What are the Remedies proper for anErysipelas?
AnErysipelasthat ariseth in the Head and Breast is not without danger, and the Cure ofit ought to be undertaken with great Care in the Application as well of internal as external Remedies: For it is requisite to take inwardly a Dose of the Diaphoretick Mineral, Crabs-Eyes, Egg-shels, Powder of Vipers, and other Medicines; as also Potions that have the like Virtues, such as the following. Take four Ounces of Elder-Flower-Water, adding thereto a Scruple of the volatile Salt of Vipers or Hart's-Horn with an Ounce of Syrrup of red Poppies.
Phlebotomy or Blood-letting hath no place here, unless there be a great Plethory, but frequent Clysters are not to be rejected,viz.such as are made of Whay, Chervil, Succory, and Violet-Plants, adding a Dram of Mineral Crystal dissolv'd with two Ounce of Honey of Violets.
As for outward Applications, Linnen-Rags dipt in the Spirit of Wine impregnated with Camphire and Saffron, are to be laid upon the Tumour, and renew'd as fast as they are dry'd. An equal quantity of Chalk and Myrrh beaten to Powder, may also be strew'd upon a Sheet of Cap-Paper over-spread with Honey, and apply'd to the Part.
If the Heat and Pain grow excessive, take half a Dram ofSaccharum Saturni, twenty Grains of Camphire, as muchOpium, with two Drams of red Myrrh, to be infus'd in a Gallon of White-Wine: Let this Liquor be kept to soak the Cloaths that are laid upon theErysipelas,andoften renew'd. But to dress the Face, a Canvass Cloth may be us'd, which hath been dipt in a Medicine prepar'd with aGallon of Whey, two Yolks of Eggs, and a Dram of Saffron.
Moreover amidst all these Remedies, it is necessary to oblige the Patient to keep to a good Diet, and to prescribe for his ordinary Drink a Diet-Drink made of Hart's-Horn, the Tops of the lesser Centory, Pippins cut in Slices with their Skins, and Liquorish; a little good Wine may be also allow'd, with the Advice of the Physician.
What are the Tumours or Impostumes thatpartakeof the Nature of anErysipelas?
They are the dry and moistHerpes, the former being that which is call'd the Tetter or Ring-Worm; and the other a kind of yellow-Bladders, Pustules, or Wheals, that cause itching, and raise small corroding Ulcers in the Skin: To these may be added divers sorts of Scabs and Itch.
The Remedies prescrib'd for theErysipelasmay be us'd for both these kinds ofHerpes; as also Lotions or Bathing-Liquors made of Lime-Water, and a Decoction of Wormwood andSal Ammoniack, allowing half a Dram to four Ounces of Liquor. Or else take half a Dram ofSal Saturni, and put it into a Glass of the Decoction of Fumitory or Chervil. You may also make use of the Oil of Tartarper deliquium, to make a Liniment either alone, or mingl'd with the above-mention'd Decoctions.
What is theOedema?
It is a white soft Tumour, with very little sense of Pain, which ariseth from the Settling of a pituitous Humour.
What are the Remedies proper for anOedema?
They are Fomentations, Cataplasms, Liniments, and Plaisters.
The Fomentations are made with Bundles of Wall-Wort or Dwarf-Elder, thrown into a hot Oven after the Bread is bak'd, and sprinkled with Wine: Afterward being taken out smoaking, they are unty'd, open'd, and wrapt about the Part, putting a warm Linnen Cloth over 'em. This Operation is to be re-iterated; and by this means the Humour is dissolv'd thro' Transpiration by Sweat.
The Cataplasms are compos'd of Camomile, Melilot, St.John's-Wort, Sage, Wall-Wort, Pellitory of the Wall, Roots of Briony and Onions, all boil'd together in White Wine with Honey, adding, if you please, a few Cummin or Fennel Seeds beaten. Cataplasms are also made of Horse-Dung and the Seeds of Cummin beaten, which are boil'd in strong Vinegar, and mixt with Barly-Meal to the Consistence of Pap.
The Plaisters are prepar'd with an Ounce ofDiapalma, half on Ounce ofMartiatum, a Pint of Oil of Lillies, half an Ounce ofCummin-Seeds powder'd, half a Dram ofSal Ammoniack, and an Ounce of yellow Wax to make a Consistence.
If any hardness remains, the Plaister of Mucilages may be apply'd, or that which is made of the GumsBdellium,Ammoniack, andGalbanum, dissolv'd in Vinegar. But Care must be taken not to omit the Purgatives of Jalap to the quantity of a Dram in a Glass of White-Wine; or of half an Ounce of Lozenges ofDiacarthamum, which are effectual in drawing out the bottom of pituitous and serous Humours that nourish theOedema's.
