EVERY
WOMAN
Her own
MIDWIFE:
Or a
COMPLEAT CABINET
Opened for
_CHILD-BEARING_
WOMEN.
FURNISHED
With Directions to prevent miscarriages: During the time of
Breeding, and other Casualties which usually attend
Women in Child-bed
_Publisht for the Publick Good._
To which is annexed Cures for all sorts of Diseases incident to
the Bodies of Men, Women and Children.
_LONDON_,
Printed for _Simon Neale_, at the Sign of the Three _Pidgeons_
in _Bedford-street_ in _Covent-Garden_. _1675._
A SHORT
COMMENTARIE,
Concerning the Care ought to be had of Women
which are with child, such as are ready
to bring forth, such as are brought
to bed, and also of Infants.
_Since many sad and incommodious things are wont to happen to women
with child, and in bringing them into the world by ignorance and
carelessnesse: I thought I should undertake a thing not unbeseeming
a Christian Physitian, if I should reduce, as it were, into a breif
Comment, what things were fit to observe, as well in their time
of bearing, as also in the birth, from which, being somewhat more
instructed, they might better enjoy their health, preserve their
off-spring, and after birth better defend their bodies._
CHAP. I.
_What things are to be taken heed of in the two first Moneths._
So soon as the woman shall begin to be with child, which she shall
easily know, by stopping of her monethly flux, without disease, or
ancientnesse of yeares; she shall abstain from all vehement motions
and exercise, whether she walk on foot, or ride on horseback, or in a
Coach, or be carried in a Horse-litter; For where the body is too much
stirred, the internall membrane of the Womb is either accustomed to be
broken, or to be loosly resolved, and thereupon abortment presently
followeth.
To these things the woman with child must diligently beware, that she
lift not her armes up too high, nor carry great burthens, nor repose
her self on hard and uneasie seats: But instead of exercise, which
may alwayes in some precede before meat, she may walk on foot gently,
or suffer her body and armes gently to be rubbed and stroked, or may
stretch them forth with spinning or carding.
Let her moderately use meat of good juyce and easie concoction, and
Wine not too strong and too sharp, but a little mingled with water, or
if she be abstemious, she may use water wherein Cinnamon is boyled: But
she may not feed on sweet meats, sharp, and windy; she must also avoid
fasting, thirst, watching, mourning, sadnesse, anger, and all other
perturbations of the mind.
Her familiar freinds must present no unwholsome thing to her, nor so
much as name it, least she should desire it, and not be able to get it,
and so minister her an occasion of abortment, or the Child carry with
it some foule impressions. But if she desire chalk, clay, or coales,
let beanes boyled with sugar be given unto her: or if she cannot get
her longing, let her presently drink a large draught of pure cold water.
CHAP. II.
_Order for the third Moneth._
Before the fourth moneth be ended, she must neither be let bloud, nor
have her body evacuated with any purgative medicine.
But if too much bloud abound, or some incident disease happen,
which may require evacuation, you shall use cupping-glasses with
scarification, and a little may be drawn from the shoulders and arme,
especially if she have been formerly accustomed to them.
CHAP. III.
_From the fourth Moneth._
When now the fourth moneth is past, bloud-letting and physick is
permitted, especially if it be gentle, and milde, such as best may
agree with women with child, and tender or delicate persons: And by
_Hyppocrates_ precept may be conceded even untill the seventh moneth.
CHAP. IIII.
_From the fifth, sixth, and seventh Moneth,_
From that time forward none of the before mentioned remedies is wont,
or ought from thence to be used, because the Babe being now become
greater, standeth in need of greater nourishment and bloud, and also
can bear no commotion of physick.
Although sometimes I have met with women, which have so much abounded
with bloud, that unlesse they had been let bloud in the second moneth,
they would have aborted in the third; others again, unlesse they should
attempt the same in the seventh or eight moneth, they could not carry
their great belly so long, or else would be delivered of a dead issue.
But since these things happen but to few, they may not be granted to
all, but we must provide for every one according to their nature and
constitution.
And this is to be prohibited to all which are with child, that they
give not way to take any bloud from the ancle bone of the foot, during
the whole time of the womans going, but in stead thereof, if the
disease so require, an ounce of _Manna_ in the broth of a Cock, or so
much _Cassia fistula_, or of Sirrups made of Damask-roses infused
in _May_ dew, about the quantity of an ounce, with a little water of
Cinnamon, may safely be taken a little before meat.
But if the belly be bound onely without any apparent disease, the broth
of a Chicken, or of Veal sodden, with Oil, or with the decoction of
Mallowes, or marsh-Mallowes, Mercury, and Linseed, put up in a glister
by the lower parts will not be amisse, yet in a lesser measure then
is wont to be given in other Children, to wit, of the decoction five
ounces, of common Oil three ounces, of Sugar two ounces, of _Cassia
fistula_ one ounce. But sharper Purgations, as also Suppositories made
of Honey and Salt, are altogether hurtfull to great bellyed women, or
such as lie in childbed. But of fat Pork, which they call Lard, or the
yolks of Eggs without salt, Purgations and Glysters are commended.
But if she will not take a Glyster, either for modesty or otherwise,
because she was not accustomed to take it, one or two yolks of new laid
Eggs, or a few Pease pottage warm, with a little salt and sugar, supped
up a little before meat, will be very convenient.
But if the belly shall be sometimes distended and stretched out with
wind, a little Fennelseed and Anniseeds reduced into powder, and
mingled with Honey or with Sugar, made after the manner of an Electuary
will doe very well.
But if the thighs and feet swell, let them be annointed with
_Oxphrodinum_ (which is a liquid Medicine made with Vinegar and
Rose-water) mingled with a little Salt.
