A simple Bolster dipt in a convenient Liquor is at first apply'd, and three Bands three Fingers broad are prepar'd, the first being two Ells long, the second three, and the third three and a half. Three very streight Circumvolutions are to be made upon the Fracture; the Band is also to be carry'd up with Rollers, and stay'd above the Knee. The Application of the second Band is to be begun upon the Fracture with two Circumvolutions; it is to be brought down with Rollers, to pass under the Foot, afterward carry'd up again, and stay'd where it is terminated. The Leg is to be fill'd with a Bolster thicker at the bottom than at the top; and then are to be laid on the four longitudinal Bolsters, two Fingers broad, and as long as the Leg; to which are to be apply'd the Splints of a plyable and thin Wood: These are wrapt up with a simple Bolster, and strengthen'd with the third Band, which is apply'd indifferently either at the top or bottom, opposite to the former; so that it is carry'd up or else down in making Rollers, and stay'd at its end. The whole Contexture is to be encompass'd with large Paste-boards made round at the Ends, which are not to cross one another,but must be streighter at the bottom than at the top, and are to be ty'd with three Ribbands or pieces of Tape, beginning at the middle; so that the Knots be ty'd on the outside. Afterward the Leg is to be put into the Scarves, and the Heel is to be supported with a Linnen-Roll, to which are fasten'd two Ribbands that are ty'd upon the Scarves: These Rolls are made with a small piece of Cloth, which is doubl'd, and roll'd up with the ends, in which is contain'd some Straw, and a little Stick in the middle, to consolidate 'em. The Foot is supported with a Paste-board or Wooden Sole, trimm'd with a Bolster, or small Quilt sow'd over it. Divers Strings are also fasten'd to the middle of the sides of the Sole or Pump, which are cross'd to be joyn'd to the Scarves; and another is fixt at the end of the Sole, which is ty'd to a Ribband that binds the middle of the Scarf. These Scarves are likewise fasten'd with three Ribbands, beginning with that in the middle, the Knots being without, and trimm'd with four Bolsters, that is to say, two on each side, to fill up the Cavities that are below the Knee, and above the Ankle. Lastly, the Leg is to be plac'd somewhat high, and a Cradle to be laid upon it, to keep off the Bed-Cloaths, the Scarves passing over the Knee and Foot.
Of the Arms, Legs, and Thighs is prepar'd with a Bandage having Eighteen Heads or Ends, in order to make which, a Linnen-Cloth is tobe taken of the length of the Part, and broad enough to cause it to be cross'd thereby: It is to be folded into three doubles, and cut in three places on each side, leaving the middle plain; so that eighteen Heads or small Bands are form'd, every one of which will be four fingers broad, the upper Heads being a little shorter than the lower. This Band of eighteen Heads is to be laid upon the Scarves, and a Bolster is to be apply'd to it four Fingers broad, as long as the Scarves. The Leg is laid upon this Bolster, and it hinders the corrupt Matter from falling on the Bandage.
When the Wound hath been dress'd, the fracture is to be incontinently surrounded with one of the Heads, which ought to cross one another: Then after the Leg hath been bound with the first Heads, two Longitudinal Bolsters are to be apply'd to the side of it; and the other Heads are to be rais'd up, with all the rest of the Dressing, which hath been describ'd in the simple Fracture.
The Reduction of the Bone of the Foot is perform'd after the same manner as that of the Hand.
Are made with a Band roll'd with two Heads, being three Ells long, and two Fingers broad: The Application of it is begun with a Circumvolution above the Ankles; it is pass'd on the Foot, and in like manner makes a Circumvolution round it: Afterward the same Band is cross'd over theMetatarsus, upon which are made some Folds in form of aRhombusor Diamond; as also on the Toes, and it is stay'd above the Ankle-Bone; or else it is carry'd up along the Leg, to be stay'd above the Knee. This Bandage serves for all Fractures of the Bones of the Foot, and is call'd theSandal.
The Bones of the Nose may be separated from that of the Fore-head by a Fall, or some violent Blow; and the Surgeon in order to set 'em, at first lays his Thumb upon the Root of the Nose, and then he introduceth a little Stick trimm'd with Cotton, into the Nostrils, and by the means thereof thrusts back the Bones into their place.
Are the same with those that have been already describ'd in the Fracture of the Bones of the Nose.
The Jaw may be luxated either on both sides, or only on one. When the Dislocation happens on both sides, it hangs over theSternumor Breast-Bone, and the Spittle runs abundantly out of the Mouth: To reduce it, the Patient must sit down, and his Head is to be supported by a Servant; then the Operator or Surgeon having wrapt up his two Thumbs, puts 'em into the Mouth upon the Molar Teeth, his other Fingers lying under the Jaw, which is to be drawn down by raising it up, having before set two small Wooden Wedges upon the two Molar Teeth on both sides of the Jaw, lest the Surgeon's Fingers shou'd be hurt, as the Bone is returning to its place.
If the Luxation be forward, a Band or Strap is to be put under the Chin, an Assistant having his Knees upon the Patient's Shoulders, where he is to draw the Strap upward, to facilitate the Extension; which the Surgeon makes with his Hands, at the same time thrusting the Bone back again into its place.
When the Jaw is luxated only on one side, the Chin stands a-cross, and the dislocated side is squash'd down, a small Cavity being perceiv'd in it, and a Rising on the other side; so that the Mouth cannot be shut close, butremainssomewhat open, the lower Teeth appear farther out than the upper; and the Canine or Dog-Teeth lie under the Incisive. This Luxation is reduc'd by giving a blow with the Hand upon the luxated Bone, which is sufficient to cause it to re-enter its Natural Place.
Are altogether the same with those us'd in the Fracture of the Bones of the lower Jaw.
TheClavicleis oftner loosen'd from theAcromionthan from theSternum; when it hath left the former the Arm cannot be lifted up; theAcromionmakes a Prominence, and the Clavicle descends downward, a Cavity appearing in its place. To reduce this Luxation, the Patient is to be laid upon some Convex Body put between his Shoulders; both which are to be press'd backward, to raise up the Clavicle: Afterward he is to be set in a Chair, that his Arm may be drawn backward, whilst theSurgeon is employ'd in pressing the Clavicle andAcromion, to join 'em together.
