,illustration ,,the ,,works ,,of ,,aristotle ,,the ,,famous ,,philosopher ,containing his ,complete ,masterpiece and ,family ,physician2 his ,experienced ,midwife1 his ,book of ,problems and his ,remarks on ,physiognomy ,,complete ,,edition1 ,,with ,,engravings 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,midwife',s ,,vade-,,mecum ,containing ,,particular ,,directions ,,for ,,midwives1 ,,nurses1 ,,etc4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,some ,,genuine ,,recipes ,,for ,,causing ,,speedy ,,delivery4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,approved ,,directions ,,for ,,nurses4 99 99 99 99 99 ,illustration3 ,medical ,knowledge ,illustration 99 99 99 99 99 ,,part ,i4--,,book ,i ,,the ,,masterpiece ,on marriage and at what age young men and virgins are capable of it3 and why so much desire it4 ,also1 how long men and women are capable of it4 ,there are very few1 except some professional debauchees1 who will not readily agree that ,marriage is honourable to all1 being ordained by ,heaven in ,paradise2 and without which no man or woman can be in a capacity1 honestly1 to yield obedience to the first law of the creation1 ,increase and ,multiply4 ,and since it is natural in young people to desire the embraces1 proper to the marriage bed1 it behoves parents to look after their children1 and when they find them inclinable to marriage1 not violently to restrain their inclinations 7which1 instead of allaying them1 makes them but the more impetuous7 but rather provide such suitable matches for them1 as may make their lives comfortable2 lest the crossing of those inclinations should precipitate them to commit those follies that may bring an indelible stain upon their families4 ,the inclination of maids to marriage may be known by many symptoms2 for when they arrive at puberty1 which is about the fourteenth or fifteenth year of their age1 then their natural purgations begin to flow2 and the blood1 which is no longer to augment their bodies1 abounding1 stirs up their minds to venery4 ,external causes may also incline them to it2 for their spirits being brisk and inflamed1 when they arrive at that age1 if they eat hard salt things and spices1 the body becomes more and more heated1 whereby the desire to veneral embraces is very great1 and sometimes almost insuperable4 ,and the use of this so much desired enjoyment being denied to virgins1 many times is followed by dismal consequences2 such as the green weesel colonet1 short-breathing1 trembling of the heart1 etc4 ,but when they are married and their veneral desires satisfied by the enjoyment of their husbands1 these distempers vanish1 and they become more gay and lively than before4 ,also1 their eager staring at men1 and affecting their company1 shows that nature pushes them upon coition2 and their parents neglecting to provide them with husbands1 they break through modesty and satisfy themselves in unlawful embraces4 ,it is the same with brisk widows1 who cannot be satisfied without that benevolence to which they were accustomed when they had their husbands4 ,at the age of #ad1 the menses1 in virgins1 begin to flow2 then they are capable of conceiving1 and continue generally until #dd1 when they cease bearing1 unless their bodies are strong and healthful1 which sometimes enables them to bear at #fe4 ,but many times the menses proceed from some violence done to nature1 or some morbific matter1 which often proves fatal4 ,and1 hence1 men who are desirous of issue ought to marry a woman within the age aforesaid1 or blame themselves if they meet with disappointment2 though1 if an old man1 if not worn out with diseases and incontinency1 marry a brisk1 lively maiden1 there is hope of him having children to #gj or #hj years4 ,hippocrates says1 that a youth of #ae1 or between that and #ag1 having much vital strength1 is capable of begetting children2 and also that the force of the procreating matter increases till #de1 #ej1 and #ee1 and then begins to flag2 the seed1 by degrees1 becoming unfruitful1 the natural spirits being extinguished1 and the humours dried up4 ,thus1 in general1 but as to individuals1 it often falls out otherwise4 ,nay1 it is reported by a credible author1 that in ,swedland1 a man was married at #ajj years of age to a girl of #cj years1 and had many children by her2 but his countenance was so fresh1 that those who knew him not1 imagined him not to exceed #ej4 ,and in ,campania1 where the air is clear and temperate1 men of #hj marry young virgins1 and have children by them2 which shows that age in them does not hinder procreation1 unless they be exhausted in their youths and their yards be shrivelled up4 ,if any would know why a woman is sooner barren than a man1 they may be assured that the natural heat1 which is the cause of generation1 is more predominant in the man than in the woman2 for since a woman is more moist than a man1 as her monthly purgations demonstrate1 as also the softness of her body2 it is also apparent that he does not much exceed her in natural heat1 which is the chief thing that concocts the humours in proper aliment1 which the woman wanting grows fat2 whereas a man1 through his native heat1 melts his fat by degrees and his humours are dissolved2 and by the benefit thereof are converted into seed4 ,and this may also be added1 that women1 generally1 are not so strong as men1 nor so wise or prudent2 nor have so much reason and ingenuity in ordering affairs2 which shows that thereby the faculties are hindered in operations4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ii ,how to beget a male or female child2 and of the ,embryo and perfect ,birth2 and the fittest time for the copula4 ,when a young couple are married1 they naturally desire children2 and therefore adopt the means that nature has appointed to that end4 ,but notwithstanding their endeavours they must know that the success of all depends on the blessing of the ,gods3 not only so1 but the sex1 whether male or female1 is from their disposal also1 though it cannot be denied1 that secondary causes have influence therein1 especially two4 ,first1 the general humour1 which is brought by the arteria praeparantes to the testes1 in form of blood1 and there elaborated into seed1 by the seminifical faculty residing in them4 ,secondly1 the desire of coition1 which fires the imagination with unusual fancies1 and by the sight of brisk1 charming beauty1 may soon inflame the appetite4 ,but if nature be enfeebled1 some meats must be eaten as will conduce to afford such aliment as makes the seed abound1 and restores the exhaustion of nature that the faculties may freely operate1 and remove impediments obstructing the procreating of children4 ,then1 since diet alters the evil state of the body to a better1 those subject to barrenness must eat such meats as are juicy and nourish well1 making the body lively and full of sap2 of which faculty are all hot moist meats4 ,for1 according to ,galen1 seed is made of pure concocted and windy superfluity of blood1 whence we may conclude1 that there is a power in many things1 to accumulate seed1 and also to augment it2 and other things of force to cause desire1 as hen eggs1 pheasants1 woodcocks1 gnat-snappers1 blackbirds1 thrushes1 young pigeons1 sparrows1 partridges1 capons1 almonds1 pine nuts1 raisins1 currants1 strong wines taken sparingly1 especially those made of the grapes of ,italy4 ,but erection is chiefly caused by scuraum1 eringoes1 cresses1 crysmon1 parsnips1 artichokes1 turnips1 asparagus1 candied ginger1 acorns bruised to powder and drank in muscadel1 scallion1 sea shell fish1 etc4 ,but these must have time to perform their operation1 and must be used for a considerable time1 or you will reap but little benefit from them4 ,the act of coition being over1 let the woman repose herself on her right side1 with her head lying low1 and her body declining1 that by sleeping in that posture1 the cani1 on the right side of the matrix1 may prove the place of conception2 for therein is the greatest generative heat1 which is the chief procuring cause of male children1 and rarely fails the expectations of those that experience it1 especially if they do but keep warm1 without much motion1 leaning to the right1 and drinking a little spirit of saffron and juice of hissop in a glass of ,malaga or ,alicant1 when they lie down and arise1 for a week4 ,for a female child1 let the woman lie on her left side1 strongly fancying a female in the time of procreation1 drinking the decoction of female mercury four days from the first day of purgation2 the male mercury having the like operation in case of a male2 for this concoction purges the right and left side of the womb1 opens the receptacles1 and makes way for the seminary of generation4 ,the best time to beget a female is1 when the moon is in the wane1 in ,libra or ,aquaries4 ,advicenne says1 that when the menses are spent and the womb cleansed1 which is commonly in five or seven days at most1 if a man lie with his wife from the first day she is purged to the fifth1 she will conceive a male2 but from the fifth to the eighth a female2 and from the eighth to the twelfth a male again3 but after that perhaps neither distinctly1 but both in an hermaphrodite4 ,in a word1 they that would be happy in the fruits of their labour1 must observe to use copulation in due distance of time1 not too often nor too seldom1 for both are alike hurtful2 and to use it immoderately weakens and wastes the spirits and spoils the seed4 ,and this much for the first particular4 ,the second is to let the reader know how the child is formed in the womb1 what accidents it is liable to there1 and how nourished and brought forth4 ,there are various opinions concerning this matter2 therefore1 ,i shall show what the learned say about it4 ,man consists of an egg1 which is impregnated in the testicles of the woman1 by the more subtle parts of the man's seed2 but the forming faculty and virtue in the seed is a divine gift1 it being abundantly imbued with vital spirit1 which gives sap and form to the embryo1 so that all parts and bulk of the body1 which is made up in a few months and gradually formed into the likely figure of a man1 do consist in1 and are adumbrated thereby 7most sublimely expressed1 ,psalm cxxxix43 ,i will praise ,thee1 ,o ,lord1 for ,i am fearfully and wonderfully made47 ,physicians have remarked four different times at which a man is framed and perfected in the womb2 the first after coition1 being perfectly formed in the week if no flux happens1 which sometimes falls out through the slipperiness of the head of the matrix1 that slips over like a rosebud that opens suddenly4 ,the second time of forming is assigned when nature makes manifest mutation in the conception1 so that all the substance seems congealed1 flesh and blood1 and happens twelve or fourteen days after copulation4 ,and though this fleshy mass abounds with inflamed blood1 yet it remains undistinguishable1 without form1 and may be called an embryo1 and compared to seed sown in the ground1 which1 through heat and moisture1 grows by degrees to a perfect form in plant or grain4 ,the third time assigned to make up this fabric is when the principal parts show themselves plain2 as the heart1 whence proceed the arteries1 the brain1 from which the nerves1 like small threads1 run through the whole body2 and the liver1 which divides the chyle from the blood1 brought to it by the vena porta4 ,the two first are fountains of life1 that nourish every part of the body1 in framing which the faculty of the womb is bruised1 from the conception of the eighth day of the first month4 ,the fourth1 and last1 about the thirtieth day1 the outward parts are seen nicely wrought1 distinguished by joints1 from which time it is no longer an embryo1 but a perfect child4 ,most males are perfect by the thirtieth day1 but females seldom before the forty-second or forty-fifth day1 because the heat of the womb is greater in producing the male than the female4 ,and1 for the same reason1 a woman going with a male child quickens in three months1 but going with a female1 rarely under four1 at which time its hair and nails come forth1 and the child begins to stir1 kick and move in the womb1 and then the woman is troubled with a loathing for meat and a greedy longing for things contrary to nutriment1 as coals1 rubbish1 chalk1 etc41 which desire often occasions abortion and miscarriage4 ,some women have been so extravagant as to long for hob nails1 leather1 horse-flesh1 man's flesh1 and other unnatural as well as unwholesome food1 for want of which thing they have either miscarried or the child has continued dead in the womb for many days1 to the imminent hazard of their lives4 ,but ,i shall now proceed to show by what means the child is maintained in the womb1 and what posture it there remains in4 ,the learned ,hippocrates affirms that the child1 as he is placed in the womb1 has his hands on his knees1 and his head bent to his feet1 so that he lies round together1 his hands upon his knees and his face between them1 so that each eye touches each thumb1 and his nose betwixt his knees4 ,and of the same opinion in this matter was ,bartholinus4 ,columbus is of opinion that the figure of the child in the womb is round1 the right arm bowed1 the fingers under the ear1 and about the neck1 the head bowed so that the chin touches the breast1 the left arm bowed above both breast and face and propped up by the bending of the right elbow2 the legs are lifted upwards1 the right so much that the thigh touches the belly1 the knee the navel1 the heel touches the left buttock1 and the foot is turned back and covers the secrets2 the left thigh touches the belly1 and the leg lifted up to the breast4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iii ,the reason why children are like their parents2 and that the ,mother's imagination contributes thereto2 and whether the man or the woman is the cause of the male or female child4 ,in the case of similitude1 nothing is more powerful than the imagination of the mother2 for if she fix her eyes upon any object it will so impress her mind1 that it oftentimes so happens that the child has a representation thereof on some part of the body4 ,and1 if in act of copulation1 the woman earnestly look on the man1 and fix her mind on him1 the child will resemble its father4 ,nay1 if a woman1 even in unlawful copulation1 fix her mind upon her husband1 the child will resemble him though he did not beget it4 ,the same effect has imagination in occasioning warts1 stains1 mole-spots1 and dartes2 though indeed they sometimes happen through frights1 or extravagant longing4 ,many women1 in being with child1 on seeing a hare cross the road in front of them1 will1 through the force of imagination1 bring forth a child with a hairy lip4 ,some children are born with flat noses and wry mouths1 great blubber lips and ill-shaped bodies2 which must be ascribed to the imagination of the mother1 who has cast her eyes and mind upon some ill-shaped creature4 ,therefore it behoves all women with child1 if possible1 to avoid such sights1 or at least1 not to regard them4 ,but though the mother's imagination may contribute much to the features of the child1 yet1 in manners1 wit1 and propension of the mind1 experience tells us1 that children are commonly of the condition with their parents1 and possessed of similar tempers4 ,but the vigour or disability of persons in the act of copulation many times cause it to be otherwise2 for children begotten through the heat and strength of desire1 must needs partake more of the nature and inclination of their parents1 than those begotten at a time when desires are weaker2 and1 therefore1 the children begotten by men in their old age are generally weaker than1 those begotten by them in their youth4 ,as to the share which each of the parents has in begetting the child1 we will give the opinions of the ancients about it4 ,though it is apparent that the man's seed is the chief efficient being of the action1 motion1 and generation3 yet that the woman affords seed and effectually contributes in that point to the procreation of the child1 is evinced by strong reasons4 ,in the first place1 seminary vessels had been given her in vain1 and genital testicles inverted1 if the woman wanted seminal excrescence1 for nature does nothing in vain2 and therefore we must grant1 they were made for the use of seed and procreation1 and placed in their proper parts2 both the testicles and the receptacles of seed1 whose nature is to operate and afford virtue to the seed4 ,and to prove this1 there needs no stronger argument1 say they1 than that if a woman do not use copulation to eject her seed1 she often falls into strange diseases1 as appears by young men and virgins4 ,a second reason they urge is1 that although the society of a lawful bed consists not altogether in these things1 yet it is apparent the female sex are never better pleased1 nor appear more blythe and jocund1 than when they are satisfied this way2 which is an inducement to believe they have more pleasure and titulation therein than men4 ,for since nature causes much delight to accompany ejection1 by the breaking forth of the swelling spirits and the swiftness of the nerves2 in which case the operation on the woman's part is double1 she having an enjoyment both by reception and ejection1 by which she is more delighted in4 ,hence it is1 they say1 that the child more frequently resembles the mother than the father1 because the mother contributes more towards it4 ,and they think it may be further instanced1 from the endeared affection they bear them2 for that1 besides their contributing seminal matters1 they feed and nourish the child with the purest fountain of blood1 until its birth4 ,which opinion ,galen affirms1 by allowing children to participate most of the mother2 and ascribes the difference of sex to the different operations of the menstrual blood2 but this reason of the likeness he refers to the power of the seed2 for1 as the plants receive more nourishment from fruitful ground1 than from the industry of the husbandman1 so the infant receives more abundance from the mother than the father4 ,for the seed of both is cherished in the womb1 and then grows to perfection1 being nourished with blood4 ,and for this reason it is1 they say1 that children1 for the most part1 love their mothers best1 because they receive the most of their substance from their mother2 for about nine months she nourishes her child in the womb with the purest blood2 then her love towards it newly born1 and its likeness1 do clearly show that the woman affords seed1 and contributes more towards making the child than the man4 ,but in this all the ancients were very erroneous2 for the testicles1 so called in women1 afford not only seed1 but are two eggs1 like those of fowls and other creatures2 neither have they any office like those of men1 but are indeed the ovaria1 wherein the eggs are nourished by the sanguinary vessels disposed throughout them2 and from thence one or more as they are fecundated by the man's seed is separated and conveyed into the womb by the ovaducts4 ,the truth of this is plain1 for if you boil them the liquor will be of the same colour1 taste and consistency1 with the taste of birds' eggs4 ,if any object that they have no shells1 that signifies nothing3 for the eggs of fowls while they are on the ovary1 nay1 after they are fastened into the uterus1 have no shell4 ,and though when they are laid1 they have one1 yet that is no more than a defence with which nature has provided them against any outward injury1 while they are hatched without the body2 whereas those of women being hatched within the body1 need no other fence than the womb1 by which they are sufficiently secured4 ,and this is enough1 ,i hope1 for the clearing of this point4 ,as for the third thing proposed1 as whence grow the kind1 and whether the man or the woman is the cause of the male or female infant--the primary cause we must ascribe to ,god as is most justly ,his due1 who is the ,ruler and ,disposer of all things2 yet ,he suffers many things to proceed according to the rules of nature by their inbred motion1 according to usual and natural courses1 without variation2 though indeed by favour from on high1 ,sarah conceived ,isaac2 ,hannah1 ,samuel2 and ,elizabeth1 ,john the ,baptist2 but these were all extraordinary things1 brought to pass by a ,divine power1 above the course of nature4 ,nor have such instances been wanting in later days2 therefore1 ,i shall wave them1 and proceed to speak of things natural4 ,the ancient physicians and philosophers say that since these two principles out of which the body of man is made1 and which renders the child like the parents1 and by one or other of the sex1 viz41 seed common to both sexes and menstrual blood1 proper to the woman only2 the similitude1 say they1 must needs consist in the force of virtue of the male or female1 so that it proves like the one or the other1 according to the quantity afforded by either1 but that the difference of sex is not referred to the seed1 but to the menstrual blood1 which is proper to the woman1 is apparent2 for1 were that force altogether retained in the seed1 the male seed being of the hottest quality1 male children would abound and few of the female be propagated2 wherefore1 the sex is attributed to the temperament or to the active qualities1 which consists in heat and cold and the nature of the matter under them--that is1 the flowing of the menstruous blood4 ,but now1 the seed1 say they1 affords both force to procreate and to form the child1 as well as matter for its generation2 and in the menstruous blood there is both matter and force1 for as the seed most helps the maternal principle1 so also does the menstrual blood the potential seed1 which is1 says ,galen1 blood well concocted by the vessels which contain it4 ,so that the blood is not only the matter of generating the child1 but also seed1 it being impossible that menstrual blood has both principles4 ,the ancients also say that the seed is the stronger efficient1 the matter of it being very little in quantity1 but the potential quality of it is very strong2 wherefore1 if these principles of generation1 according to which the sex is made were only1 say they1 in the menstrual blood1 then would the children be all mostly females2 as were the efficient force in the seed they would be all males2 but since both have operation in menstrual blood1 matter predominates in quantity and in the seed force and virtue4 ,and1 therefore1 ,galen thinks that the child receives its sex rather from the mother than the father1 for though his seed contributes a little to the natural principle1 yet it is more weakly4 ,but for likeliness it is referred rather to the father than to the mother4 ,yet the woman's seed receiving strength from the menstrual blood for the space of nine months1 overpowers the man's in that particular1 for the menstrual blood rather cherishes the one than the other2 from which it is plain the woman affords both matter to make and force and virtue to perfect the conception2 though the female's be fit nutriment for the male's by reason of the thinness of it1 being more adapted to make up conception thereby4 ,for as of soft wax or moist clay1 the artificer can frame what he intends1 so1 say they1 the man's seed mixing with the woman's and also with the menstrual blood1 helps to make the form and perfect part of man4 ,but1 with all imaginary deference to the wisdom of our fathers1 give me leave to say that their ignorance of the anatomy of man's body have led them into the paths of error and ran them into great mistakes4 ,for their hypothesis of the formation of the embryo from commixture of blood being wholly false1 their opinion in this case must of necessity be likewise4 ,i shall therefore conclude this chapter by observing that although a strong imagination of the mother may often determine the sex1 yet the main agent in this case is the plastic or formative principle1 according to those rules and laws given us by the great ,creator1 who makes and fashions it1 and therein determines the sex1 according to the council of his will4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iv ,that ,man's ,soul is not propagated by their parents1 but is infused by its ,creator1 and can neither die nor corrupt4 ,at what time it is infused4 ,of its immortality and certainty of its resurrection4 ,man's soul is of so divine a nature and excellency that man himself cannot comprehend it1 being the infused breath of the ,almighty1 of an immortal nature1 and not to be comprehended but by ,him that gave it4 ,for ,moses1 relating the history of man1 tells us that ,god breathed into his nostrils the breath of life1 and he became a living soul4 ,now1 as for all other creatures1 at ,his word they were made and had life1 but the creature that ,god had set over ,his works was ,his peculiar workmanship1 formed by ,him out of the dust of the earth1 and ,he condescended to breathe into his nostrils the breath of life1 which seems to denote both care and1 if we may so term it1 labour1 used about man more than about all other living creatures1 he only partaking and participating of the blessed divine nature1 bearing ,god's image in innocence and purity1 whilst he stood firm2 and when1 by his fall1 that lively image was defaced1 yet such was the love of the ,creator towards him that he found out a way to restore him1 the only begotten son of the ,eternal ,father coming into the world to destroy the works of the devil1 and to raise up man from that low condition to which sin and his fall had reduced him1 to a state above that of the angels4 ,if1 therefore1 man would understand the excellency of his soul1 let him turn his eyes inwardly and look unto himself and search diligently his own mind1 and there he shall see many admirable gifts and excellent ornaments1 that must needs fill him with wonder and amazement2 as reason1 understanding1 freedom of will1 memory1 etc41 that clearly show the soul to be descended from a heavenly original1 and that therefore it is of infinite duration and not subject to annihilation4 ,yet for its many operations and offices while in the body it goes under several denominations3 for when it enlivens the body it is called the soul2 when it gives knowledge1 the judgment of the mind2 and when it recalls things past1 the memory2 when it discourses and discerns1 reason2 when it contemplates1 the spirit2 when it is the sensitive part1 the senses4 ,and these are the principal offices whereby the soul declares its powers and performs its actions4 ,for being seated in the highest parts of the body it diffuses its force into every member4 ,it is not propagated from the parents1 nor mixed with gross matter1 but the infused breath of ,god1 immediately proceeding from ,him2 not passing from one to another as was the opinion of ,pythagoras1 who held a belief in transmigration of the soul2 but that the soul is given to every infant by infusion1 is the most received and orthodox opinion4 ,and the learned do likewise agree that this is done when the infant is perfected in the womb1 which happens about the twenty-fourth day after conception2 especially for males1 who are generally born at the end of nine months2 but in females1 who are not so soon formed and perfected1 through defect of heat1 until the fiftieth day4 ,and though this day in either case cannot be truly set down1 yet ,hippocrates has given his opinion1 that it is so when the child is formed and begins to move1 when born in due season4 ,in his book of the nature of infants1 he says1 if it be a male and be perfect on the thirtieth day1 and move on the seventieth1 he will be born in the seventh month2 but if he be perfectly formed on the thirty-fifth day1 he will move on the seventieth and will be born in the eighth month4 ,again1 if he be perfectly formed on the forty-fifth day1 he will move on the ninetieth and be born in the ninth month4 ,now from these paring of days and months1 it plainly appears that the day of forming being doubled1 makes up the day of moving1 and the day1 three times reckoned1 makes up the day of birth4 ,as thus1 when thirty-five perfects the form1 if you double it1 makes seventy the day of motion2 and three times seventy amounts to two hundred and ten days2 while allowing thirty days to a month makes seven months1 and so you must consider the rest4 ,but as to a female the case is different2 for it is longer perfecting in the womb1 the mother ever going longer with a girl than with a boy1 which makes the account differ2 for a female formed in thirty days does not move until the seventieth day1 and is born in the seventh month2 when she is formed on the fortieth day1 she does not move till the eightieth and is born in the eighth month2 but1 if she be perfectly formed on the forty-fifth day she moves on the ninetieth1 and the child is born in the ninth month2 but if she that is formed on the sixtieth day1 moves on the one hundred and tenth day1 she will be born in the tenth month4 ,i treat the more largely of love that the reader may know that the reasonable soul is not propagated by the parents1 but is infused by the ,almighty1 when the child has its perfect form1 and is exactly distinguished in its lineaments4 ,now1 as the life of every other creature1 as ,moses shows1 is in the blood1 so the life of man consists in the soul1 which although subject to passion1 by reason of the gross composures of the body1 in which it has a temporary confinement1 yet it is immortal and cannot in itself corrupt or suffer change1 it being a spark of the ,divine ,mind4 ,and that every man has a peculiar soul plainly appears by the vast difference between the will1 judgment1 opinions1 manners1 and affections in men4 ,this ,david observes when he says3 ,god hath fashioned the hearts and minds of men1 and has given to every one his own being and a soul of its own nature4 ,hence ,solomon rejoiced that ,god had given him a soul1 and a body agreeable to it4 ,it has been disputed among the learned in what part of the body the soul resides2 some are of opinion its residence is in the middle of the heart1 and from thence communicates itself to every part1 which ,solomon 7,prov4 iv4 #bc7 seems to confirm when he says3 ,keep thy heart with all diligence1 for out of it are the issues of life4 ,but many curious physicians1 searching the works of nature in man's anatomy1 do affirm that its chief seat is in the brain1 from whence proceed the senses1 the faculties1 and actions1 diffusing the operations of the soul through all parts of the body1 whereby it is enlivened with heat and force to the heart1 by the arteries1 corodities1 or sleepy arteries1 which part upon the throat2 which1 if they happen to be broken or cut1 they cause barrenness1 and if stopped an apoplexy2 for there must necessarily be ways through which the spirits1 animal and vital1 may have intercourse and convey native heat from the soul4 ,for though the soul has its chief seat in one place1 it operates in every part1 exercising every member which are the soul's instruments1 by which she discovers her power4 ,but if it happen that any of the original parts are out of tune1 its whole work is confused1 as appears in idiots and mad men2 though1 in some of them1 the soul1 by a vigorous exertion of its power1 recovers its innate strength and they become right after a long despondency in mind1 but in others it is not recovered again in this life4 ,for1 as fire under ashes1 or the sun obscured from our sight by thick clouds1 afford not their native lustre1 so the soul1 overwhelmed in moist or morbid matter1 is darkened and reason thereby overclouded2 and though reason shines less in children than it does in such as are arrived at maturity1 yet no man must imagine that the soul of an infant grows up with the child1 for then would it again decay2 but it suits itself to nature's weakness1 and the imbecility of the body wherein it is placed1 that it may operate the better4 ,and as the body is more capable of recovering its influence1 so the soul does more and more exert its faculties1 having force and endowment at the time it enters the form of a child in the womb2 for its substance can receive nothing less4 ,and thus much to prove that the soul does not come from the parents1 but is infused by ,god4 ,i shall next prove its immortality and demonstrate the certainty of our resurrection4 ,,of ,,the ,,immortality ,,of ,,the ,,soul ,that the soul of man is a ,divine ray1 infused by the ,sovereign ,creator1 ,i have already proved1 and now come to show that whatever immediately proceeds from ,him1 and participates of ,his nature1 must be as immortal as its original2 for1 though all other creatures are endowed with life and motion1 they yet lack a reasonable soul1 and from thence it is concluded that their life is in their blood1 and that being corruptible they perish and are no more2 but man being endowed with a reasonable soul and stamped with a ,divine image1 is of a different nature1 and though his body is corruptible1 yet his soul being of an immortal nature cannot perish2 but at the dissolution of the body returns to ,god who gave it1 either to receive reward or punishment4 ,now1 that the body can sin of itself is impossible1 because wanting the soul1 which is the principle of life1 it cannot act nor proceed to anything either good or evil2 for could it do so1 it might even sin in the grave4 ,but it is plain that after death there is a cessation2 for as death leaves us so judgment will find us4 ,now1 reason having evidently demonstrated the soul's immortality1 the ,holy ,scriptures do abundantly give testimony of the truth of the resurrection1 as the reader may see by perusing the #adth and #aith chapters of ,job and #eth of ,john4 ,i shall1 therefore1 leave the further discussion of this matter to divines1 whose province it is1 and return to treat of the works of nature4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,v ,of ,monsters and ,monstrous ,births2 and the several reasons thereof1 according to the opinions of the ,ancients4 ,also1 whether the ,monsters are endowed with reasonable ,souls2 and whether the ,devils can engender2 is here briefly discussed4 ,by the ancients1 monsters are ascribed to depraved conceptions1 and are designated as being excursions of nature1 which are vicious in one of these four ways3 either in figure1 magnitude1 situation1 or number4 ,in figure1 when a man bears the character of a beast1 as did the beast in ,saxony4 ,in magnitude1 when one part does not equalise with another2 as when one part is too big or too little for the other parts of the body4 ,but this is so common among us that ,i need not produce a testimony4 ,illustration3 ,there was a ,monster at ,ravenna in ,italy of this kind1 in the year #aeab4 ,i now proceed to explain the cause of their generation1 which is either divine or natural4 ,the divine cause proceeds from ,god's permissive will1 suffering parents to bring forth abominations for their filthy and corrupt affections1 which are let loose unto wickedness like brute beasts which have no understanding4 ,wherefore it was enacted among the ancient ,romans that those who were in any way deformed1 should not be admitted into religious houses4 ,and ,st4 ,jerome was grieved in his time to see the lame and the deformed offering up spiritual sacrifices to ,god in religious houses4 ,and ,keckerman1 by way of inference1 excludes all that are ill-shapen from this presbyterian function in the church4 ,and that which is of more force than all1 ,god himself commanded ,moses not to receive such to offer sacrifice among his people2 and he also renders the reason ,leviticus1 xxii4 #bh1 ,lest he pollute my sanctuaries4 ,because of the outward deformity1 the body is often a sign of the pollution of the heart1 as a curse laid on the child for the incontinency of its parents4 ,yet it is not always so4 ,let us therefore duly examine and search out the natural cause of their generation1 which 7according to the ancients who have dived into the secrets of nature7 is either in the mother or in the agent1 in the seed1 or in the womb4 ,the matter may be in default two ways--by defect or by excess3 by defect1 when the child has only one arm2 by excess1 when it has four hands or two heads4 ,some monsters are begotten by a woman's unnatural lying with beasts2 as in the year #afjc1 there was a monster begotten by a woman's generating with a dog2 which from the navel upwards had the perfect resemblance of its mother3 but from its navel downwards it resembled a dog4 ,illustration ,the agent or womb may be in fault three ways2 firstly1 the formative faculty1 which may be too strong or too weak1 by which is procured a depraved figure2 secondly1 to the instrument or place of conception1 the evil confirmation or the disposition whereof will cause a monstrous birth2 thirdly1 in the imaginative power at the time of conception2 which is of such a force that it stamps the character of the thing imagined on the child4 ,thus the children of an adulteress may be like her husband1 though begotten by another man1 which is caused through the force of imagination that the woman has of her own husband at the act of coition4 ,and ,i have heard of a woman1 who1 at the time of conception1 beholding the picture of a blackamoor1 conceived and brought forth an ,ethiopian4 ,i will not trouble you with more human testimonies1 but conclude with a stronger warrant4 ,we read 7,gen4 xxx4 #ca7 how ,jacob having agreed with ,laban to have all the spotted sheep for keeping his flock to augment his wages1 took hazel rods and peeled white streaks on them1 and laid them before the sheep when they came to drink1 which coupling together there1 whilst they beheld the rods1 conceived and brought forth young4 ,illustration3 ,where children thus are born with hairy coats ,heaven's wrath unto the kingdom it denotes ,another monster representing a hairy child4 ,it was all covered with hair like a beast4 ,that which made it more frightful was1 that its navel was in the place where its nose should stand1 and its eyes placed where the mouth should have been1 and its mouth placed in the chin4 ,it was of the male kind1 and was born in ,france1 in the year #aeig1 at a town called ,arles in ,provence1 and lived a few days1 frightening all that beheld it4 ,it was looked upon as a forerunner of desolations which soon after happened to that kingdom1 in which men to each other were more like brutes than human creatures4 ,there was a monster born at ,nazara in the year #aecj4 ,it had four arms and four legs4 ,the imagination also works on the child1 after conception1 of which we have a pregnant instance4 ,a worthy gentlewoman in ,suffolk1 who being with child and passing by a butcher who was killing his meat1 a drop of blood sprung on her face1 whereupon she said her child would have a blemish on its face1 and at the birth it was found marked with a red spot4 ,illustration ,likewise in the reign of ,henry ,,iii1 there was a woman delivered of a child having two heads and four arms1 and the bodies were joined at the back2 the heads were so placed that they looked contrary ways2 each had two distinct arms and hands4 ,they would both laugh1 both speak1 and both cry1 and be hungry together2 sometimes the one would speak and the other keep silence1 and sometimes both speak together4 ,they lived several years1 but one outlived the other three years1 carrying the dead one 7for there was no parting them7 till the survivor fainted with the burden1 and more with the stench of the dead carcase4 ,illustration ,it is certain that monstrous births often happen by means of undue copulation2 for some there are1 who1 having been long absent from one another1 and having an eager desire for enjoyment1 consider not as they ought1 to do as their circumstances demand4 ,and if it happen that they come together when the woman's menses are flowing1 and notwithstanding1 proceed to the act of copulation1 which is both unclean and unnatural1 the issue of such copulation does often prove monstrous1 as a just punishment for doing what nature forbids4 ,and1 therefore1 though men should be ever so eager for it1 yet women1 knowing their own condition1 should at such times positively refuse their company4 ,and though such copulations do not always produce monstrous birth1 yet the children1 thus begotten1 are generally heavy1 dull1 and sluggish1 besides defective in their understandings1 lacking the vivacity and loveliness with which children begotten in proper season are endowed4 ,illustration ,illustration ,in ,flanders1 between ,antwerp and ,mechlin1 in a village called ,uthaton1 a child was born which had two heads1 four arms1 seeming like two girls joined together1 having two of their arms lifted up between and above their heads1 the thighs being placed as it were across one another1 according to the figure on p4 #ci4 ,how long they lived ,i had no account of4 ,by the figure on p4 #dj you may see that though some of the members are wanting1 yet they are supplied by other members4 ,it remains now that ,i make some inquiry whether those that are born monsters have reasonable souls1 and are capable of resurrection4 ,and here both divines and physicians are of opinion that those who1 according to the order of generations deduced from our first parents1 proceed by mutual means from either sex1 though their outward shape be deformed and monstrous1 have notwithstanding a reasonable soul1 and consequently their bodies are capable of resurrection1 as other men's and women's are2 but those monsters that are not begotten by men1 but are the product of women's unnatural lusts in copulating with other creatures shall perish as the brute beasts by whom they were begotten1 not having a reasonable soul nor any breath of the ,almighty infused into them2 and such can never be capable of resurrection4 ,and the same is also true of imperfect and abortive births4 ,some are of opinion that monsters may be engendered by some infernal spirit4 ,of this mind was ,adigus ,fariur1 speaking of a deformed monster born at ,craconia2 and ,hieronimus ,cardamnus wrote of a maid that was got with child by the devil1 she thinking it had been a fair young man4 ,the like also is recorded by ,vicentius1 of the prophet ,merlin1 that he was begotten by an evil spirit4 ,but what a repugnance it would be both to religion and nature1 if the devils could beget men2 when we are taught to believe that not any was ever begotten without human seed1 except the ,son of ,god4 ,the devil then being a spirit and having no corporeal substance1 has therefore no seed of generation2 to say that he can use the act of generation effectually is to affirm that he can make something out of nothing1 and consequently to affirm the devil to be ,god1 for creation belongs to ,god only4 ,again1 if the devil could assume to himself a human body and enliven the faculties of it1 and cause it to generate1 as some affirm he can1 yet this body must bear the image of the devil4 ,and it borders on blasphemy to think that ,god should so far give leave to the devil as out of ,god's image to raise his own diabolical offspring4 ,in the school of ,nature we are taught the contrary1 viz41 that like begets like2 therefore1 of a devil cannot man be born4 ,yet1 it is not denied1 but the devils1 transforming themselves into human shapes1 may abuse both men and women1 and1 with wicked people1 use carnal copulation2 but that any unnatural conjunction can bring forth a human creature is contrary to nature and all religion4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,vi ,of the happy state of matrimony1 as it is appointed by ,god1 the true felicity that rebounds thereby to either sex2 and to what end it is ordained4 ,without doubt the uniting of hearts in holy wedlock is of all conditions the happiest2 for then a man has a second self to whom he can reveal his thoughts1 as well as a sweet companion in his labours1 toils1 trials1 and difficulties4 ,he has one in whose breast1 as in a safe cabinet1 he can confide his inmost secrets1 especially where reciprocal love and inviolable faith is centred2 for there no care1 fear1 jealousy1 mistrust or hatred can ever interpose4 ,for base is the man that hateth his own flesh6 ,and truly a wife1 if rightly considered1 as ,adam well observed1 is or ought to be esteemed of every honest man as ,bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh1 etc4 ,nor was it the least care of the ,almighty to ordain so near a union1 and that for two causes2 the first1 for the increase of posterity2 the second1 to restrain man's wandering desires and affections2 nay1 that they might be yet happier1 when ,god has joined them together1 he blessed them1 as in ,gen4 ii4 ,an ancient writer1 contemplating this happy state1 says1 in the economy of ,xenophon1 that the marriage bed is not only the most pleasant1 but also profitable course of life1 that may be entered on for the preservation and increase of posterity4 ,wherefore1 since marriage is the most safe1 and delightful situation of man he does in no ways provide amiss for his own tranquillity who enters into it1 especially when he comes to maturity of years4 ,there are many abuses in marriage contrary to what is ordained1 the which in the ensuing chapter ,i shall expose to view4 ,but to proceed3 ,seeing our blessed ,saviour and ,his holy apostles detested unlawful lusts1 and pronounced those to be excluded the kingdom of heaven that polluted themselves with adultery and whoring1 ,i cannot conceive what face people have to colour their impieties1 who hating matrimony1 make it their study how they may live licentiously3 for1 in so doing1 they take in themselves torment1 enmity1 disquietude1 rather than certain pleasure1 not to mention the hazard of their immortal soul2 and certain it is that mercenary love 7or as the wise man called it harlot-smiles7 cannot be true and sincere and therefore not pleasant1 but rather a net laid to betray such as trust in them with all mischief1 as ,solomon observes of the young man void of understanding1 who turned aside to the harlot's house1 as a bird to the snare of the fowler1 or as an ox to the slaughter1 till a dart was struck through his liver4 ,nor in this case can they have children1 those endearing pledges of conjugal affection2 or if they have1 they will rather redound to their shame than comfort1 bearing the odious brand of bastards4 ,harlots1 likewise are like swallows1 flying in the summer season of prosperity2 but the black stormy weather of adversity coming1 they take wing and fly into other regions--that is1 seek other lovers2 but a virtuous1 chaste wife1 fixing her entire love upon her husband1 and submitting to him as her head and king1 by whose directions she ought to steer in all lawful courses1 will1 like a faithful companion1 share patiently with him in all adversities1 run with cheerfulness through all difficulties and dangers1 though ever so hazardous1 to preserve and assist him1 in poverty1 sickness1 or whatsoever misfortunes befall him1 acting according to her duty in all things2 but a proud1 imperious harlot will do no more than she lists1 in the sunshine of prosperity2 and like a horse-leech1 ever craving1 and never satisfied2 still seeming displeased1 if all her extravagant cravings be not answered2 not regarding the ruin and misery she brings on him by those means1 though she seems to doat upon him1 used to confirming her hypocrisy with crocodile tears1 vows and swoonings1 when her cully has to depart awhile1 or seems but to deny immediate desires2 yet this lasts no longer than she can gratify her appetite1 and prey upon his fortune4 ,now1 on the contrary1 a loving1 chaste and even-tempered wife1 seeks what she may to prevent such dangers1 and in every condition does all she can to make him easy4 ,and1 in a word1 as there is no content in the embraces of a harlot1 so there is no greater joy in the reciprocal affection and endearing embraces of a loving1 obedient1 and chaste wife4 ,nor is that the principal end for which matrimony was ordained1 but that the man might follow the law of his creation by increasing his kind and replenishing the earth2 for this was the injunction laid upon him in ,paradise1 before his fall4 ,to conclude1 a virtuous wife is a crown and ornament to her husband1 and her price is above all rubies3 but the ways of a harlot are deceitful4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,vii ,of ,errors in ,marriages2 ,why they are1 and the ,injuries caused by them4 ,by errors in marriage1 ,i mean the unfitness of the persons marrying to enter into this state1 and that both with respect to age and the constitution of their bodies2 and1 therefore1 those who design to enter into that condition ought to observe their ability and not run themselves into inconveniences2 for those that marry too young may be said to marry unseasonably1 not considering their inability1 nor examining the forces of nature2 for some1 before they are ripe for the consummation of so weighty a matter1 who either rashly1 of their own accord1 or by the instigation of procurers or marriage-brokers1 or else forced thereto by their parents who covet a large dower take upon them this yoke to their prejudice2 by which some1 before the expiration of a year1 have been so enfeebled1 that all their vital moisture has been exhausted2 which had not been restored again without great trouble and the use of medicines4 ,therefore1 my advice is3 that it is not convenient to suffer children1 or such as are not of age1 to marry1 or get children4 ,he that proposes to marry1 and wishes to enjoy happiness in that state1 should choose a wife descended from honest and temperate parents1 she being chaste1 well bred1 and of good manners4 ,for if a woman has good qualities1 she has portion enough4 ,that of ,alcmena1 in ,plautus1 is much to the purpose1 where he brings in a young woman speaking thus3-- ,i take not that to be my dowry1 which ,the vulgar sort do wealth and honour call2 ,that all my wishes terminate in this3---- ,i'll obey my husband and be chaste withall2 ,to have ,god's fear1 and beauty in my mind1 ,to do those good who are virtuously inclined4 ,and ,i think she was in the right1 for such a wife is more precious than rubies4 ,it is certainly the duty of parents to bring up their children in the ways of virtue1 and to have regard to their honour and reputation2 and especially to virgins1 when grown to be marriageable4 ,for1 as has been noted1 if through the too great severity of parents1 they may be crossed in their love1 many of them throw themselves into the unchaste arms of the first alluring tempter that comes in the way1 being1 through the softness and flexibility of their nature1 and the strong desire they have after what nature strongly incites them to1 easily induced to believe men's false vows of promised marriage1 to cover their shame3 and then too late1 their parents repent of their severity which has brought an indelible stain upon their families4 ,illustration3 ,conception ,first ,month ,second ,month ,third ,month ,fourth ,month ,illustration3 ,fifth ,month ,sixth ,month ,seventh ,month ,eighth ,month ,ninth ,month ,another error in marriage is1 the inequality of years in the parties married2 such as for a young man1 who1 to advance his fortune1 marries a woman old enough to be his grandmother3 between whom1 for the most part1 strife1 jealousies1 and dissatisfaction are all the blessings which crown the genial bed1 is being impossible for such to have any children4 ,the like may be said1 though with a little excuse1 when an old doting widower marries a virgin in the prime of her youth and her vigour1 who1 while he vainly tries to please her1 is thereby wedded to his grave4 ,for1 as in green youth1 it is unfit and unseasonable to think of marriage1 so to marry in old age is just the same2 for they that enter upon it too soon are soon exhausted1 and fall into consumptions and divers other diseases2 and those who procrastinate and marry unseemingly1 fall into the like troubles2 on the other side having only this honour1 if old men1 they become young cuckolds1 especially if their wives have not been trained up in the paths of virtue1 and lie too much open to the importunity and temptation of lewd and debauched men4 ,and thus much for the errors of rash and inconsiderate marriages4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,viii ,the ,opinion of the ,learned concerning ,children conceived and born within ,seven ,months2 with ,arguments upon the ,subject to prevent ,suspicion of ,incontinency1 and bitter ,contest on that ,account4 ,to which are added ,rules to ,know the ,disposition of ,man's ,body by the ,genital ,parts4 ,many bitter quarrels happen between men and their wives upon the man's supposition that the child comes too soon1 and by consequence1 that he could not be the father2 whereas1 it is the want of understanding the secrets of nature which brings the man into that error2 and which1 had he known1 might have cured him of his suspicion and jealousy4 ,to remove which1 ,i shall endeavour to prove1 that it is possible1 and has been frequently known1 that children have been born at seven months4 ,paul1 the ,counsel1 has this passage in the #aith ,book of ,pleadings1 viz43 ,it is now a received truth1 that a perfect child may be born in the seventh month1 by the authority of the learned ,hippocrates2 and therefore1 we must believe that a child born at the end of the seventh month in lawful matrimony may be lawfully begotten4 ,galen is of opinion that there is no certain time set for the bearing of children2 and that from ,pliny's authority1 who makes mention of a woman that went thirteen months with child2 but as to what concerns the seventh month1 a learned author says1 ,i know several married people in ,holland that had twins born in the seventh month1 who lived to old age1 having lusty bodies and lively minds4 ,wherefore their opinion is absurd1 who assert that a child at seven months cannot be perfect and long lived2 and that it cannot in all parts be perfect until the ninth month4 ,thereupon the author proceeds to tell a passage from his own knowledge1 viz43 ,of late there happened a great disturbance among us1 which ended not without bloodshed2 and was occasioned by a virgin1 whose chastity had been violated1 descending from a noble family of unspotted fame4 ,several charged the fact upon the ,judge1 who was president of a city in ,flanders1 who firmly denied it1 saying he was ready to take his oath that he never had any carnal copulation with her1 and that he would not father that1 which was none of his2 and farther argued1 that he verily believed it was a child born in seven months1 himself being many miles distant from the mother of it when it was conceived4 ,upon which the judges decreed that the child should be viewed by able physicians and experienced women1 and that they should make their report4 ,they having made diligent inquiry1 all of them with one mind1 concluded the child1 without discussing who was the father1 was born within the space of seven months1 and that it was carried in the mother's womb but twenty-seven weeks and some odd days2 but if she should have gone full nine months1 the child's parts and limbs would have been more firm and strong1 and the structure of the body more compact2 for the skin was very loose1 and the breast bone that defends the heart1 and the gristles that lay over the stomach1 lay higher than naturally they should be1 not plain1 but crooked and sharp1 rigid or pointed1 like those of a young chicken hatched in the beginning of spring4 ,and being a female1 it wanted nails upon the joints of the fingers2 upon which1 from the masculous cartilaginous matter of the skin1 nails that are very smooth do come1 and by degrees harden2 she had1 instead of nails1 a thin skin or film4 ,as for her toes1 there were no signs of nails upon them1 wanting the heat which was expanded to the fingers from the nearness of the heart4 ,all this was considered1 and above all1 one gentlewoman of quality that assisted1 affirming that she had been the mother of nineteen children1 and that divers of them had been born and lived at seven months1 though within the seventh month4 ,for in such cases1 the revolution of the month ought to be observed1 which perfects itself in four bare weeks1 or somewhat less than twenty-eight days2 in which space of the revolution1 the blood being agitated by the force of the moon1 the courses of women flow from them2 which being spent1 and the matrix cleansed from the menstruous blood which happens on the fourth day1 then1 if a man on the seventh day lie with his wife1 the copulation is most natural1 and then the conception is best3 and the child thus begotten may be born in the seventh month and prove very healthful4 ,so that on this report1 the supposed father was pronounced innocent2 the proof that he was #ajj miles distant all that month in which the child was begotten2 as for the mother she strongly denied that she knew the father1 being forced in the dark2 and so1 through fear and surprise1 was left in ignorance4 ,as for coition1 it ought not to be used unless the parties be in health1 lest it turn to the disadvantage of the children so begotten1 creating in them1 through the abundance of ill humours1 divers languishing diseases4 ,wherefore1 health is no better discerned than by the genitals of the man2 for which reasons midwives1 and other skilful women1 were formerly wont to see the testicles of children1 thereby to conjecture their temperature and state of body2 and young men may know thereby the signs and symptoms of death2 for if the cases of the testicles be loose and feeble1 which are the proofs of life1 are fallen1 but if the secret parts are wrinkled and raised up1 it is a sign that all is well1 but that the event may exactly answer the prediction1 it is necessary to consider what part of the body the disease possesseth2 for if it chance to be the upper part that is afflicted1 as the head or stomach1 then it will not so then appear by the members1 which are unconnected with such grievances2 but the lower part of the body exactly sympathising with them1 their liveliness1 on the contrary1 makes it apparent2 for nature's force1 and the spirits that have their intercourse1 first manifest themselves therein2 which occasions midwives to feel the genitals of children1 to know in what part the gulf is residing1 and whether life or death be portended thereby1 the symptoms being strongly communicated to the vessels1 that have their intercourse with the principal seat of life4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ix ,of the ,green-,sickness in ,virgins1 with its causes1 signs and cures2 together with the chief occasions of ,barrenness in ,women1 and the ,means to remove the ,cause1 and render them fruitful4 ,the green-sickness is so common a complaint amongst virgins1 especially those of a phlegmatic complexion1 that it is easily discerned1 showing itself by discolouring the face1 making it look green1 pale1 and of a dusty colour1 proceeding from raw and indigested humours2 nor doth it only appear to the eye1 but sensibly affects the person with difficulty of breathing1 pains in the head1 palpitation of the heart1 with unusual beatings and small throbbings of the arteries in the temples1 back and neck1 which often cast them into fevers when the humour is over vicious2 also loathing of meat and the distention of the hypochondriac part1 by reason of the inordinate effluxion of the menstruous blood of the greater vessels2 and from the abundance of humours1 the whole body is often troubled with swellings1 or at least the thighs1 legs and ankles1 all above the heels2 there is also a weariness of the body without any reason for it4 ,the ,galenical physicians affirm1 that this distemper proceeds from the womb2 occasioned by the gross1 vicious and rude humours arising from several inward causes2 but there are also outward causes which have a share in the production of it2 as taking cold in the feet1 drinking of water1 intemperance of diet1 eating things contrary to nature1 viz41 raw or burnt flesh1 ashes1 coals1 old shoes1 chalk1 wax1 nutshells1 mortar1 lime1 oatmeal1 tobacco pipes1 etc41 which occasion both a suppression of the menses and obstructions through the whole body2 therefore1 the first thing necessary to vindicate the cause1 is matrimonial conjunction1 and such copulation as may prove satisfactory to her that is afflicted1 for then the menses will begin to flow according to their natural and due course1 and the humours being dispersed1 will soon waste themselves2 and then no more matter being admitted to increase them1 they will vanish and a good temperament of body will return2 but in case this best remedy cannot be had soon enough1 then let blood in the ankles1 and if she be about sixteen1 you may likewise do it in the arm1 but let her be bled sparingly1 especially if the blood be good4 ,if the disease be of any continuance1 then it is to be eradicated by purging1 preparation of the humour being first considered1 which may be done by the virgin's drinking the decoction of guaiacum1 with dittany of erete2 but the best purge in this case ought to be made of aloes1 agaric1 senna1 rhubarb2 and for strengthening the bowels and removing obstructions1 chaly-beate medicines are chiefly to be used4 ,the diet must be moderate1 and sharp things by all means avoided4 ,and now1 since barrenness daily creates discontent1 and that discontent breeds indifference between man and wife1 or1 by immediate grief1 frequently casts the woman into one or another distemper1 ,i shall in the next place treat thereof4 ,,of ,,barrenness4 ,formerly1 before women came to the marriage-bed1 they were first searched by the mid-wife1 and those only which she allowed of as fruitful were admitted4 ,i hope1 therefore1 it will not be amiss to show you how they may prove themselves and turn barren ground into fruitful soil4 ,barrenness is a deprivation of the life and power which ought to be in the seed to procreate and propagate2 for which end men and women were made4 ,causes of barrenness may be over much cold or heat1 drying up the seed and corrupting it1 which extinguishes the life of the seed1 making it waterish and unfit for generation4 ,it may be caused also1 by the not flowing or over-flowing of the courses by swellings1 ulcers1 and inflammation of the womb1 by an excrescence of flesh growing about the mouth of the matrix1 by the mouth of the matrix being turned up to the back or side by the fatness of the body1 whereby the mouth of the matrix is closed up1 being pressed with the omentum or caul1 and the matter of the seed is turned to fat2 if she be a lean and dry body1 and though she do conceive1 yet the fruit of her body will wither before it come to perfection1 for want of nourishment4 ,one main cause of barrenness is attributed to want of a convenient moderating quality1 which the woman ought to have with the man2 as1 if he be hot1 she must be cold2 if he be dry1 she must be moist2 as1 if they be both dry or both moist of constitution1 they cannot propagate2 and yet1 simply considering of themselves1 they are not barren1 for she who was before as the barren fig-tree being joined to an apt constitution becomes as the fruitful vine4 ,and that a man and woman1 being every way of like constitution1 cannot create1 ,i will bring nature itself for a testimony1 who hath made man of a better constitution than woman1 that the quality of the one1 may moderate the quality of the other4 ,,signs ,,of ,,barrenness4 ,if barrenness proceeds from overmuch heat1 if she is a dry body1 subject to anger1 has black hair1 quick pulse1 and her purgations flow but little1 and that with pain1 she loves to play in the courts of ,venus4 ,but if it comes by cold1 then the signs are contrary to the above mentioned4 ,if through the evil quality of the womb1 make a suffumigation of red styrax1 myrrh1 cassia-wood1 nutmeg1 and cinnamon2 and let her receive the fumes into her womb1 covering her very close2 and if the odour so received passes through the body to the mouth and nostrils1 she is fruitful4 ,but if she feels not the fumes in her mouth and nostrils1 it argues barrenness one of these ways--that the spirit of the seed is either extinguished through cold1 or dissipated through heat4 ,if any woman be suspected to be unfruitful1 cast natural brimstone1 such as is digged out of mines1 into her urine1 and if worms breed therein1 she is not barren4 ,,prognostics4 ,barrenness makes women look young1 because they are free from those pains and sorrows which other women are accustomed to4 ,yet they have not the full perfection of health which other women enjoy1 because they are not rightly purged of the menstruous blood and superfluous seed1 which are the principal cause of most uterine diseases4 ,first1 the cause must be removed1 the womb strengthened1 and the spirits of the seed enlivened4 ,if the womb be over hot1 take syrup of succory1 with rhubarb1 syrup of violets1 roses1 cassia1 purslain4 ,take of endive1 water-lilies1 borage flowers1 of each a handful2 rhubarb1 mirobalans1 of each three drachms2 make a decoction with water1 and to the straining of the syrup add electuary violets one ounce1 syrup of cassia half an ounce1 manna three drachms2 make a potion4 ,take of syrup of mugwort one ounce1 syrup of maiden-hair two ounces1 pulv-elect triasand one drachm2 make a julep4 ,take prus4 salt1 elect4 ros4 mesua1 of each three drachms1 rhubarb one scruple1 and make a bolus2 apply to the loins and privy parts fomentations of the juice of lettuce1 violets1 roses1 malloes1 vine leaves and nightshade2 anoint the secret parts with the cooling unguent of ,galen4 ,if the power of the seed be extinguished by cold1 take every morning two spoonfuls of cinnamon water1 with one scruple of mithridate4 ,take syrup of calamint1 mugwort and betony1 of each one ounce2 waters of pennyroyal1 feverfew1 hyssop and sage1 of each two ounces2 make a julep4 ,take oil of aniseed two scruples and a half2 diacimini1 diacliathidiamosei and diagla-ongoe1 of each one drachm1 sugar four ounces1 with water of cinnamon1 and make lozenges2 take of them a drachm and a half twice a day1 two hours before meals2 fasten cupping glasses to the hips and belly4 ,take of styrax and calamint one ounce1 mastick1 cinnamon1 nutmeg1 lign1 aloes1 and frankincense1 of each half ounce2 musk1 ten grains1 ambergris1 half a scruple2 make a confection with rosewater1 divide it into four equal parts2 one part make a pomatum oderation to smell at if she be not hysterical2 of the second1 make a mass of pills1 and let her take three every other night3 of the third make a pessary1 dip it in oil of spikenard1 and put it up2 of the fourth1 make a suffumigation for the womb4 ,if the faculties of the womb be weakened1 and the life of the seed suffocated by over much humidity flowing to those parts3 take of betony1 marjoram1 mugwort1 pennyroyal and balm1 of each a handful2 roots of alum and fennel1 of each two drachms2 aniseed and cummin1 of each one drachm1 with sugar and water a sufficient quantity2 make a syrup1 and take three ounces every morning4 ,purge with the following things2 take of the diagnidium1 two grains1 spicierum of castor1 a scruple1 pill foedit two scruples1 with syrup of mugwort1 make six pills4 ,take apeo1 diagem4 diamoser1 diamb4 of each one drachm2 cinnamon1 one drachm and a half2 cloves1 mace and nutmeg1 of each half a drachm2 sugar six ounces1 with water of feverfew2 make lozenges1 to be taken every morning4 ,take of decoction of sarsaparilla and virga aurea1 not forgetting sage1 which ,agrippa1 wondering at its operation1 has honoured with the name of sacra herba1 a holy herb4 ,it is recorded by ,dodonoeus in the ,history of ,plants1 lib4 ii4 cap4 #gg1 that after a great mortality among the ,egyptians1 the surviving women1 that they might multiply quickly1 were commanded to drink the juice of sage1 and to anoint the genitals with oil of aniseed and spikenard4 ,take mace1 nutmeg1 cinnamon1 styrax and amber1 of each one drachm2 cloves1 laudanum1 of each half a drachm2 turpentine1 a sufficient quantity2 trochisks1 to smooth the womb4 ,take roots of valerian and elecampane1 of each one pound2 galanga1 two ounces2 origan lavender1 marjoram1 betony1 mugwort1 bay leaves1 calamint1 of each a handful2 make an infusion with water1 in which let her sit1 after she hath her courses4 ,if barrenness proceed from dryness1 consuming the matter of the seed2 take every day almond milk1 and goat's milk extracted with honey1 but often of the root satyrion1 candied1 and electuary of diasyren4 ,take three wethers' heads1 boil them until all the flesh comes from the bones1 then take melilot1 violets1 camomiles1 mercury1 orchia with their roots1 of each a handful2 fenugreek1 linseed1 valerian roots1 of each one pound2 let all these be decocted in the aforesaid broth1 and let the woman sit in the decoction up to the navel4 ,if barrenness be caused by any proper effect of the womb1 the cure is set down in the second book4 ,sometimes the womb proves barren where there is no impediment on either side1 except only in the manner of the act2 as when in the emission of the seed1 the man is quick and the woman is slow1 whereby there is not an emission of both seeds at the same instant as the rules of conception require4 ,before the acts of coition1 foment the privy parts with the decoction of betony1 sage1 hyssop and calamint and anoint the mouth and neck of the womb with musk and civet4 ,the cause of barrenness being removed1 let the womb be strengthened as follows2 ,take of bay berries1 mastic1 nutmeg1 frankincense1 nuts1 laudanum1 giapanum1 of each one drachm1 styracis liquid1 two scruples1 cloves half a scruple1 ambergris two grains1 then make a pessary with oil of spikenard4 ,take of red roses1 lapididis hoematis1 white frankincense1 of each half an ounce4 ,dragon's blood1 fine bole1 mastic1 of each two drachms2 nutmeg1 cloves1 of each one drachm2 spikenard1 half a scruple1 with oil of wormwood2 make a plaster for the lower part of the belly1 then let her eat candied eringo root1 and make an injection only of the roots of satyrion4 ,the aptest time for conception is instantly after the menses have ceased1 because then the womb is thirsty and dry1 apt both to draw the seed and return it1 by the roughness of the inward surface1 and besides1 in some1 the mouth of the womb is turned into the back or side1 and is not placed right until the last day of the courses4 ,excess in all things is to be avoided4 ,lay aside all passions of the mind1 shun study and care1 as things that are enemies to conception1 for if a woman conceive under such circumstances1 however wise the parents may be1 the children1 at best1 will be but foolish2 because the mental faculties of the parents1 viz41 the understanding and the rest 7from whence the child derives its reason7 are1 as it were1 confused through the multiplicity of cares and thought2 of which we have examples in learned men1 who1 after great study and care1 having connection with their wives1 often beget very foolish children4 ,a hot and moist air is most suitable1 as appears by the women in ,egypt1 who often bring forth three or four children at one time4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,x ,virginity1 what it is1 in what it consists1 and how vitiated2 together with the ,opinions of the ,learned about the ,change of ,sex in the ,womb1 during the ,operation of ,nature in forming the ,body4 ,there are many ignorant people that boast of their skill in the knowledge of virginity1 and some virgins have undergone harsh censures through their ignorant conclusions2 ,i therefore thought it highly necessary to clear up this point1 that the towering imaginations of conceited ignorance might be brought down1 and the fair sex 7whose virtues are so illustriously bright that they excite our wonder and command our imitation71 may be freed from the calumnies and detractions of ignorance and envy2 and so their honour may continue as unspotted1 as they have kept their persons uncontaminated and free from defilement4 ,virginity1 in a strict sense1 signifies the prime1 the chief1 the best of anything2 and this makes men so desirous of marrying virgins1 imagining some secret pleasure is to be enjoyed in their embraces1 more than in those of widows1 or of such as have been lain with before1 though not many years ago1 a very great personage thought differently1 and to use his own expression3--,the getting a maidenhead was such a piece of drudgery1 that it was fitter for a coal heaver than a prince4#a ,but this was only his opinion1 for ,i am sure that other men think differently4 ,the curious inquirers into the secrets of ,nature1 have observed1 that in young maidens in the sinus pudoris1 or in what is called the neck of the womb1 is that wonderful production usually called the hymen1 but in ,french bouton de rose1 or rosebud1 because it resembles the expanded bud of a rose or a gilly flower4 ,from this the word defloro1 or1 deflower1 is derived1 and hence taking away virginity is called deflowering a virgin1 most being of the opinion that the virginity is altogether lost when this membrane is fractured and destroyed by violence2 when it is found perfect and entire1 however1 no penetration has been effected2 and in the opinion of some learned physicians there is neither hymen nor expanded skin which contains blood in it1 which some people think1 flows from the ruptured membrane at the first time of sexual intercourse4 ,now this claustrum virginale1 or flower1 is composed of four little buds like myrtle berries1 which are full and plump in virgins1 but hang loose and flag in women2 and these are placed in the four angles of the sinus pudoris1 joined together by little membranes and ligatures1 like fibres1 each of them situated in the testicles1 or spaces between each bud1 with which1 in a manner1 they are proportionately distended1 and when once this membrane is lacerated1 it denotes ,devirgination4 ,thus many ignorant people1 finding their wives defective in this respect on the first night1 have immediately suspected their chastity1 concluding that another man had been there before them1 when indeed1 such a rupture may happen in several ways accidentally1 as well as by sexual intercourse1 viz4 by violent straining1 coughing1 or sneezing1 the stoppage of the urine1 etc41 so that the entireness or the fracture of that which is commonly taken for a woman's virginity or maidenhead1 is no absolute sign of immorality1 though it is more frequently broken by copulation than by any other means4#b ,and now to say something of the change of the sexes in the womb4 ,the genital parts of the sexes are so unlike each other in substance1 composition1 situation1 figure1 action and use that nothing is more unlike to each other than they are1 and the more1 all parts of the body 7the breasts excepted1 which in women swell1 because ,nature ordained them for suckling the infant7 have an exact resemblance to each other1 so much the more do the genital parts of one sex differ1 when compared with the other1 and if