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IF^®.^iP2^I?II^®IE.
THE
ORKS
ARISTOTLE,
ins FAMOUS FHX£iCSCPHZ:iS
M JFour W^vts.
PART FIHST.
HIS COM'PLETE MASTER-PIECE,
IN TWO BOOKS.
The fir«t Book displays the Secrets of Nature in the Greneration of Man' aud the second Book treats of the Maladies iticiileiit to Females, wiUi^ proper Remedies for tJieir Cure. To which is added,
THE FAMILY PHYSICIAN,
Being Remedies for various Dist^inpers incident to tli* Human Boij,
HIS EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE,
IN TWO BOOKS.
Ctfulaining important information, absolutely necessary for SurgeoffiC, Mi(iwiv«s, Nufses, and all child-bearing Womeu.
PART ^HIRD,
HIS BOOK OF PROBLEMS,
Coatainiug Questions and Answers relative to the State of Man's Bo^
PART rOURTH- HIS LAST LEGACY, '
Unfolditig the Secrets of Nature in the Generation of Man
a Wcto antJ 3Impvobe^ Htjftfon.
LONDON: raiNTED FOR COCKER, HARRIS, AND FINN,
Jlnd Sold by all Booksellers,
INTRODUCTION.
Irfme «f the meanest capacity were asked, What was the wonitr of
the yrarld ? I ihink the most proper answer would be, Man ; he being the Jittle world, to whom all things xire subordinate ; agreeing in genus with sensitive things, all being animals, but different in the species; for ma» *lone is endowed with reason ; and therefore the Deity, at man's crea» lion, (as the inspired penman tells us,) said, ^^ Let us make man in our own image, after our own likeness." As if the Lord had said. Let xja make man in our own image, that he, as a creature, may be like us : an4 the same in his likeaess, that he may be after our image. Some of tho fathers do distinguish, as if by the image the Lord doth plant the reason- able powers of the soul, will, and memory ; and by likeness, the qualities of the mind, charity, justice, patience, &,c. But Moses confounded this distinction, if you compare these texis of Scripture, Gen. i. 7, and v. I, Colos. X. Eph. V. 14. And the apostJe, where he saitb, "He was created after the image of God, in knowledge, and the same in righteousness."
The Greeks represent him as one turning his eyes upwards, towardo htm whose image and superscription he bears.
See how the heavens' high Architect
Hath framed man in this wise, To Btan<l, to go, to l<iok erect,
With body, face, and eyes I
And Cicero'says, like Moses, all creatures were made to rot on the ear^ «xcef t man, to whom was given an upright frame to contemplate hie Ma- ker, and behold the mansion prepared for him above.
Now, to the end that so noble and glorious a creature might not quit» nerish, it pleased the Creator to give unto woman the field of generation, for the reception of human seed ; whereby that natural and vegetable souL which lies potentially in ihe seed, may, by the plastic power, be reduced into act; that man, who is a mortal creature, by lea rug his offspring, be- hind him, may become inimortal, and survive in his posterity. And be- cause this field of generation, the womb, is the place where this exceileTkl creature is formed, and in so wonderful a manner, that the royal PsalmiAt* having meditated thereon, cries out, as one in extacy, " I am fearfully ana wonderfully made !" it will be necessary so treat largely thereon ja th» Work ; which to that end is divided into Two liooks.
The first whereof treats of the manner and parts of generation in boA »€xe«. For from the mutual desire they have to each other, which Nature haa imnlanted iu them to that «ud, and from tlie delight which they take to
I*
'H INTliODUCTIOX.
tJse fvct of copu'ittion, does the whole race of inaukintl procetJ : and a pay ticular account of what thin-^s are previous to tiiat act; and also, what are coii5tf[ueiiti;il fo it ; and how e-icli member concerned in it i* adapte<J and filled to that worlv to wliicli IS'alnre has designed it. And thouiili> in uttering lliese things, sometliingmay be said which those who are unclean may make liad use of, and use it as a motive to stir up their bestial appe- tites ; yet such may know this was ne^ cr intended for tiiem ; nor do 1 know ;iny reason ihat those sol;cr persons for wliose Uic this w^s meant, should ■«v~ant tliekelp hereby designed them, lieeause vain and loose pejjons wilt be ready to abuse it.
The oecondpart of this treatise is "wlioily designed for llie female sex^ •nd does treat lar^cely not only of.tiie distempers of the w. fab. and the va-
ftnd
-ions causes, hut also gives you proper remedies for the cure uf them. For (oich is the jgnoraDce of mo>t women, that when by any distemper tliosc parls are artlicted, they never know from whence it proceeds, norhovrto Jipply a remedy; andiucli is their modesty also. tl>at they are unwilling to ask that ihcy may be informed. For the help of sue li is tliis designed; for having rny beins from a womanri thouglitnoue liad more right to ihti j^rapes than the that planted the vine. And. tiicrefore, obseriing lliat among all the diseases incident to the body, there are none riwre frequent- and perilous than those that do a»ise from the ill state of the womb; for through the evil quality thereof, the lieart, the liver, and the braiu are sifected ; frorn wiience the aelions, vital, . uatural and animal are hurt;, aitd the virtues, coiicocti\e. sanguificative, distributive, attractive, eitpul- stve. retentive, with the rest, are ali weakened, so that Krom the womb" cntne convulsions, epilepsies,- apoplexies, palsies, asid levers, dropsie»» jf.aiignant Jilcers, &e- And lliere i? no disease se Lad, but may grow worse -from the e^il quality of it.
How necessary, therefore, is the knowledge of these thingSr let every unprejudiced reader judge : for, (li^t many women labour under them, tiirough their ignoran<;e and luodest) (as I sni(I before) M'oeful experience Diaices manifest Here, tlierefore, as iu a mirror, they may be acquainted' with tbejr own distejujiers, and have suitable remedies %vilhout appljiiig. .^^tuiselveslo pliysiciaas, to which Lhey have so great relucta»c*.
PART L
ARISTOTLE'S
MASTER-PIECE, ^^
BOOK I. €HAP. L
&f Marriage, and at what Jlge young Men and Virgins arr capable of it ; and wkij so muck desire it. .dlso, how long. Men and Women arc capable of having Children.
There are very few, except some professed debau- chees, but what will readil^r ag^ree, that '^ Marriage' is honourable to all," being" ordained by heaven in paradise J and without' which, no man or womaw can be in a capacity, honestly, to yield obedience- to the first law of the creation, "Increase and multiply.." And since it is natural in young peo- ple to desire these mutual embraces, proper to the marriage-bed, it behoves parents to look afier their children, and, when they find them inclinable to marriaf^e, not violently lo restrain their inclina- tions (wliich, instead of allaying them, makes them but the more impetuous), but rather provide such suitable matches for them, as may make their lives comroriable; lest the crossing of their inclinations should precipitate them to comn»it those follies that may brir»g an indelible slain upon their fami- lies.
The inclination of maids to marriage is to be known by many symptoms: for, wlien they arrive
% Aristotle's master-piece.
at puberty, which is about the fourteenth or flf^ teeiith year of their age, then their natural purga- tions begin to flow; and the blood, which is no longer taken to augment their bodies, abounding, stirs up their minds to venery. External causes also may incite them to it ; for their spirits being brisk and inflamed, when they arrive at that age, if they eat hard salt things and spices, the body becomes more and more heated, whereby the de- sire to venereal embraces is very great, and some- times almost insuperable. And the use of this so much desired enjoyment being denied to virgins, many times is followed by dismal consequences ; such as the green wesel colonet, short breathing, trembling of the heart, &c. But when they are married, and their venereal desires satisfied by the enjoyment of their husbands, those distempers vanish, and they become more gay and lively thari before. Also, their eager staring at men, and af- fecting their company, shews that nature pushes them upon coition ; and their parents neglecting to provide them with husbands, they break through modesty to satisfy themselves in unlawful embraces. It is the same with brisk widows, who cannot be satisfied without that benevolence to which they were accustomed when they had hus- bands.
At the age of 14, the menses, in virgins, begin to flow, when they are capable of conceiving, and continue, generally, to 4«4', when they cease bear- ing, unless their bodies are strong and healthful, which sometimes enables them to bear at 55. But many times the menses proceed from some vio- lence done to nature, or some morbific matter, which often proves fatal. And, therefore, men who are desirous of issue ought to marry a woman within the age aforesaid, or blame themselves if they meet with disappointment j though if an old
AKISTOTLE S MASTEK-l'IECE.
man, not worn out by diseases and incontinency^ marry a brisk lively lass, there is hope of his hav- ing children to 70 or 8.) years.
Hippocrates says, that a youth of 15, or between that and 17, having mnch vital strength, is capable of getting children: and also, that the force of procreating matter increases till 45, 50, and 55, and then begins to flag ; the seed, by degrees, be- coming unfruitful, the natural spirits being extin- guished, and the humours dried up. Thus in general, but as to particulars it often falls out otherwise. Nay, it is reported by a credible author, that iti Swedland a man was married at 100 years of age to a girl of 30 years, and had many children by her ; but his countenance was so fresh, that those who knew him not, imagined him not to exceed 50. And in Campania, where the air is clear and temperate, men of 80 marry young virgins, and have children by them; which shows, that age in them hinders not procreation^, unless they be exhausted in their youth, and their yards shrivelled up.
If any would know why a woman is sooner bar- ren than a man, they may be assured that the na- tural heat, which is the cause of generation, is more predominant in the latter than in the former j for since a woman is truly more moist than a man^ as her monthly purgations demonstrate, as also the softness of her body ; it is also apparent, that he doth much exceed her in natural heat, which is the chief thing that concocts the humours into proper aliment, which the woman wanting grows fat; when a man, through his native heat, melts his fat by degrees, and his humours are dissolved f and by the benefit thereof, are elaborated into seed. And this may also be added, that women, generally, are not so strong as men, nor so wise or prudent ;. nor have so much reason and ingc-
10 Aristotle's mastek-piece.
nuity in ordering affairs ; which shows, that thereby their faculties are hindered in operatioiu
CHAP. II.
How to get a Male or Female Child ; and of the Embryo, and ferfe<,t Birth; and the fitted Time for Copulation.
When a young couple is iriarried, they natural- ly desire children, and therefore use the means that nature has appointed to that end. But not- withstanding their endeavours, they must know, the success of all depends on the blessing of God : not only so, but the sex, whether male or female, is from his disposal also; though it cannot be de- nied, but secondary causes have influence therein, especially two. First, the genital humour, which is brought by the arteria prseparantes to the tes- tes, in form of blood, and there elaborated into seed, by the seminifical faculty residing in them. Secondly, the desire of coition, which fires the ima- gination with unusual fancies, and by the sight of brisk charming beauty may soon inflame the ap- petite. But if nature be enfeebled, such meats must be eaten as will conduce to afford such ali- ment as makes the seed abound, and restores the decays of nature, that the faculties may freely operate, and remove impediments obstructing the procreation of children. Then, since diet alters the evil state of the body to a better, those subject to barrenness must eat such meats as are juicy and nourish well, making the body lively and full of sap ; of which faculty are all hot moist meats. For, according to Galen, seed is made of pure concocted and windy superfluity o'blood ; whence we may conclude, there is a power in many things
Aristotle's master-piece, 1 1
to accumulate seed, and also to augment it ; and other things of force to cause erection, ar> hen egsfs, pheasants, woodcocks, gnat-snappers, black- birds, thrushes, j'Oung pigeons, sparrows, partrid- ges, capons, almonds, pine-nuts, raisins, currants, strong wines taken sparingly, especially those made of the grapes of Italy. But erection is chiefly caused by scuraum, eringfoes, cresses, crys'non, parsnips, artichokes, turnips, asparagus, candied ginger, galings, acorns brsused to powder and drank in rnuscadel, seallion, sea shell-fish, &C. BiU these must have time to perform their opera- tion, and must be used for a considerable time, or you will rcHp but little benefit by them. The act of coition being over, let the woman repose her- self on her right side, with her head lying low, and her body decli),Ing, that by sleeping in that posture, the cani, on the right side of the matrix, may prove the place of the conception : for therein is the greatest generative heat, which is the chief procuring cause of male children, and rarely fails the expectation of those that experience it, espe- cially if they do but keep warm, without much motion, leaningf to the risfht, and drinking a little spirit of saffron and juice of hyssop in a glass of Malaga or Alicant, when they lie down and arise, for a week.