Are the same with those that we have already shewn, in treating of the Fracture of the Clavicle.
In the Luxation of theVertebra's of the Neck, the Head stands to one side, and the Face is swell'd and livid, with a difficulty of Respiration.
To reduce this Dislocation, the Patient is to be set upon a low Seat, an Assistant leaning on his Shoulders, to keep his Body steady, whilst the Surgeon or Operator draws his Head upward, and turns it from one side to another: Then if the Accidents or Symptoms cease, the Cure is perform'd; so that Fomentations may be apply'd to the Part; and the Patient being laid in his Bed, must take care to avoid moving his Head.
When theVertebra's of the Back or Loins are luxated on the inside, a sinking of the Bone is soon perceiv'd; whereupon the Patient being laid on his Belly, the Extension is to be made with Napkins pass'd under the Arm-Pits, and upon theOs Ileum, whilst the Surgeon witha strong Extension makes some Efforts on the Spine, endeavouring to draw back theVertebra. If that be not sufficient, an Incision is to be made upon theApophysis Spinosaof theVertebra; so that after having laid open this Process of the Bone, it may be taken out with a Pair ofForceps. Then the Wound is to be dress'd with Pledgets, a Plaister, and a Napkin, which must not be bound too close, for fear of pushing back the Spine.
When theVertebrais luxated on the outside, a Prominence appears; so that to reduce this Dislocation, the Extension is to be made as before, the Patient lying in like manner upon his Belly; but in order to push back theVertebra, two little Sticks trimm'd with Linnen-Cloth are to be prepar'd, and laid along the two sides of the Spine of theVertebra; yet these Sticks ought to be thick enough to remain more elevated than theApophysis Spinosa; and a large wooden Roller is to be often roll'd upon 'em, which by its turning backward and forward, may thrust theVertebra's inward; so that when all theVertebra's are of an equal height, the Reduction is finish'd. If theVertebra's are luxated on the side, the same Extensions are to be made, and the Prominence is to be push'd, to re-establish theVertebrain its place.
The Dressing is prepar'd by laying two thin Plates of Lead on each side of the Spinous Process of theVertebra, to maintain it in its Place, and a long Bolster over 'em. Theproper Bandage is theQuadriga, which hath been before describ'd, in treating of the Fractures of the Breast-Bone.
If theCoccyxbe sunk on the inside, it is to be rais'd with the Fore-finger of the Right-hand put into theAnus; and if the Luxation be on the outside, it may be gently thrust back again. An Account of its proper Dressing and Bandage hath been already given in the Fracture of theCoccyx.
TheBunchis nothing else but an exterior Luxation of theVertebra's, and for the Cure thereof, it wou'd be requisitetokeep Emollients for a long time upon theVertebra's, to loosen the Ligaments, and to wear Iron-Bodice; which in compressing theVertebra's by little and little, might perhaps drive 'em back into their Natural Place.
The Ribs are luxated either on the outside, or on the inside: If they be dislocated on the inside, a Cavity is perceiv'd near theVertebra's, the Patient drawing his Breath with Pain, and not being able to bend his Body.
When the Luxation is on the outside, and happens in the upper Ribs, the Patient's Hands are to be hoisted upon the top of a Door, to raise up the Ribs, whilst the Surgeon presseth the Prominence of the Rib to restore it to its place.
When the lower Ribs are luxated, the Patient must be oblig'd to stoop, laying his Hands upon his Knees, and the Prominence of the Bone is to be thrust back.
If a Rib be luxated on the inside, an Incision is to be made to draw it out with the Fingers.
Are the same with those that are us'd in the Fracture of the Ribs.
To raise up theXiphoidCartilage, it must be fomented before for some time with Oil of Turpentine, or other Fomentations, made with Aromaticks; then the Patient is to be laid upon his Back, with a Convex Body underneath, and the Shoulders, and Sides of the Breast are to be press'd, to lift up the Cartilage. When this Operation is not sufficient, dry Cupping-Glasses are usually apply'd, till the Part be elevated, and a strengthening Plaister is afterward laid upon it.
The Head of theHumerusgenerally falls under the Arm-Pit, so that the luxated Arm becomes longer than the other, theAcromionappears pointed on the outside; the Elbow starts from the Ribs, and cannot be mov'd without great Pain. To reduce this Bone, thePatient is to be set upon a low Seat, or else on the Ground, whilst some Person supports his Body with a Napkin: In the mean time the Surgeon is to lay hold on the upper-part of theHumerus, a Servant kneeling behind him, who is to hold the Patient's Arm above the Elbow, which is to pass between the Surgeon's Legs, and is to be drawn down by the Assistant as much as is possible, whilst the Surgeon in like manner draws the Arm, to remove the Head of the Bone out of the place where it was stopt; insomuch that the Bone sometimes makes a Noise in re-entring its Cavity.
Or else the Patient's Arm may be laid upon the Shoulder of a taller Man than himself, who is strongly to draw the luxated Arm upon the Fore-part of his Breast; during which time, the Operator is to push the Head of theHumerus, to cause it to re-enter its Cavity.
Otherwise the Patient may lie on the Ground, a Tennis-Ball being put under his Arm-Pit, which a Servant is to draw strongly with a Handkerchief pass'd under the Shoulder, whilst another Assistant stands behind the Patient, to thrust down the Shoulder with his Foot; at the same time the Surgeon sitting between the Patient's Legs, is to push strongly with his Heel the Ball that lies under the Arm-hole.
Or else, a thick Battoon or Leaver may be laid on the Shoulders of two Men, after a Tennis-Ball hath been nail'd on the middle of it; otherwise a Bunch may be made therein, and cover'd with Linnen-Cloth; two Wooden Pins being also fixt on each side of the Ball:Then the Patient's Arm-Pit is to be set between those two Pins, and upon the Ball, where he is to remain hanging, whilst his Arm is pull'd down by main force. The same thing may be done by laying the Patient's Arm-Pit upon a Door, or else upon the Round of a Ladder.
