual consequence Recrement Any superfluous matter or thing in the blood or body or any of the parts Redundancy Superfluity overflowing too much of a thing Recesses The private and hidden parts of the body or any hid place Refection A repast of meat and drink a refreshing Refraction A breaking off or rebounding back Reflexion A bonding back or rebounding Refrigerate To make cool or to refresh with cooling as fanning one in great heat Regurgitate To swallow up again or to sup up again what it before had parted with Regulus The dross of metals Renal Belonging to the Reins Reiterated Repeated or the same thing done or performed again Remora A stop let or stay to any thing a figurative speech taken from a little fish so called which is said by cleaving to the keel of a ship to stay it in its course Repletion A fulness or filling full or abounding Repullulate To bud or spring forth again as trees in the spring Resine A Chymical extraction of several druggs so called being in substance like to Rosine or Resine Respiration A breathing forth or a venting Resolution A dissolving or unbinding a loosning Retort A Chymical Vessel Reverberatory A furnace by which matter is calcined or consumed with the flame Rhomboides A Geometrical figure with unequal sides Rhombus A Geometrical figure with equal sides but not right angl'd like a quarry of glass Rhubarb A root brought out of the East-Indies almost like a dock-root used to purge choler Risibility Laughter or the faculty of laughing Riverius A famous Physician Rotation A going round like a wheel a moving round Rudiments The first beginnings and principles of things S. Saline Saltish or belonging to Salt Salt-peter Or Salt of the Rock A Salt got out of the Earth contracted from several dungs of Fowls or other Creatures as Pigeons Poultrey and Cattel and from the Vrines of Beasts and is one of the Ingredients of which they make Gun-powder much used in Chymistry Sal-prunella A Salt made out of Salt-peter Sal-ammoniacus A Salt of the Earth found among the Sands in Lybia Sal-alcali Salt of ashes made of the herb Kali but used also for the salt of other herbs burnt to ashes and so extracted Salvatella Vein Is a branch which springing out of a Cephalick Vrin in the outside of the Cubit stretcheth above the wrist and extream part of the hand between the Ring-finger and the little finger Salivate To spit or cause one to void much spittle Salivation A great flux of spitting or avoiding of spittle more than ordinary at the mouth Sanguineous Bloody or belonging to the blood Sanguification The making of blood or the changing the nourishment into blood Sanguiducts The Vessels that carry the blood through the body as the Veins and Arteries Sarsaparilla A drug brought from the West-Indies used in many decoctions Sagapenum A kind of Gum or Rosin that runs forth of the shrub called Ferula Scammony The juice of an herb which violently purgeth choler it is also called Diagridium Scapular Muscle a muscle belonging to the shoulders and serves for the moving of them Scheam Is a figure or draught of a thing also taken for an Astrological Table of the 12. Houses Schirri Are hard swellings in the flesh without pain but hardly curable Scirri Are hard swellings in the flesh without pain but hardly curable Schirrous Full of such hard swellings Sclerotick That is troubled with some tumor in the third panicle of the eye called the Cornea membrana or somewhere thereabouts Scorbutick That is troubled with the disease called the Scorbute or Scurvey Scordium A useful herb in Physick having leaves almost like Germander Scotomies Turnings round a disease in the head when all things seem to turn round Scotomie Turnings round a disease in the head when all things seem to turn round Scrotum The outward skin of the Cods where the hair grows Scutiform In the form of a Shield or Buckler Sedal Veins the Veins in the Fundament Seclusion A thrusting forth or out Secundine The After-birth or that which inwraps the Child which follows after the Birth of the Child vulgarly called the After-burthen of Anatomists the 4th membrane of the eye called Chorion and that first clotheth the optic sinew is called the Secundine Secretion A separation or putting apart Secreted Separated apart Senna Or Sena the leaves of a Plant that Purgeth Phlegm Choler and Melancholy Sensory The orgain of feeling or of discriminating by the senses the common sensory or seat of such organ placed in the brain Septic That hath the force of corrupting or putrifying or that maketh rotten or ripe the matter in a soar Series An order course or succession of things a row or course of things orderly one after another Serous Humor the whey or watery humor that accompanieth the blood and which makes it fluid and is separated and put off from the blood into the parts of the body Serosities Such serous humours abounding Serum The whey or watery humor of the blood the substance of the serous humor Sinus A bosom or a hollow turning or outlet of waters or an inlet or arm