For a female child, let the woman lie on her left side, strongly fancying a female in the time of procreation, drinking the decoction of female mercury four days, from the first day of purga- tion ; the male mercury having the like operation m case of a male : for this concoction purges the rigiit and left side of the womb, opens the recep- tacles, and makes way for the seminary of gene- ration. The best time to beget a female is, when the moon is in the wane, in Libra or Aquarius* Adviccne says, when the menses are spent and the
12 Aristotle's MAs'rfeR-piECF.
womb cleansed, which is commonly in five or seven days at most, if a man lie with his wife from the first day she is purged to the fifth, she will conceive a male ; but from the fifth to the eighth, a female 5 and from the eighth to the twelfth, a male again ; but after that, perhaps neither dis* tincily, but both in an hermaphrodite. In a word, they that would be happy in the fruits of their la- bour, must observe to use copulation in due dis- tance of time, not too often nor too seldom, for both are alike hurtful ; and to use it immoderately weakens and wastes the spirits, and spoils the seed. And thus much for the first particular. The second is, to let the reader know how the child is formed in the womb, what accidents it is liable to there, and how nourished and brought forth. There are various opinions concerning this niattcr, therefore I shall show what the learn^ ed say about it.
Man consists of an egg^ which is impregnated in the testicles of the woman, by the more subtle part of the man's seed ; but the forming faculty and virtue in the seed is a divine gift, it being abundantly endued with a vital spirit, which gives sap and form to the embryo ; so that all parts and bulk of the body, which is made up in a few months and gradually formed into the lovely figure of a 3.]an, do consist in, and are adumbrated thereby, most sublimely expressed, Psalm cxxxix, *^ I will praise thee, O Lord, for i am fearfully and wonderfully made."
Physicians have remar1<ed four different times, in which a man is framed and perfected in the womb : the first moon after coition, being perfect- ed in the first week, if no flux happens j which sometimes falls out through the slippcriness of the head of the mntrix, that slips over like a rose-bud, and opens suddenly. The second time of formings
Aristotle's master-piece. 13
is assigned, when nature makes manifest mutation in tiie conception, so that all the substance seems congealed flesh and blood, and happens 12 or 1^ days after copulation. And though this fleshy- mass abounds wlih inflamed blood, yet it remains undistinguishable, without form, and may be call- ed an embryo, and compared to seed sown in the ground, which, through heat and moisture, grows, by degrees, to a perfect form^ in plant or grain. The third time assigned to make up this fabric is when the principal parts show themselves plain as the heart, whence proceed the arteries ; the brain, from which the nerves, like small threads, run through the whole body ; and the liver that divides the chyle from the blood, brought to it by the venna porta. The two first are fountains of life, that nourish every part of the body; in fra- ming which, the faculty of the womb is buried, from the conception to the eight day of the first month. The fourth and last, about the thirtieth day, the outward parts are seen nicely wrought, distinguish- ed joints. From which time it is no longer an embryo, but a perfect child.
Most males arc perfect by the thirtieth day; but females seldom to tl*e forty-second or forty-fifth day, because the heat of the womb is greater ia producing t'le male than the female. And, for the same reason, a woman going with a male child, quickens in three months; but going with a fe- male, rarely under four : at which time its hair and nails come forth ; and the child begins to stir, kick, and move in the womb ; and then the wo- man is troubled with a loathing of her meat, and greedy longing for things contrary to nutriment, as coals, rubbish, chalk, &:c. which desire cftea occasions abortion and miscarriage. Some wo- men have been so extravagant as to long for hob nails, leather, a.aii's fl-jsh, hoise fles!-, and olhcp
2
14 ARISTOTLE'S MASTER-PIECE.
unnatural as well as unwholesome food ; for want of which thiiig, tliey have either miscarried, or the child has continued dead in the womb for many days, to the imminent hazard of their lives. But I shall now proceed to show by what real means the child is sustained in the womb, and ,what posture it there remains in.
The EJigies of a MJW all Hairy, and an INFJNT thai was bom Black, by the imaginations of the Parents.
Various are the opinions about nourishing- the foetus in the womb. Some say by blood only, from the umbilical vein ; others, by chyle taken in by the mouth. But it is nourished diversely, according to the several degrees of perfection; and an egg passes from a conception to a foetus ready for birth. But, first, let ns explain the meaning of the ovum or egg. In the generation of tb.e fcEtus there are two principles, active and passive ; the active is the man's seed, elaborated in the testicles, out of the arterial blood and ani- mal spirits ; the passive is an egg, impregnated
abistotle's master-piece. 15
by the man's seed. The nature of conception is thus : the most spirituous part of man's seed, in the act of generation, reaching- up to the testicles of the women, which containing divers eggs, im- pregnates one of them ; and, being conveyed by the ovadacts to the bottom of the womb, presently beo-ins to swell bioorer and biofo-er, and drinks m the moisture that is plentifully sent thither, as seeds suck moisture in the ground to make them sprout out. When the parts of the embryo begin to be a little more perfect, and that, at the same time, the chorin is so very thick, that the liquor cannot soak through it, the umbilical vessels be- gin to be formed, and to extend the side of the amnion, which they pass through, and all through the aliantreides and chorin and are implanted in the placenta, which gathering upon the chorin, Joins to the uterus. And now the arteries that before sent out the nourishment into the cavity of the womb, open by the orifice into the placenta, where they deposit the said juice, which is drunk up by the umbilical veiji ; conveyed by it to the liver of the fo3tus, then to the heart, where its thin and spirituous part is turned into blood, while the grosser part, descending by the aorta, enters the umbilical arteries, and is discharged into its cavity by those branches that run through the amnion.
As soon as the mouth, stomach, gullet, &c. are formed so perfectly that the foetus can swallow, it sucks in some of the grosser nutricioas juice that is deposited in the amnion by the umbilical arte- ries, which, descending into the stomach and in- testines, is received by the lacteal veins, as in adult persons.
The fostus being perfected, at the time before specified, in all parts, it lies equally balanced in the centre of the womb, on its head, and being long turned over, so that the head a little inclines,
16
Aristotle's master-piece.
it lays its chin upon its breast, its heels and ancles upon its buttocks, its hands on its cheeks, and its thumbs to its eyes ; but its legs and thighs are carried upwards, with its hams bending, so that they touch the bottom of itsbellj' ; the former, and that part of the bod}'- which is over against us, as the forehead, nose, and face, are towards the nioth-er's back, the head inclining downwards to- wards the rump-bone, that joins to the os sacrum; which bone is loosed at the lime of birth
FORM of a CHILD in the WOMB.
The learned Hippocrates affirms, that the child^
Aristotle's master-piece. 17
as he is placed in the womb, hath his hands on his knees and liis head bent to his feet; so that belies round together, his hands upon his knees, and his face between them j so that each eye touches each thumb, and his nose betwixt his knees. And of the same opinion, in this matter, was Bartholi.-. us. Cohimbas is of opinion, tliat the figure of the child in the womb is round, the right arm bowed, the jRngers under the ear and above the neck, the head bowed, so that the chin toucheth the breast, the left arm bowed above both breast and face, and propped up by the bending of the right elbow; the legs are lifted upwards, the right so much that the thigh toucheth the bellj^, the knee the navel^ the heel toucheth the left buttock, and the foot is turned back, and covereth the secrets ; the left thigh toucheth the belly, and the leg lifted up to the breast. See wood-cut.
CHAP. III.
The Reasmi why Children are like their Parents, and thai the Mother^ s ImaginaUoii cmitributes thereto ; and whether the Man or Woman is the cause of the Male or Femah Child.
In the caseof similitude, nothing is more power- ful than the imagirjation of the mother ; for if she fix her eyes upon any object, it will so impress her mind, that it oftentimes so happens tliat the child has a representation thereof on some part of its body. And if, in the act of copulation, the woman earnestly look iipon the man, and fix her mind upon him, the child will resemble its father. Nay, if a woman, even in unlawful copulation, fix her mind on her husband, the child will resemble him, though he did not beget it. The same effect 2* *
18 Aristotle's master -piece.
hath imagination in occasioning warts, stains-, mole-spots, and dartes ; though indeed they some- times happen through frights, or extravagant long- ing. Many women, being with child, on seeing a hare cross the road before them, will, throuo^h the force of imagination, bring forth a child with a hairy lip. Some children are born with flat noses and wry mouths, great blubber lips, and ill-shaped bodies; which must be ascribed to the imagina- tion of the mother, who hath cast her eyes and mind upon some ill-shaped creature. Therefore it behoves all women with child, if possible, to avoid such sights, or, at least, not to regard them. But though the mother's imagination may contri- bute much to the features of the child, yet, in manners, wit, and propension of the mind, expe- rience tells us, that children are commonly of the condition with their parents, and same tempers. But the vigour or disability of persons in the act of copulation many times causes it to be other- wise; for children got through the heat and strength of desire, must needs partake more of the nature and inclinations of their parents, than those begotten with desires more weak ; and therefore, the children begoiten by men in their old age, are generally weaker than those begotten by them in their yoMth. As to the share which each of the parents has in begetting the child, we will give the opinion of the ancients about it.
Though it is apparent, say they, that the man's seed is the chief efficient beginning of the action, motion, and generation j yet that the woman af- fords seed, and effectually contributes in that point to the procreation of the child, is evinced by strong reasons. In the first place, seminary ves- sels had been given her in vain, and genical testi- cles inverted, if ihe worrjan wanted seminal ex- cresccuce, for nature does nothing in vaiu ; and
Aristotle's master-piece, 19
therefore we must grant, they are made for tne use of seed and procreation, and placed in their proper parts, both the testicles and receptacles of seed, whose nature is to operate and afford virtue to the seed. And to prove this, there needs no stronger argument, say they, than that if a woman do not use copulation to eject her seed, she often falls into strange diseases, as appears by young \vo» men and virgins. A second reason they urge is, that although the society of a lawful bed consists not although in these things, yet it is apparent the female sex are never better pleased, nor appear more blithe and jocund, than when they are satis- fied this way : which is an inducement to believe, they have more pleasure and titulation therein than men. For, since nature causes much delight to accompany ejection, by the breaking forth of the swelling spirits, and the swiftness" of the nerves ; in which case, the operation on the wo- man's part is double, she having an enjoyment both by ejection and reception, by which she is more delighted in the act.
Hence it is, say they, that the child more fre- quently resembles the mother than the father, be- cause the mother contributes most towards it« And they think it may be further instanced, from the endeared affection they bear them j for that, besides their contributing seminal matter, they feed and nourish the child with the purest fount- ain of blood, until its birth. Which opinion Galen aflirms, by allowing chilc'ren to participate most of the motherj and ascribes the difference of ftex to the operation of the menstrual blood ; but the reason of tiie likeness, he refers to the power of the seed : for, as the plants receive more nour- ishment from fruitful ground, ihan from the in- dustry of th« husbandman J so the infant receives more abundance from the mother than the father.
