Part 33

BUT in this _Case_, the more _certain Method_ is, to try the PATIENT with proper _Sternutatories_, such as are otherways useful in all such PAROXYSMS, for if _alive_, she will be quickly mov’d by _Sternutation_: As when the _Body_ begins to send forth a _Cadaverous Smell_, it is a certain SIGN that the _innate Heat_ is extinct with the LIFE, and that the _Body_ is no more supported by the SOUL. Wherefore the safest and surest way is, not to _bury_ such PERSONS, before the _Expiration of 72 Hours_, reckoning from the beginning of the FIT: Because, if in this Time, which is the CRISIS, or _Term_ of the _Circuit_ of all the HUMOURS in the Body, they do not _revive_, there is no more Room left for _Hopes_.

IN the next place, I come to mark the DIAGNOSTICKS, whereby it may be best distinguished, which of the before-mentioned _immediate Causes_, gives _Rise_ to the _HYSTERICK PASSION_ in any _Woman_ labouring under the same _Malady_. And, I. IF it proceeds from the _Menstruous Blood_, in this _Condition_, the _Natural Course_ must needs be suppress’d, either in whole or in part: And the Difference of the _Quality_ of this _BLOOD_, is evident from the foregoing _Symptoms_.

II. IF from too long _retain’d SEED_; the PATIENT is to be suppos’d regular in her _natural Flux_, as she is _Calid_ and _Sanguine_, either from _high Living_, or _want of Exercise_: In _this_ the SYMPTOMS are all more severe and dangerous, than in the _other Case_, and upon the declension of the PAROXYSM, or the _Fits_ going off, a certain HUMOUR flows from the PUDENDUM, occasion’d by the _Constriction_ made in the WOMB.

III. IF from corrupted _Humours_, the PATIENT not only _Purges_ regularly, but also enjoys her HUSBAND: Hence in this _Case_, I would conclude that she either labours, or has labour’d under some _Uterine Distemper_, such as a _Satyriasis_, _Pruritus_, _Furor_, _Gonorrhæa_, _Fluor Muliebris_, _Ulcers_, _Impostumes_, a former _Suppression_, or _Irregularity_ of the MENSTRUA, or the like: As also many _Learned Men_ agree that a _Præternatural Situation_[241], namely, the WOMB’S ascending to the _superior Parts_, compressing the LIVER and DIAPHRAGMA, and consequently the _Lungs_, HEART, or STOMACH, may induce various SUFFOCATIONS; Which, I think, is also confirm’d by _Reason_ and _Experience_. For——

WHO knows not that the _Ligaments_ of the WOMB, may be so relaxed and extended, that it may fall down to the very KNEES, as I have seen it? And who may not thence conceive that in the same _Laxity_ of the _Ligaments_, the WOMB may be as well driven upwards by _Winds_, _Vapours_, or too much gross BLOOD in the _Ligaments_; or by ungrateful _Odours_ approaching the WOMB, as it may also be attracted by pleasant and grateful _Smells_ at the _Nose_? Not that I mean here, by the by, that the WOMB is capable of _Smelling_, and therefore shuns disagreeable _Fœtors_; but only that its _Spirits_ and _Heat_, especially in _Those_, who abound with deprav’d _Humours_, are attracted either way by agreeable _Odours_, or fragrant _Smells_.

NOW in this _Case_, the WOMB may be plainly found by the _Touch_, ascended in the Form of a round _Ball_; Which however may be easily brought down, and replaced in its _natural Posture_, by any skilful experienced _Hand_, previously well anointed with the OIL of _Spike_, _Spikenard_, _White Lillies_, or the like. Again farther, to prevent its _Return_, some nauseous _Smells_, may be apply’d to the _Nose_, or the _Reverse_ to the PUDENDUM; as also the superiour _Parts_ of the Body may be tyed strait with proper _Bands_ or _Ligaments_.

