p *>', w z 290 A718 1828 '-•'•■*« -■31 ;*; *.• £2M, ' •••■•*,:: '"^.«HijiVii 'ftr-/' --4-.. *• V *#$ *r^ xp*« & & £■■'•' **\ RTfl _ .^Shj * ' ■*. £ .310 " ([) : Errors in pagination: p. 72,135, 263 are misnumbered 67, 351, 262; numbering between 66 and 72 is missing. THE OF THE FAMOUS PHILOSOPHER, HV FOUR PARTS, —containing-- I. His Complete Master-Piece ; displaying the secrets of Nature in the Generation of Man. To which is ad- ded, the Family Physician ; being approved remedies for the several Distempers incident to the human Body. II. His Experienced Midwife ■; absolutely necessary for Surgeons, Midvvives, Nurses, and child bearing Women. III. His Book of Problems, containing various Questions and Answers, relative to the State of Man's Body. IV, His Last Legacy ; unfolding the Secrets of Nature,, respecting the Generation of Man. A IW BWNNNtSb WITH ENGRAVINGS. NEW-ENGIANZ5, Printed for the Publishers. 1828. Mo hilt \t1? TO THE READER. To say that Aristotle, the learned author of the following sheets, was reported to be the most learned philosopher in the world, is no more than what every intelligent person al- ready knows : nor can any think otherwise, who will give themselves time to consider that he was the Scholar of Plato (the wisest philosopher of his time) and under whom Aris- totle profited so much, that he was chosen by king Phillip of Blacedon as the most worthy and proper person in his dominions to be the tutor of his son Alexander, by whose wise precepts and instructions,Alexander became of so great wisdom* judgment prowess, and magnanimity,.that he just- ly obtained the title of the Great. Alexander himself was so sensible of the advantages he received from the instruc- tions of so great a Stagirite (for so Aristotle was called »rom the country of Stagira, where he was born.) that he often declared he was more beholden, to his tutot Aristot- tle for the cultivation of His mind, than to his father Phillip for the kingdom of Macedon. Though Aristotle applied himself to the investigation of the secrets of nature, yet he was pleased to bring into a fuller and more true light those secrets with respect to the generation of man. This he styled his Master-Piece; and in this he has made so thorough a search, that he has, as it were, turned nature inside out.. The divine records assure us, that the secrets of nature have been the study of diverse illustrious persons, equally renowned for wisdom and goodness ; the first of whom, Job has made it sufficiently evident by that excellent philosoph- ical account he gives of the generation of man in the tenth chapter of the book which bears his name, wher« he says, TO THE READER. ■* Thine hands have made me, and fashioned me together round about: Thou hast poured me out as milk and curd- led me like cheese : Thou hast clothed mo with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones'and sinews." David, one of the greatest kings of Israel, whose piety was supe- rior to his powe:*, being peculiarly Styled a man after God's own heart, says in his divine soliloquies to his Creator, " Thou hast cover'd me in my mother's womb; I will praise tbee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hidden from thee when I was in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth : Thine eye did see my substance, yet being imperfect : and in thy book, all my members were written, which in contin- uance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Let the words of holy Job, and those of David be put to- gether, and I will not scruple to affirm, that they make the most accurate system of philosophy respecting the genera- tion of man that has ever yet been penned; therefore why should not the mysteries of nature be enquired into without censure, since, from this inquiry, so much praise resounds to the God of nature! For, the more we know of his works the more our hearts will be inclined to praise him, as we 9ee in the instance of David abovementioned. Having said thus much of the wonderful works of nature in the generation of man, I shall next proceed to give the reader the best translation possible of that excellent trea- •'.se of the renowned Aristotle, which he was pleased to style his MASTER PIECE. I cannot help observing, that having met with a collect tion of appproyed receipts by the great H/ppochates, and thinking they would be acceptable to my readers, I have ■added the same by way of supplement, at the. end of tke, Master Piece. w A.2HS2?CTLE8S KEASTEH FIEOE. PART I. THE SECRETS OF NATURE DISPLAYED. INTRODUCTION. I^ is stfange to see how things are slighted only because they are common, though in themselves worthy the more serious consideration, this is the very case of the subject 1 am how treating of. What is more common than tbe be- getting of children 1 And what is more wonderful than the plastic power of nature, by which children are formed ? For though there is radicated in the very nature of aH'creatures a propensity which leads them to produce the image of them- selves, yet how these images are produced after those pro- pensities are satisfied, is only known to those who trace the secret meanders of nature in then-private chambers, to those dark recesses of the womb, where this embryo receives for- mation. The original of which proceeds from the divine command, increase and multiply. The natural inclination and propensity of both sexes to each other, the plastic pow- er of nature, is only the energy of the first blessing, which to this day upholds the species of mankind in the world? Now since philosophy informs us, that Nosce teipsum, /.« one of the first lessons a man ought to learn, it cannot sure- ly be accounted an useless piece of knowledge for a man to be acquainted with the cause of his own being,, or by what secret power of nature it was, that coagulated milk (as a di- vine author calls it) came to be substantiated into a- humnn body. The explanation of this mystery, and the unfolding the plastic power of nature, in the secret workings of gene- ration and the formation of the seed in the womb is the sub- ject of the following treatise ; a subject so necessary to be known to the female sex, that many for want of this knowl>- edge have perished with the fruit of their womb, who, had they but understood the secrets of generation, which are displayed in this treatise, might have been still living. For the sake of such, I have compiled this work, which I have divided in two parts in the following manner. 1st. I will shew that natureneed not be ashamed of her work ; and give a particular description of the parts or 1* tf ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECI:. organs of generation in man, and afterwards in women ; and then to shew the use of these parts in the act of coition, and how positively nature has adapted them to the end for which she ordained them. 2dly. I will point out the prohibition or restriction, that the Creator of all things and Lord of nature has put upon man by the institution of marriage, with the advantages it brings to mankind. 3dly. I shall shew when either sex may enter into a mar- ried state, and be fit to answer the end of the cieati Ml- 4thly. I shall discourse of virginity, and therein' snew what it is, how it is known, by what means it may be lost, and how a person may know that it is so. In the second part, which chiefly relates to married wo- men, and' the preservation of the fruit of the womb, for the propagation of mankind to the world, I shall shew, 1st. What conception is: what is prerequisite thereunto v- how a woman may know when she hath conceived, and whether a boy or a girl. 2dly. Shew how a woman that hath conceived ought to1 order herself. 3dly. Shew what a woman ought to do that is near the time of her delivery,, and how she ought to be assisted. 4thly. I shall shew what are the obstructions of concep- tion, and therein discourse largely, about barrenness, and shew what are the causes, and the cure thereof, both in men; and women. ,* 5thly. Direct midwives. how they could assist women in the time of their lying in, bringing several other material matters proper to be spoken of under each of these several heads; which will sufficiently render this book what.Aris- totle designed it, his^ Complete Master Piece. CHAP. I. A particular description of the Parts and Instruments of Generation, both in Men and Women. Section 1. Of the Instruments of Generation in Men, with a'particular Description thereof. 5 Though the Instruments or parts of generation in alflcrea- tures, with respect to their outward form, are not perhaps the most comely; yet in compensation of that, nature has put upon them a more abundand, and far greater honor than. other parts, in ordaining them to be the means by which every species of being is continued from one generation to ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE- T another. And therefore though a man or woman were through the bounty of nature, endowed with angelic coun- tenances, and the most exact symmetry and proportion of parts that concurred together to the making up of the most perfect beauty, yet, if they were defective in the instru- ments of generation, they would not for all their beauty be acceptable to either of the other sex ; because they would be thereby rendered incapable of satisfying the natural pro- pensions which every one finds in himself. And therefore, sinceit iji our duty to be acquainted with ourselves, and to searcwoiit the wonders of God in nature, I need not make any apology for anatomizing the secret parts of generation. The organ of generation in man, nature has placed obvi- ous to the sight, and is called the yard ; and because hang- ing without the belly, is called the penis, a pendendo. It is in form long, round, and on the upper side flatish, and con- sists of skin, tendons, veins, arteries, and sinews, being seat- ed under the Ossa Pubis, and ordained by nature for a two fold work, viz. for the evacuating pf urino, and conveying the seed into the matrix. The urine which it evacuates is brought to it through the neck of the Vesica Urinatise, and the seed which it conveys into the matrix, is brought into it from the Vesiculae Seminales. But to be more particular. Besides the common parts, as the cuticle, the skin and the Membrana Carnosa : it has several internal parts prop- er to it, of which number there are seven, viz. The two nervous bodies; the Steptum ; the Urethra ; the Glands ; the Muscles; and the vessels ; of each of these distinctly, in the order I have placed them ; and first,rtof The two nervous bodies. These are called so from their being surrounded with a thick, white, nervous membrane, though their inward substance is spongy ; as consisting prin- cipally of veins, arteries, and nervous fibres, interwoven like a net. And nature has so ordained it, that when the nerves are filled with animal spirits, and the arteries with hot and spiritous blood, then the yard is distended, and becomes erect; when the flux of the spirit ceases, when the blood and the remaining spirits are absorbed, or sucked up })y the veins, so the penis becomes Umber and flaggy. 2. The second internal part is the Steptum Lucidum, and this is in substance white and nervous, or sinewy ; and its office is to uphold the two lateral or side ligaments and the Urethra. 3. The third is the Urethra, which is o»Iy Ihe channel by 8 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. which both seed and urine are conveyed out ; it is in sub- stance soft and loose, thick and sinewy, like that of the lig- aments. It begins at the neck of the bladder, but springs not from thence, only is joined to it and so proceeds to the' glands. It has three holes at the beginning, the largest of which is in the midst, which receives the urine into it. The other two are smaller receiving the seed into each seminal vessel. 4. The fourth is the Glands, which is at the end of the penis, covered with a very thin membrane, by reas<^| of a Praeputium or Foreskin, which in some covers the top of the yard quite close, in others not ; and by its moving up and down in the act of copulation brings pleasure both to man and woman. The extreme part of this cover, which I call Praeputium, and which is so called a Praeputando, from cutting off, as the Jews were commanded to cut it off on the eighth day. The ligaments by which it is fastened to the glands is called Fraenum, or the bridle. 5. The fifth thing is the Muscles, and these are four in number, two being placed on each side. These muscles which are instruments of voluntary motion, and without which no part of the body can move itself, consists of fi- brous flesh to make up their body; of nerves for the sense ; of veins for their vital heat ; and a membrane or skin to knit them together, and to distinguish one muscle from the other, and all of them from the flesh. I have already said there are two of them on each side; and I now will add, thatone on each side is shorter and thicker, and that their use is to erect the yard, from whence they have obtained the name of erectors. And having told you that two of them are thicker and shorter than the other, I need not tell you that the other two are longer and thinner; only I take notice, that the office of the two last is to dilate, if you will open the lower part of the Urethra, both for making water and voiding the seed, and therefore are called Accelerators. 6. The sixth and last things are the vessels, which con- sists of Veins, Nerves and Arteries: of which some pass by the skin and are visible to the eye, and others pass more in- wardly. For indeed the arteries are dispersed through the "body of the yard much more than the veins, Se the dispersion is contrary-wise, the right artery being dispersed to the left side, and the left to the right ; as for the two nerves, the greater is bestowed, upon the muscles and the body of the yard, and the less upon the skin. ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 9 What I have hitherto said relates to the yard, properly so called; but, because there are some appendages belong- ing thereto, which, when wanted, renders the yard of no use in the act of generation, it will also be necessary before I Conclude the section, to say something of them, I mean the stones, or testicles so called, because they testify the person to be a man ; their number and place is obvious ; and as to their use, in them the blood brought thither by the spermat- ic arteries is elaborated into seed. They have coats or coverings of two sorts, propej and common; the common are tyyp, and invest both the testes: the outermost of the common coats, consists of the cuticula, or true skin, called Scrotum hanging out of the abdomen like a purse. • Mem- brana Carnosa is the innermost. The proper coats arc also two ; the outer called Elithoridis or Vaginalis, the inner- Albugiena, into the outer are inserted the Cremasters ; to the upper part of the testes are fixed the Epidermis or Pa- rastatae, from whence arise the Vasa Deferentia Ejaculate- ria, which when they approach near the neck of the blad- der deposit the seed into the Siculae Seminales, which are each or two or three of them, like a bunch of grapes, and emit the seed into the urethra in the act of copulation. - Near those are the Parastatae, which are about the bigness of a walnut? and join to the neck of the bladder. These afford an oily, slippery and salt humor, to besmear the Urethra, and thereby defend it from the acrimony of the seed and urine. Beside these vessels, by which the blood is conyeyed to the testes or of which the seed is made, and, the arteries soer- maticae, there are also two ; and, so likewise are thejrahig, which carry out the remaining blood, which are calleir ye* nae spermaticae. ^ And thus those noble parts we see J*or such the parts of generation be ; And they who carefully survey will find Each part is fitted for tlje use design'd ; The purest blood we find if well we heed, Is in the testicles tyrn'd into seed ; Which by most proper channels is transmitted, Into the place for it by nature fitted: With highest sense of pleasure to excite In amorous combatants the more delight; For in this work nature doth design Profit and pleasure in one act to join. Section II. Of the secret parts in Women WOMiN, next to man, the noblest piece of this crea- tion, is bone of his bone, agd flesh of hie flesh, a sort of I§ ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. second self; and, in a married state are aoconted but ont. as the poet says, Man and wife arc but one right Canonical hermaphrodite. It is therefore the secret parts of that curious piece of ■ature that we are to lay open, which we will do with an much modesty as will consist with speaking intelligibly. The external parts commonly called pudenda (from the shame-fa.-edness that is in woman to have them seen( are the lips of the great orifice which are visible to the eye; and in those that are grown, are covered with lir«ir, and have a pretty store of sp'-ngy fat; their use being to keep the internal parts from all annoyance by outward accidents. Within these are the Nymplur, or wings, which present themselves to the eye when the ii|» are severed, and con- cist of soft and !>pong'- flesh, and the doubling of vbe skin placed nt the sides of the neck ; they compass tile clitoris, p«ir! both in form and color resemble the comb of a cock, looking fresli and red, and in the act of coition receive the penis or yard betwixt ihem ; besides which they give pas- sage both to the birth and urine. The use of the wings and knobs like myrtle berries, is to shut the orifice and neck of the bladder, and by the swelling up, cause titulation and delight in those parts, and also to obstruct the voluntary passage of the urine. The next thing is the clitoris, which is a sinewy and hard part of the womb, replete with spongy and black matter within, in the same manner as the side ligaments of the yard suffers erection and falling in the same manner, and both stir j||) lust and give delight in copulation, for without this the fair sex neither desire nuptial embraces nor have plea- sure in them, nor conceive by them ; and according to the greatness or smallness of this part, they are more or less fond of men's embraces ; so it may properly be styled the seat of lust, Blowing the coals of those amorous fires, Which youth and beauty to be quench'd requires. And it may well be styled so, for it is like a yard in situa- tion, substance, composition, and erection, growing some- times out of the body two inches, but that happens not but upon some extraordinary accident. It consists as I have said, of two spongy and skiny bodies which being a distinct original from theOs Pubis,the head of it being covered with a tender skin having a hole like the yard of a man, but not through, in which, and the bigness of it only differs. The next thing, isthe'pas8age*of4heurine,whichis under ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 11 the clitoris, and over the neck of the womb, so that the urine of a woman comes not through the neck of the womb, neither is the passage common as in men, but in particular, and by itself. This passage opens itself into the tishure to evacuate the urine for the securing of Avhich from cold, or any other inconveniency, there is one of the four caruncles, or fleshy knobs placed before it, which shuts up the passage. For these knobs, which are in number four, and in resem- blance like myrtle berries are placed behind the wings be- spoken off quadrangularly one against the other. These are round in virgins but hang flagging when virginity is lost 'Tis the uppermost of these that nature has placed for the securing the urninary passage from cold, and which is there- fore largest and forked for that end. The lips of the womb that next appear, cover the neck thereof, but being separated disclose it ; and then two things are to be observed, and, these are the neck itself, and the hymen, more properly called the Claustrum Virginale, which I shall treat more at large when I come to show what virginity is. The neck of the womb I call the channel, is between the forementioned knobs and the inner bone of the womb, which receives the man's yard like a sheath; and that it may be dilated with the more ease and pleasure in the act of coition, it is sinewy and a little spongy; and there being in this concavity divers folds or orbicular plates made by tumcles, which are wrinkled, it forms an expanded rose that may be seen in virgins, but in those that have used copu- lation, it comes by degrees to be extinguished: so that the inner side of the neck of the womb appears smooth, and in eld women it becomes more hard and grisly. But though this channel be sinking down, wreathed and crooked, yet it is otherwise in the time of copulation : as also when women are under the monthly purgation, or in labour, being then very much extended, which is a great cause of their pains. The Claustrum Virginale, commonly called the Hymen, is that which closes the neck of the womb ; for between the duplicity of the two tunicles which constitute the neck of the womb, there are many veins and arteries running along, that arise from the vessels of both side of the thighs, and so pass into the neck of the womb, being very large ; and the reason thereof is because the neck of the womb, requires to be filled with abundance of spirits to be dilated thereby, that irlnay the better take hold of the penis, such emotions requiring great heat, which being more intent bv the act of friction 12 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. consumes a great deal of moisture, in the supplying of which large vessels are very necessary ; hence it is that the neck of the womb in women of reasonable stature is eight inches in length. But there is also another cause of the largeness of their vessels, because their monthly purgations makes their way through them ; and for this reason, women though with child, often continue them: for though the womb be shut up, yet the passage in the meek of the womb, through which these vessel pass, is open. And therefore, as soon as you penetrate the pudendum, there may be seen two little pits or holes, and'in which are contained art humor, which by being pressed out in the time of coition, does greatly de- light the fair sex. I shall in the next place, proceed to a description of the womb, which is the field of generation, without which noth- ing can be dOne. The parts we have been speaking of be- ing ordained by nature to convey the seed to the womb,which being impregnated therewith by virtue of the plastic power of nature, produces its own likeness. The womb is situated in the lower parts of the hypogras- trion, being joined to the neck, and is placed between the bladder and the strait gut, so that it is kept from swaying or rolling; yet hath its liberty to stretch and dilate itself, [and also to conduct itself according as nature in that case dis- poses it, it is of a round figure somewhat like a gourd, les- sening and growing more acute towards one end, being knit together by its proper ligaments, and its neck joined by its own substance, and certain membranes that fasten it to the Os Sacrum and the share bone. It is so thick in substance that it exceeds a thumb's breadth; and after conception1 augment to a greater proportion, and to strengthen it yet more, it is interwoven with fibres overthwart, both strait and winding; and its proper vessels are veins arteries and nerves ; amongst which there are two little veins which pass from the spermattc vessels to the bottom of the womb, and two bigger from the hypogastricks, touching the bottom and neck, the mouth of these veins piercing so far as the inward cavity: The womb besides what I have already mentioned, [bath; two arteries on both sides the spermrtic vessels and the hy- pogajpricks which still accompany the veins, with sundry ltitle nerves knit and interwoven in the form of a net, which are also extended throughout, even from the bottom to the pudenda themselves, being so placed chiefly for the sense rf ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 13 pleasure, sympathetically moving from the head and womb. Here the reader ought to observe, that two ligaments hang- ing on either side of the womb from the share bone, pierc- ing through the Peretoneum and joining to the bone itself causes the womb to be moveable, which upon divers oc- casions either falls low or rises : the neck of the womb is of the most exquisite sense, so, that if it be at anytime dis- ordered, either with, a sclrirrosity, too much hot moisture, or relaxation, the womb is subject to barrenness. In those that are near their delivery, there usually stays a most glutinous matter in the entrance, to facilitate the birth ; for at that time the mouth of the womb is open to a wideness in pro- portion to the higne.-s of the child. Under the parts belonging to generation in women, are al- so comprehended the preparatory or spermatic vessels ; the preparatory vessels differ not in number from those in man, for they are likewise four, two vessels and two arteries; their rise and original is the same as in man, on the side of them are two arteries winch grow from them, differing only in their size and manner of insertion, the right vein issuing from the trunk of the hollow vein, and the left from the emulgent vein ; and on the side of them are two arteries which grow from the areata. These preparatory vessels are shorter in women than in men, because they have a shorter passage, the stones of a woman lying within the belly, but those of a man without: but to make amends for their short- ness, they have far more writhing to and fro, in and out, than they have in men ; that so the substance they carry may be the better prepared, neither are they united as they are in men, before they come to the stones, but are divided into two branches, whereof the greater only passeth to the stones, but the lesser to the secundated egt^, and this is properly called conception. And then, secondly, to cherish and nour- ish it, till nature has framed the child, and brought it to per- fection. Thirdly, it strongly operates in sending forth the birth, when its appointed time is accompl shed, there dilat- ing itself in an extraordinary manner ; and so aptly remov- ed from the senses, that no injury accrues to it from thence, retaining in itself a strength and power to operate and cast forth the birth. The use of the preparatory vessels is to convey the bjjood to the testicles, of which a part is spent in the nourishment of them, and the production of tho.-e, little bladders in ai'- tliiugs resembling eggs, through which the vasa Pracpanui- 2 14 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. tia run, and are obliterated in them. This conveyance of blood is by the arteries, but as for the veins, their office is to firing back what blood remains from the fore mentioned use. The vessels of this kind are much shorter in women than men, by reason of their nearness to the testicles ; and yet that defect is more than made good by the many intricate windings to which they are subject; for in the middle way they divide themselves into two branches of different mag- nitu de ; for, one of them being bigger than the other passes to the testicles. The testicles in women are very useful; for where they are defective, generation work is quite spoiled; for though those little bladders which are on their outward superfices contain nothing of seed, as the followers of Galen, Sec. er- roniously imagine, yet they contain several eggs (about the number of twenty in each testicle,) one of which being im- pregnated by the most spirituous part of man's seed, in the act of coition, descends through the oviducts into the womb where it is cherished till it becomes a live child. The fig- ure of these Oveae or eggs, is not altogether round, but a little flat and depressed on the sides, and in their lower part oval, but where the blood vessels enter them, that is, in the upper part, they are mofe plain, having but one membrane about them, that the heat may have more easy access to the womb, both to the nourishment of itself and the infant there- in. Let me further add, these spermatic veins receive the arteries as they pass by the side of the womb and thereby make a mixture of the vital and natural blood,that their works be more perfect. The deferentia, or carrying vessels spring from the lower part of the stones, and are in color white, substance sinewy, and pass not through the womb straight, but wreathed : they proceed from the womb in two parts, resembling horns, whence they are called tha horns of the womb. The stones of women are another part belonging to the instruments of generation; for such things the) ;dso have as well as men, but they are differently piaced ; neither is their bigness temperament, substance, form, or coverin;: the s.'.n.c. .As to their place it is the hollowncss of the abdo- men, lesting upon muscles of the loins, and so not pen- (iulous as in man. And that they are so placed is. that by c enacting the heat they may be the more fruitful, then of- fice being to contain«. he ovum, or eg^g, which being impreg- l.-y ih* seed of the man is that from which the em) ryo is •£Ti.-/cred. Th? stones also differ irout.men's in their ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 15 form ; for though they are smooth in men, they are uneven in women; being also depressed or flatish in them though in men their form is round and oval. They have al- so in women but one skin, whereas in men they have four. Nature having wisely contrived to fortify these most against the injuries of the air, that are most exposed to it; the stones of women being within, but those of men without the belly. They differ also in their substance, being much more soft than those of men, and not so well compacted ; their big- ness and temperature differ, in that they are less and colder than those in men. Some indeed will have their use to be the same as in men, but that is for want of judgment; for Aristotle and Scotus both affirm, that the women have no seed, and that their stones differ also in their use from those of men; their use being as I have already said, to contain that egg which is to be impregnated by the seed of a ma::. It now remains, that I say something of the ejaculator v vessels, which have two obscure passages, one on either skle, which in substance differ nothing from Mm spenuati ■ veins. They rise in one part from the bottom oftho worn \ but not reaching from the other extivniiiy, either to tin- stones, or any other part, are shut up and incapable, ad- hering to the womb, as the colon doth to the blind gut, and winding half away about; though the stones are. remote from them, and touch them not, yet they are tied to them* by certain membranes resembling the wings of a bat, thro' which certain veins and arteries, passing from the end o>' the stones, may be said to have their passages, proceeding from the corner of the womb to the testicles, and are ac- counted the proper ligaments by which the testicles and the \\ omh are united and strongly knit together. Thus the women's secrets I've survey"d, And let them see how curiously they're made, And that though they of different sexes be, Yet on the whole they are the same as we, For those that have the strictest searchers been. Find women are but men turned outside in. And men if they but cast their eyes about, May find they're women with their inside out. Section III. Of the use and Action of the several Parts i,i Women appro- priate to Generation. I SHALL next take a survey of the parts of genera- tion both in men and women, and shew the use and action of these parts in the work of generation, which will excel- ently inform us that nature has made nothing in vain. The externa] parts in awomao's privities, or that, whic 16 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. is most obvious to the eye at first, commonly called Puden- dum, are designed by nature to cover the great orifice, na- ture intending that orifice to receive the penis or yard in the act of coition, and also to give passage to the urine, and at the time of birth, to the child. The use of the wings or knobs, like myrtle berries, are for the security of the inter- nal part by shutting up the orifice, and neck of the bladder, also for delight and pleasure ; for, by their swelling up they cause titilation and delight in those parts, being pressed by the man's yard. Their use is likewise to obstruct the in- voluntary passage of the urine. The use and action of the clitoris in women is like that of the penis or yard in men, that is, erecting its extreme end being like that of the glands in the men, the seat of the greatest pleasure in the act of copulation, so is that of the clitoris in women, and therefore called the sweetness of love, and the fury of venery. The action and use of the neck of the womb, is the same with that of the Penis, that is, erection, which is occasioned sundry ways : for First, in copulation it is erected and made straight for the passage of the Penis to the womb. Second- ly, while the passage is replete with the spirits and vital blood, it becomes more straight for embracing the penis. and for the necessity of erection there is a twofold reason : one is, that if the neck of the womb was not erected, the yard could have no convenieut passsge to the womb. The other is, that it hinders any hurt or damage that might en- sue through the violent concussion of the yard during the time of copulation. Then as the vessels that pass through the neck of the womb, their office is to replenish it with blood and spirits, that so as the moisture consumes, through the heat contract- ed in copulation, it may still by these vessels be renewed. But their chief business is to convey nutriment to the womb. Thus Nature nothing does in vain produce, But fits each part for what's its proper use; And though of different sexes form'd we be, Yet betwixt these there is that unity-, That we in nothing can a greater find, Unless the soul that's to the body join'd : A nd sure in this Dame Nature's in the right, The strictest union yields the most delight. CHAP. II. Of the restriction laid upon Men in the use of Carnal Copu- lation, by the institution of Marriage, with the advantage that it brings to mankind and the proper time for it. Though the great Architect of the world has been pleased ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. IT to frame us of different sexe3, and for the propagation and continuation of mankind, has indulged us in the mutual un- braces of each other, the desire whereof, by a powerful and secret instinct, is become natural to us, yet he would leave them to the law of the Creator, who has ordained that eve- ry man shall have his own wife; and, though since man, by sinning against his Creator, hath fallen from his primi- tive purity, and has multiplied wives and concubines, by which the first institution is violated, and the grossest af- front given to the Divine Law-giver; for the holy Jesus hath told us, That in the beginning marriage was of one man to one woman; so that as these conjugal delights can- not be enjoyed but in a married state, so neither, in that state can they lawfully be participated of, with more than one Wife. And it is the breaking of this order that has fil- led the world with confusion and debauchery ; has brought diseases on the body, consumption on the estates, and eter- nal ruin to the soul, if not repented of. Let all those there- fore of either sex, that have a desire to enjoy the delights of mutual embraces, take care that they do it in a married state, with their own wives or husbands, or else it will be- come a curse to them instead of a blessing. And to that end, let them consider what is due to transgressors of his law who hath said " thou shalt not commit AdxdteryS'1 What- ever is spoken of the veneral pleasure, is spoken to those who have or may have, a right thereunto, by being in a married state. For, Who to forbidden pleasures are inclin'd Will find at last they leave a sting behind. Section II. Of the happiness of the Married State. Matrimony, in the present age, is looked upon as a most insupportable yoke; Waives and husbands are accounted the greatest clogs and burthens to tlios^ who give up the reins to their unbridled passions. Notwithstanding the present mode of thinking is against me, I doubt not of ma- king it appear that a married state is the most happy con- dition,J^where persons are equally yoked and puli together)- that is to be enjoyed on thi3 side heaven. The author Se institutor of marriage, St who first bro't man and woman together, was no other than ho that made them, even the great Lord of the universe, whose wisdom being infinite could not but know what condition was good for us; and his goodness being equal to his wisdom, sud'eient- ly shews the end of this institution was the happiness of the creature he had made; and indeed man could not be har'>v IS ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. without it ; for he saw that it was not good that man should be alone, and therefore made a woman to complete his hap- piness, which was not perfect whilst he wanted such a help mate for him. The time of the institution is also very remarkable ; for it was whilst Adam and his new made bride were clothed with all that virgin purity and innocence with, which they were created, before they had entertained the least con- verse with the tempter, or had given way to one disorder- ed thought; and yet could curiously survey the several in- comparable beauties and perfections of each other without sin, and knew not what it was to lust. It was at this time that the Creator united Adam in the holy bands of wedlock. 'Twas in paradise where the first match was made; and which could scarcely have been paradise without it; for paradise is known to be a place of pleasure, wherein they were surrounded with the quintessence of all delights ; where there was nothing wanting that might please the eye, charm the ear, or gratify the taste ; and yet Adam was not happy with these pleasing sweets till he received his Eve ; so that it was a married state which- completed his happi- ness, and which was a paradise of pleasure itself. What an addition to happiness a good wife makes ! such an one is the best companion in prosperity, and in adver- sity the surest friend; the greatest assistance in business, the only lawful and comfortable means by which he can have issue, and the great remedy against incontinence; and if we believe king Solomon " The greatest honor unto him that has her." For he tells us " She is a crown to her hus- band." Surely these are not small advantages. If married persons would be careful to do their respec- tive duties, there would be but little complaining; nor would any condition in life be so agreeable as the married f-tate. How much more satisfaction a man receives in the embraces of a loving wife, than in the wanton dalliances of a deceitful harlot. Thus does this section unto all relate, The pleasures which attend the married state; And shews it doth with innocence consist, And that so many have those pleasure miss'd, 'Tis their own fault, they will no wiser be, A s in this mirror they may plainly see. Section III. 4f what age young Men and Virgins are capable of carnal copulation ; and why they so much desire it. I shall in the present section make it my business to shew ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 19 at what age young men and virgins are capable of the mar- riage bed, which because so many desire before they attain to it, it will likewise be necessary to shew the cause of their impetuous desires. The inclination of virgins to marriage is to be known by many symptoms ; for when they arrive at ripe age, which is about fourteen or fifteen, their natural purgations begin to flow ; and then the blood, which no longer serves for the increase of their bodies, does by its abounding, stir up their minds to venery ; to which also external causes may incite them. For their spirits are brisk and inflamed when they arrive at this age, and their bodies are often more heated by their eating sharp and. salt things : and by spices, by which their desire of veneral embraces becomes very great, and, at some critical junctures, almost insupportable. The use of those so much desired enjoyments being denied to virgins, is often followed by very dangerous, and some- times dismal consequences, precipitating them into those follies that may bring an indellible stain on their families, or bring on themselves the Green sickness, or other disea- ses. But when they are married and those desires satisfi- ed by Jtheir husbands, those distempers vanish, and their beauty returns more gay and lively than before. And this strong inclination of theirs may be known by their eager gazing at men, and affecting their company, which suffi- ciently demonstrates that nature excites them to desire coi- tion. Nor is this the case with young virgins only, but the same may be observed in young widows, who cannot be satisfied without that due benevolence which they were wont to receive from their husbands. At fourteen years of age commonly, the menses begins to flow in virgins ; at which time they are capable of conceiv- ing and therefore fit for marriage ; though it would be much better for themselves and their children if they would not marry till eighteen or twenty ; if they are nealthy, of strong body, and use themselves to temperance, they may continue bearing till upwards of 50, though generally leave off between 40 and 50 : for the menses flow longer in some than in others ; But when they cease, they cease bearing, and therefore Sarah bearing Isaac after it had ceased to be with her according to the custom of women, may well be termed miraculous. As for male youth, when they arrive at 16 or between that and seventeen ; having much vital strength, they may 30 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE be capable of begetting children ; which ability, by the force and heat of procreating matter, constantly increases till 45, 56, 65, and then begins to flag, the seed by degrees becom- ing unfruitful, the nature of spirits being extinguished, and the heat dried up. Thus it is with them for the most part, but many times it falls out otherwise in particular instances, as once in Sweden, a man was married at 100 years old to a bride of 30, and had many children by her ; but he was a man of so hale a constitution, and carried his age so well that strangers would not have guesed him at above 60. And in Campania, where the air is clear and temperate, it is usual for men of 80 years old to marry young virgins, and have children by them ; which shews that age in man, hinders not procreation, unless they be exhausted in their youth, and their yards shrivelled up. If any ask, why a woman is sooner baren than a marr, let such know, that the natural heat, which in the cause of generation, is more predominant in men than women ; for the monthly purgations of women shew them to be more moist than men, and so does also the softness of their bod- dies. And the man exceeding her in native heat, concocts the humors in proper aliment, by the benefit whereof they are elaborated into seed ; but women though of a finer make, yet not being so strong as men, their faculties are thereby hindered in their operation. Thus nature to her children is so kind, That early they those inclinations find, Which prompts them on to propogate their kind. Hence ,tis a virgin her desires can't smother, But restless is till she be made a mother. CHAP. III. Of Virjinity, what it is, how it may be knoion, by what means it may be lost, and how a person may know that it is so. Section 1. Of Virginity, and wherein it consists. HAVING treated of the desire young men and virgins have to mutual embraces, and at what age they are til for them ; I have also shewn that those pleasures are only law- ful to be enjoyed in a married state ; and have also ac- quainted the reader with the advantage of such a condition. But since the desires of many after mutual embraces are so impetuous that not having an opportunity to enter into a-married state, they have anticipated the pleasures of mat- rimony, and lost their virginity before hand ; and yet, per- haps, have afterwards pretended to bring their virginity to ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 21 a marriage bed, by which means many an honest man has been deceived, and meretricious- women escaped with im~ punity ; on the other hand, some virtuous young virgins, that have come such to their husband's beds, have been ac- cused by the ignorance and credulity of their husbands, to have lost their virginity before hand, when there has been no such matter ; therefore to do right in this case to both parties, my design in this ehapter is to shew what virginity is, wherein it consists ; how many ways it may be lost, and how a man may know that it is so or not; that so women may not be wrongfully censured, or men imposed upon. Virginity untouch'd and taintless, is the boast and pride of the fair sex. But generally commend at to put it off; for, as good as it is, they care not how soon they are hon- estly rid of it. And I think they are in the right of it, for if kept, it grows useless, or at least looses so much of its val- ue ; a stale virgin, (if such a thing there be) being looked upon like an old almanack, out of date. But to speak to the purpose, virginity is the chief, the prime, the best of any thing, and is properly the integrity of a woman's privities, not violated by man, or not known bv him, it being the dis- tinguished characteristic of a virgin, thai she has not known man. To make this more plain, I must here observe, that there is in maids, in the neck of the womb, a membraneous pro- duction called the Hymen, which is like the bud of a rose half blown, and this is broken in the first act of copulation with man ; and hence comes the word Deflora, to deflower; whence the taking of virginity, is called deflowering a vir- gin ; for when the rose bud is expanded, virginity is lost. Certain it is, there is in the first act of copulation, some- thing that causes pain and bleeding; which-is an evident sign of virginity.. But what this is authors are not agreed on. Some say it is a nervous membrane,, a thin skin with small veins, that bleeds at the first penetration of the yard; Others say it is the four caruncles, knobs, or little buds like myrtle berries, which are plum, and full in virgins, but hang loose or flaggy in those who have used copulation, being pressed by the yard. Some have observed the fleshy cir- i le about the Nymphae, or neck of the womb, with little- obscure veins, which make the membrane not to be nerv- ous, but fleshy. But setting aside conjectures, the Hymen, or Claustrum Virginale, is a thin membrane, interwoven with fleshy fibres, and endowed with many little arteriea and veins, spread across the passage of the vagina, behind 22 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. the insertion of the bladder, with a hole in the midst for the menses to flow, so big, that it will admit the top of one's little'finger. This is that which is called the zone, or girdle of chastity ; and where it is found in the form described, it is a certain note of virginity ; but in the first act of copu- lation it is necessarily violated, and then it is generally ac- companied with an effusion of blood, which blood, is called the flower of virginity ; and when once broke, it never clo- ses again. Section II. How Virginity may be lost. In the former section I have shewn in what virginity con- sists, and that it is lost at the first penetration of the yard, which may be easily known by its being attended with ef- fusion of blood upon the rupture of the Hymeneal mem. brane, or Claustrm Virginale; but I must clothe fair sex this justice, to let the world know, that although wherever this is found, it is an undoubted token of virginity, yet it will not follow, that where this token is wanting, virginity is dc-» flowered ; for the hymen may be corroded by acrimonious and fretting humors flowing through it with the menses, or it may be violated by the inversion or falling out of the uteras, or of vugina or sheath, which sometimes, even to vir- gins ; or (which all virgins should beware of, for, the preservation of their credit, and preventing, of suspicion) perhaps the unwary bride has had her menses but a day or two- before, in which case both the Hymen and inner wrinkled membranes of the vaginia are flaggy, weak and relaxed, so that no such rupture or effusion may happen. It were better therefore that when virgins are about to mar- ry, they would fix their wedding day at least six or seven. days after the menses have done flowing. « But further, nature hath given greater desires after en- joyment to some than to others, and such, though they ab- stain from enjoyment, yet so great is their desire after it, that they may break the Hymen or Claustrum Virginale ; and sometimes it itches so bad, that they put in their fing- er, and so break it. Sometimes the midwives break it in the birth; and sometimes it is done by stoppage of urine, coughing, violent straining or sneezing ; so that no bleeding at the first penetration of the husband is not always a sign of uncluutity, or that ac.other has been there before him, seeing that the hymenial membrane may be broke, so many other ways ; but when.bleeding does flow, it is an undent- ' ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 23 ble token that the person was a virgin, and never knew man before. And indeed, tho' the Hymen maybe broke, all these ways mentioned, yet it so rarely happens to be broke any other way, that Leo Africanus makes mention of it as a general custom of the Africans at their weddings, that the marriage ceremony being over, the bride and bride- groom are shut up in a chamber while the wedding dinner is preparing ; an ancient woman stands at the door to re- ceive from the bridegroom a sheet, having the bloody token of the wife's virginity, which she shews in triumph to all the guests, and then they feast with joy; but if there is no blood seen, the bride is to be sent home again to her friends with disgrace, and the disappointed guests go home without their dinner. There are others, that make the straightness of the pri- - vities a sign of virginity, but this is a very uncertain rule; for this depends much upon the age, habit of the body, and other circumstances. But, though women who have used carnal copulation, are not so straight as virgins, yet this cannot be a certain argument of virginity, because the pri- vities may be made straight by the use of astringent medi- cines. I have heard of a courtezan, who, though she had been married, gave herself out to be a virgin, and by the help of a bath ofcomfrey roots, deceived those with whom she had to do. Others judge of lost virginity bv the milk of the breast ; but such perhaps, are ignorent that there is a two fold milk ; the one of virgins, the other of such as have conceived or brought forth children : that of virgins is a malady contra- ry to nature, made of blood from the womb ; turned into milk by the faculty of the breasts ; the other is natural, where there is a child either in the womb or born ; yet the milk (though both are white) differs very much both in res- pect to the blood, and diversity of veins that bring it to the breasts : and that of virgins is thinner, iess in quantity and not so sweet : therefore if virgins happen to have such milk, they are not for that reason to be reckoned unchaste. Upon the whole, the sum of what I have said upon this head of virginity* terminates in this ; that when a man is married and fmds'tlic tokens of his wife's virginity, upon lhe first act of copulation, he has all the •reason in the world to believe her such, Jbut if he finds them m>% he has not reason to think her devirgininated if h;- finds her ether- wise sober and modest; Seeing the Hymen may be broken 24 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. so many other ways, and yet the woman both chaste and virtuous. Only let me caution virgins to take all iinagina ble care to keep these virgin zone, entire, that so when they marry, they may be such as the great Ceasar wished his wife to be, not only without fault but without suspicion aho. Thus have I virgin innocence survey'd And shewd the difference betwixt wife and maid, And that their chastity they need not fear, Whose virgin token plainly doth appear, Nor censure tho?« in whom they do not so, Unless the contrary they plainly know, For they may yet unspotted virgins be, Alth ough their virgin tokens none can see ARISTOTLE'S XCASTEB, FI2EOE. PART II. The Secrets of Nature displayed in the production of Man. CHAPTER I. What conception is ; what is prerequisite thereunto ; how a woman may know whether she hath conceived, and whether a boy or girl. Section I. Of Conception, wha t if is, i^v. Having, in the first part of this woik, described the in- struments of generation in both sexes, and (he use for which those instruments were intended by nature, I shall, in the part before me proceed to shew what /oik-eption is : the signs and tokens thereof, and what are. ihe prerequisites thereuuto ; for when once awoman lia.sei.meived the work of generation is begun, time, with nature'.-help, will per- fect the work. Now in conception, that which is hist lobe regarded, and without which it cannot be, is the seed of the man, that being the active principle, or efficient cause of the foetU6, the matter of which is arterial blood, and animal spirits which are elaborated into seed in the testicles, and from thence by proper vessels convoyed into the yard, and in the act of copulation it is injected o*- emitted into the womb.— ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. The next thing is the passive principle, to tlie foetus (for there must be both in order to conception) and this is on ovum, or egg, impregnated by the man's seed, or being conveyed to it, the womb closes up, that no air may enter therein but the impregnated ovum may swell into a foetus. This is that which is truly and properly conception, and ihe prerequisites thereunto I shall make the subject of the next section. Section II. Of the prerequisites to conception. I have shewn in the* forVner section, that there are two things to be regarded chiefly in conception, to wit, the ac- tive and passive principle. This in part shews, that differ- ence of sexes is a prerequisite to conception. So nature has ordained there must be a proper vehicle for the active principle to be injected thereinto and there must also be a passive principle to be impregnated thereby, so the woman has no active principle to impregnate, and therefore, with- out different sexes, there can be no conception. But this is not all: for it is not enough that there be dif- ferent sexes, these different sexes must unite, and there must be coition, in order to conception ; and it is coition* 6r the mutual embraces of both sexes, which nature has made so desirable to each other : which, when authorised in the way that heaven has ordained, there is no need of ravishing ; for the fair bride will quickly meet her bride- groom with equal vigor. But since in that there may be overdoing, and such errors committed by their giving w.iy to the impetuosity of their desires, as may be prejudicial to conception, it will not be amiss to give some directions to make this operation the more effectual. Section HI. A word of advice to both sexes : or, Directions respecting the act of Coition or carnal copulation. Though there are some that desire not to have children) and yet are very fond of nocturnal embraces to whom these directions will be no way acceptable, because it may prob- ably produce those effects which they had rather be with- out; yet I doubt not but the generality of both sexes, when in a marriage state, have such a desire to produce the fair image of themselves, that nothing can be more welcome to thein than those directions that mav make their mutuol e:n- 3 Hi ARISTOTLE S MASTER PIECE. braces most effectual to that end : and therefore let none think it strange that we pretend to give directions for the promoting that which nature itself teacheth all to perform ; since 'tis no solecism for art to be a handmaid to nature, and to assist in her noblest operations. Neither is it the bare performing of that act which we here direct to, but the performing it so as to make it conducive unto the work of generation. And since this act is the foundation of gene- ration, and without which it cannot be, some care ought to he taken, and consequently some advice given how to perform it well ; and therein I am sure the proverb is on our side, which tells us that whafffe once well done, is twice done.—But yet what we shall advance on this nice subject, shall be offered with such caution, as not to give offence to the chastest ear, nor put the fair sex to the trouble of blush- ing.—What I shall offer will consist of two parts. First, something previous to it ; and secondly, something conse- quential to it. For the first, when married persons design to follow the propensions of nature, for the production of the fair image of themselves, let every thing that looks like care and bu- siness he banished from their thoughts, for all such things are enemies to Venus ; and let their animal and vital spir- its be powerfully exhilurated by some brisk and generous n, restoratives; and let them, to invigorate their fancies, sur- vey the lovely beauties of each other, and bear the bright ideas of them in their minds ; and if it happens, that in- stead of beauty there is any thing that looks like imperfec- tion or deformity (for nature is not alike bountiful to all) let them be covered over with a veil of darkness and obliv- ion. And since the utmost intention of desire is required in this act, it may not be amiss for the bridegroom for the more eager heightening of this joy, to delineate the scene of their approaching happiness to his fair languisliing bride Ui some such amorous rapture as this, Now, my fair bride, now will I storm the mint, Of love and joy, and rifle all that's int. Now my infra ichi ;'d hind on evar y side Shall o'er thy naked polished ivory, slide, Freoly shall now my longing eyes behold, THj bared snow and thy undrained gold ; Nor cuttain now though of transparent lawn, Shall be before thy virgin treasure drawn, 1 will enjoy thee now my fairest come, And fly with rrie to love's elysium, JVJy rudder with thy bold hand, like a try'4 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 27 And skillful pilot, thou shaltsteer, and guide, My bark in love's dark channel, where it shall Dance, as the bounding waves do rise and tall. Whilst my tall pinnance in the Cyprian strait, Rides safe at anchor and unlades the freight. Having by these and other amorous acts (which love can better dictate than my pen) wound up your fancies to the highest order and desires, Perform those rights nature and love requires, 'Till you have quench'd each other's am'rous fires. When the act of coition is over, and the bridegroom has done what nature prompted him to do, he ought to take care not to withdrawlffo precipitately from the field of love, lest he should, by so doing, let the cold into the womb which might be of dangerous consequence. But when he has given time for the matrix to close up, he may with- draw, and leave the bride to her repose, which ought to be with all the calmness possible, betaking herself to rest on the right side, and not removing without great occasion, till she has taken her first sleep. Coughing and sneezing, if possible, should be avoided, or any thing that agitates or causes a motion of the body. These amorous engagements should not be often repeated till the conception is formed. And it may not he amiss to remind the bridegroom, that the fair lasts all the year, and that he should be careful not to spend his stock lavishly, as women, in general, are bet- ter pleased in having a thing once well done, than often ill done. Section IV. How a woman may know when she hath conceived. After the means made use of in order to conception, .ac- cording to the directions given before, there is reason to expect that conception should follow; but as things do not always succeed according to desire, so therefore concep- tion does not follow upon coition. For there are many wo- men, especially those newly married, who know not whelh- erthey have conceived or not, after coition ; which, if they were assured of, they might and would avoid several in- conveniences which they now run upon. For after con- ception a woman finds an alteration in herself, and yet knows not from whence it arises, she is apt to run to the doctor and enquire of him what is the matter, who not knowing that she is with child, gives a strong portion,which certainly destroys conception. There are others, who out of foolish bashful coyness, though they know th*t they have 2S ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. conceived yet will not confess it, that they may be instruct'-* ed how to order themselves accordingly. Those that arc coy may learn in time to be wise; and for the sake of those that are ignorant, I shall set clown the signs of con- ception, that women may know thereby whether they have conceived or not. If a woman hath conceived, the vein under her eye will be swelled, (i. e.) under the lower eyelid, the vein in the eyes appearing clearly, and the eyes something discolored;, if the woman hath not her turns upon her, nor hath watch- ed the night before, there is a„cej3ain sign of her having eonceived ; and this appears mem plainly just upon the conception, and holds for the first two months after. Stop the urine of the woman close in a glass or bottle three days, at the expiration of which time strain it through a linen rag; if you perceive small living creatures in it you may instantly conclude that she hath conceived :■ for the urine? which was before part of her own substance* will be gene- rative as well as its mistress. A coldness and chillnes of the outward parts after cop- ulation, shews a woman to have conceived, the heat being retired to make the conception; and the veins of the breast are more clearly seen than they were before. The tops of the nipples look redder than formerly; the body is weakened, and the face discolored, the belly waxeth ve- ry fat, because the womb closeth itself together to nourish and cherish the seed. If she drinks cold water, a coldness is felt in the breasts: she has also a loss of appetite, sour bclchings, and exceeding weakness of the stomach ; the breasts begin to swell, and wax hard, not without pain or soreness; wringing or griping pains like the- cramp, hap- pen in the belly above the navel; also divers appetites and longings are engendered. The veins of the eyes are also clearly seen, and the eyes seem something discolored hs a looking glass will shew. The excrements of the guts are voided painfully, because the womb swelling thrusteth the right gut together ; likewise let her take a green nettle and put it into her urine, cover it closely, and let it remain all night; if she is with child it will be full of red spots on the next morning, if she is not with child it will be blackifch. By these experiments, some of which never fail, a wo- man may know whether she hath conceived or not, aud to emulate herself accordingly ; for When women once with child conceived ailte, Tlicy ofth?m3?lvcs should l::Ite esp?ei.i! nit- ■•.' ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 2f> Section V. How to know whether a woman be conceived of a male or fe- male Child. In the present section I shall endeavor to gratify the cu- riosity of many persons who are very desirous to know whether they are conceived of a male or female. For the satisfaction of such I shall give the sign of a male child be- ing conceived, and the reverse that of a female. It is then a sign of a male child, when the woman feels it first on the right side; for male children lie always on that side of the womb, the woman also when rising from her chair, doth sooner stay herself upon the right hand than on the left. Also the belly lies rounder and higher thai* when it is a female, The color of the woman is not so swarthy, but more clear than when it is a girl. The right side is more plump and harder than the left, thejright nip- ple redder. She likewise breeds a boy easier and with less pain than a girl, and carries her burthen not so heavily, but is more nimble and stirring. I will only as to this, add the following experiments which I never knew fail. If the circle under the woman's eyes, which is of a wan blue color, be more apparent under the right eye,"and that most is colored, she isMjkhphild of a boy : if the mark be most apparent in her leWeye, she is with child of a girl. The other is, let her drop a drop of her milk in a bason of fair water, if it sinks to the bottom as it drops in, round in- a drop,, it is a girl she is with child of; for if it be a boy it wiH spread and swim at the top This I have often tried and it never failed- For whether male or female child it be, Youhave conceiv'dby these rules j'ou'l^see. CHAP. I. Section II.. How a Woman should order herself in order to Conception. I am very well satisfied that many women desire copula- tion, not from any delight or satisfaction they take there in, more than as it is the means appointed by Him that bids us increase and multiply, for the obtaining of childien, and the propagation of mankind. And though several make use of coition to obtain that end, yet we find by experience, that in many it does not succeed, because they order not them- selves as they ought to do ; for though it must be grant- ed, that all our endeavors depend upon the divine blessing, yet if we are wanting in any thing to ourselves how can t\t< a* 30 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE expect that blessing to succeed our endeavors ? My busi- ness therefore in this section shall be to shew how wo- men that desire to have children should order themselves. First, women that are desirous to have children, must, in order thereunto, give themselves to moderate exercise; for want of exercise, and idleness, are very great enemies to the work of generation, and indeed are enemies both to soul and body. Those that shall give themselves the trou- ble to observe it, will find those city dames that live high, and do nothing, seldom have children, or if they have, they seldom live ; whereas, those poor women that accustom themselves to labor, have many children, and those strong and lusty. Nor need we wonder at it, if we consider the benefit that comes by a moderate exercise and labor; for it opens the pores, quickens the spirits, stirs up the natural heat, strengthens the body, senses and spirits, comforts the limbs, and helps nature in all her exercises, of which pro- creation of children is none of the least. Secondly, women in order to conception, should avoid aH'manner of discontent and the occasion of it ; for dis- content is a great enemy to conception, and it so dispirits either man or woman, that it hinders them from putting forth that vigor which ought to be exerted in the act of co- ition. WJien on the contrary, content and satisfaction of mind dilate the heart and arteries, whereby the vital blood and spirits are freely distributed throughout the body and thence arise such affections, as please, recreate and refresh the nature of man, as hope, joy, love, gladness, and mirth. Nor dees it only comfort and strengthen the body, but also the operation and imagination of the mind ; which is so much the more necessary; in so much the imagination of the mother works forcibly upon the conception*of the child. Women therefore, ought to take great care that their imag- ination be pure and clear, that their children may be well formed, Thirdly, wpmen ought to take good care to keep the womb in good order: and to see that the menses come down ds they ought to do, for if they are discolored they are out of order, but if the blood comes down pure, then the wo- men will be very prone to conceive with child, especially if they use copulation in two or three days after the monthly ierms are stayed. Fourthly, a woman that would conceive should observe i^Hi slue does not use the act of coition too often; for satie- ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 31 ty gluts the womb and renders it unfit for its office. There are two things demonstrate this; i. e. that common whores (who often use copulation) have never, or very rarely any children : for the grass seldom grows in a path that is com- monly trodden in. The other is, that women, whose hus- bands have been long absent do, after copulation with them again conceive very quickly. Fifthly, care should be taken that the time of copulation be convenient that there be no fear of surprise ; for fear hinders conception. And then it were the best also thaL the desire of copulation be natural, and not stirred up bjfl provocation ; and if it be natural, the greater the woman's desire of copulation is, the more likely she is to conceive. I will add no more, but some authors report, that a load- stone carried about a woman, not only causeth conception, but concord between man and wife ; if it be true I would have no married woman go without one, both for her own and husband's quiet. Let all the fair, who would have children from Their soft embraces, read what's here laid down, Those that to exercise themselves incline. And in their love to be content design, Who have their monthly terms in order flow ; And regulate them if they do not so; j. That love's embraces moderately use, And to enjoy them a fit season choose ; Theee may, content with what they've done, remain, And need not fear their wishes to obtain. Section II. Wliat a woman ought to observe after conception. After a woman has conceived, or has reason to think so, *he ought to be very careful of herself lest she should do any thing that might hinder nature in her conception. For in the first two months after conception women are very subject to miscarriages, because then the ligaments are weak and soon broken. To prevent this, let the woman every morning drink a draught of sage ale, and it will do her a- "bundancc of good. And if signs of abortion or miscarriage appear, let her lay a toast dipped in tent (in case muscadel cannot be got- ten) to the naval, for this is very good. Or, take a little green tansy, and having bruised it sprinkle it with musca- del, and apply it to the naval, and she will find it much bet- ter. Also tea infused in ale, like sage ale, and a draught 32 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE drank every morning, is most excellent for such women as- are subject to miscarriages. Also if she can, let her be where the air is temperate. Let her sleep be moderate ; let her also avoid all watching and immoderate exercise, as also disturbing passions, loud clamors and filthy smells ; and let her abstain from all things which may provoke either urine or the courses, and also from all sharp and windy meats ; and let a moderate diet be observed. If the excre- ments of the guts be retained, lenefy the belly with clysters jnacle of the decoction of mallows and violets, with sugar land common oil ; or make broth of borage, bugloss, beets, mallows, and take therein a little manna ; but on the con- trary, if she be troubled with a looseness of the belly, let it not be stopped without the judgment of a physician ; for that matter all uterine fluxes have a malignant quality, and must be evacuated and removed before the flux be stayed. CHAP. III. How the child licth and how it groweth up in the womb of the Mother after conception.. Section 1. How the child is formed in ifie womb after conception. As to the formation of the child,, it is to be noted, that af- ter coition the seed lies warm in the womb for six days,. without any visible alteration, only that the womb closes up itself to prevent its issuing forth again, and for the securing it from any cold," and all this time it looks like butter or co- agulated milk* And it would be necessary for her who has conceived, to forbear the embraces of her husband all the time, lest the conception should be spoiled. In three days after, it is altered from the quality of thick milk or butter,. and becomes blood, or at least resembles it in color, nature having now begun to work upon it ; in the next six days following, that blood begins to be united into one body, grows hard and becomes a little quantity, and to appear- ance a round lump, And, as in the first creation the earth was void and without form, so in this creating work of di- vine power in the womb; in this shapeless embryo lies the first mass. But in two days after the principal members are formed by the plastic power of nature, and these prin- cipal members are four in number, viz. The heart, the brain, the fiver, and the testicles or stones.—Three days af- ter the other members are formed, and are distinguished from the shoulders to the knees, and the heart, liver and stones, with their appurtenances, do grow bigger and big- ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 3J ger. Four days after that, the several members of the whole-body appear, and as nature requires^ they conjunctly and severally do receive their perfection. And so in the appointed time, the whole creation hath that essence which it ought to have in the perfection of it, receiving from God a living soul, therewith putting in i^ts nostrils the breath of life. Thus I have shewn the whole operation of nature n the formation; of the child in the womb, according to the energy given it by the Divine Creator, Maker, and uphold- er of all things both in heaven and earth. By some others more briefly, cut to the same purpose, the forming of the child in the womb of its mother is thus* de- scribed ; three days in the milk, three in the blood, twelve days form the flesh, and eighteen the members, and forty days afterwards the child is inspired with life, being, endow- ed with an immortal living soul, Section II. Of the manner of the child's lying in tht womb from the con- ception to the birth. I come now to shew in what manner the child lieth in the womhof its mother, whilst it is confined in the dark recess- es ; first giving the reader the testimony of two or three of the most, learned on this head. The learned Hippocrates affirms that the child, as he is placed in the womb, hath his hands upon his knees, and his head beat to his feet ; so that he lies round together, his hands upon hi* knees, and his face between thein : so that each eye touches each thumb, and his nose betwixt his knees. And of the same opinion in this matter was Bartholonius the younger. Columbus is of opinion that the figure of the child in the womb is round, the right arm bowed, the fin- gers thereof under the ear, above the neck, and the head bowed, so that the chin toucheth the breast, the left arm bowed above both breast and face, and propped up by the bending of the right elbow : the legs are lifted upwards, the ri shew whether a person be fruitful or not 1 But if in ma.i the instrument of generation is not perfect it will be obvi- ous to the sight, and if the yard be so feeble, that it will not admit of erection, it can never convey seed into the womb, nor can there be in such a ca3e any conception. But this is so plain and easily discerned, that it must needs be obvi- ous to both parties, and the man who finds himself debilita- ted ought not to marry. The case cannot be so bad with the woman, though she may be barren, but what her husband may make use of her, unless she be impenetrable, which (though it some- times does) but rarely happens : and therefore the man is the most inexcusable if he transgress. Besides what 1 have already mentioned, signs of barren- ness in women are ; if she be of an over hot constitution, of a dry body, subject to anger, hath block hair,, a thick pulse, her purgations flow little, and that with pain, and vet hath a violent desire to coition ; but if she bo of a cold constitution, then are the signs contrary to those recited. If barrenness be onused through an evil quality of the womS it may be known by making a fumigation of red stora.v, myrrh, casiawood, nutmeg, cinnamon, and letting her r - ceive the fume of it into her womb, covering her very cIr>>-\ If the odor passeth through the body np into the nmuth r.r>.'A nostrils, she is fruitful. But if she feel not the same H b:->: mouth and nose, it denotes barrenness one of these way% viz. That the sc ed is either through cold extinguished, c: through heat dissipated. And if a woman be suspected t > be unfruitful, cast natural brimstone, such as is digged our. of the mine, into her urine, and if worms breed therein she is fruitful. But this shall suffice, to be said of the causes and si"-ns of barrcniiCh>, and it is now time to proceed to the cure. Section III. Of the care of Barrcnnnc. In the cure of barrenness respect must be \v\i to the cause ; for the cause must b* 'i,>: removed, and then the . womb strengthened, and tic? .pirits of the seed enlivened by ^corroborating applications. If barrenness proceed from over much heat, let her us»? inwardly, succory, endive, violets, water lilies, soi rc-1, And lettuce, white syrups, and conserves made thereof, thus, Take conserve of borage, violet?, succory, water hhvs, ci each one ounce, half an ounce of conserve of roses : diam- 38 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. agarition frigid, diatrion, fancalon, of each half a drain ; with syrup of violets, or of juice of citron make an electuary. Let her also take of endive, water lilies, borage flowers, of each a handful, rhubarb, myrobalaus, of each three drams ; with water make a decoction, add to the si raining, the syrup relaxative of violets one ounce, syrup of cassia, half an ounce, manna three drams : make all into a por- tion. Take of the syrup of mugwort one ounce, syrup of maiden hair, two ounces pulv. elect, trionsat, make all up into a julep. Apply to the reins and privities fomentations, of the juice of lettuce, violets, mallows vine leaves, and nightshade ; let her also annoint her secret parts with the cooling ointment of galls. Baths are good for her to sit in. Let the air be clear, her garments thin, her food, let- luce endive, succory, and barley ; but let her have no hot meats, nor strong wines, except it be waterish and thin. Rest is good for her both body and mind ; but she must use little copulation, but may sleep as much as she will. If barrenness be occasioned by the predominancy of cold extinguishing the power of the seed, which may be known by her desiring venery, aud receiving no pleasure in the act of copulation, even while the man is spending his seed ; her terms are phlegmatic, thick slimy, and flow not rightly. In this case let her take syrup of calamint, mugwort, betony, of each one ounce ; water of pennyroyal, feverfew ; hysop sage, of each two ounces ; and make, a julep. . Let her take every morning two spoonfuls of cinnamon water, with one scruple of mithridatc. Also let her take oil of anniseed, one scruple and a half, jessamine, diaclyon both disnosch dia- glang, of each one dram ; sugar, four ounces; with water of cinnamon make lozenges, and take of them a dram and a half twice a day two hours before meals. Let her also fast- en cupping glasses to her hips and belly ; and let her take storos calamint one ounce, mastic, cloves, cinnamon, nut- meg, lignum aloes, frankincense, of each half an ounce, musk, ten grains, ambergrease, half a scruple, with rose water make a confection ; divide it into four parts, of one make a ponum adoratum to smell to, if she be not hysteric- al ; of the second make a mass of pills, and let her take three every night, of the third make a pessary, and put it up ; of the fourth make a fumigation for the womb. If barrenness ari-:es from the faculties of the womb being weakened and the life of the seed suffocated by over much h:«nidity flowing ou '.hose partst let her take of betony, mar- ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 39 joram, mugwort, pennyroyal, balm, of each one handful ; root of onrum, fennel, elecampane, of each two drams ; an- mseetl, cummin seed of each a dram, with sugar and water a sufficient quantity, of which make a syrup, and take three ounces every morning. Then pirge with these pills, fol- lowing, take of pil. ext. two scruples ; diagridion, two grains, species decasto, one scruple ; make them up into nine pills with syrup of mugwort: Also take spec diagminae, dia- moschi, diambrae, of each one dram; cinnamon one dram and a half; mace, cloves, nutmeg, of each half a dram ; su- gar six ounces, with water of feverfew ; make lozenges to be taken every morning. Likewise let her take of the de- coction of sassaparilla and viga aurea, with a good quanti- ty of sage, which is an herb of that virtue, that Cornelius Agrippa honored it with the title of sacra herba, a holy herb ; and Dodoneous, in his history of plants, reports that after a great plague had happened in Egypt, which had almost depopulated the country, the surviving women were com- manded to drink the juice of sage, that they might multiply the faster. Let her anoint the genitals with the oil of annis- seed and spikenard. Trochiks to smooth the womb are al- so very good. To make which, let her take mace, nutmeg, cinnamon, storax, and amber, of each one dram ; cloves, laden of each half a dram ; turpentine, a sufficient quanti- ty. Lastly, take the roots of vallerian and elecampane, of each one pound; of gailangal three ounces ; origan, mar- joram betony, mugwort, bay leaves, calamint, of each three handfuls ; with water make an infusion, in which let her sit after she has had her courses. But to proceed. If barrenness be caused by the dryness of the womb con- suming the matter of the seed, let her take every clay al- mond milk and goat's milk, extracted with honey : eat of- ten of root Satvrion candied, and of the electuary ofdiasa- tyron. Let her also take three sheep's heads, and boil iliem till the flesh comes from the bones ; then take of mc- liot violets camomile, mercury, Orchies, with the roots of each one pound ; fenugreek linseed, vallerian roots, of each a handful: let all these be decocted in the aforesaid broth and let the woman sit in the decoction up to the navel. Al- so, take of deer's suet half an ounce ; cow's marrow, sty- racis lyquide: of each one dram ; or of sweet almonds: two ounces with silk or cotton make a pessary: and make in- jections: only of fresh butter: and oil of sweet almonds. It sometimes happens that barrenness is caused by re- missness in the manner and act of coition ; and though 4$ ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. there be no impediment on either side ; yet if both sexes, meet not in that act with equal vigor, no conception fol- lows ; for many times the man is too quick for the woman, ur ralher the woman too slow for the man, and is not pre- pared to receive the seed with that delight she ought when it is emitted by the man ; and those who follow the opin-- ion of the ancients, that the woman who contributes seed- in the formation of the child''as well as the man, are of opinion that there ought to be a joint emission both of the man and woman at the same instant, which administering to both a great delight, perfects the work of conception. But if in this case the woman be slack, it will be proper for the man to follow the advice given in chapter 3d, sect 2, where both sexes are shewn how to manage themselves in the act of coition, that so by stirring up in the women a de- sire to vencry, she may meet his embraces with the great- est ardor. If this should prove ineffectual, let her before the act of coition, foment the privities with the decoction of betony, sage, hysop and calamint, anoint the mouth and head of the womb with musk and civit ; and the cause of barrenness being removed, let the womb be corroborated: by the following applications. Make of bayberries, mastick, nutmeg, frankincense, cy-, press nuts, zadani, galbina, of each one dram : styracts liquidae, two scruples ; cloves half a scruple ; ambergrease twograiiis; musk six grains, then with oil of spikenard make a pessary. Also take red roses, with frankincense, lapicb hamatitis, of each half an ounce, saugus draconis, fine bole mastic, of each two drams ; nutmegs, cloves of each one dram ; spikenard half a sc?uple, and with oil of wormwood make a plaster for the lower part of the belly. And let her eat oferringo roots candied, and make an injec- tion of the juice of the roots, of statyrion : and then let her use copulation soon after the menses are ceased, conception being most apt to follow ; for then the womb is thirsty and dry, and aptest both to draw the seed and to retain it by the roughness of the inward superfices. A woman should be careful to avoid excess in all things, as being the great- est enemy to conception. For should a woman conceive under care, study, &c. the child would probably be foolish, because the animal faculties of the parents were confused. CHAP. V. Section I. How women ought to govern themselves du- ring their pregnancy. First, let a woman that is with child choose a temperate- ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 41 air, not infested with fogs, and for that reason not near any marshy grounds, rivers, &c. Bi.'t this cannot be avoid- ed by some, their habitation falling out to be in such places. But those who can live where they please ought to avoid such places, as likewise the going abroad in too hot or too co'ld weather; also when the south wind blows hard, for that often proves hurtful to women with child and some- times causes abortion. Secondly, she ought to be very cautious in the manner of her diet, choosing only those meats that create wholesome nourishment, and such as are immoderately dry ; and let her take care to prevent and avoid immoderate fasting, for that will weaken the infant, and render it of a sickly consti- tution, and sometimes cause abortion. And as all excesses ought to be avoided, so she must take care not only of a- voiding immoderate fasting, but likewise immoderate eat- ing too, which will not only be apt to stuff up the child, but to swell it up to that degree that it will endanger the life of itself and the mother in its birth. Let it suffice that in general she avoids all meats which are too hot or too cold, and moist ; such as sallads, spices and hot meats which of- ten cause the child to be born before its time ; and some- times without nails, which forshews a short life. And there- fore in this case the wholesome meats are pigeons, partrid- ges, pheasants, larks, veal, mutton or any meat that, yields a good juice, and contributes kindly nourishment; as also, such fruit as is sweet and of easy digestion, aa cherries, pears, damsons, and the like. But let her avoid, as per- nicious, all such things as eause and create wind. Care ought also to be taken with respect to her exercise ; which ought to be moderate, for violent motion either in walking or working, is hurtful and disturbing to the womb, especially riding upon the stones in a coach, or any othe; uneven place ; and in like manner, all extraordinary sounds and noises should be avoided, especially the ringing of bells and the discharging of great guns ; neither ought she to give-way to either immoderate laughter or weeping, or to anger, or, any other passion, for that may be prejudicial to her. Section II. Further rules for women to observe during their pre juncy. Though the act of coition is that without which concep- tion cannot be, yet the immoderate use of it hinders the brief end for which it was designed. In the first four months 4* 42 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE after conception, she ought not to lie with her husband, at; least sparingly, lest by shaking the womb in that action, the courses should again be forced down. In the fifth and sixth month she ought to abstain; but in the 7th, 8th, and 9th it may freely be permitted by reason of its opening the passage, and facilitating the birth. To contribute the bet- ter towards which, the woman should be careful to keep her body soluble ; syrups and other opening things being very helpful to nature in those operations. Let her not lace fcoo close, lest the child be thereby hindered from coming to its full growth. To prevent any disorder that may happen to her breasts by too much blood, which will cause curdled milk, let her wear a necklace of gold about her neck, or rather a small ignot of steel between her breasts, fomenting them a quar- ter of an hour every morning with water distilled from ground ivy, periwinkle and sage, being blood warm. When her belly is swelling, and the motion is great, which will be about the fourth month, she may swathe it with a swathband anointed with pomatum, or any other thing of the kind, to keep it smooth and free from wrinkles. For which end it will be best to take the caul of a kid, & of a sow, of each three ounces ; capon grease and goose grease, of each one ounce, and a half; having melted themaltogether,. put thereto a quarter of a pint of water ; after which strain: them through a linen cloth into fair water ; casting it to and fro therein till it be-white-; at which time add to it/of marrow of a red deer, one ounce, and lay it in red rose wa- ter, twelve hours. After the expiration of which you may use it, anointing the swathe and belly. But if these ingredients are not easy to be had, you may make use of the following lineament, which will do almost as well as the other ; take of mutton suet (that whieh grows about the kidneys is best) and of dog's grease of each two ounces, whale oil one ounce, and oil of sweet almonds the same qnanftty ; wash them well, after they are melted to- gether in the water of germander, or new white wine, >an- noint the belly and swathe therewith. Those that care not lo anoint their bellies, may make use of the following bath or decoction ; take of all sorts of mallows and mother wort caf.h-two handfuls ; white lilly roots three ounces ; melilot and camomile, of each two handfuls ; lhne seeds, quince seeds and fenugreek seeds, three ounces boil them well in spring water and bathe therewith. If the woman after her ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 43 quickening, finds but little motion of the infant in the womb let her make a quilt in the manner following, and bind it to the navel, and it will much strengthen and comfort the in- fant ; take the powder of roses, red coral and jelhy flowers of each two ounces ; mastic a dram; angelica seeds two drams, ambergrease two grains, and musk two grains ; all of which being well beate n, put them into a linen bag, spread them abroad and quilt it, that they may be in every part of it, placing upon the navel-, and it will have the de- sired effect. These things are sufficient to observe during the time of their pregnancy, that neither the child nor mother may miscarry, but be brought to the birth at the appointed time. CHAP. VI. Directions for Midwives hoiv tb assist Women in the time of their Labors, and how Child bearing Women should be or- dered' in time of their lying in. Section I. How a Midwife ought to be qualified. A Midwife ought to be of a middle age, neither too old nor too young, and of a good habit of body, neither sub- ject p6 diseases, fears or sudden frights ; nor are the qual- ifications assigned to a good surgeon improper for a mid- wife-, viz. a lady's hand, a hawrk's eye, and a lion's heart ; to which may be added, activity of body, and a convenient strength, with caution and diligence, not subject to drowsi- ness, nor apt to be impatient. She ought to be sober and affable, not subject to passion, but bountiful and compas- sionate, and her temper cheerful and pleasant, that she may the better comfort her patients in their sorrow. Nor must she be very hasty, though her business perhaps require her in another place, lest she should make more haste than good speed. But above all she ought to be qualified with the fear of God, which is the principal thing in every state and condition, and" will furnish her on all occasions both with knowledge and discretion. But I now proceed to more particular directions. Section II. What must be done when a woman's time of Labor is come. When the time of birth draws near, and the good woman finds her travailing pains begin to come upon her, let her send for a midwife in time ; better too soon than too late, and get those things ready which are proper on such occa- sions. When the midwife is come, let the first thing she 44 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. does be to find whether the true time of birth become. The want of observing this hath spoiled many a child, and endangered the life of the mother; or at least put he:-to twice as much pain as she needed; for unskilful midwives, not minding this, have things to force down the child, a id thereby disturbed the natural course of her labors ; whereas nature works best in her own time and way* I do confess it is somewhat difficult to know the true time of sonu wo- men's labor, being troubled with pain so long before their true labor conies ; in some, weeks before ; the reason of which is the heat of the reins, which is manifest by the swelling of the legs. And therefore when women with child find their legs to swell much, they may be assured their reins are too hot. Wherefore my advice to such women is, too cool their reins before the time of their labor, which may be effectually done by anointing the reins of the back with the oil of popies and violets, or water lilies, and thus may avoid that hard labor which they usually undergo whose reins are hot, that they may the better prevent, let me recommend to you the decoction of plaintain leaves and roots, which is thus made ; Make a strong-decoction of them in water, and then havin<£strained and clarified it with the white of an egg, boil it into a syrup with its equal weight of sugar, and keep it for use. But since it is so ne- cessary for midwives to know the time of a woman's labor, the following section will rightly inform them. Section III. Signs by which the true time of a Woman's Labor may be known. When women draw near the time of their reckoning es- pecially with their first child, and perceive any extraordi- nary pains in their belly, they immediately send for their midwife, as taking it for their labor, though perhaps those pains which are so often mistaken for labor, are only the cholic, and proceed from the wind, which pains though they come and go, griping the whole belly, are yet without any forcing downwards into the womb, as is done by those that go before labor. But these cholic pains may be removed by warm clothes laid upon the belly : and the application of a clyster or two by which those pains that precede a true labor are rather furthered than hindered. There are also other pains incident to women in that condition from the flux of the belly, which arc easily known by the frequent stools that follow them ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 45 But to speak more directly of the matter ; the signs of labor some few days before are that the woman's belly, which before lay high, sinks down, and hinders her from walking so easily as she used to do ; also there flows from the womb slimy humors> which nature has appointed to moisten and make smooth the passage, that its inward ori- fice-may be the more easily dilated when there is occasion, which beginning to open at that time, suffers that slime to flow away, which proceeds from the glands, called prestatae. These are signs preceding labor. But when she is presently falling into labor, the signs are great pains about the reins and loins, which cominj and retreating by intervals, answer in the bottom of the h? ly by congruous throes ; and sometimes the face is red and in- flamed, the blood being much heated by the endeavor a- woman makes to bring forth the child : and likewise dur- ing the strong throe3 her perspiration is intercepted, which causes the blood to have recourse to her face; her privy parts are so swellen by the infant's head lying in the birth, which, by often thrusting, causes those partSfto distend out- wards. She is likewise much subject to vomiting, which is also a sign of good labor and speedy delivery, though by a. great many ignorant women thought otherwise ; for good pains are thereby excited and redoubled ; which vomiting is occasioned by the sympathy there is between the womb and the stomach ; Also, when the birth is near, most wom- en are troubled with trembling of the thighs and legs ; not with cold, like beginning of an ague fit, but with the heat of the whole bodv ; though this indeed does not happen al- ways. Also if the humors, which then flow from the womb, are discolored with blood (which is what the midwife calls shews) it is an infallible mark of the birth's being near; and then if the midwife put her finger up the neck of the womb, she will find the inward orifice dilated ; at the open- ing of which the membranes of the infant, containing the waters, present themselves, and are strongly forced down- wards with each pain she hath ; at which time one may perceive them sometimes to resist the finger ; and then a- gain to press forward, being more or less hard and extend- ed, according as the pains are stronger or weaker. These- membranes with-the water in them,, when they are before the head of the child, which the midwife calls the gathering of the womb, to the touch of the fingers resembles those egg3 which yet haye no shell, but are covered only by a 40 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE simple membrane. After this, pains still redoubling, the membranes are broken by the strong impression of the wa- ters, which presently flow away, and then the head of the infant is presently felt naked, and presents itself at the in- ward orifice of the womb. When those waters come thus away, then the midwife may be assured the birth is very near ; this being the most certain sign that can be ; for" the amnion and alantois being broken which contained those waters by the pressing forward of the birth, the child is no more able to subsist long in the womb afterwards, than a naked man in a heap of snow. Now, these Maters, if the child come presently after them, facilitate the labor, by mak- ing the passage slippery ; and therefore In no midwife use means to force away the wafer ; for nature knows best when the true time of the birth is, and therefore retains the water till the time ; but if by accident the water breaks n- way too long before the birth, then such things as will has- ten it may be safely administered. Sec IV. What is to be done at the time of Labor. When the midwife is satisfied that it is the true time of labor, she must take care to get all things ready that are necessary to comfort the travailing woman in that time ; and the better to do it, Itt.hersee that she be not straight laced. She may also give her a pretty strong clyster, if she finds there is occasion for it ; but with this proviso, that it be done at the beginning, and before the child he too for- ward : for otherwise it will be difficult for her to receive it. The advantage of which clyster is, that the gut thereby will be excited to discharge itself of its excrements, and the rectum being emptied, there will be more space for the di- lating of the passage; like-wise to cause the pains to bear more downwards, through the endeavors she nutke.s when other necessary things for her labor are put in order, both for the mother and the child. As to the manner of the delivery, various midwives use different ways ; some are delivered sitting on a midwife's stool ; but, for my own part, I think that a pallet bed gird- ed and placed near the fire, that the good woman may come on each side, and be more readily assisted, is much the best way. And if the laboring woman abounds vrith blood it may not be improper to let her bleed a little, for by that means she will both breathe the better, and have her breath more at liberty, and likewise more strength to bear down her ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 47 pain ; and this may be done without danger, because the child being now ready to be born, needs not the mother's blood for its nourishment any longer ; and not only so, but this evacuation docs many times prevent her having a fever after delivery. Likewise if her strength will permit, let her walk up and down her chamber ; and the better to en- able her thereto, let her take some good and strengthening things, such as new laid eggs, jelly broth, some spoonfuls of burnt wine ; and encourage her to hold off her pains, bearing them down when they take her, ail that she can. And let the midwife often touch tho inward orifice with her finger, that she may better know whether the waters are going to break, and whether the birth will follow soon after ; for generally the birth follows in two hours after the eflux of the water. And to help it afterwards, let her anoint the woman's privities with envoiient oil, hog's grease, and fresh butter ; especially if she finds them too hard, to be dilated. Let the midwife also be near the laboring woman all the while and diligently observe her gestures, pains and com- plaints, for by "this she may guess pretty well how her labor goes forward ; for'when she changes her groans, into loud cries it is a great sign the birth is near ; at which time her pains are greater and more frequent. Let her also some- times rest herself on her bed, to renew her strength but not too long at a time, for to lie too long at a time will retard her labor, and therefore 'tis better for her to walk about her chamber as much as she can; which that she may the better do, let the good woman support her under her arms, if it be necessary ; for by walking, the weight of the child causes the inward orifice of a woman to dilate much soon- er than it would do if she lay upon her bed ; besides her pains, by walking will be stronger and more frequent, and in consequence her labor will not be near so long. If slit finds any sick qualms, let her not be discouraged ; and if she finds any motions to vomit, let her not suppress them. but rather give way to them ; for it will (however uneasy and irksome they be for the present) be much for her bene- fit, because they further the pains, and provoke downward. Section V, How to provide the birth, and cause speedy deliv.ry. When the birth is long deferred after the coming down, of the waters, let her hasten the birlh by drinking a draugh: of wine wherein ditany, red coral, juniper berries, betony, pennyroyal, and ieveffew, have been boiled wthi-jnice of 48 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. feverfew taken in its prime (which is in May) and clarified and so boiled in a syrup, and twice its weight of sugar is very good upon this occasion. Also mugwort used in the same manner, works the same effect. Likewise the stene /Etitis held to the privities does in a very little time draw forth the child and the after burden; but great care must be taken to remove it gently, or else it will draw forth the womb and all, so great is its magnetic virtue. Also a de- coction of savory made with white wine, and drank, gives a woman speedy delivery. Also wild tansey or silver weed bruised and applied to the woman's nostrils is very good. So also are date stones beaten to powder, and half a dram of them taken in white wine ; parsley is of excellent use on this occasion ; for if you bruise it and press out the juice, and then dip a linen cloth in it, and put it up, being so dip- ped in the mouth ol* the womb, it will presently cause the child to come away, though it be dead, and will bring a- way the alter burden also. The juice of parsley being of great virtue especially the stone parsley, being drank by a woman with child, it cleareth not only the womb, but also the child in the womb, of all gross humors. A scruple of castorum in powder, in any convenient liquor, is very good to be taken in such a case, and so also are two or three drops of spirit of castorum in a convenient liquor. Eight or nine drops of the spirit of myrrh, given in a convenient liquor, have the same effect. Or, give a woman in travail another woman's milk to drink, it will cause speedy delivery. Also the juice of leeks being drank with warm water hath a mighty effect, causing speedy delivery. Take piony seeds beat them to powder arid max the powder with oil; with which oil anoint the loins and privities of the woman with child ; it gives her deliverance very speedily, and with less pain than can be imagined. .Vnd this may be noted for a general rule, that all those things that move the terms arc; good for making the delivery easy. There are several oth- er things efficacious in this case; but 1 need not heap med- icines unnecessarily, those I have already named being suf- ficient. When any of the forenamed medicines have hastened the birth, let the midwife lay the woman in a posture for de- livery. And first let the woman be conducted to the pallet bed, placed at a convenient distance from the lire, accord- ing to the season of the year ; and let there be a quilt laid upon tho pallet .bedstead, which is better than a feather bed, ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 49 mud let it have thereon a linen cloth in many folds, with such other things as are necessary, which may be changed according as the occasion requires it, that so the woman niay not be incommoded with Ifcood, waters and other filth, which are-voided in labor. Then let her lay the woman upon her back, having her head a little raised by. the help of a pillow, having the -like help to support the reins and buttocks, that her rump may lie high ; for if she lie low, she cannot very well be delivered. Then let her keep her knees and thighs as far asunder as she can, her legs being bowed towards the buttocks, and let her feet be stayed a- gainst a log, or some other firm thing. And let two wo- men help her two shoulders, that she may strain out the birth with more advantage, holding in her breath, and for- cing herself as much as possible in like mannner as when she goes to stool: for by such straining, the diaphragm, or midriff, being strongly thrust downwards, necessarily forces down the womb and the child in it. In the mean time, let the midwife encourage her all she can, and take care that she have no rings on her hands when she anoints the part; then let her gently dilate the inward orifice of tho womb and putting her fingers in tlie entry thereof, stretch them from one another when her pains take her by this means endeavor to help forward the child, and thrusting by little and little the sides of the orifice towards the hind- er part of the child's head, anointing those parts with fresh butter, in case it he necessary. And when the head of the infant is somewhat advanced into the inward orifice, it is usual* among midwives to say it is crowned, because it both girds and surrounds it like a crown ; but when it is gone so far, and the extremity begins to appear without the privy parts, they say the child is in the passage ; and at this time the woman feels herself as if she was scratched or pricked with pins, and is ready to think that the midwife hurts her ; whereas in truth it is only occasioned by the vio- lent distention of those parts, which sometimes even suffer a laceration through the bigness of the child's head. When things are come to this posture, let the midAvife seat her- self conveniently to receive the child, which will now come very quickly : and with her fingers end, which she ought. also to be sure to keep pared, let her endeavor to thrust the crowning of the womb back over the head of the child. And as soon as it is advanced as far as the ears or thereabout, let her take hold of the two sides with her two hands, and 5 50 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. wait till the good pain comes, and then quickly draw forth ' the child, taking care that the navel string be not entang- led about the child's neck, or any other part, as sometimes it is, lest thereby the after burden be pulled with violence, and perhaps the womb also, to which it is fastened, so ei- ther cause her to flood or else break the string, both of which are of bad consequence to the woman, and render her delivery the more difficult, (ireat care must be taken that the head be not drawn forth straight, but shake it a lit- tle from one side to the other, that the shoulders may the sooner and easier take its place immediately after it is past; which must be done without losing any time, lest the head being passed, the child stop there by the largeness of the shoulders, and so be in danger of being suffocated in the passage, as it has sometimes happened, for want of care therein. When the head is born, she may slide in her fin- gers under the armpits, and the rest of the body will follow without difficulty, as soon as the midwife hath in this manner drawn forth the child, let her lay it on one side, lest the blood and water which follow too immediately, should do it an injury, by running into its mouth and nose, as it would do if it lay on its back, and so endanger the choaking of it. The child being thus drawn forth, the next thing requisite is to bring away the after burden ; but be- fore that, let the midwife be very careful to examine wheth- er there be any more children in the womb, for sometimes a woman may have twins ; of which the midwife may sat- isfy herself by the continuance of the woman's throes and the bigness of her belly. But this is not so certain as to put her hand up the entry of the womb and there feel wheth- er another is not presenting itself to the passage ; and if so she must have a care how she goes about the after' birth till fhe woman be delivered. The first string m'Ust be cut and tied with a thread three or four double, and the ends fastened with a string to the woman's thigh to prevent the inconvenience it may cause by hanging between the thighs. Section VI. Of the after burden. Until the after burden is brought away, which sometimes is more difficult to do than the child, and altogether as dan- gerous, if it be not speedily done, the woman cannot pro- perly be said to be safely delivered, though the child be born. Therefore as soon as the child is born, before the mid- Wife either ties or cuts the navel string, lest the womb ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 5J should close, let her, baring taken the string, wind it once or twice about one or two of the fingers of the left hand, joined together, the better io hold it, with which she may only take single hold of it above the left, near the privities, drawing likewise with that very gently, resting a while, with a fore finger of the same hand( extending and stretch- ing along the string towards the entry of the Veginia, al- ways observing, for 'the more facility, to draw it from the side to which the burden least inclines, for in so doing the rest will separate the better. And extraordinary care must lie taken that it be not drawn forth with too much violence, l°f.t by breaking the string near the harden, she be obliged to put her whole hand into the womb to deliver the woman; and she had need to take care in this matter, that so the womb itself, to which sometimes this-burden is fastened ve- ry strongly, be not drawn with it which has sometimes hap- pened.. It is therefore necessary, to assist nature with pro- per remedies, which are in general, what has been before mentioned, to cause a speedy delivery ; for whatever has magnetic virtue to bring away the birth, has the same to bring away the afterbirth. Besides, which, the midwife ought to consider that the woman cannot but be much spent by the fatigue she has already undergone in bringing forth the infant, and therefore should be sure to take care to give her something to comfort her. To which purpose some good jelly broths and a little wine, with a toast in it, and other comforting things, will be necessary. Sneezing being conducive to bring away the after birth, let her take a lit- tle white hellebore in powder to cause her to sneeze. Tan- sey and the stone /Etitis, applied as before directed, is very efficacious in this. The smoke of marygold flowers, re- ceived up a woman's privities by a funnel will bring away the after birth, though the midwife ha* lost her hold. Or, if you boil mugwort in water till it be very soft, and then take it out and apply it like a poultice to the navel of the woman in travail, constantly bring3 away both the birth and the after birth ; but as soon as they are come forth, it must be instantly taken away, lest it should bring away the womb also. Section VII. How to cut the. child's Nave! string. After the birth and after birth are safely brough away, the midwife ought to take care to cut the naval string ; which, though It be by some esteemed a thing of smalt mat- t-r. yot it requires none of the least skill of a midwife to do $1 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. it with that care and prudence which it ought, and there- fore to instruct the industrious midwife a little herein : As soon as the child is come into the world, let her consider whether it be weak or strong ; if it be weak, let her gently put back part of che vital and natural blood in the body of the child by the navel, for that recruits a weak child, the vital and natural spirits being communicated by the mother to the child by its navel st ring. But if the child be strong There is no need of it. Only it will not be amiss to let the midwife know, that many children that' are born seemingly dead, may be brought to life again, if she squeeze six or seven drops of blood out of that part of the navel string which is cut off and give it to the child inwardly. As to the cutting it short or long, authors can scarce a- gree about it, nor midwives neither : some prescribe it to be cut at four fingers7 breadth, which is at the best but an uncertain rule, unless all fingers were of an equal size. 'Tis a received opinion, that the parts adapted to generation are either contracted or dilated, according to the* cutting of the navel string, which is the reason that midwives are gen- erally so kind to their own sex, that they leave a longer part of the navel string of a male than a female, because ihey would have the male well provided for the encounters- of Venus. And the reason they give why they cut those more short is, because they believe it makes them modest, and their parts narrower, which makes them more accept- able to their husbands. But whether this be so or not (which yet some of the greatest searchers into the secrets of nature affirm for a truth) yet certain it is that great care ought to be used about cutting off the navel string ; and es- I>ecialiy, that after it is cut, it be not suffered to touch the ground, for if it be, the child will never be able to hold its water, but.be subject all its life time to diabetes, as experi- ence often confirms : but as to the manner of cutting the naevl string, let the midwife take a brown thread, three or four times double, of an ell long, or thereabouts, tied with a single knot at each of the ends, to prevent their entang- ling ; and with this thread so accommodated (which the midwife ought to have in readiness before the woman's la- bor, as also a good pair- of scissors, that so no time mav be lost) let her tie the string within a i inch of the belly with a double knot, and turning about the ends of the thread, let her tie two or more on the side of the string, reiterating it again, if it be necessary; then let her cut off the nav*F ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 53 string, another inch below the ligator t owards the after birth ; so that there only remains but two inches of the string, in^the midst of which will be the knot spoken of, which must be straight knit, as not to suffer a drop of blood to squeeze out of the vessels ; but yet care must be taken not to knit it so straight as to cut it in tw-o; and there- fore the thread must be pretty thick, and pretty straight knit, it being better too straight than too loose. Some chil- dren have miserably lost their lives, before it hath been dis- covered that the navel string was not well tied. Therefore great care must be taken that no blood squeeze through, for if there do, new knots must be made with the re3t of the string. You need not fear to bind the navel string very hard, because it is void of sense ; and that part of it which you leave on falls off of its own accord in a few days, ordi- narily six or seven, and sometimes in less time ;. but it very rarely tarries longer than the eighth or ninth, day. As soon as the navel string is cut off, apply a little cot- ton or lint in the place to keep it warm, lest the cold enter into the body of the child, which it will unavoidably do, in case it be not bound hard enough : and if the lint or cotton you apply to it be dipped in the oil of roses, it will be bet- ter : then having put another small rag three or four times double* upon the body of the child, above the navel, lay the string so wrapped upon it that it may not touch the naked belly. Upon the top of all put another small bolster ; and then swathe it in a linen swathe, four fingers broad, to keep it steady, lest by rolling too much* or bein« continually stir- red from side, "to side, it come to fall off before the-navel string which you left remaining is fallen off. 'Tis the usual custom-of the-midwives to put a piece of burnt rag to it; but I wouid advise them to put a small quantity of bole am- monica* because of its drying quality. Thus much may suf- fice as to cutting the navel string and delivery of a woman. in labor, where the labor is natural, and no ill accident happens. But it sometimes so falls out, that the labor is not only hard and difficult, but unnatural also, in which the midwife must take other measures. k CHAP. VII. What unnatural Labor is, and whence it proceeds ; and what the Midwife ought to dp in such Cases. Section I. What unnatural Labor is. " IT will be necessary to acquaint my readers, that there are three sorts of bad labor, all painful and difficult, but not 5* 54 ARISTOTLE S MASTER PIECE. all properly unnatural, which are as follows : The first, properly styled hard labor, is that wherein tin- mother and child do suffer very much by extreme pain. , The second is difficult labor,different from the former, in that besides those extreme pains, it is generally attended with some unhappy accident, which, by retarding the birth, makes it very difficult: neither of these, though hard and difficult, can be called unnatural ; for women to bring forth children in pain and sorrow is natural. It is therefore the third sort of labor which I call unnat- ural : and that is, when the child essays to come into the world in a contrary position to that which nature ordained. To explain this, the reader must know, that there is but one right and natural posture in which children come to the birth, and that is when the head comes first, and the body follows after in a straight line. If instead of this, the child comes with its feet foremost, or with the side across, it is contrary to nature, or to speak more plainly, unnatural. Section IL Whence hard, difficult and unnatural labor proceeds. The true^physical reason why women in general bring forth their children with so much pain, is that the sense of feeling being distributed to the whole body by the nerves, and the mouth of the womb being so straight, that it must of necessity be dilated at the time of her delivery ; the di- lating thereof stretcheth the nerves, and from thence com- cth the pain ; some women having more pain in their labor lhan others, proceeds from their having the mouth of the matrix more full of nerves than others. Hard and difficult labor may proceed either from the mother and child, or from both : It may proceed from the mother, by reason of a general indisposition of her body, or from the indisposition of some particular part, and that principally of the womb, which may be affected with such a weakness as renders the mother unable to expel her bur- den. It may be also because she is too young or she may be too old, and so may have the passage too straight, and then, if it be her first child, the parts may be too dry and hard and cannot easily be dilated. The cholic does also cause labor to be hard and difficult, because it hinders the true pain which should accelerate it ; for which reason, all great and acute pains render a woman's labor very diffi- cult. As when the woman is taken with a violent fever, frec/asnt convulsions, a great flooding, or any other violent ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 55 distemper, especially when the membranes are thick, and the orifice is too straight, or the neck of the womb not suffi- ciently opened. Hard labor may also proceed from the child, and this is either when it happens to stick to a mole, or is so weak that it cannot break the membrane ; also when it is too big either all over, or its head only ; or if the navel vessels should be twisted about its neck as when it proves monstrous, or comes into the birth in an unnatural posture, Some- times it proceeds from the ignorance of the midwife, who may hinder nature in her work. Section III. How the midwife must proceed in order to the Delivery of a Woman in case of hard labor and great extremity. In case the midwife finds the woman in difficult labor, the must endeavor to know the particular obstruction or cause thereof, that so she may apply a suitable remedy. When hard labor is caused by a woman's being too young and straight, the passages must be anointed with oil, hog's lard, or fresh butter to relax and dilate them the easier. But if a woman be in years and has hard labor from her first ehild let her lower parts be anointed to molify the inward orifice, which in such case (being more hard and callous) does not easily yield to the distension of labor ; and indeed this is the true cause why such ivomen are longer in labor, and why their children in their 4>irth are more subject to bruises than others. Those who are very lean, and have hard labor from that cause, let them moisten their parts with oil and ointments, to mane them smooth and slippery that the head of the infant in the womb may not be com- pressed and bruised by the hardness of the mother's bones in its passage. But if the cause be weakness she ought to be strengthened, the better to enable her to support her pain. Since difficult labor proceeds from divers causes, the midwife must make use of several remedies to women in hard,.difficult labor, which must be adapted to the cause from whence it proceeds. I need not tell the judicious midwife that in case of ex- tremity, when the labor is not only hard, but difficult and dangcrcu;, a far greater care must be had than at other times. In such cases the situation of the womb nmst be minded, and accordingly her posture of lying will be reg- ulated ; which will be best across the bed, being held by those that are of a good strength to prevent her slipping 56 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE down, or moving herself during the time of the operation-,- Then let her thighs be put asunder as far as may be, and held so, while her legs are bent backwards towards her hips, her head leaning upon a bolster, and the reins of her back supported in like manner, her rump and buttocks be- ing lifted up ; observing to cover her stomach, belly, and thighs-, with warm linen, as well for decency's sake as to keep them from the cold. The woman being in this posture, let the midwife, or other operator put tip her hand and try if the neck of the womb be dilated, and then remove the contracted blood that obstructs the passage of the birth, and having greatly made way, let the operator tenderly move the infant, hav- ing the hand anointed with sweet butter, or an harndess pomatum, and if the waters are not come down they may be let forth without any difficulty. And if the infant should attempt to break forth not with the head foremost or across, he ought gently to turn it, that he may find the feet; which having done, let him draw forth one, and having fas- tened it to a ribbon, put it up again, and finding the other,- bring them as close as may be ; let the woman breathe between whiles, assisting nature what she can by straining in bringing forward the birth, that so he may the more eas- ily draw it forth ; and that the operator may do it the bet- ter, and his hold may be the surer, he must fasten or wrap a linen cloth about the child's thighs, observing to bring it into tho world with its feet downwards. But in case there he a flux of blood, let the operator be well satisfied whether the child or secundum.come first ; for sometime when the secundine has come first,, the mouth of the womb has been thereby stopped, and the birth hin- dered, to the hazard both of -the woman and child ; and therefore, in this case the secundine must be removed by a swift turn, and the child sought for, and drawn forth, as has been directed; If upon enquiry, it appears that the secn.idine comes first, let the woman be delivered with all convenient speed, because a great flux of blood will follow ; for then the veins are opened. And on this account two things are to be m:::ded ; first, whether the secundine advances forward much or little ; if the former, and the head of the child first appears, it must be directed to the neck of the womb, as in the case of natural births ; but if there appears any difficulty in the delivery, the best way is to search fer th» ARISTOTLE'S MISTER PIECE, 57 ifcct, and by them it may be put by with a gentle hand, and the child taken out first: but if the secundine is advanced, so that it cannot be put back, and the child follow it close, then the secundine is to be taken out first with much care, and as swift as may be, and laid aside, without cutting the cntrail that is fastened to them ; for by that you may be guided to the infant, which whether it be alive or dead, must be drawn forth by the feet as soon as possible ; though this is not to be done but in case of great necessity, for the or- der of nature is for the secundine to come last. Section IV. Of the delivery of a dead Child. In delivering a woman of a dead child, the operator ought to be certain the child is dead, which might be known by the falling of the mother's breasts, the coolness of her belly, the'thickness of her urine, which is attended with stinking sediment at bottom ; and no motion to be perceived in the child. Also, when she turns herself in her bed, the child sways like a lump of lead, and her breath stinks, though not used to do so. When the operator is certain that the child is dead, let him or her apply themselves to the saving of the mother, by giving her those things that are most powerful ih serving nature in her operations. But, if through weakness, the womb is not able to co-operate with nature, so that a manual operation is absolutely necessary, let the operator carefully observe the following directions. viz. If the child be found dead with his head foremost, he must take notice that the delivery will be the more difficult, becadse in this case it is only impossible that the child should any ways assist in its delivery, but the strength of the mother does also very much fail her, wherefore the most sure and safe way for him to put np his left hand, slid- ing it, as hollow in the palm as he can, into the neck of the womb, into the lower part thereof towards the feet, and then between the infant and the neck of the matrix; and having a hook in the right hand, couch it close and slip it above the left hand between the head of the child and the flat of the band, fixing it to the hone of the {temple to- wards the eye ; or, for want of convenient coming at that, observe to keep the left hand in its place, gently moving and stirring the head with it, and so with the right hand hook draw the child forward, encouraging the woman to put forth her utmost strength, and always drawingVhen the woman's pangs are upon her. The head being thus drawn fiirth the operator must, with all speed, slip his hand under oS ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE the arm holes of the child, and take it quite forth, giving immediately to the woman a toast of fine wheaten bread in a quarter of a pint of tent-to revive and cherrish-her spirits. By what I have already shewn, th.