of the Sea Soldanella Is the Sea-colewort or Folefoot Solitive Loosening or that maketh the body loose Solstices Are two the Summer and the Winter solstice the first is about the twelfth of June when the Sun is nearest to us and makes with us the longest day the last is about the 12. of December when the Sun is at its greatest distance from us and makes with us the shortest day Solving Loosening or unbinding Solution A loosning or weakning as of the Nerves or joynts Solvent That which dissolveth or openeth the parts of the matter to be wrought upon Spagiric Belonging to Alchymie or to the Chymical art Spasms Cramps or Convulsions of the Nerves Spasmodic Belonging to the Cramp or Convulsion or hauling of the sinews Spasmology The doctrine of the Convulsion or Cramp of the sinews Speculative Contemplative or notional Speculation A seeing or discovering a thing by contemplation Species A kind more particular than Genus and may be communicated to more generals as a Cow and an Horse are of a different species but both Animals or Beasts Spermatic Belonging to the sperm or seed Sphacelismus A blasting or a mortification of a part Sphincter Is the round muscle that encompasses the mouth of the Arse gut which keeps the excrements from an involuntary coming forth Spine The back-bone or long-joynted bone that goes down the back Spina dorsi The
Valves A part of the brain made like folding doors so called Van Helmont A Famous Dutch Doctor Vapid Dead decay'd without tast or smack Vegetation A growing or putting forth or flourishing as a Plant. Vegetal Belonging to such a growing or flourishing Vegetable That which hath life and groweth but not sense as herbs and trees Vehicle That which carrieth or beareth another thing as the blood is of the animal spirits Vena Porta See Porta Vena Vena Cava See Cava Vena Venous Belonging or appertaining to a Vein Ventricle Is the stomach or that part which receives the meat and drink being swallowed down and which hath in it self the virtue of digestion Ventricles Of the heart two notable little hollows caverns on each side of the heart Ventricles Of the Brain several notable caverns therein Vermiculations Creeping like a Worm or motions like the creeping of a Worm Vernal Belonging to the Spring or in the time of the Spring Verberation A beating or striking Vertigo A diziness giddiness and turning round within the head A certain disease which causeth a turning within the head Vertebral Belonging to the joynts of the back-bone Vertebrae Those several joyntings and knittings of the back-bone or chine so called of Anatomists Vesicatories Medicines that raise or cause Blisters where applied Veterans Old Soldiers or any thing that hath served long in a place Viaticum Voyage provisions as meat and drink upon a journey Vibration A shaking striking or quavering Vicinity Neighbourhood or nearness of dwelling or being Viscid Clammy or sticking like Bird-lime Viscosity A clamminess or glewiness Viscera Are the chief Entrals or Inwards as Heart Liver Lungs Spleen the Bowels c. Vitriol Copperas a certain Mineral found in several Countreys used in Medicines Vitriolic Belonging or appertaining to Vitriol Umbilic Belonging to the Navel or of the likeness or shape of the Navel Undulation A wavering like the waters where one follows upon the heels of the others Unctuosity An oyliness or juiciness Unctuous Oylie or juicy Volatile That easily flies away or that is apt to flie or vanish Ureters The pipes or passages by which the Vrine passes from the Reins to the Bladder Urinary Belonging to the Vrine or the passages of the Vrine Uterine Belonging or appertaining to the Womb. Uvea The fourth thin membrane of the eye called also Chorion W. Wezand The Windpipe or Throat X. Xeroeus Wine A Spanish Wine so called I suppose they mean Tent. Here ends the Table of hard names THE FIRST INDEX or TABLE WHEREIN IS Alphabetically digested the principal matters contained in the Treatises of Fermentation and Feavers A. AGues Of Agues Page 68. The reason of the Ague fits 69 70 71. The signs of the Disease 72. Of the Cure of the Ague 74. Of the double Tertian or Quartan 75 Of a Tertian Ague or Feaver 77 Some symptoms of the Disease 78 Its Cure 79 80 Histories of the Disease 81 82 Of Quotidian Agues 82 Their Cure 83 Of a Quartan Ague 84 Causes of it 84 Why it usually begins in Autumn 85 Its Cure 86 Aurum fulminans What it is 40. B. Beer How made by Fermentation 20 Blood The Blood Anatomiz'd 57 58 Compared with Wines 61 The motions and heats of the Blood 64 The difference of the Fermentation of Wine and the Blood 64 The difference of the Blood growing hot in Feavers 90 Of the inkindling of the Blood in a burning Feaver 109 How the Blood is infected by Poysons 121 and its several mutations thereby ibid. Of the great heat of the Blood in malignant Feavers 131 Of Blood-letting in the Small-pox 146 Blood Menstruous see Menstruous Blood Bread How made by Fermentation 20 Buboes In the Plague 126 127 C. Carbuncles Of Carbuncles in the Plague 