J3P Aristotle's master-pxece.
For the seed of both is cherished in tne womb, and there grows to perfection, being nourished with blood. And for this reason it is, say they, that children, for the most part, love their mother best, because they receive the most of their sub- stance from their mother: for about nine months she nourishes her child in the womb with her purest blood, then her love towards it newly born and its likeness, do clearly show, that the woman afFordeth seed, and contributes more towards ma- king the child than the man.
But in this all the ancients were very erroneous ; for the testicles, so called in women, alTord not any seed, but are two eggs, like those of fowls, and other creatures ; neither have they any office, as those of men, but are indeed the ovaria, wherein the eggs are nourished by the sanguinary vessels dispersed through them ; and from thence one or more, as they are fecundated by the man's seed is separated and conveyed into the womb by the ova- ducts. The truth of this is plain, for if you boil them, their liquor will be the same colour, taste, and consistency, with the taste of bird-eggs. If any object that they have no shells, that signifies nothing : for the eggs of fowls, while they are in the ovary, nay, after they are fastened into the ute- rus, have no shell. And though, when they are laid, they have one, yet that is no more that a de- fence which nature has provided them against any outward injury, while they are hatched without the body ; whereas, those of women being hatched within the body, need no other fence than the womb, by which they are sufficiently secured. And this is enough, I hope, for the clearing of this point.
As for the third thing proposed, as whence grow the kind, and whether the man or woman is the cause of the male or female infant. The pri*
Aristotle's master-piece. 21
mary canse we must ascribe to God, as is mast
justly his due, who is the Ruler and Dispaser of all
things ; yet he suffers many things to proceed ac-
I cording to the rules of nature, by their inbred.
I motion, according to usual and natural courses
t without variation ; though indeed by favour froni
on hioh. Sarah conceived Isaac ; Hannah, Samuel ;
and Elizabeth, John the Baptist : but tbese were
all very extraordinary things, brought to pass by
a divine power, above the course of nature ; nor
have such instances been wanting in latter days:
therefore I s!»all wave them, and proceed to speak
of things natural.
The ancient physicians and philosophers say, that since there are two principles out of which the body of man is made, and which render the child like the parents, and by 05>e or other of the sex, viz. seed common to both sexes, and menstrual blood, proper to the woman only j che similitude, say they, must needs consist in the force and vir- tue of the male or female ; so that it proves like the one or other, according to the quantity afford- ed by either j but that the difierence of the sex is not referred to the seed, but to the menstrual blood, which is proper to the woman, is apparent j for, were that force altogether retained in the seed, the male seed being of the hottest quality, male children would abound, and few of the female be propagated : wherefore the sex is attributed to the temperament of the active qualities, which con- sists in heat and cold, and the nature of the mat- ter under them, that is, the flowing of the mens- truous blood : but now the seed, say they, affords both force to procreate and form the child, and matter for its generation; and in the menstruous blood there is both matter and force ; for as the seed most lielps the materiul principle^, so also does the menstrual blood the potential seed j which
62 Aristotle's master-piece.
is, says Galen, blood well concocted by the vessels that contain it. So that blood is not only the .;. al- ter of generating the child, but also seed, it being impossible that menstrual blood hath both princi- ples.
The ancients also say, that the seed is the stronger efficient, the matter of it being very little in quantity, but the potential quality of it is very strong : wherefore, if these principles of genera- tion, according to which the sex is made, were only, say they, in the menstrual blood, then would the children be all mostly females ; as, were the efficient force in the seed, they would be all males ; but since both have operation in menstrual blood, matter predominates in quantity, and in the seed force and virtue. And therefore Galen thinks the child receives its sex rather from the mother than from the father ; for, though his seed contributes a little to the material principle, yet it is more Aveakly. But for likeliness, it is referred rather to the father than to the mother. Yet the woman's seed receivinor strenofth from the menstrual blood for the space of nine months, overpowers the man's as to that particular ; for the menstrual blood flowing in vessels, rather cherishes the one than the other ; from which it is plain, the woman af- fords both matter to make, and i'orce and virtue to perfect the conception : though the female's seed be fit nutriment for the male's, by reason of the thinness of it, being more adapted to make up conception thereby. For as of soft wax and moist clay the artificer can frame what he intends, so, say they, the man's seed mixing with the woman's and also with the menstrual blood, helps to make the form and perfect part of man.
But, with all imaginable deference to the wis- dom of our fathers, give me leave to say, tliat their ignorance in the anatomy of man's body hath
Aristotle's master -piece. 23
led them into the paths of error, and run them into great mistakes. For their hypothesis of the for- mation of the embryo, form cotoniixture of seed, and the nourishment of it too in the menstruous blood, being wholly false, their opinion, in this case, must of necessity be so likewise,
I shall therefore conchide this chapter with ob- serving, that although a strong imagination of the mother may often determine the sex, yet, the main agent in this case is the plastic or formative prin- ciple, according to those laws and rules given to us by the wise Creator, who makes and fashions it, and therein determines the sex, according to the council of his will.
CHAP. IV.
That Man's Soul in not propagated by ike Parents, hut is infu- sed by its Creator ; and can nciiher die nor corrupt, jit what tiwe it is infused. Of its irnmortalUy, and Certainty of its Resnrrection.
Man's soul is of so divine a nature and excel- lency, that man himself cannot comprehend it, be- ing the infused breath of the Almighty, of an im- mortal nature, and not to be comprehended but by him that gave it. For Moses, by holy inspiration, relating the original of man, tells us, that '* Godl breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and he became a living soul." Now, as for all other creatures, at his word they were made, and had life ; but the creature that God had set over his works was his peculiar workmanship, formed by him out of the dust of the earth, and he conde- Bcended to breathe into his nostrils the breath of life ; which seems to denote both care, and, if we fnay so term it, labour, used about man more than,
i^ ARISTOrrE's MASTER-PIECE.
about all other creatures ; he only partaking and participating of the blessed divine nature, bearing God's image in innocence and puritj', whilst ho stood firm ; and when, by his fall, that lively im- age was defaced, yet such was the love of the Creator towards him, that he found out a way to restore him ; theonly-b^gotten Son of the Eternal Father coming into the world to destroy the works of the devil, and to raise up man from that low condition to which his sin and fall had reduced him, to a state above that of angels.
If, therefore, man would understand the excel- lency of his soul, let him turn his eyes inwardly, and look into himself, and search diligently his own mind ; and there he shall see many admirable gifts and excellent ornaments, that must needs fill him with wonder and amazement ; as reason un- derstanding, freedom of will, memory, &;c, that plainly show the soul to be descended from a heav- enly original ; and that therefore it is of an infinite duration, and not subject to annihilation. Yet, for its many offices and operations whilst in the, body, it goes under several denominations : for, when it enlivens the body, it is called the soul; when it gives knowledge, the judgment of the mind ; and when it recals things past, the memory; whilst it discourses and discerns, reason; whilst it contemplates, the spirit ; while it is the sensitive parts, the senses. And these are the principal offices, whereby the soul declares its powers, and performs its action. For, being seated in the highest parts of the body, itdiffuseth Its force into every member. It is not propagated from the parents, nor mixed with gross matter, but the in- fused breath of God, immediately proceeding from him; not passing from one to another, as was the opinion of Pythagoras, who held ;i transmigration of the soul; but that the soul is given to every inn*
Aristotle's master-piece. 23
fant by infusion, is the most received and ortho* ilox opinion. And die learned do likewise agree, that this is done when the infant is perfected in the womb, which happens about the 24th day after conception ; especially for males, who are generally born at the end of nine months; but in females, who are not so soon formed and perfected through defect of heat, not till the 50th day. And though this day, in all cases, cannot be truly set down, yet Hippocrates has given his opinion, that it is so when the child is formed, and begins to move, when born in due season. In his book of the na- tures, of infants, he says, if it be a male, and he be perfect on the 30th day, and move on the 70th, he will be born in the. seventh month ; but if he be perfectly formed on the 35th day, he will move on the 70th, and be born in the eighth month. Again if he be perfectly formed on the 4-5111 day, he will move on the 90th, and be born in the nine month. Now, from these passing of days and months, it plainly appears, that the day of forming being doubled, makes up the day of moving, and that day, three times reckoned, makes up the day of birth. As thus, when 35 perfects the form, if you double it, makes 70 the day of motion ; and three times 70 amounts to 219 days ; which, allowing 30 days to a month, make seven months ; and so you must consider the rest. But as to a female, the case is different ; for it is longer perfecting in the womb, the mother ever going longer with a girl than a boy, which makes the account differ ; for r female formed in 30 days, moves not till the 70th day, and is born in the seventh month ; when she is formed on the 40th, she moves not till the 80th, and is born in the eighth month ; but if she be per- fectly formed on the 45th day, she moves on the 90th, and is born in the ninth month : but if she that is formed on the 60th day, moves on the 1 lOth
3
2% , Aristotle's master-piece.
day, she will be born in the 10th month. I treat the more larg-ely hereof, that the reader may know that the reasonable soul is not propao^ated by the parents, but is infused by the Almighty, when the child hath its perfect form, and is exactly dis- tinguished in its lineaments.
Now, as the life of every other creature, as Moses shows, is in the blood, so the life of inaa consisteth in the soul, which, although subject to passion, by reason of the gross composures of the body, in which it has a temporary confinement, yet it is immortal, and cannot in itself corrupt or suffer change, it being a spark of the Divine Mind. And that every man has a peculiar soul plainly appears, by the vast difference between the will, judgment, opinion, manners, and affections in men. This David observes, when he says, " God hath fashioned the hearts and minds of men ; and has given to every one his own being, and a soul of its own nature." Hence Solomon rejoiced that God had given him a soul, and a body agreeable to it. It has been disputed among the learned, in what part of the body the soul resides : some are of opinion, its residence is in the middle of the heart and from thence communicates itself to every part; which Solomon (Prov. iv.) seems to confirm, when he says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life." But many curious physicians, searching the works of nature in man's anatomy, do affirm, that its chief seat is in the brain, from whence proceed the senses, faculties, and actions, diffusing the operation of the soul through all parts of the body ; whereby it is enlivened with heat and force to the heart, by the arteries, corodities, or sleepy arteries, which part upon the throat ; the which, if they happen to be broken or cut, they cause barren- ness, and if stopped, an apoplexy 3 for there must
Aristotle's master-piece. 27
necessarily be ways through which the spirits, animal and vital, may have intercourse, and con- vey native heat rVonn the soul. For, though the* soul has its chief seat in one place, it operates ia every part, exercising every member, which are the soul's instruments by which she discovers her power. But if it happen tliat any of tlie organical parts are out of tune, its wliole work is confused, as appears in idiots and madmen : though in some of them the soul, by a vigorous exertion of its power, recovers its innate strength, and they be- come right lifter a long despondency in mind : but in others it is not recovered again in tiiis life. For, as fire under ashes, or the sun obscured from our sight by thick clouds, afford not their lawful lustre, so the soul, overwhehned in moist or mor- bid matter, is darkened, and reason thereby over- clouded ; and though reason shines less in childi^en than in such as are arrived to maturity, yet no man must imagine that the soul of an infant grows up with the child, for then would it again dfcay; but it suits itself to nature's weakness, and the imbecility of the body wherein it is placed, that it may operate the better. And as the body is more and more capable of receiving its influnce, so the soul does more and more excit its faculties, hav- ing force and endowments at the time it enters the form of a child in the womb ; for its substance can receive nothing less. And thus much to prove that the soul comes not from the parents, bat is infused by God. I shall next prove its i.j. mortal- ity, and so demonstrate the certainty of our resur- rection.
