ALooseness, in my Sense, is an immoderate, frequent and sudden going toStool: in which theliquidanddiluted, as well assharpandpeccant,Excrementsare voided, which is commonly preceded by theBelly-achandGripes.
ITdiffers from aLienteria, in that theExcrementsare not indigested, unaltered, orChylous, nor theStoolsso quick after Meals: As it also differs from thebloody Hepatick, andHemorrhoidal Flux, in that noBlood,Matter, orLiquorlike that, in which Meat may have been wash’d, is voided with theExcrements.
SOMELoosenessesare call’dBilous, when so much of the sharpGallis expell’d as tinges theExcrements Yellow,however mix’d with otherserous Matter:Othersare call’dserousandpituitous, in which viscous wateryHumours, less impregnated withGall, are frequently and copiously voided.
THISSymptommay proceed from a great Variety ofCauses: For anErrorcommitted accidentally ineatingordrinking, or anyIrregularityin the way of Living may occasion it.[62]HIPPOCRATESand manyothers, justly observe thisCaseto be dangerous; because it not only relaxes and debilitates theBodyof theWoman, andLigamentsof theInfant; but also necessarily impairs its requisiteNourishment, and provokesNatureto anuntimely Expulsionof the tender Fruit. Which unhappyConsequenceought (by all means) to be prevented, if possible, and the grievousAffectionto be cured without any Loss of Time: Now I presumeThatmay be donefirst, by gentleAbstergentsandCorroborants; andThenafterwards by properRestringentsandStrengthners.