they be thus different in form1 how much more are they so in their use4 ,the venereal feeling also proceeds from different causes2 in men from the desire of emission1 and in women from the desire of reception4 ,all these things1 then1 considered ,i cannot but wonder1 he adds1 how any one can imagine that the female genital organs can be changed into the male organ1 since the sexes can be distinguished only by those parts1 nor can ,i well impute the reason for this vulgar error to anything but the mistake of inexpert midwives1 who have been deceived by the faulty conformation of those parts1 which in some males may have happened to have such small protrusions that they could not be seen1 as appears by the example of a child who was christened in ,paris under the name of ,ivan1 as a girl1 and who afterwards turned out to be a boy1 and on the other hand1 the excessive tension of the clytoris in newly-born female infants may have occasioned similar mistakes4 ,thus far ,pliny in the negative1 and notwithstanding what he has said1 there are others1 such as ,galen1 who assert the affirmative4 ,a man1 he says1 is different from a woman1 only by having his genitals outside his body1 whereas a woman has them inside her4 ,and this is certain1 that if ,nature having formed a male should convert him into a female1 she has nothing else to do but to turn his genitals inward1 and again to turn a woman into a man by a contrary operation4 ,this1 however1 is to be understood of the child whilst it is in the womb and not yet perfectly formed1 for ,nature has often made a female child1 and it has remained so for a month or two1 in its mother's womb2 but afterwards the heat greatly increasing in the genital organs1 they have protruded and the child has become a male1 but nevertheless retained some things which do not befit the masculine sex1 such as female gestures and movements1 a high voice1 and a more effeminate temper than is usual with men2 whilst1 on the other hand1 the genitals have become inverted through cold humours1 but yet the person retained a masculine air1 both in voice and gesture4 ,now1 though both these opinions are supported by several reasons1 yet ,i think the latter are nearer the truth1 for there is not that vast difference between the genitals of the two sexes as ,pliny asserts2 for a woman has1 in a way1 the same pudenda as a man1 though they do not appear outwardly1 but are inverted for the convenience of generation2 one being solid and the other porous1 and that the principal reason for changing sexes is1 and must be attributed to heat or cold1 which operates according to its greater or lesser force4 ,,footnotes3 #a ,attributed to ,george ,,iv 7,translator74 #b ,a young man was once tried at ,rutland ,assizes for violating a virgin1 and after close questioning1 the girl swearing positively in the matter1 and naming the time1 place and manner of the action1 it was resolved that she should be examined by a skilful surgeon and two midwives1 who were to report on oath1 which they did1 and declared that the membranes were intact and unlacerated1 and that1 in their opinion1 her body had not been penetrated4 ,this had its due effect upon the jury1 and they acquitted the prisoner1 and the girl afterwards confessed that she swore it against him out of revenge1 as he had promised to marry her1 and had afterwards declined4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xi ,directions and ,cautions for ,midwives2 and1 first1 what ought to be the qualifications of a midwife4 ,a midwife who wishes to acquit herself well in her employment1 ought certainly not to enter upon it rashly or unadvisedly1 but with all imaginable caution1 remembering that she is responsible for any mischief which may happen through her ignorance or neglect4 ,none1 therefore1 should undertake that duty merely because of their age or because they themselves have had many children1 for1 in such1 generally1 many things will be found wanting1 which she should possess4 ,she ought to be neither too old nor too young1 neither very fat1 nor so thin1 as to be weak1 but in a good habit of body2 not subject to illness1 fears1 nor sudden frights2 well-made and neat in her attire1 her hands small and smooth1 her nails kept well-trimmed and without any rings on her fingers whilst she is engaged in her work1 nor anything upon her wrists that may obstruct her4 ,and to these ought to be added activity1 and a due amount of strength1 with much caution and diligence1 nor should she be given to drowsiness or impatience4 ,she should be polite and affable in her manners1 sober and chaste1 not given to passion1 liberal and compassionate towards the poor1 and not greedy of gain when she attends the rich4 ,she should have a cheerful and pleasant temper1 so that she may be the more easily able to comfort her patients during labour4 ,she must never be in a hurry1 though her business may call her to some other case1 lest she should thereby endanger the mother or the child4 ,she ought to be wary1 prudent1 and intelligent1 but above all1 she ought to be possessed by the fear of ,god1 which will give her both knowledge and discretion1 as the wise man says4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xii ,further ,directions to ,midwives1 teaching them what they ought to do1 and what to avoid4 ,since the duties of a midwife have such a great influence on the well-doing or the contrary of both women and children1 in the first place1 she must be diligent in gaining all such knowledge as may be useful to her in her practice1 and never to think herself so perfect1 but that it may be possible for her to add to her knowledge by study and experience4 ,she should1 however1 never try any experiments unless she has tried them1 or knows that they can do no harm2 practising them neither upon rich nor poor1 but freely saying what she knows1 and never prescribing any medicines which will procure abortion1 even though requested2 for this is wicked in the highest degree1 and may be termed murder4 ,if she be sent for to people whom she does not know1 let her be very cautious before she goes1 lest by attending an infectious woman1 she runs the danger of injuring others1 as sometimes happens4 ,neither must she make her dwelling a receiving-house for big-bellied women to discharge their load1 lest it get her a bad name and she by such means loses her practice4 ,in attending on women1 if the birth happens to be difficult1 she must not seem to be anxious1 but must cheer the woman up and do all she can to make her labour easy4 ,she will find full directions for this1 in the second part of this book4 ,she must never think of anything but doing well1 seeing that everything that is required is in readiness1 both for the woman and for receiving the child1 and above all1 let her keep the woman from becoming unruly when her pains come on1 lest she endanger her own life1 and the child's as well4 ,she must also take care not to be hurried over her business but wait ,god's time for the birth1 and she must by no means allow herself to be upset by fear1 even if things should not go well1 lest that should make her incapable of rendering that assistance which the woman in labour stands in need of1 for where there is the most apparent danger1 there the most care and prudence are required to set things right4 ,and now1 because she can never be a skilful midwife who knows nothing but what is to be seen outwardly1 ,i do not think it will be amiss but rather very necessary1 modestly to describe the generative parts of women as they have been anatomised by learned men1 and to show the use of such vessels as contribute to generation4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xiii ,the ,external1 and ,internal ,organs of ,generation in ,women4 ,if it were not for the public benefit1 especially for that of the professors and practitioners of the art of midwifery1 ,i would refrain from treating the secrets of ,nature1 because they may be turned to ridicule by lascivious and lewd people4 ,but as it is absolutely necessary that they should be known for the public good1 ,i will not omit them because some may make a wrong use of them4 ,those parts which can be seen at the lowest part of the stomach are the fissure magna1 or the great cleft1 with its labia or lips1 the ,mons ,veneris1 or ,mountain of ,venus1 and the hair4 ,these together are called the pudenda1 or things to be ashamed of because when they are exposed they cause a woman pudor1 or shame4 ,the fissure magna reaches from the lower part of the os pubis1 to within an inch of the anus1 but it is less and closer in virgins than in those who have borne children1 and has two lips1 which grow thicker and fuller towards the pubis1 and meeting on the middle of the os pubis1 form that rising hill which is called the ,mons ,veneris1 or the ,hill of ,venus4 ,next come the ,nymphae and the ,clitoris1 the former of which is a membrany and moist substance1 spongy1 soft and partly fleshy1 of a red colour and in the shape of two wings1 which are joined at an acute angle at their base1 producing a fleshy substance there which covers the clitoris1 and sometimes they extend so far1 that an incision is required to make room for a man's instrument of generation4 ,the ,clitoris is a substance in the upper part of the division where the two wings meet1 and the seat of venereal pleasure1 being like a man's penis in situation1 substance1 composition and power of erection1 growing sometimes to the length of two inches out of the body1 but that never happens except through extreme lustfulness or some extraordinary accident4 ,this clitoris consists of two spongy and skinny bodies1 containing a distinct original from the os pubis1 its tip being covered with a tender skin1 having a hole or passage like a man's yard or penis1 although not quite through1 in which alone1 and in its size it differs from it4 ,the next things are the fleshy knobs of the great neck of the womb1 and these knobs are behind the wings and are four in number1 resembling myrtle berries1 and being placed quadrangularly one against the other1 and here the orifice of the bladder is inserted1 which opens into the fissures1 to evacuate the urine1 and one of these knobs is placed before it1 and closes up the passage in order to secure it from cold1 or any suchlike inconvenience4 ,the lips of the womb1 which appear next1 disclose its neck1 if they are separated1 and two things may be observed in them1 which are the neck itself and the hymen1 or more properly1 the claustrum virginale1 of which ,i have spoken before4 ,by the neck of the womb we must understand the channel that lies between the above-mentioned knobs and the inner bone of the womb1 which receives the penis like a sheath1 and so that it may be more easily dilated by the pleasure of procreation1 the substance is sinewy and a little spongy4 ,there are several folds or pleats in this cavity1 made by tunicles1 which are wrinkled like a full blown rose4 ,in virgins they appear plainly1 but in women who are used to copulation they disappear1 so that the inner side of the neck of the womb appears smooth1 but in old women it is more hard and gristly4 ,but though this channel is sometimes crooked and sinks down yet at the times of copulation1 labour1 or of the monthly flow1 it is erected or distended1 which overtension occasions the pain in childbirth4 ,the hymen1 or claustrum virginale1 is that which closes the neck of the womb1 and is broken by the first act of copulation2 its use being rather to check the undue menstrual flow in virgins1 rather than to serve any other purpose1 and usually when it is broken1 either by copulation1 or by any other means1 a small quantity of blood flows from it1 attended with some little pain4 ,from this some observe that between the folds of the two tunicles1 which constitute the neck of the womb there are many veins and arteries running along1 and arising from1 the vessels on both sides of the thighs1 and so passing into the neck of the womb1 being very large2 and the reason for this is1 that the neck of the bladder requires to be filled with great vigour1 so as to be dilated1 in order that it may lay hold of the penis better2 for great heat is required in such motions1 and that becomes more intense by the act of friction1 and consumes a considerable amount of moisture1 for supplying which large vessels are absolutely necessary4 ,another cause of the largeness of the vessels is1 that menses make their way through them1 which often occasions pregnant women to continue menstruating3 for though the womb be shut up1 yet the passages in the neck of the womb through which these vessels pass1 are open4 ,in this case1 we may further observe1 that as soon as the pudenda are penetrated1 there appear two little pits or holes which contain a secretion1 which is expelled during copulation1 and gives the woman great pleasure4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xiv ,a description of the ,fabric of the ,womb1 the preparing ,vessels and ,testicles in ,women4 ,also of the ,different and ,ejaculatory ,vessels4 ,the womb is joined to its neck in the lower part of the ,hypogastrium where the hips are the widest and broadest1 as they are greater and broader there than those of men1 and it is placed between the bladder and the straight gut1 which keeps it from swaying1 and yet gives it freedom to stretch and dilate1 and again to contract1 as nature requires4 ,its shape is somewhat round and not unlike a gourd1 growing smaller and more acute towards one end1 being knit together by its own ligaments2 its neck likewise is joined by its own substance and by certain membranes that fasten into the os sacrum and the share-bone4 ,its size varies much in different women1 and the difference is especially great between those who have borne children and those who have had none4 ,its substance exceeds a thumb's breadth in thickness1 and so far from decreasing conception1 it rather increases2 and in order to strengthen it it is interwoven with fibres which cross it from side to side1 some of which are straight and some winding1 and its proper vessels are veins1 arteries and nerves4 ,amongst these there are two small veins which pass into the womb from the spermatic vessels1 and two larger ones from the neck3 the mouth of these veins pierces as far as the inward cavity4 ,illustration3 ,position of a ,child in the ,womb just before delivery4 ,illustration3 ,the action of quickening ,the womb has two arteries on both sides of the spermatic vessels and the hypogastric1 which accompany the veins2 and besides these1 there are several little nerves in the form of a net1 which extend throughout it1 from the bottom of the pudenda2 their chief function is sensibility and pleasure1 as they move in sympathy between the head and the womb4 ,it may be further noted that the womb is occasionally moveable by means of the two ligaments that hang on either side of it1 and often rises and falls4 ,the neck of the womb is extremely sensitive1 so that if it be at any time out of order through over fatness1 moisture or relaxation1 it thereby becomes subject to barrenness4 ,with pregnant women1 a glutinous matter is often found at the entrance to the womb so as to facilitate the birth2 for at the time of delivery1 the mouth of the womb is opened as wide as the size of the child requires1 and dilates equally from top to bottom4 ,the spermatic vessels in women1 consist of two veins and two arteries1 which differ from those of men only in size and the manner of their insertion2 for the number of veins and arteries is the same as in men1 the right vein issuing from the trunk of the hollow vein descending and besides them there are two arteries1 which flow from the aorta4 ,these vessels are narrower and shorter in women than in men2 but it must be noticed that they are more intertwined and contorted than in men1 and shrink together by reason of their shortness that they may1 by their looseness1 be better stretched out when necessary3 and these vessels in women are carried in an oblique direction through the lesser bowels and testicles but are divided into two branches half way4 ,the larger goes to the stones and forms a winding body1 and wonderfully inoculates the lesser branches where it disperses itself1 and especially at the higher part of the bottom of the womb1 for its nourishment1 and that part of the courses may pass through the vessels2 and seeing that women's testicles are situated near the womb1 for that cause those vessels do not fall from the peritoneum1 nor do they make so much passage as in men1 as they do not extend to the share-bone4 ,the stones of woman1 commonly called testicles1 do not perform the same function as in men1 for they are altogether different in position1 size1 temperature1 substance1 form and covering4 ,they are situated in the hollow of the muscles of the loins1 so that1 by contracting greater heat1 they may be more fruitful1 their office being to contain the ova or eggs1 one of which1 being impregnated by the man's seed engenders the child4 ,they are1 however1 different from those of the male in shape1 because they are smaller and flatter at each end1 and not so round or oval2 the external superficies is also more unequal1 and has the appearance of a number of knobs or kernels mixed together4 ,there is a difference1 also1 in the substance1 as they are much softer and more pliable1 and not nearly so compact4 ,their size and temperature are also different for they are much colder and smaller than in men1 and their covering or enclosure is likewise quite different2 for as men's are wrapped in several covers1 because they are very pendulous and would be easily injured unless they were so protected by nature1 so women's stones1 being internal and thus less subject to being hurt1 are covered by only one membrane1 and are likewise half covered by the peritoneum4 ,the ejaculatory vessels are two small passages1 one on either side1 which do not differ in any respect from the spermatic veins in substance4 ,they rise in one place from the bottom of the womb1 and do not reach from their other extremity either to the stones or to any other part1 but are shut up and impassable1 and adhere to the womb as the colon does to the blind gut1 and winding half way about2 and though the testicles are not close to them and do not touch them1 yet they are fastened to them by certain membranes which resemble the wing of a bat1 through which certain veins and arteries passing from the end of the testicles may be said to have their passages going from the corners of the womb to the testicles1 and these ligaments in women are the cremasters#c in men1 of which ,i shall speak more fully when ,i come to describe the male parts of generation4 ,,footnotes3 #c ,muscles by which the testicles are drawn up4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xv ,a ,description of the ,use and ,action of the several ,generative ,parts in ,women4 ,the external parts1 commonly called the pudenda1 are designed to cover the great orifice and to receive the man's penis or yard in the act of sexual intercourse1 and to give passage to the child and to the urine4 ,the use of the wings and knobs1 like myrtle berries1 is for the security of the internal parts1 closing the orifice and neck of the bladder and by their swelling up1 to cause titillation and pleasure in those parts1 and also to obstruct the involuntary passage of the urine4 ,the action of the clitoris in women is similar to that of the penis in men1 viz41 erection2 and its lower end is the glans of the penis1 and has the same name4 ,and as the glans of man are the seat of the greatest pleasure in copulation1 so is this in the woman4 ,the action and use of the neck on the womb is the same as that of the penis1 viz41 erection1 brought about in different ways3 first1 in copulation it becomes erect and made straight for the passage of the penis into the womb2 secondly1 whilst the passage is filled with the vital blood1 it becomes narrower for embracing the penis2 and the uses of this erection are twofold3--first1 because if the neck of the womb were not erected1 the man's yard could find no proper passage to the womb1 and1 secondly1 it hinders any damage or injury that might ensue through the violent striking of the penis during the act of copulation4 ,the use of the veins that pass through the neck of the womb1 is to replenish it with blood and vigour1 that so1 as the moisture is consumed by the heat engendered by sexual intercourse1 it may be renewed by those vessels2 but their chief business is to convey nutriment to the womb4 ,the womb has many properties belonging to it3 first1 the retention of the impregnated egg1 and this is conception1 properly so called2 secondly1 to cherish and nourish it1 until ,nature has fully formed the child1 and brought it to perfection1 and then it operates strongly in expelling the child1 when the time of its remaining has expired1 becoming dilated in an extraordinary manner and so perfectly removed from the senses that they cannot injuriously affect it1 retaining within itself a power and strength to eject the foetus1 unless it be rendered deficient by any accident2 and in such a case remedies must be applied by skilful hands to strengthen it1 and enable it to perform its functions2 directions for which will be given in the second book4 ,the use of the preparing vessels is this2 the arteries convey the blood to the testicles2 some part of it is absorbed in nourishing them1 and in the production of these little bladders 7which resemble eggs in every particular71 through which the vasa preparantia run1 and which are absorbed in them2 and the function of the veins is to bring back whatever blood remains from the above mentioned use4 ,the vessels of this kind are much shorter in women than in men1 because they are nearer to the testicles2 this defect is1 however1 made good by the many intricate windings to which those vessels are subject2 for they divide themselves into two branches of different size in the middle and the larger one passes to the testicles4 ,the stones in women are very useful1 for where they are defective1 the work of generation is at an end4 ,for though those bladders which are on the outer surface contain no seed1 as the followers of ,galen and ,hippocrates wrongly believed1 yet they contain several eggs1 generally twenty in each testicle2 one of which being impregnated by the animated part of the man's seed in the act of copulation1 descends through the oviducts into the womb1 and thus in due course of time becomes a living child4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xvi ,of the ,organs of ,generation in ,man4 ,having given a description of the organs of generation in women1 with the anatomy of the fabric of the womb1 ,i shall now1 in order to finish the first part of this treatise1 describe the organs of generation in men1 and how they are fitted for the use for which ,nature intended them4 ,the instrument of generation in men 7commonly called the yard1 in ,latin1 penis1 from pendo1 to hang1 because it hangs outside the belly71 is an organic part which consists of skin1 tendons1 veins1 arteries1 sinews and great ligaments2 and is long and round1 and on the upper side flattish1 seated under the os pubis1 and ordained by ,nature partly for the evacuation of urine1 and partly for conveying the seed into the womb2 for which purpose it is full of small pores1 through which the seed passes into it1 through the vesicula seminalis1#d and discharges the urine when they make water2 besides the common parts1 viz41 the two nervous bodies1 the septum1 the urethra1 the glans1 four muscles and the vessels4 ,the nervous bodies 7so called7 are surrounded with a thick white1 penetrable membrane1 but their inner substance is spongy1 and consists chiefly of veins1 arteries1 and nervous fibres1 interwoven like a net4 ,and when the nerves are filled with animal vigour and the arteries with hot1 eager blood1 the penis becomes distended and erect2 also the neck of the vesicula urinalis1#e but when the influx of blood ceases1 and when it is absorbed by the veins1 the penis becomes limp and flabby4 ,below those nervous bodies is the urethra1 and whenever they swell1 it swells also4 ,the penis has four muscles2 two shorter ones springing from the ,cox endix and which serve for erection1 and on that account they are called erectores2 two larger1 coming from sphincters ani1 which serve to dilate the urethra so as to discharge the semen1 and these are called dilatantes1 or wideners4 ,at the end of the penis is the glans1 covered with a very thin membrane1 by means of which1 and of its nervous substance1 it becomes most extremely sensitive1 and is the principal seat of pleasure in copulation4 ,the outer covering of the glans is called the preputium 7foreskin71 which the ,jews cut off in circumcision1 and it is fastened by the lower part of it to the glans4 ,the penis is also provided with veins1 arteries and nerves4 ,the testiculi1 stones or testicles 7so called because they testify one to be a man71 turn the blood1 which is brought to them by the spermatic arteries into seed4 ,they have two sorts of covering1 common and proper2 there are two of the common1 which enfold both the testes4 ,the outer common coat1 consists of the cuticula1 or true skin1 and is called the scrotum1 and hangs from the abdomen like a purse2 the inner is the membrana carnosa4 ,there are also two proper coats--the outer called cliotrodes1 or virginales2 the inner albugidia2 in the outer the cremaster is inserted4 ,the epididemes1 or prostatae are fixed to the upper part of the testes1 and from them spring the vasa deferentia1 or ejaculatoria1 which deposit the seed into the vesicule seminales when they come near the neck of the bladder4 ,there are two of these vesiculae1 each like a bunch of grapes1 which emit the seed into the urethra in the act of copulation4 ,near them are the prostatae1 about the size of a walnut1 and joined to the neck of the bladder4 ,medical writers do not agree about the use of them1 but most are of the opinion that they produce an oily and sloppy discharge to besmear the urethra so as to defend it against the pungency of the seed and urine4 ,but the vessels which convey the blood to the testes1 from which the seed is made1 are the arteriae spermaticae and there are two of them also4 ,there are likewise two veins1 which carry off the remaining blood1 and which are called venae spermaticae4 ,,footnotes3 #d ,seminal vesicle4 #e ,urinary vesicle4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xvii ,a word of ,advice to both ,sexes1 consisting of several ,directions with regard to ,copulation4 ,as ,nature has a mutual desire for copulation in every creature1 for the increase and propagation of its kind1 and more especially in man1 the lord of creation and the masterpiece of ,nature1 in order that such a noble piece of divine workmanship should not perish1 something ought to be said concerning it1 it being the foundation of everything that we have hitherto been treating of1 since without copulation there can be no generation4 ,seeing1 therefore1 so much depends upon it1 ,i have thought it necessary1 before concluding the first book1 to give such directions to both sexes1 for the performance of that act1 as may appear efficacious to the end for which nature designed it1 but it will be done with such caution as not to offend the chastest ear1 nor to put the fair sex to the blush when they read it4 ,in the first place1 then1 when a married couple from the desire of having children are about to make use of those means that ,nature has provided for that purpose1 it is well to stimulate the body with generous restoratives1 that it may be active and vigorous4 ,and the imagination should be charmed with sweet music1 and if all care and thoughts of business be drowned in a glass of rosy wine1 so that their spirit may be raised to the highest pitch of ardour1 it would be as well1 for troubles1 cares or sadness are enemies to the pleasures of ,venus4 ,and if the woman should conceive when sexual intercourse takes place at such times of disturbance1 it would have a bad effect upon the child4 ,but though generous restoratives may be employed for invigorating nature1 yet all excess should be carefully avoided1 for it will check the briskness of the spirits and make them dull and languid1 and as it also interferes with digestion1 it must necessarily be an enemy to copulation2 for it is food taken moderately and that is well digested1 which enables a man to perform the dictates of ,nature with vigour and activity1 and it is also necessary1 that in their mutual embraces they meet each other with equal ardour1 for1 if not1 the woman either will not conceive1 or else the child may be weak bodily1 or mentally defective4 ,i1 therefore1 advise them to excite their desires mutually before they begin their conjugal intercourse1 and when they have done what nature requires1 a man must be careful not to withdraw himself from his wife's arms too soon1 lest some sudden cold should strike into the womb and occasion miscarriage1 and so deprive them of the fruits of their labour4 ,and when the man has withdrawn himself after a suitable time1 the woman should quietly go to rest1 with all calmness and composure of mind1 free from all anxious and disturbing thoughts1 or any other mental worry4 ,and she must1 as far as possible1 avoid turning over from the side on which she was first lying1 and also keep from coughing and sneezing1 because as it violently shakes the body1 it is a great enemy to conception4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,private ,,looking-,,glass ,,for ,,the ,,female ,,sex 99 99 99 99 99 ,,part ,,ii 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,i ,treating of the several ,maladies incident to the womb1 with proper remedies for the cure of each4 ,the womb is placed in the hypogastrium1 or lower part of the body1 in the cavity called the pelvis1 having the straight gut on one side to protect it against the hardness of the backbone1 and the bladder on the other side to protect it against blows4 ,its form or shape is like a virile member1 with this exception1 that the man's is outside1 and the woman's inside4 ,it is divided into the neck and body4 ,the neck consists of a hard fleshy substance1 much like cartilage1 and at the end of it there is a membrane placed transversely1 which is called the hymen4 ,near the neck there is a prominent pinnacle1 which is called the door of the womb1 because it preserves the matrix from cold and dust4 ,the ,greeks called it clitoris1 and the ,latins praeputium muliebre1 because the ,roman women abused these parts to satisfy their mutual unlawful lusts1 as ,st4 ,paul says1 ,romans #a4 #bf4 ,the body of the womb is where the child is conceived1 and this is not altogether round1 but dilates itself into two angles2 the outward part is full of sinews1 which are the cause of its movements1 but inside it is fleshy4 ,it is wrongly said1 that in the cavity of the womb there are seven divided cells or receptacles for the male seed1 but anatomists know that there are only two1 and also that those two are not divided by a partition1 but only by a line or suture running through the middle of it4 ,at the bottom of the cavity there are little holes called cotyledones1 which are the ends of certain veins or arteries1 and serve breeding women to convey nourishment to the child1 which is received by the umbilical and other veins1 to carry the courses to the matrix4 ,as to menstruation1 it is defined as a monthly flow of bad and useless blood1 and of the super-abundance of it1 for it is an excrement in quality1 though it is pure and incorrupt1 like the blood in the veins4 ,and that the menstruous blood is pure in itself1 and of the same quality as that in the veins1 is proved in two ways4--,first1 from the final object of the blood1 which is the propagation and preservation of mankind1 that man might be conceived2 and that1 being begotten1 he might be comforted and preserved both in and out of the womb1 and all allow that it is true that a child in the matrix is nourished by the blood4 ,and it is true that when it is out of it1 it is nourished by the same2 for the milk is nothing but the menstruous blood made white in the breast4 ,secondly1 it is proved to be true by the way it is produced1 as it is the superfluity of the last aliment of the fleshy parts4 ,the natural end of man and woman's being is to propagate4 ,now1 in the act of conception one must be an active agent and the other passive1 for if both were similarly constituted1 they could not propagate4 ,man1 therefore1 is hot and dry1 whilst woman is cold and moist3 he is the agent1 and she the passive or weaker vessel1 that she may be subject to the office of the man4 ,it is necessary that woman should be of a cold constitution1 because a redundancy of ,nature for the infant that depends on her is required of her2 for otherwise there would be no surplus of nourishment for the child1 but no more than the mother requires1 and the infant would weaken the mother1 and like as in the viper1 the birth of the infant would be the death of the parent4 ,the monthly purgations continue from the fifteenth to the forty-sixth or fiftieth year2 but a suppression often occurs1 which is either natural or morbid3 the courses are suppressed naturally during pregnancy1 and whilst the woman is suckling4 ,the morbid suppression remains to be spoken of4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ii ,of the ,retention of the ,courses4 ,the suppression of the menstrual periods1 is an interruption of that accustomed evacuation of blood1 which comes from the matrix every month1 and the part affected is the womb4 ,,cause4 ,the cause of this suppression is either external or internal4 ,the external cause may be heat or dryness of air1 want of sleep1 too much work1 violent exercise1 etc41 whereby the substance is so consumed1 and the body so exhausted that nothing is left over to be got rid of1 as is recorded of the ,amazons who1 being active and constantly in motion1 had their courses very little1 if at all4 ,or it may be brought about by cold which is very frequent1 as it vitiates and thickens the blood1 and binds up the passages1 so that it cannot flow out4 ,the internal cause is either instrumental or material2 in the womb or in the blood4 ,in the womb1 it may be in various ways2 by humours1 and abscesses and ulcers1 by the narrowness of the veins and passages1 or by the adipose membrane in fat bodies1 pressing on the neck of the matrix1 but then they must have hernia1 zirthilis1 for in men the membrane does not reach so low2 by too much cold or heat1 the one vitiating the action1 and the other consuming the matter through the wrong formation of the uterine parts2 by the neck of the womb being turned aside1 and sometimes1 though rarely1 by a membrane or excrescence of the flesh growing at the mouth or neck of the womb4 ,the blood may be in fault in two ways1 in quantity and in quality2 in quantity1 when it is so consumed that no surplus is left over1 as in viragoes or virile women1 who1 through their heat and natural strength1 consume it all in their last nourishment2 as ,hippocrates writes of ,prethusa1 for when her husband praised her overmuch1 her courses were suppressed1 her voice changed and she got a beard with a manly face4 ,but ,i think1 rather that these must be ,gynophagi1 or woman-eaters1 rather than women-breeders1 because they consume one of the principles of generation1 which gives a being to the world1 viz41 the menstruous blood4 ,the blood may likewise be lost1 and the courses checked by nosebleeding1 by bleeding piles1 by dysentery1 commonly called the bloody flux1 by many other discharges1 and by chronic diseases4 ,secondly1 the matter may be vitiated in quality1 and if it be sanguineous1 sluggish1 bilious or melancholy1 and any of these will cause an obstruction in the veins4 ,,signs4 ,signs which manifest the disease are pains in the head1 neck1 back and loins2 weariness of the whole body 7but especially of the hips and legs1 because the womb is near those parts72 palpitation of the heart4 ,the following are particular signs3--,if the suppression arises from a cold1 the woman becomes heavy1 sluggish1 pale and has a slow pulse2 ,venus' combats are neglected1 the urine is thick1 the blood becomes watery and great in quantity1 and the bowels become constipated4 ,if it arises from heat1 the signs are just the opposite4 ,if the retention be natural and arises from conception1 this may be known by drinking hydromel1 i4e41 water and honey1 after supper1 before going to bed1 by the effect which it has2 for if after taking it1 she feels a heating pain about the navel and the lower parts of the abdomen1 it is a sign that she has conceived1 and that the suppression is natural4 ,,prognostics4 ,the whole body is affected by any disorder of the womb1 and especially the heart1 the liver and the brain1 and there is a singular sympathy between the womb and those three organs4 ,firstly1 the womb communicates with the heart by the mediation of those arteries which come from the aorta4 ,hence1 when menstruation is suppressed1 fainting1 swooning1 a very low pulse1 and shortness of breath will ensue4 ,secondly1 it communicates with the liver by the veins derived from the hollow vein4 ,obstructions1 jaundice1 dropsy1 induration of the spleen will follow4 ,thirdly1 it communicates with the brain by the nerves and membranes of the back2 hence arise epilepsy1 madness1 fits of melancholy1 pains in the back of the head1 unaccountable fears and inability to speak4 ,i may1 therefore1 well agree with ,hippocrates that if menstruation be suppressed1 many dangerous diseases will follow4 ,,cure4 ,in the cure of this1 and of all the other following cases1 ,i shall observe the following order3--,the cures will be taken from surgical1 pharmaceutical and diuretical means4 ,the suppression has a plethoric effect1 and must be removed by the evacuation2 therefore we begin with bleeding4 ,in the middle of the menstrual period1 open the liver vein1 and two days before1 open the saphena in both feet2 if the repletion is not very great apply cupping glasses to the legs and thighs1 although there may be no hope of removing the suppression4 ,as in some women1 the cotyledones are so closed up that nothing but copulation will open them1 yet it will be well to relieve the woman as much as possible by opening the hemoroid veins by applying a leech4 ,after bleeding let the place be prepared and made flexible with syrup of stychas1 calamint1 betony1 hyssop1 mugwort1 horehound1 fumitary1 maidenhair4 ,bathe the parts with camomiles1 pennyroyal1 savias1 bay-leaves1 juniper-berries1 rue1 marjoram1 feverfew4 ,take a handful each of nep1 maidenhair1 succory and betony leaves and make a decoction1 and take three ounces of it1 syrup of maidenhair1 mugwort and succory1 half an ounce of each4 ,after she comes out of her bath1 let her drink it off4 ,purge with ,pill agaric1 fleybany1 corb1 feriae4 ,in this case1 ,galen recommends pilulae of caberica coloquintida2 for1 as they are good for purging the bad humours1 so also they open the passages of the womb1 and strengthen it by their aromatic qualities4 ,if the stomach be over-loaded1 let her take an emetic1 yet such a one as may work both ways1 lest if it only works upwards1 it should check the humours too much4 ,take two drachms of trochisks of agaric1 infuse this in two ounces of oxymel in which dissolve one scruple and a half of electuary dissarum1 and half an ounce of benedic laxit4 ,take this as a purge4 ,after the humour has been got rid of1 proceed to more suitable and stronger remedies4 ,take a drachm and a half of trochisk of myrrh2 ten grains of musk with the juice of smallage2 make twelve pills and take six every morning1 or after supper1 on going to bed4 ,take half an ounce of cinnamon1 two drachms each of smirutium1 or rogos1 valerin aristolochia2 two scruples each of astrumone root and saffron2 two drachms of spec4 diambia2 four scruples of trochisk of myrrh2 two scruples tartari vitriolari2 make half into a powder2 make lozenges with mugwort water and sugar1 and take one drachm of them every morning2 or mix a drachm of the powder with one drachm of sugar1 and take it in white wine4 ,take two drachms each of prepared steel and spec4 hair2 one scruple each of borax and spec4 of myrrh1 with savine juice2 make it up into eighty-eight lozenges and take three every other day before dinner4 ,take one scruple of castor1 half a drachm of wild carrot seed with syrup of mugwort1 and make four pills1 take them in the morning fasting1 for three days following1 before the usual time of purging4 ,take five drachms each of agaric1 aristolochia1 and juice of horehound2 six drachma each of rhubarb1 spikenard1 aniseed1 guidanum1 asafoetida1 mallow-root1 gentian1 of the three peppers and of liquorice3 make an electuary with honey1 and take three drachms for a dose4 ,for phlegmatic constitutions nothing can be better than the decoction of guaiacum wood with a little disclaim1 taken fasting in the morning1 for twelve days consecutively1 without producing sweating4 ,treat the lower parts of the body to suffumigating1 pessaries1 ointments and injections2 for fumigating use cinnamon1 nutmeg1 the berries of the bay tree1 mugwort1 galbanum1 molanthium1 amber1 etc4 ,make pessaries of figs and the bruised leaves of dog's mercury1 rolled up in lint1 and if a stronger one is required1 make one of myrrh1 opopanax1 ammoniac1 galbanum1 sagepanum1 mithridate1 agaric1 coloquintida1 tec4 ,make injections of a decoction of origane mugwort1 dog's mercury1 betony1 and eggs2 inject into the womb with a female syringe4 ,take half an ounce each of oil of almonds1 lilies1 capers1 camomiles2 two drachms each of laudanum and oil of myrrh2 make a salve with wax1 with which anoint the place2 make injections of fenugreek1 camomiles1 melilot1 dill1 marjoram1 pennyroyal1 feverfew1 juniper berries and calamint2 but if the suppression arises from a lack of matter1 then the courses ought not to be brought on until the spirits be raised and the amount of blood increased2 or if it arises from affections of the womb itself1 as dropsy or inflammation1 then particular care must be used2 but ,i will not lay stress on this here1 but will mention the remedies in their order4 ,if the retention comes from repletion or fullness1 if the air be hot and dry1 take moderate exercise before meals1 and very light diet and drinks1 and with your food take garden savory--thyme and origane1 if it arises from emptiness and defect of matter3 if the weather be moist and moderately hot1 avoid exercise and late hours2 let your food be nourishing and easy of digestion1 such as raw eggs1 lamb1 chickens1 almonds1 milk and the like4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iii ,of ,excessive ,menstruation4 ,the learned say1 that truth is manifested by comparing contraries1 and so1 as ,i have above spoken of the suppression of menstruation1 it is now necessary that ,i should treat of excessive menstruation1 which is no less dangerous than the former4 ,this immoderate monthly flow is defined as a sanguineous discharge1 as it consists merely of blood1 wherein it differs from the false courses or whites1 of which ,i shall speak further on4 ,secondly1 it is said to proceed from the womb2 for there are two ways in which the blood issues forth2 one by the internal veins of the body of the womb 7and this is properly called the monthly flow71 the other is by those veins which terminate in the neck of the matrix1 which ,aetius calls haemorrhoids of the womb4 ,in quantity1 ,hippocrates said1 it should be about eighteen ounces1 and they should last about three days3 and when the faculties of the body are weakened by their flow1 we may take it that the discharge is inordinate4 ,in bodies which abound in gross humours1 this immoderate flow sometimes unburdens nature of her load and ought not to be checked without a physician's advice4 ,,cause4 ,the cause is either internal or external4 ,the internal cause is threefold2 in the substance1 the instrument or the power4 ,the matter1 which is the blood1 may be vitiated in two ways2 first1 by the heat of the constitution1 climate or season1 heating the blood1 whereby the passages are dilated1 and the power weakened so that it cannot retain the blood4 ,secondly1 by falls1 blows1 violent motions1 rupture of the veins1 etc4 ,the external cause may be the heat of the air1 heavy burdens1 unnatural childbirth1 etc4 ,,signs4 ,in this excessive flow the appetite is lessened1 conception is checked and all the functions weakened2 the feet swell1 the colour of the face changes1 and the whole body is weakened4 ,if the flow comes from the rupture of a vein1 the body is sometimes cold1 the blood flows out in streams1 suddenly1 and causes great pain4 ,if it arises from heat1 and the orifice of the vein is dilated1 there is little or no pain1 but yet the blood flows faster than it does when caused by erosion1 but not so fast as it does in a rupture4 ,if caused by erosion1 the woman feels a scalding of the passage1 and it differs from the other two1 in so much as it does not flow so quickly or so freely as they do4 ,if it is caused by weakness of the womb1 the woman feels a dislike for sexual intercourse4 ,lastly1 if it proceeds from the defective quality of the blood let some of it drop into a cloth1 and when it is dry1 you may judge1 of the quality by the colour4 ,if it be passionate it will be yellow2 if melancholy1 it will be black1 and if phlegmatic1 it will be waterish and whitish4 ,,prognostics4 ,if convulsions are joined to the flow1 it is dangerous1 because that intimates that the noble parts are affected1 convulsions caused by emptiness are deadly4 ,if they continue long1 they will be very difficult to cure1 and it was one of the miracles which our ,saviour ,christ wrought1 to cure a woman of this disease of twelve years standing4 ,to conclude1 if the flow be excessive1 many diseases will follow1 which will be almost impossible to cure2 the blood1 being consumed together with the innate heat1 either morbid1 dropsical1 or paralytical diseases will follow4 ,,cure4 ,the cure consists in three particulars4 ,first1 in expelling and carrying away the blood4 ,secondly1 in connecting and removing the fluxibility of the matter4 ,thirdly1 in incorporating the veins and faculties4 ,for the first1 to get rid of the superfluous blood1 open a vein in the arm1 and draw off as much blood as the strength of the patient will allow2 not all at one time1 but at intervals1 for by those means the spirits are less weakened1 and the reaction so much the greater4 ,apply cupping glasses to the breasts and also over the liver1 and to correct the flexibility of the matter1 purgative means1 moderated by astringents1 may be employed4 ,if it is caused by erosion1 and salt phlegm1 prepare with syrup of violets1 wormwood1 roses1 citron peel1 succory1 etc4 ,then make the following purge3--mirabolans1 half an ounce2 trochisks of agaric1 one drachm2 make a decoction with the plantain-water1 and add syrup of roses lax4 three ounces1 and make a draught4 ,if caused by any mental excitement1 prepare the body by syrup of roses1 myrtles1 sorrel and parsley1 mixed with plantain-water1 knot-grass and endive4 ,then purge with the following draught3--,take one drachm each of the void of mirabolans1 and rhubarb1 cinnamon fifteen grains2 infuse for a night in endive water2 add to the strained water half an ounce of pulp of tamarinds and of cassia1 and make a draught4 ,if the blood be waterish as it is in dropsical subjects and flows out easily on account of its thinness1 it will be a good plan to draw off the water by purging with agaric1 elaterium and coloquintida4 ,sweating is also useful in this case1 as by it the noxious matter is carried off1 and the motion of the blood to other parts4 ,to produce sweating1 employ cardus water1 and mithridate1 or a decoction of guaiacum and sarsaparilla4 ,gum guaiacum is also a great producer of perspiration1 and sarsaparilla pills1 taken every night before going to bed are also highly to be recommended4 ,if the blood pours out1 without any evil quality in itself1 then strengthening means only should be employed1 which is a thing to be done in cases of inordinate discharge4 ,take one scruple of ol4 ammoniac1 one drachm of treacle1 half an ounce of conserve of roses and make an electuary with syrup of myrtle1 or if the discharge be of long standing take two drachms of matrix1 one drachm of olilanum troch4 de carbara1 a scruple of balustium2 make into a powder and form into pills with syrup of quinces1 and take one before every meal4 ,take two scruples each of troch4 dechambede1 scoriaferri1 coral and frankincense2 pound these to a fine powder1 and make into lozenges with sugar and plantain water4 ,asses' dung is also approved of1 whether taken inwardly with syrup of quinces or applied outwardly with steeled water4 ,galen by sending the juice of it into the womb by means of a syringe for four days consecutively1 cured this immediate flow1 which could not be checked in any other way4 ,let the patient take one scruple and a half of pilon in water before going to bed2 make a fumigation for the womb of mastic1 frankincense and burnt frogs1 adding the hoof of a mule4 ,take an ounce each of the juice of knot-grass1 comfoly and quinces2 a drachm of camphor2 dip a piece of silk or cotton into it and apply it to the place4 ,take half an ounce each of oil of mastic1 myrtle1 and quinces2 a drachm each of fine bole and troch4 decardas1 and a sufficient quantity of dragon's blood1 make an ointment and apply it before and behind4 ,take an ounce and a half each of plantain1 shepherd's purse and red rose leaves2 an ounce of dried mint1 and three ounces of bean flour2 boil all these in plantain water and make two plasters3--apply one before and one behind4 ,if the blood flows from those veins which are terminated at the neck of the matrix1 then it is not called an undue discharge of the menses1 but haemorrhoids of the womb4 ,the same remedy1 however1 will serve for both1 only the instrumental cure will be a little different2 for in uterine haemorrhoids1 the ends of the veins hang over like teats1 which must be removed by cutting1 and then the veins closed with aloes1 fine bole1 burnt alum1 myrrh1 mastic1 with comfoly-juice and knot grass1 laid upon it like a plaster4 ,illustration3 ,position of the ,embryos in a plural conception ,illustration3 ,process of ,delivery4 ,the air should be cold and dry1 and all motion of the body should be prohibited4 ,her diet should consist of pheasants1 partridges1 grouse1 rabbits1 calves' feet1 etc41 and her drink should be mixed with the juice of pomegranates and quinces4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iv ,of the ,weeping of the ,womb4 ,the weeping of the womb is an unnatural flow of blood1 coming from it in drops1 like tears1 and causing violent pains in it1 and occurring at no fixed period or time4 ,by some it is supposed to be produced by the excessive flow of the courses1 as they flow copiously and freely2 this is continued1 though only little at a time1 and accompanied by great pain and difficulty of passing it1 and on this account it is compared to the strangury4 ,the cause is in the power1 instrument or matter2 in the power1 on account of its being enfeebled so that it cannot expel the blood1 and which1 remaining there1 makes that part of the womb grow hard1 and distends the vessels1 and from that1 pains in the womb arise4 ,in the instrument1 from the narrowness of the passage4 ,lastly1 it may be the matter of the blood which is at fault1 and which may be in too great quantities2 or the quality may be bad1 so that it is thick and gross and cannot flow out as it ought to do1 but only in drops4 ,the signs will best be ascertained by the patient's own account1 but there will be pains in the head1 stomach and back1 with inflammation1 difficulty of breathing and excoriation of the matrix4 ,if the patient's strength will permit it1 first open a vein in the arm1 rub the upper parts and let a cord be fastened tightly round the arm1 so that the force of the blood may be carried backward2 then apply such things as may relax the womb1 and assuage the heat of the blood1 as poultices made of bran1 linseed1 mallows1 dog's mercury and artiplex4 ,if the blood be viscous and thick1 add mugwort1 calamint1 dictain and betony to it1 and let the patient take about the size of a nutmeg of ,venic treacle1 and syrup of mugwort every morning2 make an injection of aloes1 dog's mercury1 linseed1 groundsel1 mugwort1 fenugreek1 with sweet almond oil4 ,sometimes it is caused by wind1 and then bleeding must not be had recourse to1 but instead take one ounce of syrup of feverfew2 half an ounce each of honey1 syrup of roses1 syrup of stachus2 an ounce each of calamint water1 mugwort1 betony and hyssop1 and make a julep4 ,if the pain continues1 use this purge3--,take a drachm of spec4 ,hitrae1 half an ounce of diacatholicon1 one ounce of syrup of roses and laxative1 and make a draught with a decoction of mugwort and the four cordial flowers4 ,if it proceeds from weakness1 she must be strengthened1 but if from grossness of blood1 let the quality of it be altered1 as ,i have shown in the preceding chapter4 ,lastly1 if her bowels are confined1 move them by an injection of a decoction of camomiles1 betony1 feverfew1 mallows1 linseed1 juniper-berries1 cumminseed1 aniseed1 melilot1 and add to it half an ounce of diacatholicon2 two drachms of hiera piera1 an ounce each of honey and oil and a drachm and a half of sol4 nitre4 ,the patient must abstain from salt1 acid and windy food4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,v ,the false ,courses1 or ,whites4 ,from the womb1 not only the menstruous blood proceeds1 but many evacuations1 which were summed up by the ancients under the title of rhoos gunaikeios1#f which is the distillation of a variety of corrupt humours through the womb1 which flow from the whole body or a part of it1 varying both in courses and colour4 ,,cause4 ,the cause is either promiscuously in the whole body1 by a cacochymia2 or weakness of it1 or in some of its parts1 as in the liver1 which by a weakness of the blood producing powers1 cause a production of corrupt blood1 which then is reddish4 ,sometimes1 when the fall is sluggish in its action1 and does not get rid of those superfluities engendered in the liver1 the matter is yellowish4 ,sometimes it is in the spleen when it does not cleanse the blood of the dregs and rejected particles1 and then the matter which flows forth is blackish4 ,it may also come from a cold in the head1 or from any other decayed or corrupted member1 but if the discharge be white1 the cause lies either in the stomach or loins4 ,in the stomach1 by some crude substance there1 and vitiated by grief1 melancholy or some other mental disturbance2 for otherwise1 if the matter were only crude phlegm and noways corrupt1 being taken into the liver it might be converted into the blood2 for phlegm in the ventricle is called nourishment half digested2 but being corrupt1 though sent into the liver it cannot be turned into nutriment1 for the second decoction in the stomach cannot correct that which the first corrupted2 and therefore the liver sends it to the womb1 which can neither digest nor reject it1 and so it is voided out with the same colour which it had in the ventricle4 ,the cause may also be in the veins being overheated whereby the spermatical matter flows out because of its thinness4 ,the external causes may be moistness of the air1 eating bad food1 anger1 grief1 sloth1 too much sleep1 costiveness4 ,the signs are bodily disturbances1 shortness of breathing1 and foul breath1 a distaste for food1 swollen eyes and feet1 and low spirits2 discharges of different colours1 as red1 black1 green1 yellow and white from the womb4 ,it differs from the flowing of the courses and from too abundant menstruation1 in so far as it keeps no certain period1 and is of many colours1 all of which spring from blood4 ,if the flux be phlegmatic1 it will last long and be hard to cure1 but if sickness or diarrhoea supervene1 it carries off the humour and cures the disease4 ,if it is abundant it does not last so long1 but it is more dangerous1 for it will cause a cleft in the neck of the womb1 and sometimes also an excoriation of the matrix2 if melancholy1 it must be dangerous and obstinate4 ,the flux of the haemorrhoids1 however1 assists the cure4 ,if the matter which flows out be reddish1 open a vein in the arm2 if not1 apply ligatures to the arms and shoulders4 ,galen boasts that he cured the wife of ,brutus1 who was suffering from this disease1 by rubbing the upper part with honey4 ,if it is caused by the brain1 take syrup of betony and marjoram4 ,give as a purgative ,pill4 coch4 or ,agaric2 make nasalia of sage1 or hyssop juice1 betony1 flagella1 with one drop of oil of ,elect4 ,dianth4 ,rosat4 ,diambrae1 diamosci dulus1 one drachm of each1 and make lozenges to be taken every morning and evening4 ,auri ,alexandrina1 half a drachm at night on going to bed4 ,if these things have no effect1 try suffumigation and plasters1 as they are prescribed above4 ,if it arises from crudities of the stomach or from a cold1 disordered liver1 take a decoction of lignum sanctum every morning1 purge with pill de agaric1 de hermadact1 de hiera1 diacolinthis1 foetid-agrigatio2 take two drachms of elect4 aromet-roses1 one scruple each of dried citron peel1 nutmeg1 long pepper2 one drachm of draglanga2 half a scruple each of fantalum album1 ling1 aloes2 six ounces of sugar1 with mint water3 make lozenges of it1 and take them before meals4 ,if there be repletion besides the rigidity of the liver1 purging by means of an emetic is to be recommended1 for which take three drachms of the electuary diasatu4 ,galen allows diuretical remedies1 such as aqua petrofolma4 ,if the discharge be angry1 treat it with syrup of roses1 violets1 endive and succory2 give a purge of mirabolans1 manna1 rhubarb1 and cassia4 ,take two drachms of rhubarb1 one of aniseed1 and one scruple and a half of cinnamon2 infuse them into six ounces of syrup of prunes1 and add one ounce of strained manna1 and take it in the morning as required4 ,take one drachm each of the following drugs3 diatonlanton1 diacorant1 diarthod1 abbaris1 dyacydomei1 four ounces of sugar1 and make into lozenges with plantain water4 ,if the gall be sluggish1 and does not stir the bowels1 give warm injections of a decoction of the four mollifying herbs1 with honey of roses and aloes4 ,if the flow be bilious1 treat the patient with syrup of maiden-hair2 epithynium1 polypody1 borage1 buglos1 fumitary1 hart's tongue and syrups1 bisantius1 which must be made without vinegar1 else it will assist the disease instead of nature1 for melancholy is increased by the use of vinegar1 and both ,hippocrates1 ,silvius and ,avenzoar reject it as injurious for the womb1 and therefore not to be used internally in uterine diseases4 ,pilulae sumariae1 pilulae lud4 delupina1 lazuli diosena and confetio hamec are purges of bile4 ,take two ounces of pounded prunes1 one drachm of senna1 a drachm and a half each of epithimium1 polypody and fumitary1 and an ounce of sour dates1 and make a decoction with endive water2 take four ounces of it and add three drachms of hamesech and three of manna4 ,or take a scruple each of pil4 indic4 foetid1 agarici1 trochis ati2 one scruple of rhubarb pills1 six grains of lapis lazuli1 make into pills with epithimium1 and take them once a week4 ,take three drachms of elect4 loetificans4 ,galen three drachms1 a drachm each of diamargaritum1 calimi1 diamosci dulus2 a drachm of conserve of borage1 violets and burglos2 one drachm of candied citron peel1 seven ounces of sugar1 and make into lozenges with rose water4 ,lastly let the womb be cleansed of all corrupt matter1 and then be strengthened4 ,in order to purify it1 make injections of the decoction of betony1 feverfew1 spikenard1 bismust1 mercury and sage1 and add two ounces each of sugar and sweet almond oil2 pessaries may also be made of silk or cotton1 softened in the juice of the above mentioned herbs4 ,you must prepare trochisks1 thus1 to strengthen the womb4 ,take one ounce each of mugwort1 feverfew1 myrrh1 amber1 mace1 storax1 ling aloes and red roses1 and make lozenges or troches with mucilage of tragacanth2 throw one of them on to hot coals and fumigate the womb with red wine1 in which mastic1 fine bole1 malustia and red roots have been decocted2 anoint the matrix with oil of quinces and myrtles1 and apply a plaster to it1 for the womb2 and let the woman take diamosdum dulco1 aract1 and slemoticum every morning4 ,a drying diet is recommended as best1 because in these cases the body abounds with phlegmatic and crude humours4 ,on this account1 ,hippocrates advises the patient to go to bed supperless4 ,her food should consist of partridges1 pheasant and grouse1 roasted rather than boiled1 too much sleep must be prohibited whilst moderate exercise is very advisable4 ,,footnotes3 #f ,the female flowing4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,vi ,the ,suffocation of the ,mother4 ,this1 which if simply considered1 will be found to be merely the cause of an effect1 is called in ,english1 the suffocation of the mother1 not because the womb is strangled1 but because by its retraction towards the midriff and stomach1 which presses it up1 so that the instrumental cause of respiration1 the midriff1 is suffocated1 and acting with the brain1 cause the animating faculty1 the efficient cause of respiration1 also to be interrupted1 when the body growing cold1 and the action weakened1 the woman falls to the ground as if she were dead4 ,some women remain longer in those hysterical attacks than others1 and ,rabbi ,moses mentions some who lay in the fit for two days4 ,rufus writes of one who continued in it for three days and three nights1 and revived at the end of the three days4 ,and ,i will give you an example so that we may take warning by the example of other men4 ,paroetus mentions a ,spanish woman who was suddenly seized with suffocation of the womb1 and was thought to be dead4 ,her friends1 for their own satisfaction1 sent for a surgeon in order to have her opened1 and as soon as he began to make an incision1 she began to move1 and come to herself again with great cries1 to the horror and surprise of all those present4 ,in order that the living may be distinguished from the dead1 old writers prescribe three experiments4 ,the first is1 to lay a feather on the mouth1 and by its movements you may judge whether the patient be alive or dead2 the second is1 to place a glass of water on the breast1 and if it moves1 it betokens life2 the third is1 to hold a bright1 clean1 looking-glass to the mouth and nose1 and if the glass be dimmed with a little moisture on it1 it betokens life4 ,these three experiments are good1 but you must not depend upon them too much1 for though the feather and the glass do not move1 and the looking-glass continues bright and clear1 yet it is not a necessary consequence that she is dead4 ,for the movement of the lungs1 by which breathing is produced1 may be checked1 so that she cannot breathe1 and yet internal heat may remain1 which is not evident by the motion of the breast or lungs1 but lies hidden in the heart and arteries4 ,examples of this we find in flies and swallows1 who seem dead to all outward appearances1 breathless and inanimate1 and yet they live by that heat which is stored up in the heart and inward arteries4 ,at the approach of summer1 however1 the internal heat1 being restored to the outer parts1 they are then brought to life again1 out of their sleeping trance4 ,those women1 therefore1 who apparently die suddenly1 and from no visible cause1 should not be buried until the end of three days1 lest the living be buried instead of the dead4 ,,cure4 ,the part affected is the womb1 of which there are two motions--natural and symptomatic4 ,the natural motion is1 when the womb attracts the male seed1 or expels the infant1 and the symptomatical motion1 of which we are speaking1 is a convulsive drawing up of the womb4 ,the cause is usually in the retention of the seed1 or in the suppression of the menses1 which causes a repletion of the corrupt humours of the womb1 from which a windy refrigeration arises1 which produces a convulsion of the ligaments of the womb4 ,and just as it may arise from humidity or repletion1 so also1 as it is a convulsion1 it may be caused by dryness or emptiness4 ,lastly also1 it may arise from abortion or from difficult childbirth4 ,,signs4 ,on the approach of suffocation of the womb the face becomes pale1 there is a weakness of the legs1 shortness of breathing1 frigidity of the whole body1 with a spasm in the throat1 and then the woman falls down1 bereft of sense and motion2 the mouth of the womb is closed up1 and feels hard when touched with the finger4 ,when the paroxysm or the fit is over1 she opens her eyes1 and as she feels an oppression of the stomach1 she tries to vomit4 ,and lest any one should be deceived into taking one disease for another1 ,i will show how it may be distinguished from those diseases which most resemble it4 ,it differs from apoplexy1 as it comes without the patient crying out2 in hysterical fits also the sense of feeling is not altogether destroyed and lost1 as it is in apoplexy2 and it differs from epilepsy1 as the eyes are not distorted1 and there is spongy froth from the mouth4 ,that convulsive motion also1 which is frequently accompanied by symptoms of suffocation1 is not universal1 as it is in epilepsy1 but there is some convulsion1 but that without any violent agitation4 ,in syncope both breathing and the pulse fail1 the face grows pale1 and the woman faints suddenly2 but in hysterical attacks there are usually both breathing and pulse1 though these are indistinct2 the face is red and she has a forewarning of the approaching fit4 ,it cannot1 however1 be denied that syncope may accompany this feeling of suffocation4 ,lastly1 it can be distinguished from lethargy by the pulse1 which is rapid in the former1 but weak in the latter4 ,,cure4 ,in the cure of this affection1 two things must be taken care of3--,in the first place1 nature must be stimulated to expel these hurtful humours which obscure the senses1 so that the woman may be brought back from that sleepy fit4 ,secondly1 during the intervals of the attack1 proper remedies must be employed1 in order to remove the cause4 ,to stimulate nature1 apply cupping-glasses to the hips and navel3 apply ligatures to the thighs1 rub the extremities with salt1 mustard and vinegar1 and shout and make a great noise in her ears4 ,hold asafoetida to the nose1 or sacopenium steeped in vinegar2 make her sneeze by blowing castor-powder1 white pepper and hellebore up her nose2 hold burnt feathers1 hair1 leather1 or anything else with a strong1 stinking smell under her nose1 for bad odours are unpleasant to nature1 and the animal spirits so strive against them1 that the natural heat is restored by their means4 ,the brain is sometimes so oppressed1 that it becomes necessary to burn the outer skin of the head with hot oil1 or with a hot iron1 and strong injections and suppositories are useful4 ,take a handful each of sage1 calamint1 horehound1 feverfew1 marjoram1 betony and hyssop2 half an ounce of aniseed2 two drachma each of coloquintida1 white hellebore and salgem2 boil these in two quarts of water till reduced to half2 add two ounces of castor oil and two drachms of hiera piera and make an injection of it4 ,or take two ounces of boiled honey1 half a scruple of spurge1 four grains of coloquint1 two grains of hellebore and drachm of salt2 make a suppository4 ,hippocrates mentions a hysterical woman who could only be relieved of the paroxysms by pouring cold water on her3 yet this is a strange cure1 and should only be administered in the heat of summer1 when the sun is in the tropic of ,cancer4 ,if it be caused by the retention and corruption of the seed1 let the mid-wife take oil of lilies1 marjoram and bay leaves1 and dissolve two grains of civet in them1 and the same quantity of musk1 and at the moment of the paroxysm let her dip her finger into the mixture and put it into the neck of the womb1 and tickle and rub it with it4 ,when the fit is over1 proceed to remove the cause4 ,if it arises from suppression of the menses1 look in ,chapter ,,xi1 p4 #ajb1 for the cure4 ,if it arises from the retention of the seed1 a good husband will administer the cure1 but those who cannot honourably obtain that remedy1 must use such means as will dry up and diminish the seed1 as diaciminum1 diacalaminthes1 etc4 ,the seed of the agnus castus is highly valued as a draught1 whether taken inwardly1 applied outwardly or used as a suffumigation4 ,it was held in high esteem by the ,athenian women1 for by its means they remained as pure vessels and preserved their chastity1 by only strewing it on the bed on which they lay1 and hence the name of agnus castus1 which was given to it1 as denoting its effects4 ,make an issue on the inside of each leg1 four inches below the knee1 and then make lozenges of two scruples of agric1 half a scruple each of wild carrot seed and ligne aloes2 three drachms of washed turpentine1 and make a bolus with a conserve of flowers4 ,eight drachms of castor taken in white wine are very useful in this case1 or you may make pills of it with dog's tooth1 and take them on going to bed4 ,take an ounce of white briony root dried and cut up like carrots1 put it into a little wine and place it on the fire1 and drink when warm4 ,take one scruple each of myrrh1 castor and asafoetida2 four grains each of saffron and rue-seed1 and make eight pills and take two every night on going to bed4 ,galen1 from his own experience1 recommends powdered agaric1 of which he frequently gave one scruple in white wine4 ,put a head of bruised garlic on the navel at bed time1 and fasten it with a swathing band4 ,make a girdle for the waist of galbanum1 and also a plaster for the stomach1 and put civet and musk on one part of it1 which must be applied to the navel4 ,take two drachms each of pulvis benedict1 and of troches of agaric1 a sufficient quantity of mithridate1 and make two pessaries1 and that will purge the matrix of wind and phlegm2 foment the private parts with salad oil in which some feverfew and camomiles have been boiled4 ,take a handful of roseleaves and two scruples of cloves1 sew them in a little cloth and boil them for ten minutes in malmsey2 then apply them1 as hot as they can be borne1 to the mouth of the womb1 but do not let the smell go up her nose4 ,a dry diet must still be adhered to and the moderate use of ,venus is advisable4 ,let her eat aniseed biscuits instead of bread1 and roast meat instead of boiled4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,vii ,of the ,descending or ,falling of the ,womb4 ,the descent of the womb is caused by a relaxation of the ligatures1 whereby the matrix is carried backward1 and in some women it protrudes to the size of an egg1 and there are two kinds of this1 distinguished by a descending and a precipitation4 ,the descending of the womb is1 when it sinks down to the entrance of the private parts1 and appears either very little or not at all1 to the eye4 ,its precipitation is when it is turned inside out like a purse1 and hangs out between the thighs1 like a cupping glass4 ,,cause4 ,this is either external or internal4 ,the external cause is difficult childbirth1 violent pulling away1 or inexperience in drawing away the child1 violent coughing1 sneezing1 falls1 blows1 and carrying heavy burdens4 ,the internal cause1 is generally the flow of too much moisture into these parts1 which hinders the operation of the womb1 whereby the ligaments by which the womb is supported are relaxed4 ,the particular cause1 however1 lies in the retention of the semen1 or in the suppression of the monthly courses4 ,,signs4 ,the principal gut and the bladder are often so crushed1 that the passage of both evacuations is hindered4 ,if the urine flows out white and thick1 and the midriff is interfered with1 the loins suffer1 the private parts are in pain1 and the womb descends to them1 or else comes clean out4 ,,prognostics4 ,if an old woman is thus affected1 the cure is very difficult1 because it weakens the womb1 and therefore1 though it may be put back into its proper place1 yet it is apt to get displaced again1 by a very slight amount of illness4 ,and also with younger women1 if this disease is inveterate1 and if it is caused by putrefaction of the nerves1 it is incurable4 ,,cure4 ,the womb1 being placed by nature between the straight gut and the bladder1 ought not to be put back again until the powers of both are excited4 ,now that nature is relieved of her burden1 let the woman be laid on her back so that her legs may be higher than her head2 let her feet be drawn up towards her private parts1 and her knees spread open4 ,then apply oil of sweet almonds and lilies1 or a decoction of mallows1 beet1 fenugreek and linseed1 to the swelling2 when the inflammation is reduced1 let the midwife rub her hand with oil of mastic1 and restore the womb to its proper place4 ,when the matrix is up1 the patient's position must be changed4 ,her legs must be put out quite straight and laid together1 and apply six cupping glasses to her breast and navel4 ,boil feverfew1 mugwort1 red rose leaves and comfrey in red wine2 make a suffumigation for the matrix1 and apply sweet scents to her nose4 ,when she comes out of her bath1 give her an ounce of syrup of feverfew with a drachm of dog's tooth 7mithridate74 ,take three drachms each of laudanum and mastic1 and make a plaster for the navel of it1 and then make pessaries of asafoetida1 saffron1 comfrey1 and mastic1 adding a little castor oil4--,parius in such cases makes his pessaries only of cork1 shaped like a small egg2 he covered them with wax and mastic dissolved together1 and fastening them to a thread1 he put them into the womb4 ,the immediate danger being now removed and the matrix returned to its natural place the remote cause must be got rid of4 ,if she be of full habit of body open a vein1 after preparing her with syrup of betony1 calamint1 hyssop and feverfew4 ,give a purge1 and if the stomach be oppressed with any crude matter relieve it by emetics and by sudorifics of lignum sanctum and sassafras taken twenty days consecutively1 which dry up the superfluous moisture1 and consequently suppress the cause of the disease4 ,the air should be hot and dry1 and her diet hot and attenuating4 ,let her abstain from dancing1 jumping1 sneezing1 as well as from all mental and bodily emotions1 eat sparingly1 not drink much1 and be moderate in her sleep4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,viii ,of the ,inflammation of the ,womb4 ,the phlegmon1 or inflammation of the matrix1 is a humour which affects the whole womb1 and is accompanied by unnatural heat1 by obstruction and by an accumulation of corrupt blood4 ,,cause4 ,the cause of this affection is suppression of the courses1 fullness of body1 the immoderate use of sexual intercourse1 frequent handling the genitals1 difficult child-birth1 violent motions of the body1 falls1 blows1 to which may be added1 the use of strong pessaries1 whereby the womb is frequently inflamed1 cupping glasses1 also1 fastened to the pubis and hypogastrium1 draw the humours of the womb4 ,,signs4 ,the signs are pains in the lower parts of the body and head1 humours1 sickness1 coldness in the knees1 throbbing in the neck1 palpitation of the heart4 ,often1 also1 there is shortness of breath because of the heart which is close to the midriff1 and the breasts sympathising with the swollen and painful womb4 ,besides this1 if the front of the matrix be inflamed1 the privates suffer1 and the urine is suppressed1 or only flows with difficulty4 ,if the hinder part be inflamed1 the loins and back suffer1 and the bowels are very costive2 if the right side be inflamed1 the right hip suffers1 and the right leg is heavy and moves slowly1 so that at times she seems almost lame4 ,if1 however1 the left side of the womb be inflamed1 then the left hip suffers and the left leg is weaker than the right4 ,if the neck of the womb is affected1 by putting her finger in1 the midwife feels that its mouth is contracted and closed up1 and that it is hard round it4 ,,cure4 ,in the cure1 first of all1 let the humours which flow to the womb be expelled4 ,to effect this1 after the bowels have been loosened by cooling clysters bleeding will be necessary4 ,therefore1 open a vein in the arm1 if she is not with child2 the day after strike the saphena in both feet1 fasten ligatures and cupping glasses to the arm1 and rub the upper part4 ,purge gently with cassia1 rhubarb1 senna and myrobalan4 ,take one drachm of senna1 a scruple of aniseed1 myrobalan1 half an ounce1 with a sufficient quantity of barley water4 ,make a decoction and dissolve syrup of succory in it1 and two ounces of rhubarb2 pound half an ounce of cassia with a few drops of oil of aniseed and make a draught4 ,at the commencement of the disease1 anoint the private parts and loins with oil of roses and quinces3 make plasters of plantain1 linseed1 barley meal1 melilot1 fenugreek1 white of eggs1 and if the pain be intense1 a little laudanum2 foment the genitals with a decoction of poppy-heads1 purslace1 knot-grass and water-lilies4 ,make injections of goat's milk1 rose water1 clarified whey and honey of roses4 ,when the disease is on a decline1 use injections of sage1 linseed1 mugwort1 pennyroyal1 horehound1 fenugreek1 and anoint the lower parts of the stomach with oil of camomiles and violets4 ,take four ounces each of lily and mallow roots1 a handful of dog's mercury1 a handful and a half each of mugwort1 feverfew1 camomile flowers and melilot1 bruise the herbs and roots1 and boil them in a sufficient quantity of milk2 then add two ounces each of fresh butter1 oil of camomiles and lilies1 with a sufficient quantity of bran1 make two plasters1 and apply one before and the other behind4 ,if the tumour cannot be removed1 but seems inclined to suppurate1 take three drachms each of fenugreek1 mallow roots1 boiled figs1 linseed1 barley meal1 dove's dung and turpentine2 half a drachm of deer's suet1 half a scruple of opium and make a plaster of wax4 ,take bay leaves1 sage1 hyssop1 camomiles1 and mugwort1 and make an infusion in water4 ,take half a handful of wormwood and betony and half a pint each of white wine and milk1 boil them until reduced to half2 then take four ounces of this decoction and make an injection1 but you must be careful that the humours are not brought down into the womb4 ,take three drachms each of roast figs1 and bruised dog's mercury2 three drachms each of turpentine and duck's grease1 and two grains of opium2 make a pessary with wax4 ,the room must be kept cool1 and all motions of the body1 especially of the lower parts1 must be prohibited4 ,wakefulness is to be recommended1 for humours are carried inward by sleep1 and thus inflammation is increased4 ,eat sparingly1 and drink only barley water or clarified whey1 and eat chickens and chicken broth1 boiled with endive1 succory1 sorrel1 bugloss and mallows4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ix ,of ,scirrhous ,tumours1 or ,hardness of the ,womb4 ,a scirrhus1 or a hard unnatural swelling of the matrix is generally produced by neglected1 or imperfectly cured phlegm1 which1 insensibly1 hinders the functions of the womb1 and predisposes the whole body to listlessness4 ,,cause4 ,one cause of this disease may be ascribed to want of judgment on the part of the physician1 as many empirics when attending to inflammation of the womb1 chill the humour so much that it can neither pass backward nor forward1 and hence1 the matter being condensed1 turns into a hard1 stony substance4 ,other causes may be suppression of the menses1 retention of the ,lochein1 commonly called the after purging2 eating decayed meat1 as in the disordered longing after the pleia to which pregnant women are often subject4 ,it may1 however1 also proceed from obstructions and ulcers in the matrix or from some evil affections of the stomach or spleen4 ,if the bottom of the womb be affected1 she feels1 as it were1 a heavy burden representing a mole1#g yet differing from it1 in that the breasts are attenuated1 and the whole body grows less4 ,if the neck of the womb be affected1 no outward humours will appear2 its mouth is retracted and feels hard to the touch1 nor can the woman have sexual intercourse without great pain4 ,,prognostics4 ,confirmed scirrhus is incurable1 and will turn to cancer or incurable dropsy1 and when it ends in cancer it proves fatal1 because as the innate heat of these parts is almost smothered1 it can hardly be restored again4 ,,cure4 ,where there is repletion1 bleeding is advisable1 therefore open a vein in one arm and in both feet1 more especially if the menses are suppressed4 ,treat the humours with syrup of borage1 succory made with a poultice1 and then take the following pills1 according to the patient's strength4 ,hiera piera six drachms1 two and a half drachms each of black hellebore and polypody2 a drachm and a half each of agaric1 lapis lazuli1 sal ,indiae1 coloquintida1 mix them and make two pills4 ,after purging1 mollify the hardness as follows3--the privy parts and the neck of the womb with an ointment of decalthea and agrippa2 or take two drachms each of opopanax1 bdellium1 ammoniac and myrrh1 and half a drachm of saffron2 dissolve the gum in oil of lilies and sweet almond and make an ointment with wax and turpentine4 ,apply diacatholicon ferellia below the navel1 and make infusions of figs1 mugwort1 mallows1 pennyroyal1 althea1 fennel roots1 melilot1 fenugreek and the four mollifying herbs1 with oil of dill1 camomiles and lilies dissolved in it4 ,take three drachms of gum bdellium1 put the stone pyrites on the coals1 and let her take the fumes into her womb4 ,foment the privy parts with a decoction of the roots and leaves of dane wort4 ,take a drachm each of gum galbanum and opopanax1 half an ounce each of juice of dane wort and mucilage of fenugreek1 an ounce of calve's marrow1 and a sufficient quantity of wax1 and make a pessary4 ,or make a pessary of lead only1 dip it in the above mentioned things1 and put it up4 ,the atmosphere must be kept temperate1 and gross and salt meats such as pork1 bull beef1 fish and old cheese1 must be prohibited4 ,,footnotes3 #g ,mole3 ,a somewhat shapeless1 compact fleshy mass occurring in the uterus1 due to the retention and continued life of the whole or a part of the foetal envelopes1 after the death of the foetus 7a maternal or true mole72 or being some other body liable to be mistaken for this1 or perhaps a polypus or false mole4 7,whitney's ,century ,dictionary47 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,x ,of ,dropsy of the ,womb4 ,uterine dropsy is an unnatural swelling1 caused by the collection of wind or phlegm in the cavity1 membranes or substance of the womb1 on account of the want of innate heat and of sufficient alimentation1 and so it turns into an excrescence4 ,the causes are1 too much cold and moisture of the milt and liver1 immoderate drinking1 eating insufficiently cooked meat1 all of which by causing repletion1 overpower the natural heat4 ,it may likewise be caused by undue menstruation1 or by any other immoderate evacuation4 ,to these may be added abortions1 subcutaneous inflammations and a hardened swelling of the womb4 ,,signs4 ,the signs of this affection are as follows3--,the lower parts of the stomach1 with the genitals1 are swollen and painful2 the feet swell1 the natural colour of the face is lost1 the appetite becomes depraved1 and there is a consequent heaviness of the whole body4 ,if the woman turns over in bed a noise like flowing water is heard1 and sometimes water is discharged from the womb4 ,if the swelling is caused by wind and the stomach feels hot1 it sounds like a drum2 the bowels rumble1 and the wind escapes through the neck of the womb with a murmuring noise4 ,this affection may be distinguished from true conception in many ways1 as will be shown in the chapter on conception4 ,it is distinguished from common dropsy1 by the lower parts of the stomach being most swollen4 ,again1 it does not appear so injurious in this blood-producing capability1 nor is the urine so pale1 nor the face so altered4 ,the upper parts are also not so reduced1 as in usual dropsy4 ,,prognostics4 ,this affection foretells the ruin of the natural functions1 by that peculiar sympathy it has with the liver1 and that1 therefore1 kathydria1 or general dropsy will follow4 ,,cure4 ,in the cure of this disease1 imitate the practice of ,hippocrates1 and first mitigate the pain with fomentations of melilot1 dog's mercury1 mallows1 linseed1 camomiles and althoea4 ,then let the womb be prepared with syrup of stoebis1 hyssop1 calamint1 mugwort1 with distilled water1 a decoction of elder1 marjoram1 sage1 origan1 spearage1 pennyroyal1 and betony4 ,purge with senna1 agaric1 rhubarb1 and claterium4 ,take spicierum hier1 a scruple each of rhubarb1 agaric lozenges1 and make into pills with iris juice4 ,when diseases arise from moistness1 purge with pills1 and in those affections which are caused by emptiness or dryness1 purge by means of a draught4 ,apply cupping glasses to the stomach and also to the navel1 especially if the swelling be flatulent4 ,put a seton on to the inside of each leg1 the width of a hand below the knee4 ,take two drachms each of sparganium1 diambrae1 diamolet1 diacaliminti1 diacinamoni1 myrrh lozenges1 and a pound of sugar2 make these into lozenges with betony water1 and take them two hours before meals4 ,apply a little bag of camomiles1 cummin and melilot boiled in oil of rue1 to the bottom of the stomach as hot as it can be borne2 anoint the stomach and the privates with unguent agripp1 and unguent aragon4 ,mix iris oil with it1 and cover the lower part of the stomach with a plaster of bay berries1 or a cataplasm made of cummin1 camomiles1 briony root1 adding cows' and goats' dung4 ,our modern medical writers ascribe great virtues to tobacco-water1 injected into the womb by means of a clyster4 ,take a handful each of balm of southernwood1 origanum1 wormwood1 calamint1 bay berries and marjoram1 and four drachms of juniper berries2 make a decoction of these in water1 and use this for fomentations and infusions4 ,make pessaries of storax1 aloes1 with the roots of dictam1 aristolochia and gentian1 but instead of this you may use the pessary prescribed at the end of ,chapter ,,xvii4 ,let her take aromatic electuary1 disatyrion and candied eringo roots1 every morning4 ,the air must be hot and dry1 moderate exercise is to be taken and too much sleep prohibited4 ,she may eat the flesh of partridges1 larks1 grouse1 hares1 rabbits1 etc41 and let her drink diluted urine4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xi ,of ,moles#h and ,false ,conceptions4 ,this disease may be defined as an inarticulate shapeless piece of flesh1 begotten in the womb as if it were true conception4 ,in this definition we must note two things3 7#a7 because a mole is said to be inarticulate or jointless1 and without shape1 it differs from monstrosities which are both formata and articulata2 7#b7 it is said to be1 as it were a true conception1 which makes a difference between a true conception1 and a mole1 and this difference holds good in three ways4 ,first1 in its genus1 because a mole cannot be said to be an animal3 secondly1 in the species1 because it has not a human figure and has not the character of a man2 thirdly1 in the individual1 for it has no affinity to the parent1 either in the whole body1 or in any particular part of it4 ,,cause4 ,there is a great difference of opinion amongst learned writers as to the cause of this affection4 ,some think1 that if the woman's seed goes into the womb1 and not the man's1 that the mole is produced thereby4 ,others declare that it springs from the menstruous blood1 but if these two things were granted1 then virgins1 by having their courses or through nocturnal pollutions1 might be liable to the same things1 which none have ever been yet4 ,the true cause of this fleshy mole is due both to the man and from the menstruous blood in the woman both mixing together in the cavity of the womb4 ,nature finding herself weak there 7and yet wishing to propagate her species71 labours to bring forth a defective conception rather than nothing and instead of a living creature produces a lump of flesh4 ,,signs4 ,the signs of a mole are these4 ,the menses are suppressed1 the appetite becomes depraved1 the breasts swell and the stomach becomes inflated and hard4 ,so far the symptoms in a pregnant woman and in one that has a mole are the same1 but now this is how they differ4 ,the first sign of difference is in the movements of a mole4 ,it may be felt moving in the womb before the third month1 whereas an infant cannot be so felt2 yet this motion cannot proceed from any intelligent power in the mole1 but from the capabilities of the womb1 and of the seminal vigour1 distributed through the substance of the mole1 for it does not live an animal1 but a vegetable life1 like a plant4 ,secondly1 in a mole the stomach swells suddenly1 but in true conception it is first contracted1 and then rises by degrees4 ,thirdly1 if the stomach is pressed with the hand1 the mole gives way1 and returns to its former position as soon as the hand is removed4 ,but a child in the womb does not move immediately though pressed with the hand1 and when the hand is removed it returns slowly or not at all4 ,lastly1 no child continues in the womb more than eleven months1 but a mole continues for four or five years1 more or less1 sometimes according as it is fastened to the matrix2 and ,i have known a mole pass away in four or five months4 ,if1 however1 it remains until the eleventh month1 the woman's legs grow weak and the whole body wastes away1 but the stomach still increases1 which makes some women think that they are dropsical1 though there is no reason for it1 for in dropsy the legs swell and grow big1 but in a mole they wither and fall away4 ,,cure4 ,in the school of ,hippocrates we are taught that bleeding causes abortion1 by taking all the nourishment which should preserve the life of the embryo4 ,in order1 therefore1 that this faulty conception may be deprived of that nourishing sap by which it lives1 open the liver vein and saphena in both feet1 apply cupping glasses to the loins and sides of the stomach1 and when that has been done1 let the uterine parts be first softened1 and then the expulsive powers be stimulated to get rid of the burden4 ,in order to relax the ligatures of the mole1 take three handfuls of mallows with their roots1 two handfuls each of camomiles1 melilot1 pellitory of the wall1 violet leaves1 dog's mercury1 fennel roots1 parsley1 and one pound each of linseed and fenugreek2 boil them in oil and let the patient sit in it up to her navel4 ,when she comes out of her bath1 she should anoint her private parts and loins with the following ointment3--,take one ounce each of oil of camomiles1 lilies and sweet almonds3 half an ounce each of fresh butter1 laudanum and ammoniac1 and make an ointment with oil of lilies4 ,or1 instead of this1 you may use unguentum agrippae or dialthea4 ,take a handful of dog's mercury and althea roots2 half a handful of flos brochae ursini2 six ounces of linseed and barley meal4 ,boil all these together in honey and water and make a plaster1 and make pessaries of gum galbanum1 bdellium1 ammoniac1 figs1 pig's fat and honey4 ,after the ligaments of the mole are loosened1 let the expulsive powers be stimulated to expel the mole1 and for doing this1 all those drugs may be used which are adapted to bring on the courses4 ,take one ounce of myrrh lozenges1 half an ounce each of castor1 astrolachia1 gentian and dittany and make them into a powder1 and take one drachm in four ounces of mugwort water4 ,take calamint1 pennyroyal1 betony1 hyssop1 sage1 horehound1 valerian1 madder and savine2 make a decoction in water and take three ounces of it1 with one and a half ounces of feverfew4 ,take three scruples each of mugwort1 myrrh1 gentian and pill4 coch42 a drachm each of rue1 pennyroyal and opopanax1 and the same of asafoetida1 cinnamon1 juniper-berries and borage1 and make into pills with savine juice1 to be taken every morning4 ,make an infusion of hyssop1 bay leaves1 bay berries1 calamint1 camomiles1 mugwort and savine4 ,take two scruples each of sacopenium1 mugwort1 savine1 cloves1 nutmeg1 bay berries2 one drachm of galbanum2 one scruple each of hiera piera and black hellebore1 and make a pessary with turpentine4 ,but if these medicaments are not procurable1 then the mole must be pulled out by means of an instrument called the pes gryphis1#i which may be done without much danger if it be performed by a skilful surgeon4 ,after she has been delivered of the mole 7because the woman will have lost much blood already71 let the flow of blood be stopped as soon as possible4 ,apply cupping glasses to the shoulders and ligatures to the arms1 and if this be not effective1 open the liver vein in the arm4 ,the atmosphere of the room must be kept tolerably dry and warm1 and she must be put on a dry diet1 to soothe the system2 she must1 however1 drink white wine4 ,,footnotes3 #h ,mole3 ,a somewhat shapeless1 compact fleshy mass occurring in the uterus1 due to the retention and continued life of the whole or a part of the foetal envelopes1 after the death of the foetus 7a maternal or true mole72 or being some other body liable to be mistaken for this1 or perhaps a polypus or false mole4 7,whitney's ,century ,dictionary47 #i ,griffin's claw1 a peculiar hooked instrument4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xii ,of ,conception and its ,signs1 and ,how a ,woman may know whether it be ,male or ,female4 ,ignorance often makes women the murderesses of the fruit of their own body1 for many1 having conceived and finding themselves out of order1 and not rightly knowing the cause1 go to the shop of their own conceit and take whatever they think fit1 or else 7as the custom is7 they send to the doctor for a remedy1 and he1 not perceiving the cause of their trouble1 for nothing can be diagnosed accurately by the urine1 prescribes what he thinks best2 perhaps some diuretic or cathartic1 which destroy the embryo4 ,therefore ,hippocrates says1 it is necessary that women should be instructed in the signs of conception1 so that the parent as well as the child may be saved from danger4 ,i shall1 therefore1 lay down some rules1 by which every woman may know whether she is pregnant or not1 and the signs will be taken from the woman1 from her urine1 from the child and from experiments4 ,,signs4 ,the first day after conception1 she feels a slight quivering and chilliness throughout her body2 there is a tickling of the womb and a little pain in the lower parts of her stomach4 ,ten or twelve days after she feels giddy and her eyes dim and with circles round them2 the breasts swell and grow hard1 with some pain and pricking in them1 whilst the stomach rises and sinks again by degrees1 and there is a hardness about the navel4 ,the nipples grow red1 the heart beats unusually strongly1 the natural appetite abates1 and the woman has a craving after strange food4 ,the neck of the womb is contracted1 so that it can scarcely be felt when the finger is put in4 ,and the following is an infallible sign2 she is alternately in high spirits and melancholy2 the monthly courses cease without any apparent cause1 the evacuations from the bowels are retained unusually long1 by the womb pressing on the large gut1 and her desire for sexual intercourse is diminished4 ,the surest sign is taken from the infant1 which begins to move in the womb in the third or fourth month1 and not in the manner of a mole1 mentioned above1 from side to side like a stone1 but gently1 as may be perceived by applying the hand cold upon the stomach4 ,,signs ,,taken ,,from ,,the ,,urine4 ,the best writers affirm that the water of a pregnant woman is white and has little specks in it1 like those in a sunbeam1 ascending and descending in it1 of an opal colour1 and when the sediment is disturbed by shaking the urine1 it looks like carded wool4 ,in the middle of gestation it turns yellow1 then red and lastly black1 with a red film4 ,at night on going to bed1 let her drink water and honey1 and if afterwards she feels a beating pain in her stomach and about the navel1 she has conceived4 ,or let her take the juice of cardius1 and if she brings it up again1 that is a sign of conception4 ,throw a clean needle into the woman's urine1 put it into a basin and let it stand all night4 ,if it is covered with red spots in the morning1 she has conceived1 but if it has turned black and rusty1 she has not4 ,,signs ,,taken ,,from ,,the ,,sex1 ,,to ,,show ,,whether ,,it ,,be ,a ,,male ,,or ,,female4 ,if it is a male1 the right breast swells first1 the right eye is brighter than the left1 the face is high-coloured1 because the colour is such as the blood is1 and as the male is conceived of purer blood and of more perfect seed than the female1 red specks in the urine1 and making a sediment1 show that a male has been conceived1 but if they are white1 a female4 ,put the urine of the woman into a glass bottle1 let it stand tightly stoppered for two days1 then strain it through a fine cloth1 and you will find little animals in it4 ,if they are red1 it is a male1 but if white1 it is a female4 ,the belly is rounder and lies higher with a boy than with a girl1 and the right breast is harder and plumper than the left1 and the right nipple redder1 and the woman's colour is clearer than when she has conceived a girl4 ,to conclude1 the most certain sign to give credit to1 is the motion of the child1 for the male moves in the third month1 and the female not until the fourth4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xiii ,of ,untimely ,births4 ,when the fruit of the womb comes forth before the seventh month 7that is1 before it comes to maturity71 it is said to be abortive2 and1 in effect1 the children prove abortive1 that is1 do not live1 that are born in the eighth month4 ,why children born in the seventh or ninth month should live1 and not those born in the eighth1 may seem strange1 and yet it is true4 ,the cause of it is ascribed by some to the planet under which the child is born2 for every month1 from conception to birth1 is governed by its own planet1 and in the eighth month ,saturn predominates1 which is dry and cold2 and coldness1 being an utter enemy to life1 destroys the natural constitution of the child4 ,hippocrates gives a better reason1 viz43--,the infant1 being every way perfect and complete in the seventh month1 wants more air and nourishment than it had before1 and because it cannot obtain this1 it tries for a passage out4 ,but if it have not sufficient strength to break the membranes and to come out as ordained by nature1 it will continue in the womb until the ninth month1 so that by that time it may be again strengthened4 ,but if it returns to the attempt in the eighth month and be born1 it cannot live1 because the day of its birth is either past or is to come4 ,for in the eighth month ,avicunus says1 it is weak and infirm1 and therefore on being brought into the cold air1 its vitality must be destroyed4 ,,cure4 ,untimely births may be caused by cold1 for as it causes the fruit of the tree to wither and fall before it is ripe1 so it nips the fruit of the womb before it comes to perfection1 or makes it abortive2--sometimes by humidity1 which weakens its power1 so that the fruit cannot be retained until the proper time4 ,it may be caused by dryness or emptiness1 which rob the child of its nourishment1 or by an alvine discharge1 by bleeding or some other evacuation1 by inflammation of the womb1 and other severe disease4 ,sometimes it is caused by joy1 anger1 laughter and especially by fear1 for then the heat forsakes the womb1 and goes to the heart1 and so the cold sinks into the womb1 whereby the ligaments are relaxed1 and so abortion follows4 ,on this account1 ,plato recommended that the woman should avoid all temptations to excessive joy and pleasure1 as well as all occasions for fear and grief4 ,abortion may also be caused by the pollution of the air by filthy odours1 and especially by the smell of the smouldering wick of a candle1 and also by falls1 blows1 violent exercise1 jumping1 dancing1 etc4 ,,signs4 ,signs of coming abortion are a falling away of the breast1 with a flow of watery milk1 pains in the womb1 heaviness in the head1 unusual weariness in the hips and thighs1 and a flowing of the courses4 ,signs denoting that the fruit is dead in the womb are sunken eyes1 pains in the head1 frights1 paleness of the face and lips1 gnawing at the stomach1 no movements of the infant2 coldness and looseness of the mouth of the womb4 ,the stomach falls down1 whilst watery and bloody discharges come from the womb4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xiv ,directions for ,pregnant ,women4 ,the prevention of untimely births consists in removing the aforementioned causes1 which must be effected both before and after conception4 ,before conception1 if the body be too hot1 dry or moist1 employ such treatment as to counteract the symptoms2 if the blood be vitiated purify it1 if plethoric1 open the liver vein2 if gross1 reduce it2 if too thin strengthen and nourish it4 ,all the diseases of the womb must be removed as ,i have shown4 ,after conception1 let the atmosphere be kept temperate1 do not sleep too much1 avoid late hours1 too much bodily exercise1 mental excitement1 loud noises and bad smells1 and sweet smells must also be avoided by those who are hysterical4 ,refrain from all things that may provoke either urine or menstruation1 also salt1 sour1 and windy food1 and keep to a moderate diet4 ,if the bowels are confined1 relieve the stomach with injections made of a decoction of mallows and violets1 with sugar and salad oil2 or make a broth with borage1 buglos1 beetroot1 and mallows1 and add a little manna to it4 ,if1 on the other hand1 she be troubled with looseness of the bowels1 do not check it with medical advice1 for all the uterine fluxes have some bad qualities in them1 which must be evacuated before the discharge is stopped4 ,a cough is another thing to which pregnant women are frequently liable1 and which causes them to run great danger of miscarrying1 by the shock and continual drain upon the vein4 ,to prevent this shave off the hair from the coronal commissures1 and apply the following plaster to the place4 ,take half an ounce of resin1 a drachm of laudanum1 a drachm each of citron peel1 lignaloes and galbanum1 with a sufficient quantity of liquid and dry styrax4 ,dissolve the gum in vinegar and make a plaster1 and at night let her inhale the fumes of these lozenges1 thrown upon bright coals4 ,take also a drachm and a half each of frankincense1 styrax powder and red roses3 eight drachms of sandrich1 a drachm each of mastic1 benjamin and amber2 make into lozenges with turpentine1 and apply a cautery to the nape of the neck4 ,and every night let her take the following pills3--,half an ounce each of hypocistides1 terrae sigilatae and fine bole2 two drachms each of bistort1 alcatia1 styrax and calamint1 and one drachm of cloves1 and make into pills with syrup of myrtles4 ,in pregnant women1 a corrupt matter is generated which1 flowing to the ventricle1 spoils the appetite and causes sickness4 ,as the stomach is weak1 and cannot digest this matter1 it sometimes sends it to the bowels which causes a flux of the stomach1 which greatly adds to the weakness of the womb4 ,to prevent all these dangers the stomach must be strengthened by the following means3--,take one drachm each of lignaloes and nutmeg2 a scruple each of mace1 cloves1 mastic1 laudanum2 an ounce of oil of spikenard2 two grains of musk1 half an ounce each of oil of mastic1 quinces and wormwood1 and make into an ointment for the stomach1 to be applied before meals4 ,instead of this1 however1 you may use cerocum stomachile ,galeni4 ,take half an ounce each of conserve of borage1 buglos and atthos2 two drachms each of confection of hyacinths1 candied lemon peel1 specierum1 diamarg1 pulo4 de genunis3 two scruples each of nutmeg and diambra2 two drachma each of peony roots and diacoratum1 and make into an electuary with syrup of roses1 which she must take twice a day before meals4 ,another affection which troubles a pregnant woman is swelling of the legs1 which happens during the first three months1 by the superfluous humours descending from the stomach and liver4 ,to cure this1 take two drachms of oil of roses1 and one drachm each of salt and vinegar2 shake them together until the salt is dissolved1 and anoint the legs with it hot1 rubbing it well in with the hand4 ,it may be done without danger during the fourth1 fifth and sixth months of pregnancy2 for a child in the womb is compared to an apple on the tree4 ,for the first three months it is a weak and tender subject1 like the apple1 to fall away2 but afterwards1 when the membranes become strengthened1 the fruit remains firmly fastened to the womb1 and not subject to mischances1 and so it remains1 until the seventh month1 until when it is near the time1 the ligaments are again relaxed 7like the apple that is almost ripe74 ,they grow looser every day1 until the appointed time for delivery2 if1 therefore1 the body is in real need of purging1 the woman may do it without danger in the fourth1 fifth or sixth month1 but neither before nor after that unless in the case of some violent illness1 in which it is possible that both mother and child may perish4 ,apply plasters and ointments to the loins in order to strengthen the fruit in the womb4 ,take one drachm each of gum ,arabic1 galangale1 bistort1 hypocistid and storax1 a drachm and a half each of fine bole1 nutmeg1 mastic1 balaust1 dragon's blood and myrtle berries1 and a sufficient quantity of wax and turpentine and make into a plaster4 ,apply it to the loins in the winter1 and remove it every twenty-four hours1 lest the loins should become overheated by it4 ,in the interim1 anoint the private parts and loins with countess' balsam but if it be summer time and the loins hot1 the following plaster will be more suitable4 ,take a pound of red roses1 two drachms each of mastic and red ,sanders1 one drachm each of bole ammoniac and red coral1 two drachms and a half each of pomegranate seed and prepared coriander seed1 two scruples of barberries1 one ounce each of oil of mastic and of quinces1 and plantain-juice4 ,anoint the loins also with sandalwood ointment1 and once a week wash them with two parts of rose-water and one of white wine mixed together and warmed at the fire4 ,this will assuage the heat of the loins1 get rid of the oil of the plaster from the pores of the skin1 and cause the fresh ointment or plaster to penetrate more easily1 and to strengthen the womb4 ,some think that a load-stone laid upon the navel1 keeps a woman from abortion4 ,the same thing is also stated of the stone called aetites or eagle-stone1 if it is hung round the neck4 ,samian stone has the same virtue4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xv ,directions for ,women when they are taken in ,labour1 to ensure their safe ,delivery1 and ,directions for ,midwives4 ,having thus given the necessary directions to pregnant women1 how to manage their health during their pregnancy1 ,i will now add what is necessary for them to do1 in order that they may be safely delivered4 ,when the time of birth draws near1 the woman must be sure to send for a skilful midwife1 and that rather too soon than too late4 ,she must have a pallet bed ready to place it near the fire1 so that the midwife and those who are to help her1 may be able to pass round it1 and give assistance on either side1 as may be required4 ,a change of linen must be in readiness1 and a small stool to rest her feet against1 as she will have more power when her legs are bent1 than when they are straight4 ,when everything is thus ready1 and when the woman feels the pains coming on1 if the weather be not cold1 she should walk about the room1 rest on the bed occasionally1 waiting for the breaking of the waters1 which is a fluid contained in one of the outward membranes1 and which flows out thence1 when the membrane is broken by the struggles of the child4 ,there is no special time for this discharge1 though it generally takes place about two hours before the birth4 ,movements will also cause the womb to open and dilate1 and when lying long in bed will be uncomfortable4 ,if she be very weak she may take some mild cordial to give her strength1 if her pain will permit her2 and if the labour be tedious1 she may be revived with chicken or mutton broth1 or she may take a poached egg2 but she must be very careful not to eat to excess4 ,there are many postures in which women are delivered2 some sitting in a chair1 supported by others1 or resting on the bed2 some again upon their knees and resting on their arms2 but the safest and most commodious way1 is in the bed1 and then the midwife ought to observe the following rules3--,let her lay the woman upon her back1 with her head a little raised by means of a pillow1 with similar supports for her loins and buttocks1 which latter should also be raised1 for if she lies low1 she cannot be delivered so easily4 ,then let her keep her knees and thighs as far apart as she can1 her legs bent inward towards each other1 and her buttocks1 the soles of her feet and her heels being placed upon a small rest1 placed for the purpose1 so that she may be able to strain the stronger4 ,in case her back should be very weak1 a swathing band should be placed under it1 the band being doubled four times and about four inches broad4 ,this must be held by two persons who must raise her up a little every time her pains come on1 with steady hands and in even time1 but if they be not exact in their movements1 they had better leave her alone4 ,at the same time two women must hold her shoulders so that she may strain out the foetus more easily2 and to facilitate this let one stroke or press the upper part of her stomach gently and by degrees4 ,the woman herself must not be nervous or downhearted1 but courageous1 and forcing herself by straining and holding her breath4 ,when delivery is near1 the midwife must wait patiently until the child's head1 or some limb1 bursts the membranes1 for if the midwife through ignorance1 or through haste to go to some other woman1 as some have done1 tears the membrane with her nails1 she endangers both the woman and the child2 for by lying dry and lacking that slipperiness which should make it easy1 it comes forth with severe pains4 ,when the head appears1 the midwife must hold it gently between her hands1 and draw the child1 whenever the woman's pains are upon her1 but at no other times2 slipping her forefingers under its armpits by degrees1 and not using a rough hand in drawing it out1 lest the tender infant might become deformed by such means4 ,as soon as the child is taken out1 which is usually with its face downwards1--it should be laid upon its back1 that it may receive external respiration more freely2 then cut the navel string about three inches from the body1 tying the end which adheres to it with a silk string1 as closely as you can2 then cover the child's head and stomach well1 allowing nothing to touch its face4 ,when the child has been thus brought forth1 if it be healthy lay it aside1 and let the midwife attend to the patient by drawing out the afterbirth2 and this she may do by wagging and stirring it up and down1 and afterwards drawing it out gently4 ,and if the work be difficult1 let the woman hold salt in her hands1 close them tightly and breathe hard into them1 and by that she will know whether the membranes are broken or not4 ,it may also be known by making her strain or vomit2 by putting her fingers down her throat1 or by straining or moving her lower parts1 but let all be done immediately4 ,if this should fail1 let her take a draught of elder water1 or the yolk of a new laid egg1 and smell a piece of asafoetida1 especially if she is troubled with a windy colic4 ,if she happen to take cold1 it is a great obstruction to the afterbirth2 in such cases the midwife ought to chafe the woman's stomach gently1 so as to break1 not only the wind1 but also to force the secundine to come down4 ,but if these should prove ineffectual1 the midwife must insert her hand into the orifice of the womb and draw it out gently4 ,having thus discussed common births1 or such as are generally easy1 ,i shall now give directions in cases of extremity4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xvi ,what ought to be done in cases of extremity1 especially in women who1 in labour1 are attacked by a flux of blood1 convulsions and fits of wind4 ,if the woman's labour be hard and difficult1 greater care must be taken than at other times4 ,and1 first of all1 the situation of the womb and her position in lying must be across the bed1 and she must be held by strong persons to prevent her from slipping down or moving during the surgeon's operations4 ,her thighs must be put as far apart as possible1 and held so1 whilst her head must rest upon a bolster1 and her loins be supported in the same manner4 ,after her rump and buttocks have been raised1 be careful to cover her stomach1 belly and thighs with warm clothes1 to keep them from the cold4 ,when the woman is in this position1 let the operator put up his or her hand1 if the neck of the womb be dilated1 and remove the coagulated blood that obstructs the passage of the birth2 and by degrees make way gently1 let him remove the infant tenderly1 having first anointed his hand with butter or some harmless salve4 ,and if the waters have not come down1 they may then be let out without difficulty4 ,then1 if the infant should attempt to come out head foremost1 or crosswise1 he should turn it gently1 to find the feet4 ,having done this1 let him draw out one and fasten it with ribbon and then put it up again1 and by degrees find the other1 bringing them as close together and as even as possible1 and between whiles let the woman breathe1 and she should be urged to strain so as to help nature in the birth1 that it may be brought forth4 ,and to do this more easily1 and that the hold may be surer1 wrap a linen cloth round the child's thighs1 taking care to bring it into the hand face downwards4 ,in case of flux of blood1 if the neck of the womb be open1 it must be considered whether the infant or the secundine1 generally called the afterbirth1 comes first1 and as the latter happens to do so occasionally1 it stops the mouth of the womb and hinders the birth1 and endangers both the woman's and the child's life4 ,in this case the afterbirth must be removed by a quick turn4 ,they have deceived many people1 who1 feeling their softness1 have supposed that the womb was not dilated1 and by that means the woman and child1 or at least the latter1 have been lost4 ,when the afterbirth has been removed1 the child must be sought for and drawn out1 as directed above2 and if the woman or the child die in such a case1 the midwife or the surgeon are blameless because they have used their best endeavours4 ,if it appears upon examination that the afterbirth comes first1 let the woman be delivered as quickly as possible1 because a great flow of blood will follow1 for the veins are opened1 and on this account two things have to be considered4 ,first3--,the manner in which the afterbirth advances1 whether it be much or little4 ,if the former1 and the head of the child appears first1 it may be guided and directed towards the neck of the womb1 as in the case of natural birth1 but if there appears any difficulty in the delivery1 the best way is to look for the feet1 and draw it out by them2 but if the latter1 the afterbirth may be put back with a gentle hand1 and the child taken out first4 ,but if the afterbirth has come so far forward that it cannot be put back1 and the child follows it closely1 then the afterbirth must be removed very carefully1 and as quickly as may be1 and laid aside without cutting the entrail that is fastened to it2 for you may be guided to the infant by it1 which must be drawn out by the feet1 whether it be alive or dead1 as quickly as possible2 though this is not to be done except in cases of great necessity1 for in other cases the afterbirth ought to come last4 ,in drawing out a dead child1 these directions should be carefully followed by the surgeon1 viz4--,if the child be found to be dead1 its head appearing first1 the delivery will be more difficult2 for it is an evident sign that the woman's strength is beginning to fail her1 that1 as the child is dead and has no natural power1 it cannot be assisting in its own delivery in any way4 ,therefore the most certain and the safest way for the surgeon is1 to put up his left hand1 sliding it into the neck of the womb1 and into the lower part of it towards the feet1 as hollow in the palm as he can1 and then between the head of the infant and the neck of the womb4 ,then1 having a forceps in the right hand1 slip it up above the left hand1 between the head of the child and the flat of the hand1 fixing it in the bars of the temple near the eye4 ,as these cannot be got at easily in the occipital bone1 be careful still to keep the hand in its place1 and gently move the head with it1 and so with the right hand and the forceps draw the child forward1 and urge the woman to exert all her strength1 and continue drawing whenever her pains come on4 ,when the head is drawn out1 he must immediately slip his hand under the child's armpits1 and take it quite out1 and give the woman a piece of toasted white bread1 in a quarter of a pint of ,hippocras wine4 ,if the former application fails let the woman take the following potion hot when she is in bed1 and remain quiet until she begins to feel it operating4 ,take seven blue figs1 cut them into pieces and add five grains each of fenugreek1 motherwort and rue seed1 with six ounces each of water of pennyroyal and motherwort2 reduce it to half the quantity by boiling and after straining add one drachm of troches of myrrh and three grains of saffron2 sweeten the liquor with loaf sugar1 and spice it with cinnamon4--,after having rested on this1 let her strain again as much as possible1 and if she be not successful1 make a fumigation of half a drachm each of castor1 opopanax1 sulphur and asafoetida1 pounding them into a powder and wetting the juice of rue1 so that the smoke or fumes may go only into the matrix and no further4 ,if this have not the desired effect1 then the following plaster should be applied3--,take an ounce and a half of balganum1 two drachms of colocynth1 half an ounce each of the juice of motherwort and of rue1 and seven ounces of virgin bees' wax3 pound and melt them together1 spreading them on a cere-cloth so that they may spread from the navel to the os pubis and extending to the flanks1 at the same time making a pessary of wood1 enclosing it in a silk bag1 and dipping it in a decoction of one drachm each of sound birthwort1 savin colocinthis1 stavescare and black hellebore1 with a small sprig or two of rue4 ,but if these things have not the desired effect1 and the woman's danger increases1 let the surgeon use his instruments to dilate and widen the womb1 for which purpose the woman must be placed on a chair1 so that she may turn her buttocks as far from its back as possible1 at the same time drawing up her legs as close as she can and spreading her thighs open as wide as possible2 or if she is very weak it may be better to lay her on the bed with her head downwards1 her buttocks raised and both legs drawn up4 ,then the surgeon may dilate the womb with his speculum matrices and draw out the child and the afterbirth together1 if it be possible1 and when this is done1 the womb must be well washed and anointed1 and the woman put back to bed and comforted with spices and cordials4 ,this course must be adopted in the case of dead children and moles1 afterbirths and false births1 which will not come out of themselves1 at the proper time4 ,if the aforementioned instrument will not widen the womb sufficiently1 then other instruments1 such as the drake's bill1 or long pincers1 ought to be used4 ,if any inflammation1 swelling or congealed blood happens to be contracted in the womb under the film of these tumours1 either before or after the birth1 let the midwife lance it with a penknife or any suitable instrument1 and squeeze out the matter1 healing it with a pessary dipped in oil of red roses4 ,if the child happens at any time to be swollen through cold or violence1 or has contracted a watery humour1 if it is alive1 such means must be used as are least injurious to the child or mother2 but if it be dead1 the humours must be let out by incisions1 to facilitate the birth4 ,if1 as often happens1 the child is presented feet foremost1 with the hands spreading out from the hips1 the midwife must in such a case be provided with the necessary ointments to rub and anoint the child with1 to help it coming forth1 lest it should turn into the womb again1 holding both the infant's arms close to the hips at the same time1 that it may come out in this manner2 but if it proves too big1 the womb must be well anointed4 ,the woman should also take a sneezing powder1 to make her strain2 the attendant may also stroke her stomach gently to make the birth descend1 and to keep it from returning4 ,it happens occasionally1 that the child presenting itself with the feet first1 has its arms extended above its head2 but the midwife must not receive it so1 but put it back into the womb1 unless the passage be extraordinarily wide1 and then she must anoint both the child and the womb1 and it is not safe to draw it out1 which must1 therefore1 be done in this manner4--,the woman must lie on her back with her head low and her buttocks raised2 and then the midwife must compress the stomach and the womb with a gentle hand1 and by that means put the child back1 taking care to turn the child's face towards the mother's back1 raising up its thighs and buttocks towards the navel1 so that the birth may be more natural4 ,if the child happens to come out with one foot1 with the arm extended along the side and the other foot turned backwards2 then the woman must be immediately put to bed and laid in the above-described position2 when the midwife must immediately put back the foot which appears so1 and the woman must rock herself from side to side1 until she finds that the child has turned1 but she must not alter her position nor turn upon her face4 ,after this she may expect her pains and must have great assistance and cordials so as to revive and support her spirits4 ,at other times it happens that the child lies across in the womb1 and falls upon its side2 in this case the woman must not be urged in her labour2 therefore1 the midwife when she finds it so1 must use great diligence to reduce it to its right form1 or at least to such a form in the womb as may make the delivery possible and most easy by moving the buttocks and guiding the head to the passage2 and if she be successful in this1 let the woman rock herself to and fro1 and wait with patience till it alters its way of lying4 ,sometimes the child hastens simply by expanding its legs and arms2 in which1 as in the former case1 the woman must rock herself1 but not with violence1 until she finds those parts fall to their proper station2 or it may be done by a gentle compression of the womb2 but if neither of them avail1 the midwife must close the legs of the infant with her hand1 and if she can get there1 do the like by the arms1 and so draw it forth2 but if it can be reduced of itself to the posture of a proper birth it is better4 ,if the infant comes forward1 both knees forward1 and the hands hanging down upon the thighs1 then the midwife must put both knees upward1 till the feet appear2 taking hold of which with her left hand let her keep her right hand on the side of the child1 and in that posture endeavour to bring it forth4 ,but if she cannot do this1 then also the woman must rock herself until the child is in a more convenient posture for delivery4 ,sometimes it happens that the child presses forward with one arm extended on its thighs1 and the other raised over its head1 and the feet stretched out at length in the womb4 ,in such case1 the midwife must not attempt to receive the child in that posture1 but must lay the woman on the bed in the manner aforesaid1 making a soft and gentle compression on her belly1 oblige the child to retire2 which if it does not1 then must the midwife thrust it back by the shoulder1 and bring the arm that was stretched above the head to its right station2 for there is most danger in these extremities2 and1 therefore1 the midwife must anoint her hands and the womb of the woman with sweet butter1 or a proper pomatum1 and thrust her hand as near as she can to the arm of the infant1 and bring it to the side4 ,but if this cannot be done1 let the woman be laid on the bed to rest a while2 in which time1 perhaps1 the child may be reduced to a better posture2 which the midwife finding1 she must draw tenderly the arms close to the hips and so receive it4 ,if an infant come with its buttocks foremost1 and almost double1 then the midwife must anoint her hand and thrust it up1 and gently heaving up the buttocks and back1 strive to turn the head to the passage1 but not too hastily1 lest the infant's retiring should shape it worse3 and therefore1 if it cannot be turned with the hand1 the woman must rock herself on the bed1 taking such comfortable things as may support her spirits1 till she perceives the child to turn4 ,if the child's neck be bowed1 and it comes forward with its shoulders1 as it sometimes doth1 with the hands and feet stretched upwards1 the midwife must gently move the shoulders1 that she may direct the head to the passage2 and the better to effect it1 the woman must rock herself as aforesaid4 ,these and other like methods are to be observed in case a woman hath twins1 or three children at a birth1 which sometimes happens3 for as the single birth hath but one natural and many unnatural forms1 even so it may be in a double and treble birth4 ,wherefore1 in all such cases the midwife must take care to receive the first which is nearest the passage2 but not letting the other go1 lest by retiring it should change the form2 and when one is born1 she must be speedy in bringing forth the other4 ,and this birth1 if it be in the natural way1 is more easy1 because the children are commonly less than those of single birth1 and so require a less passage4 ,but if this birth come unnaturally1 it is far more dangerous than the other4 ,in the birth of twins1 let the midwife be very careful that the secundine be naturally brought forth1 lest the womb1 being delivered of its burden1 fall1 and so the secundine continue longer there than is consistent with the woman's safety4 ,but if one of the twins happens to come with the head1 and the other with the feet foremost1 then let the midwife deliver the natural birth first2 and if she cannot turn the other1 draw it out in the posture in which it presses forward2 but if that with its feet downward be foremost1 she may deliver that first1 turning the other aside4 ,but in this case the midwife must carefully see that it be not a monstrous birth1 instead of twins1 a body with two heads1 or two bodies joined together1 which she may soon know if both the heads come foremost1 by putting up her hand between them as high as she can2 and then1 if she finds they are twins she may gently put one of them aside to make way for the other1 taking the first which is most advanced1 leaving the other so that it do not change its position4 ,and for the safety of the other child1 as soon as it comes forth out of the womb1 the midwife must tie the navel-string1 as has before been directed1 and also bind1 with a large1 long fillet1 that part of the navel which is fastened to the secundine1 the more readily to find it4 ,the second infant being born1 let the midwife carefully examine whether there be not two secundines1 for sometimes it falls out1 that by the shortness of the ligaments it retires back to the prejudice of the woman4 ,wherefore1 lest the womb should close1 it is most expedient to hasten them forth with all convenient speed4 ,if two infants are joined together by the body1 as sometimes it monstrously falls out1 then1 though the head should come foremost1 yet it is proper1 if possible1 to turn them and draw them forth by the feet1 observing1 when they come to the hips1 to draw them out as soon as may be4 ,and here great care ought to be used in anointing and widening the passage4 ,but these sort of births rarely happening1 ,i need to say the less of them1 and1 therefore1 shall show how women should be ordered after delivery4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xvii ,how child-bearing ,women ought to be ordered after ,delivery4 ,if a woman has had very hard labour1 it is necessary that she should be wrapped up in a sheep's skin1 taken off before it is cold1 applying the fleshy side to her veins and belly1 or1 for want of this1 the skin of a hare or coney1 flayed off as soon as killed1 may be applied to the same parts1 and in so doing1 a dilation being made in the birth1 and the melancholy blood being expelled in these parts1 continue these for an hour or two4 ,let the woman afterwards be swathed with fine linen cloth1 about a quarter of a yard in breadth1 chafing the belly before it is swathed1 with oil of ,st4 ,john's wort2 after that raise up the matrix with a linen cloth1 many times folded3 then with a linen pillar or quilt1 cover the flanks1 and place the swathe somewhat above the haunches1 winding it pretty stiff1 applying at the same time a linen cloth to her nipples2 do not immediately use the remedies to keep back the milk1 by reason the body1 at such a time1 is out of frame2 for there is neither vein nor artery which does not strongly beat2 and remedies to drive back the milk1 being of a dissolving nature1 it is improper to apply them to the breasts during such disorder1 lest by doing so1 evil humours be contracted in the breast4 ,wherefore1 twelve hours at least ought to be allowed for the circulation and settlement of the blood1 and what was cast on the lungs by the vehement agitation during labour1 to retire to its proper receptacles4 ,some time after delivery1 you may take a restrictive of the yolks of two eggs1 and a quarter of a pint of white wine1 oil of ,st4 ,john's wort1 oil of roses1 plantain and roses water1 of each an ounce1 mix them together1 fold a linen cloth and apply it to the breast1 and the pains of those parts will be greatly eased4 ,she must by no means sleep directly after delivery2 but about four hours after1 she may take broth1 caudle or such liquid victuals as are nourishing2 and if she be disposed to sleep it may be very safely permitted4 ,and this is as much1 in the case of a natural birth1 as ought immediately to be done4 ,but in case of an extremity or an unnatural birth1 the following rules ought to be observed3-- ,in the first place1 let the-woman keep a temperate diet1 by no means overcharging herself after such an extraordinary evacuation1 not being ruled by giving credit to unskilful nurses1 who admonish them to feed heartily1 the better to repair the loss of blood4 ,for that blood is not for the most part pure1 but such as has been retained in the vessels or membrane better voided1 for the health of the woman1 than kept1 unless there happen an extraordinary flux of the blood4 ,for if her nourishment be too much1 which curding1 very often turns to imposthumes4 ,therefore1 it is requisite1 for the first five days especially1 that she take moderately panado broth1 poached eggs1 jelly of chickens or calves' feet or fresh barley broth2 every day increasing the quantity a little4 ,and if she intend to be a nurse to the child1 she may take something more than ordinary1 to increase the milk by degrees1 which must be of no continuance1 but drawn off by the child or otherwise4 ,in this case likewise1 observe to let her have coriander or fennel seeds boiled in barley broth2 but by all means1 for the time specified1 let her abstain from meat4 ,if no fever trouble her1 she may drink now and then a small quantity of pure white wine or of claret1 as also syrup of maidenhead or any other syrup that is of an astringent quality1 taken in a little water well boiled4 ,after the fear of fever or contraction of humour in the breast is over1 she may be nourished more plentifully with the broth of capons1 pullets1 pigeons1 mutton1 veal1 etc41 which must not be until after eight days from the time of delivery2 at which time the womb1 unless some accident binds1 has purged itself4 ,it will then likewise be expedient to give cold meats1 but let it be sparingly1 so that she may the better gather strength4 ,and let her1 during the time1 rest quietly and free from disturbance1 not sleeping in the day time1 if she can avoid it4 ,take of both mallows and pellitory of the wall a handful2 camomile and melilot flowers1 of each a handful2 aniseed and fennel of each two ounces2 boil them in a decoction of sheep's head and take of this three quarts1 dissolving in it common honey1 coarse sugar and fresh butter and administer it clysterwise2 but if it does not penetrate well take an ounce of catholicon4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,xviii ,acute ,pains after ,delivery4 ,these pains frequently afflict the woman no less than the pain of her labour1 and are1 by the more ignorant1 many times taken the one for the other2 and sometimes they happen both at the same instant2 which is occasioned by a raw1 crude and watery matter in the stomach1 contracted through ill digestion2 and while such pains continue1 the woman's travail is retarded4 ,therefore1 to expel fits of the cholic1 take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds1 and an ounce of cinnamon water1 with three or four drops of syrup of ginger2 then let the woman drink it off4 ,if this does not abate the pain1 make a clyster of camomile1 balm-leaves1 oil of olives and new milk1 boiling the former in the latter4 ,administer it as is usual in such cases4 ,and then1 fomentation proper for dispelling the wind will not be amiss4 ,if the pain produces a griping in the guts after delivery1 then take of the root of great comfrey1 one drachm1 nutmeg and peach kernels1 of each two scruples1 yellow amber1 eight drachms1 ambergris1 one scruple2 bruise them together1 and give them to the woman as she is laid down1 in two or three spoonfuls of white wine2 but if she be feverish1 then let it be in as much warm broth4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,family ,,physician 99 99 99 99 99 ,,being ,,choice ,,and ,,approved ,,remedies ,,for ,,several ,,diseases ,,incidental ,,to ,,human ,,bodies 99 99 99 99 99 ,for the ,apoplexy4 ,take man's skull prepared1 and powder of male peony1 of each an ounce and a half1 contrayerva1 bastard dittany1 angelica1 zedvary1 of each two drachms1 mix and make a powder1 add thereto two ounces of candied orange and lemon peel1 beat all together to a powder1 whereof you may take half a drachm or a drachm4 ,a ,powder for the ,epilepsy or ,falling ,sickness4 ,take of opopanax1 crude antimony1 castor1 dragon's blood1 peony seeds1 of each an equal quantity2 make a subtle powder2 the dose1 half a drachm of black cherry water4 ,before you take it1 the stomach must be prepared with some proper vomit1 as that of ,mynficht's emetic tartar1 from four grains to six2 if for children1 salts of vitrol1 from a scruple to half a drachm4 ,for a ,headache of ,long ,standing4 ,take the juice or powder in distilled water of hog lice and continue it4 ,for ,spitting of ,blood4 ,take conserve of comfrey and of hips1 of each an ounce and a half2 conserve of red roses1 three ounces2 dragon's blood1 a drachm2 spices of hyacinths1 two scruples2 red coral1 a drachm2 mix and with syrup of poppies make a soft electuary4 ,take the quantity of a walnut1 night and morning4 ,for a ,looseness4 ,take ,venice treacle and diascordium1 of each half a drachm1 in warm ale or water gruel1 or what you like best1 at night1 going to bed4 ,for the ,bloody ,flux4 ,first take a drachm of powder of rhubarb in a sufficient quantity of conserve of red roses1 in the morning early2 then at night1 take of tornified or roasted rhubarb1 half a drachm2 diascordium1 a drachm and a half2 liquid laudanum cyclomated1 a scruple3 mix and make into a bolus4 ,for an ,inflammation of the ,lungs4 ,take of cherious water1 ten ounces2 water of red poppies1 three ounces2 syrup of poppies1 an ounce2 pearl prepared1 a drachm2 make julep1 and take six spoonfuls every fourth hour4 ,an ,ointment for the ,pleurisy4 ,take oil of violets or sweet almonds1 an ounce of each1 with wax and a little saffron1 make an ointment1 warm it and bathe it upon the parts affected4 ,an ,ointment for the ,itch4 ,take sulphur vive in powder1 half an ounce1 oil of tartar per deliquim1 a sufficient quantity1 ointment of roses1 four ounces2 make a liniment1 to which add a scruple of rhodium to aromatize1 and rub the parts affected with it4 ,for ,running ,scab4 ,take two pounds of tar1 incorporate it into a thick mass with well-sifted ashes2 boil the mass in fountain-water1 adding leaves of ground-ivy1 white horehound1 fumitory roots1 sharp-pointed dock and of flocan pan1 of each four handfuls2 make a bath to be used with care of taking cold4 ,for ,worms in ,children4 ,take wormseed1 half a drachm1 flour of sulphur1 a drachm2 mix and make a powder4 ,give as much as will lie on a silver threepence1 night and morning1 in grocer's treacle or honey1 or to grown up people1 you may add a sufficient quantity of aloe rosatum and so make them up into pills2 three or four may be taken every morning4 ,for ,fevers in ,children4 ,take crab-eyes1 a drachm1 cream of tartar1 half a drachm2 white sugar-candy finely powdered1 weight of both2 mix all well together and give as much as will lie on a silver threepence1 in a spoonful of barley-water or sack whey4 ,a ,quieting ,night-,draught1 when the ,cough is ,violent4 ,take water of green wheat1 six ounces1 syrup diascordium1 three ounces1 take two or three spoonfuls going to bed every night or every other night4 ,an ,electuary for the ,dropsy4 ,take best rhubarb1 one drachm1 gum lac1 prepared1 two drachms1 zyloaloes1 cinnamon1 long birthwort1 half an ounce each1 best ,english saffron1 half a scruple2 with syrup of chicory and rhubarb make an electuary4 ,take the quantity of a nutmeg or small walnut every morning fasting4 ,for a ,tympany ,dropsy4 ,take roots of chervil and candied eringo roots1 half an ounce of each1 roots of butcher-broom1 two ounces1 grass-roots1 three ounces1 shavings of ivory and hartshorn1 two drachms and a half each2 boil them in two or three pounds of spring water4 ,whilst the strained liquor is hot1 pour it upon the leaves of watercresses and goose-grass bruised1 of each a handful1 adding a pint of ,rhenish wine4 ,make a close infusion for two hours1 then strain out the liquor again1 and add to it three ounces of magirtral water and earth worms and an ounce and a half of the syrup of the five opening roots4 ,make an apozen1 whereof take four ounces twice a day4 ,for an ,inward ,bleeding4 ,take leaves of plantain and stinging nettles1 of each three handfuls1 bruise them well and pour on them six ounces of plantain water1 afterwards make a strong expression and drink the whole off4 ,probatum est4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,general ,,observations ,worthy of ,notice4 ,,when ,,you ,,find ,a red man to be faithful1 a tall man to be wise1 a fat man to be swift of foot1 a lean man to be a fool1 a handsome man not to be proud1 a poor man not to be envious1 a knave to be no liar1 an upright man not too bold and hearty to his own loss1 one that drawls when he speaks not to be crafty and circumventing1 one that winks on another with his eyes not to be false and deceitful1 a sailor and hangman to be pitiful1 a poor man to build churches1 a quack doctor to have a good conscience1 a bailiff not to be a merciless villain1 an hostess not to over-reckon you1 and an usurer to be charitable---- ,,then ,,say1 ,ye have found a prodigy4 ,men acting contrary to the common course of nature4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,part ,,ii 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,experienced ,,midwife 99 99 99 99 99 ,,introduction4 ,i have given this ,part the title of ,the ,experienced ,midwife1 because it is chiefly designed for those who profess ,midwifery1 and contains whatever is necessary for them to know in the practice thereof2 and also1 because it is the result of many years' experience1 and that in the most difficult cases1 and is1 therefore1 the more to be depended upon4 ,a midwife is the most necessary and honourable office1 being indeed a helper of nature2 which therefore makes it necessary for her to be well acquainted with all the operations of nature in the work of generation1 and instruments with which she works4 ,for she that knows not the operations of nature1 nor with what tool she works1 must needs be at a loss how to assist therein4 ,and seeing the instruments of operation1 both in men and women1 are those things by which mankind is produced1 it is very necessary that all midwives should be well acquainted with them1 that they may better understand their business1 and assist nature1 as there shall be occasion4 ,the first thing then necessary as introductory to this treatise1 is an anatomical description of the several parts of generation both in men and women2 but as in the former part of this work ,i have treated at large upon these subjects1 being desirous to avoid tautology1 ,i shall not here repeat anything of what was then said1 but refer the reader thereto1 as a necessary introduction to what follows4 ,and though ,i shall be necessitated to speak plainly so that ,i may be understood1 yet ,i shall do it with that modesty that none shall have need to blush unless it be from something in themselves1 rather than from what they shall find here2 having the motto of the royal garter for my defence1 which is3--,honi soit qui mal y pense1--,evil be to him that evil thinks4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,guide ,,to ,,childbearing ,,women 99 99 99 99 99 ,,book ,i ,,chapter ,i ,,section ,i4--,of the ,womb4 ,in this chapter ,i am to treat of the womb1 which the ,latins call matrix4 ,its parts are two2 the mouth of the womb and the bottom of it4 ,the mouth is an orifice at the entrance into it1 which may be dilated and shut together like a purse2 for though in the act of copulation it is big enough to receive the glans of the yard1 yet after conception1 it is so close and shut1 that it will not admit the point of a bodkin to enter2 and yet again1 at the time of a woman's delivery1 it is opened to such an extraordinary degree1 that the child passeth through it into the world2 at which time this orifice wholly disappears1 and the womb seems to have but one great cavity from the bottom to the entrance of the neck4 ,when a woman is not with child1 it is a little oblong1 and of substance very thick and close2 but when she is with child it is shortened1 and its thickness diminished proportionably to its distension2 and therefore it is a mistake of anatomists who affirm1 that its substance waxeth thicker a little before a woman's labour2 for any one's reason will inform him1 that the more distended it is1 the thinner it must be2 and the nearer a woman is to the time of her delivery the shorter her womb must be extended4 ,as to the action by which this inward orifice of the womb is opened and shut1 it is purely natural2 for were it otherwise1 there could not be so many bastards begotten as there are1 nor would any married women have so many children4 ,were it in their own power they would hinder conception1 though they would be willing enough to use copulation2 for nature has attended that action with so pleasing and delightful sensations1 that they are willing to indulge themselves in the use thereof notwithstanding the pains they afterwards endure1 and the hazard of their lives that often follows it4 ,and this comes to pass1 not so much from an inordinate lust in woman1 as that the great ,director of ,nature1 for the increase and multiplication of mankind1 and even all other species in the elementary world1 hath placed such a magnetic virtue in the womb1 that it draws the seed to it1 as the loadstone draws iron4 ,the ,author of ,nature has placed the womb in the belly1 that the heat might always be maintained by the warmth of the parts surrounding it2 it is1 therefore1 seated in the middle of the hypogastrium 7or lower parts of the belly between the bladder and the belly1 or right gut7 by which also it is defended from any hurt through the hardness of the bones1 and it is placed in the lower part of the belly for the convenience of copulation1 and of a birth being thrust out at full time4 ,it is of a figure almost round1 inclining somewhat to an oblong1 in part resembling a pear2 for being broad at the bottom1 it gradually terminates in the point of the orifice which is narrow4 ,the length1 breadth and thickness of the womb differ according to the age and disposition of the body4 ,for in virgins not ripe it is very small in all its dimensions1 but in women whose terms flow in great quantities1 and such as frequently use copulation1 it is much larger1 and if they have had children1 it is larger in them than in such as have had none2 but in women of a good stature and well shaped1 it is 7as ,i have said before71 from the entry of the privy parts to the bottom of the womb usually about eight inches2 but the length of the body of the womb alone1 does not exceed three2 the breadth thereof is near about the same1 and of the thickness of the little finger1 when the womb is not pregnant1 but when the woman is with child1 it becomes of a prodigious greatness1 and the nearer she is to delivery1 the more the womb is extended4 ,it is not without reason then1 that nature 7or the ,god of ,nature7 has made the womb of a membranous substance2 for thereby it does the easier open to conceive1 is gradually dilated by the growth of the foetus or young one1 and is afterwards contracted or closed again1 to thrust forth both it and the after-burden1 and then to retire to its primitive seat4 ,hence also it is enabled to expel any noxious humours1 which may sometimes happen to be contained within it4 ,before ,i have done with the womb1 which is the field of generation1 and ought1 therefore1 to be the more particularly taken care of 7for as the seeds of plants can produce no plants1 nor sprig unless grown in ground proper to excite and awaken their vegetative virtue so likewise the seed of man1 though potentially containing all the parts of the child1 would never produce so admissible an effect1 if it were not cast into that fruitful field of nature1 the womb7 ,i shall proceed to a more particular description of its parts1 and the uses for which nature has designed them4 ,the womb1 then1 is composed of various similar parts1 that is of membranes1 veins1 arteries and nerves4 ,its membranes are two and they compose the principal parts of the body1 the outermost of which ariseth from the peritoneum or caul1 and is very thin1 without it is smooth1 but within equal1 that it may the better cleave to the womb1 as it is fleshier and thicker than anything else we meet with within the body1 when the woman is not pregnant1 and is interwoven with all sorts of fibres or small strings that it may the better suffer the extension of the child1 and the water caused during pregnancy1 and also that it may the easier close again after delivery4 ,the veins and arteries proceed both from the hypogastric and the spermatic vessels1 of which ,i shall speak by and by2 all these are inserted and terminated in the proper membranes of the womb4 ,the arteries supply it with food and nourishment1 which being brought together in too great a quantity1 sweats through the substance of it1 and distils as it were a dew at the bottom of the cavity2 from thence proceed the terms in ripe virgins1 and the blood which nourisheth the embryo in breeding women4 ,the branches which issue from the spermatic vessels1 are inserted on each side of the bottom of the womb1 and are much less than those which proceed from the hypogastrics1 those being greater and bedewing the whole substance of it4 ,there are some other small vessels1 which arising the one from the other are conducted to the internal orifice1 and by these1 those that are pregnant purge away the superfluity of the terms when they happen to have more than is used in the nourishment of the infant3 by which means nature has taken so much care of the womb1 that during pregnancy it shall not be obliged to open itself for passing away those excrementitious humours1 which1 should it be forced to do1 might often endanger abortion4 ,as touching the nerves1 they proceed from the brain1 which furnishes all the inner parts of the lower belly in them1 which is the true reason it hath so great a sympathy with the stomach1 which is likewise very considerably furnished from the same part2 so that the womb cannot be afflicted with any pain1 but that the stomach is immediately sensible thereof1 which is the cause of those loathings or frequent vomitings which happen to it4 ,but beside all these parts which compose the womb1 it has yet four ligaments1 whose office it is1 to keep it firm in its place1 and prevent its constant agitation1 by the continual motion of the intestines which surround it1 two of which are above and two below4 ,those above are called the broad ligaments1 because of their broad and membranous figure1 and are nothing else but the production of the peritoneum which growing out of