CHAP. V.
_The eighth Moneth_
In the eighth moneth, which is usually perillous, the better diets,
rather than plentiest, will be most commodious. But as they must abate
their diet, so their bodily exercise must increase. And because then
women with child, by reason of the sharp humours alter the belly,
are accustomed to weaken both their spirits and strength; they may
well take before meat an Electuary of _Diarrhodon_, or _Aromaticum
Rosatum_, or _Diamargariton_, in the morning before meat, and sometimes
they may lick a little Honey; even as they which loath and nauseate
their meat, may take green Ginger condited with Sugar, or the rindes
of Citrons and Oranges condited; as also it is usuall sometimes to
take specificall Sirrups. Moreover, let the woman with child often use
Honey for the strengthning of the Infant. When she is not farre from
her labour, or bringing forth, she shall eat daily seven tosted Figs
before meat, least the seconds may be bound up; but if they shall be
restrained and stay firme, they may be resolved: But the woman with
child may not eat salt and powdered meats, least the child be born
without nails.
CHAP. VI.
_In the ninth Moneth._
In the ninth moneth, being near their time, they must not be idle,
neither sit much, nor stoop much, nor lie on their sides, so that the
child may not well turn it self, but ought to lie with her face upward,
neither shall she bend her self much, lest the child be infolded and
wrapped up in the umbilical ligaments and bonds, by which meanes it
oftentimes perisheth; but she must walk, and stirre often, and exercise
her self, rather by going upward than downward: Let her use light and
easie meats of digestion, as damask-Prunes with Sugar, or Figs and
Raisins, before meat, and also the yolks of Eggs, flesh and broth of
Chicken, Birds, Patridges and Pheasants, and Fish living in stony
places, with good broth.
And such meats shall not onely be convenient for this moneth, but also
for the two succeeding moneths, that the natural parts by them may be
dilated.
Also astringent meats, and roasted meats, and also Rise, hard Eggs,
Millet, and others of that kind will be very profitable. Baths of sweet
water, with emollient hearbs, used with intermission is meet: But the
hot house, which they call a stow, is hurtful. After the bath, let the
belly be annointed with oyle of Roses and Violets; but the natural
parts with the fat of Hens, Geese, Ducks, with oyle of Lillies, and
the decoction of Linseed and Fænugreek, boyled with oyl of Linseed,
marsh-Mallows, grains of Quinces, or with this which followeth.
_A Liniment._
Take of Mallowes, } both of them cut and sliced of each
Of marsh-Mallowes, } one ounce.
Of Linseed also one ounce. Let them be boiled from twenty ounces of
water to ten; let them take three ounces of the boiled broth, of oyle
of Flour-deluce, and of Almonds, of each one ounce, three ounces of
Deer suet; Bath this from the rest, and annoint her with it warm.
Also they may use, for fourteen dayes before the birth morning
and evening, to bath and moisten the belly with Muscadine and
Lavender-water, that the child may be the more strengthened thereby.
She may every day eat toasted bread, that nothing may grow to the
childe.
The naturall parts may also be gently stroaked down with this
Fomentation.
_The Fomentation._
Take three ounces of Linseed.
Of Mallowes, and of marsh-Mallowes sliced, of each M. i.
Let them be put in a bag and boiled moderately: Let the woman with
child, every morning and evening, take the vapour of this decoction in
a hollow stoole, taking great heed, that no wind or air come to her in
any part; and then let her wipe the parts so annointed with a linnen
cloth, that she may annoint the belly and groins, as at the first.
Being near her time to bring forth, so that she be within ten dayes
thereof, if the woman with child shall begin to feel difficulty and
pain, let her daily use this Bath.
_The Bath._
Take of Mallowes,
Marsh-Mallowes, _ana_ M. i.
Cammomil,
Mercury hearb,
Maiden-hair, _ana_ M. ß.
Of Linseed four ounces.
Let these be boiled in a sufficient quantity of water, as may suffice
to make a Bath therewith.
But let not the woman sit too hot on the seat, nor higher than a little
above her Navill, nor let her sit longer on it than about half an hour,
least her strength languish and decay; for it is better to use it
often, than to stay too long at once in it.
But if she cannot indure to sit over the water, let her cherish her
naturall parts; with a spunge or with clothes wet in it.
A Laconick and sweating Bath is not convenient at that time but
hurtful, though we think women may use it.
After the Bath she shall alwayes annoint her natural parts of her
loines, her flankes, navil, sides, and other parts adjoyning thereto,
with the ointment or fat made of the fore-prescribed thing, or cherish
them with the fat marrow.
And also fats melted sometimes, and rightly put up into the natural
parts, with a spunge or glister-pipe, if the womb be hot and dry, and
the party with child be of a lean and slender body.
Fumes also used, applied to the womb, conduce to facilitate delivery.
_Suffumigations of the genitals, to facilitate delivery._
Musk, Ambergreace, Gallia Moscata, Aloes-wood, put upon hot coales, and
also sweet Hearbs, Mint, Penniroyal, Calamint, Origanum, Majoram, are
of a pleasant and grateful smell, and open womens passages, and draw
down conception.
But we must beware, that such sweet smells of this kind be not used to
the nostrils, but rather Balls of _Galbanum_, _Assa fœtida_, Mirrh, or
Rue.
_What Meat is most usefull._
Then Pottage of Hens, Capons, and such like are most in use; and I
should advise them then to drink thinne generous Wine allayed with
water.
