De Morbis Foemineis, THE Woman's Counsellor: OR, The Feminine Physician.  
MODESTLY Treating of such occult accidents, and secret Diseases, as are incident to that Sex, which their too much modesty, too often to their sorrow, causes them to conceal from others; for a Remedy whereof, they are here taught to be their own helpers; especially in these particulars: Of barrenness and Abortion: of natural, and unnatural Births: of the suppression of the Terms, the immoderate Flux thereof and other infirmities.  Dicere quae puduit, Scribere jussit. 
With a brief Appendix, touching the Kinds, Causes, and Cures of Dropsies, and Tympanies of all sorts.  
Translated out of Massarius de morbis Mulier.  
By R. T. φιλομαθης. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
London, Printed for John Streater, and are to be sold by the Booksellers in London, 1657.   

To the Reader.  
Courteous Reader,  
I Am now to write to two Sexes, both Masculine, and Feminine: This Treatise is composed useful for both Men and Women; for men who are English Students, in the excellent works of nature, the knowledge of Physic, who want some English subject of this nature, there being nothing of it yet extant. And this Author coming to my hands, almost worn out with the Canker of Time, I have bestowed the pains to new dress, and revive with many additions; there being no subject more useful.  
To the Feminine Gender, Women of all sorts, be they Maids, Wives, or Widows, what private and occult infirmities they are subject to, are here described, with their causes and Cures, Those that are, or intent to take on them the honourable practice of Midwives, may be instructed in some difficulties that will happen in their Offices, whereby they may be helpful to those they undertake; I mean not the Theorical part of a Midwife's Office and Duty: what appertains to that they are sufficiently, and excellently directed, by that late deceased, and yet living English Apollo, Mr. Culpepper, in his Midwife's Directory; and here follows the practical part directing what means is to be used in any accident there, or that follows, or precedes Childbirth.  
I have bestowed the pains plainly to English the Receipt of every Medicine, in words at length, and not in figures, that every one may understand them; and thereby over modest Maids and Women may help themselves in many private infirmities, which oftentimes they languist under, and will not discover. Then make use hereby, as you have occasion; and as you find the Benefit, give God the praise, who hath given power to his weak Creatures, the Herbs of the Field to be your helpers, and preservers, which is the desire of  
R. T. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   

A TABLE OF THE Contents of the Chapters.  

OF women's Diseases in general: The Introduction. Chap. 1.  
Of the Menstrue or Terms. C. 2.  
Of the suppression, or stopping of the Terms. Chap. 3.  
Of the immoderate Flux of the Terms. Chap. 4.  
Of the Flux of the Womb, or the Whites. Chap. 5.  
Of the Fits of the Mother, or suffocation, and drawing up of the Matrix. Chap. 6.  
Of the falling down of the Womb. Chap. 7.  
Of natural Conceptions. Chap. 8.  
Of Barrenness. Chap. 9  
Of monstrous and unnatural births. C. 10.  
Of the unnatural fleshy Conception in the Womb, called Mola. Chap. 11.  
Of weakness of Children in the Womb. Chap. 12.  
Of Mischances, and to prevent the same. Chap. 13.  
To expel and drive forth a dead Child out of the womb. Chap. 14.  
Of hard Labour find means to procure easy Delivery. Chap. 15.  
Of superfluity of milk, and other accidents happening after the Birth, as sore breasts. Chap. 16.  
Means and Remedies for Nurses that want milk. Chap. 17.  
Of Dropsies and Tympanies, an Appendix.    

THE WOMAN'S COUNSELLOR.  
The Introduction.  

Chap. I. Of women's diseases in general.  
THis being a Subject, which too much modesty, or indeed as it is, simple folly of many of the female Sex, hath hindered them from attaining to; and others, to fill their purses, have, and do still endeavour to conceal; But the want thereof being much, and the benefit great to save the health, and sometimes the lives of many poor women, whom God made as like himself, as he did the greatest Queen in the world; is the cause of bringing this so much necessary work to every one's capacity. And to treat peculiarly of the Diseases, and Infirmities incident to women, which as they want a particular Treatise, so they require a peculiar and proper Cure, 
Hipp. I de morbis mul. 331.  as Hypocrates at large teacheth: For the women do much differ from the men, from their beginning, and therefore do labour under, and suffer many Diseases peculiar and proper only to that Sex; which men can never surfer, neither are they incident to them. Wherefore, Is it not requisite to call such infirmities women's diseases, and for them to instittute not only a proper Treatise, but a special Cure? Nevertheless, it hath been, (and perhaps still is) contended against by some learned and famous men, who would account this Treatise needless, and seem to aver, that there is no such vast distinction to be used between the Male and Female; but their Diseases having only respect to the Sex, may be cured by one and the same general method. And this indeed may be true in some common and general Diseases usual to both sexes; but in such infirmities as appertain only to the women, and are not at all contingent to the men, their falsity plainly appears. And therefore Galen, Hypocrates, & Dioscorides, and many others, have taken the pains to write whole Commentaries merely upon the Diseases of women; but yet their works are much incused by the corruption of time, though full of much variety of speech, gravity, and excellency of Learning.  
This Treatise of the Diseases of women, is so occult, intricate and difficult to perform, that there is nothing to be found in all the Cabinets of nature, or secrets of the medicinal Art, more abstruse and difficult. The causes of this are many, as Hypocrates numbers them in his Book, 
Hipp. de morbis mul. pag. 331.  De morbis mul. pag. 131. The first cause is, that women carry Diseases a long time about them, and root it in them, and yet are either voluntarily, or foolishly ignorant thereof; either they do not know, or else are so superfluously modest as they will not discover the same, until time and necessity, too late to their pain, teaches them to know them by experience. And from hence it follows, that their Cure is not only difficult, but oftentimes their Diseases are incurable.  
The second cause Hypocrates numbereth to be this; That a great many women that are troubled with some secret Disease, and do well know the same, yet are so shamefaced and modest as rather to suffer under the same, than to communicate their minds to the Physician. Whereas he that wears the  best knows where it wrings; and amongst other Causes, the information of the Patient, discovers to the Physician the knowledge, and so consequently, the Cure of the Disease may be the easier effected. Now the Physician being destitute of that help, by reason of the silence of the women, the knowledge of the Disease is the more hard to find out, and consequently the Cure more difficult.  
This also may be added for a third cause, the too much verecundity or timidity of the Physicians, dealing too carelessly with the women, being too shamefaced, or bashful to deal plainly with them, and to inquire of them diligently and perfectly, the causes of their infirmities, and also absconditos locos suos attingere & tractare, which is necessary and needfully required. Of which negligence, Hypocrates doth much reprove and reprehend many Physicians, who do not accurately and carefully study to search out, and understand the true Causes of women's Diseases, without the knowledge whereof, their going about to Cure them, is rash and indiscreet.  
But to pass by these Causes, which, are of no small moment, it will not be amiss to add another, that the ignorance of Midwives, not knowing the internal secret parts of nature, nor how to exhibit in word or outward remedies, may cause to the women difficult and hard labours.  
From all which, is consequently gathered, that the Causes finding out, the matter and knowledge of women's Diseases, containeth in it many secrets and great difficulties.  
But these difficulties carry with them, and comprehend in themselves a recompense of jucundity and profit; For what is more delightful to man than to understand so great secrets and mysteries of Nature? And what can be more profitable to a Physician than to find out and know the way and manner of curing, and helping the infirmities and diseases of women? For since that the infirmities which do most frequently afflict miserable women, are very many most acute and grievous, in so much that their complaints may be heard almost continually from the very Womb; certainly Physicians in the study of their Cure shall not only gain great esteem and honour, but much profit. This therefore induceth me to render this Treatise plainly in the English tongue, that the women themselves may be their own Physicians.  
The first thing therefore here intended to be handled is of the Conception of man; and therein the first thing to be noted, is the distinction and difference of the Sexes of man and woman, without which no Conception can be had, nor the Course of nature maintained; of which that it may be fully and perfectly understood by you, we shall speak plainly; I say therefore as the Philosophers teach, that all things whatsoever that are, have a twofold ens or being, some ingenerative incorruptible, eternal as Intelligences and Heaven: others generative corruptible and momentary, as these inferior Elements, and those things which consist of the Elements.  
Although the Elements, as to the whole, are ingenerative and incorruptible, nevertheless, according to the parts they are generated, and corrupted, and are subject to continual transmutation. But the Cause thereof is the materia prima, or first matter, which always desires new forms as the Philosophers in their Physics every where teach. But to let pass all other circumstances, 
Gal. 14. cap. 11.  Galen tells you, there was a man so studious in the secrets of Nature, as to seek if it were possible to be immortal, and bring immortality upon the Body. But the materia prima, or which, if you will, call it God himself, knew this to be unlawful, and this Galen sufficiently declareth; 
Gal. 1: cap. 1.  For that which consisteth of Arteries, Veins, Nerves, Bones and Flesh, is the compound of Nature, and therefore is subject to corruption, for the Frabricatum or building of Nature, is a plain way, yet impossible to bring a man to immortality, his structures are subject to fall. The greatest of Cities, and the wisest of men be their Counsels never so great, or their people never so many, and their wisdom and their providence never so much, time will bring them all to nothing. Therefore the works of Nature are wonderful, as, that as one dies, another lives, and instead of one another succeeds; and by that Rule you may call nature to be immortal, but this is no other but the continual Generation of mankind: 
Gal. 6.7.14. 3 De usu part.  so teacheth Philosophy, and so the learned write. There is no part of the Body, but is necessary to be used, and competent to the protection of life, as the Brain, the Heart, the Liver, the Eyes, the Nose, the Ears, but if we should particularly instance the primum mobile of Nature, we must then speak of the four principal parts which carry a distinction between the Male and the Female, and are the preservers and continuers of mankind.  
I'll presume so much modesty as to give you these terms in the old tongue, 
Turner.  my meaning cannot be unknown, 'twas lawful for Ovid to write what he would not speak, and you may know my meaning; the parts following which we must treat of, are the maintainers and continues of the World before the confusion of Babel, called pudenda, testes, utert.  
You know my mind, if you do not his, in English, such things as have the best sense of feeling.  
Of this which we said before, we intent only to discriminate the Sexes, without which no Generation can be had in any Creature whatsoever, without the perfect mixture of Male and Female.  
And therefore Aristotle in all his works, 
Arist. de gen. c. 2  counted the Earth to be the Mother of all Creatures, the Sun the Father and begetter of them: so saith likewise Plato, and all others, that the Man and the Woman consist of two Elements of the Sun and Moon; the Father and begetter to be the Fire or Sun, the woman or conceiver to be the Earth or Moon, of which the whole World is built and consists.  
As the Macrocosmus or great world consists, 
Turner.  and is properly supported by the Sun and Moon, which are the male and female of the same great World. so the Microcosmus Man, by the woman which is the Moon of the man, and the Earth of the Microcosmus, and the field of his generation, products the continual generation of mankind. To speak of the differences of Sects and parts between man and woman, would take up a Volume in Philosophy, beyond our present intention, which intends only the infirmities incident to the Moon of the man, or that Creature which we call a woman; Something may be said how the Sun and Moon of the Microcosm, or the man and the woman differ in parts and nature, Philosophy largely teacheth it, but we say no more but only they differ in Faculty. For the Man or the Sun of the Microcosm, hath a power or faculty to engender in another, that is, in the Moon, but the woman hath also a faculty in power of generating, or bringing forth in herself, by the help of the Sun her husband, without which mutual conjunction no Generation can be had.  
I hope you have wit enough to know what I mean by the Sun and the Moon, that I may not be forced to English one thing twice: and if you be Men or Women, then know that by the Sun I mean the Man, and by the Moon the Woman; which if she be a whore, I cannot help it. That's an Eclipse to the microcosmical Sun; And as these two differ in Sex, so they differ in Nature, and in the several Faculties of Nature, and Members belonging to procreation, and Generation of Creatures accommodated the one to the other; but if you will take the distinction, Aristotle he calleth them in Women Pudenda and uterus, and in Men Testes and Membrum virile. Testes signifies properly, witnesses; and a man without such witnesses will have bad success in his cause, 
Turner.  if women be of the Jury. And therefore the first Mover and Maker of all things knew it necessary, to have a procreation of Mankind, for the continual supply of the World, which should be as well Male as Female; and therefore he made the Woman, and fitted her answerably to be accommodated to receive the Instrument of the Microcosmical Sun the Man, necessarily fitting one to the other for the Act of generation, and this was the cause why 'twas thought not fit, the Man should be alone, for if he had been so, the World had ceased in him: and 'twas not only sufficient to make a Man and a Woman so, and furnish them with Instruments proper to conjunction and copulation; but also, that as well in the Man as in the Woman, there should be a desire, and magnetical attraction to the Act of copulation, by a sympathy between themselves; or else, the very Act itself would be abhorred, and the species of humane Generation frustrate, and come to nothing, by an abhorrency of the Act itself naturally as it is, whereby the intention of Nature would have fallen to the ground, and one Man, and one Woman only, been made in vain. Therefore the sagacity of Nature, to cause propensity in both Sexes, to the Act of Generation for procreation sake, endued both with a reciprocal pleasure, and delight in the Act of Coition itself.  
And this propensity and pleasure, is not ordained in men and women only, but in all other Animals, to maintain a continual succession of generations amongst them: as appears by the great fierceness, and earnest desire of all Creatures to this Act, of which the Philosophers largely write; but we pass, it as not pertinent to our present intent, and come to speak of the menstrual or monthly Courses, by the natural constitution whereof, all women are more or less weak or strong, diseased or sound, more or less able and meet for Conception according to the species or degrees thereof.   

Chap. II. Of the Menstrua or Terms.  
ARistotle delivers, 
Arist. 1. de gen. Anim. cap. 19  that the Menstrua is an Excrement, and in proportion as the Seed of man; and that they happen to Women at the same age as the men begin to have Seed; And that the humours of the Terms are purged forth by Nature, as superfluous and unprofitable: therefore they may be comprehended under the general notion of an Excrement the principal use thereof is, for generation sake, which is the first Institution thereof, the Birth desiring a copious matter for nutriment.  
The Terms generally begin in all Women, 
The time  about the fourteenth year of their age, about which time also Men begin to have Seed, and both men and women change their voice, and are subject to many other mutations in their Bodies. And they cease, as the same Philosopher writes, about the 50th. year, seldom longer continuing.  
The time of their flowing, is not in all alike, for some have these purgations but one day, others two, three, and four days, according to the age and temperament of the Woman. For sometimes they flow more, and sometimes less: sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. In women that are sound of body; they moderately flow two or three days, if any longer or shorter time, that Woman is sickly, or barren.  
And so much for the Terms in general, we will proceed now to speak of the suppression or stopping thereof.   

Chap. III. Of the stopping, or suppression of the Terms.  
WHereas by the institution of Nature, it is necessarily provided, that all Women should ha●e their monthly natural purgations, by reason of the temperature of this Sex, and many other causes: but if they be suppressed or stopped, there follows to that Woman much peril and many sicknesses, but on the other side, if they have their purgations according to the law of Nature, it keeps them in health, and preserves them from many Diseases.  

The Causes.  The Causes of the suppression of the Terms, or diminishing of them are principally four, 

The first is, the viciousness of the Womb, and of the Vessels pertaining thereunto.  
The second is, the vice, or corruption of the blood.  
The third, the viciousness of the whole Body.  
The fourth and the last are, the viciousness and the Faculties of the Body, to which all other causes may be referred.    
First therefore, the Terms are suppressed, or diminished by reason of the Womb, and the Vessels belonging thereunto, by which the Terms ought to be purged; if therefore the Womb labour under any Disease, which may be many, as that if the substance of the womb be too hard or too thick, otherwise then is agreeable to Nature, that causes a stopping of the Terms, that must be brought to a better habit, with fit medicaments, and used in time for a convenient remedy.  
Secondly, there doth happen Diseases of intemperateness, which are various, simple and compound, some with matter, and some without matter, under all which the Womb may labour, partly by Nature, and from the Birth, and partly growing in time against Nature, as hardness and thickness, of which we have spoken.  
Of these Causes, the Simple are cold and dry, the Compound hot and dry; both which, may stop the Terms, cause the Womb to grow thick and hard, destroy the blood and impedite the natural purgation.  
Then there are Diseases of intemperateness with matter, as Inflammations, Swell, tumors, and Cancers against Nature.  
Then there are other Diseases, as Ulcers, Fistulaes', Imposthums, and the like, which the Womb is subject to, which also impedite the Terms.  
The second cause of the suppression of the Terms, is corruption of blood, which may be either too thick, or too glutinous, by reason of the vicious thickness of the humours, the Diet and many other causes frequently happening.  
The third Cause, which causes Women many times, not to have their Purgations at all, is the viciousness of the whole Body, that it sends not blood sufficient to the Womb for this matter to be digested of; the humour inclining to other parts of the Body, either caused by ill Diet, or too much exercise, as often happens in some rustic Women; whereby their temperament becomes too hot and dry, almost inclining to the nature of men.  
Another Cause of the suppression of the Terms, is the weakness of the Women in general, whereby the blood wanting power for Concoction runs to some other parts of the Body; and so long as the Woman labours under that weakness, the purgations are hindered, if not altogether stopped. But thus much may suffice for the Causes, we shall now proceed to the Symptoms, Prognostics, and Remedies to be used in the helping this infirmity.  
Though outwardly no visible sign may appear, but only the mere relation of the party afflicted; yet the differrences thereof, may be judged by the Causes, and Accidents attending it, and the part of the Body thereby afflicted. Whether the whole Body be vitiated and diseased, or the defect be in the Womb, or Vessels, as that the Mouth of the Womb be distorted and turned aside out of its due place, or some other impediment there about; or if there be a perpetual suppression of the Terms, than it plainly shows such a Woman to be absolutely barren.  
If the Obstruction come by weakness of the Vessels, and expulsive power then that is perceived by immoderate heat, great thirst, a swift and strong pulse, headache, and many other signs of heat.  
But if the cause thereof happen to be from cold, than the Woman is dull, drowsy, and much given to sleepiness, but without any thirst: the pulse beats very slow, and the Urine is of a loathsome colour.  
If the Disease proceed from some inward cause, it is discovered by the fatness or leanness of the party.  
This Obstruction usually brings to the party afflicted, not only barrenness, but oftentimes the Falling-sickness, Suffocation, Swell and Impostumes of the Womb, and the other parts appertaining thereunto, much dulness and drowsiness over all the Body, Coughing, difficulty of breathing, the Dropsy, detention of the Urine, costiveness, heaviness of mind, pain in the Head, and many other infirmities.  
Now therefore, to proceed to the Remedies to be administered for Cure of this infirmity, it will be very fit and necessary in the first place, to loosen the Belly; which may be done by Glisters, which dissolve wind, and gently lose as thus:  

A Glister for the stopping the Terms.  
Take flowers of Camomile and Mugwort of each one handful; Anniseeds and Fennel-seeds, each an ounce, and make a Decoction thereof.  
Then, take of this Decoction a pound, or a pint, which you please: three drams of oil of Camomile and brown Sugar to make it a Glister; so give it.  
Hiera Piera, is much commended in these cases, to purge the Excrements of the Vesicles, and remove those gross humours.   

A proper Receipt thereof may be thus, to provoke the Terms.  
Take the Species of Hiera, or (if it be lawful for me to speak English; and that 'tis a hard matter to do of such ugly unsignificant words, as purblind Physicians have devised)  
Take four ounces of the powder of Hiera pi●ra, and mix it with honey of Roses, or syrup of Roses, a sufficient quantity to make it into a Bolus.  
Also, take of the same simple Species, or plain powder of Hyera, two drams, that is, a quarter of an ounce; and mix it with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Betony, that it may be made a Bolus.   

Another.  
Take three drams of solutive syrup of Roses; and a sufficient quantity of the Decoction of Citron-seeds; make it into a Potion or drink, which you please, & take it immediately after the Hiera Bolus before directed.   