the sides of the loins towards the veins come to be inserted in the sides of the bottom of the womb1 to hinder the body from bearing too much on the neck1 and so from suffering a precipitation as will sometimes happen when the ligaments are too much relaxed2 and do also contain the testicles1 and as well1 safely conduct the different vessels1 as the ejaculatories1 to the womb4 ,the lowermost are called round ligaments1 taking their origin from the side of the womb near the horn1 from whence they pass the groin1 together with the production of the peritoneum1 which accompanies them through the rings of the oblique and transverse muscles of the belly1 by which they divide themselves into many little branches resembling the foot of a goose1 of which some are inserted into the os pubis1 the rest are lost and confounded with the membranes which women and children feel in their thighs4 ,these two ligaments are long1 round and nervous1 and pretty big in their beginning near the matrix1 hollow in their rise1 and all along the os pubis1 where they are a little smaller and become flat1 the better to be inserted in the manner aforesaid4 ,it is by their means the womb is hindered from rising too high4 ,now1 although the womb is held in its natural situation by means of these four ligaments1 it has liberty enough to extend itself when pregnant1 because they are very loose1 and so easily yield to its distension4 ,but besides these ligaments1 which keep the womb1 as it were1 in a poise1 yet it is fastened for greater security by its neck1 both to the bladder and rectum1 between which it is situated4 ,whence it comes to pass1 that if at any time the womb be inflamed1 it communicates the inflammation to the neighbouring part4 ,its use or proper action in the work of generation1 is to receive and retain the seed1 and deduce from it power and action by its heat1 for the generation of the infant2 and it is1 therefore1 absolutely necessary for the conservation of the species4 ,it also seems by accident to receive and expel the impurities of the whole body1 as when women have abundance of whites1 and to purge away1 from time to time1 the superfluity of the blood1 as when a woman is not with child4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,of the difference between the ancient and modern ,physicians1 touching the woman's contributing seed for the ,formation of the ,child4 ,our modern anatomists and physicians are of different sentiments from the ancients touching the woman's contributing seed for the formation of the child1 as well as the man2 the ancients strongly affirming it1 but our modern authors being generally of another judgment4 ,i will not make myself a party to this controversy1 but set down impartially1 yet briefly1 the arguments on each side1 and leave the judicious reader to judge for himself4 ,though it is apparent1 say the ancients1 that the seed of man is the principal efficient and beginning of action1 motion and generation1 yet the woman affords seed1 and contributes to the procreation of the child1 it is evident from hence1 that the woman had seminal vessels1 which had been given her in vain if she wanted seminal excretions2 but since nature forms nothing in vain1 it must be granted that they were formed for the use of the seed and procreation1 and fixed in their proper places1 to operate and contribute virtue and efficiency to the seed2 and this1 say they1 is further proved from hence1 that if women at years of maturity use not copulation to eject their seed1 they often fall into strange diseases1 as appears by young women and virgins1 and also it appears that1 women are never better pleased than when they are often satisfied this way1 which argues1 that the pleasure and delight1 say they1 is double in women to what it is in men1 for as the delight of men in copulation consists chiefly in the emission of the seed1 so women are delighted1 both in the emission of their own and the reception of the man's4 ,but against this1 all our modern authors affirm that the ancients are very erroneous1 inasmuch as the testicles in women do not afford seed1 but are two eggs1 like those of a fowl or other creatures2 neither have they any such offices as in men1 but are indeed an ovarium1 or receptacle for eggs1 wherein these eggs are nourished1 by the sanguinary vessels dispersed through them2 and from hence one or more1 as they are fecundated by the man's seed1 are conveyed into the womb by the oviducts4 ,and the truth of this1 say they1 is so plain1 that if you boil them1 the liquor shall have the same taste1 colour and consistency with the taste of bird's eggs4 ,and if it be objected that they have no shells1 the answer is easy2 for the eggs of fowls while they are in the ovary1 nay1 after they have fallen into the uterus1 have no shell3 and though they have one when they are laid1 yet it is no more than a fence which nature has provided for them against outward injuries1 they being hatched without the body1 but those of women being hatched within the body have no need of any other fence than the womb to secure them4 ,they also further say1 that there are in the generation of the foetus1 or young ones1 two principles1 active and passive2 the active is the man's seed elaborated in the testicles out of the arterial blood and animal spirits2 the passive principle is the ovum or egg1 impregnated by the man's seed2 for to say that women have true seed1 say they1 is erroneous4 ,but the manner of conception is this2 the most spirituous part of the man's seed1 in the act of copulation1 reaching up to the ovarium or testicles of the woman 7which contains divers eggs1 sometimes fewer7 impregnates one of them2 which1 being conveyed by the oviducts to the bottom of the womb1 presently begins to swell bigger and bigger1 and drinks in the moisture that is so plentifully sent hither1 after the same manner that the seed in the ground suck the fertile moisture thereof1 to make them sprout4 ,but1 notwithstanding what is here urged by modern anatomists1 there are some late writers of the opinion of the ancients1 viz41 that women both have1 and emit seed in the act of copulation2 and even women themselves take it ill to be thought merely passive in the act wherein they make such vigorous exertions2 and positively affirm1 that they are sensible of the emission of their seed in that action1 and that in it a great part of the delight which they take in that act1 consists4 ,i shall not1 therefore1 go about to take away any of their happiness from them1 but leave them in possession of their imaginary felicity4 ,having thus laid the foundation of this work1 ,i will now proceed to speak of conception1 and of those things which are necessary to be observed by women from the time of their conception1 to the time of their delivery4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ii ,of ,conception2 what it is2 how women are to order themselves after ,conception4 ,,section ,i4--,what ,conception is1 and the qualifications requisite thereto4 ,conception is nothing but an action of the womb1 by which the prolific seed is received and retained1 that an infant may be engendered and formed out of it4 ,there are two sorts of conception3 the one according to nature1 which is followed by the generation of the infant in the womb2 the other false and wholly against nature1 in which the seed changes into water1 and produces only false conceptions1 moles1 or other strange matter4 ,now1 there are three things principally necessary in order to a true conception1 so that generation may follow1 viz41 without diversity of sex there can be no conception2 for1 though some will have a woman to be an animal that can engender of herself1 it is a great mistake2 there can be no conception without a man discharge his seed into the womb4 ,what they allege of pullets laying eggs without a cock's treading them is nothing to the purpose1 for those eggs should they be set under a hen1 will never become chickens because they never received any prolific virtue from the male1 which is absolutely necessary to this purpose1 and is sufficient to convince us1 that diversity of the sex is necessary even to those animals1 as well as to the generation of man4 ,but diversity of sex1 though it be necessary to conception1 yet it will not do alone2 there must also be a congression of the different sexes2 for diversity of sex would profit little if copulation did not follow4 ,i confess ,i have heard of subtle women1 who1 to cover their sin and shame1 have endeavoured to persuade some peasants that they were never touched by man to get them with child2 and that one in particular pretended to conceive by going into a bath where a man had washed himself a little before and spent his seed in it1 which was drawn and sucked into her womb1 as she pretended4 ,but such stories as these are only for such who know no better4 ,now that these different sexes should be obliged to come to the touch1 which we call copulation or coition1 besides the natural desire of begetting their like1 which stirs up men and women to it1 the parts appointed for generation are endowed by nature with a delightful and mutual itch1 which begets in them a desire to the action2 without which1 it would not be very easy for a man1 born for the contemplation of divine mysteries1 to join himself1 by the way of coition1 to a woman1 in regard to the uncleanness of the part and the action4 ,and1 on the other side1 if the woman did but think of those pains and inconveniences to which they are subject by their great bellies1 and those hazards of life itself1 besides the unavoidable pains that attend their delivery1 it is reasonable to believe they would be affrighted from it4 ,but neither sex makes these reflections till after the action is over1 considering nothing beforehand but the pleasure of the enjoyment1 so that it is from this voluptuous itch that nature obliges both sexes to this congression4 ,upon which the third thing followeth of course1 viz41 the emission of seed into the womb in the act of copulation4 ,for the woman having received this prolific seed into her womb1 and retained it there1 the womb thereupon becomes depressed1 and embraces the seed so closely1 that being closed the point of a needle cannot enter into it without violence4 ,and now the woman may be said to have conceived1 having reduced by her heat from power into action1 the several faculties which are contained in the seed1 making use of the spirits with which the seed abounds1 and which are the instruments which begin to trace out the first lineaments of the parts1 and which afterwards1 by making use of the menstruous blood flowing to it1 give it1 in time1 growth and final perfection4 ,and thus much shall suffice to explain what conception is4 ,i shall next proceed to show ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,how a ,woman ought to order herself after ,conception4 ,my design in this treatise being brevity1 ,i shall bring forward a little of what the learned have said of the causes of twins1 and whether there be any such things as superfoetations1 or a second conception in a woman 7which is yet common enough71 and as to twins1 ,i shall have occasion to speak of them when ,i come to show you how the midwife ought to proceed in the delivery of the women that are pregnant with them4 ,but having already spoken of conception1 ,i think it now necessary to show how such as have conceived ought to order themselves during their pregnancy1 that they may avoid those inconveniences1 which often endanger the life of the child and many times their own4 ,a woman1 after conception1 during the time of her being with child1 ought to be looked upon as indisposed or sick1 though in good health2 for child bearing is a kind of nine months' sickness1 being all that time in expectation of many inconveniences which such a condition usually causes to those that are not well governed during that time2 and therefore1 ought to resemble a good pilot1 who1 when sailing on a rough sea and full of rocks1 avoids and shuns the danger1 if he steers with prudence1 but if not1 it is a thousand to one but he suffers shipwreck4 ,in like manner1 a woman with child is often in danger of miscarrying and losing her life1 if she is not very careful to prevent those accidents to which she is subject all the time of her pregnancy4 ,all which time her care must be double1 first of herself1 and secondly of the child she goes with for otherwise1 a single error may produce a double mischief2 for if she receives a prejudice1 the child also suffers with her4 ,let a woman1 therefore1 after conception1 observe a good diet1 suitable to her temperament1 custom1 condition and quality2 and if she can1 let the air where she ordinarily dwells be clear and well tempered1 and free from extremes1 either of heat or cold2 for being too hot1 it dissipateth the spirits too much and causes many weaknesses2 and by being too cold and foggy1 it may bring down rheums and distillations on the lungs1 and so cause her to cough1 which1 by its impetuous motion1 forcing downwards1 may make her miscarry4 ,she ought alway to avoid all nauseous and ill smells2 for sometimes the stench of a candle1 not well put out1 may cause her to come before time2 and ,i have known the smell of charcoal to have the same effect4 ,let her also avoid smelling of rue1 mint1 pennyroyal1 castor1 brimstone1 etc4 ,but1 with respect to their diet1 women with child have generally so great loathings and so many different longings1 that it is very difficult to prescribe an exact diet for them4 ,only this ,i think advisable1 that they may use those meats and drinks which are to them most desirable1 though1 perhaps1 not in themselves so wholesome as some others1 and1 it may be not so pleasant2 but this liberty must be made use of with this caution1 that what they desire be not in itself unwholesome2 and also that in everything they take care of excess4 ,but1 if a child-bearing woman finds herself not troubled with such longings as we have spoken of1 let her take simple food1 and in such quantity as may be sufficient for herself and the child1 which her appetite may in a great measure regulate2 for it is alike hurtful to her to fast too long as to eat too much2 and therefore1 rather let her eat a little and often2 especially let her avoid eating too much at night1 because the stomach being too much filled1 compresseth the diaphragm1 and thereby causeth difficulty of breathing4 ,let her meat be easy of digestion1 such as the tenderest parts of beef1 mutton1 veal1 fowls1 pullets1 capons1 pigeons and partridges1 either boiled or roasted1 as she likes best1 new laid eggs are also very good for her2 and let her put into her broth those herbs that purify it1 as sorrel1 lettuce1 succory and borage2 for they will purge and purify the blood4 ,let her avoid whatever is hot seasoned1 especially pies and baked meats1 which being of hot digestion1 overcharge the stomach4 ,if she desire fish let it be fresh1 and such as is taken out of rivers and running streams4 ,let her eat quinces and marmalade1 to strengthen her child3 for which purpose sweet almonds1 honey1 sweet apples1 and full ripe grapes1 are also good4 ,let her abstain from all salt1 sour1 bitter and salt things1 and all things that tend to provoke the terms--such as garlic1 onions1 mustard1 fennel1 pepper and all spices except cinnamon1 which in the last three months is good for her4 ,if at first her diet be sparing1 as she increases in bigness1 let her diet be increased1 for she ought to consider that she has a child as well as herself to nourish4 ,let her be moderate in her drinking2 and if she drinks wine1 let it be rather claret than white 7for it will breed good blood1 help the digestion1 and comfort the stomach1 which is weakly during pregnancy72 but white wine being diuretic1 or that which provokes urine1 ought to be avoided4 ,let her be careful not to take too much exercise1 and let her avoid dancing1 riding in a coach1 or whatever else puts the body into violent motion1 especially in the first month4 ,but to be more particular1 ,i shall here set down rules proper for every month for the child-bearing woman to order herself1 from the time she first conceived1 to the time of her delivery4 ,rules for the ,first ,two ,months4 ,as soon as a woman knows1 or has reason to believe1 that she has conceived1 she ought to abstain from all violent motions and exercise2 whether she walks afoot1 or rides on horseback or in a coach1 it ought to be very gently4 ,let her also abstain from ,venery 7for which1 after conception1 she has usually no great inclination71 lest there be a mole or superfoetation1 which is the adding of one embryo to another4 ,let her beware not to lift her arms too high1 nor carry great burdens1 nor repose herself on hard and uneasy seats4 ,let her use moderately good1 juicy meat and easy of digestion1 and let her wines be neither too strong nor too sharp1 but a little mingled with water2 or if she be very abstemious1 she may use water wherein cinnamon has been boiled4 ,let her avoid fastings1 thirst1 watchings1 mourning1 sadness1 anger1 and all other perturbations of the mind4 ,let no one present any strange or unwholesome thing to her1 nor so much as name it1 lest she should desire it and not be able to get it1 and so either cause her to miscarry1 or the child to have some deformity on that account4 ,let her belly be kept loose with prunes1 raisins or manna in her broth1 and let her use the following electuary1 to strengthen the womb and the child-- ,take conserve of borage1 buglos and roses1 each two ounces2 an ounce of balm2 an ounce each of citron peel and shreds1 candied mirobalans1 an ounce each2 extract of wood aloes a scruple2 prepared pearl1 half a drachm2 red coral and ivory1 of each a drachm2 precious stones each a scruple2 candied nutmegs1 two drachms1 and with syrup of apples and quinces make an electuary4 ,let her observe the following rules4 ,take pearls prepared1 a drachm2 red coral and ivory prepared1 each half a drachm1 precious stones1 each a scruple2 yellow citron peel1 mace1 cinnamon1 cloves1 each half a drachm2 saffron1 a scruple2 wood aloes1 half a scruple2 ambergris1 six drachms2 and with six ounces of sugar dissolved in rosewater make rolls4 ,let her also apply strengtheners of nutmeg1 mace and mastich made up in bags1 to the navel1 or a toast dipped in malmsey1 or sprinkled with powdered mint4 ,if she happens to desire clay1 chalk1 or coals 7as many women with child do71 give her beans boiled with sugar1 and if she happens to long for anything that she cannot obtain1 let her presently drink a large draught of pure cold water4 ,rules for the ,third ,month4 ,in this month and the next1 be sure to keep from bleeding2 for though it may be safe and proper at other times1 yet it will not be so at the end of the fourth month2 and yet if blood abound1 or some incidental disease happens which requires evacuation1 you may use a cupping glass1 with scarification1 and a little blood may be drawn from the shoulders and arms1 especially if she has been accustomed to bleed4 ,let her also take care of lacing herself too straitly1 but give herself more liberty than she used to do2 for inclosing her belly in too strait a mould1 she hinders the infant from taking its free growth1 and often makes it come before its time4 ,rules for the ,fourth ,month4 ,in this month also you ought to keep the child-bearing woman from bleeding1 unless in extraordinary cases1 but when the month is passed1 blood-letting and physic may be permitted1 if it be gentle and mild1 and perhaps it may be necessary to prevent abortion4 ,in this month she may purge1 in an acute disease1 but purging may only be used from the beginning of this month to the end of the sixth2 but let her take care that in purging she use no vehement medicine1 nor any bitter1 as aloes1 which is disagreeable and hurtful to the child1 and opens the mouth of the vessels2 neither let her use coloquintida1 scammony nor turbith2 she may use cassia1 manna1 rhubarb1 agaric and senna but dyacidodium purgans is best1 with a little of the electuary of the juice of roses4 ,rules for the ,fifth1 ,sixth and ,seventh ,months4 ,in these months1 child-bearing women are troubled with coughs1 colds1 heart-beating1 fainting1 watching1 pains in the loins and hips1 and bleeding4 ,the cough is from a sharp vapour that comes to the jaws and rough artery from the terms1 or the thin part of that blood got less into the reins of the breast2 this endangers abortion1 and strength fails from watching3 therefore1 purge the humours that come to the breast1 with rhubarb and agaric1 and strengthen the head as in a catarrh1 and give sweet lenitives as in a cough4 ,palpitation and faintness arises from vapours that go to it by the arteries1 or from blood that abounds and cannot get out of the womb1 but ascends and oppresses the heart2 and in this case cordials should be used both inwardly and outwardly4 ,watching1 is from sharp dry vapours that trouble the animal spirits1 and in this case use frictions1 and let the woman wash her feet at bed-time1 and let her take syrup of poppies1 dried roses1 emulsions of sweet almonds1 and white poppy seed4 ,if she be troubled with pains in her loins and hips1 as in those months she is subject to be1 from the weight of her child as it grows big and heavy1 and so stretches the ligaments of the womb and part adjacent1 let her hold it up with swathing bands about her neck4 ,about this time also the woman often happens to have a flux of blood1 either at the nose1 womb or haemorrhoids1 from plenty of blood1 or from the weakness of the child that takes it not in1 or else from evil humour in the blood1 that stirs up nature and sends it forth4 ,and sometimes it happens that the vessels of the womb may be broken1 either by some violent motion1 fall1 cough or trouble of the mind 7for any of these will work that effect71 and this is so dangerous1 that in such a case the child cannot be well1 but if it be from blood only1 the danger is less1 provided it flows by the veins of the neck of the womb1 for then it prevents plethora and takes not away the nourishment of the child2 but if it proceeds from the weakness of the child1 that draws it not in1 abortion of the child often follows1 or hard travail1 or else she goes beyond her time4 ,but if it flows from the inward veins of the womb1 there is more danger by the openness of the womb1 if it come from evil blood2 the danger is alike from cacochymy1 which is like to fall upon both4 ,if it arises from plethora1 open a vein1 but with great caution1 and use astringents1 of which the following will do well3--,take prepared pearls1 a scruple2 red coral1 two scruples2 mace1 nutmeg1 each a drachm2 cinnamon1 half a drachm2 make a powder1 or with white sugar make rolls4 ,or give this powder in broth3--,take red coral1 a drachm2 half a drachm precious stones2 red sander1 half a drachm2 bole1 a drachm2 scaled earth and tormental roots1 each two scruples1 with sugar of roses and ,manus ,christi2 with pearl1 five drachms2 make a powder4 ,you may also strengthen the child at the navel1 and if there be a cacochymy1 alter the humours1 and if you can do it safely1 evacuate2 you may likewise use amulets on her hands and about her neck4 ,in a flux of haemorrhoids1 wear off the pain1 and let her drink hot wine with a toasted nutmeg4 ,in these months the belly is also subject to be bound1 but if it be without any apparent disease1 the broth of a chicken or veal1 sodden with oil1 or with the decoction of mallows or marsh-mallows1 mercury or linseed1 put up in a clyster1 will not be amiss1 but in less quantity than is given in other cases3--viz4 of the decoction1 five ounces1 of common oil1 three ounces1 of sugar1 two ounces1 and of cassia fistula1 one ounce4 ,but if she will not take a clyster1 one or two yolks of new laid eggs1 or a little peas-pottage warm1 a little salt and sugar1 and supped a little before meat1 will be very convenient4 ,but if her belly be distended and stretched with wind a little fennel seed and aniseed reduced to a powder and mixed with honey and sugar made after the manner of an electuary1 will be very well ,also1 if thighs and feet swell let them be anointed with erphodrinum 7which is a liquid medicine7 made with vinegar and rose-water1 mingled with salt4 ,rules for the ,eighth ,month4 ,the eighth month is commonly called the most dangerous2 therefore the greatest care and caution ought to be used1 the diet better in quality1 but no more1 nor indeed1 so much in quantity as before1 but as she must abate her diet1 she must increase her exercise2 and because then women with child1 by reason that sharp humours alter the belly1 are accustomed to weaken their spirits and strength1 they may well take before meat1 an electuary of diarrhoden1 or aromaticum rosatum or diamagarton2 and sometimes they may lick a little honey4 ,as they will loathe1 nauseate their meat1 they may take green ginger1 candied with sugar1 and the rinds of citron and oranges candied2 and let them often use honey for strengthening the infant4 ,when she is not very far from her labour1 let her eat every day seven roasted figs before her meat1 and sometimes let her lick a little honey4 ,but let her beware of salt and powdered meat1 for it is neither good for her nor the child4 ,rules for the ,ninth ,month4 ,in the ninth month let her have a care of lifting any great weight1 but let her move a little more1 to dilate the parts1 and stir up natural heat4 ,let her take heed of stooping1 and neither sit too much nor lie on her sides1 neither ought she to bend herself much enfolded in the umbilical ligaments1 by which means it often perisheth4 ,let her walk and stir often1 and let her exercise be1 rather to go upwards than downwards4 ,let her diet1 now especially1 be light and easy of digestion and damask prunes with sugar1 or figs with raisins1 before meat1 as also the yolks of eggs1 flesh and broth of chickens1 birds1 partridges and pheasants2 astringent and roasted meats1 with rice1 hard eggs1 millet and such like other things are proper4 ,baths of sweet water1 with emollient herbs1 ought to be used by her this month with some intermission1 and after the baths let her belly be anointed with oil of sweet roses and of violets2 but for her privy parts1 it is better to anoint them with the fat of hens1 geese or ducks1 or with oil of lilies1 and the decoction of linseed and fenugreek1 boiled with oil of linseed and marshmallows1 or with the following liniment3-- ,take mallows and marshmallows1 cut and shred1 of each one ounce2 of linseed1 one ounce2 let them be boiled from twenty ounces of water to ten2 then let her take three ounces of the boiled broth1 of oil of almonds and oil of flower-de-luce1 of each one ounce2 of deer's suet1 three ounces4 ,let her bathe with this1 and anoint herself with it1 warm4 ,if for fourteen days before the birth1 she do every morning and evening bathe and moisten her belly with muscadine and lavender water1 the child will be much strengthened thereby4 ,and if every day she eat toasted bread1 it will hinder anything from growing to the child4 ,her privy parts must be gently stroked down with this fomentation4 ,take three ounces of linseed1 and one handful each of mallows and marshmallows sliced1 then let them be put into a bag and immediately boiled4 ,let the woman with child1 every morning and evening1 take the vapour of this decoction in a hollow stool1 taking great heed that no wind or air come to her in-parts1 and then let her wipe the part so anointed with a linen cloth1 and she may anoint the belly and groins as at first4 ,when she has come so near to her time1 as to be ten or fourteen days thereof1 if she begins to feel any more than ordinary pain let her use every day the following3--,take mallows and marshmallows1 of each a handful2 camomiles1 hard mercury1 maidenhair1 of each a handful2 of linseed1 four ounces2 let them be boiled in a sufficient quantity of water as to make a bath therewith4 ,but let her not sit too hot upon the seat1 nor higher than a little above her navel2 nor let her sit upon it longer than about half an hour1 lest her strength languish and decay1 for it is better to use it often than to stay too long in it4 ,and thus have ,i shown how a child-bearing woman ought to govern herself each month during her pregnancy4 ,how she must order herself at her delivery1 shall be shown in another chapter1 after ,i have first shown the intended midwife how the child is first formed in the womb1 and the manner of its decumbiture there4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iii ,of the ,parts proper to a ,child in the womb2 ,how it is formed there1 and the manner of its ,situation therein4 ,in the last chapter ,i treated of conception1 showed what it was1 how accomplished and its signs1 and how she who has conceived ought to order herself during the time of her pregnancy4 ,now1 before ,i come to speak of her delivery1 it is necessary that the midwife be first made acquainted with the parts proper to a child in the womb1 and also that she be shown how it is formed1 and the manner of its situation and decumbiture there2 which are so necessary to her1 that without the knowledge thereof1 no one can tell how to deliver a woman as she ought4 ,this1 therefore1 shall be the work of this chapter4 ,i shall begin with the first of these4 ,,section ,i4--,of the ,parts proper to a ,child in the ,womb4 ,in this section1 ,i must first tell you what ,i mean by the parts proper to a child in the womb2 and they are only those that either help or nourish it2 and whilst it is lodged in that dark repository of nature1 and that help to clothe and defend it there and are cast away1 as of no more use1 after it is born1 and these are two1 viz41 the umbilicars1 or navel vessels1 and the secundinum4 ,by the first it is nourished1 and by the second clothed and defended from wrong4 ,of each of these ,i shall speak distinctly2 and first1 ,of the ,umbilicars1 or ,navel ,vessels4 ,these are four in number1 viz43--one vein1 two arteries1 and the vessel which is called the urachos4 7#a7 ,the vein is that on which the infant is nourished1 from the time of its conception till the time of its delivery2 till being brought into the light of the world1 it has the same way of concocting the food we have4 ,this vein ariseth from the liver of the child1 and is divided into two parts when it has passed the navel2 and these two are divided and subdivided1 the branches being upheld by the skin called chorion 7of which ,i speak by and by71 and are joined to the veins of the mother's womb1 from whence they have their blood for the nourishment of the child4 7#b7 ,the arteries are two on each side which proceed from the back branches of the great artery of the mother1 and the vital blood is carried by those to the child being ready concocted by the mother4 7#c7 ,a nervous or sinewy production is led from the bottom of the bladder of the infant to the navel1 and this is called urachos1 and its use is1 to convey the urine of the infant from the bladder to the alantois4 ,anatomists do very much vary in their opinion concerning this1 some denying any such thing to be in the delivery of the woman1 and others on the contrary affirming it2 but experience has testified there is such a thing1 for ,bartholomew ,carbrolius1 the ordinary doctor of anatomy to the ,college of ,physicians at ,montpellier in ,france1 records the history of a maid1 whose water being a long time stopped1 at last issued out through the navel4 ,and ,johannes ,fernelius speaks of the same thing that happened to a man of thirty years of age1 who having a stoppage at the neck of the bladder1 his urine issued out of his navel for many months together1 and that without any prejudice at all to his health1 which he ascribes to the ill lying of his navel1 whereby the urachos was not well dried4 ,and ,volchier ,coitas quotes such another instance in a maid of thirty-four at ,nuremburg in ,germany4 ,these instances1 though they happen but seldom1 are sufficient to prove that there is such a thing as anurachos in men4 ,these four vessels before mentioned1 viz41 one vein1 two arteries and the urachos1 join near the navel1 and are united by a skin which they have from the chorion and so become like a gut or rope1 and are altogether void of sensibility1 and this is that which women call the navel-string4 ,the vessels are thus joined together1 that so they may neither be broken1 severed nor entangled2 and when the infant is born are of no use save only to make up the ligament which stops the hole of the navel and for some other physical use1 etc4 ,of the ,secundine or ,after-birth4 ,setting aside the name given to this by the ,greeks and ,latins1 it is called in ,english by the name of secundine1 after-birth or after-burden2 which are held to be four in number4 7#a7 ,the first is called placenta1 because it resembles the form of a cake1 and is knit both to the navel and chorion1 and makes up the greatest part of the secundine or after-birth4 ,the flesh of it is like that of the melt or spleen1 soft1 red and tending something to blackness1 and hath many small veins and arteries in it3 and certainly the chief use of it is1 for containing the child in the womb4 7#b7 ,the second is the chorion4 ,this skin and that called the amnios1 involve the child round1 both above and underneath1 and on both sides1 which the alantois does not4 ,this skin is that which is most commonly called the secundine1 as it is thick and white garnished with many small veins and arteries1 ending in the placenta before named1 being very light and slippery4 ,its use is1 not only to cover the child round about1 but also to receive1 and safely bind up the roots of the veins and arteries or navel vessels before described4 7#c7 ,the third thing which makes up the secundine in the alantois1 of which there is a great dispute amongst anatomists4 ,some say there is such a thing1 and others that there is not4 ,those who will have it to be a membrane1 say it is white1 soft and exceedingly thin1 and just under the placenta1 where it is knit to the urachos1 from which it receives the urine2 and its office is to keep it separate from the sweat1 that the saltness of it may not offend the tender skin of the child4 7#d7 ,the fourth1 and last covering of the child is called amnios2 and it is white1 soft and transparent1 being nourished by some very small veins and arteries4 ,its use is1 not only to enwrap the child1 but also to retain the sweat of the child4 ,having thus described the parts proper to a child in the womb1 ,i will next proceed to speak of the formation of the child therein1 as soon as ,i have explained the hard terms of the section1 that those for whose help it is designed1 may understand what they read4 ,a vein is that which receives blood from the liver1 and distributes in several branches to all parts of the body4 ,nerve is the same with sinew1 and is that by which the brain adds sense and motion to the body4 ,placenta1 properly signifies sugar cake2 but in this section it is used to signify a spongy piece of flesh resembling a cake1 full of veins and arteries1 and is made to receive a mother's blood appointed for the infant's nourishment in the womb4 ,the chorion is an outward skin which compasseth the child in the womb4 ,the amnios is the inner skin which compasseth the child in the womb4 ,the alantois is the skin that holds the urine of the child during the time that it abides in the womb4 ,the urachos is the vessel that conveys the urine from the child in the womb to the alantois4 ,i now proceed to ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,of the ,formation of the ,child in the ,womb4 ,to speak of the formation of the child in the womb1 we must begin where nature begins1 and1 that is at the act of coition1 in which the womb having received the generative seed 7without which there can be no conception71 the womb immediately shuts up itself so close that the point of a needle cannot enter the inward orifice2 and this it does1 partly to hinder the issuing out of the seed again1 and partly to cherish it by an inward heat1 the better to provoke it to action2 which is one reason why women's bellies are so lank at their first conception4 ,the woman having thus conceived1 the first thing which is operative in conception is the spirit whereof the seed is full1 which1 nature quickening by the heat of the womb1 stirs up the action4 ,the internal spirits1 therefore1 separate the parts that are less pure1 which are thick1 cold and clammy1 from those that are more pure and noble4 ,the less pure are cast to the outside1 and with these seed is circled round and the membrane made1 in which that seed that is most pure is wrapped round and kept close together1 that it may be defended from cold and other accidents1 and operate the better4 ,the first thing that is formed is the amnios2 the next the chorion2 and they enwrap the seed round like a curtain4 ,soon after this 7for the seed thus shut up in the woman lies not idle71 the navel vein is bred1 which pierceth those skins1 being yet very tender1 and carries a drop of blood from the veins of the mother's womb to the seed2 from which drop the vena cava1 or chief vein1 proceeds1 from which all the rest of the veins which nourish the body spring2 and now the seed hath something to nourish it1 whilst it performs the rest of nature's work1 and also blood administered to every part of it1 to form flesh4 ,this vein being formed1 the navel arteries are soon after formed2 then the great artery1 of which all the others are but branches2 and then the heart1 for the liver furnisheth the arteries with blood to form the heart1 the arteries being made of seed1 but the heart and the flesh1 of blood4 ,after this the brain is formed1 and then the nerves to give sense and motion to the infant4 ,afterwards the bones and flesh are formed2 and of the bones1 first of all1 the vertebrae or chine bones1 and then the skull1 etc4 ,as to the time in which this curious part of nature's workmanship is formed1 having already in ,chapter ,,ii of the former part of this work spoken at large upon this point1 and also of the nourishment of the child in the womb1 ,i shall here only refer the reader thereto1 and proceed to show the manner in which the child lies in the womb4 ,,sect4 ,,iii4--,of the manner of the ,child's lying in the ,womb4 ,this is a thing so essential for a midwife to know1 that she can be no midwife who is ignorant of it2 and yet even about this authors extremely differ2 for there are not two in ten that agree what is the form that the child lies in the womb1 or in what fashion it lies there2 and yet this may arise in a great measure from the different times of the women's pregnancy2 for near the time of its deliverance out of those winding chambers of nature it oftentimes changes the form in which it lay before1 for another4 ,i will now show the several situations of the child in the mother's womb1 according to the different times of pregnancy1 by which those that are contrary to nature1 and are the chief cause of ill labours1 will be more easily conceived by the understanding midwife4 ,it ought1 therefore1 in the first place to be observed1 that the infant1 as well male as female1 is generally situated in the midst of the womb2 for though sometimes1 to appearance a woman's belly seems higher on one side than the other1 yet it is so with respect to the belly only1 and not to her womb1 in the midst of which it is always placed4 ,but1 in the second place1 a woman's great belly makes different figures1 according to the different times of pregnancy2 for when she is young with child1 the embryo is always found of a round figure1 a little long1 a little oblong1 having the spine moderately turned inwards1 and the thighs folded1 and a little raised1 to which the legs are so raised1 that the heels touch the buttocks2 the arms are bending1 and the hands placed upon the knees1 towards which part of the body1 the head is turned downwards towards the inward orifice of the womb1 tumbling as it were over its head so that then the feet are uppermost1 and the face towards the mother's great gut2 and this turning of the infant in this manner1 with its head downwards1 towards the latter end of a woman's reckoning1 is so ordered by nature1 that it may be thereby the better disposed of its passage into the world at the time of its mother's labour1 which is not then far off 7and indeed some children turn not at all until the very time of birth72 for in this posture all its joints are most easily extended in coming forth2 for by this means its arms and legs cannot hinder its birth1 because they cannot be bent against the inner orifice of the womb and the rest of the body1 being very supple1 passeth without any difficulty after the head1 which is hard and big2 being passed the head is inclined forward1 so that the chin toucheth the breast1 in which posture1 it resembles one sitting to ease nature1 and stooping down with the head to see what comes from him4 ,the spine of the back is at that time placed towards the mother's1 the head uppermost1 the face downwards2 and proportionately to its growth1 it extends its members by little and little1 which were exactly folded in the first month4 ,in this posture it usually keeps until the seventh or eighth month1 and then by a natural propensity and disposition of the upper first4 ,it is true there are divers children1 that lie in the womb in another posture1 and come to birth with their feet downwards1 especially if there be twins2 for then1 by their different motions they do so disturb one another1 that they seldom come both in the same posture at the time of labour1 but one will come with the head1 and another with the feet1 or perhaps lie across2 but sometimes neither of them will come right4 ,but1 however the child may be situated in the womb1 or in whatever posture it presents itself at the time of birth1 if it be not with its head forwards1 as ,i have before described1 it is always against nature1 and the delivery will occasion the more pain and danger1 and require greater care and skill from the midwife1 than when the labour is more natural4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iv ,a ,guide for ,women in ,travail1 showing what is to be done when they fall in ,labour1 in order to their ,delivery4 ,the end of all that we have been treating of is1 the bringing forth of a child into the world with safety both to the mother and the infant1 as the whole time of a woman's pregnancy may be termed a kind of labour2 for1 from the time of the conception to the time of her delivery1 she labours under many difficulties1 is subject to many distempers1 and in continual danger1 from one affection or other1 till the time of birth comes2 and when that comes1 the greatest labour and travail come along with it1 insomuch that then all the other labours are forgotten1 and that only is called the time of her labours1 and to deliver her safely is the principal business of the midwife2 and to assist therein1 shall be the chief design of this chapter4 ,the time of the child's being ready for its birth1 when nature endeavours to cast it forth1 is that which is properly the time of a woman's labour2 nature then labouring to be eased of its burden4 ,and since many child-bearing women1 7especially the first child7 are often mistaken in their reckoning and so1 when they draw near their time take every pain they meet with for their labour1 which often proves prejudicial and troublesome to them1 when it is not so1 ,i will in the first section of this chapter1 set down some signs1 by which a woman may know when the true time of her labour is come4 ,,section ,i4--,the ,signs of the true ,time of a ,woman's ,labour4 ,when women with child1 especially of their first1 perceive any extraordinary pains in the belly1 they immediately send for their midwife1 as taking it for their labour2 and then if the midwife be not a skilful and experienced woman1 to know the time of labour1 but takes it for granted without further inquiry 7for some such there are71 and so goes about to put her into labour before nature is prepared for it1 she may endanger the life of both mother and child1 by breaking the amnios and chorion4 ,these pains1 which are often mistaken for labour1 are removed by warm clothes laid to the belly1 and the application of a clyster or two1 by which those pains which precede a true labour1 are rather furthered than hindered4 ,there are also other pains incident to a woman in that condition from the flux of the belly1 which are easily known by the frequent stools that follow them4 ,the signs1 therefore1 of labour1 some few days before1 are that the woman's belly1 which before lay high1 sinks down1 and hinders her from walking so easily as she used to do2 also there flow from the womb slimy humours1 which nature has appointed to moisten and smooth the passage that its inward orifice may be the more easily dilated when there is occasion2 which beginning to open at this time1 suffers that slime to flow away1 which proceeds from the ,glandules called prostata4 ,these are signs preceding the labour2 but when she is presently falling into labour1 the signs are1 great pains about the region of the reins and loins1 which coming and retreating by intervals1 are answered in the bottom of the belly by congruous throes1 and sometimes the face is red and inflamed1 the blood being much heated by the endeavours a woman makes to bring forth her child2 and likewise1 because during these strong throes her respiration is intercepted1 which causes the blood to have recourse to her face2 also her privy parts are swelled by the infant's head lying in the birth1 which1 by often thrusting1 causes those parts to descend outwards4 ,she is much subject to vomiting1 which is a good sign of good labour and speedy delivery1 though by ignorant people thought otherwise2 for good pains are thereby excited and redoubled2 which vomiting is excited by the sympathy there is between the womb and the stomach4 ,also1 when the birth is near1 women are troubled with a trembling in the thighs and legs1 not with cold1 like the beginning of an ague fit1 but with the heat of the whole body1 though it must be granted1 this does not happen always4 ,also1 if the humours which then flow from the womb are discoloured with the blood1 which the midwives call shows1 it is an infallible mark of the birth being near4 ,and if then the midwife puts up her fingers into the neck of the womb1 she will find the inner orifice dilated2 at the opening of which the membranes of the infant1 containing the waters1 present themselves and are strongly forced down with each pain she hath2 at which time one may perceive them sometimes to resist1 and then again press forward the finger1 being more or less hard and extended1 according as the pains are stronger or weaker4 ,these membranes1 with the waters in them1 when they are before the head of the child1 midwives call the gathering of the waters1 resemble to the touch of the fingers those eggs which have no shell1 but are covered only with a simple membrane4 ,after this1 the pains still redoubling the membranes are broken by a strong impulsation of these waters1 which flow away1 and then the head of the infant is presently felt naked1 and presents itself at the inward orifice of the womb4 ,when these waters come thus away1 then the midwife may be assured the birth is very near1 this being the most certain sign that can be2 for the amnios alantois1 which contained these waters1 being broken by the pressing forward of the birth1 the child is no better able to subsist long in the womb afterwards than a naked man in a heap of snow4 ,now1 these waters1 if the child comes presently after them1 facilitate the labour by making the passage slippery2 and therefore1 let no midwife 7as some have foolishly done7 endeavour to force away the water1 for nature knows best when the true time of birth is1 and therefore retains the waters till that time4 ,but if by accident the water breaks away too long before the birth1 then such things as will hasten it1 may be safely administered1 and what these are1 ,i will show in another section4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,how a ,woman ought to be ordered when the time of her labour is come4 ,when it is known that the true time of her labour is come by the signs laid down in the foregoing1 of which those most to be relied upon are pains and strong throes in the belly1 forcing downwards towards the womb1 and a dilation of the inward orifice1 which may be perceived by touching it with the finger1 and the gathering of the waters before the head of the child1 and thrusting down the membranes which contain them2 through which1 between the pains1 one may in some manner with the finger discover the part which presents itself 7as we have said before71 especially if it be the head of the child1 by its roundness and hardness2 ,i say1 if these things concur and are evident1 the midwife may be sure it is the time of the woman's labour1 and care must be taken to get all those things that are necessary to comfort her at that time4 ,and the better to help her1 be sure to see that she is not tightly laced2 you must also give her one strong clyster or more1 if there be occasion1 provided it be done at the beginning1 and before the child be too forward1 for it will be difficult for her to receive them afterwards4 ,the benefit accruing therefrom will be1 that they excite the gut to discharge itself of its excrements1 so that the rectum being emptied there may be the more space for the dilation of the passage2 likewise to cause the pains to bear the more downward1 through the endeavours she makes when she is at stool1 and in the meantime1 all other necessary things for her labour should be put in order1 both for the mother and the child4 ,to this end1 some get a midwife's2 but a pallet bed1 girded1 is much the best way1 placed near the fire1 if the season so require1 which pallet ought to be so placed1 that there may be easy access to it on every side1 that the woman may be the more easily assisted1 as there is occasion4 ,if the woman abounds with blood1 to bleed her a little more may not be improper1 for thereby she will both breathe the better1 and have her breasts more at liberty1 and likewise more strength to bear down her pains2 and this may be done without danger because the child being about ready to be born1 has no more need of the mother's blood for its nourishment2 besides1 this evacuation does many times prevent her having a fever after delivery4 ,also1 before her delivery1 if her strength will permit1 let her walk up and down her chamber2 and that she may have strength so to do1 it will be necessary to give her good strengthening things1 such as jelly1 broth1 new laid eggs1 or some spoonfuls of burnt wine2 and let her by all means hold out her pains1 bearing them down as much as she can1 at the time when they take her2 and let the midwife from time to time touch the inward orifice with her finger1 to know whether the waters are ready to break and whether the birth will follow soon after4 ,let her also anoint the woman's privities with emollient oil1 hog's grease1 and fresh butter1 if she find they are hard to be dilated4 ,let the midwife1 likewise1 all the time be near the labouring woman1 and diligently observe her gestures1 complaints1 and pains1 for by this she may guess pretty well how far her labour advanceth1 because when she changeth her ordinary groans into loud cries1 it is a sign that the child is near the birth2 for at the time her pains are greater and more frequent4 ,let the woman likewise1 by intervals1 rest herself upon the bed to regain her strength1 but not too long1 especially if she be little1 short and thick1 for such women have always worse labour if they lie long on their beds in their travail4 ,it is better1 therefore1 that she walk about her chamber as long as she can1 the woman supporting her under the arms1 if it be necessary2 for by this means1 the weight of the child causes the inward orifices of the womb to dilate the sooner than in bed1 and if her pains be stronger and more frequent1 her labour will not be near so long4 ,let not the labouring woman be concerned at those qualms and vomitings which1 perhaps1 she may find come upon her1 for they will be much for her advantage in the issue1 however uneasy she may be for a time1 as they further her pains and throes by provoking downward4 ,when the waters of the child are ready and gathered 7which may be perceived through the membranes presenting themselves to the orifice7 to the bigness of the whole dilatation1 the midwife ought to let them break of themselves1 and not1 like some hasty midwives1 who being impatient of the woman's long labour1 break them1 intending thereby to hasten their business1 when instead thereof1 they retard it2 for by the too hasty breaking of these waters 7which nature designed to make the child slip more easy71 the passage remains dry by which means the pains and throes of the labouring woman are less efficacious to bring forth the infant than they would otherwise have been4 ,it is1 therefore1 much the better way to let the waters break of themselves2 after which the midwife may with ease feel the child by that part which first presents1 and thereby discern whether it comes right1 that is1 with the head foremost1 for that is the proper and most natural way of the birth4 ,if the head comes right1 she will find it big1 round1 hard and equal2 but if it be any other part1 she will find it rugged1 unequal1 soft and hard1 according to the nature of the part it is4 ,and this being the true time when a woman ought to be delivered1 if nature be not wanting to perform its office1 therefore1 when the midwife finds the birth thus coming forward let her hasten to assist and deliver it1 for it ordinarily happens soon after1 if it be natural4 ,but if it happens1 as it sometimes may1 that the waters break away too long before the birth1 in such a case1 those things which hasten nature may safely be administered4 ,for which purpose make use of pennyroyal1 dittany1 juniper berries1 red coral1 betony and feverfew1 boiled in white wine1 and give a drachm of it1 or it would be much better to take the juice of it when it is in its prime1 which is in ,may1 and having clarified it1 make it into a syrup with double its weight of sugar1 and keep it all the year1 to use when occasion calls for it2 mugwort used in the same manner is also good in this case2 also a drachm of cinnamon powder given inwardly profits much in this case2 and so does tansey broiled and applied to the privities2 or an oil of it1 so1 made and used1 as you were taught before4 ,the stone aetites held to the privities1 is of extraordinary virtue1 and instantly draws away1 both child and after-burden2 but great care must be taken to remove it presently1 or it will draw forth womb and all2 for such is the magnetic virtue of this stone that both child and womb follow it as readily as iron doth the load-stone or the load-stone the north star4 ,there are many things that physicians affirm are good in this case2 among which are an ass's or horse's hoof1 hung near the privities2 a piece of red coral hung near the said place4 ,a load-stone helps very much1 held in the woman's left hand2 or the skin cut off a snake1 girt about the middle1 next to the skin4 ,these things are mentioned by ,mizaldus1 but setting those things aside1 as not so certain1 notwithstanding ,mizaldus quotes them1 the following prescriptions are very good to speedy deliverance to women in travail4 7#a7 ,a decoction of white wine made in savory1 and drank4 7#b7 ,take wild tansey1 or silver weed1 bruise it1 and apply to the woman's nostrils4 7#c7 ,take date stones1 and beat them to powder1 and let her take half a drachm of them in white wine at a time4 7#d7 ,take parsley and bruise it and press out the juice1 and dip a linen cloth in it1 and put it so dipped into the mouth of the womb2 it will presently cause the child to come away1 though it be dead1 and it will bring away the after-burden4 ,also the juice of the parsley is a thing of so great virtue 7especially stone parsley7 that being drank by a woman with child1 it cleanseth not only the womb1 but also the child in the womb1 of all gross humours4 7#e7 ,a scruple of castorum in powder1 in any convenient liquor1 is very good to be taken in such a case1 and so also is two or three drops of castorum in any convenient liquor2 or eight or nine drops of spirits of myrrh given in any convenient liquor1 gives speedy deliverance4 7#f7 ,give a woman in such a case another woman's milk to drink2 it will cause speedy delivery1 and almost without pain4 7#g7 ,the juice of leeks1 being drunk with warm water1 highly operates to cause speedy delivery4 7#h7 ,take peony seeds and beat them into a powder1 and mix the powder with oil1 with which oil anoint the privities of the woman and child2 it will give her deliverance speedily1 and with less pain than can be imagined4 7#i7 ,take a swallow's nest and dissolve it in water1 strain it1 and drink it warm1 it gives delivery with great speed and much ease4 ,note this also in general1 that all that move the terms are good for making the delivery easy1 such as myrrh1 white amber in white wine1 or lily water1 two scruples or a drachm2 or cassia lignea1 dittany1 each a drachm2 cinnamon1 half a drachm1 saffron1 a scruple2 give a drachm1 or take borax mineral1 a drachm1 and give it in sack2 or take cassia lignea1 a drachm2 dittany1 amber1 of each a drachm2 cinnamon1 borax1 of each a drachm and a half2 saffron1 a scruple1 and give her half a drachm2 or give her some drops of oil of hazel in convenient liquor2 or two or three drops of oil of cinnamon in vervain water4 ,some prepare the secundine thus3--,take the navel-string and dry it in an oven1 take two drachms of the powder1 cinnamon a drachm1 saffron half a scruple1 with the juice of savin make trochisks2 give two drachms2 or wash the secundine in wine and bake it in a pot2 then wash it in endive water and wine1 take half a drachm of it2 long pepper1 galangal1 of each half a drachm2 plantain and endive seed1 of each half a drachm2 lavender seed1 four scruples2 make a powder1 or take laudanum1 two drachms2 storax1 calamite1 benzoin1 of each half a drachm2 musk1 ambergris each six grains1 make a powder or trochisks for a fume4 ,or use pessaries to provoke the birth2 take galbanum dissolved in vinegar1 an ounce2 myrrh1 two drachms1 with oil of oat make a pessary4 ,an ,ointment ,for the ,navel4 ,take oil of keir1 two ounces1 juice of savine an ounce1 of leeks and mercury1 each half an ounce2 boil them to the consumption of the juice2 add galbanum dissolved in vinegar1 half an ounce1 myrrh1 two drachms1 storax liquid a drachm1 round bitwort1 sowbread1 cinnamon1 saffron1 a drachm1 with wax make an ointment and apply it4 ,if the birth be retarded through the weakness of the mother1 refresh her by applying wine and soap to the nose1 confect4 alkermas4 diamarg4 ,these things may be applied to help nature in her delivery when the child comes to the birth the right way1 and yet the birth be retarded2 but if she finds the child comes the wrong way1 and that she is not able to deliver the woman as she ought to be1 by helping nature1 and saving both mother and child 7for it is not enough to lay a woman if it might be done any other way with more safety and ease1 and less hazard to woman and child71 then let her send speedily for the better and more able to help2 and not as ,i once knew a midwife do1 who1 when a woman she was to deliver had hard labour1 rather than a man-midwife should be sent for1 undertook to deliver the woman herself 7though told it was a man's business71 and in her attempting it1 brought away the child1 but left the head in the mother's womb2 and had not a man midwife been presently sent for1 the mother had lost her life as well as the child2 such persons may rather be termed butchers than midwives4 ,but supposing the woman's labour to be natural1 ,i will next show what the midwife ought to do1 in order of her delivery4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,v ,of ,natural ,labour2 ,what it is and what the ,midwife is to do in such ,labour4 ,,section ,i4--,what ,natural ,labour is4 ,there are four things which denominate a woman's natural labour2 the first is1 that it be at the full time1 for if a woman comes before her time1 it cannot be termed natural labour1 neither will it be so easy as though she had completed her nine months4 ,the second thing is1 that it be speedy1 and without any ill accident2 for when the time of her birth come1 nature is not dilatory in the bringing it forth1 without some ill accident intervene1 which renders it unnatural4 ,the third is1 that the child be alive2 for all will grant1 that the being delivered of a dead child is very unnatural4 ,the fourth is1 that the child come right1 for if the position of the child in the womb be contrary to that which is natural1 the event will prove it so1 by making that which should be a time of life1 the death both of the mother and the child4 ,having thus told you what ,i mean by natural labour1 ,i shall next show how the midwife is to proceed therein1 in order to the woman's delivery4 ,when all the foregoing requisites concur1 and after the waters be broken of themselves1 let there rather a quilt be laid upon the pallet bedstead than a feather bed1 having there-on linen and cloths in many folds1 with such other things as are necessary1 and that may be changed according to the exigency requiring it1 so that the woman may not be incommoded with the blood1 waters and other filth which are voided in labour4 ,the bed ought to be ordered1 that the woman being ready to be delivered1 should lie on her back upon it1 having her body in a convenient posture2 this is1 her head and breast a little raised1 so that she may be between lying and sitting1 for being so placed1 she is best capable of breathing1 and1 likewise1 will have more strength to bear her pains than if she lay otherwise1 or sunk down in her bed4 ,being so placed1 she must spread her thighs abroad1 folding her legs a little towards her buttocks1 somewhat raised by a little pillow underneath1 to the end that her rumps should have more liberty to retire back2 and let her feet be stayed against some firm thing2 besides this1 let her take firm hold of some of the good women attending her1 with her hands1 that she may the better stay herself during her pains4 ,she being thus placed at her bed1 having her midwife at hand1 the better to assist as nature may require1 let her take courage1 and help her pains as best she can1 bearing them down when they take her1 which she must do by holding her breath1 and forcing them as much as possible1 in like manner as when she goes to stool1 for by such straining1 the diaphragm1 or midriff1 being strongly thrust downward1 necessarily forces down the womb and the child in it4 ,in the meantime1 let the midwife endeavour to comfort her all she can1 exhorting her to bear her labour courageously1 telling her it will be quickly over1 and that there is no fear but that she will have a speedy delivery4 ,let the midwife also1 having no rings on her fingers1 anoint them with oil of fresh butter1 and therewith dilate gently the inward orifice of the womb putting her finger ends into the entry thereof1 and then stretch them one from the other1 when her pains take her2 by this means endeavouring to help forward the child1 and thrusting by little and little1 the sides of the orifice towards the hinder part of the child's head1 anointing it with fresh butter if it be necessary4 ,when the head of the infant is a little advanced into the inward orifice1 the midwife's phrase is3--,it is crowned2 because it girds and surrounds it just as a crown2 but when it is so far that the extremities begin to appear without the privy parts1 then they say1 ,the infant is in the passage2 and at this time the woman feels herself as if it were scratched1 or pricked with pins1 and is ready to imagine that the midwife hurts her1 when it is occasioned by the violent distension of those parts and the laceration which sometimes the bigness of the child's head causeth there4 ,when things are in this posture1 let the midwife seat herself conveniently to receive the child1 which will come quickly1 and with her finger ends 7which she must be sure to keep close pared7 let her endeavour to thrust the crowning of the womb 7of which ,i have spoken before71 back over the head of the child1 and as soon as it is advanced as far as the ears1 or thereabouts1 let her take hold of the two sides with her two hands1 that when a good pain comes she may quickly draw forth the child1 taking care that the navel-string be not entangled about the neck or any part1 as sometimes it is1 lest thereby the after-burden be pulled with violence1 and perhaps the womb also1 to which it is fastened1 and so either cause her to flood or else break the strings1 both which are of bad consequence to the woman1 whose delivery may thereby be rendered the more difficult4 ,it must also be carefully observed that the head be not drawn forth straight1 but shaking it a little from one side to the other1 that the shoulders may sooner and easier take their places immediately after it is past1 without losing time1 lest the head being past1 the child be stopped there by the largeness of the shoulders1 and so come in danger of being suffocated and strangled in the passage1 as it sometimes happens1 for the want of care therein4 ,but as soon as the head is born1 if there be need1 she may slide her fingers under the armpits1 and the rest of the body will follow without any difficulty4 ,as soon as the midwife hath in this manner drawn forth the child1 let her put it on one side1 lest the blood and water which follows immediately1 should do it any injury by running into its mouth and nose1 as they would do1 if it lay on its back2 and so endanger the choking of it4 ,the child being thus born1 the next thing requisite is1 to bring away the after-burden1 but before that let the midwife be very careful to examine whether there be more children in the womb2 for sometimes a woman may have twins that expected it not2 which the midwife may easily know by the continuance of the pains after the child is born1 and the bigness of the mother's belly4 ,but the midwife may be sure of it1 if she puts her hand up to the entry of the womb1 and finds there another watery gathering1 and the child in it presenting to the passage1 and if she find it so1 she must have a care of going to fetch the after-birth1 till the woman be delivered of all the children she is pregnant with4 ,wherefore the first string must be cut1 being first tied with a thread three or four times double1 and fasten the other end with string to the woman's thighs1 to prevent the inconvenience it may cause by hanging between the thighs2 and then removing the child already born1 she must take care to deliver her of the rest1 observing all the circumstances as with the first2 after which1 it will be necessary to fetch away the after-birth1 or births4 ,but of that ,i shall treat in another section1 and first show what is to be done to the new-born infant4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,of the ,cutting of the ,child's ,navel ,string4 ,though this is accounted by many but as a trifle1 yet great care is to be taken about it1 and it shows none of the least art and skill of a midwife to do it as it should be2 and that it may be so done1 the midwife should observe3 7#a7 ,the time4 7#b7 ,the place4 7#c7 ,the manner4 7#d7 ,the event4 7#a7 ,the time is1 as soon as ever the infant comes out of the womb1 whether it brings part of the after-burden with it or not2 for sometimes the child brings into the world a piece of the amnios upon its head1 and is what mid wives call the caul1 and ignorantly attribute some extraordinary virtue to the child so born2 but this opinion is only the effect of their ignorance2 for when a child is born with such a crown 7as some call it7 upon its brows1 it generally betokens weakness and denotes a short life4 ,but to proceed to the matter in hand4 ,as soon as the child comes into the world1 it should be considered whether it is weak or strong2 and if it be weak1 let the midwife gently put back part of the natural and vital blood into the body of the child by its navel2 for that recruits a weak child 7the vital and natural spirits being communicated by the mother to the child by its navel-string71 but if the child be strong1 the operation is needless4 ,only let me advise you1 that many children that are born seemingly dead1 may soon be brought to life again1 if you squeeze six or seven drops of blood out of that part of the navel-string which is cut off1 and give it to the child inwardly4 7#b7 ,as to the place in which it should be cut1 that is1 whether it should be cut long or short1 it is that which authors can scarcely agree in1 and which many midwives quarrel about2 some prescribing it to be cut at four fingers' breadth1 which is1 at best1 but an uncertain rule1 unless all fingers were of one size4 ,it is a received opinion1 that the parts adapted to the generation are contracted and dilated according to the cutting of the navel-string1 and this is the reason why midwives are generally so kind to their own sex1 that they leave a longer part of the navel-string of a male than female1 because they would have the males well provided for the encounters of ,venus2 and the reason they give1 why they cut that of the female shorter is1 because they believe it makes them more acceptable to their husbands4 ,mizaldus was not altogether of the opinion of these midwives1 and he1 therefore1 ordered the navel string to be cut long both in male and female children2 for which he gives the following reason1 that the instrument of generation follows the proportion of it2 and therefore1 if it be cut too short in a female1 it will be a hindrance to her having children4 ,i will not go about to contradict the opinions of ,mizaldus2 these1 experience has made good3--,that one is1 that if the navel-string of a child1 after it be cut1 be suffered to touch the ground1 the child will never hold its water1 either sleeping or waking1 but will be subjected to an involuntary making of water all its lifetime4 ,the other is1 that a piece of a child's navel-string carried about one1 so that it touch his skin1 defends him that wears it from the falling sickness and convulsions4 7#c7 ,as to the manner it must be cut1 let the midwife take a brown thread1 four or five times double1 of an ell long1 or thereabouts1 tied with a single knot at each of the ends1 to prevent their entangling2 and with this thread so accommodated 7which the woman must have in readiness before the woman's labour1 as also a good pair of scissors1 that no time may be lost7 let her tie the string within an inch of the belly with a double knot1 and turning about the end of the thread1 let her tie two more on the other side of the string1 reiterating it again1 if it be necessary2 then let her cut off the navel-string another inch below the ligatures1 towards the after-birth1 so that there only remains but two inches of the string1 in the midst of which will be the knot we speak of1 which must be so close knit1 as not to suffer a drop of blood to squeeze out of the vessels1 but care must be taken1 not to knit it so strait1 as to out it in two1 and therefore the thread must be pretty thick and pretty strait cut1 it being better too strait than too loose2 for some children have miserably lost their lives1 with all their blood1 before it was discovered1 because the navel-string was not well tied1 therefore great care must be taken that no blood squeeze through2 for if there do1 a new knot must be made with the rest of the string4 ,you need not fear to bind the navel-string very hard because it is void of sense1 and that part which you leave1 falls off in a very few days1 sometimes in six or seven1 or sooner1 but never tarries longer than eight or nine4 ,when you have thus cut the navel-string1 then take care the piece that falls off touch not the ground1 for the reason ,i told you ,mizaldus gave1 which experience has justified4 7#d7 ,the last thing ,i mentioned1 was the event or consequence1 or what follows cutting the navel-string4 ,as soon as it is cut1 apply a little cotton or lint to the place to keep it warm1 lest the cold enter into the body of the child1 which it most certainly will do1 if you have not bound it hard enough4 ,if the lint or cotton you apply to it1 be dipped in oil of roses1 it will be the better1 and then put another small rag three or four times double upon the belly2 upon the top of all1 put another small bolster1 and then swathe it with a linen swathe1 four fingers broad1 to keep it steady1 lest by moving too much1 or from being continually stirred from side to side1 it comes to fall off before the navel-string1 which you left remaining1 is fallen off4 ,it is the usual custom of midwives to put a piece of burnt rag to it1 which we commonly call tinder2 but ,i would rather advise them to put a little ammoniac to it1 because of its drying qualities4 ,,sect4 ,,iii4--,how to bring away the ,after-burden4 ,a woman cannot be said to be fairly delivered1 though the child be born1 till the after-burden be also taken from her2 herein differing from most animals1 who1 when they have brought forth their young1 cast forth nothing else but some water1 and the membranes which contained them4 ,but women have an after-labour1 which sometimes proves more dangerous than the first2 and how to bring it safely away without prejudice to her1 shall be my business to show in this section4 ,as soon as the child is born1 before the midwife either ties or cuts the navel-string1 lest the womb should close1 let her take the string and wind it once or twice about one or two fingers on her left hand joined together1 the better to hold it1 with which she may draw it moderately1 and with the right hand1 she may only take a single hold of it1 above the left1 near the privities1 drawing likewise with that very gently1 resting the while the forefinger of the same hand1 extended and stretched forth along the string towards the entrance of the vagina1 always observing1 for the greater facility1 to draw it from the side where the burden cleaves least2 for in so doing1 the rest will separate the better2 and special care must be taken that it be not drawn forth with too much violence1 lest by breaking the string near the burden1 the midwife be obliged to put the whole hand into the womb to deliver the woman2 and she need to be a very skilful person that undertakes it1 lest the womb1 to which the burden is sometimes very strongly fastened1 be drawn away with it1 as has sometimes happened4 ,it is1 therefore1 best to use such remedies as may assist nature4 ,and here take notice1 that what brings away the birth1 will also bring away the after-birth4 ,and therefore1 for effecting this work1 ,i will lay down the following rules4 7#a7 ,use the same means of bringing away