Chap. 1. Of the straitness and largeness of the Orifice.

THERE are three Diseases in this Part. The straitness, and the large­ness, and the Yard of a woman.

The straitness is, when the cleft is so narrow, that it wil not admit of [Page 2] a man [...] Yard, or with much difficulty, it hinders childbearing; and if it be from the first confor­mation, it is hard to be cured by Physick, but i [...] is enlarged, either by copulation, or by bring [...]ng forth of children. Somtimes it is from an [...]lcer, or from astringent Medicines given unadvised­ly, that they may appear to be Virgins, when they are not.

Somtimes the cleft is shut up outwardly, and there is only passage for the urin and the terms; these women are called Atret [...]e, that is shut up [...] not bored, of which Chap. 3. Somtimes it is so close, that neither terms nor urine can com [...] [...]orth.

The contrary to this, is largeness of the cle [...]t, or when there are more holes then Nature hath usually, by often copulation or childbearing. This laxity or largeness causeth barrenness and falling out of the womb, as Hippocra [...]es sh [...]ws in the Nature of Women. And this makes women unpleasant to men.

This is cured by purging after childbearing, by Fomentations, Baths, Liniments of Allum wa­ter, and the Decoction of astringent Plants.

Take Com [...]rey roots, Bole, Sanguis Draconis [...] Pomegranate flowers, Allum, Mastich, Galls, each half a dram; make a Pouder, and with steeled Wa­ [...]er make a Mixture, dip a Pessary therein. Or, Tak [...] O [...]ken leaves, Plantane, each half a hand [...]ul; Com­ [...]r [...]y roots an ounce, [...]om [...]granate pe [...]ls and flowers, Sumach, each half an ounce; Allum an ounce, boy [...] them in water, and [...]oment the privi [...]ies.

Somtimes in hard tr [...]vel, the space between the fundament and the p [...]ivie cle [...]t, ar [...] brok [...]n [Page] into one hole. Ero [...] shews the Cure o [...] i [...]. Som [...] [...] pu [...] a long pie [...]e of All [...]m into the [...]le [...]t. When ther [...] are divers passages in a womans priv [...]ties, it i [...] from the first conformation, when by Natur [...] error the passage from the straight g [...]t goes to the womb.

Chap. 2. Of the Mentula, or Yard in a Woman.

THe Al [...]e or wings in the privities of a w [...] ­man [...] are of soft spungy [...]lesh, like a Cocks comb in shape and colour; the part at th [...] top is hard and nervous, and swells like a Y [...]rd in Venery, with much Spi [...]it. This pa [...]t some­times is big as a mans Yard, and such wome [...] were thought to be turned into men.

It is from too much nourishment of the part, The [...] from [...]he loosness of it by o [...]ten handling.

It is not safe to cut it off presently, but fi [...]st use The [...] dryers and discussers, with things that a little a­stringe, then gentle Causticks without causi [...]g pain, as burnt Allum, Aegyptiacum.

Take Aegyptiacum, Oyl of Mastich, Roses [...]W [...]x, ea [...]h half an ounce. If these will not do, the [...] [...]t it off, or tie it with a ligature of Silk or Horse­hair, till it mortisie.

Aetius teacheth the way of amputation, he c [...]ls [...] 10 [...]. it the Nympha or C [...]itoris, between both the wings, but take heed you cause not pain [...]r i [...] ­ [...]lammation. After cutting, wa [...]h with Win [...], with M [...]rtles, Bays, Roses, Pom [...]granate flow [...]s [...]oyled in it, and Cypress-nu [...]s and lay on an [...] Po [...]der.

[Page 4] Some excrescences grow like a tail, and fill the privities: they differ from a Clitoris, for the de­sire of Venery is increased in that, and the rub­bing of the cloaths upon it cause lust, but in an excrescence of flesh, they cannot for pain endu [...] copulation, but you may cut off this better then a Clitoris, because it is all superfluous.

Chap. 3. Of Atretae or Clo­sures, and straitness of the neck and mouth of the Womb.

THey are three [...]old: it is either in the ori [...]ice, or the neck, or in the middle, it is alwaies huttful, either to copulation or the terms, or to conception and childbearing.

I saw one that had the first: the ori [...]ice was very little, onely fit to purge the terms, and re­ceive seed, she conceived, and the Midwives dis­covered in time of childbearing, and the Chi­rurgion opened it, and she was happily delive­red, but how the seed was spent into it, is not to be understood.

Lib de abd sana. & morb. cau. c [...]p [...] 78. Flesh or a membrane is from evil conformati­on, or a wound, or ulcer, of which Benivenius, [...] and Hildanu [...].

The [...]le [...]t also may be closed by a wound o [...] ulcer, as in a woman who with the French [...]ox had all eaten off, and it grew together after, on­ly there was a little passa [...]e for urin.

This is, either when the sides grow togeth [...] f [...]m a [...] u [...]cer, or [...]hen proud [...]le [...]h [...]ops it u [...] [Page 5] [...]hich is somtimes in the French pox.

When it is in the privities, it is to be seen, but The Signs [...]hen in the neck or ori [...]ice of the womb, it is not [...]nown, but when the terms are to [...]low, or when [...]hey copulate; and it is either broken by the [...]orce of blood, or there is pain; and being vir­ [...]ins, they are taken to be with child, for i [...] it [...]ast long the womb swells, and the whole body is [...]lewish.

These either hinder the term [...] from the neck [...]f the womb, or from the veins of it. If in [...]lam­ [...]ation or ulcer was before, this disease may be [...]uspected to be; if there the closing be by the membrane the place is white, if by [...]le [...]h, it is red, [...]nd it is known by the touch, for the membrane [...]s [...]arder then flesh.

The inconveniences are great either in copu­lation, The Pro­gnostick. conception or child bearing especially, for the child cannot get forth without hazard of it self or mother.

It is easier cured when it is from a membrane only, because it is easily cut or broken, that in [...]he orifice of the womb is not to be cured, be­cause the instruments cannot reach it.

Take away that which stops the passage, a The Cure. membrane that is outward is easily cut, but i [...] it be in the neck of the womb or be flesh, it is hard, for if the cut be large there is pain and b [...]e [...]ding, and the wound is hard to be cured, because the ne [...]k of the bladder is easily hurt thereby.

[...] teacheth this operation in his Obser­vations. And Hippocrates in his Book of Sterility sh [...]ws how a membrane may be taken away with­out cutting.

I [...] [...]e [...]h grow fr [...]m an ul [...]r a [...]t [...]r purging, use d [...]ers and discussers, to dimi [...]i [...] it: [...]ith Fr [...]nkincense, [Page] Birthwort, Roses, Pomegranate flow­e [...]s, [...] My [...]r [...], Aloes, &c. as in Chap. 2.

[...] Som [...] think this disease may come from dri­ [...]ss, but it is incredible. I [...] it come stom a hard tun or, soften and dissolve it with Butter, Oyl of swee [...] Almonds, Lillies, &c.

Chap. 4. Of Pustles and Rough­ness of the Privities.

ROughn [...]ss and Itching come from Pustles in the n [...]ck of the womb and privities [...]ith scurff and swellings which i [...]ch and pain.

The Causes They are [...]rom an adust humor mali [...]nant and sharp, which abounding evacuate themselves by th [...]se loo [...]e and moist parts, and there sti [...]king, exasperate the flesh, this is in the French pox.

The Sign [...]. They [...]c [...]are it themselves.

The P [...] ­gnostick. It is stubborn, long, and in [...]e [...]tious to men, and hard to be cured.

The Cure. I [...] the adust sharp humors come from the whol [...] body, prepare with Bora [...]e, Fumitory, Succory, Endive and the lik [...], then evacuate t [...]m wi [...]h Senna [...] Epithymum, syr [...]p of Apples, Viol [...], Roses, Catholicon, Consectio h [...]me [...]h, [...]il [...]s of Fumitory, Tartar.

L [...]t [...]lood i [...] there be [...]ulness, first in the Arm, then in the Ankle, but if it be from the Fren [...]h pox, first u [...]e Guajacum and S [...]a and the like.

Foment the [...]a [...]t often with a hot dec [...]ction o [...] [...] F [...]i [...]ory, H [...]ps P [...]lli [...]y, o [...] u [...]e this Oyntm [...]nt. Take [...] and Rose [...] [...]ch [...] [...]nce [...]; S [...]l gem, N [...]r, Allum, [...]ach thr [...] dr [...]ms; Sub [...]i [...] a [...] [...]nd half, boy [...] t [...]m [Page 7] [...]o the third part, strain them, and add Verdigrease a [...]ruple: then use gentler means two daies after till the Pustles fall off and new flesh appear, and then use the Oyntment again.

Let the diet be to resist evil humors, of good [...]uy [...], avoid salt sharp and [...]our things.

Chap. 5. Of Condyloma in the neck of the Womb.

COndyloma is a tubercle or excrescens with heat and pain, for these parts are wrinkled, and when the wrinkles swell there is a Condy­loma, somtimes it is without inflammation and s [...]t, or with inflammation and hard. It is usu­al n the privities and fundament of such as have the French pox.

They are from a sharp malignant humor, The Causes which is alwaies in the Pox, and somtimes they follow hard clefts or chaps.

They are pain and burning, the skin is wrink­led, The Signs. and when they are many, they are like a bunch of Grapes

They are hard to be cured, if they are from The Pr [...] ­gnostick. t [...]e Pox first cure that, and then they often va­nish of themselves.

A [...]ter general evacuations proper against the The Cure. Pox, use Topicks, first see if there be inflamma­tion, and then abate pain [...] As, Take oyl of Line­seed and Ros [...]s, [...]ach an ounce; oyl of Eggs half an ounce, mix [...]hem in a Leaden mortar. Or, Take P [...]ll [...]tor [...], Mallows, Althaea, each half a hand­ful; Chamomil flowers two pugils, Lineseed and [...]ae­ [...]ugreek, each half an ounce, boyl them, to a p [...]n [...] [...]dd oyl of Ros [...]s three [...]unces, in [...]ect it w [...]th a Sy­ [...]ing.

[Page 8] If there be no inflammation, use driers and re­pellers, as Vervain, Ivy, Acacia, Pomegranate peels and slowers, for Baths and Fomentations, and after add Discussers, as Chamomile and Thyme.

If it be old and hard, first soften it with the same, and after thrice using them, [...]se digesters and driers that are strong as a pouder, Take round Birthwort a dram, Savine, Hermodacts burnt [...]ach two drams; burnt Allum two drams, red Lead a dram, Chalcitis half a dram, sprinkle it up­on the loose flesh.

Or, Take Aloes, Frankincense, Mirrh, each a dram; Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar a dram and half, Allum two drams, rea Lead two drams, Galls half a dram, Turpentine, Oyl of Tar [...]ar, each a dram; with Oyl of Roses and Wax, make an Oynt­ment.

This is very strong. Take Turpcmine an ounc [...], Oyl of Nutmegs two ounces, red Lead two drams, Allum, Vitriol, each a dram; Verdigreece, half [...] dram, Sublimate a scruple, with Wax make an Oynt­ment, or of Balsom of Mercury.

Tetrab. 4. [...]rm. l. 3. If Medicines will not do, the Ancients advise burning, of which see Aetius.

Chap. 6. Of Warts in the neck of the Privities and Womb.

THey are from a gross seculent and mal [...]gnant humor sent to the skin, and turned to a node.

The Signs. They are known by their shape: the ma­lignant are known by their hardness, and heat, and blewness, fil [...]h and pain.

The Pro­gn [...]s [...]ck. They are often hard to be cured, because the [Page 9] pox is with them, and they are in a place to which Medicines are hard to be applied, and to continue.

The Myrmeciae are not cut off, but they leave a great ulcer, the Thymi and Clavi grow again. Acrochordones once cut, leave no root.

After Universals, and order of diet, either use The Cure. Medicines, or cut or burn them to discuss, then use Sage dried with Figs, Organ, Rue burnt, dry Savin, Frankincense, with Wine and Vinegar, or To be a skilful Physitian study my S [...]nnertus, Platerus, Riverius, Bartholi­nus, and Riolanus, of the last Editions. Snakes skins with Figs: these also dry.

These corrode, eat and burn, as juyce of wild Cowcumbers, with Salt, Milk of Figgs, Sheeps dung, Goats gall, with Niter, Aqua fortis, Spirit of Vitriol, Sulphur, Butter of Antimony. Take heed that you hurt not the parts adjacent, but defend them with Bole, sealed Earth, Rosewater and Vinegar: if you put the Corrosives into Nut­shells, change them twice or thrice in a day, and wash the part with a clensing Decoction, and then cut or burn.

Chap. 7. Of the Haemorrhoids of the Womb.

THe veins that end in the neck of the womb, often swel, like the Haemorrhoids: it is from gross blood that comes to these veins out of the time of the terms.

Inordinate flux of terms may occasion it, when The Causes t [...]y slow out of the usual time, they grow thick, and cannot get out of the veins, but swel them.

They are to be touched, and with a Speculum The Signs. matricis to be seen. There is pain and bleeding without order: she is pale and lazy.

[Page 10] The Cure. Correct the blood, purge, and bleed in the arm to derive and revel, of which in the diseases of the womb.

If pain be, abate it by sitting in a Decoction of Mallows, Althaea, Chamomil, M [...]lilot flowers, Moulin, Lineseed, Foenugreek; of which also make Fomentations and Oyntments, with But­ter, Populeon, and Opium if there be pain.

Take Populeon, Oyl of Roses, and sweet Almonds, fresh Butter, each half an ounce; Saffron a s [...]ple, with the yolk of an Egg, make an Oyntment. Or,

Take Mu [...]ilage of Quinces, Althaea, ea [...]h half an ounce; Oyl of Roses, and Hens gre [...]se, each a dram; the yolk of an Eg, and Saffron half a dram, mix them in a leaden Mortar.

If pain be gone or abated, and they bleed not, use Dryers of Bole, Earth of Lemnos, Acacia, Ceruss, froath of Silver, Lead burnt and washed, long Birthwort, Allum, Verdigreece.

If they swell with blood, evaporate it, or [...]o­ment with the Decoction of Mallows, Althaea, Pellitory, Chamomil flowers, Moulin Melilot, seeds of Line and Foenugre [...]k. If they do not good, open them by Fig leaves rub'd upon them, or by Horsleeches, of which Chap. 2.

If there be proud flesh, take it o [...]t, as is shew­ed.

If they bleed gently, l [...]t Nature alone to the work, for it is good, and [...]rees from other disea­ses. If the flux be g [...]eat, and abate the strength, open a vein in the arm divers times, and do as in over slowing of the terms.

Chap. 8. Of Ulcers in the Neck of the Womb.

THey are seldome cured in the body of the womb, and they are simple and clean, or [...]or­did and malignant.

Are a flux of sharp humors that lasts long in The Causes the Pox and Gonorrhaea. Corrupt afterbirths, and courses after child [...]earing detained, inflam­mations turned to imposthui [...]es [...] these are the internal.

The external are sharp Medicines, hard tra­vail a reat child taken out by [...]orce, violent le­ [...]hery, wounds, falls, strokes.

Are pain and constant biting that increaseth, Th [...] Signs. [...]cially in co [...]ulation, or when Wine or Hy­dr [...]mel is injected. You may also see it with a [Page 12] Speculum: also there is matter gentle or [...]ilthy: if the ulcer go towards the bladder, they piss hot and often: there is pain in the roots of the eyes to the hands and fingers fainting, and a little [...]e­ver somtimes.

Lib. 1. de morb. mu­lierum. The external Causes are to be related by the patient. If it be from the pox or Gonorrhaea, the signs of them will appear, of which Hippocrates.

The Pro­gnostick. They are hard to be cured, because they are in a part fit to receive humors, soft and moist, and that hath consent with many parts. Hence are divers Symptoms: the great, old, and foul are worst, when they corrode, and are hollow, they are seldome cured; they that may easily have Medicines applied to them, are easie [...]t cu­red.

The Cure. First, stop the flux of humors to the part, if it be either from the whole body, or any part. And amend the distemper of the womb, that it may neither breed nor receive bad humors. If the French pox be with it, resist that first.

If there be pain, first abate that, with Milk stee­led, or with three whites of Eggs, and Mucilage of Fleabane, or an Emulsion of Poppy seeds. Or, Take Althaea roots an ounce, Dill seed two drams, Barley a pugil, Faenugreek and Lineseed, each an ounce; Fleabane and Poppy seed, each half an ounce; boyl them in Milk. Of which in pain of the womb.

In a foul ulcer, first use Clensers, as Whey, Barley water, Honey, Wormwood, Smallage, Orobus, Orris, Birthwort, Mirrh, Turpentine, Allum. As, Take new Milk boyled a pint, Ho­ney half a pint, Orris pouder half an ounce. Use it hot often every day.

When that which was injected, is voided, [Page 13] wash with the decoction of Mallows, and put up this Pessary. Take Eruum and Lentils in pouder and Orris, each two drams; with Honey. Or,

Take Diapompholigos, with Frankincense, Ma­stich, Mirrh, Aloes, as the ulcer requires.

Or use Fumes. As, Take Frankincense, Ma­stich, Mirrh, Storax Calamite, Gum of Juniper, Lab­danum, each an ounce; make a Pouder, or Troches with Turpentine.

If there be suspicion of the French pox, add a little Cinnabar. In a very foul ulcer, and Ae­gyptiacum or Apostolorum, or a little Spirit of Wine. In a creeping corroding ulcer, with clen­ [...]ers mix cold, drying and astringent Medicines. Allum water, Plantane and Rose-water, with Pomegranate flowers boyled, and Pomegranate peels, and Cypress-nuts is also good, and with Aloes.

After clensing, fill it with flesh, and heal it up. As, Take Tutty washed half an ounce, Litharge, Ceruss, Sarcocol, each two drams; with Oyl of Roses and Wax make an Oyntment.

Or smoak the privities with Mirrh, Frankin­cense, Gum or Juniper, Labdanum two drams in pouder, with Turpentine make Troches.

Or use Sulphur, or Allum Baths, and Plai­sters.

Inwardly give vulnerary Potions. As, Take Agrimony, Burnet, Plantane, Knotgrass, each two pugils; China three dram [...], Coriander seed half a dram, Currans half an ounce, boyl them in Hen­br [...]ath, give it [...]wice a day: or give Turpentine and S [...]ar [...]r a month, or a dram of Pills of [...].

If the body consume, give Asses milk, with [...] of Roses for a month.

Chap. 9. Of Clefts in the Neck of the Womb.

THese are long ulcers that are [...]inal, like those in the hands and feet in Winter, they eat o [...] the skin, and are somtimes deep, with hard lips, if old: somtimes they are dry, or somtimes bleed.

The Ca [...]ses They come from hard travel, when some pa [...]ts in the neck of the womb are broken by a great child, or violent copulation, or flux of sharp hu­mors that stick in the parts, and corrode.

The Signs. If it be new, it is hidden somtimes and known in copulation, by pain and bleeding.

The Pro­gnostick. The new are easier cured, then when they are old and callous.

The Cure. If they come from hard travel, make a Cly­ster of the Decoction of Roses, Plantane, Birth­wort, Bole, Sanguis Draconis, Frankincense, or with the white of an Egg, a Pessary.

If from sharp humors: after universal Eva­cuations, use Topicks that bind without biting, (if the clefts be not callous) as Oyl of Linseed and Roses, with the yolk of an Egg, and j [...]yce of Plantane mixed in a leaden Mortar. Or,

Vng. stpol [...]onij apud G [...]l. Take Oyl of Roses eight ounces, stir it in a leaden Mortar, till it is black and thick, then put in the pouders of Litharge of Silver and C [...]russ.

If they are callous, make an Oyntment of oyl of Lillies, Marrow of a Deer, Turpentine and Wax: if they are malignant, cure them as [...] ­stula'es, of which in the C [...]apter following.

If there be itch or pain. Take Diapomp [...]oli­g [...], P [...]pul [...]on, [...]a [...]h an ounce; Sug [...]r of Lead, [...]amphire, [Page 15] each a scruple; make an Oyntment.

Let the diet be moist, of good juyce, Chic­kens, Veal, Kid, rear Eggs, Mallows, Bugloss, Borage: abstain from sharp and salt meats.

Chap. 10. Of Fistulae's in the Neck of the Womb.

MAny times there are ulcers in these parts, because they are soft, and easily corroded, and [...]re hard to be cured.

Some of them are [...]rait, others crooked; some [...] others hollow.

If matter stay there, it corrodes and makes The Causes burroughs, and divides the parts, and makes a Callus, and when the matter is voided, the parts divided cannot unite.

It is known by the [...]igure of the ulcer, there is The Signs. a callous lip, and thin evil matter, when it is pres­sed, flows out: there is no pain, except it reach a sensible part. Somtimes it reacheth the blad­der, and then the urin comes forth at the fistula: somtimes the fundament, and then the dung ap­pears in the Fistula.

A new Fistula is easier cured then an old and a The Pro­gnosti [...]k. strait then a crooked: it is scarce to be cured in a cacochymical old body, and when it pierceth into the parts adjacent.

First use Universals, and good diet, then see The Cure. if it may be cured by Medicines, or better left to Nature to evacuate exc [...]ements thereby.

I [...] the last is best, use a palliative Cure, by often purging and sweating twice in a year, and inje­ctions an [...] strengtheners, and lay on a Plai [...]er of [...].

[Page 16] If you hope for a Cure, after Universals, giv [...] drying vulnerary Drinks, of male Fern roots, Centaury, Agrimony, Bettony, Ladies-mantle, &c.

Then use Topicks; fi [...]st dilate the orisice (i [...] it be strait) with a Spunge or Gentian [...]oots, the [...] consume the Callus, but first make it soft wi [...] Oyl of Lillies, Deer's Marrow, Tu [...]pentine and Wax.

Three things consume a Callus: Medicines, cutting and burning, there in a new strait Fistula, use Gentian, black H [...]llebore, Aegyptiacum, o [...] Vigo's Pouder with a Pencil. Or, Take Subli­mate half a scruple, Rose or Plantane water six oun­ces, set it upon embers. If it be towards the womb, take heed of strong Medicines.

If it be callous and [...]oul, burn it either by a Caustick or hot iron. These are good in the ou [...] ­ward part of the neck: then clense and heal.

Chap. 11. Of a Cancer in the Womb.

IT is seldom seen, and never cured: but here I shall speak of that in the neck of the womb, which is ulcerated, or not ulcerated.

It is from terms burnt, and hot burnt humors The Causes that are black, that flow thither; it is after long [...]irrhous tumors, that have been immoderately softned. It is first not ulcerated, and when the humors are more corrupt, it is ulcerated.

The Signs. They are hard to be known at first, because it is a tumor without pain, and after there is a pric­king in it, and a pain in the groyns, loyns, and bottom of the belly. The tumor is hard, blew, [Page 17] with blew stinking lipps When it is ulcerated, the Sym [...]s are all worse, and there is a thin, bla [...]k, s [...]inking matt [...]r. Somtimes much blood t [...]at is dangerous, a gen [...]le [...]eaver, loathing, t [...]uble of mind, th [...] cheek [...] are red, from the va­po [...]s that fli [...] up from the womb.

It is hard to be cured, because mild Medicine [...] The Pro­gnostick. are no [...] [...]el [...], and strong [...] ex [...]sp [...]rate; and the part mak [...]s it more hard, because it is neglected at the [...]r [...]t, and increa [...]th.

[...] the [...]hysitian p e [...]ent ulceration; or if it The Cu [...]e. b [...] [...]o hi [...]d [...] the incr [...]s [...] of it, l [...]t diet be against m [...]l [...]n [...]hol [...]: p [...]pare and purge mel [...]ncholy.

T [...]is Pouder for many d [...]ies given is excel­l [...]t. Take Sm [...]r [...]gd [...] Sap [...]irs, and E [...]st [...]z [...]ar­stone, e [...]ch a dram; give every day three or four grains with S [...]abious or Carduus water.

Let the Topicks not be biting at [...]irst. But fo­ [...]ent with Jay [...]e of Plantane, Nightshade, Pur­s [...]ne, or use Diapompholigos. Or, Tak [...] j [...]yc [...] [...]f Plantane, Nightsha [...]e, Purslan [...], e [...]h two ounces; Mu [...]ilage of Fleabane an [...]un [...]e, O [...]l of Ros [...] three [...]ounces [...] [...]ti [...] them in [...] leaden Mor [...]r. Or, Take O [...]l of R [...]s [...]s, of Eggs, [...]ach anounce and half; Su­ [...]g [...]r of Lead a d [...]am, [...]tir them in a leaden Mortar, then add Litharge, Cer [...]ss, each three drams; Tutty a dram, Camphire a s [...]ruple. Or,

Take j [...]yce of Nightsh [...]de six ounces, Tutty and burnt Lead e [...]ch two drams; a [...]phire half a dram, [...]ir th [...] long in a lead [...]n Mortar, and add pouder of [...]rays [...]h.

Inj [...]t a Dec [...]ction of Crayfish: and i [...] p [...]in be grea [...], [...] with Mallo [...]s, Althaea, Wate [...]lil­ [...]ies, Co [...]i [...]nder, Dill, [...]leabane [...]eed, with Sas­ [...]roa in Milk; or make a Catapl [...]s [...]e of the [...]ame.

[Page 18] Some use Antimony, Arsenick, &c. which are good in other parts. But this cannot bear them.

A Noble woman had on the right side of her face an ulcerated cancer and when al the French, Italian, German, Spanish Phys [...]tians could no [...] cure her, a Barber cured her only with Chi [...]kens sliced thin, and laid on often every day.

Chap. 12. Of a Gangrene and Sphacel in the Womb.

SOmetimes the whole womb is gangrenated, and it is from the privities that receive ma­ny excrements apt to corrupt.

he Causes It is from an inflammation and ulcer not well cured, because the part hath many excrements, which easily quench the natural heat, and then the part mortifies.

The Signs. There is an usual heat in the neck of the womb, and a feaver with horror all over the bo­dy, then the colour changeth in the part, it is black and blew, without pulse or sense: when i [...] is cut or pricked, it stinks, and the strength de­cayes, and the heart faints.

The Pro­g [...]ostick [...] Aetius leth 1. c. 72. Nicol. Flo­rent. ser. 6. tr [...]. math. de grad. in 9. [...]h [...]sis c. de e [...]i [...] matri [...]. It is very dangerous, and worse when it goes to the womb then outwards. Some have had the womb fall out, and have lived, which besides grave Histories.

We saw at Avinion in an old Noble woman. Anno 1635.

Stop the pu [...]re [...]action, take away that which is rotten, by s [...]arifying if you can, then wash with the De [...]ction of Wormwood. Lupin [...]s, and with Aegyptiacum, and apply this Cataplasm. Take O [...]bus and Beanflower, [...]ach two [...]un [...]es; O [...]ym [...] [Page 19] a pint, boyl them, add Lupine [...], Wormwood, Aloes The Cure. and Mirrh.