A little Ball of Linnen is to be laid under the Arm-Pit, and underneath a Bolster with four Heads, which are cross'd upon the Shoulder; as also a Bolster under the sound Arm-Hole, that it may not be gall'd by the BandageSpica, the Nature of which we have shewn in treating of the Fracture of the Clavicle.
When the Elbow is luxated on the inside, the Arm flies out, and the Hand is turn'd outward; but in the Luxation on the outside, the Arm is shortned: If the Luxation be Lateral, a Prominence appears in the Dislocated, and a Cavity in the opposite Part.
To reduce the Internal Luxation, theHumerusandCubitusare drawn, and at the same time the Surgeon bends the Elbow, by carryingthe Hand toward the Shoulder; or else a Tennis-Ball may be laid in the Fold of the Elbow, and the Arm drawn toward the Shoulder.
For the External Luxation, the Extension is to be made, whilst the Surgeon thrusts back the Elbow into its place: Or else a round Stick may be taken, and trimm'd with Linnen-Cloth, with which the Bone is to be push'd back into its place during the Extension. This Stick may be also us'd in the reducing of the Internal Luxation.
For the Lateral Luxations, the Extension may be made in like manner; the Surgeon at the same time thrusting back the Bone into its Natural Situation.
Is made with a Band five Ells long, and two Fingers broad, roll'd with one Ball: The Application of it is begun with a Circumvolution at the lower part of theHumerus, it is pass'd over the Fold of the Arm; a Circumvolution is also form'd in the upper-part of the Elbow, and the Figure of KY in its Fold. Afterward the Rollers are continu'd upon the Elbow, and the KY's in the inside of the Arm, till the Elbow be entirely cover'd: The Band is likewise carry'd up to the top of the Arm with Rollers, and stay'd round about the Body. The Patient must be oblig'd to keep his Bed, or else his Arm may be put in a Scarf, after the same manner as in the Fracture of the Arm.
If the Luxation be Internal, the Hand is turn'd back to the outside, so that for the Reduction thereof, it wou'd be requisite to cause the back of the Hand to be laid upon a Table, and the Extension to be made by drawing the Elbow and Hand, whilst the Surgeon takes care to press the Prominence.
If the Luxation be External, the Hand is bended on the inside; so that to reduce it, the inside of the Hand is to be laid upon a Table, and the Surgeon is to press it after the Extension.
If the Luxation be on the sides, the Hand is turn'd to one side; so that the Extension must be made, and the Hand turn'd on the side opposite to the Luxation. But the Fingers are usually drawn one after another, to the end that the Tendons may be set again in their Place.
The eight Bones of theCarpusmay be in like manner dislocated both on the inside and without; and to set 'em right, the Hand is to be laid upon a Table, and the Extension to be made, so as to press the Protuberances on the inside, if the Luxation be internal, and on the outside if it be external.
Is prepar'd with a Band six Ells long, and two Fingers broad; so that three Circumvolutions may be made upon the Luxation; as also divers Rollers in passing thro' the inside of the Hand between the Thumb and the Forefinger, and in forming the Figure of KY upon the Thumb, after having made many Rollers upon the Wrist. Two Pieces of Paste-board are also to be laid on the sides of the Wrist, which are bound with the same Band in making Rollers; and the Hand is to be trimm'd with a Linnen-Ball, to keep the Fingers in their mean Situation. Then the Band is to be pass'd above, to strengthen it, and carry'd up with Rollers along the whole length of the Elbow, to be stay'd below the same Elbow.
If the Fingers be luxated, it is necessary to make an Extension to reduce 'em, and afterward to use the following
If the Luxation be in the first Articulation or Joint, the BandageSpicais to be apply'd, being made of a Band roll'd with one Head, anEll long, and an Inch broad: It is begun with Circumvolutions round about the Wrist, and brought over the Luxation in passing between the Fingers. These Circumvolutions are also continu'd to form aSpicaupon the Luxation; and the Band is stay'd at the Wrist.
If all the firstPhalangeswere dislocated, it wou'd be requisite to make as many upon everyPhalanx, and with the same Band: This sort of Bandage is call'd theDemi-Gantlet.
The Luxation which most commonly happens in this Part, is the Internal; so that a Protuberance appears on the Hole of theOs Pubis; the indispos'd Leg is longer than the other, and the Knee and Foot turn outward; neither can the Thigh be any longer bended, nor drawn near the other.
If the Luxation be External, the Leg becomes shorter than the other, the Knee and Foot turning inward, and the Heel to the outside.
When the Luxation is on the fore-part, a Tumour ariseth in the Groin, so that the Patient cannot draw this Thigh toward the other, nor bend the Leg; his Body resting only upon the Heel.
If the Luxation be Posterior, a Tumour is felt in the Buttocks with great Pain, and the Legg is shorter than it ought to be: There also appears a sinking in the Groin, the Leg is lifted off from the Ground, and the hurt Person is apt to fall backward.
To reduce the Internal Luxation, the Patient is to be laid with his Back upon a Table, to which is fixt a thick Wooden Pin, about a Foot long, which is to be set between his Thighs, to detain his Body when his Legs are drawn down; then a Strap is to be pass'd above the joynt of the Thigh, to draw theIschionupward; and the Thigh is to be drawn down with another Strap fasten'd above the Knee: In the mean while the Surgeon thrusts the Thigh upward, to cause it to re-enter its Cavity, the Straps being somewhat loosen'd in the time of the Reduction to facilitate the Operation.
To reduce the External Luxation, the Patient is to be laid upon his Belly; and the drawing to be perform'd after the same manner as we have even now shewn, whilst the Thigh is thrust from the outside inward, to cause the bone to re-enter its Cavity.