Of the Immortality of the Soul.
That the soul of man is a divine ray, infused by the Sovereign Creator, I have already proved, and now CO ne to show, tliat whatever immediately pro- ceeds from him, and participates of his nature,
28 Aristotle's master-piecf.
must be as immortal as its orifjinal : for, thonsrh all other creatures are endowed with life and mo- tion, yet they want a reasonable soul ; and from thence it is concluded that their life is in their blood, and that being corruptible, they perish and are no more ; but man, beino- endowed with a reasonable soul, and stamped with the Divine imaoe, is of a different nature j and though his body be corrup- tible, yet his soul, being of an immortal nature, cannot perish ; but must, at the dissolution of his body, return to God, who gave it, either to receive reward or punishment. Now, that the body can sin of itself is impossible, because, wanting the soul, which is the principle of life, it cannot act nor proceed to any thing either good or evil ; for could it do so, it might even sin in the grave ; but it is plain, that after death there is a cessation ; for as death leaves us, so judgment will find us.
Now, reason having evidently demonstrated the soul's immortality, the Holy Scriptures do abun- dantly give testimony of the truth of the resurrec- tion ; as the reader may see by perusing the 14th and 19th chapters of Job, and 5th of John. I shall therefore leave the further discoursing of this mat- ter to divines, whose proper province it is, and re- turn to treat of the works of nature.
CHAP. V.
Of Monsters and monstrous Births; and the several Reasojis thereof, according to the opinion of the Ancients. AhOy whether Monsters arc endowed with reasonable So^ds ; and whether Devils can engender ; is here briefly discussed.
By the ancients, monsters are ascribed to de- praved conceptions, and are designated to be ex- cursioi.s of nature, which are vicious one of these
ARISTOTLE'S MASTEK-WECE.
29
four vr<iys ; either in figure, magnitude, situation, or number.
In figure, when a man bears the character of a beast, as did the beast in Saxony. In magnitude, when one part doth not equalize with another ; as when one part is too big or too little for the other parts of tlie body. But this is so common among tis, that I need not produce a testimony for it.
There was a Monster born at Ravenna, in Italy, of this kindf in the year 1512.
I proceed to explain the cause of their genera- tion, which is either divine or natural. The di- vine cause proceeds from God*s permissive will sufTeritig parents to bring forth abominations for their filthy and corrupt affeciions, which are let loose unto wickedness, like brute beasts that have no understanding. Wherefore it was enacted among the ancient Romans, that those who were in any way deformed, should not be admitted into religious houses. And St. Jerome was grieved, in his time, to see the deformed and lame oHering Mp spiritual sacrifices to God in religious houses And Keckerman, by way of inference, exclndeth all that are ill-shaped from thispresbylerian fu'nc,
3*
Sd Aristotle's master -piece.
tion in the church. And that which is of moTQ force than all, God himself commanded Moses not to receive such to offer sacrifice among his people j and he renders the reason, Lev. xxii. 28. " Lest he pollute my sanctuaries." Because theoutward deformity of the body is often a sign of the pollu- tions of the heart, as a curse laid upon the child for the incontinency of the parents. Yet it is not always so. Let us therefore duly examine, and search out the natural cause of their generation; which (according to the ancients, who have dived into the secrets of nature,) is either in the matter or in the agent j in the seed or in the womb.
The matter may be in default two ways — by de- fect or by excess ; by defect, when the child hath but one arm ; by excess, when it hath three hands or two heads. Some monsters are begot by a wo- man's unnatural lying with beasts: as in the year 1603, there was a monster begotten by a woman*s generating with a dog; which monster, from the navel upwards, had the perfect resemblance of its
Aristotle's master-piece. 31
mothfr ; but from its navel downwards it resem- bled a dog", as you may see by the foregoing figure.
The agent, or womb, may be in fault three ways: 1st, the formative faculty, which may be too strong or too weak, by which is procured a depraved fig- ure : 2dly, In the instrument, or place of concep- tion ; the evil conformation or disposition whereof will cause a monstrous birth : 3dly, In the imagi' native power at the time of conception 5 which is of such a force, that it stamps the character of the thing imagined on the child. So that the childrei* of an adultress may be like her own husband, though begot by another man, which is caused through the force of imagination that the woman, hath of her own husband in the act of coition. And I have heard of a woman, who, at the time of conception beholding the picture of a blackamoor, conceived and brought forth an Ethiopian. I will not trouble you with more human testimonies, but conclude with a stronger warrant. We read (Gen. XXX. 31.) how Jacob, having agreed with Laban to have all the spotted sheep for keeping his flock, to augment his wages, took hazel rods and peeled white streaks on them, and laid them before the sheep when they came to drink, which coupling together there, whilst they beheld the rods, con- ceived and brought forth young.
Another monster representing an hairy child. It was all covered with hair like a beast. That which rendered it more frightful was, that its na- vel was in the place where the nose should stand, and its eyes placed where the mouth should have been ; and its mouth was in the chin. It was of the male kind, and was born in France, in \he year 1597, at a town called Aries, in Provence^ and lived a few days, frightening all that beheld it. It was looked upon as a forerunner of those des»olations which soon after happened in that
32
Aristotle's master-piece.
kingdom, where men towards each other wer© -more like beasts than human creatures.
^^^^^mmm
\'' here rhildren thus are horn with hairj- coats, htaven's wrath unto the kiiigdom it deuoleu.
Fhere was a Monster born at Nazara, in the Year 1530. It had four arms and four legs, being of the same form us ti\4 Figure below.
Lilcewise, in the reigri of Henry III. there was a woman delivered of a cljild, having- two heads and four armsj and the bodies were joined at the back
AHISTOTLE'S MASTER-PIECE.
33
side ; the heads were so placed, that they looked contrary ways ; each had two distinct arms and kands ; they would both laugh, both speak, and both CYy^ and be hungry together j sometimes the one would speak, and the other would keep silence^ and sometimes both speak together. It lived seve- ral years, but one outlived the other three years, carrying the dead one (for there was no parting ihem), till it fainted with the burden, and more with the stench of the dead carcase.
The imagination also works on the child, after conception, for which we have a pregnant instance.
A worthy gentlewoman in Suffolk, who being with child, and passing by a butcher killing his meat, a drop of blood sprung on her face ; where- upon she said, her child would have a blemish ort its face ; and, at the birth, it was found marked with a red spot.
It is certain, that monstrous births often happem by means of undue copulation : for some there are, who having been long absent from one another, and having an eager desire for enjoyment, corisid-
S4
Aristotle's masteb-piecf.
er not, as they onght, to do as their circumstances require. And if it happen that they come togeth- er when the woman's menses are flowing, and not- withstanding proceed to ihe act of copulation, which is both unclean and unnatural, the issue of such copulation does often prove monstrous, as a just punishment for doing what nature forbids. And, therefore, though men should be ever so ea^er for it, vet women, knowins: their own con- (ditions, should at such times refuse their company. And though such copulations do not always pro- duce monstrous births, yet the children, then be- gotten, are generally heavy, dull and sluggish, and defective in their understandings, wanting the vi- vacity and liveliness with which children got in proper seasons are endowed.
By the following figure you may see, that though some of the members may be wanting, yet th^y «re supplied by other members.
It remains now that I make some inquiry, wheth-
Aristotle's master-piece. 3$
er those that are horn monsters have reasonable souls, and are capable of resurrection. And here both divines and physicians are sfenerally of opin- ion that those who, according to the order of ge- neration deduced from our first parents, proceed by natural means fmm either sex, though their outward shape may be deformed and monstrous, have notwithstanding a reasonable soul, and con- sequently their bodies are capable of a resurrec- tion, as other men's and women's are: but those monsters that are not begotten by men but are the product of women^s unnatural lusts in copulating with other creatures, shall perish as the brute beasts, by whom they were begotten, not having a reasonable soul, or any breath of the Almighty infused into them ; and such can never be capable of a resurrection. And the same is also true of imperfect and abortive births.
Some are of opinion, that monsters may be en- gendered by some infernal spirit. Of this mind was Agidus Facius, speaking of a deformed mon- ster born at Cracovis ; and Hironamus Gardanus wrote of a maid that was got with child of a devil, she thinking it had been a fair young man. The like also is recorded by Vicentius, of the prophet Merlin, that he was begotten by an evil spirit. But what a repugnance would it be both to religion and nature, if the devils could beget men ; when we are taught to belive, that not any was ever be- gotten wiihout human seed, except the Son of God ; the devil then being a spirit, and having no corporeal substance, has therefore no seed of ge- neration : to say that he can use the act of gene- ration effectually is to affirm, that he can make something of nothing, and consequently to affirm the devil to be God, for creation belongs to God onlv. Again, if the devil could assume to him-
self a human body, and enliven the faculties of it
36 Aristotle's master-piece.
and cause it to g-enerate, as some affirm he can, yet this body must bear the image of the devil. And it borders upon blasphemy to think, that God should so far give leave to the devil, as out of God's image to raise his own diabolical offspring. In the school of Natiire we are taught the contrary. viz. that like begets like: therefore of a devil can- not man be born. Yet it is not denied, but that devils transforming themselves into humaa shapes may abuse both men and women, and with wick- ed people use carnal copulation ; but that any such unnatural conjunction can bring forth a hu« man creature is contrary to nature and religion. .
CHAP. VI.
Of the happy State of Matrimony, as it is appointed by God ; the tnie Felicity that redounds thereby to either Sex ; and to what end it is ordained.
Without doubt, the uniting of hearts in holy wedlock is of all conditions the happiest j for then a man has a second self to whom he can reveal his thoughts ; as well as a sweet companion in his labour ; he has one in whose breast, as in a safe cabinet, he may repose his inmost secrets, espe- cially where reciprocal love and inviolate faith is settled : for there no care, fear, jealousy, mistrust, or hatred can ever interpose. For what man ever hated his own flesh 1 And truly a wife, if rightly considered, as our grandfather Adam well observ- ed, is or ought to be esteemed of every honest man, "Bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh," dec. Nor was it the least care of the Almighty to or- dain so near a union, and that for two causes , the 1st, for increase of posterity j the 2d, to bridle man's wandering desires and afl'ections ; nay, that
Aristotle's master-piece. 3t'
they might be yet happier, when God had joined them together he " blessed them ;" as in Gen. ii. Columila, contemplating this happy state, tells, out of the Economy of Xenophon, that the mar- riage-bed is not only the most pleasant, but pro- fitable course of life, that may be entered on foi? the preservation and increase of posterity. Where* fore, since marriage is the most safe, sure, and delightful situation of mankind, who is exceeding* prone, by the dictates of nature, to propagate his like, he does in no ways provide amiss for his own, tranquillity who enters into it, especially when ha comes to maturity of years.
