Part 28

AFTER these first Months are over, a little thin _PAP_ may be given it every Morning, and in time twice a day; which is commonly made of _Flower_ and _Milk_, or _Ale_, with a little _Sugar_ and _Butter_: But because _FLOWER_ is of itself _humid_ and _viscid_, and may not only occasion _Pains_ and _Obstructions_, but also, engender _Gravel_ and _Worms_, it ought to be first well _dryed_ in a new or clean earthen _Pot_ in an _Oven_; or, what is better, the PAP may be made of the _Crumb_ of a Loaf: Which Diet is properly observ’d, until the time of _Teething_, laying it still, a little after its _Meal_, to rest upon its _Side_, or now and then upon its _Back_, with the _Head_ a little rais’d; however not in the _Bed_ with the NURSE, for fear of overlaying it, but in a CRADLE close by her _Bed-side_; always very carefully covering the CHILD’S _Face_, that the _Light_ may not offend its tender _Eyes_, and render them any ways _distorted_ or _goggled_: And as the INFANT may be brought up by the _Hand_ without _Suckling_, so it may easily be accustomed to Sleep without _Rocking_. But be that as it will, as soon as the _CHILD_ is furnish’d with TEETH, it is proper by degrees to use it to a little more solid _Food_, such as _Bread_ and tender _Meats_ or _Fleshes_, however, a little chewed by the _NURSE_: In the mean time no _Crude_, or _Meats_ of hard _Digestion_, are to be allow’d it, because _such_ Things produce a _Corruption_ of _Humours_, whence _Worms_ engender, and other various, grievous, and irregular _Symptoms_ arise.

BUT before I proceed farther, I ought to observe, that the Duty of the Nurse does not consist entirely in the abovesaid Conditions; for the _BABE_ must be as duly _washed_ and _shifted_, _unswaddled_ and _reswaddled_ as FED: Wherefore from the BIRTH, until the third or fourth _Month_, it ought to be _loosed_ and _washed_ all over in _warm Water_ twice or thrice a day, before the warm Fire; as also in the night time if necessary, that the _Acrimony_ of the _Excrements_ may not offend it: Upon which at every singular Occasion, the NURSE may also _rub_ its tender Body gently, not only for the better _Concoction_ of its _Aliment_, but also for strengthening and consolidating its _Members_; which Offices being all carefully and affectionately done, the INFANT is to be _shifted toties quoties_, and orderly reswaddled in clean, dry and warm _Clouts_ and _Blankets_. However yet, from the third Month until the _Teething-Time_, the Body needs only be _washed once a day_, or (if you please) every other day; as from thence forward it may only be _twice a Week_.

MOREOVER, when the _CHILD_ begins to use its _Hands_ and _Feet_, if it moves briskly from place to place, it is a good Sign of a strong and lively _Constitution_; as it is the _Reverse_, when it sits torpidly or drowsily still and unactive. Which notwithstanding, these _brisk INFANTS_ are not to be allow’d such _Motions_ too soon, I mean not to use their _Feet_ prematurely or too fast, as many ignorant Nurses commonly encourage them to do: Because by these means, their tender Legs may be easily distorted or become crooked. Whereas when they are more firm and well-grown, they may be learned to walk by the help of the NURSE’S _Hand_, or of a _Leading-String_; as afterwards they may be inur’d to walk of themselves, by the means of a small _Vehicle_ or _Chariot_, as is generally well known in populous Places.

AS to the time of _Ablactation_, or weaning the _CHILD_ from the _Breast_, it is not always the same; _some_ being more robust and lively than _others_, and consequently may be sooner _wean’d_; but _others_ are more weak and tender, and accordingly require longer time of the _Breast_. However this be, the INFANT ought not to be wean’d before it has its compleat _Sett of Teeth_; _because_ if sooner, it can no ways duly prepare its _VICTUALS_ by the _Mouth_, for _Concoction_ in the _STOMACH_, which may be of very bad Consequence; Besides, in the time of _Teething_, especially about the _Eruption_ of those call’d the DOG-TEETH, the CHILD is subject to _Fevers_, Pains of the _Gums_, and various other _Symptoms_, which would certainly be of more _Danger_ by far, if it was at that _Juncture_ to be deprived of the BREAST.