What are the kinds of Tumours that partake of the Nature of anOedema?
They are thePhlyctæna, theEmphysema, theBatrachosorRanunculus, the Wen, theTalpa, theBronchocele, theGanglion, theFungus, the Scurf, theScrophulaor King's-Evil, and all sorts of Dropsies both general and particular.
What arePhlyctæna's?
They are Pustules or Blisters fill'd with a white and somewhat yellowish Humour.
What is anEmphysema?
It is a kind of flatuous Tumour, wherein Wind is contain'd, with a little slimy Phlegm.
What is aBatrachosorRanunculus?
It is a Blister fill'd with slimy Water, that ariseth under the Tongue near the String, and inFrenchis call'dGrenouillette, orthe little Frog; which is the same with itsGreekandLatinNames.
What is a Wen?
It is a Tumour consisting of thick plaistry Phlegm, which is reckon'd among theEncysted.
What is aTalpa?
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 aBronchocele?
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 theEncystedTumours.
What is aGanglion?
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 aFungus?
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 theScrophulaor King's-Evil?
ScrophulæorStrumæ, commonly call'dthe 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 theEncystedTumours.
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 generalSpecies,viz.theAscites,Tympanites, andLeucophlegmatia.
What is an Ascites?
It is a kind of Dropsy that forms the Tumour or Swelling of theAbdomenor lower Belly, by a Mass of Water.
What is aTympanites?
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'dLeucophlegmatia?
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 theHydrocephalus, which is the Dropsy of the Head; theExomphalus, of the Navel, and theHydroceleof theScrotum. There is also a Dropsy of the Breast, and that of theMatrix.
What are the Remedies proper for all these sorts of Tumours or Dropsies?
They are in general all those that are agreeable to theOedema, 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.
What is aScirrhus?
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 succeedingPhlegmonsandOedema'sthat have not been well dress'd with convenient Remedies.
How is aScirrhuscur'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,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 ofDiachylon, Melilot, and Mucilages, to which is addedOleum Lumbricorum, and Flower of Brimstone. To render the Remedy more effectual, Oil of Tobacco may be also mixt with it, and GumAmmoniackdissolv'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 ofSarsaparilla, the use of good Wine, and light Meats of easie Digestion.
What are the Tumours that partake of the Nature of aScirrhus?
They are thePolypus,Carcinoma,Sarcoma,Natta, andCancer.
What is aPolypus?
It is an Excrescence of fungous Flesh arising in the Nostrils: ButHippocratesconfounds theCarcinomaandSarcomawith thePolypus, of which he says they are only aSpecies.
What is theNatta?
It is a Tumour or Excrescence of Flesh that appears in the Buttocks, Shoulders, Thighs, Face, and every where else, the various Figuresof 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 thePolypus, and other kinds of Excrescences of the like Nature?
ThePolypusmay 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 ofSpain; 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,which is very often perform'd with good Success.
As for theNatta'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?
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 ofScorzoneraand 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 orSaccharum Saturni.
If the Pains grow violent, recourse is to be had toLaudanum, 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.
What is anEncystedor 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 properCystesor Membranous Bags.
What are the kinds of these Tumours?
They are theSteatoma, theAtheroma, theMeliceris, the Wen, theBronchocele, and theScrophulaor King's-Evil.
How is the difference between these Tumours discern'd?
TheSteatomais known by its Matter resembling Suet; as that of theAtheromaresembleth Pap; and that of theMelicerisis 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, whichequally retains in all three the print of the Fingers that press it. But theBronchoceleis 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. TheScrophulæor 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.
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 theCystes, 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 theOedemaandScirrhus; 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, andOleum 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.
Take an equal Portion of the Plaister ofDiachylon,Devigo, and four times as muchMercury, andEmplastrum 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 arereiteratedPurgations, 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 theCystis, it is done by dividing the Tumour into four Parts, by procuring Suppuration, and by consuming the Bag by little and little. TheBronchocelealone will not admit this Extirpation, by reason of the great Number of Nerves, Veins, and neighbouring Arteries amidst which the Tumour is settl'd. HoweverBronchotomy, or opening the Throat, may be perform'd; which is an Operation peculiar to this Tumour.
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 impureCoitus.
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.
What are the ordinary kinds of Critical Tumours or Impostumes?
They are theAnthrax, the Boil, thePhlegmon, and theParotidesor Swellings in the Almonds of the Ears.
