A BRIEF DISCOURSE OF A DISEASE CALLED THE Suffocation of the Mother.  
Written upon occasion which hath been of late taken thereby, to suspect possession of an evil spirit, or some such like supernatural power.  
Wherein is declared that divers strange actions and passions of the body of man, which in the common opinion, are imputed to the Devil, have their true natural causes, and do accompany this disease.  
By EDWARD JORDAN Doctor in Physic.  FOR THOU SHALT LABOUR PEACE PLENTY 
LONDON.  
Printed by john Windet, dwelling at the Sign of the Cross Keys at Paul's Wharfe. 1603.   

TO THE RIGHT Worshipful the Precedent and Fellows of the College of Physicians in London.  
AS I am desirous to satisfy all indifferent men concerning the occasion and intent of this my discourse: so I thought good to direct the same especially unto this society, whereof I am a member; to testify both how justly or rather necessarily I have been drawn to the undertaking and publishing hereof: as also how willing I am to submit myself to your learned censure; the argument of my writing being such as none can better judge of then yourselves.  
And first I protest upon that credit which I desire to have among you, that I have not undertaken this business of mine own accord, as if I esteemed of mine own knowledge and observation in this case above other men's. For (if it had been thought good to have imposed it upon others) I do acknowledge that there are many among us better able than myself to have written in this kind, unto whom I would willingly have put over my task. Neither did I ever found myself provoked hereunto upon any peevish humour to contradict or to disgrace any who do judge otherwise of some points contained herein, than myself do: many of them being such as I do love and affect well. Neither upon any fawning humour to please or flatter any person whatsoever; which I do esteem more base than begging. But disclaiming both honey and gall, I have plainly set down the true doctrine of Physic concerning that disease which gives so great occasion of distraction among many good men: especially such as have not learning sufficient to resolve them of this point, or not that moderation and humility of spirit to acknowledge their insufficiency, and to harken unto others whom in all reason they might think able to direct them better in such a case.  
For if it be true that one man cannot be perfect in every art and profession, and therefore in cases out of our own callings, we do depend upon those which have been trained up in other particular subjects, believing men in their own professions: Why should we not prefer the judgements of Physicians in a question concerning the actions and passions of man's body (the proper subject of that profession) before our own conceits; as we do the opinions of Divines, Lawyers, Artificers, etc. in their proper Elements. Neither have I done this as taking upon me to reform the minds of men which are not under my charge (for I could willingly have permitted every man to enjoy his own opinion:) But being a Physician, and judging in my conscience that these matters have been mistaken by the common people; I thought good to make known the doctrine of this disease, so far forth, as may be in a vulgar tongue conveniently disclosed, to the end that the unlearned and rash conceits of divers, might be thereby brought to better understanding and moderation; who are apt to make every thing a supernatural work which they do not understand, proportioning the bounds of nature unto their own capacities: which might prove an occasion of abusing the name of God, and make us to use holy prayer as vngroundedly as the Papists do their profane tricks; who are ready to draw forth their wooden dagger, if they do but see a maid or woman suffering one of these fits of the Mother, conjuring and exorcizing them as if they were possessed with evil spirits. And for want of work, will oftentimes suborn others that are in health, to counterfeit strange motions and behaviours: as I once saw in the Santo in Milan five or six at one sermon interrupting and reviling the Preacher, until he had put them to silence by the sign of the Cross, and certain powerless spells.  
Wherhfore it behoveth us as to be zealous in the truth, so to be wise in discerning truth from counterfeiting and natural causes from supernatural power. I do not deny but that God doth in these dayes-worke extraordinarily, for the deliverance of his children, and for other ends best known unto himself; and that among other, there may be both possessions by the Devil, and obsessions and witchcraft, etc. and dispossession also through the Prayers and supplications of his servants, which is the only means left unto us for our relief in that case. But such examples being very rare now adays, I would in the fear of God advise men to be very circumspect in pronouncing of a possession: both because the impostures be many, and the effects of natural diseases be strange to such as have not looked thoroughly into them.  
But let us consider a little the signs which some do show of a supernatural power in these examples. For if they say there need no such signs appear, because the Devil by witchcraft may inflict a natural disease: then I ask them what they have to do with the Devil, or with dispossessing of him, when he is not their present, but hath been only an external cause of a disease, by kindling or corrupting the humours of our bodies; which disease as well as other will submit itself to physical indications: as is showed, cap. 1. Wherhfore they must needs make him to be an internal cause, and to possess the members and faculties of the body, and hold them to his use: or else they understand not what they say, when they do peremptorily disclaim natural means, and avouch that they speak certain words, and perform certain voluntary motions upon his incitation, and are hindered by him from speaking other words which they would feign utter. And therefore to this end diverse signs and Symptoms are alleged by them, as arguments of a supernatural and extraordinary power inhaerent in the body.  
One of their signs is Insensibility, when they do not feel, being pricked with a pin, or burnt with fire, etc. Is this so strange a spectacle, when in the Palsy, the falling sickness, Apoplexis, and diverse other diseases, it is daily observed? And in these fits of the Mother it is so ordinary as I never read any Author writing of this disease who doth not make mention thereof. This point you shall find proved both by authorities and examples in the 4. Chapter.  
There also you shall found convulsions, contractions, distortions, and such like to be ordinary Symptoms in this disease.  
Another sign of a supernatural power they make to be the due & orderly returning of the fits, when they keep their just day and hour, which we call periods or cicuits. This accident as it is common to diverse other chronical diseases, as headaches, gouts, Epilepsies, Tertians, Quartans, etc. so it is often observed in this disease of the mother as is sufficiently proved in the 2. Chapter.  
Another argumnt of theirs is the offence in eating, or drinking, as if the Devil meant to choke them therewith. But this Symptom is also ordinary in uterin affects, as I show in the sixth Chapter: and I have at this time a patiented troubled in like manner.  
Another reason of their is, the coming of the fits upon the presence of some certain person. The like I do show in the same Chapter, and the reasons of it, from the stirring of the affections of the mind.  
Another main argument of theirs, is the deliverance upon fasting and prayer: which we will imagine to be so in deed, without any counterfeiting in that point. You shall see in the 7. Chapter, how this may be a natural remedy two manner of ways: the one by pulling down the pride of the body, and the height of the natural humours thereof; a very convenient means, and often prescribed by our Authors in young and lusty bodies: the other by the confident persuasion of the patiented to found release by that means: which I show in that Chapter by rules and authorities in our profession and also by examples, to be a very effectual remedy in curing diverse diseases of this nature.  
Many other such like instances they may produce, according unto every ones several conceit: which were in vain for me to repeat particularly: unless I knew wherein they would principally insist. But in the discourse following I have as near as I could described all the Symptoms of this disease; whereby every man may readily found answers to his several objections.  
Now to testify my love and affection to this society of ours, and that I esteem more of the censure of a few learned and grave men, then of the opinions of a multitude of other people: I thought good to choose no other persons to patronize this slender discourse than yourselves, who are best able of any in this land, or any such like society elsewhere (that ever I could found) to judge whether I writ true doctrine or no.  
Wherhfore desiring you to accept it in good part, and as occasion may serve to give testimony unto it according as your judgements and consciences shall lead you, I take my leave this 2. Martii, 1602.  
Your loving friend and Colleague. Ed. Iorden.   

Of the suffocation of the Mother.  

Cap. 1. That this disease doth oftentimes give occasion unto simple and unlearned people, to suspect possession, witchcraft, or some such like supernatural cause.  
THE passive condition of womankind is subject unto more diseases and of other 
a Hyppocrat. 6 vulgar part. 7.  sorts and natures than men are: and especially in regard of that part 
b Galen 6. locorum affect. cap. 5. radix suffocationum uter us.  from whence this disease which we speak of doth arise. For as it hath more variety of 
c Mercatus de muliebr. lib. 2. cap. 1. 

1. Ad sui ipsius alimoniam.  
2. Ad speciei propagationem  
3. Ad beneficium individui per evacuationem superfluitatum.    offices belonging unto it then other parts of the body have, and accordingly is supplied from other parts with whatsoever it hath need of for those uses: so it must needs thereby be subject unto more infirmities than other parts are: both by reason of such as are bred in the part itself, and also by reason of such as are communicated unto it from other parts, with which it hath correspondence. And as those offices in their proper kinds are more excellent than other; so the diseases whereby they are hurt or depraved, are more grievous. But amongst all the diseases whereunto that sex is obnoxious, there is none comparable unto this which is called The Suffocation of the mother, either for variety, or for strangeness of accidents. For whatsoever strange accident may appear in any of the principal functions of man's body, either animal, vital, or natural, the same is to be seen in this disease, by reason of the community and consent which this part hath with the brain, 
Altomarus de medend. hum. corp. malis cap. 110. Barth. Montagnana Consilto. 226.  heart, and liver, the principal seats of these three functions; and the easy passage which it hath unto them by the Veins, Arteries, and Nerves. And whatsoever humour in other parts may 'cause extraordinary affects, by reason of the abundance or corruption of it, this part will afford the like in as plentiful a manner, and in as high a degree of corruption: and with this advantage that whereas in the other, some one or two of the, faculties only one are hurt (as in Apoplexies, epilepsies, Syncopyes, subversions of the stomach, etc.) and not all (unless as in Syncopyes by consent, where the vital function ceasing, all the rest must needs suffer; not as one may do from another, but all directly from this one fountain, in such sort as you shall often times perceive in one and the same person diverse accidents of contrary natures to concur at once. 
Mercatus lib. 2. cap. 2. & 3.   
And hereupon the Symptoms of this disease are said to be monstrous and terrible to behold, and of such a variety as they can hardly be comprehended within any method or bounds. Insomuch as they which are ignorant of the strange affects which natural causes may produce, and of the manifold examples which our profession of Physic doth minister in this kind, 
Valetius scoff fing at their ignorance calleth this disease a kind of devil. in Holler. cap. 59  have sought above the Moon for supernatural causes: ascribing these accidents either to diabolical possession, to witchcraft, or to the immediate finger of the Almighty.  
But it is no marvel though the common people and men also in other faculties very excellent may be deceived by the rareness and strangeness of these matters, which are hidden out of their Horizon amongst the deepest mysteries of our profession: when as Physicians themselves, 
Cosmocrit. li. 1 cap. 7. pag. 153 Inexperto medico sapésuspitionem numinis prabuerunt  as Cornelius Gemma testifieth. If they be not very well exercised in the practice of their profession, are oftentimes deceived, imagining such manifold strange accidents as their he mentioneth to accompany this disease, (as suffocation in the throat, croaking of Frogs, hissing of Snakes, crowing of Cocks, barking of Dogs, garring of Crows, frenzies, convulsions, hickcockes, laughing, singing, weeping, crying, etc.) to proceed from some metaphysical power, when in deed (as he there sayeth) they are merely natural.  