126 127 Catarrhal Epidemical Feavers see Feavers Causon Or Burning Feavers 109 Cautions Concerning putrid Feavers 110 111 Concerning the Plague 128 Chrystilisation Of Salts how made 49 Chyle The Concoction of the Chyle in the Ventricle is made by Fermentation 14 Coagulation What it is 49 Congelation What it is 49 A second manner of Congelation 51 Of artificial Congelation ibid. Crisis Of a continual Feaver 91 Of a putrid Feavor 96 Cure Of Agues 74 79 80 83 86. Of putrid Feavers of every kind 110 Of the Plague 128 Of Pestilential Feavers 133 134 The Cure of the Small-pox 143 144 145 Of the Milkey feaver 151 Of the Malignant feaver of lying in Women 154 155 Of the Symptomatic feaver of Women in Child-bed 157 Of Epidemical feavers 167 168 171 176 177 178. Cyder How made by Fermentation 24 D. Death And Putrefaction of Bodies 26 Diarrhea Of a Diarrhea in Feavers 1â—4 Dysenterie Of a Dysenterie in Feavors 104 Of a Dysenterie in Child-bed Women 157 E. Earth Of the Chymists what it is 5 Ephemera Or a Feaver of a days continuance 91 Epidemical Feavers see Feavers Essential Putrid Synochus what it is 109 F. Feavers Of Feavers in general 57 Of Intermitting Feavers or Agues see Agues 68 Of continual Feavers 89 What causes continual Feavers 89 The several kinds of continual Feavers 91 Of the Feaver for a day ibid. The cause of it and of its Crisis ibid. An History of such a Feaver 92 Of a putrid Feaver 93 Four seasons to be observed in it 94 The causes of it ibid. A Prognostication of the Disease 97 Of the Crisis of a putrid Feaver ibid. The symptoms and signs of putrid Feavers 99 100 Of the putrid Synochus or continual Feaver 107 Of the symptomatic putrid Feaver ibid. Of the slow Feaver 108 Of the symptomatical Feaver from an Vlcer or a Consumption of the Lungs ibid. Of an Essential putrid Synochus 109 Of the Causon or Burning feaver ibid. The Cures of putrid Feavers of every kind 110 Histories of several putrid Feavers 112 113 114 115 116 117 118. Of a Pestilential or Malignant Feaver in general 119 Of a malignant Feaver in specie 131 How it differs from the Pestilence ibid. A description of malignant Feavers ibid. A difference of them 133 Causes of them ibid. The Cure of them 133 134 Of Feavers Epidemical of another sort 134 An History of a Pestilential Feaver 134 135 An History of a Malignant Feaver 136 137 Of the Feavers of Child-bearing Women 147 Of the Milkey Feaver 150 The causes of it 151 Its Cure ibid. Of a putrid Feaver in Women lying In 151 A figure of the Disease 152 153 The causes of it ibid. It s Cure 154 155 Of Symptomatic Feavers of Women in Childbed 156 The general reason of them ibid. The Cure of them 157 Histories of acute Feavers in Women lying In 158 159 160 161. Epidemical Feavers 163 A description of an Epidemical Feaver in the year 1657. ibid. The causes of it 164 The differenee of it from other Feavers 166 A Prognostication of it ibid. Of the Cure of it 167 A description of a Catarrhal Epidemical Feaver in the year 1658 169 The causes of it 170 The symptoms of it and the cure of it
the act of smelling 139 The Fibres in the Eyes the cause of the act of seeing 140 Figures Of the Muscles explained 49 Figures of the brain explained 62 63. The third Figure of the brain explained 69 The fourth Figure of the brain explained 70 The fifth and sixth Figures concerning the skull explained 73 74. The Figure of a Mans brain 60 61. The Figure of the brains of Fish and Fowl 75 Figures of the Nerves explained 144 145. Figures of the Nerves in Tables from 182 to 192 Figures of the Carotidick Arteries the wonderful net pituitary kirnel and the lateral bosom explained 86 Figures of a Sheeps brain and all its inwards explained 94 The Figure of the oblong marrow 101 The Figure of the marrowy part of the brain of a Sheep explained 105 Fire Why it burns fiercer in cold than in moist and hot weather 27 Why the Sun beams put out the Fire ibid. Why Fire seems to leap forth in the night from the mains of Horses skins of Cats and other hot Animals 32 Fishes Why they want the crankling turnings in their brain as in Man and Beasts 92 Of the optic Nerves in Fishes 104 Of the chamfered bodies in Fishes brains and their difference from other Creatures 103 Flame How made 27 Why flame shut up from the air goes out 28 Why the flame of a Candle burns blew in the Mines 29 How the Vital Flame is inkindled in the blood 30 Why the Vital Flame is not seen 32 The reason of a shining Flame sometimes seen about persons indued with an hot nitrous blood ibid. The reason of Flames proceeding from the eyes of people in burning Feavers 33 Forms Predestinated to natural bodies 33 Fowls Brains why they want the turnings and windings as are in Men and Beasts 92 Their difference from Beasts ibid. G. Genital How made 173 Glandula Of the petuitory Glandula in the brain of a Man and a Beast 71 H. Hands Why the Hands and Arms of Men conspire so readily with the affections of the brain and heart 174 Head-aches Great from the distemper of the Pia Mater 90 An