THE FOURTH BOOK OF PRACTICAL PHYSICK. Of Womens Diſeaſes.
THE FIRST PART. Of Diſeaſes in the Privities of Women.
THE FIRST SECTION. Of Diſeaſes of the Privy Part, and the Neck of the Womb.
Chap. 1. Of the ſtraitneſs and largeneſs of the Orifice.
THere are three Diſeaſes in this Part. The ſtraitneſs, and the largeneſs, and Yard of a Woman.
The ſtraightneſs is, when the Cleft is narrow,2 that it will not admit a Mans Yard, or with much difficulty, it hinders Child-bearing; and if it be from the firſt confirmation, it is hard to be cured by Phyſick: but it is enlarged, either by copulation, or by bringing forth of children. Sometimes it is from an Ulcer, or from aſtringent Medicines given unadviſedly, that they may appear to be Virgins, when they are not.
Sometimes the cleft is ſhut up outwardly, and there is only paſſage for the Urin and the Terms: theſe Women are called Atretae, that is ſhut up, and bored, of which Chap. 3. Sometimes it is ſo cloſe, that neither Terms nor Urin can come forth.
The contrary to this, is largeneſs of the Cleft, or when there are more holes then Nature hath uſually, by often Copulation or Child-bearing. This laxity or largeneſs cauſeth Barrenneſs and falling out of the Womb, as Hippocrates ſhews in the Nature of Women. And this makes women unpleaſant to men.
This is cured by purging after Child-bearing, by Fomentations, Baths, Liniments of Allum water, and the Decoction of aſtringent Plants.
Take Comfry roots, Bole, Sanguis Draconis, Pomgranate flowers, Allum, Maſtich, Galls, each half a dram: make a Powder, and with ſteeled Water make a Mixture, dip a Peſſary therein. Or, Take Oaken leaves, Plantane, each half a handful; Comfry roots an ounce, Pomegranate peels and flowers, Sumach, each half an ounce; Allum an ounce, boyl them in Water, and foment the Privites.
Sometimes in hard travel, the ſpace between the Fundament and the privy Cleft, is broken into one hole. Eros ſhews the Cure of it. Some put a long piece of Allum into the Cleft. When3 there are divers paſſages in a Womans Privities it is from the firſt confirmation,De paſſion, mulier. c. 20. when by Natures error, the paſſage from the ſtraight Gut goes to the Womb.
Chap. 2. Of the Mentula, or Yard in a Woman.
THe Alae or Wings in the Privities of a Woman, are of ſoft ſpongy fleſh, like a Cocks-comb in ſhape and colour; the part at the top is hard and nervous, and ſwells like a Yard in Venery, with much ſpirit. This part ſometimes is as big as a mans Yard, and ſuch women were thought to be turned into men.
It is from too much nouriſhment of the part,The Cauſes. from the looſeneſs of it by often handling.
It is not ſafe to cut it off preſently:The Cure. but firſt uſe Driers and Diſcuſſers, with things that a little aſtringe; then gentle Cauſticks without cauſing pain, as burnt Allum, Aegyptiacum.
Take Aegyptiacum, Oyl of Maſtick, Roſes, Wax, each half an ounce If theſe will not do, then cut it off, or tie it with a Ligature of Silk or Horſe-hair, till it mortifie.
Aetius teacheth the way of Amputation,Tetrabſer. 4. c. 103. he calls it the Nympha or Clitoris, between both the Wings: but take heed you cauſe not pain or Inflammation. After cutting, waſh with Wine, with Mirtles, Bayes, Roſes, Pomgranate flowers boiled in it, and Cypreſs nuts, and lay on an aſtringent Powder.
4Some 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 endure Copulation, but you may cut off this better than 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 threefold. Is it either in the Orifice, or the Neck, or in the middle: it is alwaies hurtful, either to Copulation or the Terms, or to Conception, and Child-bearing.
I ſaw one that had the firſt: the Orifice was very little, only fit to purge the Terms, and receive Seed; ſhe conceived, and the Midwives diſcovered in time of Child-bearing, 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 ab. ſana. & morb. cau. cap. 78. Fleſh or a Membrane is from evil conformation, or a Wound, or Ulcer, of which Benivenius, Fabricus and Hildanus.
The Cleft alſo may be cloſed by a Wound or Ulcer, as in a woman who with the French Pox, had all eaten off, and it grew together after, only there was a little paſſage for Urin.
This is, either when the ſides grow together from an Ulcer, or when proud fleſh ſtops it up, which is ſometimes in the French Pox.
5When it is in the Privities, it is to be ſeen:The Signs. but when in the Neck or Orifice of the Womb, it is not known, but when the Terms are to flow, or when they copulate: and it is either broken by the force of blood, or there is pain; and being Virgins, they are taken to be with child: for if it laſt long, the womb ſwells, and the whole body is blewiſh.
Theſe either hinder the Terms from the neck of the womb, or from the veins of it. If inflammation or ulcer was before, this diſeaſe may be ſuſpected to be; if there the cloſing be by the Membrane, the place is white; if by Fleſh, it is red. And it is known by the touch: for the Membrane is harder then Fleſh.
The inconveniences are great,The Prognoſtick. either in Copulation, 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 the Orifice of the Womb is not to be cured, becauſe the inſtruments cannot reach it.
Take away that which ſtops the paſſage,The Cure. a Membrane that is outward is eaſily cut: but if it be in the neck of the Womb or be fleſh, it is hard. For if the cut be large, there is pain and bleeding, and the wound is hard to be cured, becauſe the neck of the Bladder is eaſily hurt thereby.
Uvierus teacheth this Operation in his Obſervations. And Hippocrates in his Book of Sterility ſhews how a Membrane may be taken away without cutting.
If fleſh grow from an ulcer after purging, uſe Driers and Diſcuſſers to diminiſh it, with Frankincenſe,6 Birthwort, Roſes, Pomgranate flowers, Maſtick, Mirrh, Aloes &c. as in Chap. 2.
Nicol. Florentius.Some think this Diſeaſe may come from drineſs, but it is incredible. If it come from a hard tumor, ſoften and diſſolve it with Butter, Oyl of ſweet Almonds, Lillies, &c.
Chap. 4. Of Puſtles and Roughneſs of the Privities.
ROughneſs and Itching come from Puſtles in the neck of the Womb and Privities, with ſcurff and ſwellings which itch and pain.
The Cauſes.They are from an aduſt humor malignant and ſharp, which abounding, evacuate themſelves by theſe looſe and moiſt parts, and their ſticking, exaſperate the fleſh; this is in the French Pox.
The Signs. The Prognoſtick. The Cure.They declare it themſelves.
It is ſtubborn, long, and infectious to men, and hard to be cured.
If the aduſt ſharp humors come from the whole body, prepare with Borrage, Fumitory, Succory, Endive, and the like, then evacuate them with Senna, Epithimum, Syrup of Apples, Violets, Roſes, Catholicon, Confection Hamech, pills of Fumitory, Tartar.
Let blood if there be fulneſs, firſt in the Arm, then in the Ancle: but if it be from the French Pox, firſt uſe Guajacum and Sarſa, and the like.
Foment the part often with a hot Decoction of Dock roots, Fumitory, Hops, Pellitory: or uſe this Oyntment: Take Plantane and Roſe-water, each four ounces; Sal gem, Niter, Allum, each three drams; Sublimate a dram and half: boil them7 to the third part, ſtrain them, and add Verdigreece a ſcruple: then uſe gentler means two days 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 Juice, avoid ſalt, ſharp and ſour things.
Chap. 5. Of Condyloma in the Neck of the Womb.
COndyloma is a tubercle or excreſcence with heat and pain: for theſe parts are wrinkled, and when the wrinkles ſwell, there is a Condyloma. Sometimes it is without Inflammation and ſoft, or with Inflammation and hard. It is uſual in the Privities and Fundament of ſuch as have the French Pox.
They are from a ſharp malignant humour,The Cauſes. which is alwaies in the Pox, and ſometimes they follow hard Clefts or Chaps.
They are pain and burning,The Signs. the ſkin is wrinkled; and when they are many, they are like a Bunch of Grapes.
They are hard to be cured,The Prognoſtick. if they are from the Pox, firſt cure that, and then they often vaniſh of themſelves.
