the String, and in _French_ is call'd _Grenouillette_, or _the little
Frog_; which is the same with its _Greek_ and _Latin_ Names. {121}
_What is a Wen?_
It is a Tumour consisting of thick plaistry Phlegm, which is reckon'd among
the _Encysted_.
_What is a _Talpa_?_
It is a soft and very broad Tumour, which usually appears in the Head and
Face, containing a white, thick and pituitous Matter.
_What is a _Bronchocele_?_
It is a bunch'd Tumour which ariseth in the Throat, and causeth it to swell
extremely; being compos'd of thick Phlegm mix'd with a little Blood, and
ranked among the _Encysted_ Tumours.
_What is a _Ganglion_?_
It is a very hard Tumour, void of Pain and wavering, produc'd by thick
Phlegm: But it is always found upon some Nerve or Tendon.
_What is a _Fungus_?_
It is a spungy Tumour that grows upon Tendons bruis'd or weaken'd by some
Hurt.
_What is the Scurf?_
It is a whitish and scaly Tumour rais'd in the Skin of the Head by a
viscous and mixt Phlegm, having its Root in the bottom of the Skin.
_What is the _Scrophula_ or King's-Evil?_
_Scrophulae_ or _Strumae_, commonly call'd _the King's-Evil_, are Tumours
that generally shew themselves in the Glandules of the Neck, and in all
those Parts where there are any. They consist of a viscous, serous, and
malignant Phlegm, The Source or Root whereof is suppos'd to be in the
Glandules of the Mesentery. They are also of the number of the _Encysted_
Tumours. {122}
_What is the Dropsie?_
It is a soft Tumour occasion'd by the setling of abundance of serous Matter
in the Parts where it appears.
_How many sorts of Dropsies are there?_
There are three general _Species_, _viz._ the _Ascites_, _Tympanites_, and
_Leucophlegmatia_.
_What is an Ascites?_
It is a kind of Dropsy that forms the Tumour or Swelling of the _Abdomen_
or lower Belly, by a Mass of Water.
_What is a _Tympanites_?_
It is a kind of Dropsy, which in like manner causeth a Tumour or Swelling
in the lower Belly, with this difference, that a great deal of Wind is mixt
with the Water, which renders the Tumour transparent, and sounding, as it
were a Drum; whence this Disease hath taken its Name.
_What is the Dropsy call'd _Leucophlegmatia_?_
It is a Tumour, or, to speak more properly; a general Swelling or Bloating
of all the other Parts of the Body, as well as of the lower Belly. It is
produc'd by a viscous and mucilaginous sort of Phlegm; whence it happens
that the Print of the Fingers remains in those places that have been
press'd.
_What are the particular kinds of Dropsies?_
They are those that are incident to different Parts, of which they bear the
Names; as the _Hydrocephalus_, which is the Dropsy of the Head; the
_Exomphalus_, of the Navel, and the _Hydrocele_ of the _Scrotum_. There is
also a Dropsy of the Breast, and that of the _Matrix_.
{123} _What are the Remedies proper for all these sorts of Tumours or
Dropsies?_
They are in general all those that are agreeable to the _Oedema_, which are
variously us'd, as Liniments, Fomentations, Cataplasms, and Plaisters:
Internal Medicines ought also to be much consider'd, as Diaphoreticks,
Sudorificks, and Purgatives, when they are assisted by a regular Diet.
A Decoction of the Roots of Briony with Cinnamon and Liquorish, provokes
Urine very much; as well as a Decoction of Turneps and Carrets, and an
Infusion of Sage in White-Wine.
* * * * *
ARTICLE IV.
_Of a _Scirrhus_, and its peculiar Remedies._
_What is a _Scirrhus_?_
It is a hard unmoveable Tumour, almost altogether void of Pain, and of a
livid dark Colour; which is form'd of a Melancholick Humour, frequently
succeeding _Phlegmons_ and _Oedema's_ that have not been well dress'd with
convenient Remedies.
_How is a _Scirrhus_ cur'd?_
By mollifying or dissolving it, and seldom by bringing it to Suppuration.