Cut off the dead flesh, strengthen the principal parts, the heart, le [...]st the Spirits be infected with evil vapors that [...]ie up by the arteries.

Give Conserve of Borage, Bugloss, Gilliflo­wers, Diamargariton [...]rigid Electuary of Gems frigid, Confection of Hyacinths [...] Syrup of Sor­rel, [...]omegranates, Borage; and appl [...] Epithems to the heart, Vuierus cured a Noble woman aged twenty five, she had a pustle in her privities in the Dog-daies, from violent Lechery with her Hus­band, and she used a Cataplasm from a sill [...] Chirurgion, In obserua­tio. and in a few daies it rotted, grew black, and mortified, and went towards the fundament very fast.

Chap. 1. Of the Knowledg of the Temper of the Womb.

Lib. uterus muliebris. MARK Anthony Vlmus Phy­sitian of Bononia, shews the temper of the womb: he saith that a beard in women shews that they have a hot womb, and hot stones: it comes with the beginning of the terms, and when the breasts swell, and is hard to be seen.

Aristotle saith, That some women have hairs in Lib. 3. de lust. ani. c. 11. their chin, when their courses stop, and when they have a hot womb and stones.

But there are more certain signs of heat. [Page 21] 1. When hard hair comes [...]orth suddenly, thick, black, and long, and large about; if they come forth slow, thin, soft, yellowish, and but few not spreading the womb is cold.

Also when the ter [...]s come forth at twelve years of age, it is a [...]ign of a hot womb, and when they last long, the blood is red, hot, but not ve­ry much. In an old constitution they come la­ter, and the blood is cold and waterish, and they end sooner. If it be hot and moist, they flow plentifully, and last till after fifty. If it be hot and dry, the blood is yellow, thin and sharp, and pricks the privities.

If it be cold and moist, the blood comes late forth, with difficulty, and it is whitish and thin. If it be cold and dry, the terms come forth very late, and with difficulty, and seldom continue till forty, and the blood is thick and little.

The third sign is from Lechery, for they who have hot wombs desire copulation [...]ooner and more vehemently, and are much delighted th [...]r­with. They who are cold, do the contrary. The hot and moist are not tired with much Venery. The hot and dry have great lust, and a Frenzie if they want it; but they are quickly [...]ired, because there are but few Spirits. If it be cold and moist, they are not soon lecherous, and are [...]asily satis­fied; and if they miscarry often, the womb is made colder, and they delight not in the sport: but copulation doth them good, and makes them more youthful. If it be cold and dry, they desire not a man in a long time, and take no delight, because the Spirits are few.

The fourth sign is from often conception, for the hot conceive often, and bring forth males or Viragoe's, if the seed of the man agree with it. [Page 22] The cold doth the contrary.

A hot and moist womb is very fruitful, if the man be wel tempered, and though he be old and weak, yet she will conceive by him: sometimes they have twins, or over do, and have a mole.

Hot and dry are fruitful, but not so much as the former.

Cold and moist, are hard to conceive, especi­ally when they are in years; when they are yong, and the seed of the man is hot and dry, they con­ceive males, but seldom wel shaped or healthful, and the woman while she is with child, is sickly.

A cold and dry womb is commonly barren, and if they conceive, the mans seed is hot and moist, they bring forth [...]emales; and if males, they are tall, and quickly look old.

Chap. 2. Of the hot Distem­per of the Womb.

HEat of the womb is necessary for concepti­on: but if it be too much, it nourisheth not the seed of the man, but disperseth its heat, and hinders the conception

The Causes This preternatural heat is from the birth som­times, and makes them barren; if afterwards, it is from hot causes, that bring the heat and the blood to the womb: from internal and external Medicines, too much hot meats, and drinks, and exercise.

The Signs. They are prone to lu [...]t, have few courses, yel­low, or black, or burnt, or sharp, they have hairs betimes upon their privities; they are subject to the headach, and there are signs of much cho­ler, their lips are dry.

[Page 23] When this distemper is strong, they have few The Pr [...] gnostick. terms, and out of order; they are [...]ad and hard to flow, and in time they are H [...]p [...]ondria [...]ks, and for the most part barren; and [...]here is som­times a Frenzie of the womb.

Use Coolers: so that they offend not the ves­sels, The Cure. that must be open for the flux of the terms. Therefore,

Use inwardly Succory, Endive, Violets, Wa­terlillies, Sorrel, Lettice, Sanders, and Syrups, and Conserves made thereof. As,

Take Conserve of Succory, Violets, Waterlillies, Borage, each an ounce; Conserve of Roses half an ounce, Diamargariton frigid, Diatrionsantalon, each half a dram; with Syrup of Viole [...]s or juyce of Ci­trons, make an Electuary.

Outwardly use Oyntment of Galens Cooler, Oyntment of Roses [...] Cerot of Sanders, Oyl of Roses, Violets, Waterlillies, Gourds, Venus na­vel to the back and loyns; or make Cataplas [...]s of Barley meal, Roses poudered, Violets, Water­lillies, Sanders, with juyce or water of Plantane, Waterlillies, Succory Lettice, Oyl of Roses, Vio­lets, Waterlillies.

Baths are good to sit in, and cooling [...]omen­tations, and after let her take some of the Coo­lers mentioned. In great heat, use this cooling Pessary.

Take Opium a s [...]ruple, Goose grease two scruples, Eros. de p [...]ss. mulie. c. 7. Wax and Honey, each four scruples; Oyl an ounce, whites of two Eggs.

This was from an opinion the Ancients had, that Opium was cold, but take heed of the using it too much, least the narcoti [...]k quality hurt.

Let the air be cool, her garments thin: let her meat be with Lettice, Endive, Succory, Barley: [Page 24] give no hot mea [...]s nor strong Wine, except it be wat [...]ish and thi [...]; rest is good both in body and mind: she m [...]st not co [...]ulate, but she may sleep much.

Chap. 3. Of the cold Distem­per of the Womb.

THis causeth many evils, and barrenness.

They are contrary to those of a hot di­stemper; The Causes cold air, rest and idleness and cooling Medicines [...]

The Signs. It is known by their not desire of le [...]hery, no [...] receiving pleasure in the time of copula [...]ion, when they spend their [...]eed. The ter [...]s are fle [...] ­matick, thi [...]k and [...]im [...], and flow not righ [...]ly [...] there is wind in the womb the seed is crude, wa­terish [...] with a Gonor [...]haea.

The Pro­gnos [...]ick. It is the cause of obstructions and barrenness, and is hard to be cured.

The Cure. Use things proper to heal the womb, as this W [...]te [...].

T [...]ke Galanga [...], Ci [...]namon [...] Nutmeg, Mace, Cloves each tw [...] [...] Ging [...]r, Cubeb [...], Zedoa­ry, [...]ardamo [...]s, e [...]ch [...]n ounce; grains of Paradise, long P [...]pper, each half an ounce; beat them, and put them i [...] six qu [...]rt [...] of [...]ine for ei [...]ht daies, then add Sa [...]e, Min [...]s, Balm, Motherw [...]rt, eac [...] three handf [...]ls; l [...]t them stand [...]ight daies more, then pour [...]ff the [...]ine, and be [...]t the herbs and the Spi [...]es, and th [...]n pour on the Wine [...] and distil them.

Another. Take Cinnamon, Nutmegs, Cl [...]v [...]s, Mace, Ginger [...] Cubeb [...], Cardamoms [...] grains of P [...] ­radise, [...]ach an oun [...]e and hal [...]: Gal [...]n [...]al six drams, long [...]epper ha [...]f an oun [...]e, Zedoary five drams, [Page 25] bruise them, and add six quarts of Wine, put them in a Cellar nine dai [...]s, daily stirring them; then add Mints two h [...]nd [...]uls, then let them stand fourteen daies, pour off the Wine, and bruis [...] them, and then pour on the Wine again [...] and distil them.

Querce [...]an hath an H [...]sterick Ex [...]ract, a [...]reater In phar. doc. restit. cap. 25. and a less; use outwardly Fomentations, Baths [...] Baggs, of hot Roots, as Birthwort, Lovage Va­le [...]ian, Angelica, Burnet, M [...]sterwort, Calamus, M [...]dder, Elicampane, Or [...]is, and Herbs, as Mug­wort, Balm, Motherwort, Savin, Pennyroyal, Calamints, Organ, Dittany, Ma [...]joram, Rue, Bettony, Rosemary, L [...]vender, Sage, Stoechas­ [...]lowers, Seeds of Smallage. Parsley, Rue [...] Car­rots, Anise, Fennel, Cummin, Lovage Parsley.

Anoint with Oyl o [...] Lillie [...] Rue [...] A [...]gelica, Bays, Cinnamon, Cloves, M [...]ce, Nutmeg. Or, Take Labda [...]m tw [...] ounces, Frankince [...]se Mastich, [...]iquid Storax, [...]ach half an oun [...]; Oyl of Cloves, Nu [...]megs, each hal [...] a scruple; O [...]l of Lillies, Rue, [...]ach an ounce; with Wax make a Plaister.

A F [...]me. Take Fr [...]nkincense, Mirrh, Mastich, [...]ach a dram; Bayberries a dram and half, Labda­ [...]um two drams [...] S [...]rax, Cloves [...] eac [...] a dram; Gum Ar [...]bick and Wine make Troches, or Pessaries of [...]he same.

Let the diet be warming, and the air, the meat [...]f easie conco [...]tion, seasoned with Anise, Fen­ [...]el, Thyme. Avoid Milk-meats, and raw fruits.

Chap. 4. Of the moist Distem­per of the Womb.

THis is [...]ommo [...]ly jo [...]ned with a co [...]d distem­per, a [...]d causeth b [...]rrenness, a [...]d [...] the [Page 26] same causes, as a cold distemper: for common­ly cold things do moisten. It is commonly in women [...]hat are idle.

The Signs They that have moist wombs, abound in cour­ses, but they are waterish and thin, the privities are wet, they have the Whites, and desire not co­pulation much, and delight not in it, they ret [...]in not the seed; and if they conceive when the child is big, they aborte or miscarry.

The Pro­gnostick. If it last long, it is hard to be cured: if it be much, they conceive not.

The Cure. It is by Dryers, and things that cure the cold distemper are good again [...] the moist: because all Healers have a drying power. Use sulphur Baths and in Injections: beware of ast [...]ingents, least the evil humors be stop [...], and the disease i [...] ­creased.

Chap. 5. Of the dry Distem­per of the Womb.

IN this the womb is hardened, of it self it is fleshy and soft, and moistned by blood fo [...] conception.

The Causes It is somtimes from the birth, or old age, when they are past childbearing: if it be from dr [...]ing causes, they are barren before they are old.

Diseases and Medicines dry the womb, as in­flammations, feavers, and when blood flows no [...] to it, nor goes to the bottom of it, by reason [...] the straitness of the veins, or obstructions, as i [...] Viragoe's, and such as never conceived: and i [...] they void any blood, it is f [...]om the neck of th [...] womb, and not from the bottom.

The Signs. They void little [...]eed, and are [...]low in Venery [...] [Page 27] the terms are few the mouth of the womb is dry, and they are slender of a dry constitution, their lower lip is alwaies chapt, and blackish red.

This dis [...]emper is hard to be cured in any part, The Pro­gnos [...]ick. especially if it be old.

Use moistners as Borage, Bugloss, Mercury, The Cure. Mallows, Althaea, Violets, sweet Almonds, Pi­st [...]chaes, Pine nuts, Jujubes, Dates, Figs, Rai­sons.

Of which are made Syrups, Conserves, Emul­sions, Candies &c.

Outward Remedies are made of the same, ad­ding Time, Faenugreek seeds, Lillies, Branck­urlin, Pellitory, &c.

Fomentations are made with Milk, and after bathing anoynt the region of the womb and the belly to the privities with oyl of sweet Almonds, Lilli [...]s, Lineseed, Jesamin, fresh Butter, Hens and Goose grease.

Let the Diet be moistning, the Air moist, the Me [...]t fatning, of much nourishment and small exc [...]ement, let sleep be a little longer then usual; great labour, anger, sadness, fasting, do hurt.

Chap. 6. Of compound distem­pers, and first of cold and moist.

THere is seldom a simple distemper in the p [...]rt, and commonly there is matter which [...]eeds it [...] it is usually cold and moist, which ga­ [...]he [...]s exc [...]ements of that sort, either in the whol [...] [...]dy, or in the womb after the terms.

[Page 28] The Causes Are all things that breed cold and flegmatick humors in the whole body or the womb.

The Signs. They conceive not, and are of an ill habit of body, the terms seldom flow right, and they have somtimes the whites.

The Pro­gnostick. It is harder to cu [...]e then a simple distemper.

The Cure. The cold humor is in fault, therefore prepare it with syrup of Mugwort, Mints, Bettony, Hy­sop, with a decoction proper.

As, Take Fennel roots an ounce, Valerian, Eli­campane, Masterwort, each half an ounce; Penny­royal, Mugwort, Motherwort, Nep, Marjoram, each a handful; Rosemary and Sage flowers, each two pugils; Siler Montane, Fennel Aniseed, Pars­nep seed, each a dram; boyl them: to ten ounces strained, add Sugar, syrup of Mugwort two or three ounces, Cinnamon water half an ounce, make a poti­on for three doses.

Then purge it with Agarick, Mechoacan, Turbith, and if other humots be mixed with flegm, add Senna and the like, or use Pills de tribus Aloephanginae, Mastich, of Hiera with A­garick, Sine quibus. Or, Take Agarick a dram and half, Senna two drams, infuse them in Mug­wort water, to three ounces strained, add Diaphae­nicon or Diacarthaemum tw [...] drams, strain and add syrup of Mugwort half an ounce, Cinnamon water half a dram.

After universal evacuations, use Pessaries. As, Take Mercury, bruise it and put it in a bag of white Silk, anoynt it with Butter or Honey of Ro­ses.

Or, Take Benedicta laxativa three drams, Aga­rick two drams, Gi [...]h seed a dram, Pease meal six drams, with juyce of Mercury make Pessaries in a Sarsnet Bag. Or, Take Hiera a dram, Agarick [Page 29] [...]alf a dram, [...]dellium a dram, with Honey make a Pessary, or make it with pouder of Agarick [...] and Troches of Coloquintida, or give sweats of Cuaja­ [...]um, China and Sarsa, As,

Take Guajacum a pound and eighteen ounces, in­ [...]a [...]e them in twelve pints of water twenty four hours, [...]hen boyl them to the consumption of the third part, [...]ive six or eight ounces [...]ot in the morning, and le [...] [...]er sweat.

Pour water to the reliques and boyl them to [...]he consumption of the third part for an ordina­ [...]y drink.

You may use China and Sarsa the same way, [...]nd because in a decoction some strength is lost, [...]nd so great a quantity is tedious for wom [...]n, [...]ou may distill them and give a less quantity [...]ith things proper for the womb.

As, Take Guajacum a pound, or Sarsa eight [...]unces, Angelica, Elicampane, each an ounce; [...]ugwort two handfuls, Di [...]tany half a handful, ad [...]x pints of water or wine, steep them two daies, then [...]istill them, and give two ounces of the water.

Let her meat be roasted birds, hens, capons, [...]artridges, mutton, sweet Almonds, Raisons, [...]t her abstain from [...]alt and sharp things.

If these sweats are unpleasant, give them in [...]e third and fourth Chapter internal and exter­ [...]al. As, Take conserve of Marjoram, Rosemary, [...]ettony, each two ounces; of Balm an ounce, Dia­ [...]oschu dulcis, Diam [...]rgarion calid, each a dram; [...]ndied Eryngus and Citrons, each half an ounce; [...]ith s [...]rup of Mugwort make an El [...]ctuary, and use [...]aths to [...] in mentioned.

Drying Spaw-waters are good to drink, or to [...] in.

Let the diet be as in Chap. 3. and 4. give the [Page 30] flesh of wild Mountain [...]owl, Pigeons, Hens, Ca­pons, Mutton, roasted and spiced and old wine, and let her exercise.

Chap. 7. Of the ill shape of the womb, and first of the straitness of it and its vessels.

THis is a disease of evil conformation from nature, when it can be stretched out no further, this makes an abortion in the fourth or fifth month.

But it is wonderful in its natural shape when it wil stretch according to the proportion of the child, and after childbearing be as small as a [...] first.

Chap. 8. Of the opening of the Vessels of the Womb besides Nature.

THis is when there is great bleeding.

The Causes The vessels are opened preternaturally three waies, by Anastomosis, Diaeresis, and by Diapedesis, as in the lungs. Anastomosis is from much blood which the liver doth produce, and send out by the womb, as in some by the nose.

For the blood being thin, hot, cholerick and sharp, opens the mouths of the vessels, and cau­seth a flux.

Diaeresis is from much blood, when there is great motion, as when there is long copulation with a strong man that hath a great tool, or a hard travel, or abortion, a [...]all or stroke; also when sharp humors corrode, or sharp pessaries.

Diaped [...]sis is from the thinness of the vessels, and loosness, and the thinness of the blood, or from much moisture, or use of Baths.

The Signs. M [...]ch blood is a [...]ign the vessels are open, you shall know the causes that open them thus. In Anastomosis the blood drops, and is th [...]n, and [Page 33] there are signs of much blood, or sharp and thin.

If there be a Di [...]er [...]sis, the blood flows more, and there are clodde [...]s and there were causes that broke the vessels, as sharp Suppositories.

Diapedesis is known, when the woman is of a thin and loose habit of body, the blood thin, or she hath used [...]uch bathing.

If the vessels open from much blood in a sound The Pr [...] gnostick. body, there is less danger, and it is easier cured then in a Caco [...]hymy.

In an A [...]asiomosis give things that thicken The Cure. without slime, as Roses, Mirtles, Medlars, Ser­vices, Pomegranate peels and fl [...]wers, Sanders, [...]o­ral, Harts horn, Cypress-nu [...]s.

In Diaeresis give things that thicken with slime' as Comfrey, Plantane, Gum Traganth, whites of Eggs, Troches of Amber, Bole, Starch, Rice Quin­ces, Sanguis Draconis, Sarcocol, and Izing glass.

But because there are divers causes, and these dise [...]es are not cured but by taking them away [...] we shall speak of them in the Chapter of immo­derate Terms.

Chap. 9. Of a double Womb, the wanting of a Womb, and e­vil shape of the Womb, and strange things found in it.

Julius Obsequens sai [...]s that one woman had two w [...]mbs, and [...] saith that a Maid had her womb in two parts, as in Bitches.

C [...]l [...]mbus saith that one wanted a womb, but Lib. 15. a [...]o. [...]e [...] privities were as in other women, and part [...]f the neck of it hung out.

Chap. 10. Of the magnitude of the Womb increased, and first of the inflation of the Womb.

IN [...]lation is a stretching of the womb with wind, it called by some a windy Mole. See Ma [...]h. de grad. in 9. Rhasis. Mathew de gradibus: And Thadeus Dun lib. mis­ [...]el. c. 8.

This wind is from a cold matter, either thick The Causes or thin, contained in the veins of the womb, which overcom [...]s the weak heat of the womb; it is gather [...]d there by cold meats and drinks, or flows from other parts. Cold air may be the cause also, if women that lie in, expose themselves to it. This wind is contained either in the cavity of the vessels of the womb, or between the tuni­cl [...].

There is a swelling in the region of the womb, The Signs. somtimes reaching to the navel, loyns and Dia­phragma; & as wind increaseth or decreaseth, it a [...]iseth or abateth, it is different from a Dropsie, because it is never [...]ollen so high.

And least a Phy [...]itian be deceived, and take it for a conception, observe the signs of women with child, for if one sign be wanting, you may suspect an in [...]lation; also in in [...]lation the tumor in [...]reaseth and decreaseth, but in conception it [Page 36] still increaseth. Moreover if you strike upon [...] belly, there is a noise, but not in conception.

It differs from a dropsie in the womb, for the [...] is not such heaviness, they move more easily ar [...] the belly is not so swelled, there were causes th [...] bred wind, and things against wind do good.

It differs from a mole, for there is in that [...] weight and hardness in the belly, and when the [...] move from one side to a [...]other, they feel a wei [...] 2. de morb. mulier. that moveth which is not in this, of which Hip­pocrates. The feet and the face swells in the ho [...] ­low parts, the [...]olor is bad, the terms stopt, the [...] is short wind, &c.

If [...]he wind is without the cavity of the womb [...] there is more pain and larger, nor is there a noi [...] The Prog­nostick. because the wind is in a straighter place.

It is neither a lasting nor a deadly disease, i [...] well lo [...]k [...] after: if it be in the cavity of the The Cure. womb, it is ea [...]ier discussed.

Give Hiera, Diaphoenicon, with a little Ca­stor [...] sharp Clysters that also expel wind: if it b [...] in travel, purge not till she be delivered.

Bleed not, because it is from a cold matter: i [...] it come after childbearing, and the terms were not sufficient after, and there is fulness of blood, open the Saphena.

After these, give things mentioned in Tympa­ny, that respect the womb. As, Take Conser [...] of Bettony, Ros [...]mary, each an ounce and half; can­died Eryngus, C [...]tron p [...]ls candied, [...]ch half [...] ou [...]c [...]; Di [...]yminum, [...]Diagalangal, [...]a [...]h a d [...]m; Oyl o [...] Anis [...]eds six d [...]ps, with Syrup of Citrons, ma [...]e an El [...]c [...]ary.

Or, Take Conserve of Ros [...]mary, [...]alm, each three oun [...]s; candied Cit [...]ons and Oranges, each an ounce; Diacyminum a dram [...] with Syrup o [...] Citr [...] make an El [...]c [...]u [...]ry.

[Page 37] Or give the Womans Aqua vitae, or this Take Angelica roots two ounces, Masterwort, Elicampane, Orange peels, each six drams, Calamints, Pennyroy­al, R [...]e, Sage, Ros [...]mary, each a handful; Cum­min, Fennel, Aniseed, each half an ounce; Juniper berries a handful, Zed [...]ary, [...]alangal, Cubebs, each half an ounce; with good wine distit them, give a spoonful or two. Apply outwardly a Cataplasm o [...] R [...]e [...] Mugwort. [...] Dill, Calamints, Nip, Penn [...]r [...]yal, [...] with Oyl of Rue [...] Cheir, Cha­mo [...]il, a [...]d make Ba [...]hs of the same, and baggs of Milium, S [...]lt [...] Chamomil [...]wers, Melilot, Bayber­ri [...]s, Cum [...]n, Fennel seed, or lay on a Plaister of Bayberries

Let [...]l [...]sters to expel wind be put into the wom [...]. As [...] Take Calamints, Agnus castus, Rue, each h [...]l [...] a handful; Aniseeds, Costus, Cinnamon, each two drams; boyl them in wine for h [...]lf a pin [...].

Apply a Cupping-glass with much flame to the breast, and over against the womb.

Use Sulphur-baths and Spaw-waters inward and outward, for they expel wind.

If it come from cold after childbearing, and she is not well purged by her terms, heat the womb, and purge, and give strong wine

Let the diet be hot, cutting and attenuating, The Diet. with things that expel wind, and little at a time.

Chap. 11. Of the Dropsie of the Womb.

THey are also deceived, and think they are with child: when there is water that swel [...] the womb; this is a D [...]opsie of the womb. This Ves. lib. 6. de corp. hum. Fab. Mar. Do. de hist. me. mira. l. 4. c. 21. water is either in the cavity o [...] between the co [...]ts of th [...] womb, o [...] in its vessels. [...]salius, Mar­cellus Donatus shew that water is in the cavity, for it doth not pre [...]ently by its plenty or quality, force its passage out, because the ori [...]ice is not al­waies open, and Nature gathers it by degrees, and is used to it.

Tetra. 6. 4. ser. 4 c [...]p. 79. A [...]tius [...]aies, There are somtimes bladders of water in the womb. And Christopher Vega [...]aith, that Leonora thought that she had gone six months, and then voided sixty bladders of wa­ter, and seven pieces of [...]lesh, like that of the s [...]leen in membranes.

Lib. 4. ob­ser. [...]ent. [...]. ob [...]r. 5 [...]. There is sometimes a Dropsie of the womb wi [...]h conception, as Schenki [...]s and William Fa­bri [...]ius [...]aith of his own Wi [...]e.

The [...] A [...]e gathering of water from moistness mixed with the t [...]rm [...], and from an evil sang [...]ifi [...]ation in the liver and [...]leen, f [...]om [...]h [...]ir weakness, o [...] f [...]om errors in diet; or from weakness of the [Page 39] womb, from hard travel, or often mischances, cold air or water, or whatsoever hurts the hea [...] of the womb.

Also stoppage of the terms doth cause gather­ing of water, for the water useth to be evacuated with them. Many take this for the only cause.

Somtimes the tunicles of the womb may be di­vided in some place, and water may be gathered between them.

Hippocrates saith, The terms are [...]ewer, and The Signs. 1. De morb. mulier. cease before the time; the bottom of the belly swells, and the papps are so [...]t without milk, and she thinks she is with child: by these you may know it is a Dropsie.

But because Doctors and Midwives are often deceived, you must distinguish this from other swellings.

When a woman is sound, and useth a sound man, the womb by degrees swells, and the child moves in its time, but often there is a Dropsi [...] with conception before or after; therefore in a Dropsie the tumor is equal, according to the largeness of the womb and [...]elly, and no [...] point­ed as in a woman with child.

Secondly, i [...] the woman be in years, and hath not conceived before, and hath a good colour, it is a sign of a Dropsie rather then conception. If the tenth month be past, and the child moves not, nor the breasts swell, but are soft, say there is a D [...]opsie of the womb. Thirdly, in a true con­ception, women are b [...]tter after some months, and the Symptoms abate, but in a Dropsie they increase still.

It is distinguished from a mole by the weight in the bottom of the belly.

From an inflation [...] because the belly is st [...]etched [Page 40] in that, and sounds being striken, but is so [...]t in a Dropsie.

It differs from the Dropsie of the belly, be­cause the face is pale or wane, in that from the distemper of the liver there is thirst, but in the won b [...]dropsie she is of a good colour, except the liver be also bad.

It differs from inflammation of the womb, for that is [...]ith a constant feaver, and the Symptoms o [...] it, and [...]rom other tumors which are harder, but in a D [...]opsie of the womb, if the belly be pre [...] ­ [...]ed [...] it yi [...]ld [...].

You shal know whether it be from the fault in the wo [...]b [...]rincipally, or [...]om some other part, thus. I [...] t [...]e woman be of a good colour, and there were onely some diseases and causes that might hurt the womb [...] as abortion, hard travel, stoppage of terms, or too many of them, then the womb is chiefly affected; but if there be signs of a distem [...]er in the whole body, or in the liver or spleen, a [...]d the colour is bad, it is by consent from other parts.

You shall kn [...]w whether the water be in blad­de [...]s or in the cavity of the womb, thus: If you find the ori [...]ice o [...] the womb closed, and there is little pain, it is in the cavity, but if the ori [...]ice be open, and there is great pain, it is in bladders or without the cav [...]y.