- midwife will know what to do in any other case that may faii out remembering, that for a child to come head fori -most, and the body to follow in a straight line, is the right posture for a child when it comes to the birth ; and if it comes any other way, it will be the wisdom of the midwife, if possible to bring it to this posture ; but if that cannot be done without very great dan- ger, then put it in a posture that it may be brought forth by the feet. And the midwife perceiving in what posture the child presents, or that the woman floods, or any other ac- cident happens, by which she finds it not in her power to- deliver it, it will be best for her to send for a man midwife in time, rather than put things to the utmost extremity, , CHAP. VIII. Sec. 1.. Directions for child bed Women after delivery. After the birth and after birth are brought away if the woman's body be very weak keep her not too hot,thc extremi- ty of heat weakens nature, and dissolves the strength, but whether she be weak or strong, let no cold come near her, for cold is an enemy to the spermatic parts: and if cold gets into the womb it increases the after pains, causes swellings in the womb, and hurts the nerves. Therefore if a woman has had very hard labor, tis proper,after delivery,to wrap her in the skin of a sheep, taken as warm as possible, and put- ting the fleshy sides to her reins and belly ; If a sheep's skin cannot well be had, the skin of a hare or rabbit, taken off as soon as it is killed may be applied to the same part, and by so doing, the dilation made-in the birth wdll be closed up, and the melancholy blood expelled from those parts ; and these maybe continued during the space of an hour or two. After which let the woman be swathed with a fine linen cloth, about a quarter of a yard in length, chafing the bel- ly before it be swathed with the oil of St. John's wort : afterwards raise up the matrix with a linen cloth, many- times folded, then with a, little pillow or quilt, cover her flank, place the swathe1 somewhat above the haunches, winding it indifferently stiff applying at the same time, a warm cloth tp the nipples. Care must be taken not to apply atiy remedy to keep back the milk, being, off a dissolving nature, it is improper to apply them to th? breast during such, a disorder, lea.-t evil humors s'i -uld.be contracted in, ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 59 the breast thereby ; and therefore twelve hours at least ought to be allowed for the circulation and settlement of the blood. After the woman has been delivered for some time, you may make a restrictive of the yolk of two eggs, a quarter of a pint of white wine, oil of St. John's wort, oil of roses, plantain, and rose water of each an ounce, mix them to- gether, fold a linen cloth and dip therein, warm it before a gentle fire, apply it to the breasts, and the pain of these parts will be greatly eased. But be sure not to let her sleep soon after her delivery, but let her t \ke some broth, or caudle, or any other liquid matter that is nourishing, about four hours after her delive- ry, and then she may be safely permitted to sleep, if she is disposed as it is probable she will be, being tired with the fatigue of her labor. But before this, as soon as she is laid in her bed let her drink a draught of burnt white wine in which melt a dram of spermatic. Let her also avoid the light for the first three days for labor weakens the eye sight. The herb vervain is of singular service to the sight, and may be used any way, either boiled in meat, or drink, not having the least offensive taste, but many pleasant virtues. If she should be feverish, add the leaves or roots of plantain to it ; but if her courses come not away as they ought, let the plantain alone, and instead thereof put mother of thyme, If the womb is foul, which may be known by the impurity of the blood, and its stinking and coming away in clotted lumps ; or if you suspect any of the after birth to be left behind, which may sometimes happen though the midwife be ever so careful and skilful, then make her a drink of feverfew, penneroyal, mother of thyme boiled in white wine, and sweetened with sugar ; panada and new laid eggs are the best meat for her at first; of which let her eat often, and but a little at a time. Let her use cinna- mon in all her meats and drinks, for it mightily strengthens the womb ; let her stir very little for six or seven days after her delivery ; and talk little, for that weakens her. If she goes not to stool, give a clyster made with the decoc- tion of mallows, and a little brown sugar. After she has lain a week, or more, give her such things as 'close the womb ; tO which you may add a little polypodium, both leaves and roots bruised, which will purge gently, 'fins is as much in case of natural birth as needs at first be done,. 60 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 'Section II. In extremity of unnatural labor. Let the woman be sure to keep a temperate diet; and take care that she does by no means overcharge herself, af- ter such an excessive evacuation not being ruled by or giv- ing credit to unskilful nurses, who are apt to admonish them to feed heartily ,the better to repair, the loss of blood ; for the blood is not for the most part pure, but such as has been detained in the vessels or membrane, and it is better voided for the health of a woman than kept, unless there happens an extraordinary flux of blood ; for if her nour- ishment be too much, it may make her liable to a fever, and increase the milk to a superfluity which may be of dan- gerous coesequence. It is thorefore requisite for the first five days especially, that she take moderately panada broth, poached eggs, jelly of chickens and calves feet, French barley broth, each somewhat increasing the quantity. And if she intend to be nurse to her child, she may take a little more than ordinary to increase the milk by degrees ; which must be of no continuance, but draw off either by the child or otherwise. In that case likewise, let her have coriander or fennel seed boiled in barley broth : and by that means, for the time before mentioned let her, abstain from meat. ,If no fever trouble her, she may drink now and then a small quantity of white wine or claret, as also a syrup of maiden hair, or any otl er syrup that is of an astringent quality, taking it in a little water well boiled. And after the Fear of a fever or contraction of humors to the breast is over, idie may then be nourished more plentifully with the broth of pullets, capons, pigeons, partridges,-mutton, veal, Sec.— whieh must not be till after eight clays at least from the time of the delivery ; for by that time the womb Avill have purged itself, unless some intervening accident should hinder. It will then be expedient to give cool meats so it be done spar- ingly, the better to gather strength ; and let her during the time rest quietly, and free from disturbance, not sleeping in the day time, if she can avoid it. If there happens any ob- structions in the evacuation of excrements, the following clysters may be administered. Take pellitory of the wall, and of both the mallows, of each a handful; fennel and anniseed of each two ounces ; boil them in the decoction of a sheep's head, and take of this three quarters, dissolving it in common honey and coarse sugar, and of new fresh but- ter two .ounces : strain it well, and administer it clyster ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 01 wise. But if this does not operate to your mind, then yon may take one oiuwe of catholicon. CHAP. IX. Of a mole or false conception: and of Monster a and Mon- strous Births, with the reason thereof. Section I. Of a mole, or false conception. A. Mole or false conception, is nothing else but a mass or great lump of flesh burdening the womb. It is an inartic- ulate piece of flesh, without any form, and therefore differs from monsters, which are formata and articulata ; and then it is said to be a conception, but a false one, which puts a difference between a true conception and a mole : and the difference holds good in three different ways : First in the genius, because a mole cannot be said to be animal. Se- condly, it differs in species, because it hath no human fig* lire, and bears not the character of a man. Thirdly, it dif- fers in the individium for it hath no affinity with the parts of that in the whole body, or any particles of the same. There are variety of judgments among authors, about the producing cause of this effect, some affirming that it is j it- duced by the woman's seed going into die womb witluvr the man's : but because we have before proved that w •>v< n have properly no seed at all, but only an ovalium, which is fcecundated by the active principle of thss man's seed, this opinion needs no confutation. Others my, it is engender- ed of the menstruous blood : but were this granted, it w€uld follow that maids by having their course? stopped, might be subject to the same, wlmdi never anv yet were. The true cause of this carnous conception, which we call a mole proceeds both from the man and the woman, from corrupt and barren seed in the man, and from the menstruous blood in the woman, btith mixed together in the cavity of the womb ; and nature finding herself weak (yet desirous of maintaining the perpetuity of her species) labors to briiig forth a vicious conception rather than none : and not be- ing able to bring forth a living creature, generates a piece of flesh. This imperfect conception maybe kir.wn to be such, by the following signs. The monthly courses are suppressed, the belly is pufl'ed up, and waxe'ii hard, the breath smells and the appetite is depraved. But you will say these arp pigns of a breeding woman in true conception, and tin re- fore these eaauot distinguish a Uiole, , Te this. I answc •-. 6 62 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE though th-.is they agree, yet they are different in several re- aped s ; for a mole may be felt in the womb before the third month, vhich an infant cannot ; the motion of the mole be- ing only by the faculty of the womb, and of the seminal spirit diffused through its substance ; for though it has no animal, yet it has a vegetative life: and then the belly is suddenly swelled where there is a mole ; but in conception the belly is first contracted, and then i iseth gradually. Another difference i6, the belly being pressed with the hand the mole gives way, and the hand being taken away, it re- turns to the place again ; but a child in the womb, though pressed with the hand, moves not presently, and being re- moved returns not at all, or at least very slowly. But, to name no more,another material difference,is that a child con- tinues not in the womb above eleven months at most ; but a mole sometimes continues four or five years, sometimes more br less, according to its being fastened to the matrix; for sometimes the mole hath fallen away in four or five months ; and if it remains until the 11th month, the legs are feeble, and the whole body appears in a wasting condi- tion, or the belly swells bigger and bigger, which is the rea- son that some, who are thus afflicted, think they are by- dropical, though it be no such thing; which awoman easi- ly knows, if she will but consider that in a dropsy the legs will swell and grow big; in case of a mole, they consume and wither. This distemper is an enemy to true concep- tion,|,and of dangerous consequence : for a woman that breeds a mole, is every way more inconvenienced thiui a woman thr.t is with child, and all the while she keeps it, she lives in danger of her life. The cure of this distemper consists chiefly in expelling it as soon as may be; for the longer it is kept the worse it is; and this many times cannot be affected without man- ual operation ; but that being the last remedy, all other means ought to be first used. Amongst which, pbJebotomy ought not to be omitted ; for seeing letting of blood cau- «eth abortion, by reason it takes away that nourishment that should sustain the life of the child, why may not this vicious conception be by the same, deprived of that vegeta- tive sap by which it lives 7 to which end open the liver vein and tbe saphana in both feet ; fasten cupping glasses to the loins and sides of the belly, which done, let the urinary VRISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 6$ part first be molified, and the expulsive faculty be provok- ed to expel the burden. And to loosen the ligatures of the mole, take mallows, with roots, three handfuls, pellitory, camomile, violet leaves melliot, roots of fennel, parsly, mer- cury, of each two handfuls ; fenugreek and linseed, of each one pound ; boil them in water, and rnake a bath thereof, and let her sit therein up to her navel. At her going out ef the bath, let her reins and privities b* anointed with this ointment. Take amoniati, landani, fresli butter, of each an ounce ; and with oil of linseed make an ointmcu ; or, instead of this may be used unguenlum agrippae or dial- thse. Also take aq. bryonae composito, roots althw and mer- cury of each a handfull; linseed and barley meal, of each six ounces ; boil all these with water and honey, and make a plaster, and the ligaments of thy mole being thus loosen- ed, let the expulsive faculty be stirred up to expel the mole; for the effecting of which, all those medicaments are very proper which bring down the courses. Therefore take sat vine, madder, valerian, horehound, sage, hyslop betony,- pennyroyal, calamint, hypericon, and with water make a decoction, and give three ounces of it, with an ounce and a half of syrup of feverfew. But if these remedies prove not available, then must the mole be drawn away bv manual op- eration, in the manner following : let the operator (having placed the woman in a proper posture, as has been directed in cases of unnatural labor) slide his hand into the womb, and with it draw forth the mole ; but if it be grownso big that it cannot be drawn away whole, (which is very rare, because it is a soft tender body, and much more pliable than a child) let the operator bring it away by parts, using a crolchet or knife, if it cannot be done otherwise. And if the operator finds it is joined and fastened to the womb, he must gently separate it with his finger's ends, his nails be- ing pared, putting them by little and little between the mole and the womb, beginning on the side where it does stick fast, and so pursue it till it be quite loosened, taking great care if it grows too. fast, not to rend or hurt the proper sub- stance of the womb, proceeding^ in case of an after burden that stays behind in the womb when the string is broken off; but a mole has never any string fastened to it, or any bur- den whence it should receive any nourishment, but does of itself immediately draw it from the vessels of the womb. And thus much shall suffice to be said concerning a mole ; ef which I have shevVn the cause, the signs, ami the cure: 04 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. Section II. Of Monsters, and monstrous births. Monsters are properly depraved conceptions, an are deemed by the ancients to be excursions of nature and are always vicious either by figure, situation, magnitude, or number* • They are vicious in figure, when a man bears the char- acter of a beast; .yicious in magnitude when the parts are not equal or one part is bigger than another : and this is a thing very common, by reason of some excresence. They are vicious in situation many ways; as if the ears were on the face, or the eyes on the breasts,, or on the legs as were seen in a monster born at Ravenna, in Italy, in the year 1570. And lastly vicious in number, when a man hath two heads, four hands and two bodies joined, which was the case of the monster born at Zazarainthe year 1550. As to the cause of their generation, it is either divine or natural. The divine cause proceeds from the permissive- will of the great Author of oar being, suffering parents to bring forth such deformed monsters, as a punishment for their filthy and corrupt affection, let loose unto wickedness like a brute beasts that have no understanding : for which reason the ancients Romans enacted, that those who were deformed should not be put into religious houses. And St. Jerome, in his time, grieved to see the deformed and lame offerc d up to God in religious houses; and Kecher- manjby way of inference, excluded all that were mishap- en, because outward deformity of body is often a sign of the pollution of the heart, as a curse laid upon the child for the incontinence of the parents. Let us therefore search out the natural cause of their generation, which ac- cording to those who have dived into the secrets of nature, is either in the matter or the agent, in the seed or in the womb. The matter may be in fault two ways, by defect or excess. By defect, when the child hath but one arm or leg &; c. by excess, when it has three hands or two heads. Some er.sters are also begotten by women's bestial and unnat- ural coition, &c. The agent or womb may be in fae.lt three ways: first, in the forming faculty, which may be too strong or too weak, which sometimes produces a depraved figure. 2dly, The evil disposition of the instruments or place of conception, will cause a. monstrous birth. And thirdly, the imaginative power at the time of conception, is of such a force as to stamp a character of the thing, imagined upon ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 65- the child ; thus a woman at the time of conception, be- holding the picture of a blaehamoor, conceived and brought forth a child resembling an Ethiopian ; and by this the children of an adultress, though begotten by another man, may have the nearest resemblance to her own husband. This power of imagination was well known to the ancients, as is evident by the example of Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, who having agreed with his father in-law to have all the spotted sheep for the keeping of his flock to increase his wages, took hazel rods, pooling them with white streaks in them, and laid them before the sheep when they came to drink, and they coupling together whilst they beheld the rods, conceived and brought forth spotted young. Nor does the imagination work in the child at the time of conception only, but afterwards also : as was seen in the example of a worthy gentlewoman, who being big with child, and passing by a butcher killing meat, a^drop of blood spirted on her face ; whereupon she then said that the child would have some blemish on his face, which prov- ed true,forat the birth it was found marked w#ha red spot. But besides the way already mentioned, Monsters are sometimes produced by other means, to wit, by the undue coition of a man and his wife when her monthly flowings are upon her ; which being a thing against nature, no won- der that it should produce an unnatural issue. II there- fore a man's desire be ever so great for coition (as some- times it is after long absence) yet if a woman knows that the custom of women is upon her, she ought not to admit of any embraces, which at that time are both unclean and unnatural. The issue of these unclean embraces proving often monstruous, as a just punishment for such a turpi- dious action. Or, if they should not always produce mon- strous births yet are the children thus begotten, for the most part dull, heavy, sluggish, and defective in understanding, wantino- the vivacity and liveliness which those children are endued with who are begotten when women-are free from iheir courses. There has been some contending amongst authors, wheth- er those who are born monsters have reasonable souls, the result of both sides, at last coming to this, that those who, according to the order of nature, are descended from our fir«t parents by the coition of man and woman, though their outward shape be deformed and monstrous, have not- withstanding reasonable souls; but these monsters that 6* 66 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. are not begotten by man, but are the product of a woman's unnatural lust, copulating with other creatures, shall perish as the brute beasts by whom they were begotten, not hav- i nsr a reasonable soul. The same beinjr also true of im- perfect and abortive births. Some are of opinion, that monsters may be engendered by infernal spirits; but notwithstanding JSgidius Facius pretended to believe it with respect to a deformed monster born at Cracovia, and Hieronimus Caromus writeth of a maid that was begot with child by the devil ; yel, as a wicked spirit is not capable of having human seed, how is it possi- ble he should beget a human creature 1 If they say, that the devil may assume to hinself a dead body and enliven the faculties of it, and thereby make it able to generate, I an- swer, that though we suppose this could be done, (which I believe not) yet that body must bear the image of the devil; and it borders on blasphemy,, to think that the all wise and good Being would so far give way to the worst of spirits as to suffer him- to raise up his diabolical offspring ; for in the school of nature, we are taught the contrary, viz. that like begets like ; whence it follows, that a man cannot be born of a devil. ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PXHOB. PART III. PISPLAYING THE SECRETS OF NATURE RE* LATIVE TO PHYSIOGNOMY. CHAP, I. Section 1. Of Physiognomy, shewing what it is, and from whence it is derived. PHYSIOGNOMY is an ingenious science or knowledge of nature, by which the inclination and dispositions of eve- ry creature are understood ; and because some of the mem- bers are uncompounded and entire of themselves, as the tongue, the heart, Sec. and some of a mixed nature, as the eyes, the nose, and others, we therefore say, that there are many signs which agree and live together, which inform a wise man how to make bis judgment, before he be too rash to deliver it to the world. Nor is it to be esteemed a foolish or idle art, seeing it is derived from the superior bodies ; for there is no part of the face of a man, but what is under the peculiar influence or government, not only of the seven placets, but also of the twelve signs of the zodiac ; and the dispositions, vices, virtues, and fatality, either of a man or woman, are plainly foretold, if the person pretend- ing to the knowledge thereof be an artist, which, that my readers may attain to, I shall set these things in a clear light. The reader should remember that the forehead is gov- erned by Mars ; the right eye is under the dominion of Sol; the left is ruled by Luna or the Moon ; the right ear is the eare of Jupiter ; the left of Saturn ; the rule of the nose is claimed by Venus, which by the way is one reason that, in all the unlawful veneral encounters, the nose is too subject to bear the scars whieh are gotten in those wars ; and the nimble Mercury, the signifiation of eloquence, claims the dominion of the mouth, and that very justly. Thus have the seven planets divided the face among them, bat not so absolutely, but that the twelve signs of the zodiac do also come in for a part. And therefore the sign Cancer 67 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PtfECE. presides in the uppermost part of the forehead ; Leo attends upon the right eyebrow, as Sagitarius does upon the right eye, and Libra upon the right ear ; upon the left eye and eye brow Aquarius and Gemini, and Aries the left ear ; Taurus rules in the middle of the forehead, and Capricorn the chin ; Scorpio takes upon him the protection of the nose ; Virgo claims the precedence of the right cheek, and Pisces of the left. And thus the face of man is cantoned out among the Signs and Planets ; which being carefully attended to, will sufficiently inform the artists how to pass a judgment ; For, according to the Sign or Planet ruling, so also is the judgment to be of the part ruled, which all those who have understanding know how to apply. In the judgment that is to be made from physiognomy, there is a great difference betwixt a man and a woman, be- cause, in respect of the whole composition, men more fully comprehend it than women do, as will appear in the fol- lowing section. Therefore the judgments we pass proper- ly concern a man, as comprehending the whole species, and but improperly the woman, as a part thereof, and de- rived from the man ; and therefore in the judgment about the lines and marks of a face, respect should be had to the sex ; for when wc behold a man whose face is like un- to a woman's : or the face of a woman, who in respect of her flesh and blood is like unto a man, the same judgment is not passed on her, as on a man that is like unto her, in regard that the complexion of the woman is much different from that of a man, even in those respects which are said to be common ; therefore respect should be had to other parts of the body, as the hands, &c. Now in these com- mon respects, two parts are attributed to a man, and a third part to a woman. Wherefore, it being our intention to give you an exact account according to the ride of Physiognomy, of all and every part of the members of the body, we will begin with the head, as it hath relation only to a man and a woman, and not any other creature that the work may be more ob- vious to every reader. CHAP. II. Of the judgment of Physiognomy. Hair that hangs down without curling, if it be of a; fair complexion thin and soft, signifies a man to be natur- ally faint hearted, and of a weak body, but of a quiet ai^d ■harmless disposition. Hair that i •; big and thick and short ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 7:* ■denotes a man to be of a strong constitution, boid secret, deceitful, and for the,most part, unquiet, and vain, lusting after beauty, and more foolish than wise, though fortune may favor him. He whose hair is partly curled and partly hanging down, is commonly a wise man or ,a very great fool, or else a knave. He whose hair growcth thick on his temples and his bro.v, one may at first sight certainly con- elude that such a man is by nature simple, vain luxurious, lustful, credulous, clownish in his speech and conversation and dull in apprehension. He whose hair not only curls very much, busheth out, and stands on end, if the hair be white, or yellowish, he is by nature proud and bold, dull of -apprehension, soon angry, a lover of venery, given to lying, malicious, and ready to do any mischief. He whose hair rises in the corner of his temples, and also gross and rough is a man highly conceited of himself, inclined to malice, but cuningly conceals it, very courtly, and a lover of new fash- ions . He who hath much hair, that is, whose hair tl::tr is thick nil over his head is naturally vain and very hixuri n:s. of a good digestion, easy of be-Jief and slow of pcrfurnmu :e, of a weak memory, and for the.most, part unfortunate, m; whose hair is of a reddish complexion, is for the most pa;!. if not always proud deceitful, detracting, venerous, and lull of envy. He whose hair is extraordinary fair, is for the most part, a man fit for all praise-worthy ciiterprizes, aim- er of honor and much more inclined to do good than evil ; laborious and careful to perform whatever is committed w his care ; secret in carrying on any business, and fortunate. Hair of a yellowish color shews a man to be good condition- ed, and willing to do any thing fruful, shamefaced, and weak of body, but strong in the abilities of the mind, and more apt to remember than revenge an injury. He whose hair is of a brownish color, and cuiieth a little is a well dis- posed man, inclined to that which is good, a lover of peace cleanliness and good manners. He whose hair turns gre-*- or hoary in the time of his youth, is generally given to v, u- *uen, vain, false, unstable and talknthe. __ Note. That whatsoever signification the hah- has ,',; aieh.it hath the same in wo:»:tm Ano. Thus docs wiso Nature make f>;:r vary Iiii'.r 'Shaw all the passions tint -. -itii a n.-; ;u"j . ^ If totho bottle wea-rc "inyt. i"u-lin'd, Or, ii -.ve fan':y most,tli': lctnale kicuJ ; lf'uit.0 virtue's oath.-- our jr>i;i■ ts we band Or, if to vicious ways our to >t.->i -;>s tun J. 74 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. A skilful artist can unfold the same. And from our hair a certain judgment triune, But since our periwigs are come in fashion, No room in left tor such an observation. The forehead that raiseth in a round, signifies a man liberally, merry, of good understanding and generally inclined to virtue. He whose forehead is fleshy, and the bone of the brow jutting out, and without wrinkles, is a man inclined to suits of law, contentious, vain, deceitful, and ad- dicted to follow ill courses. He whose forehead is very low and little, is of good understanding magnanimous, but extremely bold and confident, and a great pretender to love and honor. He whose forehead seems sharp, and pointing up in the corners of his temples, so that the bone seems to jut forth a little, is a man naturally weak and tickle, and weak in his intellectuals. He whose brow upon the temple is full of flesh is a man of" a great spirit, proud, watchful, and of gross understanding. He whose brow is full of wrin- kles, and hath as it were a seam coming down in the mid- dle of the forehead, is one that is of a great spirit, a great wit, void of deceit, and yet of hard fortune. He who has a full large forehead, and a little round, destitue of hair, or at least that has a little on it, is bold, malicious, high spir- ited, full of choler, and apt to transgress beyond all bounds and yet a good wit. He whose forehead is long and high, jutting forth, and whose face is figured almost sharp and peaked towards the chin, is one reasonably honest, but weak and simple, and of hard fortune. Who view men well may o» their vices hit, For somp men's crimes are on their foreheads writ; But the resolved man outbraves his fate, And will be good although unfortunate. The eye brows that are much arched, whether in man or woman, and which,by frequent motion elevate themselves, shew the person to be proud, high spirited, vain glorious, bold and threatning, a love of beauty, and indifferently in- clined to either good or evil. He whose eyelids bend down- wards when he speaks to another man, or looks upon him, and who has a kind of skulking look, is by nature a penur- ious wretch, close in all his actions, of a few words, but full of malice. He whose brows are thick, and have but a little hair upon them, is weak and credulous, very sincere, socia- ble, and deskous of good company. He whose eye brows are folded, and the hair thick, and bending downwards, is one chat is clownish, heavy, suspicious, miserable, envious, and will cheat or eo-.rcnyou if he can. He^whose eyebrow ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. 75 hath but short hair, and of whitish color is fearful, easy of belief, and apt to undertake any thing. Those whose eye brows are black, and the hair of them thin, will do nothing without great consideration, is bold and confident of the performance of what he undertakes, and is not apt to be- lieve any thing without reason for so doing. Thus by the eye brows woman's minds we know, Who ther they're white or black or quick or slow., And whether they'll be cursed or be kind, By looking in their eye brows we may find. If the space between the eye brows be of more than ordi- nary distance, it shews the person to he hard hearted, envi- ous, close and cunning, apprehensive, greedy of novelities, addicted to cruelties more than love. But those men whose eye brows are at a lesser distance, are for the most part of a dull understanding, yet subtle enough in their deal- ings, and of an uncommon boldness which is often attend- ed with great felicity ; but above all, they arc most sure and constant in their friendship. Great and full eyes either in men or women, shew the person to be for the most part slothful, bold envious, a bad concealer of secrets, miserable vain, given to lying, andyei of a bad memory, slow in invention, weak in his intellectuals and yet very ponceited of his abilities. He whose eyes are hollow in his head, and therefore discerns excellently well at a distance js one that is suspicious,malicious,furious per- verse in his conversation, of an extraordinary memory, bold cruel and false, both in words and deed, proud threatning vicious, envious, treacherous. But he whose eyes are start- ing as it were out of his head, is a simple foolish person, shameless, very servile, and easy to be persuaded either to vice or virtue. He who looks studiously with his eyes down wards, is of a malicious nature, very treacherous, unfaith- ful envious, miserable, impious, towards God, and dishonest towards men. He whose eyes are small, and conveniently round, is bashful and weak, very credulous, liberal to others and even in his conversation. He whose eyes look on.* squint, is deceitful, unjust, envious, furious, a great liar, and as the effect of all this, miserable.—A wandering eye,.rol- lingup and down, denotes a vain, simple man, lustful treach- erous. He or she whose eyes are twinkling, and which move forward or backward, shew the person to be luxu- rious, unfaithful, presumptuous, treacherous and hard to believe any thing that is spoken. If a'person has any greenness mingled in the white of his eyes, such is common- 7ti ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PILCH. !y silly, an J often very false" and deceitful, unkind to h.v-' friends, a great concealer of his own secrets, and very rhoi- cric Those whose eves roll' up and down or those who seldom move their eyes, but when the v do, draw them in- wardly, and fasten them upon some object, such are by their nclinations, very malicious, vain glorious, slothful unfaitli- fid, envious, false and contentious. They whose eyes are addicted to blood-shot, are naturally choleric, proud, dis- dainful, cruel, shameful perfidious, and much inclined to superstition. They who have eyes like oxen, are persons of good nutriment, but of a weak memory, dull of understand- ing, and silly in their conversation : but they whose eyes are neither too little nor too big, and inclined to a black, do signify a man mild, peaceable, honest, witty, and of good understanding : and one that, when i^eed requires, is sei*- riceable to his friends. Thus from the eyes we several things may set, By nature's art of physiognomy, That no man scarce can make a look awry. But we thereby some secret symptoms may Discern of his intention, and foresee Unto which paths his steps directed be ; And this may teach us, goodness more to prfee, For where one's good, there's twenty otherwise. A long and thin nose denotes a man bold, curious, angn * weak and credulous ; easy to be persuaded cither to good or evil. A long nose and extended, its tip bending dowm wards, shews the person to he wise, dincreet, ofliciotts, hon- est, and faithful, and who will not be enwly overreflebe*). A bottle nose denotes a man to be impetuous In the obtain* inghio desire*, vain,'false luxurious, weak, eredulotw. A nu.-r: broader in the middle, and legs towards the end, dc» note.-: a win, talkative person, a liar, and otic of hard for- tune, lie who hath a long and great no his just praise unwillingly docs hear, Shews a good life as well as a good ear. A face apt to- sweat on every motion, shews the person to be of a hot constitution, vain, luxurious, of a good stom- ach, bad understanding, and Worse conversation. A very fleshy face denotes a fearful disposition, a merry henrt, bountiful and discreet, easy to be entreated, and apt to be- lieve any thing. A lean face, denotes a good understand- ing, but somewhat capricious and disdainful in his conver- aation. A little round face shews a person to be simple, fearful of a bad memory, and a clownish disposition. A plump face and full of carbuncles, shews a man to be a great drinker, vain and daring. A face lied and high colored shews a man to be choleric,, and not easily pacified. A long and lean face shews one to be bold in speech and ac- tion, but foolish, quarrelsome, proud and injurious. A face every way of a due proportion, denotes an ingenuous per- son fit for any thing and well inclined. A broad, full, fat face* shews a dull heavy constitution, and that for one vir- ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE 81 tuc has three vices. A plain flat face without any rising, shews a person to be very wise, loving and courtly, faith- ful to his friend, and patient in adversity. 1 face sinking down a little, with creases in it, inclining to leanness de- notes.a person to be laborious, envious, deceitful, false, quarrelsome, vain, silly, clownish. A face of a handsome proportion, and more inclined to fat than lean, shews a person just in his actions, true to his word, civil, respeetful and of an extraordinary memory. A crooked face, long and lean, denotes a man endued wjlh as bad qualities, as the face is with ill features. A face broad about the brows and sharper and less towards the chin, shews a man sim- ple and foolish, vain, envious, deceitful and quarrelsome. A face well colored, full of good features, of an exact sym- metry and just proportion, is commonly the index of a fair- er mind, and shews the person to be well disposed ; but yet virtue is not so impregnably seated there, but that by strong temptation, especially of the fair sex, it may be supplanted and overcome by vice. A pale complexion, shews the per- son not only to be fickle, but malicious, treacherous, proud, and extremely unfaithful. A face well colored shews the person to be of a praiseworthy disposition, sound com- plexion, easy of belief, respectful to his friend, ready to do h courtesy,-and very easy to be drawn to any thing. Thus physiognomy readeth iu each face. • But vice or vu-lue'we're most prone toVmbraca : For in man's face there hardly is a line But of some inward padston 'tis a sign ; And ho lint reads this section o'er may find,r. The fairest face hath still tfte clearest mind, A great head and round withal., denotes a person to be secret, ingenious, laborious, constant and honest. The head whose gullet stands forth, and inclines towards the earth, signifies a person thrifty, wise* peaceable, secret), of i retired temper, and constant in the management of his affairs. A long hesid and face, and great, withal, denotes a vain, foolish and idle person, credulous and envious. Tp have one's head always shaking and moving from side to ^de, denotes a shallow, weak, unstable person, given to lying, a great talker, and prodigal in .'ill his fortunes. A big head'and broad face shews a man to be courageous a great hunter after women, suspicious bold shameless. A very big head, but not so proportionate to the body, and a short neck and gullet, denotes- a man of apprehension, wise, ingenious, of a sound judgment, faithful, true and cour- iers to all. He is weak, yet apt to learn, but unfortunate *2 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. in his actions. And so much shall suffice with respect to judgment from the head and face. CHAP. IX. Of. Judgment drawn from several Parts of Man's Body, A/c. In the body of a man the head and face are the princi- pal parts, being the index which heaven has laid open to every one's view, to makeajudment therefrom therefore I have been the larger in my judgment from the several parts thereof. But as to the other parts not so obvious to- the eyes I shall be much more brief; yet I would proceed in order. The throat, if it be white, whether it be fat or lean, shews a man to be vain glorious, timorous, wanton, and much sub- ject to choler. If the throat be so thin, and lean that the veins, appear, it shews a man to be weak, slow, and of a dull and heavy constitution. A long neck shews one to have a long and slender foot and that he is stiff and inflexible. A short neck shews one to be witty and ingenuious but deceitful and inconstant and a great lover of peace and quietness. A lean shoulder bone signifies a man to be weak, timor- ous peaceful not laborious and yet fit for any employment. Large shoulder bones denote a strong man, faithful, but unfortunate ; somewhat dull of understanding, laborious, contented, a great eater and drinker, He whose shoulder bone seems to be smooth, is moderate and temperate. He whose shoulder bone bends and is crooked inwardly, is commonly a dull person and deceitful. Long arms hanging down, and touching the knees, de* note a man liberal, but vain glorious, proud and incon- stant. He whose arms are very short in respect to his bo- dy, is a man of high and gallant spirit, and of a graceful temper. He whose arms are full ofbones, sinews and flesh is a great, desirer of novelties, credulous and apt to believe every thing. He whose arms are very hairy, whether they be lean or fat, is for the most part a luxurious person, weak in body and mind, very suspicious and malicious. He whose arms have no hair on them at all, is of a weak judgment angry, vain, wanton, credulous, a deceiver and very apt to betray his dearest friends: CHAPTER IV. Of Palmistry, shewing the various Judgments drawn from the hand. Being engagod, in this third part to shew what judgments ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE- tfj may be drawn according to physiognomy from the several parts of the body and coming in order to speak of the hands it has put me under the necessity of saying some- thing about palmistry which is a judgment made of the con- ditions inclination and fortunes of men and women from the various lines and characters nature has imprinted in their hands which are almost as various as the hands that have them. The reader „ should remember that one of these lines Of the hand and which indeed is reckoned the principalis cal- led the line of life ; this line encloses the thumb separating it from the hollow of the hand. The next to it called the natural line takes its beginning from the rising of the fore- finger near the line of life and reaches to the table line and generally makes a triangle. The table line commonly call- ed the line of fortune, begins under the lit'ie finger and ends near the middle finger The g;ivle of onus which is another line so called begins near the first joint of the little ringer and ends between the fore finger and the middle finger. The line of death is that which plainly appears in a counter line to that of life and is called the alter line ending usually as the other ends; for when the line of life is ended death comes and it can go no farther. There are lines in the fleshy parts as in the ball of the thumb called the Mount of Venus ; under each of the fingers are also mounts each gov- erned by several planets ; and the hollow of the hand ife called the Plain ot Mars. Thus, •* The thumb we to dame Venus'rule commit, Jove tne fore finger sways as lie thinks fit ; Old Saturn does the middle finger guide ; O'er the ring finger Sol does still preside; 1 he outside drawn, pale Cynthia does direct : And unto the hollow Mars does much inspect; The little finger does to Merc'ry fall, Which is the nimblest planet or'them all, 1 proceed to give judgment from the several lines. In Palmistry the left hand is chiefly to be regarded, because therein the lines are most visible, and have the strictest com- munication with the heart and brain. In the n ext place observe the line Of life and if it be fair extending to its full length- and not broken with an intermixture of cross lines it shews life and health: and it is the same if a double line of life appear as there sometimes does. When stars appear in this line it signifies great losses and calamities ; if on it thece be the figures of two G's or a Y it threatens the per- son with blindness ; if it wraps itself about the table line it S4 ARISTOTLES MASTER PIECE. promises wealth and honor to be attained by prudence and industry. If the line be cut jagged at the upper end it de- notes much sickness ; if this line be cut by any lines com- ing from the Mount of Venus it declares the person to be unfortunate in love and business also and threatens him with sudden death. A cross between the line of life and the table line shews the person to be very liberal and chari- table and of a noble spirit. The table line when broad and of a lively color shews a healthful constitution a quiet contented mind and a cour- ageous spirit ; but if it have crosses towards the little finger it threatens the party with much affliction by sickness. If the line be double or divided into three parts at any of the extremities it shews the person to be of a generous temper nnd a good fortune to support it ; but if this line be forked at the end it 'threatens the person shall suffer by jealousies and loss of riches gotten by deceit. If three points such as these v are found in it they denote the person prudent and li beral a lover of learning and of a good temper. If it spreads towards the fore and middle finger and ends blunt it denotes preferment. The middle line has in it oftenjvery significant characters. Many small lines between this and the table line threaten the party with sickness, but also give hopes of recovery.— A half cross branching into this line shews honor riches md 2,'ood success in all undertakings. A half moon denotes cold and watery distempers : but a sun or stars promises prosperity and riches. This line double in a woman shews she will have several husbands but no children. If the lines of Venus happens to be cut or divided near the fore finger, it threatens ruin to the party,'and that it shall befal him by means of lascivious women and had company. Two crosses on this line one near th ■. fore fin- ger and the other bending towards the little finger shew the party to be weak inclined to modesty and virtue ; and in women generally denotes modesty. The liver Imp if it be straight and crossed by other lines denotes a sound judgment and a piercing understanding ;. "b-.it if it be winding crooked and bending outwards it shew, deceit and fla/tery. If it makes a triangle or qimdr angle it shews one to be of a noble descent ambitions of honor and promotion. If this line and the middle line begin nea.r each other it denotes a man to be weak in judguacut but if a woman danger by bard labor. ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. ^'» The plain of Mars being the hollow of the hand, most of the lines passing through it are very significant. Being hol- low and the lines crooked and distorted it threatens the party to fall by enemies. When the lines beginning at the wrist are long within the plain reaching to the brawn of the hand it shews the person to be of a hot and fiery spirit given to quarrelling. If deep large crosses be in the mid- dle plain it shews the person shall obtain honor by martial exploits ; but if a woman that she shall have several hus- bands and easy labor with her children. The line of death is fatal and threatens with sickness and short life when crosses appear in it. A clouded moon therein threatens a child bed woman with death. A star like a comet threatens ruin by war or death by pestilence ; But if a bright sun appear therein it promises long life and ^ prosperity. The lines of the wrist being fair denote good fortune but if broken and crossed the contrary. Thus he that nature richly understands, May from each lino imprinted in his hands His future fate and fortune come to know, And in what path it is his feet shall go ; His secret inclinations he may see, And to what vice he shall addicted be ; To the end that, when he looks into his hand. He may upon his guard the better stand, And turn his wandering steps another way Whene'er he finds he docs from virtue stray. CHAP. II. Judgments drawn from the several parts of the body. A isrge and full breast, shews a man valiant but proud soon angry and hard to deal with. He whose breast is nar- row, rising a little in the middle, is by the best rules of physiognomy of a clear spirit, great understanding, very faithful clean both in body and mind yet soon angry and inclined long to keep it. He wbose breast is somewhat hairy is very luxurious and serviceable to another. Ho who'hath no hairs upon his breast is a man weak by nature of a slender capacity timorous but of a laudable life and con- versation much retired and inclined to peace. The back of the chine bone if the flesh is hairy and lean and higher than any other part behind signifies a man shameless beastly and malicious. He whose back is large and fat is thereby to be strong and stout, but of a heavy dis position ; vain slow and full of deceit. He or she whose belly is soft all over is weak lustful ar1. 8 Ni ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE fearful of good understanding an excellent invention a litth cater of various fortune. He whose flesh is rough and hard is of a strong constitution very bold but proud vain and of a cruel temper. He whose skin is smooth fat and white is curious vainglorious timorous malicious. A thigh full of strong bristly hair inclined to curl signi- fies one lustful and tit for copulation ; thighs with little hair and that soft shews the person to be chaste having no great desire to veneral pleasures and will have but few- children. The less of both men and women have a fleshy substance behind called cnlves ; and now a great calf and large bone and hairy denotes the person 'to be strong bold dull in un- derstanding slow in business inclined to procreation and for the most part fortunate. Little legs and little hair on •them shew the person to be weak fearful of a quick under- standing and neither luxurious at bed or board, lie whose do much abound with hair is lustful luxurious strong but fickle and aboundin g with ill humors. The feet of either men or women if broad and thick with flesh and long in figure especially if the skin feels hard of ii strong constitution but of weak intellects. But feet that are thin and lean and soft shew a weak body but a strong understanding and excellent wit. The soles of the feet do adminster as plain and evident signs to know the disposition and constitution as the palms of the hands being as full of lines by which all the fortunes or misfortunes of man or woman may be known and their inclinations appear. But this in general we may take notice of that many long lines and strokes do presage many af- flictions and a very troublesome life attended with much grief care and poverty. But short lines if they are thick and full of cross lines are yet worse in every degree. Those the skin of whose soles are very thick are generally strong and venturous : whereas those the skin of whose soles arc thin are generally weak and timorous. I shall now having giveiv ::n account of what judgments may be formed from the several parts of thu body before I conclude give an account of what may be drawn by the rules of Physiognomy from things extraneous which are found upon many and which indeed to them are parts of the body but are so far from being necessary parts that they are the deformity and burden of it and speak of the habits of the body as they will distinguish persons. ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE. V' I. Of crooked and deformed persons. A crooked breast or shoulder or the exuberance of flesh m the body either of manor woman signifies the person to be extremely parsimonious and ingenious and of great un- derstanding but very covetous deceitful malicious and of a bad memory ; either extremely virtuous or vicious seldom in a medium. But if "the person deformed hath an excre- scence on his breast instead of the back he is for the most part of a double heart and very mischievous. v II. Of the divers Manners of going and particular postures both of Men and Women. He or she that goes slowly making great steps as they go are generally persons of bad memory dull of apprehension given to loitering and slow of belief. He who goes apace and make short steps is most successful in all his underta- kings swift in his imaginations and humble in the disposi- tion of his affairs. He who makes wide and uneven steps and side long is one of a greedy sordid nature subtle mali- cious, and wills to do evil. III. Of the Gait or Motion in Men or Women. Every man or woman hath a certain gait or motion. Vox a man to be shaking his head or using any light motion with his hands or feet whether he stands sits or speaks is superfluous unnecessary and unhandsome; and such, by the rules of physiognomy are vain unwise unchaste detract- ors unstable and unfaithful. He or she who have little mo- tion wheii discoursing with any one is for the most part wise well bred frugal faithful industrious and fit for any em- •jwoyment. He whose posture is forwards or backwards mimical is thereby denoted to be a vain silly person dull of wit and very malicious- He whose motion is lame and lim- ping or otherwise imperfect or that counterfeits an imper- fection is denoted to be envious malicious false Se detracting IV. Judgments drawn from the stature of a Man. Physiognomy draws also several judgments from the stat- ure of a man ; such as, if a man' be straight and upright inclined rather to leanness than fat it thews him to be bold cruel proud clamorous hard to please and harder to be re- conciled when displeased very frugal deceitful and mali- cious. To be of a tall stature and corpulent with it de- notes him to be not oniy handsome but valiant also ; altho' of no extraordinary understanding and which is worst of •11 ungrateful. He who is extremely tall and very lean 88 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER PIECE, and thin is a projecting man that designs no good to him- self and suspects every one to be as bad as himself importu- nate to obtain what he desires and extremely wedded to his" own'humors. He who is thick and short is vain envious suspicious shallow of apprehension easy of belief and long before he forgets an injury. He who is lean and short but upright is by the rules of Physiognomy wise and ingenu- household and confidentof a good understanding but of a deceitful heart. He who stoops as he goes not by age but custom is laborious a retainer of secrets but very incredu- lous. He th at goes with his belly stretched forth is forci- ble merry and easy to be persuaded. V. General Observations worthy of Note. rf When you find a red man to be faithful a tall man to be wise a fat man to be swift on foot a lean man to be a fool a handsome man no.t proud a poor man not envious a.white- ly man not wise one that talks through the nose to speak without snuffing a knave no liar an upright man not to walk straight one that dwells when he speaks not crafty and circumventing ; a man of a hot constitution not lustful one that winks at another with his eyes not false and deceitful one that knows how to shuffle his cards ignorant how to deal them; a rich man prodigal a sailor and hangman pit- iful a poor man to build churches a higler not to be a liar and a praiser of his ware a buyer not to find fault with and undervalue that which he would willingly buy a quack doe- tor to have a good conscience a baliff or catchpole not to be a merciless villianan hostess not to over reckon you and an usurer to be charitable ; then say you have found a, prodigy or men acting contrary to the course of their na- ture. *! END OF THE MASTER PIECE. FAMILY PHYSICIAN. Being choice and approved remedies for the several distem- pers incident to the human body. A powder for the Epilepsy or falling sickness. Take of opponax crude antimony, dragon's blood, cast- er, peony seeds, of each an equal quantity, make them in- to a subtle powder, the dose of half a dram in black cher- ry water. Before you take it, the stomach must be clean- sed with some proper vomit, as that of Mynsinct's emetic- Tartar, fr om four grains to six. For children, salt of w- trol, from a scruple to half a dram. A vomit for swimming in the head. Take cream of Tartar half a scruple, castor two grains, mix all together for a vomit, to be taken at four o'clok in the afternobn. At night, going to bed, it will be very pro- per to take a dose of the apoplectic powder. For spitting of blood Take conserve of comfrey, and of hops, of each an ounce and an half, conserve of roses three ounces, dragon's blood a dram, species of hyacinth two scruples, red coral a dram ; mix with the syrup of red popies, and make a soft electuary ; take the quantity of a walnut night and morning. A powder against vomiting. Take crabs eyes, red coral ivory of each two drams ; burnt hartshorn, one dram cinnamon and red saunders of each half a dram make all for a subtle powder and tako half a dram. For the bloody fiux. Take a dram of powder of rheubarb in a sufficient quan- tity of conserve of red roses, early in the morning, and at night take of torrefied or roasted rheubarb half a dram, dia- scordium a dram and a half liquid laudanum cydoniated a scruple. Mix them and make a bolus. For an infiamation of the lungs. Take currant water ten ounces, water of rod poppies three ounces, syrup of poppies one ounce, pearl prepared a dram ; Make a julep and take six spoonfuls every 4 hours. For weakness in women After a gentle purge or two take tin? following dec°«•• 8* Uu FAMILY PHYSICIAN. lion, viz. a quarter of a pound of lignumvitluv, sassafras* two ounces ; boil the whole in six quarts of water to a gallon ; strain and keep it for use ; Take half a pint first* thing in the morning, fasting for two hours after ; another at four o'clock in the afternoon, and a third at going to bed For worms in Children. Take wormseed half a dram flower of sulphur a dram, sulprunella half a dram ; mix and make a powder ; give as much as will lie upon n silver threepence night and morning in treacle or honey. For grown persons add a small quanti- ty of aloe rosatum, and so make them up into pills, three or four may be taken every morning. .1 Diet drink for the Vertigo or swimming of the Head. Take small ale, and boil it in the leaves of mistletoe of (lie apple tree roots of male peony and peony flowers ; then put it into a vessel of four gallons, in which hang a bag of half a pound of peacock's dung, and two drams of cloves bruised ; drink it as a common drink. For fevers in children. Take of crabs' eyes one dram, cream of tartar half a dram white sugar candy finely powdered, the weight of both ; mix them well together, and give as much as will lie upon a silver three-pence in a spoonful of barley water or sack whey. For an headache of long standing. Take the juice of powder of distilled water of hogs bee, and continue the use of it. For the Gripes in Children. Give a drop or two of the oil of anniseed in a spoonful of penada, milk, or any thing you shall think proper. For an Ague. Take the common bitter drink, without the purgatives 2 quarts salt of wormwood 2 ounces of saffron a dram. Af- ter a vomit or convenient purge, take half a pint of this three times a day, in the morning fasting, mid day and at night. For the Cholic. Take anniseed, sweet fennel, coriander, carraway seeds two drams each, cummin seed adjam, rased ginger a small quantity, bruise all in a mortar, and put them into a quart of Nantz brandy, to infuse three days shaking the bottle three or four times a day, then strain it ; take two or three -noonluls in the fit. FAMILY PHYSIC LLV 91 For the palpitation or beating of the Heart. Take powder of crabs eyes, burnt hartshorn red coral, of each a dram, English saffron a scruple, mix and make a powder. Take a scruple of it night and morning in a spoonful of barley water, drinking a draught after it. Lozenges restorative in Consumption. Take pine nuts prepared two drams and a half, green fustic two drams, species diambrse two scruples, cinnamon and cloves half a dram each, galangal a scruple, nutmegs two scruples, white ginger half a dram. Xilo aloes half a scruple, with four ounces and a half of sugar dissolved in rose water, and of the species make a confection in lozen- ges. Against Aches and pains in the Joints. Take powder of camopetys and gentian, of each 5 drams dried leaves of rue three ounces ; make all into a fine pow- der after due purging, give a dram of this night and morn- ing, in a spoonful of white wine. For spots and Pimples in the Skin. Take black soap two ounces, sulphur vive in powder one ounce, tie them in a rag, and hang them in a pint of vine- gar for the space of nine days ; then rub and wash the part gently twice a day, that is night and morning. Purging Pills for the scurvey. Take rosin of julep twenty grains, aromatic pills with gum two grains, vitriolated talar twenty six grains, oil of juniper ten grains, with a sufficient quantity of gum armo- niac dissolved in vinegar of squills. Take four at a time early in the morning, fasting two hours after. You may take them once a week. A distilled water for a confirmed Phthisic. Take leaves of ground ivy five handfuls, six nutmegs sli- ced two pound of the crumbs of wheat bread, three pounds of snails, half boiled and sliced into milk, and take it three or four times a day, sweetened with sugar and pearl of roses. For vomiting or Looseness Take of Venice treacle one ounce, powder of tormentilec roots contrayerva, pearl and prepared eoral, of each a suf- ficient, quantity, with the syrup of dried roses make an electuary ; take the quantity of a wahiut every fi urth or fifth hour ; drink after it a draught of ale or beer, with a crust of bread, mace or cinnamon boiled in it, 92 FAMILY PHYSICIAN. A distilled Water for the Jaundice. Take one pound of the roots of English rheubarb sliced the rinds of four oranges sliced, filings of steel one pound fresh strawberries six pounds, three quarts of white wine ; let them stand in infusion for some time, distill all ac- cording to art. Take four ounces twice a day, with twen- ty drops of the spirit of saffron. For the Rheumatism. Take volatile salt of hartshorn, volatile salt of amber, two drams each, crabs eyes one ounce, cochineal a scru- ple mix ; and make a pwwder. Take half a dram three times a day, or every four hours, keeping your bed and sweating upon it. For a violent Toothache. If the teeth be hollow, nothing cures but drawing, but if occasioned through a defluxion of humors, first take a gen- tle purge, and at night when you go to bed take a grain or two of London Laudanum, which will thicken the humor, stop the defluxion, and consequently remove the pain. For saint Anthony's Fire. Bleeding surmised, take frog spawn water, plantain wa- ter, half a pint each' sugar of lead two drams ; mix and shake the bottle till the salt is dissolved. Dip a linen cloth in this water and bathe the part affected; it cools won- derfully. For the Black Jaundice. Take flowers of sal amoniac diancum, and extract of ge- ntian, of each a dram ; salt amber a scruple ; gum amo- niac dissolved in vinegar of squills suffices ;. make a mass of small pills, take it three or four mornings and evenings. For the RJieumatism proceeding from the scurvey. Take stone horse dung a pound, white wine three or four quarts, distil according to art : take five or six ounces twice or thrice a day. Some take the infusion only, bur this exceeds it. For a Convulsive Cough in Children. After a gentle vomit and purge, apply a blister to the nape of the neck ; but if the distemper be obstinate, cut an issue in the neck or arm ; keep them close to a diet drink of shavings of ivory, saunders, and some diureti. ingredi- ents. But if a specific you may have cupmoss in powder every day in boiled milk, and the decoction of hyssop, with • little castor and saffron. EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE: PART I. GUIDE FOR CHILD BEARING WOMEN, INTRODUCTION. I have given this book the title of the Complete and Ex- perienced Midwife, both because it is chiefly designed for those that profess midwifery, and contains whatever is ne- cessary for them to know in the practice thereof, and also because it is the result of many years experience, and that in the most difficult cases, and is therefore the more to be depended upon. A midwife is the most necessary and hon- orable office, being indeed a helper of nature ; which there- fore makes it necessary for her to be well acquainted with all the operations of nature in the work of generation, and instruments with which she works. For she that knows not the operations of nature, nor with what tools she works she must needs be at a loss how to assist therein. And seeing the instruments of operation both in men and wo- men are those things by which mankind is produced, it is very necessary that all midwives should be acquainted with them, that they may the better understand their business, and assist nature as there shall be occasion. The first thing then necessary, as introductory to this treatise, is an Anatomical Description of the several parts of generation both in men and women ; and having designed throughout to comprehend much in a little room, I shall avoid all un- necessary and impertinent matters with which books of this nature are for the most part too much clogged and which are more curious than, needful. And though I should be necessitated to speak plainly, that so I may be understood, yet I shall do it with that modesty that none shall have to blush, unless it be from something in them- selves, rather than from what they shall find here, having the motto of the royal garter for my defence, which is, " Honi soit qui maly pense;" or, " Evil to him that evil thinks." 94 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. CHAPTER I. An Anatomical Description of tlic Instruments of generation in Men and Women. Section I. Of the parts of Generation in Man. As the generation of mankind is produced by the coition ©f both sexes, it necessarily follows that the instruments of generation are of two sorts, to wit, male and female ; the operations of which are by action and passion, and herein the agent is the seed, and tb,e patient blood : whence we may easily collect, that the body of man being generated by action and passion, he must needs be subject thereunto du- ring his life. Now since the instruments of generation are male and female, it will be necessary to treat of them both distinctly that the discreet midwife may be well acquainted with their several parts, and their various operations, as they contribute to the work of generation. And, in doing this, I shall give the honor of precedence to my own sex, and speak first of the parts of generation in man, which shall be comprehended under six particulars, viz. The pre- paring vessels, the corpus varicosum, the testicles or stones the vasa deferentia, the seminal vessels, and the yard, of eaeh of which in their oider. 1. The first are the vasa preparentia, or preparing ves- sels, which are in number four, two veins, and as many ar- teries ; and they are called preparing vessels from their office, which is, to prepare that matter or substance which the stones turn into seed to fit it for the work. Whence you may note,, that the liver is the original of blood, and distributes it through the body by the veins, and not the heart, as some have taught. As to the original of these veins, the right vein proceedeth from the vena cava, or great vein, which receives the blood from the liver and dis- tributes it by its branches to all the body; the left is from the emulgent vein, which is one of the two main branches of'"the hollow vein passing to the reins. As to the arteries, they both arise from the great artery, which the Greeks call that which is indeed the great trunk and original of all the arteries. But I will not trouble you with Creek deriva- tions of words, affecting more to teach vou the knowledge of things than words. 2. The next thing to be spoken of is the corpus varicosum, and this is an interweaving of the veins and arteries which carry the vita! and natural blood to the stones to make seed EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE 95 of. Those, though at the first descension they keep at a small distance the one from the other, yet before they en- ter the stones they make an admirable intermixture of twisting the one from the other, so that sometimes the veins go into the arteries, and sometimes the arteries into the veins ; the substance of which is very hard and long, not much unlike a pyramid in form, without any sensible hol- lowness. The use is to make one body of the blood and vital spirits, which they both mix and change the color of from red to white, so that the stones may both have a fit matter to work upon, and do their work more easily ; for which reason, the interweaving reacheth down to the very stones, and pierceth in their substance. 3. The stones are the third thing to be spoken of, called also testicles ; in Latin, Testes, that is, witnesses, because they witness to be a man. As to these I need not tell you their number, nor where nature has placed them, for that. is obvious to the eye. Their substance is soft, white and spongy, full of small veins and arteriess, which is the rea- son they swell to such a bigness upon the flowiug down of the burner in them. Their form is oval; but most authors are of opinion, that their bigness is not equal, but that the right 16 the biggert, the hottest, and breeds the best and the strongest seed. Each of these stones hach a muscle, called cremaster, which signifies to hold up, because they pull up the stones in the act of coition, that so the vessels being slackened may the better void the seed. These mus- cles are weakened both by age and sickness; and the stones then hang down lower than in youth and health. These stones are of great use, for they convert the blood and vital spirits into seed for the procreation of man. But this must not be understood as if they converted all the blood that comes into them into seed, for they keep some for their own nourishment. But besides this they add strength and courage to the body ; which is evident from this, that eunuchs are neither hot, strong, nor valiant, as Other men, nor is an ox so hot or valiant as a bull. 4. The next in order are the vasa deferentia, which are the vessels that carry the seed from the stones to the semi- nal vessels, which is" kept there till its expulsion. These are in number two, in color white, and in substance nervo»s or sinewy,; and form a certain hollowness which they have in them, are also called spermatic pores, they rise not far from the preparing vessels; and when they come into the 9t> EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. cavity of the belly, they turn back again and pass into the backside of the bladder, between it and the right gut; and when they come near the neck of the bladder they are join- ed to the seminal galls, which somewhat resemble the cells of an honey comb; which cells contain an oily substance, for they draw the fatty substance from the seed which they empty into the urinal passage, which is clone for the most part in the act of copulation, that so the thin internal skin of the yard suffers not through the acrimony or sharpness of the seed. And when the vasa deferentia has passed as before declared, they fall into the glandula prostrata, which are the vessels ordained to keep the seed, and which are next to be spoken of. 5. The seminal vessels called gradulum seminale, arc certain kennels placed between the neck of the bladder, and the right gut, compassing about the vasa deferentia, the urethra, or common passage for seed and urine, passing through the midst of it, and may properly enough be called the conduit of the yard. At the mouth of the urethra, where it meets with the vasa deferentia, thsre is a thick skin whose office is to hinder the seminal vessels which are of a spongy nature, from shedding their seed against their will; the skin is very full of pores, and through the heat of the act of copulation, the pores open, and so give passage to the seed, which being of a very subtle spirit, and espec- ially being moved, will pass through the caruncle or skin as quicksilver through leather; and yet the pores of this skin are not discernible unless in the anatomy of a man who bad some violent running in the reins when he died, and then they are conspicuous, those vessels being the proper seat of that disease. 6. The last of the parts of generation in man to be spo- ken of, is the yard, which has a principal share in the work of generation ; and is called Penis, from its hanging with- out the belly ; and it consists of skin, tendons, veins, arte- ries, sinews and great ligaments, and is long and round, being ordained by nature both for the passage of the urine, and for the conveyance of seed into the matrix. Jt hath some parts common with it to the rest of the body, as the skin, or the Membrana Carnosa, and some parts it lias pe- culiar to itself, as the two nervous bodies, the Septum, the Urethra, the glans, the four muscles, and the vessel-. Hie skin which the Latins called Cutis, i» full of pores, through which the sweat and fuliginous or sooty black vapors of EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 97 the third concoction (which concocts the blood into flesh) pass out; these pores are very many and thick but hardly visible to the eye ; and when the yard stands not, it is flag- gy; but when it stands it is stiff. The skin is very sensi- ble, because the nerves concur to make up its being; for the brain gives sense to the body by the nerves. As to the Camus Membrana, or the fleshy skin, it is so called, not be- cause its body is fleshy skin, but because it lies between the flesh and passeth into other parts of the body underneath the fat, and sticks close to the muscle; but in the yard there is no fat at all, only a few superficial vein and arte- ries pass between the former skin and this, which when the yard stands are visible to the eye. These are the parts common both to the yard and the rest of the body I will now speak of those parts of the yard which are peculiar to itself and to no other parts of the body ; and those are > likewise six, as has been already said, of which it will be neeessary to speak particularly. And, 1. Of the nevous bodies ; These are two, though join- ed together, and are hard long and sinewy ; they are spon- gy within, and full of black blood ; the spongy substance of the inward part of it seems to be woven together like a net, consisting of innumerable twigs of veins and arteries. The black blood contained therein is very full of spirits, •and the delights or desires of Venus add heat to these, which cause the yard to stand ; and that is the reason that both veneral sights and tales will do it. Nor need it be strange to any, that Venns, being a planet cold and moist, should add heat to those parts, since by night as the Psalm- ist testifies, Ps. cxxxi. 6, Now this hollow, spongy inter- mixture or weaving was so ordered by nature, on purpose to contain the spirit of veneral heat, that the yard may not fall before it has done its work. These two side ligaments of the yard, where they are thick and round, arise from the lower part of the share bone, and at the beginning are sep- arated the one from the other, resembling a pair of horns or the letter Y, where the Urethra, or common passage of urine and seed, passeth between them. 2. Those nervous bodies of which I have spoken, so soon as they come to the joining of the share bone, are joined by the Sceptum Lucium, which is the secoud inter- nal part to be described, which in substance is white and nervous, or sinewy, audits use is to uphold the two sid? ligaments and the Urethra. !»S EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 3. The third thing in the internal part of the yard i> the Urethra, which is the passage or channel by which both the seed and urine is conveyed out through the yard. The substance of it is sinewy, thick, soft and loose, as the side ligaments are ; it begins at the neck of the bladder, and, being joined to it, passeth to the glands. It has in the be- ginning of it three holes, of which the largest of them is in the midst, which receives the urine into it, the other two are smaller, by which it receives the seed from each semi- nal vessel. 4. The yard has four muscles ; on each side two ; these muscles are instruments of voluntary motion, without which no part of the body can move itself. It consists of fibrous flesh to make its body, of nerves for its sense, of veins for its nourishment, of arteries for its vital heat, of a membrane or skin to knit together, and to distinguish one muscle from another, and all of them from the flesh. Of these muscles as I said before, the yard has two on each side, and the use of them is to erect the yard, and make it stand, and therefore they are also called erectors. But hei e you must cote, that of the two on each side the one is shorter and thicker than the other : and these are they that do erect the yard, and so are called erectors. But the two others being longer and smaller, their office is to dilate the lower part of the Urethra, both for making water, and emitting •the seed ; upon which account they are called Accelerators. 5. That wliich is called ♦he glands is the extreme part of the yard, which is very soft, and of a most exquisite feel- ing by reasv,n of the thinness of the skin wherewith it is covered. This is covered with the Pramutium, or fore- skin, which in so :ie men cover the top of the yard quite close, but in others it doth not : which skin moving up and down in the act of copulation, brings pleasure both to man ind woman ; this outer skin is that which the Jews were commanded to cut off on the eighth day ; this Preputium, or foreskin, is tied to the glands by a ligament or bridle, which is called Framum. G. The last internal part of the yard are the vessels thereof, veins nerves and arteries. Of these some pass by the skin, and are visible to the eye when the yard stands ; others pass by the inward part of the yard; the arteries rye wonderfully dispersed through the body of the yard, much exceeding the dispersion of the veins ;f0r the right artery re dispersed to the left side, and the left to the right EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. ^ 99 side. It hath two nerves, the lesser whereof is bestowed upon the. skin, th? greater upon the muscles and body of the yard. But this much shall suffice to be said in descri- bing the parts of generation in men ; and shall, therefore in the next place, proceed to describe those of women, so that the industrious midwife may know how to help them in their extremities. Skct-ov. Describing the Parts of Generation in Women. Whatever ignorant persons may imagine, or some good women think, they are unwilling those private parts which nature has given them should be exposed, yet it is in this ca>e absolutely necessary ; for I do positively affirm, that it is impossible truly to apprehend what a midwife ought to do, if these parts are not perfectly understood by them, nor do I know any reason they have to be ashamed to see or hear a particular description of what God4nnd nature hath given them, since it is not the having these parts, but the unlawful use of them that causes shame. To proceed then, in this description more regularly, I shall speak in order of these following principal parts ; 1st. 6f the Privy Passage; 2d. Of the Womb; 3d. Of the Testicles, or Stones ; 4th. Of the Spermatic Vessels. 1st. Of the privy passage. Under this head I shall con- sider the six following parts. 1. The lips, which are visible to the eye and are designed by nature as a cover to the Fissura Magna, or great ori- fice ; these are framed of the body, and have pretty store of spongy fat; and their use is to keep the internal parts from cold and dust. These are the only things that are ob- vious to the sight the rest are concealed, and cannot be seen, unless the two lips are stretched asunder, and the entry of the privities opened. 2. When the lips are severed, the next thing that ap- pears is the Nymphos or wings; they are formed of soft and spongy flesh, and are in form and color like the comb of a cock. 3. In the uppermost parts, just above the urinary pas- sage, may be obsesved the Clitoris, which is a sinewy and hard body, full of spongy and black matter within, like the side ligament of the yard; representing in form the yard of a man, and falling as a man's yard, in proportion to the desire a woman hath in copulation ; and this also is that which gives a woman delight in copulation ; for without 10U EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE this a woman hath neither adesircto copulation, and de- light in it, nor can conceive by it. And 1 have heard thai some women have had their Clitoris so long that they have abused other women therewith ; nay, some have gone so far as to say, that those persons that have been reported to be Hermaphrodites, as having the genitals both of men and women are only such women in whom the Clitoris hangs out externally, resembling the form of a yard. But though I will not be positive in that, yet it is certain, the larg- er the Clitoris is in any woman the more lustful she is. 4. Under the Clitoris, and above the neck, appears the- Orifice, or urinary passage which is much larger in wo- men than men, and causes their water to come from them in a great stream. On both sides the urinary passages may be seen two small membraneous appendices, a little broader above than below, issuing forth of the inward parts of the gresfc lips, immediately under the Clitoris ; the use whereof is to cover the orifice of the urine, and defend the bladder from the cold air ; So that when a woman pis- seth, she contracts herself so, that she conducts out the urine without suffering it to spread along the privities, and often without even wetting the lips ; and therefore these small membraneous wings are called the Nymphce, because they govern the woman's water. Some women have them so great and long, that thev have been necessitated to cut off so much as has exceeded and grew without the lips. 5. Near this are four Caruncles, or fleshy knobs, com- monly called Caruncles Myrtiformes : these are placed on each side two, and a small one above, just under the urina- ry passage, and in virgins are reddish plump and round, but hanging flagging when virginity is lost. In virgins they are joined together by a thin and sinewy skin or mem- brane, which is called the Hymen, and keeps them in sub- jection, and makes them resemble a kind of rose bud half blown. This disposition of the Caruncles is the only cer- tain mark of virginity, it being in vain to search for it else where, or hope to be informed of it in any other way; and 'tis from the pressing and bruising the Caruncles, and for- cing and breaking the little membranes (which is done by the yard in the first act of copulation) that there happens. an effusion of blood; after which they remain separated and never recover their first figure, buf: become more nnd more flat as the acts of copulation are increased ; and in those rlmt have Hu-ldren they are almost totally defiurert EXPERIENCED MTDWIFE. 101 by reason of the great distension these parts suffer in time of their labor. Their use is to straighten the neck of the womb to hinder the cold air from incommoding it, and likewise to increase mutual pleasure in the act of coition; for the Caruncles being then extremely ^swelled, and Idled with blood and spirits, they close with more pleasure upon the yard of a man, whereby the woman is much more delighted What I have said of the effusion of blood which happens in the first act of copulation, though when it happens it is an undoubted sign of virginity, shewing the Carunclcj Myr- tiforms have never been pressed till then : yet when there happens no blood, it is not always a sign that virginity i* lost before ; for the hymen may be broken without copula- tion by the defluxion of sharp humors, which sometimes bap- pens to young virgins, because in them it is thinest. It i-; also done by the unskilful applying of bestaries to provoke the terms, &c. But these things happen so rarely, that those virgins do thereby bring themselves under a just suspicion. 6. There is next to be spoke of, the neck of the womb which is nothing else but the distance between the privy passage and the mouth of the womb, into which man's yard enters in the act of copulation ; and in women of reasonable stature is about eight inches inlengtn. It is of a membraneous' substance, fleshy without, skinny and ve- ry much wrinkled within : and that it may both retain the seed cast into it in the act of copulation, an 1 also that it may dilate and extend itself to give sufficient passage to the infant at its birth. It is composed of two membranes', the innermost of them being white, norvou-s and circularly wrinkled much Ike the palate of an ox that so> it might either contract or dilate itself according to the bigne-s or length of the man's yard and to the end, that by the col- lision, squeezing, or pressing made by the yard in copula- tion, the pressure may be mutually augmented. The ex- ternal, or outmost membrane is red and fleshy like th^ mu- scle'of the Fundament, surrounding the first, to the end of the yard may be better closed within it ; and it is by means of this membrane that the neck adheres the stronger to both the bladder and the right gut. The internal mem- brane in yottng girls is very soft an 1 delicate, but in wo- men much addicted to copulation it grow&harder ; and ire those that are grown aged, if they have beca, given, much to venery, it is almost become grisly. 9* 102 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 7. Having spoken of the privy passage, I come now to speak of tho womb or matrix, its parts are two ; ",the moutb of the womb, and the bottom of it. The mouth is an ori- fice at the entrance into the womb, which may be dilated and shut together like a purse ; for though in the act of copulation it is big enough to receive the glands of the yard yet after conception it is so close shut that it will not ad- mit the point of a bodkin to enter ; and yet again at the time of the woman's delivery it is opened so extraordinary that the infant passeth through it into the world ; at which time this orifice wholly disappears, and the womb seems to have but one great cavity from its bottom to the very en- trance of the neck. When a woman is not with child, it is a little oblong, and of a substance very thick and close ; • but when she is with child, it is shortened, and its thick- ness diminishcth, in proportion to its distension: and therefore it is a mistake of some anatomists to affirm, that its substance waxeth thicker a little before a woman's la- bor ; for any one's reason will inform them that the more distended it is, the thinner it must be, and the nearer awo- man is to the time of her delivery, the shorter her womb must be extended. As to the action by which this inward ori- fice of the wromb]is opened and shut,it is purely naturalcfor were it otherwise, there would not be so many bastards'got- ten as there are ; nor would some married women have so many children were it at their own choice, but they would. hinder conception, though they would be willing enough t» tise'iiopulation ; for nature has attended that action with' something pleasing and delightful, that they are willing to indulge ihemseives in the use thereof, notwithstanding the pains that they afterwards endure : and the hazard of their lives which often follow it: And this comes to pass not so much from any inordinate lust in women, as for that the great Director of nature, for the increase and multiplica- tion of mankind, and even for all other species in the ele- mentary world, hath placed such a magnetic virtue in the womb, that it draws the seed to it as the loadstone draws iron. The author of nature has placed the womb in the belly ihat the heat might always be maintained by the warmth of parts surrounding it; it is therefore seated in the middle of the Hypogastrum (or the lower part of the belly) betweeu he bladder and the rectum (or right gut) by which also it ■s defended from any. hurt through the hardness- of th^ EPPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 108 bones; and it is placed in the lower part of the belly for the conveniency of copulation, and of a birth's being thrust out at the full time. It is of figure almost round, inclining somewhat to an oh- long, in part resembling a pear, for from being broad at the bottom, it gradually terminates in the point of the orifice, which is narrow. The length, breadth and thickness of the womb differ according to the age and disposition of the body ; for, in virgins not ripe, it is very small in all its dimensions, but in women whose terms flow in great quantities, and sueh as frequently use copulation, it is much larger ; and if they have had children, it is larger in them than in such as have none ; but in women of a good stature, and well shaped (it is as I have said before) from the entry of the privy parts to *the bottom of the womb, usually about eight, but the length of the body of the womb alone does not exceed thrcie inches, and the breadth thereof is nearly about the same, and of the little finger, when the woman is not preg- nant ; but when the woman is with child, it becomes of a prodigious greatness, and the nearer the woman is to her delivery, the more is the womb extended. It is not without reason then that nature (or the God of nature rather) has made the womb of a membraneous sub- stance ; for thereby it does easier open to conceive, and is gradually dilated from the growth of the Pectus, or young one, and is afterwards contracted and closed again, to thrust forth both it and the after burden, and then to retire to its primitive seat. Hence also it is enabled to expel any noxious humors which may sometimes happen to be con- tained within it. Before I have done with the womb, which is the field of feneration, and ought therefore to be more particularly ta- ken care of, (for as the seed of plants can produce no fruits nor spring unless sown in ground proper to waken and ex* cite their vegetative virtue, so likewise the seed of a man, though potentially containing all the parts of a child, would never produce so admirable an effect, if it were not cast in- to the fruitful field of nature, (the womb) I shall preeeted to a more particular description of the partB thereof, and the uses to which nature has designed them. The womb then is composed of various similarly parts* that is of membranes, veins, arteries and nertes. Its mem- branes are two* and they compose the principal part ofito 104 EPPERIENCED MIDWIFE. body; the outmost of which ariseth from the Pcritonium or cawl, and is very thin, without smooth, but within equal that it may the better cleave to the womb, a9 it were fleshy and thicker than any thing else we meet with in the body when a woman is not pregnant, and is interwoven with all sorts of fibres or small strings, that it may the better suffer the extension of the child and the waters caused during the piegnancy, and also that it may the easier close again al- ter delivery. The veins and arteries proceed both from the Hypogas- trics and the Spermatic Vessels, of which I shall speak by and by ; all there arc inserted and terminated in the pro- per membrane of the womb. The arteries supply it with Mood for its nourishment, which being brought thither in too great a quantity, sweats through the substance of it, and distils as it were dew into the bottom of its cavity, from whence do proceed both'the terms in ripe virarins and the blood which nourisheth the embryo in breeding women.— The branches which issue from the Spermatic Vessels, are in each side of the bottom of the womb, and are much less than those ' which proceed from the Hypogastrics, those being greater, and bedewing the whole substance of it. There are yet some other small vessels, which, arising the one from the ojther, are conducted to the internal orifice, and by these, those that are pregnant do purge away the superfluity of their terms, when they hnppen to have more than is used in the nourishment of the infant ; by which means nature has taken such care of it in ihe womb, that during its pregnancy, it shall not be obliged to open'itself for the passing away those excrementious humor?, which should it be forced to do might often endanger abortion. As touching the nerves, they proceed from the brain, which furnishes all the inner parts of the lower belly with them; which is the true reason it hath so great a sympathy with the stomach, which is likewise very considerably fur- nished from the same part ; so that the womb eaunot be afflicted with any pain, but the stomach is immediately sen- sible thereof, which is the cause of those loathings or fre- quent vomitings which happen to it. < But, besides all these parts which compose the womb, It hath four ligaments, whose office is to keep it firm in its place, and preverrtrits constant agitation, by the continual motion of the intestines which surround it, two of which are above and two below: Those above are ealled the EXPERIENCED MIBWIFE. Wo broad ligaments, because of their broad and membraneous figure, and are nothing else but the production of the Pe- riotnccum which growing out of the side of the loins towards the reins, come to be inserted in the sides of the bottom of the womb, to hinder the body from bearing too much on the neck and so from suffering a precipitation, as will sometimes happen when the ligaments are too much re- laxed ; and do also contain the testicles, and as well con- duct the different vessels, as the ejaculators to the womb. The lowermost are called round ligaments, taking their original from the side of the womb near the horn, irom whence they pass the grain, together with the production of the Peritona;num, which accompanies them through the rings and holes of the oblique and transverse muscles of the belly where they divide themselves into many little branch- es, resembling the foot of a goose, of which some are in- serted into the os pubis, and the rest are lost and confoun- ded with the membranes that cover the upper and interior parts of the thigh ; and it is that which causes that numb- ness which women with child feels in their thighs. These two ligaments are long, round and nervous, and pretty big in their beginning, near the matrix, hollow in their rise-, and all along to the os pubis, where they are. a little smal- ler, and become flat, the better to be inserted in the man* ner aforesaid ; it is by their means the wolhb is hindered from rising too high. Now, althongh the womb is held in its natural situation, by means of these four ligaments, yet it has liberty enough to extend itself when pregnant, be- cause they are very loose, and so easily yield to its disten- sion. But besides the liganients, which keep the womb as it were in a poise, yet it is fastened, for greater security, by its neck, both to the bladder and rectum, between which it is situated. Whence it comes to pass, that if at any time the womb be inflamed, it communicates the inflama- tion to the neighboring parts. Its use or proper action in the work of generation, is to receive and retain the seed, and to reduce it from power to action, by its heat, for the generation of the infant, and is therefore absolutely necessary for the conservation of the species. It also seems by accident to receive and expel the impurities of the whole body, as when women have a- bundance of whites, and to .purge away from time to time the superfluity of blood, as, it doth every month by the e- vaouario* of bipod, as when a woman is not witk child. 106 EXPERIENCED MIDWUE. And thus much shall suffice for the description of the wcaab in which I have been tbc larger, because, as I have '-aid before, it is tbc field of generation. 3d. The next thing to be described in the genitals of wo- men, is the testicles, or stones, for such women have, as well as men, but are not for the same use, and indeed are different from those in men, in several particulars ; as 1st. in place, being within the belly, where.is in mc:;'hey are with- out. 2dly, in figure, being uneven in women, but smooth in men. 3dly. in magnitude, being lesser in women than in men. 4thly, they are not fixed in women by muscle;-, but by ligatures. 5thlv, they have n» prostrates, or hcmc-N, as men have. 6thly, they differ in form, being depressed" or flatfish in women, but oval in men. Tthly, they have but one skin, whereas men have four : for the stones of men being more exposed, nature has provided for them accor- dingly. Sthly, their substance is more soft than in men.— And, 9thly, their temperature is colder than men. And as they differ in all these respects, so they do in their use, for they perform not the same action as men's, as I shall shew presently. As for their seed, it is in the hollowness of the Abdomen, and therefore not extremely pendulous, but rest upon the ova or egg. It is true Galen and Hippocrates did erroneously imagine that the stones in women did both con- tain and elaborate seed as those do in men, but it is a great mistake ; for the testicles of a women are as it were no more than two clusters of eggs, which lie there to be im- pregnated by the moist, spiritous particles, or animating effluvia conveyed out of the womb through the two tubes, or different vessels ; But however, the stones in women are very useful for where they are defective, generation work is at an end. For tho' these little bladders, which are on their superfices, contain nothing of seed, yet they contain severel eggs, resembling the eggs of birds, (commonly to the number of twenty in each testicle,) one of which being impregnated in the act of coition, by the most spirituous part of the seed of the man, descends through the oviducts into the womb, and there, in process of time, becomes a living child. 4th. I am now to speak of the spermatic vessels in wo- men, which are two, and are fastened in their whole ex- tent, by a. membraneous appendix to the broad ligament of the womb: These do not proceed from' the testicles as in jjnen, but are distant from them a finger's breadth at least; EXPERIENCED MIDWIIE. 107 and being disposed after the manner of the miseraic veins, are trained along the membraneous distance between the different vessels and the testicles. Their substance is as it were nervous and moderately hard ; they are round, hol- low, big, and broad enough at their end, joining to the horn of the womb. Some authors affirm, that by these, women discharge their seed into the bottom of tne womb; but the whole current of our modern authors run quite another way and ave positive that there is no seed at all in theii; vessels; but that after the egg or eggs in the avoric or testicles, are impregnated by the seed of the man, they descend through these two vessels into the womb, where being placed, the embryo is nourished. These vessels are shorter in women than they are in men; tor the stones of a woman lying within the belly, their passage must needs be shorter ; but their various wreathing and windings in and out, make amends for the shortness of their passage. The vessels are not united before they come to the stones, but divide; themselves into two brunches, the largest whereof only passes through the testicles, the lesser to the womb, both for the nourishment of itself and the infant in it. I further observe, that these spermatic veins receive the arteries as they pass by the womb, and so there is a "mixture between natural and vital blood, that4" so the work might be better wrought, and that it is so, appears by this. That if you blow up the spermatic vein, you may perceive the right and left vessel of the womb blown by ; from whence also the communication of all the vessels of the ivomb may be easily perceived. The deferentia or carrying vessels, spring from the low- er part of the testicles, and are in color white, and in sub- stance sinewy, and pass not the womb straight, but wreath- ed with several turnings and windings, as was said of the spermatie vessels, that so the shortness of the way may be likewise recompensed by their winding meanders ; yet near the womb they become broad again. They proceed in two parts from the womb, which resemble horns, and are therefore called the corns of the womb. And this is all that is needful to be known or treated of concerning the parts of generation both in men and women. Only since our modern anatomists and physicians, are of different sentiments from the ancients, touching the woman's contributing of seed, for the formation of the^ child as well as the man ; the ancients strongly affirming I to EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. it, but our modern authors being generally of anothei judgment; I will here declare the several reasons for their opinions, and so pas* on. Section III. Of the differences between the modern Physicians, touching the Woman's contributing seed to the formation of the child. I will not make myself a party in this controversy, but set down impartially, yet briefly, the arguments on each side leaving the judicious reader to judge for himself. Though it is apparent (say the ancients) that the seed of man is the principal efficient and beginning of action, mo- tion and generation, yet it is evident that the woman cloth afford seed, because she hath seminal vessels, which 'esle had been given her in vain ; but since nature forms noth- ing in vain, it must be granted they were made for the use of seed and procreation, and fixed in their proper places, to contribute virtue and efficacy to the seed ; And this (say they) is further proved from hence. That if women, at years of maturity, use not copulation to object their seed, they often fall into strange diseases and it is apparent that women are never better pleased than when they are often satisfied this way, which argues the pleagure and delight they take there ; which pleasure, say they, is double in wo- men to what itis in men; for* as the delight of men in co- pulation, consists chiefly, in the emission of the seed, so women are delighted both in the emission of their own, and the reception of the man's. But against all this, our modern authors affirm, that the ancients were very erroneous : Forasmuch as the testicles in women do not afford seed, but are two eggs, like those of fowls, and other creatures neither have they any such of- fices as men, but indeed are an Ovarium, or receptacle for eggs, wherein these eggs are nourished by the sanguinary vessels dispersed through them; and from thence, one or more foecundated by the man's seed, are conveyed into the womb by the oviducts. And the truth of this, say they, is plain, that i» you boil them their liquor will have the same taste color, and consistency, with tho taste of bird's eggs.*— And if it be objected, that they have no shells, the answer is 'easy ; for the eggs of fowls, while they are in the ovauy, nay, •■after they are fallen into the uteras, have no shell; and tho* they have one when they are laid, yet it is no more than a fence which nature has provided for them against outward, jiijuries, they being hatched without the body; but those EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. !0i» of women being hatched within the body, have no need of any other fence than the womb to secure them. They also further say, there are in the generation of th» Foetus, or young ones, two principles, active and passive : the active is the man's seed, elaborated in the testicles, out of tiie arterial blood and animal spirits ; the; passive prin- ciple is the ovum or egg, impregnated by the man's seed ; to say that women have true seed, say they, is erroneous. But the manner of conception is this; The most spiriteous part of man's seed, in the act of copulation, reaching up to the ovarium or testicles of the woman, whLh contain di- verse eggs, sometimes more and sometimes fewer, impreg- nates of them, which' being conveyed by the ovaducts to the bottom of the womb, presently begins to swell bigger and bigger and drinks in the moisture that is sent thither after the same manner that the seeds in the-ground suck the1 fertile moisture thereof to make them sprout. But notwithstanding what is here urged by our modern anatomists, there are some late writers of the opinion of the ancients, viz. that women have both and emit seed, in the act of copulation, aud the good women themselves take it ill to be thought merely passive in those wars, wherein they make such vigorous encounters, and positively affirm, they are sensible of the emission of their seed in those en- gagement:-, and that a great part of the delight they take in that act consists in it. I will not therefore go about to take any of' their happiuess away from them, but leave them in possession of their imagined felicity. Having thus laid the foundation of this work, in the de- scription 1 have g;veu of the parts dedicated to the work of generation both in man and woman, I will now proceed to Sp-eak of conception and of those things that are necessary to be observed by women from the time of their concep- tion to the lime of their delivery. CHAP. III. Of tonception ; what it is ; the iigns thereof, whetlw con- ceived of a male or female ; how women are to order them- selves after conception. Section. I. What conception is, and tlie qualifications requisite thereto. Conception is nothing else but an action of the womb, bv which the prolific seed is received and retained, that ;..n infant may be engendered and formed out of it. Then- a t; 10 110 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. two sorts of conception ; the one according to nature, which is followed by the generation of the infant in the womb ; the other is false, and wholly against nature in- which the seed changes into water, and produces only fnlse conception, moles or other strange matter. Now there are three other things principally necessary in order to true conception, so that generation may follow ; to wit, di- versity of sex, congression, and emission of seed. Without diversity of sexes there can be no conception ; for though seme will have a woman to be an animal that can engender of herself, it is a great mistake ; there can be no conception without a man to discharge his seed into her womb. What they alledge of pullets laying eggs, without a cock's trend- ing them is nothing to the purpose ; for those eggs, should they be set under a hen, will never become chickens, be- cause they never received any prolific virtue from the male which is absolutely necessary to this purpose, and is suffi- cient to convince us that diversity of sex is necessary even to those animals as well as to the generation of man. But diversity of sex, though it be necessary to conception, yet it will not do alone ; there must also be a congression of those different sexes ; for diversity of sex would profit little, if copulation did not follow. 1 confess I have heard of some subtle women', who to cover their sin and shame have en- deavored to persuade some persons that they were never touched by men to get them with child ; 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 it, which was drawn and sucked into her womb as she pretended. But such stories as those are onlv fit to amuse them that know no better. Now that these differ*-nt sexes should be obliged to come to the touch, which we eall copulation or coition, besides,-the natural desire of beget- ting their like, which stirs up men and women to it, the parts appointed for generation are endowed by nature with a de- lightful and mutual itch, which begets in them desire to the action ; without which, it would not be very easy for a man born for the contemplation of divine mysteries to join him- self by way of coition to a woman, in regard of the unclean- ness of the part and of the action ; and on the other side, if women did but think of those pains and inconveniences to which they are subject by their great bellies, and those hazards even of life itself, besides the unavoidable pain* that attend their delivery, it is reasonable to believe they 1 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. Ill would be affrighted from it. But neither sex make these reflections till after the action is over, considering nothing beforehand but the pleasure of enjoyment. So that it is from this voluptuous ilch that nature obligeth both sexes to tins congression. Upon which the third thing followeth of conree, to wit, the emission of seed into the womb in the act of copulation. Tor the woman having received this prolific seed into her womb, and retained it there the womb thereupon becomes compressed, and embraces the seed so closely, that being closed, the point of a needle (as saith Hippocrates) cannot cn^cr it v ithout violence ; and now the woman may be s::idto h:\ve conceived ; the several fac- ulties which are in the seed it contains, being reduced by its heat from power into action, making use of the spirits with which the seed abounds, and which are the instruments by winch it begins to trace out the first lineaments of all the parts ; to which afterwards, of making use of the men- struous blood flowing to it, it gives in time growth and final perfection. And thus much shall suffice to shew what con- ceiuijii is. 1 shall now proceed to shew, Section II. The signs of Conception. There are many prognostics or signs of conception ; I will name some of the chief, which are the most certain, and let alone the rest. 1. If a woman has been more than ordinary desirous of copulation, and hath taken more pleasure than usual there- in, (which upon recollection she may easily know,) it is a sign of conception. 2. If she retain the seed in her womb after copulation, which she may know if she perceives not to flow down from the womb, as it used to do before, for that is a sure sign the womb has received it into the inward orifice, and there re- tains it. 3. If she finds a coldness and dullness after copulatioh it shews the heat is retired to make conception. 4. If after this she begins to have loathings to those things which she loved before, and this attended with a loss of appetite, and a desire after meats, to which she was not affected before, and hath often nauseatings and vomitings with sour belchings and exceeding weakness of stomach. 5. After conception the belly waxeth very flat, because the womb closeth itself together* to nourish and cherish the- 112 EXPERIENCE!) MIDWH'E. seed, contracting itself so as to leave no empty spnce. 0. If the veins of the breas-t. an-more clearly seen (ban the}7 were wont to le, it is a sijrn of conception. 7. So it is, if the tops on the nipples looks redder than formerly, and the breasts begin to swell, and grow harder than usual, especialy if this be attended with pain and sore- nesss. 8. If a woman hath twisting and griping pains, much like those of the cramp in the belly, and about the navel, it is a sign she has conceived. 9. If under the lower eye-lid the veins be swelled, and appear clearly, and the eye something discolored, it is a certain sign she is with child, unless she have her menses at i he same time upon her, or that she hath sat up the night before. This sign has never failed. 10. Some also make this trial of conception ; they stop the woman's urine in a glass or phial for three days, and then strain it through a linen cloth, and if they find small living creatures in it, they conclude that the woman has certainly conceived. II. There also is another easy trial: let the woman that supposes she has conceived, take a green nettle, and put it into her urine, cover it close, and let it remain therein a whole night ; if the woman be with child, it will be full of red spots on the morrow; but if she be not with child it will be blackish. 12. The last sign I shall mention is that which is most obvious to every woman, which is the suppression of the terms. For after concention, nature makes use of that blood (for the accomplishing of her work.) by its nour- ishing the embryo, which before was cast out by na- ture, because it was too great in quantity. For it is an er- ror to think that the menstrul blood, simply in itself con- sidered, is bad ; because if a woman's body be in good temper, the blood must needs be good; and that it is void- ed monthly, is because it oft'ends in quantity, but not in quality. But though the suppression of the terms is generally a sure sign of conception to such persons as have had them orderly before, yet is not the having them always a sign ihere is no conception. Forasmuch as many that have been with child have had their terms, and some even till the fifth or sixth month ; which happens according to the woman's being more or less sanguine ; for if h woman has EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 113 more blood than will suffice for the nourishment of the embryo, nature continues - to void it in the usual way. Whence the Experienced midwife may learn there are a few general rules which do not sometimes admit of an ex- ception. But this shall suffice to be spoken of the signs and prognostics of conception. Section III. Whether conception be of a Male or Female. Authors give us several prognostics of this ; though thev are not all to be trusted, yet there is some truth among them ; The signs of a male child conceived are, 1. When a woman at her rising up is more apt to stay herself upon her right hand than her left. 2. Her belly lies rounder and higher than when she has conceived of a female. 3. She first feels the child to beat on her right side. 4. She carries her burden more light, and with less pain than when it is a female. 5. Her right nipple is redder than the left and her right breast harder and more plump 6* Her color is more clear, nor is she so swarthy as when she has conceived a female. 