Another excellent, is this.  
Take of the powder of Hiera picra three drams; of the Electuary called Lenitivum, and Cassia newly drawn, three drams; mix it into a Bolus with fine Sugar.  
Be pleased to give me leave to tell you what a Bolus is; 
Turner.  for It is a term Physicians have caught by the end, without sense or reason, to fright you with. Bolus, is a Latin word, and signifies as much in English as to say, a mouthful or morsel, or as much as one can swallow at once, so that you may make it a Pill or Electuary, which you please: for you know both are to be swallowed.  
Some do refuse the use of Cassia to be administered in such cases, and condemn it; but being well administered with Hiera piera, it is very commodious for this disease.  
The opening of a Vein, or letting of blood, is very proper for this Disease, if it appears that there be a plenitude, or corruption thereof; it is properly to be drawn from the lower parts of the Body, 
Give me leave to be so modest as conceal that.  as the Foot; sometimes from the Thighs and Venus' Cubiti, et ab utero; you may imagine my meaning though I speak Latin: but I say, the superfluous blood must be drawn out, and that downwards, or else it will endanger to spoil the Body. 
Sub matrice.   
Ligature and binding of the Thighs, is also requisite in this case, and to keep the same bound to draw down the blood.  
Also, if the Veins in the Matrix be obstructed and stopped, and the humour of blood abounds, it is requisite that there be a Vein opened, to take away the blood, and that there be other means used to diminish the same, as laxative and opening Medicines, using abstinence and exercise, as need requires; but where no order nor abstinence is used, never expect a good remedy.  
But take it for a general Rule, that at first you begin to provoke the Terms, with gentle and lenitive moving Medicines, afterwards, if that do not the work, proceed to stronger by degrees, always having due respect to the age and strength of the person.  
For young and tender persons generally, this is a gentle mover of the Terms; syrup of Betony, of Mugwort, of honey of Roses, the decoction of Betony, and Hyssop, Ceterach.  
Simples gently provoking and moving the Terms: which are warm by nature, are accounted these;  
Smallage roots, Fennel roots, roots of Butcher's broom, of Parsley, Madder, Asarabacca, Valerian and Elecampane;  
The seeds of Lupins, Sperage, Parsly, Smallage, Annis, Fennel, Coming.  
Of herbs these, Cinquefoil, Mugwort, wild Mints, Harts-tongne, Marjerom, Fetherfew, Wormwood, Juniper, wild Time, Lovage, Maidenhair, Southernwood, and washed Turpentine.  
Stronger Simples to provoke the Terms, are; Hemlock, Rue, Centory, Savin, Euphorbium, Sagapenum, Ammoniacum, Myrrh, Assa foetida, Mustardseed, Celandine roots, Coloquint, Pepper, black Hellebore, Boras.  
These with the former, are to be used in powder, Syrup, Juice or Decoction, but beware you be not too busy in meddling with some of the last mentioned, lest you repent it.   

A Syrup to Concoct, and prepare the humours, to provoke the Terms.  
Take Syrup of of Betony, of Mugwort, and Elecampane, of each half an ounce; of the Decoction of Hyssop, and Betony, of each four ounces; mix them together, and so take it when you please.  
Odoriferous things which provoke the Terms are, Cinnamon, Cassia Lignea, Costus roots, Muscus, Spica Indiae, Spica Romana, Gallia muscata, and such like.   

Fumes to be burnt to move the Terms are,  
Oppoponacum, Soponoria, Frankincense, Lignum Aloes, and red Storax.   

Things by nature cool, which move the Terms, are,  
The seeds of small Endive, of Melons, of Gourds, of Pompions, Cucumbers and Lettuce; of which Pessaries may be made, to use in the Womb; but have a care you put a string to them, to get them out again when you please.   

A Syrup to take away the Obstructions in the Body, which hinder the Terms.  
Take Madder, two ounces; of the roots of Lovage, Sperage, Cypers, and grass, each an ounce and a half; Penny Mountain and Balm, of each two ounces, Spica Indiae, half a dram; Licorice, Currans, Rosemary flowers, and Stecadoes, of each an ounce; six ounces of Honey, and nine ounces of Sugar; boil it into a syrup, and take thereof two ounces at a time.   

Another for the same.  
Take two ounces of Madder, Sperage roots, Cypers roots, and the roots of Butcher's broom, of each an ounce, Valerian Sabine, white water Mints, and , of each a handful; Baulm two handfuls; of Melon seed, one ounce; Licorice and Currans, each half an ounce; Honey and Sugar, of each six ounces; so make it into a syrup, and take thereof about an ounce and a half at a time.   

To provoke the Terms strongly.  
Take the water of Smallage, of Lupins, Sperage, and Fennel, of each six ounces; a dram of Cinnamon, a quarter of an ounce of Spica Indiae; Ammoniacum and Oppopanacum, of each a dram and a half; Parsley seed, Fennel seed, wild yellow Rape seed, and Carraway, of each a quarter of an ounce; Gromell seed and Agrimony, of each a handful; Galingale and Saffron, of each half a dram, the kernels of Quinces and Mallow seeds, of each half an ounce; Syrup of Violers, two ounces; boil them all, except the syrup in two quarts of Gourds water, till the third part be wasted; then strain it, and mix it with the syrup of Violets, and boil it with so much Honey as you see convenient; then strew a little powder of Cinnamon into it, and Vinegar of Squils', enough to make it sowrish; then take of it in quantity as the former.   

Common Sirups  remove obstructions of the Terms, are,  
Syrup of Mugwort, of Maidenhair, of Chicory with Rhubarb, and the syrup of the five roots; these you may have ready made at the Apothecaries.   

A Laxative to open the Body, and purge superfluous humours.  
Take Seine leaves,  and Madder, of each a like quantity; boil them in white Wine, take thereof about three ounces at a time fasting.   

Another for the same.  
Take , Nep, Southernwood, Rue, Centory and Hyssop, of each one handful; Savin and Fetherfew, of each one handful and an half; Galingale, a dram: Cinnamon and Madder, of each one handful; Myrrh, a quarter of an ounce; boil them together in a quart of fair water till the third part be wasted, take thereof two or three ounces fasting at a time.   

Another.  
Take Sperage, Smallage, Fennel and Parsly roots, Carduus benedictus and Butcher's broom, of each an ounce and a half; Annis, Fennel and Carraway seeds, of each a dram and a half; Mugwort, , Mints, Horehound, Assarabacca, and Fetherfew, of each half a handful; seethe them altogether in two quarts of water till half be wasted; then strain it, and mix therewith the syrup of the five roots of Calamint and Mugwort, of each a like quantity, and drink thereof in the morning and afternoon, about two ounces.   

Another to move the Terms.  
Take Mints, Balm, , Marjerom and Southernwood, of each an handful; Anniseeds, Fennel and Carraway seeds, of each an ounce; Polipody, an ounce and an half; Cicory roots, an ounce; cut the roots and herbs very small, and boil them all together in a quart of water till a third part be consumed; then strain it, and sweeten it with Sugar to your own liking, and take thereof as you please.   

A Syrup to provoke the Terms.  
Take four handfuls of Cicory roots, take out the pith, and cut them small, and boil them a good space in two quarts of White wine; strain it, and then boil the decoction unto a syrup with Sugar, and take thereof about two spoonfuls, evening and morning.   

A Trochis to move the Terms.  
Take a dram and a half of Myrrh, two drams and an half of Lupins, Rue, water Mints, Coming, Madder, Elecampane roots, Sagapenum, Oppopanacum, of each a dram; make it into Trochis, with the juice of Mugwort and give half an ounce thereof in the decoction of Juniper berries, made with water.   

Wines good to provoke the Terms.  
Wine of Elecampane roots, of Marjerom gentle, of the herb Rennet, of Betony, of Gellow-flowers, and of Rosemary; these are very good if the Patient's Body be fitting to drink Wine, otherwise discretion may direct you not to use it.   

Confections good for this Disease are,  
The Confection of Elecampane roots, the Confection of Eringo roots, Conserves of Pioney, and Myrrh roasted in an Apple.   

Pills to move the Terms.  
Take the Pill Alephargine, half a dram; Aloes, two scruples; Savin in powder, one scruple make in into Pills with the water of Mugwort, and take half thereof at once; these provoke the Terms, and are safe without any danger.   

Others for the same.  
Take-Pill Alephargine, half a dram; pill Cochiae, one scrupse, mix them into five Pills, and take them at once.  
By the way, heed is to be taken that these Medicines are not to be exhibited at such time as the Flowers do use to come, or nature useth to send forth the menstrual purgations; for at that time they may draw and turn the humours from the womb, where nature would yent and purge it, to some other parts of the Body, to the impediting of nature, and damage of the Body: but the whole Body being purged and cleansed, then 'tis a fit time to apply these Medicaments, which may take away the intemperatness, and remove the vices and obstructions of the Womb and Vessels; purify the crassious and corrupted blood, and extenuate the same out of the Vessels; and briefly provoke the Terms: To do which, you see the ways and means are manifold, partly simple, partly compound, partly internal, and partly external, to be administered and exhibited sundry ways, and for sundry reasons, as the cause and necessity shall require, to which we further proceed.   

Pills to procure the Terms.  
Take Musk and Myrrh, of each four scruples, Sterhas, Madder, , Citron pills, long Pepper, Cassia wood, Cassia pills, Pioney seeds and Calmus, of each three quarters of an ounce; Spica Indiae, half a dram: make Pills thereof with the juice of Mugwort; whereof take a dram at once.  
Thus far of inward Medicines, to procure the Terms; there are also many outward Medicines to be used if need require, the first part whereof are Baths and Lotions, which are partly natural, as of the natural water of hot Baths; and partly artificial, which are prepared of congruent and fitting Medicaments.   

A Bath or Lotion for the Terms.  
Take of Camomile flowers, of Mugwort, Calamint, Dictamnus of Crete, Briony, Savin, of each one handful; of Anniseeds, Fennel seeds, yellow Carrot seeds, and Ameos, of each an ounce; mix them altogether and therewith make a Decoction in water.  
The use of these Lotions and Baths, is twofold; First, to wash and  the Thighs and lower parts of the Woman, with the water decocted; and secondly, for the woman to sit in a Bath up to her middle.  
The second sort of external medecines are injections, or medecines to be injected into the Womb; and Pessaries, or Suppositories to be put into the Womb, and remain there a space. Suppositories are made of medecines wrapped up in wool or bombast, or some such like thing; and so put up into the Womb, and there a great while to be detained.  
But always remember that you tie a string thereunto, put about the Thigh, that it may again be taken out when you please.   

A Pessary for the Terms.  
Take the leaves, roots, and juice of Mercury, and make thereof a Pessary, and apply it alone; it may also be mixed with other Medicaments.  
Pessaries of odoriferous things, and Aromaticks are very good.   

An Aromatic Pessary to draw down the Flowers.  
Take of Gum Laudanum the best, two parts; of Belzoine and Myrrh, of each one part; of Musk, one part: mix the Aromaticks with oil of white Lilies, a sufficient quantity, to make it into a fit form, and so put it up.  
Pessaries more strong in operation, are such as are made of Coloquintida, Briony, Scammony, and the like, an example whereof take following.   

A Pessary to move the Terms.  
Take of Ox gall, the juice of Briony, of each one ounce; Pulp of Goloquintida, two drams; of Myrrh one dram; make this into a Pessary as before is directed, and so apply it.  
In the third place outward means to be used, are, fumes and suffumigations, and they are best to be made of odoriferous Aromatic things, whereof take this example.   

A Fumigation to procure the Terms.  
Take Belzoinum, Storax, Calamint, Myrrh, Bdellium, of each a dram; 
These you may have at the Apothecaries.  Gallia Muscata Mes: half a dram; Libethum, half a scruple; Storax liquid, or oil of Spike perfumed, a sufficient quantity, to make it into Pills or Trochis.  
This is to be put on a moderate fire, that the fume may ascend, and the Woman is to be so comodiously placed, that she may receive the fume up into the Matrix, through a vessel or funnel fit for that purpose, which is to be made broad at that end next the fire, that it may receive all the smoke, and with a narrow neck like a funnel, to inject the fume into the Matrix.  
But these Fumigations as Hypocrates teacheth, 
Hipp. 5. Apho. 28.  use to cause the Headache. Therefore, the Woman ought to be well covered & fortified with clothes, that the vapours may be kept from ascending to the Head.  
In the fourth place, amongst the external Medicines, unguents and plasters are to be used, and applied to the Abdomina or secret places.  
Letting of blood is also to be used in the Foot, or else where, as need requires us.   

An Oil good to bring down the Flowers.  
Take oil of sweet Almonds; two ounces; of white Lilies, one ounce; Oil of Aniseed, two drams; Mix them, and therewith anoint etc. it is very effectual for infirmities in those parts.   

A Plaster to apply, to move the Terms.  
Take of , Calamint, Ditanny, Mugwort, of each one handful; Cinnamon, Cloves, Mirth, Balsam, of each a dam; meal of Pease, a pound; mix them with White-wine upon the fire, and make thereof a plaster, and apply it to the pundenda.   

An Ointment for the same.  
Take Mussilage of Fleawort, and Linseed, of each an ounce; Butter Unsalted, two ounces; Hens grease, Duck's grease, Goose grease, Marrow of Calf's bones, of each half an ounce; Ammoniacum, a quarter of an ounce; oil of Sesanum, oil of sweet Almonds, of each five drams; Wax sufficient to make it into a salve. With this Ointment, anoint the Body behind and before, from the Navel downwards; but not before you have used all other inward means, and outward of Bathing, letting blood, Fumes, Pessaries, etc.   

A Plaster for the same.  
Take Confectio benedicta, half an ounce; Turbith, a quarter of an ounce; Nigella seed, three drams; clarified Honey, enough to make it into a Plaster.  
This Plaster, is to be applied over the Privities, as before is directed.  
If you perceive the Courses begin to appear, then take this drink following.  
Take Mugwort, Seine leaves and , of each half a handful; Cinnamon, half an ounce; Mace, three drams; boil these altogether in three pints of good Wine, until the fourth part be wasted: boil it in a pot stopped close in boiling water, otherwise called Balneo Mariae.  
In the last place, is to be used frictions, or often rubbing of the Thighs; and inferior parts, to draw the humour downwards, Ligatures or binding the Thigh hard with a string, Cupping glasses to be applied to the Hips and Thighs, and the inferior parts, both with scarification and without.  
Let the sick party beware of all slimy meat, and hard meat, and from all salt, cold binding things, as are hard of digestion: omit hatred, sorrow, and melancholiness; and always in these cases, begin with the mildest Medicines first: of which you have sufficient before directed. And thus far, for the suppression or stopping of the Terms, we proceed to the extraordinary Flux (an evil also incident to Women) and the remedies thereof.    

Chap. FOUR Of the immoderate Flux of the Terms.  
HAving hitherto fully declared the Symptoms Causes and Cure of that great Feminine infirmity the stopping or obstruction of the terms ' we provide now in order to treat of the immoderate Flux, or overflowing of women's courses, which oftentimes brings to the party afflicted there with many other infirmities, and great weakness, and sickness, pains in the back and stomach, loss of appetite, ill digestion, and many other diseases, as Dropsy, Consumption, and others.  
This infirmity may, and often times is caused by some fall, blow, thrust, over-straining, too much exercise, over-heating the body, and thereby making the blood thin and fluxible.  
It is also caused by some unnatural, and untimely birth, breaking of a vein, or some bruisings in the womb, some vein there being broken, or through some weakness in the retentive faculty, and too much strength of the expulsive; too much moisture and slipperiness in the Matrix.  
Many suppose the immoderate Flux of the terms, and the continual Issue of women to be one and the same disease; but they are besides the Cussion; for they are 2 several & distinct diseases, as Galen plainly teacheth, for in the superfluous Flux of the terms, blood only issueth, as it useth to appear in the natural monthly purgations; but only it flows immoderately; but in the issue or Flux of Women, not only blood, but various excrements, sometimes watery, and of another substance, are evacuated.  
The Terms or courses are said to flow immoderately, after a twofold manner.  

First, when they flow excessively, and beyond measure in a small time.  
Secondly, When this evacuation continues many days beyond its natural course and time.   
And to this purpose, writes Galen, when he saith, Men are wont to call that much rain, or a great rain, which continues a long time, though it fall but slowly, and leisurely; or else if it suddenly fall upon the earth in great showers.  
If any one shall be so curious, as to ask what is the proper quantity and measure of the menstrual blood, which nature ought duly to evacuate, Hypocrates answers them, That in a sound Woman, 
Hip. 1. Lib. de morb. mulier. Pag. 313.  and one perfect in health, the moderate monthly Purgations ought to be about 20. ounces, a very little more or less, if they exceed very much that proportion, or are much less, then are the Courses diseased, and disaffected.  
But the certain quantity of the monthly natural purgations, cannot so strictly be defined in all bodies, because of the difference of the temperature, the diet, habit, constitution, age and strength of women's bodies: it must necessarily be, that some must have them more copiously than others; but this definition might be taken to be of a Woman in perfect health; but if the Flux of natural purgation be immoderate, the party must needs be much afflicted therewith, and thereby incur many other Diseases; of some whereof mention is already made, and partly of the causes thereof.  
But we desire to be a little more copious, 
Causes.  in discovering the causes of this distemper, before we proceed to the method of the cure thereof.  
The causes of this immoderate Flux, 
Gal. 3. de Sym. Causis Cap. 2.5. Aph. Com. 58.  are distinctly and accurately handled by Galen, That  
The Terms (as other Fluxes of blood) do flow immoderately for three causes.  

First, By reason of the faculty that recludeth the Vessel containing the blood; as in the Flux of blood at the nose.  
The second, Because of the evil affection, and ill disposition of the blood.  
And the third, By reason of some viciousness, or detriment in the Vessels themselves.   
The first cause is, by reason of the natural faculties which are four. The faculty attractive, retentive, alterative, and the faculty expulsive.  
All which faculties perform their operations, 
Gal. 1. de fac. Nat.  according to their proper temperatures, as Galen largely teacheth.  
Therefore they are the cause of the menstrual Fluxes immoderation, when these fuculties do not properly, and duly exercise their functions and Offices.  
As chief, If the retentive faculty be too weak, that it cannot retain the blood so much, and so long as it should, until its due time: this is a special cause of the superfluous Flux, which many times happens, by reason of some ill distemper in the womb or Vessels, either too much cold, or moisture, or both.  
In like manner, it comes to pass, when the expulsive faculty too powerfully sends forth the blood, in such quantity, and at such times, when by the Laws of nature it should not; and this also chief happens, by reason of some ill distempers, either in the Womb or Vessels, proceeding of too much heat, and dryness, or both.  
Another cause of the immoderate Flux of the Terms, is the ill disposition, or corruption of the blood, and that after a twofold manner.  
The first, when the blood is so vicious that it corrodeth and corrupteth the Vessels wherein it is contained, which is done, when the blood is too thin, hot, or sharp, and that by reason the temperature, or ill dyet, is mixed with superfluity of Phlegm, Choler, or Melancholy, which are offensive to nature, and do provoke her to expel them.  
A second cause is superfluity of blood distempered, 
4 Method. 2.  so that the Vessels cannot contain it, but it breaks out, and forces a purgation, by reason of the abounding acrimonious humour thereof, as Galen also makes mention. Having now spoken of two causes of the immoderate Flux of the Terms, we proceed to the third, which is, because of the viriousness of the Vessels, and that consisteth in the too much hardness, softness, or smallness thereof: And happens to come, in youth, in their first beginning; and to others afterwards, in progress of time. And this happens to come thus to pass. Too much softness of superfluity of moisture, hardness of too much dryness, and smallness of too much hunger, or want of sustenance.  
If this superfluous Flux proceed of too much blood, 
Colour.  than the colour of the Terms will be pale and whitish, if they come of Choler, than the Flowers will incline to a yellow Colour.  
If Melancholy be the abounding humour, then are the Flowers of a bluish, black, or dark colour.  
By which Colours you may judge of the abounding humour, and provide a remedy accordingly, to stop the excessive Flux thereof; for which purpose we now come to prescribe many, both internal and external means.  

First, Observe these Rules.  
Beware of hot things. If the Body be gross, and full of blood and humours, that nature seems to expulse it this way, stop it not suddenly, unless there be danger of much weakness by it; but gently purge and prepare the body first.  
If the Body be very full of blood, you may open the Basilica vein; and seek to reverse it that way, if it appear to come of Choler; or, if any other peccant humour abounds, purge that humour with proper moderate Medicines, mixing astringent and comfortable things amongst it.  
Let the Woman abstain from all hard labour, and all kind of slimey, thin, and waterish meat.  
Vomits are good to stay the humour, and turn their course, that they flow not downwards.  
Inwardly may be given Syrups, Electuaries, decoctions, Confections, and the like.   

A Syrup to stay the immoderate Flux of the Terms.  
Take Syrup of Endive, one ounce; Syrup of Purslain, half an ounce; the decoction of Egrimony, and of Plantain 4 Ounces: mix them together, and make them into a Syrup, and so take it as you please.   