BUT more particularly, as to the proper _Diagnosticks_ of the imminent PAROXYSM, or approaching FIT of _Suffocation_, these are, _Grumblings_ in the ABDOMEN, a _Distention_ and _Pulsation_ in the BACK and _Hypochondriacks_, a _Weariness_ of the whole Body, an _Imbecillity_ of the LEGS, _Belching_, _Nauseating_, _Gaping_, a _pale Face_, and a _sad Countenance_; attended at last with the aforesaid Sense of _Strangulation_, as if the PATIENT was a-swallowing a _Ball_, _&c._ As also I have known _some Women_ to have been taken with a long FIT of _Laughter_ upon this occasion, _others_ with that of _Crying_; as probably _some_ may confusely _act both_ at once.

HOWEVER, It is to be observ’d in this place, that, as the _Distemper_ is not equally violent in _All_, nor always attended by the _same_, or the same number of _Symptoms_; so neither are the FITS equally long or frequent, but invade and seize the PATIENT according to the quick or slow gathering of the _Morbifick Humours_, which are also sooner or later discussed: Which _Humorous Particles_ in our Bodies, like as in intermitting _Fevers_, have their due Times of _Digestion_, _Accumulation_, and _Exaltation_; which _Height_ as soon as they have arrived to, they suddenly, and as it were in a Moment, break out into _Action_: Or else _These Humours_ may lye dormant in the Body, until by some _Procatarctick_, or _External Cause_, they are exagitated, and set at _Work_.

NOW this _Agitation_ of HUMOURS depends not only upon the _Course_ of the SUN and MOON, but also sometimes more particularly upon the _Change_ of the AIR, and the _Motion_ of the SEA. As to the _Solar_ and _Lunar Influences_ upon the _Animal Machine_, they are already abundantly set forth[242], wherefore I shall resume Nothing of _them_ in this place: And as to the _Efficiency_ of the AIR, I would observe it to be always most considerable about the _Two Equinoxes_; as at these _Seasons_ the most impetuous _Winds_ and violent _Storms_ happen; and that continually the most severe at _Noon_ and _Midnight_; that is to say, when the SUN is in our _Zenith_, or in the _Nadir_, _viz._ in the _vertical Point_ over our _Heads_, or the quite _opposite_ under[243] our _Feet_. These _Changes_ however come a little before the _Vernal Equinox_, but follow the _Autumnal_; because of the various _Distances_ of the MOON in its _Perigæum_ and _Apogæum_.

MOREOVER, at these _Seasons_, and indeed at all Times, the AIR swells or rises highest, at _New_ and _Full_ MOON, from the conjunct Power of both the _Planets_: Hence the diligent _Mariners_ and _Husbandmen_ always observe the _Weather_ to change, and _Winds_ to rise upon these Occasions; and, not only so, but also, a constant and certain RECOURSE of _Winds_ and _Weather_ to happen at certain _Seasons_ of the Year; and _that_ from some certain necessary _Natural Cause_, which always acts in the same manner.

As to the _Motion_ of the SEA, its Efficacy upon the _Animal Fabrick_, may be easily comprehended, considering only what is said; together with this Truth, that, at all _Seasons_, the AIR is highest, and the _Winds_ strongest, when the TIDE of the _Flood_ is at its highest Ascent. For as the SEA swells, so the _Ambient_ AIR in 25 Hours, is twice raised to a considerable great _Height_, from the _Attraction_ of the MOON approaching the _Meridian_: And the same swelling of the AIR must necessarily follow, as often as the SUN comes to the _Meridian_ of any place, either above or below the HORIZON; tho’ (as aforesaid) it is always _highest_ at _New_ and _Full_ MOON: And _lowest_ of all, when the MOON is but half _Full_; the _Planets_ then drawing each a contrary way: As it is _middling_, during the Time between the dimidiated _Orbs_ of the MOON, and the _New_ and _Full_ MOON[244].

CONSIDERING then that the _Ambient_ AIR and the surrounding SEA are both _fluid Bodies_, and that the _Changes_ of the ONE agree so exactly with the _Tide_ of the OTHER, we may rationally conclude, that they are both (in a great measure) subject to the same LAWS of _Motion_[245]. Hence it is, that, the great _Physician_[246] says, that the _Fluxes_ and _Refluxes_ of both these ELEMENTS are so ordain’d, by the Wise _Councell_ of the Almighty CREATOR, to keep them from _Stagnations_ and _Corruptions_, which would be noxious to all _Creatures_, that by these means are preferred in a better Condition. Which is also confirm’d by _Experience_, from that, in clear and open places such _Valetudinarians_ as are ready to _Die_, recover their _Health_, and the _Soundest Constitution_ in moist close places, grows SICK.