_What manner of Chamber, the woman with child should lye in._
It doth not a little avail to the happy delivery, that the Chamber,
wherein the Child-bearing woman lyeth, be temperate, and be neither
too cold nor too hot, for that shutteth up the mouth of the womb, and
this disperseth and digesteth the strength. In Summer time therefore if
heat scorcheth, the Chamber may be strowed with Willow leaves, and Vine
leaves, and Rose-water, with a little Vinegar. In Winter, a high or
upper Chamber, moderately kept warm, shall be convenient, which shall
be kept warm with a continued fire, as is accustomed to be done in
_Italy_, _France_, and other hot Countries.
But this is expedient every where, that the natural parts, and those
nearest unto them, be moderately rubbed with hot clothes.
CHAP. VII.
_What is to be done at the birth._
The birth being at hand, and paines oppressing them, it shall befit, if
the belly doe fall down of its own accord, but if it be bound, it must
be provoked with a gentle Glyster; for the excrements being cast out,
the womb and the passages, thorough which the Child issueth, are lesse
pressed, and so the birth followeth more easie
These things being well prepared, the child-bed woman must be put into
bed, if tender, weak, grosse, and fleshly; but it ought to be made
ready after this manner.
_How, and wherewith, the child-bed womans bed ought to be furnished._
A large boulster made of linnen cloth, must be stuffed with straw, and
be spread on the ground, that her upper part may lye higher than her
lower; on this the woman may lye, so that she may seem to lean and bow,
rather than to lye drawing up her feet unto her, that she may receive
no hurt.
CHAP. VIII.
_To whom the seat may agree and be fit._
Let the strong and lusty women be placed in a chair, which also must
have the lower part not upright, but stooping a little, that the
child-bearing woman may sit, as it were, bending backward, clothes, or
close compassing garments, being cast about their backs.
In this the belly, together with the whole burthen, may sooner goe down
than in a bed; but it often cometh to passe, that the whole Babe lyeth
at the mouth of the womb, before that it shall get forth, more loosly
and openly with the adjoyning places, and by that meanes is compelled
to stick longer there, from whence ariseth no small danger of life,
CHAP. IX.
_What the Midwife shall doe in the very moment of the birth._
When now the pangs of child-bearing women increase more and more, let
the Midwife inwardly annoint the secret or natural parts with oyle of
Cammomil, and white Lillies, nor let her set the woman in the seat,
before she perceiveth the womb to be loosed and resolved, and the
humours to flow over more plentifully.
Moreover, she may not bring her to labour and strugling, before the
birth shew it self to her view; for they doe but labour in vain, and
doe violently distort and wrest away the strength of the labouring
woman, that afterward, when she shall have need, it will not be able
to work it forth.
But she shall sit fitly over against the woman in labour, and shall
diligently observe on what part the birth moveth it self; for if it
come the right way, she shall annoint and cherish the secret parts with
odoriferous Oils; and if it declineth to the sides, she shall with both
hands govern and dispose the belly, that it may fall to the mouth of
the womb.
And if the hand or feet shew it self first, the Midwife, with a soft
and gentle hand, moistened with broth of Fenugreek and Linseed, shall
gently reduce it into the place.
Certain women have the mouth of their womb so streightned, that without
great help, scarce or never they can part with the child. And that
cometh to pass by reason of divers causes; for either some strong
heat coming from the natural parts, doth too much streighten the
inward parts, or the Creature is to big, or the child-bearing woman
is to grosse and fat, or the child is dead, who cannot by motion be
furthering and helping to nature, or else cold for the most part in
the winter, especially in young ones, who have a narrow passage of the
womb, doth more astringe and bind it up; or sometimes heat in some is
so dissolved, that their strength faileth them in the birth.
Therefore when there appeareth difficulty in bringing forth the Child,
Jesus Christ, the onely preserver and saver in danger, is heartily to
be called upon, that with his gratious favour he would be pleased to be
Assistant to the wretched party in travell.
CHAP. X.
_When the Infant is come into the world._
When now the Child, or Issue, cometh into the world, either with the
head or feet, the Mother must be incouraged, that as much as in her
lyeth, she keep in her breath and restrain it, that by that indeavour
she may put forth the Child. And the Midwife, in the mean time, must
with her hand gently compresse and keep down the region of the womb,
which is above the navill, and urge the Infant to the lower parts: And
although the astriction of the womb causeth the bringing forth to be
more difficult, the parturient woman is to be set in a Bath, in which
Mallowes, Fænugreek, Linseed, and Barly are sodden, and the sides,
hips, and flank, must be annointed, with oyle of Roses and Violets:
let the thighs be well rubbed, with _Oxysacchar._ and half a drachm of
Mint, and as much of Wormwood, be exhibited in drink to her: The woman
bringing forth may gently be led to her bed; and they which assist
her at her labour, must not look or gaze in her face, as such who are
ashamed in their bringing forth, that after it, as it falleth out, she
strive not to bring forth her young one with sharper pain.
CHAP. XI
_If the Secondines break not readily._
But if the Skin containing the young one, called the Secondine, because
it is brought forth after the birth, be lesse easily broken, but stifly
resisteth, the Midwife must either break it with her nails, and laying
hold on it with her fingers, cut it with a pair of Sizzers, taking care
that the Child may be preserved safely in doing it: On the contrary,
when the skins are broken or cut in peices, if all the humours
presently shall overflow before the child come forth, and the naturall
places shall be dried up, let Goose greace, with oyle of white Lillies
melted, be poured in warm, or the white of an Egg with the yolk be put
up.
_What is to be done after the child is born, if yet the Secondine, or
after-birth, be retained._
If the Child being born, the Secondines be as yet pertinaciously
retained, sneezing must be provoked, if it come not voluntarily,
putting Ginger or some other sharp thing up into the nostrils; or a
scruple of Unicorns horn beaten into powder ought to be drunk hot in
white Wine (in want of Unicorns horn use good Harts horn, or Bezar
four graines) or the juyce of Borrage exhibited in drink bringeth them
down, because it easily moveth vomit, and they thereby are brought
forth.