What are the kinds of Malignant Tumours or Impostumes?
They are theCancer, theScrophulaor 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 ofAnthraxwhich 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 andCondyloma'sin 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 impureCoitus, 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.
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 ofthe 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 ofSal 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 VolatileSal Ammoniack, from four Grains to fifteen; Spirit ofGuyacum, from half a Dram to a Dram and a half; Vitrioliz'dTartar, from ten Grains to thirty; the Volatile Salt ofTartar, Urine, Vipers, and Hart's-Horn, of each from six Grains to fifteen; the Spirit of GumAmmoniack, from eight Drops to sixteen; WhiteMercuryPrecipitate, from four to ten Grains;Mercurial Panacæa, 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,Aristolochyor Birth-Wort, Tormentil, Flower-de-Luce,Balaustiaor 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 aDecoction of Saxifrage taken inwardly, with some Grains ofLaudanumis 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 ofTrifolium Febrinumand 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 ofMastick; 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 ofSaccharum Saturni,Crocus Martis, Myrrh, andMercurius 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 SpiritAmmoniack, 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.
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 GumAmmoniack; 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 GumLacca, three Drams of the Spirit of Scurvy-Grass, with fifteen or twenty Drops of Oil of Tartar madeper 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 ofStyraxis frequently us'd in the Hospital call'dHôtel-DieuatParis, and apply'd to Spots and callous Swellings that arise in the Legs.
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 Hæmorrhages, 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,with waxed Thread; and these Sutures are of four sorts,viz.first theIntermittent Stitchfor transverse Wounds; the second for the Hare-Lip; the third, commonly call'd theDry Stitch, for superficial Wounds; and the fourth, term'd theGlover's Stitch.
The Intermittent Stitch is that which is made at certain separated Points, according to the following manner: After having taken away all extraneous Bodies out of the Wound, let a Servant draw together its Sides or Lips; and let a Needle with waxed Thread be pass'd thro' the middle from the outside to the inside, several Points being made proportionably to its length. It is requisite to pierce a good way beyond the Edge of the Wound, and to penetrate to the bottom, lest any Blood shou'd remain in the Space, that might hinder the reuniting.
If the Wound hath Corners, the Surgeon begins to sow there; and before the Knot is made, causeth the Lips of the Wound to be drawn exactly close one to another: The Knots must be begun with that in the middle, and a single one is first made on the side opposite to the running of the Matter; laying upon this Knot (if it be thought convenient) a small Bolster of waxed Linnen, on which is tied a Slip-Knot, to the end that it may be untied if any bad Accident should happen. If a Plaister be apply'd to the Wound after the Stitching, a small Bolster is to be laid over the Knots, to prevent their sticking to the Plaister. In case any Inflammation happens in the Wound, the Knots may be loosen'd and ty'd again when the Symptoms cease: Butif the Inflammation continue, the Threads are to be cut by passing a Probe underneath: When the Wound is clos'd, the Threads are cut in like manner with a Probe; and in drawing 'em out, a Finger must be laid near the Knot, lest the Wound should open again.
To make the second sort of Stitch for the Hare-Lip, a small streight Needle is pass'd into the sides of the Wound, and the Thread is twisted round the Needle, by crossing it above at every Stitch.
To form theDry Stitchin very superficial Wounds, a piece of new Linnen-Cloth is to be taken, wherein are made Digitations, or many Corners; the Selvedge or Hem ought to be on the side of these Corners or Digitations; and a small Thread-Lace is ty'd to every one of 'em. Afterward this Cloth is dipt in strong Glue, and apply'd about a Finger's breadth from the Edges of the Wound; so that a piece thereof being stuck on each side, the Laces may be ty'd together, to cause the Lips of the Wound to meet.
To make theGlover's Stitch, the Operator having drawn together the Lips of the Wound, holds 'em between two Fingers, passeth a Needle underneath 'em, and soweth 'em upward all along, after the manner ofGlovers.
What is a Wound?
A Wound is a recent, violent, and bloody Rupture or Solution of the Natural Union of the soft Parts, made by a pricking, cutting, or bruising Instrument.
What ought to be observ'd before all things in the curing of Wounds?
It is requisite to take notice of their differences, as well as of the Instruments with which they were made; to the end that Consequences may be drawn from thence for the Application of proper Remedies.
From whence arise the differences of Wounds, and which be they?
They are taken either from their Figure or Situation: With regard to their Figure, they are call'd Long, Broad or Wide, Triangular Great, Little, Superficial, or Deep; and with respect to their Situation, they are term'd Simple, Complicated, Dangerous, or Mortal.