FROM the whole, it is evident, that the _Motions_ of the AIR at the flowing of the SEA, upon the _New_ and _Full_ MOON, and in the _Æquinoxes_, change the _Fabrick_ of the _Animal Bodies_: But these _Changes_ are always most remarkable in those of _weak_ and _sickly Constitutions_; whereas those of _Strong_ and _Healthy Bodies_ more readily repel or evade their _Influences_. Hence it is that our _Bodies_ so much _Sympathize_, and so manifestly _correspond_ with the _Cœlestials_, as the Experience of a great many Ingenious _Authors_ testify[247]: And hence again it is that the HYSTERICK, no less than any _other_ PATIENT, keeps Time strictly with these _Superiour Bodies_, as the _Register_ of a vast many Examples, and even daily _Experience_ it self teaches for Truth. Now having thus far prosecuted the _Diagnosticks_, as well with respect to the _Times_ and _Seasons_ of the PAROXYSMS, as to the _Signs_ and _Symptoms_ of the _Distemper_, I come at length to——

THE _Prognosticks_ of this _Uterine_ SUFFOCATION, which I shall but briefly hint upon; and FIRST, observe, that where the HUMOURS overcharge the _Body_, and are implicated among themselves; in this _Case_ the FITS do not always keep their _Legitimate Times_, nor their _proper Insults_, but are sometimes more _frequent_, more _sharp_, and more _diuturnal_; in like manner, as a _Concourse_ of WINDS excites the most violent STORMS, according to the _Poet_[248],

_“Unà Eurusque Notusque ruunt, creberque procellis “Africus, & vastos volvunt ad Littora Fluctus:_

So a _Concourse_ and _Confluxion_ of HUMOURS, must needs aggravate the _Distemper_; but more especially, when the afflicted _PATIENT_ is taken with a _Complication_ of _Distempers_, such as when the _HYSTERICK_ _FIT_ is join’d with a _Syncope_, or severe _Convulsions_, &c. _then_ the _Case_ is most dangerous.[249]

—— —— —— _“Nam corpore in Uno “Frigida cum Calidis Pugnant, Humentia Siccis, “Mollia cum duris, Sine pondere habentia pondus._

These Things, consisting in the _Corruption_ and _Inflammation_, or in the _Quantity_ and _Quality_ of the _peccant HUMOURS_, concur with the _other Causes_, above defin’d, that the _Circulations_ of the _Distemper_ are either shorter or longer, more frequent or more rare, or more safe or more dangerous in the Event.

SECONDLY, I observe in this place, that, if the _Distemper_ does not carry off the _PATIENT_, as often happens in the foregoing _Condition_, it commonly degenerates at last into an _Apoplexy_, or _Palsy_, _Stupidity_, or deep _Melancholy_, &c. Wherefore I come now _finally_ to treat of the Method of its _Cure_; which is twofold, _One_ in the _Access_ or _FIT_, and _another_ in the _Interval_. Then as to the _First_——

IN the _FIT_, _Revulsive_ and _Repressing Remedies_ are most apposite, together with _Corroboratives_ for the _HEART_ and _VENTRICLE_, as well as for the WOMB it self. But because _Revulsives_ are of many and different kinds, they are to be discreetly us’d, according to the Nature of the _Cause_ from whence the _Evil_ proceeds: For if suppressed BLOOD be the _Cause_, in that _Case_, _Galen_ agrees with _Hippocrates_ that an _Inferiour Vene-Section_ is convenient, and that even tho’ a _Syncope_ join the _SUFFOCATION_, because the _One_ is but the Effect of the _Other_[250]: Remembring always that such _Bleedings_ must be done with great Prudence and Caution, because of the present _Prostration_ of the _Strength_ and _Spirits_, and _Refrigeration_ of the PATIENT’s whole Body.