An Electuary for the same.  
Take conserve of Roses 2 Ounces, of water Lilies, one ounce of Pearl prepared, and burnt Hartshorn, each half an ounce: Bole Armonic, Terra Lemnia each half a scruple: mix them together with syrup of Plantain, a quantity sufficient to make it into an Electuary.   

A Bolus for the same.  
Take Conserce of Roses, half an ounce; Philonium, or Requies Nicholai, two Scruples: Mix them together, and make a Bolus thereof. This is not to be given, but when extremity urges.  
Avicenna amongst many other Medicaments of this nature, commendeth the use of Vinegar, which to some may seem strange, it being the vulgar opinion, that Vinegar is of a great opening quality.  
Nevertheless, Galen agrees with Avicen, 
Gal. 1. de sim. med. cap. 18.19.  who writeth of Vinegar, that it is of an astringent quality, and doth suppress and stop fluxes of the blood.  
Others contradict the same, not approving of it in this case, as hurtful to the Womb. And there being many other Medicines here readily prescribed, it may very well be let alone.   

A Powder to stay the immoderate Flux of the Terms.  
Take Species tria santali, Diarrhodon Abbatis, each a dram: Coriander, two scruples and a half: (Bloodstone washed, one dram: Shepherds purse, two scruples: fine Bolus, half a dram: Roses, Coral, of each half a dram: Cinnamon, a quarter of an ounce: make them all into a fine powder, and mix them with Sugar, as much as you please, and take it in broth, or strewed on meat,   

Another Powder for the same.  
Take fine Bolus, one dram: Terra sigillata, two scruples; Tormentil, half a dram; Shepherds purse; a scruple: Pearl prepared one dram; Species de gemmis frigidis one dram and a half: Pomegranates, half a scruple: Roses, Saunders, red Coral, of each a scruple: Sugar, three ounces. Mix them all together, and make them a fine powder, and give it as the other in broth or stewed meat.   

An Electuary for the same.  
Take Conserve of Roses, six ounces; Conserve of Borage, Buglas, Balm, of each an ounce; Bolus prepared, a dram: Pearl prepared, a quarter of an ounce: of Rubies, Jacinths, Saphir, each a Scruple; Cinnamon, a dram; mix these together, and make an Electuary thereof.   

Another Electuary to stay the Flowers.  
Take Conserve of Roses, three ounces: Marmalade, two ounces and half: red Coral, a dram: Bolus prepared, half a dram: Bloodstone prepared, two drams; mix them all together with the syrup of Myrtles, and make an Electuary thereof, and take it as you please.   

A Confection for the same.  
Take Conserve of Roses three ounces; Marmalade, two ounces and a half; Conserves of Borage, Buglas, each one ounce; Bolus prepared, a dram and a half: Pearl, two drams and a half: Tormentil, two scruples; red Saunders, one dram; mix them all together, and make a Confection thereof, with the Syrup of Myrtles.  
The Confection of black Cherries, and preserved Barberries, are also very good for this use.  
A tossed of bread steeped in red Wine, and Nutmegs in powder, strewed thereon, is very good.   

Another for the same.  
Take Tormentil and Nutmegs, of each a like quantity, Plaintain seeds, half as much; beat them all to powder, and give it evening and morning, with stolen beer.  
Red Coral, taken every day before meals in Plantain water, is also very good to stay the Flux.   

For the same.  
Take burnt Hartshorn, and Nettleseeds, of each a like quantity: and beat them to powder, and take thereof a dram at a time in Plantain water, and about a spoonful of the juice of Yarrow.  
Galingal chewed in the Mouth, is also good.   

A Clyster to stay the immoderate Flux of the Terms.  
Take Fetherfew, Balm, Rue, Scabious, Rosemary flowers, Southernwood, Coming, Bay-berries, Cassia wood, Cassia sistula, of each a dram and an half: Dill seed, Aniseed, each a handful and a half: shaved Ivory, two handfuls; boil them altogether by a mild fire in two quarts of water, till half be consumed, and then strain it out, and take of this Decoction, 12. ounces: oil of Sesanum; Rue and Pepper, of each half an ounce; Indian Salt, one dram: Diacastore; Confection of Bay-berries and Benedicta● of each three drams; temper them all very well together, and administer it very warm.  
Thus far of such Medecines as are to be given inwardly; we now proceed to external or outward applications, of which there are divers, but all aught to be of an astringent stopping quality: such are Pessaries, Unguents, and Plasters, etc.   

A Pessary, to stop the excessive Course of the Terms.  
Take Baulustes, bark of Pomegranates, Myrtles, each half a dram; mix them with a sufficient quantity of Honey, and make thereof a Pessary, and put it up into the Matrix.  
There are also more liquid Medecines, which may very commodiously be injected with a fit Instrument like Clysters.   

An Injection to stay the Flux of the Terms.  
Take Baulustes, pomegranate Pill, Tragant, of each a dram: Comfrey, four drams; make a decoction thereof, and mix it with four drams of the Juice of Plantain, and make an Injection thereof.   

A Pessary for the same.  
Take juice of Plantain, juice of Sloes, and juice of Pimpernel, and make a Pessary thereof with Cotton.   

A Cataplasm for the same, or a Pultis, which you please to call it.  
Take Wormwood, Knotgrass, Nights-shade, of each a like quantity: pound them together, and strain out the juice; then temper with it Rye-meal, a sufficient quantity, to make it into the thickness of a Pultis, and lay it all over the Belly from the Navel to the Matrix.   

A precious salve to stay the immoderate Flux of women's Courses.  
Take Coming, Carraway, Rueseed, Ameos, Seseli and Gallia Moscata, of each a dram and a half: Rosin, three drams: oil of Dill, two ounces: oil Olive, one ounce: Lignum Aloes, Cloves, of each half a dram; melt the Rosin in the oil, and temper the other things with it, being beaten small into fine powder, and incorporate them together, by stirring until it become a thick salve.  
Herewith anoint the Hips and Reins, it is excellent to stop the superfluous flux of the Terms: It is also good against vomiting and parbreaking, and to expel wind, being applied to the Navel and Stomach.  
Be sure to observe, whether the woman abound with heat or cold, and frame your Medicines accordingly; if cold be predominant, use such things as cause heat, and are good to stop blood; such are,  
Frankincense, Mastic, Cypress nuts, Sandaraca, Laudanum, Myrrh, Storax, Annis, and the like.  
If heat abound, such things are to be prepared as are cold and astringent, as cool and bind, and such is the nature of these following.  
Camphire, the juice of Sloes,  Ivory, Coriander, Dragon's blood, Saunders, Bloodstone, fine Bolus, Hypocistis, the seeds of Kneeholm, or Butcher's broom, call it which you will; these seeds and also the decoction of the root, are very effectual; if you would know where to find the seeds, look into the inside of the red berries thereof, and there you shall be sure to find them; but not before you have found the herb, for they grow together, and the Kneeholme herb is a common companion almost with every holly bush.  
These are also cooling and astringent; Myrtle seeds, Galls, Pomegranates, flowers called Balaustes, the seeds of Plantain of Melons, Cucumber gourds, and of Pompions and the roots of Pimpernel.  

Some are glad to eat what they can get, yet ye must as near as ye can avoid what is hurtful.  Let the manner of diet, be such as is nourishing and breedeth good juice, and is easily digested, especially such as thicken the blood, and hinder the fluxibility thereof, as Birds, those especially of the Mountains, are highly commended, if you can catch them.  
Let their drink be astringent Wine, or, use to quench Steel in their drink, or boil therein the seeds, leaves, and roots of Plantain. And thus much of the Flux of the Terms.    

Chap. V Of the Flux of the Womb, or the Whites in Women.  
We have already declared, that the immoderate Flux of the monthly Courses, and the Flux of the Womb, or the white Menstrue, 
Gal. 6. loc. affe. ad finem.  are two several Diseases, as Galen plainly teacheth.  
We proceed now to speak of the Whites, or white Flux in women, called by the Physicians, 
Gal. lib. 3 de sym. cause. cap. 4.  Menstrua alba & profluvium uteri, as Galen.  
This Disease hath great affinity with the Gonorrhoea, or the involuntary issue of natural seed, called the running of the Reins.  
And this Flux also proceeds from two Causes, either too much cold, or unatural heat; and the differences of this Issue are very many, as may appear by the colour of the Excrements which flow or issue, which are sometimes red, sometimes pale, sometimes yellow, sometimes black, sometimes white, and sometimes green, sometimes thick, and sometimes watery; from Species may be gathered the quality of the peccant humour, as for example; If the Flux be of a red colour, it declares, that the issue flows from the blood, and is thereby caused; If it be pale or yellow, it denotes, black Choler is the cause thereof; if white, it proceeds from phlegm; if it be thin and watery, superfluous humours do abound in the Body.  
But above all things, be sure to know whether this Flux, be a Gonorrhoea, that is an involuntary issue of the natural Sperm, which is the running of the Reins, the self same Disease being also incident to men, as well as women, and proceedeth in both Sexes, from one and the same cause, and that women as well as men do labour under the same Symptom; But is general among women to call this disease the Whites; though it be a Gonorrhoea, or the running of the Reins, under which infirmity many do a long time labour to the great wasting and Consumption of their Bodies; the principal cause thereof proceeding either from immoderate, excessive, or unlawful Venery.  
It is generally agreed, that the lawful and proper cause of the Whites, is too much superfluity of Excrements; but as touching the place and manner, where and how these Excrements are engendered, Authors disagree.  
Some say, the cause is a daily begetting of corrupt humours in the principal parts.  
Others, that it proceeds only from the Womb, and Spermatick Vessels.  
Others, that it flows only from the Reins, the Womb being not at all afflicted thereby.  
But Galen plainly demonstrates, 
6. de locis affect. loc. 5.  that the whole Body is affected with this Issue, although it purge through the Womb, and evacuate itself from the Reins; and that this Disease is most incident to phlegmatic and weak women.  
It remaineth before we come to speak of the method of the cure of this infirmity, that diligence be used (as we said before) to find out whether it proceed from a Gonorrhoea, that is, a Running of the Reins, or Flux of humane seed, or not: the knowledge whereof must be rather conjectural, then to be demonstrated from any certain sign, other than the Patients own relation.  
But the flowing of the Seed, is more thick, and floweth in less quantity, and is not so corrupt, and of a whiter colour.  
On the contrary, the other Excrements are more thin, do flow more abundantly, are more filthy and putrified, and are not always of the same colour.  
But to proceed to the manner of the Cure of this Disease: Respect in the first place is to be had to the purging and cleansing of the whole Body; and if the Disease be a Gonorthea, and proceed of heat unlawfully, or however gotten; the Body must first be purged with Medicines appropriate to the Reins, before you attempt in any wise to stop the same; for which, this following is very good.  

An Electuary to purge the Reins.  
Take Cassia newly extracted, one ounce; Rheubarb in powder, one dram: mix them together with syrup of white water Lilies, a sufficient quantity to make it into an Electuary; put this into a penny pot of White-wine, or a little posset drink, which comes first to hand; stir it well together, till it be all dissolved in the drink, and so take it in the morning fasting, and go about your business (if you have any thing to do) about two hours after, take some broth or posset drink.  
This Medicine you may take twice or thrice, as you see occasion, resting always a day between.  
Afterwards, you may take every other day, a dram of Trochis de Carabe in Plantain water.  
You may also give the Patient, every second or third day, a dram of the filings of Ivory in Plantain water; it is very good.  
Sweeting is also much commended in this case, which may be thus done.  
Take Barley water, three ounces; strong Wine, two ounces: give it the Patient very warm, and so let her sweat.  
Afterwards, prepare a Clyster in this manner.   

A Clyster for the Whites, through heat, or running of the reins.  
Take Beets, Violet-leaves, and Nightshade, of each one handful, seethe them well together, and take 12 Ounces of the decoction, or boiled liquor; which you please to call it, and to it add, Sugar 1 Ounce and a half, Yolks of Eggs, Oil of Water-lilies, Oil of Roses, of each 2 Ounces, Salt a dram and a half: give this Clyster in the afternoon, a little before meat.   

A Confection for the same.  
Take Comfrey-roots 3 Ounces, Pompeon-seed, Water-lilies, of each a dram, Juice of Liquorice 2 scruples, Coral prepared, Bolus, Mirtle-seed, Roses of each 10 grains, Gun Traganth half a dram, Syrup, the Comphrey Roots; cleave and slice them small, and seethe them in Red Wine, until they be so tender, that you may beat them to grout or pap, then pill the Pompeon-seeds, and beat them together with the other things to fine Powder; then incorporate them with the pap or grout, made of Camphrey-Roots; and then put to them Syrup of Citron Pills, and of Oranges, as much as you please, and then boil them together to a Confection. And take every morning a spoonful thereof, before break-fast.  
Conserves of Roses, and Marmalade, are exceeding good for this purpose, either to be taken alone, or mixed together, with prepared Bolus, and take thereof a dram at a time.   

An excellent Syrup for the same.  
Take the Seeds of Purslain, Lettuce, and Water-lilies, of each an Ounce, prepared Coriander, Water Lilly-Roots, Dandelion, Nightshade, of each half an Ounce, Camphire half a dram, Dates chopped small 2 Ounces, Rue-Seeds, Mountain Mints, parched Gomin, of each 1 dram. Steep the Dates 8 days in Vinegar, then seethe them together in 2 quarts of water, till half be wasted, strain it, and put to it 12 Ounces of the juice of Quinces, Sugar 36 Ounces, and boil them all together to a Syrup, and so clarify them.  
Of this Syrup, take 2 Ounces, with 3 Ounces of Plantain water, or Purslain-water: This is an excellent proved Syrup for this purpose.   

Drinks and Waters good for this Disease.  
Take Comphrey Roots, and boil them in water, and drink thereof 3. of 4. Ounces at a time with Sugar.  
Also water wherein the filings of Steel have been steeped, and then Myrtle-seeds boiled therein, is very good to drink for the same:  
Simple waters good for this infirmity, are the waters of Plantain, Sorrel, Purslain, and Cithorie.  
The decoction of Mallows, and the Roots of Hollyhockles, is also very good to drink for this Disease.   

An Ointment for the same, called, Unguentum sandalinum.  
Take red  2 drams and a half, yellow  1 dram and a half, Roses 3 drams, Fine Bolus a quarter of an Ounce,  Ivory a dram, Camphire half a dram, white Wax an Ounce, Oil of Roses 3 Ounces. Melt the Wax first amongst the Oil, then temper the other things amongst them, and make them into an Ointment.  
This Ointment is not only good to anoint the secret parts for this Disease, but also to cool the inflammations of the Kidneys, Liver, and Stomach, and all other parts, being anointed with it.   

A Salve for the same Disease.  
Take Oil of Roses, Oil of Myrtles, Mastic, of each half a dram, shaved Ivory a scruple, Camphire 2 grains, pound that which is to be powned, and with a little Wax, make them into a Salve; with this anoint the Reins and Kidneys, it is excellent good for the whites.   

Another Confection, very good for the same.  
Take ripe Black berries, or bramble berries, which you will call them, and boil them unto a Confection, either with Honey or Sugar; and take there of every day as much as you please: this you may make, when the Blackberries be ripe, and keep it in a readiness by you all the year; it is also good for any soreness, or swelling in the throat, and for inflammations in the mouth.   

A Powder also excellent for the same.  
Take the young buds of the Blackberry Bush, and the Berries thereof dried; pound them, and drink a dram thereof twice a day in red wine.  
You may gather the green buds, when the branches first spring; and keep them dry by you, and gather the Berries too when they be ripe (if you be not afraid to prick your fingers) & keep them dry by you; and when you have occasion, beat them to powder, and take them in red Wine, as before is directed.  
You that will not regard this Medicine, because it is too cheap, may let it alone for them that will; there be Medicines enough to be had, to fit your turns, if you think the virtue consists in their dearness; and I do not desire to hinder those that can furnish you with them; but those that will make use of this, will find it worthy their acceptance.  
But if in case this Disease issue from some cold cause, it will not be then amiss to use this Medicine following.   

For the Whites.  
Take the Seeds of Arch Angel, or dead Nettles in powder, about a dram at a time in red Wine.  
Confected Aniseeds is also very good for this Disease, and not improperly may be given in either case, this following.   

Another for the same, or Reds.  
Take 4 spoonfuls of red Rose-water, a newlaid Egg, a penny worth of white Sugar Candy in powder, and a Nutmeg grated, incorporate all these, and beat them well together, and drink it last at night going to bed.  
You may also if the Issue be sharp, so as to cause pain and soreness, use an Injection or Pessary.   

A Pessary for the whites in Women.  
Take some Whites of Eggs, and beat them well in red Rose-water, and make it into a Pessary, with some Cotten or linen  wet in it, and so put it up into the Matrix, always remembering to tie a string to it, to pull it out again, when you please.  
If the Whites flow from the abundance of superfluous humours, it will not be unnecessary to endeavour to evacuate the same through the skin, by using often frictions or rubbing of the whole body; first gently, and then more hard, by which means the humours may be purged through the skin.  
And to use unctions is also very good, if necessity urge, of Oil of Camomile, of sweet Almonds, or the like; so that of all sorts of remedies you have here your choice, and therefore we shall proceed to another Chapter.    

Chap. VI Of the fits of the Mother, or suffocation, or drawing up of the Matrix.  
MAny Women sorely labour under this Disease, it hath great affinity with the Syncope passion, and the Disease called Epilepsia, or the Falling Sickness; and that because of the Sympathy, that is, between the heart and the brain, and the Matrix.  
This happens to Women, through several causes.  
Oftentimes when there is an obstruction, or stoppage of the Terms, which do burden the Brain and Matrix with bad humours.  
Sometimes by reason of the retention of their natural Seed, as in Widows, and old Maids; for this retention causeth wind to ascend, and ill vapours from the Matrix, to the Diaphragma or Midrif, and there stoppeth the passage of the breath: it often therefore troubleth such as have been used to have carnal Copulation, and afterwards are constrained to want it; and therefore, saith Galen, it doth most frequently trouble Widows.  
Likewise the overmuch retention of the Seed, causeth it to putrify, and send up ill vapours to the head, causing many troublesome accidents, as drousiness, dulness, giddiness, & pains in the head; sometimes madness itself, shortness of breath, and panting of the heart.  
The Complexion altars into a sandy colour, swarthy or yellow, pale, and sometimes redness of the face or eyes.  
When they are thus taken with this evil distemper; they begin to gnash their teeth, and immediately lose their speech, by reason their breath is stopped; and sometimes it is so violent, that neither breath, nor pulse, nor life, can be discerned; but lie as if they were dead, which is the worst condition of all; for the breath cannot be retained, but death will ensue; for breath is the life of the body, without which no Creature can live.  
This accident also happens through some sudden fright, and some sorrowful news or sad accident suddenly happening; or some sorrow or grief, whereby melancholy prevails, and overcomes the body.  
It may likewise be caused, by reason of some strong and violent Cold, which may so draw the breath and pulse inwardly, that no feeling, or sense thereof outwardly appears; but this case is not so dangerous as the other.  
But to proceed to Remedies, when this Disease cometh suddenly, speedily cast cold water on her face, and give her cold water to drink.  
Let another Woman dip her finger in some sweet smelling odoriferous Oil, as Oil of Lilies, of Cloves, or of sweet Almonds mixed together, and gently rub the neck of the womb and Matrix, and that will draw the Matrix downwards;  
If it be a married Woman, her Husband may give her a present remedy, which lest it offend the Maids pudoris gratia, I leave it in my Authors own Language.  
Si maritus ungat penem suum cum oleo gariophillorum admixto parum olei. Amygdal: dulc: ad Caliditatem prioris temperandum, & Cum uxore coeat; Matrix subito descendet, it is a speedy Remedy.  
You must have a care to keep away all sweet and pleasant things from the Patient's nose, and apply stinking things thereunto; and on the contrary, anoyne, foment, and fume the Matrix with sweet Aromatic things.  
For the Matrix is drawn and attracted to sweet things, and naturally flies from stinking smells: therefore as in the ascension, or rising of the Mother, you are to use stinking things to the nose, and sweet to the Womb; so contrariwise, in the falling down, or dissension of the Mother, you are to apply sweet perfumes to the Nose, and stinking to the Matrix: to the end, the same may thereby be drawn up again into its due place.  
For this Disease, it is good to hold to the Nose, Assa foetida, galbanum, old Woollen Clouts, or Shoes burnt, Hair, or Feathers, or such stinking things that may be gotten speedily.  
And apply sweet odoriferous things to the Matrix beneath; for which purpose this Powder following is very good.  