The [...]. If the humor in the womb be not corrupt, this disease is of long continuance, but may be easily cured: it is ea [...]ier cured in the cavity, then when it is in bladders, and between the [...]unicles. A woman after conception having a Dropsie of the womb, her child di [...]th, and she is in danger.

The Cu [...]. When it is fro [...] st [...]ppage of terms, and new, and the st [...]ength [...]irm, open a vein in the legs, o­therwise bleed not.

[Page 41] Purge according to the humor, with respect to the womb, as in Chap. 6. of a cold Distem­per.

Then purge Water. Take Angelica and Mad­der roots, each half [...]n ounce; Calamints [...] Penny­royal, Mugwort, Lovage, e [...]ch a handful; Savin a pugil, boyl them in wine, sweeten it with Sugar Or make Broaths with the same. Take Dianisum, Diagalangal, each half a dram; Oyl of Aniseeds, Cloves, each five drops; Sugar three ounces, make Rouls.

Inject into the Womb as in Dropsies. Take Asarum roots t [...]ree drams, Pennyroyal, Calamints, ea [...]h hal [...] a handful; Savin a pugil, Mechoacan a d [...]am, Aniseed, Cummin, each half a dram; boyl, ta [...]e six ounces strained, Oyl of Elder and Orris, each an ounce; make a Clyster. Or use Pe [...]aries. Take Agarick a dram, Coloquintida half a dram, Gni­ [...]ium ten grains, with Honey and Wool, make a Pe [...]ary.

Make Fomentations and Baths of Danewort, Me cury, Elder, Pennyroyal, Organ, Chamomil­flowers, Ba [...]berries, wild Cowcumbers, Broom, Carrot, Rue seeds. And anoint after with Oyl of Elder, Danewort, Orris, with drops of Oyl of Ang [...]lica, Anise, Caraway.

S [...]lphur Baths are good, and those of Niter, o [...] the Plaister of Bayberries, or Snails to the bot­t [...]m of the belly. Vomiting and neesing break the bladders. Give Clysters at the fundament as in Dropsies. Take Mercury leaves, Danewort, Soldanella, Mugwort [...] Motherwort, each a handful; Chamomil, Elder, Broom flow [...]rs, each a dram; boyl and to ten ounces strained, add juyce of Beets, Mer­cury, Danewort, ea h six drams; Boys urine an ounce and half, Hiera six drams, Honey half an ounce, make a Clyster.

[Page 42] Let the Diet be drying, as in Chap. 5.

Chap. 12. Of a Tumor in the Womb, from blood in its Veins.

THis disease makes Women think they are with child also: for blood long detained in the v [...]ins about the womb, stretcheth them outwardly, and twisteth them, and the veins in the substance of the womb are ful and stretched, and make it larger; but when the terms flow, it falleth again, except there be a Cachexy or Dropsie.

This is onely from stoppage of terms, and is cured by provoking them.

Chap. 13. Of Inflammation of the Womb.

IF the blood that comes to the womb, get out of the vessels into its substance, and grow hot and putresie, it causeth inflammation, either all over, or in pa [...]t, before or behind, above or be­low, on the right or left side.

The Causes Blood is the immediate Cause, which is pure or mixed; therefore the inflammation is either an Erysipelas, Oedema or Scirrhus, as flegm, me­lancholy, or blood abound. Blood is either sent to, or drawn by the womb; by heat or pain [...] it is sent to it, when it aboundeth, or is hot or thin, and when the blood is moved by hot air, exer­cise, passions, as anger or hot diet.

The Signs. There is a tumor with heat and pain in the r [...] ­gion of the womb, with stretching and heaviness in the privities, and if you put in your [...]inger, [Page 43] you'l feel the heat, and the more pain; there is a feaver somtimes called Lipyria, when there is cold without, and heat within. The tongue is dry and bl [...]ck, with watching, doting, to [...]ing to and fro, the breasts are pufft up and pained. There is headach to the roots of the eyes, and a pain in the groyns, hips, midrif, pleura and shoulders: short wind, and like a Pleurisie, with loathing, vomitin [...], hickets. The belly is bound, the pulse is small, and often and weak, but at first darting and quick. And Hippocrates [...]aith, If the womb 2. De mor [...]. mulier. be in [...]lamed, the terms are stopt, and the neck of it is li [...] a Spider [...] web with many small vein [...], &c.

I [...] it be inflamed before, the pain is about the [...]bes, and the urin is stopt. If behind it is in the [...]oyns, and the belly is bound. If it be infla­med in the bottom, the pain is towards the na­vel. If it be from pure blood, the Symptoms are less, if from choler stronger, the thi [...]st is more, the watching greater: if from melancholy, all are worse.

If it be all over the womb, it is dangerous, and The Pro­gnostick. few escape it. An Erysipelas in a woman with child is deadly, because there is an abortion, and the Mother dies: the worse the Symptomes, the greater is the danger. And it is safer to discuss an inflammation then to ripen it: if it turn to a Schirrus, it is lasting, and makes [...] Dropsie.

If it be not after abortion or a flux of blood, open a vein in the Arm, or cup and scarifie the The Cure. sho [...]lders. Bleed n [...]t in the foot, least you draw blood more to the womb; but afterwards to derive, if it be from terms stopt, you may. Galen Gal 2. ad glau. c. [...]. [...]aith, You may divert the blood by bleeding in the arm, or cupping the breasts, and you ma [...] derive it by [...]pening the ankle-vein, and cupping upon t e hips.

[Page 44] If there be choler [...] purge it with Syrup of Ro­ses, Manna, Rhubarb, Diacatholicon; and use not strong movers of the terms.

Use Alte [...]ers and Coolers, as Juleps and E­mulsions, and provoke sleep, and if there be do­tage, give Narcoticks.

A [...]ter Univ [...]rsals use Repellers and A [...]odynes. As, Take Housleek, Purslane, Letti [...], Venus-na­vel [...] Vine leaves, each half a handful; boyl them in wine, add Barley meal two ounces, Pomegrana [...]e fio­wers two drams, Bole a dram, with Oyl of Roses, [...]ake a Pultis. Or, Take Diachylon simple tw [...] [...]unces, j [...]yce of Venus-navel and Plantane, each ha [...]f an ounce; Oyl of Roses an ounce, Sugar of Lead a dram, make an Oyntment in a leaden Mortar.

Make Injections of the same Herbs, or of Milk and Rosewater. Or, Take Plantane, Ven [...]-na­ [...]el, Lettice, each a han [...]ful; re [...] R [...]ses two p [...]il [...], boyl, and ad Oyl of Mirtles an ounce, Ros [...]-vinegar half an ounce make an In [...]ction.

Make Clysters of the s [...]me Plants in a small quantity, least they oppress the wo [...]b.

T [...]ke Al [...]haea roots an ounce, M [...]llows, Violets, Lettice, each a handful; Nightshade half a hand­ful, Violets, Roses, each a pugil; sweet Pr [...]nes ten, Lin­seed half a dram, boyl them in Barley wat [...]r, to six ounces, ad Oyl of Roses three ounces, make a Clys [...]er.

An anodyne Fomentation. Take roots of Al­thaea, Mallows and Vi [...]lets, each a handful; red Roses, Melilot, C [...]amomil flowers, each a pugil; boyl them for a Fomentation.

Or use a Cataplasm of white Bread and Milk.

I [...] the progress dis [...]uss. As, Take pouder of Alth [...]ea roots an ounce, Chamomil and Meli [...]ot [...]o­wers, e [...]h two drams; Mugw [...]rt half an ounce, Bar­ley and Bean flour, [...]ach an ounce; boyl them in sharp [Page 45] wine, add Hogs grease, Oyl of Chamomil and Lil­li [...], [...]ch an [...]unce; make a Ca [...]aplasm.

If the inflammation turn to matter, ripen it. As, Take po [...]der of Altha a r [...]ots, Chamomil flo­ [...]rs, M [...]lil [...]t [...] Lineseed, Fae [...]ugreek [...] each an ounce; Figgs eight, boyl them, add yolk [...] of [...]our Eggs, and ha [...] a scruple of Sa [...]ron, make a Pultis

A [...]er it is ripe, break it by motion of the bo­dy, coughing, ne [...]sing, cupping, or by Pe [...]aries. As, Take [...]iggs an [...]unce, Rue half a hand [...]ul, boyl them [...] ad Honey and Leaven, each half an ounce; Pigeons dung, Orris roots, each half a dram; with wool make a Pessary.

A [...]ter it is broken, the pain abates, th [...]n cle [...]se and heal the ulcer as in Sect. 1. c. 8. of an ulcer of the womb. If it break about the bladder give an Emulsion of cold Seeds, Whey, and Syrup of Violets.

Let the diet be cool, with Barley water warm Abstain from Wine; to the de [...]lination of the disease, let the belly still [...] kept loo [...]e.

Chap. 14. Of a Scirrhus and Cancer in the Womb.

AN earthy matter left after an inflammation mak [...]s a hard tumo [...] called a Scirrhus, and s [...]mtimes it is without an inflammation It is a p [...]oper S [...]irrhus when there is neither sense nor p [...]n; it is imp [...]oper when there is a little sense. It is so [...]times as big as a mans head; somtimes Pa [...]us l. 23. c. 36. the whole womb is a S [...]inhus, s [...]mtimes onely p [...]rt of it.

The immediate Cause, is a thi [...]k earth [...] hu­ [...]or, The Cause [...] as n [...]tural melan [...]oly [...] wh [...]n a thi [...]k humor [Page 46] is gathered in the womb, there is a Scir­rhus without inflammation aforegoing; this i [...] usual in melancholy women, and such as are no [...] clensed by their terms, or have the Pica or green­sickness, and are fifty years old.

Other humors somtimes breed a Scirrhus afte [...] inflammation, when cold astringents have been used disorderly, for then the humor is fixed to the part and hardned. The same may be from hot discussers, which send forth the thin matter in an inflammation, and fasten the thick.

The Signs. The tumor is to be felt, it yields not, and is without pain, the terms flow not at first, or very little, & afterwards there is a great flux of blood. If an inflamation went before, and the part is hea­vy and burdened, it is a sign of a Scirrhus. She is unweeldy, [...]loathful; and you may know from what humor, it is by the signs of the humors pre­dominating in the body, and the part pained will shew you in what place it is.

The Pro­gnostick. A Scirrhus easily turns to a Cancer. And when the terms are stopt, there is a Dropsie of the womb or belly. It is easier cured in the neck then in the womb it self.

The Cure. Moisten and heat the cold and dry humor, with Borage, Bugloss, Fumitory, Succory, Epi­thymum, Polypod [...]. Then purge with Polypo­dy, Senna, black Hellebore, and the like. As, Take roots of Althaea, Lilli [...]s, e [...]ch two ounces; Mal­lows, Vi [...]l [...]t [...], Al [...]haea, Brankursine, each a hand­ [...]ul; Mug [...]ort, Calamints, Chamomil flowers, each half a handful; [...]ae [...]greek and Lin [...]e [...]d, each half an [...]unce; b [...]l them [...]or a Fomentati [...]n, or Bath, or to a Catap [...]asm, with Linesee [...], Faenugreek, [...]a h an [...]unc [...]; Fi [...]s six, Orris p [...]uder [...]wo drams, Sa [...]ron half a dram, Hen [...] grease and Oyl of sweet A [...]monds as much as is [...]it.

[Page 47] Or, Take Bdellium, Ammoniacum, Galbanum, each as much as you please, beat them in a Mortar, with Oyl de Been and Lillies, add Mucilage of Fae­nugreek, Lineseed, Figgs, make a Liniment, or with wax a Plaister.

Or, Take Oyl of Capars, Lillies, sweet Almonds, Jesamine, each an ounce; fresh Butter, Hens grease, Goose grease, each half an ounce; Mucilage of Fae­nugreek, Althaea and Oyntment of Althaea, ea [...]h six drams; Ammoniacum dissolved in wine an ounce, with wax make an Oyntment.

Make Injections thus. Take Bdellium dissol­ved in wine, Oyl of sweet Almonds, Lillies, Chamo­mil, each two ounces; marrow of a Veal bone, Hens grease, each an ounce; with the yolk of an Eg.

In a bastard Scirrhus, you may use healers and digesters better, and Ammoniacum, and hotter Fats.

Internal Medicines, are steel &c. of which in obstruction of the Womb, and Scirrhus of the Spleen.

As for diet, abstain from breeders of gross and slimy humors, and from hot dryers.

Chap. 15. Of the displacing of the Womb; and first of the Ascent of it.

WHen the womb falls out of the privities, it is called Procidentia uteri: this is ordinary, [Page 48] Eustach. rud. lib. 2. pract. c. 5. but the ascēt or going up of the womb is more unknown. Many grave Anatomists hold tha [...] the womb doth ascend, if sweet things are appli­ed to the nose; if to the privities, that it descend [...] if stinking s [...]ents come, the womb flies from th [...] and it is to be seen by breathing altered, and by some meats that the womb greedily desires, and catcheth up.

Galen overthrows this opinion, and saith that 6. De lo. aff. c. 5. the womb doth move after a sort, and ascend, but it is very little, and not to be demonstrated; nor can it arise to the stomach, it is tied with such strong ligaments to its place; and when it falls out the ligaments are extended by moisture, and falling of it down. And there is no reason why the ligaments though loose or wet, it should go up so speedily, and come down again; for [...] falling down is by degrees, and it is not soon brought up again. And though it be enlarged in conception, it is by degrees and equally, not sud­denly in one side. Nor are the ligaments made very loose in conception, and the bottom of the womb is not tied, the ligaments being onely on the sides.

But this cannot be denied, which women af­firm, that they feel a body or ball moving about the navel, and a Physitian or Midwife may feel it. Therefo [...]e let us enquire what it is, if it be not a womb. That body which you may feel stir, is the stones, and that blind vessel which Fal­lopius found out, which he compared to the great end of a Trumpet, called F [...]llopius his Trumpet. For the stones hang, and the body of the T [...]um­pet is l [...]ke a pipe loose and moving, and when they are full and swell with corrupt seed and va­po [...]s, they move to and fro, and ascend as high [Page 49] as the navel. And the stones with the Trumpet make this round tumor of the womb, which is Antrop [...]g [...]. lib. [...]. c. 34. felt in women, as Riolanus observes.

Whatsoeve [...] makes corrupt seed in the stones The Causes of a womā, and fils them [...]th evil [...]apors or wind, is the cause of which in suffocation of the womb; for the cause is alike in both, only in suffocation the Symptoms are worse [...] because the evil vapors are then more freely carried by the veins arteries and nerves, and asilict the principal parts.

The woman and others may feel a round bo­dy, The Signs [...] and she [...]indeth a pain at her heart, and short breath, without sleeping or doting, or other sym­ptoms, and there we [...]e causes that disturbed the womb.

It is not dangerous, yet not to be slighted, for The Pr [...] ­gno [...]tick. it may turn to the strangling of the womb, when these evil vapors move to the noble parts.

Let the aim be at the corrupt seed, and vapors The Cure. which must be dis ussed and evacuated, as in suf­focation of the Womb.

Chap. 16. Of falling out of the Womb.

SOmtimes it falls to the middle of the thighs, o [...] to the kne [...]s almost, or hangs a little out.

The womb changeth its place, when the The Causes [...]igaments by which it is bound to the other parts [...]re not in order. There are four, two above [...]road and membranous that come from the Pe­ [...]iton [...]um. and two [...]elow that are nervous, [...]ound and hollow. [...]ide [...], it is bound to the [...]reat ves [...]els by veins and a [...]t [...]ri [...]s, and to the [...]ack by nerves.

[Page 50] Now the place is changed when it is down a­nother way, or when the ligaments are loose, and it falls down by its own weight, it is draw [...] on side, when the terms are stopt, and the vein [...] and arteries [...]re full, those namely which go to the womb: if it be a mole on the one side, th [...] liver or spleen ca [...]se it, by the liv [...] veins on the rig [...]t side, or the spleen on the left, as they are [...] more or less.

I also falls down by the loosning of the par [...] to which it is fastned, but how that can be, it is not clear.

1. 2. De morb. m [...]lier. Hippocrates saith, It comes from external caus [...], as fr [...]m [...]old of the [...]ee [...] or loyns from leaping or fear, cutting of wood [...] or r [...]ning d [...]wn a [...]ill and the lik [...] these make the lig [...]ents moist and loos [...]. Also it may be from cold after childbearing, getting into the wom [...] when the [...]rms flow, [...]tting up­on a cold stone, and the like.

Plate [...]us. Others say it comes from the solution of th [...] conn [...]xion of the sibrous neck, and the parts ad­j [...]ent, and that is fro [...] the weight of the wom [...] descending: thi [...] we deny not. But then the li­gaments must be loose or broken. But women in a d [...]op [...]e could not be said not to have the wo [...] f [...]ll down, if it came only from loosness. B [...] the [...]ause in them, is the [...]ltness of the water [...] which dries more then it moistneth.

The Signs. I [...] there be [...] little tumor within or without the pr [...]vities like a skin stretched, or a weight [...]elt a­bout the p [...]ivities, it is onely a descent of the womb: but i [...] there be a tumor like a Goose eg [...] and a hole at the bottom, there is at first a g [...]ea [...] pain in the parts to which the womb is [...]astned [...] as the loyns, the bottom of the b [...]lly, an [...] the pr [...] ­viti [...]s, and t [...]e os s [...]crum, [...]om the stre [...]hing [...] [Page 51] breaking of the ligaments: but a little after the pain abateth, and there is an impediment in walking. Somtimes blood comes forth from the breach of the vessels, and the dung and urin are stopt, and a F [...]aver and Convulsion.

When it is new, it is easily cured, when old, it The Pro­gnostick. is ha [...]d to be cured, but not deadly, onely it is troublesom and nasty. It hinde [...]s conception, and keeps terms f [...]om flowing orderly. If it be with [...]ain, Feaver or Convulsion, it is deadly, especi­ally in women with child. That which comes from corrosion of the ligaments [...] is dangerous.

First put it up before the air al [...]er it, or it be The Cure. in [...]amed or swollen. Therefore fir [...]t give a Cly­ster to remove the excrements. Then lay her [...] ­pon her ba [...]k wit [...] her l [...]gs abroad, and thighs lif­t [...]d up, her he [...]d down, and take the tumor in your hands, and thrust it in without violence.

I [...] it be swollen by alteration and cold, soment it with the D [...]coction of Mallows, Althaea, Lin [...] Foenugreek seed, Chamomil flowers, Bayberries, and anoint i [...] with oyl of Lilli [...]s, and H [...]s grease. If th [...]re be an inflammation, put it not up yet. It Roder. [...] cas [...]o. de morb. m [...]l. 1. 2. c. 17. may be [...]righted in, by shewing of a red hot iron, and actin [...] as if you would burn it.

First, sprinkle upon it the po [...]der of Mastich, [...]kincense, and the like. As, Take Frankin­ [...]ns [...], M [...]st [...]h, each two drams; Sarc [...]col steept in Milk [...] dram, Mummy, Pomegranate [...]wers, San­g [...]i [...] Draconi [...], each half a d [...]am.

Wh [...]n it is put up, let her lie with her leggs stretched, and one upon the other, for eight or ten dai [...]s, and m [...]ke a Pe [...] like a P [...]ar [...] of Cork o [...] Spunge put into the womb, dipt in s [...]arp [...]ne o [...] j [...]yce of Acacia, with pouder o [...] Sa [...]guis Dra­conis, Bole, Masti [...]h, or the Counte [...]ies Oynt [...]ent, [Page 52] with Galbanum and Bdellium.

Apply a Cupping-glass with great flame un­der the navel or paps, or to both kidnies, and lay this Plaister to the back. Take Opopanax two ounces, Storax liquid half an ounce, Frankincense, Mastich, Pitch, Bole, each two drams; with wax ma [...]e a Plaister. Or,

Take Labdanum a dram and half, Frankincense, M [...]stich, each half a dram; wood Aloes, Cloves, Spik [...], ea [...]h a dram; Ash coloured Ambergr [...]ece four gr [...]i [...] Mu [...]k half [...] s [...]ruple, make two r [...]und Plaister [...] [...] be laid on eac [...] side the Navel. Make a Fume of a Snail ski [...] falt [...]d, or of Garli [...]k, and let it be taken in by a [...]unnel.

Use a [...]tringen [...] [...]omentations of [...]ramble leaves, Pla [...]tane, Horstail, Mirtles, each two handfuls; Wormwood two pugils, Pomegranate flowers half an ounce, bo l them in wine and water. Or inject this with a Syringe. Take Coms [...]ey roots an ounce, Snakeweed, Pomegranate flowers, each half an ounce; Rup [...]rewort two drams, Yarrow, Mugwort, each half an ounce; boyl them in red Wine. Then use Sulphur Baths.

To strengthen the Womb: Take Harts-born [...] Bayes, [...]ach a dram; Mirrh hal [...] a dram, make a B [...]ud [...]r for two dos [...]s, give it with sharp wine. Or, Take Zedoary, P [...]rsnep se [...]ds, Crabs e [...]es prepared, [...]ach a dram; N [...]m [...]g half a dram: give a dram in p [...]uder, but use astringents warily, lest you stop the courses, and cause worse mischief.

I [...] it fall out from [...]il h [...]mors that flow to the womb, and loosen the lig [...]unents, purge the bo­dy, and then [...]se dryers, as the decoction of Chi­na, Sarsa and Guajacum.

To keep it in its place, make Roulers and li­gatures, as for the Rupture, and use Pessaries into [Page 53] the bottom of the womb, that may force it to remain: of which Fran [...]is Rousset hath writ [...]en at Lib. de par­t [...]s caesar. sec. 6. cap. 3. & 4. large, and shews that they neither hinder con­ception, nor bring any inconvenience, nay that they help conception, and retain it, and cure this disease perfectly. And Gaspar Bau [...]inus con­firms the same in his Appendix to Rousset.

You may use Circles or Balls instead of Pes­saries. As, Take roots of wild Vine, make round Circles or Balls of them greater or less, as the Neck of the womb is. Then, Take Virgin [...] wax melted with white Rosin or Turpentine, dip the b [...]lls in till they are fit, put one into the neck of the womb, that will hold in being just fit: let it n [...]t be t [...]ken out till it fall out, and then put in another, if she be not [...] ­red.

If it gangrene and sphacelate, cut it quite off, Lib. de pa [...]e [...]es. sec. 4. [...]. 5. histo. 6. Ibid. s [...]ct. 4. [...]. 5. if she fear cutting, take it off by ligature, of which Rousset who shews the way, and saies that it may be cut off without danger of life.

He tells also of the place where you must cut, and in Sect. 4. de partu Caesareo, where the liga­ture is to be made.

Let the diet be drying, and astringent, and glewing, as Rice, Starch, Quinces, Pears, green Cheese. Avoid Summer fruits: let the Wine be astringent and red.

Chap. 17. Of the Rupture of the Womb.

FEw Physitians have seen this, I never read of any, but once I saw it, of which in my insti­tutions, lib. 2. p [...]rt. 1. cap. 9.

Chap. 18. Of Wounds, and breaking of the Womb.

IT is seldom wound [...]d, by reason of the divers defences it [...]th; but somtimes the [...]hirur­gions wound it in cutting out of the child: of which Hollerius, inter rara. no. 8. he speaks of a Woman with child in Paris, that her childs hand put forth at the n [...]vel, and was so in travel fifteen daies, and both child and mother were safe.

The Signs. It is evident, if it be made by the Chirurgion in cu [...]ing out of a child; and you may know i [...] by the place, if it come otherwise. There is blood and matter that flows out at the neck of the womb. There is more pain when it is in the ne [...] of the womb, then when it is in the bottom.

The Pro­gnostick. These wounds are cured, as appears by the Caesarean birth or cutting; but they are dange­rous, by reaso [...] of the strange Symptoms, and the consent of the parts.

The Cure. Use Consolidaters or Heale [...]s; and if there be pain, Anodynes or Pessaries made of Wax can­dles dipt in Wound-oyntments. Or,

Take Wax, Turpen [...]ine, Goose gre [...]se, Bu [...]er, each a dram; Honey, Deer's marrow, Oyl o [...] R [...]s [...], Bulls grease, each two drams. Or, Take Fra [...] [Page 55] kincense, Mastich, [...]eruss, Galba [...]um, each half an ounce; mix them all with white [...]ine, then [...]d Po [...] ­ph [...]lix an ounce, and wi [...]h Wax and Oyl of Rose [...], make an Oyntment.

Make I [...]j [...]ctions or Clysters for the wo [...]b, of the Decoction of round Birthwort, Cypr [...]ss boy­led in steeled Water and sharp Wi [...]e, with a lit­tle Hydromel, Agrimony, Mugwo [...]t, Plantane, Roses, S [...]haenanth, Ho [...]ehound.

Chap. 19. Of Ulcers and rot­tenness of the Womb.

THough the neck of the womb be only s [...]b­j [...]ct to ulcers, as we shewed; yet the sub­stance of womb hath been ulcerated, and it hath been observed to rot, when it hath fallen [...]ut, and to fall away. * As we said of a Woman at A [...]inion, that after lived some time. And the Examples of Rousset shew that it may be safely cut off.

Also a [...]hild dead in the womb [...] may cause an ulcer, as divers Histories witness in Albucasis, Li [...] d [...] pare [...]es [...] chir [...] c. 76. and Alexander Benedictus, Maurici [...]s, Cord [...]us, and many others.

How th [...]se ulcers and rottenness of the womb are cured, is said in Sect. 1. cap. 8. where we sp [...]ke of Ulcers of the ne [...]k of the Womb, and Cap. 10. of Fi [...]ulaes of the Womb.

Chap. 20. Of the Diseases of the Stones, and Vessels of Pro­creation in Women.

IT is appar [...]nt by Hi [...]tories w [...]itten by grave and lea [...]ned M [...]n, that the sto [...]es of women [Page 56] and there seed-vessels are many times grievously distempered, when the womb joyned to them is not. Somtimes water is gathered about the stones In append. ad Rousse­tum 2. de par. caesar. as Gaspar Bauhinus, John Schenkius write, and he hath another History Lib. Obser. 3 from John Heintz of a Maid, that desired a little before she died, that her body might be opened to testifie her innocency. In which besides other things re­markabl [...], the stones were found swollen as big as a head of a young child; blewish and spun­gie, much water came out of them, and that made her belly swel, and she taken to be with child: bu [...] the truth appeared, and her chastity testified.

Chap. 1. Of weakness of the Womb.

THERE are many Symptomes from the womb. Of those in the womb: the first is weakness, so that it cannot perform its acti­ons.

The action of the womb is two­fold, private and publick. By its private action it [...]akes it nourishment of blood that comes to it. [Page 58] By its publick action, it serves for generation. If the private faculty be hurt, and the nourishm [...]nt not well made, there is a super [...]luous moisture, and then weakness without other fault of the or­gan or unity divided.