History of Head-aches 110 Hearing How made 144 Of the species of hearing 119 The difference of the hearing Nerves in a Man and in a Beast 120 Heart Its office as to the Blood 31 The heart a meer Muscle ibid. Of the Nerves going to the Heart 150 Whether the pulse of the Heart depends upon the influence of the animal spirits 152 Histories Of one troubled with a Tenanism or Cram 46 47. Of one that died with a Scirrhus or hard swelling of the Mesentery 82 83. Of Head-aches 100 Horse Of the Tube or pipe in a Horses brain 66 Of the Carotidick Arteries in a Horse 85 Why different from other Beasts 88 Humours Of the humours in a Muscle 38 A double humour contributes to the making of the animal spirits 99 How the serous humour is sent from the brain 98 99. Of the use of the Nervous humour 128 133. Of the Nervous and Nutritious humors 130 131. Whether the bloody humor be Nutricious 130 How the genital humor is made 173 I. Imagination What it is 91 Infoldings Of the Nerves 140 Of the Gunglioform Infolding 157 Of the Mesenteric Infoldings 158 Of the Hepatic Infolding ibid. Of the Nervous Infolding of the Spleen 167 Of the Renal Infolding 168 Inspection Of Vrines useful 20 Instinct Of Motion what it is 43 44 45. Of natural Instincts 115 Involuntary Function what it is Of the Nerves serving to the Involuntary Function 116 117. Juices Of the Juices nervous and nutritious 130 Judgments How to be given of the Vrine 17 18. The Ignorance of some in the Judgment of Vrines 18 Judgment of Vrines wanting colour consistence contents and quantity ibid. Judgment of Vrines having praeternatural contents 19 K. Kings-evil Why Cured by stroaking 134 Kissing Why it irritates Love 143 L. Laughing Why proper to Man 117 Caused by the fifth Conjugation of the Nerves 143 How made 160 Life A kind of flame 27 Life and fire many ways extinguish'd alike 31 Liquors How they receive heat 26 Love Why admitted by the eyes 143 Why provoked by kissing ibid. Lungs Why the colour of the Lungs is suddenly changed in new-born Creatures 30 M. Mamillary Processes what they are and their use 137 138. Marrow Of the oblong Marrow and its uses 101 102. How joyned to the spinal Marrow 124 Of the spinal Marrow 124 Of the Nerves from the spinal Marrow 178 Of the blood-carrying Vessels from the spinal Marrow 179 Man A curious Machine 162 Meninges See dura mater and pia mater Memory How made 96 Mesentery Of the Infoldings of the Mesentery 158 Why so many Infoldings of the Nerves are about the Mesentery 164 Monkie Dissected 162 Why it is so crafty and mimical a Creature ibid. Motion What it is 34 Three things to be considered in every motion ibid. Of spontaneous and voluntary motion ibid. Of involuntary motion ibid. Of the motion and sense of the pia mater 90 The Vehicle of the Instinct of Motion what it is 34 Of local Motion ibid. Of the increase of the force of Motion in Artificial things 39 4â— How the Motion of the Muscles is made 42 How the instinct of Motion is performed 43 44. Of the Motions of the animal spirits 95 How the Motion of the Muscles correspond with the Motion of the Heart 136 Of the irregular Motion of the Diaphragma 175 Vpon what the peristaltic Motion depends 169 The use of intestine Motions in the belly 165 How the Motion of Hypochondriacal pains is made from the right to the left side and so contrary 169 Of the Motion of the Muscles see Muscles and Musculary motion Muscles Of the formation of a Muscle 35 Of the opposite Tendons in every Muscle ibid. A Muscle described 35 36. Of the simple and compound Muscle 36 Of the membranous covering of a Muscle 37 Of the action of a Muscle 37 38. Several experiments of cutting a Muscle 38 Of contraction and relaxation in a Muscle ibid. Of the humors in a Muscle ibid. Ax experiment of a living Dog concerning the voluntary motions of the Muscles 39 How a Muscle is moved ibid. Of the traction of a Muscle 40 Elastick particulars contained in a Muscle ibid. Of the trembling of the Musculous flesh of a Beast after its head is off and heart taken out 40 41. How the animal spirits blow up the fleshy fibres in a Muscle 41 Experiments of intumifying a Muscle 42 Of the nature of the animal spirits coming from the brain into the Muscles ibid. Of the fresh supplies of the animal spirits for the motions of the Muscles 44 Of the little hairy fibrils of a Muscle 45 Of the irregular and convulsive motions of the Muscles ibid. Explanations of the figures of the Muscles 49 That the motions of the Muscles have an analogy with the heart 135 136. Muscular Motion how it is made 42 Of the Muscular motion 34 The blood affords