7. Observe a circle under her eye, which is a pale and bluish color ; and if that under her right eye be most ap- parent, and most discolored, she hath conceived a son. 8. If she would know whether she hath conceived a son or a daughter, let her milk a diop of her milk into a bas m of fair water ; if it spreads and swims at top, it certainly is a boy ; but if it is round as it drops in, and sinks to the bottom, it*s a girl. This last is an infalhable rule. And in all it is to be noted, that what is a sign of a male con- ception, the contrary holds good of a female. Section IV. How a woman ought to order herself after conception,. My design in this treatise being brevity, I shall preter- mit all that others say of the causes of twins ; aud wheth- er there be any such thing as superfcetations, or a second conception in women, which is yet common enough, when I come to shew you how the midwife ought to proceed in the delivery of those women that are pregnant with them. But having already spoken of conception, I think it now necessary 'to shew how such as have conceived^pught to 10* II1 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. order themselves during their pregnancy, that they may avoid those inconveniences which often endanger the lite of the child, and many times their own. A v/on:a 1 after her conception, during the time of her being with child, ought to be looked on as indisposed or sick, though in good health : for child bearing is a kind of nine month's sickness, being all that time in expectation of many inconveniences, which such a situation usually t-a-oes to those that are not well governed during that time and therefore ought to resemble a good pilot, who, when sailing in a rough sea and full of rocks, avoids and shuns the danger, if he steers with prudence ; but if not, it is a thou- sand to one but he suffers shipwreck. In like manner, a woman with child is often in danger of miscarrying and losing her life, if she is not careful to prevent those accidents to which she is subject all the time of her pregnancy ; all which time her care must be double, first of herself, and 2dly. of the child she'goes with, for otherwise a single er- ror may produce a double mischief; for if she receives any prejudice, her child also suffers with her. Let a woman therefore, after conception, observe a good diet, suitable to her temperament, custom, condition and quality ; and if she can, let the air where she ordinarily dwells be clear and well tempered, free from extremes ei- ther of heat or cold ; for being too hot, it dissipateth the spirits too much, and causeth many weaknesses, and by be- ing too cold and foggy, it may bring down rheums, and distilations on the lungs, and so cause her to cough, which by its impetuous motions forcing downwards, may make her miscarry, She ought also to avoid all nauseous and filthy smells ; for sometimes the stink of a candle not well put out may cause her to come.before her time : and I have known the smell of charcoal co have the same effect. Let her also avoid smelling of rue, mint, pennyroyal, cas- tor, brimstone, &c. But with respect to her diet, women with child have generally so great loathings, and so many different long- ings, that it is very difficult to prescribe an exact diet for them. Only this I think advisable, that they may use ©f those meats and drinks which are to them most desira- ble, though perhaps not in themselves so wholesome as some •thers, and it may not be to pleasant ; but this liberty must be made use of with this caution, that wbjjt she so desires be not in itself absolutely unwholesome ; and also that in EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 115- every thing they take care of excess. But if a child bear- ing woman finds herself not troubled with such longings as we have spoken of, and in such quantity as maybe suf- ficient for herself and the child which her appetite may in a great measure regulate ; for it is alike hurtful for her to fast too long, as to eat too much, and therefore rather eat to little and often, especially let her avoid eating, too much at night; because the stomach, being too much fil- led, coinpresseth the diaphragm, and thereby causes diffi- culty of breathings. Let her meat be easy of decoction, such as the tenderest parts of beef, mutton, veal, sows, pul- lets, capons, pigeons and partridges, either boiled or roast- ed, as she likes best: new laid eggs are also very good for her ; and let her put into her broths those herbs that puri- fy it, as sorrel lettuce, succory and burrage ; for they will purge and purify the blood ; let her avoid whatsoever is hot seasoned especially pies and baked meats, which being of hot digestion overcharge the stomach. If she desires fish, let it be fresh, and such as is taken out of rivers and run- ning streams. Let her eat quinces, or marmalade to strengthen her child ; for which purpose sweet almonds honey, sweet apples, and full ripe grapes are also good. Let her abstain from all sharp, sour, bitter, salt things, and all things that tAd to provoke the terms, such as garlic, onions, olives mustard, fennel, with pepper, of all spices, except cinnamon, which in the last three months is good for her. If at first her diet be sparing as she increases in bigness, let her diet be increased for she ought to consider she has a child as well as herself to nourish. Let her be moderate in her drinking ; and if she drinks wine, let it be rather claret than white, (which will breed good blood, help the digestion, and comfort the stomach which is al- ways weakly during her pregnancy) but white wine being diuretic, or that which provokes urine ought to be avoided. Let her have a care of too much exercise, and let her avoid dancing, riding in a coach, or whatever else puts the body into violent motion, especially in her first month. But to be more particular I shall here set down rules proper for every month for the child bearing woman to order herself, from the time she has first conseived to the time of her delivery. Rules for the first two months. As soon as a woman knows or has reason to believe, she has conceived, she ought to abstain from all violent xad- 110 EXPERIENCED MID WIPE. tion or exercise, whether in walking, riding on horseback or in a coach.. Let her also abstain from venery, to which after conception, she has usually no great inclination, lest there be a mole or superfcetation ; which is the adding of one embryo to another. Let her beware she lift not her arms too high, nor carry great burdens, nor repose her- self on hard and uneasy seats. Let her use moderately meats of good juice and easy concoction, and let wine be neither too strong nor too sharp, but a little mingled with water ; or, if she be very absteminous, she may use wat«?r wherein cinnamon is boiled.. Let her avoid fastings, thirst watching, mourning, sadness, anger, and all other pertur- bations of the mind. Let none present any strange or un- wholesome things to her, not so much as name it, and so either cause her to miscarry, or the child have some de- formity on that account. Keep her belly loose with prunes raisins, or manna in her broth ; and let her use the fol- lowing electuary to strengthen the womb and the child. Take conserve of burage, bugloss, and red roses, two ounces each ; balm, citron peel, and mirohalans candied, each an ounce ; extract of wood aloes a scruple ; pearl prepared half a dram ; red coral, ivory, each a dram; precious stones each a scruple ; candied nutmegs two drams; and with syrup of apples anu quinces make an electuary. Let her use the following Rules. Take pearls prepared a dram ; red coral prepared and ivory each half a dram, precious stones, each a scruple ; yellow citron peels, mace, cinnamon, cloves, each half a dram, saffron a scruple, wood aloes, half a scruple ; am- bergreasesix drams, and with six ounces of sugar, dissolv- ed in rose water, make rouls. Let her also apply strength- ened to the navel, of nutmegs, mace, mastic, made up in bags, or a toast dipped in malmsey, sprinkled in powder of mint. If she happens to desire chy, chalk, or coal (as many women with child do) give her beans boiled with su- gar ; and if she long for any thing which she cannot obtain let her presently drink a large draught of pure cold water. Rules for the third Month. In this month and the next, be sure to Keep from bleed- ing : for though it may be safe at other times, it will not be so until the end of the fourth month : and yet if too much blood abound, or some incident disease happen, which requires evacuation, you may use a cuppins glass EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE 117 with scarification, and a little may be drawn from the shoulders and arms especially if she has been accustomed to bleed. Let her take care of lacing herself too straightly but give herself more liberty than she used to do ; rbr, en- closing her belly in too straight a mould, she hinders the infant from taking its free growth, and often makes it come before*.its time. Rules for the fourth Month. In this month you ought also to keep the child bearing women from bleeding, unless in extraordinary cases; but when this month is past, blood letting and physic n;a» be permitted, if it be gentle and mild ; and perhaps it m y be necessary to prevent abortion, jn this month she may purge in acute diseases ; but purging may be only used from the beginning of this month to the end of the sixth ; but let her take care that in purging she uses no vehement medicine, nor very bitter, as aloes, which is an enemy to the child, and opens the mouth of the vessels ; neither let her use co- loquintida scatnony, nor turbith ; she may use cassia, man- na, rhubarb, agaric, and senna diacidonium purgans is best with a little of the electuary of the juice of roses. Rules for the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Months. In those months child bearing women are often troubled with coughs, heart beating, fainting, watching, pains in the loins, hips, and bleeding. The cough is from a sharp va- por that comes to the jaws and rough artery from the terms, or from the thin part of that blood gotten into the veins of the breast, or fallen from the head to the breast, this endangers abortion,and strength fails from watching: there- fore purge the humours that fall from the breast with rhu- barb and agaric, and strengthing the head as in a catarrh, and give sweet lenitives as in a cough. Palpitation and faint- ing arise from a vapour that go to it by the arteries or from blood that abouudeth, and, cannot get out at the womb, but ascends and oppress the heart ; and in this ca.se, cordials should be used both inwardly and outwardly. Watching is from sharp, dry vapors that trouble the animal spirits ; in this case use frictions, and let the woman, wash her feet at bed time, and let her take syrup of popies, dried roses emulsions of sweet almond and popy seeds. If she be troubled with pani3 in her loins and hips, as in these months she is subject to be from the weight of her child, who is now irrown big and heavy, and so stretcheth the ligament ft IIS EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. of the womb, and parts adjacent, let her hold it up with ■swathing bands about her neck. About this time also the woman often happens to have a flux of blood, either at the nose, womb, or hemorrhoids, from plenty of blood, or from the weaknesses of the child that takes it not in, or else from evil humors in the blood, that stirs up nature to send it forth. And sometimes it happens that t lie vessels of the womb may be broken, either by some violent mo- tion, full cough or trouble of mind, (for any of these will work that effect)'and this so is dangerous.that in such aense the child cannot be well : but if it be from blood only, the danger is no less, provided it flows by the veins of the neck of the womb, for then it prevents plethuy, and takes away the nourishment of the child; but if it proceeds from the weakness of the child that draws it not, abortion of the child often follows, or hard travail, or else she goes beyond her time. But if it flows by the inward veins of her womb there is more danger by the openness of the womb, if it comes from evil blood ; the danger is alike from caccochi- my, which is like to fall upon both. If it arises from pletho- ry, open a vein, but with very great caution, and give her astringents such as the following : "Take pearl prepared a scruple; red coral two scruples, mace, nutmegs, e ich a dram ; cinnamon, half a dram ; make a powder, or with sugar, rouls ;" or, give this powder in broth : " Take red coral a dram ; precious stones half a scruple; red saunders half a dram; sealed earth and tormentil roots, each two scruples, with sugar of roses and manus Christi, withpearL five drams, make a powder. You may also strengthen the child at the navel; and if there be a c.acochim, after the humors, and evacuate, if you may do it safely ; you may likewise use amulets on her hands and about her neck. In a flux of hemorrhoids, let her drink hot wine with a toast- ed nutmeg.' In these months the belly is also subject to be bound ; but if it be without any apparent disease, the broth of a chicken, or of veal sodden wich oil, or with the decoction of mallows, mercury, and linseed put up in a clyster, will not be amiss but in less quantity than is given in other cases ; to wit of the decoction five ounces of common oil three ounces of sugar two ounces of cassia fis- tula one ounce. But if she will not take a clyster one or two yolks of new laid eggs : or a few peas pottage warm with a little salt and sugar supped up a little before meat will be very convenient. But if her bellv shall be Let- ter, therefore that they walk, as much as they can, ibout the chamber, the women supporting her under their arms, if it be necessary, for by this means the weight of the child causeih the inward orifice of the womb to dilate sooner than in bed ; and if her pains be stronger and more fre •fluent, her labor will not be near so long. 12 134 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE Let not tbe laboring woman be concerned at those qualms and vomitings, perhaps which she may find come upon her, for they will be much to her advantage in the is- sue, however uneasy she may be for the time, as they fur- ther throes and pains, provoking downwards. But to pro- ceed ; When the waters of the children are ready and gathered which may be perceived through the membranes to present themselves to the inward orifice, of the bigness of the whole dilation, the midwife ought to let them break of themselves and not, like some hasty midwives, who being impatient of the woman's long labor, break them, intending thereby to hasten their business, when instead thereof, they retard it*; for, by the too hasty breaking of these waters (which Nature designed to cause the infant to slide forth the more easily) the passage remains dry, by which means the pains and throes of the laboring woman are less efficacious to bring forth the infant than they would otherwise have been. It is therefore much the better way to let the waters break of themselves ; after which the midwife may with ease feel the child bare by that which first present, and thereby dis- cern whether it comes right, that is, with the head fore- most, for that is the most proper and natural way of its birth ; if the head comes right, she will find it round, big, hard and equal ; but if it be in any other part, she will feel it unequal, rugged, and soft or hard, according to the na- ture of the part it is. And this being the true time whei the woman ought to deliver, if nature be not wanting to perform its office, therefore when the midwife finds the birth thus coming forward, let her hasten to assist and de- liver it, for it ordinarily happens soon after, if it be natu- ral. But if it happens as sometimes it may, that the waters break away too long before the birth, in such a case those things that hasten nature may be safely admitted ; to which purpose, let her make use of pennyroal, dittany, juniper berries, red coral, betony, and feverfew boiled in white wine, and a draught of it drank ; or it would be much bet- ter to take the juice of it when it. is in its prime, which is in May, and having clarified it, let them make it into a syrup, with double its weight of sugar, and keep it by them all the year to use when occasion calls for it. Mugwort, used in th§ same manner, is also good in this case. Also a dram of cinnamon powder given inwardly profits much in EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 351 his case: and so does tansey bruised and appbed to the privities, or an oil of it so made and used as you were taught before. The stone AGtites held to the privities is of extraordinary virtue and instantly draws away both child and after burden, but great care must be taken to remove it presently, or it will draw forth the womb and all ; for such is the magnetic virtue of this stone, that both child and womb follow it as readily as iron doth the loadstone or as the loadstone the North Star. There are many other things that physicians affirm are good in this case among which are, an ass's or an horse's hoof hung near the privities ; a piece of red coral hung near the said place ; a load stone helps much, held in the woman's left hand, or the skin which a snake hath cast off girt about the middle next the skin. These things are mentioned by Mizaldus ; but setting those things aside as not so certain, notwithstanding Mizaldus quotes them, the following prescriptions are very good to give speedy de- liverance to women in travail. 1. A decoction of white wine made in savory, and drank. 2. Take wild tansey, or silver weed, bruise it, and ap- ply it to the woman's nostrils. 3. Take date stones, and beat them to powder, and let her take half a dram of them in white wine at a time. 4. Take parsley, and bruise it, and press out the juce, and dip a linen cloth in it, and put it up so dipped into the mouth of the womb, it will presently cause the child to come away though it be dead, and will bring away the af- ter burden. Also the juice of parsley is a thing of so great virtue (especially stone parsley) being drank by a woman with child, it cleanseth not only the womb, but the child in the womb of all gross humors. 5. A scruple of castomm in powder, in any convenient liquor, is very good to be taken in such case ; and so also is two or three drops of spirit of castorum in any conven- ient liquor ; also eight or nine drops of spirit of myrrh, given in any convenient liquors gives speedy deliverance. 6. Give a woman in such a case another woman's milk to drink it will cause speedy delivery and almost without any pain. 7. The juice of leeks, being drank with warm water, hath a mighty operation to cause speedy delivery. 8. Take piony seeds, and beat them into powder and 436 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. mix ,the powder with oil, w ith which oil anoint the loins and privities of the woman with child ; it gives her deliv- eiance very speedily, and with less pain than can be im- agined. 9. Take a swallows nest, and dissolve it in water, strain it, and drink it warm ; it gives delivery with great speed and much ease. Note, this also is general, that all things that move the terms are good for making the delivery easy ; such as myrrh, amber in white wine, or lily water, two scruples or a dram ; or cassia lignea, dittany, each a dram, cinnamon half a dram, saffron a scruple, give a dram ; or take borax mineral a dram, cassia lignea a scruple, saffron six grains, and give it in sack ; or take cassia lignea a dram, dittany, amber, of each half a drain, cinnamon, boras, of each a dram and a half, saffron a scruple, and give her half a dram •r give her some drops of hazel in a convenient liquor ; or two or three drops oil of cinnamon in vervian water. Some prepare the secundine thus ; take the navel strings and dry it in an oven ; take two drams of th e powder, cinnamon a dram, saffron half a scruple, with juice of savin make troches; give two drams ; or wash the secundine in wine and bake it in a pot; then wash it in endive water and wine ; take half a dram of ic; long pepper gugangal, of each half a dram ; plantain and endive seed, of each a dram and a half; lavender seed four scruples ; make a powder; or take laudanum two drams, storax calomine, benzoin, of each half a dram; musk, ambergrease, each six grains ; make a powder or troches for a fume. Or use pessaries to provoke the birth; take galbanum, dissolved in vinegar, an ounce ; myrrh two drams : saffron a dram; with oil of orts make a pessary. An Ointment for tljp Navel. Take oil of kier two ounces, juice of savin an ounce, of leeks and mercury, each half an ounce ; boil them to the consumption of the juice ; and galbanum dissolved in vine- gar half an ounce, myrrh two drams, storax liquid a dram round birth wort, sowbread, cinnamon, saffron, a dram ; with wax make an ointment and apply it. If the birth be retarded through the weakness of the mo- ther, refresh her with applying wine and soap to the nose, Confect Alkermas Diamarg. These things may be applied to help nature in the de* EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 137 livery when the child comes to the birth the right way, and yet the birth is retarded ; but if she' finds the child comes the wrong way, and she is not able to deliver the woman as she ought to be, by helping nature, and saving both mo- ther and child, (for it is not enough to lay a woman, if it might be done by another with more safety and ease, and less hazard both to woman and child) then let her send speedily for better and more able help ; and not as I once knew a midwife, when a woman she was to deliver had hard labor rather than a man midwife should be sent for, would undertake to deliver the woman herself (though told by others that it was a man's business) and in her attempt- ing it, brought away the child, but left the head of the in- fant behind in the mother's womb ; and had not a man midwife been presently sent for, the mother had lost her life as well as the child; such persons maybe rather term- ed butchers than midwives* But supposing the woman's labor to be natural, I will next show what the midwife ought to do in order to her delivery. CHAP. V. Of natural labor; what it is ; and wliat the midwife is to do in snch a Labor. Section I. What natural labor is. There are four things to demonstrate a woman's labor natural ; the first is that it be at the full time ; for if a woman comes before her time, it cannot be properly be termed natural labor, neither will it be so easy as if she had completed her nine months. The second thing is, that it be speedy, and without any ill accident ; for when the time of the birth is come, nature is not dilatory in the bringing of it forth, without some ill accident intervene, which renders it unnatural. The third is, that the child be alive : for all will grant, that the being delivered of a dead child is very unnatural. The fourth thing requisite to a natural birth is, that the child come right; for if the position of the child, in the womb be contrary to what is natural, and the event proves it so too often, making that which should be a time of life, the death both of the moth- er and the child. Having thus told you what I mean by natural labor, 1 shall nex*t shew how the midwife is to proceed here, in or- 12* 138 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. der to the woman's delivery. When all the foregeing ro- quisites concur, and after the waters are broke of them- selves, let the laboring woman be conducted to a pallet bed, provided near the fire for that purpose, as has alrea- dy been said, and let there rather be a quilt laid upon the pallet bedstead, than a feather bed, having thereon linen clothes in many folds, with such other things as areneccs- ».-urv, and may be changed according to the exigence re- quiring it, that so the woman may not be incommoded with the blood, waters, and other filth, which is voided in la- bor. The bed ought to be so ordered, that the woman, being ready to be delivered, should lie on her back upon it, having her body in a convenient posture ; that is her head and breast little raised, so that she is between lying and sitting, for being so placed, she is best capable of breathing, and likewise will have more strength to bear her pains, than if she lay otherwise, or sunk down in her bed. Being so placed, she must spread her thighs abroad, folding her legs a little towards her buttocks, somewhat raised by a small pillow underneath, to the end, that her rump should have more liberty to retire back, and let her feet be stayed against firm things ; besides this let her take hold of some of the good women attending her with her hands, that she may the better stay herself during her pains. She being thus placed near the side of her bed hav- ing her midwife by, the better to assist upon occasion let her take courage, and help her pains the best she can bear- ing them down when they take her, which she must do by holding in her breath, and forcing herself as much as pos- sible, in like manner as when she goes to stool; for by such straining the diaphragma or midriff, being strongly thrust downwards, necessarily forces down the womb and the child in it. In the mean time, let the midwife endeav- or r to comfort her all she can, exhorting her to bear her labor courageously, telling her itwill be quickly over, and that there is no fear but she will have a speedy delivery. Let the midwife also, have no rings on her hand, and anoint it with oil or fresh butter, and therewith dilate gentlythe inward orifice of the womb, putting her fingers ends into the entry thereof and stretch them one from the other, when her pains take her ; by this means endeavor- ing to help forward the child, and thrusting by little and little the sides of the orifice towards the hinder part of the child's head, anointing the parts also with fresh butter if it be necessary. EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 1&& When the head of the infant is somewhat advanced in* to this inward orifice, the midwife's phrase is, " it is crown- ed;" because it girds and surrounds it just as a crown; but when it is so far that the extremities begin to appear without the privy parts, then say they, " the child is in the passage." And at this time the woman feels herself as it were scratched • or pricked with pins, and is ready to im- agine that the midwife hurts her, when it is occasioned by the violent distention of those parts, and the laceration which, at some times, the bigness of the child's head causeth there. When things are in this posture, let the midwife seat herself conveniently to receive the child, which will now come quickly, and with her finger ends (which she must be sure to keep close paired) let her en- deavour to thrust the crowning of the womb (of which I have spoken before) back over the head of the child. And as soon as it is advanced, as far as the ears, or thereabouts let her take hold of the two sides with her two hands, that when a good pain comes, she may quickly draw forth the child, taking care that the navel string be not then en- tangled about the neck or any other part, as sometimes it is, lest thereby the after burden be pulled with violence and perhaps the womb also, to which it is fastened, and so either cause her to flood, or else break the string, both which are of bad consequence to the woman, whose de- livery may thereby be rendered more difficult. It must also be carefully heeded that the head be not drawn out strait, but shaking it a little from one side to the other, that the shoulders may sooner and easier take their place immediately after it be past without losing any time, lest the head being past, the child be stopped there by the big- ness of the shoulders, and so come in danger of being suf- focated and strangled in the passage, as it sometimes hap- pens, for want of care therein. But as soon as the head is born, if there be need, she may slide in her fingers under the arm pits, and the rest of the body will follow without difficulty. As soon as the midwife hath in this manner drawn forth the child, let her put it on one side, lest the blood and wa- ter which follow immediately, should do it an injury, by running into its mouth and nose, as it would do if it lay on its back, and so endanger the choaking of it. The chihf being thus born, the next thing requisite is to bring away 140 rn EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. the after burden ; but before that, let the midwife be very careful to examine whether there be more children in the womb ; for sometimes a woman may have twins that ex- pected it not; which the midwife may easily know by the continuance of the pains after the childjs born, and the bigness of the mother's belly. But the midwife may be more sure of it, if she puts her hand up the entry of the womb, and finds there another water gathering, and a ehild in it pressing to the passage ; and if she finds it so she must have a care of going about to fetch away the af- birth, till the woman be delivered of all the children she is pregnant with. Wherefore the first string must be cut being first tied with a thread three or four times doubled and the other end fastened with a string to the woman's thigh, to prevent the inconvenience it may cause by hang- ing between her thighs ; and then removing the child al- ready born, she must take care to deliver her of the rest whether more or less, observing all the same circumstan- ces as the first; after which it will be necessary to fetch away the after birth, or births. But of that in another section ; after first shewing what is to be done to the new born infant. Section II. Of the cutting off tlie Child's Navel string. Though this is by many accounted but a trifle, yet great care is to be takeu about it ; and it shows none of the least art or skill of a midwife to do it as it should be. In do- ing this the midwife ought to observe, 1. the time ; 2d. the place ; 3d. the manner ; 4th the event. The time is, as soon as ever the infant comes out of the Womb, whether it brings part of the after burden with it or not; for sometimes the child brings into the world a piece of the amnois upon its head, and is what the good woman calls the caul, and ignorantly attributes some extraordina- ry virtue to the child that is so born ; but this opinion is only the effect of their ignorance ; for when a child is born with such a crown, as some call it, upon its brows, it gen- erally betokens weakness, and denotes a short life. But to the matter in hand. As soon as the child is come into the world, consider whether it be weaks or strong ; and if it be weak, let the midwife gently put back part of the vi- tal and natural blood into the body of the child by its na- vel ; for that recruits a weak child; but, if the child be EXPERIENCED .MIDWIFE. 141 strong, the operation is needless, Only let me advise yoa that many children that are born seemingly dead, may be soon brought to life again, if you squeeze six or seven drops of blood out of that part of the navel string which is cut ofX and give it to the child inwardly. Authors can scarce agree whether the navel string should be cut long or short ; some prescribing it to be cut off at four fingers breadth, which is at best but an uncertain rule, unless all fingers were of a size. It is a received opinion, that the parts adapted to generation are either contracted or dilated according to the cutting of the navel string; and therefore midwives generally leave a longer part of it to a male than to a female, because they would have the male well provided for the encounters of Venus ; and the reason they give that they cut that ofthe females shorter is, because they believe it makes them modest, and their privities narrower, which makes them more accepta- ble to their husbands. Mizaldus was not of this opinion, and therefore he ordered the navel string to be cut'long both in male and female children ; beeause, said he, the in- strument of generation follows the proportion of it, and therefore if i* he cut too short in a female, it will be a hin- derance of her havirtg children. I will not contradict these opinions of Mizaldus that experience has made good. The one is, that if the navel string of a child, after it is cut be suffered to touch the ground, the child will never hold its water, neither sleeping or waking, but will be subject to an involuntary making of water all its life time. TMfe oth- er is, that a pieee ofthe child's navel string carried about one, so.as to touch his skin, defends him that wears it from the falling sickness and convulsions. As to the manner how it must be cut : Let the midwife take a brown thread four orfu^ times double,of an ell long or thereabouts, tied with a single knot at each ofthe ends, to prevent their entangling ; and with this thread so ac- commodated, (which the midwife must have in readiness before the woman's labor, as also a good pair of scissors, that no time may be lost,) let her tie the string within an inch ofthe belly, with a double knot and turning about the ends of the thread, let her tie two more on the other side of the string reiteratiug it again if it be necessary ; then let her cut off the navel another inch below the ligature, towards the after birth, so that there only remains but two ijaches of the string, in the midst of which will be the knot 142 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. we speak of, which must be so strait knit, as not to suffer a drop of blood to squeeze out of the vessels ; but care must be taken not to knit it so strait as to cut it in two.and therefore the thread must be pretty thick, and pretty strait anit, it being better too strait than too loose ; for some children have miserably lost their lives, with all their blood before it was discovered, because the navel string was not well tied. Therefore great care must be taken that no blood squeeze through, for if there does, a new knot must be made with the rest of the string. You need not fear to bind the na'vel string very hard, because they are void of sense, and that part of it which you leave on falls off of its own accord, in a very few days, sometimes six or seven, and sometimes sooner ; but rarely tarries longer than the eighth or ninth. When you have thus cut the navel string then take care the piece that falls off, touch not the ground for the reason I told you that Mizaldu3 gave, which expe- rience has justified. As to the last thing mentioned, which is the event or con- sequence of what follows cutting of the navel string. As soon as the navel string is cut off, apply a little cotton or lint to the place to keep it warm, lest the cold enter into the bo- dy ofthe child, which it will most certainly do, if you have not bound it hard enough. If the lint or cotton you apply to it be dipt in oil of roses, it will be the better; and then put another small rag three or four times double upon the belly. Upon the top of all, put another small bolster, and then swathe it with a linen swathe, four fingers broad, to keep it steady, lest by rolling too much or by being contin- ually stirred from side to side, it comes to fall off before the navel string, which you left remaining, is fallen off. It is the usual custom of midwives to put a piece of burnt rag to it, which we commonly call tinder ; but I would rather advise them to put a little of armoniac to it, because of its drying quality. But this shall suffice to be spoken as to the cutting of the navel string. Section. III. How to bring away the after burden. A woman cannot be said fairly to be delivered though the child be born, till the after burden be also taken from her: herein differing from most animals, who when they have brought forth their young, cast forth nothing else but some waters, and the membranes which contained them. But women have an after labor, which sometimes proves more EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 143 dangerous than the first; and how to bring it safely away, without prejudice to her, shall be my business to shew in this section. As soon as the child is born, before the midwife either ties or cuts the navel string, lest the womb should close let her take the string and wind it once or twice about one or two ofthe fingers of her left hand joined together, the bet- ter to hold it, with it she may draw moderately, and with her right hand she may only take a single hold of it above the left near the privities, drawing likewise with that very gently, resting the while the forefinger of the same hand, extended and stretched forth along the string towards the entry ofthe vagina : always observing, for the more facil- ity, to draw it from the side, where the burden cleaves least, for in so doing, the rest will separate the better ; and especially care must be taken that it be not drawn forth with too much violence, lest by breaking the string near the burden, the midwife will be obliged to put the whole hand into the womb to deliver the woman ; and she need be a very skilful person that undertakes it, lest the womb to which this burden is sometimes very strongly fas- tened, be drawn with it, as it sometimes happens. It is therefore best to U6e such remedies as may assist nature.— and here take notice, that what brings away the birth, will also bring away the after birth. And therefore, for the effecting this work,I will lay down'the following rules : 1. Use the same means bringing away the after birth, that you muke use of to bring away the birth ; for the same care and circumspection is needful now that was then. 2. Consider the labouring woman cannot but be much spent by what she has already undergone in bringing forth the infant ; and therefore be sure to take care to give her something to comfort her. And in this case good jelly broth, also a little wine and toast in it, and other comfort- ing things will be necessary. 3. A little white hellebore in powder, to make her sneeze, in this case, is very proper. 4. Tansey and the stone /Etitis, applied as before direct- ed, is also of good use in this case. 5. If you take the herb vervain, and either boil it in wine or make a syrup with the juice of it, which you may do, by adding to it double its weight of sugar (having clarified it) will a spoonful or two of that given to the woman, is very 144 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. efficacious to bring away the secundine ; and feverfew and jnugwort, have the same operation taken as the former. 6. Alexander boiled in wine, and the wine drank ; also sweet cicily, angelica roots, and master wert, are excellent remedies in this case. 7. Or if these fail, the smoke ofmarygolds received up a, woman's privities by a fennel have been known to bring away the after birth, even when the midwife let go her hold. 8. Which is all I should add in the case. Boil mug- wort in water till it be very soft ; then take it ont, and ap- ply it in manner of a poultice to the navel ofthe laboring woman, and it instantly brings away the birth and after birth ; but special care must be taken to remove it as soon as they come away, lest by its longer tarrying it should draw away the womb also. But thus much shall suffice to be spoken of in bringing away the after burden in all natural labors. Section. IV. Of laborious and difficult Labors, and how the midwife is to proceed therein. To proceed in this section the more regularly, it will be cecessary to acquaint the reader that there are three sorts of bad labors, all painful and difficult, but not all properly unnatural. It will be necessary therefore to distinguish these. The first of these bad labors is that wherein the moth- er and child suffer very much by extreme pain and difficnl- ty, even though the child come right; and this is distin- guishably called laborious labor. The second is that which is difficult, and differs not much from the former except that besides those extraordi- nary pains, it is generally attended with some unhappy ac- cident, which, by retarciing the birth, causes the difficulty; and these difficulties being removed, accelerates the birth ajnd hastens tne delivery. Some have asked the reason why women bring forth their children vvnli so much pain ? 1 answer, the sense of feel- ing is distributed to the whole body by the nerves, and the mouth of the womb being so straight that it must ot neces- sity be dilated at the time of the woman's delivery, the dilating thereof stretches the nerves and from thence comes the pain. And thereicre the reason why some women > have more paiif in their labor than others, proceeds from EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 145 ^heir having the mouth of the matrix more full of nerves than others, as skilful anatomists do, easily discover. But to proceed, the best way to remove these difficulties that occasion such hard pains and labor I am here to treat of, is to shew from whence they proceed for the? cause of any distemper being known, is as much as half the cure. Now the difficulty ot labor proceeds either from the mother or child, or both. From the mother, by reason of the indisposition of her body or may be from some particular part only, and chiefly tiie womb, as when the woman is weak, and the womb is not active to expel its burden, or from weakness or disease, or want of spirits; or^it may be from some strong passion of the mind with whdch she was before possessed; it may be also because her parts are too dry and too hard, and can- not be so easily dilated, as happens also to them who are too lean. Likewise those who are either small, or 6hort, or deformed, as crooked women, who have not a breath enough to help their pains, and to bear them down, and persons that are crooked having sometimes the bones of tlie passage not well shupenthe cholic also hinders labor, by preventing the true pains, aud all great and acute pains, as when the woman is taken with a violent lever, great flooding, frequent convulsions, tdoody flux, or any other great distemper. Also excrements retained cause much difficulty, and so does a stone in the bladder; or when the bladder s fu'1 of urine without being able to void it; or when the woman is troubled with great and painful biles. It may also be' from the passages, when the membrances are thick, the orifice too strait, and the neck of the womb not sufficiently open, the passages are pressed and strained by tumors in the ad- jacent parts, or when the bi :ies are too firm, and will not open, which very much endangers mother and child; or when the passages are not slippery, by reason ofthe ware'-? having broke to soon, or the membrances being too thin. The womb may also be out of order with respect to its bad situation, or conformation, having its neck too strait, hard or callous ; which may easily be so naturally, or may come by accident, being many times caused by a tumor, a pos- thume, ulcer or superfluous flesh. As to hard labor occasioned by the child, it is when the child happens to stick to a mole, or wi.cn it is so weak that it cannot break the membrances, or if it be too bigall over. 13 140 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. or in the head only, or if the naval vessels' are twisted about its neck, when the belly is hydropical, or when it is mon- strous, having two heads, or being joined to another child ; also when the child is dead, or so weak that it can contrib- ute nothing to its birth, likewise when it comes wrong, or when there ate one or two more. And in all these various difficulties there is oftentimes one more, and that is the ignorance of the midwife ; for want of understanding her business hinders nature in her work, instead of helping her. Having thus looked into the cause of hard labor, I will now shew the industrious midwife how she may minister some relief to the laboring women under these circumstan- ces. But it will require understanding and judgment in the midwife, when she finds a women in difficult labor, to know the particular obstruction, or cause thereof* and so a suitable remedy may be applied. As for instance, when it happens to the mother's being too young and too strait, she must be gently treated, and the passages anointed with oil, hog's lard, or fresh butter, to relax and dilate* them the easi- er, lest there should happen a rapture of any part when the child is born; for sometimes the peritoneum breaks with the skin from the privities of the fundament. But if a woman be in years with lfcr first child, let her lower parts be anointed to modify the inward orifice, which in such a case being more hard and callous, doth not easily yield to the distention of labor, which is the true cause why such women are longer in labor, and also why their children being forced against the inward orifice of the womb (which as 1 have said is a little callous) are born with great humps and bruises on their head. Those women that are very small and niishapen should not be put to bed, at least till their waters are broke, but ralher kept upright, and assist- ed to walk about the chamber, by being supported under their arms ; for by that means they will breathe more free- ly, and bear their pains better than on the bed, because there they lie all in a heap. As for those that are verj lean, and have hard labor, from that cause let them moist- en the parts with oils and ointments, to make them more smoothe and slippery, that the head of the infant and the womb be not so compassed and bruised by the hardness of the mother's bones which form the passage. If the cause be weakness, she ought to be strengthened, the better to sup- port her pains; to which end give her good jelly broths, EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 147 and a little wine with a toast in it. If she fears her pains, let her be comforted, assuring her that she will not bear many more, but be delivered in a little time. But if her pains be slow and small, or none at all, they must be pro- voked by frequent and pretty strong clysters, that so they may be excited thereby; after which let her walk about the chamber, that so the weight of the child may he!p them forward, But if she flood or have convulsions, she must then be helped by a speedy delivery ; the operation whereof I shall relate in-the'section of unnatural labors. If she be costive, let her use clysters, which may also help to dispel the cholic, at these times, very injurious because attended with useless pains, and because such bear not downwards, and so help not to forward the birth. If she finds an ob- struction or stoppage on the urine, by reason the womb bears too much on the bladder, let her lift up the belly a little with her hand, and try if by that she receives any benefit; if she finds she does not, it will be necessary to introduce a cathet- er in the bladder, and thereby draw forth her urine. If the difficulty be from the ill posture of a woman, let her be placed otherwise, in a posture more suitable and convenient for her. Also if it proceed from the indisposition of the womb, as from its oblique situation. Sec. it must be remedi- ed as well as can he, by the placing of her^body according- ly : or if it be a vicious conformation, having tbe neck too hard, too callous, and too strait, it must be anointed with oils and ointments as before directed. If the membranes be so strong as that the waters don't break in due time, they may be broken with the fingers, if the midwife be first well assured that the child come forward into the passage,- and ready to follow after, or else by the breaking of the waters too soon, the child may be in danger of remaining dry a long time ; to supply which defect you may moisten the parts with fomentations, decoctions, and emolicnt oils : which yet is not half so well as when nature does the work in her own time, with the ordinary slime and waters which do best when they come in their own proper time and plac- es, But these membranes do sometimes press forth with the waters three or four fingers breadth out of the body be- fore the child resembling a bladder full of water; but there is then no great danger to break them, if they be not al- ready broken, for when the case is so, the child is always in readiness to follow, being in the passage; but let the mid- wife be very careful not to* pull it with hefTiand lest the 148 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. after burden be thereby loosened before its time, for it ad- heres to it very strongly, If the naval string happens to come first, it must presently be put up again, and kept too, if possible, or otherwise the women must immediately be delivered. But if the after burden should come first, it must L».»t be put up again by no means ; for the infant hav- ing no further occasion for it, it would be but an obstacle if it were put up ; in this case, it must be cut off, having tied the naval string, and afterwards drawn forth the child with all the speed that may be, lest it be suffocated. Section V. Of Women laboring with a dead Child. When the difficulty of labor arises from a dead child, it is h ease of great danger to the mother, and great care ought to be taken therein; but before any thing be done, the mid- wife ought to be well assured the child is dead indeed, which may be known by these signs : 1. The breast suddenly slaplcs, or falls flati or bags down. '?. A great coldness possesses the belly of the mother, especially about the navel. 3. tier urine is thick, a stinking settling at the bottom. 4. No motion of the child can be perceived : for the trial whereof let the midwife put her hand in warm water, and Lav it upon her belly ; for that if it be alive, will make it stir. 5. She is very subject to dream of dead men, and be af- frighted therewith. 0. She has extravigam longings to eat such things as are against nature. 7. Her breath stinks, though not used so to do. 8. When she turns herself in the bed, or rises up, the child sways that way like a lump of lead, But these things carefully observed, the midwife may make a judgment whether the child be alive or dead ; espe- cially if the woman takes the following prescription : " Take half a pint of white wine, and burn it, and add thereto half an ounce of cinnamon, but no other spice what- ever ;" and when she has drank it, if her travailing pains tome upon her, the child is certainly dead ; but if not, the child may possibly be either weak or sick, but not dead.— And in this case, it will refresh the child, and give her ease : for cinnamon refresheth and strengthened th child in th«-. womb. EXPERIENCED? MIDWIFE. 149 Now, if upon trial, it be found the child is dead, let the mother do all she can to forward her delivery, because a dead child can be no ways helpful therein. It will be ne- cessary therefore that she take some comfortable things to prevent her fainting, by reason of those putrid vapors as- cending from the dead child. And in order to her delivery, let her take the following herbs boiled in white wine, or as many of them as you can get, viz. dittany, betony, penny- royal, sage, feverfew, century, ivy leaves and berries. Let her also take sweet basil in powder, half a dram at a time, in white wine ; and her privities be anointed with the juice of garden tansey ; or, if you take tansey in the summer, when it may be most plentifully had, and before it runs up to the flower, and having bruised it well, boil it in oil till the juice of it be consumed. If you set it in the sun, after you have mixed it with oil, it will be more effectual. This a careful midwife ought to have always by her. As to the manner of her delivery, the same methods must be used as are mentioned in the section of natural labor. And here 1 cannot but again recommend the stone ASties, held near the privities, whose magnetic virtue draws the child any way with the same felicity as the loadstone draws iron. Let the midwife also make a strong decoction of hyssop with water, and give the woman to drink it very hot, aud it will, in a little time, bring away the dead child. A de- coction of the. herb masterwort, used as the above, wrorks the same effects. The roots of polipodium stamped well warmed a little, and bound on the sides of her feet, will soon bring away the child either alivo- or dead. If as soon as she is delivered ofthe dead child, you are in doubt, that part of the after birth is left behind, for in such cases, being often, it may come away piece meal, let her continue drinking the same decoction, till her bo.i is cleansed. The following medicines stir also up the expulsive facul ty ; but in this case they must be made tsronger because the motion of the child ceaseth. Take savin, round birthvvort, troch » of myrrh, assaram roots, cinnamon, half an ounce, saffron a scruple, give a dram with savin water. Or, take borax, savin, dittany, each an ounce ; myrrh assaram roots, cinnamon, srffron, each half a dram make a powder give a dram. But she may purge first, and put her hi a condition bath anoiH : m:' h"r rouml about the worah with oil of iilties, *M-'<"> ■ /.7J EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. almonds, camomoile,hen and goose grease. Also folium t to get out the child, with a decoction ofmercury, orris wild < ucumbers, ax-hus, broom flowers. Then anoint the pi i- vili"*and buns with ointment of sowbread ; Or, Take coloquintida, agarnc, birthwort, each a dram,mak«5 a powder, add arm< niac dissolved in wine, ox gall, each two drams, with oil of kier make an ointment. Or, make a fume, with asses' hoofs burnt, or gallianum, or caster, and let it be taken in with a funnel. To take away pains and strengthen the parts, foment with the decoction of mogwort, mallows, rosemary, wood- myrtle, St. John's wort, each half an ounce ; • spermaceti two drams, deer's suet an ounce, with wax make an oint- ment. Or, take wax four ounces, spermaceti an ounce, melt them, clip flax therein, and lay it all over her belly. If none of these things will do, the last remedy is to use surgery, and then the midwife ought, without'delay, to send for an expert an able man midwife, to deliver her by man- ual operation ; of which I shall treat more at large in the jtext chapter. CHAP. VI. In shewing the duty of a midwife, when the woman's la- bor is unnatural, it will be requisite to shew in the first place what I mean by natural labor; for, it is natural to a woman to bring forth children in pain and sorrow. That which 1 call unnatural, is when the child comes to the birth in a con- t ary posture to that which nature ordained, and in which the generality of children come into the world. Now, as truth is but one, but error dilates itself into infinite variety 'v so there is but one proper right and natural posture in which children come to birth ; but there are as many wrong and nit natural ways, as there are different postures of children when they are come to be born. The right and natural birth is when the child comes with its head first and yet even this is too short a definition of a natural birth, for if any part ofthe head but the crown comes first, so that the body follow not in a straight line it is a wrong and diffi- cult birth. Now there are four general ways a child may come wrong; 1st, when any of the foreparts ofthe body first present themselves. 2dly, when by an unhappy trans- sition, any of the hinder parts first present themselves. 3dly, when either of the sides. Or, 4thlv, when the feet present/Jiemselves first. To these four, all the particular .ml different wrong postures that a child can piesefit itself EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. IS1 tn for the birth, may be reduced ; and therefore I shall con- fine myself only to treat of the^e four more general wrong ways. Section I How to deliver a Woman of a dead childby natural operation^ The last section ofthe last chapter treated of the deli v. ering of a woman of a dead child, and several things were directed to be applied in order to facilitate the delivery ; but when all these fail, a manual operation is absolutely ne- cessary. In order thereto, let the operator acquaint the woman with the absolute necessity there is of such an op- eration ; and that as the child has already lost its life, there is no other way left for the saving of hers. Let him also tell her, for her encouragement, that he doubts not, with the divine blessing, to deliver her safely, and that the pain arising thereby will not be so great as she fears. And then let him endeavor to stir up the woman's pains by giving her some sharp clyster to excite her throes to bear down and bring forth the child, and if this prevail not, let him proceed with his manual operation. First, let her be placed cross the bed, that he may ope- rate the easier ; and let her lie on her back with her hips a little higher than her head, or at least the body equally placed, when it is necessary to put back or turn the infant to give it a, better posture ; being thus situated, she must fold her legs so as her heels be towards her buttocks, and her thighs spread, and held by a couple of strong persons ; there must be others also to support her under her arms that the body may not slide down when the child is drawn forth, for which sometimes a great strength is required ; let the sheets and blankets cover her thighs for decency's sake, and also to prevent her catching cold. Then let him anoint the entrance ofthe womb with oil or fresh butter, if neces- sary, that so he may with more ease introduce his hand- which must also be anointed; and having by signs before mentioned, received satisfaction- that it is a dead child he must do his endeavor to fetch it away as soon as possible ; and if the child offers the head first, he must gently put it back until he hath liberty to introduce his hand quite into the womb ; then sliding it along under the belly to find the feet, let him draw it forth by them, being very careful to keep the head from being locked in the passage, that it be not seperated from the body ; which may be effected the move easily, because the child being very rottoo and putri- 152 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. fied, the operator is not so mindful to keep the breast and face downwards as he is in living births. But if, notwith- standing all these precautions, by reason of the child's pu- trefaction, the head should be separated, and left behind in the womb, it must be drawn forth according to the direc- tions which shall be given in section third of this chapter for that purpose. But when the head, coining first, is so far advanced that it cannot well be put back, it is better to draw it forth so, than to torment the woman too much by putting it back to turn and bring it by the feet;' but the head being a part round and slippery, it may so happen that the operator cannot hold it with his fingers by reason of its moisture, nor put them up to the side of it, because the passage is filled with its bigness he must take a proper instrument, and put it up as far as he can without violence between the womb and the child's head, observing to keep the point of it towards the head, and let him fasten it there, giving it a good hold upon one of the bones of the skull, that it may not slide ; and after it is well fixed he may therewith draw it forth keeping the ends of the fingers flat upon the opposite side, the better to help disengage it and by shaking it a httle to conduct it directly out of the pas- sage, until the head be quite born, and then taking hold of it with the hand under the armpits, the child may be quite delivered. And then the after burden fetched, being care- ful not to pluck the navel string too hard, lest it break as often happens when it is corrupted. If the dead child come with the arm up to the shoulders so extremely swelled that the woman must suffer too great a violence to have it put back 'tis then the be3t to take it off at the shoulder joints by twisting it three or four times about, which is very easily done by reason of the softness and tenderness of the body. After the arm is so separated and no longer possessing the passage, the operator will have more room to put up his hand into the womb to fetch the child by the feet and bring it away. But although the operator be sure the child is dead in the womb, yet he must not therefore presently use instruments, because they are never to be used but when hands are not sufficient, and there is no other remedy to prevent the wo- man's danger, or to bring forth the child any other way.— And the judicious operator will choose that way which i9 least hazardous and most safe. EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 158 Section. II. How a Woman must be delivered when the Child's feet come first. There is nothing more obvious to those whose business it is to assist laboring women than that the several unnatural postures in which children present themselves at their births are the occasion of the most bad labors and ill accidents that happen unto women in such a condition. And since midwives are very often obliged, because ofthe unnatural situations, to draw the children forth by the fe« t, I conceive it to be most proper to shew first, how a chid must be brought forth that presents itself in that posture, be- cause it will be a guide to several of the rest. I know indeed that in this case 'tis the advice of several authors to change the figure, and place the head so that it may present the birth, a'nd this council I should be very in- clinable to follow, could they but also shew how it must be. done. But it will appear very difficult, if not imposible to be performed, if we will avoid the dangers that by such vio- lent agitations both the mother and the child must be put into, and therefore my opinion is, that it is better to draw it forth by the feet, when it presents itself in that posture than to venture a worse accident by turning it. As soon therefore as the waters are broke, and it is known that the child comes thus, and the womb is open enough to ^dmit the midwife's hand into it, or else by anointing the, passage with oil or hog's grease, to endeavor to dilate by degrees, using her fingers to this purpose, spreading ona from the other, after thev are together entered and continu- ing to do so till it be sufficiently dilated, then taking care that her nails are well pared and no rings on her fingers* and her hands Veil anointed with oil or fresh butter, and the woman placed in the manner directed hi the former section, let her gently introduce her hand inco the entry of the womb, where finding the child's feet, let her draw it forth in the manner I will presently direct; only let her first see whether it presents one foot, or both and if it be but one foot, she ought to consider whether it is the right foot or the left, and also in wkat fashion it comes ; for by that means she will sooner come to know where to find the other which as soon as she knows and finds let her gently draw forthwith the other ; but of this she must be especial- ly careful, viz. that this second be not the foot of another 154 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. child ; for if so it may be ofthe most fatal consequence, for she may sooner split both mother and child than draw them forth; but this may be easily prevented if she docs hut slide her hand up the first leg and thigh to the twist, and there find both thighs joined together and descending from one and the same body. And this is also the best means to find the other foot when it comes with but one. As soon as the midwife hath found both the child's feet, she may draw them forth and holding them together may bring them by little and little in this manner, taking after- wards hold ofthe legs andjthighs as soon as she can come at them, drawing them so till the hips be come forth. Whilst this is doing let her observe to wrap the parts in a single cloth, that so her hands being already greasy, slide not on the infant's body Which is slippery, because of the vicious humors which are all over it, and prevent one's taking hold of it, which being done, she may take hold under, the hips, so to draw it forth to the beginning ofthe breast ; and let her on both sides with her hand bring down the arms along the child's body, which she may then easily find ; and then let her take care that the belly and face of the child be downwards, for if it should be upwards, there would be some danger of its being stopt by the chin over the share bone ; and therefore, if it be not so, must turn it to that posture j which may be easily done, if she take hold on the body when the breast and arms are forth in the manner we have said, and draws it with turning it in proportion on that side which it most inclines to, till it be turned with die face downwards and so having brought it to the shoulders let her lose no time, desire the woman at the same time to bear down, that so at drawing the head at that instant may take its place, and not to be stopt in the passage. Some children there are whose heads are so big, that when the whole bo- dy is born yet that stops in the passage though the mid- wife takes all possible care to prevent it. And when this happens she must not endeavor only to draw forth the child by the shoulders lest she sometimes separate the body from the head as I have known it done by the midwife ; but she must discharge it by little and little from the bones in the passages with the fingejs of each hand sliding them on each side opposite the one to the other sometimes above and sometimes under until the work be ended endeavor* ing to despatch it as soon as possible lest the child be suffo- oated as it will unavoidable be if it should remain long ia. EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 155 that posture ; and this being well and carefnlly effected she • may soon after fetch away the after birth as I have before directed. Section. HL tlow to bring away the Head of the Child, when separated from tlie Body and left behind in the Womb. Though the utmost care be taken in bringing away the child by the feet, yet if the child happens to be dead, it is sometimes so putrified and corrupted, that with the least pull the body separates from the head, and remains alone in the womb, and cannot be brought away but with a man- ual operation and difficulty, it being slippery by reason of the place where it is and from the roundness of its figure on which no hold can be well taken. And so very great is the difficulty in this case lhat sometimes two or three able practitioners in the art of midwifery have one after the other left the operation unfinished as not able to effect it after the utmost efforts of their industry skill and strength ; so that the woman not being able to be delivered perisheth. To prevent which fatal accidents for the time to come let the following operation be observed : When the infant's head separates from the body, and is left behind whether through putrefaction or otherwise let the operator immediately whilst the womb is yet open di- rect up his right hand to the mouth for no other hold can there be had ; and having found it let him put one or two of his fingers into it by little and little holding it by the jaw ; but if that fails as sometimes it will when putrified then let him pull forth his right hand an I slide up his left with which lie must support the head and with the right let him take a harrow instrument called a crotchet; but let it be strong and with a single branch which he must guide along the inside of his hand with the point of it towards it for fear of hurting the womb ; and having thus introduced it let him turn it towards the head for to strike either into an eye-bole or the hole of an ear or behind the head or else between the stature as he finds it most convenient and easy ; and then draw forth the head so fastened with the said in- strument still helping to conduct it with his left haid ; but when he hath brought it near the passage being strongly fastened to the instrument let him remember to draw forth his hand that the passage not being filled with it may be the larger and easier keeping still a finger or two on the side 13« EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. *f the head the better lo disengage it. There is also another way to this with more ease and less hardship than the former ; which is this let the opera- tor take a soft linen 01 fillet slip of above four fingers breadth and the length of three quarters of an ell or there- abouts, taking the two ends with the left hand, and the middle with the right, and let them so put it up with his right as that it may be beyond the head to embrace it as a sling doth a stone ; and afterwards draw forth the fillet by the two ends together ; it will be easily drawn forth the fil- let not hindering the least passage, because it takes up little or no place. When the head is thus fetched out ofthe womb care nvtst be taken that not the least part of it be left behind and likewise to cleanse the woman well of her after burden if yet re- maining. Some have questioned whether the child's head remaining yet in the womb, or the after birth ought to be brought away first: The answer to which question may be by way of distinction ; that is to say,if the burden be wholly separated from the sides ofthe womb that ought to be first brought away because it may also hinder the taking hold of the head ; bit if it still adheres to the womb, it must not be meddled with till the head be brought away; for if one should then go a!