After general Evacuations proper againſt the Pox, uſe Tropicks:The Cure. firſt ſee if there be Inflammation, and then abate pain. As, Take Oyl of Linſeed and Roſes, each an ounce; Oyl of Eggs half an ounce; mix them in a Leaden Mortar. Or, Take Pellitory, Mallows, Althaea, each half a handful; Chamomil-flowers two pugils, Linſeed and Foenugreek, each half an ounce. Boil them to a pint, add Oyl of Roſes three ounces, inject it with a Syringe.
8If there be no Inflamation, uſe Driers and Repellers, as Vervain, Ivy, Acacia, Pomegranatepeels and flowers: for Baths and Fomentations, and after add Diſcuſſers, as Chamomil and Thyme.
If it be old and hard firſt ſoften it with the ſame, and after thrice uſing them, uſe Digeſters and Driers that are ſtrong as a Powder. Take round Birthwort a dram, Savin, Hermodactils burnt, each two drams; burnt Allum two drams, red Lead a dram, Calcitis half a dram; ſprinkle it upon the loofe fleſh.
Or, Take Aloes, Frankincenſe, Mirrh, each a dram; Ammoniacum diſſolved in Vinegar a dram and half, Allum two drams, red Lead two drams, Galls half a dram, Turpentine, Oyl of Tartar, each a dram; with Oyl of Roſes and Wax, make an Oyntment.
This is very ſtrong: Take Turpentine an ounce, Oyl of Nutmegs two ounces, read Lead two drams, Allum, Vitriol, each a dram; Verdegreece half a dram, Sublimate a ſcruple, with Wax make an Oyntment, or of Balſom of Mercury.
Tetrab. 4. ſerm. l. c. 3. If Medicines will not do, the Ancients adviſe Burning, of which ſee Aetius.
Chap. 7. Of Warts in the Neck of the Privities of the Womb.
THey are from a groſs feculent and malignant humor ſent to the ſkin, & turned to a Node.
The Signs.They are known by their ſhape: the malignant are known by their hardneſs, and heat, and blewneſs, filth, and pain.
The Prognoſtick.They are often hard to be cured, becauſe the9 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,The Cure. either uſe 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 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, Roſe-water and Vinegar; if you put the Corroſives into Nut-ſhells, change them twice or thrice in a day, and waſh the part with a cleanſing 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 ſwell, 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,The Cauſes. when they flow out of the uſual time, they grow thick, and cannot get out of the veins, but ſwell them.
They are to be touched,The Signs. and with a Speculum matricis to be ſeen. There is pain and bleeding without order: ſhe is pale and lazy.
10The 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, Chamomel, Melilot flowers, Moulin, Linſeed, 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 ſcruple, with the yelk of an Egg, make an Oyntment. Or,
Take Mucilage of Quinces, Althaea, each half an ounce; Oyl of Roſes, and Hens-greaſe, each a dram; the yelk of an Egg, 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 foment with the Decoction of Mallows, Althaea, Pellitory, Chamomil-flowers, Moulin, Melilot, ſeeds of Line and Foenugreek. 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 off, as is ſhewed.
If they bleed gently, let Nature alone to the work, for it is good, and frees from other diſeaſes. If the flux be great, and abate the ſtrength, open a vein in the arm divers times, and do as in overflowing of the Terms.
Queſtion. How do the Haemorrhoids differ from the Terms flowing or ſtopt?
Mercurialis ſaith, That though a flux of Terms be immoderate: yet it hath its periods, and is without pain, and makes not the body lean, but it is contrary in the Haemorrhoids. But this is not true: for the body is not made lean alwaies by the Haemorrhoids, nor do the Courſes keep their periods alwaies.
Beſides the pain which is almoſt alwaies in the Haemorrhoids, they differ in that the terms flow from the veins of the womb and its neck: but the Haemorrhoids are when the blood flows too much to the veins that nouriſh the privities, and ſticks or is evacuated.
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 ſordid and malignant.
Are a flux of ſharp humors that laſts long in the Pox and Gonorrhaea. Corrupt after-births,The Cauſes. and courſes after child-bearing detained, inflammations turned to impoſthumes; theſe are the internal.
The external are ſharp Medicines, hard travel, a great child taken out by force, violent lechery, wounds, falls, ſtrokes.
Are pain and conſtant biting that increaſeth,The Signs. eſpecially in copulation, or when Wine or Hydromel is injected. You may alſo ſee it with a12 Speculum: alſo there is matter gentle or filthy; 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 Feaver ſometimes.
The external Cauſes are to be related by the Patient. If it be from the Pox or Gonorrhoea, the ſigns of them will appear, of which Hippocrates.
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 eaſieſt 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 Linſeed, 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 powder half an ounce. Uſe it hot often every day.
When that which was injected, is voided,13 waſh with the Decoction of Mallows, and put up this Peſſary: Take Eruum and Lentils in powder and Orris, each two drams; with Honey. Or,
Take Diapompholigos, with Frankincenſe, Maſtick, Mirrh, as the Ulcer requires.
Of ſuch Fumes: As, Take Frankincenſe, Maſtich, Mirrh, Storax calamite, Gum of Juniper, Labdanum, each an ounce: make a powder, or Troches with Turpentine.
If there be ſuſpition 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 Cleanſers mix cold, drying and aſtringent Medicines. Allum-water, Plantane and Roſe-water, with Pomegranate-flowers boiled, and Pomegranate-peels, and Cypreſs-nuts is alſo good, and with Aloes.
After cleanſing, 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 ſmoke the Privities with Mirrh, Frankincenſe, Gum or Juniper, Labdanum two drams in powder with Turpentine make Troches.
Or uſe Sulphur, or Allum Baths, and Plaiſters.
Inwardly give vulnerary Potions. As, Take Agrimony, Burnet, Plantane, Knot-graſs, each two pugils; China three drams, Coriander-ſeed half a dram, Currans half an ounce: boil them in Hen-broath, give it twice a day. Or give Turpentine and Sugar for a month, or a dram of Pills of Bdellium often.
If the body conſume, give Aſſes milk, with Conſerve of Roſes for a month.
Chap. 9. Of Clefts in the Neck of the Womb.
THeſe are long Ulcers that are ſmall, like thoſe in the hands and feet in Winter; they eat off the ſkin, & are ſometimes deep with hard lips, if old: ſometimes they are dry, or ſometimes bleed.
The Cauſes.They come from hard travel, when ſome parts 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 ſometimes and known in Copulation, by pain and bleeding.
The Prognoſtick. The Cure.The new are eaſier cured, then when they are old and callous.
If they come from hard travel, make a Clyſter of the Decoction of Roſes, Plantane, Birth-wort, Bole, Sanguis Draconis, Frankincenſe or with the white of an Egg, a Peſſary.
If from ſharp humors: after univerſaller Evacuations, uſe Topicks that bind without biting, (if the Clefts be not callous) as Oyl of Linſeed and Roſes, with the yelk of an Egg, and Juice of Plantain mixed in a Leaden Mortar. Or,
Ung. Stpollonij apud Gal.Take Oyl of Roſes eight ounces, ſtir it in a leaden Mortar, till it is black and thick, then put in the powders of Litharge of Silver and Ceruſs.
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 Fiſtulaes, of which in the Chapter following.
If there be Itch and pain; Take Diapompholigos, Populeon, each an ounce; Sugar of Lead, Camphire,15 each a ſcruple: make an Oyntment.
Let the Diet be moiſt, of good Juice, Chickens, Veal, Kid, rear Eggs, Mallows, Bugloſs, Borage; Abſtain from ſharp and ſalt meats.
Chap. 10. Of Fiſtulaes in the Neck of the Womb.
MAny times there are Ulcers in theſe parts, becauſe they are ſoft, and eaſily corroded, and are hard to be cured.
Some of them are ſtraight, others crooked. Some Simple, others hollow.
If matter ſtay there,The Cauſes. it corrodes and makes burroughs, and divides the parts, and makes a Callus; and when the matter is divided, the parts divided cannot unite.
It is known by the figure of the ulcer,The Signs. there is a callous Lip, and a thin evil matter, when it is preſſed, flows out: there is no pain, except it reach a ſenſible part. Sometimes it reacheth the Bladder, and then the urin comes forth at the Fiſtula. Sometimes the Fundament, and then the dung appears in the Fiſtula.
A new Fiſtula is eaſier cured than an old,The Prognoſtick. and a ſtraight than a crooked. It is ſcarce to be cured in a Chachochimical old body, when it pierceth into the parts adjacent.
Firſt, uſe Univerſals, and good, Diet,The Cure. then ſee if it may be cured by Medicines, or better left to Nature to evacuate Excrements thereby.