Fen. 21, 3 cap: 26: tract: 4:  Avicen also in his Chapter of this disease, speaking of the causes of it, saith, that there were some wise Physicians in his time which said, that the cause of this disease was unknown: Because as jacobus de Partibus expoundeth it, they did think it to be inflicted from above, yet notwithstanding he setteth down natural causes of it, and a natural cure.  

Lib. de morbo sacro in principio.  Hypocrates also long before finding this error to be held by some in his time maketh mention of diverse of these Symptoms, and sayeth, that he doth not see any thing in them more supernatural, or more to be admired, then there is in Tertians, and Quartans, and other kinds of diseases: imputing it either unto ignorance, and want of experience that Physicians of his time did judge otherwise; or unto a worse humour, when as being loathe to bewray their own defects through pride and arrogancy: 
Inscitiae pallium maleficium & incantatio. R. Sc: li. 1. cap. 3.  and not knowing what to prescribe would fly unto divine causes, and neglecting natural means for their relief, would wholly rely upon expiations, incantations, sacrifices, etc. cloaking their ignorance under these shadows, and pretending both more knowledge, and more piety than other men: by which course they gained this advantage, that if the patiented chanced to recover, they should be highly renowned for their skill; if not, their excuse was ready that God's hand was against them.  
This he speaketh of the Physicians of his time, whom he confuteth principally by two reasons, which may serve for excellent rules for all men to discern such cases by. The first is, that there is no supernatural Character in these Symptoms, as he proveth by an induction of diverse of them, which in the common opinion were thought to be above nature: yet he proveth to have their natural causes in the body of man aswell as others have.  
The strength of this argument will better appear hereafter in the particular Symptoms, which we are to entreat of: where it shall be made manifest that the most of them do both depend upon such natural causes as other diseases have in our bodies, and also are oftentimes mixed with other diseases which are accounted natural.  
It may likewise appear by this, that whereas all other diseases are known by their notes and signs which resemble their cause (as Choler, Phlegm, Melancholy, etc. have their proper marks, corruption and putrefaction, their proper notes and malignity his Character) so there must be some Character or note of a supernatural power in these cases (as 
a Luk. 8.27.28. etc. Ternel de abdi tis rerum causis lib. 2 cap 16 Platerus de men 'tis alienat. pag. 102. Benivenius de abditis morborum causis cap. 8. Alsharavius. C. de Epilepsia.  extraordinary strength or knowledge or suffering) or else we have no cause but to think them natural. If the devil as an external cause, may inflict a disease by stirring up or kindling the humours of our bodies, and then departed without supplying continual supernatural power unto it; 
b Avicen. C. de melancholisi conting at a De monio sufficit nobis quod convert at comptexionem ad choleram nigram, etc. vide jacobum de partibus inhunc locum. Valesius meth; medendi lib. 2. cap. 2.  then the disease is but natural, and will submit itself unto Physical cure. For external causes when they are already remoted, give no indication of any remedy.  
The second argument of this is, that these Symptoms do yield unto natural causes, and are both procured and also eased by such ordinary means, as other diseases are: and 
c Fernel loco ci tato matheus de Grad. ex Azarivio. C. de E pilepsia.  therefore they must needs be natural.  
The strength of this argument is grounded upon the very foundation of our profession which hath been laid by 
d Hippo. de natura humaaa circa medium. Destatibus pau lo post principix 'em.  Hippocrates and 
e Gal. de vena sectione adversus Erasistr: cap: 8, in art medicina li cap: 8 9 in constitutione artis cap; 13. methodi med: lib. 9.10.11. etc.  Galen long ago and ever since confirmed by the practice and observations of all learned men; that diseases are cured by their contraries. I say contrary 
f Valesius meth. med: lib: 1. cap: 4:  both unto the disease, unto the cause, and unto the Symptom. And the more exact the contrariety is; the more proper is the remedy: as when they are equal in 
g Mercatus meth med: pag. 42: 43: Gal. Simplicium lib. 3: cap: 11: Valesi us controuers: lib. 1. cap. 4 Luk, 11. vers. 21.22.  degree or in power. But what equality of contrariety either in degree or in power, can there be between a supernatural suffocating power, and the compression of the belly or throat. They are disperats in Logic, but not contraries. For contrariety is between such as are comprehended under one general. And where one is opposed unto one alone, and not indifferently unto many. Neither do I think, that any man well advised, will say that by compression of those parts, he is able to suppress the power of the devil. The like may be said of the application of cupping glasses, of sweet plasters, of ligatures, etc. beneath, and of evil smells above; by all which we do observe those kinds of fits to be mitigated: and yet there can be no such contrary respect in them against a supernatural cause, as is between a remedy and a disease. They are also procured upon sweet smells, upon pleasant meats and drinks, upon fear, anger, jealousy, etc. as in the particular causes shall be farther declared: and yet no such consent can be showed in them with any supernatural affect, as that they may any way cause or increase it. Wherhfore the rule of Hippocrates must needesbe true; that if these Symptoms do yield unto natural remedies, they must also be natural themselves. And thus much in explanation of these two arguments of Hippocrates against the error of his time: which notwithstanding hath been continued in the minds of men until this day, and no marvel: unless the same corruption which bred it at the first, had been removed out of the world. And therefore divers of our Authors do make especial mention of this case wherein they report the common people to have been deceived by imagining witchcraft or possession, 
Georg. Godelman. de magis etc. lib 1. cap 8.  where indeed there was none.  
Amatus Lusitanus reporteth of one Diua Clara, 
Bruno Seidelius de morbis incurab: pag. 29 Centuria 5, curate: 78.  a maid of 18. years of age, which had every day two or three such strange fits, as those that were about her, gave out that that she was haunted with an evil spirit.  
In those fits every part of her body was distorted, she felt nothing, nor perceived any thing: but had all her senses benumbed, her heart beating, her teeth close shut together: yet for an hours space or two she would have such strong motions, that she would weary the strongest men that came at her. When she had been three weeks in this case, her left arm began to be resolved with a palsy, etc. He being called unto her prescribed such remedies as are usual in this case, and within few days recovered her, to the great admiration of the beholders.  
Petrus Forrestus maketh mention of another maid of 22. 
Obseruationun medicine: lib: 10 obseru: 30.  years old, which dwelled with a Burgermaster of Delft in Holland, who falling in love with a young man, fell also into these fits of the Mother: which held her many hours together with such violent horrible accidents, as he never saw the like: her whole body being pulled to and fro with convulsive motions, her belly sometimes lifted up, and sometimes depressed, a roaring noise heard within her, with crying and howling, a distortion of her arms and hands: in somuch as those about her thought her to be possessed with a devil, and out of all hope of recovery. He being called unto her in januarie 1565. applied convenient remedies as there he setteth down, and in a short time restored her to her health again.  

Thaddeaus Dunus miscall: cap 9  Many more such like examples might be produced both out of authentical writers in our profession and out of our own experiences, which yet do live (were it not that late examples would be offensive to rehearse:) but these may suffice to show how easily men unexperienced in those extraordinary kinds of diseases, may mistake the causes of them: when through admiration of the unwonted and grievous accidents they behold, they are carried unto Magical and Metaphysical speculations. But the learned Physician who hath first been trained up in the study of Philosophy, and afterwards confirmed by the practice and experience of all manner of natural diseases, is best able to discern what is natural, what not natural, what preternatural, and what supernatural, the three first being properly subject to his profession: and therefore they do wrong unto the faculty of Physic, and unto themselves, and oftentimes unto others, who neglecting that light which we might yield them, do run headlong and blind fold into many errors and absurdities. For prevention whereof I have briefly set down what the doctrine of Physicians is concerning this disease of the Mother, 
Lib. 28. obsern. 26.  which of all other is most subject unto misconstruction. For that as Forrestus saith it is a hard matter to discern in what manner the Mother may occasion such strange and manifold accidents.   