In reducing the Anterior Luxation, the hurt Person is to be laid upon the side opposite to the Luxation, and Extensions are to be made, by drawing both upward and down-ward, as before: Then the Head of the Bone is to be forc'd, by the means of a Ball thrust strongly with the Knee, in drawing the luxated leg toward the other.
The Posterior Luxation is thus reduc'd; The Patient being laid upon his Belly, the double Extension is to be made, and his Knee drawn outward, to set the Bone in its place. After the Operation hath been perform'd, a Bolster is to be apply'd, steept in Spirituous Medicaments; and the Bandage call'dSpica, of which we have given an Account in treating of the Luxation of the Shoulder.
When theTibiais luxated behind, its Prominences are in the Cavity of the Ham, and the Leg flies off, or is bended. If the sameTibiabe dislocated on the side, a kind of Tumour appears in the luxated side, and a Sinking in the opposite. But if theCondylusof theTibiaremains in the inside, the Leg turns outward; and if it be in the outside, it turns inward.
The Posterior Luxation is reduc'd by obliging the Patient to lie upon his Belly, whilst the Surgeon during the Extensions bends the Leg, in drawing the Heel toward the top of the Thigh.
If theTibiabe luxated on the side, the usual Extensions are to be made, and the Bone is to be push'd with the Knee.
If the Luxation were in the fore-part, it wou'd be requisite to lay the Patient upon his Back, to make the Extensions, by drawing the Thigh and Leg; and to press the protuberant Parts.
Is prepar'd with a Band three Ells long, and two Fingers broad, roll'd with two Balls: A Circumvolution being at first made above the Knee, the Figure KY is form'd underneath, and a Circumvolution above it; then the Band is carry'd up again over the Knee, in making Rollers and KY's underneath, till the Knee be entirely cover'd.
The Knee-Pan is luxated by starting upward; and to reduce it, the Patient's Leg is to be held streight, whilst it is thrust back into its place with the Hands. Then he must be oblig'd to keep his Bed; and the same Bandage is to be apply'd with that which hath been describ'd for the Luxation of the Knee.
If thePeroneorFibulabe remov'd from theTibia, the sides of the Foot are to be press'd, to draw it back again; and it may be kept closewith the Bandage which is appropriated to the Fractures of theTarsus.
TheAstragalusmay be also luxated in the fore-part; so that the Operator ought to thrust it back into its place, and to make use of the Bandage which we have prepar'd for the Fracture of the Foot.
TheCalcaneumsometimes flies off from theAstragalusboth in the inside and without; and the Bones of theTarsus,Metatarsus, and Toes are likewise apt to be luxated. But a little Circumspection is only requisite to reduce all these Dislocations.
Take two Pounds of the Suet of a He-Goat,VeniceTurpentine and GumElemi, a Pound and a half of each; and of Hogs-Lard one Pound. After the GumElemi, being cut into small Pieces, hath been melted over a very gentle Fire, add to it the Turpentine, Goats-Suet, andSwines-Grease; and when all these Ingredients are well dissolv'd, strain the Liquor thro' a new Linnen-Cloth, to separate the Scum and Dregs from it; then let the whole Mass cool, and the Balsam is made.
This Balsam serves to incarnate and consolidate all sorts of Wounds and Ulcers: It is likewise us'd in Fractures and Dislocations of the Bones; as also to cure the Contusions and Wounds of the Nerves.
Take pure Wheat, the Roots of Valerian andCarduus Benedictus, of each one Ounce, and beat 'em well in a Mortar with a Pint of White-Wine; strain the whole Composition into an Earthen Vessel Leaded, having a narrow Mouth; stop up the Vessel, and set it upon hot Embers during twenty four Hours: Then add six Ounces, of St.John's Wort; set the whole Mass inBalneo Mariæ, till the Wine be consum'd and let it be strain'd and squeez'd. Afterward add two Ounces of Frankincense well pulveriz'd, with eight Ounces ofVeniceTurpentine, mixing 'em together over a gentle Fire, and the Balsam will be made.
This is the Balsam which was always us'd byHieronymus Fabritius ab Aguapendente, a notedItalianSurgeon, and is excellent for all kinds of Wounds, even for the Nervous, which (as it is avouch'd by some Persons) may be cur'd by it within the space of twenty four Hours. But the Wound must be at first wash'd with good White-Wine cold, and afterward anointedwith this Balsam well heated. If the Wound be deep, it may be syringed with the same Balsam very hot, and the sides of it anointed when drawn together. Then a Bolster steep'd in the Balsam is to be apply'd to the Part, and upon that another Bolster soakt in the Lees of Wine; as also over this last another drie Bolster.
Take Linseed-Oil and that of Olives, of each one Pint; one Ounce of Oil of Bays; two Ounces ofVeniceTurpentine, half an Ounce of the destill'd Oil of Juniper-Berries, three Drams of Verdegrease, two Drams of Sucotrin Aloes, two Drams and a half of White Vitriol, and one of the Oil of Cloves.
Having made choice of the best Olive and Linseed-Oil well purify'd and mingl'd together in a Skillet or Pan over a very gentle Fire, let the Turpentine and Oil of Bays be incorporated in it; then having taken off the Pan from the Fire, and left the Liquor to be well cool'd, let it be intermixt by little and little with the Verdegrease, the White Vitriol, and the Sucotrin Aloes beaten to fine Powder: Afterward the destill'd Oils of Cloves and Juniper-Berries being added, and the whole Composition well mingl'd together, the Balsam will be entirely compounded according to Art.
This is the Balsam that hath been so much talkt of atParis, and which many Quack-Salvers, pretending to the Art of Physick and Surgery, keep as a great Secret. Indeed it is very good for all sorts of Wounds, whether theybe made by the Sword, or other Iron Weapons, or by Gun-shot. But it wou'd be requisite at first to wash the Wound with warm Wine, then to anoint it with this Balsam very hot, and to apply Bolsters that have been steept in it, as also a large Bolster over the other, dipt in some Styptick Liquor. This Balsam mundifies, incarnates, and cicatrizes Wounds; being likewise good against the Bitings of venomous Beasts, and fistulous and malignant Ulcers.