It may be mollify'd by the application of a Cataplasm or Pultis, compos'd
of the Leaves of Violet-Plants, Mallows, Beets, Elder, Rue, and Wormwood,
with Camomile-Flowers, {124} Horse-Dung, Cow-Dung, and White Lillies. The
whole Mass is to be boil'd together in Wine, afterward adding Honey and
Hogs-Lard, to make a Cataplasm thereof with the Crum of White Bread.
It is dissolv'd with Plaisters compos'd of those of _Diachylon_, Melilot,
and Mucilages, to which is added _Oleum Lumbricorum_, and Flower of
Brimstone. To render the Remedy more effectual, Oil of Tobacco may be also
mixt with it, and Gum _Ammoniack_ dissolv'd in Vinegar.
Furthermore, these Topical or outward Medicines are to be accompany'd with
others taken inwardly, which serve to prepare the Humours for convenient
Evacuations; Such are Crab's-Eyes, the Decoctions of _Sarsaparilla_, the
use of good Wine, and light Meats of easie Digestion.
_Of _Scirrhous_ Tumours, and their Remedies._
_What are the Tumours that partake of the Nature of a _Scirrhus_?_
They are the _Polypus_, _Carcinoma_, _Sarcoma_, _Natta_, and _Cancer_.
_What is a _Polypus_?_
It is an Excrescence of fungous Flesh arising in the Nostrils: But
_Hippocrates_ confounds the _Carcinoma_ and _Sarcoma_ with the _Polypus_,
of which he says they are only a _Species_.
_What is the _Natta_?_
It is a Tumour or Excrescence of Flesh that appears in the Buttocks,
Shoulders, Thighs, Face, and every where else, the various Figures {125} of
which cause it to be call'd by different Names. For one while it resembleth
a Gooseberry, at another time a Mulberry, and at another time a Melon or
Cherry. Sometimes also these Swellings are like Trees, Fishes, Birds, or
other sorts of Animals, according to the ardent desire that Women with
Child have had for things that they cou'd not obtain when they longed for
'em.
_What are the Remedies proper for the _Polypus_, and other kinds of
Excrescences of the like Nature?_
The _Polypus_ may be cur'd in the beginning, but it is to be fear'd lest it
degenerate into an incurable Cancer, when it hath been neglected or ill
dress'd.
Besides the general Remedies, which are letting Blood a little, and
reiterated Purgations, with an exact Regulation of Diet, there are also
particular Medicaments which dry up and insensibly consume the Excrescence;
as a Decoction of Bistort, Plantain, and Pomegranate-Rinds in Claret-Wine,
which is to be snuff'd up the Nose many times in a Day, and serves to soak
the small Tents that are put up therein, as also often to cool the Part,
adding a little Allum and Honey.
The Patient must sometimes likewise keep in his Mouth a Sage-Leaf,
sometimes a piece of the Root of Pellitory of _Spain_; and at another time
Tobacco or some other thing of this Nature, which causeth Salivation. If
the Tumour continues too long, and doth not yield to the above-mention'd
Remedies, it is necessary to proceed to a Manual Operation, {126} which is
very often perform'd with good Success.
As for the _Natta's_, it is most expedient not to meddle with 'em at all;
nevertheless these Marks which Infants bring along with 'em into the World,
are frequently defac'd by an Application of the After-Burdens, whilst they
are as yet warm, as soon as their Mothers are deliver'd.
_What is a Cancer?_
It is a hard, painful, and ulcerous Tumour, produc'd by an adult Humour,
the Malignity whereof can scarce be suppress'd by any Remedies.
_How many sorts of Cancers are there?_
There are two kinds, _viz._ The Primitive and the Degenerate; the Primitive
Cancer is that which comes of it self, and appears at first about the
bigness of a Pea or Bean, which nevertheless doth not cease to cause an
inward Pain, continual, and pricking by intervals; during this time it is
call'd an Occult Cancer; but when grown bigger, and open'd, it bears the
Name of an Ulcerated Cancer; which is so much the less capable of being
cur'd or asswag'd, as it makes it self more conspicuous by its dreadful
Symptoms, or concomitant Circumstances.
The Degenerate Cancer is that which succeeds an obstinate and ill-dress'd
Tumour or Impostume, and which becomes an Ulcerated Cancer, without
assuming the Nature of a blind or occult one.