If the laſt is beſt, uſe a pallative Cure, by often purging and ſweating twice in a year, and Injunctions and Strengtheners, and lay up a Plaiſter of Diapalma.
16If you hope for a Cure, after univerſals, give drying vulnerary Drinks; of male Fern roots, Centaury, Agrimony, Bettony, Ladies-mantle, &c.
Then uſe Topicks: firſt dilate the Orifice (if it be ſtrait) with a Spunge or Gentian roots, then conſume the Callus: but firſt make it ſoft with Oyl of Lillies, Deers Marrow, Turpentine and Wax.
Three things conſume a Callus: Medicines, Cutting and Burning, there in a new ſtrait Fiſtula, uſe Gentian, black Hellebore, Aegyptiacum, or Vigo's powder with a pencil. Or, Take Sublimate half a ſcruple, Roſe or Plantane-water fix ounces, ſet it upon Embers. If it be towards the Womb, take heed of ſtrong Medicines.
If it be callous and foul, burn it either by a Cauſtick or hot Iron. Theſe are good in the outward of the Neck: then cleanſe 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.
The Cauſes.It is from terms burnt, and hot burnt humors that are black, that flow thither. It is after long ſcirrhous 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, & after there is a pricking in it, and a pain in the Groins, Loins, and bottom of the Belly. The tumor is hard, blew,17 with blew ſtinking Lips. When it is ulcerated, the Symptoms are all worſe, and there is a thin, black, ſtinking matter. Sometimes much blood that is dangerous, a gentle Feaver, Loathing, trouble of Mind, the Cheeks are red, from the vapors that flie up from the womb.
It is hard to be cured,The Prognoſtick. becauſe mild Medicines are not felt, and ſtrong, exaſperate; and the part makes it more hard, becauſe it is neglected at the firſt, and increaſeth.
Let the Phyſitian prevent ulceration:The Cure. or if it be to hinder the increaſe of it, let diet be againſt Melancholy: prepare and purge Melancholy.
This powder for many dayes given, is excellent: Take Smaragds, Saphir, and Eaſt Bezoarſtone, each a dram; give every day three or four grains with Scabious or Carduus water.
Let the Tropicks not be biting at firſt. But foment with juyce of Plantane, Nightſhade, Purſlane, or uſe Diapompholigos. Or, Take Juyce of Plantane, Nightſhade, Purſtane, each two ounces; Mucilage of Fleabane an ounce, Oyl of Roſes three ounces: ſtir them in a leaden Mortar. Or, Take Oyl of Roſes, of Eggs, each an ounce and half; Sugar of Lead a dram: ſtir them in a leaden Mortar, then add Litharge, Ceruſs, each three drams; Tutty a dram, Camphire a ſcruple. Or,
Take Juyce of Nightſhade ſix ounces, Tutty and burnt Lead, each two drams; Camphire half a dram: ſtir them long in a leaden Mortar, and add powder of Cray-fiſh.
Inject a Decoction of Cray-fiſh: and if pain be great, foment with Mallows, Althaea, Water-lillies, Coriander, Dill, Fleabane Seed, with Saffron in Milk: or make a Cataplaſm of the ſame.
18Some 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 all the French, Italian, German, Spaniſh Phyſitians could not cure her, a Barber cured her only with Chickens 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.
The 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 it is cut or pricked, it ſtinks, and the ſtrength decayes, and the heart faints.
The Prognoſtick. Aetius leth. 1. cap. 72. Nichol. Florent. ſer. 6. tr. 3. Math. degrad. in 9. Rhaſis C. de exitu matricis.It is very dangerous, and worſe when it goes to the womb than outwards. Some have had the Womb fall out, and have lived, which beſides grave Hiſtories,
We ſaw at Avinion in an old noble VVoman. Anno 1635.
Stop the putrifaction, take away that which is rotten, by ſcarrifying if you can, then waſh with the Decoction of VVormwood, Lupines, and with Aegyptiacum, and apply this Cataplaſm: Take Orobus and Bean flour, each two ounces; Oxymel a19 pint, boil them, add Lupines, Wormwood, Aloes, and Mirrh.
Cut off the dead fleſh,The Cure. ſtrengthen the principal parts, the Heart, leſt the Spirits be infected with evil vapors that fly by the Arteries.
Give Conſerve of Borrage, Bugloſs, Gilli-flowers, Diamargariton frigid, Electuary of Gems frigid, Confection of Hyacinths, Syrup of Sorrel, Pomegranates, Borrage; and apply Epithems to the Heart. In Obſervatio.Vuierus cured a noble Woman aged twenty five, ſhe had a Puſtle in her Privities in the Dog-dayes, from violent Lechery with her Husband, and ſhe uſed a Cataplaſm from a ſilly Chirurgion, and in few dayes it rotted, grew black, and mortified, and went towards the Fundament very faſt.
THE FOURTH BOOK. THE SECOND SECTION. Of the Diſeaſes of the WOMB.
Chap. 1. Of the Knowledge of the Temper of the Womb.
Lib. uterus muliebris.MArk Anthony Ulmus 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.
Lib. 3. de lui. ani. c. 11. Ariſtotle ſaith, That ſome Women have hairs in their Chin, when their Courſes ſtop, and when they have a hot Womb and Stones.
But there are more certain ſigns of heat.
211. When hard hair comes forth 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 Terms come forth at 12 years of age, it is a ſign 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 ſeldome continue till forty, and the blood is thick and little.
The third ſign is from Lechery: for they who have hot wombs, deſire Copulation ſooner and more vehemently, & are much delighted therewith: 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 Frenzy if they want it: but they are quickly tired, becauſe there are but few Spirits. If it be cold and moiſt, they are not ſoon lecherous, and are eaſily 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 Viragoes, if the ſeed of the man agrees with it.
22the cold doth the contrary.
A hot and moiſt Womb is very fruitful, if the man be well 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 young, and the Seed of the man is hot and dry, they conceive males; but ſeldom well 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 Females; and if Males, they are tall, and quickly look old.
Chap. 2. Of the hot Diſtemper of the Womb.
HEat of the VVomb 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 ſometimes, and makes them barren. If aftewards, 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 Luſt, 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.
23When this diſtemper is ſtrong,The Prognoſtick. they have few terms, and out of order: they are bad and hard to flow, and in time they are Hypochondriacks, and for the moſt part barren; and there is ſometimes a Frenzy of the Womb.
Uſe Coolers:The Cure. ſo that they offend not the Veſſels 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, D•amargariton frigid, Di•trio ſantalon, each half a dram; with Syrup of Violets 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 Loins: or make Cataplaſms of Barley meal, Roſes powdered, 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 Fomentations; and after let her take ſome of the Coolers mentioned. In great heat, uſe this cooling Peſſary.
Take Opium a ſcruple, Gooſe greaſe two ſcruples,Eraſ. de paſſ. mulic. cap. 7. Wax and Honey, each four ſcruples; Oyl at 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, leſt the narcotick quality hurt.
Let the Air be cool, her Garments thin: let her meat be with Lettice, Endive, Succory, Barley:24 give no hot meats nor ſtrong Wine, except it be wateriſh and thin. Reſt is good both in body and mind. She muſt not copulate, but ſhe may ſleep much.
Chap. 3. Of the cold Diſtemper of the womb.
THis cauſeth many Evils, and Barrenneſſe.
They are contrary to thoſe of a hot Diſtemper;The Cauſes. cold Air, Reſt and Idleneſſe, and cooling Medicines.
The Signs.It is known by their not deſire of Lechery, not receiving pleaſure in the time of Copulation, when they ſpend their Seed. The terms are flegmatick, thick and ſlimy, and flow not rightly: there is wind in the womb, the Seed is crude, wateriſh with a Gonorrhoea.
The Prognoſtick. The Cure.It is the cauſe of Obſtructions and Barrenneſs, and is hard to be cured.
Uſe things proper to heal the womb, as this Water.
Take Galangal, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Mace, Cloves, each two drams; Ginger, Cubebs, Zedoary, Cardamoms, each an ounce; grains of Paradice, long Pepper, each half an ounce: beat them, and put them in ſix quarts of Wine for eight dayes, then add Sage, Mints, Balm, Motherwort, each three handfuls: let them ſtand eight dayes more, then pour off the Wine, and beat the Herbs and the Spices, and then pour on the Wine, and diſtil them.