as yet included within the scarce hollow gums hence the blood being hindred in its Circulation causes a tumour and so presses the nerves and also pours on them the more sharp particles of the Serum by which being notably pulled or hauled they are tormented with Corrugations and painfull Spasms Therefore when so cruel pains happen to children from their breeding Teeth it is no wonder if a feavour and also Convulsive motions sometimes follow the former of these happens both for as much as the blood being hindred about the pained part is not circulated with its wonted and equall course wherefore it becomes inordinatly moved in the whole Body and besides because Spasms being stirred up somewhere in the nervous stock the corrugated and contracted nerves presse together and pull the Arteries and by that reason stir up irregular and feavourish fluctuations in the Blood But sometimes Couvulsions happen in breeding Teeth both because the blood growing hot sends forth heterogeneous particles to the animal government and so stirs up the spirits into explosions and besides also when this acute pain and as it were a Lancing follows upon the teeth being about to cut it communicates a very troublesome and irritative sense from the affected parts to the first sensorie presently from thence the motion of the rage is retorted by the same or other neighbour nerves which by reason of a praevious disposition doth not rarely become convulsive Besides these two occasions of Convulsions which are wont to be chiefly and more often in children to wit the times of Infancy and breeding Teeth this Distemper also is excited at other Times very often and for other Causes For in whom the Seeds of the Spasmodick Disposition is sown they sometimes unsold themselves presently after the birth and are ripened into morbid fruit or else lying hid for a while they now come before the breeding of Teeth and follow a long time after it and by reason of other evident causes to wit either external or Internal of which sort are a sickly or breeding nurse milk Coagulated in the stomack or degenerating into an acid or bitter putrifection a feavourish distemperature of the head Ulcers or wealks of other parts suddenly vanishing the Changes of the aire the Conjunctions oppositions and aspects of the Sun and moon and such like they at length break forth into Act from an uncertain event Concerning these there is no need that we should particularly discourse When all the Children of a man dwelling in the neighbourhood dyed of Convulsions within the space of three months at length to prevent that fatal event they sought for remedies for a child newly born I being sent for a few days after the being brought to bed first advised the making an Issue in the nape of the neck then that the next day after a leech being applyed to the jugular veine of each side two ounces of blood should be taken away besides that about every conjunction or opposite aspect of the Sun and moon about five grains of the following powder should be given in a spoonfull of Julap for three days morning and evening Take of humane Skull prepared of the root of the male Paeonie each ʒ i. of the powder of Pearls ʒ ss of white sugar ʒ i. mingle them and make a very fine powder Take of the waters of Black Cherries ℥ iii. of the antiepileptic of Langius ℥ i. of the Syrrop of the flowers of the male Paeonie ʒ vi mingle them also I order'd that the nurse at the same times should take a draught of whey or posset drink in which were boyled the seeds and roots of the male Paeonie and the leaves of the Lilly of the Vally the Infant for about four months was well but then began to be troubled with Convulsions at which time the same Remedies being administred both to the child and to the nurse in a larger dose vesicatories also were applyed behind the eares and blood was taken by the sucking of a Leech from the jugular veins within two or three days the child grew well afterwards whenever within four or five months the Convulsions return'd it was cured again by the use of the same Remedies After half a year the Convulsive motions wholly ceased but a painfull Tumour arose about the lower part of the Spinae dorsi or back-bone from which proceeded a certain distortion of the Vertebrae or joynts of the back bone and a weakness of the legs and at length a Palsie It seems in this case that the Spasmodic or Convulsive matter being wont to come upon the brain first and beginings of the nerves entring at last the Spinal marrow and being thrust out at its further end it wholly stopt up the heads of the appending nerves and shut out the passage of the Spirits to wit because other narcotick and more thick had joyned themselves to the explosive particles The Curatory Method against the Convulsive Distempers in Children IT is to be endeavour'd either to prevent the Convulsive passions threatning Children and Infants or to cure them being already begun For if the former children of the same parent were obnoxious or lyable to Convulsions that evill ought to be prevented timely The Preservation of Infants from Convulsions by the use of Remedies to those born after It is usuall for this end to put into the mouth of the child newly born some antispasmodick Remedy assoon as it begins to breath from hence some are wont to give them some drops of the purest hony others a Spoonfull of Canary sweetned with Sugar and some again oyl of Sweet Almonds fresh