the after-birth1 that you made use of to bring away the birth2 for the same care and circumspection are needful now that there were then4 7#b7 ,considering that the labouring woman cannot but be much spent by what she has already undergone in bringing forth the infant1 be therefore sure to give her something to comfort her4 ,and in this case good jelly broths1 also a little wine and toast in it1 and other comforting things1 will be necessary4 7#c7 ,a little hellebore in powder1 to make her sneeze1 is in this case very proper4 7#d7 ,tansey1 and the stone aetites1 applied as before directed1 are also of good use in this case4 7#e7 ,if you take the herb vervain1 and either boil it in wine1 or a syrup with the juice of it1 which you may do by adding to it double its weight of sugar 7having clarified the juice before you boil it71 a spoonful of that given to the woman is very efficacious to bring away the secundine2 and feverfew and mugwort have the same operation taken as the former4 7#f7 ,alexanders#aj boiled in wine1 and the wine drank1 also sweet servile1 sweet cicily1 angelica roots1 and musterwort1 are excellent remedies in this case4 7#g7 ,or1 if this fail1 the smoke of marigolds1 received up a woman's privities by a funnel1 have been known to bring away the after-birth1 even when the midwife let go her hold4 7#h7 ,boil mugwort in water till it be very soft1 then take it out1 and apply it in the manner of a poultice to the navel of the labouring woman1 and it instantly brings away the birth4 ,but special care must be taken to remove it as soon as they come away1 lest by its long tarrying it should draw away the womb also4 ,,sect4 ,,iv4--,of ,laborious and ,difficult ,labours and how the ,midwife is to proceed therein4 ,there are three sorts of bad labours1 all painful and difficult1 but not all properly unnatural4 ,it will be necessary1 therefore1 to distinguish these4 ,the first of these labours is that when the mother and child suffer very much extreme pain and difficulty1 even though the child come right2 and this is distinguishably called the laborious labour4 ,the second is that which is difficult and differs not much from the former1 except that1 besides those extraordinary pains1 it is generally attended with some unhappy accident1 which1 by retarding the birth1 causes the difficulty2 but these difficulties being removed1 it accelerates the birth1 and hastens the delivery4 ,some have asked1 what is the reason that women bring forth their children with so much pain8 ,i answer1 the sense of feeling is distributed to the whole body by the nerves1 and the mouth of the womb being so narrow1 that it must of necessity be dilated at the time of the woman's delivery1 the dilating thereof stretches the nerves1 and from thence comes the pain4 ,and therefore the reason why some women have more pain in their labour than others1 proceeds from their having the mouth of the matrix more full of nerves than others4 ,the best way to remove those difficulties that occasion hard pains and labour1 is to show first from whence they proceed4 ,now the difficulty of labour proceeds either from the mother1 or child1 or both4 ,from the mother1 by reason of the indisposition of the body1 or from some particular part only1 and chiefly the womb1 as when the woman is weak1 and the mother is not active to expel the burden1 or from weakness1 or disease1 or want of spirits2 or it may be from strong passion of the mind with which she was once possessed2 she may also be too young1 and so may have the passage too narrow2 or too old1 and then1 if it be her first child1 because her pains are too dry and hard1 and cannot be easily dilated1 as happens also to them which are too lean2 likewise those who are small1 short or deformed1 as crooked women who have not breath enough to help their pains1 and to bear them down1 persons that are crooked having sometimes the bones of the passage not well shaped4 ,the colic also hinders labour1 by preventing the true pains2 and all great and active pains1 as when the woman is taken with a great and violent fever1 a great flooding1 frequent convulsions1 bloody flux1 or any other great distemper4 ,also1 excrements retained cause great difficulty1 and so does a stone in the bladder3 or when the bladder is full of urine1 without being able to void it1 or when the woman is troubled with great and painful piles4 ,it may also be from the passages1 when the membranes are thick1 the orifice too narrow1 and the neck of the womb not sufficiently open1 the passages strained and pressed by tumours in the adjacent parts1 or when the bones are too firm1 and will not open1 which very much endangers the mother and the child2 or when the passages are not slippery1 by reason of the waters having broken too soon1 or membranes being too thin4 ,the womb may also be out of order with regard to its bad situation or conformation1 having its neck too narrow1 hard and callous1 which may easily be so naturally1 or may come by accident1 being many times caused by a tumour1 an imposthume1 ulcer or superfluous flesh4 ,as to hard labour occasioned by the child1 it is when the child happens to stick to a mole1 or when it is so weak it cannot break the membranes2 or if it be too big all over1 or in the head only2 or if the natural vessels are twisted about its neck2 when the belly is hydropsical2 or when it is monstrous1 having two heads1 or joined to another child1 also1 when the child is dead or so weak that it can contribute nothing to its birth2 likewise when it comes wrong1 or there are two or more4 ,and to all these various difficulties there is oftentimes one more1 and that is1 the ignorance of the midwife1 who for want of understanding in her business1 hinders nature in her work instead of helping her4 ,having thus looked into the cause of hard labour1 ,i will now show the industrious midwife how she may minister some relief to the labouring woman under these difficult circumstances4 ,but it will require judgment and understanding in the midwife1 when she finds a woman in difficult labour1 to know the particular obstruction1 or cause thereof1 that so a suitable remedy may be applied2 as for instance1 when it happens by the mother's being too young and too narrow1 she must be gently treated1 and the passages anointed with oil1 hog's lard1 or fresh butter1 to relax and dilate them the easier1 lest there should happen a rupture of any part when the child is born2 for sometimes the peritoneum breaks1 with the skin from the privities to the fundament4 ,but if the woman be in years with her first child1 let her lower parts be anointed to mollify the inward orifice1 which in such a case being more hard and callous1 does not easily yield to the distention of labour1 which is the true cause why such women are longer in labour1 and also why their children1 being forced against the inward orifice of the womb 7which1 as ,i have said1 is a little callous7 are born with great bumps and bruises on their heads4 ,those women who are very small and mis-shaped1 should not be put to bed1 at least until the waters are broken1 but rather kept upright and assisted to walk about the chamber1 by being supported under the arms2 for by that means1 they will breathe more freely1 and mend their pains better than on the bed1 because there they lie all of a heap4 ,as for those that are very lean1 and have hard labour from that cause1 let them moisten the parts with oil and ointments1 to make them more smooth and slippery1 that the head of the infant1 and the womb be not so compressed and bruised by the hardness of the mother's bones which form the passage4 ,if the cause be weakness1 she ought to be strengthened1 the better to support her pains1 to which end give her good jelly broths1 and a little wine with a toast in it4 ,if she fears her pains1 let her be comforted1 assuring her that she will not endure any more1 but be delivered in a little time4 ,but if her pains be slow and small1 or none at all1 they must be provoked by frequent and pretty strong clysters2 let her walk about her chamber1 so that the weight of the child may help them forward4 ,if she flood or have strong convulsions she must then be helped by a speedy delivery2 the operation ,i shall relate in this section of unnatural labours4 ,if she be costive1 let her use clysters1 which may also help to dispel colic1 at those times very injurious because attended with useless pains1 and because such bear not downward1 and so help not to forward the birth4 ,if she find an obstruction or stoppage of the urine1 by reason of the womb's bearing too much on the bladder1 let her lift up her belly a little with her hands1 and try if by that she receives any benefit2 if she finds she does not1 it will be necessary to introduce a catheter into her bladder1 and thereby draw forth her urine4 ,if the difficulty be from the ill posture of the woman1 let her be placed otherwise1 in a posture more suitable and convenient for her2 also if it proceeds from indispositions of the womb1 as from its oblique situation1 etc41 it must be remedied1 as well as it can be1 by the placing her body accordingly2 or1 if it be a vicious conformation1 having the neck too hard1 too callous1 too straight1 it must be anointed with oil and ointments1 as before directed4 ,if the membranes be so strong that the waters do not break in due time1 they may be broken with the fingers1 if the midwife be first well assured that the child is come forward into the passage1 and ready to follow presently after2 or else1 by the breaking of the waters too soon1 the child may be in danger of remaining dry a long time2 to supply which defect1 you may moisten the parts with fomentations1 decoctions1 and emollient oils2 which yet is not half so well as when nature does her work in her own time1 with the ordinary slime and waters4 ,the membranes sometimes do press forth with the waters1 three or four fingers' breadth out of the body before the child resembling a bladder full of water2 but there is no great danger in breaking them1 if they be not already broken2 for when the case is so1 the child is always in readiness to follow1 being in the passage1 but let the midwife be very careful not to pull it with her hand1 lest the after-burden be thereby loosened before its time1 for it adheres thereto very strongly4 ,if the navel-string happen to come first1 it must presently be put up again1 and kept so1 if possible1 or otherwise1 the woman must be immediately delivered4 ,but if the after-burden should come first1 it must not be put up again by any means2 for the infant having no further occasion for it1 it would be but an obstacle if it were put up2 in this case1 it must be cut off1 having tied the navel-string1 and afterwards draw forth the child with all speed that may be1 lest it be suffocated4 ,,sect4 ,v4--,of ,women labouring of a dead ,child4 ,when the difficulty of labour arises from a dead child1 it is a great danger to a mother and great care ought to be taken therein2 but before anything be done1 the midwife ought to be well assured that the child is dead indeed1 which may be known by these signs4 7#a7 ,the breast suddenly slacks1 or falls flat1 or bags down4 7#b7 ,a great coldness possesses the belly of the mother1 especially about the navel4 7#c7 ,her urine is thick1 with a filthy stinking settling at the bottom4 7#d7 ,no motion of the child can be perceived2 for the trial whereof1 let the midwife put her hand into warm water1 and lay it upon the belly1 for that1 if it is alive1 will make it stir4 7#e7 ,she is very subject to dreams of dead men1 and affrighted therewith4 7#f7 ,she has extraordinary longings to eat such things as are contrary to nature4 7#g7 ,her breath stinks1 though not used so to do4 7#h7 ,when she turns herself in her bed1 the child sways that way like a lump of lead4 ,these things being carefully observed1 the midwife may make a judgment whether the child be alive or dead1 especially if the woman take the following prescription3--,take half a pint of white wine and burn it1 and add thereto half an ounce of cinnamon1 but no other spices whatever1 and when she has drunk it1 if her travailing pains come upon her1 the child is certainly dead2 but if not1 the child may possibly be either weak or sick1 but not dead4 ,this will bring her pains upon her if it be dead1 and will refresh the child and give her ease if it be living2 for cinnamon refresheth and strengtheneth the child4 ,now1 if upon trial it be found the child is dead1 let the mother do all she can to forward the delivery1 because a dead child can in no wise be helpful therein4 ,it will be necessary1 therefore1 that she take some comfortable things to prevent her fainting1 by reason of the putrid vapours arising from the dead child4 ,and in order to her delivery let her take the following herbs boiled in white wine 7or at least as many of them as you can get71 viz41 dittany1 betony1 pennyroyal1 sage1 feverfew1 centaury1 ivy leaves and berries4 ,let her also take sweet basil in powder1 and half a drachm at a time in white wine2 let her privities also be anointed with the juice of the garden tansey4 ,or take the tansey in the summer when it can most plentifully be had1 and before it runs up to flower1 and having bruised it well1 boil it in oil until the juice of it be consumed4 ,if you set it in the sun1 after you have mixed it with oil1 it will be more effectual4 ,this1 an industrious midwife1 who would be prepared against all events1 ought to have always by her4 ,as to the manner of her delivery1 the same methods must be used as are mentioned in the section of natural labour4 ,and here again1 ,i cannot but commend the stone aetites1 held near the privities1 whose magnetic virtue renders it exceedingly necessary on this occasion1 for it draws the child any way with the same facility that the load-stone draws iron4 ,let the midwife also make a strong decoction of hyssop with water1 and let the woman drink it very hot1 and it will in a little time bring away the dead child4 ,if1 as soon as she is delivered of the dead child1 you are in doubt that part of the afterbirth is left behind in the body 7for in such cases as these many times it rots1 and comes away piece-meal71 let her continue drinking the same decoction until her body be cleansed4 ,a decoction made of herbs1 muster-wort1 used as you did the decoction of hyssop1 works the effect4 ,let the midwife also take the roots of pollodum and stamp them well2 warm them a little and bind them on the sides of her feet1 and it will soon bring away the child either dead or alive4 ,the following medicines also are such as stir up the expulsive faculty1 but in this case they must be stronger1 because the motion of the child ceases4 ,take savine1 round birthwort1 trochisks of myrrh1 castor1 cinnamon and saffron1 each half a drachm2 make a powder1 give a drachm4 ,or she may purge first1 and then apply an emollient1 anointing her about the womb with oil of lilies1 sweet almonds1 camomiles1 hen and goose-grease4 ,also foment to get out the child1 with a decoction of mercury1 orris1 wild cucumbers1 saecus1 broom flowers4 ,then anoint the privities and loins with ointment of sow-bread4 ,or1 take coloquintida1 agaric1 birthwort1 of each a drachm2 make a powder1 add ammoniacum dissolved in wine1 ox-gall1 each two drachms4 ,or make a fume with an ass's hoof burnt1 or gallianum1 or castor1 and let it be taken in with a funnel4 ,to take away pains and strengthen the parts1 foment with the decoction of mugwort1 mallows1 rosemary1 with wood myrtle1 ,st4 ,john's wort1 each half an ounce1 spermaceti two drachms1 deer's suet1 an ounce2 with wax make an ointment4 ,or take wax six ounces1 spermaceti an ounce2 melt them1 dip flux therein1 and lay it all over her belly4 ,if none of these things will do1 the last remedy is to try surgery1 and then the midwife ought without delay to send for an expert and able man-midwife1 to deliver her by manual operation1 of which ,i shall treat more at large in the next chapter4 ,,footnotes3 #aj ,horse-parsley4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,vi ,of ,unnatural ,labour4 ,in showing the duty of a midwife1 when the child-bearing woman's labour is unnatural1 it will be requisite to show1 in the first place1 what ,i mean by unnatural labour1 for that women do bring forth in pain and sorrow is natural and common to all4 ,therefore1 that which ,i call unnatural is1 when the child comes to the birth in a contrary posture to that which nature ordained1 and in which the generality of the children come into the world4 ,the right and natural birth is when the child comes with its head first2 and yet this is too short a definition of a natural birth2 for if any part of the head but the crown comes first1 so that the body follows not in a straight line1 it is a wrong and difficult birth1 even though the head comes first4 ,therefore1 if the child comes with its feet first1 or with the side across1 it is quite contrary to nature1 or to speak more plainly1 that which ,i call unnatural4 ,now1 there are four general ways a child may come wrong4 7#a7 ,when any of the foreparts of the body first present themselves4 7#b7 ,when by an unhappy transposition1 any of the hinder parts of the body first present themselves4 7#c7 ,when either of the sides1 or1 7#d7 the feet present themselves first4 ,to these1 the different wrong postures that a child can present itself in1 may be reduced4 ,,section ,i4--,how to deliver a ,woman of a ,dead ,child by ,manual ,operation4 ,when manual operation is necessary1 let the operator acquaint the woman of the absolute necessity there is for such an operation2 and that1 as the child has already lost its life1 there is no other way left for the saving hers4 ,let him also inform her1 for her encouragement1 that he doubts not1 with the divine blessing1 to deliver her safely1 and that the pains arising therefrom will not be so great as she fears4 ,then let him stir up the woman's pains by giving her some sharp clyster1 to excite her throes to bear down1 and bring forth the child4 ,and if this prevails not1 let him proceed with the manual operation4 ,first1 therefore1 let her be placed across the bed that he may operate the easier2 and let her lie on her back1 with her hips a little higher than her head1 or at least the body equally placed1 when it is necessary to put back or turn the infant to give it a better posture4 ,being thus situated1 she must fold her legs so as her heels be towards her buttocks1 and her thighs spread1 and so held by a couple of strong persons1 there must be others also to support her under her arms1 that the body may not slide down when the child is drawn forth2 for which sometimes great strength is required4 ,let the sheets and blankets cover her thighs for decency's sake1 and with respect to the assistants1 and also to prevent her catching cold2 the operator herein governing himself as well with respect to his convenience1 and the facility and surety of the operation1 as to other things4 ,then let him anoint the entrance to the womb with oil or fresh butter1 if necessary1 that with so more ease he may introduce his hand1 which must also be anointed1 and having by the signs above mentioned1 received satisfaction that the child is dead1 he must do his endeavours to fetch it away as soon as he possibly can4 ,if the child offer the head first1 he must gently put it back until he hath liberty to introduce his hand quite into the womb2 then sliding it along1 under the belly1 to find the feet1 let him draw it forth by them1 being very careful to keep the head from being locked into the passage2 and that it be not separated from the body2 which may be effected the more easily1 because the child being very rotten and putrefied1 the operator need not be so mindful to keep the breast and face downwards as he is in living births4 ,but if notwithstanding all these precautions1 by reason of the child's putrefaction1 the head should be separated and left behind in the womb1 it must be drawn forth according to the directions which have been given in the third section of this chapter4 ,but when the head1 coming first1 is so far advanced that it cannot well be put back1 it is better to draw it forth so1 than to torment the woman too much by putting it back to turn it1 and bring it by the feet2 but the head being a part round and slippery1 it may also happen that the operator cannot take hold of it with his fingers by reason of its moisture1 nor put them up to the side of it1 because the passage is filled with its bigness2 he must1 therefore1 take a proper instrument1 and put it up as far as he can without violence1 between the womb and the child's head 7for the child being dead before1 there can be no danger in the operation71 and let him fasten it there1 giving it hold upon one of the bones of the skull1 that it may not slide1 and after it is well fixed in the head1 he may therewith draw it forth1 keeping the ends of the fingers of his left hand flat upon the opposite side1 the better to help to disengage it1 and by wagging it a little1 to conduct it directly out of the passage1 until the head be quite born2 and then1 taking hold of it with his hands only1 the shoulders being drawn into the passage1 and so sliding the fingers of both hands under the armpits1 the child may be quite delivered1 and then the after-burden fetched1 to finish the operation1 being careful not to pluck the navel-string too hard lest it break1 as often happens when it is corrupt4 ,if the dead child comes with the arm up to the shoulders so extremely swelled that the woman must suffer too great violence to have it put back1 it is then 7being first well assured the child is dead7 best to take it off by the shoulder joints1 by twisting three or four times about1 which is very easily done by reason of the softness and tenderness of the body4 ,after the arm is so separated1 and no longer possesses the passage1 the operator will have more room to put up his hand into the womb1 to fetch the child by the feet and bring it away4 ,but although the operator is sure the child is dead in the womb1 yet he must not therefore presently use instruments because they are never to be used but when hands are not sufficient1 and there is no other remedy to prevent the woman's danger1 or to bring forth the child any other way2 and the judicious operator will choose that way which is the least hazardous1 and most safe4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,how a ,woman must be ,delivered when the ,child's ,feet come first4 ,there is nothing more obvious to those whose business it is to assist labouring women1 than that the several unnatural postures in which children present themselves at the birth are the occasions of most of the bad labours and ill accidents that happen to them in that condition4 ,and since midwives are often obliged1 because of their unnatural situations1 to draw the children forth by the feet1 ,i conceive it to be most proper first to show how a child must be brought forth that presents itself in that posture1 because it will be a guide to several of the rest4 ,i know indeed in this case it is the advice of several authors to change the figure1 and place the head so that it may present to the birth1 and this counsel ,i should be very much inclined to follow1 could they but also show how it may be done4 ,but it will appear very difficult1 if not impossible to be performed1 if we would avoid the danger that by such violent agitations both the mother and the child must be put into1 and therefore my opinion is1 that it is better to draw forth by the feet1 when it presents itself in that posture1 than to venture a worse accident by turning it4 ,as soon1 therefore1 as the waters are broken1 and it is known that the child come thus and that the womb is open enough to admit the midwife's or operator's hand into it1 or else by anointing the passage with oil or hog's grease1 to endeavour to dilate it by degrees1 using her fingers to this purpose1 spreading them one from the other1 after they are together entered1 and continue to do so until they be sufficiently dilated1 then taking care that her nails be well pared1 no rings on her fingers and her hands well anointed with oil or fresh butter1 and the woman placed in the manner directed in the former section1 let her gently introduce her hand into the entrance of the womb1 where finding the child's feet1 let her draw it forth in the manner ,i shall presently direct2 only let her first see whether it presents one foot or both1 and if but one foot1 she ought to consider whether it be the right foot or the left1 and also in what fashion it comes2 for by that means she will soon come to know where to find the other1 which as soon as she knows and finds1 let her draw it forth with the other2 but of this she must be specially careful1 viz41 that the second be not the foot of another child2 for if so1 it may be of the utmost consequence1 for she may sooner split both mother and child1 than draw them forth4 ,but this may be easily prevented if she but slide the hand up by the first leg and thigh to the waist1 and there finding both thighs joined together1 and descending from one and the same body4 ,and this is also the best means to find the other foot1 when it comes but with one4 ,as soon as the midwife has found both the child's feet1 she may draw them forth1 and holding them together1 may bring them little by little in this manner1 taking afterwards hold of the arms and thighs1 as soon as she can come at them1 drawing them so till the hips come forth4 ,while this is doing1 let her observe to wrap the parts in a single cloth1 so that her hands being always greasy slide not in the infant's body1 which is very slippery1 because of the vicious humours which are all over it2 which being done1 she may take hold under the hips1 so as to draw it forth to the beginning of the breast2 and let her on both sides with her hand bring down the child's hand along its body1 which she may easily find2 and then let her take care that the belly and face of the child be downwards2 for if they should be upwards1 there would be the same danger of its being stopped by the chin1 over the share-bone1 and therefore1 if it be not so she must turn it to that posture2 which may easily be done if she takes a proper hold of the body when the breasts and arms are forth1 in the manner we have said1 and draw it1 turning it in proportion on that side it most inclines to1 till it be turned with the face downwards1 and so1 having brought it to the shoulders1 let her lose no time1 desiring the woman at the same time to bear down1 that so drawing the head at that instant may take its place1 and not be stopped in the passage1 though the midwife takes all possible care to prevent it4 ,and when this happens1 she must endeavour to draw forth the child by the shoulders 7taking care that she separate not the body from the head1 as ,i have known it done by the midwife71 discharging it by little and little from the bones in the passage with the fingers of each hand1 sliding them on each side opposite the other1 sometimes above and sometimes under1 till the work be ended2 endeavouring to dispatch it as soon as possible1 lest the child be suffocated1 as it will unavoidably be1 if it remain long in that posture2 and this being well and carefully effected1 she may soon after fetch away the after-birth1 as ,i have before directed4 ,,sect4 ,,iii4--,how to bring away the ,head of the ,child1 when separated from the ,body1 and left behind in the ,womb4 ,though the utmost care be taken in bringing away the child by the feet1 yet if it happen to be dead1 it is sometimes so putrid and corrupt1 that with the least pull the head separates from the body and remains alone in the womb1 and cannot be brought away but with a manual operation and great difficulty1 it being extremely slippery1 by reason of the place where it is1 and from the roundness of its figure1 on which no hold can well be taken2 and so very great is the difficulty in this case that sometimes two or three very able practitioners in midwifery have1 one after the other1 left the operation unfinished1 as not able to effect it1 after the utmost industry1 skill and strength2 so that the woman1 not being able to be delivered1 perished4 ,to prevent which fatal accident1 let the following operation be observed4 ,when the infant's head separates from the body1 and is left alone behind1 whether owing to putrefaction or otherwise1 let the operator immediately1 without any delay1 while the womb is yet open1 direct up his right hand to the mouth of the head 7for no other hole can there be had71 and having found it let him put one or two of his fingers into it1 and the thumb under its chin2 then let him draw it little by little1 holding it by the jaws2 but if that fails1 as sometimes it will when putrefied1 then let him pull off the right hand and slide up his left1 with which he must support the head1 and with the right hand let him take a narrow instrument called a crochet1 but let it be strong and with a single branch1 which he must guide along the inside of his hand1 with the point of it towards it1 for fear of hurting the womb2 and having thus introduced it1 let him turn it towards the head to strike either in an eyehole1 or the hole of the ear1 or behind the head1 or else between the sutures1 as he finds it most convenient and easy2 and then draw forth the head so fastened with the said instrument1 still helping to conduct it with his left hand2 but when he hath brought it near the passage1 being strongly fastened to the instrument1 let him remember to draw forth his hand1 that the passage not being filled with it1 may be larger and easier1 keeping still a finger or two on the side of the head1 the better to disengage it4 ,there is also another method1 with more ease and less hardship than the former2 let the operator take a soft fillet or linen slip1 of about four fingers' breadth1 and the length of three quarters of an ell or thereabouts1 taking the two ends with the left hand1 and the middle with the right1 and let him so put it up with his right1 as that it may be beyond the head1 to embrace it as a sling does a stone1 and afterwards draw forth the fillet by the two ends together2 it will thus be easily drawn forth1 the fillet not hindering the least passage1 because it takes up little or no space4 ,when the head is fetched out of the womb care must be taken that not the least part of it be left behind1 and likewise to cleanse the womb of the after-burden1 if yet remaining4 ,if the burden be wholly separated from the side of the womb1 that ought to be first brought away1 because it may also hinder the taking hold of the head4 ,but if it still adheres to the womb1 it must not be meddled with till the head be brought away2 for if one should endeavour to separate it from the womb1 it might then cause a flooding1 which would be augmented by the violence of the operation1 the vessels to which it is joined remaining for the most part open as long as the womb is distended1 which the head causeth while it is retained in it1 and cannot be closed until this strange body be voided1 and this it doth by contracting and compressing itself together1 as has been more fully before explained4 ,besides1 the after-birth remaining thus cleaving to the womb during the operation1 prevents it from receiving easily either bruise or hurt4 ,,sect4 ,,iv4--,how to deliver a ,woman when the child's head is presented to the birth4 ,though some may think it a natural labour when the child's head come first1 yet1 if the child's head present not the right way1 even that is an unnatural labour2 and therefore1 though the head comes first1 yet if it be the side of the head instead of the crown1 it is very dangerous both to the mother and the child1 for the child's neck would be broken1 if born in that manner1 and by how much the mother's pains continue to bear the child1 which is impossible unless the head be rightly placed1 the more the passages are stopped4 ,therefore1 as soon as the position of the child is known1 the woman must be laid with all speed1 lest the child should advance further than this vicious posture1 and thereby render it more difficult to thrust it back1 which must be done1 in order to place the head right in the passage1 as it ought to be4 ,to this purpose1 therefore1 place the woman so that her buttocks may be a little higher than her head and shoulders1 causing her to lean a little to the opposite side to the child's ill posture2 then let the operator slide up his hand1 well anointed with oil1 by the side of the child's head2 to bring it right gently1 with his fingers between the head and the womb2 but if the head be so engaged that it cannot be done that way1 he must then put up his hand to the shoulders1 that by so thrusting them back a little into the womb1 sometimes on the one side1 and sometimes on the other1 he may1 little by little1 give a natural position4 ,i confess it would be better if the operator could put back the child by its shoulders with both hands1 but the head takes up so much room1 that he will find much ado to put up one1 with which he must perform this operation1 and1 with the help of the finger-ends of the other hand put forward the child's birth as in natural labour4 ,some children present their face first1 having their hands turned back1 in which posture it is extremely difficult for a child to be born2 and if it continues so long1 the face will be swelled and become black and blue1 so that it will at first appear monstrous1 which is occasioned as well by the compression of it in that place1 as by the midwife's fingers in handling it1 in order to place it in a better posture4 ,but this blackness will wear away in three or four days' time1 by anointing it often with oil of sweet almonds4 ,to deliver the birth1 the same operation must be used as in the former1 when the child comes first with the side of the head2 only let the midwife or operator work very gently to avoid as much as possible the bruising the face4 ,,sect4 ,v4--,how to ,deliver a ,woman when the ,child presents one or both ,hands together with the ,head4 ,sometimes the infant will present some other part together with its head2 which if it does1 it is usually with one or both of its hands2 and this hinders the birth1 because the hands take up part of that passage which is little enough for the head alone2 besides that1 when this happens1 they generally cause the head to lean on one side2 and therefore this position may be well styled unnatural4 ,when the child presents thus1 the first thing to be done after it is perceived1 must be1 to prevent it from coming down more1 or engaging further in the passage2 and therefore1 the operator having placed the woman on the bed1 with her head lower than her buttocks1 must guide and put back the infant's hand with his own as much as may be1 or both of them1 if they both come down1 to give way to the child's head2 and this being done1 if the head be on one side1 it must be brought into its natural posture in the middle of the passage1 that it may come in a straight line1 and then proceed as directed in the foregoing section4 ,,sect4 ,,vi4--,how a ,woman ought to be delivered1 when the ,hands and ,feet of the ,infant come together4 ,there are none but will readily grant1 that when the hands and feet of an infant present together1 the labour must be unnatural1 because it is impossible a child should be born in that manner4 ,in this case1 therefore1 when the midwife guides her hand towards the orifice of the womb she will perceive only many fingers close together1 and if it be not sufficiently dilated1 it will be a good while before the hands and feet will be exactly distinguished2 for they are sometimes so shut and pressed together1 that they seem to be all of one and the same shape1 but where the womb is open enough to introduce the hand into it1 she will easily know which are the hands and which are the feet2 and having taken particular notice thereof1 let her slide up her hand and presently direct it towards the infant's breast1 which she will find very near1 and then let her gently thrust back the body towards the bottom of the womb1 leaving the feet in the same place where she found them4 ,and then1 having placed the woman in a convenient posture1 that is to say1 her buttocks a little raised above her breast 7and which situation ought also to be observed when the child is to be put back into the womb71 let the midwife afterwards take hold of the child by the feet1 and draw it forth1 as is directed in the second section4 ,this labour1 though somewhat troublesome1 yet is much better than when the child presents only its hands2 for then the child must be quite turned about before it can be drawn forth2 but in this they are ready1 presenting themselves1 and there is little to do1 but to lift and thrust back the upper part of the body1 which is almost done of itself1 by drawing it by the feet alone4 ,i confess there are many authors that have written of labours1 who would have all wrong births reduced to a natural figure1 which is1 to turn it that it may come with the head first4 ,but those that have written thus1 are such as never understood the practical part1 for if they had the least experience therein1 they would know that it is impossible2 at least1 if it were to be done1 that violence must necessarily be used in doing it1 that would probably be the death both of mother and child in the operation4 ,i would1 therefore1 lay down as a general rule1 that whenever a child presents itself wrong to the birth1 in what posture so ever1 from the shoulders to the feet1 it is the way1 and soonest done1 to draw it out by the feet2 and that it is better to search for them1 if they do not present themselves1 than to try and put them in their natural posture1 and place the head foremost2 for the great endeavours necessary to be used in turning the child in the womb1 do so much weaken both the mother and the child1 that there remains not afterwards strength enough to commit the operation to the work of nature2 for1 usually1 the woman has no more throes or pains fit for labour after she has been so wrought upon2 for which reason it would be difficult and tedious at best2 and the child1 by such an operation made very weak1 would be in extreme danger of perishing before it could be born4 ,it is1 therefore1 much better in these cases to bring it away immediately by the feet1 searching for them as ,i have already directed1 when they do not present themselves2 by which the mother will be prevented a tedious labour1 and the child be often brought alive into the world1 who otherwise could hardly escape death4 ,,sect4 ,,vii4--,how a ,woman should be delivered that has twins1 which present themselves in different postures4 ,we have already spoken something of the birth of twins in the chapter of natural labour1 for it is not an unnatural labour barely to have twins1 provided they come in the right position to the birth4 ,but when they present themselves in different postures1 they come properly under the denomination of unnatural labours2 and if when one child presents itself in a wrong figure1 it makes the labour dangerous and unnatural1 it must needs make it much more so when there are several1 and render it not only more painful to the mother and children1 but to the operator also2 for they often trouble each other and hinder both their births4 ,besides which the womb is so filled with them1 that the operator can hardly introduce his hand without much violence1 which he must do1 if they are to be turned or thrust back1 to give them a better position4 ,when a woman is pregnant with two children1 they rarely present to the birth together1 the one being generally more forward than the other2 and that is the reason that but one is felt1 and that many times the midwife knows not that there are twins until the first is born1 and that she is going to fetch away the afterbirth4 ,in the first chapter1 wherein ,i treated of natural labour1 ,i have showed how a woman should be delivered of twins1 presenting themselves both right2 and before ,i close the chapter of unnatural labour1 it only remains that ,i show what ought to be done when they either both come wrong or one of them only1 as for the most part it happens2 the first generally coming right1 and the second with the feet forward1 or in some worse posture4 ,in such a case1 the birth of the first must be hastened as much as possible and to make way for the second1 which is best brought away by the feet1 without endeavouring to place it right1 because it has been1 as well as the mother1 already tired and weakened by the birth of the first1 and there would be greater danger to its death1 than likelihood of its coming out of the womb that way4 ,but if1 when the first is born naturally1 the second should likewise offer its head to the birth1 it would then be best to leave nature to finish what she has so well begun1 and if nature should be too slow in her work1 some of those things mentioned in the fourth chapter to accelerate the birth1 may be properly enough applied1 and if1 after that1 the second birth should be delayed1 let a manual operation be delayed no longer1 but the woman being properly placed1 as has been before directed1 let the operator direct his hand gently into the womb to find the feet1 and so draw forth the second child1 which will be the more easily effected1 because there is a way made sufficiently by the birth of the first2 and if the waters of the second child be not broke1 as it often happens1 yet1 intending to bring it by its feet1 he need not scruple to break the membranes with his fingers2 for though1 when the birth of a child is left to the operation of nature1 it is necessary that the waters should break of themselves1 yet when the child is brought out of the womb by art1 there is no danger in breaking them1 nay1 on the contrary it becomes necessary2 for without the waters are broken1 it will be almost impossible to turn the child4 ,but herein principally lies the care of the operator1 that he be not deceived1 when either the hands or feet of both children offer themselves together to the birth2 in this case he ought well to consider the operation1 of whether they be not joined together1 or any way monstrous1 and which part belongs to one child and which to the other2 so that they may be fetched one after the other1 and not both together1 as may be1 if it were not duly considered1 taking the right foot of one and the left of the other1 and so drawing them together1 as if they both belonged to one body1 because there is a left and a right1 by which means it would be impossible to deliver them4 ,but a skilful operator will easily prevent this1 if1 after having found two or three of several children presenting together in the passage1 and taking aside two of the forwardest1 a right and a left1 and sliding his arm along the legs and thighs up to the wrist1 if forward1 or to the buttocks1 if backwards1 he finds they both belong to one body2 of which being thus assured1 he may begin to draw forth the nearest1 without regarding which is the strongest or weakest1 bigger or less1 living or dead1 having first put aside that part of the other child which offers to have the more way1 and so dispatch the first as soon as may be1 observing the same rules as if there were but one1 that is keeping the breast and face downwards1 with every circumstance directed in that section where the child comes with its feet first1 and not fetch the burden till the second child is born4 ,and therefore1 when the operator hath drawn forth one child1 he must separate it from the burden1 having tied and cut the navel-string1 and then fetch the other by the feet in the same manner1 and afterwards bring away the after-burden with the two strings as hath been before showed4 ,if the children present any other part but the feet1 the operator may follow the same method as directed in the foregoing section1 where the several unnatural positions are fully treated of4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,vii ,directions for ,child-bearing ,women in their ,lying-in4 ,,section ,i4--,how a ,woman newly ,delivered ought to be ordered4 ,as soon as she is laid in her bed1 let her be placed in it conveniently for ease and rest1 which she stands in great need of to recover herself of the great fatigue she underwent during her travail1 and that she may lie the more easily let her hands and body be a little raised1 that she may breathe more freely1 and cleanse the better1 especially of that blood which then comes away1 that so it may not clot1 which being retained causeth great pain4 ,having thus placed her in bed1 let her take a draught of burnt white wine1 having a drachm of spermaceti melted therein4 ,the best vervain is also singularly good for a woman in this condition1 boiling it in what she either eats or drinks1 fortifying the womb so exceedingly that it will do it more good in two days1 than any other thing does in double that time1 having no offensive taste4 ,and this is no more than what she stands in need of2 for her lower parts being greatly distended until the birth of the infant1 it is good to endeavour the prevention of an inflammation there4 ,let there also be outwardly applied1 all over the bottom of her belly and privities1 the following anodyne and cataplasm3--,take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds1 and two or three new laid eggs1 yolks and whites1 stirring them together in an earthen pipkin over hot embers till they come to the consistence of a poultice2 which being spread upon a cloth1 must be applied to those parts indifferently warm1 having first taken away the closures 7which were put to her presently after her delivery71 and likewise such clots of blood as were then left4 ,let this lie on for five or six hours1 and then renew it again when you see cause4 ,great care ought to be taken at first1 that if her body be very weak1 she be not kept too hot1 for extremity of heat weakens nature and dissolves the strength2 and whether she be weak or strong1 be sure that no cold air comes near her at first2 for cold is an enemy to the spermatic parts2 if it get into the womb it increases the after pains1 causes swelling in the womb and hurts the nerves4 ,as to her diet1 let it be hot1 and let her eat but little at a time4 ,let her avoid the light for the first three days1 and longer if she be weak1 for her labour weakens her eyes exceedingly1 by a harmony between the womb and them4 ,let her also avoid great noise1 sadness and trouble of mind4 ,if the womb be foul1 which may easily be perceived by the impurity of the blood 7which will then easily come away in clots or stinking1 or if you suspect any of the after-burden to be left behind1 which may sometimes happen71 make her drink a feverfew1 mugwort1 pennyroyal and mother of thyme1 boiled in white wine and sweetened with sugar4 ,panado and new laid eggs are the best meat for her at first1 of which she may eat often1 but not too much at a time4 ,and let her nurse use cinnamon in all her meats and drinks1 for it generally strengthens the womb4 ,let her stir as little as may be until after the fifth1 sixth1 or seventh day after her delivery1 if she be weak2 and let her talk as little as possible1 for that weakens her very much4 ,if she goes not well to stool1 give a clyster made only of the decoction of mallows and a little brown sugar4 ,when she hath lain in a week or more1 let her use such things as close the womb1 of which knot-grass and comfrey are very good1 and to them you may add a little polypodium1 for it will do her good1 both leaves and root being bruised4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,how to remedy those ,accidents which a ,lying-in ,woman is subject to4 ,i4 ,the first common and usual accident that troubles women in their lying-in is after-pains4 ,they proceed from cold and wind contained in the bowels1 with which they are easily filled after labour1 because then they have more room to dilate than when the child was in the womb1 by which they were compressed2 and also1 because nourishment and matter1 contained as well in them as in the stomach1 have been so confusedly agitated from side to side during the pains of labour1 by the throes which always must compress the belly1 that they could not be well digested1 whence the wind is afterwards generated and1 by consequence1 the gripes which the woman feels running into her belly from side to side1 according as the wind moves more or less1 and sometimes likewise from the womb1 because of the compression and commotion which the bowels make4 ,this being generally the case1 let us now apply a suitable remedy4 #a4 ,boil an egg soft1 and pour out the yolk of it1 with which mix a spoonful of cinnamon water1 and let her drink it2 and if you mix in it two grains of ambergris1 it will be better2 and yet vervain taken in anything she drinks1 will be as effectual as the other4 #b4 ,give a lying-in woman1 immediately after delivery1 oil of sweet almonds and syrup of maiden-hair mixed together4 ,some prefer oil of walnuts1 provided it be made of nuts that are very good2 but it tastes worse than the other at best4 ,this will lenify the inside of the intestines by its unctuousness1 and by that means bring away that which is contained in them more easily4 #c4 ,take and boil onions well in water1 then stamp them with oil of cinnamon1 spread them on a cloth1 and apply them to the region of the womb4 #d4 ,let her be careful to keep her belly warm1 and not to drink what is too cold2 and if the pain prove violent1 hot cloths from time to time must be laid on her belly1 or a pancake fried in walnut oil may be applied to it1 without swathing her belly too strait4 ,and for the better evacuating the wind out of the intestines1 give her a clyster1 which may be repeated as often as necessity requires4 #e4 ,take bay-berries1 beat them to a powder1 put the powder upon a chafing-dish of coals1 and let her receive the smoke of them up her privities4 #f4 ,take tar and bear's grease1 of each an equal quantity1 boil them together1 and whilst it is boiling1 add a little pigeon's dung to it4 ,spread some of this upon a linen cloth1 and apply it to the veins of the back of her that is troubled with afterpains1 and it will give her speedy ease4 ,lastly1 let her take half a drachm of bay-berries beaten into a powder1 in a drachm of muscadel or teat4 ,,ii4 ,another accident to which women in child-bed are subject is haemorrhoids or piles1 occasioned through the great straining in bringing the child into the world4 ,to cure this1 #a4 ,let her be let blood in the saphoena vein4 #b4 ,let her use polypodium in her meat1 and drink1 bruised and boiled4 #c4 ,take an onion1 and having made a hole in the middle1 of it1 fill it full of oil1 roast it and having bruised it all together1 apply it to the fundament4 #d4 ,take a dozen of snails without shells1 if you can get them1 or else so many shell snails1 and pull them out1 and having bruised them with a little oil1 apply them warm as before4 #e4 ,if she go not well to stool1 let her take an ounce of cassia fistula drawn at night1 going to bed2 she needs no change of diet after4 ,,iii4 ,retention of the menses is another accident happening to women in child-bed1 and which is of so dangerous a consequence1 that1 if not timely remedied1 it proves mortal4 ,when this happens1 #a4 ,let the woman take such medicines as strongly provoke the terms1 such as dittany1 betony1 pennyroyal1 feverfew1 centaury1 juniper-berries1 peony roots4 #b4 ,let her take two or three spoonfuls of briony water each morning4 #c4 ,gentian roots beaten into a powder1 and a drachm of it taken every morning in wine1 are an extraordinary remedy4 #d4 ,the roots of birthwort1 either long or round1 so used and taken as the former1 are very good4 #e4 ,take twelve peony seeds1 and beat them into a very fine powder1 and let her drink them in a draught of hot cardus posset1 and let her sweat after4 ,and if the last medicine do not bring them down the first time she takes it1 let her take as much more three hours after1 and it seldom fails4 ,,iv4 ,overflowing of the menses is another accident incidental to child-bed women4 ,for which1 #a4 ,take shepherd's purse1 either boiled in any convenient liquor1 or dried and beaten into a powder1 and it will be an admirable remedy to stop them1 this being especially appropriated to the privities4 #b4 ,the flower and leaves of brambles or either of them1 being dried and beaten into a powder1 and a drachm of them taken every morning in a spoonful of red wine1 or in a decoction of leaves of the same 7which1 perhaps1 is much better71 is an admirable remedy for the immoderate flowing of the term in women4 ,v4 ,excoriations1 bruises1 and rents in the lower part of the womb are often occasioned by the violent distention and separation of the caruncles in a woman's labour4 ,for the healing whereof1 ,as soon as the woman is laid1 if there be only simple contusions and excoriations1 then let the anodyne cataplasm1 formerly directed1 be applied to the lower parts to ease the pain1 made of the yolks and whites of new laid eggs1 and oil of roses1 boiled a little over warm embers1 continually stirring it until it be mixed1 and then spread on a fine cloth2 it must be applied very warm to the bearing place for five or six hours1 and when it is taken away1 lay some fine rags1 dipped in oil of ,st4 ,john's wort twice or thrice a day2 also foment the parts with barley water and honey of roses1 to cleanse them from the excrements which pass4 ,when the woman makes water1 let them be defended with fine rags1 and thereby hinder the urine from causing smart or pain4 ,,vi4 ,the curding and clotting of the milk is another accident that happens to women in child-bed1 for in the beginning of child-bed1 the woman's milk is not purified because of the great commotions her body suffered during her labour1 which affected all the parts1 and it is then affected with many humours4 ,now this clotting of the milk does1 for the most part1 proceed from the breasts not being fully drawn1 and that1 either because she has too much milk1 and that the infant is too small and weak to suck it all1 or because she doth not desire to be a nurse1 for the milk in those cases remaining in the breasts after concoction1 without being drawn1 loses its sweetness and the balsamic qualities it had1 and by reason of the heat it requires1 and the too long stay it makes there1 is sours1 curds and clots1 in like manner as we see rennet put into ordinary milk to turn it into curds4 ,the curding of the milk may also be caused by having taken a great cold1 and not keeping the breasts well covered4 ,but from what cause so ever this curding of the milk proceeds1 the most certain remedy is1 to draw the breasts until it is emitted and dried4 ,but in regard that the infant by reason of weakness1 cannot draw strength enough1 the woman being hard marked when her milk is curded1 it will be most proper to get another woman to draw her breasts until the milk comes freely1 and then she may give her child suck4 ,and that she may not afterwards be troubled with a surplus of milk1 she must eat such diet as give but little nourishment1 and keep her body open4 ,but if the case be such that the woman neither can nor will be a nurse1 it is necessary to apply other remedies for the curing of this distemper2 for then it will be best not to draw the breasts1 for that will be the way to bring more milk into them4 ,for which purpose it will be necessary to empty the body by bleeding the arms1 besides which1 let the humours be drawn down by strong clysters and bleeding at the foot2 nor will it be amiss to purge gently1 and to digest1 dissolve and dissipate the curded milk1 four brans dissolved in a decoction of sage1 milk1 smallage and fennel1 mixing with it oil of camomile1 with which oil let the breasts be well anointed4 ,the following liniment is also good to scatter and dissipate the milk4 ,a ,liniment to ,scatter and ,dissipate the ,milk4 ,that the milk flowing back to the breast may without offence be dissipated1 you must use this ointment3--,take pure wax1 two ounces1 linseed1 half a pound2 when the wax is melted1 let the liniment be made1 wherein linen cloths must be clipped1 and1 according to their largeness1 be laid upon the breasts2 and when it shall be dispersed1 and pains no more1 let other linen cloths be laid in the distilled water of acorns1 and put upon them4 ,note4--,that the cloths dipped into distilled water of acorns must be used only by those who cannot nurse their own children2 but if a swelling in the breast of her who gives such do arise1 from abundance of milk1 threatens an inflammation1 let her use the former ointment1 but abstain from using the distilled water of acorns4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,viii ,directions for the ,nurses1 in ordering ,newly-born ,children4 ,when the child's navel-string hath been cut according to the rules prescribed1 let the midwife presently cleanse it from the excrements and filth it brings into the world with it2 of which some are within the body1 as the urine in the bladder1 and the excrements found in the guts2 and the others without1 which are thick1 whitish and clammy1 proceeding from the sliminess of the waters4 ,there are sometimes children covered all over with this1 that one would think they were rubbed over with soft cheese1 and some women are of so easy a belief1 that they really think it so1 because they have eaten some while they were with child4 ,from these excrements let the child be cleansed with wine and water a little warmed1 washing every part therewith1 but chiefly the head because of the hair1 also the folds of the groin1 and the cods or privities2 which parts must be gently cleansed with a linen rag1 or a soft sponge dipped in lukewarm wine4 ,if this clammy or viscous excrement stick so close that it will not easily be washed off from those places1 it may be fetched off with oil of sweet almond1 or a little fresh butter melted with wine1 and afterwards well dried off2 also make tents of fine rags1 and wetting them in this liquor1 clear the ears and nostrils2 but for the eyes1 wipe them only with a dry1 soft rag1 not dipping it in the wine1 lest it should make them smart4 ,the child being washed1 and cleansed from the native blood and impurities which attend it into the world1 it must in the next place be searched to see whether all things be right about it1 and that there is no fault nor dislocation2 whether its nose be straight1 or its tongue tied1 or whether there be any bruise or tumour of the head2 or whether the mold be not over shot2 also whether the scrotum 7if it be a male7 be not blown up and swelled1 and1 in short1 whether it has suffered any violence by its birth1 in any part of its body1 and whether all the parts be well and duly shaped2 that suitable remedies may be applied if anything be found not right4 ,nor is it enough to see that all be right without1 and that the outside of the body be cleansed1 but she must also observe whether it dischargeth the excrements contained within1 and whether the passage be open2 for some have been born without having been perforated4 ,therefore1 let her examine whether the conduits of the urine and stool be clear1 for want of which some have died1 not being able to void their excrements1 because timely care was not taken at first4 ,as to the urine all children1 as well males as females1 do make water as soon as they are born1 if they can1 especially if they feel the heat of the fire1 and also sometimes void the excrements1 but not so soon as the urine4 ,if the infant does not ordure the first day1 then put into its fundament a small suppository1 to stir it up to be discharged1 that it may not cause painful gripes1 by remaining so long in the belly4 ,a sugar almond may be proper for this purpose1 anointed all over with a little boiled honey2 or else a small piece of castile-soap rubbed over with fresh butter2 also give the child for this purpose a little syrup of roses or violets at the mouth1 mixed with some oil of sweet almonds1 drawn without a fire1 anointing the belly also1 with the same oil or fresh butter4 ,the midwife having thus washed and cleansed the child1 according to the before mentioned directions1 let her begin to swaddle it in swathing clothes1 and when she dresses the head1 let her put small rags behind the ears1 to dry up the filth which usually engenders there1 and so let her do also in the folds of the armpits and groins1 and so swathe it2 then wrap it up warm in a bed with blankets1 which there is scarcely any woman so ignorant but knows well enough how to do2 only let me give them this caution1 that they swathe not the child too tightly in its blankets1 especially about the breast and stomach1 that it may breathe the more freely1 and not be forced to vomit up the milk it sucks1 because the stomach cannot be sufficiently distended to contain it2 therefore let its arms and legs be wrapped in its bed1 stretched and straight and swathed to keep them so1 viz41 the arms along its sides1 and its legs equally both together with a little of the bed between them1 that they may not be galled by rubbing each other2 then let the head be kept steady and straight1 with a stay fastened each side of the blanket1 and then wrap the child up in a mantle and blankets to keep it warm4 ,let none think this swathing of the infant is needless to set down1 for it is necessary it should be thus swaddled1 to give its little body a straight figure1 which is most proper and decent for a man1 and to accustom him to keep upon his feet1 who otherwise would go upon all fours1 as most animals do4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ix ,,section ,i4--,of ,gripes and ,pains in the1 ,bellies of ,young ,children4 ,this ,i mention first1 as it is often the first and most common distemper which happens to little infants1 after their birth2 many children being so troubled therewith1 that it causes them to cry day and night and at last die of it4 ,the cause of it for the most part comes from the sudden change of nourishment1 for having always received it from the umbilical vessel whilst in the mother's womb1 they come on a sudden not only to change the manner of receiving it1 but the nature and quality of what they received1 as soon as they are born2 for instead of purified blood only1 which was conveyed to them by means of the umbilical vein1 they are now obliged to be nourished by their mother's milk1 which they suck with their mouths1 and from which are engendered many excrements1 causing gripes and pains2 and not only because it is not so pure as the blood with which it was nourished in the womb1 but because the stomach and the intestines cannot make a good digestion1 being unaccustomed to it4 ,it is sometimes caused also by a rough phlegm1 and sometimes by worms2 for physicians affirm that worms have been bred in children even in their mother's belly4 ,cure4 ,the remedy must be suited to the cause4 ,if it proceed from the too sudden change of nourishment1 the remedy must be to forbear giving the child suck for some days1 lest the milk be mixed with phlegm1 which is then in the stomach corrupt2 and at first it must suck but little1 until it is accustomed to digest it4 ,if it be the excrements in the intestines1 which by their long stay increase their pains1 give them at the month a little oil of sweet almonds and syrup of roses2 if it be worms1 lay a cloth dipped in oil of wormwood mixed with ox-gall1 upon the belly1 or a small cataplasm1 mixed with the powder of rue1 wormwood1 coloquintida1 aloes1 and the seeds of citron incorporated with ox-gall and the powder of lupines4 ,or give it oil of sweet almonds and syrup of roses2 if it be worms1 lay a cloth1 dipped in oil of wormwood mixed with ox-gall1 upon the belly1 or a small cataplasm mixed with the powder of rue1 wormwood1 coloquintida1 aloes1 and the seeds of citron incorporated with ox-gall and the powder of lupines4 ,or give it oil of sweet almonds with sugar-candy1 and a scruple of aniseed2 it purgeth new-born babes from green cholera and stinking phlegm1 and1 if it be given with sugar-pap1 it allays the griping pains of the belly4 ,also anoint the belly with oil of dill1 or lay pelitory stamped with oil of camomile to the belly4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,of ,weakness ,in ,newly-born ,infants4 ,weakness is an accident that many children bring into the world along with them1 and is often occasioned by the labour of the mother2 by the violence and length whereof they suffer so much1 that they are born with great weakness1 and many times it is difficult to know whether they are alive or dead1 their body appearing so senseless1 and their face so blue and livid1 that they seem to be quite choked2 and even after some hours1 then-showing any signs of life is attended with weakness1 that it looks like a return from death1 and that they are still in a dying condition4 ,cure4 ,lay the infant speedily in a warm blanket1 and carry it to the fire1 and then let the midwife take a little wine in her mouth and spout it into its mouth1 repeating it often1 if there be occasion4 ,let her apply linen dipped in urine to the breast and belly1 and let the face be uncovered1 that it may breathe the more freely2 also1 let the midwife keep its mouth a little open1 cleanse the nostrils with small linen tents#aa dipt in white wine1 that so it may receive the smell of it2 and let her chafe every part of its body well with warm cloths1 to bring back its blood and spirits1 which being retired inwards through weakness1 often puts him in danger of being choked4 ,by the application of these means1 the infant will gradually recover strength1 and begin to stir its limbs by degrees1 and at length to cry2 and though it be but weakly at first1 yet afterwards1 as it breathes more freely1 its cry will become more strong4 ,,sect4 ,,iii4--,of the ,fundament being closed up in a newly-born ,infant4 ,another defect that new-born infants are liable to is1 to have their fundaments closed up1 by which they can neither evacuate the new excrements engendered by the milk they suck1 nor that which was amassed in their intestines before birth1 which is certainly mortal without a speedy remedy4 ,there have been some female children who have their fundaments quite closed1 and yet have voided the excrements of the guts by an orifice which nature1 to supply the defect1 had made within the neck of the womb4 ,cure4 ,here we must take notice1 that the fundament is closed two ways2 either by a single skin1 through which one may discover some black and blue marks1 proceeding from the excrements retained1 which1 if one touch with the finger1 there is a softness felt within1 and thereabout it ought to be pierced2 or else it is quite stopped by a thick1 fleshy substance1 in such sort that there appears nothing without1 by which its true situation may be known4 ,when there is nothing but the single skin which makes the closure1 the operation is very easy1 and the children may do very well2 for then an aperture or opening may be made with a small incision-knife1 cross-ways1 that it may the better receive a round form1 and that the place may not afterwards grow together1 taking care not to prejudice the sphincter or muscle of the rectum4 ,the incision being thus made1 the excrements will certainly have issue4 ,but if1 by reason of their long stay in the belly1 they become so dry that the infant cannot void them1 then let a clyster be given to moisten and bring them away2 afterwards put a linen tent into the new-made fundament1 which at first had best be anointed with honey of roses1 and towards the end1 with a drying1 cicatrizing ointment1 such as unguentum album or ponphilex1 observing to cleanse the infant of its excrement1 and dry it again as soon and as often as it evacuates them1 that so the aperture may be prevented from turning into a malignant ulcer4 ,but if the fundament be stopped up in such a manner1 that neither mark nor appearance of it can be seen or felt1 then the operation is much more difficult1 and1 even when it is done1 the danger is much greater that the infant will not survive it4 ,then1 if it be a female1 and it sends forth its excrements by the way ,i mentioned before1 it is better not to meddle than1 by endeavouring to remedy an inconvenience1 run an extreme hazard of the infant's death4 ,but when there is no vent for the excrements1 without which death is unavoidable1 then the operation is justifiable4 ,operation4 ,let the operator1 with a small incision-knife that hath but one edge1 enter into the void place1 and turning the back of it upwards1 within half a finger's breadth of the child's rump1 which is the place where he will certainly find the intestines1 let him thrust it forward1 that it may be open enough to give free vent to matter there contained1 being especially careful of the sphincter2 after which1 let the wound be dressed according to the method directed4 ,,sect4 ,,iv4--,of the ,thrush1 or ,ulcers ,in the ,mouth of the ,infant4 ,the thrush is a distemper that children are very subject to1 and it arises from bad milk1 or from foul humour in the stomach2 for sometimes1 though there be no ill humour in the milk itself1 yet it may corrupt the child's stomach because of its weakness or some other indisposition2 in which1 acquiring an acrimony1 instead of being well digested1 there arise from it thrice biting vapours1 which forming a thick viscosity1 do thereby produce this distemper4 ,cure4 ,it is often difficult1 as physicians tell us1 because it is seated in hot and moist places1 where the putrefaction is easily augmented2 and because the remedies applied cannot lodge there1 being soon washed with spittle4 ,but if it arises from too hot quality in the nurse's milk1 care must be taken to temper and cool1 prescribing her cool diet1 bleeding and purging her also1 if there be occasion4 ,take lentils1 husked1 powder them1 and lay a little of them upon the child's gums4 ,or take bdellium flowers1 half an ounce1 and with oil of roses make a liniment4 ,also wash the child's mouth with barley and plantain-water1 and honey of roses1 mixing with them a little verjuice of lemons1 as well to loosen and cleanse the vicious humours which cleave to the inside of the infant's mouth1 as to cool those parts which are already over-heated4 ,it may be done by means of a small fine rag1 fastened to the end of a little stick1 and dipped therein1 wherewith the ulcers may be gently rubbed1 being careful not to put the child in too much pain1 lest an inflammation make the distemper worse4 ,the child's body must also be kept open1 that the humours being carried to the lower parts1 the vapours may not ascend1 as is usual for them to do when the body is costive1 and the excrements too long retained4 ,if the ulcers appear malignant1 let such remedies be used as do their work speedily1 that the evil qualities that cause them1 being thereby instantly corrected1 their malignity may be prevented2 and in this case1 touch the ulcers with plantain water1 sharpened with spirits of vitriol2 for the remedy must be made sharp1 according to the malignity of the distemper4 ,it will be necessary to purge these ill humours out of the whole habit of the child1 by giving half an ounce of succory and rhubarb4 ,,sect4 ,v4--,of ,pains in the ,ears1 ,inflammation1 ,moisture1 etc4 ,the brain in infants is very moist1 and hath many excrements which nature cannot send out at the proper passages2 they get often to the ears1 and there cause pains1 flux of blood1 with inflammation and matter with pain2 this in children is hard to be known as they have no other way to make it known but by constant crying2 you will perceive them ready to feel their ears themselves1 but will not let others touch them1 if they can prevent2 and sometimes you may discern the parts about the ears to be very red4 ,these pains1 if let alone1 are of dangerous consequences1 because they may bring forth watchings and epilepsy2 for the moisture breeds worms there1 and fouls the spongy bones1 and by degrees causes incurable deafness4 ,cure4 ,allay the pain with all convenient speed1 but have a care of using strong remedies4 ,therefore1 only use warm milk about the ears1 with the decoction of poppy tops1 or oil of violets2 to take away the moisture1 use honey of roses1 and let aqua mollis be dropped into the ears2 or take virgin honey1 half an ounce2 red wines two ounces2 alum1 saffron1 saltpetre1 each a drachm1 mix them at the fire2 or drop in hemp seed oil with a little wine4 ,,sect4 ,,vi4--,of ,redness and ,inflammation of the ,buttocks1 ,groin and the ,thighs of a ,young ,child4 ,if there be no great care taken to change and wash the child's bed as soon as it is fouled with the excrements1 and to keep the child very clean1 the acrimony will be sure to cause redness1 and beget a smarting in the buttocks1 groin and thighs of the child1 which1 by reason of the pain1 will afterwards be subject to inflammations1 which follow the sooner1 through the delicacy and tenderness of their skin1 from which the outward skin of the body is in a short time separated and worn away4 ,cure4 ,first1 keep the child cleanly1 and secondly1 take off the sharpness of its urine4 ,as to keeping it cleanly1 she must be a sorry nurse who needs to be taught how to do it2 for if she lets it but have dry1 warm and clean beds and cloths1 as often and as soon as it has fouled and wet them1 either by its urine or its excrements1 it will be sufficient4 ,and as to taking off the sharpness of the child's urine1 that must be done by the nurse's taking a cool diet1 that her milk may have the same quality2 and1 therefore1 she ought to abstain from all things that may tend to heat it4 ,but besides these1 cooling and drying remedies are requisite to be applied to the inflamed parts2 therefore let the parts be bathed in plantain-water1 with a fourth of lime water added to it1 each time the child's excrements are wiped off2 and if the pain be very great1 let it only be fomented with lukewarm milk4 ,the powder of a post to dry it1 or a little mill-dust strewed upon the parts affected1 may be proper enough1 and is used by many women4 ,also1 unguentum album1 or diapompholigos1 spread upon a small piece of leather in form of a plaster1 will not be amiss4 ,but the chief thing must be1 the nurse's taking great care to wrap the inflamed parts with fine rags when she opens the child1 that these parts may not gather and be pained by rubbing together4 ,,sect4 ,,vii4--,of ,vomiting in ,young ,children4 ,vomiting in young children proceeds sometimes from too much milk1 and sometimes from bad milk1 and as often from a moist1 loose stomach2 for as dryness retains so looseness lets go4 ,this is1 for the most part1 without danger in children2 for they that vomit from their birth are the lustiest2 for the stomach not being used to meat1 and milk being taken too much1 crudities are easily bred1 or the milk is corrupted2 and it is better to vomit these up than to keep them in2 but if vomiting last long1 it will cause an atrophy or