Take an equal quantity of common Oil and good Wine; boil 'em together in a glaz'd Earthen Vessel, till the Wine be wholly consum'd, and the Balsam will be made. I have produc'd this Balsam in particular, by reason of its simplicity, and in regard that it may be readily prepar'd at all times. It serves to mundifie and consolidate simple Wounds more especially those that are recent.
Take of the Roots ofAlthæaor Marsh-Mallows, six Ounces, the Seeds of Line, and Fenugreek, and Squills, of each four Ounces; of yellow Wax one Pound; Colophony and Rosin, of each one Pound;VeniceTurpentine,Galbanum, and GumHederæpulveriz'd, two Ounces of each. The Marsh-Mallow-Roots being newly gather'd, are to be well wash'd and slic'd, as well as the Squills. After they have been put into a Copper-Pan or Skillet, tinn'd over on the inside, together with the Seeds of Line and Fenugreek, and a Gallon of fair Water pour'd upon 'em, the whole Mass is to be macerated during twenty four Hours, over a very gentle Fire, stirring the Ingredients from time to time with a WoodenSpatula: Thus they are to be boil'd slowly, often reiterating the stirring, till the Mucilages are sufficiently thicken'd; then, after having well squeez'd and strain'd 'em thro' a strong and very close Cloth, and mingl'd 'em with the prepar'd Oil, they are to be boil'd together again over a very gentle Fire, till the Superfluous Moisture of the Mucilages be whollyconsum'd: Afterward having strain'd the Oil again, the yellow Wax, Colophony, and Rosin cut into small pieces, are to be melted in it; and if any Dregs appear at the bottom of the Pan, when the whole Mass is dissolv'd, it is to be strain'd a-new, or at least the pure Liquor must be separated from the gross or impure by Inclination, whilst it is as yet very hot: The Ointment is to be stirr'd about with a Wooden Pestle; and when it begins to grow thick, you may add the Turpentine, theGalbanumpurify'd and thicken'd, and the GumHederæbeaten to fine Powder, all which Ingredients were before incorporated together. Then the Ointment is to be continually stirr'd, till it be altogether grown cold.
This Ointment serves to moisten, mollifie, and heat gently; it also allayes the Pains of the Side, and softens Tumours, particularly theParotides. It may be us'd either alone, or with other Ointments or Oils.
Take three handfuls of Smallage-Leaves; with Ground-Ivy, great Wormwood, great Centory, Germander, Sage, St.John's-Wort, Plantain, Milfoil or Yarrow, Perewinkle, the greater Comfrey, the lesser Comfrey, Betony, Honey-suckle, Fluellin, Vervein, Knot-Grass, Adders-Tongue, and Burnet, of every one of these Plants two handfuls; a Gallon of common Oil, white Pitch, Mutton-Suet, yellow Wax, and Turpentine, of each two Pounds.
Bruise all these Herbs in a Marble-Mortar; let the Wax, white Pitch, and Mutton-Suet cut into pieces, as also the Turpentine be melted in the Oil, in a Copper-Pan lin'd with Tin, over a moderate Fire; put the bruis'd Herbs in it, and cause the whole Mass to simmer together very slowly, stirring it about from time to time with a WoodenSpatula. As soon as it shall be perceiv'd that the Oil of the Herbs is almost quite consum'd, the whole Composition is to be strain'd, and strongly squeez'd. Then after having let the Ointment cool, to draw off all the Dregs and Moisture, it is to be dissolv'd over a very gentle Fire; and after having left it a little while to cool again and thicken, you may add thereto Myrrh, Aloes,FlorenceOrris, and round Birth-Wort pulveriz'd very fine. When all these Ingredients are by this means well incorporated, the Ointment will be brought to perfection.
This Ointment is of singular Use to cleanse Ulcers; as also to mundifie, cicatrize, and consolidate all sorts of Wounds.
Take a Quart of common Oil, white and yellow Wax, Mutton-Suet that lies near the Kidneys, pure Rosin, Ship-Pitch,VeniceTurpentine, of each half a Pound; and of Mastick beaten to fine Powder, two Ounces; let all that is capable of being dissolv'd, be liquify'd in the Oil; and add the Powder of Mastick to make an Ointment.
This Ointment searches and opens all sorts of Impostumes, as well as Carbuncles, and Pestilential and Venereal Bubo's. The use of the same Ointment is also to be continu'd after the opening of the Abcesses, till their perfect Cure be compleated.
Take Bore's-Grease well purify'd, and often wash'd, and Red Roses newly pickt, of each four Pounds, with the like quantity of White Roses.
The thin Membrane or Skin which lies upon the Bores-Grease, being taken away, it is to be cut into small pieces, well wash'd in fair Water, and melted in a glaz'd Earthen-Pot over a very gentle Fire; the first Grease that is dissolv'd is to be strain'd thro' a Cloth, well wash'd, and mixt with the same quantity of thick Rose-Buds well bruis'd. Then the whole Mass is to be put into a glaz'd Earthen-Pot with a narrow Mouth; the Pot is to be well stopt, and set during six Hours in Water, which is between luke-warm and boiling hot. Afterward it is to be boil'd an Hour, strain'd and strongly squeez'd. In the mean while four Pounds of White Roses newly blown are to be taken, well bruis'd, and mingl'd with the former Composition, the Pot being cover'd, which is likewise set for the space of six Hours in Water, between luke-warm and boiling hot: Then the Liquor is to be strain'd and strongly squeez'd. Lastly, after the Ointment hath been cool'd, and separated from itsFæcesor Dregs, it may be kept for use.
If it be desir'd to give a Rose-Colour to this Ointment, it wou'd be requisite a quarter of an Hour before it be strain'd the last time, to throw into it two or three Ounces ofOrcanet, which is to be stirr'd into the Ointment. If it be thought fit to retain the White Colour, and to produce the smell of Roses, it may be done with Damask-Roses withoutOrcanet. If you are desirous to give it the Consistence of a Liniment, you may add Oil of sweet Almonds to the quantity of a sixth part of its weight.
