WELL might the excellent Democritus write to his Scholar, the far more excelling Hippocrates, that the Womb is the Source of Six Hundred Griefs, and the Spring of innumerable Sorrows to the Woman: Because of the manifest Sympathy or Affinity, which the Womb has with almost all the other Parts of the Body. And as we may reasonably conclude from such an Affinity, that these Symptoms must needs be both Numerous and Different in Kind; so I think, for the same Reason, they may be All pertinently comprehended under the General Title of Hysterick Maladies.

BUT before we enter upon the Particulars of these Uterine Affections, it may be first requisite to make out the Reality of this Affinity or Consent; which will be no difficult Matter, when we consider First, the three Principles, in which the same consists, viz. in a Similitude of Parts; in a Vicinity of Parts; and in a Connexion of Vessels. Secondly, how by these, as the Womb is a Membranous Substance, it has a Substantial Affinity with the Membranes: And by its Vicinity, with the Bladder, Rectum, and Intestines; As by its Veins, Arteries, and Nerves, it has with almost all the other Parts of the Body; such as with the Brain, by Veins and Arteries, as well as by the Nerves and Spinal Membranes; with the Heart, by Arteries; with the Liver, by Veins; with the Stomach, by certain Anastomoses, betwixt the Veins of the Womb, and those of the Mesentery, as well as by Arteries; with the Spleen by Arteries; with the Breasts, partly by Veins,^[230] and partly by Nerves, &c.

HENCE it is that I can scarce find any Part of the Body, which may not be affected by the Indispositions of the Womb; the Heart, the Diaphragm, the Head, the Brain, and consequently all the Organs of Sense and Motion, the Liver, the Spleen, the Ventricle, the Mesentery, the Belly, the Bladder, the Rectum, the Back, the Loins, the Thighs, the Legs, the Arms, &c. All which Parts are from thence subject to innumerable various Symptoms, which commonly come and go by Periods, after the manner of Convulsive, or Epileptick Fits, to which the Hysterical have also a very near Relation; in that the Circulation and Recourse of all the Three, and some more such, Distempers agree exactly, sometimes with the Course of the Moon, and Sun, and sometimes with the very Motion of the Sea; and as these vary, so the Fits of either Affection come on quicker or slower^[231].

THESE Things are also most Judiciously made out by the excellent Dr. Mead, saying, that, the New and Full-Moon being of equal Power, this sort of Distempers sometimes reign in the one, and sometimes in the other, as the Body happens to be more or less fitted and adapted to receive the Influence; and as the abounding Humours are more fitted for this, than that period of the Planet^[232]. And the same Author of great Experience, gives us an Account of a certain Boy of a Year old, who every Flood-Tide, was taken with Convulsive Fits, and every Ebb came to himself again^[233]. Which Influence of the Sea, no doubt depends upon the Moon’s approaching our Vertical Point, or that directly opposite, as the Flood encreases and comes to its Height, Moreover again,——

CONSIDERING the Womb, not only as the Center, in which the vitious Humours are accumulated from all the other Parts, but also as the Pump of the Body, we may readily conclude that as long as it regularly ejects the Menstruous Blood, it does at the same time duly evacuate together with it, all those Humours of whatsoever sort they be: Whereas we may easily conceive that whatever obstructs or impedes the Womb in any of its natural Functions, may occasion various Symptoms to the Woman: However the most of these, as well as the most dangerous, take their Origin from the Retention of the Seed and the suppression of the Menstrua.

THE Menstruous Blood flowing in a natural Course to the Uterine Veins, when its Passage is so obstructed, that it cannot break forth; whether in Virgins, because of the Astriction of the Orifices; or in Widows, because of the Thickness of the Blood, or of any other gross viscid Humour; in these Cases, it must of course regorge thro’ the Branches of the Vena Cava and the great Artery, to the Head, Heart, Liver, and Veins of the Midriff; whence of Consequence proceed various Symptoms in all these and their dependent Parts: Which notwithstanding, I take the too long retain’d SEED to occasion the more dangerous and severe Symptoms to the Woman.

BUT in Case of either of These, namely, either the Seminal, or the Menstruous Matter, beginning to corrupt, and consequently to acquire malignant Qualities, then they produce divers most severe and dreadfull Symptoms; and that not only in different Patients, but also sometimes in one and the same Woman; and not only at different Times, but also sometimes at one and the same Time: However these Things always happen, according to the different Quantity and Quality of the corrupted Humours, as well as according to the Constitution of the Womb, in which the Corruption succeeds. Again more particularly——

IF the Malignant Vapours arising hence, penetrate to the Heart, (the principal Organ of Life, as well as of the Circulation of the Blood) I would observe, that, they occasion vellicating Palpitations, as also a Dejection of Spirits, and Anxiety of Mind, attended with frequent Lypothymies and Syncopes: If to the Diaphragm and Lungs, a Difficulty of Breathing, attended (as it were) with Suffocations or Strangulations.