There are many abuses in marriage, contrary to what is ordained, the which in the ensuing chapter, I shall expose to view. But to proceed i seeing our blessed Saviour and his holy apostles detested unlawful lusts, and pronounced those to be excluded the kingdom of heaven that polluted themselves with adultery and whoring ; I cannot conceive what face persons have to colour theit impieties, who, hating matrimony, make it theij study how they may live licentiously; for, in so doing, they rather seek to themselves torment, anxiety, and disquietude, than certain pleasure J besides the hazard of their immortal soul ; and certain it is, mercenary love, (or, as the wise maa calls it, harlot-smiles,) cannot be true and sinceroj and therefore not pleasant, but rather a net laid to betray such as trust in them into all, mischief, as Solomon observes of the young man void o^ understanding, who turned aside to the harlot'a house, " as a bird to the snare of the fowler, or asi an ox to the slaughter, till a dart was struck; through his liver." Nor in this case can they have children, those endearing pledges of conju- gal affection: or, if they have, they will rather re- dound to their shame than comfort, bearing the
4
83 Aristotle's ma&tjeb-piece.
odious brand of bastards. Harlots, likewise, are Jike swallows, flying in tiie summer season of prosperity ; but the black stormy weather of adver« sity coming, they take wings and fly into other re- p-ions— that is, seek after other lovers : but a vir- tuous chaste wife fixing her entire love upon her husband, and submij>ting to him as her head and king, by whose directions she ought to steer in all lawful courses, w^ill, like a faithful companion, share patiently with him in all adversities, run with cheerfulness through all difnculties and dan- gers, though ever so hazardous, to preserve or as- sist him, in poverty, sickness, or whatever other misfortunes may befall him, acting according to ber duty in all things: but a proud imperious har- lot will do no more than she lists, in the sunshine of prosperity ; and, like a horse-leech, ever cra- ving, and never satisfied ; still seeming displeased, if all her extravagant cravings be not answered ^ not regarding the ruin and misery which sbo "brings upon him by those means, though she seem to doat upon him, using to confirm her hypocrisy with crocodile tears, vows, and swoonings^ when her cully is to depart awile, or seems but to deny her immoderate desires ; yet this lasts no longer than she can gratify her appetite, and prey upon Ilia fortune.
Now, on the contrary, a loving, chaste, and even-tempered wife, seeks what she may do to pre- vent such dangers, and in every condition does all to make him easy. And, in a word, as there is no content in the embraces of a harlot, so there is no greater joy than in the reciprocal affection and endearing embraces of a loving, obedient, and chaste wife. Nor is that the principal end for which matrimony was ordained, but that the man might follow the law of his creation, by increasiag .ftis kind, and replenishing the earth j for this was
amwotle's master-piece, '"39
the injunction laid upon him in Paradise, before his fall. To conclude, a virtuous wife is a crown and ornament to her husband, and her price is above rubies 5 but the ways of a harlot are de- ceitful.
CHAP. VII.
Of Errors in Marriage ; Why they are ; and the Prejudices of them.
By errors in marriage, I mean the unfitness of the persons marrying to enter into this state, and that both with respect to age, and the constitution of their bodies ; and therefore those that design to enter into that condition ought to observe their ability, and not run themselves into inconvenien- ces ; for those that marry too young may be said to marry unseasonably, not considering their in- ability, nor examining the force of nature ; for some, before they are ripe for the consummation of so weighty a matter, who either rashly, of their own accord, or by the instigation of procurers, or marriage brokers, or else forced thereto by their parents who covet a large dowry, take upon them this yoke to their prejudice ; by which some, be- fore the expiration of a year, have been so enfee- bled, that all their vital moisture has been exhaust- ed ^ which hath not been restored again without great trouble, and the use of medicines. Where- fore, my advice is, that it is no ways convenient to suffer children, or such as are not of age, to marry or get children.
He that proposes to marry, and wishes to enjoy happiness in that state, should choose a wife de- scended from honest and temperate parents ; she being chaste, well bred, and of good manners.
40 ABJSTOTLE's MilSTER-PIECE.
For if a woman hath good qualitieSy she hath por- tion enough. That of Alcmena, in Plautus, is much to the purpose, where he brings in a young woman speaking thus :
I take Dot that to be my dowry, whi ch
The TulgaT sort do wealth and honour call. But all my wishes terminate in this,
T' obey my husband, and be chaste withal, To have God's fear, and beauty, in my mind, To do those good wh'are virtuously inclined.
And I think she was in the right, for such a wife is more precious than rubies.
It is certainly the duty of parents to be careful in bringing up their children in the ways of virtue, and to have regard to their honour and reputation j and especially of virgins, when grown to be mar- riageable. For, as has been before noted, if through the too much severity of parents, they may be crossed in their love, many of them throw them- selves into the unchaste arms of the next alluring "seisipter that comes in the way, being, through the softness and flexibility of their nature, and the strong desire they have after what nature strong- ly incites them to easily induced to beleive men's false vows of promised marriage, to cover their shame j and then too late their parents repent of their severity, which has brought an indelible stain upon their families.
Another error in marriage is, the inequality of years in the parlies married ', such as for a young man who, to advance his fortune, marries a woman old enough to be his grandmother ; between whom, for the most part, strife, jealousies, and discon- tents, are all the blessings which crown the genial bed, it being impossible for such to have any chil- dren. The like may be said, though with a little excuse, when an old doting widower marries a virgin in the prime of her youth and her vigour, who, while he vainly strives to please her, is there-
Aristotle's master-piece. 4 ;
by wedded to his grave. For, as in green youth, it is unfit and unseasonable to think of marriage, so to marry in old age is altogether the same ; for they that enter upon it too soon are soon exhausted and fall into consumptions and divers other dis- eases, and those that procrastinate and marry un- seemly, fall into the like inconveniences j on the other side, having only this honour, if old men they become young cuckolds, especially if their wives have not been trained up in the paths of vir- tue, and lie too much open to the importunity and temptation of lewd and debauched men. And thus much for the errors of rash and inconsiderate mar- riages.
CHAP. VIII.
The Opinion of (he Learned concerning Children conceived and bom within Seven Months ; with jirguments upon the Subject to prevent Suspicion of Incontinency, and bitter Contests on that Account. To which are addedj Rules to know the Dis- potitixm of Man's Body by the Genital Parts.
Many bitter quarrels happen between men and their wives, upon the man's supposition that his child comes too soon, and by consequence, that he could not be the father : whereas, it is through want of understanding the secrets of nature, that brings the man into that error ; and which, had he known, might have cured him of his suspicion and jealousy.
To remove which, I shall endeavour to prove, that it is possible, and has been frequently known, that children have been born at seven months. The cases of this nature that have happened have made work for the lawyers, who have left it to the physicians to judge, by viewing the child, whether
4*
42 Aristotle's MASTER-FrEcne.
it be a child of seven, eight, or ten months. ^Paul, the counsel, has this passage in his 19th Book of Pleadings, viz. " It is now a received truth, that a perfect child may be born in the seventh month, by the authority of the learned Hippocrates 5 and therefore we must believe, that a child born at the end of the seventh month in lawful matrimony, may be lawfully begotten."
Galen is of opinion, that there is no certain time set for the bearing of children ; and that from Pliny's authority, who makes mention of a woman that went 13 months with child ^ but as to what concerns the seventh month, a learned author says, "I know several married people in Holland that had twins born in the seventh month, who lived to old age, having lusty bodies and lively minds. Wherefore their opinion is absurb who as- sert that a child at seven months cannot be per- fect and long-lived 5 and that it cannot in all parts be perfect till the ninth month." Thereupon this author proceeds to tell a passage from his own knowledge, viz. '' Of late there happened a great disturbance among us, which ended not without bloodshed ; and was occasioned by a virgin, whose chastity had been violated, descending of a noble family of unspotted fame : several charged the fact upon the judge, who was president of a city in Flanders, who firmly denied it, saying, he was ready to give his oath that he never had any car- nal copulation with her, and that he would not father that which was none of his ; and farther argued, that he verily believed that it was a child born in seven months, himself being many miles distant from the mother of it, when it was conceiv- ed. Upon which the judges decreed, that the child should be viewed by able physicians and ex- perienced women, and that they should make their report. They having made diligent inquiry, all
Aristotle's master-piece. 48
of them, with one mind, concluded the child, with- out respecting who was the father, was born with- in the space of seven months, and that it was car- ried in the mother's womb but 27 weeks and some odd days 5 but if she should have gone full nine months, the child's parts and limbs would have been more firm and strong, and the structure of the body more compact 5 for the skin was very loose, and the breast-bone that defends the heart, and the gristle that lay over the stomach, lay higher than naturally they should be, not plain, but crooked and sharp, ridged or pointed like those of a young chicken hatched in the beginning of spring.
"And being a female it wanted nails upon the joints of the fingers j upon which, from the mascu- lous cartilaginous matter of the skin, nails that are very smooth do come, and by degrees harden ; she had, instead of nails, a thin skin or film. As for her toes, there was no sign of nails upon them, wanting the heat which was expanded to the fin- ters from the nearness of the heart. All this be- mg considered, and above all, one gentlewoman ©f quality that assisted affirming, that she had been the mother of 19 children, and that divers of them had been born and lived at seven months ; they, without favour to any party, made their re- port, that the infant was a child of seven months, though within the seventh month. For in such cases, the revolution of the moon ought to be ob- served, which perfects itself in four bare weeks, or somewhat less than 28 days; in which space t>f the revolution, the blood being agitated by the force of the moon, the courses of the women flow from them ; which being spent, and the matrix cleansed from the menstrous blood, which happens on the fourth day, then, if a man on the seventh day lie with his wife, the copulation is most na-
44 Aristotle's master-pieck.
tural, and then is the conception best : and a child thus begotten may be born in the seventh month and prove very heahhful. So that on this report the supposed father was pronounced innocent, on proof that he was 100 miles distant all that month in which the child was begotten ; as for the mother she strongly denied that she knew the father, be- ing forced in the dark j and so through fear and surprise, was left in ignorance."
As for coition, it ought not to be used unless the parties be in health, lest it turn to the disad- vantage of the children so begotten, creating in them, through the abundance of ill humours, di- vers languishing diseases. Wherefore, health is no way better discerned than by the genitals of the man ; for which reason midwives, and other skilful women, were formerly wont to see the tes- ticles of children, thereby to conjecture their tem- perature and state of body : and young m©n may know thereby the signs or symptoms of death ; for if the cases of the testicles be loose and feeble, and the cods fall down, it denotes that the vital spirits, which are the props of life, are fallen ; but if the secret parts be wrinkled and raised up, it is a sign all is well : but that the event may exactly answer the prediction, it is necessary to consider what part of the body the disease possesseth ; for if it chance to be the upper part that is afflicted, as the head or stomach, then it will not so well appear by the members which are unconnected with such grievances ; but the lower part of the body ex- actly sympathising with them, their liveliness, or the contrary, makes it apparent ; for nature's force, and spirits that have there intercourse, first manifest themselves therein ; which occasions midwives to feel the genitals of children, to know in what part the grief is residing and whether lifo or death be portended thereby, the symptoms b^
ahistotle's master-piece. 45
ingf strongly communicated to the vessels, itHft
have their intercourse with the principle seat of life.
CHAP. IX
Of the Greensickness in Virgins, with its Causes, Signs, and Cures ; together with the chief Occasion of Barrenness in Women, and the Means to remove the Cause, and render them fruitful.
The green-sickness is so common a distemper in virgins, especially those of a phlegmatic com- plexion, that it is easily discerned, showing itself by discolouring the face, making it look green, pale, and of a dusty colour, proceeding from raw and indigested humours : nor doth it only appear to the eye, but sensibly affects the person with difficulty of breathing, pains in the head, palpita- tion of the heart, with unusual beatings and small throbbings of the arteries in the temples, neck, and back, which often casts them into fevers, when the humour is over-vicious ; also loathing of meat, and the distension of the hypochondriac* part, by reason of the inordinate effluxion of the menstrous blood to the greater vessels ; and from the abundance of humours, the whole body is often troubled with swellings, or at least the thighs, legs and ancles, all above the heels ; there is also a weariness of the body, without any reason for it.