_What Remedies are requisite to be apply'd to a blind Cancer?_ {127}
In regard that it cannot be known in this Condition without difficulty, it
is often neglected; nevertheless it is a Matter of great Moment to prevent
its Consequences, more especially by a good Diet, and by general Remedies,
which may gently rectifie the intemperature of the Bowels: Afterwards Baths
may be prescrib'd, together with the use of Whey Asses-Milk, and Specificks
in general, as Powders of Crab's Eyes, Vipers, Adders, and others. As for
Topical Remedies, none are to be administer'd, except it be judg'd
convenient to apply to the Tumour a Piece of Lead rubb'd with Quick-silver;
all others serving only to make the Skin tender, and apt to break. The
Patient may also take for his Drink Water of _Scorzonera_ and Hart's-Horn,
with the Flowers of Bugloss or Borage, and Liquorice: Or else
Quick-silver-Water alone, boiling an Ounce of it in a Quart of Water every
time, the Quick-silver always remaining at the bottom of the Vessel.
_What are the Remedies for an ulcerated Cancer?_
Besides the general ones, that are the same with those of the blind Cancer,
there are also Topical, which may take place here. The Powders of Toads,
Moles, Frogs, and Crabs calcin'd, cleanse the Ulcers perfectly well. A
Decoction of Vipers and Crabs may serve to bath 'em, and some of it may be
taken inwardly. Detersives made of Lime-Water, or Whey clarify'd, and
boil'd with Chervil are very good; and (if you please) you may add Camphire
or _Saccharum Saturni_. {128}
If the Pains grow violent, recourse is to be had to _Laudanum_, one or two
Grains whereof may be given in a little Conserve of Roses. When the Cancer
is situated in the Glandules or Flesh, the Extirpation of it may also be
undertaken with good Success.
As for the manner of handling Degenerate Cancers, respect must be always
had to the kind of Tumour, from whence it deriv'd its Original.
* * * * *
CHAP. IV.
_Of Bastard or _Encysted_ Tumours._
_What is an _Encysted_ or Bastard Tumour or Impostume?_
It is that which is made of a Setling of mixt and corrupt Humours, the
Matter whereof is contain'd in certain proper _Cystes_ or Membranous Bags.
_What are the kinds of these Tumours?_
They are the _Steatoma_, the _Atheroma_, the _Meliceris_, the Wen, the
_Bronchocele_, and the _Scrophula_ or King's-Evil.
_How is the difference between these Tumours discern'd?_
The _Steatoma_ is known by its Matter resembling Suet; as that of the
_Atheroma_ resembleth Pap; and that of the _Meliceris_ is like Honey: These
three Tumours cannot be well distinguish'd on the outside, in regard that
they do not change the natural Colour of the Skin, which {129} equally
retains in all three the print of the Fingers that press it. But the
_Bronchocele_ is discover'd by the Place and Part which it possesseth; that
is to say, the Throat; as also by its somewhat hard consistence without the
Alteration of the Skin. The _Scrophulae_ or King's-Evil Swellings are known
by their unequal Hardness, and their situation in the Glandules, either in
the Neck, Arm-pits or elsewhere, without alteration likewise of the Skin.
_REMEDIES._
_Want is the Method to be observ'd in curing these sorts of Tumours?_
An Attempt is to be made to dissolve 'em, as in all the others;
nevertheless the safest way is to bring 'em to Suppuration, and to
extirpate the _Cystes_, which are apt to be fill'd again after the
Dissipation of the Humour.
_What are the Medicines proper to dissolve these Tumours?_
They are all such as may be us'd for the _Oedema_ and _Scirrhus_; but the
Specificks or particular Remedies are these:
Take Rosemary, Sage, Wormwood, Elder, great Celandine, Camomile, Melilot,
St. _John_'s-Wort, and Tobacco; boil 'em in White-Wine with Soot and
Mercurial Honey, adding, thereto Cummin-seeds beaten, and _Oleum
Lumbricorum_, to make a Cataplasm, which is to be renew'd twice a Day.