Ano her. Take Cinnamon, Nutmegs, Cloves, Mace, Ginger, Cubebs, Cardamom, grains of Pa adice, each an ounce and half; Galangal ſix drams, long Pepper half an ounce, Zedoary five drams,25 bruiſe them, and add ſix quarts of Wine, put them in a Cellar nine dayes, daily ſtirring them; then add Mints two handfuls, then let them ſtand fourteen dayes, pour off the Wine, and bruiſe them, and then pour on the Wine again, and diſtil them.
Quercetan hath an Hyſterick, Extract,In phar. doc. reſtit. cap. 25. a greater and a leſs; uſe outwardly Fomentations, Baths, Baggs of hot Roots, as Birthwort, Lovage, Valerian, Angelica, Burnet, Maſterwort, Calamus, Madder, Elicampane, Orris, and Herbs: as Mugwort, Balm, Motherwort, Savin, Penny-royal, Calamints, Organ, Dittany, Marjoram, Rue, Bettony, Roſemary, Lavender, Sage, Stoechas flowers, Seeds of Smallage, Parſley, Rue, Carrots, Aniſe, Fennel, Cummin, Lovage, Parſley.
Anoint with Oyl of Lillies, Rue, Angelica, Bays, Cinnamon, Cloves, Mace, Nutmeg. Or, Take Labdanum two ounces, Frankincenſe, Maſtick, liquid Storax, each half an ounce; Oyl of Cloves, Nutmegs, each half a ſcruple; Oyl of Lillies, Rue, each an ounce; with Wax make a Plaiſter.
A Fume. Take Frankincenſe, Mirrh, Maſtich, each a dram; Bayberries a dram and half, Labdanum two drams, Storax Cloves, each a dram; Gum Arabick and Wine make Troches, or Peſſaries of the ſame.
Let the diet be warming, and the air, the meat of eaſie concoction, ſeaſoned with Aniſe, Fennel, Thyme. Avoid Milk-meats and raw Fruits.
Chap. 4. Of the moiſt Diſtemper of the Womb.
THis is commonly joyned with a cold Diſtemper, and cauſeth Barrenneſs, and is from the26 ſame cauſes, as a cold diſtemper: for commonly cold things do moiſten. It is commonly in women that 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 VVhites, and deſire not Copulation much, and delight not in it; they retain not the ſeed: and if they conceive when the child is big, they abort or miſcarry.
The Prognoſtick. The Cure.If it laſt long, it is hard to be cured. If it be much, they conceive not.
It is by Driers, and things that cure the cold diſtemper are good againſt the moiſt: becauſe all Healers have a drying power. Uſe Sulphur Baths and Injections. Beware of Aſtringents, leſt the evil humors be ſtopt, and the diſeaſe increaſed.
Chap. 5. Of the dry Diſtemper of the Womb.
IN this the womb is hardned, of it ſelf it is fleſhy and ſoft, and moiſtned by blood for Conception.
It is ſometimes from the birth or old age, when they are paſt child-bearing. If it be from drying cauſes, they are barren before they are old.
The Cauſes.Diſeaſes and Medicines dry the womb, as Inflammations, Feavers, and when blood flows not to it, nor goes to the bottom of it, by reaſon of the ſtraitneſs of the Veins, or Obſtructions, as in Viragoe's, and ſuch as never conceived: and if they void any blood, it is from the neck of the womb, and not from the bottom.
The Signs.They void little ſeed, and are ſlow in Venery,27 the terms are few, the mouth of the womb is dry, and they are ſlender, of a dry Conſtitution; their lower Lip is alwayes chapt, and blackiſh red.
This diſtemper is hard to be cured in any part, eſpecially if it be old. The Prognoſtick. The Cure.
Uſe Moiſtners; as Borage, Bugloſs, Mercury, Mallows, Althaea, Violets, ſweet Almonds, Piſtachaes, Pine-nuts, Jujubes, Dates, Figs, Raiſins.
Of which are made Syrups, Conſerves, Emulſions, Candies, &c.
Outward Remedies are made of the ſame, adding Time, Fenugreek-Seeds, Lillies, Brank-urſine, Pellitory, &c.
Fomentations are made with Milk; and after bathing anoint the region of the womb and the belly to the privities with oyl of ſweet Almonds, Lillies, Lin-ſeed, Jeſamin, freſh Butter, Hens and Gooſe greaſe.
Let the Diet be moiſtning, the Air moiſt, the meat fatning, of much nouriſhment and ſmall excrement. Leet ſleep be a little longer than 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 part, and commonly there is matter which feeds it. It is uſually cold and moiſt, which gathers excrements of that ſort, either in the whole body, or in the womb after the terms.
28The Cauſes.Are all things that breed cold and flegmatick humors in the whole body or the womb.
The Cure.They conceive not, and are of an ill habit of body; the terms ſeldom flow right, and they have ſometimes the whites.
The Prognoſtick. The Cure.It is harder to cure than a ſimple diſtemper.
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; Penny-royal, Mugwort, Motherwort, Nep, Marjoram, each a handful; Roſemary and Sage-flowers, each two pugils; Siler Montane, Fennel, Anniſeed, Parſnep-ſeed, each a dram: boil them, to ten ounces ſtrained, add Sugar, ſyrup of Mugwort two or three ounces, Cinnamon-water half an ounce: make a Portion for three doſes.
Then purge it with Agarick, Mechoacan, Turbith; and if other humors 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 Diaphoenicon or Diacarthaemum two drams; ſtrain and add ſyrup of Mugwort half an ounce, Cinnamon-water half a dram.
After univerſal Evacuation, uſe Peſſaries. As, Take Mercury, bruiſe it, and put it in a bag of white Silk; anoint it with Butter or Honey of Roſes.
Or, Take Benedicta laxativa three drams, Agarick two drams, Gith ſeed a dram, Peaſe meal ſix drams, with juyce of Mercury make Peſſaries in a Sarſnet Bag. Or, Take Hiera a dram, Agarick,11 half a dram, Bdellium a dram, with Honey make a Peſſary, or make it with powder of Agarick and Troches of Coloquintida, or five ſweats of Guajacum, China and Sarſa. As,
Take Guajacum a pound and eighteen ounces, infuſe them in twelve pints of water twenty four hours, then boyl them to the conſumption of the third part, give ſix or eight ounces hot in the morning, and let her ſweat.
Pour water to the reliques, and boyl them to the conſumption of the third part for an ordinary drink.
You may uſe China and Sarſa the ſame way, and becauſe in a decoction ſome ſtrength is loſt, and ſo great a quantity is tedious for women, you may diſtil them and give a leſs quantity with things proper for the womb.
As, Take Guajacum a pound, or Sarſa eight ounces, Angelica, Elicampane, each an ounce; Mugwort two handfuls, Dittany half a handful, add ſix pints of water or wine, ſteep them two dayes, then diſtil them, and give two ounces of the water.
Let her meat be roaſted Birds, Hens, Capons, Partridges, Mutton, ſweet Almonds, Raiſins. Let her abſtain from ſalt and ſharp things.
If theſe ſweats are unpleaſant, give them in the third and fourth Chapter internal and external. As, Take Conſerve of Marjoram, Roſemary, Bettony, each two ounces; of Balm an ounce, Diamoſchu dulcis, Diamargariton calid, each a dram;••ndied Eryngus and Citrons, each half an ounce; with furup of Mugwort make an Electuary; and uſe Baths to ſit in mentioned.
Drying Spaw-waters are good to drink, or to ſit in.
Let the diet be as in Chap. 3. and 4. give the30 fleſh of wild Mountain fowl, Pidgeons, Hens, Capons, Mutton roaſted and ſpiced, and old wine, and let her exerciſe.
Of the hot and dry Diſtemper of the Womb with Choler.
Do as in Chap. 5. purge the Choler, whether it be from the whole body, or from the Liver, with Syrup of Roſes, Manna, Tamarinds, Rhubarbs, Senna, &c.
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 will ſtretch according to the proportion of the child, and after child-bearing be as ſmall as at firſt.
Of ſtraitneſs of the veſſels of the Womb.
This is uſual, and hinders the flux of the terms and conception, it is in the veſſels of the womb, and of the neck thereof.
The Cauſes.Are thick tough humors that ſtop the mouths of the veins and arteries: theſe are bred of groſs or much nouriſhment, when the heat of the womb is ſo weak that it cannot attenuate the humors, theſe either flow from the whole body, or are gathered in the womb.