IF the Matter ascends to the Head, and diffuse it self thro’ the external Parts, diverse grievous Pains assail the Woman, and that very differently; insomuch, that, sometimes the whole Head is (as it were) tortured, and sometimes but in Part; sometimes on the right, and sometimes on the left Side; sometimes in the hind Part of the Head, or Crown, and sometimes in the Fore-Head or about the Eyes: Whereas if it tend to the Brain, and distribute it self among the Organs of Sense and Motion, both the internal and external Senses must needs suffer accordingly; upon which the poor Patient is not only taken with an Aphonia for Want of Speech, but also with a Helpless or Senseless Stupidity; and moreover, not only seiz’d with a Resolution or Debility of Hands and Feet, but also with Trembling and Convulsive Fits.

IF the same ascends to the Liver, the whole Habit or Constitution of the Body is perverted: For as the vitious Humours are easily communicated from the Womb by the Veins to the Liver, so the affected Liver again readily diffuses its Infection by the Veins to the whole Body. If to the Spleen and Mesentery, Murmurings, Pains and Torments arise in the Belly; which are commonly attended with a Pain in the left Side and left Breast, extending it self to the Jugulum, or fore-part of the Neck, Difficulty of Breathing, frequent Belchings, a siccid bound Belly, and all the other Symptoms which usually are the Concomitants of the Hypocondriack Affection.

IF to the Ventricle, thence proceed Fastidy, Pica, Vomitings, Pains and Gnawings of the Stomach, Sobbings, Yawnings, Belchings, &c. But, and if the said Matter distributes it self thro’ the whole Circuit of the Body, then the Patient is frequently seiz’d, sometimes with a sudden red, and sometimes with a pale Colour; as also sometimes with a sudden Heat, and Ardour in her Face, which she commonly perceives or feels to vanish and go off as suddenly: Again she is sometimes also taken with sudden Cold, and sometimes with as sudden hot Fits.

FROM all which, it evidently appears, how justly Galen says^[234], that the Hysterick Passion (under one Appellation) comprehends innumerable various Symptoms: Even so many, that at least (I think) they cannot be possibly comprehended in this Volume, which extorts another Apology from me in this Place; namely and plainly, that as I have no Ambition to be accounted any extraordinary Person of great Learning or Reading; so I far less desire to set up or give my self out for One of Universal Practice or Experience: And as at the Beginning, I only design’d this Book for the immediate Service of Midwives, and the common Good of WOMEN and their CHILDREN, the Poor, I mean in general, as well as the Rich; So I am yet resolv’d, rather, to stifle or restrain my Inclinations for the present time, and suppress what might be otherways pertinently added on these Subjects, than to put it out of the reach of the Purchase of either of THOSE. I say, for these reasons, I shall not undertake at this time to enter upon every particular Head or Branch of the HYSTERICKS; only that I may not be censur’d as Churlish or Peevish to the more delicate LADIES, and tenderly constituted Women, who always labour and suffer most under these Distempers, I shall however yet endeavour to discuss particularly the most dangerous, as well as the most common Case, belonging to this general Topick; and not only so, but, according to my Ability, I shall also endeavour in it, if possible in a few words, to include and comprehend all the rest of these Female Indispositions: And that to the Purpose, and under the Title, following, viz.——

THE preceding Chapter contains a general Account of the sundry various Hysterick Passions, together with their respective Symptoms, as they affect the chief and Principal Parts of the Body; whence I might descend to a great Variety of particulars; but as neither my present Time nor Design will permit my entring upon These in this place, I shall content my self with treating of This ONE; which as it is the chief and most dangerous of all the Uterine Affections, so ’tis the most Universal and Common.

IT comprehends, in short, many various severe, and even wonderful Symptoms in it self; whence I conclude, that, he who sufficiently understands the present Case or Condition, may easily comprehend all the other Circumstances, belonging to the foregoing general Head; Since with whatever difference of Symptoms, or Diagnostick Signs, they may appear, the Causes and Effects are originally of the same Nature: For This is the very Affection which Galen^[235] call’d the ???? ?se???, that is, the Hysterick Passion, and he might as well have said the grand Hysterick Passion: The Latins call it Strangulatio, or Suffocatio, or PrÆfocatio Uterina; because in the Fit, the Woman seems to be Suffocated or Strangled by the Womb. But to the Purpose,——

HOWEVER variously and copiously the Ancients have defin’d this Evil, I think the few following Words, may properly explain it, viz. This Suffocation is a Distemper of all the Natural, Vital, and Animal Actions, proceeding many different ways, from an ill or disaffected Womb.

I say many different ways, according to the many different Sorts of the AFFECTION; because One is, when the Symptoms of the lÆs’d Natural Faculty only appear; in which the PATIENT labours under Inflations, and frequent Rumblings of the BELLY, Murmurings, Belchings, Pains of the Stomach, Anxiety, Uneasiness, and sometimes Vomitings. Another different AFFECTION is, when the vital Faculty is lÆs’d or indisposed, in which the PATIENT is not only taken with Heart-Beatings, but also with Faintings and Swooning-Fits, with a small, frequent, and unequal PULSE. A Third is when the Animal Faculty is lÆs’d or disaffected, which may happen many ways; and in this Condition the Woman is depriv’d of Motion and all external Sense, however she retains the principal Functions, together with her PULSE and BREATH.