Afterward if the Tumour be not dispers'd, you may apply the following
Plaister, which hath an admirable Effect. {130}
Take an equal Portion of the Plaister of _Diachylon_, _Devigo_, and four
times as much _Mercury_, and _Emplastrum Divinum_; let 'em be dissolv'd
together; then intermix Saffron, and Oil of Tobacco, to make a Plaister
with the whole Mass, which may be spread upon thin Leather, and apply'd to
the Tumour, without taking it off only once every eighth Day, to cool it;
so that it must be laid on again after having wash'd and bath'd the Part
with warm Urine or Brine.
But it is to be always remember'd that external Remedies take effect only
imperfectly, unless they are assisted by internal, such as in this case are
reiterated Purgations, join'd with a regular Diet.
_What are the Remedies proper to excite Suppuration?_
To this purpose those may be us'd that serve in other kinds of Tumours: But
as for the extirpation of the _Cystis_, it is done by dividing the Tumour
into four Parts, by procuring Suppuration, and by consuming the Bag by
little and little. The _Bronchocele_ alone will not admit this Extirpation,
by reason of the great Number of Nerves, Veins, and neighbouring Arteries
amidst which the Tumour is settl'd. However _Bronchotomy_, or opening the
Throat, may be perform'd; which is an Operation peculiar to this Tumour.
* * * * *
{131}
CHAP. V.
_Of Critical, Malignant, Pestilential, and Venereal Tumours and
Impostumes._
_What difference is there between Critical, Malignant, Pestilential, and
Venereal Tumours?_
It consists in these particular circumstances, _viz._ that Critical Tumours
or Impostumes are indifferently all such as are form'd at the End or
Termination of Diseases, in whatsoever Place or Part they appear.
Malignant Impostumes or Tumours are those that are obstinate, and do not
easily yield to the most efficacious Remedies.
Pestilential Impostumes or Tumours are those that are accompany'd with a
Fever, Swooning, Head-ach, and Faintness: They usually arise in the time of
a Plague or Pestilence, and are contagious.
Venereal Tumours or Impostumes are those that appear only at the bottom of
the Groin, and are the product of an impure _Coitus_.
However, the Critical Impostume may be Malignant, Pestilential, and
Venereal; the Malignant Impostume may be neither Critical, nor
Pestilential, nor Venereal: But the Pestilential and Venereal Tumours are
always Malignant. {132}
_What are the ordinary kinds of Critical Tumours or Impostumes?_
They are the _Anthrax_, the Boil, the _Phlegmon_, and the _Parotides_ or
Swellings in the Almonds of the Ears.
_What are the kinds of Malignant Tumours or Impostumes?_
They are the _Cancer_, the _Scrophula_ or King's-Evil; and others of the
like Nature.
_What are the kinds of Pestilential Tumours or Impostumes?_
They are Carbuncles that break out every where; a sort of _Anthrax_ which
appears under the Arm-pits, and Bubo's in the Groin.
_What are the kinds of Venereal Tumours or Impostumes?_
They are Botches or Bubo's and Cancers that arise in the Yard; as also Wens
and _Condyloma's_ in the Fundament.
_What is the difference between a Pestilential and a Venereal Buboe?_
They may be distinguish'd by their Situation, and respective Accidents; the
Pestilential lying higher, and the Venereal lower: Besides, a Fever,
Sickness at the Heart, and an universal Faintness or Weakness, are the
ordinary concomitant Circumstances of the former; whereas the Venereal
Buboe is always the consequence of an impure _Coitus_, and is attended with
no other Symptoms than those of common Tumours, _viz._ Pain, Heat,
Shootings or Prickings, &c.
As for the Remedies, they may be sought for among those that have been
already prescrib'd for Tumours.
* * * * *
{133}
CHAP. VI.