Sometimes veſſels are cloſer by inflammation31 or Schirrhus, or other tumor. 3. They are ſtopt by aſtringent Medicines. 4. By compreſſion. 5. From a Scar or Fleſh, or a Membrane that grows after a wound.
Stoppage of the terms ſhews ſtraitneſs,The Signs. which hinders conception: and this ſtoppage is known by crudities abounding in the body, which are known by their ſigns. Sometimes thick flegm comes from the womb, if there was a wound before, or the Secundine was pulled out by force.
Stoppage of terms from an old obſtruction by humors, is hard to be cured;The Prognoſtick. if it be from diſorderly uſe of aſtringents, it is more curable: if it be from a Schirrhus or other tumor that compreſſeth or cloſeth the veſſels, that cannot be cured, the diſeaſe is incurable.
Obſtructions are taken away by the means mentioned in the cold and moiſt Diſtemper of the Womb: flegm muſt be purged,The Cure. and ſhe muſt be let blood, as in ſtoppage of the terms.
After Univerſals; come to the obſtruction with Medicines that move the terms: theſe take away the cauſe, as in the Chapter of the cold diſtemper of the Womb. Or,
Take Aſparagus roots, Parſly roots, each an ounce; Madder roots half an ounce, red Peaſe half a handful, Penny-royal, Calamints, each a handful; Wall-flowers, Dill-flowers, each two pugils; boil, ſtrain, and add ſyrup of Mugwort an ounce and half.
Or, Take Birthwort and white Dittany roots, each an ounce; Coſtus, Cinnamon, Galangal, each half an ounce; Roſemary, Penny-royal, Calamints, Bettony-flowers, each a handful; Aniſe and Fennel ſeeds, each a dram; Saffron half a dram, with Wine.
Or uſe Topicks; as, Take Mugwort, Marjoram,32 Calamints, Mercury, Penny-royal, each two handfuls; Sage, Roſemary, Bays, Chamomil-flowers, each a handful; boyl them in water, foment the groins and the bottom of the belly: or let her fit in a Bath up to the Navel; and then anoint about the groins, with Oyl of Rue, Lillies, Dill, &c.
Or uſe Peſſaries and Fumes mentioned.
If ſtraitneſs be from other diſeaſes, cure them firſt.
Chap. 8. Of the opening of the Veſſels of the Womb beſides Nature.
THis when there is great bleeding.
The Cauſes.The veſſels are opened preternaturally three wayes, 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 fall or ſtroke; alſo when ſharp humors corrode, or ſharp peſſaries.
The Signs.Diapedeſis is from the thinneſs of the veſſels, and looſneſs and the thinneſs of the blood, or from much moiſture, or uſe of Baths.
Much blood is a ſign the veſſels are open, you ſhall know the cauſes that open them thus: In Anaſtomoſis the blood drops, and is thin, and33 there are ſigns of much blood, or ſharp and thin.
If there be a Diaereſis, the blood flows more, and there are clodders, 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 much bathing.
If the Veſſels open from much blood in a ſound body, there is leſs dagger;The Prognoſtick. and it is eaſier cured then in a Cacochymy.
In an Anaſtomiſis give things that thicken without ſlime, as Roſes, Mirtles, Medlars, Services,The Cure. Pomegranate-peels and flowers, Sanders, Coral, Harts-horn, Cypreſs-nuts.
In Diaereſis give things that thicken with ſlime, Comfry, 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 diſeaſes 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 ſaith, that one woman had two wombs; and Bauhinus ſaith, that a Maid had her womb in two parts, as in Bitches.
Columbus ſaith, that one wanted a womb,Lib. 15. anato. but her privities were as in other women, and part of the neck of it hung out.
Worms in the Womb.
Lib. de morb. mul.Hippocrates writes, that worms are found in the womb. And Gynaecea writes, it is a ſign that Nature is wanton, &c. And Joen de Tornamira writes, that he ſaw a Woman that had an intolerable itching in her womb from the Aſcarides; he gave a Womb-clyſter of the Decoction of Wormwood and Hiera, and ſhe voided many ſmall worms, and was cured.
An Addition.
* Whereſoever foul humors ſtop in any parts it is no wonder if it breed worms, if other things agree which are required for the breeding of them.
Fat and Hair found in a Womb.
Cent. obſer. 5. obſer. 49. William Fabricius mentions, that in a dead woman the womb was taken out, and it weighed eighty ſeven pounds, and was full of divers humors: in the middle there were hairs like yellow Wooll.
An Addition.
* This was by Magick, or a humor lay there fit to breed this ſtrange matter by preternatural heat.
Stones bred in the Womb.
Lib. 4. de morb. mulier. c. 11. Lib. 5. epid.Mercurialis doubts of ſtones being bred in it: but thinks it is clotted blood like ſtones.
But it cannot be denied which many worthy Authors write. Firſt Hippocrates writes, that a Woman of ſixty, after noon alwaies was pained as one in travel. After ſhe had eaten many Leeks, ſhe had one fit worſe then the reſt, and ſhe aroſe, and found ſomething rough in the Orifice35 of her womb, and ſhe fainted; and another woman thruſt in her hand, and took out a great ſtone, and the woman recovered.
Aetius alſo ſaith,Tetrab. 4. ſerm. 4. c. 98. Hard ſtones are bred in the Womb ſometimes, &c.
Nicholas Florentine and Marcellus Donatus ſay the ſame.
Chap. 10. Of the Magnitude of the Womb increaſed, and firſt of the Inflation of the Womb.
INflation is a ſtretching of the Womb with wind: it is called by ſome a windy Mole. Math. de grad. in 9. Rhaſis.See Matthew de gradibus and Thadeus Dun, lib. miſcel. c. 8.
This wind is from a cold matter,The Cauſes. either thick or thin, contained in the Veins of the Womb, which overcomes the weak heat of the womb. It is gathered 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 Tunicles.
There is a ſwelling in the region of the womb,The Signs. ſometimes reaching to the Navel, Loins and Diaphragma; and as wind increaſeth or decreaſeth, it ariſeth or abateth. It is different from a Dropſie, becauſe it is never ſwollen ſo high.
And leſt a Phyſitian 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 Inflation. Alſo in Inflation the tumor increaſeth and decreaſeth: but in Conception it36 ſtill increaſeth. Moreover if you ſtrike upon the Belly, there is a noiſe, but not in Conception.
It differs from a Dropſie in the Womb: for there is no ſuch heavineſs, they move more eaſily, and the Belly is not ſo ſwelled, there were cauſes that bred wind, and things againſt wind do good.
It differs from a Mole: for there is in that a weight and hardneſs in the Belly, and when they move from one ſide to another, they feel a weight that moveth which is not in this, of which Hippocrates. 2. De morb. mulier.The feet and the face ſwell in the hollow parts; the colour is bad, the terms are ſtopt, there is wind, &c.
If the wind is without the cavity of the womb, there is more pain and larger, nor is there a noiſe becauſe the wind is in a ſtraighter place.
The Prognoſtick.It is neither a laſting nor a deadly diſeaſe, if well look'd after. If it be in the Cavity of the womb, it is eaſier diſcuſſed.
The Cure.Give Hiera, Diaphoenicon, with a little Caſtor, ſharp Clyſters that alſo expel wind. If it be in travel, purge not till ſhe be delivered.
Bleed not, becauſe it is from a cold matter: if it come after Child-bearing, and the terms were not ſufficient after, and there is fulneſs of blood, open the Saphaena.
After theſe give things mentioned in Tympany, that reſpect the womb. As, Take Conſerve of Bettony, Roſemary, each an ounce and half; candied Eryngus, Citron-peels candied, each half an ounce; Diacymium, Diagalangal, each a dram; Oyl of Aniſeeds ſix drops, with Syrup of Citrons, make an Electuary.
Or, Take Conſerve of Roſemary, Balm, each three ounces; candied Citrons and Oranges, each an ounce;37 Diacymium a dram, with ſyrup of Citrons make an Electuary.
Or give the Woman Aqua vitae, or this, Take Angelica roots two ounces, Maſterwort, Elicampane, Orange peels, each ſix drams; Calamints, Penny-royal, Rue, Sage, Roſemary, each a handful; Cummin, Fennel, Aniſeed, each half an ounce; Juniper-berries a handful, Zedoary, Galangal, Cubeb, each half an ounce; with good Wine diſtil them, give a ſpoonful or two. Apply outwardly a Cataplaſm of Rue, Mugwort, Chamomil, Dill, Calamints, Nip, Penny-royal, Thyme, with Oyl of Rue, Cheir, Chamomil, and make Baths of the ſame, Bags of Milium, Salt, Chamomil-flowers, Melilot, Bayberries, Cummin, Fennel-ſeed, or lay a Plaiſter of Bayberries.