What is a Simple and a Complicated Wound?
A Simple Wound is that which only opens the Flesh, and hath no other concomitant Circumstances; but a Complicated Wound, on the contrary, is that which is attended with grievous Symptoms, as Hæmorrhages, Fractures of Bones, Dislocation, Lameness, and others of the like Nature.
What is a dangerous and mortal Wound?
A dangerous Wound is that which is complicated the Accidents whereof are dreadful: As when an Artery is open'd or prick'd, when a Nerve or Tendon is cut, or when the Wound is near a Joynt and accompanied with a Dislocation or Fracture. A mortal Wound is that which must be inevitably follow'd by Death; as is that which is situated deep in a principal Part necessary for the Preservation of Life.
What are the Parts wherein Wounds are mortal?
They are the Brain, the Heart, the Lungs, theOesophagusor Gullet, the Diaphragm, the Liver, the Stomach, the Spleen, the small Guts, the Bladder, the Womb, and generally all the great Vessels.
Wherein doth the Cure of Wounds consist?
In helping Nature readily to procure the reuniting of the Parts that have been divided, after having taken away or asswag'd every thing that might cause an Obstacle.
What are the things that hinder the speedy reunion of the Parts?
They are extraneous Bodies found therein, as Bullets, Flocks, and Pieces of Wood or Stone, &c. As also sometimes the Accidents which attend 'em; as anHæmorrhageor Flux of Blood, Inflammation,Esthiomenusor Mortification,Hypersarcosis, or an Excrescence of Flesh, Dislocation, the Fracture of a Bone, the Splinter of a Bone, & sometimes a contrary Air.
What are the Remedies proper for stopping anHæmorrhageor Flux of Blood?
The common Remedy is a kind of Cataplasm, made up with the Powders of Aloes, Dragons-Blood, Bole Armenick and Whites of Eggs, which are mix'd together and laid upon the Wound. But the following is an excellent one.
Take two Ounces of Vinegar, a Dram ofColcothar, two Drams ofCrocus Martis Astringens; beat the whole together, steepingMuscus Quercinustherein; then throw upon it the Powder of Mushrooms, or ofCrepitus Lupi: Apply this Remedy, and you'll soon stop theHæmorrhage, taking Care nevertheless to bind the Part well, otherwise the Astringents do not readily take Effect.
To this Purpose you may also make use of Cobwebs, Mill-Dust, and the Powder of Worm-eaten Oak; or else take Oven-Soot mixt with the Juice of the Dung of an Ass or Ox, adding only thereto the White of an Egg.
Besides these Remedies there are also actual and potential Cauteries, or simple Ligatures, which are infallible. Indeed the actual Cautery is not always sure; because when the Escar made by the Fire, falls off the Hæmorrhage breaks out again as before: but the potential Cautery is almost always successful; such as the following.
Take about an equal Quantity of Vitriol and Powder of Mushrooms; apply 'em upon a little Lint to the Place where the Blood issuethforth, and you'll see it stop immediately: But Care must be taken to avoid touching a Nerve or Tendon; by reason that the Vitriol is apt to excite Convulsions.
How is the Inflammation and Mortification of a Wound Suppress'd?
If the Inflammation proceeds from the Presence of an Extraneous Body, it must be taken away as soon as possible with a Pair of Forceps, and if from the Quantity ofPusor corrupt Matter, it must be let out. But in case the Inflammation ariseth from extreme Pains, they are to be asswaged with Cataplasms or Pultises and anodyn Liniments, such as those that have been already prescribed in the Cure of thePhlegmon: or else the Part may be bath'd with Camphirated Spirit of Wine, mixt with as much Water:Saccharum Saturniinfus'd in Lime-water, performs the same Effect, and the Water of Crabs alone is admirable in its Operation.
Against theEsthiomenusor Mortification, make use of Wine boil'd with Wormwood, St.John's Wort, Rosemary and Aloes; or else take the Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh, or Spirit of Wine alone impregnated with Camphire and Saffron.
What is to be done in Case a Convulsion happens by reason of a wounded Nerve or Tendon?
If the Convulsion be caus'd by the Presence of an Extraneous Body that bruiseth the Part it must be taken away; and if from the wounding of a Nerve, pour into the Wound some Drops of the Oil of Lavender distill'd, which in that Case is of singular Use; this Oyl may be also taken inwardly in an appropriated Liquour, such as aDecoction of Wormwood and the Tops of the lesser Centory. Balsam ofPeruus'd in the same Manner, is an excellent Remedy, and the Oyls of Worms, Snails, St.John's-Wort and Turpentine are frequently apply'd with good Success.
