THISSymptomis nothing else, more than an immoderateExercitationof theSenses, from too great aMotionof theAnimal Spirits: Proceeding from some acrimonious and siccidVapoursof theHumours, ascending to theBrain, and there disturbing theSpirits, by exciting their vehement Motion; which so exagitates theSenses, that the vigilant restlessWomangets either none at all, or but veryshort Sleep.
THISwatchfulAffectionis distinguished by asiccid, orcalidandsiccid Intemperature; attended sometimes with aMelancholick,Bilous, orPituitous,SaltishMatter; which is either essentially lodg’d in theHead, or communicated to it from theMouth of the Stomach, or the Veins of the whole Body.
SOMEhave been so overtaken with thisSYMPTOM, that they have not only continuedAwakefor some Days and Nights, but also Weeks and Months: Insomuch thatHercules Saxon[72]relates of his ownFather, that He, being melancholick, suffer’d such likeWatchings, without the leastSleep,seven Months long.
HOWEVERin theChild-bearing Woman, the least Degree of such immoderateWATCHING[73]is dangerous; insomuch that it often occasionsDeliriums, andConvulsions, by the continual Stretch andTensionof theFibres.
HOWEVERtheCureof thisSYMPTOMmay (I hope) be well perform’d both byexternalandinternal Means; externally, by properLotions,Inunctions, andFrictions; internally, by proper SoporiferousMedicinesadapted to the Quality of the Intemperature.