The Galenical physicians affirm, that this dis- temper proceeds from the wombj occasioned by the gross, vicious, and rude humours arising from several inward causes ; but there are also outward causes, which have a share in the production of it j as taking cold in the feet, drinking of water, in- temperance of diet, eating things contrary to
46 Aristotle's master-piece.
nature, viz. raw or burnt flesh, ashes, coals, old shoes, chalk, wax, nut-shells, mortar, lime, oat- meal, tobacco-pipes, &c., which occasion both a suppression of the menses, and obstructions through the whole body ; therefore the first thing necessary to vindicate the cause is matrimonial conjunction, and such copulation as may prove T satisfactory to her that is afflicted : for then the menses will begin to flow, according to their natural and due course, and the humours being dispersed, will soon waste themselves ; and then no more matter being admitted to increase them, they will vanish, and a good temperament of body will return ; but in case this best remedy cannot be had soon enough, then blood her in the ancles, and if she be about the age of sixteen, you may likewise do it in the arm ; but let her be bled sparingly, especially if the blood be good. If the disease be of any continuance, then it is to be era- dicated by purging, preparation of the humour first considered, which may be done by the virgin's drinking the decoction of guiacum, with dittany of Crete; but the best purge in this case ought to be made of aloes, agric, senna, rhubarb ; and for strenarthenin^ the bowels and removing obstruc- tions, chalybeate medicines are chiefly to be used. The diet must be moderate, and sharp things by all means avoided.
And now since barrenness daily creates discon- tent, and that discontent breeds indifference be- tween man and wife, or, by immediate grief, frequently casts the woman into one or other dis* temper, I shall in the next place treat thereof.
OF BARRENNESS.
Formerly, before women came to the marriage- bed, they were first searched by the midwife, and
aristotle'8 MASTEB-PIKCS. 47
those only which she allowed of as fruitful were admitted. I hope, therefore, it will not be amiss to sfeow you how they may prove themselves, and turn barren ground into a fruitful soil. Barren- ness is a deprivation of the life and power which ought to be in seed to pffocreate and propagate , for which end men and women were made. Causes of barrenness may be overmuch cold oi heat, drying up the seed, and corrupting it, wnich extinguishes the life of the seed, making it water- ish and unfit for generation. It may be caused also by the not flowing or overflowing of the courses, by swelling, ulcers, and inflammations of the womb, by an excrescence of flesh growing about the mouth of the matrix, by the mouth of the matrix being turned to the back or side, by the fatness of the body, whereby the mouth of the matrix is closed up, being pressed with the omen- tum or caul, and the matter of the seed is turned to fat; if she be of a lean and dry body, and though she do conceive, yet the fruit of her body will wither before it come to perfection, for want of nourishment. One main cause of barrenness is attributed to want of a convenient moderating quality, which the woman ought to have with the man ; as, if he be hot, she must be cold : if he be dry, she must be moist ; but if they be both dry or both moist of constitution, they cannot propa- gate: and yet, simply considered of themselves, they are not barren ; for he and she who were be- fore as the barren fig-tree, being joined to an apt constitution, become as the fruitful vine. And that a man and woman being every way of like constitution cannot procreate, I will bring nature itself for a testimony, who hath made man of the better constitution than woman, that the quality of the one may moderate the quality of the other. Signs of Barrenness, If barrenness doth pro-
48 A.RISTOTLE*S MASTER-PIECE.
ceed from overmuch heat, she is of dry body, subject to anger, hath black hair, quick pulse, her pugations flow but little, and that with pain, and she loves to play in the courts of Venus. But if it comes by cold, then are the signs contrary to those above mentioned. If through the evil quality of the womb, make a suffumigation of red styrax, myrrh, cassia-wood, nutmeg, and cinna- tnon ; and let her receive the fume of it into the womb, covering her very close: and if the odour so received passetk through the body to the mouth and nostrils, she is fruitful. But if she feels not the fume in her mouth and nose, it argues barren- ness one of these ways — that the spirit of the seed is either through cold extinguished, or through heat dissipated. If any woman be suspected to be unfruitful, cast natural brimstone, such as is digged out of the mine, into her urine j and if worms breed therein, she is not barren.
Prognostics. Barrenness makes women look young, because they are free from those pains and sorrows which other women are accustomed to. Yet they have not the full perfection of health which fruitful women do enjoy, because they are not rightly purged of the menstruous blood and superfluous seed, which are the principal causes of most uterine diseases.
Cwre, First, the causes must be removed, the womb strengthened, and the spirits of the seed enlivened.
If the womb be over-hot, take syrup of succory, with rhubarb, syrup of violets, endive, roses, cassia, purslain. Take of endive, water lilies, borage flowers, of each a handful ; rhubarb, mirobalans, of each three drachms ; with water make a decoc- tion ; and to the straining of the syrup add electuary of violets one ounce, syrup of cassia half an. ounce, manna three drachms j make a potion.
aristotlk's master-piece, 49
Take of syrup of mugwort one ounce, syrup of maiden-hair two ounces, pulv. elect, triasand one drachm ; make a julep. Take prus. salt, elect. ros. mesua, of each three drachms, rhubarb one scruple, and make a bolus ; apply to the reins and privities fomentations of the juice of lettuce, vio- lets, roses, mailoes, vine leaves, and nightshade ; anoint the secret parts with the cooling unguent of Galen.
If the power of the seed be extinguished by cold, take every morning two spoonfuls of cinnamon wa- ter, with one scruple of mithridate. Take syrup of calamint, mugwort, and betony, of each one ounce; waters of pennyroyal, feverfew, hyssop, and sage, of each two ounces ; make a julep. Take oil of anniseed two scruples and a half ^ diacimini, diacliathidiamosei, and diagla-angae, of each one drachm, sugar four ounces, with water (^cinnamon, and make lozenges ; take of them a drachm and a half twice a day, two hours before meals ; fasten cupping-glasses to the hips and belly. Take of styrax and calamint one ounce, mastich, cinnamon, nutmeg, lign. aloes, and frank- incense, of each half an ounce ; musk ten grains^ ambergris half a scruple ; with rose-water make a confection, divide it into four equal parts j of one part make a pomum oderatum to smell to, if she be not hysterical ; of the second make a mass of pills, and let her take three every night ; of the third make a pessary, dip it in the oil of spikenard, and put it up : of the fourth make a sufFumigation for the womb.
- If the faculties of the womb be weakened, and the life of the seed suifocated by over much hu- midity flowing to those parts j take of betony, mar- joram, mugwort, penny-royal, and balm, of each a handful ; roots of alum and fennel, of each two drachms ; anniseed and cummin, of each on©
5
50 Aristotle's master-piece.
drachm, with sugar and water a sufficient quan- tity ; make a syrup, and take three ounces every morning.
Purge with the following things : take of the di- agnidium two grains, spicierum of castor a scruple,
wpillfcedit two scruples, with syrup of mugwort ; make six pills. Take spec, diagem, diamoser, diamb. of each one drachm ; cinnamon one drachm and a half ; cloves, mace, and nutmeg, of each half a drachm j sugar six ounces, with water of fever- few ; make lozenges, to be taken every morning. Take of the decoction of sarsaparilla, and virga iaurea, not forgetting sage, which Agrippa, won- dering at its operation, hath honoured with the name of sacra herba, a holy herb. And it is re- corded by Dodonseus in the History of Plants, lib. ii. cap. 77, that after a great mortality among the Egyptians, the surviying women, that they might multiply quickly, were commanded to drink the juice of sage, anoint the genitals with oil of anni- seed and spikenard. Take mace, nutmeg, cinna- mon, styrax, and amber, of each one drachm ;
, cloves, laudanum, of each half a drachm ; turpen- tine, a sufficient quantity ; trochisks, to skiooth the womb. Take roots of valerian and elecampane, of each one pound j galanga, two ounces j origan, lavender, marjoram, betony, mugwort, bay-leaves, calamint, of each a handful ; with water make an infusion, in which let her sit, after she hath her courses.
If barrenness proceed from dryness, consuming the matter of the seed : take every day almond milk, and goat's milk extracted with honey : but often of the root satyrion candied, and of the elec- tuary of diasyren. Take three wedders' heads, boil them till all the flesh come from the bones ; ihen take melilot, violets, camomile, mercury, or* ehia with their roots, of each a handful , fenugreek^
Aristotle's master-piece. ftl,
linseed, valerian roots, of each one pound j let all these be decocted in the aforesaid broth, and let the woman sit in the decoction up to the navel.
If barrenness be caused by any proper effect of the womb, the cure is set down in the second book. Sometimes the womb proves barren where there is no impediment on either side, except only in the manner of the act j as when in the emission of the seed, the man is quick, and the woman too slow, whereby there is not an emission of both seeds at the same instant, as the rules of concep- tion require. Before the acts of coition, foment the private parts with the decoction of hetony, sage, hyssop, and calamint, and anoint the mouth and neck of the womb with musk and civet.
The cause of barrenness being removed, let the womb be corroborated as follows. Take of bay- berries, mastic, nugmeg, frankincense, nuts, laud- anum, giapanum, of each one drachm, styracis li- quid, tviro scruples, cloves half a scruple, ambergris two grains, then with oil of spikenard make a pessary.
Take of red roses, lapididis hsematis, white frank- incense, of each half an ounce. Sanguis draconis fine bole, mastic, of each two drachms ; nutmeg, cloves, of each one drachm ; spikenard half a scruple ; with oil of wormwood j make a plaister for the lower part of the belly j then suffer her to eat often of eringo roots candied ; and make an in- jection only of the roots of satyrion.
The aptest time for conception is instantly after the menses are ceased, because then the womb is thirsty and dry, apt both to draw the seed, and re* turn it, by the roughness of the inward superfices. And besides, in some, the mouth of the womb ia turned into the back or side, and is not placed right until the last day of the courses.
Excess in all things is to bo avoided. Lay
%Z Aristotle's mastbr-pikce.
«side all pussions of the mind ; shun study and #are, as things that are enennies to conception ; X)r5 if a woman conceive under such circumstances, uow wise soever the parents are, the children at best will be but foolish j because the mental facuV -ties of the parent, viz. the understanding and the fest (from whence the child derives its reason) fire, as it were, confused through the multiplicity Df cares and cogitations j examples whereof we liave in learned men, who, after great study and eare, accompanying with their wives, very often beget very foolish children. A hot and moist air is most convenient, as appears by the women in Egypt, w^ho usually bring forth three or four chil. dren at one time*
CHAP. X.
Virginity, what it is, hi what it consists, and how vitiated; together with the Opinion of the Learned about the Mutation of the Sex in the Womb, during the Operation of Nature m forming the Body.
There are many ignorant people that boast of their skill in the knowledge of virginity, and some virgins have undergone hard censures through their ignorant determinations ; and, therefore, I thought it highly necessary to clear this point, that the towering imaginations of conceited igno^ ranee may be brought down, and the fair sex (whose virtues are so illustriously bright, that they excite our wonder, and command our imitation) may be freed from the calumnies and detraction! of ignorance and envy ; and so their honours mav continue as unspotted as they have kept their j>ersons uncontaminated and [ree of defilement.