Let Clyſters to expel wind be put into the womb. As, Take Calamints, Agnus caſtus, Rue, each half an handful; Anniſeeds, Coſtus, Cinnamon, each two drams: boil them in Wine for half a pint.
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 Child-bearing, 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.
Queſtion. Whether the wind is in the Cavity when there is Inflation of the Womb?
It is ſo by Experience, though ſome deny it, nor is there any cauſe why wind ſhould not be bred in the womb, as well as in any other part; both by reaſon of the Excrements that come thither, and the natural heat that turns them into38 wind: theſe alſo ſtretch the womb (though it be thick) as in Dropſies and Conception. Alſo the retentive or altering faculty of the womb is never idle; ſo that when it receives diſeaſed and unfruitful ſeed, it ſuffers it not to corrupt, but turns it into wind. As Hippocrates writes, When the Womb is ſtretched by wind from the Belly,Lib. de nat. pueri. women think they have conceived.
Chap. 11. Of the Dropſie of the Womb.
THey are alſo deceived, and think they are with child, when there is water that ſwells the womb:Veſ. lib. 6. de corp. hum. Fab. Mar. Do de hiſt. me mira l. 4. c. 21. Tetrab. 6.4. ſer 4. c. 79. this is a Dropſie of the womb. This water is either in the Cavity, or between the Coats of the womb, or in its Veſſels. Veſalius, Marcellus Donatus ſhew that water is in the Cavity: for it doth not preſently by its plenty or quality force its paſſage out, becauſe the Orifice is not alwaies open, and Nature gathers it by degrees, and is uſed to it.
Aetius ſaith, There are ſometimes Bladders of water in the womb. And Chriſtopher Vega ſaith, that Leonora thought that ſhe had gone 6 months, and then voided ſixty Bladders of water, and ſeven pieces of fleſh, like that of the Spleen in Membranes.
Lib. 4. obſer. cent. 2. obſer. 56. The Cauſes.There is ſometimes a Dropſie of the Womb with Conception, as Schenſtius and William Fabricius ſaith of his own wife.
Are gathering of water from moiſtneſs mixed with the terms, and from an evil Sanguification in the Liver and Spleen from their weakneſs, or from errors in Diet; or from weakneſs of the39 womb, from hard travel, or often miſchances, cold air or water, or whatſoever hurts the heat 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.
Sometimes the tunicles of the womb may be divided in ſome place, and water may be gathered between them.
Hippocrates ſaith, the terms are fewer,The Signs. 1. De morb. mulier. and ceaſe before the time: the bottom of the Belly ſwells, and the Paps are ſoft, without Milk, and ſhe thinks ſhe is with child. By theſe you 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 Dropſie with Conception before or after: therefore in a Dropſie the tumor is equal, according to the largeneſs of the womb and belly, and not pointed as in a woman with child.
Secondly, If the woman be in years, and hath not conceived before, and hath a good colour, it is a ſign of a Dropſie rather then a Conception. If the tenth month be paſt, and the child moves not, nor the Breaſts ſwell, but are ſoft, ſay, there is Dropſie of the womb. Thirdly, In a true Conception, women are better 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 ſtretched40 in that, and ſounds being ſtricken: but is ſoft 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 Womb-dropſie ſhe is of a good colour, except the Liver be alſo bad.
It differs from Inflamation in the womb: for that is with a conſtant Feaver, and the Symptoms of it, and from other tumors which are harder: but in a Dropſie of the womb, if the Belly be preſſed, it yields.
You ſhall know whether it be from the fault in the womb principally, or from ſome other part, thus: If the Woman be of a good colour, and there were only 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 diſtemper in the whole body, or in the Liver or Spleen, and the colour is bad, it is conſent from other parts.
You ſhall know whether the water be in Bladders or in the Cavity of the womb, thus: If you find the Orifice of the womb cloſed, and there is little pain, it is in the Cavity. But if the Orifice be open, and there is great pain, it is in Bladders or without the Cavity.
The Prognoſtick.If the humor in the womb be not corrupt, this diſeaſe is of long continuance, but may be eaſily cured. It is eaſier cured in the cavity, then when it is in bladders, and between the tunicles. A woman after Conception having a Dropſie of the womb, her child dieth, and ſhe is in danger.
The Cure.When it is from ſtoppage of terms and new, and the ſtrength firm, open a Vein in the Legs, otherwiſe bleed not.
41Purge 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 an ounce; Calamints, Penny-royal, Mugwort, Lovage, each a handful; Savin a pugil; boil them in Wine, and 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 three drams, Penny-royal, Calamints, each half a handful; Savin a pugil, Mechoacan a dram, Aniſeed, Cummin, each half a dram: boil them, and take ſix ounces ſtrained; Oyl of Elder and Orris, each an ounce: make a Clyſter. Or uſe Peſſaries. Take Agarick a dram, Coloquintida half a dram, Guidium ten grains, with Honey and Wool make a Peſſary.
Make Fomentations and Baths of Danewort, Mercury Elder, Penny-royal, Organ, Chamomil-flowers, Bayberries, wild Cowcumbers, Broom, Carrot, Rue-ſeeds. And anoint after with Oyl of Elder, Danewort, Orris, with drops of Oyl of Angelica, Aniſe, Caraway.
Sulphur Baths are good, and thoſe of Niter, or the Plaiſter of Bayberries, or Snails to the bottom 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-flowers, each a dram: boil, and to ten ounces ſtrained, and juyce of Beets, Mercury, Danewort, each ſix drams; Boys urin an ounce and half, Hiera ſix drams, Hony half an ounce, make a Clyſter.
42Let the Dyet be drying, as in Chap. 5.
Chap. 12. Of a Tumor in the Womb, from Blood in the Veins.
THis Diſeaſe makes women think they are with chiid alſo. For blood long detained in the Veins about the womb, ſtretcheth them outwardly, and twiſteth them, and the Veins in the ſubſtance of the womb are full and ſtretched, and make it larger. But when the terms flow, it falleth again, except there be a Cachexy or Dropſie.
This is only 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 putrifie, it cauſeth Inflammation, either all over, or in part, 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 it is hot or thin, and when the blood is moved by hot Air, Exerciſe, Paſſions, anger or hot diet.
The Signs.There is a tumor with heat and pain in the region of the womb, with ſtretching and heavineſs in the Privities; and if you put in your finger,43 you'l feel the heat, and ſhe more pain; there is a Feaver ſometimes called Lipyra, when there is cold without, and heat within. The tongue is dry and black, with watching, doting, toſſing to and fro, the breſts are pufft up and pained. There is head-ach 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, vomiting, hickets. The belly is bound, the pulſe is ſmall, and often and weak, but at firſt darting and quick. And Hippocrates ſaith, If the Womb be inflamed, the terms are ſtopt,2. De morb. mulier. and the neck of it is like a Spiders web with many ſmall veins, &c.
If it be inflamed before, the pain is about the pubes, and the urin is ſtopt. If behind, it is in the loyns, 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 thirſt is more, the watching greater; if from melancholy, all are worſe.
If it be all over the womb, it is dangerous,The Prognoſtick. and few eſcape it. An Eryſipelas in a woman with child is deadly, becauſe there is an abortion, and the Mother dies: the worſe the Symptoms, the greater is the danger. And it is ſafer to diſcuſs an inflamation then to ripen it: if it turn to a Schirrus it is laſting, and makes a Dropſie.
If it be not after abortion or a flux of blood,The Cure. open a vein in the Arm, or cup and ſacrifice the ſhoulders. Bleed not in the foot, leaſt you draw blood more to the womb; but afterwards to derive, if it be from terms ſtopt, you may. Gal. 2. ad glau. c. 2. Galen ſaith, You may divert the blood by bleeding in the arm, or cupping the breaſts, and you may derive it by opening the ankle-vein, and cupping upon the hips.
44If there be choler, purge it with Syrup of Roſes, Manna, Rhubarb, Diacatholicon; and uſe not ſtrong movers of the Terms.
Uſe Alterers and Coolers, as Juleps and Emulſions, and provoke ſleep, and if there be dotage, give Narcoticks.