WHEREAS if the _PAROXYSM_ proceeds from _venenated_ _SEED_, or depraved _Humours_, no _VEIN_ is to be open’d; but instead of _That_, I would lay the _Woman_ supine in her _BED_, for breathing the freer, and loose all her _Laces_, _Garters_, &c. Then if Strong _Sternutatories_, _Fœtid Smells_, _Vellication_ of her _Ears_, _Nostrils_, _Pilorumve Pudendi_, did not help her _Condition_; I would use _dolorifick Ligatures_, and _Frictions_ of _THIGHS_, _LEGS_, and _FEET_; or apply _Cupping Glasses_ without _Scarification_ to the _THIGHS_ and _GROIN_ it self: As also proper _Liniments_, _Clysters_, _Suppositories_, _Pessaries_, &c. are convenient Means: And sometimes _Suffumigations_ of _GALBANUM_, _ASSAFOETIDA_, _Old Leather_, _Cloth_, _Sulphur_, _Partridge Feathers_, _Horse-Tetters_ or _Warts_, &c. Or (which is reckon’d _Best_ of all) a few of the _PATIENT_’s _Hairs_ of her _Head_, burnt, and held to her _NOSE_. Or, while I should often tickle the _NOSTRILS_ with a _Feather_, or my _Finger_ dipp’d in the sharpest _Vinegar_, _Oleum Succini_, or the like, I would anoint the _PALLET_ with _Triacle_, _Mithridate_, or such other Things dissolv’d in pleasant _WINE_.

HOWEVER, in such _Cases_, as well as in all others, _à mitioribus adhibitis, progrediendum est ad valentiora_; I say, we are to _begin with the more gentle, and proceed gradually to the more strong and powerful REMEDIES_; using all proper Means with the utmost Prudence and Discretion, and _that_ only according to the absolute Necessity and imminent Danger of the _incident Case_. Now moreover, I would add for _such_ as lose both _PULSE_ and _BREATH_, that some of the above _REMEDIES_ are not only requisite; but also, according to the excellent _Horatius Augenius_, a little generous _WINE_ with _Nutmeg_, _Cinnamon_ and _Cloves_, adding _five Grains_ of _MUSK_, is altogether proper for _this PATIENT_[251]: Tho’ for _others_, who have not quite lost all _Sense_ and _Motion_, nothing is perhaps more pernicious than the _USE_ of such _Odoriferous Matters_, since I have known several _Women_ to have been immediately _suffocated_, even by the very _Smell_ of _MUSK_, _CIVET_, _AMBER_, &c. But when the Sick _PATIENT_ lies (as above) for _dead_, if such _Odours_ can excite the _WOMB_, they can likewise move the _Arteries_, and give Hopes of _Recovery_; upon which occasion also, I would apply hot _Sear-Cloths_ to the _Regions_ of the _HEART_ and _WOMB_: Or, if I suspected the _HEAD_ to abound with _frigid Humours_, I would moreover apply _Vesicatories_ behind the _EARS_, or an _Issue_, or _drawing Plaister_ to the _NAPE_ of the _Neck_, always cherishing the _STOMACH_ with proper _Fomentations_: As also according to some, the _Hoof_ of an _ELK_, is a present _REMEDY_ in all such _Suffocations_ or _FITS of the Mother_[252].

BY the above-mentioned, which are all the most prevalent _Means_ in the _ACCESS_, we will now suppose the _PATIENT_ to be _recover’d_; in which _Case_, the next step needful, is to guard against, and prevent the _Return_ of the _FIT_, and consequently to _Cure_ the _DISEASE_; which can only be effected by removing the _Cause_, whatever it may be: And _This_, in my Opinion, may be most effectually perform’d in manner following, _viz._——

IF the _Distemper_ proceeds from the _suppressed BLOOD_ or _MENSTRUA_, This is by proper _Means_ to be reduced to its _Natural Course_ and _Condition_. If from a retain’d _Seminal Matter_ in the _Uterine Vessels_, the _Cure_ depends chiefly upon a proper _Regimen_ of _Diet_ and _Exercise_; frequent gentle _Purges_, and repeated inferiour _Venæ-Sections_: Whereas if already collected and venenated in the _WOMB_, and the _Body_ consequently _refrigerated_, no _VEIN_ may properly be touch’d or open’d; but in this _Case_, as if the _Evil_ proceeded from _vitious putrid HUMOURS_, it is to be evacuated in the same manner, as in _other Conditions_ of the _humid Intemperature_ of the _WOMB_; always corroborating and fortifying the more affected or debilitated _Parts_.