Virginity, in a strict sense, does signify the
Aristotle's master-piece, S3
prime, the chief, the hest of any thing, which makes men so desirous of marrying virgins, im- agining some secret pleasure to be enjoyed in their embraces, more than in those of widows, or such as have been lain withal } though not many years ago, a very great person was of another mind j and, to use his own expression, — " That the getting of a maidenhead was such a piece of drudgery, as was more proper for a porter than a prince." But this was only his opinion, for most men, I am sure, have other sentiments. But to return to our purpose.
The curious inquirers into Nature's secrets have observed, that in young maids in the sinus pudoris, or in that place which is called the neck of the womb, is that wondrous production, vulgarly cal- led the hymen, but more rightly the clau strum virginale j and in the French, bouton de rose, or rosebud j because it resembles the bud of a rose expanded, or a convex gillyflower. From hence is derived the word defloro, or deflower ; and hence taking away virginity is called deflowering a virgin j most being of opinion, that the virginity is altogether lost, when this duplication is fractur- ed and dissipated by violence ; and when it is found perfect and entire, no penetration has been made ; and it is the opinion of some learned physicians, that there is neither hymen, nor skin expanded containing blood in it, which divers think, in the first copulation, flows from the frac- tured expanse.
Now this claustrum, or virginale, or flower, is composed of four carbuncles, or little buds like myrtle berries, which, in virgins, are full and plump, but in women flag and hang loose ; and these are placed in the four angles of the sinus pudoris, joined together by little membranes and ligatures like fibres, each of them situated in the
5*
64 ABISTOTr.E's MASTEH-PlECj:.
testicles, or spaces between each carbuncle, with which, in a manner, they are proportionally dis- tended ; which membranes being once delacerated denote devirgination ; and many inquisitive, and yet ignorant persons, finding their wives defective therein the first night of their marriage, have thereupon suspected their chastity, and concluded that another had been there before them. Now to undeceive such, I do aflirm, that such fractures happen divers accidental ways, as well as by cop- ulation with men, viz. by violent straining, cough- ing, sneezing, stopping of urine, and violent mo- tions of the vessels, forcibly sending down the humours, which, pressing for passage, break the ligatures or membrane; so that the fracture of that which is commonly taken for their virginity, or maidenhead, is no absolute sign of dishonesty , though certain it is, that it is broke in copulation oftener than by any other means.
I have heard, that at an assize held at Rutland, a young man was tried for a rape, in forcing a virgin ; when, after divers questions being asked, and the maid swearing positively to the matter, (naming the time, place, and manner of the action,) it was upon mature deliberation resolved, that she should be searched by a skilful surgeon and two mid wives, who were to make their report upon oath ; which, after due examination, they accor- dingly did, affirming that the membranes were entire, and not delacerated ; and that it was their opinion, for that reason, that her body had not been penetrated which so far wrought with the jury, that the prisoner was acquitted : and the maid afterwards confessed, she swore against him out of revenge, he having promised to marry her, and afterwards declined it. And thus much shall suffice to be spoken concerning virginity.
I shall now proceed to something of nature's operation, in mutation of sexes in th^ womb. ^^^
Aristotle's master-pieci:. 69
This point is of much necessity, by reason of the different opinions of men relating to it ; therefore, before any thing positive can be asserted, it will be proper to recite what has been delivered, as well in the negative as affirmative. And first, Severus Plinus, who argues for the negative, writes thus : The genital parts of both sexes are 80 unlike each other in substance, composition, eituation, figure, action, and use, that nothing is more unlike, and by how much more all parts of the body (the breasts excepted, which in women swell more, because nature ordained them for suckling the infant) have exact resemblance, so much more do the genital parts of the one sex, compared with the other, differ : and if their figure be thus different, much more their use. The vene- real appetite also proceeds from different causes: for in a man it proceeds from a desire of emission, and in a women from a desire of reception : in wo- men also the chief of these parts are con'cave and apt to receive ; but in men they are more porous. All these things being considered, I cannot but wonder; says he, how any one can imagine that the genital members of the female births should be changed unto those that belong to the males, since by those parts only the distinction of the sexes is made ; nor can I well impute the reason of this vulgar error to any thing but the mistake of inex- pert midwives, who have been deceived by the evil conformation of the parts, which, in some male births, may have happened to have some small protusions, not to have been discerned, as appears by the example of a child christened at Paris by the name of Joan, as a girl, who after- wards proved a boy: and, on the contrary, the overfar extension of the clytoris in female births may have occasioned the like mistakes. Thus far Pliny proceeds in the negative j and yet, notwithr
50' ahistotle's master -piece.
standing what he hath said, there are divers learn- ed physicians that have asserted the affirmative, of which number Galen is one. A man, saith he, is different from a woman in nothing else bat hav ing his genital members without his body, where- as a women has them within. And this is certain, that if nature, having formed a male, should con- vert him into a female, she hath no other task to perform, but to turn his genital members inward ; and i^o to turn a woman into a man by the contrary operation. Bat tViis is to be understood of the child, when it is in the womb, and not perfectly formed : for, oft-times, nature hath made a female child, and it hath so remained in the womb of the mother for a month or two ; and after, plenty of heat increasing in the genital members, they have issued forth and the child has become a male, yet retaining some certain gestures unbefitting the masculine sex, as female actions, a shrill voice, and a more eiTeminate temper than ordinary ; contrary wise, nature often having made a male, and cold humours flowing to it, the genitals have been inverted, yet still retaining a masculine air, both in voice and gestures. Now, though both these opinions are supported by several reasons, yet I esteem the latter more agreeable to truth 5 for there is not that vast difference between the genitals of the two sexes, as Pliny would have us believe there is 5 for a woman has in a manner the same members with the man, though they appear not outward, but are inverted for the conveniency of genera- tion j the chief difference being, that the one is solid and the other porous, and that the principal reason for changing sexes is, and must be attribu- ted to, heat or cold, suddenly or slowly contracted, which operates according to its greater or lesser force.
'f
abistotle's master-piecs.* 53f
CHAP. XI
DireciioKs and Cautions for Midwives : andfiraiy how a Mid- vnfe ought to be qualified,
A Midwife that would acquit herself well in her employment, ought by no means to enter upon it rashly or unadvisedly, but with all imaginable caution, considering that she is accountable for all the mischief that befalls the female through her wilful ignorance or neglect. Therefore let none take upon them the office barely upon pretence of maturity of years and child-bearing, for in such, for the most part, there are divers things wanting that ought to be observed, which is the occasion so many women and children are lost.
Now, for a midwife, in relation to her person, these things ought to be observed, viz. — She must neither be too old nor too young, neither extraor- dinarily fat nor weakened by leanness, but in a good habit of body ; nor subject to diseases, fears and sudden frights ; her body well shaped, and neat in her attire ; her hands smooth and small, her nails ever paired short, not suffering any rings to be upon her fingers during the time she is do- ing her office, nor and thing upon her wrists that may obstruct. And to these ought to be added activity and a convenient strength, with much cautiousness and diligence, not subject to drow- siness, nor apt to be impatient.
As for her manners, she ought to be courteous, affable, sober, chaste, and not subject to passion, bountiful and compassionate to the poor, and not covetous when she attends on the rich.
Her temper should be cheerful and pleasant, that she may the better comfort her patient in her la- bours. Nor must she at any time make overmuch.
58 Aristotle's master-piece.
haste, though her business should require her in another case, lest she thereby endanger the mother or the child.
Of spirit, she ought to be wary, prudent, and cunning : but, above all, the fear of God ought to have the ascendant in her soul, which will give her both " knowledge and discretion," as the wise man tells us.
CHAP. XII.
Further Directions for Midwives, teaching them what they ought to do, and what to avoid.
Since the office of a midwife has so great an in- fluence on the well or ill-doing of women and chil- dren, in the first place, let her be diligent to ac- quire whatever knowledge may be advantageous to her practice ; never thinking herself so perfect, but that she may add to her knowledge by study and experience j yet never let her make any exper- iment which may prove distressful to her patient, nor apply any unless she has tried them before, or knows they will do no harm ; imposing neither upon poor nor rich, but speaking freely what she knows ; and by no means prescribing such medi- cines as will cause abortion, though desired 5 which is a high degree of wickedness, and may be term- ed murder. If she be sent for to one she knows not, let her be very cautious ere she goes, lest, by laying an infectious woman, she do injury toothers as sometimes it has happened. Neither must she make her house a receptacle for great bellied wo- men to discharge their burdens in, lest her house get an ill-name, and she thereby suffer loss. In laying of women, if the birth happen to be large
Aristotle's master-piece. 59
and difficult, she must not seem to be concerned, but must cheer up the woman, and do what she can to make her labour easy. For which she may find directions in the second book of this work.
She must never think of any thing but doing well, causing all things to be in readiness that are proper for the work, and the strengthening of the woman, and receiving of the child ; and, above all, let her take care to keep the woman from being unruly when her throes are coming upon her, lest she thereby endanger her own life and the child's.
She must also take care that she be not too hasty in her business, but wait G od's time for the birth ; lest, through fear, if things should not go well, it should make her incapable of giving that assist- ance which the labouring woman stands in need of ; for when there is most seeming danger, there is most need of prudence to set things aright.
And now, because she can never be a skilful midwife that knows nothing but what is to be seen outwardly, I think it will not be amiss, but on the contrary highly necessary, with modesty, to des- cribe the generative parts of women, as they have been anatomized by the learned, and show the use of such vessels as contribute to generation.
CHAP. XIII.
Of the Genitals of Women, externa and internal, to the F"m- sels of the Womb.
If it were not for public benefit, especially of the practitioners and professors of the art of mid- wifery, I would forbear to treat of the secrets of nature, because they may be turned by some into ridicule but, being absolutely necessary to be
60 Aristotle's mastkr-piece.
known, I will not omit them. These parts expoS" ed at the bottom of the belly are the fissura magna or the great chink, with its labia or lips, the Mons Veneris, and the hair ; these are called the pudenda, because, when bare, they bring pudor, or shame, upon a woman. The fissura magna reaches from the lower part of the os pubis, to within an inch of the anus ; but it is lesser and closer in maids than in those that have borne children, and has two lips, which, towards the pubis, grow thicker and more full ; and meeting upon the middle of the OS pubis, make that rising hill called Mons Veneris, or the Hill of Venus. Next are the nympha andclytoris j the former is of a mcmbrany and flammy substance, spongy, soft, and partly fleshy, of a red colour, in the shape of wir^s, two in number, though, from their rise, they are join- ed in an acute angle, producing there a fleshy sub- stance, which clothes the clytoris ; and sometimes they spread so far, that incision is required to make way for the man's instrument of generation.
The clytoris is a substance in the upper part of the division where the two wings concur, and is the seat of venereal pleasure, being like a yard in situation, substance, composition, and errection ; growing sometimes out of the body two inches j but that never happens unless through extreme lust or extraordinary accidents. This clytoris consists of two spongy and skinny bodies, contain- ing a distinct original from the os pubis, the head of it being covered with a tender skin, having a hole or passage like the penis or yard of a man, though not quite through, in which, and the big- ness, it only differs from it.
The next things are the fly-knobs, and the great neck of the womb. Those knobs are behind the wings, being four in number, and resemble myrtle- berries, being placed quadrangularly, one against
akistotle's master-piece. 61
the other ; and in this place is inserted the orifice of the bladder, which opens itself into the fissures, to evacuate tho urine ; for securing of which from cold, or the like inconveniency, one of these knobs is placed before it, and shuts up the passage.