OTHERWAYS, I take the due and proper Time for _Weaning_ the INFANT, to be about the 18th or 24th _Month_, rather longer than shorter; because it surely finds the Benefit of this proper and benign _Aliment_ all the Days of its Life. Yet at what time soever it happens to be done, the CHILD is not on a sudden to be accustomed to _different sorts_ of VICTUALS, but rather, while it yet _Sucks_, to be gradually brought to the _Use_ of what is most convenient for its _Nutrition_, such as _Hen_ or _Chicken-Broth_, or the _Soup_ of other Meats, mix’d with a little _Crumb of Bread_; or a _Soup_ made of Ale, and _Crumbs_, with a little _Fresh-Butter_, which is of excellent _Nourishment_: As before, or about the Time that the INFANT is to be _Wean’d_, a little half _chew’d Meat_ of any Sort, provided _sweet_ and _fresh_, may be given it for a good _weaning Repast_.

UPON this Head, I shall only farther observe, that the ABLACTATION, or Weaning, always happens more conveniently in the _Spring_ or _Autumn_, than in the _Summer_ or _Winter_, and _that_ more auspiciously with the _encreasing_ than with the _decreasing Moon_: And _this_, because otherways, besides the _Alteration_ which happens to the CHILD from the Change of its _Diet_ and _Aliment_, another may easily affect it from the _Calidity_ or _Frigidity_ of the _Ambient Air_.

BUT besides, in short, that the INFANT may be the better and the more readily _Wean’d_, the NURSE’S _Nipples_ may be anointed with the fresh _Juice of Wormwood_; or with a _Liniment_ of the same _Juice_, _Honey_ and _Aloes_; or any other proper _Ingredients_, discreetly us’d, that its tender _Lips_ or _Gums_ may not be inflam’d, nor the weak _Stomach_ hurt or offended. However, the better way is, that the NURSE withdraw herself from the CHILD’S _Presence_; upon which it is to be plentifully _fed_, as already advis’d, allowing it a little _Ale_, but no _Wine_, for its Drink.

NOW as to the DIET and _Regimen_ of _Children_ from ABLACTATION to the first _Seventh Year of their Age_, I would farther observe, that it differs yet altogether from that of more _adult Persons_, since their infirm _Habits_ and tender _Bodies_ can no way tolerate, or withstand the consequential _Effects_ of an irregular DIET, or an Erroneous _Regimen_: Besides this Age requires VICTUALS frequently, and _that_ not only what is sufficient for _Nutriment_, but also for _Growth_: And moreover they ought still to be now and then _bathed_ or _washed_ at Times.

BUT touching the _Affections_ and _Passions_ of their Minds, great _Care_ must be taken, that they be not provoked to _Wrath_ or _Anger_, nor frighted with fearful _Notions_ or _Phantasms_; since such Things make strong _Impressions_ upon their soft Bodies, and frequently give ORIGIN to _Convulsions_, _Epilepsies_, &c. However, as _Children_ are naturally more prone to _Evil_ than to _Good_, and to _Vice_ rather than to _Virtue_, they are not to be too much indulged; but from their _Infancy_ upwards, all such perverse _Faculties_ and _Passions_ of Mind are to be so curbed and moderated, that they may become subservient and obedient to _Reason_; and _that_ because this very _Age_ is the proper Time to lay the _Foundation_ of their future good _Qualities_ and _Disposition_, agreeable to the _Rules_ and _Præscripts_ of a right rational OECONOMY.