Cap. 2. What this disease is, and by what means it causeth such variety of Symptoms.  
THis disease is called by diverse names amongst our Authors. 
Cardanus de causis sig. et locis morborum cap. 114. Altomarus cap. 110. Guaynerie us cap. de suffo: matricis.  Passio Hysterica, Suffocatio, Praefocatio, and Strangulatus uteri, Caducus matricis, etc. In English the Mother, or the Suffocation of the Mother, 
Aeetius' tetr: 4 Serm. 4. cap. 68 P. Aegineta lib. 3. cap. 71 Victor Trincavel. lib: 5. sect. 5 cap. 9  because most commonly it takes them with choking in the throat: and it is an affect of the Mother or womb wherein the principal parts of the body by consent do suffer diversly according to the diversity of the causes and diseases wherewith the matrix is offended.  
I call it an affect in a large signification to comprehend both morbum and Symptom. For sometimes it is either of them, and sometimes both. For in regard the actions of expulsion or retention in the Mother are hurt. It may be called a Symptom in actione laesa: in regard of the humour to be expelled which corrupteth and putrefieth to a venomous malignity. It is likewise a Symptom in excremento uteri mutato. And in regard of the perfrigeration of the Mother, and so of the whole body. It is also a Symptom 
a Albert. Bottonus cap. 39  in qualitate tangibili mulata, not morbus ex intemperie: 
b Gal. locorum affectorum 3. cap. 7. Petrus Salius pag. 467. Altomarus cap 110. Horatius Angenius Epist. 6  because it is suddenly inflicted & suddenly removed. But in regard of the rising of the Mother whereby it is sometimes drawn upwards or sidewards above his natural seat, compressing the neighbour parts, & so consequently one another. It may be said to be morbus in situ, in respect of the compression itself, causing suffocation and difficulty of breathing. It may be 
c Gal. de causis morb. cap. 7  causa morbi in forma by causing coarctation of the instruments of breathing. And sometimes these are complicated and 
d Altom arus ccitate. Rondeletius methodo curand. morb. cap. 69. matheus de grad. in 9 Rhasis. cap. 28  together with a venomous vapour, arising from this corrupt humour unto divers parts of the body, there will be an evil position of the matrix also: either because the ligaments, veins and arteries being obstructed: 
e Mercatus lib 2. cap 3.  by those vapours are shortened of their wontedlength, and so draw up the part higher than it should be; or 
f Matheus de grad. in 9 Rhasis cap. 28. Hor. Augenius sibi offensum fugiens ut et jucundum insequens.  for that the matrix being grievously annoyed with the malignity of those vapours doth contract itself and rise up by a local motion towards the midrif.  
I say of the Mother or womb because although the womb many times in this disease do suffer but secondarily, yet the other parts are not affected in this disease but from the Mother: (Radix suffocationum uterus) which finding itself annoyed by some unkind humour, either within itself, 
Galen. 6. loc. affert. cap. 5. Avicen. Fen. 21 3. cap. 16. tract 4. initium est ex matrice et) pervenit ad communitatem fortem cordis et cerebri etc. Horatius Ang●nius Epistola 6.  or in the vessels adjoining or belonging unto it, doth by a natural instinct which is engrafted in every part of the body for his own preservation, endeavour to expel that which is offensive: in which conflict if either the passage be obstructed, or the humour inobedient or malignant, or the functions of the womb any way depraved, the offence is communicated from thence unto the rest of the body. The principal part of the body are the seats of the three faculties, which do govern the whole body. The brain of the animal, the heart of the vital, the liver of the natural; although some other parts are plentifully endued with some of these faculties, as the stomach, entrails, veins, spleen, etc. with natural faculties, 
g Gal. de difficultate respirā di lib. 1. cap. 7. Trincavel. li. 4 cap. 12. Felix platerus ca de respira. defectu Gal. de sympt. differentiis Cap 2.3.  the instruments of respiration with animal and natural. These parts are affected in this disease, and do suffer in their functions as they are diminished, depraved, or abolished, 
h Gal. 5. loc. affect. 6 Mercatus pag. 173.  according to the nature & plenty of the humour, and the temperament and situation of the Mother: and that diversly: For sometimes the instruments of respiration alone do suffer, sometimes the heart alone, sometimes two or three faculties together, sometimes successively one after another, sometimes one part suffereth both a resolution and a convulsion in the same fit, 
Petrus solius diversus pag. 400  or when as it suffereth in one part and not in another, as we see oftentimes sense and motion to be taken away and yet hearing and memory to remain, 
Mercat. pa. 170  the speech failing and respiration good. 
Merca. pa. 174  Sometimes respiration, sense, and motion do altogether fail, and yet the pulse remain good: So that the variety of those fits is exceeding great, wherein the principal parts of the body do diversly suffer.  
Another diversity there is, in the order of these fits: for sometimes they keep due g periods or circuits yearly or monthly, 
Aetius lib. 26. cap. 70 P. Agineta. lib. 3. cap. 71. Rhasis cont. lib. 22. mesuesum. 4. part. 4. sect. 1 cap. 8. Avicen Fen. 21 3. cap. 16. tract 4. quandoque sunt period. eius tardi, quandoque accidit omni die.  according to the falling sickness, and sometime every week, sometimes h every day, etc. I know a gentlewoman in this town, who for 2. years together never miss a fit of the Mother in the afternoon. The like is hereafter mentioned in the Essex gentlewoman. who for 16. years together had every day a fit of the Mother at a certain hour. D. Argent and I had another patiented, in whom for 10. weeks together we observed a fit of the mother every saturday. I add by consent of the Mother to distinguish those Symptoms or diseases from such as are caused originally by the part affected. For being procured but by consent, they endure no longer than the fits of the mother do continued. The consent or community which the matrix hath with those principal parts of the body is easily perceived, if we consider the anatomy of that part, & the divers ways whereby it may and doth communicate with them. The functions of this part, besides that which is common to all other for their nutriment derived from the natural faculty, are 2. the one respecting the preservation of the whole body, as it is an Emunctory of divers superfluities which do abound in that sex. 
Gabr. Fallopius de med. purge. Cap. 17. et 23. Via euacuationi●.  The other for the propagation of mankind, where it is to be conceived and nourished until it be able to appear in the world. In regard of these offices this part hath need of great variety of provision, according as the uses are manifold. The substance is nervous, for the great necessity it hath of sense and motion.  
It is also Porous for the better entertaining of the vital spirits and the necessity it hath of distension and contraction. 
Constant. Varo lives lib. 4. cap. 3   
It is tied unto divers parts of the body that it might the better bear the weight of an infant: backwards by little strings unto the lower gut, 
Gasparus Ba●hinus historia anatom. p. 71.  unto the loins and os sacrum: forwards unto the neck of the bladder and os pubis by certain membranes derived from the peritoneum: on each side it is tied unto ossa illii by a ligament growing from the muscles of the loins. It receiveth also for the former uses, veins from the liver, arteries from the heart, and nerves from the brain and back, which are all inserted into the substance of the part, to derive unto it the benefit of those 3. faculties, both for the proper use of the part, and for the use of propagation and to discharge the whole body of divers superfluities, which otherwise would be an occasion of many infirmities in them.  
Now according to this description let us consider how by consent, the principal parts of the body may be affected from the matrix.  
The parts of our body do suffer by consent 
b Trincavel. l. 3 Sect. 2. cap. 2.  two manner of ways. The one is when they do receive some offensive thing from another part which is 
c Avicen. Fen. 1.3. tract. 2. ca 6 Montagnana consil. 226  called Communitas non absoluta. And this is either a quality as in venomous and infectious diseases, where the malignity creeping from one part to another doth altar the quality of the parts as it goeth, and at the last is comminicated to the principal parts, as the head, heart, liver, longs, etc. or a substance which either by manifest conducts, as veins, nerves, arteries, etc. or by insensible pores (as Hippocrates saith, 
Fernel. pathologiae li. 6. ca 16  our bodies are transpirable, and transmeable) is conveyed from one part to another: whether it be a vapour or a humour, as we do commonly observe in the fits offevers, where a vapour arising from the part affected, disperseth itself through the whole body, and affecteth the sensive parts with cold or heat, the motive parts with trembling, the vital parts with fainting, sounding, inequality of pulse, etc. the natural parts with dejection of appetite, subversion of the stomach, etc. until nature have overcome and discussed it. In these Fevers also many times humours are so plentifully sent up unto the brain, 
Forestus lib. 10 obseru: 115: in scholiis.  as by custom or long continuance they breed some proper affect there.  
The other kind of community is that which they call Communitas absoluta, wherein the part consenting receiveth nothing from the other, but yet is partaker of his grief: either for similitude of substance or function, which causeth mutual compassion: as all nervous parts have with the brain: whereby if any Nerve or nervous part be hurt or pricked, the brain suffereth a convulsion, or for neighbourhood and vicinity, whereby one part may offend another, by compression or incumbency: as in the prolapse of the Mother, the bladder or fundament is oftentimes offended in their natural excretion. And in this disease which we have in hand by the local motion of it upwards, the midriff is straightened of his scope, whereby the lungs do fail in their duty, or by reason of connexion or continuity which it hath with other parts, by Veins, Nerves, Arteries, Membranes, Ligaments, etc. whereby the offence is easily imparted unto other parts. 
Gal: locorum affect: 1: cap. 6  Or lastly by privation of some faculty or matter, whereof the part hath need. As in the obstruction of the Spina Dorsi there followeth a resolution or palsy of the legs or arms, by reason that the animal faculty that should give sense or motion to the part is intercepted and hindered in his passage. Likewise in a resolution of the Muscles of the breast, as in a wound of that part, or in swooning the voice is taken away, 
Rondeletius cap 69. Trin● cavil loco citato:  because the matter of it which is breath, is either not sufficiently made, or is carried another way, or not competently impelled to the organs of voice.  
All these manner of ways hath the Matrix by consent to impart her offence unto other parts. For there wanteth no corruption of humour, vapour, nor evil quality, where this part is ill affected, to infect other parts withal, there wants no opportunity of conveyance or passage unto any part, by reason of the large Veins, Arteries, and Nerves, which are derived unto it, with which it hath great affinity and similitude of substance, besides the connexion it hath with the heart, liver, brain, and back. It is linked also in neighborhoode with diverse parts of great use, as the bladder, guts, midriff, etc. which are likely to be warmed when this part doth burn. According to the variety of causes and diseases wherewith the womb is offended, these Symptoms do differ in nature, or in degree. 
a Mercatus pag. 165.  A plentiful matter produceth a vehement Symptom: a corrupt matter according to the degree of corruption, and the quality of the humour corrupted, causeth like accidents. The diseases also of the Mother being complicated with the former corrupt humours do yield variety of Symptoms: as the rising of the Mother, which always causeth shortness of breath: b Empostumes of the Mother according to the place where they are bred, 
Mathaeus de gradi. & Auicenna locis citatis.  and the quality of them, do also bring a difference in Symptoms. And thus much for explanation of the definition.   