drawn to some may be given half a Spoonfull of epileptic water or one drop of oyle of Amber Besides these first things given to Infants which certainly seem to be of some moment certain other Remedies and means of Administrations ought to be used to wit let one spoonfull of Liquor proper to this distemper be drunk twice a day as for example Take of the water of black Cherry and of Rue each ℥ i ss of the Antiepileptic of Langius ℥ i. of the Syrrup of Corall ʒ vi of prepared Pearl gr xv mix them in a Viol. On the third or fourth day after the birth let an Issue be made in the nape of the neck then if it be of a fresh Countenance let a little blood to about ℥ i ss or ii ounces be taken by the sucking of Leeches from the jugular veins having a care lest the blood should flow out too plentifully in its sleep let the temples and the hinder part of the neck be gently rub'd with such a like oyntment Take of oyle of nutmegs by expression ʒ ii of Capive ʒiii of Amber ℈ i. Let an Amulet be hung about the neck of the roots and seeds of the greater Paeonie a little of the hoof of an Elke being added to it Moreover antispasmodick Remedies should be dayly given to the Nurse The Method of Curing to be used to the Nurses Let her
with abundance of spitle and thick was excited this hapned in some about the declination of the disease to wit whilst the confines of the brain were serene as it were the clowds sent from thence to the thorax a great Catarrh suddenly rained down upon the Lungs But in others who especially had little infection of the disease in the head presently after the beginning of the feavour a cruell cough and a stinking spitting with a consumptive disposition grew upon them and suddenly and unthought of precipitated the sick into a Pthisis from which nevertheless they recovered by the timely use of Remedies often beyond hope It was observ'd in some that after a long ecclips of the sensitive facultie and oppression of the brain from the morbific matter at length tumors did follow in the glandula's neer the hinder part of the neck out of which being hardly ripened and broke a thin and stinking ichor or matter ran for a long time and brought help I have also seen watery pustles excited in other parts of the body which pass'd into hollow ulcers and hardly curable sometimes little spots and petechiales appeared here and there yet I never heard that any more broad or blew of these kinde were seen in the sick Notwithstanding tho this feavour was not remarkable for very many malignant spots yet it was not free from Contagion For that in the same Family it invaded almost all the Children and youths successively yea not rarely those of more ripe years and at mens estate who looking to the sick were familiarly conversant in their Chambers or about their beds were infected with the same infection But indeed there was not so much cause of suspition that for it the friends of the sick should be wholly interdicted from commerce with or visiting of them Altho the course of this disease unless when it intimately settled in the brain did appear so gentle and continued without any horrid Symptome yet its cure being always difficult succeeded not under a long time For the sick rarely grew well within three or four weeks yea for the most part scarce in so many months If this disease fell upon men of a broken Age or strength especially those who were before obnoxious to cephalic distempers as the Lethargie Appoplexie or Convulsion it oftentimes kill'd them in a short space but if there was any hope of recovering it could be but slowly procured all Remedies whatsoever scarce bringing any sensible help so that the sick did no sooner come out of the sphear of this disease than they fell into the confines of a Consumption The reason of them If the formal reason and courses of this aforesaid sickness be demanded it here easily appears the watering Liquor of the brain and nervous stock for the most part both together with the blood to be in fault and the immediate cause especially of the troublesome Symptoms to wit forasmuch as this water presently after the first assault of the disease was grown more poor then usuall and as it were lifeless therefore a Languishing and enervation with a spontaneous weariness and impotency to motion hapned in the whole body and with a sudden wasting of the body in the sick Further forasmuch as the same Liquor was stuffed with heterogeneous particles viz. partly narcotick partly explosive therefore a numbness a sense of pricking leapings up of the tendons and muscles and contractures also the Virtego giddinesse and other more grievous Cephalick distempers did arise Moreover forasmuch as by reason of the evil of the nervous juice being not quickly or hardly to be mended the cure or healing of the disease became so hard and lingring But for that the fault of this Latex necessarily depended on the discrasie or evill disposition of the blood also of the depraved constitution of the brain what their morbid dispositions