I know _This_ is sometimes accounted a hard _Task_, but if we consider that the WHELPS of Savage _Bears_ and _Lions_ may be so tamed, as to obey the _Motions_ of their KEEPER, how much more easily may the _Sons_ of MEN be inur’d to follow the _Laws_ of right _Reason_? Their _Passion_ first discover themselves most commonly by _Crying_ and _Tears_, tho’ sometimes also otherways; wherefore such FITS of _Anger_ or _Passion_ ought to be prudently reprehended in them; and when neither _Admonitions_ nor _Commands_ may prevail, then _Threats_ ought to take place, that all _Frowardness_ and _Obstinacy_ may be stifled in the BUD; for the Mind of _Youth_ may be justly compar’d to a _Mass_ of WAX or CLAY, on which we may readily _stamp_ what _Impression_ we please to make.

FOR these _Reasons_, their _Attendants_, or such other Persons as may be occasionally about _Children_, ought carefully to avoid _doing_ or _saying_ any _mean_, _base_ or _vile Thing_, especially in their Presence or to their Knowledge; since here the _old Proverb_ holds most true, that, _we are drawn by Precept, but led by Example_. Wherefore to moderate and mitigate their _Passions_, CHILDREN ought to be allowed proper _Diversions_, and such _Exercises_ of Body as their _Age_ and _Constitution_ will permit; and _that_ also, because if they were to be brought up lazily or sluggishly, without _Motion_ or _Exercise_, their VICTUALS which is now commonly given them both plentifully and frequently, could not possibly _disperse_ itself nor _digest_, upon which the _innate Heat_ would infallibly suffer a sensible _Decay_.

THESE Things being duly observed, it now only farther remains, that the CHILD be well train’d up, and carefully educated; instilling all along into its Mind the _Principles_ of _Humanity_ and _Morality_, and instructing it gradually in the Knowledge of _Arts_ and _Sciences_; which it will even at this tender Age be found capable of Conceiving: For the _Human Mind_ being naturally adapted to attain to the _Cognition_ of all sublunary Things, may be thus endued and furnished with the most laudable _Arts_, before it can distinguish the USE of them; since according to the _Philosopher_’s wise saying[185], _Nostrum scire nihil aliud est, quam Reminsisci_. Because (I say) the _Mind of Man_ perceives and comprehends the Notion and Knowledge of all temporal Things in it self, notwithstanding that it cannot easily display it self, by reason of the burthensome Oppression of the _Body_ and its gross _Humours_: Like as a FIRE, overlaid with _Ashes_, must be raised up and fomented, before its engender’d or retain’d _Sparkles_ can exert themselves with any _Lustre_; so it is even with us, before the _Light_ and _Instinct_ of our Natures can shine forth: For as some ROOTS cast no _Smell_, or breathe no _Fragrancy_ of themselves, unless they be softly touched or squeezed with the _Hand_; so neither do our _Natural Powers_ and _Faculties_ exert or show themselves, unless they be diligently exercised and cultivated.

THUS we have now guided and conducted the CHILD from its BIRTH, to the _Seventh Year of his Age_; which being only meant by the INFANT, that was safely _Born_, and continued all along in _Health_; I come now in the next place, to hint upon what is farther _Requisite_ towards the _rearing of such_ CHILDREN, whole _Misfortune_ it may be, either to come into the World with _Infirmities_, or to be afterwards subjected to them in their _Cradles_. And FIRST,

CHAP. X. _Of the various Symptoms and Indispositions wherewith the_ CHILD _may be Born._

SINCE _some_ only, not _all_ CHILDREN, happen to bring _Infirmities_ with them into the World; and because such _Indispositions_ as are chiefly meant here, discover themselves presently at the Time of BIRTH, and require immediate _Cure_; I shall concisely enter upon, and briefly comprehend them All here, as they most commonly fall out, in this present _Chapter_.