>ont to separate it from the womb, it might then cause a flowing which would be augmented by the vio- lence ofthe operation ; the vessels to which it is joining re- maining for the most part open as long as the womb is dis- tended, which the head causeth while it is retained in it, and cannot close till this strange body be voided,and then it doth by contracting and compressing itself together, as has been more fully before explained. Besides the afterbirth remaining thns cleaving to the womb during the operation, prevents it from receiving easily either bruise or hurt. Section IV. How to deliver a Woman when the .dde of the Child's Head is presented to the Birth. Though some may think it a natural labor when the child's head may come first, but yet if the child's head presents no* the right way, even that is an unnatural labor and therefore though the head oomes first, yet if it be the side ofthe head instead of the crown, it is very dangerous both to the moth- er, and chiles for the child may sooner break its neck than EXPERIENCED MIDWIfE. 157 be born in that manner ; and by how much the mother's pairts continue to bear the child, which it is impossible, un- less ihe head be rightly placed, the more the passages are stopt; therefore as soon as the position of the child is known, the woman must be laid with all speed, lest the child should advance further in this vicious polhire, and therefore render it more difficult to thrust it back, which must be done in order to place the head in the- passage rig!.' as it ought to be. To this purpose therefore place the woman so that her hips may be a little higher than her head and shoulders, causing her to lean a little upon the opposite side to the child's ill posture ; then let the operator slide up his hand well anointed with oil, by the side of the child's head, to bring it right, gently with his fingers between the head and the womb; but if the head be so engaged that it cannot be done that way, he must then put his hand to the shoulders, that so by thrusting tbemjback a little into the womb, some- times on the one side and sometimes on the other ; he may by little and little give it a natural position. I confess it would be better if-the operator couid put back the child by its shoulders with both his hands ; but the head takes up so much room, that he will find much ado to put up one, with wfiich he must perform his operation, with the help of tho finger ends of the othsr hand put forwards the child's birth as when the labor is natural. Some children present their face first, having their heads turned back, in which posture it is extremely difficult that the child should be born; and if it continue so long, the face will be swelled, and withal black and blue, that it will at first seein monstrous, which is occasioned as well by the compression of it in that place, as by the midwife's fingers handling it too rapidly, in order to place it in a bettor pos- ture. But this blackness will wear away in three or four days time, anointing it often with oil of sweet almonds. To deliver the birth, tlie same operation must be used as m the former, when a child comes with the side of the head: only let the midwife or operator work very gently to avoid as much as possible the bruising of the face. ! Section V. How to deliver a woman when a child presents one or both ' Hands together with the Head. Sometimes the infant will present some other part togeth- u .158 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. er with its head: which if it does, it is usually one or both its hands, and this hinders the birth, because the hands take up part of that passage which is little enough for the head alone ; besides, that happens, they generally cause the r head to lean on one side ; and therefore this position may be very well stiled unnatural. When the child presents it- self thus, the first thing to be done after it is perceived, must be to prevent it from coming down more, or engag- ing further in the passage ; and therefore the operator hav- ing placed the woman on the bed a little lower than her hips, must put and guide back the infant's hand with his own as much as may be or both of them, if they both come "down, to give way to the cnild's head ; and this being done if the head be on one side, it must be brought into its nat- ural posture in the middle ofthe passage, that it may come in a straight line, and then proceed as directed in the fore- going section. Seccion VI. How a woman is to be delivered when the Hands or Feet of the Infant come together. There is none but will readily, grant, that when the hands and feet of an infant present together, the labor must be unnatural, because it is impossible a child should be born in that manner. In this therefore, when the midwife guides her hand 'towards the orifice of the womb, she will per- ceive only many fingers close together ; and it it be not sufficiently dilated, it will be a good while before the hands and feet will be exactly distinguished ; for they are some- times so shut and pressed together, that they seem to be all of one and the same shape ; but where the womb is open enough to introduce the hand into it, she will easily know which are the hands and which are the feet; and having well taken notice thereof, let her slide her hand and presently direct it towards the infant's breast, which she will find very near, and then let her very gently thrust back the body towards the bottom ofthe womb, leaving the feet in the same place where she found them ; and -then having placed the woman in a convenient posture, that is to say, her hips a little raised above her breast and head, (which situation ought always to be observed when the child in to be put back into the womb) let the midwife aftei wards take hold of the child by the feet, and draw it forth as is directed in the second section. This labor, though somewhat troublesome, yet is much EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 159 belter than when the child presents only its hands ; for the child must be quite turned about before it can be drawn forth ; but in this, they are ready presenting themselves, and in this/there is not so much to do, but to lift and thrust back a little the upper part of the body, which is almost done of itself by drawing it along by the feet. I confess tlie re are many authors that have written of la bors who would have all wrong births reduced to ahatural figure ; which is to turn it, that it may come with the head first ; but those that have thus written are such as never understood the practical part; for if they had the least ex- perience herein, tbey would know that it is very often im- possible, at least if it were to be done, that violence must necessarily be used in doing it, that would very probably be the death of mother and child in the operation I would therefore lay down as a general rule, that whensoever an infant presents itself wrong to the birth in what posture so- ever from the shoulders to the feet, it is the best way an d soonest done, to draw it out by the feet and that it is bet- ter searching for them, if they do not present themselves, rather than try to put it in the natural posture, and place the head foremost; for the great endeavors necessary to be used in turning the infant in the womb do so much weaken both mother and child, that there remains not afterwards strength enough to commit the operation to the work of na- ture, for usually the woman hath no more throes or paiqt fit for labor, after she has been so wrought upon; for which reason it would be very difficult and tedious at best; and the child by such an operation, made very weak, would be in extreme danger of perishing before it could be born. It is therefore much better in these cases to bring it away im- mediately by the feet searching for them as I have already directed, when they do not present themselves ; by which the mother will be prevented of a tedious labor, and the child be often brought alive into the world, who otherwise would hardly escape death. And thus much shall suffice to be said of unnatural labors ; for by the rule already given a skilful artist will know how to proceed in any posture in which the child presents itself. Section VII. , How a woman shall be delivered that has Twin*, which pri- sm t themselves in different postures We have already spoken something of the birth of twiast 100 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. in the chapter of unnatural labor ; for it is not an unnatu- ural labor barely to have twins, provided they come in a' right position (that is as in single births). But when they shall present themselves in divers postures, they come properly under the denomination of unnatural labors; and if when one child presents itself in a wrong figure it wakes it much more so when there are several, and renders* jt not only more painful to the mother and children, but to the operator also, for they often trouble each oth°r, and hinder both their births, besides^ which, the womb is then so filled with them, that the operator can hardly introduce his hand without much violence, which he must do, if they he to be turned to thrust back, to give them a better position. When a woman is pregnant with two children,- they rare- ly present to the birth together, the one being generally more forward than the other, and tfcat is the reason that but one is felt; that many times the midwife knows not that there are twins till the first is born, and that she is go- ing to fetch away the after birth. In the 5th chapter, wherein I treated of natural labor, I shewed how a woman should be delivered of twins, presenting themselves both right; and therefore, before 1 close this chapter of unnat- ural labor, it only remains that I shew what ought to be done, when they either both come wrong, or one of them only, as for the most part it happens; the first generally coming right, and the second with the feet, forward, or in some worse posture, In such a case, the birth ofthe first must be hastened as much as possible, to make way for the second, which is best brought away by the feet, without en- deavoring to place it right, even though it was somewhat in- clining towards it, it has been already tired and weakened by the birth of the first, as well as its mother, that there would be greater danger of its death than likelihood of its coming out of the womb that way. But if, when the first is born naturally, the second should likewise offer its head to the birth, it would then be best leaving nature to finish what she has so well begun ; and if nature should be too slow in her work, some of these things mentioned in the 4th chapter to accelerate the birth may be properly enough applied ; and if after that, the se- cond birth should be yet delayed, let a manual operation be deferred no longer: but the woman being properly pla- ced, as has been before directed, let the operator direct his. EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. I6fc hand gently into the womb to find the feet, and so draw forth the second, which will be the more easily effected, because there is way made sufficient by the birth ofthe first ; and if the waters of the second child be not broke, as it often happens, yet intending to bring it by the feet, he need not scruple to break the membranes with his fingers ; for though when the birth of a child is left to the opera- tion of nature, it is necessary that the waters should break of themselves; yet when the child is brought, out of the womb by art, there is no danger in breaking of them ; nay on the contrary, it becomes necessary ; for without the wa- ters are broke, it would be almost impossible to turn the child. But herein principally lies the care of the operator, that he is not deceived when either the hands or the feet of both children offer themselves together to the birth ; in this case he ought well to consider the operation, as whether they be not joined together or any way monstrous: and which part belongs to one child and which to the other, that so they may be fetched one after the other, and not both to- gether, as might be, if it were not duly considered, taking the right foot of the one and the left ofthe other, and so drawing them together, as if they belonged to one body, because there is a left and a right, by which means it would be impossible ever to deliver them. But a skilful operator will easily prevent this, if having found two or three feet of several children, ptesentingtogether in a passage, and ta- king aside two of the forwardest, a right and a left, and sli- ding his hands along the legs and thighs up to the twist, if forwards, or the buttocks, if backwards, he finds they both belong to the body; of which being thus assured, he may b*gin to draw forth the nearest, without regarding winch is strongest or weakest, bigger or less, living or dead, having put first a little aside that part ofthe other child which of- fers, to have the more way and so dispatch the first, wiiere- ever it is, as soon as may be, observing the same rules, as observing the same rules, as if there were but one that is keeping the breast and face downwards, with every cir- cumstance directed in the section where the child comes with its feet first, and not fetch the burden till the seeond child is born. And therefore when the operator has drawn forth one child, he must separate it from the burden hav- ing tied and cut the navel string, and then fetch the other bv the feet in the same manner, and afterwards bring away y 14* lir'l EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. the after burden with the two strings, as has been before shewed. If the children present any other part than the feet, the operator may follow the same method as is di- rected in the foregoing section, where the several .unnatu- ral positions are carefully treated of. Section VIII. Directions'for child bearing Women in their lying in. In the fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters, we have treated at large of women's labor, and how they may be safely de- li veied both in natural and unnatural labors. Having therefore thus brought the good woman to bed, I will in this chapter direct bow she ought to be ordered in her lying in. Section I. How a Womannewly delivered ought to be ordered. As soon as she is laid in bed, let her be placed in it con- veniently for ease and rest,.which she 6tands in. great need of, to recover herself of the great fatigue she underwent during her travail ; and, that she may lie the more easily, let her head and body be a little raised, that she may breathe more freely, and cleanse the better, especially of that blood which then comes away that so it may not clot, which being retained causeth very great pain. Having thus placed her in bed, let her drink a draught •f burnt white wine, when you have first melted therein a dram of spermaceti. The herb vervain is also a most sin- gular herb for a woman in this condition, boiling it in what she either eats or drinks, fortifying the womb so exceeding- ly, that it will do it more good in two days, having no of- fensive taste, though very pleasant virtues. And this is no more than what she stands in need of, for her lower parts being so greatly distended to the birth of the infant, it is- good to endeavor the prevention of an inflamation there. Let therefore be outwardly applied all over the bottom of the belly and privities, the following anodyne or cataplasm. Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and two or three new- laid eggs, yolks and whites, stirring them together in an earthen pipkin over hot embers, till it comes to the con- sistence of a poultice ; which being spread upon a cloth must be applied to those parts- indifferently warm, having first taken away the closures (which were put to her pre- sently uft'^r herdclivery( and likewise such elot.lof blood •v-s -f ere then Jeff. Let thi« lie on five or six hours, and EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 163 then renew it again as you see cause. Great care ought to be taken at first, that if her body be very weak, she be not kept too hot; for extremity of heat weakens nature and dissolves the strength ; and whether she be weak or strong, be sure that no cold air come near her at first ; for cold is an enemy to (he spermatic parts, and if it gets into the womb, it increases the after pains, causes swellings in the womb, and hurts the nerves. As to her diet, letitbe hot, and let her eat but a little at a time, Let her avoid the light for three or four days, arid longer if she be weak, for labor weakens her eyes exceedingly, by a harmony between the womb and them. Let her avoid great noises, sadness and troubles of mind. If the womb be foul, which may be easily perceived by the impurity ofthe blood (which will then either come away in clots or stinking, or if you suspect any of the after bur- den to be left behind, which may sometimes happen) make her drink of feverfew, mugwort, pennyroyal, and mother of thyme, boiled in while wine, sweetened with sugar. Panada and new laid eggs is the best meat for her at first, of which she may eat often, but not too much at a time. . And let her use cinnamon in all her meat and drink for it is a great strengthener to the womb. Let her stir as little as may be, till after the fifth, sixth, or seventh days of her delivery, if she be weak. And let her talk as little as may be, for that weakens her. if she goes not well to stool, give a clyster made only with the decoction of mallows and a little brown sugar.— When she hath lain in a week or more, let her use such things as close the womb, of which, knot grass and comfrey are very good; and to them you may add a little polipodi- um, for it will do her good, both leaves and roots being bruised. Section II. How to remedy those accideh'^whicjia lying in icoman is sub" ject to. < I. The first common and usual accident that troubles women in their lying in, is after pains; the. causes ivhereof some affirm to be one thing, some another; but it is most certain that they proceed from cold and wind contained in the bowels with which they are tilled after labor, because then they have more room to dilate, than when the child was in the womb, by which they were cempressed and also 1<54 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. because the nourishment and matter contained in them and the stomach, has been confusedly agitated from side to side during the pains of labor, and could not be well digested, whence this wind is afterwards generated, and by conse- quence the gripes which the woman feels running into her belly from side to side, according as the wind moves, and sometimes from the womb because of the compression and commotion which the bowels make. These being general- ly the cause, let us now apply a suitable remedy. I. Boil an egg soft and pour out the yolk of it, with which mix a spoonful of cinnamon water and let her drink it; and if you mix in it two grains of ambergrease, it will be the better ; and yet virvain taken in any thing she drinks, will be effectual as the other- 2. Give the lying in woman, immediately after delivery oil of sweet almond and syrup of maindenhair, mixed to- gether. Some prefer oil of walnuts, provided it be made of nuts that are very good, but it tastes worse than the other. This will lenify the insides of the intestines by its unctuousness, and by that means bring away that which is contained in them more easily. 3, Take and boil onions very well in water, ihen stamp them with oil and cinnamon and seed in powder, spread them upon a cloth aud apply them to the region of the womb. 4. Let her be careful to keep her belly very hot, and not drink what is too cold ; and if tkey prove very violent, hot cloths, from time to time, must be laid on her belly, or a pankake fried in walnut oil may be applied to it without swathing her belly so strait; and for the better evacuating the wind out of the intestines, give her a clyster, repeating it as often as necessity requires. 5. Take bayberries, beat them to a powder, put the pow- der upon a chaffing dish of coals, and let her receive the smoke of them up her privities/ 6. Take tar and barrows "grease, of each an equal quantity, boil them together, and whilst it is boiling add a little pidgeon's dung to it. Spread some of this upon a linen cloth, and apply it to the reins of her back ; and it will give her speedy ease. Lastly, let her take half a dram of bayberries beaten in- to a powder in a draught of mustard or tent. II. Another accident in which women in child bed are subject, is the hemorrhoides, or piles, occasioned through their straining in bringing the child into the world. To cure this, EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 165 1. Let her be let blood in the vein saphaena. 2. Let her use pollypodium in her meat and drinkv bruised and boiled. 3. Take an onion, and, having made a hole in the mid- dle of it, fill it full of oil, toast it and having bruised it all together, apply it to the fundament. 4. Take as many wood lice as you can get, and bruise them, and having mixed them with a little oil, apply them warm as before. 5. If she go well ro stool, let her take an ounce of cassia fistula drawn at night going to bed ; she need no change of diet after. HI. Retention of the menstrues is another accident hap- pening to women in child bed ; and, whieh is of so danger- ous consequence, that, if not timely remedied it proves mortal. Where this happens, 1. Let the woman take such medicines as strongly pro- voke the terms such as dittany, betony, savory, featherfew centaury, juniper berries, peony roots, 2, Let her take two or three spoonfuls of briony water each morning. . 3. Gentian roots beaten into a powder, and a dram of it taken every morning in wine, is an extraordinary remedy* 4. The root of blrthwort, either long or lound, so used, and taken as the former is very good. 5. Take twelve poiny seeds, and beat them into a very fine powder, and let her drink them in a draught of hot carduus posset, and let her sweat after. And if this last medicine don't bring them down the first time she takes it, let her take as much more three hours after, and it seldom. fails. IV. Overflowing of the menses is another accident inci- dental to child bed women. 1. Take shepherd's purse, either boiled in any conven- ient liquor, or dried and beaten into a powder, and it will be an admirable remedy to stop them, this being especially appropriated to the privities. 2 The flowers and leaves of brambles, or either of them being dried and beaten into powder, and a dram of then* taken every morning in a spoonful of"red wine, or in the decoction of the leaves of the same, (which perhaps is much better;) is an admirable remedy for the immoderate flow- in"- of the terms in women. V. Excoriations, bruises and rents, of the lower part .f 166 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE, the womb, are often occasioned by the violent distention and separation of the four caruncles in a woman's labor. For the healing whereof, As soon as the woman is laid, if there be only simple con- tusions and excoriations, let the anodyne .cataplasm, for- merly directed, be applied to the lower parts to ease the pain, made of the yolks and whites of rew laid eggs, and oil of roses boiled a little over warm embers, continually stirring it till it be equally mixed, and then spread upon a fine cloth, it must be applied very warm to the bearing place for five or six hours, and when it is taken away, «y some fine rags, dipped in oil of St. John's wort twice or thrice a day, also, some foment the parts with barley wa- ter and honey of roses to cleanse them from the excrements which pass. When the woman makes water, let them be defended with fine rags, and thereby hinder the urine from causing smart and pain. VI. The curdling and clotting of the milk is another ac- cident that often happens to women in child bed ; for, in the beginning of child bed the woman's milk is not purified because of those great commotions her body suffered during her labor, which affected all the parts, and it is then mixed with many other humors. Now this clotting of milk does, for the most part, proceed from the breasts uot being fully drawn, and that either because she hath too much milk, and that the infant is to small and weak to suck all, or because she doth not desire to be a nurse, for the mila in those ca- ses remaining in the breast after concoction without being drawn, looseth the sweetness and the balsamic quality it had and by reason of the heat it acquires and the too long stay it makes there, it sours, curdles and clots as we see runnet put into ordinary mdk turns it into curds. This curdling of the milk may be also caused by having taken a great cold, and not keeping the breasts covered. But from what cause soever this curdling of the milk pro- ceeds tbe most certain remedy is, speedily to draw the breasts until they are emited and dried. But in regard to thp infant, by reason of its weakness cannot draw strong enough, it will be proper to get another woman to draw her breasts until the milk come freely, and then she may give her child suck. And that she may not afterwards be troub- led with a surplusage of milk, she must eat such diet ae give but little nourishment, and keep her body open. But if the case be such that the woman neither can nor EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 167 will be a nurse, it is then necessary to empty the body by bleeding in the arm; besides drawing down the hnmors, by, strong clysters and bleeding in the foot, nor will it be amiss to purge gently ; and to digest, dissolve and dissipate the curdled milk, apply the cataplasm of pure honey, or use the following liniment. A Liniment to scatter and dissipate the milk. That the milk flowing back to the breasts may without offence be dissipated, use this ointment: " Take pure was twe ounces, linseed oil half a pound ; when the wax is melt- ed, let the liniment be made wherein linen cloths must be dipped, and laid upon the breast ; and when it shall be dis- persed, and pains no more, let other linen cloths be dipped in the distilled water of acorns, and put upon them." Note', That the cloths dipped in the distilled water of acorns, must be used only by those who cannot nurse their own children ; but if a swelling in the breasts of those who give suck, arises from abundance of milk, "and threatens an inflamation, use the former ointment, but abstain from using the distilled water of acorns. CHAP. VIII. Directions for nurses in ordering new born children. Having in the former chapter shewn how the lying in wo- man should be ordered, it is now high time to take care of tlie infant, to whom the first service that should be per- formed for it, is the cutting of the navel string of which I have spoken at large before. * Section L What is to be done to the new born infant after cutting the navel string. When the child's navel string has been cut according to the rulss before prescribed, let the midwife presently cleanse it .from the excrements and filth it brings into the world with it, of which some are within the body, as the uruie in the bladder, and the excrement foun 1 in the guts ; and oth- ers without, which are thick, whitish and clammy, proceed- ing from theslimeness ofthe waters ; there are children sometimes so covered over with this, that one would say ihey are rubbed over with soft cheese, and some women are. of so easy a belief, that they realy think it so, because they had eaten some while they were with child. From these excrements let the child be cleansed with wine and water 168 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. a little warmed, washing every part therewith, but chiefly the head because of the hair, also the folds ofthe groins, armpits, and the cods or privities ; which parts must be gently cleansed with a linen rag or soft sponge dipped in this lukewarm wine. If this clammy or vicious excrement stick so close that it will not be easily washed off from these places, it may be fetched off with the oil of sweet almonds, or a little fresh butter melted with wine, and afterwards well dried off. She must also make tents of fine rags, and wetting them in this liquor, clear the ears and nostrils; but for the eyes, wipe them only with a dry soft rag, not dip- ping it in the wine, lest it should make them smart. The child being thus washed and cleaned from its na- tive blood and impurities which attended it into the world, it must, in the next place be searched to see whether all things be right about it, and that there is no fault or dislo- cation ; whether its nose be straight or its tongue tied, whether there be any bruise or tumor1 on the head, whether the mould be not overshotten ; also whether the scrotum, if a boy, be not blown up and swelled ; and in short, wheth- er it has suffered any violence in any part of its body, and whether all the parts be well and duly shaped, that suita- bl i remedies may be applied, if any thing be found not right xNor is it enough that all be right without, and the out- side of the body cleansed, but she must chiefly observe whether it dischargeth the excrements retaiued within, and whether the passages be open, for some have been born wiihout having thei^perforaled ; therefore let her examine whether the conduit of the urine and stool be clear, for want of which some have died, not being able to avoid their excrements, because timelv care was not taken at first. As to the urine all children, males and females, do make water as soon as they are born, if they can, especially when they feel the heat of the fire, and sometimes also the excrements, but not so soon as the urine. If the infant does not ordure the first day, then put up into its fundament a small suppo- sitory, to s tir it up to be discharged, that it may not cause painful^gripes by remaining so long in its belly. A sugar almond" may be proper for this purpose anointed over with a little boiled honey, or else a small piece of castile soap rubbed over with fresh butter ; she may also give the chilci, to this purpose, a little syiup of roses or violets at the mouth, mixed with some oil of sweet almonds drawn with- out a lire, anointing the belly also with the same oil or a 1 uie fresh butter. EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 169 The midwife having thus washed and cleansed the child, according to the before mentioned directions, let her begin to swaddle in swathing cloths, and when she dresses the head, let her put small rags behind the ears to dry up the filth winch engenders there, and also in the folds of the armpits and groins, and to swathe it, having wrapped it up warm in bed blankets ; only take care that they swathe not the child too straight, especially about the breast and stom- ach, that it may breathe the more freely, and not be forced to vomit up the milk it sucks, because the stomach cannot be sufficiently extended to contain it ; therefore, let its arms and legs be wrapped in its bed,-stretched and straight, and swathed to keep them so, viz. the arms along its sides, and its legs equally both together, with a little of the bed be- tween them, that they may not be galled by rubbing each other ; let the head be kept steady and straight, w ifh a stay fastened on each side of the blankets and then wrap the child up in ma.'.ties and blankets to keen it warm. This swathing of the infant is very necessary, to give its body a straight figure which is .i:ost decent and prober for a man, and to accustom him to keep upon his feet, and not walk upon all four, as most other animals do. CHAP. IX. New born children are subject to so many distempers, that daily experience shews us, there are not above k-t.f the children that are born who live till they are three years end ; which is occasioned by the tenderness of their bodies, and feebleness of their a to li:e void place, and turning the back of it upwards with- in half a finder's breadth of the child's rump which is the [dace where he will certainly find the intestine, let him thrust it forwards, that it may be open enough to give free vent to the matters there contained, being especially care- ful of the sphincter ; aft^r which, let the wound be dressed recording to the method directed. Section IV. Ofthe Thrush or Ulcer in the mouth of an Infant. The Thrush is a distemper thnt children are very often subject to, and it arises from bad milk, or from foul hu- mors in the stomach; for sonn *imes, though there be no ill quality in the milk itself, yet it may corrupt in the child's stomach because of its weakness or some other in- disposition, in which, acquiring an acrimony instead of being well digested, there arise from thence biting vapors, which forme a thick viscosity, do thereby produce thi* distemper. It is often difficult, as physicians tell us, because it i* EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 173 seated in hot and moist places, where the putrefaction is easily augmented, and for that, the remedies applied com not lodge there, being soon washed away by spittle. But if they arise from too hot a quality in the nurse's milk, care must be taken to temper and cool, prescribing her cool di- et bleeding and purging her also if there be occasion. Take lentiles husked, powder them and lay it upon the child's gums ; or take melidium in flower, half an ounce*, and with oil of roses make a liniment. Also wash the child's mouth with barley and plaintain water, and honey of roses, or syrup of dry roses, mixing them with a little ver- juice or juice of lemons, as well to loosen and cleanse the vicious humors which cleave to the inside ofthe child's mouth, as to cool those parts which are already over heated. This m#y be done by means of a small fine rag fastened to the end of a little stick, and dipped therein, wherewith the ulcers may be gently rubbed, being careful not to put £he child to too mUch pain, lest an inflamation make the distemper worse. The child's body must be obo kePt open, that the humors being carried to the low**' Parts> the vapors may not ascend as it is usual fo*ttiem u> do' ^ e" the body is costive, and the excrem^its t0 long retained. If the ulcers appear maligiant, let such remedies be used as do their work speedily, chat the evil qualities that cause them being thereby corrected, their malignity may be pre vented; and in this case touch the ulcers with plaintan waters sharpened with the spirits of vitriol, for the remedy must be made sharp, according to the malignity of the is. temper. It will not be unnecessary to purge these ill hu- mors out of the whole habit ofthe child, by giving h*i an ounce of succory with rheubarb. Section V. Of pain in the ears, inflamation, moisture, ifc, The brain in infants is very moist and hath mary excre- ments which nature cannot send out at its proper ,^. They get often to the ears, and there cause pans, flux of hlood with inflamation, and matter with pair, and in Sen s hard to be known, having no other wiy £ make it known than by constant crying J you will afeo eiceive hem ready to feel their ears themselves but will not let oriTrs ouch them if they can help .1 ; and ■o^™^ may discern the parts about the ears to be veered Thse pains, if let alone, are of dangerous contact, ocean* 15* 174 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. tbey bring forth watching and epilepisy, for the moisturo breeds worms there, and fouls the spongy bones, and by degrees incurable deafness. To prevent all those ill consequences, allay the pains with all convenient speed, but have a care of usingtstrong reme- dies. Therefore only use warm milk about the ears, with the decoction of popy tops, or oil of voilcts ; to take away the moisture, use hcney of roses, and let aquamellis be dropped into the ears ; or take virgin honey half an ounce red wine two ounces, allum, saffron, saltpetre, each a dram ; mix 'hem at the fire ; or drop in hempseed oil with a little wine. Section VI. Of redness and inflamation of the buttocks, groin and thighs of an Infant. If there be not great care taken to change and wash the I'-uld's beds as soon as they are fouled with the excrements, unci %o keep the child very clean, their acrimony will be jure to muse redness, and beget a smarting in the buttocks, £roin and tilths ofthe child, which by reason ofthe pain, will afterwards D*. subject to inflamation. which follow the pooner, through the dtUracy and tenderness of their skin from which the outward skin ofthe body is in a short time •eparated and worn away. The remedy of this is two fold ; that is to say, first, to keep the child cleanly, and in the second place, to take off the sharpness of its urine. As to keeping it cleanly, she mint be a sorry nurse that needs to be taught how to do it, for f she lets it have dry, clean and warm beds and clouts, as oien and soon as it has fouled and wet them, either by its urne or excrements, it will be sufficient; and as to the seconJ, the taking off the sharpness ofthe child's urine, that must b; done by the nurse's keeping a cooling diet, that her milt may have the same quality ; and therefore she ought tc abstain from all things that may heat it. But be- sides th»se, cooling and drying remedies are requisite to be appliel to the inflamed parts ; therefore let the parts be bathed wih plaintain water, with a fourth part of lime wa- ter added o it, each time the child's excrements are wiped off; and if the pain be very great, let it only be fomented with luke wirm milk. The powder of a post to dry it, or a little mill lust strewed upon the parts affected, may be proper enough, and it isusedhy several women. Also EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 175 Unguentum, Album, or Diapampholigos, spread upon a small piece of leather in form of a plaste , will not be amiss. But the chief thing must be the nurse's taking great care to wrap the inflamed parts with fine rags when she opens the child, that those parts may not be gathered and pained by rubbing them together. Section Vll. Of vomitings in young Children. Vomiting in children proceeds sometimes from too much milk, and sometimes from bad milk, and is often from a moist loose stomach ; for as dryness retains, so looseness lets go. This is for the most part, without danger jn chil- dren : for the stomach, not used to meat and milk being taken too much, crudities are easily bred, or the milk is corrupted ; and it is better to vomit these up than to keep them in; but if vomiting last long, it will cause annatrophy or consumption for want of nourishment. To remedy this, if from too much milk that which is emited is yellow and green, or otherwise ill coloured and stinking : in this case, mend the milk, as has been shewu before ; cleanse the child with honey of roses, and strength- en its stomach with syrup of milk and quinces made into an electuary. If the humor be hot and sharp, give the syrup of pomegrantes, currants and coral; and apply to the belly the plaster of bread, the stomach cernte, or bread dipped in hot wine : or take oil of mastic, quinces, mint, wormwood, each half an ounce ; of nutmegs by expres- sions, half a dram, chemical oil of mint, three drops. Coral hath an occult principle to prevent vomiting, and is there- fore hung about their necks. Section VIII. Of breeding Teeth in young Children. This is a very great and yet necessary evil in all chil- dren having variety of symptoms joined with it ; they begin to come forth,not all at a time, but one after another, about the sixth or seventh month ; the fore teeth coming first, then the eye teeth, at last (he grinders ; the eye teeth cause more pain to the child than any ofthe rest, because they have a very deep root and a small nerve, which hath communication to that which makes the eye move. In the breeding of their teeth first they feel an itching in their gums 176 EXPERIENCED MIDWTFE. when they are pierced as with a needle, and pricked by the sharp bones, whence proceed great pains, watching, and inflamation of the gums, fever, looseness, and convul- sions, especially when they breed their eye teeth. The signs when children breed their teeth are these. 1 It is known by their time, which is usually about the sev- enth month. 2. Their gums are swelled, and they feel a great heat there, with an itching which makes them put their fingers in their mouth to rub them, from whence a moisture distils down the mouth, because of the pain they feel there. 3. They hold the nipple faster than before. 4. The gum is white where the tooth begins to come ; and the nurse in giving them suck finds the mouth hotter, and that they are much changed, crying every moment, and cannot sleep, or bnt very little at a time. The fever that follows, breeding of teeth comes from choleric humors, in flamed by watching, pain, and heat, ^nd the longer teeth are breeding, the more dangerous it is, so that many in the breeding ©f them die of fevers and convulsions. For remedy, two things are to be regarded ; one is, to preserve the child from the evil accidents that may hap- peti to it by reason of the great pain ; the other, to assist as much as may be the cutting ofthe teeth, when they can hardly cut the gums themselves. For the first of these, i. e. the preventing of these acci- dents to the child, the nurse ought to take great care to keep a good diet, and to use all things that may cool and temper her milk; that so a fever may not follow the pain of the teeth. And to prevent the humor from falling too much upon the inflamed gums, let the child's belly be kept always loose by gentle clysters, if it be bound : though of- ten times there is no need of them, because they are at those times usually troubled with a looseness, and yet for all that, clysters may not be improper. As to the other, which is to assist in cutting of the teeth, that the nurse must do from time to time, mollifying and loosening them, by rubbing them with her finger dipped, in butter or honey, to let the child have a virgin wax candle to chew upon ; or anoint the gums with the mucilage of quince made with mallows water, or with the brains of a hare ; also foment the cheeks with the decoctin of Althea, and camomile flower and dill, or with the juice of mallows and fresh butter. If the gums are inflamed, add juice of nightshade and lettuce. I have already said the nurse ought EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. m to keep a temperate diet. I will now add, that barley broth water gruel, raw eggs, prunes, lettuce and endive, are good rbr her ; but let her aovid salt, sharp, biting and peppered meats, and wine. Section IX Ofthe Flux of the belly, or looseness in Infants. It is very common for infants to have the flux of the bel- ly, or looseness, especially upon the least indisposition; nor is it to be wondered at, seeing their natural moistness contributes so much thereto ; and if it be not extraordinnrv violent, such are in a better state of health than those thr are bound. This flux, if violent, proceeds from divers cau- ses ; as 1st. From breeding teeth, and is then common- ly attended with a fever, in which the concoction is hinder- ed and the nourishment corrupted. 2. From watching. 3. From pain. 4. From stirring of the humors by a fe- ver. 5. When they suck or drink too much in a fever. sometimes they have a flux without breeding of teeth from outward cold in the guts or stomach, that obstructs concoc- tion. If it be from teeth it is easily known, for the signs in breeding of teeth will discover it. If it be from external cold, there are signs of other causes. If fro-!i a humor flowing from the head, there are signs of a catarrh, and the excrements are frothy. If crude and raw humors are void- ed, there is wind, belching, and phlegmatic excrements. If they be yellow, green and stink, t he flux is from a hot and sharp humor. It is best in breeding of teeth when the bel- ly is loose, as I ha \? said before: but if it be too violent, and you are afraid it may end in a consumption, it must be stopped; and if the excrements that are voided be black, attended with a fever, it is very bad. The remedy in this case has a principal respect to the nurse, and the condition ofthe milk,must chiefly be observ- ed ; the nurse must be cautioned that she eat no green fruit, nor things of a hard concoction. If the child suck not, remove the flux with purges, such as leave a blooding quality behind them ; as syrup of honey, of roses, or a clyster. Take the decoction of inillium, myrobolans, each two or three ounces, with an ounce of or two of syrup of roses, and make a clyster. After cleansing, if it proceed from a hot cause, give syrup of dried roses quinces, myr- tles, coral, mastic, hart's horn, red roses, or powder of myrtles, with a little Sanguis Draconis. Also anoint with oil of roses, myrtles, mastic, each two drams, with oil «f V,8 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. myrtles and wax, make an ointment. Or take red rose, moule, teech a handful, cypress roots two drams ; make a a bag, boil in red wine and apply it to the belly, Or use the plaister of bread or stomach ointment. If the cause be cold, and the excrements white, give syrup of mastic, and the quinces, with mint water. Use outwardly, mint, mastic, cummin ; or, take rose seeds an Ounce, cummin and annis seed, each two drams ; with oil of mastic, worm- wood, and wax, make an ointment. Section X. Of the Epilepsy and Convulsions in Children. This is a distemper that is the death of many young chil dren, and proceeds from the brain first, as when the hu- mors are bred in the brain that cause it, either from the pa- rents, or from vapors or bad humors, that twitch the mem- branes ofthe brain; it is also sometimes caused from other distempers, and from bad diet ; likewise the tooth ache, when the brain consents, causes it, and so does a sudden fright. As to the distemper itself, it is manifest, and well enough known where it is ; and as to the cause whence if comes you may know by the signs of the disease whether it comes from bad milk, worms, or teeth ; if these are all ab- sent, ii is certain that the brain is first affected ; if it comes with the small pox or measles, it ceaseth when they come forth, if nature be strong enough. For the remedy of this grievous and often mortal distem- per, give the following powder to prevent it, to a child as soon as it is born. Take male poiny roots, gathered in the decrease of the moon, a scruple, with leaf gold make a powder ; or take piony root a dram, piony seeds, misleote, of the oak, elk's hoofs, man's skull, amber, each a scruple, musk two grains ; make a powder. The best part of the cure is taking care of the nurses diet, which must not be disorderly by any means. If it be from corrupt milk, pro- voke a vomit, to do which hold down the tongue, and put a quill dipped in sweet almonds down the throat. If it comes from worms, give such things as will kill the worms. If these be a fever, respect that also, and give coral smarag- ged, and elk's hoof. In the five epileptic water, as la- vander water and rub with oil of amber, or hang a piony root, elk's hoof and smaraged coral, about the neck. As to a convulsion, it is when the brain labors to cast eat that which troubles ii. The matter is in the marrow EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 179 of the back, and fountain ofthe verves; it is a stubborn disease and often kills. ( For the remedy whereof in the fit wash the body, espe- cially the back bone, with the decoction of Althaea, lily roots piony and camomile flowers, and anoint it with man's and goose grease, oil of worms, oris, lilies, turpentine, mastic storax and calamint. The sunflower is also very good, boiled in water, to wash the child. EXPERIENCED MI li WIFE. FART II- Containing proper and safe Remedies for curing of all those distempers that are peculiar to the Female sex, and especial- ly those that have Obstructions to the bearing of Children. Having finished the first part of this book, and I hope therein amply made good my promise to the reader, I am now come to treat ofthe distempers peculiar to the female sex ; in which it is not my design to enlarge, or to treat of all the distempers they are incident to, but those only to which they are most subject, when in a breeding condition, and that keep them from being so. For each of which dis- tempers I have laid down such proper and safe remedies, as, with the divine blessing, may be sufficient to repel them : and since as amongst all the diseases to which human na- ture is subject, there is none that more diametrically opposes the very end of our creation, and the design of nature in the formation of different sexes, and the power,, thereby given us for the work of generation, than that of sterility or bar- renness, which, were it prevails, renders the most accom- plished midwife, but an useless person, and destroys the design of our book ; I think therefore barrenness is an ef- fect Ihat deserves our first consideration. CHAP. I. Of barrenness ; its several kinds, with proper remedies against it; and the signs of insufficiency both in men and women. Section I. Of barrenness in general. As there is no general rule but will admit of some exce»- ISO EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. tion, against this second part ; for though I have promised to treat herein only of diseases peculiar to the female sex, yet this chapter will engage me to speak of a defect in men, barrenness being an effect incident to them also ; and therefore it is necessary to be handled with respect to men as well as women, that without treating of it so, I shall not be able to make good the old proverb, of setting the saddle on the right horse. Having promised this, and thereby anticipated an objec- tion, I shall now proceed to the subject of this chapter, which is barrenness. Barrenness is either natural or accidental. Natural barrenness is, when a woman is barren, though the instruments of generation are perfect both in herself and husband, and no preposterous or diabolical course used to cause it; and ne ther age or disease, or any natural defect hindering, and yet the woman remains naturally barren, and conceives not. Now this may proceed from n natural cause ; for if the man and woman be of one complexion, they seldom have children ; and the reason is clear, for the universal course of nature being formed by the Almighty, of a composition of contraries, cannot be increased by a composition of likes; and therefore, if the constitution ofthe woman be hot and dry, as well as the man, there can be no conception ; and if, on the contrary, the man should be of a cold and moist constitution, as well as the woman, the effect would be the same ; and this barrenness is purely natural. The only way to help it ,-•< for people before thev marry to observe each other's constitution and complexion, if they design to have children. If their complexions, and constitutions be alike, they are ,v>t fit to come togetiie., for the discordant nature makes the only harmony m the work of generation. Another natuial cause of barrenness is want of love be- tween ihe man and wife. Love is that vital principle that ought to inspire each organ i:i the act of generation, or else 'twill be but spiritless and dull; for if their lie-arts be not united in love, how should tin ir seed unite to cau.?e concep- tion ; and this is evidently evinced in that there never fe 1- lows conception on a rape ; therefore if men and women design to have chddieu, Jet them hie so that their hearts as well as their bodies may be united, or else they may miss of their expectation. A third cause of natural barrenness is virgins letting EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. IW blood in the arm before their natural courses come down which is usually in the fourteenth or fifteenth year of their age ; sometimes perhaps before the thirteenth but never be- fore the twelfth. And because usually thev are out of or- der and indisposed before the purgation come down, their parents run to the doctor to know what is the matter, and he straight way opens a vein in the arm, as if it was ful- ness of blood was the cause of offending, and this makes her well at present ; and when the young virgin happens to be in the same disorder again, the mother straight runs to the surgeon, and he directly uses the same remedy ; and by these means the blood is diverted from its proper channel that it comes not down the womb as in another woman ; and so the womb dries up, and the woman is for- ever barren. The way to prevent this is to let no virgin blood in the arm, .before her courses come down well ; but if there be occasion, let her blood in the foot; for that will bring the blood downwards, and by that means provoke the menstrues to come dowu. Another cause of natural barrenness is the debility in copulation, if persons perform not that act with all the heat and ardor that nature requires", they may as well let it alone, and expect to have children without it, for frigidity and coldness never produce conception. Of the cure of this, we will speak by and by, after I have spoken of ac- cidental barrenness, which is what is occasioned by so ne morbific matter or infirmity upon the body, either of tlie man or woman which being removed, they become fruitful. And since (as I have before noted) the first and great law of the creation was to increase and multiply, and barren- ness is the direct opposition to the law, and frustrates the end of our creation ; and that it is a great afliction to di- vers persons to be without children, and often causes man anckwile to have hard thoughts of one another, each party thinking the cause not in them. I shall here, for the satis- faction of well meaning people, set down the signs and cau- ses of insufficiency both in men and women, premising this first, that when people have no children, they must not pre- sently blame either party, for neither may be in fault, bul perhaps God sees it not good (for reasons best known un- to himself) to give them any; of winch we have divers in- stances in historv. And though the Almighty in the pro- ductions of nature, works by natural means, yet where he 16 182 EXPEKlEiNCED MIDWIFE. withholds his blessing, natural means are ineffectual; tor it is the blessings, which is the power and energy by which nature brings forth her production. Section II. Causes and signs oj insiiffc'ncy in men. One cause may be in some viciousnees in the yard, as if the same be crooked, or any ligaments thereof distorted or broken, whereby the ways and passages through which the seed should flow, come to be stopped^or vitiated. Another cause may be too much weakness of the yaid, and tendernets thereof,, so that it is not strong enough erected to inject seed into the womb ; for the strength and stiffness of the yard very much conduce to conception, by reason ofthe forcible injection of the seed. Also, if the stones have received any hurt, so that they cannot exercise the proper gift in producing seed, or if they be oppressed with any inflamation or tumor wound or ulcer or drawn up within the belly, and not appearing outwardly, these are signs of insufficiency and cause of barrenness. Also a man may be barren by reason of the defect of seed ; as first, if he cast forth.no seed at all, or less in substance than is needful. Or, secondly, if the seed be vicious, or unfit for generation, as on the one side, it happens in bo- dies that are gross and fat, the matter of it being defective, and on the other side too much leanness, or continual wast- ing of consumption of body destroys the seed ; nature turn- ing all the matter and substance thereof into nutriment of the body. Too frequent copulation is also one great cause of bar- renness in men ; for it attracteth the seminal moisture from the stones before it is sufficiently prepared and con- cocted ; so if any one by daily copulation do exhaust and draw out all the moisture of the seed, then do the stones draw the moist humors from the superior veins into them- selves : and so having but little blood in them, they are for- ced of necessity to cast it out raw and unconcocted, and thus the stones are violently deprived of the moisture of their veins and the superior veins from all other parts ofthe body for their proper nourishment thereby depriving the body of its vital spirits. And therefore no wonder that those who use immoderate'copulation are very weak in their bodies ; seeing their whole body is thereby deprived ol the EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 183 best and purest blood, and of the spirit, insomuch that ma- ny who have been too much addicted to that pleasure, have killed themselves in the vexy act, and therefore it is not wonder if _siic.li unconcocted and undigested seed be unfit1 for generation, Gluttony drunkness and the other excessess do also much hinder men from fiuiffulness and make them unfit f>r generation. But among other causes of barrenness in men this also is one that makes them barren and almost of the nature of eunuchs and that is the incision or the cutting of their veins behind their ears which in case of distempers is oftentimes done ; for according to the opinion of most physicians and anatomists the seed flows from the brain by those veins be- hind the ears more than from any other part ofthe body. From whence it is very probable that the transmission of the seed is hindered by the cutting ofthe veins behind the ears so that it cannot descend at all to the testicles or come thither very crude and raw. And thus much for the signs and causes of barrenness in men. Section III. Causes and signs of insufficiency, or barrenness in women. Although there are many causes of barrenness of women yet the chief and principal are internal respecting either the privy parts the womb or menstrons blood. Therefore Hippocrates saith (speaking of either easy ox difficult conception of women) the first consideration is to be had of their species for little women are more apt to con- ceive than great; slender than gross ; white nndfair, than ruddy and high colored ; black and wane ; those that have their veins conspicuous are more apt to conceive than others ; but to the very flesh is evil; to have great swelled breasts is good. The next thing to be consideid is the monthly purgations whether they have been duly every month and whether they flow plentifully and are of good color and whether they have been equal every month. Then the womb or place of conception is to be con- sidered it ought to be clean sound dry and soft not retracted or drawn up ; not prone nor descending downwards nor the mouth thereof turnr,d awry nor too close shut. But to 6%je ik more particularly. 