The first Cause is distemper, when the mani­fest The Causes qualities are changed, or when the natural heat is suffocated or dispersed; or when the oc­cult qualities are changed. Heat in the womb makes a hot distemper, if it be too much, by which the womb sucks more then it can concoct, this is not prope [...]ly weakness: but that distemper i [...] weakness, when the action is either not done, or weakly done. But cold rather makes weakness in the womb, by which it cannot make the suffi­cient quantity of nourishment, hence excremen [...]s are heaped up, and it c [...]nnot perform its actions. Also a moist distemper makes weakness, by which it can neither keep seed nor child; it is also weak from loosness.

The Si [...]s. Little desire of Venery, and no pleasure ther­in, argue weakness of the womb, flux of seed, of­ten abortion, pain in the loyns and pubes, when the terms are coming; [...]arts from the womb, head­ach, Part. 1. [...]ect cap. 2. & 3. and the like.

The signs of a cold and moist distemper with or without matter, are already declared.

The Pro­gnostick It is a great disease, by reason of the diver [...] Symptoms in women that have conception hurt. It is worst when it comes from dispersing and ex­tinguishing of the natural heat.

The Cure. We have shewed how distempers of the womb are cured: but the dispersing of the Spirits and natural heat, is cured by things that hinder th [...] [Page 59] loss of Spirits, and strengthen the womb, as Spi­ces, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Mace, Diaca­laminth, Aromaticum ros [...]tum, Diaxilaloes, ro­s [...]ta Novella, Treacle, Mithridate. Outwardly by Oyl of Lillies, Nard, Lavender, and Astrin­gents when the womb is loose.

Things that help the womb in the whole sub­s [...]n [...]e, are in the Chapter of the cold and moist Di [...]emper, as Aqua vitae for Women. Or this, Take Castor three ounces, Saffron two ounces, extract th [...]m si [...]gular, add to both Extract of Mugwort two o [...]nces, of Angelica a dr [...]m, Magistery of the mother of Pearl [...] dram, Oyl of Cloves a s [...]ruple, of Ange­li [...], and of Amber, and of Nutmegs, each half a scruple.

Let her ea [...] meat of much nourishm [...]nt, and drink good Wine.

Chap. 2. Of the Itch of the Womb.

THis is more in old then young wome [...] and must be distinguished from the Frenzie of the womb: for here is only a desire to scrath the privities, so that they cannot sleep. Nor is it with desire of copulation, as in the fury of the womb.

It is a salt humor that is serous and adust that The Causes causeth it, that is sent to the neck of the womb, and the privities. How it comes there, I shew­ [...]d in Ulcers of the privities.

It is known by her relation, and often putting her hand to the privities.

[Page 60] The Pro­gnostick. The Cure. It is more troublesom then dangerous, becau [...] it hinders sleep.

First, purge the whole body, and if there a [...] signs of plethory, and strength permits, bleed i [...] the arm. Then qualifie the sharp [...]alt h [...] ­mors, with cold and moist means, and r [...]mov [...] them from the privities. Foment with a D [...]co­ction of Lettice, Plantane, Willow, Dock roo [...]s, and then anoint with Galen [...] Cooler. Or dip [...] Pessary in this Oyntment, and put it in. O [...], T [...]ke Allum, Nit [...]r, Sulphur, each six drams; S [...]phi­sager an oun [...]e, with Rose-vinegar and fresh Butter, make a Linimens.

If these wil not cure, use stronger, as the oynt­ment of Elicampane with Quick [...]ilver. Or, Take black Soap, Staphisacre, [...]ach a dram; qui [...]k Brim­stone half an ounce, Quick silver two drams, wi [...] Rose-vinegar and Hogs grease, make an Oyntment.

Let the me [...]t be of good juy [...]e, coolin [...] and moist [...]ng. Take heed of Spices, sharp and salt meats.

Chap. 3. Of pain in the Womb.

THere is pain in the body of the womb wit [...] other diseases sometimes: as the Co [...]ck­pains woven in the bottom of the belly, and in the loyns and hips; and is called the Pain of th [...] Womb. It is often in women with child, as the inflammation of the womb; it is burning and beating, it binds the belly, and stops the urin.

The Causes Solution of unity is the Cause of all pains, and this is from the stretching of the womb and its vessels, or corrosion. Stretching is from wind, [Page 61] or clotted blood in the cavity o [...] it, and when Nature cannot expel it by reason of the straitness of the pa [...]t, there is pain.

Also pain is from stretching of the vessels be­ [...]ore the terms flow, when they are close, and the blood thick, and this pain is increased by exter­nal cold, especially after heat. Somtimes there is a gathering o [...] humors about the womb, when the terms [...]ow, and are [...]oul, and they get into the membranes, and stretch them. The same may be from corrupt seed, that stretcheth the vessels.

Or from sharpness and corrosion in the neck [...]f the womb, when sharp humors flow through it, and tw [...]tch it.

The pain is manifest, but let us look at the The Signs. [...]igns o [...] [...]he causes. If it be from clotted blood, there was a flux of the same, and the pain is fix­ed about the ori [...]ice of the womb. If there were external causes, the patient will relate. If it be from seed, there is suffocation of the womb.

The greater the cause is, and the more vehe­ment The Pr [...] ­gnostick. it works, the more is the danger.

If there be pain, and fear of fainting, look to The Cur [...]. that before the cause, with Anodynes and Nar­co [...]icks if need be.

If it be from wind [...] see inflation of the womb.

If i [...] be from clotted blood, di [...]olve and eva­ [...]uate it, with hot and attenuating Medicines, made into Fomentations, Baths and Oyntmen [...]s. It is good to apply Treacle to the region of the womb, or put it in with Rue and Honey. Or give a Clyster to the womb, of Ru [...], Foenugre [...]k s [...]ed, and Oyl of Rue and Orris. Or give [...] and Cinnamon water.

If the vessels of the womb are not open enough [Page 62] for the terms. See in the stoppage of the terms.

If there be wind, make a Clyster thus. Tak [...] Mer [...]ury, Mugwort, Cal [...]mints, Pennyroyal, ea [...]h [...] hand [...]ul; Chamomil and Melilot flowers, each ha [...] a hand [...]ul; [...] an [...] Line [...]eed, each an oun [...]e; boyl them, in a pint strained, dissolve Hiera, Be [...]t­dicta laxativa, each half an ounce; [...]a [...]e a Cl [...]r. Give Mugwort, Zedoary water, Essence of Ca [...]r, Treacle, or [...]omens Aqu [...] vit [...]e, of whi [...]h before.

Make a Clyster for the Womb, thus. Tak [...] Mugwort, Calamints, Bettony, each h [...]l [...] a hand [...]; Gith, Cummin, Carrot, Aniseed [...], ea [...]h a dram; Spi [...]e, Schoenanth, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, e [...]h [...] dram; boyl them in Wine.

Then fill an Ox bladder half full with Oyl of Lillies and Dill, and apply it to the belly.

Or, T [...]ke Oyl of Lillies, Orris, each an oun [...]e; distilled Oyl of Angelic [...] a dram, Goose and He [...]s g [...]e [...]se, each half an ounce; Muci [...]g [...] of Lin [...] a [...]d Faenugreek seed made with Mu [...]w [...]rt w [...]er, ea [...]h three drams; seeds of Cummin, C [...]rr [...]ts, Carawa [...], each a dram; with W [...]x m [...]ke a soft Oyntment. O [...], Take Pe [...]itor [...] two hand [...]uls, Mercury a handful, beat them, add Chamomil flowers, Cummin, Anise, Carrot seeds, each a dram; two yolks of Eggs and Oyl of Lillies, make a Cataplasm for the belly.

Apply Plaisters to the Navel, and Cuppin [...] ­glasses with great flame to the Region of t [...]e Womb; or dry Fomentations of Oates Mi [...]ium, Anise, Cummin, Carrot seed in a Bag. A [...]d use Pessaries, as [...] Take Harts marrow, Turpen­tine, Wax, Goose grease, each [...]hree drams; Saff [...]on a dram, yol [...]s of Eggs seven, with Oyl of Lillies, m [...]ke Pessaries.

If the humors and wind is mali [...]nant, mi [...] Scorzonera, Bezoar seeds, and roots of An [...]elica, [Page 63] w [...]ter of Zedoary, Tre [...]cle, Mithridate, and the like in Suffocation of the Womb.

Chap. 4. Of the Diseases of Womb, that come from sweet scents and stinks.

THere is a particular Symptom in the womb which b [...]eeds great admiration, that it de­li [...]hts [...]n sweet scents, and is offended with stinks; and it is certain, for if Musk, Civet, or the like, be but put to the nose of a woman that is subject to [...]i [...]s of the Mother, they grow sick, and if the s [...]me be put to their privities, and stinks to the nos [...], the [...]it of the Mother ceaseth.

It is hard to give the reason of this, many wi [...]e Men have given their opinion [...] but they dis [...]gree among themselves, and [...]atisfie me not, neither do I p [...]omise to satis [...]ie others. But it is proba­ble to me that the womb is not delighted with scents, as scents, for the privities have no smel­ling, and the sen [...]e of [...]melling doth not reach so [...]ar: but the quality by which it is well or ill, is occult, and not to be explained, and not to be [...]parated from the odours.

If any ask what that quality is. I answer, the [...]e are many qualities in Nature that are hid [...]rom our senses, and yet we cannot deny them, because we see their effects, as the quality in a Dogs nose, we cannot apprehend but the Dog perceives it.

But how these qualities come to the womb, is Quomodo u [...]erus ben [...] olentia r [...] ­cipi [...]t. by no other way but by the open way by the p [...]i­vi [...]ies, by which Spirits get into the womb, and in the su [...]o [...]ation of the womb [...]weet thin [...]s p o [...]it, [Page 64] because they strengthen it by a peculiar qua­lity to disperse the venemous air, and draw down Quomodo bene olentia hystericis noceant. the Spirits and humors. But if they be put to the nose [...] the womb consents by the Sympathy of the organ of smelling, and the brain with it.

This is by the nerves and arteries; for the heart is presently refreshed with a sweet scent, because it presently pierceth into it being [...]piri­t [...]al, and there is a great consent of the womb with the brain and the smelling, as is seen by the tryal of barrenness, by a Fume from Hippo­crates. 5. Aphor.

But we must observe that sweet scents are ac­ceptable to all wombs, and stinks are not, but the same Symptomes are not in all women from them; for they who have a womb of a good constitution with no evil humors in it, endu [...]e sweet things well, and delight in them, but they who are unclean, hate sweet things, and often [...] into [...]its by them, because while the womb is de­lighted with that sweet and hidden quality with which it hath a peculiar Sympathy, the evil hu­mors that lie in the womb (especially if there be any corruption from seed) and the seed al­so are stirred, and when the Spirits flie up, the [...] take the bad humo [...]s with them, and send bad vapors to the heart which cause suffocation, and other Symptoms. But when the same scents a [...]e put to the privities, the womb is refreshed with them, and the Spirits are quiet [...] or move to the scents. And so the humors (if there be any) are still, or else move downward. But stinks on the contrary, by reason of their Antipathy with the womb, are voided by the Spirits, and so the humors move downwards, and o [...]ten the [...]e is an abortion thereby.

[Page 65] What is spoken of sweet scents, may be under­stood of all sweet things, and this our judgment in a matter so difficult.

Chap. 1. Of the Flux of the Terms.

BY divine providence the blood which is voided every month is kept in when there is a child; for if it be its nature, it is not ill, but onely super­fluous, till they conceive, nor is it more an excrement then seed and milk.

The Terms commonly begin at fourteen, and then the hair appears on the privities, the breasts swell, and women begin to be lecherous▪ and the [...]lood can no longer stay in the veins, but breaks [...]ut at the veins of the womb.

[Page 67] In some they begin at twelve, and they are [...]ery lustful commonly, and of shorter lives: they [...]on [...]inue till fifty; in some till sixty, and then [...]op. In some they begin at sev [...]n [...]en or eigh­ [...]en. And in some they stop [...] fifty, accor­ [...]ing to the variety of Nature and diet.

Nature doth not send [...]ort [...] ev [...]ry [...] what is [...]thered, but sta [...]es till the plenty o [...]nds, and [...]oth only once in a month, otherwis [...] it would [...] filthy and unpleasant, and hinde [...] co [...]ep [...]ion. [...] do they flow at one time in all ex [...]ctly, but [...] are twenty two daies, or at most th [...]ty be­ [...]en the purgings.

In some they last three daies, which was usual [...] the time of Hippocrates. In some four or five [...] more, as their Liver is reater, or their diet is [...] or lower.

Hippocrates saith, They should bleed but a pint [...] half, or two pints: this is not alike in all, [...] differs in respect of age and diet.

As for the quality, it must not be too thick no [...] [...] thin, but of a middle substance, without sent a red colour, yellower in cholerick persons, in [...]lancholick, black; in flegmatick, whiter, and [...]ust flow without any great Symptom.

The passages are the veins of the womb, being [...]uble from the double branch on both sides it, [...] Spermati [...]k and Hypogastrick, that they may [...] superf [...]ui [...]ies from all parts.

And from this Description of a natural flux, [...] may gather what is preternatural.

Chap. 2. Of the Terms flow­ing too soon.

ORdinarily they begin at fourteen; but ma­ny have had them sooner. A child of ele­ [...]en daies old had a bloody humor flowing from [...] privities. Another of five years old had eve­ [...]y month a moderate flux. Fernel reports that Her. saxo­ni [...] vidit venetiis ser. 6. p [...]r [...]. 5. c. 1 [...]6. Girl of eight years old had the Terms: but these [...] rare, and for the most part very lecherous, [...] short lived.

Chap. 3. Of want and stopping of the Terms.

SOme Women have them not till eighteen or twenty. Some before, and then they stop [Page 70] for a time without, either giving suck, or being with child. Some have been without them three, five or seven months, and then they came agai [...] This is an evil constitution, or suppression of th [...] which it ought to flow, from the fault of the blood and stoppage of the passages.

The Causes When Terms are wanting either blood is wan­ting, o [...] stopt. It is wanting, either be [...]ause it i [...] not made, or dispersed or turned to other use [...], for nature being more sollicito [...]s to preserve the individual person, then to propagate the speci [...]s, spends [...] in preserving of the person.

Blood is not made from divers causes, as a [...]e, cold constitution of [...]iver, Heart, or a disease which distempers the [...]wels. Or often bleeding from great vessels, or [...]om having many issues, which take from the blood.

It is spent other waies, as before ripe age, an [...] when women are with child, or give suck, or i [...] hot Natures, and fat women, in whom it is tu [...] ­ned to fat. It is in vain to provoke Terms i [...] these.

There are other external evident causes of s [...] ­ping of the Terms, as too great labour, trouble [...] [...]adness, fear; but these last do not only wast [...] blood, but cool and corrupt it, and cause obs [...] ­ctions, 6. Epid. s [...]. 8. in [...]ine. as Hippocrates speaks of Phatusa the [...] of Pytheus.

The proper causes are, the straitness of [...] passages, or evil conformation of the [...] through which it should slow. Or the closin [...] the womb, of which we spake, but I speak [...] of the ve [...]sels.

The usual cause of obs [...]uction, is thick [...] humors, f [...]om the blood too thi [...]k, or mixed [...] melancholy which comes with it to the vei [...] the womb, and stops them.

[Page 71] This thick blood comes from a cold distem­per of the stomach, liver and spleen, from thick and gross food, and drinking cold water when the Terms flow. So thought Galen in his time Lid de ve­nae s [...]c al­versus era­sistrat. of the Roman women that drank Snow-water [...] and had few or no courses [...]

Straitness is when the body of the womb is made thicker, either by Nature or other causes; as a cold and dry, or hot and dry diste [...]per.

Thirdly, straitness is from compression of the vessels, by a Scirrhus or hardness of the parts ad­jacent, as the straight gut, or by the stone in the bladder, and the womb displaced.

Fourthly, the flesh may grow together by a membrane that grows to the vessels, or a [...]ar af­ter a wound. Or after a mischance, when the veins annexed to the Secundine, grow so toge­ther, that they cannot be opened: of which in the first Question.

They are not the same in women and Virgins, The Signs. for blood stopt in Virgins, goes to and [...]ro, chan­geth the colour, and brings Feavers, especially the white Feaver or Green-sickness.

But in women it goes more to the womb, and brings Symptomes, as loathing, vomiting, and Pica.

Galen hath other signs, as heaviness, a lazy 8. De lo­aff. c. 5. pain in the loyns, neck, and behind in the head, that reacheth to the roots of the eyes, from the sp [...]eading of the blood stopt through the whole body. This laziness is chie [...]ly in the thighs and leggs, by reason of the veins there consenting with the womb. And are of a green complexi­on, and hairy, with a beard, and shrill voice.

You may know women with child, from such a [...] want their Terms, only by p [...]per signs. First [Page 72] the women with child keep their colour, but the other are pale and ill-c [...]loured; they are merry, the other sad. 2. Their Symptoms daily grow milder, but in the other they daily grow worse. 3. You may feel the child move. 4. It is per­ceived in a month.

You shall know from what causes the Terms are stopt, thus. If the Liver be cold, there is no blood made that is superfluous, and there are signs of a [...]old Liver, and you may know that blood is not sent to the womb, when there is no heaviness, pain, or tumor about the womb, the liver or spleen are stopt.

If it be [...]rom flegm or melancholy, which is o [...] ­ten, there are signs of their abounding, as laz [...] ­ness, paleness, seldom pulse, crude urin.

Hippocrates saith, That if the Terms stop, ther [...] The Pro­gnostick. Hippo. morb. mu­lier. Gal. 6. de lo. aff. c. 5. are diseases in the womb, tumors, imposthumes, ulcers and barrenness, and diseases in the whole body, Green­sickness, Leucophlegmacy, Dropsie, Vomiting of blood, Heart-ach, Cough. And the longer they have been stopt, the ha [...]der they are to be open­ed. If the blood stop [...] go out at the nose, it is good.

If it have great Symptomes, there is fear of Hippo. 5. apho. 23. death.

You must not give Medicines to move the Terms, to extenuate lean persons, nor to such as want blood, and have a weak Liver, but they must be sed high.

First see i [...] blo [...]d abound, and then (a [...]ter a Leni [...]ive) open a vein [...] and l [...]t that blood which C [...]m. in 6. [...]p [...]. 3. [...]. [...]9 is in the veins, be drawn to the womb. Gal [...] took th [...]ee [...]ints of blood at three times f [...]om [...] le [...]n wom [...]n, and cured her of an old stopping [...] the Terms.

You must open the ankle vein [...], the fir [...]t day [Page 73] the right, the next the left, four or five daies be­fore the time. Or you may cup and [...]ari [...]ie the Leggs.

And bind the parts below, and rub them after general evacuation, opening of the Haemorrhoids doth hurt, and so do Issues, because they draw from the womb.

Hiera picra hal [...] an ounce, or Pills de T [...]ibus, o [...] Hiera simple are good first.

Then prepare, as; Take water of Mugwort, [...] Maidenhair, [...]a [...]h three [...]u [...]ces; Syrup o [...] [...]he five Roots, and of Mugwort, each two ounces; ma [...]e it for two doses. Or, Take op [...]ning Roots half an ounce, Madder, Burn [...], ea [...]h three ounces; Mugwort, Bettony, Germand [...]r, Calamints, [...]ach a handful; red Pease half a handful [...] flowers of Bu­gloss, Dill, each a pugil: boyl and sweeten it with Sugar.

For flegmatick Bodies, take the Decoction of Guajacum, Sa [...]aphras, Dittahy for fifteen d [...]es without sweating.

Then evacuate with Agarick, Mechoacan, Turbith, Scammony, Coloquintida, bla [...]k Hel­lebore. As,

Take Agarick two drams, infuse it in Mugwort­ [...]ter two ounces, O [...]ymel an ounce, strain, and the E [...]tract of Michoacan a s [...]ruple. Or, Take op [...] ­nin [...] Roots half an ounce, Mugwort, Bettony, [...]ch [...] pugils; Senna [...]l [...] an [...]unce, Agari [...]k two dra [...] [...] and Ani [...]d, each a [...]ru [...]e; [...] ha [...] a dram, R [...]s [...]mary flowers [...] [...]ugil, in [...]e [...] th [...]e oun [...] an [...] [...]a [...]f, [...]d S [...]rup of Senna [...]n [...] a [...] hal [...] [...] h [...]l [...] a dram.

Or if they d [...]ink Wi [...]e. T [...]ke Tar [...]th, [...] ea [...]h tw [...] d [...]ams; Senna an [...] a [...] ha [...], Mai [...]hair, [...]alm, R [...]s [...]mary, ea [...] [Page 74] two pugils; Cinnamon, Galangal, each a dram [...] hang them in Wine, give six ounces with half an ounce of Manna.

Or, Take Diaturbith with R [...]ubarb half an ounce, Mechoacan two drams, Agarick a dram, Diarrhodon [...] Cinnamon, each half a dram; Steel prepared a dram, with Raisons make an Electuary [...] give as much as a Wall nut.

Or give Pills of Agarick foetidae, and so con­tinue purging and [...]reparing, if the matter be stubborn. Or, Take Agarick two drams, Ma­der a dram, with Syrup of Mugwort, make Pills. Or, Take Aloes three drams, de Tribus o [...]e dram, with juyce of Savin make Pills [...]

If the stomach is soul, give a Vomit, le [...]t it g [...] into the veins.

Then give provokers of the Terms which are Par. 1. sec. 2. c. 2. hot and thin, about the time they used to flow: they are three degrees in strength, and many so [...]t [...] of Medicines are made of them.

A Pouder. Take Cinnamon a dram, Amb [...]r [...] s [...]ruple, Saffron half a scruple. Or, Take Trochu of Mirrh, of Wall [...]flowers, each a scruple; Saffron five grains. Or, Take Castor, Pennyroyal, each a scruple; with Wine or proper Waters.

Physical Wine. Take Madder roots an ounc [...], Orr [...]s half an ounce, Balm, Pennyroyal, Mugwort [...] Rosemary, e [...]ch a handful; Wall-flowers half a p [...] ­gil, Cinnamon an ounce, Galangal half an oun [...], with Wine: give four ounces.

Or, Take the D [...]c [...]ction of red Pease. Or, Take Smallage, Fennel roots, each half an ounce; Mug­wort, Bett [...]ny, Pennyroyal, Balm, each a handful; red Pe [...]e half an handful, Juniper-berries half a [...] ounce, [...] all flowers a pugil, boyl and sweeten it. O [...] Take [...]en ounces of it with thr [...] ounces of Mugw [...] for three doses.

[Page 75] Quer [...]tan commends this. Take Gromwel­s [...]eds, Anise, M [...]slet [...] of the Oak, each three drams; Dittany a dram, Saffron a s [...]ruple, [...]rui [...], and keep them twenty four hours in Wine then boyl [...]them: give f [...]r ounces for three dai [...]s together.

Or make the Womans [...]qua vi [...]e. Or, Take Balm, [...]tt [...]ny, Pennyroyal, M [...]wort, N [...]p, Mo­the [...]wort, Dittany, [...]ach four handfuls; Wine thirty pints, distil them, add three handfuls of each h [...]rbs, and distil them again, and ad Fennel seed, Calamus, Cinnamon, Cassia lign [...]a, Cardamoms, each half an ounce: distil them again.

Or give Syrup of Calamints [...] Mugwort. Or, Take water of Pennyroyal, Savin, Calamints, each four ounces; Syrup of Mugw [...]rt [...]ur ounces, Cinna­mon water an ounce: give it at f [...]ur times.

Rouls. Take Extract of Savin a scruple, of An­gelica half a s [...]ruple, of Elicampane six grains, Oyl of Cinnamon five drops, of Cloves two drops, with S [...]gar dissolved in Balm wa [...]er. Or make an E­lectuary of Steel six ounces, Cassia lignea, Cinnamon, each two drams; Cloves a dram, Raisons two oun­ces, with Sugar dissolved in M [...]gwort water.

Or, Take Troches of Mirrh a dram, Extract of Gentian and Savin, each a scruple; [...]astor half a [...]ruple, make Pills: give two scruples, or give eve­ry third day pills of Hier [...].

Use outward Medi [...]ines, but p [...]ovoke not sweat [...]y them.

Take Althaea and Lill [...] ro [...]ts, each two [...]unces; [...] an [...]un [...]e, M [...]ll [...]w [...], M [...]r [...]ury, M [...]gwort, [...] M [...]therwort, Calamint [...], P [...]nn [...]royal, M [...]r­ [...]ram, Bay [...] [...]ach t [...] ha [...]d [...]ul [...]; flowers of [...] [...]nder, Cheir [...] each a [...]ndful; Faenu­gre [...] s [...]d an ounc [...], Juniper an [...] Bayberri [...]s, each [...]alf a han [...]l: b [...]l [...]h [...]m in Water, [...] wi [...]h [...]p [...]ges.

[Page 76] And then anoint with this. Take Oyl of Lil­lies an ounce, o [...] Lavender seeds stilled hal [...] a dram, Calamints and Gith pouder, each a dram; Storax calamint a scruple.

To Virgins that must take no Pessaries, give Fumes, with the head defended; they wil [...]pen the mouths of the vessels, and cut thick humors.

As, Take Mirrh, Bdellium, Storax, each a dram; Benzoin two scruples, Gallia mos [...]hata, ivet, each half a scruple; with liquid Storax make Troches.

Then use Clysters and Injections into the Womb with Purgers. As, Take Calamin [...]s, Pen­nyroyal, each a handful; Gith seed, Turbi [...]h, each a dram; Coloquintida half a dram, boyl it in wine, inject it into the womb.

If it be hot a [...]ter it, inject the Decoction of Mallows with Milk or Barley water. And be­cause the neck of the womb lies upon the strait gut, give Clysters. Take Lilly roots an ounce, Or­ris, Valerian, [...]ach half an ounce; Mercury two handfuls, Mugwort, Savin, each a handful; Cha­momil, Lavender flowers, each a pugil; Caraway, Gith seed, each a dram: boyl, add Hiera and Be [...]nedicta laxativa, each half an ounce; Oyl of Cheir two drams, Electuary of Bayberries half an ounce.

If she be no Virgin, put Mercury bruised in a Bag for a Pessary, with Centaury flowers. Or Garlick beaten with Oyl of Spike.

Begin still with the mildest, as Mugwort, Mer­cury, Pennyroyal, Marjoram, Rue; and then add Mucilages and Juyces to loosen the womb [...] let [...]ot Pessaries lie long, least they cause a Fea­ver.

If it be from a tumor, provoke not the Terms, but lo [...]k to the tumor.

Let diet be hot and attenuating of good juyce, [Page 77] with Parsley, Savory, Rosemary, Cloves, Cina­mon. Little sleep and much exercise.

Chap. 4. Of fewness of the Terms.

IT is when they flow less then they use or ought to [...]low.

It is either from the blood, or in the expulsive The Causes faculty in the passages. As if blood [...]e little, the Terms are few and slow, if the retentive faculty is weak, and the expulsive strong, they come at due time, but in small quantity. If the Terms are slow, the fault is in the quality of the blood being too thick. Also straitness of the passages may be a cause, for if they be not wide enough, the blood cannot flow f [...]eely.