NOW this Method of _Cure_, in short, being taken from the wisest of the _Ancients_[253], I shall farther add _one_ singular and essential _Step_ towards the perfecting of it; namely, if it be so, that the most severe and dangerous _Symptoms_ of this _DISTEMPER_ proceed from the _Retention_ of the _vitiated SEED_; then of Course and without Controversy, the _HYSTERICK PASSION_ must needs be most familiar to _WIDOWS_ and _marriageable VIRGINS_; to whom I must finally say, _Let them Marry_.

_Si tales etenim pruriginosas, Connubio destinari contingat, ac Semen subdito virili Pessulo elici, in usumq, procreandæ Sobolis depromi, protinus illas efflorescere videas, ac faciem roseo, nitidóq; colore perfundi, blandas denique atque Amabiles, minúsq; tetricas ac morosas. Quod etiam docet_ GALENUS, _Exemplo viduæ cujusdam, quæ multo Semine effuso, à Symptomatibus integrè est liberata[254]. Itaq; dico, tales dissuetæ maturæve viro sunt tempestive elocandæ._ In fine, _MARRIAGE_ will very much help such indisposed Persons, according to the Wise _Judgment_, _Advice_ and _Direction_ of the best Antient _WRITERS_.

CONCLUSION.

BEFORE I close this finishing _Chapter_, I must entreat the _READER_’s Patience, and finally observe (by way of _Recapitulation_ upon it, which will also serve to Answer the same End upon divers places interspers’d throughout this whole BOOK) that I am very Sensible before hand, that some considerate Readers, even among the _Learned_ themselves, will be ready to stop or cavil at some of my _Sentiments_, and say, _Quo te Mœri Pedes? Et quæ te Dementia cepit?_

I know that they deny, with the _Peripatetick Aristotle_[255], the Existence of the _Muliebrian SEED_. Nay, I farther know, that, _this_ is not all, which they will _object_ against; for the _Four Galenick HUMOURS_ will be as hard to _digest_. But as I leave all _Men to think and judge for themselves_, without differing with any for dissenting from me in _Opinion_, so I know that _Men of Probity_ and _Ingenuity_ will allow me the same _Privilege_ and act in a suitable Manner: Whereas I doubt not but some _Momus_, or _Zoilus_, or some _Member_ of the Body of the _Sophistical_ SCIOLISTS will rise up, and pronounce me either altogether _Ignorant_, or an unjust _Vilifier_ of the reigning _Modern Opinions_, by laying down some Authentick _Positions_ of the ANTIENTS,

THIS cannot more certainly befall me, than I expect it; wherefore, I am not only in some measure upon my _Guard_; but also otherways resolved to hear, and even bear such _Controversial Wranglings_ with Patience: Which I need think the less of doing, or suffering with Pleasure, considering the many Glorious _Examples_ already set before my Eyes of _Those_ who have deserved the greatest _Applause_, and the _Best_ of Mankind in all Ages. To pass by some living _MONUMENTS_ of _Detraction_, who are at this Day universally acknowledged to be _Eminent_ and _Excellent Men_; have not some of the best _Authors_ that ever wrote been unjustly scourged by the _black Tongues_, and even scandaliz’d by the _Satyrick Pens_, of their COTEMPORARIES? And are not the same SUFFERERS, I mean their _Names_ and _Memories_ immortaliz’d at this Time, through all _Nations_? Besides, in short, will they not continue to be so through out all succeeding _Generations_ for their essential _Helps_ and ingenious _Discoveries_ in the Noble and Heavenly Art of PHYSICK? Moreover, have we not too many _Instances_ of THIS, to go no farther, in _England_, even too well known to require a _Repetition_?