Cap. 3. Of the kinds of this disease, and first of that wherein the vital faculty is offended.  
HOw I come to the kinds and sorts of this disease, which may be reduced unto three principal heads, according as every part of the body belongeth unto some of the three principal functions which do govern the body of man. Not that every Symptom in this disease doth hurt some of the three functions, 
Affectus corporis vel excretionum vitia.  for some are only molestations or deformities, as sudden Colics, windy humours, noises, alteration of colour, etc. But because every part may well be mustered under some of these generals: and we do seldom see any hysterical affect wherein some one or more of the functions are not affected. These functions as they are distinct in office, so they possess in our bodies several seats and have several instruments belonging unto them.  
1 The vital function which by preserving natural heat in a due temperature, maintaineth the conjunction of soul and body together, hath his principal mansion in the heart, and from thence by his Arteries conveyeth vital spirits unto every member. So as without this we could not live: and therefore it is accounted the principallest function, because the rest receive their being from this, and this failing they must needs all cease. This function is performed by the motion of the heart, and Arteries, which in this affect of the Mother is drawn into consent as it is either diminished, abolished, or depraved. The depravation of this motion is either when it is too fast and quick, or when it beats disorderly. The pulse in this disease is oftentimes too quick, although it be weak withal: but seeing it brings no great offence with it, the patiented doth seldom complain thereof. The greater offence is when it beats disorderly, and keeps no equal nor orderly stroke, but either trembleth and danceth in the motion, or else is violently impelled: insomuch as it doth not only remove one's hand being applied to some part where the Arteries are great, 
Trincavel. li. 4 cap. 24.  and near to the skin) as lately appeared in a noble Gentleman of this land now dead) but as Fernelius testifieth, hath sometimes displaced the ribs, 
De partium morbiset symp. lib. 5: cap. 12.  and sometimes broken them through the violent motion of the heart.  
This Symptom is called the palpitation or beating of the heart, or Arteries whereof Maxmilian the Emperor died as Crato reporteth, and wherewith Charles the fift was oftentimes molested, as Vesalius writeth. It is chief to be perceived where the Arteries are great & near the skin: as under the left ribs towards the back, and in the neck: as you may obsrue in Maids that have the green sickness, by the shaking and quivering of their ruffs, if they sit close to their necks: where sometimes through the dilatation of the Artery there ariseth a 
a Aneurisma. Pernel. loeo citato.  tumour as big as one's fist. This Symp tom is every where mentioned by our 
b Petrus Salius pag. 429. Skinckius de cordis palpit. abs. 211. item 218.222. Forestus lib. 17 obs. 8.  Authors in this disease and our daily experience confirmeth it.  
This motion of the heart and Arteries in this affect of the Mother is oftentimes diminished either in part or to sense totally. In part, where the pulse in this disease is weak, slow, obscure, intermittent, etc. and the whole body accordingly feeble and slow in every action, for want of influence of vital faculty from the heart. It is totally diminished in that Symptom which is called Syncope or swooning, the very image of death, where the pulse is 
c Gal. loc, affect. 6. c 5. pulsum vix perceptibilem habent etc. Item de compox sit. pharmac. s. l. lib. 9 in finite.  scarcely or not at all perceived; the breath or respiration clean gone: by reason that the heart wanting his motion, hath no need of the help of the lungs to refresh it withal, all the faculties of the body failing, itself lying like a dead corpse three or four hours together, and 
d Antho. Guaynerius. cap. de suffoc. matricins. Albert, Botionus loco infra citato. Gal. loco citato. Altomarus loco citato.  sometimes two or three whole days without sense, motion, breath, heat, or any sign of life at all (like as we see Snakes and other creatures to lie all the winter, as if they were dead, under the earth) insomuch as diverse 
e Ambros. paraeus li. 24. c. 10.  errors have been committed in laying forth such for dead, which have afterwards been found to have life in them, and have risen up in their burials, whereupon there have been laws enacted, as 
f De morbis muliebr: lib. 4. cap. 22. jacobus Silvius de mensibus mulierum.  Mercurialis reporteth, that no woman which was subject to this disease should be buried until she had been three days dead. Or as 
g De morbis medicandis. lib. 10. cap. 10.  Alexander Benedictus of Bolonia saith 72. hours, which cometh to the same reckoning. 
a Practicae lib. 2. cap. 17.  Petrus Bayrus setteth down diverse reasons why they should not be buried before three days be ended, besides the experience of some (as he saith) that have been found alive in their graves after they had been buried. I will refer the reader for the reasons to the author himself, and to 
b Lib. 10. obser. 79. in scholiis.  Forrestus in his observations. 
c Histor. nat. lib. 7. cap. 52.  Pliny maketh mention out of Heraclides, of a woman who for seven days together lay for dead in a fit of the mother, and was restored again to life: which (saith 
d De medica hystoria mirabili. lib. 4. ca 11  Marcellus Donatus) is not to be thought a fabulous tale, seeing it is not repugnant to the rules of Philosophy and Physic. And 
e 6. Locorum affect. cap. 5.  Galen making mention of the very same history under the name of Apnaea, discourseth of the reasons of it.  

f joh. Schinckius refert ex pictorio. observat. med. lib 4. cap. 288.  Rabbi Moses an ancient Author in Physic, reporteth also of a woman, that in the fit of the mother, did lie six days without sense and motion, her Arteries being waxed hard, and she ready to be buried, and yet recovered.  

g Demorbis muliebribus cap. 43.  Bottows a late professor of Physic in Milan, reporteth of a woman that being given over for dead in a fit of the Mother, was by such conclusions as he tried, discovered to be yet alive, and recovered her former health again by such remedies as he prescribed.  

h Obseru. li. 10. in scholiis ad observat. 79. jacobus Ruffius testatur se plures huiusmod. vidiss. mulieb●. l●b. 6, cap. 8.  Forestus of Alkmar in north Holland, but lately dead, setteth down the like example of another, that lay in that manner 24. hours, and was by him restored to health again.  
The like also he citeth out of Leovellus, in that place, of one that lay with her eyes shut, and dumb a whole day, and by convenient remedies was delivered from her fit, and could rehearse all that was done about her in the time of her fit. But the most pitiful example of all other in this kind, 
De hominis generat. cap. 46.  is that which Ambrose Paraee reporteth of Vesalius a worthy Physician, & for anatomical dissections much renowned, who being called to the opening of a Gentlewoman in Spain, which was thought to be dead through the violence of one of these fits, began to open her, and at the second cut of the knife she cried out, and stirred her limbs, showing manifest signs of life to remain. The beholders were exceedingly amazed at the sight, and blamed the Physician much for it: who though he took her for dead, yet took he great apprehension of sorrow for that accident, that he estranged himself. After through grief and remorse of conscience for his error, pretended (as others say) a pilgrimage for the absenting of himself, and therein died. Many more examples to this end could I produce out of Authentical writers, and late experiences, if it were free for me to mention them: but these may suffice to show how wonderfully the vital faculty is overthrown in this disease, and withal respiration, sense, motion, and all the functions of the body by reason of this.   