IN order to which, I shall previously observe, that such _Inconveniencies_ happening to the INFANT, may have a double _Origin_, and proceed either from a _Defect_ in Nature, or the _Effect_ of a difficult BIRTH: The _First_ may take Rise from various Causes, such as of the _Parental Seed_, the _Forming Faculty_, the _Maternal_ or _Uterine Constitution_, an _illegitimate Time_ of BIRTH, and the like; as the _Latter_ may also arrive, not only from a _Difficult_, or _Preternatural_ LABOUR, _&c._ but also from the ignorant, rough Usage, or barbarous Treatment of the MIDWIFE. However, not to insist too long on these Things, it very often, and too commonly happens.

I. THAT, The CHILD suffers so much in the _Birth_, that (when born) it is hard to know, whether it be _dead_ or _alive_, not one part of the Body being perceiv’d to _move_; which however may be _thus_ well known, _viz._ by laying my _Hand_ upon its _Breast_, I shall feel the Motion of the _Heart_, if alive, tho’ never so weak; as I shall also perceive a small _Pulsation_ of the _Arteries_, by touching the NAVEL-STRING near the _Belly_.

IN which _Case_, I would immediately order the INFANT to be laid in a _Warm Bed_ or _Blanket_, and quickly carried to the FIRE; where its _Mouth_ is to be open’d, as its _Nose_ is to be clean’d and unstopp’d with small TENTS dipp’d in warm _White-Wine_, and _Linnen_ wet with the same applied to its _Breast_ and _Belly_; spurting always in the mean time, a little of the same _Wine_ into its _Mouth_ and _Nose_, until it begin to stir: Or then I would distil a drop of _Aqua-Vitæ_, from time to time upon its _Tongue_, bathing its _Pulses_ and _Nostrils_ with the same, while I anointed its _Mouth_ with _Honey_.

II. IT sometimes only happens, that the tender FACE is bruised _Black_ or _Blew_, _Pale_ or _Livid_; which may also as well proceed from the Bones of the PELVIS, or from the CHILD’S being Born _Face-upwards_, as from the MIDWIFE’S hard Usage. In this _Condition_, I would only order it to be frequently anointed with the _Oil of Sweet Almonds_, drawn without FIRE, that is, by Expression; upon which it soon recovers its _Natural Colour_.

III. AGAIN sometimes the INFANT is born with a KNOB or TUMOUR on the _Crown of its Head_, occasion’d by its hard _Pressure_ against the ORIFICE, or by its strict _Compression_ in the same: In which _Condition_, I would immediately foment it with _warm Wine_ or _Aqua-Vitæ_, and apply a COMPRESS to it, either wet in the _same_, or in the _Oil of Roses_ and _Wine_ beat together; and the same _Fomentation_ and _Compress_ may serve for any other Part of the Body, which may be swell’d by _rough Usage_, or otherways, in a _difficult_ BIRTH. But in _Case_ of _Suppuration_, it must be open’d in a proper place with a LANCET, applying afterwards a _Plaister_ of _Betony_. As also in _Case_ of a _Fracture_, or any sort of _Dislocation_, the _Parts_ must be join’d and reunited, and duly retain’d in their _Natural Position_ by convenient _Boulsters_ or _Splinters_, until they be firmly closed and reconjoin’d. Moreover

IV. IN _Difficult_ BIRTHS, it very commonly falls out that the HEAD is pressed into an _oblong Form_ by the _Bones_ of the _Pelvis_, because the SCULL not being made of one piece, is not equally _hard_ or _firm_; the _Sutures_ being only surrounded with _Membranes_, especially the _Top_ of the HEAD is so _Membranous_ and soft, that the _Bones_ forming the SCULL may be easily pressed one upon another; from whence we have this _oblong Figure_ of the HEAD. However, in short, this may be corrected and reduced to its _Natural Shape_, by frequent, but cautious and skilful, _Handling_.

V. WEAK CHILDREN, and such as come _præmaturely_, or before their Time, into the World, have the _Mould_ and _Sutures_ very open, and the _Bones_ far distant: In which Condition they are only to be softly bound about with a small _Cross-Cloth_, committing the rest to _Nature_; which in time, and by degrees, will close up and consolidate these _Sutures_; and sooner or later, according to the _innate Heat_ and _Moisture_ of the INFANT, unite and join the _Bones_ of the HEAD.