HOW vain then would it be in me to hope to escape the Common _Fate_ of all WRITERS in general? No, before ever I _put Pen to Paper_, I plainly foresaw, that, in this degenerate Age, no honest Man could safely subscribe to the genuine truth of Things, without suffering by publick Malice, under the _Character_ of being reckon’d either an Ignorant or an _obsolete_ SINGULARIST.

HOWEVER, yet, as I would willingly avoid being ranked among litigious _Disputants_, so I have taken Care (if it be possible) to mitigate the _Censure_, by not insisting too stiffly upon any TOPICK, which may be suppos’d to tend more to curious _Speculation_, than to real _Practice_ in our ART: Neither have I set off any _Hypothesis_ with recommendatory _Glosses_, nor other fine _Embellishments_, serving more for _Ornament_ than _Use_.

BUT that I may not seem at last altogether to give up, what I have been advancing, however in modest _Terms_ and upon authentick _Authorities_, I ingenuously answer and confess, that, I have in diverse respects and in sundry places in this BOOK, spoke my Mind freely, and impartially, however without Prejudice, and _that_ sometimes also contrary to the _Opinions_ of many famous WRITERS in Vogue, as well _Ancient_ as _Modern_; by which means, I may perhaps have disgusted some, otherways, most _Judicious_ READERS: However, considering the different _Grounds_ upon which Men commonly form their _Judgment_ of AUTHORS, if I have but the Happiness to please in some Things, I have all that I am ambitious of.

WHEREFORE, as it was neither for _Applause_ nor _Reputation_-sake, but merely for the _Common Good_ of Mankind, that I undertook to write modestly, so I resolved at the _Beginning_, that, neither _Malice_ nor _Envy_ should deter me from publishing what is _True_, and, to my certain Knowledge, confirmed by _Experience_. I have carefully perus’d other Men’s WORKS, _Moderns_ as well as _Ancients_, to gain the Knowledge and discover the _Truth of Things_, and I gratefully acknowledge what _Benefit_ soever I have reaped from them, whose NAMES I am not asham’d to affix to this BOOK, by the _Help_ of their elaborate and ingenious WRITINGS: Desiring thereby to convince the REVOLVER, that I neither reject the hard _Labours_ of the _Ancients_, nor despise the laudable _Endeavours_ of the _Moderns_, _much less_ would I be thought to decry or find Fault with any particular _Performance_; especially considering that I meet with none so _empty_, but that I get something by, which I emprove to my own Advantage.

BUT as far as I have found them mistaken, since _Mortal Eyes_ cannot see beyond their HORIZON, nor the best of Men exceed the natural Limits of _human Frailty_, I have thought it my _Duty_ to forewarn POSTERITY of their _Mistakes_, not only according to the laudable CUSTOM of the _Ancients_, but also according to my plain _Notion_ of the genuine Nature or true CHARITY; which I think consists not in contemning, detracting and calumniating _one another_, but rather in cleansing SCIENCES from the _Dross of Errors_, that so the _Right Way_ may be pav’d to our _Successors_ by a continued _Series_ of Time, which may be effectually done by _Many_, that cannot possibly be accomplished by _One_; because of the _Brevity_ of LIFE.

UPON the whole, it is most certain that TRUTH is known _but of a few_; whereas false _Opinions_ go current in the Stream with the rest of the World: Nay, TRUTH scarce yet ever carried it by _Vote_ in any respect, insomuch, that the most evident Testimonies of Sense, too often yield place to imbib’d Opinions, and Men blindly reject the manifest Evidence of their own Faculties, by which Truth in many Cases is only to be discover’d: And indeed I know how hard it is otherways to enquire exactly into the common _Truth of Things_, so as to give a _Satisfactory Demonstration_, or a _general Satisfaction_ to _All_: Which notwithstanding, I verily believe that the _Sons_ of ART, who know the _Principles_ and _Power_ of NATURE, and understand her various _Operations_ upon all BODIES, by the means of her inferiour _Agents_, the four _ELEMENTS_; and such as have attain’d any competent _Knowledge_ in the _SPAGYRICK ANATOMY_ of Things, especially of _Fluids_, _Water_, _Wine_, &c. will be at no great Loss to conceive the _Probability_ of both the _one_ and the _other_ above-mentioned HYPOTHESIS.