Cap. 4. Of that kind of this disease wherein the animal faculty is offended.  
THe second kind of this disease is, where the animal faculty doth principally suffer; and it is that faculty whereby we do understand, judge, and remember things that are profitable or hurtful unto us, whereby also we have sense and do feel the qualities of things, and move to and fro, & perform divers other voluntary actions for the commodity of the body. For nature had made us but base creatures, if she had given us only the vital faculty barely to live, and the natural to grow, and to supply the expense that is daily made of natural moisture: If she had not withal given us knowledge and understanding of such things as we are subject unto, and ability to move our bodies at our pleasure, to apprehended that which is profitable & to shun that which is offensive, etc. And therefore as a faculty making most for the dignity and use of man, it is placed principally in the brain; from whence it disperseth his beams of influence into every part of the body, according to the several uses and necessity of each part.  
This animal faculty hath this peculiar difference from the vital and natural faculties, that the functions of it are subject unto our will, & may be intended remitted, or perverted at our pleasure, otherwise than in the other faculties: For no man can make his pulse to beat as he list, or altar the natural functions at his will and pleasure. But these animal functions may be abused both by our own will, and by the violence of some disease, and by both, as Galen testifieth, lib. 2. de Symptomatum causis cap. 12. That it may be abused by our own will, he proveth also in another place, 
De motu musculorum lib. 2. cap. 7.8.  where he bringeth an instance of a servant (servi barbari) who killed himself to anger his master by holding of his breath. S. Augustine saith that he knew a man that could make himself to sweat when he list, by his imagnation only. 
De civitate Dei lib. 4: Cosmocrit. lib. ●. pag. 156.  Cornelius Gemma saith, that he knew one that could weep when he list: others that could make their bodies stiff like an image, imitate the voices of all kind of creatures, raise a hickocke, and break wind as often and in what manner they would. And S. Augustine tells of one that would make a kind of music that way. 
Medici parisien ses in historia Martha. Brossier.  Adrian Turnebus saw a rogue that gained much money by showing this feat, we do also daily see that some can countersait madness, 
1. Sam. 21.13. Gal. lib quomo do deprehenduntur qui aegrotare sefingunt. cap. 1.  some drunkenness, some the falling sickness, some palsies and trembling, some can play the fools and supply the rooms of innocents, some can make noises & speak in their bellies or throats, as those which Hippocrates calleth Eugastrimuthoi ventri loqui, 
E●idemiorum. 5. R. Scot lib. 7: cap. 1.  such as was the holy maid of Kent, and Mildred of westwall, etc. And it is strange to see how young bodies will be bowed and writhed diversly, as we see in tumblers jugglers, and such like companions. Hereupon divers have counterfeited diseases as I once saw a poor fellow being arrested for a small debt counterfeited a fit of the falling sickness, with strange and violent motions: whereby the creditor in compassion was moved to release him. Being released he was well again, and unto his friends seemed to confess the cozenage: others have counterfeited possessions, either upon mere deceit or enticed thereto through the conceit of some disease wherewith they have been troubled. But for this point I refer you to the histories of Agnes Brigs, Rachel Pinder, 
Lib. 16. cap. 4.  Martha Brossier, etc. Ren. Scot tells of one that being blind, deaf, and dumb, could read any canonical Scripture, but no apocrypha: But was discovered by inserting a leaf of Apocrapha: among the canonical. Another feigning herself to be possessed with a devil, would answer to any question made in English, but understood no latin. divers such like examples might be procured to show how the animal functions may be abused by our own william. But against our wills this faculty doth suffer by consent in the suffocation of the Mother diversly according to the variety of offices or functions which it performeth.  
The functions of it are three, the first is called Internal and principal sense which doth govern and direct all the rest by Imagination, Reason and Memory: which if it be hurt either by imminution or depravation or total abolishment, than the inferior functions do necessarily participate with the offence They are hurt by Imminution when a man doth not Conceive, judge, or remember so well as he aught to do, as in dullness or blockishness, 
Hebetudo mentis.  as we call it in undiscretion, foolishness or want of judgement, 
Imprudentia oblivio.  in oblivion or forgetfulness, etc. They are abolished either in those drowsy affects which we call Caros, Coma, veternus, 
Sopor.  Lethargus etc. or in those astonishing Symptoms wherein all the animal faculties are at once taken away, sometimes with a general resolution or palsy, as in Apoplexies: 
Apoplexia. Epilepsia.  sometimes with a general convulsion, as in the falling sickness: sometimes with a Stiffness or congelation of the body, 
Catalepsis.  wherein they lie like an image in the same form they were taken.  
These internal senses are overthrown either in part or in whole in this suffocation of the mother: 
a Hypp. de mor bis muliebr. lib 1 et 2. Torpor occupat caput mens percellitur et improba fit non facile intel ligit. De virginum morbis cor fatuum fit, ex fatuitate torpor.  and thereupon it is likened unto these former diseases: and this kind is accounted by Avicen to be the most grievous of all other, where the imagination and reason is hurt: and the other which holds them with convulsions, contractions, etc. he accounts to be the milder and the more usual. And therefore he saith that commonly they can remember what was done about them in their fit: 
Gal. loc. affect. 6.5. De compo sit. pharm. s. L. lib. 9 in fine Rhasis continene 22. Eginet a. li. 3. ca 71. Aetius tetr. 4 Serm 4. cap. 68 paschaliuslib. 1. cap. 58. Valescus de Taran. jacobus Silvius Altomam. Augeni. avi. Fen. 21.3. cap. 16. tract. 4. Idem. Petr. salius de catelepsi. pag. 384.  unless it be of this most grievous kind.  
The Internal sense is depraved when a man doth imagine, judge, or remember things that are not as if they were, or things that are, otherwise than they are indeed. Whether they do it in cogitation alone, or do express it by word or deed. As we see in those fools which we call naturals, 
Insania. Delirium. Melancholia. Furor.  in mad men, in melancholic men, in those that are furious, in such as do dote, in such as are distracted through love, fear, grief, joy, anger, hatred, etc. In some of which they will laugh, cry, prattle, threaten, chide, or sing, etc. according to the disposition of the party or the cause of the affect.  
These functions are also depraved in too much wakefulness through the commotion of the animal spirits, 
Vigilia. Insomnium.  also in dreams, where sometimes besides the depravation of the fantasy they will walk, talk, laugh, cry, etc. And lastly in that disease  is called 
b Saltus viti. F. Platerus de mentis alienatione. pag. 103  Saltus Sati viti, or Saltuosa dispositio membrorum wherein they will dance, and leap, and cannot endure to be quiet.  
This depravation of the internal senses, is so ordinary in the fits of the Mother, as Horatius Augenius Epistola. 6. seems to make it of the essence of this disease, that the imagination is ever depraved in it. But 
c Hippocrat. de morbit virg. prae acuta infla matione insanit prae putredi ne clamat, etc. De morbis muliebr. lib. 1. men re alienatur in hoc morbo et de liria fiunt furi osa dentibus fiendet vigilabit anxia erit etc. Avicen loco citato facit accidere alienationem per communitatem cerebri, etc. Aetius garrulae inquietae & iracundae fiunt. lib. 16.7 4. Hier. mercurialis mormorborum muliebr. lib. 4. c. 10. jacobus Silvius demensibus. Mathaeus de grad. consilio. 80. histortaem narrat furtosi.  Hippocrates, Galen, Avicen, and most of the best Authors in our profession, do affirm that very often there happeneth an alienation of the mind in this disease, whereby sometimes they will wax furious and raging deprived of their right judgement and of rest.  
The second function of the animal faculty is the external sensitive function; which giveth to the eye the faculty of seeing, to the ear of hearing, to the tongue of tasting, 
Privatio visus Auditus. Gustus. Olfactus. Tactus.  to the nose of smelling and to divers parts of the body the power of feeling.  
This function in all these kinds is diminished, depraved, or clean abolished, but especially in this disease of the mother, we do observe the offence which is done to the feeling faculty, when the parts are benumbed or do not feel at all, or when they feel 
d juxta recep tam a medicis sententiam dolorem hic insero licetvideatur potius ad simplices corporis affectus referendus.  pain and offence, or when they feel things falsely and other wisen than they are.  
Concerning hearing, although 
e Hyp: morb muliebr. lib. o. caligo ante oculos obuersatur et vertigo, oculi non acutevident nihil olfaciunt vocata non audit Rhasis 22. cont. in hac passione non audit quando datur in auribus eius vox terribilis Aegineta loco citato. Instrumentorum sen sensus apprehensio etc. Avicen narrat plurimum eius quod fuit in ea nisi sit maxima et immoderata Aetius sensus et motus intercipiuntur. Gal. immobiles sine sensu racent Horatius Angenius Epist. 6, Gal. de motu musc. lib. 2. cap. 6. et 8.  Hyppoc. Rhasis and divers others do observe that sometimes it is hindered: yet it seems to be in the former kind where the internal faculty do suffer. For Mercatus puts it as a difference from the falling sickness, that in this suffocation of the matrix they do commonly hear. The privation of the other senses of seeing, tasting, smelling and feeling, are very ordinary in this disease, as you may observe in the Histories following, and in these quotations.  
The third function is that which gives motion to the whole body. This motion serveth either for a voluntary use only, or for a natural use also. The motions for the voluntary use are the free motions of the external members of our bodies: as to bow the whole body and the head by means of the back, to apprehended with the hand, to stand and go with the feet and legs, to chew with the jaws, to open & shut the lips & eyelids, to move the eyes, etc. This function is diminished in that affect which we call lassitudo, weariness or unweldines, wherein we are not able to move so strongly and nimbly as we should.  
It is abolished, 
Paralysis.  either by a resolution or palsy where the sound part draws the sickly part, that is the part resolved, & depending draws the muscles & nerves etc. or by a Spasmus or contraction of them 
g Contract io. platerus. Gal. de causis morborum lib. 2. cap. 7. et loc. affect. li. 34.  where the sick part draws the sound part, that is, the muscle which is affected, draws the member which is well.  
A resolution or palsy is either general of both sides of the body 
h Petrus Salius pag. 401. tanquam levis Apoplexia Fern. de part. morbis & sympt. li. 5. cap. 3.  exempting the head, or of one side called Haemiplegia, or yet more particular of the hand, leg, finger, etc. called 
i Gal. 1. prorhet come. 2.50. et come. 3.26. de victus rat. tom. 4.27. de morb. vulg. come. 2.56 Gybbut. Trismos. Tortura oris. Strabismus. Spasmus Cynicus.  parapligia.  
A Contraction or Spasmus is also of like sorts, sometimes the body is held upright and cannot be bowed any way in that affect which is called Tetanoes, sometimes it is bowed forwards Emprostotonos sometimes backward Opistotonos, sometimes the back is crooked in some part of it, as in Gibbo, sometimes the jaws, lips, face, eyelids, etc. are contracted, whereby they make many strange faces and mouths sometimes as though they laughed or wept, sometimes holding their mouths open or awry, their eyes staring, etc. Sometimes the hands, arms, legs, fingers, toes, etc. are contracted, sometimes particular muscles in the sides, back, arms, legs, etc. one or more at once, as in cramps.  
It is depraved where the motions are immoderate, perverse, inordinate, or indecent, as when they are unquiet, & cannot abstain from motions and gestures, casting their arms and legs to and fro, up and down, dancing, capering, vaulting, fencing, and in diverse manners forming their motions. 
Marcellus Doc natus. li. 2. ca 4  Also in Convulsions of the members, where they are shaken and pulled by inordinate motions, as we see in the falling sickness. Also in trembling, palpitation, 
Felix Platerus de motu depravato. pag. 401.  rigour where the teeth do chatter, horror where the hair stands upright, stretching, yawning, gasping twinkling of the eyes, etc. These impediments and depravations of motion are daily observed in uterne affects: as may appear by these testimonies. Hyppocrat. de morbi muliebr. lib. 1. Albas' oculorum partes subvertit, dentibus frendet, & similis fit his qui herculeo morbo detinentur. Item fit convulsio fortis articulorum corporis, claudam facit aut impotentem prae rigore, alias atque alias seipsam iactabit. Horror. Erectae ceruicis spiratio ipsam tenet, & quicquidederit aut biberit ipsam molestat. Torpor occupat manus & inguina, & crura & poplites. Magnis pedum digitis convelluntur gybbosa fit, de nat. muliebr. Gal. lib. de semine cap. 3. Tensiones' lumborum & manuum, & pedum viduam apprehendebant loc. affect. 6.5. Aliis crura & bracchia contrahuntur. Auicenna. minor suffocationum est quae facit accidere spasmum & tetanum, sine nocumento in ratione & sensu. Quandoque claudit oculos & non aperit eos. Stridor dentium, percussio oculorum, & motus involuntarius lacertorum. Rhasis. Stridor dentium cum spasmo & torquedine extremitatum, dolores fortes adeo ut mulierem torquere faciant undique & caput genibus implicari. etc. Mesue loco superius citato. Aetius. Oculi post multam gravitatem attolluntur, uterus paulatim laxatur & intellectum & sensum recipit. etc.  
The animal motions which do serve for natural use, have their power from the animal faculty, but their urging and provoking and cause from the natural, and are either Respiration, Ingestion, or Excretion. Respiration hath annexed unto it voice, and speech, 
Suffocatio. Anthon. Guaynerius. cap. de suffocatione.  this is diminished or abolished in Suffocation or choking, from whence this disease which we entreat of taketh his name, as from the most common Symptom which appeareth in it. 
Privatio vocis.  In difficulty of breathing. In privation of voice and speech.  
It is depraved when it is done immoderately or inordinately, whether it be voluntary, or involuntary, as in shortness of breath, sighing, yawning, the hickock, sneezing, 
Cita respiratio, suspirtum. Oscitatio. Singultus. Sternuta●io, Ructus, tussis. Deglutitio. Excret●o.  coughing, belching, vomiting, making of noises, blowing, and reaching, etc.  
Ingestion, or swallowing, is also hurt in this affect, when either they cannot swallow meat, or drink at all, or with great difficulty.  
Excretion is also hurt in this case, by vomit, siege or urine, etc. when either they cannot perform it being provoked, or do it out of season, or more than is convenient. etc.  
These Symptoms also appear in the Suffocation of the Mother. Hyppocrat. de nat. muliebri. Muta derepentè fit. de morbis muliebr. linguaipsius refrenatur & hanc non claram habet. Aliquibus etiam vocis privatio. Spiritus sublimis it, et suffocatio et anhelatio densa ipsam corripit. De nat. muliebr. Tussis detinet & contabiscit & videtur peripnumonia esse, etc. Gal. 9 de compis. Ph. s●l. aliquibus voxintercipitur. loc. affect. 6.5. aliae interceptas habent spirationes aliae suffocationes, etc. Hyppoc. de nat. muliebr. quicquid ederit autbiberit ipsam molestat. Avicen. Abscinditur loquela etc. Rhasis. Strictura anhelitus, squinantia, peripneumonia, aposlema in gutture ex communicatione Diaphragmatis cummatrice. Gal. Loco citato humiditas quaedam ê locis muliebribus excurrit. etc. Rondalat. cap. 69. Hollerius. cap. 59 Silvius suspirium. Montagnana consilio. 225.  
These motions as they belong to the animal faculty are principally hurt by Resolution, contraction, or convulsion, according as the simple motions are, and therefore we shall not need to stand any longer upon them in this place: as they belong unto the natural faculty, and do receive offence in that respect shall be declared hereafter in the third general faculty. In the mean time let us produce some examples of this 2. kind of Suffocation, where the animal faculty doth principally suffer: for examples many times do persuade more than doctrine. 
De morbis internis lib. 1. ca 59 in scholiis.  Hollerius reporteth that the governor of Rouen in France had two daughters which were held with these fits, in such sort as they would laugh an hour or two together, and confessed that they could not refrain from laughing, although diverse means to that end were used, both by entreaty, and by threats. He tells also of a gentlewoman de Rochpot, who being in these fits would rave, laugh, & weep, 
Lib. 28. obseris 26.  her eyes being shut. Forestus maketh mention of one Alcida Theodorici at Alkmare a young lusty maid who was held 24. hours in a most grievous fit of the mother, wherein she lay as if she had been half dead, hearing what was said about her, but could not speak, nor enjoy her other senses. Sometimes she would be pulled as if she had the falling sickness, sometimes would lie still as if she were in an Apoplexy, sometimes she would only stir her legs, 
Aliam egregiam motuum cōvulsiuorū ab utero bystor. vide apud eundem. li. 10. obser. 116 Lib. 26. cap. 16.  the rest of her body being dull: and although she could not speak, yet she would cry and laugh by turns, and then be sullen and dampish, as if she were dead again.  
Alexander Benedictus veronensis testifieth, that he saw a woman in a fit of the Mother, that was beside herself, and would sometimes laugh & sometimes cry. Those that attended her, applied Partridge feathers upon coals unto her nostrils, and by chance through want of care there fell a great coal out of the chafing-dish into her bosom, where it burned her, and made a great blister, but she perceived it not until the next day, and then complained of her breasts. Myself had a patiented in this City yet living and in good health (whom I will name unto any whom it may concern) that endured a violent fit of the Mother a whole day together: wherein she had many strong convulsions, and sometimes did lie as if she had been dead. Insomuch as the midwives would have given her over, and imputed ignorance unto me that I would attempt any thing for her recovery. But her husband being persuaded by me to make trial of some means which I had prescribed for her, she was within three or four hours delivered of a child; yet knew not of it, until she was thoroughly recovered of her fit, which was fourteen or fifteen hours after, and then she asked her husband what was become of her great belly. I could rehearse two other such like examples within this city, which happened not many months since.  
But we had of late a most rare example of this disease in an Essex Gentlewoman of good note, who being once frighted by squibs, fell into these fits of the Mother, which held her every day, and whensoever else she did eat any comfortable meat, for the space of fifteen or sexteene years together, with such violent convulsions, as five or six strong men could scarce hold her down. Sometimes her limbs would be contracted, sometimes particular Muscles, which would 'cause swellings in diverse parts of her body, sometimes she would be without all manner of sense. And being made believe by a stranger Physician that she was bewitched, her fits increased upon her, and grew to be stronger than before.  
Bartholomeus Montagnana reciteth up 31. several Symptoms of this disease which he observed in a Gentlewoman which was his patient. Convulsions, swoonings, choking in the throat, sadness and lamentation, coldness over her whole body, dumbness, and yet could hear, drowsiness, beating of the heart, trembling of the hands, contraction of the fingers, etc.  
It were in vain to heap up many examples to this purpose, seeing our daily experience doth yield us sufficient store of proof of the variety of these Symptoms in the animal faculty.   