AGAIN, farther yet, there is another Sort of this Hysterick AFFECTION, in which the Motion is deprav’d, turning to various Convulsions of the Legs, Arms, Teeth, Lips, Eyes, and so of the whole Body. As also moreover, there is still ONE, or a Fifth different Sort of this Suffocation, in which all the Faculties of Life are seemingly abolished; so far, that (according to common Sense and Apprehension) the PATIENT differs in Nothing from a dead Person. Hence it has often happen’d, that such Women (upon a mistake) have been imprudently buried (for DEAD,) and sometimes had the good Fortune to return from their Graves to their Houses again; whereof many learned Authors give us remarkable Instances^[236].

BUT if it should be ask’d, in short, how it is possible for the Woman to live, after she has lost both her PULSE and her BREATH? I can only refer the Curious to Galen, who has fully answer’d that Question^[237] (according also to the Sentiment of Heraclydes) viz.——That tho’ the Refrigeration of the whole Body, and its principal Parts, is so great as to intercept both the Pulse and the Breath; Yet the Woman, no less than other Animals, such as Snails and others of that kind, which live in strict obscurity, may have Transpiration sufficient, thro’ the whole Circuit of the Body, to defend LIFE^[238].

IF so, then, that there are so many different Sorts of UTERINE STRANGULATIONS, there must also (of Consequence) be as many peculiar Causes: Which, tho’ all take Origin from the Womb, yet do not arise to this Pitch, unless two other Causes concur with it. Viz. ONE from the Part affected; ANOTHER from the Passages, thro’ which the Womb communicates this AFFECTION to it. But in short, the principal immediate Causes are THREE^[239] viz. retain’d Menstruous Blood, vitiated Seed, and putrid Humours, or corrupted Matter, contain’d in any part of the Womb; which immediate, and concurring Causes, I come now to Speak to, viz.——

AS to the First then, I think the retain’d BLOOD, is not sufficient of it self to induce this AFFECTION, because we know, many to be free from it, who yet labour under the suppress’d MENSTRUA; wherefore the Imbecillity of the Principal Parts admitting the Humours, must concur with the Latitude of the Passages, thro’ which the Blood is communicated to them: Which Three conspiring together, the Suffocation of course succeeds with Aggravation.

IF this Blood flows thro’ the Veins and Arteries, into the HEART, it occasions a SYNCOPE, which is a most severe Affection.

IF it ascends into the Brain, it occasions various Symptoms according to the Quality of the Blood, viz.——If it is Pituitous, it induces a Suffocation with SLEEP, resembling a LETHARGY: If it be Bilious, the AFFECTION is most furious, and the PATIENT is (as it were) almost Mad, tearing her self, pulling her Hair, renting her Cloaths, &c. If the Blood be sweet, she only fancies Amours, and meditates upon pleasing Chimeras: As, in fine, if Melancholick, it seizes her with a Sadness of Heart, and Dejection of Mind.

BUT as to the Second Cause, the retain’d Seed induces not only These, but more grievous Symptoms, since as soon as it is corrupted and refrigerated, it becomes the worst of Poyson^[240]: And as it reaches the principal debilitated Parts, it draws on the most dangerous sort of Suffocations; in which the Patient lies for Dead, the whole Body being extremely refrigerated, or benumb’d by this venenated Matter. Which Accident however may happen promiscuously to all Women, abounding with such morbifick Contents in the Womb, as sometimes falls out to Maids, but more commonly to Widows, whose Bodies as well as Wombs abound with pituitous Humours; as also sometimes to Pregnant Women of Cacochymical Habits, and to Puerperial Women not cleansing sufficiently.

I know by the way, that some modern Writers define the Case otherways, and will have Men to be also lyable to the same Distemper, which they alledge proceeds chiefly from the Blood and Spirits: But the Reason why I think they are exempted from it, at least from its Severities, is because, what they lose in Nocturnal Pollutions or otherways, is always ejected or thrown without Doors; whereas what the other Sex so emitts, may be still retain’d within; and consequently by a long Detention there, may be converted into Venom, or a Poysonous Humour.

HOWEVER, this happens more readily and frequently to Widows, than to Virgins, because in the one, the Passages are not only dilated, but also Nature is accustomed to such Emissions, as the other is yet wholly a Stranger to. Moreover——

AGAIN, this Affection may also proceed from too great an abundance of SEED in those, call’d the Seminal Vessels; tho’ not to such a dangerous Degree: In which Case, if the SEED be Acrimonious, a Convulsion may happen; if otherways, the Patient seems only to faint and fall away, with a sort of a grateful Indulgence, without any great Change of Countenance, or Alteration of Pulse; tho’ she often continues with her Eyes shut, Starting and Wakening (as it were) frequently: And as upon returning to herself, she falls a-sighing, so a little after, the Symptom recurs again.

FINALLY, as to the third Cause, Supposing this Affection to seize Women, who not only Purge regularly, but are also satiated with Virile Conversation; or, as it sometimes happens, to take Old Women: In these Cases, the Cause is undoubtedly very different from those mentioned, and proceeds either from Winds, Vapours, or putrid and corrupted Humours, contain’d in the Womb, and communicated by various Passages, to the Heart and Brain: And this Corruption may readily succeed in the Womb, because, as it is a part very different from any other of the Body, endued with peculiar Faculties, so if it be not well disposed, the vitious Humours may also corrupt in it, after a peculiar manner; if not in its own Cavity, in the Uterine Vessels, as most frequently happens.