This Ointment is a very good Remedy against all manner of external Inflammations, particularly againstPhlegmons,Erysipelas's, and Tetters; as also against the Head-ach and Hæmorrhoids or Piles.
Take three Pints of Oil of Roses, nine Ounces of white Wax, one Pound ofVeniceCeruse or white Lead, and a Dram and a half of Camphire.
The Ceruse being pulveriz'd by rubbing the pieces upon the Cloath of a Hair-Sieve turn'd upside-down; the Powder is to be receiv'd on a Sheet of Paper laid underneath, and to be often wash'd with Water in a great Earthen-Pan, stirring it about with a WoodenSpatula, and pouring off the Water by Inclination as soon as the Powder is sunk to the Bottom. When the Water of these Washings grows insipid, the last Lotion is to be made with Rose-Water, leaving it for the space of five or six Hours, which being expir'd, it is to be pour'd off by Inclination, andthe Ceruse must be dry'd in the Shade, cover'd with Paper. Then the broken Wax and prepar'd Oil is to put into a glaz'd Earthen-Pot, and the Pot into the boiling Bath. As soon as the Wax is melted, the Pot may be taken out of the Bath, and the dissolv'd Liquor stirr'd with a Wooden Pestle till it begins to grow thick. Afterward the pulveriz'd Ceruse is to be infus'd, and the Ointment stirr'd about till it be almost cold. If you shall think fit to add Camphire, let it be dissolv'd in a little Oil, and incorporated with the Ointment when it is cold. The Whites of Eggs may be also well mixt with the Ointment, by stirring it about, to make an exact union of the several Ingredients.
This Ointment is good for Burns,Erysipelas's, the Itch, and many Distempers of the Skin; it allayes the Itchings and intemperature of Ulcers; it dissipates the Chafings and Redness that happen in the Bodies of Infants; It is of great efficacy in the healing of Contusions, and it serves to consolidate and cool light Wounds.
Take eleven Ounces of Verdegrease, fourteen Ounces of strong Vinegar, and twenty eight Ounces of good Honey.
Let the Verdegrease be put into a Copper-Pan or Skillet over a very gentle Fire; then bruise it with a Wooden Pestle; work it well in the Vinegar, and strain the whole thro' a Hair-Sieve. If a little Verdegrease remains on the Sieve, it is to be put again into theSkillet bruis'd and beaten small therein, as before, with a Portion of the same Vinegar, straining it thro' the Sieve, till the unprofitable drossy parts of the Copper be only left. Afterward this Liquor is to be boil'd over a gentle Fire, with the Honey, stirring it about from time to time till it hath acquir'd the Consistence of a softish Ointment, and a very red Colour.
This Ointment consumes putrify'd Flesh, and the Superfluities of Ulcers and Wounds.
Take yellow Wax, Mutton-Suet, Rosin, Ship-Pitch, andVeniceTurpentine, one Pound of each; with five Pints of common Oil.
Cut the Suet, Rosin, and black Pitch into small Pieces, and let 'em be melted together, with the Oil, in a Copper-Pan over a very moderate Fire; then after having strain'd the Liquor thro' a thick Cloth, let it be incorporated with the Turpentine, and the Ointment will be made.
It promotes Suppuration, and cicatrizes Wounds when the purulent Matter is drawn forth. It is often laid alone upon the Bolsters, and sometimes mixt with the Yolks of Eggs, Turpentine, and other Ointments, or with Oils and Plaisters.
Take a Pint of Oil of Roses, and three Ounces of white Wax.
Let the whole Composition be put into a glaz'd Earthen-Pot, and the Pot set inBalneo Mariæ, till the Wax be well dissolv'd in the Oil: Then take the Vessel out of the Bath, and stir the Ointment with a Wooden Pestle till it be cool'd; add two Ounces of Water, and stir it about with the Pestle till it be imbib'd by the Cerate; let as much more Water be infus'd, and again the same quantity, till the Cerate becomes very white, and hath been well soakt with fresh Water. Afterward all the Water is to be pour'd off by Inclination, and separated as much as is possible from the Cerate, which may then be kept for use; but some Surgeons cause an Ounce of Vinegar to be mingl'd with it.
This Cerate is usually laid outwardly upon all Parts that stand in need of cooling, and asswages the Pains of the Hæmorrhoids or Piles. It is also good for Chaps, sore Nipples, and other ill Accidents that happen in the Breast; and is us'd for Burns either alone, or mixt with other Ointments. Whensoever it is necessary to apply Desiccatives and Astringents to any Part, this Cerate may be mingl'd withUnguentum de Cerussa.
Take a Pound of Bores-Grease, two Pints of White-Wine, the Leaves of the greater Sage, Ground- and Wall-Ivy, Sweet Marjoram, or the Greater House-Leek, of each two handfuls.
Let the whole Mass be boil'd over a gentle Fire, and having afterward strain'd and squeez'd it, let the Ointment so made be kept for use.