If the Convulsion proceeds from the Biting of some venomous Creature, Cupping-Glasses or Leeches are to be immediately applied, putting into the Wound Treacle with the Spirit of Wine or even Fire it self, and leaving to the Physician's Care the Prescription of other vulnerary Remedies proper to be taken inwardly.
What is to be done to draw the Extraneous Bodies out of a Wound?
When they cannot be taken away with the Fingers or Forceps, the Patient must be set in the same Station or Posture wherein he was when he receiv'd the Wound, in order to get some farther Light to discover 'em; or else such Plaisters may be us'd as are endu'd with an Attractive Quality: Particularly this:
Take an Ounce of Treacle, half a Dram of GumAmmoniack, one Dram ofBdellium, and two Drams of Bore's Grease, adding a Quarter of a Pound of Wax to make 'em up into the Form of a Plaister. It is reported that Hare's Grease alone hath the same Effect, and that it goes for a Secret among the Surgeons but you may (if you please) mix it with Ointment of Betony. However it hath been observed that Leaden Bullets may sometimes remain in a Man's Body, during his whole Life-time without doing any Harm.
How are Excrescences to be taken away?
They may be consum'd with Powder of Allom,Unguentum Ægyptiacum, orLapis infernalis.
After having remov'd every thing that hinders the reuniting of the Lips of a Wound, what is to be done to attain thereto?
The Re-Union in Wounds is properly the Work of Nature; but it may be promoted by putting into 'em a little Balsam ofPeru, and drawing together their Lips with the Fingers. Afterwards the Lips must be kept closed with a Bandage, a Glutinous Plaister or a dry Stitch, provided the Wound be only superficial, hindring the Air from penetrating into it. For Want of Balsam ofPeru, an excellent one may be made with the Flowers here specified.
Take the Flowers of Henbane, St.John's-Wort, and Comfry and let 'em be digested in the Sun during the whole Summer-Season in the Oyl ofHemp-seed, which Oyl, the longer it is kept, proves so much the better, if it be set forth in the Sun every Summer, the Vessel that contains it being well stop'd. There is also the Balsam of Balsams, or the Balsam ofParacelsuscall'dSamech.
To avoid the exposing of Wounds to the Air, it is requisite to cover 'em over the Dressings with some sort of Plaister, which is usually termed the Surgeon's Plaister, such is that which is effectual in Dissolving, corroborating and allaying Pain or Inflammation.
Take the Mucilages of the Roots of great Comfrey and Fenegreek, half a Pound of Ceruse or white Lead, two Drams of CrudeOpium, one Dram of Camphire, as much of Saffron, two Drams of Sandarack, one of the Oyl ofBays, one half Pound of Rosin, and as much Turpentine and Wax. Boil all these Ingredients together in a sufficient Quantity of Lin-seed-Oyl, and make a Plaister according to Art.
In great Wounds it is expedient to lay over the Dressings a Cataplasm or Pultiss, such as this:
Take the Leaves and Flowers of Camomile, and Melilot, the Tops of Wormwood, common Mallows and Marsh-Mallows, with the Seeds of Line and Cummin powder'd: Then boyl the whole Composition in Wine, and add thereto Barly-Meal, to give it a due Consistence. If there be any Cause to fear a Gangrene, you may also intermix Saffron, Myrrh and Aloes with Spirit of Wine.
Is it necessary to put Tents into all Wounds, and to make use of Digestives and Suppuratives?
No: It is sufficient to procure the Re-uniting of the Parts simply by the Means of Balsam in small Wounds; because they ought not to be brought to Suppuration: so that Digestives and Suppuratives are only necessary in great Wounds, and those that are accompanied with Contusion, avoiding the ill Custom of some Country-Surgeons, that stuff up their Wounds too much with Tents and Pledgets, whereas they might well be content with simple Bolsters or Dossels which shou'd be dipt in the ordinary Digestive composed of Turpentine and the Yolks of Eggs with a little Brandy, or else with the Tincture of Myrrh and Aloes.
Suppuration may also be promoted by mundifying and quickening the Wound, especially if the Bolsters be steep'd in the following Composition.
Take half an Ounce of Aloes and Myrrh powder'd, two Drams ofSal Saturni, twenty Grains ofSal Ammoniack, the same quantity of beaten Cloves, a Dram of Queen ofHungaryWater and half an Ounce ofUnguentum Basilicon, and let the whole Mass be mingled together.