UPON which, I observe that, if these Winds or Vapours are communicated to the Heart, thro’ the Veins and Arteries, the Suffocation happens with Palpitation: If to the Brain, with a Vertigo, a Tingling of the Ears, and a Suffusion from the Phantasms of the Eyes: Whereas, if the deprav’d Humours or Vapours, ascend there, thro’ the Nerves, various Convulsions happen; especially if the Brain abounds also with frigid Humours. And these, in short, according to the foresaid Authorities, are all the Proximous and immediate Causes of the Hysterick Passion.

HENCE I come now to touch upon the mediate Causes of the same Distemper, which may be easily conceiv’d by any who understands those of the suppressed Menstrua, GonorrhÆa, &c. which Cases I can by no means enter upon at this Time, for the reasons mentioned in the last preceding Chapter.

BUT from what is said (I hope) this Uterine Strangulation, together with all its Differences, may be easily distinguished by the ingenious Reader. However yet, because all its different Sorts have some degree of Affinity, with other diverse Symptoms, which no ways proceed from the Womb; I come now to propose some Signs of Distinction, first in general, and next in particular, viz.——

THE general Signs then are Three, by which I think, the Hysterick may be readily distinguished from all other Affections, namely,——

I. IT is a Muliebrian Disease, and that only familiar to some of the more delicate Women: When therefore we know, from the Patient herself, or from those about her, that she is obnoxious to this Affection; the Hysteric Symptoms also appearing, we need not suspect any other Distemper. II. Hysterical Women complain frequently of their Wombs being ill-disposed, and out of order. As, III. They are most commonly helped and freed from the Paroxysm, by holding Foetids to the Nose, and Suaveolents to the Pudendum; which holds good in no other Affection. But more particularly——

THIS Distemper differs from a Syncope, in that, a Syncope is precipitant, and seizes the Patient all at once, tho’ ’tis but of short Duration; Whereas in this, some evident Signs of an approaching Paroxysm always precede, and the Evil continues sometimes for several Hours and perhaps Days: In that, the Pulse is quickly abolish’d, or at least seemingly ceases; in this, it remains, however small, except in the aforementioned extreme Fit: In that of a Syncope, cold Sweats appear, and the Countenance changes pale; and when the Heart is severely affected, it may be probably conjoin’d with the Hysterick Affection.

NOW This Distemper differs also from an Epilepsy: For in That the Convulsive Motions are not always join’d with it, or if they be, they are not so universal, affecting only one or other Member: In Epilepticks, the Pulse is greater than ordinary; but in Hystericks, it is the Reverse: In that the Patient foams at the Mouth, and loses the principal Functions of Life, especially the Memory; in this they foam not, neither commonly lose any internal Sense; but only awake like those who have been asleep.

THIS Affection differs again from the Apoplexy, in that the Parts are not so much affected, nor their feeling so much abolished; in that there is no continual Snoaring, and the Pulse is only diminished and depraved, which in Apoplectics most commonly remains entire: In short, the one is preceded, as well as accompany’d with diverse Symptoms; whereas the other assails the Patient suddenly, without any previous Notice or Signification.

AGAIN the Hystericks differ from a Lethargy; in that This is attended with a Fever; That not at all: In This the Pulse is raised higher and is stronger; in That it falls always lower, and is weaker.

MOREOVER, there are diverse Experiments, mentioned by Authors, to distinguish a Patient in the extreme Fit of this Passion, from a Person actually Dead: Such as Lint, Feathers, or burnt Paper being held to the Mouth; if moved, the Patient breathes. A Glass of Water being set upon the Breast; if stirred, there is some Motion and Dilatation still in the Breast. Or, in fine, a Looking-Glass well wiped, being held to their Mouths, if infected, the Patient is still and certainly alive.

HOWEVER, all These Things, I look upon to be merely trifling and uncertain in this Case; because, supposing the Woman not to breathe, as has been hinted; How then can she expire so much from her Lungs, as to move a Feather, or infect a Glass? Or, how can her Breast have any such a Motion, as to move Water in a Glass? Considering well, what has been already said, that it is only by internal Transpiration, that she draws the Breath of Life; which is neither effected by the Motion of the Breast, nor the Lungs; but rather by a certain obscure and latent Motion of the Heart, and the internal Arteries: In such manner, as some Animals, living in Cells of Obscurity, seem to be refrigerated, or benumb’d and Dead the whole Winter-Season.

BUT in this Case, the more certain Method is, to try the Patient with proper Sternutatories, such as are otherways useful in all such Paroxysms, for if alive, she will be quickly mov’d by Sternutation: As when the Body begins to send forth a Cadaverous Smell, it is a certain Sign that the innate Heat is extinct with the Life, and that the Body is no more supported by the Soul. Wherefore the safest and surest way is, not to bury such Persons, before the Expiration of 72 Hours, reckoning from the beginning of the Fit: Because, if in this Time, which is the Crisis, or Term of the Circuit of all the Humours in the Body, they do not revive, there is no more Room left for Hopes.