The patient will tell the disease, but the cau [...]e The Signs. of it is to be found in the Chapter a [...]oregoing.

[Page 79] Few Terms from little blood is not dange­rous, The Pr [...] ­gnostick. if they be stopt from thick blood, there follow diseases: as Erysipelas, Scirrhus or Can­cer.

See the Chapter aforegoing for the Cure, and The Cure. and if it be from thickness of blood, it is often cured by a general Purge for the whole body.

Chap. 5. Of Dropping of the Terms.

THis is a flux, and lasts long, and there is pain.

The blood flows not conveniently at the due time and manner, and the privities are alwaies wet, as when the urin drops.

Are from the blood and the passages of it, and The Causes the retentive faculty; as when the blood is too thi [...]k and sharp, which stir up Nature to let it out, and because it stretcheth the membranes, the [...]e is pain. Also the weakness of the reten­tive faculty is a cause.

The women declare it, but if it be from thick The Signs. blood and sharp and strait passages, there is a s [...]etching pain about the womb. If it be from c [...]udity of blood, and weakness of the retentive [...]aculty, the blood flows without pain, and is not much [...]elt.

It is troublesom to women, and if it last long, The Pro­gnostick. The Cure. [...]auseth ulcers and inflammations.

It is all in mending of the thick and sharp [...]lood, and in opening the passages, which are [...]he two chief causes of it, of which we spake at [...]rge.

If blood be superfluous, loose it not, nor open [Page 80] the ankle-vein, lest you draw it more to the womb, but take away the Cacochymy.

If it be from weakness of the retentive facul­ty, strengthen the womb with dryers and ash in­gents.

Chap. 6. Of the overflowin of the Terms.

IT is when it is too much or too long, and hur [...]s any woman, and brings diseases, but a cer­tain proportion of bleeding is not to be de [...]ined; but too much is lost when the actions are hurt.

The immediate Cause is the opening of the The Causes Gal. 3. de sympt. cau­sis [...]. 2. & 5. aph. com. 57. vessels, and the mediate cause is the blood in quantity or quality offending, or by its force or disorderly motion.

Vessels are opened by Anastomosis, Diapede­sis, Diaeresis or ruption, or by Diaurosis or co [...] ­rosion. Anastomosis is from a moist distemper of the vessels [...] which loosneth the orifices, or from external causes, as Baths, hot and moist: or us [...] of Aloes.

The flux is seldom too great from a Diapede­sis, for it is but a sweating through. Ruption is from plethory, when the Terms have long been stopped, and then break out, and when the bloo [...] is hot by air, baths, &c. The outward causes are falls, strokes, hard travel, great burdens lifted.

Erosion is from sharp blood or humor, or from Medicines that corrode, as Pessaries long kept. For this great flux is chiefly from the veins in the bottom of the womb.

The flux of blood is too great, when the The Signs. strength abateth, and Cachexy [...]ollows, with paleness, [Page 81] swoll [...]n feet, and the blood that comes from the bottom of the womb, is blacker and [...]lotted [...] That from the neck is redder and thinner.

The signs of the causes. If it be from mu [...]lr blood, there are signs of plethory, and it easily [...]lotteth together. If the blood be sharp and cho­l [...]rick, it is putre [...]ied in the womb, you shal know waterish blood by its colour, and the signs of that humor abounding: and if you dip a clout in it, and dry it in the shade, you may see it. If the womb be too moist, such causes went before. If it be from breaking of veins, they will tell you of violence. If it be from corrosion, it is little and slow, somtimes pure, somtimes [...]erous.

It wea [...]n [...]th the whole body, the liver and bo­wels, The Pro­gnostick. there is swounding, the Whites, and pale­ness, and Dropsie somtimes: That which hath been long [...] is hard to be cured, and causeth death, and in an old woman it is deadly.

If there be fulness, abate the blood, and keep Indications it from flowing to the womb, revel it, r [...]p [...]l, cool and astringe it, that it may not flow so fa [...], and then amend the blood.

If it is from plenty of blood, open the Liver­vein The Cure. in the right arm; bleed little and often be­cause it makes better revulsion, and weakens not, open the Salvatella, if there be weakness, and cup Gal. 5. aphor. com. 50. [...]he Back and Breast a [...]ainst the Liver, beneath [...]he papps, where are veins from the womb: cup [...]ot beneath, but in the shoulders, or back and [...]rms with scarification, but sca [...]i [...]ie not under [...]he brea [...]ts.

Bind and rub the a [...]s and shoulde [...]s, and tem­ [...]er and thicken the sharp thin humors, with De­ [...]cti [...]ns and Waters of Plantane, Purslane, Sorrel [...] [Page 82] Knotgrass, Shepherds-purse, Pomegranate-Syrup, and of dried Roses, Sorrel, Pu [...]slane, Co­ral, Conserve of Roses, Bole, sealed Earth.

If it be urgent, use Na [...]coticks, Syrup of Pop­pies, Treacle, Philonium, Laudanum.

If it still continue, it is fed with choler, there [...] fore purge it with Syrup of Roses, Manna, Rhu­barb, Senna.

If it be fed with serous blood, help the [...]eins that do not their duty, and the Liver, and sweat with China.

You must not provoke urin, but use astringents. To Cure al diseases Read my Sennertus, Platerus, Riveri [...]s, Bartholi­nus, and Riol [...]nus, of the last Edition. As, Take the juyce of Ass-dung, Syrup of Mir [...]l [...]s, each half an ounce; Plantane water an ounce. Give it her, and let her not know what it is.

Decoctions. Take Comfrey roots, Tormen [...]il, [...]ach two drams; Purslune, Plantane, each a hand­ful; boyl them [...] add to six ounces Syrup of Curran [...], Quinces, Mirtles, each six drams: give [...] it at twice. Or, Take Syrup of Purslane, juyce of Ne [...]les, each two ounces; Purslane water four ounces, Troches of Amber, of sealed Earth, each a dram [...] Bloodstone half a dram: give two spoonfuls every day.

A Water. Take eight pin [...]s of Wa [...]er, [...]i [...]h Starch, Barley meal, and Rise, dried Roses a hand­ful, juyce of Yarrow, Plantane, each half a pin [...]; Comfrey roots and all three ounces, Hors [...]ail, Blood­wort, each half a handful; Pears, and Quinces, Pomegranate flowers, all Sanders, each half an ounce; Mas [...]ich an ounce, distil them, and give tw [...] ounces, with half an ounce of Syrup of Roses or Pur­slane.

Electua [...]ies. Cons [...]rve of Ros [...]s two ounces Quin­ces an ounce and half [...] [...]roches of burnt Ivory ar [...] sealed Earth, each a dram; Crocus Martis, B [...]le red Coral prepared, Mastich, each half a dram; wi [...] [Page 83] Syrup of Mir [...]les make an Electuary [...]

Po [...]ders. Take Mastich, red Coral prepared, [...]ach a dram [...] [...]earl, Smarag [...]s prepared [...] a s [...]ruple; Bloodstone half a s [...]ruple, B [...]le h [...]l [...] - dr [...]m, make a Po [...]der.

Michael Paschal cured many with this Pouder. L [...]b. de rat. m [...]. c. 55. Take two Eg [...]sh [...]ll [...], burnt Frankince [...]se, Mastich, [...]ach half an ounce; Pearl, red Coral and Amber, [...]ach two drams; Bloodstone, Smaragds prepare [...], [...]h half a s [...]r [...]ple; Barley [...]lour tw [...] pugils, whites of four Eggs, with [...]i [...]el [...]d Water make C [...]kes. Give from half a dram to a dr [...]m in pouder, with Trot­ter broath in the morning.

Or give every day a dram of the pouder of Ex p [...]r [...] ­fores. to. Mulberry tree roots. Or, Take a plump Tur­tle drawn and pluckt, wash it in Rose [...]water and red Wine, put an ounce of Mastich in the belly of it, stick it on, and roast it, and bast it with Vinegar of Roses. Then put it into a glass close luted, to be dried in an oven; then beat all of it to pouder. Give a spoonful with Plantane water, or an astringent D [...]coction. Anoint the bottom of the belly, [...]eins and groyns, with the dropping of it.

Or make Rouls thus. Take Bole half a dram, Magistery of Coral a dram, Pearl prepared a scr [...] ­ple, Sorrel and Plantane seed, each half a dram; A­romaticum rosatum, Traganth, each half a dram; with Sugar dissolved in Plantane water, make Rouls.

In the use of cold As [...]ringents, take heed you s [...]op not the veins, and the heat be cooled. If these help not, use Narcoticks, a [...] Troches of sea­led Ea [...]th, and Amber with O [...]i [...]m: these a­stringe also.

U [...]e no Pessaries, except the veins in the neck o [...] the wo [...]b be open. As, Take Sn [...]keweed, [Page 84] Tormentil, each half an ounce; Pomegranate flo­wers, Plantane seed, each two drams; Comfrey roots [...] Frankincense, Mastich, each a dram; Ac [...]ci [...], Sanguis Draconis, each two scruples; Blood­stone, Starch, each a dram and half; with the whi [...]e of an Eg, and Gum traganth dissolved in Rose water, make Pessaries with red Silk.

Womb-clysters. Take juyce of Yarrow, Solo­mons seal, each two [...]unces; Mucilage of Gum A­rabick made in Plantane water two ounces, make a Clyster.

A Fume. Take Frankincense, Mastich, each two drams; Mirtles, Labdanum, each a dram; red Roses, Pomegranate flowers, each half a dram; with Gum traganth make Tro [...]hes to be burnt.

Oyntments. Take Oyl of Mirtles, Quinces, each two ounces; juyce of Plantane, Solomons seal, Hor­stail, each an ounce; boyl the juyces away, ad Bole, Plantane seed. Mirtle berries, Ceruss, each half an ounce; with Wax make an Oyntment. Or use the Countesses Oyntment to the loyns and pec [...]en.

Cataplasms. Take Quinces, Pears boyled in red Wine, add Bole, Mastich, Sanguis Draconis, Ac [...] ­cia, make a Cataplasm or a Cerot. Or, Take Sorr [...]l and Plantane seed, Purslane seed, Bole, Sanguis Dra­conis each two drams; Frankincens [...], Mastich, Mirrh, each three drams; Turpentine an ounce, wi [...]h juyce of Plantane and Yarrow and Wax, make a Cerot af­ter the juyces are boyled away.

Fomentations are better then Baths, for they make the humors flow more. Let them be a­stringent, and cool. Or wash the legs and hips in cold water. Lay Epithems to the Liver, Oyntments, Cerots, or Plaisters.

If choler offend, give Rhubarb and Cons [...]rve of Roses to evacuate the Cacochymy.

[Page 85] If blood flow from a vein broken, use Coral, Bole, Mirtles, Comfrey, Acacia, Hypocistis: or apply a Pultis of whites of Eggs, and astringent Pouders.

If it come from a vessel corroded, use stoppers and glutinaters that a [...]e slimy, as Dropwort roots a dram, with a rear Eg.

Let the diet be as the Physick is. In a flux from plethory, eat little, and that of little nourishment, and in other cases give things to close the vessels. Sleep long, and use little Venery, little or no ex­ercise. An [...]er hurts, and other passions.

Chap. 7. Of the Terms flow­ing with pain and Symptoms.

THe Symptomes are pain in the loyns or thighs, head-ach, biting at the mouth of the stomach, pain in the belly and loyns, faint­ing.

They are as in suppression of Terms, but less The Causes vehement, and are in them that have not con­ceived. There is obstruction, thick and gross blood, that stretcheth the vessels, and the blood flows not orderly.

A little before the Terms, there is head-ach, The Sig [...]s. biting at the stomach, pain in the loyns, and bot­tom of the stomach, with beating at the heart, [Page 86] and [...]ainting. When the pain is from thick blood, it comes forth in [...]lodds, and the pain is worse be [...]ore. If it be from wind, it is sudden, and st [...]ies not in a place, and there is rumbling in the belly.

[...]he [...] Take heed it tu [...]n not to the stoppage of terms, if it be neglected. It is greater in barren women and Virgins, then in those have had children.

[...]e Cure. Take away the cause; if they be thick hu­mors, evacuate them after they are prepared: if sharp, temper them. These attenuate blood, wa­ter of Grass roots, Maidenhair, Decoctions of the opening Roots, Syrup of Maidenhair, o [...] the five Roots, Treacle, and the like in the stoppage of the Terms.

Against pain, [...]se the Fomentations and Oynt­ments in the Chapter of pain of the Womb.

Chap. 8. Of evil discoloured Terms.

THis is called the Terms depraved by bad humo [...]s, and so they are voided.

The Caus [...]s Blood is foul, either from evil diet, or evil hu­mors, or stoppage of it. The humors are flegm, choler, or melancholy mixed with it, and then the Te [...]ms are either pale, blew, green, or black and stinking [...] or white and flegmatick. They are so from a fault in the stomach. The pale and yel­lo [...] are a [...]e from too great heat in the liver. The bla [...]k ar [...] from the spleen disordered.

[...] Si [...]. Tha [...] blood which is natural [...] is different f [...]om the b [...]d in colour and substance: it is like that [...]f a new [...]ain sheep, no [...] thi [...]ker nor thinner, and [...]he [...]ad Terms come no [...] [...]e [...]sonably, but soon [...] [Page 87] or later [...] of which Hippocrates. You may know Lib. de morb. mu­lier. by the colour what humor predominates, and by the sub [...]tance. The flegmatick and mela [...]choly are long in coming, and the cholerick waterish Terms come q [...]icker.

The more they di [...]er from the natural s [...]ate, The Pro­gnostick. the worse they are, black and stinking are worst. The matte [...]y are wo [...]st of all. If these flow seven, eight or nine d [...]ies, she is cured: if they ulcerate the womb, she is barren.

Hippocrates saith they must be purg [...]d and pre­pared The Cure. 5. Aphor. 36. with proper things, as we shewed in the distempers of the Womb. But take heed that you move not the Terms when you attenuate, for that wil melt the [...]erous humors, and fix them more in the vessels: use neither Vinegar no [...] sharp things.

After purging, consume the reliques by sweat; if choler be in fault that must not be sweated out, discuss it with warm Baths, and do so in me­lancholy. Use Pessaries, Fomentations and Fumes to the womb.

Give Treacle, Mithridate, or the Decoction of An [...]elica roots, if cold humors are the cause.

Chap. 9. Of Terms coming before their time.

THese shew an ill constitution. And it is a depraved excretion of the Terms that comes for the time often, f [...]r somtimes they fl [...]w sooner, or twice in a month.

The immediate Cause is hurt of the retentive The Causes and expul [...]ive faculty, so that the blood flows not or sooner or late [...], or oftner: the cause why they [Page 88] come sooner, is in the blood that stirs [...]up the ex­pulsive faculty in the whole body, or in the womb: somtimes all causes meet, the blood is too much, or too sharp and hot; and if the re­tentive faculty in the womb be weak, and the ex­pulsive strong [...] and of quick sense, it is sooner.

A fall, stroke or passion are the evident Cau­ses.

The Signs. They will relate it: and the signs of the cau­ses are these. If it be from much blood, there are the signs of plethory; heat, thinness, and sharp humors are known by the distemper of the whole. The weakness of the retentive faculty, and loosness of the vessels is known from a loose and moist habit of body.

The Pro­gnostick. It is not dangerous, but troublesom, and hin­ders conception.

The Cure. I [...] they come too soon from hurt in the faculty provoked by too much plethory. Let blood, use a spare diet, and much exercise. If it be from sharp blood, temper it by good diet and Medi­cines, as in the choleri [...]k distemper of the womb.

Use Baths of Iron-water, that corrects the di­stempers of the bowels, then evacuate.

If it come from the retentive faculty, and loos­ness of the vessels, correct the cold and moist di­stem [...]er with gentle astringents.

I [...] it be from a stroke or fall, cu [...]e it as the ves­sels opened are cured, of which before.

Chap. 10. Of Terms that come after their usual time.

VVHen they stay longer then ordinary, and return without order at no set [Page 89] time: the causes are little and thick blood, strait­ness of the passages, weakness of the expulsive faculty, and dulness. Either of these causes may stop the Terms, bu [...] if all meet, the disease is worse

For if blood be not bred in such a quantity, that it may prick Nature forward to expel it, the purging of it is di [...]ered, till there be enough to stir up Nature to expel it. If thi [...]k humors are in the blood, the passages stopt, and the faculty weak, the Terms mu [...]t needs be disordered, and the purging of them differed longer.

If it be from want of blood, she hath either li­ved The Signs. poor in diet, or exercised too much, and she [...]inds no inconvenience by the want of her Terms. If it be from gross slimy blood, there are signs of Cacochymy. The weakness of the faculty is known by the cold distemper of the womb.

It is not so dangerous as stoppage of the terms, The Pro­gnostick. but it is bad enough in a plethorick or cacochy­mical body.

If little blood be, use a [...]uller diet, and exer­cise The Cure. not. If blood be gross and foul, make it thin, and cut it, and after Preparatives, let the humors mixed therewith, be evacuated. It is good to purge presently after the Terms, and to use Calamints, and to purge often.

Also four or five daies before the Terms, sca­ [...]i [...]e the ankles, and hold the feet in warm wa­ [...], [...]ub the legs, apply Cupp [...]ng-glasses without S [...]ification to the inside of the thighs, and use Fumes and Pessaries.

Anoin [...] the bottom of the belly with things to provoke the Terms. If there be a numness, use things against the Palsie.

Chap. 11. Of the Terms voi­ded another way.

SOmetimes they come out at the nose, or are vomited up, or flow out by the Haemorrhoid 1. De morb. mul. 5. apho. 32. obser. me­dic. c. 15. Lib. 1 de affect. mul­c. 7. veins. Hence Hippocrates saith that a woman that vomits blood, is cured by having her t [...]rms, or by a bloody flux. Somtimes they are pissed [...]orth. Dodon [...]eus saies that they come out at the eyes like tears somtimes. Ama [...]us Lusitanus saith they will come forth at the Teats of the breasts, and at the navel, at the little finger, or ring- [...]in­ger every month, as Mercat [...]s observed thrice.

The Causes Are stoppage of the Terms from straitness of the vessels in the womb, or evil conformation of the womb.

The Pro­gnostick. It is more troublesom then dangerous, and hinders conception. It is best when they come out at the nose, for it is a part that Nature useth to disburden her self by.

The Cure. First, bring the blood to the womb again, and abate it. Open the ankle-vein three daies before she begins to bleed. Or cup the thighs, or rub them. Or use Baths, Fomentations, Oyntments, Womb-clysters, Pessaries, and the like mentioned in Suppression of the Terms.

Chap. 12. Of the Whites.

IT is a [...]oul excretion from the womb, white, and somtimes blew, or green, or reddish, no: at a set time, nor every month, but disorderly, longer or shorter. Before or after the Terms, and when they are stopt. Virgins seldom have this disease, and women with child have it somtimes.

[Page 91] It differs from the running of the reins; for it is in less quantity, whiter and thicker, and at a greater distance. It differs from night polluti­on, which is onely in sleep with imagination of Venery.

The immediate Cause is an excrementitious The Causes humor, flegm, choler or melancholy. Somtimes it is like waterish blood. It is gathered in the whole body, or in the stomach, liver or spleen. For they who have crudities in the stomach, are subject to this disease. Somtimes the womb a­lone is distempered after often mischances, or when the womb is very cold and moist.

This matter flows through the veins of the womb, or of the neck of it, which use to carry blood, and Nature abuseth them to carry excre­ments, especially if they are bred in the womb.

The remote causes are whatsoever doth breed [...]ad humors; some have it after strong purges, or long bathing.

Somtimes they are pale, somtimes blew, red, The Diffe­rences. waterish and green: somtimes slimy, or cold, or sharp, or stinking. In young people it is red­dish.

The face is discoloured, the urin thick, there The Signs. is loathing and heartach. If the humor be sharp and corrupt, there is a Feaver. If it be flegma­tick and much, the ligaments of the womb are loose, and it falls out, thus Hippocrates, and there Lib. de na­tur. mulie­rum. are saith he swelled eyes, evil colour, and short breathing.

If it be not bred in the womb, the humor is from a Cacochymy. If it be from a fault in ano­ther part, the signs of that wil appear If it come only from the womb, there will be but little: if from the whole body, there will be more.

[Page 92] The Pro­gnostick. It is often, long with little inconvenience, b [...] it must be looked to, lest it be worse, for it o [...] brings ulcers, Cachexy, falling out of the wom [...], Consumption, Fainting, Convulsions, when the matter is sent to the brain or nerves. And the worse the humor is, the greater is the disease.

The Cure. It must not be suddenly stopt, lest it go to th [...] noble parts.

First, see whether it be from the whole body, or any pa [...]t, or from the womb it self. If fro [...] the whole body, which is often, make general e­vacuation, and turn the humors from the womo, and keep a good diet, lest they come again.

I allow not bleeding in the arm, if the Terms be stopt; for they cause a Cacochymy, which admits no bleeding. Moreover the mass of blood may be made [...]oul by them; therefore find o [...] whether it comes from Cacochymy or Plethory. And when it is most like to come from Cacochy­my, bleed not.

Therefore if flegm abound, which is mo [...] u­sual, after general purging, consume the relique [...] with Guajacum and Sar [...]a, and a drying diet, and by provoking urin, of which hereafter.

If sharp and cholerick humors abound, tem­per them with gentle astringents, as Succory, Endive, Sorrel, to prepare, purge with Rhubat [...], Triphera Per [...]ica, aggregative Pills, and Pills [...] Rhubarb. If it be melancholy, do as in melan­choly.

If it be water, cure it as Galen did the Wife o [...] Boeth [...]s c. 8. [...]ib. de prognost. ad P [...]sth.

If it be in the stomach, liver, or the like, pre­vent it from increase, and because it is most a­bout the stomach, give a Vomit, but not too strong. Then strengthen the stomach with h [...] [Page 93] and dry Medicines. If choler abound, the di­stemper is hot, and then cool it.

If it come from the womb, do as I shewed, f [...]om what cause soever it is: Baths are good to [...]acuate and divert, and strengthen, and take a­way a moist distemper, provided they are proper for the constitution.

Use Dryers and Astringents. As, Take Con­s [...]r [...]e of red Roses four ounces, of Succory two ounces, r [...]d Coral, Snakeweed, Tormentil roots, Ivory, each [...] drams [...] with Syrup of Mirtles make an Ele­ [...]uary.

Or, Take red Coral, Bole, sealed Earth, each an [...]unce; Pearl prepared a s [...]ruple, Mastich half a dram, Cypress roots two scruples, Mace half a scriple, with Sugar of Roses as much as all, make a Pouder. Or, Take Diarr [...]odon a dram, Sander [...] a [...]cr [...]ple, C [...]ri'ander two drams, Mastich, Coral, each a dram; with Sugar make Troches.

But use not these Astringents, till the body [...]e purged, least the waterish humors be stopt, and the belly swel: but you may use hot Dryers safe­ [...]y, as Trea [...]le, Mithridate, with Con [...]erve of Ro­ [...]es and Wormwood.

As, Take Conserve of Rosemary flowers an ounce, Diacorus two drams, Diarrhodon, Aroma [...]icum r [...] ­ [...]a [...]um, each a dram; red Coral prepared a dram and [...]alf, Treacle two drams, with Syrup of Citron peels [...]nal e an Electuary.

And least the womb be hurt with evil humors, [...]nject the D [...]coction of Barley, Honey of Roses [...]nd Whey, with Syrup of dried Roses. Or of [...]ormwood, Mints, Motherwort, red Roses, Al­ [...]m. And then use a Fu [...]e of Fra [...]kincense, [...]bdanum, Mastich, Sanders, Nutmeg, red Roses.

[Page 94] Avoid crude and moist things, and fish, mil [...] and all sweet meats, and [...]alt. Forbear Suppe [...] drink red Wine; sleep and wake moderately [...] not upon the back, least the loyns be heated, an [...] the humors sent to the womb.

Chap. 13. Of a Gonorrhaea.

THe running of the Reins may be in all wo­men that are fit for a man, for it is the flux of natural seed. It is in men and women from the French pox, but when stinking humors do flow, it is not properly called a Gonorrhaea.

The Causes The chief Cause is the weakness of the reten­tive faculty, and the loosness and largeness of the seed-vessels: the causes of these are shewed in the Gonorrhaea of men.

The Signs. The women will declare it, and the greatness and the colour; for if it be white and little and thick, and at distance, it is a true Gonorrhaea.

The Pro­gnostick. If it continue, it brings a Consumption and barrenness.

The Cure. The Cure of Gonorrhaea and night pollution is P [...]act. 3. but I shall add this, if it come from plenty of seed. The Buds of the Salix o [...] Willow, [...] [Page 97] [...] called the Closing of the Womb. [...] famous Physitians and Anatomists say [...] is a Hymen, which is the sign of Virginity. [...] they say a membrane wrinkled with [...] like Mi [...]tleberries, like the bud of a Rose half [...] hence came the word [...]

I think with the Ancients, that [...] is some­thing in these parts that distinguis [...]n Virgins from women, which is violated in the fi [...] copu­l [...]tion: many say they have it: and we may be­lieve them. For it is certain that [...]h [...]re is an al­teration at first in Vi [...]gins which causeth pain, and bleeding which is a sign of Virginity.

But what this is, it is not yet known ma [...]i [...] ­ly. Some say it is a nervous membrane, with small veins, which bleed at the first bout. Some say there are [...]our Caruncles tied together with small membranes. Some have observed a fleshy Circle about the Nymphae with obscure little veins, which makes the membrane not to be ner­vous but fleshy.

To be short. I suppose it to be certain, that the part which receives the Yard, is not in them that have used a man, as in Virgins, nor is it a­like in all; and this hath caused the diversity of opinions in Anatomists. Moreover this is not found in all Virgins, because some are very lust­ful [...] and when it itcheth, they put in their finger, o [...] some other thing, and break the membrane: so [...]times the Midwives break it.

Chap. 2. Of the Green-sick­ness, or white Feaver.

THis is in Virgins fit for a man, it is call [...]d the Virgins disease, and the white Feaver, not that there is alwaies a feaver, but because their face is like people in a feaver. It is thus defined.

The Virgins disea [...]e, is the changing of the natural colour into a pale and green with faint­ness, heaviness of body, loathing of meat, palpi­tation of heart, difficult breathing, sadness swel­ling of the [...]eet, eyelids and face, from depraved nourishment.

The Causes The first Cause is stoppage of terms. The next is the gathering of bad humors; for when the way to the womb is stopt, the blood returns to the great vessels and bowels, and choaks thei [...] heat, and stops the vessels, and spoils the making of blood, and then there are crudities, which be­ing brought to the habit of the body, cannot b [...] united perfectly to the parts [...] and cause a Cach [...] ­xy, which is the way to a Dropsie and Leu [...]o­phlegmac [...], and divers Symptoms. The caus [...] of the o [...]structions of the vessels of the womb, are crude humors, and [...]legmatick [...]limy blood [...] [Page 101] from evil diet, and drinking o [...] vinegar, or eat­ing raw corn, chalk, ashes, lime, earth, [...]lay, and the like.