_Of the Scurvy._
This Disease is known by the Ulcers of the Mouth, which are very stinking;
as also by excessive Salivation, great Pains in the Head, Dizziness,
frequent Epilepsies, Apoplexies, and Palsies. The Face, being of a pale
red, and dark Colour, is sometimes puff'd up or bloated, inflam'd, and
beset with Pustules: The Teeth are loose and ake, the Gums are swell'd,
itch, putrifie, exulcerate, and are eaten with the Canker; and the Jaw is
almost unmoveable: The Members are bow'd, and cannot be extended: The
Patients become stupid and drowsie, so that they fetch their Breath with
difficulty, are obnoxious to Palpitations of the Heart and Coughs, and fall
into Swoons: The Ulcers sometimes are so malignant, that their Cheeks are
entirely eaten up, and their Teeth seen: They are also much inclin'd to
Vomitting, Looseness, and Gripes; and their Entrails are swell'd: They have
red and livid Pustules on their Belly and Privy-parts, which sometimes
break out into Ulcers; their whole Body being dry'd, _&c._
This Disease may be easily cur'd in the beginning; but when it is grown
inveterate, and invades the Bowels, it becomes incurable; as well as when
it is the Epidemical Disease of {134} the Country, or the Persons afflicted
with it, are old, or well advanc'd in Years.
In undertaking the Cure, it is requisite to begin with a good Diet, and to
sweeten the Blood, let the Patient take the Broth of boil'd Fowl; eating
Pullets and Eggs; in the Broth may also be put divers sorts of
Antiscorbutick Herbs; _viz._ Cresses, Spinage, Parsly-Roots, Sparagus,
Smallage, _Scorzonera_, Scurvy-Grass, _&c._ Let him eat nothing that is
high season'd, nor acid or sharp; let him drink pure Claret, without any
adulterate Mixture; let him use moderate Exercise and Rest; Lastly, let him
keep his Mind sedate, and free from all manner of violent Passion.
The following Remedies taken inwardly are very good for the Scurvy, _viz._
the Tincture of Flints from ten Grains to thirty; Diaphoretick Antimony,
from six Grains to thirty; sweet Sublimate, from six Grains to thirty;
_Mars Diaphoreteus_, from ten Grains to twenty; _Crocus Martis Aperitivus_,
from ten Grains to two Scruples; prepar'd Coral, from ten Grains to one
Dram; Volatile Spirit of _Sal Ammoniack_, from six Drops to twenty; Water
of Cresses, from fifteen Drops to one Dram; Spirit of Scurvy-grass, from
ten Drops to one Dram; Tincture of Antimony, from four Drops to twenty;
Oily Volatile _Sal Ammoniack_, from four Grains to fifteen; Spirit of
_Guyacum_, from half a Dram to a Dram and a half; Vitrioliz'd _Tartar_,
from ten Grains to thirty; the Volatile Salt of _Tartar_, Urine, Vipers,
and Hart's-Horn, of each from six Grains to fifteen; the Spirit of Gum
_Ammoniack_, from eight Drops to sixteen; White {135} _Mercury_
Precipitate, from four to ten Grains; _Mercurial Panacaea_, from six Grains
to two Scruples. We shall shew the manner of compounding 'em in our
Treatise of Venereal Diseases.
It is also expedient to give Emollient and Detersive Clysters to the
Patient at Night going to bed, his Body being always kept open with
convenient Diet-drinks: Afterward let him take gentle Sudorificks, such as
are made of the Decoctions of Fumitory, wild Cicory, Dandelion,
Hart's-Tongue, Scabious, the lesser House-Leek, Germander, Borage,
_Scorzonera_-Root, and Polypody, with Flowers of Broom, Elder, and
Marygold.
These are stronger for cold Constitutions, _viz._ Decoctions of
Scurvy-Grass, _Lepidium_, Arse-smart, the lesser Celandine, Wormwood,
little House-Leek, _Trifolium Febrinum_, Angelico, Juniper-Berries, _&c._
Convenient Decoctions to wash the Mouth may be made with Sage, Rosemary,
Hyssop, Oak-Leaves, Scurvy-Grass, Cresses, Tobacco, Roots of Bistort,
_Aristolochy_ or Birth-Wort, Tormentil, Flower-de-Luce, _Balaustia_ or
Pomegranate-Flowers, Red Roses, _&c._
To corroborate the Gums, Gargarisms are made of Anti-Scorbutick Plants; as
of Spirit of Scurvy-Grass two Drams, one Scruple of Spirit of Vitriol, one
Scruple of common Salt, four Ounces of Rose-Water and Plantane-Water. But
if the Gums are putrefy'd, they are to be rubb'd with Honey of Roses, and
some Drops of Spirit of Salt.