After the Univerſals uſe Repellers and Anodines. As, Take Houſleek, Purſlane, Lettice, Venus-navel, Vine leaves, each half a handful; boyl them in wine, add Barly meal two ounces, Pomegranate-flowers two drams, boyl a dram, with Oyl of Roſes, make a Pultis. Or, Take Diachylon ſimple two ounces, juyce of Venus-navel and Plantane, each half 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 Roſe-water. Or, Take Plantane, Venus-navel, Lettice, each a handful; red Roſes two pugils, boyl, and add Oyl of Mirtles an ounce, Roſe-vinegar half an ounce, make an Injection.
Make Clyſters of the ſame Plants in a ſmall quantity, leaſt they oppreſs the Womb.
Take Althaea roots and ounce, Mallows, Violets, Lettice, each a handful; Nightſhade half a handful, Violets, Roſes, each a pugil; ſweet Prunes ten, Linſeed half a dram, boil them in Barly water, to ſix ounces, add Oyl of Roſes three ounces, make a Clyſter.
An anodine Fomentation. Take roots of Althaea, Mallows, and Violets, each a handful; red Roſes, Melilot, Chamomil-flowers, each a pugil; boil them for a Fomentation.
Or uſe a Cataplaſm of white Bread and Milk.
In the progreſs dicuſs. As, Take powder of Althaea roots an ounce, Chamomil and Melilot flowers, each two drams; Mugwort half an ounce, Barly and Bean flour, each an ounce; boyl them in ſharp45 wine, add Hogs-greaſe, Oyl of Chamomil and Lillies, each an ounce; make a Cataplaſm.
If the inflammation turn to matter ripen it. As, Take powder of Althaea roots, Chamomil-flowers, Melilot, Linſeed, Foenugreek, each an ounce; Figgs eight, boyl them, add yelks of four Eggs, and half a ſcruple of Saffron, make a Pultis.
After it is ripe, break it by motion of the body, coughing, neeſing, cupping, or by Peſſaries. As, Take Figgs an ounce, Rue half a handful, boyl them ſoft, add Honey and Leaven, each half an ounce; Pidgeons dung, Orris roots, each half a dram; with wool make a Peſſary.
After it is broken, the pain abates, then clenſe 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 declination of the diſeaſe, let the belly ſtill be kept looſe.
Chap. 14. Of a Scirrhus and Cancer in the Womb.
AN earthy matter left after an inflammation makes a hard tumor called a Scirrhus, and ſometimes it is without an inflammation. It is a proper Scirrhus when there is neither ſenſe nor pain; it is improper when there is a little ſenſe. It is ſometimes as big as a mans head;Paraeus l. 23. c. 36. ſometimes the whole womb is a Scirrhus, ſometimes only part of it.
The immediate Cauſe,The Cauſes. is a thick earthy humor, as natural melancholy, when a thick humor46 is gathered in the womb, there is a Scirrhus without inflamation aforegoing; this is uſual in melancholy women, and ſuch as are not clenſed by their terms, or have the Pica or green-ſickneſs, and are fifty years old.
Other humors ſomtimes breed a Scirrhus after inflamation, when cold aſtringents have been uſed diſorderly: for when the humor is fixed to the part and hardned. The ſame may be from hot diſcuſſers, which ſend forth the thin matter in an inflamation, 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 burthened, it is a Sign of a Scirrhus. She is unweeldy, ſloathful; 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, Polypody. Then purge with Polypody, Senna, black Hellebore, and the like. As, Take roots of Althaea, Lillies, each two ounces; Mallows, Violets, Althaea, Brank-urſine, each a handful; Mugwort, Calamints, Chamomil-flowers, each half a handful; Foenugreek and Linſeed, each half an ounce; boyl them for a Fomentation, or Bath, or to a Cataplaſm, with Linſeed, Foenugreek, each an ounce; Figs ſix, Orris powder two drams, Saffron half a dram, Hens-greaſe and Oyl of ſweet Almonds as much as is fit.
47Or, Take Bdellium, Ammoniacum, Galbanum, each as much as you pleaſe: beat them in a Mortar, with Oyl de Been and Lillies, add Mucilage of Foenugreek, Linſeed, Figs, make a Liniment, or with Wax a Plaiſter.
Or, Take Oyl of Capers, Lillies, ſweet Almonds, Jeſamine, each an ounce; freſh Butter, Hens-greaſe, Gooſe-greaſe, each half an ounce; Mucilage of Foenugreek, Althaea and Oyntment of Althaea, each 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 Yelk of an Egg.
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.
Cancer of the Womb.
What may be ſaid of this, is ſaid before, only a Cancer may ſeize upon the ſubſtance of the womb; but it is more uſually in the neck of it.
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,48 But the aſcent or going up of the womb is more unknown. Euſtach. rud. lib. 2. pract. c. 5. Many grave Anatomiſts hold, That the womb doth aſcend, if ſweet things are applied to the Noſe. If to the Privities, that it deſcends. If ſtinking Scents come, the womb flies from them, and it is to be ſeen by breathing altered, and by ſome meats that the womb greedily deſires, and catcheth up.
6. De lo. off. c. 5. Galen overthrows this Opinion, and ſaith, that 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 as the Ligaments made very looſe in Conception, and the bottom of the womb is not tied, the Ligaments being only 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. Therefore let us inquire 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 Fallopius his Trumpet. For the Stones hang, and the body of the Trumpet is like a Pipe looſe and moving, and when they are full and ſwell with corrupt Seed and Vapors, they move to and fro, and aſcend as high49 as the navel. And the ſtones with the Trumpet make this round tumor of the Womb,Antropogo. lib. 2. c. 34. The Cauſes. which is felt in women, as Riolanus obſerves.
Whatſoever makes corrupt ſeed in the ſtones of a woman, and fills them with evil vapors or wind, is the cauſe: of which in ſuffocation of the womb. For the cauſe is like in both, only in ſuffocation the Symptoms are worſe, becauſe the evil vapors are then more freely carried by the veins, arteries and nerves, afflict the principal part.
The woman and others may feel a round body, and ſhe findeth a pain at her heart,The Signs. and ſhort breath, without ſleeping or doting, or other Symptoms, and there were cauſes that diſturbed the womb.
It is not dangerous, yet not to be ſlighted:The Prognoſtick. for 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,The Cure. and vapors which muſt be diſcuſſed and evacuated, as in ſuffocation of the womb.
Chap. 16. Of falling out of the Womb.
SOmetimes it falls to the middle of the thighs,The Cauſes. or to the knees almoſt, or hangs a little out.
The Womb changeth its place, when the ligaments by which it is bound to the other parts are not in order. There are four, two above broad and membranous that come from the Peritonaeum, and two below that are nervous, round and hollow. Beſides, it is bound to the great veſſels by veins and arteries, and to the back by nerves.
50Now 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 drawn on one ſide, when the terms are ſtopt, & the veins and arteries are full, thoſe namely which go to the womb: if it be a mole on the one ſide, the liver and ſpleen cauſe it, by the liver-veins on the right ſide, or the ſpleen on the left, as they are filled more or leſs.
It alſo falls down by the looſning of the parts, to which it is faſtned: but how that can be, it is not clear.
1. 2. De morb. mulier.Hippocrates ſaith, It comes from external cauſes, as from cold of the feet or loins, from leaping or fear, cutting of wood, or running down a hill, and the like, theſe make the ligaments moiſt and looſe. Alſo it may be from cold after child-bearing, getting into the womb when the terms flow, ſitting upon a cold ſtone, and the like.
Platerus.Others ſay, It comes from the ſolution of the connexion of the fibrous neck, and the parts adjacent, and that is from the weight of the womb deſcending: this we deny not. But when the ligaments muſt be looſe or broken. But women in a dropſie could not be ſaid not to have the womb fall down, if it came only from looſneſs. But the cauſe in them, is the ſaltneſs of the water, which dries more then it moiſtneth.
The Signs.If there be a little tumor within or without the privities like a ſkin ſtretched, or a weight felt about the privities, it is only a deſcent of the womb: but if there be a tumor like a Gooſe-Egg, and a hole at the bottom, there is at firſt a great pain in the parts to which the womb is faſtned, as the loyns, the bottom of the belly, and the privities, and the Os ſacrum, from the ſtretching or51 breaking of the ligaments: but a little after the pain abateth, and there is an impediment in walking. Sometimes blood comes forth from the breach of the veſſels, and the dung and urine are ſtopt, and a Feaver and Convulſion.