There is a pale and green colour, the face is The Signs. s [...]ollen, and the eye-brows in the morning after sleep especially; the ankles swell, and the whole body is loose, and moist from much water: the l [...]ggs are lazy, the pulse is little and often, in the neck, temples and back. The heart beats, the breath is short when they go up stairs, they loath meat. Some have the Pica, or desire to eat ab­surd things. The terms are stopt, the Hypocho [...] ­dria are swollen; somtimes they vomit, if va­pors [...]ie to the head, there is thirst and headach; and if melancholy be mixed, the animal actions are hurt.

These are not all in all people, but most are in most, and in some all.

It is often turned to a Dropsie. Some after The Pro­gnostick. death have had a Scirrhus, hard liver: some die suddenly, the heart being oppressed. If the sto­mach be much afflicted, it is dangerous, and they loath meat much. If it come from the womb a­lone, it is easier cured.

It is best to begin in the Spring or Summer: The C [...]re. after a Clyster, open a vein the ankle.

Then heat the thick cold humor, and make it thin; and [...]because it is too much to be purged at once, prepare and purge often, and mix atte­n [...]aters and cutters with your purges.

When the humors are above the stomach and Mesentery, it is good to vomit those that can ea­sily vomit, and to give liver-physick, or spleen, or womb-physick, even as in Leucophlegmacy, [...]ee the Chapter of Terms stopt. But in this dis­ease, alwaies consider the liver, spleen and Mesent [...]ry, [Page 102] the obstructions of which are cu [...]ed with things mentioned.

At fir [...] open the the obstructions of these pa [...]s wi [...]h [...]om [...] [...]ew things that provoke terms, and [...]ter [...]ive more.

Thus: Take opening Roots an ounce, Madd [...]r, [...] Orris, E [...]ampane, Citron p [...]els dried, Sar [...] [...]h h [...]lf an [...]un [...]e; Mugwort, Agrimony, [...]rm [...]nder, each a handful; Savin two pugils, C [...]r [...]ham [...]s seeds an ounce, Senna two ounces, Me­ [...]hoacan, Agarick, each half an ounce; St [...]chas [...] two pugils, Fennel, Aniseed, Galangal, each two drams; b [...]l them to a pint and half, sweeten it, a [...]d ad [...] Cinnamon water three dram [...]. Or infuse [...]em all with Sea-wormwood half a handful, common [...]mwood two pugils. Or, Take Agarick, pills of R [...]uba [...], ea [...]h a dram; Quercet [...]n's Pills of Tartar and of Amm [...]niacum [...] each half a dram; Spike a s [...]ruple, Oyl of [...]innamon th [...]ee drops, Ex­tract of Wormwood half a scruple, make Pills: give a scruple an hour before meat. Or, Take juyce of M [...]rcury, clarified Honey or Sugar, each an ounce: add Gith seed, Senna, [...]a [...]h two drams; Mechoacan a dram, make a Mass: or give Conserve of Mari­gold flowers.

St [...]el is an excellent remedy after Preparatives, with proper Drinks or Ingredients. And i [...] the vessels of the stomach are stopt, give a Vomit, and then gross pouder of Steel.

If the Mesentery be stopt, Take Diarrhodon, Ho [...] laudat Mercatus. Diacurcuma, Agarick, each a dram; C [...]rthamus seeds two drams, red Dock roots, C [...]rrot seed, each [...] dram and half; Cloves a dram, Steel prepared two ounces, with clarified Honey make an El [...]ctuary: give two or four drams. If she vomit, stop it not.

If the Liv [...]r be chiefly sto [...]t [...] let the St [...]l be [Page 103] [...]inely poudere [...]. And Take of it half a pound, add eight ounces of Wine in a glass, set it in the embers, stir it, and let it boyl twelve simmers, t [...]l you see it [...]roath, and grow a little thick; then pour the [...]roath and all into another vessel: do thus four times, and then let it be gently boyled till it be thick as Honey. Then Take Parsley, Carrot seed, Diacurcuma, Diarr [...]odon, each a dram and half; Cinnamon a dram, Steel so prepared six drams, with Honey make an Electuary: give three drams, or five after exer [...]ise.

If the Spleen be stopt; Take Steel prepared a pound, wash it with Vine [...]ar, then strain it, and lay it on a clout, and add pouder of Cloves h [...]lf an ounce. Let them st [...]nd so a day and a night, then put them in a glassed vessel, ad ten ounces of white Wine [...] Diarrhodon, Harts tongue, Senna, and Capar ba [...]ks [...] then stir them, then set them in the Sun for a day, or in an Oven: do this ten daies, til the Steel be melted in the Wine, and little or nothing at the bottom. Give two oun­ces of this in the morning af [...]er purging and ex­ercise.

Or, Take Steel prepared an ounce, Cinnamon, Aniseeds, each two drams; Diamos [...]hu without musk a dram Sugar an ounce, make a Pouder, give a dram: drink white [...]ine and Mugwort water af­t [...]r it.

Ste [...]led Wine. Take Steel in poud [...]r three oun­ces, Cinnamon half an ounce, white Wine three pints: set them in a close glass eight d [...]ies in the Sun, stir them every day [...] Give six or eight ounces four hours a [...]ore dinner, for fifteen or twenty d [...]ies, and walk after it.

At first give a Steel-medicine to pr [...]pare. As, Take Steel filings four ounces, [...]t i [...] in an ir [...]n [...] [Page 104] [...]ibl [...] or Ladle, th [...]n cast it into two pints of water of H [...]ps, Grass, M [...]dder, Borage, or Spring-water: st [...]in it, and do so [...]ven tim [...]s. Then Take so ma­ny ounces o [...] [...]w Steel, and cast it into water as be­f [...]re: strain and add Syrup of Violets, Borage, or [...] of R [...]ses four ounces: give three ounces in the morning [...]fter ex [...]rcise. Prepare thus three or four times and [...]en use stronger.

A [...]e [...] Steel use S [...]orzonera st [...]pt all night in Wine give [...] the morning. This hath cured ob­structi [...] [...]

Mercatus. Bez [...]r [...]one [...]ith Mercatus opens obstructions in my ex [...]erience, and reh [...]ts venom; give six or seven g [...]ins.

Steel is be [...]t Spring and Fall, purge, and exer­cise before and after it, that it may be better dis­persed. Use Preparatives, Purges, and streng­theners often, and for a long time, and change the forms, least the patient loath them.

If water spread about the body, cool the bo­dy, and make it heavy. Use Sweats, as Baths natural or artificial, of Mugwort, Calamints, Nep, Danewort, Sage, Bays, Rosemary, Mercu­ry, Ivy, Briony roots, Orris, Elicampa [...]e.

After pu [...]ging and opening obstructions, all the Sympto [...]s wil vanish, if not, see for the Sym­ptoms of the womb.

The Diet. Let the air be temperately hot. The meat of good juy [...]e and easie digestion; pot-herbs and green f [...]its must be avoided, fish, milk, lettice. Make S [...]u [...]e with Sage and Cinnamon. Drink Wine; l [...]t bread [...]e well leavened, with [...]ennel­s [...]d [...] drink no wat [...] no [...] Broaths, at first and in the de [...]li [...]tion of the disease, use exercise and V [...]n [...]ry. Let sleep be moderate.

Chap. 3. Of Symptomes from the Womb, and Mother-fits in General.

IT is not to be expressed what miserable disea­ses women are subject to: both Virgins and others from the womb, and its consent with o­ther parts. For when terms or blood are stopt, there are great Symptoms, and while they putre­fie or get evil qualities▪ the Symptoms are grie­vous, and almost unexpressible.

One woman may have divers Symptoms from [Page 107] the womb at the same time, when the seed and terms are mixed with other humors after they are corrupted, and there is more sometimes, and such noble substance as seed and terms being cor­rupted, are like poyson. Gal. 6. de lo. aff. c. 5.

The consent with other parts, is from likeness of parts, nearness, or connexion of vessels. And because the womb is membranous, it hath a great consent with the membranes and nerves. Also the parts adjacent are easily infected. And third­ly, it hath consent with all the body by veins, ar­te [...]ies and nerves.

It consents with the brain by the nerves, and membranes of the back-marrow: it cons [...]nts with the heart by the ar [...]eries, with the liver by the veins, which are great in the womb, and ther­fore the blood and bad humors go back to the [...]ver. It consents with the stomach by Anasto­mosis in the veins of the Mesentery, and by the arteries through foul humors and vapors go from the womb to the Mesentery and stomach.

It con [...]ents with the spleen by the arteries; therefore many women that had not their terms enough in their youth, and have hot blood, are [...]fter Hypochondriack, and a Physitian can scarce distinguish these diseases of the womb and spleen nor cure them severally.

It consents with the papps by veins and ner­ [...]es, and the heart, Diaghragma, head, brain, and all the org [...]ns of sense and motion; with the liver, spleen, stomach, belly, mesentery, bladder, strait [...]ut, back, hips, arms and legs, and causeth sym­ [...]toms. As Galen [...]aith the mother or hysterical Gal. de lo. aff. c. 5. [...]ion is one name, but hath under it innume­ [...]ble Symptoms.

Chap. 4. Of Suffocation of the Womb.

IN this they seem to be strangled. And there are so many Symptoms at once, that it is im­possible to define it by one. Sometimes there is only short breath, sometimes the animal actions are hurt, the whole body is cold from a malig­nant vapor sent up from the womb.

The Causes The immediate Cause, is a vapor malignant and venemous, sent up by the arteries, veins and nerves that hurt the actions of the parts it goes to. This vapor is like air or wind, thin and little but very strong, to get presently through the whole body; it chie [...]ly ascends to the gullet, and causeth choaking, as eating of Mushrooms, Hel­lebore, and other poysons. There is often short difficult breathing, with heart-ach, vomiting, and loathing. If the vapor go first to the heart, the motion of it ceaseth, and there is swound­ing, and she falls down. If it go to the brain, the animal actions are hurt.

When [...]eed and terms corrupt in the womb, with other bad humors, they breed this evil va­por; because they are the best substance, and the beginning of generation, they are worst when corrupted, especially seed to hurt the whole Gal. cit. 1. body.

Somtimes it is in women with child, when they have not their after pu [...]ging, but evil humors a [...]e le [...]t, and corrupt in the womb.

The chief cause of this humor, is in the trum­pet of the womb and stones, the body of which is hollow and loose, the stones being in bladders, and have hollowness full of water, which in hyst [...]rical [Page 109] women is yellow and thicker then ordina­ry. Vesal. de corp. huma. Fabr. lib. 5. c. 15. This trumpet and the stones are often taken for the womb it self [...] when they are swollen with corrupt seed, and humors, and wind, and reach to the navel: of which in the Chapter of ascent of the Womb.

This disease is breeding sooner or longer, as the matter is more or less, somtimes corrupt hu­mo [...]s lie still, and if they be stirred, they send a venom or vapor to the whole body: now in wo­men subject to this disease, sweet s [...]ents to the nose, or taken in, or anger will move these hu­humors and vapors.

They are according to the variety of the sym­ptoms The Diffe­rences. and efficient cause, or venemous humors, for corrupt blood, especially seed, puts on ano­ther Nature.

That Suffocation is at hand, it appears by la­ziness, The Signs. weakness of the legs, paleness, sad coun­tenance, and the motion of somthing like a ball in the belly, with noise like Froggs, Snakes, or Crows, so that some think it devillish. There is also belching, yawning, yexing, short wind, heart­beating, loathing, dulness, laughture at the com­ing of the fit, [...]rom the vapor g [...]tting into the membr [...]ne of the breast, that tickle them: some cry, some both laugh and cry.

These Symptoms increase when the fit comes and the jaws are closed, that she seems to be choaked, and sense and motion is gone or de­praved. Some have Convulsions, some h [...]ar what is done about them, but cannot speak, the [...]ul [...]e i [...] less, the whole body is cold, and the eyes [...] as if they were dead.

When the [...]it declines, humors s [...]ow from the [...]riv [...]i [...]s, the gu [...]s rumble, the eyes open, the [Page 110] cheeks grow red, and the body warm, the ani­mal actions return, and the patient sighs, and comes to her self.

It is known to be from corrupt seed, if the terms are in order, and short breath, and low voice, Suffocation and Convulsions, and all Symptomes are then more vehement, and at the end of the fit there flows a humor like seed out of the privities. It is from the terms if they be stopt, or flow not orderly, and if there be a dis­ [...]ase in the womb, it is neither from the seed no [...] the terms.

The Pro­gnostick. 1. If there come swounding, or a great Con­vulsion, or quenching of natural heat, it is dead­ly.

2. Suffocation from corrupt seed, is more dan­gerous then that which is from the terms mixt with melancholick humors.

3. The longer it lasts, and the worse the sym­ptoms, the more is the danger. It ceaseth in yong women when they begin to bear children.

4. The oftner the fit comes, the more you may [...]ear the quenching of the natural heat by weakning of the heart often, and if she foam at the mouth, she dies.

Chap. 5. Of the Frenzie of the Womb.

IT is a great and foul Symptome of the womb [...] both in Virgins and Widdows, and such as [...]ave known man. These are mad for lust, and in­ [...]i [...]e men, and lie down to them, and it differs [...]rom Salacity, because in that there is no Deli­ [...]ium.

It is an immoderate desire of Venery that [...]akes women almost mad, or a Delirium from [...]n iminoderate desire of Venery: it is without a [...]e [...]ve [...], and with heat, and tends to madness. [...]here are degrees in it, for modest women have [...] but will not for shame declare it, and die of [...]onsumptions. Others will not conceal it, but [...]eak their thoughts bawdily, and follow men, [...]nd [...]olli [...]i [...]e them shamelesly, as Hippocrates [...] in his Book of Virgins Diseases.

The immediate Cause is plenty of hot and The Causes [Page 116] sharp seed against Nature, but next unto that [...]hich is natural; it is a little biting, swelling, and [...]orcing Nature to let it out by leche [...]y. The brain is only hurt by consent [...] and the animal a­ctions by an external error, or too vehement ob­ject. The part first affected, is the womb in the Nympha, which grows hot, and swells, but the Nymphae are not properly the seat of Venery, but the Clitoris, which was called by the same name anciently.

The heat and sharpness of seed, is from the heat of the womb that breeds it, from hot humo [...] in the womb and hot blood.

The outward Causes, are hot meats spiced [...] strong wine, and the like, that heat the privities [...] idleness, pleasure, and dancing [...] and reading o [...] bawdy Histories.

The Signs. They find their lust to boy [...] at first, and so [...] shame will not declare it: they are sad and si­lent, and their eyes turn to and fro with lust, an [...] if any speak of Venety, they blush, and the puls [...] changeth, when th [...] brain consenteth, reason i [...] perverted, and modesty is overcome, then the [...] prate, are lustful, and angry; somtimes they cr [...] or laugh without a cause: they follow men, an [...] sollicite them for copulation. Some will lie wi [...] any one they meet.

The Pro­gnostick. It is a [...]ordid disease, curable at first, but if ne­glected, it turns to madness.

Th [...] Cure. Let Virgins that have it, before reason is sub­verted, be in company with chast Maid [...]ns, o [...] h [...] married. And be let blood to abate heat of blco [...] and sharpness of seed very often, there is no bet­ter remedy.

Then temper and evacuate the humors, if the [...] be adust, and there be madness [...] use strong [...]

[Page 117] Then have a Bath of Lettice, Willow, Water­lillies, Vine-leaves, Purslane, Venus navel, red Roses, Violets, Waterlillies. Let her sit twice [...] day in it, and not sweat.

To take away the sharpness of the seed, use Lettice, Violets, Waterlillies, and things that quen [...]h seed by a secret quality, as Agnus castus [...]eed, Leaves and Flowers of Champhyre here­ [...]er.

As [...] Take leaves of Waterlillies, Agnus castus, Willow, each three handfuls; Lettice, Purslane, Ve­ [...] navel, each a handful; Lettice, Poppy s [...]ed, the [...] great cold Seeds, each half an ounce; Dill seed [...] drams, Waterlillies a handful, Violets half a [...]ndful, beat them with juyce of Lemons, distil them [...]er twenty four hour, add to every pint a dram of [...]mphire, give an ounce. Or, Take Agnus ca­ [...]ieaves, Rue, Willow, each two handfuls; Mints, [...] of Dill, each a handful and half; Waterlillies [...]lf a handful. Agnus castus seeds, Hemp, Cori­ [...]der, Lettice seed, each half an ounce: beat them, [...]nd distil them with water, add a pint of juyce of Le­ [...]ns, rectifi [...] it to half.

An Emulsion. Take Lettice, and white Poppy [...] and the four great cold Seeds, each half an ounce; [...] of Lettice, Waterlillies, Willow, each four oun­ [...]s; Syrup of Violets two ounces, Magistery of Co­ [...] [...] dram.

An Electuary. Take Conserve of Waterlillies, [...]lets, of Agnus ca [...]tus top [...] e [...]h an ounce; of Ro­ [...] h [...]lf an ounce, red C [...]ral Smaragds, e [...]ch a dram; [...] and Lettice candied, each an ounce; with [...] of Violets and Waterlillies, make an Electuary.

Or make Baths of the same. As, Take tops A [...]nus castus, Lettice, Rue, Waterlillies, D [...]l [...] them, anoint with Oyl of Lillies, [...]ngu [...]nt of [Page 118] Rose [...], with Camphire af [...]r that. Or lay a Plai­ster of Mercury and Marsh-lentils to the breast and loyns. L [...]y a Plate of Lead to the Back, and give a Pessary of juyce of Plantane, P [...] ­slane, Gourds.

These that work by an occult quality, are fit­test for numnesses that must not marry, but they that will marry must forbear them, because they cause bar [...]nness.

Let diet be thin, and of little nourishment, no Eggs; Beef is good, and fresh fish. Also Lettice, Purslane, Succo [...]y. Sleep little [...] think not of Ve­nery, labour, and avoid idleness.

Chap. 6. Of the Melancholy o [...] Virgins and Widdows.

IT is a D [...]liri [...] with sadness, trouble and we [...] [...]ing, s [...]times laug [...]ing, without a Feav [...] [Page 119] It differs from others by the efficacy only of the efficient cause, for it hath divers pains besides [...]dness, especially on the left side, near the heart in the pap [...] this is by occasion at a distance.

The Cause is a melancholick vapor from a The Causes melancholick blood in the vessels near the heart, that infects the animal Spi [...]its, hurts the Fancy, and so the reason. For melancholick blood a­bounding in the vessels of the womb, comes back to the great arteries about the heart, by the arte­ [...]ies of the womb, and infects both vital and ani­mal Spirits and causeth trouble of heart and de­ [...]ium, while this blood is quiet in the arteries, the [...]e is no vapor that riseth; but when it is hea­ [...]ed or s [...]irred up by any cause, the arteries about the back and spleen beat more then ordinary, and the vapors arise and trouble the heart.

They a [...]e sad, and [...]ull of thoughts, and trou­ble The Signs. at the heart, and cannot express their grief; all things are tedious to them, they weep and l [...]ugh without a cause, they sleep little, and with trouble and [...]ear: they have a pain on the left side, and somtimes the left breast; their jaws are d [...]y, al which are the effects of a melaucholick va­por, and when that is discussed, all cease. If it be old, it turns to madness, and then they are [...] silent, then p [...]tlers, and think they see G [...]o [...]s.

At first it is easier cured, but if it last long, and The Prognostick. [...]e [...]esist not imagination, and will not rejoyce [...]ith her Gossips, it is dangerous. They often despair and desire death, or hang themselves, or d [...]own thems [...]lves. If the manners are chan [...]ed, [...] tu [...]s to madness.

Observe what progress the disease h [...]th made. The Cur [...]. At first if blood be hot, o [...]en a v [...]in o [...]ten i [...] [...]e [Page 120] arm, if the terms be not stopt: if they be, bleed in the ankle some daies before they use to flow.

Let her be merry, and prepare and purge me­lancholy, thus. Take Borage and Balm water, each three ounces; Syrup of the juyce of Borage and Bugloss, each an ounce and half. Mix them for two Doses, repeat them somtimes. Then purge Me­l [...]ncholy. As, Take Senna six drams, Agarick a dram and half, Borage flowers and Violets, each a p [...]gil; [...]itron peels two drams, infuse them in Rhe­nish wine for six hours, strain them, ad Syrup of Vio­lets an ounce. Or, Take Scorzonera roots two oun­ces. Borage [...]n ounce, Balm a handful, Senna four ounces, Agarick half an ounce, Citron peels six drams, Zedoary two drams, Cordial stowers a hand­ful, add half a pint of the juyce of sweet-scented Ap­ples, and of Rorage and Bugloss steep them two daie [...], then strain them, ad Sugar and half an ounce of Ci­namon, make a Syrup: give two or three ounces.

Also give Cordials, Confection of Hyacinths, Species Exhilerants, and Confection Alkermes to such as can bear it. Cure it as Melancholy, only the matter comes from the womb; therefore still regard that it dry not the body too much, but use a moistning Diet.

Chap. 7. Of an Epilepsie from the Womb.

THis Falling-sickness is worst then from o­ther causes, because there are greater sym­ptoms, for that malignant vapor doth not onely fall into the nerves, but the veins and arteries.

The Causes The same malignant vapor that causeth suffo­cation, causeth this, for when it ascends by the [Page 121] veins or arteries, it begets other diseases: but when it gets to the nerves, or to the fountain of them, it causeth the Epilepsie. In some the whole body hath a Convulsion; in others some part only, as the eyes, head, tongue [...] hand or leg, and the outward senses are diversly taken. Some see not, some hear not, some see and cannot speak, some dote, and think they see strange things: some cry out, and know not why. All loose the sense o [...] feeling.

If the vapor be n [...]t very malignant, they re­ [...]u [...]n to their work after the fit, as if they had not [...]een ill.

It is known by what hath been said: for here The Signs. [...] not only a Convulsion as in other Epilepsies, [...]t dive [...]s Symptomes as in Suffocation of the [...]omb. They seldom [...]oam at the mouth, because [...]e brain is not so shaken as to cause [...]oaming: [...]or is the vapor so fixed in the roots of the ner­ [...]es, but they often do hear.

It is grievous, and hath grievous Sym [...]toms, The Pr [...] ­gnostick. [...]ut it is not so bad as a true Epilepsie, and if you [...]ve proper Medicines, it never returns.

Chap. 8. Of pain of the He [...] from the Womb.

MAny [...]ins come from the Wom [...], bu [...] [...] chief and greatest are in th [...] Head, [...] ­ver, or on one side, o [...] in the eyes.

[Page 123] Matter ascends to the membranes of the head The Cause [...] by the veins and arteries from the womb. It is a [...]po [...] or humor from blood and humors; som­times bad blood that is thin goes from the womb vessels to the great vessels, and gets to the head, & t [...] the membranes there, and causeth a stretching ulce [...]ated, or pricking, or beating pain, when it is carried through the arteries being [...]ul of blood.

They think their head will be torn and the The Signs. membranes, and it is behind in the head, or when the terms flow, or ar [...] disordered, from consent with the womb. If it be from a vapor, there is no h [...]viness, and it ceaseth presently: if from a humo [...], there is heaviness.

Thes [...] pa [...]s are great, and cause wa [...]ching. The Pro­gnostick.

We have spoken of the headach, but here it is [...]om the womb; therefore consider what hu­mo [...] The Cure. offend in the womb, and let them be pur­ged, and the distemper of the womb amended, as w [...] shewed in the Distemper of the Womb.

There is also a pain in the loyns, because bad h [...]mors go from the veins of the womb and ar­te [...]ies to the great vessels, and so are sent by the [...]pill [...] veins into the membranes, and stretch them, and cause pain: these humors must have [...]per Purges.

Chap. 9. Of the Diseases of the Heart, and beating of the Arteries in the Back and sides from the Womb.

THe heart beats, and the arteries also, as we shewed in the Green-sickness, and it is by [...]il v [...]pors s [...]nt by the [...]teries to the hea [...]t from the womb, that a [...]ise from terms and evil hum [...] gathered in the womb: and this is known by [...] ­ther Signs and Symptomes of a distempered womb.

The Cure. To discuss the malignant vapors from the heart, give Cordials as in Chap. 3. of palpi [...] ­tion of the Heart; as Aqua vitae, Cinnamen­water, and Epithems, Baggs and Liniments.

The arteries also beat with the heart, as i [...] Widdows on the lef [...] Hypochondrion and Bac [...], where there is a great artery, and the artery th [...] beats in the Back, is part of the great artery: they which beat in the Hypochondrion are the lesse [...] spleniti [...]k and mesenterick branches; therefo [...]e the beating is mo [...]e in the Back then in the Hy­pochondrion, but both puls [...]tions come fro [...] the same cause.

The C [...]us [...] The inflammation of the a [...]teries is the Cause of this beating, when evil humors are sent fr [...] the womb i [...]to the great branches of the arte [...] and there b [...]t [...] the heart being over-hot. Som­times the motion of this artery is all the body o­ver, [Page 125] and from a hot humor, the hot humors go to the heart, and cause a feaver, but because there is little putrefaction, it vanisheth presently. If the heat of the humors go to the brain by the ar­te [...]ies, there is madness. Some seek the cause in the v [...]ins, and say that the arteries suffer from the [...] in them.

You m [...]y feel it wi [...]h your hand laid upon the The Signs. Hypochondrion, and there are signs of a distem­pered womb, and melancholy from the womb, if heat continue in the arteries, and go to the whole [...]ody, it consumeth it.

It is seemingly a small disease, but it is not The Pro­gnostick. [...]ithout danger, because it comes from a bad cause, that weakens the bowels.

It is cured as melancholy from the womb, and The Cure. [...]opping of the terms, and as Hypochondriack melancholy from the womb which follows.

Chap. 10. Of the Diseases of the Spleen, and the Hypochon­driack Disease from the Womb.

SOmtimes the Spleen and the Hypochondria suffer from the womb, so that you may doubt [...]hat disease it is.

[...] from the womb by the arteries, the womb The Cause [...] [...] one from the preparing arteries, [...] from the Hypogastrick a [...]t [...]ry. That from [...] goes almost to all parts of the [...] and [...] branches of the spleen: there­ [...] b [...] blood is [...]ed in the womb, and [...] [...]pwa [...]d to the [...] g [...] eas [...]y from thenc [...] to the [...] [...]d t [...] the s [...]leen, and the parts adjacent [Page 126] in the abdomen; and the sooner [...] Nature useth to send bad humors to ign [...] parts. These humors are gathered by suppre [...]i [...] of terms, which though they seem to be onel [...] [...] the veins, yet they get to the arteries by their A­nastomosis. Therefore those women that [...]av [...] hot blood, and their terms flowed not orderly i [...] their youth, are splenitick and Hypochondria [...] in their age.