consumption1 for want of nourishment4 ,cure4 ,if this be from too much milk1 that which is emitted is yellow and green1 or otherwise ill-coloured and stinking2 in this case1 mend the milk1 as has been shown before2 cleanse the child with honey of roses1 and strengthen its stomach with syrup of milk and quinces1 made into an electuary4 ,if the humours be hot and sharp1 give the syrup of pomegranates1 currants and coral1 and apply to the belly the plaster of bread1 the stomach cerate1 or bread dipped in hot wine2 or take oil of mastich1 quinces1 mint1 wormwood1 each half an ounce2 of nutmegs by expression1 half a drachm2 chemical oil of mint1 three drops4 ,coral hath an occult property to prevent vomiting1 and is therefore hung about the neck4 ,,sect4 ,,viii--,of ,breeding ,teeth in ,young ,children4 ,this is a very great and yet necessary evil in all children1 having variety of symptoms joined with it4 ,they begin to come forth1 not all at once1 but one after the other1 about the sixth or seventh month2 the fore-teeth coming first1 then the eye-teeth1 and last of all the grinders4 ,the eye-teeth cause more pain to the child than any of the rest1 because they have a deep root1 and a small nerve which has communication with that which makes the eye move4 ,illustration ,in the breeding of the teeth1 first they feel an itching in their gums1 then they are pierced as with a needle1 and pricked by the sharp bones1 whence proceed great pains1 watching1 inflammation of the gums1 fever1 looseness and convulsions1 especially when they breed their eye-teeth4 ,the signs when children breed their eye-teeth are these3 #a4 ,it is known by the time1 which is usually about the seventh month4 #b4 ,their gums are swelled1 and they feel a great heat there with an itching1 which makes them put their fingers into their mouths to rub them2 a moisture also distils from the gums into the mouth1 because of the pain they feel there4 #c4 ,they hold the nipple faster than before4 #d4 ,the gums are white when the teeth begin to come1 and the nurse1 in giving them suck1 finds the mouth hotter1 and that they are much changed1 crying every moment1 and cannot sleep1 or but very little at a time4 ,the fever that follows breeding of teeth comes from choleric humours1 inflamed by watching1 pain and heat4 ,and the longer teeth are breeding1 the more dangerous it is2 so that many in the breeding of them1 die of fevers and convulsions4 ,cure4 ,two things are to be regarded3--one is1 to preserve the child from the evil accidents that may happen to it by reason of the great pain2 the other1 to assist as much as may be1 the cutting of the teeth1 when they can hardly cut the gums themselves4 ,for the first of these1 viz41 the preventing of those accidents to the child1 the nurse ought to take great care to keep a good diet1 and to use all things that may cool and temper her milk1 that so a fever may not follow the pain of the teeth4 ,and to prevent the humour falling too much upon the inflamed gums1 let the child's belly be always kept loose by gentle clysters1 if he be bound2 though oftentimes there is no need of them1 because they are at those times usually troubled with a looseness2 and yet1 for all that1 clysters may not be improper4 ,as to the other1 which is to assist it cutting the teeth1 that the nurse must do from time to time by mollifying and loosening them1 and by rubbing them with her finger dipped in butter or honey2 or let the child have a virgin-wax candle to chew upon2 or anoint the gums with the mucilage of quince made with mallow-water1 or with the brains of a hare2 also foment the cheeks with the decoction of althoea1 and camomile flowers and dill1 or with the juice of mallows and fresh butter4 ,if the gums are inflamed1 add juice of nightshade and lettuce4 ,i have already said1 the nurse ought to take a temperate diet2 ,i shall now only add1 that barley-broth1 water-gruel1 raw eggs1 prunes1 lettuce and endive1 are good for her2 but let her avoid salt1 sharp1 biting and peppered meats1 and wine4 ,,sect4 ,,ix4--,of the ,flux of the ,belly1 or ,looseness in ,infants4 ,it is very common for infants to have the flux of the belly1 or looseness1 especially upon the least indisposition2 nor is it to be wondered at1 seeing their natural moistness contributes so much thereto2 and even if it be extraordinarily violent1 such are in a better state of health than those that are bound4 ,the flux1 if violent1 proceeds from divers causes1 as #a4 ,from breeding of the teeth1 and is then commonly attended with a fever in which the concoction is hindered1 and the nourishment corrupted4 #b4 ,from watching4 #c4 ,from pain4 #d4 ,from stirring up of the humours by a fever4 #e4 ,when they suck or drink too much in a fever4 ,sometimes they have a flux without breeding of teeth1 from inward cold in the guts or stomach that obstructs concoction4 ,if it be from the teeth1 it is easily known2 for the signs of breeding in teeth will discover it4 ,if it be from external cold1 there are signs of other causes4 ,if from a humour flowing from the head there are signs of a catarrh1 and the excrements are frothy4 ,if crude and raw humours are voided1 and there be wind1 belching1 and phlegmatic excrements1 or if they be yellow1 green and stink1 the flux is from a hot and sharp humour4 ,it is best in breeding of teeth when the belly is loose1 as ,i have said before2 but if it be too violent1 and you are afraid it may end in a consumption1 it must be stopped2 and if the excrements that are voided be black1 and attended with a fever1 it is very bad4 ,cure4 ,the remedy in this case1 is principally in respect to the nurse1 and the condition of the milk must be chiefly observed2 the nurse must be cautioned that she eat no green fruit1 nor things of hard concoction4 ,if the child suck not1 remove the flux with such purges as leave a cooling quality behind them1 as syrup of honey or roses1 or a clyster4 ,take the decoction of millium1 myrobolans1 of each two or three ounces1 with an ounce or two of syrup of roses1 and make a clyster4 ,after cleansing1 if it proceed from a hot cause1 give syrup of dried roses1 quinces1 myrtles and a little sanguis draconis4 ,also anoint with oil of roses1 myrtles1 mastich1 each two drachms2 with oil of myrtles and wax make an ointment4 ,or take red roses and moulin1 of each a handful2 cypress roots two drachms2 make a bag1 boil it in red wine and apply it to the belly4 ,or use the plaster bread or stomach ointment4 ,if the cause be cold1 and the excrements white give syrup of mastich and quinces1 with mint-water4 ,use outwardly1 mint1 mastich1 cummin2 or take rose seeds1 an ounce1 cummin1 aniseed1 each two drachms2 with oil of mastich1 wormwood and wax1 make an ointment4 ,,sect4 ,x4--,of the ,epilepsy and ,convulsions in ,children4 ,this is a distemper that is often fatal to young children1 and frequently proceeds from the brain1 originating either from the parents1 or from vapours1 or bad humours that twitch the membranes of the brain2 it is also sometimes caused by other distempers and by bad diet2 likewise1 the toothache1 when the brain consents1 causes it1 and so does a sudden fright4 ,as to the distemper itself1 it is manifest and well enough known where it is2 and as to the cause whence it comes1 you may know by the signs of the disease1 whether it comes from bad milk1 or worms1 or teeth2 if these are all absent1 it is certain that the brain is first affected2 if it come with the small-pox or measles1 it ceaseth when they come forth1 if nature be strong enough4 ,cure4 ,for the remedy of this grievous1 and often mortal distemper1 give the following powder to prevent it1 to a child as soon as it is born3--,take male peony roots1 gathered in the decrease of the moon1 a scruple2 with leaf gold make a powder2 or take peony roots1 a drachm2 peony seeds1 mistletoe of the oak1 elk's hoof1 man's skull1 amber1 each a scruple2 musk1 two grains2 make a powder4 ,the best part of the cure is taking care of the nurse's diet1 which must be regular1 by all means4 ,if it be from corrupt milk1 provoke a vomit2 to do which1 hold down the tongue1 and put a quill dipped in sweet almonds1 down the throat4 ,if it come from the worms1 give such things as will kill the worms4 ,if there be a fever1 with respect to that also1 give coral smaragad and elk's hoof4 ,in the fit1 give epileptic water1 as lavender water1 and rub with oil of amber1 or hang a peony root1 and elk's hoof smaragad1 about the child's neck4 ,as to a convulsion1 it is when the brain labours to cast out that which troubles it2 the mariner is in the marrow of the back1 and fountain of the nerves2 it is a stubborn disease1 and often kills4 ,wash the body1 when in the fit1 with decoction of althoea1 lily roots1 peony and camomile flowerets1 and anoint it with man's and goose's grease1 oils of worms1 orris1 lilies1 foxes1 turpentine1 mastich1 storax and calamint4 ,the sun flower is also very good1 boiled in water1 to wash the child4 ,,footnotes3 #aa ,tent 7surgical74 ,a bunch of some fibre such as sponge or horsehair introduced into an opening1 natural or artificial1 to keep it open1 or increase its calibre4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,proper ,,and ,,safe ,,remedies ,,for ,,curing ,,all ,,those ,,distempers ,,that ,,are ,,peculiar ,,to ,,the ,,female ,,sex ,,and ,,especially ,,those ,,observations ,,to ,,bearing ,,of ,,children 99 99 99 99 99 ,,book ,,ii 99 99 99 99 99 ,having finished the first part of this book1 and wherein1 ,i hope1 amply made good my promise to the reader1 ,i am now come to treat only of those distempers to which they are more subject when in a breeding condition1 and those that keep them from being so2 together with such proper and safe remedies as may be sufficient to repel them4 ,and since amongst all the diseases to which human nature is subject1 there is none that more diametrically opposes the very end of our creation1 and the design of nature in the formation of different sexes1 and the power thereby given us for the work of generation1 than that of sterility or barrenness which1 where it prevails1 renders the most accomplished midwife but a useless person1 and destroys the design of our book2 ,i think1 therefore1 that barrenness is an effect that deserves our first and principal consideration4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,i ,of ,barrenness2 its several ,kinds2 with the proper ,remedies for it2 and the ,signs of ,insufficiency both in ,men and ,women4 ,,section ,i4--,of ,barrenness in ,general4 ,barrenness is either natural or artificial4 ,natural barrenness is when a woman is barren1 though the instruments of generation are perfect both in herself and in her husband1 and no preposterous or diabolical course used to it1 and neither age1 nor disease1 nor any defect hindering1 and yet the woman remains naturally barren4 ,now this may proceed from a natural cause1 for if the man and woman be of one complexion1 they seldom have children1 and the reason is clear1 for the universal course of nature being formed of a composition of contraries1 cannot be increased by a composition of likes2 and1 therefore1 if the constitution of the woman be hot and dry1 as well as the man's there can be no conception2 and if1 on the contrary1 the man should be of a cold and moist constitution1 as well as the woman1 the effect would be the same2 and this barrenness is purely natural4 ,the only way to help this is1 for people1 before they marry1 to observe each others constitution and complexion1 if they design to have children4 ,if their complexions and constitutions be alike1 they are not fit to come together1 for discordant natures only1 make harmony in the work of generation4 ,another natural cause of barrenness1 is want of love between man and wife4 ,love is that vivid principle that ought to inspire each organ in the act of generation1 or else it will be spiritless and dull2 for if their hearts be not united in love1 how should their seed unite to cause ,conception8 ,and this is sufficiently evinced1 in that there never follows conception on a rape4 ,therefore1 if men and women design to have children1 let them live so1 that their hearts as well as their bodies may be united1 or else they may miss their expectations4 ,a third cause of natural barrenness1 is the letting virgins blood in the arm before their natural courses are come down1 which is usually in the fourteenth and fifteenth year of their age2 sometimes1 perhaps before the thirteenth1 but never before the twelfth4 ,and because usually1 they are out of order1 and indisposed before their purgations come down1 their parents run to the doctor to know what is the matter2 and he1 if not skilled1 will naturally prescribe opening a vein in the arm1 thinking fullness of blood the cause2 and thus she seems recovered for the present3 and when the young virgin happens to be in the same disorder1 the mother applies again to the surgeon1 who uses the same remedy2 and by these means the blood is so diverted from its proper channel1 that it comes not down the womb as usual1 and so the womb dries up1 and she is for ever barren4 ,to prevent this1 let no virgin blood in the arm before her courses come down well2 for that will bring the blood downwards1 and by that means provoke the menstrua to come down4 ,another cause of natural barrenness1 is debility in copulation4 ,if persons perform not that act with all the bent and ardour that nature requires1 they may as well let it alone2 for frigidity and coldness never produces conception4 ,of the cure of this we will speak by and by1 after ,i have spoken of accidental barrenness1 which is occasioned by some morbific matter or infirmity in the body1 either of the man or of the woman1 which being removed they become fruitful4 ,and since1 as ,i have before noted1 the first and great law of creation1 was to increase and multiply1 and barrenness is in direct opposition to that law1 and frustrates the end of our creation1 and often causes man and wife to have hard thoughts one of another1 ,i shall here1 for the satisfaction of well meaning people1 set down the signs and causes of insufficiency both in men and women2 premising first that when people have no children1 they must not presently blame either party1 for neither may be in fault4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,signs and ,causes of ,insufficiency in ,men4 ,one cause may be in some viciousness of the yard1 as if the same be crooked1 or any ligaments thereof distorted and broken1 whereby the ways and passages1 through which the seed should flow1 come to be stopped or vitiated4 ,another cause may be1 too much weakness of the yard1 and tenderness thereof1 so that it is not strong enough erected to inject seed into the womb2 for the strength and stiffness of the yard very much conduces to conception1 by reason of the forcible injection of the seed4 ,also1 if the stones have received any hurt1 so that they cannot exercise the proper gift in producing seed1 or if they be oppressed with an inflammation1 tumour1 wound or ulcer1 or drawn up within the belly1 and not appearing outwardly4 ,also1 a man may be barren by reason of the defect of seed1 as first1 if he cast forth no seed at all1 or less in substance than is needful4 ,or1 secondly1 if the seed be vicious1 or unfit for generation2 as on the one side1 it happens in bodies that are gross and fat1 the matter of it being defective2 and on the other side1 too much leanness1 or continual wasting or consumption of the body1 destroys seed2 nature turning all the matter and substance thereof into the nutriment of the body4 ,too frequent copulation is also one great cause of barrenness in men2 for it attracteth the seminal moisture from the stones1 before it is sufficiently prepared and concocted4 ,so if any one1 by daily copulation1 do exhaust and draw out all their moisture of the seed1 then do the stones draw the moist humours from the superior veins unto themselves2 and so1 having but a little blood in them1 they are forced of necessity to cast it out raw and unconcocted1 and thus the stones are violently deprived of the moisture of their veins1 and the superior veins1 and all the other parts of the body1 of their vital spirits2 therefore it is no wonder that those who use immoderate copulation are very weak in their bodies1 seeing their whole body is deprived of the best and purest blood1 and of the spirit1 insomuch that many who have been too much addicted to that pleasure1 have killed themselves in the very act4 ,gluttony1 drunkenness1 and other excesses1 do so much hinder men from fruitfulness1 that it makes them unfit for generation4 ,but among other causes of barrenness of men1 this also is one1 and makes them almost of the nature of eunuchs1 and that is the incision or the cutting of the veins behind their ears1 which in case of distempers is oftentimes done2 for1 according to the opinions of most physicians and anatomists1 the seed flows from the brain by those veins behind the ears1 more than any part of the body4 ,from whence it is very probable1 that the transmission of the seed is hindered by the cutting of the veins behind the ears1 so that it cannot descend to the testicles1 or may come thither very crude and raw4 ,,sect4 ,,iii4--,signs and ,causes of ,insufficiency or ,barrenness in ,women4 ,although there are many causes of the barrenness of women1 yet the chief and principal are internal1 respecting either the privy parts1 the womb or menstruous blood4 ,therefore1 ,hippocrates saith 7speaking as well of easy as difficult conception in women7 the first consideration is to be had of their species2 for little women are more apt to conceive than great1 slender than gross1 white and fair than ruddy and high coloured1 black than wan1 those that have their veins conspicuous1 than others2 but to be very fleshy is evil1 and to have great swelled breasts is good4 ,the next thing to be considered is1 the monthly purgations1 whether they have been duly every month1 whether they flow plentifully1 are of a good colour1 and whether they have been equal every month4 ,then the womb1 or place of conception1 is to be considered4 ,it ought to be clean and sound1 dry and soft1 not retracted or drawn up2 not prone or descending downward2 nor the mouth thereof turned away1 nor too close shut up4 ,but to speak more particularly3-- ,the first parts to be spoken of are the pudenda1 or privities1 and the womb2 which parts are shut and enclosed either by nature or against nature2 and from hence1 such women are called imperforate2 as in some women the mouth of their womb continues compressed1 or closed up1 from the time of their birth until the coming down of their courses1 and then1 on a sudden1 when their terms press forward to purgation1 they are molested with great and unusual pains4 ,sometimes these break of their own accord1 others are dissected and opened by physicians2 others never break at all1 which bring on disorders that end in death4 ,all these ,aetius particularly handles1 showing that the womb is shut three manner of ways1 which hinders conception4 ,and the first is when the pudenda grow and cleave together4 ,the second is1 when these certain membranes grow in the middle part of the matrix within4 ,the third is1 when 7though the lips and bosom of the pudenda may appear fair and open71 the mouth of the womb may be quite shut up4 ,all which are occasions of barrenness1 as they hinder the intercourse with man1 the monthly courses1 and conception4 ,but amongst all causes of barrenness in women1 the greatest is in the womb1 which is the field of generation2 and if this field is corrupt1 it is in vain to expect any fruit1 be it ever so well sown4 ,it may be unfit for generation by reason of many distempers to which it is subject2 as for instance1 overmuch heat and overmuch cold2 for women whose wombs are too thick and cold1 cannot conceive1 because coldness extinguishes the heat of the human seed4 ,immoderate moisture of the womb also destroys the seed of man1 and makes it ineffectual1 as corn sown in ponds and marshes2 and so does overmuch dryness of the womb1 so that the seed perisheth for want of nutriment4 ,immoderate heat of the womb is also a cause of barrenness for it scorcheth up the seed as corn sown in the drought of summer2 for immoderate heat burns all parts of the body1 so that no conception can live in the womb4 ,when unnatural humours are engendered1 as too much phlegm1 tympanies1 wind1 water1 worms1 or any other evil humour abounding contrary to nature1 it causes barrenness as do all terms not coming down in due order4 ,a woman may also have accidental causes of barrenness 7at least such as may hinder her conception71 as sudden frights1 anger1 grief and perturbation of mind2 too violent exercises1 as leaping1 dancing1 running1 after copulation1 and the like4 ,but ,i will now add some signs1 by which these things may be known4 ,if the cause of barrenness be in the man1 through overmuch heat in the seed1 the woman may easily feel that in receiving it4 ,if the nature of the woman be too hot1 and so unfit for conception1 it will appear by her having her terms very little1 and the colour inclining to yellowness2 she is also very hasty1 choleric and crafty2 her pulse beats very swift1 and she is very desirous of copulation4 ,to know whether the fault is in the man or in the woman1 sprinkle the man's urine upon a lettuce leaf1 and the woman's urine upon another1 and that which dries away first is unfruitful4 ,also take five wheaten corns and seven beans1 put them into an earthen pot1 and let the party make water therein2 let this stand seven days1 and if in that time they begin to sprout1 then the party is fruitful2 but if they sprout not1 then the party is barren1 whether it be the man or the woman2 this is a certain sign4 ,there are some that make this experiment of a woman's fruitfulness2 take myrrh1 red storax and some odoriferous things1 and make a perfume of which let the woman receive into the neck of the womb through a funnel2 if the woman feels the smoke ascend through her body to the nose1 then she is fruitful2 otherwise she is barren4 ,some also take garlic and beer1 and cause the woman to lie upon her back upon it1 and if she feel the scent thereof in her nose1 it is a sign of her being fruitful4 ,culpepper and others also give a great deal of credit to the following experiment4 ,take a handful of barley1 and steep half of it in the urine of a man1 and the other half in the urine of the woman1 for the space of twenty-four hours2 then take it out1 and put the man's by itself1 and the woman's by itself2 set it in a flower-pot1 or some other thing1 where let it dry2 water the man's every morning with his own urine1 and the woman's with hers1 and that which grows first is the most fruitful2 but if they grow not at all1 they are both naturally barren4 ,cure4 ,if the barrenness proceeds from stoppage of the menstrua1 let the woman sweat1 for that opens the parts2 and the best way to sweat is in a hot-house4 ,then let the womb be strengthened by drinking a draught of white wine1 wherein a handful of stinking arrach1 first bruised1 has been boiled1 for by a secret magnetic virtue1 it strengthens the womb1 and by a sympathetic quality1 removes any disease thereof4 ,to which add also a handful of vervain1 which is very good to strengthen both the womb and the head1 which are commonly afflicted together by sympathy4 ,having used these two or three days1 if they come not down1 take of calamint1 pennyroyal1 thyme1 betony1 dittany1 burnet1 feverfew1 mugwort1 sage1 peony roots1 juniper berries1 half a handful of each1 or as many as can be got2 let these be boiled in beer1 and taken for her drink4 ,take one part of gentian-root1 two parts of centaury1 distil them with ale in an alembic after you have bruised the gentian-roots and infused them well4 ,this water is an admirable remedy to provoke the terms4 ,but if you have not this water in readiness1 take a drachm of centaury1 and half a drachm of gentian-roots bruised1 boiled in posset drink1 and drink half a drachm of it at night going to bed4 ,seed of wild navew beaten to powder1 and a drachm of it taken in the morning in white wine1 also is very good2 but if it answers not1 she must be let blood in the legs4 ,and be sure you administer your medicines a little before the full of the moon1 by no means in the wane of the moon2 if you do1 you will find them ineffectual4 ,if barrenness proceed from the overflowing of the menstrua1 then strengthen the womb as you were taught before2 afterwards anoint the veins of the back with oil of roses1 oil of myrtle and oil of quinces every night1 and then wrap a piece of white baise about your veins1 the cotton side next to the skin and keep the same always to it4 ,but above all1 ,i recommend this medicine to you4 ,take comfrey-leaves or roots1 and clown woundwort1 of each a handful2 bruise them well1 and boil them in ale1 and drink a good draught of it now and then4 ,or take cinnamon1 cassia lignea1 opium1 of each two drachms2 myrrh1 white pepper1 galbanum1 of each one drachm2 dissolve the gum and opium in white wine2 beat the rest into powder and make pills1 mixing them together exactly1 and let the patient take two each night going to bed2 but let the pills not exceed fifteen grains4 ,if barrenness proceed from a flux in the womb1 the cure must be according to the cause producing it1 or which the flux proceeds from1 which may be known by signs2 for a flux of the womb1 being a continual distillation from it for a long time together1 the colour of what is voided shows what humour it is that offends2 in some it is red1 and that proceeds from blood putrified1 in some it is yellow1 and that denotes choler2 in others white and pale1 and denotes phlegm4 ,if pure blood comes out1 as if a vein were opened1 some corrosion or gnawing of the womb is to be feared4 ,all these are known by the following signs3 ,the place of conception is continually moist with the humours1 the face ill-coloured1 the party loathes meat and breathes with difficulty1 the eyes are much swollen1 which is sometimes without pain4 ,if the offending humour be pure blood1 then you must let blood in the arm1 and the cephalic vein is fittest to draw back the blood2 then let the juice of plantain and comfrey be injected into the womb4 ,if phlegm be a cause1 let cinnamon be a spice used in all her meats and drinks1 and let her take a little ,venice treacle or mithridate every morning4 ,let her boil burnet1 mugwort1 feverfew and vervain in all her broths4 ,also1 half a drachm of myrrh1 taken every morning1 is an excellent remedy against this malady4 ,if choler be the cause1 let her take burrage1 buglos1 red roses1 endive and succory roots1 lettuce and white poppy-seed1 of each a handful2 boil these in white wine until one half be wasted2 let her drink half a pint every morning to which half pint add syrup of chicory and syrup of peach-flowers1 of each an ounce1 with a little rhubarb1 and this will gently purge her4 ,if it proceed from putrified blood1 let her be bled in the foot1 and then strengthen the womb1 as ,i have directed in stopping the menstrua4 ,if barrenness be occasioned by the falling out of the womb1 as sometimes it happens1 let her apply sweet scents to the nose1 such as civet1 galbanum1 storax1 calamitis1 wood of aloes2 and such other things as are of that nature2 and let her lay stinking things to the womb1 such as asafoetida1 oil of amber1 or the smoke of her own hair1 being burnt2 for this is a certain truth1 that the womb flies from all stinking1 and to all sweet things4 ,but the most infallible cure in this case is2 take a common burdock leaf 7which you may keep dry1 if you please1 all the year71 apply this to her head and it will draw the womb upwards4 ,in fits of the mother1 apply it to the soles of the feet1 and it will draw the womb downwards4 ,but seed beaten into a powder1 draws the womb which way you please1 accordingly as it is applied4 ,if barrenness in the woman proceed from a hot cause1 let her take whey and clarify it2 then boil plantain leaves and roots in it1 and drink it for her ordinary drink4 ,let her inject plantain juice into her womb with a syringe4 ,if it be in the winter1 when you cannot get the juice1 make a strong decoction of the leaves and roots in water1 and inject that up with a syringe1 but let it be blood warm1 and you will find this medicine of great efficacy4 ,and further1 to take away barrenness proceeding from hot causes1 take of conserve of roses1 cold lozenges1 make a tragacanth1 the confections of trincatelia2 and use1 to smell to1 camphor1 rosewater and saunders4 ,it is also good to bleed the basilica or liver vein1 and take four or five ounces of blood1 and then take this purge2 take electuarium de epithymo de succo rosarum1 of each two drachms and a half2 clarified whey1 four ounces2 mix them well together1 and take it in the morning fasting2 sleep after it about an hour and a half1 and fast for four hours after2 and about an hour before you eat anything1 drink a good draught of whey4 ,also take lilywater1 four ounces2 mandragore water1 one ounce2 saffron1 half a scruple2 beat the saffron to a powder1 and mix it with waters1 drink them warm in the morning2 use these eight days together4 ,some apparent ,remedy against ,barrenness and to cause ,fruitfulness4 ,take broom flowers1 smallage1 parsley seed1 cummin1 mugwort1 feverfew1 of each half a scruple2 aloes1 half an ounce2 ,indian salt1 saffron1 of each half a drachm2 beat and mix them together1 and put it to five ounces of feverfew water warm2 stop it up1 and let it stand and dry in a warm place1 and this do1 two or three times1 one after the other2 then make each drachm into six pills1 and take one of them every night before supper4 ,for a purging medicine against barrenness1 take conserve of benedicta lax1 a quarter of an ounce2 depsillo three drachms1 electuary de rosarum1 one drachm2 mix them together with feverfew water1 and drink it in the morning betimes4 ,about three days after the patient hath taken this purge1 let her be bled1 taking four or five ounces from the median1 or common black vein in the foot2 and then give for five successive days1 filed ivory1 a drachm and a half1 in feverfew water2 and during the time let her sit in the following bath an hour together1 morning and night4 ,take mild yellow sapes1 daucas1 balsam wood and fruit1 ash-keys1 of each two handfuls1 red and white behen1 broom flowers1 of each a handful2 musk1 three grains2 amber1 saffron1 of each a scruple2 boiled in water sufficiently2 but the musk1 saffron1 amber and broom flowers must be put into the decoction1 after it is boiled and strained4 ,a ,confection very good against ,barrenness4 ,take pistachia1 eringoes1 of each half an ounce2 saffron1 one drachm2 lignum aloes1 galengal1 mace1 coriophilla1 balm flowers1 red and white behen1 of each four scruples2 syrup of confected ginger1 twelve ounces2 white sugar1 six ounces1 decoct all these in twelve ounces of balm water1 and stir them well together2 then put in it musk and amber1 of each a scruple2 take thereof the quantity of a nutmeg three times a day2 in the morning1 an hour before noon and an hour after supper4 ,but if the cause of barrenness1 either in man or woman1 be through scarcity or diminution of the natural seed1 then such things are to be taken as do increase the seed1 and incite to stir up to venery1 and further conception2 which ,i shall here set down1 and then conclude the chapter concerning barrenness4 ,for this1 yellow rape seed baked in bread is very good2 also young1 fat flesh1 not too much salted2 also saffron1 the tails of stincus1 and long pepper prepared in wine4 ,but let such persons eschew all sour1 sharp1 doughy and slimy meats1 long sleep after meat1 surfeiting and drunkenness1 and so much as they can1 keep themselves from sorrow1 grief1 vexation and anxious care4 ,these things following increase the natural seed1 stir up the venery and recover the seed again when it is lost1 viz41 eggs1 milk1 rice1 boiled in milk1 sparrows' brains1 flesh1 bones and all2 the stones and pizzles of bulls1 bucks1 rams and bears1 also cocks' stones1 lambs' stones1 partridges'1 quails' and pheasants' eggs4 ,and this is an undeniable aphorism1 that whatever any creature is addicted unto1 they move or incite the man or the woman that eats them1 to the like1 and therefore partridges1 quails1 sparrows1 etc41 being extremely addicted to venery1 they work the same effect on those men and women that eat them4 ,also1 take notice1 that in what part of the body the faculty that you would strengthen1 lies1 take that same part of the body of another creature1 in whom the faculty is strong1 as a medicine4 ,as for instance1 the procreative faculty lies in the testicles2 therefore1 cocks' stones1 lambs' stones1 etc41 are proper to stir up venery4 ,i will also give you another general rule2 all creatures that are fruitful being eaten1 make them fruitful that eat them1 as crabs1 lobsters1 prawns1 pigeons1 etc4 ,the stones of a fox1 dried and beaten to a powder1 and a drachm taken in the morning in sheep's milk1 and the stones of a boar taken in like manner1 are very good4 ,the heart of a male quail carried about a man1 and the heart of a female quail carried about a woman1 causes natural love and fruitfulness4 ,let them1 also1 that would increase their seed1 eat and drink of the best1 as much as they can2 for sine ,cerere el ,libero1 friget ,venus1 is an old proverb1 which is1 without good meat and drink1 ,venus will be frozen to death4 ,pottages are good to increase the seed2 such as are made of beans1 peas1 and lupins1 mixed with sugar4 ,french beans1 wheat sodden in broth1 aniseed1 also onions1 stewed garlic1 leeks1 yellow rapes1 fresh mugwort roots1 eringo roots confected1 ginger connected1 etc4 ,of fruits1 hazel nuts1 cyprus nuts1 pistachio1 almonds and marchpanes thereof4 ,spices good to increase seed are cinnamon1 galengal1 long pepper1 cloves1 ginger1 saffron and asafoetida1 a drachm and a half taken in good wine1 is very good for this purpose4 ,the weakness and debility of a man's yard1 being a great hindrance to procreation let him use the following ointment to strengthen it3 ,take wax1 oil of beaver-cod1 marjoram1 gentle and oil of costus1 of each a like quantity1 mix them into an ointment1 and put it to a little musk1 and with it anoint the yard1 cods1 etc4 ,take of house emmets1 three drachms1 oil of white safannum1 oil of lilies1 of each an ounce2 pound and bruise the ants1 and put them to the oil and let them stand in the sun six days2 then strain out the oil and add to it euphorbium one scruple1 pepper and rue1 of each one drachm1 mustard seed half a drachm1 set this altogether in the sun two or three days1 then anoint the instrument of generation therewith4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ii ,the ,diseases of the ,womb4 ,i have already said1 that the womb is the field of generation2 and if this field be corrupted1 it is vain to expect any fruit1 although it be ever so well sown4 ,it is1 therefore1 not without reason that ,i intend in this chapter to set down the several distempers to which the womb is obnoxious1 with proper and safe remedies against them4 ,,section ,i4--,of the ,hot ,distemper of the ,womb4 ,the distemper consists in excess of heat2 for as heat of the womb is necessary for conception1 so if it be too much1 it nourisheth not the seed1 but it disperseth its heat1 and hinders the conception4 ,this preternatural heat is sometimes from the birth1 and causeth barrenness1 but if it be accidental1 it is from hot causes1 that bring the heat and the blood to the womb2 it arises also from internal and external medicines1 and from too much hot meat1 drink and exercise4 ,those that are troubled with this distemper have but few courses1 and those are yellow1 black1 burnt or sharp1 have hair betimes on their privities1 are very prone to lust1 subject to headache1 and abound with choler1 and when the distemper is strong upon them1 they have but few terms1 which are out of order1 being bad and hard to flow1 and in time they become hypochondriacal1 and for the most part barren1 having sometimes a phrenzy of the womb4 ,cure4 ,the remedy is to use coolers1 so that they offend not the vessels that most open for the flux of the terms4 ,therefore1 take the following inwardly2 succory1 endive1 violets1 water lilies1 sorrel1 lettuce1 saunders and syrups and conserve made thereof4 ,also take a conserve of succory1 violets1 water-lilies1 burrage1 each an ounce2 conserve of roses1 half an ounce1 diamargation frigid1 diatriascantal1 each half a drachm2 and with syrup of violets1 or juice of citrons1 make an electuary4 ,for outward applications1 make use of ointment of roses1 violets1 water-lilies1 gourd1 ,venus navel1 applied to the back and loins4 ,let the air be cool1 her garments thin1 and her food endive1 lettuce1 succory and barley4 ,give her no hot meats1 nor strong wine1 unless mixed with water4 ,rest is good for her1 but she must abstain from copulation1 though she may sleep as long as she pleases4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,of the ,cold ,distempers of the ,womb4 ,this distemper is the reverse of the foregoing1 and equally an enemy to generation1 being caused by a cold quality abounding to excess1 and proceeds from a too cold air1 rest1 idleness and cooling medicines4 ,it may be known by an aversion to venery1 and taking no pleasure in the act of copulation when the seed is spent2 the terms are phlegmatic1 thick and slimy1 and do not flow as they should2 the womb is windy and the seed crude and waterish4 ,it is the cause of obstructions and barrenness1 and is hard to be cured4 ,cure4 ,take galengal1 cinnamon1 nutmeg mace1 cloves1 ginger1 cububs1 cardamom1 grains of paradise1 each an ounce and a half1 galengal1 six drachms1 long pepper1 half an ounce1 ,zedoary five drachms2 bruise them and add six quarts of wine1 put them into a cellar nine days1 daily stirring them2 then add of mint two handfuls1 and let them stand fourteen days1 pour off the wine and bruise them1 and then pour on the wine again1 and distil them4 ,also anoint with oil of lilies1 rue1 angelica1 cinnamon1 cloves1 mace and nutmeg4 ,let her diet and air be warm1 her meat of easy concoction1 seasoned with ant-seed1 fennel and thyme2 and let her avoid raw fruits and milk diets4 ,,sect4 ,,iii4--,of the ,inflation of the ,womb4 ,the inflation of the womb is a stretching of it by wind1 called by some a windy mole2 the wind proceeds from a cold matter1 whether thick or thin1 contained in the veins of the womb1 by which the heat thereof is overcome1 and which either flows thither from other parts1 or is gathered there by cold meats and drinks4 ,cold air may be a producing cause of it also1 as women that lie in are exposed to it4 ,the wind is contained either in the cavity of the vessels of the womb1 or between the tumicle1 and may be known by a swelling in the region of the womb1 which sometimes reaches to the navel1 loins and diaphragm1 and rises and abates as the wind increaseth or decreaseth4 ,it differs from the dropsy1 in that it never swells so high4 ,that neither physician nor midwife may take it for dropsy1 let them observe the signs of the woman with the child laid down in a former part of this work2 and if any sign be wanting1 they may suspect it to be an inflation2 of which it is a further sign1 that in conception the swelling is invariable2 also if you strike upon the belly1 in an inflation1 there will be noise1 but not so in case there be a conception4 ,it also differs from a mole1 because in that there is a weight and hardness of the belly1 and when the patient moves from one side to the other she feels a great weight which moveth1 but not so in this4 ,if the inflation continue without the cavity of the womb1 the pain is greater and more extensive1 nor is there any noise1 because the wind is more pent up4 ,cure4 ,this distemper is neither of a long continuance nor dangerous1 if looked after in time2 and if it be in the cavity of the womb it is more easily expelled4 ,to which purpose give her diaphnicon1 with a little castor and sharp clysters that expel the wind4 ,if this distemper happen to a woman in travail let her not purge after delivery1 nor bleed1 because it is from a cold matter2 but if it come after child-bearing1 and her terms come down sufficiently1 and she has fullness of blood1 let the saphoena vein be opened1 after which1 let her take the following electuary3 take conserve of betony and rosemary1 of each an ounce and a half2 candied eringoes1 citron peel candied1 each half an ounce2 diacimium1 diagenel1 each a drachm2 oil of aniseed1 six drops1 and with syrup of citrons make an electuary4 ,for outward application make a cataplasm of rue1 mugwort1 camomile1 dill1 calamint1 new pennyroyal1 thyme1 with oil of rue1 keir and camomile4 ,and let the following clyster to expel the wind be put into the womb3 ,take agnus castus1 cinnamon1 each two drachms1 boil them in wine to half a pint4 ,she may likewise use sulphur1 ,bath and ,spa waters1 both inward and outward1 because they expel the wind4 ,,sect4 ,,iv4--,of the ,straitness of the ,womb and its ,vessels4 ,this is another effect of the womb1 which is a very great obstruction to the bearing of children1 hindering both the flow of the menses and conception1 and is seated in the vessel of the womb1 and the neck thereof4 ,the causes of this straitness are thick and rough humours1 that stop the mouths of the veins and arteries4 ,these humours are bred either by gross or too much nourishment1 when the heat of the womb is so weak that it cannot attenuate the humours1 which by reason thereof1 either flow from the whole body1 or are gathered into the womb4 ,now the vessels are made straiter or closer several ways2 sometimes by inflammation1 scirrhous or other tumours2 sometimes by compressions1 scars1 or by flesh or membranes that grow after a wound4 ,the signs by which this is known are1 the stoppage of the terms1 not conceiving1 and condities abounding in the body which are all shown by particular signs1 for if there is a wound1 or the secundine be pulled out by force phlegm comes from the wound2 if stoppage of the terms be from an old obstruction of humours1 it is hard to be cured2 if it be only from the disorderly use of astringents1 it is more curable2 if it be from a scirrhous1 or other tumours that compress or close the vessel1 the disease is incurable4 ,cure4 ,for the cure of that which is curable1 obstructions must be taken away1 phlegm must be purged1 and she must be let blood1 as will be hereafter directed in the stoppage of the terms4 ,then use the following medicines3 ,take of aniseed and fennel seed1 each a drachm2 rosemary1 pennyroyal1 calamint1 betony flowers1 each an ounce2 castus1 cinnamon1 galengal1 each half an ounce2 saffron half a drachm1 with wine4 ,or take asparagus roots1 parsley roots1 each an ounce2 pennyroyal1 calamint1 each a handful2 wallflowers1 gilly-flowers1 each two handfuls2 boil1 strain and add syrup of mugwort1 an ounce and a half4 ,for a fomentation1 take pennyroyal1 mercury1 calamint1 marjoram1 mugwort1 each two handfuls1 sage1 rosemary bays1 camomile-flowers1 each a handful1 boil them in water and foment the groin and the bottom of the belly2 or let her sit up to the navel in a bath1 and then anoint about the groin with oil of rue1 lilies1 dill1 etc4 ,,sect4 ,v4--,of the falling of the ,womb4 ,this is another evil effect of the womb which is both very troublesome1 and also a hindrance to conception4 ,sometimes the womb falleth to the middle of the thighs1 nay1 almost to the knees1 and may be known then by its hanging out4 ,now1 that which causeth the womb to change its place is1 that the ligaments by which it is bound to the other parts1 are not in order2 for there are four ligaments1 two above1 broad and membranous1 round and hollow2 it is also bound to the great vessels by veins and arteries1 and to the back by nerves2 but the place is changed when it is drawn another way1 or when the ligaments are loose1 and it falls down by its own weight4 ,it is drawn on one side when the menses are hindered from flowing1 and the veins and arteries are full1 namely1 those that go to the womb4 ,if it be a mole on one side1 the liver and spleen cause it2 by the liver vein on the right side1 and the spleen on the left1 as they are more or less filled4 ,others are of opinion1 it comes from the solution of the connexion of the fibrous neck and the parts adjacent2 and that it is from the weight of the womb descending2 this we deny not1 but the ligaments must be loose or broken4 ,but women with a dropsy could not be said to have the womb fallen down1 if it came only from looseness2 but in them it is caused by the saltness of the water1 which dries more than it moistens4 ,now1 if there be a little tumour1 within or without the privities1 it is nothing else but a descent of the womb1 but if there be a tumour like a goose's egg and a hole at the bottom and there is at first a great pain in the parts to which the womb is fastened1 as the loins1 the bottom of the belly1 and the os sacrum1 it proceeds from the breaking or stretching of the ligaments2 and a little after the pain is abated1 and there is an impediment in walking1 and sometimes blood comes from the breach of the vessels1 and the excrements and urine are stopped1 and then a fever and convulsion ensueth1 oftentimes proving mortal1 especially if it happen to women with child4 ,cure4 ,for the cure of this distemper1 first put up the womb before the air alter it1 or it be swollen or inflamed2 and for this purpose give a clyster to remove the excrements1 and lay her upon her back1 with her legs abroad1 and her thighs lifted up and her head down2 then take the tumour in your hand and thrust it in without violence2 if it be swelled by alteration and cold1 foment it with the decoction of mallows1 althoea1 lime1 fenugreek1 camomile flowers1 bay-berries1 and anoint it with oil of lilies1 and hen's grease4 ,if there be an inflammation1 do not put it up1 but fright it in1 by putting a red-hot iron before it and making a show as if you intended to burn it2 but first sprinkle upon it the powder of mastich1 frankincense and the like2 thus1 take frankincense1 mastich1 each two drachms2 sarcocol steeped in milk1 drachm2 mummy1 pomegranate flowers1 sanguisdraconis1 each half a drachm4 ,when it is put up1 let her lie with her legs stretched1 and one upon the other1 for eight or ten days1 and make a pessary in the form of a pear1 with cork or sponge1 and put it into the womb1 dipped in sharp wine1 or juice of acacia1 with powder of sanguis1 with galbanum and bdellium4 ,apply also a cupping-glass1 with a great flame1 under the navel or paps1 or both kidneys1 and lay this plaster to the back2 take opopanax1 two ounces1 storax liquid1 half an ounce2 mastich1 frankincense1 pitch1 bole1 each two drachms2 then with wax make a plaster2 or take laudanum1 a drachm and a half2 mastich1 and frankincense1 each half a drachm1 wood aloes1 cloves1 spike1 each a drachm2 ash-coloured ambergris1 four grains3 musk1 half a scruple2 make two round plasters to be laid on each side of the navel2 make a fume of snails' skins salted1 or of garlic1 and let it be taken in by the funnel4 ,use also astringent fomentations of bramble leaves1 plantain1 horse-tails1 myrtles1 each two handfuls2 wormseed1 two handfuls2 pomegranate flowers1 half an ounce2 boil them in wine and water4 ,for an injection take comfrey root1 an ounce2 rupturewort1 two drachms2 yarrow1 mugwort1 each half an ounce2 boil them in red wine1 and inject with a syringe4 ,to strengthen the womb1 take hartshorn1 bays1 of each half a drachm2 myrrh half a drachm2 make a powder of two doses1 and give it with sharp wine4 ,or you may take ,zedoary1 parsnip seed1 crabs' eyes prepared1 each a drachm1 nutmeg1 half a drachm2 and give a drachm1 in powder2 but astringents must be used with great caution1 lest by stopping the courses a worse mischief follow4 ,to keep in its place1 make rollers and ligatures as for a rupture2 and put pessaries into the bottom of the womb1 that may force it to remain4 ,let the diet be such as has drying1 astringent and glueing qualities1 as rice1 starch1 quinces1 pears and green cheese2 but let the summer fruits be avoided2 and let her wine be astringent and red4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iii ,of ,diseases ,relating to ,women's ,monthly ,courses4 ,,section ,i4--,of ,women's ,monthly ,courses in ,general4 ,that divine ,providence1 which1 with a wisdom peculiar to itself1 has appointed woman to conceive by coition with man1 and to bear and bring forth children1 has provided for nourishment of children during their recess in the womb of their mother1 by that redundancy of the blood which is natural to all women2 and which1 flowing out at certain periods of time 7when they are not pregnant7 are from thence called terms and menses1 from their monthly flux of excrementitious and unprofitable blood4 ,now1 that the matter flowing forth is excrementitious1 is to be understood only with respect to the redundancy and overplus thereof1 being an excrement only with respect to its quantity2 for as to its quality1 it is as pure and incorrupt as any blood in the veins2 and this appears from the final cause of it1 which is the propagation and conservation of mankind1 and also from the generation of it1 being superfluity of the last aliment of the fleshy parts4 ,if any ask1 if the menses be not of hurtful quality1 how can they cause such venomous effects2 if they fall upon trees and herbs1 they make the one barren and mortify the other3 ,i answer1 this malignity is contracted in the womb1 for the woman1 wanting native heat to digest the superfluity1 sends it to the matrix1 where seating itself till the mouth of the womb be dilated1 it becomes corrupt and mortified2 which may easily be1 considering the heat and moistness of the place2 and so this blood being out of its proper vessels1 offends in quality4 ,,sect4 ,,ii4--,of the ,terms coming out of order1 either before or after the usual ,time4 ,having1 in the former part of this work1 treated1 of the suppression and overflowing of the monthly terms1 ,i shall content myself with referring the reader thereto1 and proceed to speak of their coming out of order1 either before or after the usual time4 ,both these proceed from an ill constitution of body4 ,everything is beautiful in its order1 in nature as well as in morality2 and if the order of nature be broken1 it shows the body to be out of order4 ,of each of these effects briefly4 ,when the monthly courses come before their time1 showing a depraved excretion1 and flowing sometimes twice a month1 the cause is in the blood1 which stirs up the expulsive faculty of the womb1 or else in the whole body1 and is frequently occasioned by the person's diet1 which increases the blood too much1 making it too sharp or too hot4 ,if the retentive faculty of the womb be weak1 and the expulsive faculty strong1 and of a quick sense1 it brings them forth the sooner4 ,sometimes they flow sooner by reason of a fall1 stroke or some violent passion1 which the parties themselves can best relate4 ,if it be from heat1 thin and sharp humours1 it is known by the distemper of the whole body4 ,the looseness of the vessels and the weakness of the retentive faculty1 is known from a moist and loose habit of the body4 ,it is more troublesome than dangerous1 but hinders conception1 and therefore the cure is necessary for all1 but especially such as desire children4 ,if it proceeds from a sharp blood1 let her temper it by a good diet and medicines4 ,to which purpose1 let her use baths of iron water1 that correct the distemper of the bowels1 and then evacuate4 ,if it proceeds from the retentive faculty1 and looseness of the vessels1 it is to be corrected with gentle astringents4 ,as to the courses flowing after the usual time1 the causes are1 thickness of the blood1 and the smallness of its quantity1 with the stoutness of the passage1 and weakness of the expulsive faculties4 ,either of these singly may stop the courses1 but if they all concur1 they render the distemper worse4 ,if the blood abounds not in such a quantity as may stir up nature to expel it1 its purging must necessarily be deferred1 till there be enough4 ,and if the blood be thick1 the passage stopped1 and the expulsive faculty weak1 the menses must needs be out of order and the purging of them retarded4 ,for the cure of this1 if the quantity of blood be small1 let her use a larger diet1 and a very little exercise4 ,if the blood be thick and foul1 let it be made thin1 and the humours mixed therewith1 evacuated4 ,it is good to purge1 after the courses have done flowing1 and to use calamint1 and1 indeed1 the oftener she purges1 the better4 ,she may also use fumes and pessaries1 apply cupping glasses without scarification to the inside of the thighs1 and rub the legs and scarify the ankles1 and hold the feet in warm water four or five days before the courses come down4 ,let her also anoint the bottom of her belly with things proper to provoke the terms4 ,remedies for ,diseases in ,women's ,paps4 ,make a cataplasm of bean meal and salad oil1 and lay it to the place afflicted4 ,or anoint with the juice of papilaris4 ,this must be done when the papa are very sore4 ,if the paps be hard and swollen1 take a handful of rue1 colewort roots1 horehound and mint2 if you cannot get all these conveniently1 any two will do2 pound the handful in honey1 and apply it once every day till healed4 ,if the nipples be stiff and sore1 anoint twice a day with ,florence oil1 till healed4 ,if the paps be flabby and hanging1 bruise a little hemlock1 and apply it to the breast for three days2 but let it not stand above seven hours4 ,or1 which is safer1 rusae juice1 well boiled1 with a little sinapios added thereto1 and anoint4 ,if the paps be hard and dead1 make a plate of lead pretty thin1 to answer the breasts2 let this stand nine hours each day1 for three days4 ,or sassafras bruised1 and used in like manner4 ,receipt for ,procuring ,milk4 ,drink arpleui1 drawn as tea1 for twenty-one days4 ,or eat of aniseeds4 ,also the juice of arbor vitae1 a glassful once a day for eleven days1 is very good1 for it quickens the memory1 strengthens the body1 and causeth milk to flow in abundance4 ,directions for ,drawing of ,blood4 ,drawing of blood was first invented for good and salutary purposes1 although often abused and misapplied4 ,to bleed in the left arm removes long continued pains and headaches4 ,it is also good for those who have got falls and bruises4 ,bleeding is good for many disorders1 and generally proves a cure1 except in some extraordinary cases1 and in those cases bleeding is hurtful4 ,if a woman be pregnant1 to draw a little blood will give her ease1 good health1 and a lusty child4 ,bleeding is a most certain cure for no less than twenty-one disorders1 without any outward or inward applications2 and for many more with application of drugs1 herbs and flowers4 ,when the moon is on the increase1 you may let blood at any time day or night2 but when she is on the decline1 you must bleed only in the morning4 ,bleeding may be performed from the month of ,march to ,november4 ,no bleeding in ,december1 ,january or ,february1 unless an occasion require it4 ,the months of ,march1 ,april and ,november1 are the three chief months of the year for bleeding in2 but it may be performed with safety from the ninth of ,march to the nineteenth of ,november4 ,to prevent the dangers that may arise from she unskilful drawing of blood1 let none open a but a person of experience and practice4 ,there are three sorts of people you must not let draw blood2 first ignorant and inexperienced persons4 ,secondly1 those who have bad sight and trembling hands1 whether skilful or unskilled4 ,for when the hand trembles1 the lance is apt to start from the vein1 and the flesh be thereby damaged1 which may hurt1 canker1 and very much torment the patient4 ,thirdly1 let no woman bleed1 but such as have gone through a course of midwifery at college1 for those who are unskilful may cut an artery1 to the great damage of the patient4 ,besides1 what is still worse1 those pretended bleeders1 who take it up at their own hand1 generally keep unedged and rusty lancets1 which prove hurtful1 even in a skilful hand4 ,accordingly you ought to be cautious in choosing your physician2 a man of learning knows what vein to open for each disorder2 he knows how much blood to take as soon as he sees the patient1 and he can give you suitable advice concerning your disorder4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,part ,,iii ,,aristotle',s ,,book ,,of ,,problems ,,with ,,other ,,astromer1 ,,astrologers ,,and ,,physicians1 ,,concerning ,,the ,,state ,,of ,,man',s ,,body4 ,q4 ,among all living creatures1 why hath man only his countenance lifted up towards ,heaven4 ,a4 #a4 ,from the will of the ,creator4 ,but although this answer be true1 yet it seemeth not to be of force1 because that so all questions might be easily resolved4 ,therefore1 #b4 ,i answer that1 for the most part1 every workman doth make his first work worse1 and then his second better6 so ,god creating all other animals before man gave them their face looking down to the earth2 and then secondly he created man1 unto whom he gave an upright shape1 lifted unto heaven1 because it is drawn from divinity1 and it is derived from the goodness of ,god1 who maketh all his works both perfect and good4 #c4 ,man only1 among all living creatures1 is ordained to the kingdom of heaven1 and therefore hath his face elevated and lifted up to heaven1 because that despising earthly and worldly things1 he ought often to contemplate on heavenly things4 #d4 ,that the reasonable man is like unto angels1 and finally ordained towards ,god2 and therefore he hath a figure looking upward4 #e4 ,man is a microcosm1 that is1 a little world1 and therefore he doth command all other living creatures and they obey him4 #f4 ,naturally there is unto everything and every work1 that form and figure given which is fit and proper for its motion2 as unto the heavens1 roundness1 to the fire a pyramidical form1 that is1 broad beneath and sharp towards the top1 which form is most apt to ascend2 and so man has his face towards heaven to behold the wonders of ,god's works4 ,q4 ,why are the heads of men hairy8 ,a4 ,the hair is the ornament of the head1 and the brain is purged of gross humours by the growing of the hair1 from the highest to the lowest1 which pass through the pores of the exterior flesh1 become dry1 and are converted into hair4 ,this appears to be the case1 from the circumstance that in all man's body there is nothing drier than the hair1 for it is drier than the bones2 and it is well known that some beasts are nourished with bones1 as dogs1 but they cannot digest feathers or hair1 but void them undigested1 being too hot for nourishment4 #b4 ,it is answered1 that the brain is purged in three different ways2 of superfluous watery humours by the eyes1 of choler by the nose1 and of phlegm by the hair1 which is the opinion of the best physicians4 ,q4 ,why have men longer hair on their heads than any other living creature8 ,a4 ,arist4 de ,generat4 ,anim4 says1 that men have the moistest brain of all living creatures from which the seed proceedeth which is converted into the long hair of the head4 #b4 ,the humours of men are fat1 and do not become dry easily2 and therefore the hair groweth long on them4 ,in beasts1 the humours easily dry1 and therefore the hair groweth not so long4 ,q4 ,why doth the hair take deeper root in man's skin than in that of any other living creatures8 ,a4 ,because it has greater store of nourishment in man1 and therefore grows more in the inward parts of man4 ,and this is the reason why in other creatures the hair doth alter and change with the skin1 and not in man1 unless by a scar or wound4 ,q4 ,why have women longer hair than men8 ,a4 ,because women are moister and more phlegmatic than men1 and therefore there is more matter for hair to them1 and1 by consequence1 the length also of their hair4 ,and1 furthermore1 this matter is more increased in women than men from their interior parts1 and especially in the time of their monthly terms1 because the matter doth then ascend1 whereby the humour that breedeth the hair1 doth increase4 #b4 ,because women want beards2 so the matter of the beard doth go into that of the hair4 ,q4 ,why have some women soft hair and some hard8 ,a4 #a4 ,the hair hath proportion with the skin2 of which some is hard1 some thick1 some subtle and soft1 some gross2 therefore1 the hair which grows out of thick1 gross skin1 is thick and gross2 that which groweth out of a subtle and fine skin1 is fine and soft2 when the pores are open1 then cometh forth much humour1 and therefore hard hair is engendered2 and when the pores are strait1 then there doth grow soft and fine hair4 ,this doth evidently appear in men1 because women have softer hair than they2 for in women the pores are shut and strait1 by reason of their coldness4 #b4 ,because for the most part1 choleric men have harder and thicker hair than others1 by reason of their heat1 and because their pores are always open1 and therefore they have beards sooner than others4 ,for this reason also1 beasts that have hard hair are boldest1 because such have proceeded from heat and choler1 examples of which we have in the bear and the boar2 and contrariwise1 those beasts that have soft hair are fearful1 because they are cold1 as the hare and the hart4 #c4 ,from the climate where a man is born2 because in hot regions hard and gross hair is engendered1 as appears in the ,ethiopians1 and the contrary is the case is cold countries toward the north4 ,q4 ,why have some men curled hair1 and some smooth8 ,a4 ,from the superior degree of heat in some men1 which makes the hair curl and grow upward2 this is proved by a man's having smooth hair when he goes into a hot bath1 and it afterwards becomes curled4 ,therefore keepers of baths have often curled hair1 as also ,ethiopians and choleric men4 ,but the cause of this smoothness1 is the abundance of moist humours4 ,q4 ,why do women show ripeness by hair in their privy parts1 and not elsewhere1 but men in their breasts8 ,a4 ,because in men and women there is abundance of humidity in that place1 but most in women1 as men have the mouth of the bladder in that place1 where the urine is contained1 of which the hair in the breast is engendered1 and especially that about the navel4 ,but of women in general1 it is said1 that the humidity of the bladder of the matrix1 or womb1 is joined and meeteth in that lower secret place1 and therefore is dissolved and separated in that place into vapours and fumes1 which are the cause of hair4 ,and the like doth happen in other places1 as in the hair under the arms4 ,q4 ,why have not women beards8 ,a4 ,because they want heat2 which is the case with some effeminate men1 who are beardless from the same cause1 to have complexions like women4 ,q4 ,why doth the hair grow on those that are hanged8 ,a4 ,because their bodies are exposed to the sun1 which1 by its heat doth dissolve all moisture into the fume or vapour of which the hair doth grow4 ,q4 ,why is the hair of the beard thicker and grosser than elsewhere2 and the more men are shaven1 the harder and thicker it groweth8 ,a4 ,because by so much as the humours or vapours of a liquid are dissolved and taken away1 so much the more doth the humour remaining draw to the same2 and therefore the more the hair is shaven1 the thicker the humours gather which engender the hair1 and cause it to wax hard4 ,q4 ,why are women smooth and fairer than men8 ,a4 ,because in women much of the humidity and superfluity1 which are the matter and cause of the hair of the body1 is expelled with their monthly terms2 which superfluity1 remaining in men1 through vapours passes into hair4 ,q4 ,why doth man1 above all other creatures1 wax hoary and gray8 ,a4 ,because man hath the hottest heart of all living creatures2 and therefore1 nature being most wise1 lest a man should be suffocated through the heat of his heart1 hath placed the heart1 which is most hot1 under the brain1 which is most cold2 to the end that the heat of the heart may be tempered by the coldness of the brain2 and contrariwise1 that the coldness of the brain may be qualified by the heat of the heart2 and thereby there might be a temperature in both4 ,a proof of this is1 that of all living creatures man hath the worst breath when he comes to full age4 ,furthermore1 man doth consume nearly half his time in sleep1 which doth proceed from the great excess of coldness and moisture in the brain1 and from his wanting natural heat to digest and consume that moisture1 which heat he hath in his youth1 and therefore1 in that age is not gray1 but in old age1 when heat faileth2 because then the vapours ascending from the stomach remain undigested and unconsumed for want of natural heat1 and thus putrefy1 on which putrefaction of humours that the whiteness doth follow1 which is called grayness or hoariness4 ,whereby it doth appear1 that hoariness is nothing but a whiteness of hair1 caused by a putrefaction of the humours about the roots of the hair1 through the want of natural heat in old age4 ,sometimes all grayness is caused by the naughtiness of the complexion1 which may happen in youth3 sometimes through over great fear and care as appeareth in merchants1 sailors and thieves4 ,q4 ,why doth red hair grow white sooner than hair of any other colour8 ,a4 ,because redness is an infirmity of the hair2 for it is engendered of a weak and infirm matter1 that is1 of matter corrupted with the flowers of the woman2 and therefore it waxes white sooner than any other colour4 ,q4 ,why do wolves grow grisly8 ,a4 ,to understand this question1 note the difference between grayness and grisliness2 grayness is caused through defect of natural heat1 but grisliness through devouring and heat4 ,the wolf being a devouring beast1 he eateth gluttonously without chewing1 and enough at once for three days2 in consequence of which1 gross vapours engendered in the wolf's body1 which cause grisliness4 ,grayness and grisliness have this difference2 grayness is only in the head1 but grisliness all over the body4 ,q4 ,why do horses grow grisly and gray8 ,a4 ,because they are for the most part in the sun1 and heat naturally causes putrefaction2 therefore the matter of hair doth putrefy1 and in consequence they are quickly peeled4 ,q4 ,why do men get bald1 and trees let fall their leaves in winter8 ,a4 ,the want of moisture is the cause in both1 which is proved by a man's becoming bald through venery1 because by that he lets forth his natural humidity and heat2 and by that excess in carnal pleasure the moisture is consumed which is the nutriment of the hair4 ,thus1 eunuchs and women do not grow bald1 because they do not part from this moisture2 and therefore eunuchs are of the complexion of women4 ,q4 ,why are not women bald8 ,a4 ,because they are cold and moist1 which are the causes that the hair remaineth2 for moistness doth give nutriment to the hair1 and coldness doth bind the pores4 ,q4 ,why are not blind men naturally bald8 ,a4 ,because the eye hath moisture in it1 and that moisture which should pass through by the substance of the eyes1 doth become a sufficient nutriment for the hair and therefore they are seldom bald4 ,q4 ,why doth the hair stand on end when men are afraid8 ,a4 ,because in time of fear the heat doth go from the outward parts of the body into the inward to help the heart1 and so the pores in which the hair is fastened are shut up1 after which stopping and shutting up of the pores1 the standing up of the hair doth follow4 ,of the ,head4 ,q4 ,why is a man's head round8 ,a4 ,because it contains in it the moistest parts of the living creature3 and also that the brain may be defended thereby1 as with a shield4 ,q4 ,why is the head not absolutely long but somewhat round8 ,a4 ,to the end that the three creeks and cells of the brain might the better be distinguished2 that is1 the fancy in the forehead1 the discoursing or reasonable part in the middle1 and memory in the hinder-most part4 ,q4 ,why doth a man lift up his head towards the heavens when he doth imagine8 ,a4 ,because the imagination is in the fore part of the head or brain1 and therefore it lifteth up itself1 that the creeks or cells of the imagination may be opened1 and that the spirits which help the imagination1 and are fit for that purpose1 having their concourse thither1 may help the imagination4 ,q4 ,why doth a man1 when he museth or thinketh of things past1 look towards the earth8 ,a4 ,because the cell or creek which is behind1 is the creek or chamber of the memory2 and therefore1 that looketh towards heaven when the head is bowed down1 and so the cell is open1 to the end that the spirits which perfect the memory should enter it4 ,q4 ,why is not the head fleshy1 like other parts of the body8 ,a4 ,because the head would be too heavy1 and would not stand steadily4 ,also1 a head loaded with flesh1 betokens an evil complexion4 ,q4 ,why is the head subject to aches and griefs8 ,a4 ,by reason that evil humours1 which proceed from the stomach1 ascend up to the head and disturb the brain1 and so cause pain in the head2 sometimes it proceeds from overmuch filling the stomach1 because two great sinews pass from the brain to the mouth of the stomach1 and therefore these two parts do always suffer grief together4 ,q4 ,why have women the headache oftener than men8 ,a4 ,by reason of their monthly terms1 which men are not troubled with1 and by which a moist1 unclean and venomous fume is produced1 that seeks passage upwards1 and so causes the headache4 ,q4 ,why is the brain white8 ,a4 #a4 ,because it is cold1 and coldness is the mother of white4 #b4 ,because it may receive the similitude and likeness of all colours1 which the white colour can best do1 because it is most simple4 ,q4 ,why are all the senses in the head8 ,a4 ,because the brain is there1 on which all the senses depend1 and are directed by it2 and1 consequently1 it maketh all the spirits to feel1 and governeth all the membranes4 ,q4 ,why cannot a person escape death if the brain or heart be hurt8 ,a4 ,because the brain and heart are the two principal parts which concern life2 and1 therefore1 if they be hurt1 there is no remedy left for cure4 ,q4 ,why is the brain moist8 ,a4 ,because it may easily receive an impression1 which moisture can best do1 as it appeareth in wax1 which doth easily receive the print of the seal when soft4 ,q4 ,why is the brain cold8 ,a4 #a4 ,because that by this coldness it may clear the understanding of man and make it subtle4 #b4 ,that by the coldness of the brain1 the heat of the heart may be tempered4 ,of the ,eyes4 ,q4 ,why have you one nose and two eyes8 ,a4 ,because light is more necessary to us than smelling2 and therefore it doth proceed from the goodness of ,nature1 that if we receive any hurt or loss of one eye1 the other should remain4 ,q4 ,why have children great eyes in their youth1 which become small as they grow up8 ,a4 ,it proceeds from the want of fire1 and from the assemblage and meeting together of the light and humour2 the eyes1 being lightened by the sun1 which doth lighten the easy humour thereof and purge them3 and1 in the absence of the sun1 those humours become dark and black1 and the sight not so good4 ,q4 ,why does the blueish grey eye see badly in the day-time and well in the night8 ,a4 ,because greyness is light and shining in itself1 and the spirits with which we see are weakened in the day-time and strengthened in the night4 ,q4 ,why are men's eyes of diverse colours8 ,a4 ,by reason of diversity of humours4 ,the eye hath four coverings and three humours4 ,the first covering is called consolidative1 which is the outermost1 strong and fat4 ,the second is called a horny skin or covering1 of the likeness of a horn2 which is a clear covering4 ,the third1 uvea1 of the likeness of a black grape4 ,the fourth is called a cobweb4 ,the first humour is called albuginous1 from its likeness unto the white of an egg4 ,the second glarial2 that is1 clear1 like unto crystalline4 ,the third vitreous1 that is1 clear as glass4 ,and the diversity of humours causeth the diversity of the eyes4 ,q4 ,why are men that have but one eye1 good archers8 and why do good archers commonly shut one8 ,and why do such as behold the stars look through a trunk with one eye8 ,a4 ,this matter is handled in the perspective arts2 and the reason is1 as it doth appear in ,the ,book of ,causes1 because that every virtue and strength united and knit together1 is stronger than when dispersed and scattered4 ,therefore1 all the force of seeing dispersed in two eyes1 the one being shut1 is gathered into the other1 and so the light is fortified in him2 and by consequence he doth see better and more certainly with one eye being shut1 than when both are open4 ,q4 ,why do those that drink and laugh much1 shed most tears8 ,a4 ,because that while they drink and laugh without measure the air which is drawn in doth not pass out through the windpipe1 and so with force is directed and sent to the eyes1 and by their pores passing out1 doth expel the humours of the eyes2 which humour being expelled1 brings tears4 ,q4 ,why do such as weep much1 urine but little8 ,a4 ,because the radical humidity of a tear and of urine are of one and the same nature1 and1 therefore1 where weeping doth increase1 urine diminishes4 ,and that they are of one nature is plain to the taste1 because they are both salt4 ,q4 ,why do some that have clear eyes see nothing8 ,a4 ,by reason of the oppilation and naughtiness of the sinews with which we see2 for the temples being destroyed1 the strength of the light cannot be carried from the brain to the eye4 ,q4 ,why is the eye clear and smooth like glass8 ,a4 #a4 ,because the things which may be seen are better beaten back from a smooth thing than otherwise1 that thereby the sight should strengthen4 #b4 ,because the eye is moist above all parts of the body1 and of a waterish nature2 and as the water is clear and smooth1 so likewise is the eye4 ,q4 ,why do men and beasts who have their eyes deep in their head best see far off8 ,a4 ,because the force and power by which we see is dispersed in them1 and both go directly to the thing which is seen4 ,thus1 when a man doth stand in a deep ditch or well1 he doth see in the daytime the stars of the firmament2 because then the power of the night and of the beams are not scattered4 ,q4 ,wherefore do those men who have eyes far out in their head not see far distant8 ,a4 ,because the beams of the sight which pass from the eye1 are scattered on every side1 and go not directly unto the thing that is seen1 and therefore the sight is weakened4 ,q4 ,why are so many beasts born blind1 as lions' whelps and dogs' whelps4 ,a4 ,because such beasts are not yet of perfect ripeness and maturity1 and the course of nutriment doth not work in them4 ,thus the swallow1 whose eyes1 if they were taken out when they are young in their nest1 would grow in again4 ,and this