A Powder to be used in the nature of a Pessary, against the suffocation of the Matrix, or fits of the Mother.  
Take red Storax, Lignum Aloes, Cloves, of each a dram, Musk, Amber of each half a dram: Make them altogether into a Powder, and then bind it up in a Cloth, in the form of a Pessary, and put it up into the Matrix.   

Another for the same.  
Take an Ounce of Oil of Lilies, Musk, Saffron, of each 3 grains; bruise all well together, and make a Pessary thereof with Wool, or Cotton, and put it up into the place.   

A Fumigation for this Disease.  
Take Gallia Moscata, Cassia wood, Cinnamon, Time, of each a like quantity; mix these together, and make a perfume thereof, and let the smoke be received up into the Matrix, through a tumel for that purpose.  
If the Patient be a Maid, a Husband is the best Medicine, if she can get one; but in case that cannot be, then let her abstain from strong Wines, and flesh meat, and all such things as increase natural sperm.  
And use letting blood, such meats and drinks as are cooling; and amongst the rest, this Confection following is very good.   

A Confection against the fits of the Mother.  
Take Polipody Roots 6 Ounces, Seine, Violets, Prunes, Sebastins, Dates, Currants, of each an Ounce and a half, seethe these altogether in two quarts of water, till half be consumed away, then strain it out hard, and infuse in the decoction, while it is hot, 6. Ounces of the Seeds of Fleawort, till the Mucilage be drawn out of them, then put to this decoction 24 Ounces of fine Sugar, and take thereof, once in 2 or 3 days, and fast after it 6 hours.  
Take silver Mountain, Madder Penyroyal, the innermost rinds of Cassia Pipes, Pomegranate Kernels, Peony Roots, Calamy, of each 3 drams, Mulcus and Spica Indie, of each, half a dram: make all these together into Pills, with the juice of Mugwort; of these she may take a dram every day before Supper, if she take not the Confection the same day.  
It is also good for this Disease, to open the Saphea vein in the foot, and afterwards give the Patiented a dtam of the Powder of Betony, in Featherfewwater. It is also good to anoint the Belly with the Oil of Mastic: and so much for this affliction of the suffocation, or ascension of the Matrix; we come next to speak of the dissension, or falling down of the same.    

Chap. VII. Of the falling down of the Womb.  
This is another great evil, wherewith many poor Women labour, and is of no small consequence and danger; for as in some cases, and for some causes, the Matrix in some Women is drawn up and ascendeth out of its due place; so on the contrary, it sometimes descends downwards, out of the Body.  
This accident is caused sometimes by hard labour, and heavy births falls, bruises, too much astringency in the body, taking great cold, violent sneesing, overmuch stirring, and the like.  
It may likewise be caused by reason of ill humours, predominant in the Body, which fall down to the Womb, forcing it out of its natural place; and many times brings with it the Palsy and Falling Sickness: as also Ulcers and Imposthumes in the Womb.  
If this Disease happen by means of any outward accident, the Patient herself can best discover the cause thereof.  
If it come from some inward cause, than respect is to be had to the Constitution of the party, whether she be lean or fat, moystor dry, and to the Symptoms the disease, which causeth pain in the lower part of the Backbone, and also about the secret parts; sometimes an Ague with it, the Urine stays, and the Body is astringent.  
If the passage of the neck of the Womb be smooth and open, than it is not moved downwards; but if it be stopped, then be sure it is descended, although it appear not out of the Body; and if it do continue displaced any long time, it will be very difficult, if not impossible to reduce the same to its natural place again.  
Now to seek Remedies for this Disease, you must, instead of applying sweet things to the Matrix, as you were directted in the ascension of the Matrix, or the fits of the Mother, to draw it down, you must now apply stinking things to the Matrix, and sweet smells to the Nose, to draw it up again.  

A Fume for the falling down of the womb.  
Take Tormentil, Bistort, juice of Sloes, of each 3 drams: pomegranate pills, the blossoms thereof, of each a quarter of an ounce; Assa foetida, an ounce; Mastic, Frankincense, Galbanum, of each 2 drams and a half: Cypress Nuts, Galls, Myrtle seed, of each five drams: stamp & mix all these together, & strew thereof upon a red hot brick, & let the patiented receive the fume thereof beneath.  
Let it not come at her Nose, but in the mean time, let her smell to Musk, Amber, Violets, and such sweet smells which draw up the Mother, and cause it to ascend again.   

Another for the same.  
Take a stinking rotten addle Egg, that a Hen hath sat on, and dip Cotton in it, and lay it upon the neck of the Matrix, it causeth it to ascend again.   

A Fume for the same by a Decoction.  
Take Camomile, Marjoram, Carraway, of each one handful; Linseed, one handful and a half: boil these altogether in water, and receive the Fume thereof into the Matrix.  
The vapour of Housleek bruised and laid on a hot brick, is good for the same, if there be heat, or inflammation in the Matrix.   

A Fomentation for the same.  
Take Roses, three ounces: Myrtle seed, Violet leaves, Marigolds, Fetherfew, of each one handful: Assa feetida, five drachms: bruise them together, and tie them up in a bag, and seethe them in red Wine, and lay it upon the place after the vapour is received.   

An Ointment for the falling down of the Womb.  
Take the Ointment of Hollyhocks, which is called at the Apothecary's unguent de Althaea: mix therewith some marrow of an Ox, or other beast, the grease of a Hen or Capon, and some oil, and herewith anoint the neck of the Matrix, and all the parts about it, when you go to bed; you may also make a plaster hereof, and apply it all night as before.   

Another Ointment for the same.  
Take oil of Myrtles, of Lilies, of Mastic, of each two ounces and an half; Assa foetida, Bistorta, Tormentil, of each three drams; melt the Gums, and then pound them altogether, and make an ointment thereof; and with this anoint the Kidneys, and lower parts of the Body.   

A Pessary for the same.  
Take Assa foetida, one ounce: Mastic, Frankincense, Myrtle seed, Galingale, Cypress nuts, of each a dram; beat them together very small, and mix it with the oil of Myrtles, and make a Pessary thereof, and put it up into the Matrix.   

A Plaster for the descension of the Matrix, to keep it from going any further out of the Body.  
Take , two ounces: Frankincense, Mastic, Cypress gum, of each half an ounce: mix and melt them all together, and put to it some oil of Mastic, so make it into a Plaster, and apply it to the privities, and wear it thereon.   

Another Plaster for the same.  
Take Mastic, one ounce; Frankincense, half a dram; Cypress nuts, Galls, Myrtle seeds, of each one dram; pomegranate pills, the blossoms thereof, Turpentine, of each one quarter of an ounce: pound all that is to be pounded, and mix them all together, with turpentine and oil of Mastic, enough to make it into a plaster, and spread it on a cloth, to cover from the Navel to the privities, and there wear it always.  
For the descension of the Matrix, it is also good to take Date stones, and beat them to powder, and strew thereof on the place.   

A Bath for the falling down of the Matrix.  
Take Oaken buds, Medlar leaves, Service leaves, Cypress leaves, tops of Lady's thistles, each one handful: Sprigs of Myrtle, Valerian, wild Mints, of each two handfuls; bruise or chop them all small; then put them in a bag, and boil it well in water and fit thereon, in a Bath up to the Navel about an hour.   

For pain in the Matrix, through wind.  
Take Turbith, four scruples: Ginger, one scruple: give it in Mugwort water, or in the Decoction of Mugwort.   

For the same, and to prevent Miscarriages.  
Take Carraway seed, one dram: Ameos, Ginger, Beaver cod, of each one scruple: steep the Carraway seed in Vinegar, and dry it again, and beat it to powder; then mix it with the rest, and give a dram thereof in Wine, every morning for certain days together.   

For the same.  
Anoint the Belly with oil of Lilies, and oil of Wall flowers.   

For an Impostume in the Maetrix, a Pessary.  
Take Wax, oil of Violets, of each half an ounce: melt them together, and then put to it juice of Plantain, Nightshade, of each an ounce: Camphire, half a dram: mix them all well together, and dip a tent of Cotton in it, and put it up into the Matrix.   

An Injection to cleanse the Matrix.  
Take Galls, Lentils, pomegranate flowers, Kneeholm seeds, Roses, Saunders, of each a like quantity: boil them all together in water, and strain it, and inject the decoction into the Matrix with a Syringe.   

For the same.  
Take Hyssop, Wormwood, and Honey of Roses, and seethe the same in white Wine and milk, and inject the decoction thereof.   

A Bath to incarnate the flesh in the Matrix, after it is clean said from all uncleanness.  
Take Centory, six ounces; Ireos, Comphrey, Cassia roots, Egrimony, of each three handfuls: Sarcocolla, Gum dragon, Dragon's blood, Mummy Hypocistis, Frankincense, of each one dram: boil them all together in a sufficient quantity of water, till half be consumed,; and then, put to it refuse of Iron prepared, an ounce and a quartet: then boil it a little longer, and use this for a Bath.   

Another for the same use.  
Take Mallows, Violet leaves, Melilot, Plantain, Lentils, Fenegreeke, Colewort buds, of each three handfuls: boil them all in water unto the half, and make a Bath of it, as of the former.   

A Pessary, to mollify the hardness and pain between the Navel and the Matrix.  
Take Ducks grease, marrow of Heart's bones, or Ox's, marrow if you cannot get the other, Neat's feet oil, Bdelium, yolks of roasted Eggs, of each a like quantity; Saffron, two drams: dissolve them together in Wine, and temper therewith oil of Lilies; then dip a tent of linen or Cotton therein, and put it up into the place; use it often, this will assuage the pain, and take it away.   

For Cankers, and Ulcers of the Womb, a purging Potion.  
Take Benedicta laxativa, half an ounce; Agarins' one scruple: Ginger, Grains, one scruple; juice of Fetherfew, two ounces and a half: mix them well together, and give it the Patient two mornings together, and then let let her govern herself, as after purging.   

Another Potion for the same, to be used many days together to cleanse the Matrix.  
Take Oxymel of Squils', half an ounce: Syrupus de Bysantijs, Syrup of Vinegar, of each three quarters of an ounce; Lovage water, Egremony warer, of each an ounce: Cicory water, 2 ounces; Let the Patient drink this in the morning early, and sleep upon it, & fast four hours after it; use it many days together, till the Urine become of a good colour, and appear clean.   

A Pessary for Ulcers in the Womb.  
Take oil of Fetherfew flowers, Saffron, of each half an ounce: oil of Wall-flowers, two ounces: Sarcolla, Mittha, Opopanacum, of each a dram; Turpentine, three quarters of an ounce; Musk, one grain; White wax, one ounce: boil them all together in four ounces of the juice of Smallage, till all the juice be consumed; then anoint a Pessary of Cotton therewith, and put it up into the grieved place, and refresh it oftentimes.  
Cleanse the Body inwardly with Honey water, and make afterwards this Pessary following, renewing it four or five times a day.  
Take Smallage, Fetherfew, Mugwort: stamp them together, and make a Pessary thereof, and anoint it with Hierapicra.  
Take also the juice of the aforesaid herbs, and wet a cloth therewith, and lay it on the Back and Hips, and lower parts of the Back bones.   

An Injection for Ulcers in the Womb.  
Take Egrimony, and seethe it in Barley water: and mix with it clarified Honey, or Honey of Roses, and so use it.   

Another more strong for the same.  
Take Wine, six ounces:  Alum, Verdigrease, of each half a dram; temper them together, and let them stand infused in the Wine five hours, and then inject it.   

Another to dry the Ulcers.  
Take Galls, pomegranate pills, pomegranate flowers, Allom, Egrimony, of each a like quantity: seethe them all together, and strain out the decoction, and inject it.   

For a Vein broken in the Ulcer.  
If there be any Vein broken in the Ulcer, then mix some of these things with the former decoction, as Dragon blood, Myrrh, Frankincense, fine Bolus, Saffron, Hartwort, Rose water or Plantain water.   

A Bath for the Reins, very good for Ulcers or Cankers therein.  
Take Yarrow roots, Valerian roots, Smallage roots, of each four handfuls; Myrrh, Oppopannacum, of each one quarter of an ounce: boil them altogether in a sufficient quantity of fair water until a good part thereof be consumed, then let the Patient sit therein up to the Navel.  
Let the Patient in this Disease, use such meats and drinks as cleanse the Body, and make good blood, beware of fish, and such moist meats, and abstain from much motion of the Body.    

Chap. VIII. Of natural Conceptions.  
HAving thus far treated of the diseases, accidents and infirmities incident to the Menstrue, and generative parts of Women; we proceed to discourse of those things which pertain to the Conception and Birth of man; in which thing the conservation and continuance of all mankind consists.  
That to the generation of every man there is a necessity of a distinction of both sex's Male and Female; and also of Conjunction of them both, we have already declared.  
But in what manner this admirable operation of nature is effected, and brought to perfection, Galen declareth; who saith, 
Gal. 1. sem. 4.  That in time of Copulation of the Male and Female, the Seed of the Male, is attracted into the Womb of the Female, and is extended, and dilated through all the parts thereof; and is there, by the natural heat, and moisture of the Womb, Coagulated into a massy substance, before any of the Members be form, and afterwards nature, as with an instrument forms and fashions the Veins, Arteries, Bones and other Members branching them all over the body, & then safely wrappeth them all up together in a Coat, preserving them to the time of the perfect Birth, if no mischance, or accident intervene to the hindrance thereof; which must be diligently endeavoured to prevent. And to further the Conception for the procreation sake of mankind, take these directions.  

A Confection, to cause fruitfulness in Man or Woman.  
Take Rapes, Ivory shaved, Ashkeys, Sesely, Behen red and white, of each one dram; Cinnamon, Doronicum, Mace Cloves; Galingale, long Pepper, Rosemary flowers, Balsom wood, Blatiis Byzantiae Margerum gentle, , of each two scruples; Balm, Buglas, Citron pieces, of each one scruple, Spica Indiae, Amber, Pearls, of each half scruple; Sugar a pound: decoct the Sugar in Malmsey, and the other things; and make them into a Confection, use of it a little at a time.   

A Powder for the same, to be strewed on meat.  
Take Nurmegs, Cubebbes, Ginger, of each half a dram; long Pepper, Mastic, Cinnamon, red Behen; white Behen, of each a Scruple: mix them all together, and make them into fine powder, and strew of it a little upon the party's meat.   

Another Confection for the same.  
Take Honey; three ounces: Linseed, Grains, Ivory shaved, of each one ounce: Borrage three ounces; Sugar, 24 ounces: Musk, Amber, of each half a scruple: Cinnamon, two grains: Cloves, Mace, of each one grain; clarify the Honey, then incorporate the other things with it, to make a Confection thereof, and take of it as you please.   

A Porionto further Conception in a Woman.  
Take Wormwood, Mugwort, of each a handful. Boyl them together in a quart of Goat's milk, till almost half be wasted, and let the Woman drink thereof first and last, every morning and evening a good draught.   

A Bath for the same.  
Take Penyroyal, Mugwort, Rue, of each a handful: Put them into a Bag, and boil them in Rain-water, a sufficient quantity to make a Bath, boil it well, & bathe therein twice a day, and renew the Bath every third day, use this for a good space.  
You must understand, as I said before that without the mutual conjunction of male and female, the natural reception and coagulation of both their Seeds in the Field of generation the Womb, there can be no natural conception, and so consequently no birth; so that if the impediment lie in either of the Vessels receiving, or instruments giving, than these Medicines prescribed, do not work their effect till the obstructive causes be removed, and of them you shall be sufficiently directed, in the subsequent Chapter of barrenness, and the causes thereof; but if the Womb be clean, and the Masculine Instrument proportioned thereunto, so that the defect lie in some debility of nature, let both parties make use of this Confection following; and take of it in the morning's fasting, and they shall seldom fail of their desires.  
But take notice by the way, I do not prescribe this to Maids, nor Bachelors, they have no use for it.   

A Confection to further fruitfulness in Men, and Conception in Women.  
Take a Boar's Stones, Stags Pissel shaved small, I ounce, (Bulls Pissel, if you cannot get the other, will do as well) Sparrows Brains, 50. or 60. yellow Rape, Eringo Root, and Satyrion confected, Ivory shaved, of each 3 Ounces and a half; Cinnamon, Dates, India, Nut Kernels, of each 2 Ounces; Long Pepper, Ginger, Rosemary Flowers, of each half an Ounce; Seseli 1 dram, Nettle-seed, Cloves, Safron, Mace, Galingale, Cypress Roots, Nutmegs, Cassia wood, Cucubes, Doronicum, Field Mints, Penny Royal, Spica Indiae, Musk, Amber of each one dram. Make all these into a Confection, with 4 pounds & an half of white Sugar, refined in Mint-water, and take of it as before is directed; and if you cannot easily get all the things, yet refuse not the Medicine, but make it with as many as you can come by.    

Chap. IX. Of Barrenness.  
IT is granted amongst all men, that the Generation of mankind, and also of all other Creatures, is the most perfect work, and the most excellent and most exquisite natural operation of all the works of nature; 
Aristotle 2 Gen. A●●mal. Galen de ●s● part. 14.2.  which Aristotle most elegantly sets forth, and demonstrates, That whereas it is impossible by the decree of nature, that any animal or Creature should live always, or have an eternal Essence and being: therefore for the continuance of the kinds of all Creatures, as well bruit as rational, that a continual Generation might be had, and maintained, the Sexes of male and female, fitted to the act of procreation, were ordained.  
And from hence, saith Galen, it comes to pass, that all Creatures are furnished with Instruments of generation, fitting the quality of their Sex, and are endued with natural instincts, prompting them to the use thereof.  
Therefore we here take liberty, to speak of this wonderful Operation of nature. And to seek out the causes that hinder, and prescribe means to further the Operation of the same; partly for Dame Nature's sake, whose intent in hindered, where this work is obstructed, and partly for those Lady's sakes, who are sometimes disconsolate, being amongst the number of those that are accounted barren.  
We intent not here to enter into the Philosopher's Inquisitions, nor the Physician's Lectures; what is the forming matter which causes the birth in the Womb; in what order, how, and in what time, or how many days the several parts and members of the body are framed; at what time God the Author of all things, and nature itself infuseth the living soul into the Conception, or conceived body; but our intention only is to speak of what belongs to Physic, and not only to Philosophy; & to treat of those things which do impedite, or hinder the perfection of conception.  
For as the conception hath some contingency with every part of the body, so the same may be taken quite away, hindered or impedited, or depraved, as it happens in all other actions and motions of the body.  
If Conception be quite taken away in a Woman, so that she can never conceive, this affection is called barrenness; or this may be called a barren Woman, which you please.  
But if a Woman do conceive sometimes, though rarely and seldom, this is a weak and diminutive conception, or the conceiving faculty is feeble, and diminutive.  
And to this kind of debility and weakness, may be referred abortive, and untimely Births; when the Woman doth conceive, but through weakness cannot bring the conception to the due time of the birth.  
There is also a depraved conception, when in the Woman's Womb is contained some unnatural conception, as Monsters, Mola, or superfluous unshapen flesh, water, wind, or the like, filling up the Womb, and receiving the form of a conceived substance: the causes and Remedies of these, we shall proceed to declare.  
The holy Scripture makes mention what reproach, and how odious and detestable a thing barrenness was accounted in the ancient times: there was hardly any greater defamation to a woman, so that Rachel could cry out to her Husband for Children, or else her life lay on it, rather than bear the reproach of barrenness; and some Women have preferred their Maids to their Husbands, so that the Child might be reputed theirs, to take away their blemish of barrenness; but you will find few Women of that mind now a days.  
Therefore we come to speak of the causes of this grief, which the Physicians do account many and divers.  
Hypocrates accounteth the principal causes of barrenness to be these, 
Hippoc. lib. de sterilitate.  if the mouth of the Womb be disterred, and turned aside out of its place, contrary from the pudenda if the mouth of the Womb appear too big, or more wide than is convenient; or if the mouth of the Womb be fallen down, or hang out below the pudenda; then is such a Woman unfit for conception; these are therefore great causes of barrenness.  
Many other are the causes of barrenness, sometimes more, sometimes less, as Galen excellently teacheth.  
The head and principal beginning of the invention, 
Gal. 3. de Symp. Caus.  and finding out of all causes, which bring hurt, or are obnoxious to the faculties of the body, is no other but the knowledge of the means; whereby these faculties perform their actions in the time of health and soundness of body.  
And whereas it hath been already declared, that to produce any natural conception, there is a necessity of conjunction, and carnal copulation, both of the man and woman: therefore it ought, first, to be made manifest, that the cause of barrenness, may be through some defect in the man, or in the woman, and sometimes in both.  
Although at this time our intent is only to treat of such Diseases, as are incident to Women: yet nevertheless, since the Women have in this case a great interest, and a damage too if the fault be in the man; because they may help their Husband's defect, and in so doing, pleasure themselves, if they find the imperfection to lie in him, we shall not praetermit it.  
And again, since there is a necessity of the Copulation of man and woman, or else there can be no generation: and that they be both furnished with fit Instruments for that purpose, as the man with the yard, stones, and seed; the woman with Pudenda, testes, 
You may easily know what I mean.  the womb, seed, and menstruous blood.  
Then all reason tells you, that if there be any disaffection, or defect in nature, in any of these members or parts, belonging to this work, the fruitfulness and conception must necessarily be, either impedited, diminished, or quite taken away.  