To asswage the Pains of the Members, Bathings and Fomentations are to be
us'd; and a {136} Decoction of Saxifrage taken inwardly, with some Grains
of _Laudanum_ is good for that Purpose.
To allay the Gripes, Clysters may be given with Whey, Sugar, Yolks of Eggs,
Syrrop of Poppies, and Oils of Earth-Worms, Scurvy-Grass, Camomile, _&c._
Against the Scorbutick Dropsy, take the Essence of _Trifolium Febrinum_ and
Elicampane, from twenty four Drops to thirty, and continue the use thereof.
Milk taken inwardly hinders Vomitting; and a Broth or Gelly of Crabs
sweetens the Blood. The Looseness may be stopt with the Essence of
Wormwood, and Spirit of _Mastick_; as also the Fever with Febrifuges and
Anti-scorbuticks.
The Spots may be fomented with Decoctions of Aromatick and Anti-Scorbutick
Herbs and Nitre. For the Ulcers of the Legs, pulverize an equal quantity of
_Saccharum Saturni_, _Crocus Martis_, Myrrh, and _Mercurius Dulcis_, and
lay it upon the Bolsters that are to be apply'd to the Sores.
To mollifie the sharpness of Acid Humours, this is a good Remedy: Prepare
half an Ounce of Spirit of Scurvy-Grass, two Drams of tartariz'd Spirit
_Ammoniack_, a Dram of the Tincture of Worms. Take thrice a Day fifteen or
twenty Drops of this Liquor, in a Decoction of the Tops of Firr.
Against the Tubercles, take two Handfuls of the Flowers of Camomile and
Elder, three Drams of Briony-Root, and an Handful of White-Bread Crum; Boil
the whole Composition in Milk, and make Cataplasms thereof. {137}
To mitigate the Pains in the Head, take twenty or thirty five Drops of the
Tincture of Amber, in Anti-scorbutick Spirits or Waters.
The difficulty of Respiration may be remov'd by a Medicinal Composition
made of two Drams of an Anti-scorbutick Water, two Drams of the Essence of
Elicampane, and half a Dram of the Spirit of Gum _Ammoniack_; take three or
four Spoonfuls thereof several times in a Day.
To prevent the putrefaction of the Gums, take one Dram of the Tincture of
Gum _Lacca_, three Drams of the Spirit of Scurvy-Grass, with fifteen or
twenty Drops of Oil of Tartar made _per Deliquium_, and rub the Gums with
this Composition many times in a Day. Brandy in which Camphire is infus'd,
or Spirit of Wine, is likewise a most excellent Remedy; as also all Lotions
or Washes made with the Waters or Decoctions of Anti-scorbutick Plants.
For Leanness, Goat's-Milk with the Spirit of Scurvy-Grass may be us'd, and
other Waters drawn from Anti-scorbutick Plants. The Apozemes or Decoctions
of Endive, Cicory, Sorrel, _Becabunga_, and Snail-Water, are in like manner
very good for the same purpose.
Ointment of _Styrax_ is frequently us'd in the Hospital call'd _Hotel-Dieu_
at _Paris_, and apply'd to Spots and callous Swellings that arise in the
Legs.
* * * * *
{138}
A
TREATISE
OF
_Wounds, Ulcers, and Sutures_.
* * * * *
CHAP. I.
_Of Sutures._
Sutures or Stitches are made only in recent, and as yet bleeding Wounds,
when they cannot be re-united by Bandage, as are the transverse; provided
there be no Contusion, nor loss of Substance, nor great Haemorrhages, as
also that the Wounds were not made by the biting of venomous Beasts, that
there be no violent Inflammations, and that the Bones are not laid open;
because generally 'tis necessary to cause 'em to be exfoliated; neither is
this Operation to be perform'd in the Breast, by reason of its Motion.
The Instruments proper for the making of Stitches, are streight and crooked
Needles, {139} with waxed Thread; and these Sutures are of four sorts,
_viz._ first the _Intermittent Stitch_ for transverse Wounds; the second
for the Hare-Lip; the third, commonly call'd the _Dry Stitch_, for
superficial Wounds; and the fourth, term'd the _Glover's Stitch_.