Cap. 5. Of that kind wherein the natural faculty is offended.  
THe third kind of this disease is, where the natural faculty doth principally suffer. This faculty is of great necessity for the maintenance of mankind and according to the diverse uses thereof is distinguished. For seeing that nature brings us not forth into the world perfect men, in that ripeness and integrity, of all humane actions which afterwards we attain unto, when we come to full growth, it was meet to be provided of such a faculty in our bodies as might increase ourstature, & strengthen the instruments of the whole body, for the better perfection of the actions thereof. And this is called facultas auctrix. Seeing also that we are made of a fluxible mould which wasteth and spendeth itself many ways, whereby it standeth in need of continual refection and reply: Therefore it was meet to be furnished with such a faculty as might repair the decay and expense of our substance, by yielding continually apt matter for the nourishment of the body. And that is called facultas altrix. And thirdly seeing, notwithstanding our bodies are continually nourished with the best food, yet they must once die as well as other inferior creatures do: therefore God hath endued us as well as other creatures with the faculty of generation: whereby we may be able to make our kind to continued as long as the world shall endure.  
These three natural faculties have diverse others attending upon them, as the faculties of Attraction, Retention, Concoction, Expulsion, Alteration, Formation, etc. Which I will for brevity sake overpass with their bore mention, because the Symptoms of these faculties are not so evident to the beholder's eye, 
Gal. de tremor. palp. tit. etc. cap. 2. sensibus non exposita.  nor so strange as those of the vital and animal faculties are, yet that these are also hurt in the suffocation of the Mother, appeareth both by daily observation, and by the authorities of all both ancient and late physicians who have written of this disease.  

Some of these are Symptomata in qualitate mutata, or in excremento vitiato: but be cause they are in the natural parts, and arising from errors of that faculty, I have inserted them here.  And to this place may we refer those accidents often mentioned in this disease. 
a Hypp. de morbis mulieb. lib. 1 Rhasis con. li. 22. Fernel. de partium morb. lib. 6. cap. 16. Mercatus lib. 2. cap. 2. & 3. Bottonus, & Mercurialis lociscitatis. Silvius de mensibus.  Gnawing in the stomach, and pains in diverse parts of the body, breaking of wind, vomiting, purging by siege, urine, or other excretion, loathing of meat, thirst, extraordinary hunger, swelling in the throat, swelling in the body, in the feet, obstructions in the veins, consumptions, tumours, fevers, privation of voice, paleness of colour, rumbling and noise in the belly or 
b Schenkiusobser. deptisiobser. 137. Cornel. Gema. Cosmocr. Hyppocrat. Epidem. 5. expectore obstrepebat. etc.  throat, like unto frogs, snakes, or other creatures, or as if they woule speak as Hippocrates reporteth of Polymarchus wife.  
And these are three principal kinds of this disease whereunto most of the Symptoms which ever do appear therein may be referred.   