Barrenness in men. Few Women do complain of this fault.  One cause of barrenness on the man's part, which is of all Authors condemned, is, penis longus, or the overmuch length of the yard; by reason whereof, the seed is refrigerated, and taketh cold in the passage of the yard, before it can be injected from the stones, into the womb.  
But although this be a general received reason, 
Avicen. lib. 3. tract. 1.8.  amongst almost all Philosophers, yet it may seem vain, and suffer contradiction; for the seed passing through the Conduit, or channel of the yard, is cherished, and kept hot, by the pudenda of the woman, so that it seems impossible, that it should take cold in the passage; but rather the contrary, that the long penis is most fit and commodious, to further and perfect the Conception, by injecting the seed into the inner parts of the womb, which is done without any interval, or space of time.  
And also contradictive to this Opinion, is the relation of Averro, which is credited by Aristotle, and other good Philosophers, That a certain Maid conceived with Child, by standing in a Bath, where some seed of man had been cast, the Womb drawing the same into it, by its natural magnetic attractive faculty, which draweth and attracteth to itself the seed of man, as the Loadstone draweth Iron.  
But whereas many will have it, that the too long yard is unfit for conception; 
This is the worst fault in women's account.  so there are others on the contrary, that affirm the short penis to render men unfruitful, and that to be as bad, if not a greater fault than the other.  
And this is the more probable reason, that the short penis may be more defective than the long one, because it cannot so well inject the seed into the inner parts of the womb.  
But to speak freely, neither of these causes, either of the length or shortness of the yard, can be firm reasons of the barrenness, or fruitfulness of man, or to cause barrenness in the man, since it is confirmed by experience of both parts, that have had plenty of Children.  
But a greater reason of barrenness in the man, may be some viciousness, or defect in the yard, as if the same be obliqne or crooked, if any of the ligaments thereof be distorred, or broken, whereby the ways and passages, through which the seed should flow, be corrupt, stopped, or vitiated; or some Disease or imperfection, be either in the proper, or in the vicious parts thereof.  
Another cause of barrenness, by the defect of the yard, is too much weakness and tenderness thereof, so that it is not strongly enough erected, to inject the seed into the womb; for the strength and stifness of the yard, very much conduces to conception, by reason of the forcible injection of the humane seed into the womb.  
A second cause of barrenness of men, may be some natural vice, or laesion in the stones; 
Gal. 14. usu part. 1. de sem. 11, 16.  if they are so made by nature, that they cannot exercise their gift properly, in producing seed.  
The stones may be the cause of barrenness, by reason of their evil composition, or accidents and distempers, or continual solution.  
The stones may labour under distempers, either simple or compound, either with, or without matter.  
As if the stones be oppressed with any inflammation or tumour, wound or Ulcer, or drawn up within the belly, not appearing outwardly, all such causes of the stones, may be the reason of barrenness in the man.  
Also the man may be barren, by reason of the defect of the seed, and that may come from a twofold cause.  

The first, If he engender and cast forth no seed at all, or in less substance than is needful.  
And secondly, If the seed generated, and cast forth, be vicious, and unfit for generation.   
The seed is hindered from generation in those bodies, which are gross and fat, the matter of it being defective.  
And on the other side too much leaness, or a continual wasting or consumption of the body, destroys the seed; nature turning all the matter and substance thereof, into nutriment for the body.  
The seed may also be corrupt, and vicious, by reason of many internal, and external causes.  
If the Instruments and Vessels of seed be intemperate, or disaffected, or in any ways corrupted, that they cannot attract the matter of the fruitful seed, and so that they cannot concoct the attracted matter, and retain the same so long, until it can receive its whole and perfect absolution; as for examples sake, it frequently happens to those, who have a long time laboured with the Gonorrhoea, or running of the Reins; or if the principal parts of the body be so ill affected, that they conceit ill nutriment, that causeth vicious seed to be generated, unfit for conception.  
Likewise many outward causes may so alter, and disaffect our bodies, as that they may cause the seed to be vicious, and unfruitful.  
Too frequent carnal Copulation, 
Gal. 1. de sem. Cap. 16.  is one great cause of barrenness of men, which attracteth the seminal moisture from the stones, before it is sufficiently prepared, and concocted, as all other members of the body, by the institution of nature, do use to draw their accustomed juice to themselves.  
So if any one by daily Copulation, do exhausted and draw out all the moisture of his seed, then do the stones draw the moist humours from the superior veins, unto themselves; and so having but a little blood in them, they are forced of necessity, to cast it out raw, and unconcocted; and thus the stones be violently deprived of the moisture of their veins, attract the same from the other superior veins, and the superior veins, from all the other parts of the body, for their proper nutriment, to the great violating of the body, depriving the same of the vital spirits.  
It is therefore no wonder, if those that use immoderate Copulation, are very weak in their bodies, seeing the whole body is thereby deprived of its best & purest blood, & of the vital spirits: insomuch, that many who have been too much addicted to the pleasure, have killed themselves in the act.  
But chief, It is no wonder, if such seed not well concocted and digested, be unfit for generation.  
Gluttony and drunkenness, do also much hinder men from fruitfulness, and maketh them unfit for generation.  
But amongst other causes of barrenness in men, this also is one that maketh them barren, and of the nature of Eunuches, the incision, or cutting of their veins behind their ears, which for a Disease many times is done.  
This saith Hypocrates, causeth barrenness in them, 
Gal. Lib. de genitur.  whose veins behind their ears are cut, to which Galen agrees; for he saith, that especially more than from any other parts of the body, the seed flows from the brain by those veins behind the ears, which also Aristotle confirms.  
From whence it probably appears, that the transmission of the seed is impedited by the Section of the Veins behind the ears, so that it cannot at all descend to the lower parts of the body, or else very crude and raw.  
And thus have we shown the causes of barrenness in men. Now we come to speak of barrenness in women.  
Although there are many causes of the barrenness of women; yet the chief and principal are internal, and they may be all referred to the privy parts of the Body, the Seed, or the menstruous blood.  
Therefore Hypocrates speaking of the easy and difficult Conception of Women, saith thus; The first consideration is to be had of their Species; for little Women are more apt to conceive then great; slender, then gross; white and fair, then ruddy and high coloured; black, then pale and wan.  
Those which have their Veins conspicuous, are more apt than others; but to be very fleshy is evil, to have great swelling Breasts good.  
The next thing to be considered is, their Courses or monthly purgations, whether they have them duty every Month, if they flow plentifully and are of a good colour; whether they have them equal every month, at their certain days and times; for so their purgations ought to be.  
Then the Womb, or place of Conception is to be considered, it ought to be clean and sound, dry and soft, the Womb not retracted nor drawn up, nor prone or descended downwards, and the mouth thereof ought not to be turned awry, nor everst, nor too close shut.  
But to come to consider of these Causes more distinctly, and particularly.  
The first parts therefore to be spoken of, are the pudenda, that is, the privy member, and the Womb, which parts are shut & enclosed, either by nature, or against nature; & from hence such women are called inperforate; For in some Women the mouth of their Womb continueth compressed & closed up, from the time of their Birth, until the time of the ripeness of their Courses; and then on a sudden when their Terms provoke forwards to purgation, they are molested with great pain and sickness: some break, of their own accord, others are dissected and opened by Physicians, to some it brings death, or else they are forced to break, or never break at all.  
And this Aetius distinctly handles, who writeth, that the Wombs of women are shut three manner of ways, which hinders Conception.  
The first is, When the lips of the Pudenda do grow or cleave together.  
Secondly, Although the lips seem open, yet there are certain Membrances growing in the middle part of the Matrix within.  
The third, Though the lips and bosom of the Pudenda may appear fair and open, yet the Mouth of the Womb may be quite shut up; all which three kinds of Closures are impediments to the Conceptions of women.  
They do hinder in the first place, the performance of three offices; the use of man, their purgations, and their Conception.  
In the second place, they are two impediments, the communication with men, and Conception thereby.  
And thirdly, two other impediments to themselves, Purgation and Conception, there might also fall in by the way, a discourse of the Hymen, or that Membrane which is so called; but that only serves for the testimony of true virginity to them that know it, which lock the loss of a Maidenhead opens: but that seems a digression from this intention.  
But amongst all causes of barrenness in a Woman, in the instruments of generation, it is certain, that the greatest is in the Womb, for the Womb is the field of generation; and if this field be corrupt, and not well disposed, it is in vain to expect any fruit, let it be never so well tilled and sown, for the Womb is subject to many diseases, and thence it follows, that it may be often unfit for generation, distempers many are subject to it, as over much heat, and over much cold. Women whose Wombs are too thick and cold, cannot in any wise conceive, because coldness extinguisheth the natural heat of the humane Seed.  
Another cause of barrenness may be, immoderate moisture of the Womb, which destroys the Seed of the man, as Corn sown in ponds and marshes.  
A third cause of barrenness of the Woman, is, over much dryness of the Womb: so that the humane Seed perisheth for want of nutriment, and becomes as Corn sown upon stones, or sandy ground.  
A fourth cause of women's barrenness is, the immoderate heat of the Womb, which scorcheth up the Seed of man, as Corn sown in the drought of Summer; for immoderate heat hurts all the parts of the Body, and no Conception can live, or be nourished in that woman.  
Many other may be the distempers which the Womb is subject to, that may render it unfit for Conception, and be the cause of barrenness, as when unnatural humours, are engendered in the Womb, too much phlegm, Tympanies, worms, wind, water or any such peccant humour, abounding contrary to nature.  
But amongst all other causes, which produce fertility, or barrenness to a woman, the monthly Terms are greatly to be respected, as hinderers or furtherers thereof; if they come not in due order, it must necessarily cause barrenness of that woman to follow; but of them we have already spoken, and given directions how to promote and further the same.  
But having sufficiently spoken of the causes of barrenness in man and woman, we shall methodically proceed for procreation sake, to lay down such remedies, as may naturally serve to prefer generation, and hinder accidental barrenness in either.  
But if in men the cause be, and that in the shortness of the penis, I cannot help that: the women must in that case help themselves as well as they can: of any too long there is seldom any complaint.  
A woman may also have some other accidental causes, which may hinder her conception; as sudden frights, and anger, fear, grief, and perturbations of the mind, too violent exercise or stirring after Carnal copupulation, leaping, dancing, running, or the like.  
If the cause of barrenness be in the man, through over much hear in his Seed, the woman may easily see! that in receiving it.  
If the nature of the woman be too hot, and by that cause she is unfit for Copulation, it may appear by these Signs.  
Such a woman, whose cause of barrenness is by reason of too much heat, she hath her Terms or Flowers very little, and they are mixed with some yellowness; such a woman is very hasty and Choleric, quick witted and crafty, thirsty and desirous after Carnal Copulation, her pulse very swift.  
Some say that by these signs you may know where the fault lies, whether in the man or the woman: Sprinkle both Urines of the man and of the woman upon a Lettuce leave, and that which dries away first is unfruitful.  
Also take five Wheat corns, seven Barley corns, and seven Beans; put them all into an earthen pot, and piss thereon, and let it stand seven days; if they begin to sprout, the party is fruitful; if they rot, then barren, be it man or woman.  

Another way to know whether a woman be fruitful  
Take Mirth, red Storax, and some such like odoriferous things, and make a perfume thereof, which let the woman receive into the neck of the Womb through a tunnel; if the woman feel the smoke ascend through her Body to her Nose, than she is fruitful.   

Another experiment for the same.  
Take Garlick and beat it, and let the woman lie on her Back upon it, and if she feel the sent thereof to her Nose; it's a sign of fruitfulness.  
But I could tell you a more infallible rule, for either the man or woman, to find out where the fault lies, but they are too apt to learn it without teaching, therefore I pass it by.   

If the barrenness be proceeding from a hot cause, then take these directions.  
Let such beware of hot air and hot dwellings if they can; and that they use not too hot  about the sinews, and parts of the Womb.  
Let them avoid hot meats (I speak now to women) hot Spices, strong Wine, fat meats, warm herbs use not over much watching, lie not much on the Reins and Kidneys, and as much as possibly may be, eschew great labour, anger, heaviness, and all such motions as disturb the mind, and use moderately cooling things, as thus,   

To further Conception, and take away barrenness proceeding of hot causes.  
Take oftentimes Conserve of Roses, cold Lozenges made of Dragagant, the Confections of Triasantali; and use to smell to Camphire, Rose water and Saunders.  
It is also good to breathe the Basilica, or Liver Vein, and take out four or five ounces of blood, and then take this purge.   

A Purge against Barrenness through heat.  
Take Electuarium de Epithymo de succo rosarum, of each two drams and a half: whey of milk four ounces: mix them well together, and take it in the morning fasting, sleep after it about an hour and an half, and fast four hours after it, and then drink a good draught of Whey about an hour before you eat any thing.   

Another for the same.  
Take water Lilly water four ounces; Mandrogara water, one ounce: Sassron, half a scruple: beat the Safron to powder, and mix it with the waters, and drink them warm in the morning, use this eight days together.   

Pills against Barrenness.  
Take Broom flowers, Smallage, Parsley seed, Coming, Mugwort, Fetherfew, of each half a scruple: Aloes, half an ounce; India Salt, Saffron, of each half a dram: beat & mix them all well together, & put to it five ounces of Fetherfew water warm, stop it up close, & let it stand and dry in a warm place; and thus do two or three times one after another. Then make each dram into 6 Pills, and take one of them every other day before supper, all the while the said Potion is used, and afterwards when the drink is done, take one of these Pills every third or fourth day. And after that Potion proceed with this purging Medicine following.  
Take Conserve Benedicta lax. one quarter of an ounce: de Psillio; three drams; Elect. de Succo rosarum, one dram: mix them together with Fetherfew water, and drink it in the morning betimes.  
About three days after the Patient hath taken this purge: let her be let blood four or five ounces in the Median vein in the right foot. And then take five days one after another filled Ivory, a dram and a half in Fetherfew water; and during that time, let her sit in this Bath following, an hour together morning and night.  
Take wild yellow rapes, Daucus, Balsam wood and fruit, Ash-keys, of each two handfuls; red Behen, white Behen, Broom flowers, of each a handful; Musk, three grains; Amber, Saffron, of each one scruple; Boil all in water sufficiently, but the Musk, Saffron Amber and Broom flowers, put them into the decoction after it is boiled and strained.   

A Confection profitable against barrenness.  
Take Pistacia, Pingles, Eringoes, of each half an ounce; Saffron, one dram: Lignum Aloes, Galingale, Mace, Gariophilata, Balm flowers, red Behen, white Behen, of each four scruples; shaved Ivory, Cassia bark, of each two scruples; syrup of confected Ginger, twelve ounces; white Sugar, six ounces: decoct all these well together, in twelve ounces of Balm water, and stir it well together; then put to it of Musk and Amber, of each half a scruple. Take hereof 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 in man or woman, be through scarcity or diminution of the natural Seed, than such things are to be taken, as do increase Seed, and incite and stir up Venery.  
For this is good, yellow Rape seed baked in bread, young fat flesh not too much salted, Saffron, the tails of Stincus, and long Pepper, are good prepared in Wine.  
Let such parties eschew all sour, sharp, doughy, and slimy meats, long sleep after meat, surfeiting and drunkenness, and as near as possibly you can, keep yourselves from sorrow, grief, vexation, and care.   

To increase natural seed.  
Generally these things following increase natural seed, and stir up venery, and recover the Seed again, when it is lost, viz. Eggs, Milk, Rice boiled in milk; Sparrows brains, flesh and bones and all; The Stones and Pissels of Bulls, Cocks, Bucks, Rams, and Boars.  
Portages good to increase natural Seed, are such as are made of Beans, Pease, and Lupins: cast away the first bitter broth of the Lupins, and mix the rest with Sugar. French Beans, Wheat sodden in broth. Anniseeds, Fennel-seed, Mustard seed, Colewort seed, and Nettle seed.   

Roots good to increase the natural Seed.  
Oynions stewed, Garlic, Leeks, yellow Rapes, fresh Ragwort roots, confected Sugar, confected Eringo roots, confected Ginger, Costus roots, Sperage, Thistle roots, Radish roots, Zedoary, confected Assarabacca.  
Of fruits, Hazel nuts, Cypress nuts, Pistacia, Almonds, and Marchpane made thereof.   

Spices commodious to stir up Venery are,  
In general Cinnamon, Cardamome, Galingale, long Pepper, Cloves, Ginger, and Saffron.  
Assa foetida taken a dram and a half at a time in good Wine, is very good for this purpose, and so likewise is tragacanth, Borax is also fit to be taken in like manner.   

Of Compositions, these Confections following are good to increase the natural Seed.  
The Confection Dia Moscha, Aromaticum rosarum, Diambra, Dianthos, Diagalanga, Tryon pipetion, Dia margariton calidum, & Mithridate, and especially the Confection of Diasatyrion, but these are dear.   

Lozenges, or a Confection to increase the natural Seed.  
Take Ginger, one dram and a half; Almonds, Pingles, Pistacia, of each one ounce; Kernels of Indian Nuts, Sysarum, of each half an ounce; Harts Pisle, five drams: Cinque-foi●e, Palma Chri●●i, one dram and a half: Galingale, Cloves, Cinnamon, Mustardseed, long Pepper, yellow Rape seed, white Behen, of each one dram; Onion seed, Radish seed, Rape seed, Ashen keys, of each two scruples: sides of Stymus, tails of Stymus, three drams; borage, one quarter of an ounce; Sugar, two pound; boil them altogether in Wine sufficient to make a Confection or Lozenges thereof; and take about the quantity of a Nutmeg at a time.   

Another for the same.  
Take yellow Rapes, Onions, Sperage roots, Mustard seed, Radish seed, Pingles, Ash-keyes, Eringo roots, Satyrion Roots, Costus Roots, Ginger, long Pepper, Cress' seeds, of each a like: make all these into fine Powder, and mix them well together, and add to every Ounce of the Powder 3. Ounces of clarified Honey, and therewith make it into a Confection: take of this Confection, about 3 drams at a time, with a little Sugar, and new milk.   

For the weakness, and debility of the yard of a man, use this Ointment.  
Take Wax, Oil of Bever-cod, Marjerom gentle, and Oil of Costus, of each a like quantity; make it into an Ointment, and put to it a little Musk, and therewith anoint the yard, and other members adjacent.   

Another Ointment for the same.  
Take of Horse Emmers 3 drams, oil of white Sesamum, oil of Lilies, of each one Ounce: pound and bruise the Aunts, and put them to the Oil, and let them stand in the Sun 6 days, then strain out the Oil, and add to it Euphorbium 1 scruple, Pepper, Rue, of each one dram; Mustardseed half a dram: ●et this again altogether in the Sun, 2 or 3 days, then anoint all the Instruments of Generation therewith.   

Another for the same.  
Take Oil of Lilies 2 Ounces, Oil of Bever Cod 1 Ounce, Euphorbium, Pepper, Mustardseed, of each 1 dram, Muscus half a scruple, mix them together unto an Ointment, and use it as the other.   

Remedies against barrenness in Women, through Cold.  
Care must be taken in this case, to cleanse the womb from all excessive moisture, and not to overcharge the stomach with meat, and refrain from much sleep, and not addict herself to anger, nor sorrow neither, if she can avoid it, to use moderate exercise and stirring, unless it be immediately after she hath been helping her Husband to get a Child, or endeavouring to do it, then let her rest from exercise, and motion of the body, at least 2 hours after it.  
Let her abstain from eating of much fish, milk, or fresh cheese and from fat flesh, and Vinegar, these are obnoxious to the womb.   

To cleanse the womb from moisture.  
Take a potion prepared of Oximel, of Squils', or of Oximel compositum, and Syrup of Wormwood, with a decoction of Annis, Fennel, Coming, and Heart's Tongue. And afterwards, take 1 dram of Pill benedicta, once in 14. days, and fast 5 hours after it.   