is the case in many beasts who are brought forth before their time as it were dead1 as bear's whelps4 ,q4 ,why do the eyes of a woman that hath her flowers1 stain new glass8 ,and why doth a basilisk kill a man with his sight8 ,a4 ,when the flowers do run from a woman1 then a most venomous air is distilled from them1 which doth ascend into a woman's head2 and she1 having pain in her head1 doth wrap it up with a cloth or handkerchief2 and because the eyes are full of insensible holes1 which are called pores1 there the air seeketh a passage1 and infects the eyes1 which are full of blood4 ,the eyes also appear dropping and full of tears1 by reason of the evil vapour that is in them2 and these vapours are incorporated and multiplied till they come to the glass before them2 and by reason that such a glass is round1 clear and smooth1 it doth easily receive that which is unclean4 #b4 ,the basilisk is a very venomous and infectious animal1 and there pass from his eyes vapours which are multiplied upon the thing which is seen by him1 and even unto the eye of man2 the which venomous vapours or humours entering into the body1 do infect him1 and so in the end the man dieth4 ,and this is also the reason why the basilisk1 looking upon a shield perfectly well made with fast clammy pitch1 or any hard smooth thing1 doth kill itself1 because the humours are beaten back from the hard smooth thing unto the basilisk1 by which beating back he is killed4 ,q4 ,why is the sparkling in cats' eyes and wolves' eyes seen in the dark and not in the light8 ,a4 ,because that the greater light doth darken the lesser2 and therefore1 in a greater light the sparkling cannot be seen2 but the greater the darkness1 the easier it is seen1 and is more strong and shining4 ,q4 ,why is the sight recreated and refreshed by a green colour8 ,a4 ,because green doth merely move the sight1 and therefore doth comfort it2 but this doth not1 in black or white colours1 because these colours do vehemently stir and alter the organ and instrument of the sight1 and therefore make the greater violence2 and by how much the more violent the thing is which is felt or seen the more it doth destroy and weaken the sense4 ,of the ,nose4 ,q4 ,why doth the nose stand out further than any other part of the body4 ,a4 #a4 ,because the nose is1 as it were1 the sink of the brain1 by which the phlegm of the brain is purged2 and therefore it doth stand forth1 lest the other parts should be defiled4 #b4 ,because the nose is the beauty of the face1 and doth smell4 ,q4 ,why hath a man the worst smell of all creatures8 ,a4 ,because man hath most brains of all creatures2 and1 therefore1 by exceeding coldness and moisture1 the brain wanteth a good disposition1 and by consequence1 the smelling instrument is not good1 yea1 some men have no smell4 ,q4 ,why have vultures and cormorants a keen smell8 ,a4 ,because they have a very dry brain2 and1 therefore1 the air carrying the smell1 is not hindered by the humidity of the brain1 but doth presently touch its instrument2 and1 therefore1 vultures1 tigers and other ravenous beasts1 have been known to come five hundred miles after dead bodies4 ,q4 ,why did nature make the nostrils8 ,a4 #a4 ,because the mouth being shut we draw breath in by the nostrils1 to refresh the heart4 #b4 ,because the air which proceedeth from the mouth doth savour badly1 because of the vapours which rise from the stomach1 but that which we breathe from the nose is not noisome4 #c4 ,because the phlegm which doth proceed from the brain is purged by them4 ,q4 ,why do men sneeze8 ,a4 ,that the expulsive virtue and power of the sight should thereby be purged1 and the brain also from superfluities2 because1 as the lungs are purged by coughing1 so is the sight and brain by sneezing2 and therefore physicians give sneezing medicaments to purge the brain2 and thus it is1 such sick persons as cannot sneeze1 die quickly1 because it is a sign their brain is wholly stuffed with evil humours1 which cannot be purged4 ,q4 ,why do such as are apoplectic sneeze1 that is1 such as are subject easily to bleed8 ,a4 ,because the passages1 or ventricles of the brain are stopped1 and if they could sneeze1 their apoplexy would be loosed4 ,q4 ,why does the heat of the sun provoke sneezing1 and not the heat of the fire8 ,a4 ,because the heat of the sun doth dissolve1 but not consume1 and therefore the vapour dissolved is expelled by sneezing2 but the heat of the fire doth dissolve and consume1 and therefore doth rather hinder sneezing than provoke it4 ,of the ,ears4 ,q4 ,why do beasts move their ears1 and not men8 ,a4 ,because there is a certain muscle near the under jaw which doth cause motion in the ear2 and therefore1 that muscle being extended and stretched1 men do not move their ears1 as it hath been seen in divers men2 but all beasts do use that muscle or fleshy sinew1 and therefore do move their ears4 ,q4 ,why is rain prognosticated by the pricking up of asses' ears8 ,a4 ,because the ass is of a melancholic constitution1 and the approach of rain produceth that effect on such a constitution4 ,in the time of rain all beasts prick up their ears1 but the ass before it comes4 ,q4 ,why have some animals no ears8 ,a4 ,nature giveth unto everything that which is fit for it1 but if she had given birds ears1 their flying would have been hindered by them4 ,likewise fish want ears1 because they would hinder their swimming1 and have only certain little holes through which they hear4 ,q4 ,why have bats ears1 although of the bird kind8 ,a4 ,because they are partly birds in nature1 in that they fly1 by reason whereof they have wings2 and partly they are hairy and seem to be of the nature of mice1 therefore nature hath given them ears4 ,q4 ,why have men only round ears8 ,a4 ,because the shape of the whole and of the parts should be proportionable1 and especially in all things of one nature2 for as a drop of water is round1 so the whole water3 and so1 because a man's head is round1 the ears incline towards the same figure2 but the heads of beasts are somewhat long1 and so the ears are drawn into length likewise4 ,q4 ,why hath nature given all living creatures ears8 ,a4 #a4 ,because with them they should hear4 #b4 ,because by the ear choleric superfluity is purged2 for as the head is purged of phlegmatic superfluity by the nose1 so from choleric1 by the ears4 ,of the ,mouth4 ,q4 ,why hath the mouth lips to compass it8 ,a4 ,because the lips cover and defend the teeth2 for it would be unseemly if the teeth were always seen4 ,also1 the teeth being of a cold nature1 would be soon hurt if they were not covered with lips4 ,q4 ,why has a man two eyes and but one mouth8 ,a4 ,because a man should speak but little1 and hear and see much4 ,and by hearing and the light we see difference of things4 ,q4 ,why hath a man a mouth8 ,a4 #a4 ,because the mouth is the gate and door of the stomach4 #b4 ,because the meat is chewed in the mouth1 and prepared and made ready for the first digestion4 #c4 ,because the air drawn into the hollow of the mouth for the refreshing of the heart1 is made pure and subtle4 ,q4 ,why are the lips moveable8 ,a4 ,for the purpose of forming the voice and words which cannot be perfectly done without them4 ,for as without a1 b1 c1 there is no writing1 so without the lips no voice can well be formed4 ,q4 ,what causes men to yawn or gape8 ,a4 ,it proceeds from the thick fume and vapours that fill the jaws2 by the expulsion of which is caused the stretching out and expansion of the jaws1 and opening of the mouth4 ,q4 ,why doth a man gape when he seeth another do the same8 ,a4 ,it proceeds from the imagination4 ,and this is proved by the similitude of the ass1 who by reason of his melancholy1 doth retain his superfluity for a long time1 and would neither eat nor piss unless he should hear another doing the like4 ,of the ,teeth4 ,q4 ,why do the teeth only1 amongst all ether bones1 experience the sense of feeling8 ,a4 ,that they may discern heat and cold1 that hurt them1 which other bones need not4 ,q4 ,why have men more teeth than women8 ,a4 ,by reason of the abundance of heat and cold which is more in men than in women4 ,q4 ,why do the teeth grow to the end of our life1 and not the other bones8 ,a4 ,because otherwise they would be consumed with chewing and grinding4 ,q4 ,why do the teeth only come again when they fall1 or be taken out1 and other bones being taken away1 grow no more8 ,a4 ,because other bones are engendered of the humidity which is called radical1 and so they breed in the womb of the mother1 but the teeth are engendered of nutritive humidity1 which is renewed and increased from day to day4 ,q4 ,why do the fore-teeth fall in youth1 and grow again1 and not the cheek teeth8 ,a4 ,from the defect of matter1 and from the figure2 because the fore-teeth are sharp1 and the others broad4 ,also1 it is the office of the fore-teeth to cut the meat1 and therefore they are sharp2 and the office of the others to chew the meat1 and therefore they are broad in fashion1 which is fittest for that purpose4 ,q4 ,why do the fore-teeth grow soonest8 ,a4 ,because we want them sooner in cutting than the others in chewing4 ,q4 ,why do the teeth grow black in human creatures in their old age8 ,a4 ,it is occasioned by the corruption of the meat1 and the corruption of phlegm with a choleric humour4 ,q4 ,why are colts' teeth yellow1 and of the colour of saffron1 when they are young1 and become white when they grow up8 ,a4 ,because horses have abundance of watery humours in them1 which in their youth are digested and converted into grossness2 but in old age heat diminishes1 and the watery humours remain1 whose proper colour is white4 ,q4 ,why did nature give living creatures teeth8 ,a4 ,to some to fight with1 and for defence of their lives1 as unto wolves and bears1 unto some to eat with1 as unto horses1 unto some for the forming of the voices1 as unto men4 ,q4 ,why do horned beasts want their upper teeth8 ,a4 ,horns and teeth are caused by the same matter1 that is1 nutrimental humidity1 and therefore the matter which passeth into the horns turneth not into teeth1 consequently they want the upper teeth4 ,and such beasts cannot chew well2 therefore1 to supply the want of teeth1 they have two stomachs1 from whence it returns and they chew it again1 then it goes into the other to be digested4 ,q4 ,why are some creatures brought forth with teeth1 as kids and lambs2 and some without1 as men8 ,a4 ,nature doth not want in necessary things1 nor abound in things superfluous2 and therefore1 because these beasts1 not long after they are fallen1 do need teeth1 they are fallen with teeth2 but men1 being nourished by their mother1 for a long time do not stand in need of teeth4 ,of the ,tongue4 ,q4 ,why is the tongue full of pores8 ,a4 ,because the tongue is the means whereby which we taste2 and through the mouth1 in the pores of the tongue1 doth proceed the sense of tasting4 ,again1 it is observed1 that frothy spittle is sent into the mouth by the tongue from the lungs1 moistening the meat and making it ready for digestion4 ,q4 ,why do the tongues of such as are sick of agues judge all things bitter8 ,a4 ,because the stomachs of such persons are filled with choleric humours2 and choler is very bitter1 as appeareth by the gall2 therefore this bitter fume doth infect their tongues2 and so the tongue1 being full of these tastes1 doth judge everything bitter4 ,q4 ,why doth the tongue water when we hear sour and sharp things spoken of8 ,a4 ,because the imaginative virtue or power is of greater force than the power or faculty of tasting2 and when we imagine a taste1 we conceive the power of tasting as a swan2 there is nothing felt by the taste1 but by means of the spittle the tongue doth water4 ,q4 ,why do some persons stammer and lisp8 ,a4 ,sometimes through the moistness of the tongue and brain1 as in children1 who cannot speak plainly nor pronounce many letters4 ,sometimes it happeneth by reason of the shrinking of certain sinews which go to the tongue1 which are corrupted with phlegm4 ,q4 ,why are the tongues of serpents and mad dogs venomous8 ,a4 ,because of the malignity and tumosity of the venomous humour which predominates in them4 ,q4 ,why is a dog's tongue good for medicine1 and a horse's tongue pestiferous8 ,a4 ,by reason of some secret property1 or that the tongue of a dog is full of pores1 and so doth draw and take away the viscosity of the wound4 ,it is observed that a dog hath some humour in his tongue1 with which1 by licking he doth heal2 but the contrary effect is the lick of a horse's tongue4 ,q4 ,why is spittle white8 ,a4 ,by reason of the continual moving of the tongue1 whereof heat is engendered1 which doth make this superfluity white2 as seen in the froth of water4 ,q4 ,why is spittle unsavoury and without taste8 ,a4 ,if it had a certain determinate taste1 then the tongue would not taste at all1 but only have the taste of spittle1 and could not distinguish others4 ,q4 ,why doth the spittle of one that is fasting heal an imposthume8 ,a4 ,because it is well digested and made subtle4 ,q4 ,why do some abound in spittle more than others8 ,a4 ,this doth proceed of a phlegmatic complexion1 which doth predominate in them2 and such are liable to a quotidian ague1 which ariseth from the predominance of phlegm2 the contrary in those that spit little1 because heat abounds in them1 which consumes the humidity of the spittle2 and so the defect of spittle is a sign of fever4 ,q4 ,why is the spittle of a man that is fasting more subtle than of one that is full8 ,a4 ,because the spittle is without the viscosity of meat1 which is wont to make the spittle of one who is full1 gross and thick4 ,q4 ,from whence proceeds the spittle of a man8 ,a4 ,from the froth of the lungs1 which according to the physicians1 is the seat of the phlegm4 ,q4 ,why are beasts when going together for generation very full of froth and foam8 ,a4 ,because then the lights and heart are in greater motion of lust2 therefore there is engendered in them much frothy matter4 ,q4 ,why have not birds spittle8 ,a4 ,because they have very dry lungs4 ,q4 ,why doth the tongue sometimes lose the use of speaking8 ,a4 ,it is occasioned by a palsy or apoplexy1 which is a sudden effusion of blood1 and by gross humours2 and sometimes also by infection of spiritus animates in the middle cell of the brain which hinders the spirits from being carried to the tongue4 ,of the ,roof of the ,mouth4 ,q4 ,why are fruits1 before they are ripe1 of a bitter and sour relish1 and afterward sweet8 ,a4 ,a sour relish or taste proceeds from coldness and want of heat in gross and thick humidity2 but a sweet taste is produced by sufficient heat2 therefore in the ripe fruit humidity is subtle through the heat of the sun1 and such fruit is commonly sweet2 but before it is ripe1 as humidity is gross or subtle for want of heat1 the fruit is bitter or sour4 ,q4 ,why are we better delighted with sweet tastes than with bitter or any other8 ,a4 ,because a sweet thing is hot and moist1 and through its heat dissolves and consumes superfluous humidities1 and by this humidity immundicity is washed away2 but a sharp1 eager taste1 by reason of the cold which predominates in it1 doth bind overmuch1 and prick and offend the parts of the body in purging1 and therefore we do not delight in that taste4 ,q4 ,why doth a sharp taste1 as that of vinegar1 provoke appetite rather than any other8 ,a4 ,because it is cold1 and doth cool4 ,for it is the nature of cold to desire to draw1 and therefore it is the cause of appetite4 ,q4 ,why do we draw in more air than we breathe out8 ,a4 ,because much air is drawn in that is converted into nutriment1 and with the vital spirits is contained in the lungs4 ,therefore a beast is not suffocated as long as it receives air with its lungs1 in which some part of the air remaineth also4 ,q4 ,why doth the air seem to be expelled and put forth1 seeing the air is invisible1 by reason of its variety and thinness8 ,a4 ,because the air which is received in us1 is mingled with vapours and fumes from the heart1 by reason whereof it is made thick1 and so is seen4 ,and this is proved by experience1 because that in winter1 we see our breath1 for the coldness of the air doth bind the air mixed with fume1 and so it is thickened and made gross1 and by consequence is seen4 ,q4 ,why have some persons stinking breath8 ,a4 ,because of the evil fumes that arise from the stomach4 ,and sometimes it doth proceed from the corruption of the airy parts of the body1 as the lungs4 ,the breath of lepers is so infected that it would poison birds if near them1 because the inward parts are very corrupt4 ,q4 ,why are lepers hoarse8 ,a4 ,because the vocal instruments are corrupted1 that is1 the lights4 ,q4 ,why do persons become hoarse8 ,a4 ,because of the rheum descending from the brain1 filling the conduit of the lights2 and sometimes through imposthumes of the throat1 or rheum gathering in the neck4 ,q4 ,why have the females of all living creatures the shrillest voices1 the crow only excepted1 and a woman a shriller and smaller voice than a man8 ,a4 ,by reason of the composition of the veins and vocal arteries the voice is formed1 as appears by this similitude1 that a small pipe sounds shriller than a great4 ,also in women1 because the passage where the voice is formed is made narrow and strait1 by reason of cold1 it being the nature of cold to bind2 but in men1 the passage is open and wider through heat1 because it is the property of heat to open and dissolve4 ,it proceedeth in women through the moistness of the lungs1 and weakness of the heat4 ,young and diseased men have sharp and shrill voices from the same cause4 ,q4 ,why doth the voice change in men at fourteen1 and in women at twelve2 in men they begin to yield seed1 in women when their breasts begin to grow8 ,a4 ,because then the beginning of the voice is slackened and loosened2 and this is proved by the similitude of the string of an instrument let down or loosened1 which gives a great sound1 and also because creatures that are gelded1 as eunuchs1 capons41 etc41 have softer and slenderer voices than others1 by the want of their stones4 ,q4 ,why do small birds sing more and louder than great ones1 as appears in the lark and nightingale8 ,a4 ,because the spirits of small birds are subtle and soft1 and the organ conduit strait1 as appeareth in a pipe2 therefore their notes following easily at desire1 they sing very soft4 ,q4 ,why do bees1 wasps1 locusts and many other such like insects1 make a noise1 seeing they have no lungs1 nor instruments of music8 ,a4 ,because in them there is a certain small skin1 which1 when struck by the air1 causeth a sound4 ,q4 ,why do not fish make a sound8 ,a4 ,because they have no lungs1 but only gills1 nor yet a heart1 and therefore they need not the drawing in of the air1 and by consequence they make no noise1 because a voice is a percussion of the air which is drawing4 ,of the ,neck4 ,q4 ,why hath a living creature a neck8 ,a4 ,because the neck is the supporter of the head1 and therefore the neck is in the middle between the head and the body1 to the intent that by it1 and by its sinews1 motion and sense of the body might be conveyed through all the body2 and that by means of the neck1 the heart1 which is very hot1 might be separated from the brain4 ,q4 ,why do some creatures want necks1 as serpents and fishes8 ,a4 ,because they want hearts1 and therefore want that assistance which we have spoken of2 or else they have a neck in some inward part of them1 which is not distinguished outwardly4 ,q4 ,why is the neck full of bones and joints8 ,a4 ,that it may bear and sustain the head the better4 ,also1 because the back bone is joined to the brain in the neck1 and from thence it receives marrow1 which is of the substance of the brain4 ,q4 ,why have some creatures long necks1 as cranes1 storks and such like8 ,a4 ,because such birds seek their food at the bottom of waters4 ,and some creatures have short necks1 as sparrows1 hawks1 etc41 because such are ravenous1 and therefore for strength have short necks1 as appeareth in the ox1 who has a short neck and strong4 ,q4 ,why is the neck hollow1 and especially before1 about the tongue8 ,a4 ,because there are two passages1 whereof the one doth carry the meat to the nutritive instrument1 or stomach and liver1 which is called by the ,greeks ,aesophagus2 and the other is the windpipe4 ,q4 ,why is the artery made with rings and circle8 ,a4 ,the better to bow and give a good sounding4 ,of the ,shoulders and ,arms4 ,q4 ,why hath a man shoulders and arms8 ,a4 ,to lift and carry burdens4 ,q4 ,why are the arms round8 ,a4 ,for the swifter and speedier work4 ,q4 ,why are the arms thick8 ,a4 ,that they may be strong to lift and bear burdens1 and thrust and give a strong blow2 so their bones are thick1 because they contain much marrow1 or they would be easily corrupted and injured4 ,q4 ,why do the arms become small and slender in some diseases1 as in mad men1 and such as are sick of the dropsy8 ,a4 ,because all the parts of the body do suffer the one with the other2 and therefore one member being in grief1 all the humours do concur and run thicker to give succour and help to the aforesaid grief4 ,q4 ,why have brute beasts no arms8 ,a4 ,their fore feet are instead of arms1 and in their place4 ,of the ,hands4 ,q4 ,for what use hath a man hands1 and an ape also1 like unto a man8 ,a4 ,the hand is an instrument a man doth especially make use of1 because many things are done by the hands1 and not by any other part4 ,q4 ,why are some men ambo-dexter1 that is1 they use the left hand as the right8 ,a4 ,by reason of the great heat of the heart1 and for the hot bowing of the same1 for it is that which makes a man as nimble of the left hand as of the right4 ,q4 ,why are the fingers full of joints8 ,a4 ,to be more fit and apt to receive and keep what is put in them4 ,q4 ,why hath every finger three joints1 and the thumb but two8 ,a4 ,the thumb hath three1 but the third is joined to the arm1 therefore is stronger than the other fingers2 and is called pollex or polico1 that is1 to excel in strength4 ,q4 ,why are the fingers of the right hand nimbler than the fingers of the left8 ,a4 ,it proceedeth from the heat that predominates in those parts1 and causeth great agility4 ,of the ,nails4 ,q4 ,from whence do nails proceed8 ,a4 ,of the tumosity and humours1 which are resolved and go into the extremities of the fingers2 and they are dried through the power of the external air1 and brought to the hardness of horn4 ,q4 ,why do the nails of old men grow black and pale8 ,a4 ,because the heat of the heart decaying causeth their beauty to decay also4 ,q4 ,why are men judged to be good or evil complexioned by the colour of the nails8 ,a4 ,because they give witness of the goodness or badness of their heart1 and therefore of the complexion1 for if they be somewhat red1 they betoken choler well tempered2 but if they be yellowish or black1 they signify melancholy4 ,q4 ,why do white spots appear in the nails8 ,a4 ,through mixture of phlegm with nutriment4 ,of the ,paps and ,dugs4 ,q4 ,why are the paps placed upon the breasts8 ,a4 ,because the breast is the seat of the heart1 which is most hot2 and therefore the paps grow there1 to the end that the menses being conveyed thither as being near the heat of the heart1 should the sooner be digested1 perfected and converted with the matter and substance of the milk4 ,q4 ,why are the paps below the breasts in beasts1 and above the breast in women8 ,a4 ,because woman goes upright1 and has two legs only2 and therefore if her paps were below her breasts1 they would hinder her going2 but beasts having four feet prevents that inconveniency4 ,q4 ,whether are great1 small or middle-sized paps best for children to suck8 ,a4 ,in great ones the heat is dispersed1 there is no good digestion of the milk2 but in small ones the power and force is strong1 because a virtue united is strongest2 and by consequence there is a good digestion for the milk4 ,q4 ,why have not men as great paps and breasts as women8 ,a4 ,because men have not monthly terms1 and therefore have no vessel deputed for them4 ,q4 ,why do the paps of young women begin to grow about thirteen or fifteen years of age8 ,a4 ,because then the flowers have no course to the teats1 by which the young one is nourished1 but follow their ordinary course and therefore wax soft4 ,q4 ,why hath a woman who is with child of a boy1 the right pap harder than the left8 ,a4 ,because the male child is conceived in the right side of the mother2 and therefore the flowers do run to the right pap1 and make it hard4 ,q4 ,why doth it show weakness of the child1 when the milk doth drop out of the paps before the woman is delivered8 ,a4 ,because the milk is the proper nutriment of the child in the womb of its mother1 therefore if the milk run out1 it is a token that the child is not nourished1 and consequently is weak4 ,q4 ,why do the hardness of the paps betoken the health of the child in the womb8 ,a4 ,because the flowers are converted into milk1 and thereby strength is signified4 ,q4 ,why are women's paps hard when they be with child1 and soft at other times8 ,a4 ,because they swell then1 and are puffed1 and the great moisture which proceeds from the flowers doth run into the paps1 which at other seasons remaineth in the matrix and womb1 and is expelled by the place deputed for that end4 ,q4 ,by what means doth the milk of the paps come to the matrix or womb8 ,a4 ,there is a certain knitting and coupling of the paps with the womb1 and there are certain veins which the midwives do cut in the time of the birth of the child1 and by those veins the milk flows in at the navel of the child1 and so it receives nourishment by the navel4 ,q4 ,why is it a sign of a male child in the womb when the milk that runneth out of a woman's breast is thick1 and not much1 and of a female when it is thin8 ,a4 ,because a woman that goeth with a boy hath a great heat in her1 which doth perfect the milk and make it thick2 but she who goes with a girl hath not so much heat1 and therefore the milk is undigested1 imperfect1 watery and thin1 and will swim above the water if it be put into it4 ,q4 ,why is the milk white1 seeing the flowers are red1 of which it is engendered8 ,a4 ,because blood which is well purged and concocted becomes white1 as appeareth in flesh whose proper colour is white1 and being boiled1 is white4 ,also1 because every humour which is engendered of the body1 is made like unto that part in colour where it is engendered as near as it can be2 but because the flesh of the paps is white1 therefore the colour of the milk is white4 ,q4 ,why doth a cow give milk more abundantly than other beasts8 ,a4 ,because she is a great eating beast1 where there is much monthly superfluity engendered1 there is much milk2 because it is nothing else but the blood purged and tried4 ,q4 ,why is not milk wholesome8 ,a4 #a4 ,because it curdeth in the stomach1 whereof an evil breath is bred4 #b4 ,because the milk doth grow sour in the stomach1 where evil humours are bred1 and infect the breath4 ,q4 ,why is milk bad for such as have the headache8 ,a4 ,because it is easily turned into great fumosities1 and hath much terrestrial substance in it1 the which ascending1 doth cause the headache4 ,q4 ,why is milk fit nutriment for infants8 ,a4 ,because it is a natural and usual food1 and they were nourished by the same in the womb4 ,q4 ,why are the white-meats made of a newly milked cow good8 ,a4 ,because milk at that time is very springy1 expels fumosities1 and1 as it were1 purges at that time4 ,q4 ,why is the milk naught for the child1 if the woman giving suck uses carnal copulation8 ,a4 ,because in time of carnal copulation1 the best part of the milk goes to the seed vessels1 and to the womb1 and the worst remain in the paps1 which hurts the child4 ,q4 ,why do physicians forbid the eating of fish and milk at the same time8 ,a4 ,because they produce a leprosy1 and because they are phlegmatic4 ,q4 ,why have not birds and fish milk and paps8 ,a4 ,because paps would hinder the flight of birds4 ,and although fish have neither paps nor milk1 the females cast much spawn1 which the male touches with a small gut1 and causes their kind to continue in succession4 ,of the ,back4 ,q4 ,why have beasts a back8 ,a4 #a4 ,because the back is the way and mien of the body from which are extended and spread throughout1 all the sinews of the backbone4 #b4 ,because it should be a guard and defence for the soft parts of the body1 as for the stomach1 liver1 lights and such like4 #c4 ,because it is the foundation of all the bones1 as the ribs1 fastened to the back bone4 ,q4 ,why hath the back bone so many joints or knots1 called spondyli8 ,a4 ,because the moving and bending it1 without such joints1 could not be done2 and therefore they are wrong who say that elephants have no such joints1 for without them they could not move4 ,q4 ,why do fish die after their back bones are broken8 ,a4 ,because in fish the back bone is instead of the heart2 now the heart is the first thing that lives and the last that dies2 and when that bone is broken1 fish can live no longer4 ,q4 ,why doth a man die soon after the marrow is hurt or perished8 ,a4 ,because the marrow proceeds from the brain1 which is the principal part of a man4 ,q4 ,why have some men the piles8 ,a4 ,those men are cold and melancholy1 which melancholy first passes to the spleen1 its proper seat1 but there cannot be retained1 for the abundancy of blood2 for which reason it is conveyed to the back bone1 where there are certain veins which terminate in the back1 and receive the blood4 ,when those veins are full of the melancholy blood1 then the conduits of nature are opened1 and the blood issues out once a month1 like women's terms4 ,those men who have this course of blood1 are kept from many infirmities1 such as dropsy1 plague1 etc4 ,q4 ,why are the ,jews much subject to this disease8 ,a4 ,because they eat much phlegmatic and cold meats1 which breed melancholy blood1 which is purged with the flux4 ,another reason is1 motion causes heat and heat digestion2 but strict ,jews neither move1 labour nor converse much1 which breeds a coldness in them1 and hinders digestion1 causing melancholic blood1 which is by this means purged out4 ,of the ,heart4 ,q4 ,why are the lungs light1 spongy and full of holes8 ,a4 ,that the air may be received into them for cooling the heart1 and expelling humours1 because the lungs are the fan of the heart2 and as a pair of bellows is raised up by taking in the air1 and shrunk by blowing it out1 so likewise the lungs draw the air to cool the heart1 and cast it out1 lest through too much air drawn in1 the heart should be suffocated4 ,q4 ,why is the flesh of the lungs white8 ,a4 ,because they are in continual motion4 ,q4 ,why have those beasts only lungs that have hearts8 ,a4 ,because the lungs be no part for themselves1 but for the heart1 and therefore1 it were superfluous for those creatures to have lungs that have no hearts4 ,q4 ,why do such creatures as have no lungs want a bladder8 ,a4 ,because such drink no water to make their meat digest and need no bladder for urine2 as appears in such birds as do not drink at all1 viz41 the falcon and sparrow hawk4 ,q4 ,why is the heart in the midst of the body8 ,a4 ,that it may import life to all1 parts of the body1 and therefore it is compared to the sun1 which is placed in the midst of the planets1 to give light to them all4 ,q4 ,why only in men is the heart on the left side8 ,a4 ,to the end that the heat of the heart may mitigate the coldness of the spleen2 for the spleen is the seat of melancholy1 which is on the left side also4 ,q4 ,why is the heart first engendered2 for the heart doth live first and die last8 ,a4 ,because the heart is the beginning and original of life1 and without it no part can live4 ,for of the seed retained in the matrix1 there is first engendered a little small skin1 which compasses the seed2 whereof first the heart is made of the purest blood2 then of blood not so pure1 the liver2 and of thick and cold blood the marrow and brain4 ,q4 ,why are beasts bold that have little hearts8 ,a4 ,because in a little heart the heat is well united and vehement1 and the blood touching it1 doth quickly heat it and is speedily carried to the other parts of the body1 which give courage and boldness4 ,q4 ,why are creatures with a large heart timorous1 as the hare8 ,a4 ,the heart is dispersed in such a one1 and not able to heat the blood which cometh to it2 by which means fear is bred4 ,q4 ,how is it that the heart is continually moving8 ,a4 ,because in it there is a certain spirit which is more subtle than air1 and by reason of its thickness and rarefaction1 seeks a larger space1 filling the hollow room of the heart2 hence the dilating and opening of the heart1 and because the heart is earthly the thrusting and moving ceasing1 its parts are at rest1 tending downwards4 ,as a proof of this1 take an acorn1 which1 if put into the fire1 the heat doth dissolve its humidity1 therefore occupies a greater space1 so that the rind cannot contain it1 but puffs up1 and throws it into the fire4 ,the like of the heart4 ,therefore the heart of a living creature is triangular1 having its least part towards its left side1 and the greater towards the right2 and doth also open and shut in the least part1 by which means it is in continual motion2 the first motion is called diastole1 that is extending the heart or breast2 the other systole1 that is1 shutting of the heart2 and from these all the motions of the body proceed1 and that of the pulse which the physicians feel4 ,q4 ,how comes it that the flesh of the heart is so compact and knit together8 ,a4 ,because in thick compacted substances heat is commonly received and united4 ,and because the heart with its heat should moderate the coldness of the brain1 it is made of that fat flesh apt to keep a strong heat4 ,q4 ,how comes the heart to be the hottest part of all living creatures8 ,a4 ,it is so compacted as to receive the heat best1 and because it should mitigate the coldness of the brain4 ,q4 ,why is the heart the beginning of life8 ,a4 ,it is plain that in it the vital spirit is bred1 which is the heat of life2 and therefore the heart having two receptacles1 viz41 the right and the left the right hath more blood than spirits2 which spirit is engendered to give life and vivify the body4 ,q4 ,why is the heart long and sharp like a pyramid8 ,a4 ,the round figure hath an angle1 therefore the heart is round1 for fear any poison or hurtful matter should be retained in it2 and because that figure is fittest for motion4 ,q4 ,how comes the blood chiefly to be in the heart8 ,a4 ,the blood in the heart has its proper or efficient place1 which some attribute to the liver2 and therefore the heart doth not receive blood from any other parts but all other parts of it4 ,q4 ,how happens it that some creatures want a heart8 ,a4 ,although they have no heart1 yet they have somewhat that answers for it1 as appears in eels and fish that have the back bone instead of the heart4 ,q4 ,why does the heart beat in some creatures after the head is cut off1 as in birds and hens8 ,a4 ,because the heart lives first and dies last1 and therefore beats longer than other parts4 ,q4 ,why doth the heat of the heart sometimes fail of a sudden1 and in those who have the falling sickness8 ,a4 ,this proceeds from the defect of the heart itself1 and of certain small skins with which it is covered1 which1 being infected and corrupted1 the heart faileth on a sudden2 sometimes only by reason of the parts adjoining2 and therefore1 when any venomous humour goes out of the stomach that turns the heart and parts adjoining1 that causeth this fainting4 ,of the ,stomach4 ,q4 ,for what reason is the stomach large and wide8 ,a4 ,because in it the food is first concocted or digested as it were in a pot1 to the end that which is pure should be separated from that which is not2 and therefore1 according to the quantity of food1 the stomach is enlarged4 ,q4 ,how comes it that the stomach is round8 ,a4 ,because if it had angles and corners1 food would remain in them and breed ill-humours1 so that a man would never want agues1 which humours are evacuated and consumed1 and not hid in any such corners1 by the roundness of the stomach4 ,q4 ,how comes the stomach to be full of sinews8 ,a4 ,because the sinews can be extended and enlarged1 and so is the stomach when it is full2 but when empty it is drawn together1 and therefore nature provides the sinews4 ,q4 ,how comes the stomach to digest8 ,a4 ,because of the heat which is in it1 and comes from the parts adjoining1 that is1 the liver and the heart4 ,for as we see in metals the heat of the fire takes away the rust and dross from iron1 the silver from tin1 and gold from copper2 so also by digestion the pure is separated from the impure4 ,q4 ,for what reason doth the stomach join the liver8 ,a4 ,because the liver is very hot1 and with its heat helps digestion1 and provokes appetite4 ,q4 ,why are we commonly cold after dinner8 ,a4 ,because then the heat goes to the stomach to further digestion1 and so the other parts grow cold4 ,q4 ,why is it hurtful to study soon after dinner8 ,a4 ,because when the heat labours to help the imagination in study1 it ceases from digesting the food1 which remains undigested2 therefore people should walk sometimes after meals4 ,q4 ,how cometh the stomach slowly to digest meat8 ,a4 ,because it swims in the stomach4 ,now1 the best digestion is in the bottom of the stomach1 because the fat descends not there2 such as eat fat meat are very sleepy by reason that digestion is hindered4 ,q4 ,why is all the body wrong when the stomach is uneasy8 ,a4 ,because the stomach is knit with the brain1 heart and liver1 which are the principal parts in man2 and when it is not well1 the others are indisposed4 ,again1 if the first digestion be hindered1 the others are also hindered2 for in the first digestion is the beginning of the infirmity in the stomach4 ,q4 ,why are young men sooner hungry than old men8 ,a4 ,young men do digest for three causes2 #a4 ,for growing2 #b4 ,for restoring life2 and #c4 ,for conservation of life4 ,also1 young men are hot and dry1 and therefore the heat doth digest more1 and by consequence they desire more4 ,q4 ,why do physicians prescribe that men should eat when they have an appetite8 ,a4 ,because much hunger and emptiness will fill the stomach with naughty rotten humours1 which are drawn in instead of meat2 for1 if we fast over night we have an appetite to meat1 but none in the morning2 as then the stomach is filled with naughty humours1 and especially its mouth1 which is no true filling1 but a deceitful one4 ,and1 therefore1 after we have eaten a little1 our stomach comes to us again2 for the first morsel1 having made clean the mouth of the stomach1 doth provoke the appetite4 ,q4 ,why do physicians prescribe that we should not eat too much at a time1 but little by little8 ,a4 ,because when the stomach is full1 the meat doth swim in it1 which is a dangerous thing4 ,another reason is1 that as very green wood doth put out the fire1 so much meat chokes the natural heat and puts it out2 and therefore the best physic is to use temperance in eating and drinking4 ,q4 ,why do we desire change of meals according to the change of times2 as in winter1 beef1 mutton2 in summer light meats1 as veal1 lamb1 etc48 ,a4 ,because the complexion of the body is altered and changed according to the time of year4 ,another reason is1 that this proceeds from the quality of the season3 because the cold in winter doth cause a better digestion4 ,q4 ,why should not the meat we eat be as hot as pepper and ginger8 ,a4 ,because as hot meat doth inflame the blood1 and dispose it to a leprosy1 so1 on the contrary1 meat too cold doth mortify and chill the blood4 ,our meat should not be over sharp1 because it wastes the constitution2 too much sauce doth burn the entrails1 and inclineth to too often drinking2 raw meat doth the same2 and over sweet meats to constipate and cling the veins together4 ,q4 ,why is it a good custom to eat cheese after dinner1 and pears after all meat8 ,a4 ,because1 by reason of its earthliness and thickness it tendeth down towards the bottom of the stomach1 and so put down the meat2 and the like of pears4 ,note1 that new cheese is better than old1 and that old soft cheese is very bad1 and causeth the headache and stopping of the liver2 and the older the worse4 ,whereof it is said that cheese digesteth all things but itself4 ,q4 ,why are nuts good after cheese1 as the proverb is1 ,after fish nuts1 and after flesh cheese8 ,a4 ,because fish is of hard digestion1 and doth easily putrefy and corrupt2 and nuts are a remedy against poison4 ,q4 ,why is it unwholesome to wait long for one dish after another1 and to eat of divers kinds of meat8 ,a4 ,because the first begins to digest when the last is eaten1 and so digestion is not equally made4 ,but yet this rule is to be noted2 dishes light of digestion1 as chickens1 kids1 veal1 soft eggs and such like1 should be first eaten2 because1 if they should be first served and eaten and were digested1 they would hinder the digestion of the others2 and the light meats not digested would be corrupted in the stomach and kept in the stomach violently1 whereof would follow belching1 loathing1 headache1 bellyache and great thirst4 ,it is very hurtful too1 at the same meal to drink wine and milk1 because they are productive of leprosy4 ,q4 ,whether is meat or drink best for the stomach8 ,a4 ,drink is sooner digested than meat1 because meat is of greater substance1 and more material than drink1 and therefore meat is harder to digest4 ,q4 ,why is it good to drink after dinner8 ,a4 ,because the drink will make the meat readier to digest4 ,the stomach is like unto a pot which doth boil meat1 and therefore physicians do counsel to drink at meals4 ,q4 ,why is it good to forbear a late supper8 ,a4 ,because there is little moving or stirring after supper1 and so the meat is not sent down to the bottom of the stomach1 but remaineth undigested1 and so breeds hurts2 therefore a light supper is best4 ,of the ,blood4 ,q4 ,why is it necessary that every living creature that hath blood have also a liver8 ,a4 ,because the blood is first made in the liver1 its seat1 being drawn from the stomach by certain principal veins1 and so engendered4 ,q4 ,why is the blood red8 ,a4 #a4 ,it is like the part in which it is made1 viz41 the liver1 which is red4 #b4 ,it is likewise sweet1 because it is well digested and concocted2 but if it hath a little earthly matter mixed with it1 that makes it somewhat salt4 ,q4 ,how is women's blood thicker than men's8 ,their coldness thickens1 binds1 congeals1 and joins together4 ,q4 ,how comes the blood to all parts of the body through the liver1 and by what means8 ,a4 ,through the principal veins1 as the veins of the head1 liver1 etc41 to nourish the body4 ,of the ,urine4 ,q4 ,how doth the urine come into the bladder1 seeing the bladder is shut8 ,a4 ,some say sweatings2 others1 by a small skin in the bladder1 which opens and lets in the urine4 ,urine is a certain and not deceitful messenger of the health or infirmity of man4 ,men make white urine in the morning1 and before dinner red1 but after dinner pale1 and also after supper4 ,q4 ,why is it hurtful to drink much cold water8 ,a4 ,because one contrary doth hinder and expel another2 water is very cold1 and lying so in the stomach1 doth hinder digestion4 ,q4 ,why is it unwholesome to drink new wine8 ,a4 #a4 ,it cannot be digested2 therefore it causeth the belly to swell1 and a kind of bloody flux4 #b4 ,it hinders making water4 ,q4 ,why do physicians forbid us to labour presently after dinner8 ,a4 #a4 ,because the motion hinders the virtue and power of digestion4 #b4 ,because stirring immediately after dinner causes the different parts of the body to draw the meat to them1 which often breeds sickness4 #c4 ,because motion makes the food descend before it is digested4 ,and after supper it is good to walk a little1 that the food may go to the bottom of the stomach4 ,q4 ,why is it good to walk after dinner8 ,a4 ,because it makes a man well disposed1 and fortifies and strengthens the natural heat1 causing the superfluity of the stomach to descend4 ,q4 ,why is it wholesome to vomit8 ,a4 ,it purges the stomach of all naughty humours1 expelling them1 which would breed again if they should remain in it2 and purges the eyes and head1 clearing the brain4 ,q4 ,how comes sleep to strengthen the stomach and the digestive faculty8 ,a4 ,because in sleep the heat draws inwards1 and helps digestion2 but when we awake1 the heat returns1 and is dispersed through the body4 ,of the ,gall and ,spleen4 ,q4 ,how come living creatures to have a gall8 ,a4 ,because choleric humours are received into it1 which through their acidity helps the guts to expel superfluities2 also it helps digestion4 ,q4 ,how comes the jaundice to proceed from the gall8 ,a4 ,the humour of the gall is bluish and yellow2 therefore when its pores are stopped the humour cannot go into the sack thereof1 but are mingled with the blood1 wandering throughout all the body and infecting the skin4 ,q4 ,why hath a horse1 mule1 ass or cow a gall8 ,a4 ,though these creatures have no gall in one place1 as in a purse or vessel1 yet they have one dispersed in small veins4 ,q4 ,how comes the spleen to be black8 ,a4 ,it is occasioned by terrestrial and earthy matter of a black colour4 ,according to physicians1 the spleen is the receptacle of melancholy1 and that is black4 ,q4 ,why is he lean who hath a large spleen8 ,a4 ,because the spleen draws much water to itself1 which would turn to fat2 therefore1 men that have a small spleen are fat4 ,q4 ,why does the spleen cause men to laugh1 as says ,isidorus2 ,we laugh with the spleen1 we are angry with the gall1 we are wise with the heart1 we love with the liver1 we feel with the brain1 and speak with the lungs8 ,a4 ,the reason is1 the spleen draws much melancholy to it1 being its proper seat1 the which melancholy proceeds from sadness1 and is there consumed2 and the cause failing1 the effect doth so likewise4 ,and by the same reason the gall causes anger1 for choleric men are often angry1 because they have much gall4 ,of ,carnal ,copulation4 ,q4 ,why do living creatures use carnal copulation8 ,a4 ,because it is most natural in them to get their like4 ,q4 ,what is carnal copulation8 ,a4 ,it is a mutual action of male and female1 with instruments ordained for that purpose to propagate their kind4 ,q4 ,why is this action good in those that use it lawfully and moderately8 ,a4 ,because it eases and lightens the body1 clears the mind1 comforts the head and senses1 and expels melancholy4 ,q4 ,why is immoderate carnal copulation hurtful8 ,a4 ,because it destroys the sight1 dries the body1 and impairs the brain1 often causes fevers and shortens life also4 ,q4 ,why doth carnal copulation injure melancholic or choleric men1 especially thin men8 ,a4 ,because it dries the bones much which are naturally so4 ,on the contrary1 it is good for the phlegmatic and sanguine1 because they abound with that substance which by nature1 is necessarily expelled4 ,q4 ,why should not the act be used when the body is full8 ,a4 ,because it hinders digestion2 and it is not good for a hungry belly1 because it weakens4 ,q4 ,why is it not good soon after a bath8 ,a4 ,because then the pores are open1 and the heat dispersed through the body3 for after bathing1 it cools the body too much4 ,q4 ,why is it not proper after vomiting or looseness8 ,a4 ,because it is dangerous to purge twice a day2 for in this act the veins are purged1 and the guts by the vomit4 ,q4 ,why is there such delight in the act of venery8 ,a4 ,because this act is such a contemptible thing in itself1 that all creatures would naturally abhor it were there no pleasure in it2 and therefore nature readily uses it1 that all kinds of living things should be maintained and kept up4 ,q4 ,why do such as use it often take less delight in it than those who come to it seldom8 ,a4 #a4 ,the passages of the seed are over large and wide2 and therefore it makes no stay there1 which would cause the delight4 #b4 ,through often evacuation there is little seed left1 and therefore no delight4 #c4 ,because such1 instead of seed there is cast out blood1 undigested and raw1 or some other watery substance1 which is not hot1 and therefore affords no delight4 ,of the ,seed of ,man and ,beasts4 ,q4 ,how1 and of what cometh the seed of man8 ,a4 ,some philosophers and physicians say1 it is superfluous humours2 others say1 that the seed is pure blood1 flowing from the brain1 concocted and whitened in the testicles2 but sweat1 urine1 spittle1 phlegm1 choler1 and the like1 and blood dispersed throughout the whole body1 come chiefly from the heart1 liver and brain1 because those parts are greatly weakened by casting seed2 and therefore it appears that frequent carnal copulation is not good4 ,q4 ,why is a man's seed white1 and a woman's red8 ,a4 ,it is white in men by reason of great heat and quick digestion1 because it is rarefied in the testicles2 but a woman's is red1 because her terms corrupt the undigested blood1 and it hath its colour4 ,q4 ,how come females to have monthly courses8 ,a4 ,because they are cold in respect of men1 and because all their nourishment cannot be converted into blood1 a great part of which turns to menses1 which are monthly expelled4 ,q4 ,for what reason do the menses not come down in females before the age of thirteen8 ,a4 ,because young women are hot1 and digest all their nourishment4 ,q4 ,for what reason do they leave off at about fifty8 ,a4 ,because nature is then so exhausted1 they cannot expel them by reason of weakness4 ,q4 ,why have not breeding women the menses8 ,a4 ,because that then they turn into milk1 and into the nourishment of the child3 for if a woman with child have them1 it is a sign that she will miscarry4 ,q4 ,why are they termed menstrua1 from the word mensis1 a month8 ,a4 ,because it is a space of time that measures the moon1 as she ends her course in twenty-nine days1 and fourteen hours4 ,q4 ,why do they continue longer with some than others1 as with some six or seven1 but commonly with all three days8 ,a4 ,the first are cold1 therefore they increase most in them1 and consequently are longer expelling2 other women are hot1 and therefore have fewer and are sooner expelled4 ,q4 ,are the menses which are expelled1 and those by which the child is engendered1 all one8 ,a4 ,no1 because the one are unclean1 and unfit for that purpose2 but the other very pure and clear1 therefore the fittest for generation4 ,q4 ,why have not women their menses all one and the same time1 but some in the new moon1 some in the full1 and others at the wane8 ,a4 ,from their several complexions1 and though all women 7in respect of men7 are phlegmatic1 yet some are more sanguine than others1 some more choleric2 and as the moon hath her quarters1 so have women their complexions2 the first sanguine1 the second choleric4 ,q4 ,why do women easily conceive after their menses8 ,a4 ,because the womb being cleansed1 they are better prepared for conception4 ,q4 ,why do women look pale when they first have their menses upon them8 ,a4 ,because the heat goes from the outward parts of the body to the inward1 to help nature to expel their terms1 which deprivation of heat doth cause a paleness in the face4 ,or1 because that flux is caused of raw humours1 which1 when they run1 make the face colourless4 ,q4 ,why do they at that time abhor their meat8 ,a4 ,because nature labours more to expel their terms than digest2 and1 therefore1 if they should eat1 their food would remain raw in the stomach4 ,q4 ,why are some women barren and do not conceive8 ,a4 #a4 ,it proceeds sometimes from the man who may be of a cold nature1 so that his seed is unfit for generation4 #b4 ,because it is waterish1 and so doth not stay in the womb4 #c4 ,by reason that the seed of them both hath not a like proportion1 as if the man be melancholy and the woman sanguine1 or the man choleric and the woman phlegmatic4 ,q4 ,why do fat women seldom conceive8 ,a4 ,because they have a slippery womb1 and the seed will not stay in it4 ,or1 because the mouth of the matrix is very strait1 and the seed cannot enter it1 or1 if it does1 it is so very slowly that it grows cold and unfit for generation4 ,q4 ,why do those of a hot constitution seldom conceive8 ,a4 ,because the seed in them is extinguished or put out1 as water cast into fire2 whereof we find that women who vehemently desire the flesh seldom conceive4 ,q4 ,why are whores never with child8 ,a4 ,by reason of divers seeds1 which corrupt and spoil the instruments of conception1 for it makes them so slippery1 that they cannot retain seed4 ,or1 else1 it is because one man's seed destroys another's1 so neither is good for generation4 ,q4 ,why do women conceive twins8 ,a4 ,because there are seven cells or receptacles in the womb2 wherefore they may naturally have so many children at once as there falls seed into these cells4 ,q4 ,why are twins but half men1 and not so strong as others8 ,a4 ,the seed that should have been for one1 is divided into two and therefore they are weakly and seldom live long4 ,of ,hermaphrodites4 ,q4 ,how are hermaphrodites begotten8 ,a4 ,nature doth always tend to that which is best1 and always intendeth to beget the male and not the female1 because the female is only for the male's mate4 ,therefore the male is sometimes begotten in all its principal parts2 and1 yet1 through the indisposition of the womb and object1 and inequality of the seeds1 when nature cannot perfect the male1 she brings forth the female too4 ,and therefore natural philosophers say1 that an hermaphrodite is impotent in the privy parts of a man1 as appears by experience4 ,q4 ,is an hermaphrodite accounted a man or a woman8 ,a4 ,it is to be considered in which member he is fittest for copulation2 if he be fittest in the woman's1 then he is a woman2 if in a man's1 then he is a man4 ,q4 ,should he be baptized in the name of a man or a woman8 ,a4 ,in the name of a man1 because names are given ad placitum1 and therefore he should be baptized1 according to the worthiest name1 because every agent is worthier than its patient4 ,of ,monsters4 ,q4 ,doth nature make any monsters8 ,a4 ,she doth2 if she did not1 then would she be deprived of her end4 ,for of things possible1 she doth always propose to bring forth that which is most perfect and best2 but in the end1 through the evil disposition of the matter1 not being able to bring forth that which she intended1 she brings forth that which she can4 ,as it happened in ,albertus's time1 when in a certain village1 a cow brought forth a calf1 half a man2 then the countrymen suspecting a shepherd1 would have burnt him with the cow2 but ,albertus1 being skilled in astronomy1 said that this did proceed from a certain constellation1 and so delivered the shepherd from their hands4 ,q4 ,are they one or two8 ,a4 ,to find out1 you must look into the heart1 if there be two hearts1 there be two men4 ,q4 ,why are some children like their father1 some like their mother1 some to both and some to neither8 ,a4 ,if the seed of the father wholly overcome that of the mother the child doth resemble the father2 but if the mother's predominate1 then it is like the mother2 but if he be like neither1 that doth sometimes happen through the four qualities1 sometimes through the influence of some heavenly constellation4 ,q4 ,why are children oftener like the father than the mother8 ,a4 ,it proceeds from the imagination of the mother in the act of copulation1 as appeared in a queen who had her imagination on a blackamoor2 and in the ,ethiopian queen who brought forth a white child1 because her imagination was upon a white colour2 as is seen in ,jacob's skill in casting rods of divers colours into the water1 when his sheep went to ram4 ,q4 ,why do children born in the eighth month for the most part die quickly1 and why are they called the children of the moon8 ,a4 ,because the moon is a cold planet1 which has dominion over the child1 and therefore doth bind it with coldness1 which is the cause of its death4 ,q4 ,why doth a child cry as soon as it is born8 ,a4 ,because of the sudden change from heat to cold3 which cold doth affect its tenderness4 ,another reason is1 because the child's soft and tender body is wringed and put together coming out of the narrow and strait passage of the matrix1 and especially1 the brain being moist1 and the head being pressed and wrinkled together1 is the cause that some humours distil by the eyes1 which are the cause of tears and weeping4 ,q4 ,why doth the child put its fingers into its mouth as soon as it cometh into the world8 ,a4 ,because that coming out of the womb it cometh out of a hot bath1 and entering into the cold1 puts them into its mouth for want of heat4 ,of the ,child in the ,womb4 ,q4 ,how is the child engendered in the womb8 ,a4 ,the first six days the seed hath this colour of milk1 but in the six following a red colour1 which is near unto the disposition of the flesh2 and then it is changed into a thick substance of blood4 ,but in the twelve days following1 this substance becomes so thick and round that it is capable of receiving shape and form4 ,q4 ,doth the child in the womb void excrements or make water8 ,no4 ,because it hath not the first digestion which is in the stomach4 ,it receives no food by the mouth1 but by the navel2 therefore1 makes no urine but sweats1 which is but little1 and is received in a skin in the matrix1 which at the birth is cast out4 ,of ,abortion and ,untimely ,birth4 ,q4 ,why do women that eat unwholesome meats1 easily miscarry8 ,a4 ,because they breed putrefied seed1 which the mind abhorring doth cast it out of the womb as unfit for the shape which is adapted to receive the soul4 ,q4 ,why doth wrestling and leaping cause the casting of the child1 as some subtle women do on purpose8 ,a4 ,the vapour is burning1 and doth easily hurt the tender substance of the child1 entering in at the pores of the matrix4 ,q4 ,why doth much joy cause a woman to miscarry8 ,a4 ,because in the time of joy1 a woman is destitute of heat1 and so a miscarriage doth follow4 ,q4 ,why do women easily miscarry when they are first with child1 viz41 the first1 second or third month8 ,a4 ,as apples and pears easily fall at first1 because the knots and ligaments are weak1 so it is with a child in the womb4 ,q4 ,why is it hard to miscarry in the third1 fourth1 fifth and sixth month8 ,a4 ,because the ligaments are stronger and well fortified4 ,of ,divers ,matters4 ,q4 ,why has not a man a tail like a beast8 ,a4 ,because man is a noble creature1 whose property is to sit2 which a beast1 having a tail1 cannot4 ,q4 ,why does hot water freeze sooner than cold8 ,a4 ,hot water is thinner1 and gives better entrance to the frost4 ,q4 ,why is every living creature dull after copulation8 ,a4 ,by reason that the act is filthy and unclean2 and so every living creature abhors it4 ,when men do think upon it1 they are ashamed and sad4 ,q4 ,why cannot drunken men judge of taste as well as sober men8 ,a4 ,because the tongue1 being full of pores and spongy1 receives more moisture into it1 and more in drunken men than in sober2 therefore1 the tongue1 through often drinking1 is full of bad humours1 and so the faculty of tasting is rendered out of order2 also1 through the thickening of the taste itself1 drink taken by drunkards is not presently felt4 ,and by this may also be understood why drunkards have not a perfect speech4 ,q4 ,why have melancholy beasts long ears8 ,a4 ,the ears proceed from a dry and cold substance1 called gristle1 which is apt to become bone2 and because melancholy beasts do abound with this kind of substance1 they have long ears4 ,q4 ,why do hares sleep with their eyes open8 ,a4 #a4 ,they have their eyes standing out1 and their eyelids short1 therefore1 never quite shut4 #b4 ,they are timorous1 and as a safe-guard to themselves1 sleep with their eyes open4 ,q4 ,why do not crows feed their young till they be nine days old8 ,a4 ,because seeing them of another colour1 they think they are of another kind4 ,q4 ,why are sheep and pigeons mild8 ,a4 ,they want galls1 the cause of anger4 ,q4 ,why have birds their stones inward8 ,a4 ,because if outward1 they would hinder their flying and lightness4 ,q4 ,how comes it that birds do not piss8 ,a4 ,because that superfluity which would be converted into urine1 is turned into feathers4 ,q4 ,why do we hear better in the night than by day8 ,a4 ,because there is a greater quietness in the night than in the day1 for the sun doth not exhale the vapours by night1 but it doth in the day1 therefore the moon is more fit than in the day2 and the moon being fit1 the motion is better received1 which is said to be caused by a sound4 ,q4 ,for what reason doth a man laugh sooner when touched in the armpits than in any other part of the body8 ,a4 ,because there is in that place a meeting of many sinews1 and the mean we touch1 which is the flesh1 is more subtle than in other parts1 and therefore of finer feeling4 ,when a man is moderately and gently touched there the spirits that are dispersed run into the face and causes laughter4 ,q4 ,why do some women love white men and some black men8 ,a4 #a4 ,some have weak sight1 and such delight in black1 because white doth hurt the sight more than black4 #b4 ,because like delight in like2 but some women are of a hot nature1 and such are delighted with black1 because blackness followeth heat2 and others are of a cold nature1 and those are delighted with white1 because cold produces white4 ,q4 ,why do men incline to sleep after labour8 ,a4 ,because1 through continual moving1 the heat is dispersed to the external parts of the body1 which1 after labour1 is gathered together in the internal parts1 there to digest2 and from digestion1 vapours arise from the heart to the brain1 which stop the passage by which the natural heat should be dispersed to the external part2 and then1 the external parts being cold and thick1 by reason of the coldness of the brain sleep is easily procured4 ,by this it appeareth that such as eat and drink too much1 do sleep much and long1 because there are great store of humours and vapours bred in such persons which cannot be consumed and digested by the natural heat4 ,q4 ,why are such as sleep much1 evil disposed and ill-coloured8 ,a4 ,because in too much sleep moisture is gathered together1 which cannot be consumed1 and so it doth covet to go out through the superficial parts of the body1 and especially it resorts to the face1 and therefore is the cause of bad colours1 as appeareth in such as are phlegmatic and who desire more sleep than others4 ,q4 ,why do some imagine in their sleep that they eat and drink sweet things8 ,a4 ,because the phlegm drawn up by the jaws doth distil and drop to the throat2 and this phlegm is sweet after a sore sweat1 and that seemeth so to them4 ,q4 ,why do some dream in their sleep that they are in the water and drowned1 and some that they were in the water and not drowned2 especially such as are phlegmatic8 ,a4 ,because when the phlegmatic substance doth turn to the high parts of the body1 then many think they are in the water and drowned2 but when that substance draweth into the internal parts1 then they think they escape4 ,another reason may be1 overmuch repletion and drunkenness3 and therefore1 when men are overmuch filled with meat1 the fumes and vapours ascend and gather together1 and they think they are drowned and strangled2 but if they cannot ascend so high then they seem to escape4 ,q4 ,may a man procure a dream by an external cause8 ,a4 ,it may be done4 ,if a man speak softly in another man's ear and awake him not1 then of his stirring of the spirits there are thunderings and buzzings in the head1 which cause dreamings4 ,q4 ,how many humours are there in a man's body8 ,a4 ,four1 whereof every one hath its proper place4 ,the first is choler1 called by physicians flava bilis1 which is placed in the liver4 ,the second is melancholy1 called atra bilis1 whose seat is in the spleen4 ,the third is phlegm1 whose place is in the head4 ,the fourth is blood1 whose place is in the heart4 ,q4 ,what condition and quality hath a man of a sanguine complexion8 ,a4 ,it is fair and beautiful2 hath his hair for the most part smooth2 is bold2 retaineth that which he hath conceived2 is shame-faced1 given to music1 a lover of sciences1 liberal1 courteous1 and not desirous of revenge4 ,q4 ,what properties do follow those of a phlegmatic complexion8 ,a4 ,they are dull of wit1 their hair never curls1 they are seldom very thirsty1 much given to sleep1 dream of things belonging to water1 are fearful1 covetous1 given to heap up riches1 and are weak in the act of venery4 ,q4 ,what are the properties of a choleric man8 ,a4 ,he is brown in complexion1 unquiet1 his veins hidden1 eateth little and digesteth less1 dreameth of dark and confused things1 is sad1 fearful1 exceedingly covetous1 and incontinent4 ,q4 ,what dreams do follow these complexions8 ,a4 ,pleasant1 merry dreams do follow the sanguine2 fearful dreams1 the melancholic2 the choleric dream of children fighting and fire2 the phlegmatic dream of water4 ,this is the reason why a man's complexion is said to be known by his dreams4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that if you cover an egg over with salt1 and let it lie in it a few days1 all the meat within is consumed8 ,a4 ,a great dryness of the salt consumes the substance of the egg4 ,q4 ,why is the melancholic complexion the worst8 ,a4 ,because it proceeds from the dregs of the blood1 is an enemy to mirth and bringeth on aged appearance and death1 being cold and dry4 ,q4 ,what is the cause that some men die joyful1 and some in extreme grief8 ,a4 ,over-great joy doth overmuch heat the internal parts of the body2 and overmuch grief doth drown and suffocate the heart1 which failing1 a man dieth4 ,q4 ,why hath a man so much hair on his head8 ,a4 ,the hair on his head proceeds from the vapours which arise from the stomach1 and ascend to the head1 and also of the superfluities which are in the brain2 and those two passing through the pores of the head are converted into hair1 by reason of the heat and dryness of the head4 ,and because man's body is full of humours1 and he hath more brains than any other living creatures4 ,q4 ,how many ways is the brain purged and other hidden places of the body8 ,a4 ,four2 the watery and gross humours are purged by the eyes1 melancholy by the ears1 choler by the nose1 and phlegm by the hair4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that such as are very fat in their youth1 are in danger of dying on a sudden8 ,a4 ,such have very small and close veins1 by reason of their fatness1 so that the air and the breath can hardly have free course in them2 and thereupon the natural heat wanting the refreshment of air1 is put out1 and as it were1 quenched4 ,q4 ,why do garlic and onions grow after they are gathered8 ,a4 ,it proceedeth from the humidity that is in them4 ,q4 ,why do men feel cold sooner than women8 ,a4 ,because men1 being more hot than women1 have their pores more open1 and therefore it doth sooner enter into them than women4 ,q4 ,why are not old men so subject to the plague as young men and children8 ,a4 ,they are cold1 and their pores are not so open as in youth2 and therefore the infecting air doth not penetrate so soon by reason of their coldness4 ,q4 ,why do we cast water in a man's face when he swooneth8 ,a4 ,because through the coldness of water the heat may run to the heart1 and so give strength4 ,q4 ,why are those waters best and most delicate which run towards the rising sun8 ,a4 ,because they are soonest stricken with the sunbeams1 and made pure and subtle1 the sun having them under it1 and by that means taking off the coldness and gross vapours which they gather from the ground they run through4 ,q4 ,why have women such weak and small voices8 ,a4 ,because their instruments and organs of speaking1 by reason of their coldness1 are small and narrow2 and therefore1 receiving but little air1 cause the voice to be effeminate4 ,q4 ,whereof doth it proceed that want of sleep doth weaken the brain and body8 ,a4 ,much watching doth engender choler1 the which being hot both dry up and lessen the humours which serve the brain1 the head1 and other parts of the body4 ,q4 ,wherefore doth vinegar so readily staunch blood8 ,a4 ,from its cold virtue1 for all cold is naturally binding1 and vinegar being cold1 hath the like property4 ,q4 ,why is sea-water salter in summer than in winter8 ,a4 ,from the heat of the sun1 seeing by experiment that a salt thing being heated becometh more salt4 ,q4 ,why do men live longer in hot regions than in cold8 ,a4 ,because they may be more dry1 and by that means the natural heat is better preserved in them than in cold countries4 ,q4 ,why is well-water seldom or ever good8 ,a4 ,all water which standeth still in the spring and is never heated by the sunbeams1 is very heavy1 and hath much matter in it1 and therefore wanting the heat of the sun1 is naught4 ,q4 ,why do men sleep better and more at ease on the right side than on the left8 ,a4 ,because when they be on the left side1 the lungs do lie upon and cover the heart1 which is on that side under the pap2 now the heart1 the fountain of life1 being thus occupied and hindered with the lungs1 cannot exercise its own proper operation1 as being overmuch heated with the lungs lying upon it1 and therefore wanting the refreshment of the air which the lungs do give it1 like the blowing of a pair of bellows1 is choked and suffocated1 but by lying on the right side1 those inconveniences are avoided4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that old men sneeze with great difficulty8 ,a4 ,because that through their coldness their arteries are very narrow and close1 and therefore the heat is not of force to expel the cold4 ,q4 ,why doth a drunken man think that all things about him do turn round8 ,a4 ,because the spirits which serve the sight are mingled with vapours and fumes1 arising from the liquors he has drunk2 the overmuch heat causeth the eye to be in continual motion1 and the eye being round1 causeth all things about it to seem to go round4 ,q4 ,wherefore doth it proceed1 that bread which is made with salt is lighter than that which is made without it1 considering that salt is very heavy of itself8 ,a4 ,although bread is very heavy of itself1 yet the salt dries it and makes it light1 by reason of the heat which it hath2 and the more heat there is in it1 the better the bread is1 and the lighter and more wholesome for the body4 ,q4 ,why is not new bread good for the stomach8 ,a4 ,because it is full of moistness1 and thick1 hot vapours1 which do corrupt the blood1 and hot bread is blacker than cold1 because heat is the mother of blackness1 and because the vapours are not gone out of it4 ,q4 ,why do lettuces make a man sleep8 ,a4 ,because they engender gross vapours4 ,q4 ,why do the dregs of wine and oil go to the bottom1 and those of honey swim uppermost8 ,a4 ,because the dregs of wine and oil are earthly1 and therefore go to the bottom2 but honey is a liquid that cometh from the stomach and belly of the bee2 and is there in some sort putrefied and made subtle2 on which account the dregs are most light and hot1 and therefore go uppermost4 ,q4 ,why do cats' and wolves' eyes shine in the night1 and not in the day8 ,a4 ,the eyes of these beasts are by nature more crystalline than the eyes of other beasts1 and therefore do so shine in darkness2 but the brightness of the sun doth hinder them from being seen in the day-time4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that some men1 if they see others dance1 do the like with their hands and feet1 or by other gestures of the body8 ,a4 ,because the sight having carried and represented unto the mind that action1 and judging the same to be pleasant and delightful1 and therefore the imagination draweth the like of it in conceit and stirs up the body by the gestures4 ,q4 ,why does much sleep cause some to grow fat and some lean8 ,a4 ,those who are of ill complexion1 when they sleep1 do consume and digest the superfluities of what they have eaten1 and therefore become fat4 ,but such as are of good complexion1 when they sleep are more cold1 and digest less4 ,q4 ,how much1 and from what cause do we suffer hunger better than thirst8 ,a4 ,when the stomach hath nothing else to consume1 it consumeth the phlegm and humours which it findeth most ready and most at hand2 and therefore we suffer hunger better than thirst1 because the heat hath nothing to refresh itself with4 ,q4 ,why doth the hair fall after a great sickness8 ,a4 ,where the sickness is long1 as in the ague1 the humours of the head are dried up through overmuch heat1 and1 therefore1 wanting nourishment1 the hair falls4 ,q4 ,why doth the hair of the eyebrows grow long in old men8 ,a4 ,because through their age the bones are thin through want of heat1 and therefore the hair doth grow there1 by reason of the rheum of the eye4 ,q4 ,whereof proceedeth gaping8 ,a4 ,of gross vapours1 which occupy the vital spirits of the head1 and of the coldness of the senses causing sleepiness4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that some flowers do open with the sun rising1 and shut with the sun setting8 ,a4 ,cold doth close and shut1 as hath been said1 but the heat of the sun doth open and enlarge4 ,some compare the sun to the soul of the body2 for as the soul giveth life1 so the sun doth give life1 and vivificate all things2 but cold bringeth death1 withering and decaying all things4 ,q4 ,why doth grief cause men to grow old and grey8 ,a4 ,age is nothing else but dryness and want of humours in the body2 grief then causeth alteration1 and heat dryness2 age and greyness follow immediately4 ,q4 ,why are gelded beasts weaker than such as are not gelded8 ,a4 ,because they have less heat1 and by that means less force and strength4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,problems ,,of ,,marcus ,,antoninus ,,sanctipertias ,q4 ,why is it esteemed1 in the judgment of the most wise1 the hardest thing to know a man's self8 ,a4 ,because nothing can be known that is of so great importance to man for the regulation of his conduct in life4 ,without this knowledge1 man is like the ship without either compass or rudder to conduct her to port1 and is tossed by every passion and prejudice to which his natural constitution is subjected4 ,to know the form and perfection of man's self1 according to the philosophers1 is a task too hard2 and a man1 says ,plato1 is nothing1 or if he be anything1 he is nothing1 but his soul4 ,q4 ,why is a man1 though endowed with reason1 the most unjust of all living creatures8 ,a4 ,because only man is desirous of honour2 and so it happens that every one covets to seem good1 and yet naturally shuns labour1 though he attain no virtue by it4 ,q4 ,why doth immoderate copulation do more hurt than immoderate letting of blood8 ,a4 ,the seed is full of nutriment1 and better prepared for the nurture of the body1 than the blood2 for the blood is