THO’theCholickderives its Name from the GutColon, I mean by it not precisely thatPainwhich affectsThisonly, but that also which usually invades otherGuts, whether thin or thick; because oneGutseems not to be more subject than another to this Pain; theContextureof all ofthembeing the same every where. So that theCholickis nothing else than a sorrowfulSensationof a very sharpPain, infesting theGuts, or the NervousPlexus, orMembranesin their Neighbourhood, proceeding from wanderingWindsandFlatulenciesin theAbdomen, or lower Belly; arising from theHumoursaggregated about theWomb: which, dissipating themselves, distend theIntestines, and excite most severePainsabout theNavel.
THESEEffectsmay also proceed from induratedExcrementsin theRectum; or from anyother Matter, which either compresses, obstructs, or erodes theIntestines: HencePhysicianscommonly take notice ofThreedifferent Sorts ofCholicks; namely, theFlatulent, theBilous, and thePituitous.
NOWTheseare All thus distinguished: TheWind-Cholicktraverses the Belly, and gives an excruciating wandringPainin theViscera, orBowels, &c. TheBilousinduces a certain Pain, with a very sensibleMordacity; and is generally attended withThirstand aBitternessin theMouth: ThePituitousgives a most sharp penetrating fixedPain, resembling (as it were) a drivenStake, or perforatingInstrument; attended with aNausea,Vomiting, andRetentionof Excrements,&c.This last SortGalencalls the most cruelCholick.
HOWEVERI take it to be theFirstof these, which most commonly afflicts theConceiv’d Woman; generated of improperDiet, or proceeding from an irregularRegimen: AndThisis also sometimes so excessive, that I’ve seen thePATIENTfall by its Extremity into aLipothymia, orSwooning-Fit, which generally presagesABORTION, if not seasonably prevented by properDiscutients, and convenientDiet,&c.