In fine, the whole Mystery consists in well cleansing the Wounds with a Linnen Cloth, or with the Injections of the Tinctures of Myrrh and Aloes; or with simple Decoctions of Wormwood,Scordiumor Water-Germander, Bugle, Sanicle and Hore-Hound in White-Wine; as also by prescribing the Vulnerary Decoctions of Powder of Crab's-Eyes, andSaccharum Saturni, to be taken inwardly, to consume the acid Humours, which are a very great Obstacle that hinders the speedy cure of Wounds.
What are the Vulnerary Plants, the Decoctions of which is to be taken inwardly?
They areAlchymillaor Lion's-Foot, Ground-Ivy,Veronicaor Fluellin, St.John's-Wort, Wormwood, Centory, Bugle, Sanicle, Chervil, and others. The Broth of Crabs may also be prescrib'd, which is an excellent Remedy, and may serve instead of a Vulnerary Potion.
Sometimes Sutures or Stitches contribute very much to the re-uniting of the Lips of Wounds, when they cannot be join'd by Bandage.
What ought first to be consider'd in a Wound of the Head?
Two things, that is to say, the Wound it self, and the Instrument with which it was made; for by the Consideration of the Wound, we may know whether it be Superficial or Deep; and by that of the Instrument, we are enabled to make a truer Judgment concerning the Nature of the same Wound.
What is a Superficial, and what is a Deep Wound in the Head?
That is call'd a Superficial Wound in the Head, which lies only in the Skin; and that a Deep one which reacheth to thePericranium, Skull, or Substance of the Brain.
What is to be apply'd to a Superficial Wound?
It is cur'd with a little Queen ofHungaryWater; or else with a little Balsam, laying upon it the Surgeon's Plaister, or that of Betony. But if the Wound or Rent be somewhat large, it must be clos'd with a Stitch.
What is to be done to a Deep Wound?
If it be situated in thePericranium, the Wound must be kept open, waiting for Suppuration; but if it enter the Skull, an Enquiry is to be made, whether there be a Simple Contusion, or a Fracture also. In the Contusion it is necessary to wait for the Suppuration, and thefall of the Splint, and to keep the Wound open; as in the Fracture, to examine whether it be in the first Table only, or in both; it is known to be only in the first, by the Application of an Instrument, and of Ink, as also in regard that there are no ill Symptoms; but a Fracture in both Tables shews it self by the Signs; and it may be found out by making a Crucial Incision in the Flesh, to discover the Fissure.
What are the Signs of the Fracture of the two Tables of the Skull, and of the overflowing of the Blood upon the Membranes of the Brain?
They are the loss of the Understanding at the very Moment of receiving the Wound; an Hæmorrhage or Flux of Blood thro' the Nose, Mouth, or Ears; drowsiness and heaviness of the Head, and more especially Vomitting of Phlegm; from whence may be inferr'd the necessity of making use of the Trepan.
What Consequence may be drawn from the Knowledge of the Instrument with which the Wound was made?
It is according to the Quality of this Instrument; as it is proper to cut, prick, or bruise; if it be cutting, the Wound is more Superficial, and not subject to a great Suppuration: If it be pricking, the Wound is deeper, but of small Moment: If it be a battering or bruising Instrument, the Wound is accompany'd with Contusion, producing a great Suppuration, besides the Concussion and Commotion of the Part, which are inseparable, and often cause very dangerous Symptoms.
Inferences may be made also from the disposition of the wounded Person; for a strong robust Man may better bear the Stroke than a weak one; and even Anger causeth an Augmentation of Vehemency; so that all such Circumstances are not to be despis'd, in regard that they give occasion to profitable Conjectures.
What particular Circumstance is there to be observ'd in undertaking the Cure of Wounds in the Face?
It is, that a more nice Circumspection is requir'd here than elsewhere, in abstaining from Incisions, as well as in making choice of proper Medicines, which must be free from noisome Smells; and it is in this Part chiefly that Balsams are to be used, avoiding Suppuration, to prevent Scars and other Deformities.
What is to be observ'd in Wounds of the Breast?
Two things,viz.whether they penetrate into the Cavity of theThoraxor not, which may be discover'd by the Probe, and by a Wax-Candle lighted, and apply'd to the Entrance of the Wound, obliging the Patient to return to the same Posture wherein he receiv'd the Hurt, as also to keep his Nose and Mouth shut: For then the Flame may be perceiv'd to be wavering, the Orifice of the Opening being full ofBubbles; a Judgment may be also made from the running out of the Blood.