VI. SOMETIMES also it happens that the Child is _Tongue-ty’d_, by the too strait _Astriction_ of its BRIDLE; so that this _Member_ cannot freely extend or move itself, thro’ the _Capacity_ of the MOUTH; which in the _Infancy_ impedes or hinders its _Sucking_, as in riper Years it does the _Faculty_ of SPEAKING: In this _Case_, the TONGUE, being supported or held up, on each side of the String, by a small forked _Instrument_, ought to be _cut a-cross_ by sharp SCISSORS as much as is needful; which however must be done with Caution, not to hurt the _Veins_ under the TONGUE.

VII. THE INFANT is also sometimes troubled with a small round _Tumour_ under the TONGUE, fill’d with _vitious Blood_, or _pituitous Matter_; which _Aëtius_ and _Paulus Ægineta_ call’d RANULA LINGUÆ; Which _Case_ may be managed, and the _Tumour_ dissolved by a little _Ammoniac Salt_, or such other proper _Remedies_; but if Occasion require, the same may be open’d by a _Lancet_.

VIII. IT also happens, tho’ but seldom, that the CHILD is born with a close _Fundament_; and _that_ sometimes shut up by the single SKIN, and sometimes by a _fleshy Substance_: In the first _Condition_, there appear some _livid Marks_ of the MECONIUM thro’ the _Skin_, which feels soft to the _Touch_. Upon which occasion, an _Apertion_ must be made with a small _Incision-Knife_, a-cross, not long-ways, that it may the better receive a _round Form_, and not so easily grow again together; which however must be done with great Caution, that the SPHINCTER of the _Rectum_ may not be hurt: And the _Meconium_ being afterwards voided, whether by a _Suppository_, _Clyster_, or otherways; the _Orifice_ is to be stopp’d up with a _Linnen-Tent_, anointed at the beginning with ROSE-HONEY, but afterwards with some drying and cicatrizing _Ointment_, such as UNGUENTUM-ALEUM, POMPHOLYX, _&c._ Dressing it always as often, and as soon, as the _Excrements_ are evacuated, lest the _Apertion_ should turn to an ULCER.

BUT in the other _Case_, where the FUNDAMENT is stopped up with _Flesh_, that neither any Mark nor Appearance of the RECTUM is seen or felt, whereby its true _Situation_ may be known, or the proper place where the _Aperture_ ought to be made; The _Operation_ is much more difficult, and the INFANT but seldom escapes the fatal Consequence of this _Misfortune_: Which Difficulty notwithstanding, we are diligently to do our Best upon such Occasions; to which End, an _Apertion_ must be made within _half_ an Inch of the CHILD’S _Rump_, being the certain place of the RECTUM; which in the _interim_ must be perform’d with the greatest Care and Judgment by a small _Incision-Knife_ with one Edge, turning the _Back upwards_, and thrusting it so forward, until the _Aperture_ be made big enough for the _Excrements_ to pass thro’, always prudently regarding the SPHINCTER as above; upon which the _Wound_, &c. are to be dressed and order’d, as in the preceding _Case_.

IX. IN like manner, it also may happen that the INFANT is born with its _Urinary Passage_ shut up; upon which Occasion, a convenient _Apertion_ must also be made with a proper LANCET: Which _Operation_ must likewise be perform’d with great Prudence and Ingenuity.

X. MOREOVER, It also sometimes falls out, that the CHILD is infected with the _Venereal Lues_, from the Predominancy of that _Distemper_ in the MOTHER; _which_ Case easily discovers itself by many _Pustules_ and _Ulcers_ appearing at the BIRTH in diverse Parts of its Body, especially about the HEAD, BELLY, THIGHS and CLUNES: Upon which the _Cure_ may be pertinently protracted to a more advanced Age, tho’ prudent _Measures_ may be taken, to keep the _Distemper under_, but if the _Condition_ be Malignant, the _Remedy_ is commonly prevented by DEATH.