Take three Pounds of prepar'd Litharge of Gold, three Pints of common Oil, two Pounds of Hogs-Lard, a Quart of the Decoction of Palm-Tree or Oak-Tops; four Ounces of Vitriol calcin'd till it become red, and steept in the said Decoction. Having bruis'd or cut very small two handfuls of Palm-Tree or Oak-Tops, let 'em be boil'd slowly in three Quarts of Water till about half be consum'd; and after the whole Mass hath been well squeez'd, the strain'd Decoction is to be preserv'd. In the mean time the Litharge is to bepounded in a great Brass Mortar, and diluted with two or three Quarts of clear Water; but it will be requisite readily to pour out into another Vessel the muddy Water which is impregnated with the more subtil part of the Litharge, whilst the thicker remains at the bottom of the Mortar; whereupon this part of the Litharge will sink to the bottom of the Water, and the Litharge remaining in the Mortar is to be pounded again. Then having diluted it in the Water of the first Lotion, or in some other fresh Water, the muddy Liquor is to be pour'd by Inclination upon the subtil Litharge that remain'd in the bottom of the Vessel: Afterward you may continue to pound the Litharge, to bruise it in the Water, to pour it off by Inclination, and to let the Powder settle, till there be left only at the bottom a certain impure part of the Litharge, capable of being pulveriz'd, and rais'd amidst the Water. As soon as the Lotions are well settl'd, and care hath been taken to separate by Inclination the Water which swims over the Powder of Litharge; this Powder is to be dry'd, and having weigh'd out the appointed Quantity, it is to be put as yet cold into a Copper-Pan lin'd with Tin, and stirr'd about to mingle it with the Oil, Lard, and Decoction of Palm-Tree-Tops. When these Ingredients have been well incorporated together, a good Charcoal Fire must be kindl'd in a Furnace, over which they are to be boil'd, stirring 'em continually with a great WoodenSpatula, and constantly maintaining an equal Degree of Heat during the whole time of their boiling. At last you may addthe rubify'd Vitriol dissolv'd in a Portion of the Liquor that hath been reserv'd, if you wou'd have the Plaister tinctur'd with a red Colour; or else white Vitriol melted in the same Decoction, if it shall be thought fit to retain the Whiteness of the Plaister, which may be form'd into Rolls, and wrapt up with Paper.
This Plaister is us'd for the cure of Wounds, Ulcers, Tumours, Burns, Contusions, Fractures, and Chilblains, and is also laid upon the Cauteries. If you mingle with it the third or fourth part of its weight of some convenient Oil, it will attain to the Consistence of a Cerate; and this is that which is call'dDissolved DiapalmaorCerate of Diapalma.
Take of Marsh-Mallow-Roots peel'd, three Drams; the Seeds of Line and Fenugreek, of each four Ounces; three Quarts of Spring-Water; two Quarts of common Oil, and two Pounds of Litharge of Gold.
Let the Mucilages of Marsh-Mallow-Roots, and of the Seeds of Line and Fenugreek be taken, as hath been shewn in the making ofUnguentum Althææ, and let the Litharge be prepar'd after the same manner as for the Plaister ofDiapalma. Having at first well mixt the Oil with the Litharge in a large Copper-Vessel or Pan, Tinn'd on the inside, being wide at the top, and tapering like a Cone toward the bottom, as also having afterward added and well incorporated the Mucilages, a moderateCharcoal Fire is to be kindl'd in a Furnace, upon which the Vessel is to be set, and the whole Mass is to be stirr'd about incessantly with a WoodenSpatula; and as fast as is possible. A gentle Fire is to be maintain'd, and the Boiling and Agitation to be continu'd, till it be perceiv'd that the Plaister begins to sink in the Pan; then the Heat of the Fire must be diminish'd one half at the least; and it will be requisite only to cause an Evaporation by little and little, of the Superfluous Moisture that might remain in the plaister, which being consum'd, it will be sufficiently boil'd, having attain'd to its due Consistence and Whiteness.
This Plaister softens and dissolves hard Swellings, and even the Scirrhous Tumours of the Liver and Bowels; such are the Scrophulous or King's-Evil Tumours, the old remains of Abcesses,&c.
Take two Ounces of Rosin; four Ounces of GumElemi,VeniceTurpentine and Oil of Bays, of each two Ounces.
After having beat in pieces the Rosin and GumElemi, they are to be melted together over a very gentle Fire, and then may be added the Turpentine and Oil of Bays. When the whole Mass hath been by this means well incorporated, it must be strain'd thro' a Cloth, to separate it from the Dregs. The Plaister being afterward cool'd, is to be made up in Rolls, and kept for use.
This Plaister is proper for Wounds of the Breast: It also mundifies and consolidates all sorts of Wounds and Ulcers, dissipates Contusions, strengthens the Parts in Fractures and Dislocations, and causeth the Serous Humours to pass away by Transpiration.
Take of Litharge of Gold prepar'd, one Pound and an half; three Pints of common Oil; one Quart of Spring-Water; six Ounces of prepar'd Load-Stone; GumAmmoniack,Galbanum,Opoponax, andBdellium, of each three Ounces; Myrrh,Olibanum, Mastick, Verdegrease, and round Birth-Wort, of every one of these an Ounce and an half; eight Ounces of Yellow Wax, and four Ounces of Turpentine.
Let the GumAmmoniack,Galbanum,Bdellium, andOpopanaxbe dissolv'd in Vinegar, in a little Earthen Pipkin; strain 'em thro' a course Cloth, and let 'em be thicken'd by Evaporation, according to the Method before observ'd in other Plaisters: Then prepare the Load-Stone upon a Porphyry or Marble-Stone, and take care to bruise separately, theOlibanum, the Mastick, the Myrrh, the round Birth-Wort, and the Verdegrease, which is to be kept to be added at last. In the mean while, having incorporated cold the Oil with the Litharge, and mingl'd the Water with 'em, they are to be boil'd together over a very good Fire, stirring 'em incessantly, till the whole Composition hath aquir'd the Consistence of a somewhat solidPlaister, in which is to be dissolv'd the yellow Wax cut into small pieces. Afterward having taken off the Pan from the Fire, and left the Ingredients to be half cool'd, intermix the Gums, which have been already thicken'd and incorporated with the Turpentine; then the Load-Stone mingl'd with the Birth-Wort, Myrrh, Mastick, andOlibanum; and last of all the Verdegrease. Thus when all these Ingredients are well stirr'd and mixt together, the Plaister will be entirely compounded; so that it may be made up into Rolls, and preserv'd to be us'd upon necessary Occasions.
This Plaister is efficacious in curing of all kinds of Wounds, Ulcers, Tumours, and Contusions; for it mollifies, digestes, and brings to Suppuration such Matter as ought to be carry'd off this way. It also mundifies, cicatrizes, and entirely consolidates Wounds,&c.
Cataplasms are usually prepar'd to asswage Pain; as also to dissolve and dissipate recent Tumours, and are made thus:
Take four Ounces and a half of white Bread, one Pint of new Milk, three Yolks of Eggs, one Ounce of Oil of Roses, one Dram of Saffron, and two Drams of the Extract ofOpium.