_Another approved Remedy for drawing them forth._
Take of _Sesely_,
Of Mirrh,
Cinnamon,
and of sweet _Cassia_, of each equall parts.
Let these be exhibited with Mugwort-water.
_Another Receit._
Take powder of the Jet stone exhibited in Mugwort-water, or else about
a drachm of the powder of Mallowes seeds exhibited in hot water, or the
suffumigations of Horse hoofes.
CHAP. XII.
_To draw forth a dead Child._
If the child be dead, an equall quantity of Rue, of Mugwort, Wormwood,
and black Pepper, being each of them reduced into fine powder, and
boyled in Wine, must be exhibited, or Vervain boyled in Wine, or Water,
or Vinegar; or Savory bruised and tied upon the belly bringeth forth
the Child, whether it be yet alive or dead; or Butter with Honey boyled
in Wine; or decoction of Hysop well dryed exhibited in hot water: but
if it yeildeth not, nor cometh away with these, let Rue, Mugwort,
_Oppoponax_, and Wormwood dryed, with a little Oil and Sugar, be laid
to the groin, or the navill; and moreover, the skin of a female Snake
put about the woman in the manner of a girdle. Also the stone _Ætites_,
tied unto the thigh, after the Child is brought forth, ought presently
to be taken away, least the womb, after the Child be brought forth,
come forth also.
Moreover, sneezing alone accellerateth delivery, but it ought to be
used with the mouth and nostrils close stopped, and Ginger, or some
such thing, put up into them; for from hence a great force of the
spirits is thrust thence unto the inward part.
CHAP. XIII.
_How the bellies of child-bearing women, being costive or bound may
be loosned._
If the belly doe not evacuate the excrements, the first dayes of her
being brought to bed, bring a Fig, cut in the middle, into the form
of a sharp tent fashioned like a mans Yeard, and put it up into the
Fundament instead of a Suppository; or else put a grain of Coriander,
confected with Sugar, up into that place; or put a peice of Swines
flesh powdered, or Lard, brought into the same form, up into the same
place, or frame a Suppository of white Sope, and apply it thereto.
About four or five dayes after the birth, you may use a gentle Glister
of half a pound of Sallade oyle, with a quartern of Barly boyled in
broth, with two ounces of Sugar, with the yolke of an Egg, beaten
together.
But if at the eighth day the belly answer not their expectation in
loosenesse, let three drachms of _Cassia_ newly extracted, well
confected with Sugar, be taken morning and at evening before supper in
the manner of a bole, and presently let her eat thereupon.
CHAP. XIV
_What things are to be applied to the naturall or secret parts._
So soon as the Child is born, let this astringent Fomentation be
applied unto the naturall parts.
_The Fomentation._
Take of red Roses { a pugill is the quantity you may take up at
two pugils; { once between your first three forefingers.
Let them be boyled to a third part, in high red Wine inclining to a
blackish colour, with a fourth part of water put thereunto, then put
into the decoction a whole Egg, and let it be mingled together, and
applied to the place, with flanen rowlers, and kept on for the space of
two dayes.
_Another._
Take of oyle of _Hypericon_ four ounces.
Of Rose-water two ounces.
Of the juyce of _Solomons_ Seal one ounce.
Mingle these well together, and let the rowlers dipped in them be
applied to the secret parts.
_An Ointment._
Let the belly be forthwith annointed with this Ointment, least it
become wrinkled or deformed, and that it may be thereby better
strengthened, and may return to the old form.
Take two ounces of Rose-water.
An ounce of Mirtles.
Half an ounce of Cats fat.
These things ought to be melted, and mingled with the before recited
Oyles.
_A Girdle for the belly._
After the Unction, put on a Girdle of Dog-skin, well prepared by a
Leather-dresser, and annointed with two ounces of oyle of Mirtles, and
one ounce of oyle of Mastick, and half an ounce of oyle of _Hypericon_
mingled together.
But it must be so large, as it may comprehend or compasse the whole
belly a little above the navill, even unto the naturall parts, and must
streightly bind up the same, but without pain. And this will be fitly
done, if it be sowed together with thred on the left side, and be put
hot enough to the belly, and be compassed with four or five double
linnen clothes, binding them with fit strings together, that the belly
may be kept warm.
But let linnen clothes, annointed with an equall proportion of oyle of
Mirtles, and oyle of _Hypericon_, be applied unto the naturall parts,
from the second day untill the seventh.
CHAP. XV.
_The order from the seventh day after the woman is brought to bed._
Six dayes being finished or past, on the seventh day let the naturall
parts be fomented and cherished with this Decoction.
Take of red Roses,
Of _Agrimony_,
_Mellilot_,
And Cammomil, of each one handfull.
Of the leaves of _Hypericon_,
Of the leaves of Quinces,
And of Mirtle, of each two pugils.
Let them be boyled in red Wine thick and astringent, with a little
water to a third part, and let the naturall parts be fomented therewith
morning and at evening before sleep.
_On the eighth day._
It is convenient to put to the belly, a plaister made with the white
of an Egg, and a little Pepper, and taken with flaxen rowlers, or
boulsters.
_On the ninth day._
If this plaister please not, besmear a Dogs skin again with oyle of
Mirtles and Mastick, and apply it unto the belly, and it will avail and
profit much, to keep it tied with swadling clothes unto the end of her
child-bed.
_A Liniment to scatter and disperse the Milk._
That the Milk flowing back to the breasts, may without offence be
dissipated, you must use this ointment.
Take of pure Wax two ounces.