The Signs. It is known by a pain in the left side and b [...]e [...] to the throat, there is short breath, often [...] the belly is bound: they are sad and sol [...] When thin blood grows hot, there is in [...]a­mation over all the body, and chiefly the [...]ace which suddenly vanisheth, and there are othe [...] signs of Hypochondriacks. These cannot endu [...] sweet scents to their nose.

The Pro­gnostick. If it be not speedily cured, it turns to wor [...] diseases, as the Scirrhus of the spleen.

The Cure. The blood is commonly too hot, therefore o­pen a vein, especially when it is from the terms stopt. You may also open the Haemorrhoids [...] and then purge gently and often with Pills o [...] Tartar by Quercetan, of Ammoniacum of [...] or Birthwort by Fernel; or give Steel and things as in the Hypochondriack diseases, lib. 3. par. 5. and in the Chapter of Terms stopt, and Melancholy from the Womb.

Chap. 11. Of the Distemper of the Liver from the Womb, and of a B [...]ard growing by cons [...]nt from the Womb.

THe womb hath many and great veins mo [...]e then other parts. If then there be too much bl [...]d in them, it easily goes back to the hollow [...]ein, and choaks the heat of the Liver, and so the Liver is distempered according to the humor. It [...]eeds crude and fl [...]gmatick blood, which s [...]nt o­v [...] the body, causeth a Cachexy: and what dis­ [...]ses come by the Liver, are by consent f [...]om the [...]mb, as in stoppage of the Terms and Green­ [...]kness.

Hippocrates speaks of a womans Beard in Pha­ [...]u [...]a 6. Epid. [...]e [...]. 8. aph. 45. the Wi [...]e of Pythius, for hai [...]s have their be­ [...]inning and growth from the reliques of the [...] of the noble parts, that is from the ex­ [...]mentitious part of the blood. And if terms be [...]pt, and the vitious humors that use to be [...]va­ [...]uated with them, are sent over the body, they [...]use divers diseases and Symptoms, and among [...]he [...]st the body of a woman is made hairy, and [...]e hath a Be [...]rd, which is rare.

Chap. 12. Of the Diseases of the Stomach that come from the Womb.

S [...]metimes from consent with the womb, the app [...]tite [...] lost, diminished, increased, or depraved, [Page 128] or there is Hictets, or vomiting, belch­ing, pain, or heart-ach.

The Causes This is when malignant vapors, the way bei [...] large, rise from the arteries of the womb, and g [...] to the co [...]liack artery, and through the Hypoga­strick. And if they are hot, they cause thi [...]st; [...] cold, they hurt concoction, and many times ca [...] strong Symptoms from their malignity and [...] qualities, whose causes are not known. Hence it is that women desire absurd things, as these v [...] ­pors get into divers parts of the stomach.

The Signs. You may know when the stomach is affected by consent from the womb, because the Symp­toms abate and return again, when the vap [...] comes to the stomach: there are also other signs of the womb distempered, and of the Spleen and Mesentery by the vessels, of which the matte [...] is sent from the womb to the stomach.

The Pro­gnostick. The Symptomes are worse when they come from the womb, then when they come from the stomach first, nor are they curable, except the womb be first cured.

The Cure. It is to be directed to the womb and stomach [...] For if it come onely by consent, and there is n [...] disease by propriety, when you have cured the womb, the stomach-disease vanisheth of it [...]el [...], if you do but strengthen the stomach.

If the stomach be first aff [...]cted, look onely to that [...] Therfore first evacuate the humors that [...] in the stomach, as we shewed in its [...] with matter, or the humors will be infected [...] the malignant vapors. A Vomit is here p [...] ­per.

To [...]elp the Womb, see for the [...] and Su [...]ocation, and for the Chapter of the D [...] ­stemper of the Womb with matter, then strengthen [Page 129] the Stomach, thus. Take Aromaticum [...] a dram, Extract of Angelica half a scruple, O [...]l of Cloves, Cinnamon, ea [...]h fiv [...] drops; with Sugar two ounces, make Roules. Or give Pills of Aloes and Mastich often.

Chap. 1. Of the desire of V [...] ­nery hurt.

THERE are two Symptome [...] in women about copulation. The first l [...]chery lost, when [...] doth not willingly entertain [...] man, or cannot long endu [...]e him, or if she endures, she finds little or no pleasure, no more then if she were outwardly handled. The other is too great lust as in Fren­zie of the womb, when they cannot be satis [...] by many m [...].

The Causes The defect of ap [...]etite in lust is f [...]m [...] [...]eed, or when it is cold, or there wants [...] the seed-vessels. The causes of want of [...]eed [...] lib. 3. p [...]r. 9. s [...]ct. 2. c. 1. Somtim [...]s it is [...] [Page 131] [...]l conformation of the [...]eed-vessels.

Women discover this to their Husbands that The Si [...] g [...] to the Physitians for counsel.

These women have not fruitful [...]eed, and ther­ [...]e The Pr [...] gnostick. are barren.

For that see lib. 3. of Barrenness of men, where [...] Liniments and Oyntments for the loyns and p [...]vities of women, but that [...]e may take m [...]re pleasure, let the man anoint the head of his yard [...]ith Civet, or Hens gall, or the gall of a Pick­ [...]d.

Too much Lechery not of it self hinders con­ [...]eption, but wandering lust that follows lechery doth.

The Causes are the same with those of womb [...]enzie, as plenty of seed, sharpness, and com­motion, sharpness of seed from hot meat, and Medicines that provoke lust, and sharp humors in the womb and seed.

Thus lust or lechery is abated by Medicines that extinguish the plenty of seed, and allay its s [...]rpness.

Chap. 2. Of Barrenness, and want of Conception.

MAn or woman may be lustful, and copulate, and yet there may be no conception, or [...] may conc [...]ive too many, as Twins, or more, [...] have one [...]onception after another, which is [...] Su [...]er [...]t [...]tion, or [...] conceives a Mole or [...]

Con [...]eption is of fruitful seed spent by a man, [...]nd mi [...]ed with a womans s [...]d to per [...]ection, for [...] making of a child by the retentive and altering [Page 132] faculty of the womb; hence it is necessary that both seeds be fruitful that is hot, [...]ul of Spi­rits, and well tempered, and a fit subject for a Soul, and that both spend at a time, and there be mixed and retained together, to produce a child.

Also the sucking of the womb is necessary, and that it should lay it up and embrace it, so that there be no space between the seed and the womb. Somtimes the womb greedily snatcheth and emb [...]aceth the seed, but doth not keep it, bu [...] lets it come forth two or three daies after, or keeps it to no purpose, and brings it not to action, as in a false conception or mole. Moreover there must be blood in readiness to get the child, or be sprinkle it when it is first [...]ormed, and to nourish it after.

Therefore if te [...]ms be wanting as in girls, o [...] be stopt, or gone as in old [...]olk, expect no con­ception. If they flow not by reason of labor and too much exercise, the conception is not hinde­red, if there be but blood enough to form the child. Hence it is that women that are brought in bed, conceive again before they have their terms.

If all these be right, there is conception, o­therwise she is barren, which is an impotency of the womb, that keeps it from sucking in of the seed, or from retaining, or from nourishing i [...], and bringing it into act.

The Causes The first is impotency in copulation, from the closing of the womb, of which before: or oth [...] evil conformation of the privities, or and ul [...]e [...], or tumor in the ne [...]k of the womb. The seco [...]d is the breeding of unfruitful seed, from diste [...]p: of the vessels and stones, or too tender and delicate [Page 133] a constitution. In men at eighteen, in wo­men at fourteen, and men seldom get children [...]fter sixty, and women seldom bear them after [...]fty.

As for evil conformation to breed seed, some Faelix Plate. lib. 1. obser. tit. de vi­talis motu [...] defect [...]. have wanted seed-vessels, or they were not in their places. Some women are barren by the first Husband, and have children by the second, be­cause there must be a certain proportion between both seeds: and if they be wanting, they are bar­ren, which proportion is hard to be explained, and almost impossible; for we must not stay in the first qualities, for there are occult qualities in seed, by which they agree or disagree.

The third cause, is when the womb su [...]ks not in the seed, nor receives it in a right manner, as when the attractive faculty is hurt, or hindered by divers distempers of the womb, or when a woman hates her Husband.

Attraction is hindered by tumors or ulcers in the womb, or by its being displaced, as Hippo­crate [...]: 5. Ap [...]. 46. They who being too fat, and conceive not, the mouth of their womb is stopt up with the Cawl, and they conceive not till they are lean. But the more probable reason of not conceiving, is the matter of the seed turning into fat.

The fourth cause, is the retention of the seed hurt by a moist distemper, then the womb is weak and the fibres are loose, so that it cannot contract it self to retain; and the seed by reason of its sliminess, cannot stick there. Also if the wo [...]b be too thick, not fleshy and [...]o [...]t, and be not sp [...]in­kled with blood, as it i [...] in some by birth, whi [...] makes them barren, and in some after they ce [...]se to conceive.

If the orifice of the womb gape a [...] [...] [Page 134] and abo [...]tion, by which the fibres are loosned and weakned, and the retention of the seed hur [...] And if a woman after copulation cough, neese, cry out, dance, or be angry or frighted, the sam [...] may be.

The fifth cause of barrenness, is the hurt of the altering faculty, which brings in the form and act into seed; for if there be not a due propor­tion between the womb and the seed, there is barrenness, as seeds are choaked in marsh [...] ground, or die, or are burnt in dry and sand [...] ground: so mans seed is suffocated in a moist 5. Aphor. 52. [...] womb, and dried up in a hot. Hippocrates speaks o [...] the [...] proportion of the womb, as is [...]it to cherish this or th [...]t seed, thus. Women that h [...]e thick and cold wombs conceive not, and they wh [...] womb is too moist, [...]r they quench the seed; nor [...] they conceive that have dry and burning wombs, for the seed is corrupted in them for want of nourishmer [...], they who are of a mean temper between these are f [...] ­full.

The last cause of barrenness, is want of men­strual blood, which is necessary for the first for­mation of the child. Therefore Nurses that have much milk conceive, because the blood is carri­ed to the breasts.

Therefore all these causes are reduced either to impotency in copulation, or distemper of the stones and seed-vessels, or evil conformation, or [...] cold and moist distemper of the womb, which can­not attract, detain, and alter the seed; somtimes [...] hot and dry distemper that cannot nourish the [...]eed [...] or from the enlarging of the orifice after childbea [...]ing, or from humors, or being displa­ced, or the straitness of the vessels, or want [...] term [...], or too many.

[Page 135] Hence we may gather, that barrenness is oft­ [...] from a fault in the women then the men, for i [...] men there is nothing required but fruitful [...]ed spent into a fruitful womb. But women be­sides the meeting of their own seed, must receive, [...]i [...], and nourish the ma [...]s; and afford matt [...]r [...] the forming of the child [...] which divers ac­cidents happen, and any of these will cause bar­ [...]n [...]ess.

Mark also in these kinds of causes, that some do not properly cause barrenness, but only hin­ [...]nder conception for a time; as the closing of th [...] womb, smalness of the privities, these do not [...]ply cause barrenness.

Some bring other external causes, as eating Ioa. Angli­cus c [...]pi de steril. [...] heart of a Deer, or if she wear Jet about her, [...] if Harts-tongue be hanged about her bed: if [...] walk over the terms of another, or tread up­o [...] them unawares, or anoint with them, or put [...] jay [...]e of Mints into her womb.

Some are born so, from a fault in the womb; The Diffe­rences. [...]ers are not simply b [...]en, but in respect of the [...]n, and when they have another Husband ar [...] f [...]uitful. Some are barren till the constitution of th [...] womb be changed: some bring forth at first, and then by som [...] fault g [...]o [...] barren.

H [...] sh [...]ll we know that a woman is barren? The Signs.

[...]i [...]st, see if the fault be in the man or woman. Lib. 3. of Sterility in men. For women, see if [...]y are apt to V [...]nery or not, or receive the yard [...]ly. 2. Search if she hath good seed answer­ [...] to the man, or whether she hath used quen­ [...]he [...]s of seed. You may know that she spendeth [...] or no seed, if she h [...]th lit [...]le or no pleasur [...] [...] the [...]ct. Un [...]uit [...]ul seed is [...]nown by a [...] in the womb, a cold and moist [...]ist [...] [Page 136] the signs whereof are mentioned; a soul body shews the same, for good seed cannot be made of bad blood.

It is hard to find whether the two seeds have the right proportion, or the womb agree with the mans seed. Yet temperate with temperate are very fruitful, because they are both of a good constitution. But intemperate couples are bar­ren; but if one tempe [...] be good, it may mend the other, and she may conceive.

If it come from a Medicine that destroys the seed, she will tell. If inchantment be the cause, though they love, yet they cannot copulate, or whereas they loved each other, now they fal out without a cause.

Ask the woman how her womb doth attract, retain, and cherish the seed: if it have a tumor, or have matter or not? Whether there be a na­tural hereditary imper [...]ection? Enquire concer­ning her family, if many were barren, whether she hath had hard travel or abortion? Whether the seed comes away presently after, or at a di­stance, after some daies; if so, then the womans [...]eed is unfruitful, or there is a distemper in the womb that keeps it from cherishing the seed.

If the terms be wanting [...] they are Viragoes, and have hair on their chins, or they are [...]at, and seed turns into fat, or they are very lean because 5. Aphor. 59. they want blood.

Hippocrates proves Barrenness thus. Put [...] Fume (saith he) under the Coats of a woman, and l [...]t her be close clothed about, and if the sc [...]nt com [...] t [...] the nose, she is not barren, and he bids you put Gar­ [...]ck [...]ensed into the womb, and if she smel of it at the The Pro­g [...]stic [...]. [...] [...]he is fruitful.

A natural bad disposition that causeth barrenness [Page 137] is not curable; Hippocrates saith that bar­renness 2. Prognos. 3. from ulcers is hard to be cured. A wo­man that conceives not from disagreement with her husbands constitution, by another husband, or in time may be cured, or some distemper that causeth sterility may be mended by Physick.

Take away the causes, amend the distemper of The Cure. the womb, whether with matter or without mat­ter is to be mended, which causeth either no seed or that which is unfruitful, or not convenient. See Part 1. Sect. 2. Chap. 1.

The Medicines of an occult quality are best. As, Take Rocket seed, Silermontane, each half a dram; Ivory shavings, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, each a dram; Mu [...]k (in such as may) three grains, whi [...]e Sander [...] three drams, make a Pouder: give a dram with Wine.

Or, Take Species Diamoschu, Diambra, each a dram; the matrix of a Hare, a Bores stones, and the [...]ard of a Stag, each half a dram; Nutmeg, Cinna­r [...]on, Cloves, Rocket seed, wild Parsnep seed, each a dram; Musk, Amber, each four grains; with Su­gar as much as all, give two drams in Wine.

A Confection. Take sweet Almonds, Pista­ch [...]es, Pine-n [...]ts, Hazel-nu [...]s, each an ounce; Ci­ [...]ron peels, Ginger, Cloves, Cinnamon, each half a dram [...] Rocket seed two dram [...]: give a spoonful at bed time.

Or make this March-pane. Take sweet Almonds four ounces, Pine, Pistachaes, Hazel-nuts, each two [...]unces; Diambra, Dian [...]oschu, each [...] dram; I­vory half a dram, Cinnamon half an ounce.

An Electuary. Take Conserve of Rosemary six ounces, Dogs stones candi [...]d two ounces, Or [...]bus, S [...]hi [...]k [...] rein [...], B [...]res stones, Sows wombs, Deers pri­ [...]ie [...], Ivory, [...]urnep seed, Fennel, Nettle seed, Rocket, [Page 138] Clary, wild Mustard, each two drams; Pine­nuts, [...]weet Almonds, each half an ounce; Diamos­ [...] dulcis a dram, Oyl of Nutmeg by expr [...]ssion two drams, with Syrup of Betony make an Electuary. Or use Triphera without Opium.

Or use Baths, In [...]essions, Fomentations, [...]umes, and Baths after terms for five da [...]es.

Take Briony, Masterwort roots, Mercury, Mug­wort, Pennyroyal, M [...]rjoram, Bays, Sage, Mother­wort, Juniper-berries and tops, make a Bath.

Or use Sulphur Baths of Allum, Niter, Bitu­men, these do much good.

A Fume. Take Labdanum, Storax cal [...]mi [...]e, Benzoin, [...]ach two drams; wood Aloes a scruple, Musk six grains, with infusion of Traganth made in Rose-water, make Troches.

Make Pessaries of green Mercury and Mother­wort. Or, Take Mastich, Storax liquid, each half an ounce; Balm, Nep, Mercury, each a dram; Cloves, Nutmeg, each half a dram; Civet half a scrup [...]e, with wax make a Pessary. After Baths and Fumes, anoint the Pecten and Navel with this. Take Oyl of Keir half an ounce [...]oyl distil [...]ed of M [...]r­j [...]ram a scruple, of Cloves half a scruple, of Nutmegs by expr [...]ssion a dram, S [...]ora [...] liquid two drams, Civ [...] and Musk, each six grains; with wax make a Lini­ [...]t. After bathing, let her have a Bag upon her belly of Balm, Calamints, Mints, Motherwort, and Wine. Let her wear Plaisters upon her loyns and Perinaeum, till the week before her Terms. As, Take th [...] Plaister for the Mother an ounce, S [...] ­rax liquid, Caranna, each two drams; Gallia m [...] ­chata half a dram, Oyl of Cloves half a scruple, of Nutmegs by e [...]pression a dram, with Oyl of Keir mak [...] a Plaister. If the Womb be too loose and slippery, use Clysters of juyce of Me [...]cury, with [Page 139] Honey Baths, Pessaries, Fumes, and other astrin­gents Topicks that strengthen.

If the mouth of the womb gape, make a De­coction in Wine of Mirtles, Mastich, Wood­Vines, Olives, Wormwood, Cypress roots, Com­ [...]ey, Snakeweed, Cinquefoyl, red Rose, Pome­granate flowers, foment the privities: or with pouder of Mastich, Frankincense, Allum, Wood­Aloes, make a Fume.

Other diseases are to be cured as before s [...]ew­ed.

Let it be to increase seed, of much good juyce. The Diet. In the time of copulation, avoid passions, anger, sadness, fear. Let love be invited, and if it burn, there wil many Spirits fli [...] to the womb and pri­vities.

Chap. 3. Of Barrenness for the time, and conceiving seldom.

SOme conceive the seventh, eighth, or ninth year after wedding: some presently, but not after the first any more, or not in many years after.

If Vi [...]gins marry af [...]re fourteen, they conceive [...] or if the constitution of the womb be bad, The Causes o [...] the seed. Some conceive not from the disa­greement of seeds, til their constitution be chan­ged.

They who want terms, or have them disorder­ [...], or are sickly, seldom or never conceive with The Signs. [...]ild, or have had hard travel, or a dead child. S [...]me are weakned, so that after the first child, they have no strength to conceive.

All these will be related: whether she be married [Page 140] too soon, or had hard travel, or aborted, or had a dead child, or a mole. If these were not, The Pro­gnostick. the seed and womb have not a just proportion with the mans, but it may be altered by age.

If the womb be much hurt after travel, or any thing turn in it, or broken, they seldom conceive a gain. And if a woman marry at a ripe age, and have no remarkable disease, and conceive not presently, she is not to be accounted barren, be­cause some private indisposition hinders conc [...]p­tion, The Cure. which after may be altered, and she may prove fruitful.

A woman that mar [...]es too young, after she hath once conceived, and then ceaseth, must use Venery sparingly, til she grow older, that she may recover the strength she lost in her first travel. And if a woman marry at ripe years, and conceive [...] not by reason of the driness of her womb, let he [...] use Baths, Fomentations, and emollient Pessa­ries. If she conceive not from weakness, streng­then the womb, and let her not use Venery often.

If Virgins be sick from seed retained or terms [...] let them marry. But if there be a fault in the li­ver or spleen, or the whole body, that may be in­creased by Venery, it is better that they be cure [...] before they be married. And if they cannot b [...] cured, let them not be married.

If the womb be distempered by birth or a dis­ease, cure it as in diseases of the Womb: if it b [...] from a Mole or flux of blood, cure it as it ha [...] and shall be shewed.

If it be from a dead child, first clense it wit [...] juyce of Mercury, and then put Treacle or Mi­thridate dissolved into the womb, or with a Pes­sary, or give them outwardly.

Chap. 4. Of Conception, and forming of the Child.

COnception is an action of the womb, after fruitful seed both male and female is recei­ved, mixed and nourished, & its strength is stirred up to do its office. Seed and Coema differ, seed is that which comes from both male and female, but Coema is that which is mixed of both, and is called Conception which produceth a child.

This Conception is presently when two seeds meet in the womb, in less then seven hours after they are spent, if the heat of the womb preserve them, for Nature is not idle a moment, but pre­sently fals to conformation. Therfore Hippocrates Lib. de genit. [...]aith that the beginning of Conception is to be reckoned from the day that the seed is retained, and if she conceives not from the weakness of the seeds or womb, the seed wil fal out in seven daies for Hippocrates [...]aith, That Conception and aborti­ [...]n Lib. de s [...]p­tim. parti [...]. are judged in the same time, as a disease, health, and death are judged. And Arist [...]tle [...]aith, [...]f seed r [...]mains within till the seventh day, there is certain 3. De hist. ani. [...]. 3. Conc [...]ption.

As for Formation, the Soul lying in the seed, [...]nakes its own house, for all acknowledg a [...]rm­ing faculty, and you must then suppose there is a [...]ubstance from whence this faculty flows. And [...]hough Aristotle [...]aith that seed is a living crea­ [...]ure in power; not that there is not the e [...]ence [...]f the Soul in the seed, and that it is not a living [...]eature in respect of the first act, but because [...] not come to the second act, for wan [...] of [...]it [...] which being perfected, it hath the second [Page] act and all its operations, which for defect of organs, it cannot produce.

There are divers opinions of the time of For­mation, they are best that say the membranes a [...]e first made, which wrap the child with the navel vessels, by which it is joyned to the Mothe [...]s womb, and receives nourishment for the child. Then all other parts are made sooner or later, a [...] the child requires for dignity or necessity.

We intend here to speak of womens diseases. Therefore there are three things required for the Formation of a child. 1. Fruitful seed from both parents, in which the Soul remains that hath a [...]orming quality to make its own habitation. 2. The Mothers blood is required to enlarge the child to perfection. 3. There is required a good constitution of the womb to nourish the seed, and stir the concealed force. If these three be right, there is a child that is [...]ound and perfect, that will be born: but if any of these be wanting, there are Twins are more, and other faults of which in order.

Chap. 5. Of the Generation of Twins, and many Children.

NAture hath ordained that a woman shoul [...] con [...]eive but one child [...] in these and oth [...] Countri [...]s especially, and that every year; yet in many pl [...]ce [...] s [...]e hath more, one had five at e­very birth, twenty at four lyings in. A Mar [...] ­ret the Countess of Holst [...]rne, in the time of th [...] [...]mperor H [...]nry the seventh, had three hunder [...] sixty four at one labor. And another Count [...] in the time of Fred [...]ri [...] the eleventh, had [...]iv [...] [Page 143] hundered and fourteen children at once, being Boys: these are so seldom, that they seem incredible.

I speak nothing of the Causes of such mon­st [...]uous The Caus [...]s productions, but of Twins, or Three, or Four. It is certain they are got at one time: and this differs from Superfoetation, which is at ma­ny times. And you must not impute it to the di­vers Cells of the womb, for women have no such Cells, but onely a Line that divides the le [...]t side from the right; but it comes from the division of the seed into divers parts, and the least forming force in the side is compleat, and makes a child of every part of it. And because the cavity of the womb cannot admit so many parts of seed, being no bigger then a Bean; and if it do admit them, how can the seed be divided at one copulation into so many parts? I suppose that such women have naturally a larger womb, so that much seed is divided. A [...]d as Twins are begot at the same time, so they have but one Placenta, or part tha [...] receives the navel-vessels of both, but they have their several Coats.

It is hard to know whether a woman have con­ceived The Sig [...]. Twins, onely thei [...] belly is not even, but divided with seams and wrinkles; and the weight is commonly greater, and the motion is not one nor alike.

If a woman have two children, a [...]d be weak, The Pro­g [...]ostic [...]. [...]e is in danger in her travel. Twins of one Sex [...]e mo [...]e lively th [...]n of both Sexes. And one is [...] exp [...]ience we [...]ker and shorter lived then the [...]

Chap. 6. Of Superfoetation.

IT is seldom that a woman hath many children at divers copulations, but it is so sometimes, and is called Superfoetation, that is a new concep­tion after a former. Though Hippocrates writes, 5. Aphor. 15. That the mouth of the womb after Conception is so shut, that you cannot put in a Needles point, yet a woman with child may take such pleasure after, that she may a little open the womb to receive seed again, and draw it in, which may form ano­ther child.

The Causes Therefore the Cause is the pleasure the wo­man hath, which opens the womb again to at­tract seed. And it is necessary that the seed re­ceived, be in its proper membrane, and peculiar receptacle.

The Diffe­rences. These come somtimes sooner, somtimes later, somtimes the same day or the following, some­times longer after. Somtimes they have a third Superfoetation, so that they have two living chil­dren, and one mischance.

The Signs. It is known only by the motion of the infant, when it is conceived long after the first.

The Pro­gnostick. It is dangerous for the Mother, for fear of a­bortion, and for loss of much blood by two births at no great distance of time.

The Cure. It is best to leave the whole work to Nature, and women ought to take heed of Superfoetati­on; therefore after they have conceived, let them meddle no more.

Chap. 7. Of the ill Formati­on of the Child.

IN the Formation of the child, there are divers Symptoms. 1. In the weakness of the child. 2. The parts are more or [...]ewer, to which you may refer Hermaphrodites. 3. The parts are greater or less, as Dwarss or Gyants. 4. There is some part out of place or shape, as Histories [...]ew abundantly.

You must [...]ind the Causes in the seeds, terms, The Causes womb, and error in Formation: the cause of these is the action hurt of the forming faculty. This is not alwaies from it self, but from the unfitness of the ma [...]ter, and fault in the place which kee [...]s it from the intention: for actions of active things are not but in a disposed patient. Somtimes there is an extraordinary cause, as imagination, when the Mother is frighted, or imagineth strange things, or longeth vehemently for some mea [...] which if she have not, the child hath a mark of the colour or shape of what she desired, of which there are many Examples.

But I doubt whether all errors in Formation, depend together upon the imagination; for the Spirits and humors are troubled by the passions of the mind, and so slow [...]o [...]ceable imm [...]d [...]ately to the womb or other part, and this disturbes the Author [...] sent [...]ntia. [...]rming faculty in its work. Also the forming [...]culty being overcome with plenty of humo [...]s [...] wanting Spirits that are gone another way [...] [...]ay by [...]hance make an ill shape; therefore the [...]ssions of the mind are the first causes of [...]rrou [...] [...] Formation, and imagination [...]lps by [...] [Page 146] up the appetite. These are the common errors of formation.