184 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. The first parts to be spoken of are the pudenda privities and the womb ; which parts are shut and enclosed either by nature or against nature ; and from hence such women are called imperfores; and in some the mouth of their womb continues compressed or closed up from the time of their birth until the coming down of their courses and then on a sudden when their terms press forward to purgation they i are molested with great and unusual pains ; some of these break of their own accord others are dissected and opened by physicians, others never break at all, and it brings death. And all these /Etius particularly handles shewing that the womb is shut th?ee manner of ways which hinders concep- tion. And the first is when the lips of the pudenda grow or cleave together ; the second is when there are certain membranes growing in the middle part of the matrix with- in ; the third is when (though the lips and bosom of th«/ pudenda may appear fair and'open) the mouth ofthe womb may be quite shut up ; all which are occasions of barren- ness in that they hinder both the use of man the monthly qourses and conception. But among all the causes of barrenness in women the greatest is in the womb, which is the field of generation ; , and if this field be corrupt, it is in vain to expect any fruit let it be ever so well sown : for it may be unfit for gene- ration by reason of many distempers to which it is subject e^ for instance over much heat and over much cold ; for women whose wombs are too thick and cold cannot con-. ceive because cold extinguishes the heat ofthe human seed Immoderate moisture of the womb also destroys the seed of man and makes \t ineffectual as corn sown in ponds and marshes ; and so docs over much dryness in the womb so the seed perisheth for want of nourishment. Immoderate heat of the womb is also a cause of barrenness for it scorchethup the seed as corn sown in drought of summer : for immoderate heat hurts all the parts of the body so as no conceptiou can live in the woman. And when unnatural labors are engendered as too much phlegm tympanies Wind water worms or any such evil humors abounding con- trary to nature it causes barrenness; as does all the terms not coming down in due order as I have already said. A woman may have other accidental causes of barren- £ ness (at least such as may hinder her conception) as sud- BXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 18£ deft frights anger grief and pertubationofthe mind; too violent exercise as leaping dancing running after copula? tion and the like. But I will now add some signs by which these things may be known. If the cause of barrenness be in the man through over much heat in his seed the woman may easily feel that in receiving it. If the nature ofthe womb be too hot and so unfit for -conception it will appear by her having her terms very little and the color inclining to yellowness ; she is also very has- ty choleric and crafty her pulse beats very swift and she is very desirous of copulation. If you would know whether the defect is in the man or in the woman, sprinkle the man's urine upon a lettuce leaf, and the woman's upon another, and that which dries away first is unfiuitful. Also, take five wheaten corns, and se- ven beans, put them into an earthern pot, and let the party make water therein, if these begin to sprout, after standing seven days, then the party is fruitful, if not, they are barrenwhether it be man or woman. This is a certain sign. Some make this experiment of a woman's fruitfulness ; They take myrrh, red storax, and some odoriferous things and make a perfume, wdiich the woman is to receive in- to the neck ofthe womb through a funnel; and if the woman feels the smoke ascend, through her body to the nose, then she is fruitful, otherwise not. Some also take garlick and beat it, and cause the woman to lie on her back upon it and if she feel the scent thereof to her nose, it is a sign of fruitfulness. Culpepper and others also give a great deal of credit to the following experiment. Take a handful of barley, and steep half of«it in the urine ofthe man, and the other half in the urine of the w»m i. for the space of twenty four hours, and then take it out, and set each by itself, in a flower pot or some other thing ; water the man's every morning with his own urine, and the woman's with hers, and that which grows first, is the most fruitful; and if one grow not at all, that party is naturally barren. But, now, having spoken enough ofthe disease, it is high time to assign the cure. If barrenness proceeds from stoppage of the menses, let the woman sweat, for that opens the parts ; and the bast. 16* 186 ' EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. way to sweat it is in a hot house. Then let the womb be strengthened by drinking a draught of white wine, wherein a handful of stinking arrack, first bruised, has been boiled. For by a secret magnetic virtue it strengthens the womb, and by a sympathetic quality removes any disease therein. To which add also a handful of vervain, which is very good to strengthen both the womb and head, which are common- ly aflicted together by sympathy. Having used these two or three days, if they come not down ; take of calac, mint, pennyroyal, thyme, betony, dittany, feverfew, burnet, mug- wort, sage, piony roots, juniper berries, half a handful of each, or so many as can be got, let all these be boiled in beer, and drank for her ordinary drink. Take one part of the gentia root, two parts of centory, distil them with ale in an alembic, after you have bruised the gentian roots, and infused them well. This water is an admirable remedy to provoke the terms. But if you have not this water in readines, take a dram of centory, and half a dram of gentian roots bruised, boiled in posset drink and drink a draught of it at night going to bed. Seed of wild navew beaten to powder, and a dram of it taken in the morning in white wine, also is very good;, but if it does not do, you must be let blood in the legs. And be sure you administer your medicines a little before the full ofthe moon, or between a new and full moon, by no means in the wane ofthe moon ; if you do, you will find them ineffectual. If barrennes proceed from the overflowing of the men- strues, then strengthen the womb, as you were taught, and afterwards anoint the reins of the back with oil of roses oil, of myrtle, oil of quinces every night, and then wrap apiece ©f white baize about your reins, the cotton side next the skin, and keep the same always to it. But above all I re- commend this medicine to ''you. Take comfrey leaves or roots, and blown wound wort, of each a handful ; bruise them well, and boil them in ale, and drink a good draught of it now and then. Or take cinnamon, cassia liguia, opium of each two drams ; myrrh, white pepper, galbanum,of each one dram ; dissolve the gum and opium in white wine and beat the rest into powder ; then make it into pills, by mix- ing them together exactly, and let the patient take two pills every night going to bed, but let not the pills exceed fifteen grains. If barrenness proceed from a flux ofthe womb, the cure EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 187 must be accordinng to the cause producing it, which may be known by its signs ; for a flux ofthe womb being a con- tinual distilation from it for a long time together, the color of what is voided shews what humor it is that offends ; in some it is red, and that proceeds from blood putrefied; in some it is yellow, and that denotes choler ; in others white and pale and that denotes phlegm. If pura blood comes out, as if a vein were opened, some corrosion or gnawing of the womb is to be feared. All these are known by these signs. The place of conception is continually moist with the hu- mors, the face is ill colored, the party loathes meat, and breathes with difficulty, the eyes are much swollen, which is sometimes without pain. If tho offending humor be pure blood then you must let blood in the arm, and the cepha- lic vein is fittest to draw back the blood, and then let juice of plantain and comfrey be injected into the womb. If phlegm be the cause, let, cinnamon, be used in all her meats and drinks, and. let her take a little Venice treacle or mithridate every morning. Let her boil mugwort, feath- erfew, and vervain in all her broths. Also half a dram of myrrh taken every morning is an excellent remedy against this malady. If choler be the cause, let her take burage, buglass and roses, endive and succory roots, lettuce and white popy seed, each a handful ; boil these in white wine till one half be wasted ; let her drink half a pint every morning, to which add syrup of peach flowers, and syrup of chicony, of each an ounce with a little rheubarb, and this will gently purge her. If it proceed from putrefied blood, let her be blooded in the foot, and then strengthen the womb as I have directed in stopping ofthe menses. If barrenness be occasioned by the falling out ofthe womb as sometimes happens, let her apply sweet scents to her nose, such as civit, galbum, storax calamitis, wood of aloes and other things of that nature ; and let her lay stinking lhing3 to the womb, such as assafcetida, oil of am- ber, or the smoke of her own hair burnt; for this is a cer- tain truth, that the womb flies from all stinking, and cleaves to all sweet things. But the most infalliable cure is this, take common burdock leaves (which you may keep dry all the year) apply these leaves to her head, and it will draw the womb upwards. In fits of the mother apply it to the soles of her feet, and it will draw the womb downwards. 188 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. But the seed beaten into powder draws the womb which way you please according as it is appbed. If barrenness proceed from a hot cause, let the party take whey and clarify it^then boil plaintain leaves and roots in it and drink it for her ordinary drink. Let her also inject the juicce of plaintain into the womb with a syringe ; ifit be w winter, when you cannot get the juice, make a strong decoction of the leaves and roots in water, and inject that up with a syringe ; but let it be but blood warm, and you will find this medicine of great efficacy. And further, take often conserve of roses, cold lozenges made of tragacanth, the confections of traisantali, frequent- ly smell camphire, rose water and saunders. It is also good to bleed the basilica or liver vein, and take 4 or 5 ounces of blood, and then use this pnrge. Take electua- rum de epithimo de succo rosarum, of each two drains and a half, clarified whey four ounces, mix them well together, and take it in the morning fasting ; sleep after it about an hour and a half, and fast four hours after it. And about an hour before you eat any thing, drink a good draught of whey. Also, take lily water four ounces, mandrogory water one ounce saffron half a scruple ; beat the saffron to powder, and mix it with the waters, and drink them warm in the morning. Use this eight days together. Excellent Remedies figainst Barrenness, and to cause fruit- fulness, Take broom flowers, parsley seed, cummin, mugwort, featherfew, of each half a scruple : aloe<« half an ounce ; India salt, saffron, of each half a dram ; beat and mix them well together, and put it to five ounces of featherfew water warm,*stop it up close, and let it stand and dry in a warm place, and thus do two or three times one after another ; then make each dram into six pills and take one of them every other day before supper. For purging medicine against barrenness ; take con- serve of benedicta lax, one quarter of an ounce ; dipsillo, three drams, electuary de succo rosatum, one dram ; mix them together with featherfew water, and drink it in the morning. About three days after the patient hath taken a purge, let her blood four or five ounces in the median or common black vein 'in the right foot ; and then take, for five days one after another filed ivoiy, a dram and a half in featherfew water ; and during the time, let her sit in the- EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 189 following bath an hour together, morning and night. Take wild yellow rapes, daucus, balsam wood and fruit, ashleys, »f each two handfuls ; red and white bhen, broom flowers, of each a handful ; musk three grains, amber, saffron, each one scruple ; boil all in water sufficiently ; but the musk, saffron, amber, and broom flowers, must be put into the decoction after its boiled and strained. A confection very good against barrenness. Take pi- stachi, pingles, eringos, of each half an ounce, saffron one dram,, lignum aloes, galsingade, mace balm flowers, red and white bhen, f each four scruples, shaven ivory, c;esia bark each two scruples; syrup of confeeted ginger twelve ounces, white sugar two ounces ; de met all these well to- gether, in twelve ounces of balm water, and stir it well to- gether ; then put to it nmsk and amber, each a scruple. Take thereof the quantity of a nutmeg three times a day, in the morning, an hour before noon, and an hour after supper. But if the cause of barrenness either in a man or wo- man, be through scarcity or dimunition, of the natural seed then such things are to be taken as do increase the seed and incite or stir up to venery, and further conception, which I shall here set down, ard conclude the chapter of barrenness. For this yellow rape seed baked in bread is very good ; also young fat flesh, not too much salted ; also saffron, the sails stincus, and long pepper prepared in wine. But avoid sour, sharp, doughy and slimy meats, long sleep after meat with surfeiting and 4run^ness> and as much as they can, keep themselves from sorrow. These things following, increase the natural seed and stir up venery, and recover the seed again when it is lost, viz. eggs, milk, rice boiled in milk, sparrow brains, flesh, bones and all ; the bones and pizzles of bulls, bucks, rams and bears ; also cock stones, lamb stones, partridges, quails and pheasants eggs, for this is an undeniable apho- rism, that whatever any creature is addicted unto, they move or excite the woman or man that eats them to the like ; and therefore partridges, quails, sparrows, &c. be- ing addicted to venery, they work the same effect in those men and women that eat them. Also take notice that in what part ofthe body the faculty which you would strengthen lies, take the same part of the body of another 190 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. creature, in whom the faculty is strong, as a medicine. A« for instance, the procreative faculty lies in the testicles, therefore cock stones, lamb stones; &c. are proper to stir up venery. 1 will also give you another general rule ; all creatures that are fruitful, being eaten, make them fruit- ful that eat them ; as crabs, lobsters, prawnes pidgeons &c. The stones of a fox dried and beaten to a powder and a dram taken in the morning in sheep's milk; and the stones of a boar taken in the like manner are very good. The heart of a male quail carried about the man, and the heart of a female quail carried about the woman, causeth natural love and fruitfulness. Let them also that would in- crease their seed eat and drink ofthe best a* near as they can : for sine cerere ef liber o frig it vrnus an old proverb which is, without good meat a"hd good drink, Venus will be frozen to death. Pottages are good to increase the seed, such as are made of beans, peas and lupines, and mix the rest with sugar. French beans, wheat sodden in broth, annis seeds, also onions stewed, garlicks, leeks yellow rapes fresh bsgwort roots oringo roots ginger confected, Sec. Of fruits ; hazle nuts cypress nuts pistachi almonds and marmupana made thereof. Spices good to increase 6eed, are cinnamon car- danum galengal long pepper cloves ginger saffon assafte- tida take a dram and a half In good wine is very good for this purpose. The Weakness and debility of a roan's yard beings great hinderance to procreation, let him to strengthen it use the following ointments. Take wax pil of bevercod, marjo- rum gentle add oil of coflus of each a like quantity mix it into an ointment, and put to it a little musk and with it anoint the yards cods, Sec. Take of house emmets three drams oil of white sesanura oil of lilies of each an ounce ; pound and bruise the ants and put them to the oil and let them stand in the sun six days, then strain out the oil and add to it euphorbium one scruple pepper and rue of each one dram ; mustard seed half a dram. Set this again all together in the sun two or three days then anoint the in- struments of generations therewith. So much for this chapter. CHAP. II. The diseases ofthe womb. I have already said, that the womb i.s the field of gena* EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 191 ration ; and if this field be corrupted, it is in vain to ex- pect any fruit though it be never so well sown ; it is there- fore not without reason that I intend in this chapter to set the several distempers to which the womb is obnoxious, and proper and safe remedies agaiustthem. Section I. Ofthe hot distempers ofthe Womb. This d'stemper consist in the excess of heat; for the heat ofthe womb is necessary for conception, but if it be too much it nourisheth not the seed, but disperseth its heat, and hinders the conception ; this preternatural heat if, sometimes from the birth, and makes them barren ; but if it be accidental it is from hot causes that bring the heat and the blood to the womb it arises from medicines, and from too much hot meat drinks and exercise. Those that are troubled with this distemper, have but few courses, and those yellow, black burnt or sharp, have hair betimes in their privities ; they are very prone to lust, and are subject to the headache, and abound with choler. And when the distemper is strong upon them, they have but few terms, and out of order, being bad and hard to flaw, and in time they become hypochondriacs, and for the most part barren having sometimes a frenzy of the womb. The remedy is to use coolers, so that they offend not the vessels that must be open for the flux ofthe terms. There- fore inwardly use coolers, such as succory, endive, violets, water lilieo, sorrel, lettuce, sunders, and syrups, and con- serves made thereof. Also take conserve of succory, vio- lets, water lilies, burrage each an ounce ; conserves of ro- ses half an ounce, diamargation frigid, diafriasontal, each half a dram ; and with syrup of violets, or juice of citrons, make an electuary. For outward applications make use of ointment of roses, violets, water lilies, gourd Venus narvel applied to the back and loins. Let the air be cool, her garments thin and her meat en- dive, lettuce succory and barley. Give her no hot meats, nor strong wine unless mixed with water. Rest is good for her but she must abstain from copulation though she may sleep as long vas she will. Section II. Of the cold distemper of the Womb. ^fhis distemper is the reverse ofthe forego ing arde^ual 192 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. ly an enemy to generation being caused, by cold quality abounding to excess and proceed from too cold air rest idleness and cooling medicines. It may be known by an aversion to lechery ; and taking no pleasure in the act of copulation when they spend their se«d. Their terms are phlegmatic thick and slimy and do not flow as they should. The womb is windy and the seed crude and waterish. It is the cause of obstructions and barrenness and hard to be cured. For the cure of this distemper use this water : Take ga- langal cinnamon nutmegs mace cloves each two drams ; ginger cubebs zedory cardanum each an ounce; grains of Paradise long pepper each half an ounce ; beat them and set them into six quarts of wine for eight days ; then add sage mint balm motherwort each three handfuls. Let them stand eight days more then pour off the wine and dis- til them. Or you may use this ; Take cinnamon nutmegs cloves mace ginger cubebs cardamums grains of Paradise each an oune and a half galengal six drams of long pepper half an ounce zedony five drams bruise them and add six quarts of wine put them into a cellar nine days daily stir- ring them ; then add of mint two handfuls and then let them stand fourteen days pour off the wine and bruise them and then pour on the wine again and distil them. Also anoint with oil of lilies rue angelica bays cinnamon cloves mace and nutmeg. Let her diet and air be warm her meat of easy concoction seasoned with annis seed fennel and thyme and let her avoid raw fruits and milk diets. Section III. Of the inflation ofthe Womb. The inflation of the womb is the stretching of it by wind Called by some the windy mole the wind proceeding from a cold matter whether thick or thin contained in the veins of the womb by which the weak heat thereof is overcome and it either flows thither iron other parts or is gathered there by cold meats or drinks. Cold air may be a procur- ing cause of it also as lying in women are exposed to it. The wind is conta.ned either in the cavity of the vessels of the womb or between the tunicles and it may be known by the swelliug in the region ofthe womb which sometimes reaches to the navel loins and diaphragm a ; and it rises and abates as the wind iiicieaðor decreaseth. Itdif- EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. I9a fers from the dropsy, in that it never swells so high ; and that neither the physician nor midwife may lake it for con- ception, let them observe the signs of women with child laid down in the first part of the book ; and if one sign bo wanting, that may suspect it to be an inflamation,,of which this is a farther sign, that in conception the swelling stiiJ increaseth also, if you strike upon the belly in an inflation, there will be a noise, but not so in the case there be a con- ception. It also differs from a mole, because in that there is a weight and hardness in the belly ; and when they move from one side to another, they feel a weight whici moving, but not so in this. If the inflation be without the cavity ofthe womb, the pain is greater and more extensive nor is there any noise, because the womb is more pent up. This distemper is neither of any long continuance, nor dangerous, if looked after in time, and if it be in the cavity of the womo, is more easily expelled. To which purpose, give her diaphonicon wit h a little castor and sharp clyster-: that expel wind. If this distemper happens to a woman in travail, let her not purge after delivery, nor bleed, because it is from a cold matter ; but if it come after child bearing and her term come down sufficiently, and that she has ful- ness of blood, let the sephama vein be opened ; after which let her take the following electuary ; take conserve of bet- ony, rosemary, of eachran ounce and a half; candie i erin^oes, citron peels candied, each half an ounce, diachu lum, galgenal, each a dram, oil of anniseed six drops, an ! with syrup of citrons make an electuary. For outward ap- plication make a cataplasm of rue, mugwort, camomile, dill, calimints, new pennyroyal; thyme, with oil of rue, kier, and camomile ; and let the following clysters, to ex- pel wind, be put into the womb : Take agnus, castus, rim calamint each an handful ; annisseed, castus, cinnamon each two drams, boil them in wine to half a pint. She: may likewise use sulphur, baths, and spawn waters, both inward and outward, because they expel wind. Section IV. Of the dropsy of the Womb. This is another morific effect of the womb, proceeding from water as before mentioned did from wind, by which the belly is so swelled, that it deceives many, causing the m to think themselves with child, when indeed they are nor. This is an unnatural swelling raised by the gathering tu- 17 194 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. gether of waters, from moisture mixed with the terms and an evil sanguification from the liver and spleen; also by immoderate drinking, or eating of crude meats ; all wiiich causing a repletion, do suffocate the native heat. It may also be caused by overflowing of the courses, or by any other immoderate evacuation. The signs of this distemper are the lower part ofthe belly, with the privities, puffed up and pained ; the feet swell; the natural color of the face decays ;4the appetite is desparted ; the terms also are fewer and cease before their time ; her breasts are also soft, but without milk. This is distinguished from a general drop- sy, in that the lower parts of the belly are most swelled; neither does the sanguificative faculty appear so hurtful, nor the urine so pale, nor the countenance so soon changed, neither are the superior parts so extenuated, as in a gen- eral dropsy. But yet this distemper for lei s the total ruin of the natural functions, by that singular consent the womb hath with the liver, and therefore an evil habit of body or a general dropsy will follow. For the cure of this disease, first mitigate the pain with fomentations of mellilot, mallows, linseed, camomile and altha?, then let the humor be prepared with syrup of stoes- hus, calamint, mugwort, both sorts, with the distilled wa- ters, or decoction of nodder, marjorum, sage, orange, speer- age pennyroyal and betony ; and let her purge with senna argaric, rhubarb and cliterian. Take calamints, mugwort lovage roots, pennyroyal each an handful ; salvila pugil ; maddes roots, angelica, of each an ounce ; boil them .11 wa- ter, and sweeten them with sugar. Or, if she like it better make broth of the same. Also take specirsm, diambree, diamescidulcis uiacalamenti diacinnimoni diacimini, troce, de myrrh of each two drams, sugar one pound : with be- tony water make lozenges, and let her take of them two hours before meals. Apply also to. the bottom of the belly as hot as can be endured, a little bag of camomile, cummin and mellilot boiled in oil of rue ; and anoint the belly and privities with Unguentum Agrippae min'dino- there .yith oil of Iroes. Let the lower parts of tl.e belly be covered with a planter of hayberries, or with a cataplasm made of cum- min, camomile and briony roots, adding thereto cow's and gnat's dung. For injection into the womb, take alarum lviots th;ee drams, pennyroyal, calamint each half a hand- ful, savin, a pugil, inachoacan a dram ; anniseed, cu .min each half a dram. Boil them and take six ounces stained EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 195. with oil of elder and orris, each an ounce ; and inject il in- to the womb by a metrenchita ; let the air he hot and dry Moderate exercise may be allowed, but much sleep is for- bidden. She may eat the flesh of partridges, larks, chick- ens, mountain birds, hares, conies, Sec. and drink wine mixed with a little water. Section V. Of the inflamation of the Womb. This is a tumor possessing the womb, accompanied with unnatural heat, by obstruction, and gathering together of corrupt blood; for the blood that comes to the womb, gets out ofthe vessels into its substance and grows hot, purifies and causes and inflamation, either all over, or in part, be- fore or behind, above or below. This happens also by sup- pression ofthe menstrues, repletion ofthe whole body, im- moderate copulation, often handling ofthe genitals, difficult child, birth, vehement agitation of the body or by falls or blows. The signs of this inflamation are tumors with heat and pain in the regions ofthe womb, stretching and heav- iness in the privities, also a pain in the head and stomach with vomiting, coldness of the knees, convulsions of the neck, doting, trembling ofthe heart ; and sometimes strait- ness of breath by reason of heat which is communicated to the diaphragma, or midriff ; and the breasts sympathizing with the womb, are pained and swelled ; but more particu- larly, if the fore part ofthe matrix be inflamed, the privities are grieved, and the urine is suppressed, or flows forth with difficulty ; if it be behind, the loins and back suffer, and the belly is bound ; if the inflamation be in the bottom of the womb, the pain is towards the navel ; if the neck of the womb be affected, the midwife, putting up her finger, may feel the tnouth of it retracted, and closed up, with a hardness about ii. As to the prognostics of it, all inflama- tions of the womb are dangerous and sometimes deadly, especially if it be all over the womb ; if the woman be with child, she rarely escapes, an abortion follows, and the mo- ther dies. As to the cure ; first, let the humors flowing t> the womb be repelled ; for the effecting of which after the belly hath been opened by the cooling clysters, letting of blood will be needful ; open therefore a vein in the arm, but have a care of bleeding in the foot lest thereby you draw more blood to the womb, but if it be from the terms stopt, you may.v 196 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. The opinion of Galen is that the blood may be diverted by bleeding in the arm or cupping the breasts and that it may be by the opening an ancle vein and cupping upon the hips. Then purge gently with cassia rheubarb senna and mirobo- lans half an ounce, barley water a sufficient quantity ; make a decoction, dissolve it in syrup of succory, with rheubarb two ounces, pulp of cassia half an ounce oil of annissced two drops and make a potion. At the beginning ofthe dis- ease anoint the privities and reins with oil of roses and quinces. Make plasters of plaintain linseed barley meal mellilot "fenugreek and white of eggs ; and if the pain be vehement add a little opium. For repellers and anodynes take Venus navel purslain lextuce houseleek vine leaves each a handful boil them in wine ; barley meal two ounces pom- egranate flowers two drams boil a dram with oil of roses and make a poultice. Or take diacibilou simple two ounces juice of Venus navel and plantain, each half an ounce ; take of fenugreek mallow roots decocted figs lin- seed barley meal dove's dung turpentine each three drams; deer's suet half a dram opium half a scruple and with wax make a plaster. After it is ripe break it by the motion of the body coughing sneezing or else by cupping and pessa- ries ; as, take rue half an handful figs an ounce pigeons dung orris root each half a dram ; with wool make a pes- sary. After it is broken and the pains abate then cleanse and heal the ulcer with such cleansers as these, viz. whey barley water, honey, wormwood, smallape, orris, birthwort myrrh turpentine and allum ; take new milk boiled a pint honey half a pint, orris powder half an ounce, and use it wry often everyday. Tf it break about the bladder, use «u emulsion of cold seeds, whey, and syrup of violets. Let her drink barley water, or clarified whey, and her meat be chit kens and chicken bread, boiled with endive, succory >orrel bugloss and mallows. Section VI. Of schirosity and Hardness of the Womb. A swelling in the womb neglected, or not perfectly cured ften procuces a schirosity in the matrix, which is a hard i [.sensible, unnatuial swelling, causing barrenness, and be- getting an indisposition ofthe whole body. The immedi- ate cause is a thick earthy humor, (as unnatural melancho- ly, for instance) gathered in the womb, and causing a schir- i ous without inflamation. It is a proper schirrous when * EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 19V there is neither sense nor pain and it is an improper schir- rous when there is some little sense and pain. This dis- temper is most usual in women of a melancholy constitu- tion, and also such as have been cleansed from their men- ses, or from tlie retention ofthe lochia, or after purging ; it is likewise sometimes caused by citing corrupt meat; or those inordinate longings called pica, to which breeding women are often subject ; and lastly, it may also proceed from obstruction and ulcers in the womb, or some evil ef- fects in the liver and spleen. It may be known by these signs ; if the effect be in the bottom of the womb, she feels as it were, a heavy burden representing a mole, yet differ- ing, in that the breasts, are attenuated, and the whole body also. If the neck of the womb be hardened, no outward humors will appear, the mouth of it is retracted, and touch- ed with the finger, feels hard ; nor can she have the com- pany of a man without great pains and prickings, This schirosity or hardness is, (when confirmed) insurable, and will turn into a cancer, or dropman wanting native heat to digest this superfluity, sends it to the matrix, where seating itself till the mouth of thej^omb be dilated, it becomes corrupt and mortified, whico may easily be, considering the heat and moistness of the place ; and so this blood being out of its proper vessels- and too long retained offends in quality. But if the rigidity be the cause why women cannot digest all their last nourishment, and by consequence have those monthly purgations, how comes it to pass, may some say, that they are of so cold a constitution more than men 1 Of this I have already spoken in the chapter of barrenness ; it is chiefly thus. The Author of our being has laid an in- junction upon men and women to propagate their kind, hath also so wisely fitted them for that work ; and seeing that in the act of coition there must be an agent and a pa- tient,(for if they be of one constitution, the can be no propaga im) therefore the man is hot and dry and the wo- man cold and moist. It is therefore necessary that the woman should be of a cold constitution because in her is required a redundancy of matter for the nourishment of 202 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. the infant depending on her. And this is wisely ordained by nature, for otherwise the child would detract from, and weaken the principal parts ofthe mother; which would most unnaturally render the provision or the infant to be the destruction of Jhe parent. Now these monthly purgations usually begin about the 14th year, and ^continue till the 45th or 50 year ; yet not so constantly, but that oftentimes there happens a suppression, which is sometimes natural and sometimes nfiorbiftcal. When they are naturally sup- prest, it is either in breeding women, or'snrh as give suck ; but that which is morbifical must be the subject ofthe fol- lowing section, Section II. Ofthe Suppression of the Monthly Courses. The supressiOn of the terms which is morbific, i- an in- terception of that accustomary evacuation of blood which should come from the matrix every month, and which pro- ceeds from the matter vitiated. The cause of this suppres- sion is either" internal or external ; the internnl cause is ei- ther instrumental, or materia], in the blood or in the womb. The blood may be faulty two ways, in quantity, or in quali- ty j;._in quantity, when it is so consumed that there is no ov- erplus left, as in viragoes, and all virile,women, who, thro' their heat and strength of nature digest and consume all their best nourishment; but women of this constitution are rather to be accounted anthropophagere,that is, women eat- ers, then women breeders, because they consume one ofthe principles of generation which gives a being to the world, i. e. tlie menstrous blood. The blood may also ba consum- ed, and the terms stayed, by too much bleeding at the nose, and likewise by a flux ofthe hemorrhoids, or by adysente- ria, evacuations; chronicle and continued diseases. But secondly, the matter may be vicious in quality, as if it be sanguineous, phlegmatical, melancholic: each of these, if they offend in grossness, will cause an obstruction in the veins. The womb also may be in fault diverse ways ; as by the narrowness of the veins and passages, by apostumous. tu- mors, ulcers, and bv overmuch cold or heat, the one vitia- ting the nction, and tbe other consuming the matter ; also, by an e.il composition ofthe uterine parts by the neck of the womb being turned aside ; and sometimes, though but EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 203 rarely, by a mcnibzane or excresence of flesh growing about the womb. The external cause may be heat, or dryness ofthe air, immoderate watching, great labor, violent motion, whereby the matter is so consumed, and the body is so exhatllted, that there is no redundant blood remaining to be expelled ; whence it is recorded of the Amazons, that being active, and always in motion, they had little or no monthly fluxes ; it may also be caused from cold ; and most frequently it is so making the blood vicious and gross, condensing and binding up the passages, that it cannot flow forth. The signs of the disease are pains in the head, neck, back, and loins, with weariness of the whole body,but especially ofthe hips, and legs, by reason of a confinity which the womb hath in those parts; if the suppression proceeds from cold, it causeth a heavy sluggish disposition, a pale color, a slow pulse, the urine crude, waterish, and much in quantity, and no desire to copulation, the excrements of the guts being usually retained, but if it proceeds from heat, the signs are contrary. Jf it be natural, or caused by conception, it may sbe known by drinking water and honey after supper, go- ing to bed ;. for if after taking it, it causeth the woman to feel a bearing pain'in the navel and lower parts of the belly it is a sign she hath conceived, and that the suppression is natural, if not, then it is vicious,7and ought medicinally to be taken away, otherwise many dangerous diseases will follow ; such as swooniiigs, faintings, intermission of pulse obstructions, epilepsies, apoplexies, frenzies, melancholy, passions, Sec. which makes it highly necessary to gay something uow ofthe cure. The cure of this distemper must be by evacuation, for this suppression is phlethropic effect, it will therefore be best in the midst of the humor, two days before the wonted evacuation, to open the saphama veins of both feet ; and if the repletion be not great, apply cupping glasses to the legs and thighs after letting blocd, the humor must be pre- pared and made flexible with syrup of staechns, horeh-.-und by sop betony, maiden hair, of each one handful, make a de- coction and take thereof three outlet*, of syrup of'rnu^ort succory maiden hair, mix each half an ounce, . nd ^'.V.r she conies out ofthe bath, let her drink it off. Tien ptt:g« piilde Agarick, Elepharg, Coc.li ; Faedit Galen ii this c; . e commends Pilula c.e Aiera cum colcquintida ; fi.i as tiiey ar£ proper to purge the humor offending, so tiny (•ycathe. 204 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. passage ofthe womb. If the stomach be overcharged, let her take a vomit, but. let it be so prepared as to act both ways, lest the humors should be too much turned back, by working only upwards ; to which end, take trochisk of agaria two drams, infuse them in three ounces of oximel, in which dissolve benedict, laxat, half an ounce, and ofthe electuary diasarum one scruple ; and let her take it after the manner of a purge. When the humor has been thus purged, you may proceed to more proper and forcible re- medies. Take extract of mugwort one scruple and a half, rinds of cassia, parsley seed, castor, of each a scruple ; and with juice of smallage, after supper going to bed. Al- so, administer to the lower parts suffumagations of amber unctions, injections and incisions ; make suffumigations of amber, galbanum, melanthum, bayberriesmugwort, cinna- mon, nutmegs cloves, &c. Make pessaries of figs and the leaves of mercury bruised, and roled up in lint. Make in- jections ofthe decoction ofmercury ; betony, origin, mug- wort. and figs and inject it into the womb by an instrument fit for that purpose. For unction, take ladant, oil of myrrh of each two drams ; oil of lilies, almonds capors camomile, of each half an ounce, and with wax make an ungent with which let the place be anointed. Let the air be hot and dry her sleep shorter than ordiuary let her use moderate exercise before meals and let her meat and drink be at- tenuating. Section III. Ofthe overflowing of tlie Monthly Courses. This distemper is directly contrary to that of which I have spoken in the foregoing section and is no less dan- gerous than the other and therefore requires to be spoken of next in order. This distemper is a sanguineous excre- ment proceeding from the womb and exceeding in time and quality. I call it sanguineous because there are two ways by which the bleed flows forth, one is by the internal veins in the body ofthe womb which is properly called the monthly flux; the other is by those veins which are termi- nated in the neck ofthe matrix which some physicians call the hemorrhoides of the womb ; and that it exceeds in quantity, when they flow about three days ; but this is the most certain sign of their excess in flowing when they flow so long that the faculties ofthe body are thereby weakened ; for in bodies abounding with gross humors this EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 2V> imodcratc flux does sometimes unburden nature other load and is not to be stopped without advice from a physician. The cause of this immoderate flowing is eitlKP«xteri!jl or internal. The external cause may be the heat ofJhjM^r ; lifting and carrying heavy burdens, unnatural chif^Hphs, falls, Slc. The internal cause may be threefold, in the mat- ter, instrument, or faculty ; the matter, which is the blood, may be vicious two ways ; first, iu quantity being so inich that the veins are not able to contain it ; secondly, in qual- ity being adust sharp waterish, or unconcocted. The in- struments, viz. the veins are faulty by the dilation ofthe orifice, which may be caused two ways ; first by the heat ofthe constitution, climate, or season, heating the blood, whereby the passes are dilated, and ihe faculty weakened, that it cannot retain the blood•; secondly, by falls, blows. violent motions, breaking of a vein, Sec This inordinate flux may be known by the appetite being decayed, the decoction depraved, and all the actions ofthe dy weakened ; tlie feet swelled, the color of the face changed and a general feebleness possesseth the whole bo- body. If it comes by the breaking of a vein in the body is sometimes cold,the blood flows forth on heapsandthat sud- denly, with great pain j if it come through heat, the orifice ofthe veins being dilated, then there is little or no pain, yet the blood flows faster than it doth in an erosion, aid not so fast as in a rupture. If by erosion, or sharpness of the blood she feels a great heat scalding the passgge it dif- fers from the^other two in that it flows not so suddenly, nor so copiously as they do. If it be weakness of the womb, she has an aversion to copulation ; if it proceeds from the blood, drop some of it on a cloth, and when it is dry, you may judge of the quality by the color ; if it be choleric, it will be yellow, if melancholy black, if phlegmatic, waterish and whitish. The cure of this consists in three particulars. 1st In repelling and. carrying back the blood 2dly. In correction- and taking away the flexibility of the matter ; andSdly, corroborationg the vein or faculties. For the first, to cause a regression ofthe blood opena vein in her arm, and draw- out so much blood as the strength ofthe patient will per- mit, and that not at once, but at several times, for thereby the spirits are less weakened, and the retraction so much greater. Apply the cupping glasses to the liver that tlie reversion may be in the fountain. To correct the flexibility 18 '300 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. of the maatter, carthartics moderated with astrictories may be used. If it be sharpness of blood, consider whether the corrosion fief by salt phlegm, or adus choler ; If by salt phle«tj|repare with syrup of violets, wormwood, roses, citrojQKpls, succory, &c. and then take this purgation; Miroboians, chervpl, half a ounce trochisks of agaric one dram with plantain water make a decoction add thereto, syr. rosardux three ounces and make a portion. If by a- dust choler prepare the body with syrup of roses, myrtles, sorrel, purslain mixed with water of plantain, knotgrass, and endive, then purgevwith this portion : Take rinds of mirobolans, rhubarb of each one dram, cinnamon fifteen grains, infuse them one night in endive water add to it the * strained pulp of tamarinds, cassia of each half an ounce, syrup of roses one ounce and make a potion. If the blond be waterish and unconcocted, as it is hydropical bodies, and flows forth by reason of the tenury to draw off the wa- ter will be profitable to which end purge with agaric ela- terium and coloquintida. Sweating is also very proper in this case for by it the matter offending it is taken away,and the motion of the blood is carried to the outward parts.— To procure sweat, use cardanum water with mithridate or the decoction of gacium does also greatly provoke sweat ; and pills of sassaparilla, taken every night at going to bed, are worthily recomended. If the blood flows from the opening or breaking of a vein, without any evil quality of itself, then ought corroboratives be applied, which is the thing to be done in this inordinate flux ; bole armoniac one pcruple, London treacle one dram, old conserve of roses half an ounce, with syrup of myrtles, make an electuary. Or ifthe flux has continued long, take of mastick two drains olibani tinct. de careble, of each one dram, balanstium one scruple, make a powder ; with syrup of quinces make it into pills, and take always before meats. Section IV. Of Terms coming out of Order either before or after the usual Time. Both these shew an ill constitution of body. Every thing is beautiful in its order, in nature as well as in mo- rality, and ifthe order of nature be broke, it shews the bo- dy to be out of ordec* Of each of these effects briefly. When the monthly courses come before their time it EXPER 1ENCED MIDWIFE. 20T shews a depraved excretion that comes for the time often flowing sometimes twice a month. The ca^ta why they come sooner is in the blood which stirs up the expulsive faculty in the womb, or sometimes in the whole bodja caus- ed oftentimes by the person's diet, which increaseth the blood too much, makes it too sharp or too hot, and ifthe retentive faculty of the womb be weak, and the expulsive faculty strong, and of a quick sense, it brings them forth the sooner, and flow sooner by reason of a fall or stroke, or some violent passion which the parties themselves can best relate. If it be from heat, thin and sharp humors, it is , known by the distemper ofthe whole body. The loose- ness ofthe vessels, and weakness ofthe retentive faculty, is known from a moist and loose habit ofthe body. It is more troublesome than dangerous but hinders conception and therefore the cure is necesary for all, but.especially such as desire children. If it proceeds from a sharp blood let her temper it by a good diet and medicines, for which purpose let her use baths of iron water that correct the dis- temper of the bowels, and then, evacuate. If it proceeds from the retentive faculty, and looseness ofthe vessels, it is to be corrected with gentle astringents. As to the courses flowing, after the usual time, the causes are thickness ofthe blood and the smallness of its quantity with the straitness of the passage and weakness of the faeculty either of these single, may stop the courses, but if they all concur they render the distemper the worse. Ifthe blood abounds not in such a quantity as may stir up nature to expel it, its purging must necessarily be deferred till there be enough, And ifthe blood be thick, the pas- sage stopped and the faculty weak, the menses must needs be out of order, and the purging of them retarded. For the cure of this, if the quantity of blood be small, let her use a larger diet and very little exercise. Ifthe blood be thick and fiVil, let it be made thin, and the hu- mors mixed therewith be evacuated. It is good to purge after the courses have done flowing, and to use calamints ; and indeed the oftener she purge the better. She may also use fume and pessaries, applying cupping glasses without scarification to the inside ofthe thighs, and rub the legs and scarify the ancles, and hold the feet in warm water four or five days before the courses come down. Let her -also anoint the bottom of her belly with things proper to provoke the terms. 208 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. Section V. 4 Of the false courses or Whites. The iwhites or false courses are a foul excretion from the womb, for from the womb proceeds not only the men- struous blood, but accidentally many other excrements, which is a dilation of a variety of corrupt humors through the womb, flowing from the whole body, or part of the same : which, though called the whites, are sometimes blue or green, or reddish, not flowing at a set time, or every month, but in a disordeily manner, sometimes longer ai d :«emcti.ines shorter. It is different from the running of the r*-ins, both less in quantity and whiter and thicker in quali- ty, and coming at a great distance ; it is different also from those night pollutions, which are only in sleep, and do proceed from the imagination of venery. The cause of this distemper, is either promiscuously in the whole body, by a cacochymia, or weakness of the same ; or in some of the parts, as in the liver, which by the ina- bility ofthe sanguificative faculty, causeth a generation of corrupt blood, and then the matter is reddish. Sometimes in the gall being remiss in its office, not drawing those cho- leric superfluities which are engendered in the liver, and then the matter is yellow ; sometimes in the spleen, not defeating and cleansing the blood of the excrementitious parts, and then the matter flowing forth is blackish. Its may also come from catarrhs in the head, or from any oth- er putrefied or corrupt member. But ifthe matter of the flux be white, the case is either in the stomach or reins. In the stomach by a phlegmatical and crude matter there con- tracted and vitiated through grief, melancholy, and other distempers ; for otherwise, ifthe matter were onlypitui- tous, and no ways corrupt or vitiated, being taken into the liver, it might be converted into blood, for phlegm, in the ventricle is called nourishment hajf digested ; being cor- rupted, although it be sent into the liver, it cannot correct that which the first hath corrupted, and therefore the liver A sends it to the womb, which can neither digest it nor re- pel it and so it is voided out still keeping the color which it had in the ventricle. The cause also may be in the veins, being over heated whereby the spermatical matter, by rea- son of its tenuity, flows forth. The external cause may be the moistness ofthe air, eating corrupt meats, anger, grief slothiuiuess, immoderatesleeping,, and costivenesg. EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. 20!) The signs are extenuation of body, shortness and stink- ing breath, loathing of meat, pain in the head, swelling of the eyes, melancholy humidity, flovvings from the womb, of divers colors, as redish, black, green yellow white , it is known from the overflowing ofthe courses, in that it keeps no certain period andisofso many colors, all which do degenerate from blood. For the cure of this, it must be by methods adapted to the case ; and as the causes are various," so must be the cures. If it be caused by' the distillation from the brain, takev syrup of betony, steechas and marjoram, purge with pil- loch ; make napalie of the juice of sage, hysop betony, negelta, with one drop of oil of cloves, and a little silk cot- ton. Take elect, dianth aromat rosar, diambre, diamos- chi dulcis of each one dram, nutmegs half a dram at night going to bed. If the matter flowing forth be reddish open a vein in the arm if not apply ligatures to the arms and shoulders. Some have cured this distemper by rubbing the upper parts with crude honey; and so Galen says he cured the wife of Boetius. If it proceeds from crudities in the stomach, or from a cold distempered liver, take every morning of the decoc- tion of lignum sanctum ; purge with pill deagaric, de har- modact, de hiera dyacolcocynthid foetida. Take of elect. aromot ros two drams, citron'peels dried, nutmeg, long pepper of each one scruple, diagalinga one dram, fantah albia, lign aloes, of each half a scruphe, sugar six ounces, with mint water make lozenges of it, and then take it af- ter meals. If with frigidity of the liver be joined a repression of the stomach purging by vomiting is commemdable ; for which take 3drams ofthe electuary of diarus Some physicians also allow ofthe diu.etical means, of opium, petrosolium, &c. If the matter of the disease be melancholias prepare with syrup of maiden hair, ephithimum, polipody, burrage bug- loss, fumetory heart's, and syrup by santium, whieh must be made without vinegar, otherwise it will rather animate the disease, than strengthen nature, for melancholy is in- creased by the use of vinegar ; and by Hippocrates, Silvius and Aventinus, it is disallpwed of as an enemy to the womb and therefore not to be used in uterine diseases. Purges of melancholy are Piluke eumartce pihiloe IndicE-- 18* 210 EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE. piluliB de lap. Lazuli diosena, and confectiou fiamech. Take stampt prunes two ounces senna one dram, epithi- mum pollypody ; fumetory of each a dram and a half sour dates one ounce with endine water make a decoction, tak# of it four ounces, add unto it confections hamech three drams, mana three drams, or pilldlce indatum, phil, sieti- darum agarici trochiscati of each one scruple, lapidiz, lazuti five grains, with syrup of erinthimum make pills and fake one every week. If the matter ofthe flux be choleric, prepare with syrup of endive violets succouy roses, and purge with mirabolans manna rheubarh cassia ; take of rheubarb two drams, an- nis seed one dram, cinnamon a scruple and a half, infuse fhem in six ounces of prune broth ; add to the strainiug of manna an ounce, and take it according to- art. Take spi- cierum discriontasod diatragacant frig diarhod. Abbatis diaconh of each one dram, sugar four ounces, with plan- tain water make lozenges. Lastly, let the womb be cleansed from the corrupt mat- ter, and then corroborated, and for the cleansing thereof, make injections of the decoction of betony, featherfew, mugwort spikenard bistort mercury sage adding thereto sugar oil of sweet almonds, of each two ounces ; then to corroborate the womb, prepare troehisks in this manner ; Take of myrrh featherfew mugwort nutmegs mace amber ligni aloes storax red roses of each on ounce, with mucil- *lage of tragacanth make trochisks cast them on the coals and' smother the womb therewith. Fomentation may be also made for the womb of red wine, in which has been de- cocted mastic, fine bole balutia red roses. Drying diet is best because this distemper usually abounds, with phleg- matic and crude humors. Immoderate sleep is hurtful, but moderate exeicise will do well. Thus I have gone through the principal diseases peculiar to the female sex, and prescribed for each of them such remedies, as with the divine blessing will cure their dis- tempers,, confirm their health, and remove all those ob- structions, which might otherwise prevent their bearing children. And I have brought it into so narrow a compas* that it might be of the more general use, being willing to put it into every one's power, that has occasion for it, tt> imrchate tlv.s rich treasure at an easy rate. ARISTOTLE'S BOOK OF PROBLEMS. WITH OTHER ASTRONOMERS, I PHILOSOPHERS. ASTROLOGERS. | PHYSICIANS, &c. WHEREIN ARE CONTAINED DIVERS QUESTIONS ANO ANSWERS TOUCHING THE STATE OP MAN'S BODY, TOGETHER WITH THE REASON OP DIVERS WONDERS IN THE CREATION: THE GENERATION OF BIRDS, BEASTS, FISHES. AND IN. SECTS ; AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS ON THE MOST WEIGHTY MATTERS, BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER. TO THE READER. READER, i THESE PROBLEMS having been printed very •ften, and finding so general an acceptance, divers books have been hoisted into the world under the name of Aris- totle, so that many people have bought them, thinking they had the right sort, by which the public has been injured, as well as the proprietors. The matter it contains* is necessary for all people te know, and, as man is said to be a microcosm, or little world, and in him the Almighty hath imprinted his own image so lively, that no power whatsoever is able to blot it out; so his image and similitude is the soul and under- TO THE READER. standing. And notwithstanding all the perfections which man* hath in himself, few or none take delight in such studys, or is careful to know the substance, state, condition, quali- ty, or use of the parts of his own body, although he be the honor of nature, and more to be admired than the rarest wonder that ever happened. I have therefore published this little book written by Asistotle,tIie deepest philosopher of his age who taught the use of all parts of the body, their nature, quality, property, and substance, and question not but it will aflord both innocent, necessary and useful knowl- edge, and profitable to both sexes. ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. Among all living creatures, Why hath man only countenance lifted up towards heaven ? tfnto this question there are divers answers. 1st. It proceeds from the will of the Creator. And although the answer be true, yet it seemeth not to be of force, because that so all questions might be easily rfc- •olved. 2dly. I answer, that for the most part, every workmau doth make his first Work worse, and then his second better so God created all beasts before man, gave them their face looking down on the earth,& then he created man as it doth appear in Genesis, urtto Whom he gave an upright shape lifted into heaven because it is drawn from divinity but this derogates from the goodness of God who maketh all his works perfect and good. 3dly. It is answered that man only among all living creatures is ordained to heaven and therefore hath his faee elevated and lifted up to heaven because that'despising worldly and earthly things he ought to contemplate on heavenly thing',. 4thly. That the reasonable soul is like unto angels and finally ordained to enjoy God as appers by Averro's de am- tna and therefore he hath a figure looking upwards. 5thly. That man is a microcosm that is a little world as Aristotle saith and therefore he doth command all other living creatures aad they obey him. 6thly. It answered that naturally there is given unto ev- 'erythihg and every work that form and figure which is fit and proper for its motion, As unto heaven roundness to the fire a pyramidical form that is broad beneath and sharp towards the top which form is most apt to ascend. And so man has his face up to heaven to behold the wonders of God's works. Why is the head of beasts hairy ? Tba daswer according to the opinion ttt Cortst. is that 214 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. the hairs are the ornament ofthe head and «of the brain and the brain is purged and evacuated of gross humors by the growing of the hair from the highest unto the lowest parts which pass through the pores of the exterior flesh and do become dry and are converted into hairs. This ap- pears to be true, because that in all the body of mau there is nothing drier than the hairs ; for they are drier than bones as Albetus Magnus doth affirm because that some beasts are nourished with bones but no beast cm digest feathers or hair but do void them undigested ; they being too hot for nutriment. 2dly. It is answered that the brain is purged 4 manner of ways ; of superfluous watery humors by the eyes from melan- choly by the ears of choler by the nose and of phlegm by the hair and that is the intent of the physician. Why have men longer hair on their beads than other living creatures 1 Arist. degenerat anim. say men have the moistest brain of all living creatures from which the seed proceedeth which is converted into the long hair of the head. 2dly. It is answrered, that the humors of man are fat do not become easily dry and therefore the hair groweth longer in man than in beasts whose humors easilv dry. Why doth the hair take deeper root in man's skin than in any other living creature 1 Becaase they have greater store of nourishment in man, and therefore grow more into the inward parts of man.