Of Linseed oyle half a pound.
When the Wax is melted, let a Liniment be made wherein linnen clothes
must be dipped, and according unto their largenesse, be laid upon the
breasts; but when it shall be discussed, and paineth no more, let other
linnen clothes, dipped in distilled water of Acorns, be put upon them.
But this I onely advise them which cannot nurse their own children:
And if swelling in them which give suck doe arise from abundance of
milk in their breasts, seem to threaten an inflammation, use the former
Ointment, but abstain from using the distilled water of Acorns.
_When, and what Bath they must use._
From the twentieth day, if it be a male Child, if it be a female, from
the five and twentieth day, this Bath may be used.
Take of Majoram,
Of Penniroyall,
Mellilot,
_Hypericon_, or Saint _Johns_ wort,
Of Millefoile,
And of Pimpernel, of each M iii.
Of Bay leaves two pugils.
Three ounces of Pomegranades rindes.
Of old Bean meal five pounds.
Of Barly meal two pounds.
Of Cummin bruised and beaten into powder, ℔. iii.
Put the hearbs, small chopt, into a bag, but the beans, and Barly, and
Cummin, one upon another severally: Let them be sod altogether in a
great Cauldron, which may contain two parts of Water, and one of Wine,
let them be boyled the day before she would use the Bath, and be poured
forth into a tub, which must be well covered: The next day heat the
water of the Bath; but they must take heed they sit not on the Bath
too hot; but two houres will be sufficient to sit before meat in the
morning, and at evening.
But let the child-bed woman sit on the bag, wherein the bran or meale
is put, but not lower than the region of the mouth of the Ventricle.
_Another._
Let a barrell, wherein the dregs of white Wine are yet sticking, be
filled with river water, and let it be stirred to and fro, that all may
be well mingled together, then let the dregs settle, and boyle in this
water,
Of Bay leaves,
Of red Roses,
With both the Comferies,
Of _Hypericon_,
Penniroyall,
And Pimpernel, of each p. ii.
Of old Bean meal ℔. v.
Of Barly meal ℔. ii.
Let the child-bed woman sit on the bag, in which the meales are, or on
another, which may contain the brans of wheat.
CHAP. XVI.
_Against the gripings of the belly in child-bearing women._
The gripings and gnawings of the belly, especially those which are
contracted from the great striving and labour of the belly in bringing
forth, and sometimes from a chollerick matter contained therein, and
sometimes of wind retained.
_Outward Remedies._
Exceedingly therefore are usefull Musk, and Civet outwardly laid to the
navill; moreover, oyle of Dill, chafed on the belly as hot as well may
be indured.
_Inward helps in their meats._
In stead of meat, the broth of an old Cock or Capon is best, being well
sodden with a little Dill, and so taken.
_A Drink._
For the drink, a water made up with Cinnamon and Sugar, which they
call _Hippocras_, which is made after this manner.
Put unto water boyled, and hot, and drawn, unto ℥. xx.
Of Cinnamon half an ounce,
Of Sugar three or two ounces.
Three grains of black Pepper.
Mingle them well, and infuse them for six hours, and then strain them
in a bag, which the Apothecaries call _Hippocrates_ sleeve. Let the
child-bearing woman use this potion warm, but very sparingly; but if
she loath this, let her use thin, small, and clear wine, unlesse a
Fever shall hinder her.
A Potion also is made of Honey and white Wine, of each two ounces, to
mittigate paine by reason of flatuous humours retained.
Some exhibite the jawes of the Pickerell, with Amber, and Ginger,
_ana._ finely powdered to drink in white Wine.
CHAP. XVII.
_The government of the Nurse._
Let there be given unto the Infant new born Honey to lick, after let it
be nourished with the Mothers Milk, which of all things best agreeth
with it. But if by reason of some necessity it cannot enjoy it, a
sound healthy Nurse is to be chosen, neither younger than four and
twenty yeares, nor elder than five and thirty, of a white and ruddy
complexion, which is not infected with other vices, nor yet hath too
lately been brought to bed, nor hath not long given suck; let her
not have sore Dugs or Breasts, nor to big, but a large Breast, and
moderately fat. Let her use choise meats of easie and light concoction,
engendring good bloud or juyce; let her abstain from hot aromaticall
Spices, as Pepper, Ginger, Cardamome, and such like; also from Leeks,
Onions, Garlick, Salt, austere and tart things: Let her avoid strong
Wines, as also cold water: Let her eschew immoderate eating and
drinking, for that corrupteth the Milk, and begetteth in children
lepry, or scurfe, and other contagious diseases: Let her abstain from
cares and vexations, and let her take heed, least she provoke her
menstruous disease.
She must not sleep much, or be given to sleep, for that maketh the
Milk flegmatick; she likewise ought not to watch more than is meet,
for from hence the Milk cometh to be more hot, sharp, and distastfull
to the Infant; she ought moderately to exercise her selfe, especially
her armes, to wit, either in sowing, spinning, or knitting, for by
this meanes evill humours are consumed, as by ease and sloth they are
augmented.
Also copulation of the Nurse exceedingly offendeth, and hurteth the
Child, as that which cheifly retracteth and diminisheth the Milk, and
maketh it of an unsavory taste, tasting hot, and rank, or goatish,
which bringeth no small inconvenience, and hurt to the Child. For which
cause, in times past, Husbands were driven away from their Wives, and
restrained from their companies.
But if the Milk decrease, Pultesses of Bean meal, and Rise, are meet to
be used; also like paps made of Bread, with Milk, and Sugar, to which
may be added a little Fennel-seed.