were and by what means they brought forth the beginning or tinder of the Symptom of the feavour but now described let us now see As to the former it seems that at this season by reason of the hot and humi'd constitution of the year and no blast from the north the little bodies of which imbue the blood and juices of our body as it were with a nitrous seasoning and by agitating them defend them against putrefaction the blood in most men and chiefly in children youths and women became like standing-water that so contracts a setling very impure stuff't with heterogeneous particles and turning to a clammyness and watrishness in which the more pure spirit and sulphur being somewhat depress'd the watery particles being carried forth with the impure salt and sulphur were too much exalted Wherefore the blood both by reason of its Crisis or constitution being vitiated also by reason of heterogeneous particles being heaped up more plentifully in its bosome was made more fit either of its own accord or occasionally or because of the contagion to receive a feavourish Effervescency so that from thence very many fell at this time into feavours But the blood growing hot from the feavourish taint being received did not presently burn with an open flame but like green wood laid on the fire with a flame as it were suppressed and much incumbred with smoke Wherefore the morbific matter being heaped within its mass was not wont as in a regular feavour to be consumed by the burning and its reliques at the set time to be exterminated by the Crisis but yet a little after the beginning of the feavour a great portion of this matter being powred into the head at Thorax or into both at once and afterwards being continually supplied in those parts it induced either the aforesaid distempers of the brain and nervous stock or a cough with a consumptive disposition or both together and for this reason about the beginning of this disease when a pulse quicker than it ought to be and a high colour'd urine and full of contents did show the blood to grow hot with a feavourish distemper the sick did not complain of heat or thirst because the blood growing hot did lay up its impurities and recrements forthwith into the provision of the nervous Liquor or into the Lungs wherefore within these receptacles the Symptoms presently became worse but afterwards the disease growing on a somewhat sharp heat with scurfness of the tongue was wont to be troublesome to some yea in all a slow and as it were hectick feavour continued throughout which neither by sweat nor by insensible transpiration could be so wholly removed but that it was daily renued chiefly after eating tho never so small which thing truly seem'd to happen because the nervous juice being full of the feculencies brought from the blood did not afterwards receive them in so great plenty but that these recrements together with the nutritious humour and for that this was not consumed by nourishing the solid particles remaining within the bloody mass caused it then to grow feavourishly hot 2ly Besides this morbid disposition of
the blood contracted from the intemperance of the year it seems that the brain also from the same occasion was made prone to the aforesaid passions For when for a long tract of time the southern winds did continually blow with a moist constitution of the Air from thence the passages and pores of the brain being very much loosned and opened and its connexion too much dissolved they gave an easie passage to serous humours and for all sorts of heterogeneous particles wherefore the blood being very feculent and watery as soon as it began to grow hot from the feavour carried its serous recrements and filths presently thorow the too open doors into the head for whosoever he was who did not complain of his head being too much stuffed with a moist air and numbness of spirits on the contrary his pores being bound together by an intense cold or dryer air all his senses and faculties remained more quick and lively These things being thus premised concerning the morbid provision of the brain and humours to wit of the blood and nervous humour by reason of the constitution of the year whereby indeed very many at that time sell into a slow unequal and long continuing feavour surrounded with Cephalick and Convulsive symptoms and hardly curable hence also it will be easie to unfold the reasons of the rest of the symptoms and accidents chiefly to be noted in this disease Why this disease chiefly invaded children women and phlegmatick men For first of all that this irregular Feavour raged chiefly among Children young men women and phlegmatick men the reason was because in those kinde of bodies the blood was apt to be more waterish and less perspicable and from thence to gather a serous Colluvies or watry humour and heterogeneous feculencies and also the brain being more humid and weak easily received any recrements of the bloud Wherefore it may be observed that those sort of persons were found more prone