XI. FINALLY as to the small or puny _Faults_ of NATURE, such as a distorted or wry _Mouth_, crooked or flat NOSE, thick or flabby LIPS, rough or ugly VISAGE, or the like _Blemishes_,——

THE CHILD’S _Body_ being tractable like a piece of _Wax_, or the _Potter’s Clay_, These may be Judiciously corrected and Ingeniously amended, and a more Delectable and Amiable FORM given to[186] every _Part_; as in _Case_ of any _Blemish_ of the EYES, whether they be Discoloured, or Sparkling, Dim or Short-sighted, Squint or Goggle, Rolling or Goat-eyed; a Lovely _black Colour_, and a _graceful Beauty_, may be also artfully given them[187].

NOW (I think) These are all the most common _Symptoms_ or _Indispositions_ which the CHILD brings with it into the World; which being thus briefly discuss’d, I come at length to——

CHAP. XI. _Of the Sundry Symptoms and Diseases, peculiarly incident to the_ INFANT _after its_ BIRTH.

NOTWITHSTANDING that the CHILD may be born free from all apparent _Symptoms_ of any _Indisposition_, and however careful the Honest Nurse may be of its _Diet_ and _Regimen_; yet it seldom happens, but it undergoes some one or more of the _following subitaneous Inconveniencies_, viz.——

I. GRIPES or _Pains_ of the BELLY, which may proceed either from the MECONIUM, its not being timely, or not fully evacuated; or from the NURSE’S _Milk_, its generating _Wind_ and _acid Humours_, either by her using improper flatulent FOOD, or from the BABE’S sucking more _Milk_ than its _Stomach_ can digest: Or the same _Pains_ and _Gripes_ may also proceed from the _Effects_ of cold AIR, or from WORMS in the _Intestines_, or from the _unseasonable use_ of PAP, _&c._

THIS Affection in general is known by the _Inquietude_ and _Crying_ of the INFANT, which is now (in a manner) averse to the BREAST, continually turning itself here and there, without Rest or Intermission of _Pain_; But more particularly, _This_ proceeding from the MECONIUM, may be distinguished and known by the _Colour_ of the _Excrements_, since the MECONIUM is always _black_, and as soon as it is altogether voided, the STOOL becomes _pale_; and _that_ may be readily cured by the means already prescribed[188]. If this _Affection_ proceeds from WIND, it may be known by the CHILD’S frequently _belching_ and the BELLY’S _swelling_, if from COLD, the _use_ of PAP, or from any _pituitous viscid Humour_, the BELLY is most commonly _bound_, and the _Cure_ differs but little from the preceeding _Case_. If from corrupted MILK or _acid Humours_, the _Condition_ is most commonly attended with a DIARRHÆA, and the _Excrements_ are of a greenish or _Saffron Colour_: The _Cure_ of which, depends upon proper _Abstergents_ and Evacuations. If at last from WORMS, their proper _Diagnosticks_ shew it, of which in their Place.

II. SOMETIMES an _Extension_ or shooting forth of the NAVEL happens to the CHILD, and that frequently to the Bigness of an EGG, more or less; which _Case_ is properly call’d an EXOMPHALON, and proceeds either from the continual _Cries_, or violent _Coughs_ of the INFANT, or from a _Laxation_ or _Rupture_ of the PERITONÆUM, or sometimes from an _Exulceration_ of the NAVEL.

IN this _Condition_, whatever the _Cause_ may be, the sooner that the _Cure_ is undertaken, the more easily it is perform’d; for which End, after removing the Causes of _Crying_ or _Coughing_, the relaxed PERITONÆUM may be strengthened and astringed; as when bursten, it may be reunited and consolidated by proper CATAPLASMS and SWATHS; after replacing the _Intestines_ (if fallen down) keeping the CHILD for the most part in _Bed_, with its BELLY always _loose_, and never _too full_.