The Crum is to be taken out of the inside of a white Loaf newly drawn out of the Oven, and to be boil'd with the Milk in a Skillet over a little Fire, stirring it from time to time with aSpatula, till it be reduc'd to a thick Pap. After having taken the Vessel off from the Fire, the three Yolks of Eggs beaten are to be put into it, and the Dram of Saffron pulveriz'd; to these Ingredients may be added two Drams of the Extract ofOpiumsomewhat liquid, if the Pain be great.
Take White-Lilly-Roots, and Marsh-Mallow-Roots, of each four Ounces; the Leaves of common Mallows, Marsh-Mallows, Groundsel, Violet-Plants, Brank-Ursin, of every one of these Herbs one handful; the Meal of Line, Fenugreek, and Oil of Lillies, of each three Ounces.
The Roots when wash'd and slic'd, are to be boil'd in Water, and the Leaves being added some time after, the Boiling is to be continu'd till the whole Mass becomes perfectly tender and soft; at which time having strain'd the Decoction, beat the remaining gross Substance in a Stone-Mortar, with a Wooden Pestle, and pass the Pulp thro' a Hair-Sieve turn'd upside-down: Then let the Decoction and Pulp so strain'd be put into a Skillet, and having intermixt the Meal of Line, Fenugreek,and Oil of Lillies; let 'em be boil'd together over a gentle Fire, stirring about the Ingredients from time to time, till they be all sufficiently thicken'd. These two Cataplasms may serve as a Model for the making of many others.
Oils are made either by Infusion or Expression.
Take two Pounds of Roses newly gather'd, and bruis'd in a Mortar; half a Pint of the Juice of Roses, and five Pints of common Oil: Let the whole Composition be put into a Earthen-Vessel, Leaded and well stopt, and then let it be expos'd to the Sun during forty Days. Afterward let it be boil'd inBalneo Mariæ; and having strain'd and squeez'd the Roses, let the Oil be kept for use.
Take a Pound of Red Roses newly gather'd, and pound 'em in a Mortar; as also four Ounces of the Juice of Red Roses, and two Quarts of common Oil. Let the whole Composition be put into an Earthen-Vessel Leaded, the Mouthof which is narrow, and well stopt; and then having expos'd it to the Sun during four Days, let it be set inBalneo Mariæfor an Hour, and then strain'd and squeez'd. Afterward let this Liquor be put into the same Vessel, adding to it the Juice of Roses, and Roses themselves, in the same quantity as before: Let the Vessel be stopt; let the Maceration, Boiling, Straining, and Expression be made in like manner as before; and let the same Operation be once more re-iterated: Then let your Oil be depurated, and preserv'd for use.
These Oils qualifie and disperse Defluctions of Humours, suppress Inflammations, mitigate the Head-ach andDeliriums, and provoke to sleep. They must be warm'd before the Parts are anointed with 'em, and they may be given inwardly against the Bloody-flux and Worms, the Dose being from half an Ounce to a whole Ounce. The Parts are also anointed with 'em in Fractures and Dislocations of the Bones, andOxyrodinsare made of 'em with an equal quantity of Vinegar of Roses.
Take new Almonds that are fat and very dry, without their Shells, and having shaken 'em in a somewhat thick Sieve, to cause the Dust to fall off; let 'em be put into hot Water till their Skins become tender, so that they may be separated by squeezing 'em with the Fingers: Afterward having taken off the Skin, they must be wip'd with a white Linnen-Cloth, and spread upon it to be dry'd: Then they areto be put into a Stone-Mortar, and pounded with a Wooden-Pestle, till the Paste grows very thin, and begins to give Oil: This Paste is to be put into a little Linnen-Bag, new and strong, the Mouth of which hath been well ty'd; and the Bag is to be plac'd between two Platines of Tin, or of Wood lin'd on the inside with a Leaf of Tin, squeezing the whole Mass gently at first; but afterward very strongly, and leaving it for a long while in the Press, that the Oil may have time to run out.
This Oil mitigates the Nephritick Colicks, remedies the Retention of Urine, facilitates Child-birth, allayes the After-Pains in Women after their delivery, and the Gripes in young Infants: It is taken inwardly fasting from half an Ounce to two Ounces; and it is us'd in Liniments to asswage and mollifie. The Oils of common Wall-Nuts and Small-Nuts, may be also prepar'd after the same manner as that of Sweet-Almonds.
Take as much as you please of Laurel or Bay-Berries, well cleans'd, perfectly ripe, and soundly bruis'd; let 'em be put into a Kettle, and boil'd with a sufficient quantity of Water during half an Hour; then strain and squeeze 'em strongly; let the Liquor cool, and scum off the Fat that swims upon the Water: Afterward pound the remaining Substance in a Mortar, and cause it to be boil'd again for half an Hour, with some of the first Water which was left, adding a little fresh; then strain and squeez it,as before, and take off the Oil that swims on the Top. But the first Oil is better than the second, and therefore ought to be kept separately. The Oils of Berries of Mastick, Myrtle, and other oleaginous Plants, may be extracted after the same manner.
The Oil of Bayes mollifies, attenuates, and is opening and discussive: It is very good against the Palsie, and the Shiverings or cold Fits of a feaver or Ague in anointing the Back; as also against Scabs, Tetters,&c.
Take newly laid Eggs, and let 'em be harden'd in Water; then separate the Yolks, and put 'em into a Frying-pan over a gentle Coal-fire, stirring 'em about from time to time, and at last without discontinuing, till they grow reddish, and begin to yield their Oil: Then they are to be sprinkl'd with Spirit of Wine, and pour'd very hot into a little Linnen-Bag, which is to be ty'd, and set in a Press between two heated Platines; so that the Oil may be squeez'd out as readily as is possible.
This Oil mitigates the Pains of the Ears and Hæmorrhoids, cures Scabs and Ring-Worms or Tetters; as also Chaps and Clefts in the Breast, Hands, Feet, and Fundament; and is made use of in Burns,&c.