Cap. 6. Of the causes of this disease.  
THe causes of this disease and of the Symptoms belonging thereunto, have ever been found hard to be described particularly: and especially in a vulgar tongue, I hold it not meet to discourse to freely of such matters, and therefore I do crave pardon if I do but slenderly overpass some points which might be otherwise more largely stood upon  
The causes of this disease are either internal, or external. The internal causes may be any thing contained within the body, as spirit, blood, humours excrements, etc. whereby this part is apt to be offended, but principally they are referred unto these two, 
a Gal. loc. affec. 6. cap. 5. Hollerius, demorbis internis. lib. 1. cap. 59 Paschalius li. 1 cap. 57 Altomarus. ea. 1 10. Item de utero gerentibus. cap. 2. jacobus Sylutus de mensibus. Hor. Augenius epict. 6. Cardanus de causis, etc. morborum. cap. 114.  blood, and nature.  
Blood is that humour wherewith we are nourished: without which the infant in the mother's womb could neither grow & increase in bigness, nor yet live: and therefore it was necessary that those that were fit for generation, should be supplied with sufficient store of this humour, for the use of this part wherein the infant is to be nourished, for which cause there are large veins & arteries derived unto it for the conveyance of blood thereunto, and there is greater provision thereof made in women's bodies then in men's: lest this part should be forced to withdraw nourishment from other parts of the body, and so leave them weak and consuming.  
But this provision of nature is oftentimes defective: as when it is cut off by violent causes, 
Defectus.  and the part left destitute of this familiar humour, which should serve both for the comfort of the infant, and of the part itself: which finding offence thereby doth communicate it unto the other parts with which it hath affinity according to Hippocrates doctrine. 1. Morborum muliebrium, and Aristotle, de generat. animal. 
Hollerius et Rondelet. loci citatis. Comment. 2. in lib. 1. Hypp. de morb. muliebr.  cap. 11. uteri cuacuati sursum ascendunt & praefocationes faciunt. Cordaeus gives us an example of one who by chance cutting a vain in her leg, whereupon she did bleed plentifully, fell into a fit of the Mother, and by moist and nourishing diet was recovered. The reason whereof Hippocrates referreth to the overdrying of those parts through large evacuatiou of blood, whereby the matrix doth labour by such motion as it hath to supply itself with moisture from other parts of the body: or as Mercurialis doth interpret it, 
Lib. 4. cap. 22.  doth impart by community (as is aforesaid) the offensive quality unto the brain, and by that means procures convulsions, etc. Galen referreth it unto the overcooling of those parts which necessarily must follow a large evacuation of blood, 
2. loc. affect.  which coldness being very offensive unto the nerves and nervous parts by consent and compassion offendeth the brain also, and by that means may procure the former Symptoms.  
And as the want and scarcity of blood may procure this grief, 
Recessui.  so the abundance & excess thereof doth more commonly 'cause it, where the patients do want those monthly evacuations which should discharge their bodies of this superfluity: as we see in strong and lusty maidens, who having ease and good fare enough, have their veins filled with plenty of blood, 
Gal. loc. affect. 6 Pered a in paschalium lib. I cap. 58. Altomarus. Silvius.  which wanting sufficient vent distendeth them in bulck and thickness, and so contracteth them in their length, whereby the matrix is drawn upwards or sidewards, according as the repletion is, whereupon followeth a compression of the neighbour parts, as of the midrif which causeth shortness of breath, by straightening the instruments of respiration of their due scope.  
But if this blood wanting his proper use do degenerate into the nature of an excrement, than it offendeth in quality as well as in excess, and being detained in the body, causeth divers kinds of Symptoms, according to the quality and degree of the distemperature thereof.  
This distemperature is either in manifest qualiries, of heat, 
Alteratio.  cold, moisture, dryness, according unto which it is said to be, 
Hypp. de morbis vir ginum. Altomarut Corruptio.  Melancholic, Phlegmatic, Choleric, etc. producing Symptoms of the like nature, or in corruption and putrefaction of this blood which breedeth divers strange kinds of distemperatures, 
Mercatus loco citato.  according to the diversity of the humour putrefied, the degree of putrefaction or the condition of the cause or author thereof.  
The other substance which most commonly is found culpable of this disease, is nature or sperma: 
Rondeletius c. 69. Platerus. Pereda in paschalia. Valesius de Tarrant a. lib 6. Velasiustestatur se deprehen deprehendesse circa uterum bystericarū croceum humorem faetidissimun etc. lib. 5.6.15. Mathaus de grad. in. 9 Rha sis. ca 28. Item consilio 84. Mercatus. Gal. Avicen. Mercurialis. Bottonus locis citatis. Hercules Saxo nia de plica. c● 14. et. 34.  which besides the suspicion of superfluity in some persons, may also receive divers sorts of alteration, and likewise of corruption, able to work most strange and grievous accidents in our bodies. For as it is a substance of greatest perfection & purity so long as it retaineth his native integrity: So being depraved or corrupted, it passeth all the humours of our body, in venom and malignity. For it must needs be a vehement and an impure cause that shall corrupt so pure a substance, which would easily resist any weak assault: and a substance so pure and full of spirits as this is, must needs prove most malicious unto the body when it is corrupted. And therefore it is compared to the venom of a serpent, a Scorpion, a Torpido, a mad dog, etc. which in a small quantirie is able to destroy or deprave all the faculties of our bodies at once.  
Galen comparing the corruption of these two together, affirmeth that although from the putrefaction of blood, divers most terrible accidents do arise, yet they are not so deadly as those which proceed from the corruption of nature; 
Silvius, etc.  and proveth it by this observation that divers women enjoying the benefit of marriage, yet through the suppression of their ordinary evacuation falling into this disease, had their respiration and vital faculties untouched, although otherwise they were most grievously affected.  
others also having those ordinary matters in good sort, yet being widows and taken with this grief have felt decay in those faculties as well as in the rest.  
How these two substances by consent may affect the whole body according to their several natures, hath been showed before: But one scruple remaineth here to be discussed, namely how this venomous matter may lurk so long in our bodies in silence not showing itself but at certain times only.  
Galen in the former place declareth this by the example of a mad dog, 
Loc. affect. 6.5. Petrus saliusde affect. particuharibus pa. 326  whose venom being received of us, although but by the foam of his mouth, will remain sometimes six months within our bodies undiscovered, and then having gotten more strength and ripeness unto itself, and opportunity of conveying his evil quality unto the parts, 
Altomarus.  breaketh forth to open view by diminishing or perverting the faculties of those parts. I had once a patiented in Kent who feeding upon a mad hog which he had killed for covetousness sake, found himself distempered therewith at the first, but within five or six months after grewsuddenly to be stark mad, and before his death, being by Physic restored to some reasonable understanding, he confessed the eating of that hog to have been the true cause of his disease. divers reasons may be yielded of this as well as of the fits of intermittent agues of Epilepsies, of sweeting, etc. which oftentimes have their due recourse by the year, month, week, day or hour, according to the nature of the humour: which being crude expecteth his concoction in our bodies and gives no sign of his presence until such a proportion of it be digested and resolved into vapours, 
Ga. loc. affect. 6 Felix Platerus de causis febrium. pag. 63. 65 66. etc. Mercatus. Fernel. patholog. li. 6, cap. 16  as for the offence thereof the part affected is not able to brook and for the weakness of the expulsive faculty not able to avoid out of the body: but filling the veins, arteries, and the habit of the body, is communicated to the principal parts; diminishing or depraving their functions so long, until that portion of vapours be discussed through natural heat: and ceasing again so long until by fermentation and concoction, another portion of the corrupt humour shall be digested.  
The uniformity of this humour and of the heat of concoction causeth the uniformity of fits. And this is the cause of the due periods or circuits which oftentimes are observed in this disease, whereof we have spoken before: 2 according also to the condition of the part affected, which serving as an evacuatorie to the whole body, is accustomed to such kind of humours and therefore can endure them better than other parts can. And this is another cause why this humour gives no sign of his presence until it may communicate with the principal parts: 
Quia multum. Quia prawm. Quia insu●tū.  which are soon offended either with the plenty of those vapours, or with the malignity, or with the unwonted and unaccustomed approach of them.  
The external causes of this disease are either such things as are ordinary and necessary for our life and which we cannot shun, as our meat and drink, motion and rest, sleep and watching, evacuation and perturbations of the mind: or such things as happen unto us accidentally, and may be shunned by us, as baths, ointments, plasters, clothes, smells or vapours, medicines, venus, noises, riding, swimming, sailing, wounds, contusions, falls, biting of venomous beasts, etc. which may be also referred to the former kinds. These and such like as they are the external causes of all diseases, our bodies being subject to be hurt and offended by every one of them: so they are oftentimes accessary to this particular disease.  
The air which compasseth our bodies and which we breath into our bodies is the occasion of many infirmities in us, 
Fernel. li. 1. de morborum causis  if either it be distempered in quality or corrupted in substance, or suddenly altered. And this may be the cause why women are more subject unto this disease at one time of the year then at another, according to the constitution of the air: as in the winter time, by reason of cold and moist weather the humours of our bodies are increased and made more crude and gross, and our pores stopped, whereby expiration is hindered, etc.  
But especially we do observe that breathing in of sweet savours doth commonly procure these sits, 
Mathaus de grave. Mercas. Rondel. cap. 69.  either for that the matrix by a natural property is delighted with sweet savours, as the liver and spleen with sweet meats, 
Hier. Mercuria  or because the animal spirits of the brain being thereby stirred up to motion, do by consent affect the matrix with the like.  
And therefore we do especially forbidden that they may not smell unto any sweet thing that are subject unto this grief: 
Plater. pa. 443 lacobus Ruffius de muliebribus lib. 6. cap. 8 Silvius Guaynerius.  but rather unto evil favours: which as Platerus thinks by stirring up the expulsive faculty of the matrix, are a means of the shortening of the fit.  
Meat and drink is the Mother of most diseases, whatsoever the Father be, for the constitution of the humours of our bodies is according to that which feeds us. And therefore it is reckoned as a principal external cause of diseases.  
And Hippocrates in this disease forbids sweet and fat meats (a dulcibus et pinguibus abstineat, 
De not muliebri. Lib. 2. obseru. 28. Hypp. libro cit a to quicquidede rit aut liberit ipsam molestat  donec sana sit) Forrestus tells us of a Bruets wife of Delft, who could never eat or drink any thing that was sweet or pleasant but her fit would take her a fresh●, and thereupon was feign to mix wormwood with every thing that she did eat or drink.  
The Essex Gentlewoman of whom I spoke before, 
Heurnius de morbis capitis pag. 310.  could never take any comfortable sustenance, but she was sure to have a fit of the mother. The reason of this may be the same which we have alleged of sweet vapours.  
The errors about evacuation are also an external cause of diseases, and do breed an internal cause afterwards.  
As in this disease the want of due and monthly evacuation, or the want of the benefit of marriage in such as have been accustomed or are apt thereunto, 
Altomarus.  breeds a congestion of humours about that part, which increasing or corrupting in the place, causeth this disease. 
Hollerius cap. 59 Rond. c. 69.  And therefore we do observe that maidens and widows are most subject thereunto. Motion and rest being well ordered do preserve health, but being disordered do breed diseases, especially to much rest and slothfulness is a means of this grief, by engendering crudities and obstructions in women's bodies, by dulling the spirits and cooling natural heat, etc. So likewise sleep and watching, the one by benumbing, the other by dissipation of the spirits and natural heat, may occasion this grief.  