A Bath for the same.  
Take Storax, Calamita, Field Mints, Asphalatus, Annis, Seseli, Rue, Balsam wood and fruits, Behen red and white, of each half 1 Ounce; boil all together in water, and make a Bath thereof, and let the party sit in it up to the navel.  
Also use often to anoint the parts about the womb, with warm and drying Oil, such as Oil of Spike, Oil of Elder, and the like.   

Another Bath for the same, wherein the Woman may either bathe her whole body, or sit in it up to the middle.  
Take Mugwort, Sage, of each two handfuls, Calamint, Dittany, of each half a handful, Fennel Roots, Asparagus, Parsley, of each one handful, Bay-berries, Juniper, Annis, Coming, of each two drams, mix them, and boil them all in water, and make a Bath thereof, and use it, as before is directed.   

A Confection good against barrenness, caused through too much coldness, and moisture in the womb.  
Take Cinnamon, Cardamon, Saffron, Cloves, Mace, long Pepper, Cypers Roots, Nutmegs, Cummin, Lignum Aloes, Cassia wood, of each 1 scruple; Cucubes, Doronicum, of each four scruples; Musk, Amber, Balsam, one dram, fine Sugar 18 Ounces, boil the Sugar with the rest, with Malmsey, and Buglosse-water, enough to make it into a Confection; and take thereof about a spoonful, going to bed, and half a spoonful a little before Supper.   

To dry a moist and slippery womb.  
Take Silver Mountain, red Behen, white Behen, Ash Keys, shaved Ivory, yellow Rape-seed, of each one dram, Cinnamon, Mace, Cloves, Galingale, long Pepper, Rosemary flowers, Balsom wood, Marjerom gentle, Penny royal, of each 4 scruples, Balm, Bugloss, Citron peels, of each 2 scruples; Pearls 1 scruple, Musk 2 grains, white Sugar 24 Oun: seethe these with Malmsey, & make thereof a Confection, and use it as the other.  
If there be any infirmity in the retentive faculty of the womb, so that it cannot retain and keep the seed injected into it, so as to come in thereby, if the same be caused through overmuch coldness of that part, as oftentimes it doth, which the Woman herself may be sensible of, whether heat or cold do most abound; I say, if could abound, and weaken the retent ivevirtue of the womb, than you are to use such things as strengthen, comfort, and warm the same, such are Amber, Frankincense, Mastic, Cloves, Lignum Aloes, Nutmegs, Sage, and the like.  
And in this case, it is good to boil Cypers Roots in the water, and often bathe, and wash the neck of the Matrix therewith.  
And for this, it is good to make a fume of Mastic strewed upon Coals, and to receive the same into the Matrix below.   

An Ointment for the same.  
Take the juice of Roses, of Pomegranates, Cloves, of each an Ounce, Frankincense, Hypocistis, prepared Coriander, Mastic, Juice of Sloes, Iron, Dross, of each one dram, sealed Earth, Starch, of each one Ounce, beat all these together to an Ointment, and anoint the privy members, and womb often therewith.  
But if the operation of the retentive faculty of the womb be impedited from performing its natural office through some distemper of heat, then are such Medicines to be applied, as are cooling, astringent, and corroborating; yet let them be tempered with some warm things.  
The cold things to be used for this purpose are these,  Hartshorn, Amber, Juice of sloes.  
Hypocistis,  Muscle shells, Bolus, Dragon's blood, terra sigillata, Pomegranate flowers, and Pills, Acorns, and their Cups, Medlars both fruit and bark of the Tree, Services, and Mirtle-seed: of any of these simples, you may make unguents, Plasters, Confections and Electuaries, or other Medicines, as occasion shall require.  
If any yet desire other Medicines, they may use Plasters and Pessaries, and trochis for a fumigation; of which here follows; examples.   

A Plaster to comfort the womb against barrenness.  
Take Landanum 1 Ounce, Storax Calamite, half an Ounce, Cinnamon, Cloves, Lignum Aloes, of each 1 dram; Species Diambre, Gallia Moscata, of each half a dram; Oil of Spikenard, Oil of Lilies, and Wax a sufficient quantity to make it into a Plaster, or Cerot. This Plaster may be applied to the womb, and quite down to the lower Region of the Abdomen, and worn thereupon a long time.   

For a Fame, these Troches following may be taken.  
Take of Mugwort a dram, Myrrh, Benzoi-Storax, Calamint, of each half a dram, Lignum Aloes 1 scruple, Musk, Amber, of each 10 grains: beat all these together to a Powder, and with Oil of Spikenard, make Troches of it; put some of it upon Coals, and let the Woman receive the fume thereof through a convenient Instrument.   

A Pessary for the same.  
Take Mugwort, Ditany, Marjoram, of each 1 dram, Aniseeds, Rue, Citron, of each half a dram, Species Galliae Moschatae one scruple, Musk, Amber, Saffron, of each 15 grains, beat them all together into a Mass, and make a Pessary thereof, wrapped up in Linen, and put it up into the Matrix.  
And now we have largely declared to you, the external and internal causes, of natural and accidental barrenness, and sterility, both in man and woman, and the Physical, both external and internal means, to be used to remedy the same, what else is to be done, your own natural kindness must excite you to; which if it be but dull, we have given you sufficient Rules, whereby you may quicken the same. Some other things there are, which the Physicians say, do prefer fruitfulness, by hidden quality, as the stones of a Fox, and the like; but they are already declared, and described in compound Medicines.  
Physicians do likewise tell long stories about the time of the year, what time is best for Copulation: all agree, the Spring is the most convenient time, and fit for procreation; for then the blood is in its vigour: and in the heat of Summer, it ought to be forborn altogether, if possible (but than Venus takes most pleasure to be jolly, and to her girls than most opportunities offer themselves.)  
But the most convenient and fit time for a Woman to conceive, is immediately after her purgations cease; for then the womb is cleansed from superfluous excrements; and the most fit hour for conception, is after meat, and before sleep, that she may sleep, and rest after it.    

Chap. X. Of monstrous and unnatural Conceptions.  
IT follows now in order in the next place, to speak something of Conceptions, contrary to nature, and unnatural Births, which is called a depraved Conception.  
For since it is the certain institution and intent of nature, that Women should bring forth perfect mankind, and nothing else, than it follows, that whatsoever else is conceived in the womb, besides mankind, the same is a vicious, and depraved conception, against the Rules and Laws of nature.  
Which though these vicious and unnatural Conceptions, may be many ways; yet they may all generally be reduced unto one of these heads, to wit, Monsters, Mola, wind and water, all which we often find to be conceived, and grow in the womb.  
Of Monsters, there is much written, either historically, fabulously, or philosophically; but that appertains not to our present intent or purpose.  
And therefore the Philosopher in his Book of Generation, 
2 Phys. 82.4. Gen. Animal.  and the causes thereof teacheth, that a Monster is nothing else but a peccant vice of deficient nature, whereby nature is impedited, and hindered from effecting her end, as it is in any Art, when the Artist fails, by reason of some defect in him, that he cannot attain to accomplish his desired end.  
And although these unnatural Births may happen many ways, yet all these errors of nature may be referred to the Diseases proceeding of evil composition: as for example, to the Disease in number, as when a man is born with one eye, one foot, or two heads.  
Of Diseases of magnitude, the same the figure of the body demonstrates to the rest; 
Gal de causis morb. 7.  which Doctrine, Galen manifestly teacheth.  
But the causes why Monsters are generated, contrary to the intent of nature, 
Gal. lib. de hist. Phil. lib. 5. plai. Ph. 8.  are not fully agreed upon by all. Galen, or rather Plutarch, says thus.  
Empedocles teacheth, That Monsters are created, if the seed be too much, or too little; too much spread abroad, or separated, if it be void, or injected by inordinate motion; or because something is added, detracted, transposited, or inflamed: or if the womb be distorted, the Vessels corrupted, or the formative virtue be deficient, or do abound: these things hinder the natural conception, and due operation of nature.   

Chap. XI. Of the unnatural fleshy Conception in the womb, called Mola.  
THis unnatural Matter sometimes happens to grow in the wombs of Women, that have no Copulation with men, and causeth the Belly to arise, and all signs to appear, as though they were with Child; their Terms staying, the Breasts grow hard, they lose their appetite, or stomach to meat: their complexion groweth pale, and sometimes they may feel a stirring about the Matrix, as if they were with Child; yet nevertheless, they bear no Child, which have this mola engendered in them: Of this writes Aetius, 
Aetius lib. ult.  and Avicen, who saith, that it is a certain hard substance, sometime found to spread itself throughout the whole Matrix.  
Aristotle teacheth, that this Mola is nothing else, 
Lib. 4. Gen. Hin. Cap. 7.  but a certain piece of flesh, conceived and engendered in the womb of a Woman, and he reciteth a story of a certain Woman, that brought forth a lump of flesh which they called Mola.  
And hereunto Galen also plainly consents, 
Gal. 14. usu part. 17.14. Meth. 13  who affirmeth, that this Mola is a piece of unprofitable deformed flesh, which is engendered in the Womb of a Woman, without the Copulation with a man, as a Hen hath Eggs without a Cock.  
But now a Question may arise, whether the cause of this unnatural Mola, proceed from too much heat, or too much cold, or too much blood?  
For Avicen teacheth, 
Avic. fen. 21.3. trait. 2. cap. 18.  that besides the multitude, or superfluity of blood, there is a vehemency of heat, wherein the blood is concocted, and thereby the flesh acquires a form.  
But this, Aristotle seems to contradict, who manifestly writeth, that the Mola is no otherwise bred, then of impure, and imperfect concoction; and that it hath its Original from the defect and imbecility of natural heat, And Averro confirms, that the cause is nothing else but debility and weakness of nature, corruption of digestion, and loss of the last concoction; and certainly, that rude and deformed flesh, called Mola is engendered of crudities.  
This, groweth in the womb in two kinds, like a piece of flesh, putrified without form or figure, resembling rather a piece of spongeous blood, wind & water, then right flesh which hindereth the expelling of the terms, and being mixed with the natural seed, it groweth sometimes to a hard substance.  
It is also engendered of superfluous blood, and the concourse of tough and unconcocted humours, which make the belly swell up, as if the Woman were with Child.  
This is an ill accident, and putrefieth and spoileth the Matrix, breeding there oftentimes Ulcers and Imposthumes, Dropsies, unnatural Fluxes, or some such like infirmities, bringing death, if it be not well regarded to be prevented.  
The sighs whereby they that labour with this unnatural Mass, may be known from Women with Child, are generally these.  
The first is motion; for this burden moveth not as Children do, because there is neither life nor sense in it.  
But it may move by accident, according to the motion of the woman, and the ponderousness thereof, but that is no true motion.  
The Belly of Women which labour with this unnatural Mass, is harder than the Belly of women with Child, and will not so easily move from one place to another, as theirs that be with Child.  
The Woman that hath this Mola is also more melancholy, than those that are with Child, and their hands and feet more feeble: this Mass also sometimes falleth from one side to another.  
A Woman with Child at nine month's end, is delivered thereof; but they go two, 3, or 4 years, sometimes all their life-time with this burden. For the cure of this Mola, Hypocrates before all others, prescribes the most perfect method.  
The first means to be used, is cleansing and purging of the whole body.  
The second is to mollify, loosen, and open the Vessels, and ligaments of the Womb, wherewith the Mola is bound and fastened there.  
The third is to stir up, and strengthen the expulsive faculty, whereby this burden may the more easily be expelled from the Womb.  
All Physicians do agree, that this disease cannot be cured without great difficulty, and sometimes not at all; yet nevertheless, means must be used, and first of all purgation, whereby the Belly may be lenified; and amongst all other Medicines; Hiera obtains the chief place; for its molifying and purging quality, the better if it be mixed with Cassia, as in this manner.  
Take Species of Hiera simplex, Cassia new drawn, of each 1 dram; mix them into a Bolus with Sugar.  

A Syrup for the same.  
Take of Oximel simplex one Ounce, decoction of Betony, of Motherwort, Mints, Penny Royal, of each 4 drams, mix them together, and make a Syrup thereof; but before you take it, take this Bolus and Confection following.   

A Bolus.  
Take Conserve of Maidenhair, two drams Species of Dia calamint, 1 scruple, mix them and make a Bolus thereof to be taken before the Syrup.   

A Confection for the same.  
Take Species Diambre, Diacalam▪ of each half a dram, Sugar 2 Ounces; make a Confection thereof, with White-wine, and take it before the Syrup.   

An excellent potion for this Disease.  
Take Elect Diaphen, Hiera, Diacol, of each half a dram, Mel. Ros. Sol. 4. drams, decoction of Betony, of Mugwort, of each a sufficient quantity, to make a potion: let the Patient in this Disease, abstain from cold, and moist meats, and use this potion following, which mollifies the Mass, or Mola, and expels the humours that cause, or increase it. Take St. john's Wort, Savin, Rosemary, Field Mints, Lovag, Mugwort, Peny Royal, Madder, of each one handful; Fennel, Squinant, Parsley seed, Calmus, Galingale, of each 1 dram, Horsradish Roots, 4 Ounces; boil them all together in a good quantity of water, to make a potion, and take thereof every day 3. or 4. Ounces, mixing therewith about a quarter of an Ounce of this Trochis following.   

A Trochis.  
Take Cinnamon, Myrrh, of each 2. drams and a half, Rue, Savin, Field Mints, Penny Royal, Madder, Sagapenum, Opopanacum, of each, 1 dram; Cardamum, Juniper-wood, Rosemary, of each, 1 dram & a half: dry them all to powder, & make Troches thereof, and use it, as above is directed.  
Also for this Disease, this following is a cheap and ready Medicine.  
Take 3 Ounces of warm Fetherfewwater, every morning fasting, for two months together, and fast 4 hours after it. And every fourth day during the time she drinketh the water, let her take one of these Pills following.   

Pills for the Mola.  
Take Galbanum, 1 quarter of an Ounce, Flowers of Mugwort, St. John's wort, Assarabacca, of each 1 scruple, dissolve the Galbanum in good wine, and make thereof 6 Pills, of a dram, and take one at a time, in 4 days, as before is directed.   

A Bath for the same.  
Take Mugwort, Camomile, Dill, hollyhock Roots, Mallows, of each one handful; Linseed, Fenegreek, Aniseed, Fennel-seed, of each one dram; make a decoction thereof in common water for a Bath, and let the Woman sit hot in it, up to her breasts; and after use this Ointment for the same purpose.  
Take juice of Hollihocks, 2 Ounces, Goosgrease, Hen's grease, of each, one Ounce; Oil of sweet Almonds, of white Lilies, of each half an ounce, mix them to an Ointment, and therewith anoint all the external parts against the fire.  
Inwardly, let her also take Dia calamint, Trochis of Myrrh, and in a word, whatsoever is good to provoke the terms, and to drive forth the secundide, and expel a dead Child, the same is effectual for this Disease; of which shall be spoken in the ensuing discourse, of hard Labours.  
We have now at large, written of all special accidents and infirmities, incident to the womb, and parts of generation, and given perfect directions for remedies for the same: yet nevertheless, though the humane seed may be received and contained, yet a mischance may follow, or otherwise a weak and feeble fruit, that it cannot come to perfection; and at last, a difficult and hard labour, are many if not most of the Daughters of Eve subject to, whereby ofttimes, their lives are in danger thereby, if not quite lost, with the fruit and all: therefore concerning these infirmities, and what belongs to fruitbearing Women, and their delivery, is the intended subject of the subsequent part of this Book, and first, of the debility, or weakness of the child in its Mother's womb.    

Chap. XII. Of the weakness of Children in the Womb.  
SUch is the frailty of humane nature, that the Child is subject to sickness, even in his Mother's womb; no great marvel then, if men are all their lives encumbered with casualties, when they begin with them, even before they have a visible being; the sickness of Children in the womb, not being obvious to the eye, is the more difficult to find out; but the signs to know it are these,  
If the Woman have her terms much, being with Child, it must argue debility of the Child, because his nourishment and sustenance is taken away from him.  
If Milk flow from Women with Child, its evident the Child is weak, and not strong enough to draw his nourishment to him.  
If a Woman with Child be afflicted with a strong and violent looseness, there is great danger of a mischance.  
But the strength or weakness of the Child, depends on heat and cold, under which are comprehended all accidents whatsoever.  
If the Child be weak through immoderate heat, and drieth, than the remedy is to purge the Mother of Choler; for which this following is a convenient Medicine.  
Take Conserve of Prunes, half an Ounce, three Ounces of whey, of milk, give it her in the morning, and let her fast 5 hours after it.  

Another for the same.  
Take Cassia extracted out of the Cane one Ounce, and put to it 4 Ounces of Sorrel-water, or Barleywater, and give it in like manner as the other.  
Another safe, but stronger Medicine, both for the Mother and the Child, is this following.  
Take 2 Ounces of Manna, and 3. or 4. Ounces of Whey, mixed with it, and use it as the other.  
For the same, you may also steep in the same quantity of Whey, a dram of Rhubarb one night, and strain it out well; or, if you will, take half a dram of Rhubarb in powder in some whey.  
Let the Woman use such diet, as is cooling, and moistening, as Barleywater, Lettuce, and use Verjuice, and juice of Lemons with her meat: Endive water, & Syrup of Roses, & Endive, & succoury water, are good in this case. Forbear all things, which provoke vomiting, or which force Urine or blood.  
Let the Woman 3 or 4 times every day, cool and quench her thirst with Barleywater, having half an Ounce of Syrup of leaves mixed with it.  
An external Medicine for this Disease, if you feel great heat to abound, may be this.  
Take Citron water, Violet water, of each 6. Ounces, Sorrel-water, 12. Ounces, Red Sanders,  Ivory, Sorrel seed, of each one scruple, Saffron, half a scruple, Vinegar 3 spoonfuls, mix them all together, and wet a Linen Cloth in it, and lay it on the privities, and on the small of the back.  
Take also one Ounce of Pompeon Peels, Oil of Roses, Oil of Water-lilies, of each one Ounce and a half, Housleek one Ounce, temper them all together, and anoint the back and privities therewith 3. or 4. times a day.  
But if the cause of weakness, or debility of the Child in its Mother's Womb, proceed from cold and moistness, then are contrary medicines to be used; of which these following are approved.  
Take bugloss water, Saffron seeds, Agarins, Hermodactils, of each 1 scruple, Cinnamon, Ginger, Roses, Coriander prepared, of each 4 grains, steep them one night in the bugloss water, then strain it, and drink it in the morning fasting.   

Another for the same.  
Take Fethersew-water, Balm water, of each one Ounce and a half, Benedicta laxativa one Ounce, Sugar half an Ounce, mix them, and infuse them together one night, then strain it out, and use it as the other.  
Have a care to use a good order of Diet, and such things as warm and dry; boil Sage, Mints, and Rosemary in her Portage, and use to drink red Wine with steeled water.  
To mundify and cleanse the bad humours, this Medicine following is very good.  
Take juice of Mints 4 Ounces, Agarick one dram, Ginger, Roses, of each 4 grains; Manna half an Ounce, steep the Agaric in the juice of Mints a days, and nights; then put the Manna, Roses, and Ginger to it, let it stand a while, and dry against the fire, and make it into Pills, and take them.  
Use this oftentimes; for they gently purge and dry up the warty humours without pain or anguish.   

A Plaster to remedy the corrupt humours.  
Take Roses, Cipers Nuts,  Ivory, Sandaraca, of each 1 dram, Rosen 3 Ounces; boil the Rosen in red Vinegar, till the Vinegar be consumed, then mix the other things with it, and make 2 Plasters of it, and apply one to the back, and the other to the womb.   

Another excellent good Plaster to strengthen Women with Child, that do not use to go out half their times.  
Take Oil of Quinces, Oil of Roses, Oil of Mints, of each 1 ounce and a half, Comphrey, Bloodstone, red Coral, Sandaraca, Date-stones burnt, of each 1 dram, mix it with a sufficient quantity of Wax, to make a Salve thereof; and with this anoint the Kidneys and Mother.    