to Convulsions arising by reason of any other occasions The reason of the Atrophie coming upon this feavour Secondly the noted Atrophie or leanness came so suddenly upon this feavour because by reason of the depravation of the nervous juice the officies of nourishment depending upon it which as we have elsewhere shown are highly active presently failed For although we do not grant the nervous humour to be only nutritious but to dispense thorow the Arteries a matter destinated to the nourishable parts prepared in the bloody mass yet it may be lawfull to think that the Liquor watering the brain and nervous stock by means of an efficient cause doth conduce very much to alimentation for this growing turgid with animal spirit actuates and invigorates the nutritious juice brought to every part by the blood and admitting it into the passages and most intimate receptacles of the body to be nourished and as it were leading it in assimilates or resembles it Wherefore when this houshold Liquor is so depraved that it doth not rightly supply the animal spirits requisite about the work of nutrition all the members and parts of the stomach vitiated in its tone either spues back whatsoever nourishment is brought or cannot receive it to its proper use wherefore truly in this disease the bulk or habit of the body however fuller or fatter was more sooner pull'd down then in a continuall Feavour where it might much more evaporate by the intense heat or copious sweats The reason of which is because in a burning feavour altho the blood growing very hot exhales more plentifully yet in the mean time it continually affords something of nourishment which the severall parts help'd by the benefit of the nervous juice easily received and assimilated but in this nervous pestilence altho the nutritive matter was sufficiently provided yet by the defect of the Nourishment of the spirits the nourishment was altogether inhibited Why this feavour was hardly cureable 3. For the aforesaid reasons also this feavour being a long while protracted was wont scarce ever to be critically helped and difficulty cured by the help of allmost any medicines For the feavourish matter creeping presently from the beginning of the disease into the nervous Liquor could hardly afterwards and not but of a long time be exterminated from its bosome for that this water with a slow motion and flowing leasurely in the streight vessells does not as the blood conceive of its own accord a purifying effervescency or fermentation neither can the forces of medicines reach to it so easily and unmixed but either they are first hindred by other parts or because they are heterogeneous they are wholly excluded from the brain casting back whatever is incongruous In truth for this reason all distempers of the brain and nerves as it were making a mock at Medicines are most difficulty cured Therefore in this feavour if the evill impressed on the brain and nervous stock was taken away either a cruell cough with plentifull spitting ot tumours or an Impostum in the neck did follow to wit the morbifick matter being supped back by the blood and again deposited setled either in the Thorax or in the Glandula's and emunctories nigh the hinder part of the neck But this disease was the more contumacious because the discrasie or evill constitution of the blood was not easily mended for altho from the beginning its Latex the recrements being poured forth even into the nervous Liquor grew but little and sluggishly hot yet afterwards these receptacles being filled and the morbific feculencies and besides the nutritious matter not imployed in nourishing the parts being resident even in the blood did aggravate it and for the exclusion of this trouble not to be mixed with it did induce an Effervescency such as is wont to be in an hectick feavour either almost continuall or presently apt to come again For I have often observed in this feavour from grewell barly-broth and other slender diet no less ebulition of the blood to be stirred up than from broth made of flesh whether indeed the nourishing juice supplying the blood from the chyle because it was not imployed in the work of nutrition carried something heterogeneous and not rightly miscible as a trouble to the blood and by reason of the particles of this superfluous juice being copiously sent away with the serum the urine became very thick red and very full of contents Also for the same reason the belly was for the most part loose forasmuch as the blood filled full of the nutritious juice did suck forth a lesser portion of the chile from the bowells and did pour back again part of that which had been brought to it on the intestines the feavourish distemper did likewise stick so long in the blood because till the animal regiment being restored nutrition was rightly performed that superfluous matter was carried into the mass of blood We deliver the example and the Aetiology or rational account of this aforesaid feavour more largely for this reason because the