Others are dete [...]minate errors, not simply from the imagination by the pallions which have no determination to such a thing; but no other cause can be besides the imagination, but how she directs the forming faculty for the producing of such effects, it is hard to be understood, but there must be some imagination and the forming faculty, that it may impart the species sent from the external senses to the forming faculty.

And this is the cause of the consent of the up­per and lower faculties: for the [...]oul is the same in the whole body; and every where [...]itted with the same faculties, but it doth not exercise all in all parts, but by the proper determinate organs [...] instruments.

And though the child hath its [...]oul, yet while it is in the womb, it depends upon the [...]oul of the mother, as the fruits partake of the life of the tree while they are upon it, therefore it is probable, that whatsoever moves the faculties of the [...]oul in the mother may move the same in the child: Hence it is that while the forming o­perateth in the seed and womb of the mother, if any species be sent to the imagination of the mo­ther which she strongly receives, it may make an impression upon the child, yet every imaginati­on cannot make this impression, but that which makes a great admiration or terrour in the mo­ther when the forming faculty is at work, as when she beholds one with six fingers, she brings forth the like, or when sh [...] produ [...]eth hair wh [...]e it should no [...] be, or the l [...]eness of a beast in an [...] limb, or when she [...]eeth any thing cut or divided with a Cleaver, she brin [...]s [...]orth a divided part o [...] a Hare-lip.

Chap. 8. Of a Child turned in­to Stone.

JOhn Albosius Doctor at Senon, and Sim [...]on Pro­v [...]nch [...]r of Lingo Physitian of Senon writ of of this in French and Latin.

I shall give my opinion with others.

Two things are to be observed in this won­derful history, first why the Child in the time of tra [...]ail being dead in the womb did not stink as is usual, or kill the mother suddenly, or was not [...]ast out by degrees being rotten? secondly by what force the child was turn'd into Stone?

For the first, The mother lived twenty eight years after she had this Child, therefore it is not credible that the womb was so cold that it might hinder putre [...]action, as some think. It seems more probable to me, that these questions expla­nation depend upon one principle, for the cause that made the stones hardness, kept the child from putre [...]action, but what that is, it is obs [...]ure.

Many fly to the efficien [...]y of the fi [...]st qualities, others to driness, others to coldness, others to both. I acknowledg heat, cold and driness to be helping causes for b [...]eeding of Stones in mans body, but the chief cause is a Stone breeding juyce, or spirit, of which I have spoken at large.

The principles of generation were weak in this child and impure, and this stone-breeding [...]ce was mixed with the blood in the humors, hence it is that it was not born alive, as in a wole bred in the womb, which women have [...]i [...]l they a [...]e old and die with it, and yet it s [...]i [...]s [...] [Page 148] no more then stones bred in most parts. But there is but this History of such a Birth.

Chap. 9. Of a Mole.

IT is [...]lesh and a mass without bones or bowels, gotten of an imperfect conception instead of a child. The Latins cal it a Mole from the weight, because it is troublesom to women, as a Milstone in Latin called Lapis molaris.

The Diffe­rences. Somtimes it is unshapen flesh without bones, only ful of veins, with a skin over it, and nothing within, but like the Parenchyma of the bowels. Pet. Salius diu. in an­not. in al­timarum. Somtimes it is membranous and [...]ib [...]ous, without shape. Somtimes it is long, round, or like a qua­ry of glass, or like a brute beast Some have brought forth three Moles like mens ya [...]ds.

Some are like congealed blood, or the Placen­ta of the womb, into which the navel-vessels are inserted; some grow and are nourished, and some have an obscure sense. Somtimes they are sent out alone, somtimes with [...] or before the child, of which there are many Histories. Some bring [...]orth Monsters for Moles.

The Causes It is from the error of the forming [...]aculty, but the Cause of that is obscure. I suppose it is from both seeds, when the forming faculty is weak, and the seed little and not good, and overcome by much blood, and can make onely veins and membranes, and not a whole child. Somtimes [...] is in Widdows onely from their own seed and blood.

A Mole is sooner bred when the blood is im­pu [...]e, and unfit to nourish, and is made when they copu [...]te in the flowing of the terms that are [Page 149] unclean. It is [...]either from heat nor cold prin­cipally, but from the error of the forming facul­ty.

They are hard to be known before the fourth The Signs. month, then they are known by such as can di­stinguish between the motion of wind and a child [...]. If a woman turn from side to side, it [...]alls like a stone to that side she lies on, and is heavy. If it have any motion, it is trembling and beating, with constriction and dilatation like a Spunge. If after the time that the child should move, there be no motion, and the belly swells, and there is no sign of a Dropsie, it is a sign of a Mole.

Thirdly, in women with child, there is milk a­bout the fourth month, but in a Mole the breasts swel, but there is no true milk. 4. They are more pained and faint, and have more pain in their back and groyns.

If it be with a quick child, it is hard to be known, but it is known by its weight in the womb, which she perceives when she gets up to walk or moves from side to side; some are then strong and well coloured.

It hurts the womb and whole body; if it be The Pro­gnostick. divided, it is less dangerous: when it is soft, it is cast out the third or fourth month. Somtimes it ulcerates or tears the womb, and causeth great bleeding. Some have been cast out or drawn out Fabr. cent. 2. obs. 55. without danger: some grow old with them in, [...]nd find no inconvenience but the weight.

To prevent, take heed of Venery in the terms, The Cure. o [...] before the terms, or when the body is foul or [...]st [...]ucted, or the womb.

When it is, take it away presently with thin [...]s [...]t [...]nd fo [...]th a dead child. Hippo [...]rates shew­ [...]th 1. De morb. mulier. the [...]e in few wo [...]d [...] First [...]oment the whole

[Page 150] Therefore if she be plethori [...]k, let blood large­ly in the foot at divers times.

Then purge often with strong Physick. Tak [...] Althaea, Lilly roots, each half an ounce; Althaea, Mercury, Pellitory, Brank [...]rsine, each a handful; To Con­quer all In [...]irmities Study my Sennertus, Platerus, Riverius, Bartholi­ [...]us and Riolanus, of the last Editions. Chamomil, Melilot flowers, each half a handful; F [...] ­nugreek and Lineseed, e [...]ch six drams; boyl them in Broath to a pint, add sweet Butter, Oyl of sweet Al­monds, Lillies, each an ounce; make a Clyster, re­peat it often.

M [...]ke Baths, Liniments, Fomentations (then move the terms) with Dittany, Birthwort, Brio­ny, &c. Take Briony, Birthwort, ea [...]h half an ounce, Asarum two drams, Rue, Savin, Mugw [...]rt, Dittany, Pennyroyal, Motherwort, each a h [...]ndful; Elder and Chamomil flowers, [...]ach half a handful; Line and Faenugreek seeds, each half an ounce; boyl them to a pint, ad Hiera an ounce and half, Troche [...] of Alkandal a dram, Oyl of Ru [...] and Keir, each an ounce and half; make a Clyster, of the residents mak [...] a Cataplasm for the belly.

Or this Pessary. Take Troches of Mirrh, G [...]l­banum, Opopanax dissolved in wine, each two drams; Sowbread roots a dram, white Hellebore half a dram, with juyce of Rue.

F [...]b. cent. 2. obs. 52. If these wil not do, let the Midwise take it out with her hand, if it be half rotten.

Or leave it to Nature which doth it in time.

To s [...]op the flux of blood after a Mole is ta­ken out, use things against overflowing of the Terms. As, Take Plantane, Shepheards-pu [...]s [...], Brambles, Oa [...] leaves, r [...]d Roses, e [...]ch a hand [...]ul; boyl them in steeled Water, then take B [...]rley bran t [...]o ounces, Pomegranate flowers, Cypress-nuts, P [...]me­gran [...]t [...] p [...]els, red Ros [...]s, Comfrey roots in p [...]uder, ea [...]h an ounce; Frogs burnt, Bole [...] Sanguis Draconi [...], [Page 151] [...]ach half an ounce; with the Decoction aforesaid, and a little Vinegar, make a Cataplasm for the Re­gion of the womb. Take away pain with Anodynes mentioned in pain of the Womb: keep up the strength with meat of good juyce.

Chap. 10. Of Monsters.

HIstories tell us of many Monsters brought forth by women. We spake of worms, [Page 152] S [...]ct. 2. Chap. 8. They are like Toads or Mice [...]ar. 7. cap. 12. l ij. or Fi [...]. Gordonius saith it is usual in Lumbardy. Lycosthones saith, and others also, that Serpents Dogs, and other Monsters with parts like brute beasts have [...]een brought forth.

In appen. Franc. Ros. de par. c [...]esa. Gaspar [...]auhin speaks of one Anne Troperim, which 1575. brought forth two Serpents with her child, in Harvest hot weather; she had d [...]u [...]k water in a Brook in a Wood near Basil, whe [...]e she thought she drank the Spawn of a Serpent, for a little after that, her belly swelled, and three [...]onths after she was big with child, and the Ser­pents grew as the child did. Her belly was so big that she carried it in a swathing Band. She was delivered at last of a lean male child, and (be­cause they suspect Worms or Snaks from the knawing and strange motion she felt that year) they put a bason of milk under her, and when they expected an afterbirth, out came a Serpen [...], which she saw, and perceived another coming forth, they were an ell long, and as thick as a childs arm. Thus Ba [...]hin and he speaks of others if you please to peruse him.

A Monster is that which is either wholly or in part like a beast, or that which is ill shaped ex­traordinary.

The Caus [...]s Histories witness, that a Monster may be f [...]om humane seed, and the seed of a beast: It is sel­dom, for the forming faculty doth not erre of itself, but is seduced by the imagination, or fru­strated of its ends, [...]rom a fault of the Spirits, the heat or matter. Therefore imagination is the [...]ause of Monsters. For Histories mention that w [...]men with child, by beholdin [...] men in viza [...]ds, have brought forth Monst [...]rs with horns, and [...]eak [...], [...]nd [...]loven feet, The s [...]me is when Spiri [...]s [Page 153] or heat, seed or blood are weak or little.

And though Doctors cannot cure Monsters, yet they are to admonish women with child not to look upon Monsters, and to strengthen their Spirits and heat, and to keep the seed and blood [...]ight, and not to allow copulation in time of their terms, least any monstrous Birth should be f [...]om much and impu [...]e blood.

Chap. 11. Of false Concepti­on, and Swelling.

FAlse Conception or Gravidation is when the terms are stopt, and the belly swells, and there are signs like those of a true Conception: then they think themselves with child, and as Hippocrates saith, They believe not to the contrary till ten months are past.

The causes, are wind in the womb, or water, C [...]s [...]e. p. 1. [...] 2. c. 10. [...] matter, or thick [...]egm.

These are bred f [...]om sickly seed ret [...]ined, u [...]on whi [...]h N [...]ture works in vain: or from a fault in the terms tha [...] [...]or [...]upts the seed, and breeds bad h [...]mor [...]. The like appears in Virgins when they begin to have thei [...] terms, but it is discovered by pain.

The terms flo [...] not as in a true Conception, The Signs. but in this there is pain of the head, loyns, belly, [...]nd groyns, of which Hipp [...]crate [...] [...]aith thus; 2. Prorrhe [...]. They ha [...] a false Co [...]ception with [...]u [...] terms [...] wit [...] a [...] bell [...] ha [...]e the headach, and th [...]re [...] [...]ill [...] in their breasts, bu [...] what is [...]ke water, and [...] little. Moreove [...] the belly swels sooner then [...] t [...]ue Conc [...]ption; their colour changeth, [...] fac [...] [...]nd [...]eet s [...]ell [...] th [...]y loath meat, [...]ain [...] [Page 154] and have a depraved appetite. The surest sign is the time of childbearing being past.

The Prog­nostick. They are commonly barren, or have ulcers in their privities.

The Cure. It is cured by evacuation of the matter in the womb with proper Medicines, as in the Chapte [...] of the Distemper of the Womb with matter, and of inflation of the Womb and Drop [...]ie.

Chap. 1. Of the signs of Con­ception.

IF she keeps the [...]eed, it is a sign she hath conceived, and a man may know that the seed is kept. If he find in Copulation that his Yard is is sucked and drawn by the womb, and the privities are not moist. And if she per [...]eives little or no [...]eed [...]o come forth again, and grow chill and quiver, [...] perceive a [...]witching in h [...]r womb, from the [...]reat delight: and the mouth of the wo [...]b closeth, [...]nd the [...] stop.

[Page 156] But they are deceived, when they count or reckon from the stoppage of the terms. For some have their terms twice or thrice after they have conceived, and some have them all along with­out hurt.

The chiefest sign of C [...]nception, is when there is at first loathing of meat, pewking Pica, or pre­ternatural appetite and vomiting. And when they hate that they earnestly affected, or [...]aint when they think of them.

About the fourth month, the child moveth, which is not in a Mole the breasts after that swel with milk, and the last are the surest signs. From the face and urin there is no certainty.

Aphor. [...]2. & ibi. 4 [...]. Hippocrates teacheth us to know whether it be a Male or Female; If she be with child of a Boy, sh [...] is better coloured, but pale if of a Girle. And Boy [...] lie on the right side, and Girls on the left in the womb.

Chap. 2. Of the Government and Diet of Women with Child.

THe Diet is, either for such as are sound, or as have diseases.

Aphor. 12. As for the air, Hippocrates saith, If there be a wet warm winter with Southernly winds, a dry spring with Northern winds, they who conceive in the spring abort upon any small occasion. Or if they bring forth, their children are weak and sickly, o [...] die. Let her avoid all evil s [...]ents, as of Rue, Penny­royal, Mints, Castor, and Brimstone. Some ca [...] ­not bear sweet scents, let them not-look upon [...] ­rible things, nor hear great noise of Guns.

Let meat be easie of concoction; let her e [...] [Page 157] Quinces to strengthen the child, or sweet Al­monds with Honey, sweet Apples, Grapes. Let her abstain from sharp meats, very bitter or salt, and things that can provoke terms, as Garlick, Onions, Olives, Mustard, Fennel, Pepper, and all Spices. In the last months, Cinnamon is good, Summer fruits are naught for her, and all Pulse. When the child is bigger, let her diet be more, for it is better for women with child to eat too much then too little, least the child should want nourishment.

Let her drink moderately of clear Wine, not exercise too much, nor dan [...], nor ride in a Coa [...]h that shakes her; let her not lift any great weights in the first and last months. In the ninth month let her move a little more, to dilate the pa [...]ts, and stir up natural [...]eat.

Let her abstain from Venery in the first months, least there be a Mole or Superfoetation, or the child be hurt, but she may use it moderately in the last.

She may bathe in the last months, once in a week to loosen the privie parts. Let her avoid anger, sorrow, fear, and too much mirth.

Let her sleep rather then to be watchful. Let the belly be kept loose in the first month, with Prunes, Raisons, or Manna in Broth. And let her use Medicines to strengthen the womb and the child.

An Electuary. Take Conserve of Borage, Bu­gl [...]ss and red Roses, each two ounces; of Balm an ounce, Citron peels, and Chebs Myrobalans candi­ [...], each an ounce; Extract of Wood-aloes a s [...]ruple, Pearl prepared half a dram, red Coral, Ivory [...]ach [...] dram; precious Stones, each a scruple; candied N [...]me [...]s two drams, with Syrup of Apple [...] and [Page 158] Quinces, ma [...]e an Electuary.

Rouls. Take Pearls prepared a dram, red Cor [...] prepared and Ivory, each half a dram, precious ston [...] ea [...]h a scruple; yellow Citron peels, Mace, Cinna­mon, Cloves, each half a dram; Saffron a scruple, Wood-aloes [...]alf a s [...]ruple, Ambergreece six drams, with six ounces of Sugar dissolved in Rose-wa [...]er, make Rou [...]s.

Apply strengtheners to the navel: of Nutmegs, Cl [...]ves, Mace, Mastich, Coral made up in bags, or a Toast in Malmsey sprinkled with pouder of Mints.

Chap. 3. Of the Cure of Wo­men with Child in General.

THey have divers chronick and acute disea­ses: as Feavers, Pleuri [...]ie Quinzies, or in­flammation of the Bowels, of which Hippocrate [...] 5. Aphor. 31. (If a Woman with child have an acute disease, it is deadly) There is a double danger. 1. In res­pect of the Feaver which Galen [...]aith wil be con­tinual. 2. In respect of the want of nourishment Valer. l. 1. obser. [...]ol. com. ad lib. 5. a [...]h. 30. for the child. For if a woman with child be fed, the Feaver increaseth. If [...]he have an Apoplexy, Epilep [...]ie, Convulsion, Cramp, she cannot bea [...] it out [...] But acute diseases are not alwaies dead­ly in women with child.

They have sometimes intermitting Feavers, Coughs, from which they hardly are freed be­ [...]ore they are delivered.

Chap. 4. Of the Symptomes that befal Women with Child in in the first months.

THey are loathing of meat, Pica, or evil ap­petite, pewking, vomiting, belly-ach, flux of the belly, tooth and headach, giddiness.

These all come from the stoppage of the terms, especially in a Cacochymy or evil juyce: for it goes to the stomach, and so to the head. Fi [...]st, 5. Aphor. 45. [...]ey loath meat, which Hippocrates [...]aith is a sign of Conception. And this is when the child takes the purest blood, and leaves the impure, which gets into the mouth of the stomach, and insects it, and hence comes the loathing of some sorts o [...] meats.

Sometimes this ceaseth of it self; but if there be danger of a Consumption in the mother, le [...] the child should be in danger for want of food, give a gentle Vomit or Stomach-pills, with thing [...] that strengthen the Stomach. As, Take Co [...]ser [...] of red Rose [...] half an ounce, of Bettony an ounc [...], p [...] ­served Quinces three dram [...], Aromaticum [...] half a dram, Pearl prepared half a scruple, [...] Syrup of green Ginger and Quin [...]es, make an E [...] ­ctuary.

Anoint the stomach with oyl of Mastich, [...] Quinces, Wormwood, Mirtles, &c. Give [...] and powerful things with [...] roasted rather then boyled.

[Page 163] Pica is when they desire strange and absurd things, as coals, ashes, &c. as she that longed for her husbands flesh, and though she loved him very well; she killed him, eat part, and pou­dered up the rest. Of this disease we spake in the third Book.

Juyce of yong Vine- [...]eaves with syrup of Quin­ces, is good against this, or the water that drops in May from the Vines. This keeps the child from suffering by the mothers appetite.

Or this Spirit. Take Citron peels, Oranges, P [...]ny roots as much as you please, add Malmsey, di­ [...] them some daies, then beat the roots and peels, ad more Malmsey, and distil them.

The third is loathing and vomiting, from an evil vapor or humor in the stomach from blood retained. If vomiting gives her ease, stop it not, but leave it to Nature, it wil cease after a month or two. If it be with trouble, give a gentle Vo­mit, or strengthen the stomach, or give a little Rhubarb.

The fourth is pain of the belly, f [...]om wind and humors about the womb that go to the guts, dis­cuss them as in Chap. 3. of the Colick. Avoid moist Fomentations, give Cinnamon water, or spiced Wine.

The fifth is a loosness which must be sudden­ly stopt, least it cause an abortion. First, give a Hippocr. 5. Apho [...] 34. [...]entle Clenser and strengthener, [...]s Rhubarb with [...]up of Roses solutive, then Quinces at the first course at meals; and Rice, Starch, Almonds, Con­ [...]e of Rose [...], Quinces. Apply to the navel a Pul­ [...] of Quinc [...]s, Mastich, Nutmegs, Mace, Cloves.

The sixth is the toothach, from a sh [...]rp humor [...]om retention of the terms that goes to the r [...]ot [...] some tooth, and hurts the membranes. It ceaseth [Page 164] commonly of [...] self, yet if it be great, use a Plaister of Mastich and Tacamahacca to the tem­ples, and hold in the mouth the Decoction of Fern root [...], Cinquefoyl, Snakeweed, Sage, Mul­berry ba [...] &c.

The seventh is headach, when the vapors f [...]om the terms stopt, ascend and twitch the memb [...]ane [...] of the brain, it must be repelled and abated with Lenitives, of which in Lib. 1. Part 3. Sect. 1. Cap 3. of Headach.

The eighth of the Megrim, from the vapors di­sturbing the Spirits that go to the head by the veins and arteries, or by the gullet. If it cease not, discuss vapors, and strengthen the brain in­wardly and outwardly as in Vertigo.

Chap. 5. Of the Symptoms in Women with Child in the mid­dle months.

THey are cough, heart-beating, fainting, watching, pain in the loyns and hips, and bleeding.

1. The cough is from a sharp vapor that comes to the jaws and rough artery from the ter [...]s, or from a thin part of that blood gotten into the [...]eins of the breast, or falling from the head to the breast. This endangers abortion, and strength [...]ails from watching; therefore purge the h [...] ­mors that f [...]ll from the head to the breast, with Rhubarb, Agari [...]l [...], and strengthen the head as in a C [...]tarrh, and giv [...] [...]eet Lenitives, as in [...] Cough.

2. Palpitation of he [...]t and fainting, is f [...]m vapors that go to it by the [...]rteries, or f [...]om bl [...] [Page 165] that aboundeth, and cānot get out at the womb, but ascends and oppre [...]leth the heart. Use Cor­dials as in Syncope inwardly and outwardly.

If it be from too much blood as in Plethory, open a vein.

3. Watching is from dry sharp vapors that trouble the animal Spirits. Then use Frictions, and wash the feet at bed-time, and give Syrup of Poppies, dried Roses, Emulsions of sweet Al­monds, and white Poppy seeds.

4. There is pain in the loyns and hipps from the weight of the child, or from the terms stopt, or growth of the child that stretcheth the liga­ments of the womb and parts adjacent; if there be Plethory, bleed. If it be from weight of the child, hold it up with swathing Bands about the neck.

5. There is flux of blood at the womb, nose, o [...] Haemorrhoids from plenty, or from the weak­ness of the child that takes it not in, or from evil humors in the blood, that stir up Nature to send it forth. Also the vessels of the womb may be broken or torn by motion, fall, cough, or trou­ble of mind. This is dangerous, of which Hip­pocrates 5. Ap [...]. 60. saith, The child cannot be well, if it be from blood only, there is less danger, so it [...]lows by the veins of the neck of the womb for it takes a [...]ay Plethory, or take not nourishment from the child.

If it be from the weakness of the child that draws it not, abortion often follows, or hard tra­vel, or she goes beyond her time. If it slow by the inward veins of the womb, there is mo [...]e dan­g [...]r by the openness of the womb. If it come f [...]om evil blood, the danger is alike from Caco­chymy which is like to fall upon both. If th [...]r [...] [Page 166] be Plethory, open a vein warily, and use astrin­gents. As, Take Pearls prepared a scruple, [...] Coral two s [...]ruples, Mace, Nutmeg, ea [...]h a dram; Cin [...]mon hal [...] a dram, make a Po [...]der, or with Su­gar, R [...]u [...]s: or give this Pouder in Broath. T [...]k [...] red Coral a dram, Pearl half a dram precious ston [...], ea [...]h half a scruple; red Sanders half a dram, Bo [...] a dram, sealed Earth, Tormentil roots, e [...]ch two s [...]ru­ples; with Sugar of Roses and Manus Christi, [...] Pearl six drams, make a Pouder.

You may strengthen the child at the navel [...] I [...] there be Cacochymy alter the humo [...]s, and (if you may) evacuate. You may use Amulets in the hands, and about the neck. In flux of Hae­morrhoids, beware of the pain. Let her d [...]ink hot Wine with a roasted Nutmeg.

Chap. 6. Of the Symptomes that are in the last months.

FIrst, the urin is stopt from suppression of th [...] ne [...]k of the bladder. Let her then lie d [...]wn [...] and let bladder be fomented with a Bag of P [...]l­lito [...]y, Par [...]ley roots [...] M [...]llows, Lineseed, and the like, o [...] use the C [...]theter.

2. The belly is bound from a hot & dry live [...] when the child d [...]ws all the moisture to it, [...] the guts. Let her then use Moist [...]ers, [...] Butter, M [...]llows, Borage in Broaths; or take Cly­sters in a small quantity.

3 The veins appear in the hips and leggs a [...] varic [...]ns on [...]ly, then keep them from walking [...] and let th [...]i [...] [...]eet be laid upon a stool.

4. The l [...]ggs swell from [...]erous blood, but thi [...] goes away with the a [...]terbirth, and is the signs [...] [Page 167] a female child; but if she cannot walk, foment [...]ith a Lye made of Vine branches and Wine, or with a Decoction of Organ, Penn [...]royal, Cha­momil, Calamints. Or,

Take Bean and Lupine flour, each tw [...] [...]unces; Tartar an ounce, Pigeons dung half an [...]unce, with [...]eeled water and juyce of Coleworts, make a Pultis. R [...]b and wash the feet with salt water in which Ch [...] ­momi [...], Organ and Dill were bo [...]led.

5. The skin of the belly is cle [...]t with stretch­ [...]ng after the fourth month; therefore use loos­ning Limments to keep off deformity, as marrow of Veal, and Sheeps legs, Oyl of sweet Almonds, Hens grease.

6. The water gathered in time of being with [...]hild, between the membranes that hold the [...]hild, comes forth too soon, because the mem­branes are broken by leaping or a con [...]usion. This makes difficult birth, for that water was to moisten the parts, Therefore let her keep a good diet, and strengthen the [...]hild inwardly and out­wardly.

Chap. 7. Of Weakness of the Child.

THis is either from weak seed or little nou­rishment or bad, and causeth many disea­ses in the child.

To hinder abortion and death of the child, know rightl [...] the weakness, as Hippocrates saith, 5. Ap [...]o. 53. They that will abort, have first breasts that [...]al away, which i [...] from want of nourishment in the com­mon vei [...]s of the womb and breasts. Hipp [...]crates 5 [...] Ap [...]r. 5 [...]. [...]ath a se [...]ond sign [...] which is this [...] I [...] a W [...]man [Page 168] with Child hath much milk flowing from her breast, her Child is weak. 3. If the terms flow often, the Hippocr. 5. aph [...]r. 56. nourishment is taken from the child. 4. A mo­ther often and long being sick, shews that her child is weak, because her blood is not good, and the bad humors with the blood go to nourish the child which makes him sick. 5. When the mother hath a flux of the belly, the child is weak. 6. Whē it begins to move, and is scarce felt, it is weak.

If it be from these causes, take them away, and strengthen the child; first [...]eed the mother high with meats of good juyce, and sweet Almonds steept in Honey, Raisons, Quinces, outwardly thus. Take Malmsey three pints, dissolve it in oyl [...]f Nutmeg [...] by expr [...]ssion half an ounce, add pouder of Cloves, Rue, each half an ounce; Rose, Sage, Mar [...]oram, Penny [...]oyal water, each a pint; Aqua vitae three ounces. Dip Spunges in it, and apply them under the le [...]t breast, to the arm-pits, hams, pulses, soles of the feet, and when they dry, wet them again.