IN the next place, I come to mark the Diagnosticks, whereby it may be best distinguished, which of the before-mentioned immediate Causes, gives Rise to the HYSTERICK PASSION in any Woman labouring under the same Malady. And, I. IF it proceeds from the Menstruous Blood, in this Condition, the Natural Course must needs be suppress’d, either in whole or in part: And the Difference of the Quality of this BLOOD, is evident from the foregoing Symptoms.

II. IF from too long retain’d SEED; the Patient is to be suppos’d regular in her natural Flux, as she is Calid and Sanguine, either from high Living, or want of Exercise: In this the Symptoms are all more severe and dangerous, than in the other Case, and upon the declension of the Paroxysm, or the Fits going off, a certain Humour flows from the Pudendum, occasion’d by the Constriction made in the Womb.

III. IF from corrupted Humours, the Patient not only Purges regularly, but also enjoys her Husband: Hence in this Case, I would conclude that she either labours, or has labour’d under some Uterine Distemper, such as a Satyriasis, Pruritus, Furor, GonorrhÆa, Fluor Muliebris, Ulcers, Impostumes, a former Suppression, or Irregularity of the Menstrua, or the like: As also many Learned Men agree that a PrÆternatural Situation^[241], namely, the Womb’s ascending to the superior Parts, compressing the Liver and Diaphragma, and consequently the Lungs, Heart, or Stomach, may induce various Suffocations; Which, I think, is also confirm’d by Reason and Experience. For——

WHO knows not that the Ligaments of the Womb, may be so relaxed and extended, that it may fall down to the very Knees, as I have seen it? And who may not thence conceive that in the same Laxity of the Ligaments, the Womb may be as well driven upwards by Winds, Vapours, or too much gross Blood in the Ligaments; or by ungrateful Odours approaching the Womb, as it may also be attracted by pleasant and grateful Smells at the Nose? Not that I mean here, by the by, that the Womb is capable of Smelling, and therefore shuns disagreeable Foetors; but only that its Spirits and Heat, especially in Those, who abound with deprav’d Humours, are attracted either way by agreeable Odours, or fragrant Smells.

NOW in this Case, the Womb may be plainly found by the Touch, ascended in the Form of a round Ball; Which however may be easily brought down, and replaced in its natural Posture, by any skilful experienced Hand, previously well anointed with the Oil of Spike, Spikenard, White Lillies, or the like. Again farther, to prevent its Return, some nauseous Smells, may be apply’d to the Nose, or the Reverse to the Pudendum; as also the superiour Parts of the Body may be tyed strait with proper Bands or Ligaments.

BUT more particularly, as to the proper Diagnosticks of the imminent Paroxysm, or approaching Fit of Suffocation, these are, Grumblings in the Abdomen, a Distention and Pulsation in the Back and Hypochondriacks, a Weariness of the whole Body, an Imbecillity of the Legs, Belching, Nauseating, Gaping, a pale Face, and a sad Countenance; attended at last with the aforesaid Sense of Strangulation, as if the Patient was a-swallowing a Ball, &c. As also I have known some Women to have been taken with a long Fit of Laughter upon this occasion, others with that of Crying; as probably some may confusely act both at once.

HOWEVER, It is to be observ’d in this place, that, as the Distemper is not equally violent in All, nor always attended by the same, or the same number of Symptoms; so neither are the Fits equally long or frequent, but invade and seize the Patient according to the quick or slow gathering of the Morbifick Humours, which are also sooner or later discussed: Which Humorous Particles in our Bodies, like as in intermitting Fevers, have their due Times of Digestion, Accumulation, and Exaltation; which Height as soon as they have arrived to, they suddenly, and as it were in a Moment, break out into Action: Or else These Humours may lye dormant in the Body, until by some Procatarctick, or External Cause, they are exagitated, and set at Work.

NOW this Agitation of Humours depends not only upon the Course of the Sun and Moon, but also sometimes more particularly upon the Change of the Air, and the Motion of the Sea. As to the Solar and Lunar Influences upon the Animal Machine, they are already abundantly set forth^[242], wherefore I shall resume Nothing of them in this place: And as to the Efficiency of the Air, I would observe it to be always most considerable about the Two Equinoxes; as at these Seasons the most impetuous Winds and violent Storms happen; and that continually the most severe at Noon and Midnight; that is to say, when the Sun is in our Zenith, or in the Nadir, viz. in the vertical Point over our Heads, or the quite opposite under^[243] our Feet. These Changes however come a little before the Vernal Equinox, but follow the Autumnal; because of the various Distances of the Moon in its PerigÆum and ApogÆum.

MOREOVER, at these Seasons, and indeed at all Times, the Air swells or rises highest, at New and Full Moon, from the conjunct Power of both the Planets: Hence the diligent Mariners and Husbandmen always observe the Weather to change, and Winds to rise upon these Occasions; and, not only so, but also, a constant and certain Recourse of Winds and Weather to happen at certain Seasons of the Year; and that from some certain necessary Natural Cause, which always acts in the same manner.

