not so much _affected_, nor their feeling so much abolished; in _that_
there is no continual _Snoaring_, and the PULSE is only diminished and
depraved, which in APOPLECTICS most commonly remains entire: In short,
the _one_ is preceded, as well as accompany’d with diverse _Symptoms_;
whereas the _other_ assails the PATIENT suddenly, without any previous
Notice or _Signification_.
AGAIN the HYSTERICKS differ from a LETHARGY; in that _This_ is attended
with a FEVER; _That_ not at all: In _This_ the PULSE is raised higher
and is stronger; in _That_ it falls always lower, and is weaker.
MOREOVER, there are diverse _Experiments_, mentioned by _Authors_, to
distinguish a PATIENT in the extreme FIT of this _Passion_, from a
Person actually DEAD: Such as _Lint_, _Feathers_, or _burnt Paper_ being
held to the MOUTH; if moved, the PATIENT _breathes_. A _Glass of Water_
being set upon the BREAST; if stirred, there is some _Motion_ and
_Dilatation_ still in the BREAST. Or, in fine, a _Looking-Glass_ well
wiped, being held to their MOUTHS, if infected, the PATIENT is still and
certainly _alive_.
HOWEVER, all _These Things_, I look upon to be merely _trifling_ and
_uncertain_ in this Case; because, supposing the WOMAN _not to breathe_,
as has been hinted; How then can she _expire_ so much from her LUNGS, as
to _move a Feather_, or _infect a Glass_? Or, how can her BREAST have
any such a _Motion_, as to move _Water in a Glass_? Considering well,
what has been already said, that it is only by _internal Transpiration_,
that she draws the _Breath of Life_; which is neither effected by the
_Motion_ of the BREAST, nor the LUNGS; but rather by a certain obscure
and latent _Motion_ of the HEART, and the internal _Arteries_: In such
manner, as some _Animals_, living in _Cells of Obscurity_, seem to be
refrigerated, or benumb’d and DEAD the whole _Winter-Season_.
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_.
[Illustration]
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.