nourished by the seed4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that those that have long yards cannot beget children8 ,a4 ,the seed1 in going a long distance1 doth lose the spirit1 and therefore becomes cold and unfit4 ,q4 ,why do such as are corpulent cast forth but little seed in the act of copulation1 and are often barren8 ,a4 ,because the seed of such goeth to nourish the body4 ,for the same reason corpulent women have but few menses4 ,q4 ,how come women to be prone to venery in the summer time and men in the winter8 ,a4 ,in summer the man's testicles hang down and are feebler than in winter1 or because hot natures become more lively in the cold season2 for a man is hot and dry1 and a woman cold and moist2 and therefore in summer the strength of men decays1 and that of women increases1 and they grow livelier by the benefit of the contrary quality4 ,q4 ,why is man the proudest of all living creatures8 ,a4 ,by reason of his great knowledge2 or1 as philosophers say1 all intelligent beings having understanding1 nothing remains that escapes man's knowledge in particular2 or it is because he hath rule over all earthly creatures1 and all things seem to be brought under his dominion4 ,q4 ,why have beasts their hearts in the middle of their breasts1 and man his inclining to the left8 ,a4 ,to moderate the cold on that side4 ,q4 ,why doth the woman love the man best who has got her maidenhead8 ,a4 ,by reason of shame-facedness2 ,plato saith1 shame-facedness doth follow love1 or1 because it is the beginning of great pleasure1 which doth bring a great alteration in the whole body1 whereby the powers of the mind are much delighted1 and stick and rest immoveable in the same4 ,q4 ,how come hairy people to be more lustful than any other8 ,a4 ,because they are said to have greater store of excrements and seed as philosophers assert4 ,q4 ,what is the cause that the suffocation of the matrix1 which happens to women through strife and contention1 is more dangerous than the detaining of the flowers8 ,a4 ,because the more perfect an excrement is in its natural disposition1 the worse it is when it is altered from that disposition1 and drawn to the contrary quality2 as is seen in vinegar1 which is sharpest when it is made of the best wine4 ,and so it happens that the more men love one another the more they fall into variance and discord4 ,q4 ,how come women's bodies to be looser1 softer and less than man's2 and why do they want hair8 ,a4 ,by reason of their menses2 for with them their superfluities go away1 which would produce hair2 and thereby the flesh is filled1 consequently the veins are more hid in women than in men4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that when we think upon a horrible thing1 we are stricken with fear8 ,a4 ,because the conceit or imagination of things has force and virtue4 ,for ,plato saith1 the fancy of things has some affinity with things themselves2 for the image and representation of cold and heat is such as the nature of things are4 ,or it is this1 because when we comprehend any dreadful matter1 the blood runneth to the internal parts2 and therefore the external parts are cold and shake with fear4 ,q4 ,why doth a radish root help digestion and yet itself remaineth undigested8 ,a4 ,because the substance consisteth of divers parts2 for there are some thin parts in it1 which are fit to digest meat1 the which being dissolved1 there doth remain some thick and close substance in it1 which the heat cannot digest4 ,q4 ,why do such as cleave wood1 cleave it easier in the length than athwart8 ,a4 ,because in the wood there is a grain1 whereby1 if it be cut in length1 in the very cutting1 one part naturally separateth from another4 ,q4 ,what is the reason1 that if a spear be stricken on the end1 the sound cometh sooner to one who standeth near1 than to him who striketh8 ,a4 ,because1 as hath been said1 there is a certain long grain in wood1 directly forward1 filled with air1 but on the other side there is none1 and therefore a beam or spear being stricken on the end1 the air which is hidden receiveth a sound in the aforesaid grain which serveth for its passage2 and1 seeing the sound cannot go easily out of it is carried into the ear of him who is opposite2 as those passages do not go from side to side1 a sound cannot be distinctly heard there4 ,q4 ,why are the thighs and calves of the legs of men flesh1 seeing the legs of beasts are not so8 ,a4 ,because men only go upright2 and therefore nature hath given the lower parts corpulency1 and taken it away from the upper2 and thus she hath made the buttocks1 the thighs1 and calves of the legs fleshy4 ,q4 ,why are the sensible powers in the heart2 yet if the hinder part of the brain be hurt1 the memory suffereth by it2 if the forepart1 the imagination2 if the middle1 the cogitative part8 ,a4 ,it is because the brain is appointed by nature to cool the blood of the heart2 whereof it is1 that in divers of its parts it serveth the powers and instruments with their heart1 for every action of the soul doth not proceed from one measure of heat4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,problems ,,of ,,alexander ,,aphrodiseus ,q4 ,why doth the sun make a man black and dirt white1 wax soft and dirt hard8 ,a4 ,by reason of the disposition of the substance that doth suffer4 ,all humours1 phlegm excepted1 when heated above measure1 do seem black about the skin2 and dirt1 being full either of saltpetre1 or salt liquor1 when the sun hath consumed its dregs and filth1 doth become white again4 ,when the sun hath stirred up and drawn the humidity of the wax1 it is softened2 but in the dirt1 the sun doth consume the humidity1 which is very much and makes it hard4 ,q4 ,why are round ulcers hard to be cured8 ,a4 ,because they are bred of a sharp choler1 which eats and gnaws2 and because it doth run1 dropping and gnawing1 it makes a round ulcer2 for which reason it requires dry medicines1 as physicians assert4 ,q4 ,why is honey sweet to all men1 but to such as have jaundice8 ,a4 ,because they have much bitter choler all over their bodies1 which abounds in the tongue2 whence it happens when they eat honey the humours are stirred1 and the taste itself1 by the bitterness of choler1 causes an imagination that the honey is bitter4 ,q4 ,why doth water cast on serpents1 cause them to fly8 ,a4 ,because they are dry and cold by nature1 having but little blood1 and therefore fly from excessive coldness4 ,q4 ,why doth an egg break if roasted1 and not if boiled8 ,a4 ,when moisture comes near the fire1 it is heated very much1 and so breeds wind1 which being put up in little room1 forces its way out1 and breaks the shell3 the like happens in tubs or earthen vessels when new wine is put into them2 too much phlegm breaks the shell of an egg in roasting2 it is the same with earthen pots too much heated2 wherefore some people wet an egg when they intend to roast it4 ,hot water1 by its softness1 doth dissipate its humidity by little and little1 and dissolves it through the thinness and passages of the shell4 ,q4 ,why do men wink in the act of copulation1 and find a little alteration in all other senses8 ,a4 ,because1 being overcome by the effect of that pleasure1 they do comprehend it the better4 ,q4 ,why have children gravel breeding in their bladders1 and old men in their kidneys and veins8 ,a4 ,because children have straight passages in their kidneys1 and an earthly thick humour is thrust with violence by the urine to the bladder1 which hath wide conduits or passages1 that give room for the urine and humour whereof gravel is engendered1 which waxes thick1 and seats itself1 as the manner of it is4 ,in old men it is the reverse1 for they have wide passages of the veins1 back and kidneys1 that the urine may pass away1 and the earthly humour congeal and sink down2 the colour of the gravel shows the humour whereof the stone comes4 ,q4 ,why is it1 if the stone do congeal and wax hard through heat1 we use not contrary things to dissolve it by coldness1 but light things1 as parsley1 fennel and the like8 ,a4 ,it is thought1 to fall out by an excessive scorching heat1 by which the stones do crumble into sand1 as in the manner of earthen vessels1 which1 when they are overheated or roasted1 turn to sand4 ,and by this means it happens that small stones are avoided1 together with sand1 in making water4 ,sometimes cold drink thrusts out the stone1 the kidneys being stretched and casting it out by a great effort2 thus easing the belly of its burden4 ,besides1 it often happens that immoderate heat of the kidneys1 or of the veins of the back 7through which the stone doth grow7 is quenched with coldness4 ,q4 ,why is the curing of an ulcer or bile in the kidneys or bladder very hard8 ,a4 ,because the urine being sharp1 doth ulcerate the sore4 ,ulcers are worse to cure in the bladder than in the kidneys1 because urine stays in the former1 but runs away from the latter4 ,q4 ,why do chaff and straw keep water hot1 but make snow cold8 ,a4 ,because the nature of chaff wants a manifest quantity2 seeing1 therefore that of its own nature1 it can easily be mingled1 and consumed by that which it is annexed onto1 it easily assumes the same nature1 and being put into hot things1 it is easily hot1 heats again1 and keeps hot2 and on the contrary1 being made cold by the snow1 and making the snow cold it keeps in its coldness4 ,q4 ,why have we oftentimes a pain in making water8 ,a4 ,because sharp choler issuing out1 and pricking the bladder of the urine1 doth provoke and stir up the whole body to ease the part offended1 and to expel the humour moderately4 ,this doth happen most of all unto children1 because they have moist excrements by reason of their often drinking4 ,q4 ,why have some medicines of one kind contrary effects1 as experience proves2 for mastich doth expel1 dissolve and also knit2 and vinegar cools and heats8 ,a4 ,because there are some small invisible bodies in them1 not in confusion1 but by interposition2 as sand moistened doth clog together and seem to be but one body1 though indeed there are many small bodies in sand4 ,and since this is so1 it is not absurd that the contrary qualities and virtues should be hidden in mastich1 and that nature hath given that virtue to these bodies4 ,q4 ,why do nurses rock and move their children when they would rock them to sleep8 ,a4 ,to the end that the humours being scattered by moving1 may move the brains2 but those of more years cannot endure this4 ,q4 ,why doth oil1 being drunk1 cause one to vomit1 and especially yellow choler8 ,a4 ,because being light1 and ascending upwards it provoketh the nutriment in the stomach1 and lifteth it up2 and so1 the stomach being grieved1 summoneth the ejective virtue to vomit1 and especially choler1 because that is light and consisteth of subtle parts1 and therefore the sooner carried upward2 for when it is mingled with any moist thing1 it runneth into the highest room4 ,q4 ,why doth not oil mingle with moist things8 ,a4 ,because1 being pliant1 soft and thick in itself1 it cannot be divided into parts1 and so cannot be mingled2 neither if it be put on the earth can it enter into it4 ,q4 ,why are water and oil frozen in cold weather1 and wine and vinegar not8 ,a4 ,because that oil being without quality1 and fit to be compounded with anything1 is cold quickly and so extremely that it is most cold4 ,water being cold of nature1 doth easily freeze when it is made colder than its own nature4 ,wine being hot1 and of subtle parts1 suffereth no freezing4 ,q4 ,why do contrary things in quality bring forth the same effect8 ,a4 ,that which is moist is hardened and bound alike by heat and cold4 ,snow and liquid do freeze with cold2 a plaster and gravel in the bladder are made dry with heat4 ,the effect indeed is the same1 but by two divers actions2 the heat doth consume and eat the abundance of moisture2 but the cold stopping and shutting with its over much thickness1 doth wring out the filthy humidity1 like as a sponge wrung with the hand doth cast out the water which it hath in the pores and small passages4 ,q4 ,why doth a shaking or quivering seize us oftentimes when any fearful matter doth happen1 as a great noise or a crack made1 the sudden downfall of water1 or the fall of a large tree8 ,a4 ,because that oftentimes the humours being digested and consumed by time and made thin and weak1 all the heat vehemently1 suddenly and sharply flying into the inward part of the body1 consumeth the humours which cause the disease4 ,so treacle hath this effect1 and many such like1 which are hot and dry when taken after connexion4 ,q4 ,why do steel glasses shine so clearly8 ,a4 ,because they are lined in the inside with white lead1 whose nature is shining1 and being put to glass1 which is lucid and transparent1 doth shine much more2 and casts its beams through its passages1 and without the body of the glass2 and by that means the glass is very shining and clear4 ,q4 ,why do we see ourselves in glasses and clear water8 ,a4 ,because the quality of the sight1 passing into the bright bodies by reflection1 doth return again on the beam of the eyes1 as the image of him who looketh on it4 ,q4 ,what is the reason that if you cast a stone in standing water which is near the surface of the earth1 it causes many circles1 and not if the water be deep in the earth8 ,a4 ,because the stone1 with the vehemence of the cast1 doth agitate the water in every part of it1 until it come to the bottom2 and if there be a very great vehemence in the throw1 the circle is still greater1 the stone going down to the bottom causing many circles4 ,for1 first of all1 it doth divide the outermost and superficial parts of the water in many parts1 and so1 always going down to the bottom1 again dividing the water1 it maketh another circle1 and this is done successively until the stone resteth2 and because the vehemence of the stone is slackened1 still as it goes down1 of necessity the last circle is less than the first1 because by that and also by its force the water is divided4 ,q4 ,why are such as are deaf by nature1 dumb8 ,a4 ,because they cannot speak and express that which they never hear4 ,some physicians do say1 that there is one knitting and uniting of sinews belonging to the like disposition4 ,but such as are dumb by accident are not deaf at all1 for then there ariseth a local passion4 ,q4 ,why doth itching arise when an ulcer doth wax whole and phlegm ceases8 ,a4 ,because the part which is healed and made sound doth pursue the relic of the humours which remained there against nature1 and which was the cause of the bile1 and so going out through the skin1 and dissolving itself1 doth originally cause the itch4 ,q4 ,how comes a man to sneeze oftener and more vehemently than a beast8 ,a4 ,because he uses more meats and drinks1 and of more different sorts1 and that more than is requisite2 the which1 when he cannot digest as he would1 he doth gather together much air and spirit1 by reason of much humidity2 the spirits then very subtle1 ascending into the head1 often force a man to void them1 and so provoke sneezing4 ,the noise caused thereby proceeds from a vehement spirit or breath passing through the conduit of the nostrils1 as belching doth from the stomach or farting by the fundament1 the voice by the throat1 and a sound by the ear4 ,q4 ,how come the hair and nails of dead people to grow8 ,a4 ,because the flesh rotting1 withering and falling away1 that which was hidden about the root of the hair doth now appear as growing4 ,some say that it grows indeed1 because carcasses are dissolved in the beginning to many excrements and superfluities by putrefaction4 ,these going out at the uppermost parts of the body by some passages1 do increase the growth of the hair4 ,q4 ,why does not the hair of the feet soon grow grey8 ,a4 ,for this reason1 because that through great motion they disperse and dissolve the superfluous phlegm that breeds greyness4 ,the hair of the secrets grows very late1 because of the place1 and because that in carnal copulation it dissolves the phlegm also4 ,q4 ,why1 if you put hot burnt barley upon a horse's sore1 is the hair which grows upon the sore not white1 but like the other hair8 ,a4 ,because it hath the force of expelling2 and doth drive away and dissolve the phlegm1 as well as all other unprofitable matter that is gathered together through the weakness of the parts1 or condity of the sore4 ,q4 ,why doth the hair never grow on an ulcer or bile8 ,a4 ,because man hath a thick skin1 as is seen by the thickness of his hair2 and if the scar be thicker than the skin itself1 it stops the passages from whence the hair should grow4 ,horses have thinner skins1 as is plain by their hair2 therefore all passages are not stopped in their wounds and sores2 and after the excrements which were gathered together have broken a passage through those small pores the hair doth grow4 ,q4 ,why is ,fortune painted with a double forehead1 the one side bald and the other hairy8 ,a4 ,the baldness signifies adversity1 and hairiness prosperity1 which we enjoy when it pleaseth her4 ,q4 ,why have some commended flattery8 ,a4 ,because flattery setteth forth before our eyes what we ought to be1 though not what we are4 ,q4 ,wherefore should virtue be painted girded8 ,a4 ,to show that virtuous men should not be slothful1 but diligent and always in action4 ,q4 ,why did the ancients say it was better to fall into the hands of a raven than a flatterer8 ,a4 ,because ravens do not eat us till we be dead1 but flatterers devour us alive4 ,q4 ,why have choleric men beards before others8 ,a4 ,because they are hot1 and their pores large4 ,q4 ,how comes it that such as have the hiccups do ease themselves by holding their breath8 ,a4 ,the breath retained doth heat the interior parts of the body1 and the hiccups proceeds from cold4 ,q4 ,how comes it that old men remember well what they have seen and done in their youth1 and forget such things as they see and do in their old age8 ,a4 ,things learned in youth take deep root and habitude in a person1 but those learned in age are forgotten because the senses are then weakened4 ,q4 ,what kind of covetousness is best8 ,a4 ,that of time when employed as it ought to be4 ,q4 ,why is our life compared to a play8 ,a4 ,because the dishonest do occupy the place of the honest1 and the worst sort the room of the good4 ,q4 ,why do dolphins1 when they appear above the water1 denote a storm or tempest approaching8 ,a4 ,because at the beginning of a tempest there do arise from the bottom of the sea1 certain hot exhalations and vapours which heat the dolphins1 causing them to rise up for cold air4 ,q4 ,why did the ,romans call ,fabius ,maximus the target of the people1 and ,marcellus the sword8 ,a4 ,because the one adapted himself to the service of the commonwealth1 and the other was very eager to revenge the injuries of his country2 and yet they were in the senate joined together1 because the gravity of the one would moderate the courage and boldness of the other4 ,q4 ,why doth the shining of the moon hurt the head8 ,a4 ,because it moves the humours of the brain1 and cannot afterwards dissolve them4 ,q4 ,if water do not nourish1 why do men drink it8 ,a4 ,because water causeth the nutriment to spread through the body4 ,q4 ,why is sneezing good8 ,a4 ,because it purgeth the brain as milk is purged by the cough4 ,q4 ,why is hot water lighter than cold8 ,a4 ,because boiling water has less ventosity and is more light and subtle1 the earthly and heavy substance being separated from it4 ,q4 ,how comes marsh and pond water to be bad8 ,a4 ,by reason they are phlegmatic1 and do corrupt in summer2 the fineness of water is turned into vapours1 and the earthiness doth remain4 ,q4 ,why are studious and learned men soonest bald8 ,a4 ,it proceeds from a weakness of the spirits1 or because warmth of digestion cause phlegm to abound in them4 ,q4 ,why doth much watching make the brain feeble8 ,a4 ,because it increases choler1 which dries and extenuates the body4 ,q4 ,why are boys apt to change their voices about fourteen years of age8 ,a4 ,because that then nature doth cause a great and sudden change of voice2 experience proves this to be true2 for at that time we may see that women's paps do grow great1 do hold and gather milk1 and also those places that are above their hips1 in which the young fruit would remain4 ,likewise men's breasts and shoulders1 which then can bear great and heavy burdens2 also their stones in which their seed may increase and abide1 and in their privy members1 to let out the seed with ease4 ,further all the body is made bigger and dilated1 as the alteration and change of every part doth testify1 and the harshness of the voice and hoarseness2 for the rough artery1 the wind pipe1 being made wide in the beginning1 and the exterior and outward part being unequal to the throat1 the air going out the rough1 unequal and uneven pipe doth then become unequal and sharp1 and after1 hoarse1 something like unto the voice of a goat1 wherefore it has its name called ,bronchus4 ,the same doth also happen to them unto whose rough artery distillation doth follow2 it happens by reason of the drooping humidity that a slight small skin filled unequally causes the uneven going forth of the spirit and air4 ,understand1 that the windpipe of goats is such by reason of the abundance of humidity4 ,the like doth happen unto all such as nature hath given a rough artery1 as unto cranes4 ,after the age of fourteen they leave off that voice1 because the artery is made wider and reacheth its natural evenness and quality4 ,q4 ,why do hard dens1 hollow and high places1 send back the likeness and sound of the voice8 ,a4 ,because that in such places also by reflection do return back the image of a sound1 for the voice doth beat the air1 and the air the place1 which the more it is beaten the more it doth bear1 and therefore doth cause the more vehement sound of the voice2 moist places1 and as it were1 soft1 yielding to the stroke1 and dissolving it1 give no sound again2 for according to the quantity of the stroke1 the quality and quantity of the voice is given1 which is called an echo4 ,some do idly fable that she is a goddess2 some say that ,pan was in love with her1 which without doubt is false4 ,he was some wise man1 who did first desire to search out the cause of the voice1 and as they who love1 and cannot enjoy that love1 are grieved1 so in like manner was he very sorry until he found out the solution of that cause2 as ,endymion also1 who first found out the course of the moon1 watching all night1 and observing her course1 and searching her motion1 did sleep in the daytime1 and that she came to him when he was asleep1 because she did give the philosopher the solution of the course herself4 ,they say also that he was a shepherd1 because that in the desert and high places1 he did mark the course of the moon4 ,and they gave him also the pipe because that the high places are blown with wind1 or else because he sought out the consonancy of figures4 ,prometheus also1 being a wise man1 sought the course of the star1 which is called the eagle in the firmament1 his nature and place2 and when he was1 as it were1 wasted with the desire of learning1 then at last he rested1 when ,hercules did resolve unto him all doubts with his wisdom4 ,q4 ,why do not swine cry when they are carried with their snouts upwards8 ,a4 ,because that of all other beasts they bend more to the earth4 ,they delight in filth1 and that they seek1 and therefore in the sudden change of their face1 they be as it were strangers1 and being amazed with so much light do keep that silence2 some say the windpipe doth close together by reason of the straitness of it4 ,q4 ,why do swine delight in dirt8 ,a4 ,as physicians do say1 they are naturally delighted with it1 because they have a great liver1 in which desire it1 as ,aristotle saith1 the wideness of their snout is the case1 for he that hath smelling which doth dissolve itself1 and as it were strive with stench4 ,q4 ,why do many beasts when they see their friends1 and a lion and a bull beat their sides when they are angry8 ,a4 ,because they have the marrow of their backs reaching to the tail1 which hath the force of motion in it1 the imagination acknowledging that which is known to them1 as it were with the hand1 as happens to men1 doth force them to move their tails4 ,this doth manifestly show some secret force to be within them1 which doth acknowledge what they ought4 ,in the anger of lions and bulls1 nature doth consent to the mind1 and causeth it to be greatly moved1 as men do sometimes when they are angry1 beating their hands on other parts2 when the mind cannot be revenged on that which doth hurt1 it presently seeks out some other source1 and cures the malady with a stroke or blow4 ,q4 ,how come steel glasses to be better for the sight than any other kind8 ,a4 ,because steel is hard1 and doth present unto us more substantially the air that receiveth the light4 ,q4 ,how doth love show its greater force by making the fool to become wise1 or the wise to become a fool8 ,a4 ,in attributing wisdom to him that has it not2 for it is harder to build than to pull down2 and ordinarily love and folly are but an alteration of the mind4 ,q4 ,how comes much labour and fatigue to be bad for the sight8 ,a4 ,because it dries the blood too much4 ,q4 ,why is goat's milk reckoned best for the stomach8 ,a4 ,because it is thick1 not slimy1 and they feed on wood and boughs rather than on grass4 ,q4 ,why do grief and vexation bring grey hairs8 ,a4 ,because they dry1 which bringeth on greyness4 ,q4 ,how come those to have most mercy who have the thickest blood8 ,a4 ,because the blood which is fat and thick makes the spirits firm and constant1 wherein consists the force of all creatures4 ,q4 ,whether it is hardest1 to obtain a person's love1 or to keep it when obtained8 ,a4 ,it is hardest to keep it1 by reason of the inconstancy of man1 who is quickly angry1 and soon weary of a thing2 hard to be gained and slippery to keep4 ,q4 ,why do serpents shun the herb rue8 ,a4 ,because they are cold1 dry and full of sinews1 and that herb is of a contrary nature4 ,q4 ,why is a capon better to eat than a cock8 ,a4 ,because a capon loses not his moisture by treading of the hens4 ,q4 ,why is our smell less in winter than in summer8 ,a4 ,because the air is thick1 and less moveable4 ,q4 ,why does hair burn so quickly8 ,a4 ,because it is dry and cold4 ,q4 ,why is love compared to a labyrinth8 ,a4 ,because the entry and coming in is easy1 and the going out almost impossible or hard4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,part ,,iv ,,displaying ,,the ,,secrets ,,of ,,nature ,,relating ,,to ,,physiognomy 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,i ,,section #a4--,of ,physiognomy1 showing what it is1 and whence it is derived4 ,physiognomy is an ingenious science1 or knowledge of nature1 by which the inclinations and dispositions of every creature are understood1 and because some of the members are uncompounded1 and entire of themselves1 as the tongue1 the heart1 etc41 and some are of a mixed nature1 as the eyes1 the nose and others1 we therefore say that there are signs which agree and live together1 which inform a wise man how to make his judgment before he be too rash to deliver it to the world4 ,nor is it to be esteemed a foolish or idle art1 seeing it is derived from the superior bodies2 for there is no part of the face of man but what is under the peculiar influence or government1 not only of the seven planets but also of the twelve signs of ,zodiac2 and the dispositions1 vices1 virtues and fatality1 either of a man or woman are plainly foretold1 if the person pretending to the knowledge thereof be an artist1 which1 that my readers may hereby attain it ,i shall set these things in a clearer light4 ,the reader should remember that the forehead is governed by ,mars2 the right eye is under the domination of ,sol2 the left is ruled by the ,moon2 the right ear is under ,jupiter2 the left1 ,saturn1 the rule of the nose is claimed by ,venus1 which1 by the way1 is one reason that in all unlawful venereal encounters1 the nose is too subject to bear the scars that are gotten in those wars2 and nimble ,mercury1 the significator of eloquence claims the dominion of the mouth1 and that very justly4 ,thus have the seven planets divided the face among them1 but not with so absolute a way but that the twelve signs of the ,zodiac do also come in with a part 7see the engraving7 and therefore the sign ,cancer presides in the upper part of the forehead1 and ,leo attends upon the right eyebrow1 as ,saggittarius does upon the right eye1 and ,libra upon the right ear1 upon the left eyebrow you will find ,aquarius2 and ,gemini and ,aries taking care of the left ear2 ,taurus rules in the middle of the forehead1 and ,capricorn the chin2 ,scorpio takes upon him the protection of the nose2 ,virgo claims the precedence of the right cheek1 ,pisces the left4 ,and thus the face of man is cantoned out amongst the signs and planets2 which being carefully attended to1 will sufficiently inform the artist how to pass a judgment4 ,for according to the sign or planet ruling so also is the judgment to be of the part ruled1 which all those that have understanding know easily how to apply4 ,illustration ,in the judgment that is to be made from physiognomy1 there is a great difference betwixt a man and a woman2 the reason is1 because in respect of the whole composition men more fully comprehend it than women do1 as may evidently appear by the manner and method we shall give4 ,wherefore the judgments which we shall pass in every chapter do properly concern a man1 as comprehending the whole species1 and but improperly the woman1 as being but a part thereof1 and derived from the man1 and therefore1 whoever is called to give judgment on such a face1 ought to be wary about all the lines and marks that belong to it1 respect being also had to the sex1 for when we behold a man whose face is like unto a woman's and we pass a judgment upon it1 having diligently observed it1 and not on the face only1 but on other parts of the body1 as hands1 etc41 in like manner we also behold the face of a woman1 who in respect to her flesh and blood is like unto a man1 and in the disposure also of the greatest part of the body4 ,but does physiognomy give the same judgment on her1 as it does of a man that is like unto her8 ,by no means1 but far otherwise1 in regard that the conception of the woman is much different from that of a man1 even in those respects which are said to be common4 ,now in those common respects two parts are attributed to a man1 and a third part to a woman4 ,wherefore it being our intention to give you an exact account1 according to the rule of physiognomy of all and every part of the members of the body1 we will begin with the head1 as it hath relation only to man and woman1 and not to any other creature1 that the work may be more obvious to every reader4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,ii ,of the ,judgment of ,physiognomy4 ,hair that hangs down without curling1 if it be of a fair complexion1 thin and soft withal1 signifies a man to be naturally faint-hearted1 and of a weak body1 but of a quiet and harmless disposition4 ,hair that is big1 and thick and short withal1 denotes a man to be of a strong constitution1 secure1 bold1 deceitful and for the most part1 unquiet and vain1 lusting after beauty1 and more foolish than wise1 though fortune may favour him4 ,he whose hair is partly curled and partly hanging down1 is commonly wise or a very great fool1 or else as very a knave as he is a fool4 ,he whose hair grows thick on his temples and his brow1 one may certainly at first sight conclude that such a man is by nature simple1 vain1 luxurious1 lustful1 credulous1 clownish in his speech and conversation and dull in his apprehension4 ,he whose hair not only curls very much1 but bushes out1 and stands on end1 if the hair be white or of a yellowish colour1 he is by nature proud and bold1 dull of apprehension1 soon angry1 and a lover of venery1 and given to lying1 malicious and ready to do any mischief4 ,he whose hair arises in the corners of the temples1 and is gross and rough withal1 is a man highly conceited of himself1 inclined to malice1 but cunningly conceals it1 is very courtly and a lover of new fashions4 ,he who hath much hair1 that is to say1 whose hair is thick all over his head1 is naturally vain and very luxurious1 of a good digestion1 easy of belief1 and slow of performance1 of a weak memory and for the most part unfortunate4 ,he whose hair is of a reddish complexion1 is for the most part1 if not always1 proud1 deceitful1 detracting and full of envy4 ,he whose hair is extraordinarily fair1 is for the most part a man fit for the most praiseworthy enterprises1 a lover of honour1 and much more inclined to do good than evil2 laborious and careful to perform whatsoever is committed to his care1 secret in carrying on any business1 and fortunate4 ,hair of a yellowish colour shows a man to be good conditioned1 and willing to do anything1 fearful1 shamefaced and weak of body1 but strong in the abilities of the mind1 and more apt to remember1 than to avenge an injury4 ,he whose hair is of a brownish colour1 and curled not too much nor too little1 is a well-disposed man1 inclined to that which is good1 a lover of peace1 cleanliness and good manners4 ,he whose hair turns grey or hoary in the time of his youth1 is generally given to women1 vain1 false1 unstable1 and talkative4 ,note4 ,that whatever signification the hair has in men1 it has the same in women also4 ,the forehead that riseth in a round1 signifies a man liberally merry1 of a good understanding1 and generally inclined to virtue4 ,he whose forehead is fleshy1 and the bone of the brow jutting out1 and without wrinkles1 is a man much inclined to suits of law1 contentious1 vain1 deceitful1 and addicted to follow ill courses4 ,he whose forehead is very low and little1 is of a good understanding1 magnanimous1 but extremely bold and confident1 and a great pretender to love and honour4 ,he whose forehead seems sharp1 and pointed up in the corners of his temples1 so that the bone seems to jut forth a little1 is a man naturally weak and fickle1 and weak in the intellectuals4 ,he whose brow upon the temples is full of flesh1 is a man of a great spirit1 proud1 watchful and of a gross understanding4 ,he whose brow is full of wrinkles1 and has as it were a seam coming down the middle of the forehead1 so that a man may think he has two foreheads1 is one that is of a great spirit1 a great wit1 void of deceit1 and yet of a hard fortune4 ,he who has a full1 large forehead1 and a little round withal1 destitute of hair1 or at least that has little on it is bold1 malicious1 full of choler and apt to transgress beyond all bounds1 and yet of a good wit and very apprehensive4 ,he whose forehead is long and high and jutting forth1 and whose face is figured1 almost sharp and peaked towards the chin1 is one reasonably honest1 but weak and simple1 and of a hard fortune4 ,those eyebrows that are much arched1 whether in man or woman1 and which by frequent motion elevate themselves1 show the person to be proud1 high-spirited1 vain-glorious1 bold and threatening1 a lover of beauty1 and indifferently inclined to either good or evil4 ,he whose eyelids bend down when he speaks to another or when he looks upon him1 and who has a kind of skulking look1 is by nature a penurious wretch1 close in all his actions1 of a very few words1 but full of malice in his heart4 ,he whose eyebrows are thick1 and have but little hair upon them1 is but weak in his intellectuals1 and too credulous1 very sincere1 sociable1 and desirous of good company4 ,he whose eyebrows are folded1 and the hair thick and bending downwards1 is one that is clownish and unlearned1 heavy1 suspicious1 miserable1 envious1 and one that will cheat and cozen you if he can4 ,he whose eyebrows have but short hair and of a whitish colour is fearful and very easy of belief1 and apt to undertake anything4 ,those1 on the other side1 whose eyebrows are black1 and the hair of them thin1 will do nothing without great consideration1 and are bold and confident of the performance of what they undertake2 neither are they apt to believe anything without reason for so doing4 ,if the space between the eyebrows be of more than the ordinary distance1 it shows the person to be hard-hearted1 envious1 close1 cunning1 apprehensive1 greedy of novelties1 of a vain fortune1 addicted to cruelty more than love4 ,but those men whose eyebrows are at a lesser distance from each other1 are for the most part of a dull understanding2 yet subtle enough in their dealings1 and of an uncommon boldness1 which is often attended with great felicity2 but that which is most commendable in them is1 that they are most sure and constant in their friendship4 ,great and full eyes in either man or woman1 show the person to be for the most part slothful1 bold1 envious1 a bad concealer of secrets1 miserable1 vain1 given to lying1 and yet a bad memory1 slow in invention1 weak in his intellectuals1 and yet very much conceited of that little knack of wisdom he thinks himself master of4 ,he whose eyes are hollow in his head1 and therefore discerns well at a great distance1 is one that is suspicious1 malicious1 furious1 perverse in his conversation1 of an extraordinary memory1 bold1 cruel1 and false1 both in words and deeds1 threatening1 vicious1 luxurious1 proud1 envious and treacherous2 but he whose eyes are1 as it were1 starting out of his head1 is a simple1 foolish person1 shameless1 very fertile and easy to be persuaded either to vice or virtue4 ,he who looks studiously and acutely1 with his eyes and eyelids downwards1 denotes thereby to be of a malicious nature1 very treacherous1 false1 unfaithful1 envious1 miserable1 impious towards ,god1 and dishonest towards men4 ,he whose eyes are small and conveniently round1 is bashful and weak1 very credulous1 liberal to others1 and even in his conversation4 ,he whose eyes look asquint1 is thereby denoted to be a deceitful person1 unjust1 envious1 furious1 a great liar1 and as the effect of all that is miserable4 ,he who hath a wandering eye and which is rolling up and down1 is for the most part a vain1 simple1 deceitful1 lustful1 treacherous1 or high-minded man1 an admirer of the fair sex1 and one easy to be persuaded to virtue or vice4 ,he or she whose eyes are twinkling1 and which move forward or backward1 show the person to be luxurious1 unfaithful and treacherous1 presumptuous1 and hard to believe anything that is spoken4 ,if a person has any greenness mingled with the white of his eye1 such is commonly silly1 and often very false1 vain and deceitful1 unkind to his friends1 a great concealer of his own secrets1 and very choleric4 ,those whose eyes are every way rolling up and down1 or they who seldom move their eyes1 and when they do1 as it were1 draw their eyes inwardly and accurately fasten them upon some object1 such are by their inclinations very malicious1 vain-glorious1 slothful1 unfaithful1 envious1 false and contentious4 ,they whose eyes are addicted to blood-shot1 are naturally proud1 disdainful1 cruel1 without shame1 perfidious and much inclined to superstition4 ,but he whose eyes are neither too little nor too big1 and inclined to black1 do signify a man mild1 peaceable1 honest1 witty1 and of a good understanding2 and one that1 when need requires1 will be serviceable to his friends4 ,a long and thin nose1 denotes a man bold1 furious1 angry1 vain1 easy to be persuaded either to good or evil1 weak and credulous4 ,a long nose extended1 the tip of it bending downwards1 shows the person to be wise1 discreet1 secret and officious1 honest1 faithful and one that will not be over-reached in bargaining4 ,a bottle-nose is what denotes a man to be impetuous in the obtaining of his desires1 also a vain1 false1 luxurious1 weak and uncertain man2 apt to believe and easy to be persuaded4 ,a broad nose in the middle1 and less towards the end1 denotes a vain1 talkative person1 a liar1 and one of hard fortune4 ,he who hath a long and great nose is an admirer of the fair sex1 and well accomplished for the wars of ,venus1 but ignorant of the knowledge of anything that is good1 extremely addicted to vice2 assiduous in the obtaining what he desires1 and very secret in the prosecution of it2 and though very ignorant1 would fain be thought very knowing4 ,a nose very sharp on the tip of it1 and neither too long nor too short1 too thick nor too thin1 denotes the person1 if a man1 to be of a fretful disposition1 always pining and peevish2 and if a woman1 a scold1 or contentious1 wedded to her own humours1 of a morose and dogged carriage1 and if married1 a plague to her husband4 ,a nose very round at the end of it1 and having but little nostrils1 shows the person to be munificent and liberal1 true to his trust1 but withal1 very proud1 credulous and vain4 ,a nose very long and thin at the end of it1 and something round1 withal1 signifies one bold in his discourse1 honest in his dealings1 patient in receiving1 and slow in offering injuries1 but yet privately malicious4 ,he whose nose is naturally more red than any other part of his face1 is thereby denoted to be covetous1 impious1 luxurious1 and an enemy to goodness4 ,a nose that turns up again1 and is long and full at the tip of it1 shows the person that has it to be bold1 proud1 covetous1 envious1 luxurious1 a liar and deceiver1 vain1 glorious1 unfortunate and contentious4 ,he whose nose riseth high in the middle1 is prudent and polite1 and of great courage1 honourable in his actions1 and true to his word4 ,a nose big at the end shows a person to be of a peaceable disposition1 industrious and faithful1 and of a good understanding4 ,a very wide nose1 with wide nostrils1 denotes a man dull of apprehension1 and inclined more to simplicity than wisdom1 and withal vain1 contentious and a liar4 ,when the nostrils are close and thin1 they denote a man to have but little testicles1 and to be very desirous of the enjoyment of women1 but modest in his conversation4 ,but he whose nostrils are great and wide1 is usually well hung and lustful2 but withal of an envious1 bold and treacherous disposition and though dull of understanding1 yet confident enough4 ,a great and wide mouth shows a man to be bold1 warlike1 shameless and stout1 a great liar and as great a talker1 also a great eater1 but as to his intellectuals1 he is very dull1 being for the most part very simple4 ,a little mouth shows the person to be of a quiet and pacific temper1 somewhat reticent1 but faithful1 secret1 modest1 bountiful1 and but a little eater4 ,he whose mouth smells of a bad breath1 is one of a corrupted liver and lungs1 is oftentimes vain1 wanton1 deceitful1 of indifferent intellect1 envious1 covetous1 and a promise-breaker4 ,he that has a sweet breath1 is the contrary4 ,the lips1 when they are very big and blubbering1 show a person to be credulous1 foolish1 dull and stupid1 and apt to be enticed to anything4 ,lips of a different size denote a person to be discreet1 secret in all things1 judicious and of a good wit1 but somewhat hasty4 ,to have lips1 well coloured and more thin than thick1 shows a person to be good-humoured in all things and more easily persuaded to good than evil4 ,to have one lip bigger than the other1 shows a variety of fortunes1 and denotes the party to be of a dull1 sluggish temper1 but of a very indifferent understanding1 as being much addicted to folly4 ,when the teeth are small1 and but weak in performing their office1 and especially if they are short and few1 though they show the person to be of a weak constitution1 yet they denote him to be of a meek disposition1 honest1 faithful and secret in whatsoever he is intrusted with4 ,to have some teeth longer and shorter than others1 denotes a person to be of a good apprehension1 but bold1 disdainful1 envious and proud4 ,to have the teeth very long1 and growing sharp towards the end1 if they are long in chewing1 and thin1 denotes the person to be envious1 gluttonous1 bold1 shameless1 unfaithful and suspicious4 ,when the teeth look very brown or yellowish1 whether they be long or short1 it shows the person to be of a suspicious temper1 envious1 deceitful and turbulent4 ,to have teeth strong and close together1 shows the person to be of a long life1 a desirer of novelties1 and things that are fair and beautiful1 but of a high spirit1 and one that will have his humour in all things2 he loves to hear news1 and to repeat it afterwards1 and is apt to entertain anything on his behalf4 ,to have teeth thin and weak1 shows a weak1 feeble man1 and one of a short life1 and of a weak apprehension2 but chaste1 shame-faced1 tractable and honest4 ,a tongue to be too swift of speech shows a man to be downright foolish1 or at best but a very vain wit4 ,a stammering tongue1 or one that stumbles in the mouth1 signifies a man of a weak understanding1 and of a wavering mind1 quickly in a rage1 and soon pacified4 ,a very thick and rough tongue denotes a man to be apprehensive1 subtle and full of compliments1 yet vain and deceitful1 treacherous1 and prone to impiety4 ,a thin tongue shows a man of wisdom and sound judgment1 very ingenious and of an affable disposition1 yet somewhat timorous and too credulous4 ,a great and full voice in either sex shows them to be of a great spirit1 confident1 proud and wilful4 ,a faint and weak voice1 attended with but little breath1 shows a person to be of good understanding1 a nimble fancy1 a little eater1 but weak of body1 and of a timorous disposition4 ,a loud and shrill voice1 which sounds clearly denotes a person provident1 sagacious1 true and ingenious1 but withal capricious1 vain1 glorious and too credulous4 ,a strong voice when a man sings denotes him to be of a strong constitution1 and of a good understanding1 a nimble fancy1 a little eater1 but weak of body1 and of a timorous disposition4 ,a strong voice when a man sings1 denotes him to be of a strong constitution1 and of a good understanding1 neither too penurious nor too prodigal1 also ingenious and an admirer of the fair sex4 ,a weak and trembling voice shows the owner of it to be envious1 suspicious1 slow in business1 feeble and fearful4 ,a loud1 shrill and unpleasant voice1 signifies one bold and valiant1 but quarrelsome and injurious and altogether wedded to his own humours1 and governed by his own counsels4 ,a rough and hoarse voice1 whether in speaking or singing1 declares one to be a dull and heavy person1 of much guts and little brains4 ,a full and yet mild voice1 and pleasing to the hearer1 shows the person to be of a quiet and peaceable disposition 7which is a great virtue and rare to be found in a woman71 and also very thrifty and secret1 not prone to anger1 but of a yielding temper4 ,a voice beginning low or in the bass1 and ending high in the treble1 denotes a person to be violent1 angry1 bold and secure4 ,a thick and full chin abounding with too much flesh1 shows a man inclined to peace1 honest and true to his trust1 but slow in invention1 and easy to be drawn either to good or evil4 ,a peaked chin and reasonably full of flesh1 shows a person to be of a good understanding1 a high spirit and laudable conversation4 ,a double chin shows a peaceable disposition1 but dull of apprehension1 vain1 credulous1 a great supplanter1 and secret in all his actions4 ,a crooked chin1 bending upwards1 and peaked for want of flesh1 is by the rules of physiognomy1 according to nature1 a very bad man1 being proud1 imprudent1 envious1 threatening1 deceitful1 prone to anger and treachery1 and a great thief4 ,the hair of young men usually begins to grow down upon their chins at fifteen years of age1 and sometimes sooner4 ,these hairs proceed from the superfluity of heat1 the fumes whereof ascend to their chin1 like smoke to the funnel of a chimney2 and because it cannot find an open passage by which it may ascend higher1 it vents itself forth in the hairs which are called the beard4 ,there are very few1 or almost no women at all1 that have hairs on their cheeks2 and the reason is1 that those humours which cause hair to grow on the cheeks of a man are by a woman evacuated in the monthly courses1 which they have more or less1 according to the heat or coldness of their constitution1 and the age and motion of the moon1 of which we have spoken at large in the first part of this book4 ,yet sometimes women of a hot constitution have hair to be seen on their cheeks1 but more commonly on their lips1 or near their mouths1 where the heat most aboundeth4 ,and where this happens1 such women are much addicted to the company of men1 and of a strong and manly constitution4 ,a woman who hath little hair on her cheeks1 or about her mouth and lips1 is of a good complexion1 weak constitution1 shamefaced1 mild and obedient1 whereas a woman of a more hot constitution is quite otherwise4 ,but in a man1 a beard well composed and thick of hair1 signifies a man of good nature1 honest1 loving1 sociable and full of humanity2 on the contrary1 he that hath but a little beard1 is for the most part proud1 pining1 peevish and unsociable4 ,they who have no beards1 have always shrill and a strange kind of squeaking voices1 and are of a weak constitution1 which is apparent in the case of eunuchs1 who1 after they are deprived of their virility are transformed from the nature of men into the condition of women4 ,great and thick ears are a certain sign of a foolish person1 or a bad memory and worse understanding4 ,but small and thin ears show a person to be of a good wit1 grave1 sweet1 thrifty1 modest1 resolute1 of a good memory1 and one willing to serve his friend4 ,he whose ears are longer than ordinary1 is thereby signified to be a bold man1 uncivil1 vain1 foolish1 serviceable to another more than to himself1 and a man of small industry1 but of a great stomach4 ,a face apt to sweat on every motion1 shows a person to be of a very hot constitution1 vain and luxurious1 of a good stomach1 but of a bad understanding1 and a worse conversation4 ,a very fleshy face shows the person to be of a fearful disposition1 but a merry heart1 and withal bountiful and discreet1 easy to be entreated1 and apt to believe everything4 ,a lean face1 by the rules of physiognomy1 denotes the person to be of a good understanding1 but somewhat capricious and disdainful in his conversation4 ,a little and round face1 shows a person to be simple1 very fearful1 of a bad memory1 and a clownish disposition4 ,a plump face1 full of carbuncles1 shows a man to be a great drinker of wine1 vain1 daring1 and soon intoxicated4 ,a face red or high coloured1 shows a man much inclined to choler1 and one that will be soon angry and not easily pacified4 ,a long and lean face1 shows a man to be both bold1 injurious and deceitful4 ,a face every way of a due proportion1 denotes an ingenious person1 one fit for anything and very much inclined to what is good4 ,one of a broad1 full1 fat face is1 by the rules of physiognomy1 of a dull1 lumpish1 heavy constitution1 and that for one virtue has three vices4 ,a plain1 flat face1 without any rising shows a person to be very wise1 loving and courtly in his carriage1 faithful to his friend and patient in adversity4 ,a face sinking down a little1 with crosses in it1 inclining to leanness1 denotes a person to be very laborious1 but envious1 deceitful1 false1 quarrelsome1 vain and silly1 and of a dull and clownish behaviour4 ,a face of a handsome proportion1 and more inclining to fat than lean1 shows a person just in his actions1 true to his word1 civil1 and respectful in his behaviour1 of an indifferent understanding1 and of an extraordinary memory4 ,a crooked face1 long and lean1 denotes a man endued with as bad qualities as the face is with ill features4 ,a face broad about the brows1 and sharper and less as it grows towards the chin1 shows a man simple and foolish in managing his affairs1 vain in his discourse1 envious in his nature1 deceitful1 quarrelsome and rude in his conversation4 ,a face well-coloured1 full of good features1 and of an exact symmetry1 and a just proportion in all its parts1 and which is delightful to look upon1 is commonly the index of a fairer mind and shows a person to be well disposed2 but withal declares that virtue is not so impregnably seated there1 but that by strong temptations 7especially by the fair sex7 it may be supplanted and overcome by vice4 ,a pale complexion1 shows the person not only to be fickle1 but very malicious1 treacherous1 false1 proud1 presumptuous1 and extremely unfaithful4 ,a face well-coloured1 shows the person to be of a praiseworthy disposition and a sound complexion1 easy of belief1 and respectful to his friend1 ready to do a courtesy1 and very easy to be drawn to anything4 ,a great head1 and round1 withal1 denotes the person to be secret1 and of great application in carrying on business1 and also ingenious and of a large imaginative faculty and invention2 and likewise laborious1 constant and honest4 ,the head whose gullet stands forth and inclines towards the earth1 signifies a person thrifty1 wise1 peaceable1 secret1 of a retired temper1 and constant in the management of his affairs4 ,a long head and face1 and great1 withal1 denotes a vain1 foolish1 idle and weak person1 credulous and very envious4 ,to have one's head always shaking and moving from side to side1 denotes a shallow1 weak person1 unstable in all his actions1 given to lying1 a great deceiver1 a great talker1 and prodigal in all his fortunes4 ,a big head and broad face1 shows a man to be very courageous1 a great hunter after women1 very suspicious1 bold and shameless4 ,he who hath a very big head1 but not so proportionate as it ought to be to the body1 if he hath a short neck and crooked gullet is generally a man of apprehension1 wise1 secret1 ingenious1 of sound judgment1 faithful1 true and courteous to all4 ,he who hath a little head1 and long1 slender throat1 is for the most part a man very weak1 yet apt to learn1 but unfortunate in his actions4 ,and so much shall suffice with respect to judgment from the head and face4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iii ,of ,judgments drawn from several other parts of ,man's ,body4 ,in the body of man the head and feet are the principal parts1 being the index which heaven has laid open to every one's view to make a judgment therefrom1 therefore ,i have been the larger in my judgment from the several parts thereof4 ,but as to the other parts1 ,i shall be much more brief as not being so obvious to the eyes of men2 yet ,i would proceed in order4 ,the throat1 if it be white1 whether it be fat or lean1 shows a man to be vain-glorious1 timorous1 wanton1 and very much subject to choler4 ,if the throat be so thin and lean that the veins appear1 it shows a man to be weak1 slow1 and a dull and heavy constitution4 ,a long neck shows one to have a long and slender foot1 and that the person is stiff and inflexible either to good or evil4 ,a short neck shows one to be witty and ingenious1 but deceitful and inconstant1 well skilled in the use of arms1 and yet cares not to use them1 but is a great lover of peace and quietness4 ,a lean shoulder bone1 signifies a man to be weak1 timorous1 peaceful1 not laborious1 and yet fit for any employment4 ,he whose shoulder bones are of a great bigness is commonly1 by the rule of physiognomy1 a strong man1 faithful but unfortunate2 somewhat dull of understanding1 very laborious1 a great eater and drinker1 and one equally contented in all conditions4 ,he whose shoulder bone seems to be smooth1 is by the rule of nature1 modest in his look1 and temperate in all his actions1 both at bed and board4 ,he whose shoulder bone bends1 and is crooked inwardly1 is commonly a dull person and deceitful4 ,long arms1 hanging down and touching the knees1 though such arms are rarely seen1 denotes a man liberal1 but withal vain-glorious1 proud and inconstant4 ,he whose arms are very short in respect to the stature of his body1 is thereby signified to be a man of high and gallant spirit1 of a graceful temper1 bold and warlike4 ,he whose arms are full of bones1 sinews and flesh1 is a great desirer of novelties and beauties1 and one that is very credulous and apt to believe anything4 ,he whose arms are very hairy1 whether they be lean or fat1 is for the most part a luxurious person1 weak in body and mind1 very suspicious and malicious withal4 ,he whose arms have no hair on them at all1 is of a weak judgment1 very angry1 vain1 wanton1 credulous1 easily deceived himself1 yet a great deceiver of others1 no fighter1 and very apt to betray his dearest friends4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,iv ,of ,palmistry1 showing the various ,judgments drawn from the ,hand4 ,being engaged in this fourth part to show what judgment may be drawn1 according to physiognomy1 from the several parts of the body1 and coming in order to speak of the hands1 it has put me under the necessity of saying something about palmistry1 which is a judgment made of the conditions1 inclinations1 and fortunes of men and women1 from the various lines and characters nature has imprinted in their hands1 which are almost as serious as the hands that have them4 ,the reader should remember that one of the lines of the hand1 and which indeed is reckoned the principal1 is called the line of life2 this line encloses the thumb1 separating it from the hollow of the hand4 ,the next to it1 which is called the natural line1 takes its beginning from the rising of the forefinger1 near the line of life1 and reaches to the table line1 and generally makes a triangle4 ,the table line1 commonly called the line of fortune1 begins under the little finger1 and ends near the middle finger4 ,the girdle of ,venus1 which is another line so called begins near the first joint of the little finger1 and ends between the fore-finger and the middle finger4 ,the line of death is that which plainly appears in a counter line to that of life1 and is called the sister line1 ending usually as the other ends2 for when the line of life is ended1 death comes1 and it can go no farther4 ,there are lines in the fleshy parts1 as in the ball of the thumb1 which is called the mount of ,venus2 under each of the fingers are also mounts1 which are governed by several planets2 and the hollow of the hand is called the plain of ,mars4 ,i proceed to give judgment from these several lines3--,in palmistry1 the left hand is chiefly to be regarded1 because therein the lines are most visible1 and have the strictest communication with the heart and brain4 ,in the next place1 observe the line of life1 and if it be fair1 extended to its full length1 and not broken with an intermixture of cross lines1 it shows long life and health1 and it is the same if a double line appears1 as there sometimes does4 ,when the stars appear in this line1 it is a signification of great losses and calamities2 if on it there be the figures of two ,o's or a ,q1 it threatens the person with blindness2 if it wraps itself about the table line1 then does it promise wealth and honour to be attended by prudence and industry4 ,if the line be cut and jagged at the upper end1 it denotes much sickness2 if this line be cut by any lines coming from the mount of ,venus1 it declares the person to be unfortunate in love and business also1 and threatens him with sudden death4 ,a cross below the line of life and the table line1 shows the person to be very liberal and charitable1 one of a noble spirit4 ,let us now see the signification of the table line4 ,the table line1 when broad and of a lively colour1 shows a healthful constitution1 and a quiet contented mind1 and a courageous spirit1 but if it has crosses towards the little finger1 it threatens the party with much affliction by sickness4 ,if the line be double1 or divided into three parts at any of the extremities1 it shows the person to be of a generous temper1 and of a good fortune to support it2 but if this line be forked at the end1 it threatens the person shall suffer by jealousies and doubts1 and loss of riches gotten by deceit4 ,if three points such as these 99 99 99 are found in it1 they denote the person prudent and liberal1 a lover of learning1 and of a good temper1 if it spreads towards the fore and middle finger and ends blunt1 it denotes preferment4 ,let us now see what is signified by the middle line4 ,this line has in it oftentimes 7for there is scarce a hand in which it varies not7 divers very significant characters4 ,many small lines between this and the table line threaten the party with sickness1 and also gives him hopes of recovery4 ,a half cross branching into this line1 declares the person shall have honour1 riches1 and good success in all his undertakings4 ,a half moon denotes cold and watery distempers2 but a sun or star upon this line1 denotes prosperity and riches2 this line1 double in a woman1 shows she will have several husbands1 but no children4 ,illustration ,the line of ,venus1 if it happens to be cut or divided near the forefinger1 threatens ruin to the party1 and that it shall befall him by means of lascivious women and bad company4 ,two crosses upon the line1 one being on the forefinger and the other bending towards the little finger1 show the party to be weak1 and inclined to modesty and virtue1 indeed it generally denotes modesty in women2 and therefore those who desire such1 usually choose them by this standard4 ,the liver line1 if it be straight and crossed by other lines1 shows the person to be of a sound judgment1 and a piercing understanding1 but if it be winding1 crooked and bending outward1 it draws deceit and flattery1 and the party is not to be trusted4 ,if it makes a triangle or quadrangle1 it shows the person to be of a noble descent1 and ambitious of honour and promotion4 ,if it happens that this line and the middle line begin near each other1 it denotes a person to be weak in his judgment1 if a man2 but if a woman1 in danger by hard labour4 ,the plain of ,mars being in the hollow of the hand1 most of the lines pass through it1 which renders it very significant4 ,this plain being crooked and distorted1 threatens the party to fall by his enemies4 ,when the lines beginning at the wrist are long within the plain1 reaching to the brawn of the hand1 that shows the person to be much given to quarrelling1 often in broils and of a hot and fiery spirit1 by which he suffers much damage4 ,if deep and long crosses be in the middle of the plain1 it shows the party shall obtain honour by martial exploits2 but if it be a woman1 she shall have several husbands and easy labour with her children4 ,the line of ,death is fatal1 when crosses or broken lines appear in it2 for they threaten the person with sickness and a short life4 ,a clouded moon appearing therein1 threatens a child-bed woman with death4 ,a bloody spot in the line1 denotes a violent death4 ,a star like a comet1 threatens ruin by war1 and death by pestilence4 ,but if a bright sun appears therein1 it promises long life and prosperity4 ,as for the lines of the wrist being fair1 they denote good fortune2 but if crossed and broken1 the contrary4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,v ,judgments according to ,physiognomy1 drawn from the several parts of the ,body1 from the ,hands to the ,feet4 ,a large and full breast1 shows a man valiant and courageous1 but withal proud and hard to deal with1 quickly angry1 and very apprehensive of an injury2 he whose breast is narrow1 and which riseth a little in the middle of it1 is1 by the best rule of physiognomy1 of a clear spirit1 of a great understanding1 good in counsel1 very faithful1 clean both in mind and body1 yet as an enemy to this1 he is soon angry1 and inclined long to keep it4 ,he whose breast is somewhat hairy1 is very luxurious1 and serviceable to another4 ,he who hath no hair upon his breast1 is a man weak by nature1 of a slender capacity and very timorous1 but of a laudable life and conversation1 inclined to peace1 and much retired to himself4 ,the back of the chin bone1 if the flesh be anything hairy and lean1 and higher than any other part that is behind1 signifies a man shameless1 beastly and withal malicious4 ,he whose back is large1 big and fat1 is thereby denoted to be a strong and stout man1 but of a heavy disposition1 vain1 slow and full of deceit4 ,he or she whose belly is soft over all the body1 is weak1 lustful1 and fearful upon little or no occasion1 of a good understanding1 and an excellent invention1 but little eaters1 faithful1 but of various fortune1 and meet with more adversity than prosperity4 ,he whose flesh is rough and hard1 is a man of strong constitution and very bold1 but vain1 proud and of a cruel temper4 ,a person whose skin is smooth1 fat and white1 is a person1 curious1 vain-glorious1 timorous1 shame-faced1 malicious1 false1 and too wise to believe all he hears4 ,a thigh1 full of strong1 bristly hair1 and the hair inclined to curl1 signifies one lustful1 licentious1 and fit for copulation4 ,thighs with but little hair1 and those soft and slender1 show the person to be reasonably chaste1 and one that has no great desire to coition1 and who will have but few children4 ,the legs of both men and women have a fleshy substance behind1 which are called calves1 which nature hath given them 7as in our book of living creatures we have observed71 in lieu of those long tails which other creatures have pendant behind4 ,now a great calf1 and he whose legs are of great bone1 and hair withal1 denotes the person to be strong1 bold1 secure1 dull in understanding and slow in business1 inclined to procreation1 and for the most part fortunate in his undertakings4 ,little legs1 and but little hair on them1 show the person to be weak1 fearful1 of a quick understanding1 and neither luxurious at bed nor board4 ,he whose legs do much abound with hair1 shows he has great store in another place1 and that he is lustful and luxurious1 strong1 but unstable in his resolution1 and abounding with ill humours4 ,the feet of either men or women1 if broad and thick with flesh1 and long in figure1 especially if the skin feels hard1 they are by nature of a strong constitution1 and gross nutriment1 but of weak intellect1 which renders the understanding vain4 ,but feet that are thin and lean1 and of a soft skin1 show the person to be but weak of body1 but of a strong understanding and an excellent wit4 ,the soles of the feet do administer plain and evident signs1 whereby the disposition and constitution of men and women may be known1 as do the palms of their hands1 as being full of lines1 by which lines all the fortunes and misfortunes of men and women may be known1 and their manners and inclinations made plainly to appear4 ,but this in general we may take notice1 as that many long lines and strokes do presage great affliction1 and a very troublesome life1 attended with much grief and toil1 care1 poverty1 and misery2 but short lines1 if they are thick and full of cross lines1 are yet worse in every degree4 ,those1 the skin of whose soles is very thick and gross1 are1 for the most part1 able1 strong and venturous4 ,whereas1 on the contrary1 those the skin of whose soles of their feet is thin1 are generally weak and timorous4 ,i shall now1 before ,i conclude 7having given an account of what judgments may be made by observing the several parts of the body1 from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet71 give an account of what judgments may be drawn by the rule of physiognomy from things extraneous which are found upon many1 and which indeed to them are parts of the body1 but are so far from being necessary parts that they are the deformity and burden of it1 and speak of the habits of the body1 as they distinguish persons4 ,of ,crooked and ,deformed ,persons4 ,a crooked breast and shoulder1 or the exuberance of flesh in the body either of man or woman1 signifies the person to be extremely parsimonious and ingenious1 and of a great understanding1 but very covetous and scraping after the things of the world1 attended also with a very bad memory1 being also very deceitful and malicious2 they are seldom in a medium1 but either virtuous or extremely vicious4 ,but if the person deformed hath an excrescence on his breast instead of on the back1 he is for the most part of a double heart1 and very mischievous4 ,of the divers ,manners of going1 and particular ,posture both of ,men and ,women4 ,he or she that goes slowly1 making great steps as they go1 are generally persons of bad memory1 and dull of apprehension1 given to loitering1 and not apt to believe what is told them4 ,he who goes apace1 and makes short steps1 is most successful in all his undertakings1 swift in his imagination1 and humble in the disposition of his affairs4 ,he who makes wide and uneven steps1 and sidelong withal1 is one of a greedy1 sordid nature1 subtle1 malicious1 and willing to do evil4 ,of the ,gait or ,motion in ,men and ,women4 ,every man hath a certain gait or motion1 and so in like manner hath every woman2 for a man to be shaking his head1 or using any light motion with his hands or feet1 whether he stands or sits1 or speaks1 is always accompanied with an extravagant motion1 unnecessary1 superfluous and unhandsome4 ,such a man1 by the rule of physiognomy is vain1 unwise1 unchaste1 a detractor1 unstable and unfaithful4 ,he or she whose motion is not much when discoursing with any one1 is for the most part wise and well bred1 and fit for any employment1 ingenious and apprehensive1 frugal1 faithful and industrious in business4 ,he whose posture is forwards and backwards1 or1 as it were1 whisking up and down1 mimical1 is thereby denoted to be a vain1 silly person1 of a heavy and dull wit1 and very malicious4 ,he whose motion is lame and limping1 or otherwise imperfect1 or that counterfeits an imperfection is denoted to be envious1 malicious1 false and detracting4 ,judgment drawn from the ,stature of ,man4 ,physiognomy draws several judgments also from the stature of man1 which take as followeth2 if a man be upright and straight1 inclined rather to leanness than fat1 it shows him to be bold1 cruel1 proud1 clamorous1 hard to please1 and harder to be reconciled when displeased1 very frugal1 deceitful1 and in many things malicious4 ,to be of tall stature and corpulent with it1 denotes him to be not only handsome but valiant also1 but of no extraordinary understanding1 and which is worst of all1 ungrateful and trepanning4 ,he who is extremely tall and very lean and thin is a projecting man1 that designs no good to himself1 and suspects every one to be as bad as himself1 importunate to obtain what he desires1 and extremely wedded to his own humour4 ,he who is thick and short1 is vain1 envious1 suspicious1 and very shallow of apprehension1 easy of belief1 but very long before he will forget an injury4 ,he who is lean and short but upright withal1 is1 by the rules of physiognomy1 wise and ingenious1 bold and confident1 and of a good understanding1 but of a deceitful heart4 ,he who stoops as he goes1 not so much by age as custom1 is very laborious1 a retainer of secrets1 but very incredulous and not easy to believe every vain report he hears4 ,he that goes with his belly stretching forth1 is sociable1 merry1 and easy to be persuaded4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chapter ,,vi ,of the ,power of the ,celestial ,bodies over ,men and ,women4 ,having spoken thus largely of ,physiognomy1 and the judgment given thereby concerning the dispositions and inclinations of men and women1 it will be convenient here to show how all these things come to pass2 and how it is that the secret inclinations and future fate of men and women may be known from the consideration of the several parts of the bodies4 ,they arise from the power and dominion of superior powers to understand the twelve signs of the ,zodiac1 whose signs1 characters and significations are as follows3-- ,illustration ,aries1 the ,ram1 which governs the head and face4 ,taurus1 the ,bull1 which governs the neck4 ,gemini1 the ,twins1 which governs the hands and arms4 ,cancer1 the ,crab1 governs the breast and stomach4 ,leo1 the ,lion1 governs the back and heart ,virgo1 the ,virgin1 governs the belly and bowels4 ,libra1 the ,balance1 governs the veins and loins4 ,scorpio1 the ,scorpion1 governs the secret parts4 ,sagittary1 the ,centaur1 governs the thighs4 ,capricorn1 the ,goat1 governs the knees4 ,aquarius1 the ,water-,bearer1 governs the legs and ankles4 ,pisces1 the ,fish1 governs the feet4 ,it is here furthermore necessary to let the reader know1 that the ancients have divided the celestial sphere into twelve parts1 according to the number of these signs1 which are termed houses2 as in the first house1 ,aries1 in the second ,taurus1 in the third ,gemini1 etc4 ,and besides their assigning the twelve signs of the twelve houses1 they allot to each house its proper business4 ,to the first house they give the signification of life4 ,the second house has the signification of wealth1 substances1 or riches4 ,the third is the mansion of brethren4 ,the fourth1 the house of parentage4 ,the fifth is the house of children4 ,the sixth is the house of sickness or disease4 ,the seventh is the house of wedlock1 and also of enemies1 because oftentimes a wife or husband proves the worst enemy4 ,the eighth is the house of death4 ,the ninth is the house of religion4 ,the tenth is the signification of honours4 ,the eleventh of friendship4 ,the twelfth is the house of affliction and woe4 ,now1 astrologically speaking1 a house is a certain place in the heaven or firmament1 divided by certain degrees1 through which the planets have their motion1 and in which they have their residence and are situated4 ,and these houses are divided by thirty degrees1 for every sign has so many degrees4 ,and these signs or houses are called the houses of such and such planets as make their residence therein1 and are such as delight in them1 and as they are deposited in such and such houses are said to be either dignified or debilitated4 ,for though the planets in their several revolutions go through all the houses1 yet there are some houses which they are more properly said to delight in4 ,as for instance1 ,aries and ,scorpio are the houses of ,mars2 ,taurus and ,libra of ,venus2 ,gemini and ,virgo of ,mercury2 ,sagittarius and ,pisces are the houses of ,jupiter2 ,capricorn and ,aquarius are the houses of ,saturn2 ,leo is the house of the ,sun2 and ,cancer is the house of the ,moon4 ,now to sum up the whole1 and show how this concerns ,physiognomy1 is this3--as the body of man1 as we have shown1 is not only governed by the signs and planets1 but every part is appropriated to one or another of them1 so according to the particular influence of each sign and planet1 so governing is the disposition1 inclination1 and nature of the person governed4 ,for such and such tokens and marks do show a person to be born under such and such a planet2 so according to the nature1 power and influences of the planets1 is the judgment to be made of that person4 ,by which the reader may see that the judgments drawn from physiognomy are grounded upon a certain verity4