What is to be done when it is certainly known that the Wound penetrates into the Cavity of the Breast?
It is necessary to examine what Part may be hurt, by considering the situation of the Wound, and its Symptoms: If the Lungs are pierc'd, a spitting of froathy Vermilion-colour'd Blood ensues, with difficulty of Respiration, and a Cough. If any of the great Vessels are open'd, the wounded Person feels a Weight at the bottom of his Breast, is seiz'd with cold Sweats, being scarce able to fetch his Breath, and Vomits Blood, some Portion whereof issueth out of the Wound. If theDiaphragmor Midriff be cut in its Tendinous Part, he is suddenly hurry'd into Convulsions: And if the Heart be wounded either in itsBasisor Ventricles, he falls into a Swoon, and dies incontinently.
But if the Probe doth not enter, and none of the above-mentiond Symptoms appear, it may be taken for granted that the Wound is of no great Consequence.
What is to be done when the Wound penetrates into the Chest, yet none of the Parts are hurt, only there is an Effusion of Blood over theDiaphragm?
It is necessary to make anEmpyema, or otherwise the diffus'd Blood in corrupting, wou'd inevitably cause an Inflammation, Gangrene, and Death it self.
What is anEmpyema?
It is an Operation whereby any sorts of Matter are discharg'd with which the Diaphragm is over-spread, by making a Puncture or Opening in the Breast.
What is to be done to know the quality of a Wound made in the lower Belly?
It is requisite to make use of the Probe, to observe the situation of the Wound, and to take notice of all the Symptoms: For by the help of the Probe, one may discover whether it hath penetrated into the Cavity or not, after having enjoyn'd the Patient to betake himself to the same Posture wherein he was when he first receiv'd the Wound: By its situation a Conjecture may be made that such a particular Part may be hurt; and by a due Examination of the Symptoms, one may attain to an exact Knowledge. As for Example; It is known that one of the thick Guts is open'd, when the Hurt is found in theHypogastrium, and the Excrements are voided at the Wound; as it is certain that one of the thin Guts is pierc'd, when the Wound appears in the Navel, and the Chyle issueth forth from thence; and so of the others.
What Method ought to be observ'd in curing Wounds in the lower Belly?
It is expedient at first to prevent letting in the Air, and to dilate the Wound, in order to sow up the perforated Gut, and afterward torestore it to its place; as also to bind the Caul, which is let out at the opening, and to cut it off, lest in putrifying it should corrupt the neighbouring Parts. Then these Parts may be bath'd with Lees of Wine, wherein have been boil'd the Flowers of Camomile and Roses with Wormwood: The Powders of Aloes, Myrrh, and Frankincense may be also thrown upon 'em; and the Wound must be sow'd up again to dress it on the outside, the Patient in the mean time being restrain'd to a regular Diet. But Clysters must be forborn on these Occasions, especially when one of the thick Guts is wounded, making use rather of a Suppository or laxative Diet-Drinks, to avoid dilation and straining.
These Wounds are always bruis'd and torn, with the loss of Substance, and commonly with the splitting and breaking of a Bone: They are red, black, livid, and inflam'd, not being usually accompany'd with an Hæmorrhage: They are generally round, and streighter at their Entrance than at their End; at least if they were not made with Cross-Bar-Shot, or Quarter-Pieces.
When these Wounds penetrate into the Substance of the Brain, or Marrow of the Back-Bone, or into the Heart,Pericardium, great Vessels, and other noble Parts, Death always inevitably follows, and often happens at the very Instant. But one may undertake the Cure of those that are superficial, and which are made in the Neck, Shoulders, Arms, and all other parts of the Body.
For the better curing of these sorts of Wounds, it is requisite to be inform'd of the Quality of the Fire-Arms by which the Wounds were made, in regard that a Musquet is more dangerous than a Pistol, and a Cannon much more than a Musquet; as also to examine their situation and concomitant Accidents; for by how much the more complicated they are, so much the greater is the danger. Then the Patient must be set (as near as can be) in the very same Situation and Posture wherein he remain'd when the Wound was receiv'd, in order to discover the direct Passage of the Wound by the help of the Probe, with which a search is to be made, whether a Bullet, or any other extraneous Bodies, as Wood, Flocks, Linnen, or Stuff as yet stick in the Wound; so that Endeavours may be us'd to take 'em out thro' the same Hole where they enter'd, care being more especially had to avoid makingDilacerations in drawing 'em out: But if the Operator hath endeavour'd to no purpose to remove these extraneous Bodies, let him make a Counter-Opening in the opposite Part, where he shall perceive any hardness, nevertheless without touching the Vessels; thus the Incision being made, he may readily draw 'em out with his Fingers, or some other Instrument.