As to the Motion of the Sea, its Efficacy upon the Animal Fabrick, may be easily comprehended, considering only what is said; together with this Truth, that, at all Seasons, the Air is highest, and the Winds strongest, when the Tide of the Flood is at its highest Ascent. For as the Sea swells, so the Ambient Air in 25 Hours, is twice raised to a considerable great Height, from the Attraction of the Moon approaching the Meridian: And the same swelling of the Air must necessarily follow, as often as the Sun comes to the Meridian of any place, either above or below the Horizon; tho’ (as aforesaid) it is always highest at New and Full Moon: And lowest of all, when the Moon is but half Full; the Planets then drawing each a contrary way: As it is middling, during the Time between the dimidiated Orbs of the Moon, and the New and Full Moon^[244].

CONSIDERING then that the Ambient Air and the surrounding Sea are both fluid Bodies, and that the Changes of the One agree so exactly with the Tide of the Other, we may rationally conclude, that they are both (in a great measure) subject to the same Laws of Motion^[245]. Hence it is, that, the great Physician^[246] says, that the Fluxes and Refluxes of both these Elements are so ordain’d, by the Wise Councell of the Almighty Creator, to keep them from Stagnations and Corruptions, which would be noxious to all Creatures, that by these means are preferred in a better Condition. Which is also confirm’d by Experience, from that, in clear and open places such Valetudinarians as are ready to Die, recover their Health, and the Soundest Constitution in moist close places, grows Sick.

FROM the whole, it is evident, that the Motions of the Air at the flowing of the Sea, upon the New and Full Moon, and in the Æquinoxes, change the Fabrick of the Animal Bodies: But these Changes are always most remarkable in those of weak and sickly Constitutions; whereas those of Strong and Healthy Bodies more readily repel or evade their Influences. Hence it is that our Bodies so much Sympathize, and so manifestly correspond with the Coelestials, as the Experience of a great many Ingenious Authors testify^[247]: And hence again it is that the Hysterick, no less than any other Patient, keeps Time strictly with these Superiour Bodies, as the Register of a vast many Examples, and even daily Experience it self teaches for Truth. Now having thus far prosecuted the Diagnosticks, as well with respect to the Times and Seasons of the Paroxysms, as to the Signs and Symptoms of the Distemper, I come at length to——

THE Prognosticks of this Uterine SuffocatioN, which I shall but briefly hint upon; and First, observe, that where the Humours overcharge the Body, and are implicated among themselves; in this Case the Fits do not always keep their Legitimate Times, nor their proper Insults, but are sometimes more frequent, more sharp, and more diuturnal; in like manner, as a Concourse of Winds excites the most violent Storms, according to the Poet^[248],

So a Concourse and Confluxion of Humours, must needs aggravate the Distemper; but more especially, when the afflicted PATIENT is taken with a Complication of Distempers, such as when the HYSTERICK FIT is join’d with a Syncope, or severe Convulsions, &c. then the Case is most dangerous.^[249]

These Things, consisting in the Corruption and Inflammation, or in the Quantity and Quality of the peccant HUMOURS, concur with the other Causes, above defin’d, that the Circulations of the Distemper are either shorter or longer, more frequent or more rare, or more safe or more dangerous in the Event.

SECONDLY, I observe in this place, that, if the Distemper does not carry off the PATIENT, as often happens in the foregoing Condition, it commonly degenerates at last into an Apoplexy, or Palsy, Stupidity, or deep Melancholy, &c. Wherefore I come now finally to treat of the Method of its Cure; which is twofold, One in the Access or FIT, and another in the Interval. Then as to the First——

IN the FIT, Revulsive and Repressing Remedies are most apposite, together with Corroboratives for the HEART and VENTRICLE, as well as for the Womb it self. But because Revulsives are of many and different kinds, they are to be discreetly us’d, according to the Nature of the Cause from whence the Evil proceeds: For if suppressed Blood be the Cause, in that Case, Galen agrees with Hippocrates that an Inferiour Vene-Section is convenient, and that even tho’ a Syncope join the SUFFOCATION, because the One is but the Effect of the Other^[250]: Remembring always that such Bleedings must be done with great Prudence and Caution, because of the present Prostration of the Strength and Spirits, and Refrigeration of the PATIENT’s whole Body.

WHEREAS if the PAROXYSM proceeds from venenated SEED, or depraved Humours, no VEIN is to be open’d; but instead of That, I would lay the Woman supine in her BED, for breathing the freer, and loose all her Laces, Garters, &c. Then if Strong Sternutatories, Foetid Smells, Vellication of her Ears, Nostrils, Pilorumve Pudendi, did not help her Condition; I would use dolorifick Ligatures, and Frictions of THIGHS, LEGS, and FEET; or apply Cupping Glasses without Scarification to the THIGHS and GROIN it self: As also proper Liniments, Clysters, Suppositories, Pessaries, &c. are convenient Means: And sometimes Suffumigations of GALBANUM, ASSAFOETIDA, Old Leather, Cloth, Sulphur, Partridge Feathers, Horse-Tetters or Warts, &c. Or (which is reckon’d Best of all) a few of the PATIENT’s Hairs of her Head, burnt, and held to her NOSE. Or, while I should often tickle the NOSTRILS with a Feather, or my Finger dipp’d in the sharpest Vinegar, Oleum Succini, or the like, I would anoint the PALLET with Triacle, Mithridate, or such other Things dissolv’d in pleasant WINE.