Hinc Cicero Tusculanarum 3. perturbationes animi, mor bos appellat.  Lastly the perturbations of the mind are oftentimes to blame both for this and many other diseases. For seeing we are not masters of our own affections, we are like battered Cities without walls, or ships tossed in the Sea, exposed to all manner of assults and dangers, even to the overthrow of our own bodies.  
We have infinite examples among our 
a Plinium. Valeria. max. Volateranum. Pontanum. Landum. Gellium, Krantzium.  Historiographers, 
b Cornex lib. 1 consultat. med. cap. 3. Gal. 2. sympt. causis cap. 5. de praecognit. ca 6 Benivenius.  and Physicians of such as have died upon joy, grief, love, fear, shame, and such like perturbations of the mind: and of others that upon the same causes have fallen into grievous diseases: as 
c Gal. in 5. Aphorism. 45. Amatus lusit. Cent. 3.  women delivered of their children before their time, upon fear, anger, grief, etc. others taken with the 
1 Gal. loc. affec. 5. de Grammatico job. Montanus consilio. 50 Matheus de grad. de proprio filio. cap. de Epilepsia. Amatus lusit. cent. 2. cap 90.  Falling sickness, 
2 Procopius de bello Gothorum lib. 1. Amatus lusit. cent. 3.  Apoplexies, 
3 Christoph. a Vega. li. 4. ca 14 Corn. Celsus.  Madness, 
4 Gal. loco cita.  Swooning, 
5 Aretaeus lib. 1 cap. 7.  Palsies, and diverse such like infirmities upon the like causes.  
And concerning this disease whereof we do entreat, 
6 Consilio 311.  johannes Montanus tells us of a patiented of his, who fell into the fits of the Mother upon jealousy. 
7 Lib. 28. obser. 28. lib. 10. obseru. 30.  Forrestus of another, who had her fits whensoever she was angered: and of another that upon love fell into this disease. My self do know a Gentlewoman, who upon the sight of one particular man would always feel an uterin affect: and another that upon fear of being chidden, or seeing another in the fit of the mother, would also fall into it herself.   

Cap. 7. Of the cure of this disease, so much as belongeth to the friends and attendants to perform.  
THe signs of this disease, seeing they are drawn principally from the causes and Symptoms before declared shall not need any particular discourse, especially considering the use of them belongeth properly to the Physician, to direct him in his cure. And therefore I think good to ease myself of this labour, which would be altogether unprofitable to the reader.  
Concerning the cure also I think it not meet to say more than may concern the friends and assistants unto the patiented to look unto: referring Physicians works unto Physicians. There are some things by the friends to be performed unto the patiented in regard of the 
a Valetius in Hollerium. c. 59 Valescius dï Taranta. lib. 6.  present fit, & some things in regard of the cause. In the fit let the bodies be kept 
b Paschal. li. 1 ca 57 Altomar.  upright, strait laced, and the belly & throat held down with ones hand. Let heed be taken that they hurt not themselves by biting their fingers, 
B●nd e ●t●●u Hollerius.  striking their arms & legs against hard things, etc. apply evil smells to their nostrils, and sweet smells beneath 
c Rhasis ad Al●…ansor. cap. 28.  tie their legs hard with a garter for rewlsion sake, etc.  
Out of the fit, in regard of external causes, remove from them all occasions of breeding or increasing creasing the disease: as sweet savours, pleasant meats and drinks, much rest and slothfulness, etc. Also if 
a Hollerius nullum remedium melius marito. Valescus de taranta, Silvius. si nubilis est nec monialis nubat sinon libet aut non licet nubere utatur frigidis etc. Mat. Rochius de morb. mal. cap. 5. Guaynerius suppositio in hoc casu principati● obtinet, etc.  discontinuance of any thing accustomed be the cause of this disease, bring it into custom again: if want of any thing necessary for their health, let it be supplied, 
b Valetius in Holl. Cap. 59 istud genus demonii non eiicitur nisi multo jeiunio. Paschali. Si non possit uti viro praecibus & ieiuniocurabitur. Guaynerius. Curpus macerantibus utatur.  let theirdiet be sparing and upon cooling things, let them use much fasting and prayer, and all other means to pull down their bodies: and contrariwise abstain from eggs, wine, flesh, etc. If the perturbations of the mind be any occasion hereof, let them have their proper remedies, as anger and jealousy are to be appeased by good counsel and persuasions: hatred and malice by religious instructions, fear by encouragements, love 
c Avicen, Fen. 1 3. c. 14. tract. 4. de Ylisco.  by inducing hatred, or 
d Aretaeus. lib. 1. cap. 5. De sani. tuenda lib. 1. cap. 11. De subtilit. l. 19 De medica bist oria miraebili. lib. 2. cap. 1.  by permitting them to enjoy their desires, etc. Galen boasteth that he did every year cure many diseases by this stratagem of moderating the perturbations of the mind by the example of Aesculapius who devised many songs and ridiculous pastimes for that purpose. To which end also other physicians have used divers sorts of fallacies to encounter the melancholic conceits of their patients. Cardan tells of a Gentlewoman, who finding herself vexed with many grieous Symptoms, imagined that the Devil was the author thereof, and by josephus Niger was cured by procuring her son to make her believe that he saw three devils in her looking glass, & one great one to drive them out. Another like policy Marcellus Donatus tells us of, which a Physician used towards the Countess of Mantua, who being in that disease which we call melancholia Hyppocrondriaca did verily believe that she was bewitched, and was cured by conveying of nails, needles, feathers, and such like things into her close stool when she took physic, making her believe that they came out of her body. The like there he mentioneth also out of Trallian, of a woman who did think that she had a serpent within her, and was cured by the like means.  
So that if we cannot moderate these perturbations of the mind, by reason and persuasions, or by alluring their minds another way, we may politicly confirm them in their fantasies, that we may the better fasten some cure upon them: as Constantinus Affricanus (if it be his book which is inserted among Galens' works, 
Lib de incant. adiuratione, etc.  De incantation, adiuratione etc.) affirmeth, and practised with good success, upon one who was impotens ad Venerem, & thought himself bewitched therewith, by reading unto him a foolish medicine out of Cleopatra, made with a crows gall, and oil: whereof the patiented took so great conceit, that upon the use of it he presently recovered his strength and ability again.  
The like opinion is to be held of all those superstitious remedies which have crept into our profession, 
Si quis incantationem sibi prodesse confidat, qualiscunque sit, cum tamen iw. it. li. 1. prox imé citato.  of Charms, Exorcisms, Constellations, Characters, Periapts, Annulets, Incense, Holy water, clouts crossed and folded superstitiously, repeating of a certain number and form of prayers or ave Maries, offering to certain Saints, pissing through the wedding Ring, and a hundred such like toys and gambols: which when they prevail in the cure of diseases, it is not for any supernatural virtue in them, either from God or from the devil (although perhaps the Devil may have a collateral intent or work therein, namely to draw us unto superstition) but by reason of the confident persuasion which melancholic and passionate people may have in them: according to the saying of Avicen, 
4. Natural. 6.  that the confidence of the patiented in the means used is oftentimes more available to cure diseases then all other remedies whatsoever.  
Another course hath been taken sometimes in these cases, by removing the cause of these affections, or by inducing of other perturbations of a diverse nature. Whereby as (experience teacheth us) most grievous diseases have been oftentimes cured beyond expectation.  
A young man falling out of favour with his father, fell thereupon into the fits of the falling sickness, and continued long and often molested there with; until a reconciliation was wrought with his father: who sending him a kind letter to that effect, the young man was presently delivered from that fearful disease.  
A young Maiden also upon some passion of the mind, as it was credibly reported, fell into these fits of the Mother, and being in one of them, a Physician then present modestly put his hand under her clothes to feel a windy tumour which she then had in her back. But a Surgeon there also present not contented with that manner of examination, offered to take up her clothes, and to see it bore: whereupon the Maid being greatly offended, took such indignation at it, as it did put her presently out of her fit.  
And it is no marvel that the affections of the mind do bear such rule in this disease, seeing we do observe that most commonly besides the indisposition of the body: here is also some Melancholic or capricious conceit joined withal of love, fear, hatred, jealousy, discontentment, witchcraft, poisoning, etc. which being by policy or good instructions and persuasions removed, the disease is easily overcome.  
Other matters of government of them either in the fit or out of the fit, together with the cure in regard of the internal causes, because they are properly belonging to the Physician, I do purposely omit.  
FINIS.    

Faults escaped.  
Fol. 1th. lin. 22. deal one.  
Fol. 3. a. lin. 27. remoted for removed.