And if the Milk be thick, it must be made thinne, with slender diet,
and subtill Wine, and Sirrup of Vinegar, as also with exercises: But if
it be too thinne, and waterish, grosse, and strong meats, and longer
sleeps will be convenient and meet. For the corruption of the Milk, a
little Mugwort grosly bruised, and put into a linnen cloth, and so into
broth, with a little Honey added thereto, will doe very much good.
_The care of the Infant._
And if the Childes belly be loose, the food ought to be more grosse
and strong, and her sleeps longer: But children may suck so long, as
till they have brought forth sharp and great teeth: But if you suffer
them to drink Wine, or strong drink, or other Potions, before they have
toothed them, they will be corrupted; but when they have gotten these
teeth, their armes, and back bones are gently to be rubbed after their
sleep.
CHAP. XVIII.
_A Bath of sweet water, very profitable for children, as by whose
meanes they may grow up and increase._
They are, fasting, to be bathed in water before meat, for the space of
a quarter of an hour, yet so, that the belly may first goe down or be
emptied, and then they are to be annointed with oyle of Olives made hot.
And it is not of little concernment, in what swadling clothes children
are wrapped; for when they are not tied up at all, or the clouts are
too loose, they are subject to Fluxes, Imposthumes, apt to be crooked
backt, and other discommodities; but especially when their knees are
too strictly tied and bound up, and their thighs left at liberty, they
are lamed.
When they cry, or feel pain, or will sleep, they are to be pacified,
either by shewing the breast, or by singing, or by rocking, either
in Cradles, or hanging Beds, or by carrying up and down. But we must
observe, that children may lie strait whensoever they lie down, and
ought not to be covered too much, or hot with coverings, nor yet with
too few, least they may catch cold. Moreover, let the linnen cloth,
wherein they are wrapped, be neat and clean, for children are offended,
and infected by foul and filthy excrements.
From three years of age till the seventh, they are to be educated
gently and kindly, not to be severely reprehended, chidden, or beaten,
for by that meanes they be made throughout their whole life after too
timorous, or too much terrified, astonished, and sotted.
Being yet in their first years, they are not to be compelled to going,
for seeing all their bones are soft as Wax, and the body fall the
heavier, they either become lame, or universally resolved in their feet.
Food must be daily given them thrice a day, till they are three years
old; for if they be much filled, they are subject and accustomed to be
troubled with Convulsions, and other diseases.
In the sixth or seventh year of their age, they are to be sent to
schoole, and committed to the breeding and instruction of courteous and
temperate Schoolmasters, who may not terrifie them.
Before these yeares they are not to be compelled or forced to harder
labours; otherwise they will not thrive well, but stand at a stay, and
keep little, or become Dwarfes.
CHAP. XIX.
_The Diseases of Infants._
When as the Infant beginneth to grow sick, as for example, from a
cold disease, the Nurse is to be nourished with hot and dry meat and
drink, so that thereby forthwith it may grow well again; so also if
it be taken with other diseases, as with an Ague, the Nurse shall use
plantain water, and such like things, Paps made for children of crums
or morsels of bread broken or sliced, are more wholesome, than made of
meal or flour.
Till two years old give them Honey often, for that keepeth them from
Convulsions, and costivenesse of the belly, and that the milk they eat
hurt them not.
When Infants cast up their milk, a Corrall should be hung about their
neck down to their middle; for it is usefull for them in teething, and
Ivory also is good for the same purpose.
_Diseases and Symptomes, proceeding from the birth, in women with
child._
Gripings and pangs come often upon women from their birth, for the
womb, as a wild beast, by reason of her suddain evacuation and
emptinesse, by wandering up and down hither and thither, disposeth it
self.
Therefore the belly must be covered all over with Barly meal, and the
white of an Egg, mixed together, with juyce of Elder; also drinking of
hot Wine wherein Cummin hath been boyled, is very convenient and usefull
Also Suffumigations of _Styrax calamita_, Frankincense, and Smallage
seed, of each one drachm, will very much availe.
CHAP. XX.
_Against the Rupture of the Cods and +perinæum+, and the part between
the rising of the Yeard and the Fundament, which proceedeth from
difficulty of bringing forth_.
To help the Rupture of the naturall parts, which ariseth from hardnesse
in bringing forth, the powder of the great Comfery root dryed, with
Cummin and Cinnamon, are very good, put up into the womb.
In some the wrinkled skin of the Cods is broken from the birth, so
that there is but one hole between the womb and the fundament, and the
same course, whereby oftentimes the womb goeth forth and is hardened;
therefore the diseased parts must be cherished with hot Wine, in which
Butter hath been resolved, untill the Matrix be softned, and then it
must be gently put up: after the Cod skin is broken in three or four
places, it must be sowed up with a silken thred; presently let a linnen
cloth be put upon the belly, according to the largenesse of it; lastly,
let it be annointed with Tar, for the womb, by reason of the evill
scent, is drawn in again. At last we heal the Rupture with powder of
both Comferies, and Cummin, sprinkled upon them. But a child-bed woman
is to be put to bed, so that she may have her feet lie the higher; let
her lie there eight or nine dayes continually, and let her take her
meat, ease her self, and make water there.
She must abstain from bathing so long as possibly she may, also from
all those things which may provoke coughing, and from meats which
cannot easily be digested: And for preventing this danger in bringing
forth, let a long ball of linnen cloth be made, and put up into her
Fundament, and as often as the child-bearing woman striveth to bring
forth the Infant, let her strongly compresse and keep in her belly,
that no disruption or rupture be made in these parts.
CHAP. XXI.
_For windinesse or Collick of the belly._
If the secret or naturall parts receive wind in, which being kept in
brings forth pain, a Fomentation made with the decoction of Mustard or
Onions, is very good.