— And this is also the reason why in other creatures the hair doth alter and change with the skin and not in man unless it.be sometimes a scar or wound. Why have women loneer hair than men 1 1st. Because women are moister than men and phleg- matic, and therefore there is more matter of hair in them ; and furthermore this matter is more increased in women than in men from their interior parts and especially in the time of their monthly terms because the matter doth not ascend whereby the humor which breedeth the hair doth increase. And Albertus says that if the hair of a wo- man in the time of their flowers be put into dung a veno- mous serpent is engendered of it. 2dly. Because women want beards and the matter of the beard doth go into the matter ofthe hair. Why have some men soft hair and some hard. We answer with Aristotle that the hair hath proportion with the skin, of which some is hard, some thick and gross. ARISTOTLE'S" PROBLEMS. Z15 some subtil and soft ; therefore the hair which groweth out of a thick and gross skin is thick and gross and that which groweth out of a subtil and soft skin is fine and soft. When the pores are open much humor comcth forth which en^n- ders hard hair ; but when the pores are strait then theie groweth soft and fine hair. Aristotle shews that women have softer hair than men because their pores aie more shut and strait by reason of their coldness. Of the Head. Why is man's head round ? Because it is most fit to receive any thing into it as Aristotle doth affirm Lib. de cos and the head doth contain in it five senses. This is also seen in a material sphere. Why is the head round ? Aristotles saith because it doth contain in it the moistest part of the living creatures and also because the brain may be defended thereby as with a shield. Why is the head absolutely long bu{ somewhat round ? To the end the three creeks and cells of the brain might the better be destinguished ; that is the fancy in the fore- head the discoursing or reasonable part in the middle and memory in the hindermost part. Why doth a man lift up his head towards the heavens when he doth imagine ? Because the imagination is in the fore part ofthe head or brain and therefore it lifteth up itself that the creeks or cells of the imagination may be opened, and that the spir- its which help the imagination, are fit for that purpose having their conriourse thither may help the imagination. Why doth a man when he museth or thinketh on things past look down towards the earth. Because the cell or creek which is behind is the creek or chamber of memory and therefore that looaeih towards heaven when the head is bowed down ; and so that cell is open to the end that the spirits which perfect the memory should enter in. Why is not the head fleshy like unto the other parts of the body ? Because that accordmg to Aristotle the head would le too heavy and would not stand stedfastly ; and therefore it is without flesh. Also a head loaded with flesh doth beto- ken an evil complexion. Why is the head subject to aches and griefs ? According to Constant, by reason or evil humors which 216 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. proceed from the stomach, ascend up to the head and dis- turb the brain and so cause the pain in the head. And sometimes it proceeds from overmuch filling the stomach because according to the opinion of Galen two great sinews pass from the brain to the mouth ofthe stomach and there- fore these two parts do suffer grief always together. Some- times the ache doth proceed of drinking strong wine of fu- ming meats as garlic or onions and sometimes of phlegm in the stomach whereof spring quotidian fevers. Why have women the headache more than men 1 Albertus saith it is by reason of their monthly terms which men are not troubled with and so a moist unclean and venomous fume is dissolved the which seeking pas- sage upward doth cause the headache. Why is the brain white ? There are two answers ; the first because it is cold and coldness is the mother of white ; the philosophers do teach the second because it may receive the similitude and like- ness of all colors which the white color ean best do be- cause it is most simple. Why are all the senses in the head ? Because as Albertus saith the brain is there on which all the senses do depend and are directed by it and by conse- quence it maketh all the spirits to feel and by it all the membranes are governed. Why cannot a man escape death if the brain or heart be hurt ? Because the heart and brain are two of the most princi- pal parts which concern life ; therefore vf they be hurt there is no remedy left for the cure. ^ Why is the brain moist ? Because it may easily receive an impression which moist- ure can best do, as it appeareth in wax, which doth easily receive the print of the seal when it is soft. Why is the brain cold ? This is answered two ways ; first because that by this coldness it may clear the understanding of a man, and make it subtil. Secondly, that by the coldness ofthe brain, the heat ofthe heart may be tempered. Ofthe Eyes. Why have you but one nose and two eyes 1 Because our light is more necessary for us than the smell- ing. And therefore it doth proceed from the goodness of nature that if we receive any hurt or loss of one eye, that ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. yet there should one remain ; unto which the spirit with which we see, called Spiritus Visus is directed when the other is out. Why nave children in their youth great eyes, and why do they become smaller and lesser in their age 1 According to Aristotle de general. It proceedeth from the want of fire and from the assembling and meeting to- gether of light and humor ; the eyes are lightened by rea- son of the sun, which doth lighten the easy humor of the eye, and purge it, and in the absence of the sun those hu- mors become dark and black, and therefore the sight is not so good. Why doth the bluish grey eye see badly in the day time and well in the night 1 Because saith Aristotle, greyness is light and shining of itself, and the spirits with which we see are weakened in the day time, and strengthen in the night. Why are men who have but one eye good archers ; and why do good archers commonly shut one eye ; and why do such as behold stars look through a trunk with one eye. This matter is handled in the perspective arts and the rea- son is as it doth appear in the book of Causes, because that every virtue and strength united knit together, is stronger than itself dispersed and scattered. Therefore all the force of seeing dispersed in two eyes, the one being shut is gath- ered into the»other, and so the light is fortified in him, and by consequence he doth see better and more certainly with one eye being shut than both open. Why is the sight recreated and refreshed by a green co- lor as this verse sheweth. Fens speculum gramen oculis sunt aleviamen. Because the green color doth meanly move the instru- ment of sight, and therefore doth comfort the sight ; bit this doth not black nor white colors, because the colors do vehemently stir and alter the organ and instrument ofthe light, and therefore make the greater violence, but by how much more violent the thing is which'is felt or seen, the more it doth destroy and weaken the sense, as Aristotle doth teach. Lib 2 de animal. Oj the rfose. Why doth the nose stand out further than other parts of the body. There are two answers ; the first, becanse the nose is ns 19 218 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. it were the sink of the brain, by which the phlegm of the brain is purged, and therefore it doth stand forth, lest the other parts should be defiled ; the second (according to Constant.) is because the nose is the beauty of the face and therefore it doth shew itself and shine. It doth smell also and adorn the face, as Boetus saith, de descrip schol. Why liathmanthe worst smell of all living creatures as, it both appear, Lib. de animal, Because the man, as the commentator saith, in respect to this quality, hath the most brain of all creatures ; and therefore by that exceeding coldness and moistness the brain wanleth a good disposition, and by consequence the smelling instrument is not good, as Aristotle and Themis- tocles do teach ; yea, some men there be, who do not smell at alb Why do men sneeze. Because that the expulsive virtue of power and the sight should thereby be purged, and the brain also from super- fluities, because that as the lungs are purged by coughing, so is the sight and brain by sneezing. And those who sneeze often are said to have a strong brain ; and there- fore the physicians give sneezing medicants to purge the brain, and such sick persons as cannot sneeze die quickly, because it is a sign their brain is wholly stuffed with evil humors, which cannot be purged. Why do such as are apoplectic not sneeze ; that is, such as are subject to bleed. Because the passages or ventricles of the brain are stop- ped in them ; and if they could sneeze, their apoplexy would be loosed. Why doth the heat ofthe sun provoke sneezing and not the heat of the fire. Because the heat of the sun doth dissolve and not con- sume ; and therefore the vapor dissolved is expelled by sneezing ; but the heat ofthe fire doth dissolve and con- sume, and therefore rather doth hinder sneezing than pro- voke. Ofthe Mouth. Why hath the mouth lips to compass it. According to Const, because the lips do cover and defend the teeth, it were unseemingly that the teeth should always1 be seen. Another answer is, that the teeth are of a cold nature, and would therefore be soon hurt, if they were not ARISTOTLE S PROBLEMS. 219 covered with lips. Another moral reason is, because a man should not be too hasty of speech. Why hath a man two eyes, two ears, and but one mouth Because a man should speak but little, and hear and see much. And withal, Aristotle doth say that the hearing and the sight doth shew us the difference of many things ; and Seneca doth agree unto this, affirming that nature environ- ed the tongue with a double cloister, and teeth^ and lips, and has made the ears open and wide, and has given us but one mouth to speak but little, though we hearCmuch. Why hath a man a mouth. For many commodities : 1. Because the mouth is the gate and door of the stomach. 2. Because the meat is chewed in the mouth, and prepared and made ready for the first digestion, although Avicen doth hold that digestion is made in the mouth. 3. Because that the air drawn into the hollow ofthe mouth for the refreshing of the heart is made more pure and more subtle, And for many other causes'which hereafter shall appear. Why are the lips moveable. Because of forming the voice and words, which cannot be perfectly done without them. For as without a, b, c. there is no writing, so without the' lips no voice can be well formed. Why do men gape. The gloss upon the last part of Hippocrates' Aphorisms saith, that it proceeds of wearisomness, as when a man sit- ting among such as he doth not know whose company he would willingly be rid of. Besides, gaping is caused of the thick fume and vapors which fill the jaws, by the expulsion of which is caused the stretching out and expulsion of the jaws, and opening of the mouth, which is called gaping. Why doth a man gape when he seeth another gape. This proceedeth of imagination. And this is proved by a similitude, for an ass is an animal void of sense, by reason ' of his melancholy, because he doth retain his superfluity a long time, and would neither eat nor piss, unless be should hear another ; and so a man gapes through imagination when another man doth gape. Ofthe Teeth. Why have they only, among all other bones, the sense of fpeling 1 Because as Avicen and.Galen say. they discern heat and 220 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. cold which hurt them, which other bones need not. Why have men more teeth than women ? By reason ofthe abundance of heat and blood, which is more in men than in women. Why doth the teeth grow to the end of our life, and not the other bones ? Because otherwise they would be consumed with chew- ing and grinding. Why do the teeth only come again When they fall, or be taken out, and other bones taken away grow no more. Because that according to Aristotle, all other bones are engendered of the humidity wdiich is called radical, and so they breed in the womb ofthe mother, but the teeth are en- gendered of nutrive humidity, which is renewed and increas- ed from day to day. Why are the fore teeth sharp and the cheek teeth broad T This proceedeth ofthe defect of matter, and ofthe fig- n"p, because the fore teeth are sharp, and the others broad. But nccording to Aristotle, there is another answer ; that i < that, it is the office ofthe fore teeth to cut the meat, and therefore they are sharp ; and the office ofthe other to ediew the meat, and therefore they are broad in fashion, which is fit for that purpose. ♦Vhy do tlie fore teeth grow soonest ? V.i. ■-.nuse we want them sooner in cutting than the other in chewing. v"hy do teeth of human creatufes grow black in old age 1 This proceedeth of the corruption ofmeatandthe cor- ruption of phlegm and a naughty choleric humor. Why are colt's teeth yellow and of the color of saffron when they are young and grow white when they are old ; Aristotle saith that a horse hath abundance of watery humors in him, which in his youth are digested and con- verted into grossness ; bu* in old age heat is diminished and the watery humors remain whose proper color is white. Why did nature give living creatures teeth. Aristotle saith (Lib. de general. Animal) to some to fight with, for the defence of their lives as unto wolves and bears unto some to eat with, as unto horses ; unto some for the forming of their voice, as unto men, as it appeareth by the commentary in the book de Ani mat. Ofthe Tongue. Why is the tongue full of pores. According to Aristotle de Animal. Because the tongue ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEM.*. 221 is the means whereby we taste ; and through the mouth in the pores ofthe tongue the taste doth come into the sense of tasting. Otherwise, it is answered, that frothy spittle is sent into the mouth by the tongue from the lungs,moistening the meat, and making it ready for the first digestion ; and therefore the tongue is full of pores, because many have passage through it. Why doth the tongue of such as are sick of agues, judge all things bitter. Because the stomach of such persons is filled with cho- ic humors, and choler is very bitter, as it appeareth by th • gall, and therefore this bitter fume doth infect their tongue ; and so the tongue being full of these tastes, doth judge them better, although the fault be not in the meat. Why both the tongue water when we hear sour and sharp things named. Because the imaginative virtue or power is of greater force than the power and faculty of tasting ; and when we imagine a taste, we conceive it by the power of tasting as by a mean, because there is nothing felt by the taste ; but by means of that spittle the tongue doth water. ; Why do some stammer and lisp. This happeneth from many causes, sometimes through the moistness ofthe tongue and brain, as in children which cannot speak plainly, nor pronounce many letters. Some- times it happeneth by reason of the shrinking of certain sinews, which are corrupted with phlegm ; for such sinews «. there be which go to the tongue. Why are tongues of serpents and mad dogs venomus. Because of the malignity and tumosity of the veno- mous humor which doth predominate in them. Why is a clog's tongue fit and apt for medicine and con- trary wise an horses tongue pestiferous. , It is by reason of'some secret property, or else it may be said the tongue of a dog is full of pores, and so doth draw and take away the vicossity ofthe wound. Some say that a dog bath by nature some tumor in his tongue, with the which bv licking he doth heal; the contrary is in a horse Why is the spittle white. By reason ofthe continual moving ofthe tongue, where- of heat is engendered, which makes this superfluity white as is seen in the froth of water. Why is the spittle unsavory and without taste If it had a certain determinate taste, then the tongue. 19* f>0-» ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. would not taste at all, but would have only the taste of spittle, and so could not receive other taste*. Why doth the spittle of one that is fasting heal an im- postlaune. Because, according to Avicin, it is well digested and made subtile. Why do some abound in spittle more than others. This proceedeth of a phlegmatic Complexion which doth predominate in them, and therefore the physicians say that such should take care of a quotidian ague, which ariseth from the predominancy of phlegm. • The contrary is in those-that spit because heat abounds in them, which consumes the humidity of the spittle ; and so the defect of spittle is a sign of a fever. Why is the spittle of a man that is fasting more subtle than one who is full. Because the spittle is without the viscosity of meat, which is wont to make the spittle of one who is full gross Se thick From whence, proceedeth the spittle of a man. From the froth ofthe lungs, which according to physic- ians are the seat of phlegm. W hy are such beasts as often go together for generation rery full of foam and froth. Because thatthen the lights and the heart are in great motion of lust, therefore there is engendered inrthem much frothy matter. Why have not birds spittle ! Because they have very dry lungs, according to Aristot- tle in his fifth book de Animal. Why do such as are called Epileptic, that is such as are overwhelmed and as it were drowned in their own blood ;i are diseased savor badly and corruptly. The answer according to physicians is^ because the pc- cant matter lieth in the head; but* if he do vomit, then the matter is in the stomach : but if he piss much, then t'ie matter is in the passage of the urine; but if he begin fi have seed, then it is in the vessels of the seed, and ac- cording to the physicians do purge them. Why doth the tongue lose sometimes the use of speak- ing. The answer is out of Hippocrates. That this doth hap- pen through a palsey or apoplexy, that is a sudden effusion o" blood and of a gross humor, and sometimes also by in- fection of 'prrifys animaNs in the middle ofthe brain, which ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. 223 hinders the spirits from being carried to the tongue. And so is Galen's meaning for by the expression ofthe tongue, many actions of divers persons are made manifest, Ofthe Roof of the Mouth. Why are fruits before they are ripe, of a naughty relish or bitter and after sweet. A naughty relish in taste proceedeth of coldness and want of heat in gross and thick humidity; but a sweet taste proceedeth of sufficient hedt, and therefore in the ripe fruit humidity is subtle through heat of the sun, and such fruits are commonly sweet ; but before they be ripe, and humidity is gross or subtle for want of h*at, the fruit is bitter and sour. Why are we better delighted with sweet tastes than with bitter, or any other. Because nature is delighted with sweetness ; the reason because a sweet thing is hot and moist; and through the heat doth dissolve and consume superfluous humidities, aRd by this humidity, immundicityis washed away, but a sharp eager taste, by reason of the cold which predominates in it doth bind overmuch, and prick and offend the parts of the body in purging, and therefore we do not delight in that taste because the physicians counsel us to eat noth- ing that is bitter in the summer nor in a great heat; and the reason is, because bitterness doth breed heat ; but wre should eat bitter things in winter only ; and therefore Aritstotle doth say. t-at sweet things are grateful unto na- ture, and do gently nourish. Why doth a sharp taste as of vinegar provoke appetite, rather than any other. Because it "is cold and doth cool. Now it is the nature of cold to desire and draw, and therefore is cause of ap- petite. Mark, that there are nine kinds of tastes, three of which proceed from heat, three from cold, and three from a temperate mean. Why do we draw in more air than we breathe out. Aristotle and Albertus in his book De Molu Cordis, do answer that much air is drawn in, and so converted into nutriment, which together with the vital spirits is contained in the lungs. Wherefore a beast is not suffocated so long as he receives air with the lungs, in which some part of the air remaineth also. Why doth the air seem to be expelled and put forth see- 224 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. ing that indeed the air is invisible, by reasou of its variety and thinness. Because the air which is received in us is mingled with va- pors and fumosity of the heart by reason whereof it is made thick, and is seen, and this is proved by experience because that in winter, we see our breath for the coldness of air doth bind the breath mixed with fumosities, and so it is thickened and made gross, and by consequence is seen. Why have some stinking breath. The reason is according to the physicians, because there rise evil fumes from the stomach ; and sometimes it doth proceed from the corruption of the airy parts ofthe body, as ofthe lungs. And the breath ofthe lepers is so infect- ed, that it doth poison the birds that are very near them, because the inward parts are very corrupt, as ap- pears hy Const de sin. Now the leprosy is a nourishment of all the parts of the body, together with a corrrupting of them ; and it doth begin in the blood and exterior members of the body. Why are lepers hoarse. Because that in them the instruments vocal are corrupt- ed, that is the lights. Why do men become hoarse. Because of the rheum descending from the brain filling the conduit of the lights, or sometimes through some im- posthumus ofthe throat, or rheum gathering in the neck, Why have females of all living creatures, the shrillest voice, a crovv only excepted, and a woman shriller than a man, and a smaller. According to Aristotle, by reason of the composition of the veins, the vocal arteries of voice is formed, as appears by a similitude, because a small pipe sounds shriller than a great. And also in women, because the passage where the voice is formed, is made narrow and straight, by reason of cold, it being the nature1 of cold to bind ; but in men the passage is open and wider through heat, beeanse it is the property of heat lo open and dissolve. It proceedeth in women through the moistness of the lungs and weakness ofthe heat. Young men and diseased have sharp-nnd shrill voices for the same cause. And this is the natural cause why a man child at his birth doth cry a, j, which is a bigger sound, and the female e, which is a slender sound; Why doth the voice change in men and women ; in men at 14, in women at 12, in men when they begin to yield ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. 225 their seed ; in women when their breasts begin to grow. Because then saith Aristotle, the beginning of the voice is slackened and loosened ; and he proves this by a simili- tude of a strin^ of an instrument let clown or loosed which wives a great sound. He proves it another way, because. creatures that are gelded, as eunuchs, capons, &c. have faster and more slender voices than others, by reason they want stones. , Why do small birds sing more and louder than great ones, as appears in the lark and nightingale. Because the spirits of small birds are subtle and soft, and the organ conduit, straight, as appeareth in a pipe, and therefore follow easily any note, and sing very soft. Why doth the male sing more than the female, as ap- peareth in all living creatures. It proceedeth from the desire of carnal eopulation be- cause that then spirits are moved throughout all the body with the aforesaid appetites and desires. And generally speaking, the females are colder than the males. Why do bees, wasps, flies, locusts, and many othersuch like insects, make a noise, seeing they have no lungs, nor instruments of the voice. According to Aristotle, there is in them a certain small skin, which, when the air doth strike, it causeth the sound, Why do not fish make a sound. Because they have no lungs, but only gills, nor yet a heart ; therefore they need not the drawing in of the air, and by consequence they make no noise, because that a vocaHs a percussion ofthe air which is drawn. Of the Neck Why hath a living creature a neck. Because the neck is the supporter of the head, and there fore the neck is the middle between the head and the body to the intent that by it, and by its sinews, as by certain means and ways, motion and sense ofthe body might be conveyed throughout all the body ; and that by means of the neck, as it were by a distance, the heart, which is very hot, might be separated from the brain. Why do some beasts want necks, as serpents and fishes. Because such beasts want a heart, and therefore they want that distance which we have spoken of, or else we an- swer, they have a neck in some inward part of them, but it. is not distinguished outwardly from the heart to the head- 226 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. Why is the neck full of hones and joints. Beeause it may bear and sustain the head the stronger, also before the backbone is joined to the brain in the neck, and from thence it receives marrow, whiab is of the s::l>- stance ofthe brain. Why have some beasts long necks, as cranes, storks, and such like. Because such beasts do seek their living in the bottom ofthe water : and some beasts have short necks, as spar- rows, hawks, Sec. because such are ravenous beasts, and therefore for strength have short necks, ;is appeareth in the ox, which has a short neck, and is therefore strong. "V^hy is the neck hollow, and especially before and about the tongue. Because there is two passages, whereof the one doth carry the meat into the nutritive instruments to the stom- ach and liver, and is called of the Greek Oesaphagus Why is the artery made with rings and circles. The better to bow, and give a sounding again. Why doth a chicken move a good space after his head is cut off, and a man beheaded never stirreth. Because a chicken and such like, have straight sinews and arteries the spirit of moving continueth long after the head is cut off; but men and many beasts have long and large sinews and arteries, and therefore the motive spirits do quickly^depart from them, and so by consequence can- not move their bodies. Of the slioulders and arms. Why hath a man shoulders and arms 1 To give and carry burdens, and do any manner of work. Why are his arms round. For the swifter and speedier work, because that figure is fitest to move. Why are his arms thick ; Becanse they should be strong to lift and bear burdens, or thrust and give a strong hlow ; so their bones are thick, because they contain much marrow, for else they would be easily corrupted and marred ; but marrow cannot so well be contained in small bones as in great. Why do such as are diseased and in grief uncover and cover their arms, and such also as are in agony ; Because such are near unto death ; and it is a sign of death, by rea$oa of great grief, whicb causeth that uweav ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. oo7 ering, as Hippocrates cloth teach lib. Prognost. Why do the arms become small and slender in some sick- ness, as in madmen and such as are sick of the dropsy ; Because all the parts of the body do suffer the one with the other, and therefore one member being in grief all the humors do concur and run thither to give succor and help to the aforesaid grief. For when the head doth ache, all the humors of the arm doth run into the head, and there- fore the arms become small and slender, because they want their proper nutriment. Why have brute beasts no arms ; The fore feet are instead of arms, and in their place, or else we may answer more fitly,1 because all beasts have some parts for their defence, and to fight with as the wolf his teeth, the cow her horns, the horse his hinder feet, birds their beak and wings, but only man hath his arms. Ofthe Hands. For what use hath a man his hands, and an ape also which is like unto a man ; The hand is an instrument which a man doth especially make use of, because many things are done by the hands, and not byany other part. Why a^Rome men ambo dexter, i. e. using the left hand as the right ? ^t By reasoio-of the great heat of the heart; for that makes a man as nimfile of the left hand as ofthe rig^Band with- out doubt are of good complexions. t| Why are not women ambo dexter as well as if en ? Because as Galen saith, a woman in health tliat is most hot, is colder than the coldest man in health. I say, in health, for if she have an ague she is accidentally hotter than a man. f| .jgfc ^ Why are the fingers fu'l of joints 1 W To be more fit and apt to receive and keep the things re- ceived. Why have every finger three joints, and the thumb but two 1 The thumb hath three, but the third is joined unto the arm, therefore it is stronger than the other fingers. Why are the fingers of the right hand nimbler than the fingers ofthe left, as Agideus saith ? ft proceedth from the heat Vhich doth predominate in those parts, which causeth great agility. 228 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. Why are the fingers thicker before meat than after, as Albertus saith 1 Because a man who is fasting, is full of bad humors, which puff up the parts ofthe body, and fingers also ; but when the humors are expelled through meat, the fingers become more slender. And for the same reason, a man who is fasting, is heavier than when he hath meat in his belly, as is most plain in fasters. Another reason may be given, because that after the meat the heat is departed from the outward parts ofthe body into the inward to help digestion, and the outward and the external parts become slender ; but alter digestion is made, the blood turneth again to the exterior parts, and then they become great again. Why are seime great again. Because the heart seneleth out heat into the right side but more into the left, and doth also work a slenderness and subtility on the left side, Of the Nails. From whence do nails proceed 1 Ofthe fumosity and humors which are resolved and go into the excrements of the fingers and they are dried thro' the power of the external air,and brought to the hardness of a horn. ^4fe Why do the nails of old men grow blac^B P*'e • Becauscyjjfe heat ofthe heart decayetli^HsSfe decaying their beauty aecayeth also. ^P^ Why aripSWfien judged to be of good or evil complexion by the color^f the nails ; Because they give witness ofthe goodness or badness of the hear$ and therefore ofthe complexion ; for,, if theybe somewhat red, they betoken choler well tempered ; but if they be yellow^^ or blaA. they signify melancholy. Mfhy do wl^JEespots appear in the nails ; Through mixture of a phlegm with the nutriment, Ofthe Breast. For what reason is the breast hollow. Because there is the seat ofthe spiritual and a?rial mem- bres which are most noble, as the heart and lights ; and therefore hecause these might be kept from hurt, it was ne- cessary that the breasts should be hollow. M7hy hath man the broadest breast of all living creatures Because the spirits in men are weak and subtle, and ARISTOTLE S PROBLEMS. 229 therefore do require a spacious place wherein they are Con- tained, as the breast is. IVhy are the breasts of beasts round. Because they are in continual motion. Why have women narrower breasts than men. Because there is more heat in men, which doth naturally move to the uppermost part of them, making those parts great and large, and therefore a great breast is a token of courage, as in the lion and bull , but in women cold pre- dominates, which naturally tends downwards, and there- fore women often fall on their backside, because the bin- der parts are gross and heavy, by reason of cold ascending thither ; but a man commonly falls on his breast, by reason of its greatness and thickness. Of the Paps and Dugs. Why are paps placed upon the breasts. Because the breast is the seat of the heart, which is most hot, and therofore the paps grow there, to the end that the menses being conveyed thither, as being near to the heat ofthe heart, should the sooner be digested, and converted into the matter and substance of milk. IVhy are the paps below the breast in beasts and above the breasUj^vomen. BecauM ■pman goes upright, and has two legs only, and there! Bmer paps should be below hcJttureasts, tiiev would hmeMrher going, but beasts have^» feet, and therefore they are not hindered in their going^ Hhy have not men as great breasts and papsjp women. Because a man hath no monthly terms, andmherei'oi e hath no vessel deputed for them. Which paps are best for children to suck, great or little ones, or the mean between them both. In great ones the heat is dispersed, and there is no good digestion of milk ; but in small ones the power and force is "strong, because a virtue united is strongest, and by con- sequence there is good working and digestion of the milk, and therefore, the small are better than the great ones, but yet the mean ones are best of all, because every mean is best. , . . TFliv do the paps of young women begin to grow about 13 or lo years of age, as Albertus saith. Because then the flowers have no course to the teats by which the young one is nourished ,but follow the it or diua- °20 230 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. ry course, and therefore wax soft. IFliy hath a woman who is with child of a boy, the right pap harder than the left Because the male child is conceived in the right side of the mother, and therefore the flowers do run to the right pap, and make it hard. Why doth it shew weakness of the child when the milk doth drop out ofthe paps before the woman be delivered. Because the milk is the proper nutriment of the child in the womb of the mother, and therefore if the milk run out, it is a token that the child is not nourished, and is there- fore weak. Why doth the hardness of the paps betoken the health of the child in the womb. Because the floweis are converted into milk, and that milk doth sufficiently nourish the child, and thereby the strength is signified. I iliy hath a woman but two paps and some brute beasts' ten or more. Because for the most part, a woman hath but one child, either boy or girl, and therefore one pap is sufficient, or two ; but beasts have many young ones, and therefore so many teats. Why are women's paps hard when theyJfc with ehild, and soft at ojiwr times. ^| £2 They sJff then and are puffed up becnuje the much moisture \wich proceeds from the flowers doth run into the paps wljich at other seasons remaineth in the womb, and is exj^lled by the place deputed for that end. By what means doth the milk of the paps come to the matrix or womb. According to Hippocrates, because there is a certain knit- ting, and coupling ofthe pap with the womb, and there are certain veins which the midwives do cut in the lime of the birth of the child, and by those veins the milk doth flow iu at the navel ofthe child, and so it receives nutriment by tho navel. Some say the child in the womb is nourished at the mouth, but it is false, because that so it should void ex- crements also. Why is it a sign of a male child in the womb when tlie milk that runneth out of the woman's breast is thick and not much, and a female when it is thin. Because a woman that goeth with a boy hath great heat in her, which doth perfect the milk, and make thicker, ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. 231 but such as go with a girl hath not so much, and therefore the milk is undigested, watery, and thin, and will swim above the water if it be put into it. Why is the milk white,seeing the flowers are red which it is engendered of. Because blood which is well purged and concocted l»e- cometh white as appeareth in flesh, whose proper color is red, and being boiled is white. Another, answer is, every humor which is engendered of such parts ofthe body.is made like unto that part in colour where it is engendered, as near as it can be, but because the flesh ofthe paps is white, therefore the color ofthe milk is white. Why doth a cow give milk more abundantly than other beasts. Because she is a great eating beast ; and wrhere much monthly superfluity is engendered, there is much milk, be- cause it is nothing else but that blood purged and tried ; and because a cow has much of this monthly blood she has much milk. Why is not milk wholesome. According to the opinion ofGalenitis for divers rea-r sons ; 1st. Because it doth curdle in the stomach, where- fore an evil breath is bred. But to this Hippocrates gives this remedv, saying, ifthe third part of it be mingled with running water, then it is not hurtful. 2dly, Because the milk doth sour in the stomach, and breeds evil humors which infect the breath. Why is milk bad for such as have the headache. Because it is easily turned into great fumosities, and hath much terrestrial substance in it which ascending doth cause the headache. Why is milk fit nutriment for infants. Because it is a natural and usual food, and they were nourished by the same in the womb. For what reason are the white meats made of a new milked cow good. Because milk at that timers very spongy, and docs as it were, purge. Whyhs the milk nought for the child, ifthe woman use carnal copulation. Because in time of carnal copulation, the best part ofthe milk goes to the seed vessels, and to the womb, and the worst remains in the paps, which doth hurt to the child. r Why is the milk of brown women,better than that of whife." 232 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. Because brown women are [hotter than others, and heat purges the milk. Why do physicians forbid the eating fish and milk at the same time. Because they are phlegmatic and apt to produce a lep- rosy. Why have not birds and fish milk and paps. Because paps would hinder the flight of birds : fish also have neither paps nor milk, but the females cast much spawn on whieh the male touches with a small gut ; which causes their kind to be infinite in succession. Of the Heart. Why are the heart and lungs called lively parts ofthe body. From the word Spiritus, which signifies breath, life, or soul, and because the vital spirits are engendered in the heart. Yet that's no good answer, for the liver and bruin might be so called because the liver giveth nutrimeut, and the brain sense and life ; the consequence is clear, for the vital spirits are engendered in the liver, and the sensible and animal spirits in the brain. Why are the lungs light, spongy and full of holes. That the air may the better be received in them for cool- ing the heart, and expelling humors, because the lungs are the fan ofthe heart ; and as a pair of bellows is raised up by taking in the air, and shrunk by blowing it out, so line- wise the lungs draw in the air to cool the heart and to|cast it out lest through too much of the air drawn in, the heart tdi;-iild he suffocated. Why is the flesh ofthe lungs white. Because they are in continual motion. Why have those beasts only lungs that have hearts. Because the lungs are no part for themselves, but for ihe heart ; and therefore it were superfluous for those creatures to have lungs who have no hearts ; but nature is never wanting in things necessary nor abounds in su- perfluities. Why do euch creatures as have no lungs want a bladder. Because such drink no water to make their meat digest, but only for tempering their food, and therefore they want a bladder and urine, as appears in such birds as do not drink at all, viz. falcons and sparrow-hawks. Why is the heart in the midst of the body. ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. 23a Because it should impart life to all the parts ofthe body and therefore it is compared unto the sun, which is placed in the midst of the planets4 to pour light, upon them all; therefore the Pythagoreans styling the heavens a living creature, say, the sun is the heart thereof. Why only in men is the heart on the left side. To the end that the heat ofthe heart should mitigate the coldness of the spleen, for the spleen is the scat of melan- choly, which is on the left side also. Why is the heart first engendered, for according to Aris- totle the heart doth live first and die last. Because as Aristotle saith, de juvent et scnect, the heart is the beginning and the origin of life, and without it no part can°live. According to the Philosopher, of th^ seed retained in the matrix there is first engenderad a small skin which compasseth the seed, whereof first to the heart is made of the purest blood ; then of blood not sn pure, the liver; and of thick and cold blood the marrow and brain. Why are beasts bold that have little hearts. Because in a little heart the heat is well united, and ve- hement, and the blood touching it doth quickly heat it, and is speedily carried into other parts ofthe body, w nich gives courage and boldness. Why are creatures with a small heart timorous as the hare. The heart is dispersed in such, and not able to heat the blood that cometh to it, and so fear is bred. How comes it that the flesh ofthe heart is so compact and knit together. It is because in a thick compact substance heat is strong- ly received and united, as appears in other things ; and be- came the heart with its heat-should moderate the coldness ofthe brain, it is made of that hard flesh which is apt to keep a strong heat. . . How comes the. heart to be the hottest part of all living It is so compacted as to receive heat best, because it should mitigate the coldness of the brain... Why is the heart thp beginning of life. Because in it the vital spirit is bred, wluch is th* heat of life and therefore according to the opinion of Augustine the heart hath two receptacles, the right and the left ; the right hath more blood than spirits, which spirits is engen- dered to give life, and vivify tne body. 20* 234 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. Why is the heart long and sharp like a pyramid. A round figure hath no angles, therefore the heart is round for fear any poison or hurtful matter should be re- tained in it; and, as Aristotle uflirnis, because that figure is fitest for motion. How comes the blood to be chiefly in the heart The blood is in the heart, as in its proper or efficient place which some attribute to the liver, and therefore, the heart doth not receive blood of any other part, but all oth- er parts of it. How happens iSf that some creatures want a heart. Although they have no heart, yet they have somewhat which answers it, as appears in ells and fish which have the back bone instead of a heart, j Why doth the heart beat in some creatures when the head is cut off, as appears in birds and hens. Because the heart is what lives first and dies last ; and therefore beats more than any other parts. Why doth the heat of the heart sometimes fall of a sud- den, as in those who have falling sickness. This proceeds from a defect of the heart itself and of certain small skins withrwhich it is covered, which being infected and corrupted, the heart falleth on a sudden; and sometimes it happens by reason of the parts adjoining; and therefore when any venomous humors goes out ofthe stomach that hurts the heart and parts adjoining, it causes this fainting. The disposition of the heart is known by the pulse, for, a swift beating pulse shews the heat oi'the heart and a slow beating one denotes coldness ; therefore a woman that is in health, has a slower and weaker pulse than a man as shall appear hereafter. Of the Stomach. For what reason is the stomach large and round. Because in it the food is first concocted or digested, as k were in a pot, that what is pure, may be separated from that which is not, and therefore, according to the quantity of the food the stomach is enlarged. Why is the stomach round. Because if it had angles and corners, food would remain in it, and breed humors, so a man would never want agues ; which humors nevertheless are evacuated, lifted up, and consumed, and not hid in any such corners, by reason of he roundness ofthe stomach. ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. 23» How comes the stomach to be full of sinews. Because the sinews can be extended and enlarged, and so is the stomach, when it is full, but, when empty, it is drawn together, and therefore nature provides those sinews. How comes the stomach to digest. Because of the heat which is in it, which comes from the liver and the hearc. For we see in metals the heat ofthe fire takes away the rust and dross from iron, the silver from tin, and gold from copper ; so that by digestion the pure is separated from the impure. For what reason does the stomach join the liver. Because the liver is very hot, and with its heat helps di- gestion, and provokes an appetite. Why are we cold commonly after dinner. Because then the heat goes to the stomach to further di- gestion, and so other parts become cold. Why is it hurtful to study soon after dinner. Because when the heat labors to help the imagination, it ceaseth from digesting the food ; so that people should walk some time after meals. How come women with child to have an inordinate de- sire of eating coals, ashes, and such like. It flows from the humors of the stomach ; and because women with child have corrupt humors, therefore they de- sire the like things. How cometh the stomach slowly to digest fat meat. Because it swims in the stomach. Now, the best 6W gestion is at the bottom ofthe stomach, where the fat de- scends not ; such as eat fat meat are very sleepy, by rea- son digestion is hindered. Why is all the body worse when the stomach is uneasy. Because the stomach is knit with the brain, heart, and liver which are the principal parts in man ; and therefore when it is not well, the others are evil disposed. Another answer is that if the firet digestion be hindered, the others are also hindered ; for in the first digestion, is the begin- ning ofthe infirmity that is in the stomach. Why are young men sooner hungry than old men. Young men do >digest for three causes, first, growing, then for the restoring of life ; and lastly, for conversation. of life,, as Hippocrates and Galen do say ; else we answer that young men are hot and dry, and therefore, heat doth digest more, and of consequence they desire more. Which is the best for the stomach, meat or drink. $& ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. Drink is sooner digested than meat, because meat is hf' greater substance, and more material than drink, and therefore meat is; harder to digest; Why is it good to drink after dinner. Because the drink should make the meat readier to di- gtlst. For, if a pot be filled with fish or flesh without li- quor, then both the pot and meat is marred. The stom- ach is like unto a pot which dbth boil meat, and therefore physicians do counsel to drink at meals. Why is it good to forbear a late supper. Because there is no moving or stirring after supper and so the meat is not sent down to the bottom of the stomach, but remnincth undigested, and so breeds hurt ; and there- fore u light and short supper is best. How comes some men to evacuate clear meat, By reason of the weakness of nature and expulsion ; which disease is called Lienteria. Of the Blood. Why is it necessary that every living thing that hath blood, hath also a liver. According to Aristotle, because the blood is first made in the liver, its seat, and is drawn from the stomach by certain principal veins, and so engendered. For what reason is the blood red. First, it is like the part in which it is made i. c. the liver which is red, then it is likewise sweet, because it is well digested and concocted ; but if it have a little earthy mat- ter mixed with it, that makes it somewhat salt, as appears in Aristotle, Lib.Meteor. How comes women's blood to be thicker than men's* Their coldness thickens, binds, congeals, and joints it together. How comes the blood in all parts ofthe body through the liver, and by what means. Through the principal veins, as the veins of the head, kver, &.c. to nourish all the body. Ofthe Urine. How doth the urine come into the bladder, seeing tl»e bladder is shut. Some say by sweating, and it seems to be true. Others say it comes by a small skin in the bladder, which opens and lets in the urine. Urine is a certain and not deceit- ful messenger of the health or infirmity of man. Hippo- ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. 337 crates says, that men make white urine in the morning, and before dinner red, but after dinner pale, and likewise after supper ; for there is divers colors. How doth the leprosy proceed from the liver. Because it doth greatly engender the brains, and breeds the falling sickness and apoplexy. Why is it hurtful to drink much water. Because one contrary doth hinder and expel another ; for water is"very, cold and lying so on the stomach hinders digestion. Why is it unwholesome to drink new wine ; and why doth it very much hurt the stomach. One reason is, it cannot'be digested, therefore it caus- eth the belly to swell, and in some sort the bloody flux; secondly, it hinders making water, but to drink good win^ is wholesome. Why do physicians forbid us to labor presently after dinner. , For three reasons ; first, because motion hinders the virtue and power of digestion ; secondly, because stirring immediately after dinner causeth the parts ofthe body to draw the meat raw to them, which often breeds sickness ; and thirdly, because motion makes the food descend be- fore it is digested ; but after supper it is good, to stir by reason we soon after go to sleep, therefore should walk a little that the food may go to the bottom ofthe stomach. Why is it good to stir after dinner. It makes a man well disposed, fortifies and strengthens the natural heat, causing the superfluity in the stomach to descend ; wherefore Avicen says, such as neglect this ex- ercise, fall into inflamation ofthe heart. Why is it wholesome to vomit as some say. Because it purges the stomach of all naughty humors, expelling them, which would breed agues if they should re- main in it. Avicen says, a vomit purgestheeyesand head clearing the brdin. How comes sleep to strengthen the stomach and the di- gestive faculty. Because in sleep the heat draws inwards, and helps di- gestion ; but when we awake, the heat remains, and is dispersed through the body. Of the Gall and spleen. How comes living creatures to have a gall. 2*3 ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. Because choleric humors are received into it which, through their acidity, help the guts to expel superfluities, also it helps digestion. How comes the jaundice to proceed from the gall. The humor of ihe gal', is bluish and yellow, therefore when its pores are stopt, the humors cannot go into the sack thereof, but is mingled with the blood, wandering throughout all the body and infecting the skin. Why hath not a horse, mule, ass, or cow, n gall. Though these creatures have no gall in one place, ns in a purse or vessel, yet they have- one dispersed in small- veins. How comes the spleen to be black. Ir is occasioned by a terrestrial and earthy matter of black color, as Aristotle says. Another reason is, accord- ing to physicians, the spleen is the receptacle of melancho- ly, and that it is black. Why is he lean that hath a large spleen. Because the spleen draws much water to itself, which would turn to fat; therefore contrarywise, men that have but a small spleen are fat. Why does the spleen cause men to laugh. Isodorus says, we laugh with the spleen, wo are angry with the gall, we are wise with the heart, we love with the liver, we feel with the brain, and speak with the lungs, that is, the Cause of laughing, anger, love, wisdom, speech, and feeling, proceeds from the spleen, gall, liver, lungs, and brain. The reason is the spleen draws much melancholy to it, being its proper seat, which melancholy proceeds from sad- ness, and is there consumed, and the cause failing, the ef- fect doth so likewise. Of Carnal Copulation. Why do living creatures use carnal copulation. Because it is most natural to beget their like ; for, if co- pulation were not, all procreation had sunk ere now. What is this carnal copulation. It is a mutual action of male and female, with instru- ments ordained for that purpose, to propagate their kind and therefore divines say, it is a sin to use that act for any other end. Why is this action good in those who use it lawfully And moderately, ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS. 23$ Because, say \vicen and Const, it eases and lighters the body, clears the mind, comforts the head and senses, and expels melancholy. Therefore sometimes through the omission of this act, dimness of sight doth ensue, and gid- diness ; besides the seed of a man retained above its due time, is converted into some infectious hlimor. Why is immoderate carnal copulation hurtfuh Because it destroys the sights dries the bodv, and im- pairs the brain ; Often causes fevers, as Avicen and expe rience shew ; it shortens life too, as is evident in the spar- row, which by reason of its often coupling, lives but three years. Wrhy doth carnal copulation injure melancholy or cho- leric men, especially thin men. Because it dries the bones much which are naturally so. On the contrary, it is good for the phelgmatic und san- guine, as Avicen says, because they abound with that sub- stance which by nature is necessarily expelled. Though Aristotle affirms, that every fat creature has but little seed, because the substance turns to fat. Why do not female brute beasts covet carnal copulation after they are great with young. Because then the womb or matrix is shut, and desire doth cease. Why should not the act be used when the body is full 1 Because it hinders digestion, and it is not good for a hun- gry belly,because it weakens him. Why is it not good after birth ? Because then the pores are open, and the heat disperses through the body, yet after bathing it cools the body very much. Why is it not proper after vomiting or looseness 1 Because it is dangerous to purge twice in one day ; but so it is in this act the reins are purged, and the guts by the vomit. Why are wild beast furious when they couple, as appears in asses which bray ; and harts, who are mad almost, as Hippocrates says 1 There blood is kindled with desire and nature labours also to expel superfluities in them, which dispose them to anger a:r.l madness therefore the act done they ate tame and gentle. PROBLEMS OF ZIMAR AS SANCTIPERTIAS. Why is it esteemed in the judgment of the most wise the hardest, thing to know a man's self. It is because nothing can be known ; its form and perfec- tion cannot be found ; to know the form and perfection of a mans self, as it conieth unto the philosopher, is a matter hard enough and a man by the authority of Plato, either is nothing, or if he be any thing he is nothing but his soul,or is ithecause it cannot be done by a reflected action, and to re- flect and look unto himself as a token that he is seperated by the flesh ; for he who would know himself should be drawn from sensible affections ;Se how hard this is,no man- is ignorant of. Or is it because a man liveth by understan- ding ; but the understanding, a man cannot conceive of himself, but after the understanding of senses, which is ve- ry hard. Why was Socrates esteemed the wisest of all Greece by Apollo, seeing that by the opinion of Aristotle, he was con- versant and busied only about morality and nothing about nature. Whether it is because it is more expedient for the com- modity, and use of men to live well and contemplate ; or because it seemeth to Plato that he was usually professed of him every where, I know one thing, that I know nothing. Why do men especially strive and contend in things of wit.— It is because they think that other things which are called goods are the power of another ; as the gifts of the body are nature's and external, and worldly goods are subject unto the rule of fortune, whereof it cometh to pass, that every man may easily suffer himself to be overcome in ZIMARAS'PROBLEMS. 241 such things, as things not happening through his fault or occasion, but they think wit to be in their own power. Or, it is because they think that the goods ofthe mind do excel all other goods, and therefore do think it a thing most natural to contend for that which is most excellent.— Or, it is because it is a common disease of all men, as it seemeth unto a certain wise man, that every man doth think himself more learned than lie is, and therefore doth desire to perform that which he believeth without study and labor. Why do men say philosophy is naked. It is because truth is naked, and that there needs no color of words when we handle a matter of truth ; for, it belongeth to sophisters to dispute of terms when the sin- cere truth is sought. Or, it is because they do not play the philosopher well, who seek philosophy foi gain and ambition and not for herself. Or, it is because he should be void from all worldly affections, who desires to endear himself in the study of philosophy ; for Aristotle doth say the soul is made wise by rest and quietness. And it were easy for philosophers to become rich, if they would, as it appeareth by the example of Thales. Why do men desire to be had in menory after their death, and therefore some make pyramids, statutes, imagvs and clivers other tokens and monuments which (hey bin!'! and leave behind them. It is because all things, as seems unto Aristotle, to de- sire to participate of some perpetuity and divine being as much as they can ; and therefore, if tjiey cannot remain in nature and being, yet they endeavor at least to continue in the opinion and conceit of men. Or else custom hath brought it in so, to stir up sueh as comes after, to the end they should not degenerate, from their parents. Wiiat's the cause why men's desires grow without meas- ure about fortune's goods ? It is because natural desires, as Seneca saith, have an end, and such desires, as proceed of false opinion have no where to end. Why do poets always assign and appoint some wise men *to be familiar with princes ; as, Homer doth Nestor, with Ao-amemnon ; Euripides, Tiresius with Creon; Hesiodus. Promotheus, with Jupiter ; and Maro, Achates and jEneas. It is because that by the law of nature, as Plato doth -ay wisdom and power do direct our actions to one end, and 242 Z1MARAS' PROBLEMS. to effect the same thing, love it and seek it. Why doth Homer when he makes mention of Ambassa- dors, talk always of the embassy of a commander in bare words. It is because it is the duty of ambassadors, to declare the bare will ofthe commander, and put his sentence in execution ; and therefore, it is certain, he should add noth- ing ; or e|se, it is because the commandment of him who doth rule that is, of a wise man, is put into good order and is presumed to be most perfect. And therefore there should be nothing changed ; but his decrees and consti- tutions are to be judged absolute and perfect. Why does Aristotle use exceeding brevity in most hard matters. Whether because it is the custom of wise men to load their words with sentences, or else to the end that he would be obscure, to fear and keep off rude wits from reading of bis works, as it seemeth in the expositors ; or, whether it is because that in a hard matter, and in a matter of fruth, many words are suspected, because that truth doth con- sist in few words ; or it is because it seemeth to wise men, in many words there is error often committed. Why do famous men, in any science, when they do err in an* matters, err more dangerously than those who are less famous. It is because that such trusting to the heat of their own wit, are drawn far from their own senses, and therefore, must needs be deceived. Avicen may serve for a proof of this, who, for all his fame in philosophy, said that a man might naturally be brought forth of the earth. And that great fimms Averrois, tkought that a maid might con- ceive a child in a bath without the knowledge of a man. PROBLEMS OF ALEXANDER APERODISETTG. Why doth the sun make men black ; and make dirt white ; and make wax soft, and dirt hard. By reason of the disposition of the substance that doth suffer. All humors phlegm excepted, when they are heat- ed above' measures, do seem black about the skm, but dirt being either full of saltpetre or salt liquor, wheu the sun hath consumed its dregs, aud filth, doth become white again ; when the sun hath drawn and stirred up the humidity of the wax, it is softened ; but in dirt the sun doth consume the humidity, which is very much, and so doth dry it and make it hard. Why doth black choler, coming into the paps, cause a corrosion or gnawing ; and in those who are melancholy, it doth not, but flies into the brain. Because there are many great veins in the paps by rea- son of engendering milk, and therefore store of that hu- • mor doth run thither. But in the brain becanse it is above and also because it hath very small veins, and store of cho- ler doth ascend, and which hath only power and force to prick and not to gnaw and eat. Moreover, the brain is hard and moist, whereby it is, after a sort contrary to the disposition of black choler, which doth mortify it ; that therefore which is properly called black choler doth breed an eating and gnawing canker in the paps. In the brain it doth breed a man fierce and melancholy, but that which is not properly black choler, but melancholy humor, caus- eth swelling only, which is like a cancer but doth not gnaw and eat, and doth also breed a quiet and peaceable melan- S For what reason will not the water run out of the bottom of a watering pot, when we put our finger on the mouth oi 214 APHRODISEFS' PROBLEMS. it, and the finger being taken away it runneth presently. Because when the finger is taken away from the mouth ofthe pot, the air entering in doth thrust down the water, which of its own nature doth go downwards, and so goeth out at the bottom. And this is the reason of all mechani- cal engines and instruments made to go by air, as clocks, and hour glasses, made by water. Why doth wine and water given out of season, to the sick of an ague, cause a distemper ofthe brain, when the water is cold and the wine is hot. The wine being apt to ascend, doth burn the brain at the tisne it is disturbed and distempered with the ague. And we see also many who are in health, if they use much wine to be scarce well in their wits. Bat water doth stop the passages of the body, by which the spirits are dissolved, and so causes them to become thick and gross, and more corrupt and putrefied, by the ague, becometh. its nourish- ment ; as we see in a smith's forge, where a little water doth kindle the fire, and make it burn fiercer. Why have; women, children, and gelded men shrill and loud voices. Because that through the abundance of humidity their artery is not stretched wide ; and therefore, as a small flute or pipe giveth a small slender sound, so does the ar- tery in them that is straight and narrow ; for it is the property of beat to make wide and loosen, but eunuchs and women are cold Why are children stricken with the planet in the sum- mer time. They are sick of a weak and lingering ague, and their oves sink hollow in their head, and they become weak and feeble, and sleep very little ; and some of them have a flux because childreu are tender and so easily suffer ; and having great store of phlegm in the head, and that phh'gin bung overmuch heated, and also putrefied, doth inflame the ague, whereupon the gristles of the brain are set on fire, and therefore they sleep little ; and that fire descend- ing by the arteries ot" the heart, and setting on fire the lively spirits, doth kindle an ague ; and seeing that much choler arises of an ague, thereby it falleth out, that the choler gnaweth and eateth the belly. It is plain that the cause of that alteration is in the brain, because that cool- ing medicines are applied unto the head, and such as arc: APHRODISEUS' PROBLEMS. 243 good to quench that fire. Some of riper years are sick ofthe same disease, i. e. such as have phlegm and choler heaped up in their head, which putrefies by tne very breath- ing thereof, and after a manner, the spirits are set on fire by a fiery air. Why are round ulcers hard to be cured. Because they are bred of sharp choler, which eats and gnaws, and because it doth run, for which reason it re- quires drying medicines as physicians assert. Natural phi- losophers say it comes to pass because there is begining where the mischievons imposthume doth begin, for in a cir- cle there is neither beginning nor end. When they are burned by physicians they doth assume another kind of shape Why is honey sweet to all men, and yet seemeth bitter to such as have the jundice. Because they have much bitter choler all over their bod- ies, but it abounds with the tongue, whence it happens when they eat honey the humors are stirred, and the taste itself, When it hath found the bitterness of choler, causes an im- agination that the honey is bitter. Why have angry men fiery eyes. Because the blood about the heart is fervent, and the spirit hot, and so being very subtle and pnre, and carried upwards, and by the eyes, which are clear they do shine, and have bloody vapors that ascend with them, which makes the face red, which Homer not being ignorant of, says " And his eyes were like a burning flame. Why doth water cast upon serpents cause them to fly from us. Because they are cold and dry by nature, having but lit- tle blood, and therefore fly from excessive coldness. And that they be of this quality is plain, because they seek for dens and secret places in the earth, as being warm. At sunset they shun the air, as being cold ; and again in sum- mer, because the bowels ofthe earth are cold, they find out the warmest places. Why doth an egg break if it be roasted, and not if boiled. The reason is, when moisture comes near the fire, it heats it too much and so breeds much wind, which being pent up in a little, forceth its way out, and so breaks the shell. The like happens in tubs or earthern vessels, when new wine is put into them. Much phlegm breaks the shell of an egg in roasting, the which doth happen in earthern nots too much heated ; wherefore the common people wet 21* 240 APHROD1SEL-S' PROBLEMS. an c