When it is near, it is eaſily cured; when old,The Prognoſtick. it is hard to be cured, but not deadly, only it is troubleſom and naſty. It hinders conception, and keeps terms from flowing orderly. If it be with pain, 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 alter it,The Cure. or it be inflamed or ſwollen. Therefore firſt give a Clyſter to remove the excrements. Then lay her upon her back with her legs abroad, and thighs lifted up, her head down, and take the tumor in your hands, and thruſt it in without violence.
If it be ſwollen by alteration and cold, foment it with the Decoction of Mallows, Althaea, Line, Foenugreek-ſeed, Chamomil-flowers, Bayberries: and anoint it with oyl of Lillies, and Hens-greaſe. If there be an inflammation,Roder a. caſuo. de morb. mul. 1. 2. c. 17. put it not up yet. It may be frighted in, by ſhewing of red hot iron, and acting as if you would burn it.
Firſt, ſprinkle upon it the powder of Maſtich, Frankincenſe, and the like. As, Take Frankincenſe, Maſtich, each two drams; Sarcocol ſteept in Milk a dram, Mummy, Pomegranate-flowers, Sanguis Draconis, each half a dram.
When it is put up, let her lie with her leggs ſtretched, & one upon the other, for eight or ten dayes, and make a Peſſary like a Pear, of Cork or Spung put into the womb, dipt in ſharp wine or juyce of Acacia, with powder of Sanguis Draconis, Bole, Maſtich, or the Counteſſes Oyntment,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 make a Plaiſter. Or,
Take Labdanum a dram and half, Frankincenſe, Maſtich, each half a dram; wood Aloes, Cloves, Spike, each a dram; Aſh coloured Amber-greece four grains, Musk half a ſcruple, make two round Plaiſters to be laid on each ſide the Navel. Make a Fume of a Snail skin ſalted, or of Garlick, and let it be taken in by a Funnel.
Uſe aſtringent Fomentations of Bramble leaves, Plantane, Horſtails, Mirtles, each two handfuls; Wormwood two pugils, Pomegranate-flowers half an ounce, boil them in wine and water. Or inject this with a Syringe. Take Comfrey-roots an ounce, Snakeweed, Pomgranate-flowers, each half an ounce; Rupture-wort two drams, Yarrow, Mugwort, each half an ounce; boil them in red Wine. Then uſe Sulphur Baths.
To ſtrengthen the Womb: Take Harts-horn, Bayes, each a dram; Mirrh half a dram, make a powder for two doſes, give it with ſharp Wine. Or, Take Zedoary, Parſnep-ſeeds, Crabs eyes prepared, each a dram; Nutmeg half a dram: give a dram in powder: but uſe aſtringents warily, leſt you ſtop the courſes, and cauſe worſe miſchief.
If it fall out from evil humors that flow to the womb, and looſen the ligaments, purge the body, and then uſe 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 into53 the bottom of the womb, that may force it to remain:Lib. de partu Caeſar. ſect. 6. cap. 3. & 4. of which Francis Rouſset hath written at 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 Bauhinus 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 Virgins Wax melted with white Roſin or Turpentine, dip the balls in till they are fit, put one in the neck of the womb, that will hold in being juſt fit: let it not be taken out till it fall out, and then put in another, if ſhe be not cured.
If it gangrene and ſphacelate, cut it quite off;Lib. de partu Caeſ. ſect. 4. cap. 5. hiſt. 6. Ibid. ſect. 4. cap. 5. if ſhe fear cutting, take it off by Ligature, of which Rouſset who ſhews the way, and ſaith 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.
The Cure of the inclining of the Womb.
When it inclines to the ſides, after Univerſals apply Cupping-glaſſes to the other ſide, and let her ſtill lie on the other ſide; and let the Midwife anoint her finger with Oyl of ſweet Almonds, and draw it a little by degrees to the other ſide.
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. part 1. cap. 9.
Chap. 18. Of Wounds, and breaking of the Womb.
The Signs.IT is ſeldom wounded, by reaſon of the divers defences it hath; but ſometimes the Chirurgions 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 Navel, and was ſo in travel 15 dayes, and both child and mother were ſafe.
The Prognoſtick.It is evident, if it be made by the Chirurgion in cutting out of a Child; and you may know it by the place, if it come otherwiſe. There is blood and matter that flow out at the neck of the womb. There is more pain when it is in the neck of the womb, then when it is in the bottom.
Theſe wounds are cured, as appears by the Caeſarean Birth or cutting: but they are dangerous, by reaſon of the ſtrange Symptoms, and the conſent of the parts.
The Cure.Uſe Conſolidates or Healers: and if there be pain, Anodines or Peſſaries made of Wax-candles dipt in Wound-Oyntments. Or,
Take Wax, Turpentine, Gooſe-greaſe, Butter, each a Dram; Honey, Deers-marrow, Oyl of Roſes, Bulls-greaſe, each two drams. Or, Take Frankincenſe,55 Maſtich, Ceruſs, Galbanum, each half an ounce: mix them all with white Wine, then add Pompholix an ounce, and with Wax and Oyl of Roſes, make an Oyntment.
Make Injections or Clyſters for the Womb of the Decoction of round Birthwort, Cypreſs, boiled in ſteeled Water and ſharp Wine, with a little Hydromel, Agrimony, Mugwort, Plantane, Roſes, Schaenanth, Horehound.
Chap. 19. Of Ulcers and Rottenneſs of the Womb.
THough the neck of the womb be only ſubject to Ulcers, as we ſhewed: yet the ſubſtance of the womb hath been ulcerated, and it hath been obſerved to rot, when it hath fallen out, and to fall away. As we ſaid of a Woman at Avinion, that after lived ſome time. And the Examples of Rouſſet ſhew, that it may be ſafely cut off.
Alſo a child dead in the womb,Lib. de part Caeſar. chir. c. 76. may cauſe an Ulcer, and divers Hiſtories witneſs in Abucaſis, and Alexander Benedictus, Mauritius, Cordaeus, and many others.
How theſe ulcers and rottenneſs of the womb are cured, is ſaid in ſect. 1. cap. 8. where we ſpake of Ulcers of the neck of the Womb; and cap. 10. of Fiſtulaes of the Womb.
Chap. 20. Of the Diſeaſes of the Stones, and Veſſels of Procreation in VVomen.
IT is apparent by Hiſtories written by grave and learned Men, that the Stones of Women56 and their Seed-veſſels are many times grievouſly diſtempered, when the womb joyned to them is not. Sometimes water is gathered about the ſtones,In apprend. ad Rouſſetum 2. de partu Caeſar. as Gaſper Bauhinus, John Schenkins 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 remarkable, the ſtones were found ſwollen as big as a head of a young child; blewiſh and ſpungy, much water came out of them, and that made her Belly ſwell, and ſhe taken to be with child: but the truth appeared, and her Chaſtity teſtified.
THE FOURTH BOOK. THE SECOND PART.
Of the Symptoms in the Womb and from the Womb.
Chap. 1. Of Weakneſs in the Womb.
THere are many Symptoms 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 makes its nouriſhment of blood that comes to it. 58By its publick action, it ſerves for generation. If the private faculty be hurt, and the nouriſhment not well made, there is a ſuperfluous moiſture, and then weakneſs without other faults of the Organ or unity divided.
The Cauſes.The firſt Cauſe is diſtemper, when the manifeſt 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 diſtemper, if it be too much, by which the womb ſucks more then it can concoct; this is not properly weakneſs: but that diſtemper is 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 excrements are heaped up, and it cannot 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 Signs.Little deſire of Venery, and no pleaſure therein, argue weakneſs of the womb, flux of Seed, often abortion,Part 1. ſect. cap. 2. & 3. pain in the Loins and Pubes, when the Terms are coming, farts from the Womb, Head-ach, 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 divers 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 the59 loſs of Spirits, and ſtrengthen the womb, as Spices, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Mace, Diacalaminth, Aromaticum roſatum, Diaxilaloes, roſata 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 ſubſtance, are in the Chapter of the cold and moiſt Diſtemper, as Aqua vitae for Women. Or thus: Take Caſtor three ounces, Saffron two ounces, extract them ſingular, add to both Extract of Mugwort two ounces, of Angelica a dram, Magiſtery of the mother of Pearl a dram, Oyl of Cloves a ſcruple, of Angelica, and of Amber, and of Nutmegs, each half a ſcruple.
Let her eat meat of much nouriſhment, and drink good Wine.
Chap. 2. Of the Itch of the Womb.
THis is more in old then