HOWEVER, in such Cases, as well as in all others, À mitioribus adhibitis, progrediendum est ad valentiora; I say, we are to begin with the more gentle, and proceed gradually to the more strong and powerful REMEDIES; using all proper Means with the utmost Prudence and Discretion, and that only according to the absolute Necessity and imminent Danger of the incident Case. Now moreover, I would add for such as lose both PULSE and BREATH, that some of the above REMEDIES are not only requisite; but also, according to the excellent Horatius Augenius, a little generous WINE with Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Cloves, adding five Grains of MUSK, is altogether proper for this PATIENT^[251]: Tho’ for others, who have not quite lost all Sense and Motion, nothing is perhaps more pernicious than the USE of such Odoriferous Matters, since I have known several Women to have been immediately suffocated, even by the very Smell of MUSK, CIVET, AMBER, &c. But when the Sick PATIENT lies (as above) for dead, if such Odours can excite the WOMB, they can likewise move the Arteries, and give Hopes of Recovery; upon which occasion also, I would apply hot Sear-Cloths to the Regions of the HEART and WOMB: Or, if I suspected the HEAD to abound with frigid Humours, I would moreover apply Vesicatories behind the EARS, or an Issue, or drawing Plaister to the NAPE of the Neck, always cherishing the STOMACH with proper Fomentations: As also according to some, the Hoof of an ELK, is a present REMEDY in all such Suffocations or FITS of the Mother^[252].

BY the above-mentioned, which are all the most prevalent Means in the ACCESS, we will now suppose the PATIENT to be recover’d; in which Case, the next step needful, is to guard against, and prevent the Return of the FIT, and consequently to Cure the DISEASE; which can only be effected by removing the Cause, whatever it may be: And This, in my Opinion, may be most effectually perform’d in manner following, viz.——

IF the Distemper proceeds from the suppressed BLOOD or MENSTRUA, This is by proper Means to be reduced to its Natural Course and Condition. If from a retain’d Seminal Matter in the Uterine Vessels, the Cure depends chiefly upon a proper Regimen of Diet and Exercise; frequent gentle Purges, and repeated inferiour VenÆ-Sections: Whereas if already collected and venenated in the WOMB, and the Body consequently refrigerated, no VEIN may properly be touch’d or open’d; but in this Case, as if the Evil proceeded from vitious putrid HUMOURS, it is to be evacuated in the same manner, as in other Conditions of the humid Intemperature of the WOMB; always corroborating and fortifying the more affected or debilitated Parts.

NOW this Method of Cure, in short, being taken from the wisest of the Ancients^[253], I shall farther add one singular and essential Step towards the perfecting of it; namely, if it be so, that the most severe and dangerous Symptoms of this DISTEMPER proceed from the Retention of the vitiated SEED; then of Course and without Controversy, the HYSTERICK PASSION must needs be most familiar to WIDOWS and marriageable VIRGINS; to whom I must finally say, Let them Marry.

Si tales etenim pruriginosas, Connubio destinari contingat, ac Semen subdito virili Pessulo elici, in usumq, procreandÆ Sobolis depromi, protinus illas efflorescere videas, ac faciem roseo, nitidÓq; colore perfundi, blandas denique atque Amabiles, minÚsq; tetricas ac morosas. Quod etiam docet GALENUS, Exemplo viduÆ cujusdam, quÆ multo Semine effuso, À Symptomatibus integrÈ est liberata^[254]. Itaq; dico, tales dissuetÆ maturÆve viro sunt tempestive elocandÆ. In fine, MARRIAGE will very much help such indisposed Persons, according to the Wise Judgment, Advice and Direction of the best Antient WRITERS.

BEFORE I close this finishing Chapter, I must entreat the READER’s Patience, and finally observe (by way of Recapitulation upon it, which will also serve to Answer the same End upon divers places interspers’d throughout this whole Book) that I am very Sensible before hand, that some considerate Readers, even among the Learned themselves, will be ready to stop or cavil at some of my Sentiments, and say, Quo te Moeri Pedes? Et quÆ te Dementia cepit?

I know that they deny, with the Peripatetick Aristotle^[255], the Existence of the Muliebrian SEED. Nay, I farther know, that, this is not all, which they will object against; for the Four Galenick HUMOURS will be as hard to digest. But as I leave all Men to think and judge for themselves, without differing with any for dissenting from me in Opinion, so I know that Men of Probity and Ingenuity will allow me the same Privilege and act in a suitable Manner: Whereas I doubt not but some Momus, or Zoilus, or some Member of the Body of the Sophistical Sciolists will rise up, and pronounce me either altogether Ignorant, or an unjust Vilifier of the reigning Modern Opinions, by laying down some Authentick Positions of the Antients,

THIS cannot more certainly befall me, than I expect it; wherefore, I am not only in some measure upon my Guard; but also otherways resolved to hear, and even bear such Controversial Wranglings with Patience: Which I need think the less of doing, or suffering with Pleasure, considering the many Glorious Examples already set before my Eyes of Those who have deserved the greatest Applause, and the Best of Mankind in all Ages. To pass by some living MONUMENTS of Detraction, who are at this Day universally acknowledged to be Eminent and Excellent Men; have not some of the best Authors that ever wrote been unjustly scourged by the black Tongues, and even scandaliz’d by the Satyrick Pens, of their Cotemporaries? And are not the same Sufferers, I mean their Names and Memories immortaliz’d at this Time, through all Nations? Besides, in short, will they not continue to be so through out all succeeding Generations for their essential Helps and ingenious Discoveries in the Noble and Heavenly Art of Physick? Moreover, have we not too many Instances of This, to go no farther, in England, even too well known to require a Repetition?