Also sometimes in others so great plenty and abundance of wind
oppresseth them, that they seem broken, or as those troubled with the
Iliack passion, for whose ease, a Bath made of Mallowes, Pellitory of
the wall, and the like, must be used, and the belly often kept soluble.
But she ought to stay the longer in the Bath, and when she cometh out
of it, a plaister of the juyce of Mullein, or Turnup, and Barly meal,
must be laid on hot, and then let her use her Bath again,
CHAP. XXII.
_For the Itch._
If those parts itch, so that women by scratching take away the skin,
whereupon blysters arise, which greatly molest and trouble them, they
ought to be annointed with the Ointment prescribed for burnings.
Take an Apple, _Bole armoniack_, _Mastick_, Frankincense, Oyle, hot
Wine, Wax, and Tallow, and thus you may prepare it. Purge the Apple
from the outward rind, and the core, and put it in a pot to the fire,
with the Oyle, Wax, and Tallow, and when it shall be hot, the _Mastick_
and Frankincense, being reduced into powder, must be put in, and then
being mingled strained through a cloth.
CHAP. XXIII.
_For the Flux of bloud._
For those unto whom an immoderate Flux of bloud happeneth, it shall
be convenient to give the juyce of Mugwort, Sage, Pennyroyall, and of
other hearbs of that kind, made up into the form of a Sirrup.
Also Baths made for the same disease of the said hearbs, are good; or
by a plaister made up with Clay and Vinegar, which must be applied to
the right side.
If the Flux of bloud come from the nostrils, it must be applied to the
forehead and temples, having a respect to the contrary side: For bloud
useth not to flow out of the nostrils, unlesse a male Child be begotten.
CHAP. XXIV.
_For the falling down of the Matrix from the birth._
A Bath made of Mugwort, Flea-bane, Juniper, Camphire, and Wormwood,
boyled in water; let the child-bed woman sit in this up to the breast,
afterwards let her be gently put into her bed, and let her lie with her
feet drawn backward, that the Matrix may return into its place.
The Womb being put into its place again, put powder of Penniroyall,
of _Galingale_, _Spikenard_, Nutmegs, _Avence_, with oyle of Nutmegs,
and Penniroyall into a fine thinne cloth, and in manner of a Ball or
Pessary bind it up, and put it into the Womb, and shut up the orifice
of the Matrix, that it fall not down again: But have a care, that it
may peirce backward toward the reins, and there it is to be bound up,
but before that be performed, a plaister of Bay berries, of Mustard,
Frankincense, and of Cinnamon, of each as much as shall be sufficient,
being brought into powder, and being heated at the fire, mingled with
Honey, and let it be laid to the back being yet hot, and bound up with
a swath, wherewith the Pessary, put up into the Matrix, is tied.
But let the woman brought to bed lie in her bed upward for the space
of nine dayes or more, if need require, so that she may not move her
self up and down, unlesse great necessity urgeth her; and such meat
shall be given her, which may not easily passe through her belly, or
may not often provoke her to make water: But now going abroad after her
delivery, we must put on an intire garment that may keep it in, least
it goe out again, unlesse it be when she maketh water. The third day
we must make ready a Bath, and then, least they should swell, powder
of Ginger, Pellitory of the wall, and Cinnamon, of every one by equall
parts mixed must be blown up.
CHAP. XXV.
_For the Piles after the birth._
Wee use to cure the Piles, arising from the fault of the bringing
forth, with a Bath of Wormwood, Southernwood; Cinnamon rind, and the
bark of _Cassia fistula_, boyled well in Wine; when the woman delivered
goeth forth of the Bath, put Bombace, or Cotton, with powder of Alloes
mixed with oyle of Penniroyall unto her lower parts.
CHAP. XXVI.
_Against pain of the Breasts, contracted by too much Milk._
Clay kneaded with Vinegar, after the manner of a plaister, is available
to astringe and keep back the Milk, but the place is first to be
suppled with hot water.
CHAP. XXVII.
_For the Imposthume of the Breasts._
A Plaister of marsh-Mallowes, Mallowes, Wormwood, Mugwort, and Swines
greace, made up according to art is very profitable; when the swelling
is come unto the height, lay Nut kernels bruised to peices; unto it:
And if the Imposthume break not, let it be launced with a Launcet or
Pen-knife, and squeeze it a little, least by the suddain evacuation a
worse mischeevious Imposthume may come upon it; and when it is broken,
put in a linnen cloth, twice or thrice a day, smeared with the yolk
of an Egg and Turpentine, which strengtheneth exceedingly: And if the
Imposthume chance to passe into a Fistula, put into it a root of black
Hellebor dipped in Oyle or Honey; or sprinkle powder of the colt-Bur
upon it, for with these is every Fistula purged and destroyed, so as it
be not between the bones; wherefore these Medicines are so long to be
administred, untill it dye, and be dried up, and afterward the Ulcer be
cured.
Some few additionall Observations, concerning the passages in the
former Treatise.
CHAP. XXVIII.
_What is to be administred unto the Child, after it is born, for the
first thing it taketh._
_Arnoldus de villa nova_, a most learned Phisitian, writeth, that if
you give unto a Child half a scruple of Corrall finely powdered, with
womans milk, first, before it taketh any other thing, after it is born,
that it shall never be troubled with the falling Sicknesse.
_Also_,
I know persons of good quality in this our Country of _England_ (I
presume, instructed by some able Phisitians) who give unto all their
own children (and advise all other women, where they are desired to be
assistant at the birth) to exhibite unto the children new born, the
first thing they take, a little Salt well mingled in a spoonfull of
Saxifrage, or Hysop water, to prevent the trouble of frets, and other
diseases in children following their birth.