Chap. XIII. Of Mischances, and to prevent the same.  
IT oftentimes comes to pass with women with child, as with the fruit upon a Tree; which being young and tender, hangs on brittle stalks, and is easily blown off with every wind; nay, when it is come to its full growth, and is stronger, sometimes forcible winds bruises, or blows, cause them to fall off; but when they come to their perfect time of ripeness, they fall of themselves.  
So it is in this occult operation of nature, many accidents sometimes happen to the Tree, which bring the fruit to an untimely birth; and oftentimes, not without peril of the Woman's life, nature being dead in the Child, that it cannot help itself; whereas in those that are alive, & of their full time, nature helps forward the birth, the Infant itself striving to find a way into the World.  
This may be perceived by the breasts; for if they be small, weak, and slack in Women with Child, then is a mischance to be expected; for then the Child wants nourishment, and pines, and dies; also impatiency, or violent motion, many times breaks the secundine, and then the fruit falls away.  
Signs of a mischance approaching, are also pains of the Backbone, Belly, and privities: to prevent which, let the Woman with Child, beware sharp and bitter meats, and drinks; avoid much anger and violent motion, and exercise; use oftentimes to drink red Wine, and keep the body soluble: To do which, if need require, she may use the decoction of Mallows, Mercury, and stewed Prumes; forbear Clysters, and strong Medicines; but if there be any great obstruction in the body, then let her eat Cassia out of the Pipes, or Cassia new extracted; especially, if the neck of the matrix have any issue, or overmuch moisture, then use a little Rhubarb in powder, mixed with the Cassia, which without trouble, or danger, doth cleanse Phlegm, and Choler.  
For to stay the slipperiness of the Matrix, take Pomegranate Pills, and pound them to powder grossly, and boil them in Oil of Lilies, and inject the same into the Matrix.  

A Pessary excellent good for the same.  
Take Mastic, Myrrh, Gallia Muscata, of each half a dram; mix them with one ounce of Goos-grease, & role it up in Sheep's Wool, and put it up into the place.   

An Ointment to strengthen Women with Child.  
Take Cypress Nuts, Galls, Myrtle-seed Juice of Sloes, Hypocistis, of each half a dram, Blood stone, Amber, Dragon's blood, Bolus, of each one dram and a half, refuse of Iron, half an ounce, innermost Peels of Chestnuts, one ounce: decoct the refuse of Iron a good while in Vinegar, then beat them all together in a Mortar, to an Ointment, with 3 or 4 whites of Eggs, and anoint the belly therewith, 4 times a day.   

Another Ointment for the same.  
Take Oil of Nuts 4 Ounces, Barrowes grease 1 ounce & a half, Cypress Nuts, Mastic, of each 1 dram and an half, boil them together gently, the space of five hours, and therewith anoint the Matrix, Womb, and Reins of the Back.   

A Plaster for the same.  
Take tragacanth, Gum, Bdellium, of each 1 quarter of an owned. Juice of Sloes Frankincense, Hypocistis, Sandaraca, of each one dram, Bolus, Dragon's blood, of each 1 quarter of an ounce, wax, half an Ounce, Paper glue 2 ounces: dissolve the glue in red Wine-Vinegar, then temper them all together into a Plaster, and apply it to the womb and privities.   

For an Ague in Women with Child.  
Take Barley meal, Juice of Sloes, and Housleek, what quantity you see convenient, temper it with Vinegar, and lay it upon the belly, use it often: this defends the Child from all accidents of an Ague.   

To prevent miscarriage through wind.  
Boil Cominseed in water, and take three or four spoonfuls of that water, with a dram of Mithridate, twice a week.    

Chap. XIIII. To expel and drive out the dead Child.  
FOr the expulsion or delivery of a child that is dead, the same Medecines that are prescribed to drive forth the unnatural excrement, called, Mola, and to provoke the Terms, are good to be used.  
But first be sure that the child is dead, and do not go about to expel a live Child instead of a dead one, which may be known by these signs. If the Child be dead in the Womb, then doth the woman feel great pain in the optic Nerves of her Eyes, and behind the Neck, and on the Backbone, with great pain and anguish in her lower parts. And the Burden always falls to that side she lies on, because the Ligaments of the Secundine, have no power to hold it in one place; the thickness of the upper part of the Belly sinks down, and the woman feels much pain, and cold about the neck of the Matrix.  
Also, if one hold a warm hand long upon the Belly, and feel no stirring, the Child is dead; these are signs the Child is dead, before it come to putrefaction.  
But when it beginneth to stink and putrify, which will be in three day's space after it is dead; the woman will have a stinking breath, stinking corruption issues from the Matrix, and pieces of stinking flesh, will at last be expelled from the Womb: then means is to be used to cleanse the Womb of the dead Child, and to preserve and strengthen the heart from the corruption of filthy scents ascending to it, which may be done, by this powder following.  
Take white Diplamus, one dram and a half; Citron peels and seeds, each half a dram; Pearls prepared, four scruples; Coriander prepared, a scruple; Roses, two scruples; Sugar, two ounces and a half; make them all to fine powder, and take thereof about a quarter of an ounce at once in drink.  
Juice of vervain and Hyssop drunk in Wine, is good to expel the dead Child.  
The innermost skins of the Maws of Hens, and Capons washed in Wine, and then dried to powder; and give thereof a dram in Wine, broth, or Rose water, is good to expel a dead Child, and the Secundine.  
For the same, take Betony and Rue, of each a handful; juice of salomon's seal, an ounce; boil it well in a pint of white Wine, and strain it, and give her to drink.  
Linseed is very good for the same, either to drink the decoction, or  therein.  
Also, take Mirth the quantity of a Hazelnut stamped, & taken in Wine; or Mugwort water, is good for the same.  
For women that are strong; take about a spoonful of the juice of Garlic, with wine or Honey.  
If a woman chance to miscarry through a fright, or some such accident: then take a Crab and stamp it, and wring out the juice, and drink it with water of Mugwort.  

Pills to expel a dead Child.  
Take Trochis of Mirth, one scruple; Galbanum, half a scruple: make five Pills thereof, with  water.   

Another for the same.  
Take of the fruit of the Savine tree, one quarter of an ounce; Assa foetida, Ammoniacum, Madder, of each half a dram; make 11. Pills hereof, and take one at a time three times a day, morning, night and at four of the clock in the afternoon.   

A Fume to expel the dead Child.  
Take some shave of an Ass' hoof, or of a Horses, if you cannot get the other, and make a fume thereof, and let the woman sit over it.  
Basilium is good for the same to be used in like manner, and so is likewise the fume of Laudanum, and Galbanum.   

A Bath to expel a dead Child.  
Take ten handfuls of Mints, and boil them well in a sufficient quantity of water, and let the woman sit therein up to the middle.    

Chap. XV. Of hard Labour, and means to procure easy Delivery.  
THat all women should bear children with pain and sorrow, was a punishment inflicted on them by God, for the disobedience of the first Mother; for which cause they undergo more anguish, and peril in bringing forth, than any other Creatures.  
Yet nevertheless, there may be many causes, and accidents which render the delivery more dangerous and difficult in some then in others; for which our purpose is here, to prescribe some remedies.  

A most excellent Plaster to strengthen women with child, to wear all the time they be with child,  
Take oil Olive, two pound & four ounces; red Lead, one pound; Spanish Soap, twelve ounces; Incorporate them altogether in an earthen pot, and when the Soap cometh upwards, put it upon a small fire of coals: and continue it an hour and a half, stirring it with an Iron or stick; then drop a drop of it upon a trencher, if it cleave not, it is enough: spread it on , or lay it on a board till it cools, then make it up into Rolls; it will last twenty years, the older, the better; and when you have occasion to use it, for this purpose, spread a Plaster of it, and apply it to the Back● and when you have tried it, you will give me thanks for it; It is likewise good for the bloody Flux, Running of the Reins, or any weakness in the Back, for any bruise, to draw out a Thorn out of the flesh, and easeth Corns, and is good for a strain, and for the Headache, being applied to the Temples.  
But to proceed, when the woman with child, gins to draw near her time; then let her use such meats and drinks as nourish well, but use no excess of either; but especially let her take care to keep her Body soluble, for which, and also to prepare the Body for an easy delivery, this Bath is very good to be used.   

A Bath good for women with Child when they draw near their time, to procure easy delivery.  
Take hollyhock roots and leaves, two handfuls, Mallows, Betony, of each one handful; Mugwort, Margerum, Mints, Camomile, of each half a handful; Linseed two handfuls; bruise the Linseed grossly, and put that together with the herbs into two bags, and boil them well in water, enough to make a Bath for the woman to sit in up to the Navel when it is warm; and let her sit upon one bag, and hold the other upon her Navel; And afterwards, use to anoint the Belly, Back, and privities with this Salve following, being warmed.   

A preparative Salve to cause easy delivery in Child bearing women.  
Take oil of sweet Almonds, of Lilies, Violets, of each-half an ounce; Linseed, hollyhock roots, Fenugreek, Butter, Hen's grease of each one quarter of an ounce; Quince kernels, tragacanth, of each an ounce: stamp the seeds small, and slice the roots, and boil them all together in rain water; then take out the Mucilage, and temper the same with the oil; then let the powned Dragagant and Hen's grease boil so long, till the Mucilage, be consumed: then make thereof a Salve, and anoint therewith as before is directed.   

Another Ointment for the same.  
Take oil of sweet Almonds, of Lilies, of Violets, each half an ounce: Hens grease, Duck's grease three drams: mix them together with Wax, as much as is needful to make a Salve, and use it as the other.  
With any of these Salves, a woman is to be anointed about the parts before mentioned, every day the space of five or six weeks before her time.  
Now when the time of Labour is come, then use any of these things which follow, as the cause requires; but above all things, this powder following is most effectual.   

An excellent Powder for women in travel with Childbearing.  
Take Dittany of Crete, Pennyroyal, Aristolochia round, each half a scruple: Cinnamon, Saffron, of each twelve grains: Let them be all beaten into a fine powder, and given in Wine or some convenient decoction, as the decoction of red Pease, of , or of Parsley.  
For outward Medecines, there be many things used to be held to the privities, as, Egrimony with the roots to be held to the Matrix, and immediately after the birth to be thrown away, lest it draw down the Matrix: also Henbane roots, Polypody roots, & Bistorta, are very good for the same.  
Also, take Polypody roots and Mallows of each a handful, and a handful of Mugwort: bruise them small, and boil them well, and apply it moderately warm upon the Matrix, and after the Delivery, immediately take it away.  
Some use to tie a Snakes skin about the Thigh; but what virtue there is in that, they know that have tried it.  
Bay-berries beat, and applied to the Navel, are good to further the Birth; but inwardly this Powder is commended.  
Take Cinnamon, Myrrh, of each half a dram; make them into powder, and give it with a little White-wine,   

Another for the same.  
Take Cinnamon, one dram: Saffron, half a dram: Cassia wood, Cassia pipes, of each two scruples: scrape off the uttermost black bark from the Cassia Pipes, and make it all into fine powder, and give it four or five times in the decoction of red Pease.   

Pills for the same.  
Take Myrrh, Bever-cod, red Storax, of each half a scruple: Cinnamon, Savin, of each half a scruple; make it into Pills, with the decoction of red Pease, and so give it.   

Another for the same.  
Take Mirth, Costus, red Storax, of each half a dram: Ammoniacum, Savin, of each half a dram; beat them very small, and give it in the decoction of red Pease: use it three or four times.  
If the throws be too weak, or do not continue, let all sweet savours as Musk, or the like, be kept from the woman in labour; for that hinders throws, and holds back the Birth. But to forward the Birth, make this decoction.  
Take Betony, three handfuls: Mugwort, one handful; Camomile , Hyssop; of each one handful: Linseeds two handfuls: bruise the Linseed grossly, and cut the herbs small, and put them all in a bag, and boil it well in Wine and water: with this decoction foment the Matrix, five or six times with a sponge, and then anoint the place with the oil of Wall-flowers; even to the Neck of the Mother, if it can be done with conveniency.  
But if this help not, then give her a good draught of this Potion following every two hours.  
Take Mugwort, , Hyssop, of each half a handful; Betony one handful: boil all these in a pint and a half of Rhenish Wine till the fourth part be consumed, strain it our and put to it half a dram of Saffron, and amongst each draught put half a dram of one of the powders before mentioned.  
Also, this following is very good to quickn the throws,  
Take half a dram of beaten Amber, and give it in water of Lilies, or in the decoction of red Pease.   

An excellent Medicine to procure easy delivery in women.  
Take Pippins, cut them in thin slices, and fry them with oil of sweet Almonds, and eat thereof in the morning and at four a clock in the afternoon, use it constantly a matter of five or six weeks before your time, till you are brought to bed: and mix some oil of sweet Almonds and Sperma coeti together, and anoint the Belly, and Matrix once every day therewith warm, or oftener if you can conveniently.   

Another for the same.  
Take Hyssop, vervain, Betony, of each one handful: stamp them small, and strain them in good stolen Ale, and let the Patient drink a good draught thereof, it gives present help.   

To expel the Secundine or afterbirth.  
The Secundine or afterbirth, is that skin or call wherein the child is form and wrapped up till the time it break forth to the Birth, & doth, or at least ought to come away, immediately after the Birth of the child.  
But sometimes it remains behind, and causeth great peril to the woman, and many ill accidents, as Agues, stinking breath, pain of the Head, Swooning, and the like, if it be not expelled.  
It commonly remains behind when the woman hath had very hard labour, and is thereby grown so weak and feeble, that nature hath not strength enough to drive it forth: she must therefore have some comfortable things given her to strengthen and comfort her heart, as, Dia marga●iton, and Manus Christi; ' then let her rest a little, and if the Secondine do not follow, anoint the Belly and parts adjacent, with oil of Lilies, and oil of Elder flowers, and use such things as are directed for the delivery of a dead child; as, Corn flowers given in Lily water: also Garlic, half an eggshell full of the juice thereof, given in honeyed water, doth expel the dead child, and afterbirth as before hath been prescribed.   

To ease the After-throws.  
Take Spikenard and Squinant, of each one quarter of an ounce: boil them together in a good quantity of Mugwort water, till half be consumed, and drink thereof two or three times.  
Also to assuage the pain, make a Caudle with Malmsey, or some other good Wine, and put therein yolks of Eggs and Cinnamon, and so give it. For the fame, take Triphes à magna, half an ounce: Saffron half a dram: Mace a scruple; and give this at twice, in warm Wine.   

To stay the excessive flood after the Birth.  
The Remedies before prescribed for the asswaging of the excessive Flux of the Terms in women, be also very good for this Disease, and for all Women in Childbed; yet nevethelesse take this Confection following.   

A Confection for an excessive flood in Women lying in Childbed.  
Take Conserve of Peony one Ounce, Conserve of Roses one ounce, Conserve of Borage, Bugios', Balm of each half an ounce, prepared Bolus half a dram, prepared Pearls 1 dram, Cinnamon 1 dram and a half, mix them all together, and make a Confection thereof.   

For the same, use this Powder following.  
Take Bolus prepared, Pearls, of each one dram; sealed Earth 2 scruples, Tormentil half a dram, Shepherd's Purse 1 scruple, Species de gemmis frigidis 1 dram and a half, Roses, Coral, Sanders, of each one scruple, Cinnamon 2. scruples and a half, Sugar 3 Ounces, mix them all well together, and take it with Hen-broth.   

Lozenges very effectual for the same.  
Take Bloodstone 1 dram and a half, red Coral one dram, Tormentil, Trochis de Sodio, of each half a dram; scraped Ivory, burnt Hartshorn of each 1 scruple, Pearls prepared 4 scruples, fine Bolus 2. scruples, Shepherd's purse, red Sanders, of each a scruple, Cinnamon 1 dram, Sugar six ounces; wash the Bloodstone in Plantain-water, and make a Powder, or Lozenges thereof.    

Chap. XVI. Of the superfluity of Milk; and other accidents happening after the Birth.  
EXcessive abounding of the milk, after a Woman is delivered, if it flow more than the Child can grow, there oftentimes ensues Imposthumes, and other Inflammations and distempers in the breasts; for Remedies whereof, use these prescriptions following.  
The Patient must eat and drink but moderately, and avoid all such things as engender much blood, & use means to dry and take away the superfluous blood, as Rue and wild Rue, with the seeds Basil, and stamped together, if one take every day a quarter of an ounce, the same is very good to dry up the milk.  

To dry up the milk.  
Take Rosen a good quantity, and temper it with Cream, and lay it lukewarm over the breasts.   

For the same.  
Take 8 ounces of Honey, and two pints of water, boil them well together, and scum it, and dip therein a threefold Cloth, and lay it on the breasts, and when it is cold, renew it again.  
Also for the same, take one dram of Saffron, and 8 ounces of Malmsey, wet a Cloth therein, and lay it on the breasts as aforesaid.  
Also take Garden Mints, stamp them, and mix them with Oil of Roses, and use it as the other.  
For a Plaster to dry up the milk, take bean meal, oil of Roses, and red Vinegar, a sufficient quantity to make a Plaster, and apply it to the breasts.   

For clotted, or congealed milk in the Breasts.  
Let Women keep sobriety in eating and drinking, and use moist meats, that may engender subtle milk; Mints, Saffron, and Cinnamon, is good to be used in their meats.  
Take grated bread, new milk, and Oil of Roses, of each a like quantity, seethe them together to a pap, and lay it warm upon the breasts:   

For congealed milk, and pain in the Breasts.  
Take Cork and burn it to ashes, and temper it with oil of Roses, and a little Vinegar, and therewith anoint the breast.   

A Salve to dissolve congealed milk in the Breasts.  
Take Deer Suet 3 quarters of an owned: liquid Styrax 1 owned: Wormwood, Cummin, Dillseeds, of each 1 ounce; oil of Wormwood, Duck's grease, of each 1 ounce and an half, Saffron one scruple, make an ointment or Plaster hereof, and apply it to the breasts.   

For milk congealed with Inflammation in the breasts.  
Take a quantity of the mucilage of Fleawort, Fenegreek, and Purslain seeds, of each a like; and make an ointment thereof wieh wax, and anoint the breasts therewith.  
Also for the same, take Chickweed, and lay it warm upon the breasts.  
Also beat oil of Roses, and Vinegar of Roses together, and lay it on the breasts.  
If the Woman hath taken some extreme cold, then take this following, especially, if there be an Ague with it, take Camomile, Melilot, Fennel seeds, Anniseeds, Dill seeds, Fenegreek Linseeds, Southernwood, Ginger, Bazil, beat them together, and with oil of Camomile, make a Plaster of it, and apply it to the breasts.   

A good Plaster to dissolve hard knots in the breast.  
Take Crumbs of white bread, Barley meal; Mustard-seeds, Fennel, and Holly hocks roasted under the ashes, of each a like quantity, pound them all well together, and make a Plaster thereof, with oil of Camomile, and apply it warm to the breasts.   

For hardness, and inflammation in the breasts through congealed milk, A Pultis.  
Take flowers of Mallows, Violets, Celendine, Daisies, Cinquefoil, of each 1 handful, boil them together in two quarts of water, till it come to a pint; then strain it, and mingle it with Wheaten meal, to the thickness of pap, then put to it Hens grease or Hog's Lard, and boil it again to a Pultis, spread it on a Cloth, about the thickness of a finger, and lay it morning and evening, upon an inflamed sore breast.   

Another for the same.  
Take Bean meal, Mints in Powder, each 3 quarters of an ounce, prepared Coriander, Pease meal, of each 1 dram; Roses half a dram, fresh butter 2 ounces, Mucilage of Linseed one ounce, Mucilage of Fenegreek 3 quarters of an ounce, Sheep's Suet, Duck's grease, of each 1 ounce, oil of Turpentine half an ounce, Saffron three grains, temper them all together to a salve or ointment, and lay it upon the breasts.   

For Tumours, or swelling of the breast.  
Take Purslain Plantain, of each one handful, Camomile, Melilot, of each one ounce, Barley meal 4 ounces, stamp the Herbs in a mortar, to a pap, and then incorporate therewith, oil of Violets and Roses, enough to make it a salve, and lay it on the sore breasts.   

Another Medicine for swelling in the breasts, much profitable and easy to be had.  
Take a good quantity of Peach leaves, and Rue, and stamp them small, and boil them in water to a Pultis, and lay it on the grieved place, this will ripen the Imposthume, and ease the pain.   

A Plaster for the same.  
Take Plantain, Mallows, of each one handful, Housleek 6 handfuls, boil them together, till they come to be like grout, then strain it, and add thereunto, Oil of Roses 3 ounces, Camomile, Melilot, both beaten, of each an ounce, Barley meal 4 ounces, Bdellium 1 quarter of an ounce, dissolve the Bdellium in Vinegar, and then boil them all together, to the thickness of a Plaster, and spread it on a Cloth, and apply it to the grieved place.   