HOW vain then would it be in me to hope to escape the Common Fate of all Writers in general? No, before ever I put Pen to Paper, I plainly foresaw, that, in this degenerate Age, no honest Man could safely subscribe to the genuine truth of Things, without suffering by publick Malice, under the Character of being reckon’d either an Ignorant or an obsolete Singularist.

HOWEVER, yet, as I would willingly avoid being ranked among litigious Disputants, so I have taken Care (if it be possible) to mitigate the Censure, by not insisting too stiffly upon any Topick, which may be suppos’d to tend more to curious Speculation, than to real Practice in our Art: Neither have I set off any Hypothesis with recommendatory Glosses, nor other fine Embellishments, serving more for Ornament than Use.

BUT that I may not seem at last altogether to give up, what I have been advancing, however in modest Terms and upon authentick Authorities, I ingenuously answer and confess, that, I have in diverse respects and in sundry places in this Book, spoke my Mind freely, and impartially, however without Prejudice, and that sometimes also contrary to the Opinions of many famous Writers in Vogue, as well Ancient as Modern; by which means, I may perhaps have disgusted some, otherways, most Judicious Readers: However, considering the different Grounds upon which Men commonly form their Judgment of Authors, if I have but the Happiness to please in some Things, I have all that I am ambitious of.

WHEREFORE, as it was neither for Applause nor Reputation-sake, but merely for the Common Good of Mankind, that I undertook to write modestly, so I resolved at the Beginning, that, neither Malice nor Envy should deter me from publishing what is True, and, to my certain Knowledge, confirmed by Experience. I have carefully perus’d other Men’s Works, Moderns as well as Ancients, to gain the Knowledge and discover the Truth of Things, and I gratefully acknowledge what Benefit soever I have reaped from them, whose Names I am not asham’d to affix to this Book, by the Help of their elaborate and ingenious Writings: Desiring thereby to convince the Revolver, that I neither reject the hard Labours of the Ancients, nor despise the laudable Endeavours of the Moderns, much less would I be thought to decry or find Fault with any particular Performance; especially considering that I meet with none so empty, but that I get something by, which I emprove to my own Advantage.

BUT as far as I have found them mistaken, since Mortal Eyes cannot see beyond their Horizon, nor the best of Men exceed the natural Limits of human Frailty, I have thought it my Duty to forewarn Posterity of their Mistakes, not only according to the laudable Custom of the Ancients, but also according to my plain Notion of the genuine Nature or true Charity; which I think consists not in contemning, detracting and calumniating one another, but rather in cleansing Sciences from the Dross of Errors, that so the Right Way may be pav’d to our Successors by a continued Series of Time, which may be effectually done by Many, that cannot possibly be accomplished by One; because of the Brevity of Life.

UPON the whole, it is most certain that Truth is known but of a few; whereas false Opinions go current in the Stream with the rest of the World: Nay, Truth scarce yet ever carried it by Vote in any respect, insomuch, that the most evident Testimonies of Sense, too often yield place to imbib’d Opinions, and Men blindly reject the manifest Evidence of their own Faculties, by which Truth in many Cases is only to be discover’d: And indeed I know how hard it is otherways to enquire exactly into the common Truth of Things, so as to give a Satisfactory Demonstration, or a general Satisfaction to All: Which notwithstanding, I verily believe that the Sons of Art, who know the Principles and Power of Nature, and understand her various Operations upon all Bodies, by the means of her inferiour Agents, the four ELEMENTS; and such as have attain’d any competent Knowledge in the SPAGYRICK ANATOMY of Things, especially of Fluids, Water, Wine, &c. will be at no great Loss to conceive the Probability of both the one and the other above-mentioned Hypothesis.

ACCEPT then, in fine, Benevolent Reader, This short and plain Performance of Physick and Midwifery; which, if it should not happily answer to your Expectation, I would fain have you believe, that it will far less correspond with my Wish. If then any Thing be found useful or acceptable in it, you are to ascribe that to God, the Author of all Wisdom; you may impute what is otherways perform’d, to Man’s Understanding and Practice blessed by God: Therefore being every where mindful of Humanity, read, revolve, enjoy, and correct; reflecting in the Interim, not so much upon the little that I have done, as upon that which others have not hitherto perform’d concerning the same Subject.

I could with Pleasure have continued The Performance, and, according to my Design at the Beginning, have added two SECTIONS more, viz. One upon the Symptoms and Diseases of the Womb and the Passages; the other upon the various Symptoms or Accidents, relating to the MENSTRUOUS and other Uterine Fluxes: But as the Work has already by far exceeded the Limits, which I design’d it at first, I shall here for the present Time fix my Pen.

I Pray God, in short, the Fountain of Life, and Source of all Science, that He may enable others to conceive what has been said, better than I have been capable to explain; and grant that the Fruit of my Labour may conduce to the Health and Preservation of all good Women and their Children: All finally, upon the whole Work, redounding to the eternal Glory of his own most Holy Name.