Conceiving also, as they suppose, they have some ground for their
action, from the fourth verse of the sixteenth Chapter of _Ezekiel_,
where the Lord, reckoning up the Midwives duties about children, at
that time of their nativity, thus speaketh.
_And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born, thy navill was not
cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee, thou wast not
salted at all, nor swadled at all._
CHAP. XXIX.
_For Infants troubled with wind and flegm._
Many Midwives advise the Nurses, to give them a little pure
Sugar-candie finely bruised in Saxifrage water, or Scabious water in a
spoon, well mingled together.
CHAP. XXX.
_A most excellent Medicine to cause children to teeth easily._
Take of pure Capons greace, very well clarified, the quantity of a
Nutmeg, and twice as much of pure Honey, mingle and incorporate them
well together, and three or four times in a day annoint the Childs
gummes when they are teething, and they will break flesh easily, and
prevent torments, and Agues, and other greifs, which usually accompany
their coming forth.
CHAP. XXXI.
_For Agues in Children._
Take a spoonfull of good oyle of Populeon, and put thereunto two
spoonfuls of good oyle of Roses, mingle and incorporate them well
together, and then warm it before the fire, annoint the Childs bowing
places, his armes, legs soles of his feet, and also his forehead, and
temples twice a day, chafing the ointment well in.
CHAP. XXXII.
_For Worms in Children._
Take of Mirth, and Aloes, very finely powdered, of each a penny-worth,
and with a few drops of Chymicall oyle of Wormwood, or Savine, with
a little Turpentine, make these up into a plaister, and lay it to the
Childes Navill.
CHAP. XXXIII.
_For Heart-Wormes._
_Heberstreit_, _Skonkius_, _Hollerius_, and other Phisitians affirme,
they have seen them in persons dissected: One in a Prince, another in
a Citizen of _Florence_; and our _London_ Phisitians of late yeares
have seen two in _London_ (as appeares in Doctor _Mayes_ book of Mr
_Pennant_ of Saint _Giles_ in the Feilds) who dyed having a Worm like a
Serpent in his heart.
_The Cure._
_Skonkius_ out of _Stocherus_ affirmeth by certain experiment, that the
juyce of Raddish, Garlick, and Mustard, killeth these Wormes, which
breeding in the chest of the heart, cause swoundings, _Epilepsies_, and
many times death.
CHAP. XXXIV.
_To cause a young Child to goe to stoole._
Chafe the Childs navill with _May_ Butter before the fire, then take
some black Wooll, that groweth between a Sheeps legs, and dip it in the
_May_ Butter, and then dry it, and lay it unto the navill, and it will
procure a stoole: This is also good for one in yeares, who can take no
inward Medicine.
_Another certain Experiment._
Take a good big green Mallow strig, and strip off the outward skin,
and annoint the strig well with fresh Butter, and put it up into the
Childes Fundament, and let it stay a while there, and in very short
space it will procure a stoole.
_Courteous Reader, I pray accept kindly of these few Additions._
This Treatise might have been inlarged farther out, by addition of
other Experiments, but my Freind; being of the same opinion concerning
Medicines, that _Seneca_ the Philosopher was of Bookes: _Non refert
quanta, sed quam bona medicamina_; hath confined them to their own
limits, onely with a few necessary Observations inserted.
_M. A._
_FINIS._
Choise and select Medicines, collected by a
Phisitian for his own private use, and
Alphabetically digested by him,
and from him communicated
for publick use.
A
_For the Ach in the bones._
_Recipe._ A pennyworth of good _Aqua vitæ_, and as much of oyle of
Bayes, and mix them well together warm in a Sawcer, and annoint the
place grieved, and chafe it well in (but not by the fire) when it is
well dryed in, wrap it up well.
_For all Aches and lame Members._
℞. Rye, and Rosemary, _ana_ M. ii. put them into common oyle, and
Malmsie, _ana._ one quart, let these things seeth half an hour
together, then let the same Member be bathed therewith, being first
chafed with a cloth very well, and after bathing wrap it up in a Lambs
skin the woll side inward; doe this to bedward for the space of three
weeks together; this helped a man which could neither stand nor goe,
_Probatum_.
_An Ointment for all Aches which come from cold causes, shrunken
Sinewes, straines in man or beast, it is incomparable, and will
keep fourty yeares, but it must be made onely in +May+._
℞. Mallowes, Groundsell, Strawberry leaves, Lavender-cotton, Birch
leaves, Chickweed, Comfry, Parsly, Sage leaves, Bay leaves, Rue,
Balm, Plantain, Sorrell, wild Briony, Betony, Wound wort, _Carduus_,
_Succory_, Majoram, Lungwort, Cammomill, Adders tongue, Oxe eye,
_ana._ M. iii. Chop these hearbs very small, and beat them in a
Morter, then take Rosin four pound, _May_ Butter clarified in the Sun
eight and thirty pound, Sallade oyle a gallon, Turpentine four pound,
Frankincense two pound: Melt the Rosin and Frankincense together first,
then put therein the _May_ Butter, and the rest aforesaid, and twelve
pound of Hogs grease, and half a pound of Verdigrease, and when all
these are melted together, then put in the chopt and pounded hearbs,
and let them boyle half a quarter of an hour, then carefully stirre
it a quarter of an hour after, and when it is cold, put it into pots
close covered, and set them in a horse dunghill a yard deep for one and
twenty dayes, then take them out, and put all the ingredients into a
Kettle, and set it over the fire again, and boyle them a walm or two,
then strain it, and put thereto oyle of Spike two pound, and stir it
well; and when you use it, warm it a little in a Sawcer, and rub it by
the fire.
_To counterfeit beyond-Sea-+Azure+._