For Impostumations in the breast.  
Impostumations do breed oftentimes likewise in the breasts, through the congealing of the milk, and ill humours, settling and putrifying there, bringing with them the Canker, Gangrene, and such like griefs, to the great anguish and misery of the Patient, if not to death, by reason of the tenderness of the place. And many times it happens, by reason of an obstruction of their terms, which turns our cause of the superfluous blood thither: And therefore, if when there happens any swelling, or anguish in the breasts in this case, if the terms be stopped, use all means possible to provoke them speedily, if you mean to abate the swelling and pain; and if the swelling increase, than the Liver vein must be opened, or the median. And afterwards take oil of Roses, and Vinegar, and seethe a little Camomile therein; and then dip a Cloth in it, and lay it on the breasts, four times a day, refreshing it.  
If the Impostumation in the breasts be caused of superfluity of blood, the sign to know it is, it causeth great pain in the breast, redness and much beating.  
If it proceed from Choler, then is the pain more raging, and the breast redder, and yellowish, with greater Agues, and the Inflammation is hotter than that which proceeds of blood.  
If Phlegm be the engendering cause thereof, than the Tumour is but small, the breast white, the pain moderate, and no Ague with it.   

An excellent Plaster to consume and cleanse all swell of the breasts; and also of other members.  
Take clarified Honey 6 ounces, Barley meal, 3 ounces and a half, two yolks of Eggs, Myrrh, Sarcocolla, of each half a dram, Honey of Roses 4. ounces, oil of Roses 3. ounces: powder that which is to be powdered, and boil the Honey and the meal together, till it be thick, and then stir the yolks of Eggs amongst it, and the other things; and so make a Plaster of it, and apply it to the grieved place.  
When the Tumour or swelling comes to maturity, and breaks, then cleanse it with this Salve.  
Take Honey, the juice of Smallage, yolks of Eggs, and Turpentine, of each a sufficient quantity, and make a Salve thereof, and so apply it.  
Or else use this Salve following, with a tent of Lint.  
Take Wheat-meal, 3 quarters of an ounce, clarified Honey, and juice of Smallage, of each an ounce, mix them all into a Salve, and use them as hath been directed: this is good to be used with a tent, to cleanse any sore Fistula, or Carbuncle.  
But if in case the Tumour, as many times it unhappily doth, grow to a Canker, or Fistula, then must orher means be used, to prevent the eating, or spreading thereof: the Patient must be purged of melancholy humours, and avoid such things as engender Choler and melancholy, and to seek to prevent the increase of the same; for which this drink following, is very effectual.  
Take Time, 1 quarter of an ounce, Polipody, Seine, each 1 dram, Violets, Seeds of Gourds, Cucumbers, Pompions, each 1 dram and a half, Cinnamon, Rapeseed, of each 1 scruple, Hops 1 ounce, boil them all together in 8. ounces of water till half be consumed, then strain it, and take one ounce of this decoction, in 3 ounces of whey, of Goat's milk, and fast 6 hours after it.  
Then use outwardly this Plaster following.  
Take Fenegreek, Barley meal, of each two Ounces, Mallows 3. handfuls, Housleek 8 handfuls, Oil of Roses 6 ounces: bray the Oil of Roses in a Leaden Mortar, with a Leaden Pestle, and seethe the Herbs in whey, till they be so tender, you may beat them to a pap, and mix the other things amongst them; and boil it again in 6 ounces of Nightshade-water, till it be consumed, and so make a Plaster of it; and first anoint the sore with Oil of Roses, and then lay the Plaster thereupon.  
If the Canker corrode, and spread abroad, then take Barley meal 4 ounces, Oil of Violets, oil of Roses, each three ounces, Tutty prepared 2. ounces, Bloodstone 1 ounce. Bray the oil of Roses with 4 whites of Eggs; a good while in a Leaden Mortar, and likewise beat the Bloodstone in water of Lilies, then temper them all together, and dip small tents in it, and lay them all on the sore.  
Then take one ounce and a half of oil of Roses prepared in a Leaden Mortar, as before, and two ounces of the juice of Nightshade, 1. ounce of starch, and an ounce and an half of Bolus: mix and temper them all together; in a Leaden Mortar, and therewith often anoint the breasts round about the Canker or Fistula.   

A Plaster for the Fistula.  
Take Mummey, Bolus, juice of steel, Frankincense, Hipocistis, Mastic, of each 3 drams, Acorn Cups, Cipers Nuts, Galls, Isinglasse, tragacanth, Gum, of each 1 ounce: dissolve the Isinglasse in red Wine Vinegar, and mix the other ingredients amongst it to a Plaster.   

For Clefts, or Chaps of the Nipples.  
Take Mutton, or Lamb's Suet, as much as you please, and after it is melted, and clarified, then wash it in Rose-water, and therewith anoint the Nipples. And thus much for the Diseases in the Breasts.    

Chap. XVII. Showing means and Remedies for those Nurses that went milk.  
Having already at large discoursed to you the infirmities, happening by reason of superfluous; or congealed milk; and the evil accidents that attend the same, with the means of their prevention and Remedy: it is also convenient for their sakes, who would be Nurses, and cannot for want of milk; to show them some means to increase it where it is wanting.  
Women given much to fretting, or who are by nature lean and sickly, having a bad digesture in stomach & Liver, cannot breed store of milk, nor good milk: also bad meats and drinks, hinder the engendering of milk, therefore they ought to be forborn.  
And women that would increase their milk, let them eat good meats if they can get it, and drink milk wherein Fennel seed hath been steeped.  
If the woman be of a hot nature, and full of Choler, let her drink Barley water and Almond milk, eat Lectice with her meat, Borage, Spinnage, Goat's milk, Cow's milk, and Lamb sodden with Verjuice; And avoid sorrow and anger as much as may be: and comfort the stomach with the Confections of Anniseeds, Carraway and Cominseeds: and likewise use these seeds sodden in water.  
Also, take Anniseeds, two drams and a half beaten, and temper them with the broth of Coleworts, and drink it when you go to bed.  
Also, take Barley water and boil therein green Fennel, and Dill, and sweeten it with Sugar, and drink it at your pleasure.  
If you would have an outward means, use this Plaster following.  
Take half an ounce of Deers suet, and as much Parsley roots, with the herbs, an ounce and a half of Barley meal, three drams of red Storax, and three ounces of oil of sweet Almonds: seethe the roots and herbs well, and beat them to pap; and then mingle the other amongst them, and lay it warm on the Nipples, it increaseth milk.  
Thus have I Counselled women of all sorts, how to free themselves from all casualties, the frailty of their nature subjects them to; which when you find the benefit of, give God the glory, and sin no more, lest a worse thing shall unto thee.  
FINIS.    

AN APPENDIX TOUCHING The DROPSY.  
THis being an infirmity under which many labour, and few are cured thereof partly, nay most, by reason of their inability; I thought it very necessary, having this opportunity put into my hands, to add this small Treatise of the Kind's, Cause, and Cure of Dropsies.  
This Disease the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latins a water between the flesh and the skin, and vulgarly Hydrops or Hydropicus morbus, the Dropsy or an Hydropical disease; which name seems to have b●en taken from water which in Greek is called, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
Avicenna defineth the Dropsy thus: That it is a material sickness, engendered from a material, outward, and co●d cause, and thereby either the whole Body, or many parts and Members thereof do swell. All Authors do not agree about it, some call it a Disease, and some place it among the Symptoms; but they that are afflicted with it, need not care by what name it is called, so they were freed from it; therefore I shall not stay upon the definition of it, but proceed to directions for the Cure; but be sure it is a laesion and depravation of the digestive faculty, and unconcoction of the blood; whereby the nutritive faculty is hindered, and corrupted throughout the whole Body, and the natural operation of the Liver impedited; and this proceeds from a cold and moist humour, that penetrates through the Body, and swells the Members, puffs up the Face, swells the Feet and Legs, and the Cod of men: destroys the natural complexion, altering it into a whitely colour, causeth great appetite to drink, and little or none to eat; stoppeth the Terms in women causeth retention both of Stool & Excrement: and sometimes hard Tumours about the Bowels and other parts.  
This for the description or definition: yet this Disease hath several degrees, Kind's or Species.  
One kind of Dropsy is called Anasarca, and Hyposarca; another Ascites; and a third Tympania or Tympanites, or in English Tympanies.  
Conserve of Fumitory, is not a miss to be used for cleansing of the blood in all kind of Dropsies, at the beginning of them; but to proceed first to this kind of Dropsy called Anasarca.  
It is a waterish humour that lieth between the flesh and the skin, through all the Body causing a swelling, and is known by pressing the flesh with ones finger, the dint or impression thereof will remain a great while after; the Pulse is slow, the privy members swell, and the party is subject to be afflicted with a looseness, or scouring, and bad digestion of meat, which is the cause of it, that it turns into phlegm instead of blood.  
If it be a woman, it may be caused through retention or stopping of her Terms; therefore all means possible is to be used, to provoke and drive them down.  
Let the Patient be purged with Pills of Rhabarb; and to expel the water, use this Confection following.  

A Confection for the watery Dropsy.  
Take Turbith, half an ounce: Hermodactyls, one ounce: wild Saffron seeds peesed, three quarters of an ounce: Ginger, Cinnamon Annis●eds, of each one scruple: Violets, Sorrel seed, of each one dram: Sugar two ounces: Honey of Roses, four ounces, boil the Honey and Sugar together with Fumitory water until you may scum it clear: then mix the rest with it, and boil it to a Confection, take hereof half an ounce in a morning.   

Another for the same.  
Take Annis, yellow Rape seed, Spica Indiae, of each one scruple: Licoris, Rhabarb, of each one dram: Asarabacca, half a dram; Conserve of Marjorom, one ounce; Conserve of Roses, three ounces: Syrup of Quinces and Oximel, a sufficient quantity to make it into a Confection. Take hereof a dram in a morning.   

Pills for the same.  
Take Pills Aggregative, two scruples; Ammoniaci, one scruple: make it into six Pills with Oximel; take two in a morning.  
The mass of Pills before mentioned, are prepared by the Apothecaries, therefore do not startle that they bear no English name; for they are more commonly known by those Titles.  
In this Disease, use abstinence from meat and drink, as much as may be; forbear drowsiness and laziness, and addict yourself to reasonable sweeting and exercise.   

Of another kind of Dropsy called Ascites.  
This Species of this Disease swelleth only the Belly and Legs, and the upper parts dry: and the Belly swelleth like a Bladder, and soundeth like a drum head, or as the Belly of a rotten Sheep will do, if you cl●p your hand thereon; that's not unknown to every Clown, then wonder not at this; And if the sick person stir from side to side, the water may be heard forcibly to stir about: the skin is stretched out, so that it receiveth no dint or impression of ones finger as in the other kind of Dropsy; the Pulse is small, wanting vigour of heat to cause motion, and the original of all is the weakness and debility of the Liver, that it cannot exercise its natural faculty of concocting the meat and drink into blood, but unnaturally altereth the moisture thereof into water.  
This kind of Dropsy may come sometimes from overmuch heat of the Liver, as well as cold.  
If it proceed from hot causes, the Urine the Patient avoids is little, and that of a very high red colour, some spots like little stones appearing in it; the party suffereth intolerable thirst; and the more he drinks, the more he desires drink; but it quencheth not his flames, no more than Brimstone and Oil will quench fire.  
This Disease is dangerous, and oftentimes breaks up the root, or at best strikes near at it.  
But for means which God hath given to be used while time is, take these following,   

A Syrup for the Dropsy through heat of the Liver, and to quench the thirsty desires of the Patient in that disease.  
Take Endive, four handfuls; Maiden hair, Heart's tongue, of each one handful: Fennel seed, Parsley seed, of each half an ounce: Spica Nardi, Spica Romani, of each a quarter of an ounce; make a decoction hereof, and then boil it up to a syrup, with a sufficient quantity of Sugar.  
The Body of the Patient in this Disease, is much subject to costiveness, or binding of the Belly; purging therefore with Clysters, Pills, and Potions, are requisite to be used in this case, and to endeavour to open the obstructions of the Liver, and strengthen the same.  
To purge with Rhabarb or the syrup thereof once a week, is very good for this purpose; drink Wormwood Beer or Wine, and use also this gentle purging Potion.   

A purging Potion for the dry Dropsy.  
Take the flowers of Borage, Violets, Fumitory, each half an ounce; Licoris, Jujubes, Currans, Wormwood, each one quarter of an ounce; Prunes, eight or ten: Spikenard, one dram; boil them altogether in Whey, strain it, and then infuse therein one night, half an ounce of the shells of yellow Mirobalans, so strain it for a Potion.  
Clysters are also very necessary and profitable for this Disease; and amongst others, these following are very commendable.   

A Clyster for the Dropsy.  
Take Bloodwort, Camomile, St. John's wort, or each one handful; boil them in well fair water, then take twelve or sixteen ounces of the decoction and add to it Salt, one dram; three ounces of Salad oil, and half a dram of Hiera picra, or Caffia extracted; mix them together for a Clyster, and give it warm.   

For the same another Clyster more loosening.  
Take Mallows, Holly-hocks, Peers, Camomile, Herb Mercury, of each one handful; boil these herbs well in water, or in broth of Tripes, or other pottage made of fresh flesh; take 16 ounces of the decoction, and thereunto add Salad oil, Salt, Hiera picra, or Cassia, and Benedicta laxativa, of each half an ounce, wherewith mix the decoction, and give it for a Clyster very warm.  
If there be any pain or gripping in the Belly, which windeness too often causeth, then use with the Herbs before mentioned, an ounce of Anniseeds, Fennel seeds and Carrawayseeds, altogether grossly beaten, or the quantity of an ounce of either of them severa●, which you can get.  
Thus for Costiveness, and Obstructions in this Disease; on the contrary sometimes the Patient is subject to scouring, and a red flux with it, for which use these means following.  
Give to the Patiented the Conserve, & concocted roots of Cicory, Juice & Marmalade of Quinces, Trochisk and Conserve of Barberries with Vinegar, and such other things as are binding and cooling in operation.   

For this Dropsy, and all other kinds, and also for the Green sickness too, these Pills following, are excellent.  
Take of the Mass of the Pill of Hiera with Agarick, one dram and a half: of the Pill of Opopanax, three drams: of the extract of Rhabarb, of Gentian root, of Centory the less, each one dram; Steel prepared, four drams; the root of Aaron prepared, Tartar vitriolated, each two scruples; Chemical oil of Wormwood, one scruple: oil of Cinnamon, of Cloves, each six drops: Syrup of the Five roots, a sufficient quantity to make it into Pills; make of every dram hereof six Pills; let the Patient take two hereof every morning, and as many at four a clock in the afternoon, and drink after it a draught of Wormwood-Wine or Ale, stirring or excercising after it the space of an hour.  
To provoke and expel the Urine, is very requisite in this Disease; for which these things following are very good.  
Take Rue, St. John's wort, , Sage, Margerum, Wormwood, Licoris, Anniseeds, Fennel roots, Elecampane roots, of each one quarter of an ounce; boil them a little in a quart of White-wine, and take thereof three ounces morning and night.   

For the same.  
Take a head or two of Garlic, and a handful of St John's wort; boil them together in a pint of White-wine, till a third part be wasted: strain it, and drink three or four spoofuls thereof at a time morning and evening.  
The roots of great Fern boiled in White-wine, and drunk, (the Wine I mean, not the roots) is verygood for this purpose.  
This Decoction following, is also good for the same.  
Take the roots of Nettles, Parsley, Fennel, Elecampane, Licoris, Asarabacca, of each one dram; boil them a little in a quart of White-wine, and drink thereof as of the former.  
Outwardly for this Disease may be used Pultisses, Unguents, and Plasters; such as dry and expel wind and do strengthen and mollify the Belly and lower parts, for which purpose, this Plaster following may effectually be used.  
Take Coloquint, hollyhock seeds, Diagridion, Aloes, Mirth, Mallows roots, Béellion, of each one dram and a half; Ireos, three drams: Mallows seeds, wild Cucumbers, Cardamome, Euphorbium, of each three drams: Boreas, Salgem, of each one quarter of one ounce; mix all these and incorporate them well together, with Goose grease, Duck's grease, Calf's suet and Hogs suet, as much as is sufficient to make them into a Plaster or salve, and apply it all over the Belly.  
For the same, is good to temper the Salve of Bay-berries with Cows or Goat's dung, and use it as the former.   

For the swelling of the privy members in this Disease, this Salve following is to be used.  
Take Annis, Fennel, and Coming seeds, beaten small together, of each one ounce and a half; Bean meal Ebalus, the juice of Elder leaves, and Wine a sufficient quantity to make it a Salve or Pultis, and lay it on the Belly and privities.   

For the same.  
Take Barley meal, Cypress roots, Sheep's dung, Borax and Bolus, of each a like quantity: beat them together, and make a Plaster thereof with Hogs grease or Goose grease, and apply it to the Belly and privities.  
The oil of Camomile and Rue, mixed together, is a very good Ointment for the dropsy,  
Take notice also by the way, that Sweeting, and Bathing in hot dry Baths, is very effectual for all kind of Dropsies.   

Of the kind of Dropsy, called Tympanies.  
There are three sorts of Tympanies, the one called Aqupsa, or the watery Tympany or Dropsy, of which we have already treated.  
A second called Ventosa, or a Dropsy or Tympany of wind, of which we now proceed to speak, which is caused more of wind then water, and thence deriveth its name; and in this Disease the Belly swelleth up very high, and the Navel starteth out; the Belly is very hard and soundeth, if one thereon clap his hand.  
There is another Species called Carnosa, by which may be understood fatness of the Belly, or as some say, gorre Bellies; but it is, in plain English, a fleshy Tympany, or fleshy swelling, no way dangerous at all, but Maid's Bellies are much subject to this Tympany; and for their Cure the best is mother Midwife, and therefore, I say no more of it, but leave it to her discretion.  
But for the Cure of the Ventosa, or windy Tympany or Dropsy, use these Rules following.  
Avoid all windy meats, eschew cold, and keep warm: use also Sweeting, and use the Confection de Baccis Lauri, be moderate in Diet and use exercise.  
Use also these Conserves, or any of them, as Conserve of Elder leaves, Betony, Gillyflowers, Rosemary, Fennel, Annis, Coming or the like.   

A Suppository for the same.  
Take Salgem, Rue, Bever-cod, Euphorbium, Nettle seed, of each one dram; mix it with about three ounces of decocted Honey, and thereof make Suppositories.  
Use to anoint the Belly with hot Oils, such as are oil of Dill, oil of Rue, Costus, and Bay-berries.   

A Plaster for the same effectual.  
Take Goats dung or Sheep's dung dried twelve ounces, roots of wild Cucumbers, roots of Ebulus, of each two ounces; Barley meal, 12 ounces: steeled Vinegar, four ounces; boil it all well in sharp Lee, and make thereof a Plaster, which apply warm to the Belly, or any part of the Body swelled with wind, to open the Pores, and draw out the same.   

A Clyster effectual for the same,  
Take Ireos, Hyssop, Smallage, Rue, Barefoot, of each one handful; Annis, Fennel, Ameos, Bay-berries, of each half an ounce: boil all these very well in clean water, then take of this Decoction twelve or sixteen ounces, according to the strength of the Patient, and add to it clarified Honey, and oil of Rue, of each one ounce and a half; and stone Salt, one dram: so make it into a Clyster, and administer it.   

A Syrup for the Dropsy.  
Take green roots of Ireos, or in English, Flowerdeluce (and yet that name is not quite English neither) twenty four ounces; cut them in pieces, and infuse them three days in Well water, as much as will only cover them, stirring them twice a day: then strain that water from them, & reserve it in a clean pot, & add the like quantity of fresh water to them, doing as you did before; then strain the second water, and mix both together, and boil it with Sugar a little; and then add thereunto Scabious and Mayden-hair, of each one handful; Sperage roots, Fennel roots, and Ireos' roots, of each half a handful; peeled Melon seed, Gourd seeds, Cucumber seeds peeled, Pompion seeds, Purslane seeds Cicory, Endive and Lettuce seed, of each one quarter of an ounce; Fennel, Annis, Sperage, and Smallage seed, of each half a dram; Millet and Winter Cherries, of each three drams; fat dates and figs, of each six; Licoris and Madder, of each five drams; boil all together to the wasting of half, and then strain it, and boil up the decoction to a syrup with Sugar: of this syrup, give about an ounce at a time, and sometimes more, and to strengthen the Liver, steep therein a quarter of an ounce of Rhabarb.  
Also for the Dropsy, these syrups are good to be used; as, syrup of Wormwood, of the Five roots, of Maidenhair, and Betony, and Wines compounded with Wormwood, Egremony, Calamint, Cinnamon, odoriferous seeds, and things of the like nature: Abstain from all excess, and use such meats and drinks as are of a drying, heating, attenuating nature, & easy of digestion; forbear new sweet Wine, or drink; and in all things use measure, for therein consisteth the greatest virtue.  
FINIS.