If the Bullet sticks so far in a Bone that it cannot be taken away without breaking the same Bone, it is more expedient to let it lie therein; but if the Leg or Arm-Bones are very much split or shattered, then the Amputation of 'em becomes absolutely necessary. The Pain and Inflammation of the Part may be asswag'd by letting Blood, topical Anodyns, cooling Clysters and Purgations; but in case much Blood hath been already lost, Phlebotomy must be omitted. The Clysters may be made with Decoctions of Mercury, Mallows, Beets, a Handful of Barley and Honey of Roses.
Some Surgeons are of Opinion that the Patient ought to be purg'd every other Day, and even on the very same Day that he receiv'd the Wound, if his Strength will permit; however very gentle Purges are to be us'd upon this occasion, such as Cassia, Manna, Tamarins, Syrrup of Violets, and that of White Roses.
In the mean while Anodyns may be compounded to mitigate the Pain; as Cataplasms or Pultisses made with the Crum of white Bread, Milk, Saffron, the Yolk of an Egg, and Oil of Roses us'd hot; which last Ingredient is of it self a very good Anodyn. But to asswage great Inflammations, Oil ofRoses, the White of an Egg and Vinegar beaten all together, may be laid on the neighbouring Parts.
At first it is necessary to apply spirituous Medicines to the Wound, and Pledgets steep'd in camphirated Brandy, are admirable for that purpose; but if there be a Flux of Blood, styptick Waters, or other astringent Remedies may be us'd, still remembring that all these Medicaments must be apply'd hot.
To promote the Suppuration of these contused Wounds, a Digestive may be made ofOleum Rosatum, the Yolk of an Egg, andVeniceTurpentine.
If the Wound be in the Nerves, Tendons, or other Nervous Parts, it is requisite to use spirituous and drying Medicines, never applying any Ointments, which will not fail to cause Purtrefaction in those Parts: But a Cataplasm may be made with Barley-Meal,Orobus, Lupins and Lentils boil'd in Claret, adding some Oil of St.John's-Wort.
The Balsam ofPeru, Oil of Turpentine destill'd, Oil of Wax, destill'd Oil of Lavender,Oleum Philosophorum, Oil of Bays destill'd, Balsam of St.John's-Wort, Spirit of Wine, and GumElemi, are excellent Medicaments for the Nerves: Or else,
Take four Ounces ofUnguentum Althææwith a Dram and a half of destill'd Bays; mingle the whole Composition, and apply it: Or else,
Take an Ounce of destill'd Oil of Turpentine, a Dram of Spirit of Wine, and half an Ounce of Camphire; let all be intermixt, and dropt into the Wound: Or else,
Take a Scruple ofEuphorbium, half an Ounce ofColophonia, and a little Wax; let 'em be mingl'd together, and apply'd very hot to the Nervous Parts.
If the Wounds are deep, Injections may be made with this Vulnerary Water, which is very good for all sorts of Contusions, as also for the Gangrene and Ulcers.
Take the lesser Sage, the greater Comfrey, and Mugwort, of each four Handfuls; Plantane, Tobacco, Meadowsweet, Betony, Agrimony, Vervein, St.John's-Wort, and Wormwood, of each three Handfuls; Fennel, Pilewort Bugle, Sanicle, Mouse-Ear, the lesser Dazy, the lesser Centory, and All-heal, of each three Handfuls; three Ounces of round Birth-Wort, and two Ounces of long: Let the whole Composition be digested during thirty Hours, in two Gallons of good White-Wine, and afterward destill'd inBalneo Mariæ, till one third part be consumed.
If a Gangrene happens in the Part, Spirit of Mother-Wort may be put into it, which is compounded with two Drams of Mastick, Myrrh,Olibanum, and Amber, and a Quart of rectify'd Wine, the whole being destill'd.
This Fomentation may be apply'd very hot to very good purpose,viz.an equal quantity of Camphirated Wine and Lime-Water, with three Drams of Camphire.
This is also an excellent Cataplasm: Take a Pint of Lye, and as much Spirit of Wine, half an Handful of Rue, Sage,Scordium, and Wormwood, a Dram of each of the Roots of both sorts of Birth-Wort, and two Drams ofSal Ammoniack. Let the whole Composition be boil'd till a third Part be consum'd; adding half a Dram of Myrrh and Aloes, and a little Brandy.