The lips of the womb, that next appear, being separated, disclose the neck thereof ; and in them two things are to be observed, which is the neck itself, and the hymen, but more properly the claus- trum virginale, of which before I have discoursed. By the neck of the womb is to be understood the channel that is between the aforesaid knobs and the inner bone of the womb, which receives the penis like a sheath ; and that it may the better be dilated from the pleasure of procreation, the sub- stance of it is sinewy and a little spongy ; and in this concavity are divers folds, or obicular plaits, made by tunicles wrinkled like an expanded rose. In virgins they plainly appear, but in women that have often used copulation they are extinguished, so that the inner side of the womb's neck appears smooth, but in old women it appears more hard and grisled. But though this channel be some- times writhed and crooked, sinking down, yet, in the time of copulation, labour, or the monthly pur- gation, it is erected and extended ; which overten- sion occasions the pain in child-birth.
The hymen, or claustrum virginale, is that w'hich closes the neck of the womb, being broken in first copulation, its use being rather to stay the untimely courses in virgins than to any other end ; and commonly when broken in copulation, or by any other accident, a small quantity of blood flows from it, attended with some little pain. From whence some observe, that between the displicity of the two tunicles, which constitute the neck of the womb, there are many veins and arteries run- ning along and arising from the vessels on both
(>
62 akistoti.e's master-piece.
sides of the thighs, and so passing into the neck of the womb, being very large : and the reason tfcereof is, that the neck of the bladder requires to be filled with abundance of spirits, thereby to be dilated, for its better taking hold of the penis, there being great heat required in such motions, which becomes more intense by the act of friction, and consumes a considerable quantity of moisture, in the supply of which, large vessels are altogether necessary.
Another cause of the larg^eness of these vessels is, by reason the menses make their way through them, which often occasions women with child to continue their purgation : for, though the womb be shut up, yet the neck in the passage of the womb, through which these vessels pass, is open. In this case there is further to be observed, that as soon as you penetrate the pudendum, there appear two little pits or holes, wherein is contained humour, which being expunged in time of copula^ tion, greatly delights the woman.
CHAP. XIV.
^ Description of the Woman's Fabric, the Preparing VmscIs and Testicles in Women, ^s also of the Difference and Eja- culatory Vessels.
i
i In the lov/er part of the hypogastrium, where the lips are widest and broadest, they being great- er and broader thereabout than those of men, for which reason they have likewise broader buttocks than men ; the womb is joined to its neck, and is placed between the bladder and strait-gut, which, keep it from swaying or rolling, yet give it liberty to stretch and dilate itself, and again to contract,
Aristotle's master-piece. 63
jis nature disposeth it. Its figure is in a manner round, and not unlike a gourd, lessening a little, and growing more acute towards one end, being knit together by its proper ligaments ; its neck likewise is joined by its own substance and cer- tain membranes that fasten unto the os' sacrum and the share-bone. As to its largeness, that much differs in women, especially the difference is great between those that have borne children, and those that have borne none : in substance it is so thick, that it exceeds a thimble-breath ; which, after copulation, is so far from decreasing, that it augments to a greater proportion : and the more to strengthen it, it is interwoven with fibres over- thwart, which are both straight and winding ; and its proper vessels are veins, arteries, and nerves ; and among these there are two little veins, which pass from the spermatic vessels into the bottom of the vvomb, and two larger from the neck, the mouth of these veins piercing as far as the inward concavity
The vvomb hath tv»^o arteries on both sides of the spermatic vessels and the hypogastric, which accompany the veins; and besides, there are di- vers little nerves, that are knit and twined in the form of a net, which are also extended through- out, even from the bottom of the pudendum itself, being placed chiefly for sense and pleasure, moving in sympathy between the head and the womb.
Now, it is to be further noted, that by reason of the two ligaments that hang on either side of the womb, from the share-bone, piercing through the peritoneum, and joined to the bone itself, the womb is moveable upon sundry occasions, often falling low or rising high. As for the neck of the womb it is of exquisite feeling ; so that if it be at any timeout of order, being troubled with a schirrosity, over fatness, moisture, or relaxation, the womb is
64 Aristotle's master-piece.
subjected thereby to barrenness. In those that are with child, there frequently stays a glutinous matter in the entrance to facilitate the birth j for, at the time of delivery, the mouth of the womb is opened to such a wideness as is comformable to the bigness of the child, suffering an equal dilation from the bottom to the top.
As for the preparatory, or spermatic vessels, ia women, they consist of two veins and two arteries not differing from those of men, but only in their largeness and manner of insertion ; for the number of veins and arteries is the same as in men, the riofht vein issuincr from the trunk of the hollow vein descending ; and beside them are two arteries which flow from the aorta.
As to the length and breadth of these vessels, they are narrower and shorter in women than in men ; only, observe they are more writhed and contorted than in men, and shrinking together, by reason of their shortness, that they may, by their looseness, be better stretched out when occasion requires it : and those vessels in woman are car- ried in an indirect course through the lesser guts and testicles, but are mid-way divided inlfo two branches ; the greater goes to the stones, constitu- ting a various or winding body, and wonderfully inoculating ; the lesser branch ending in the womb, in the inside of which it disperseth itself, and es- pecially at the higher part of the bottom of the womb, for its nourishment, and that part of the courses may purge through the vessels ; and see- ing the testicles of women are Seated near the womb, for that cause these vessels fall not from the peritoneum, neither make they much passage, as in men, not extending themselves in the share- bone.
The stones in women, commonly called testicles perform not the same action as in men ; they are
AaiST0TLE*8 MASTER-PIECE. 65
also different in their location, bigness, temper- ature', substance, form, and covering. As for the place of their seat, it is in the hollowness of the abdonien ; neither are they pendulous, but rest on the muscles of the loins, so that they may, by con- tracting the greater heat, be more fruitful, their office being to contain the ova, or eggs, one of which being impregnated by the man's seed, en- genders man ; yet they differ from those of men in. figure, by reason of their lessness or flatness at each end, not being so round or oval ; the exter- nal superfices being likewise more unequal, appear- ing like the composition of a great many knobs or kernels mixed together. There is a difference also in their substance, they being much more soft and pliable,' loose and not so well compacted. There bigness and temperament are likewise dif- ferent ; for they are much colder, and less than those in men. As for their covering or inclosure, it differs extremely ; for as men's are wrapped in divers tunicles, by reason they are extremely pen- dulous, and subject to divers injuries, unless so fenced by nature ; so women's stones, being inter- nal, and less subject to casualty, are covered with one tunicle or membrane, which, though it closely cleave to them, yet they are likewise half covered with the peritoneum.
The ejaculatory vessels are two obscure pas- sages, one on each side, nothmg differing from the spermatic veins in substance. They rise in one part from the bottom of the womb, not reaching from the other extremity, either to the stones or to any other part, but shut up and impassable, adhering to the womb, as the colon does to the blind gut, and winding halfway about ; and though the testicles are remote from them, and touch them not, yet they are tied to them by certain membranes, resembling the wing of a bat, through
6*
66 Aristotle's master-piece.
which certain veins and arteries passing from the end of the testicles, may bd termed here to" have their passage proceeding from the corner of the womb to the testicles, and are accounted proper ligaments, by which the testicles and womb are united and strongly knit together : and these liga- ments in women are the cremasters in men, of which I shall speak more largely, when I come to describe the masculine parts conducing to gen- eration.
CHAP. XV.
A Description of the Use and Action of several Parts in Wo' men^ appointed in Generaiion,
The externals, commonly called the pudenda, are designed to cover the great orifice, and to re- ceive the penis or yard in the act of coition, and give passage to the birth and urine. The use of the wings and knobs, like myrtle-berries, are for the seciurity of the internal parts, shutting the ori- fice and neck of the bladder, and by their swelling up, to cause titilation and delight in those parts, and also to obstruct the involuntary passage of the urine.
The action of the clytoris in women is like that of the penis in man, viz. the erection ; and its outer end is like the glands of the penis, and has the same name. And as the glands of man are the seat of the greatest pleasure in conception, so is this in the women.
The action and use of the neck of the womb is equal with that of the penis, viz. erectior], occa- sioned divers ways ; first, in copulation, it is erect- ed and made strait for the passage of the penis in-
ARISl-Ot-LE'^S MASTER-PIECS. 67
to xhe womb : 2dly, whilst the passage is repleted with spirit and vital blood, it becomes more strait for embracing" the penis : and as for the conven* iency of erection, it is twofold i first, because if the neck of the womb was not erected, the yard could have no convenient passage to the womb : secondly, it hinders any hurt or damage that might ensue through the violent ■concussion of the yard during the time of copulation.
As for the veins that pass through the neck of the womb, their use is to replenish it with blood and spirit, that still, as the moisture consumes by the heat contracted in copulation, it may by these vessels be renewed ; but their chief business is to convey nutriment to the womb.
The womb has many properties attributed to it : as, first retention of the foecundated egg^ and this is properly called conception: secondly, to cherish and nourish it, till nature has framed the child and brought it to perfection, and then it strongly ope- rates in sending forth the birth, when the time of its remaining there is expired, dilating itself in a wonderful manner, and so aptly removed from the senses, that nothing of injury can proceed from thence, retaining itself a power and strength to operate and cast forth the birth, unless by accident it be rendered deficient j and then, to strengthen and enable it, remedies must be applied by skilful hands ; directions for applying of which will be given in the second book.
The use of the preparing vessels is this ; the ar- teries convey the blood to the testicles ; part where- of is put in the nourishment of them, and the pro- duction of these little bladders (in all things re- sembling eggs,) through which the vast preparen* tia run, and are obliterated in them : and as for the veins, their office is to bring back what blood remains from the use aforesaid. The vessels of
6a? ARlSTOriE-S MASlra-TlECE,
this kind are much shorter in women than in me^ by reason of their nearness to the stones ; which defects are yet made good by the many intricate windings to which those vessels are subject j for, in the middle way they divide themselves into two branches, though different in magnitude, for one being greater than the other passes to the stones.
The stones in women are very useful, for where they are defective, generation*work is at an end. For although those bladders which are on their out- ward superiices contain nothing of seed, asthefol* lowers of Galen and Hippocrates did erroneously imagine, yet they contain several eggs, generally twenty in each testicle j one of which being im- pregnated by the spirtuous part of the man^s seed in the act of coition, descends through the ova- ducts into the womb, and from hence, in process of time, becomes a living child.
CHAP. XVI.
Of the Organs of Generation in Man.
Having given you a description of the organs of generation in women, with the anatomy of the fabric of the womb, I shall now, to complete the first part of this treatise, describe the organs cf generation in men, arid how they are fitted to the Use for which nature designed them.
The instrument of generation in man (cotnmonly called the yjird, and in Latin, penis, a pendendo, because it hangs without the belly,) is an organi- cal part, which consists of skin, tendons, veins, arteries, sinews, and great ligaments ; and is long and round, and on the upper aide ilattish, seated
Aristotle's master-piece. 69
under the os pubis, and ordained by nature partly for evacuation of urine, and partly for conveying the seed into the matrix: for which end it is full of small pores, through which the seed passes into it, through the vesicula seminalis, and also the neck of the vesicula urinalis, which pours out the urine when they make water ; besides the common parts, viz. the two nervous bodies, the septum, the urethra, the glands, four muscles, and the vessel. The nervous bodies (so called) are surrounded with a thick white pervious membrane, but their inmost substance is spongy, consisting chiefly of veins, arteries, and nervous fibres, interwoven together like a net. And when the nerves are filled with animal spirits, and the arteries with hot and spirituous blood, then the penis is distended, and beconse serect ; but when the influx of the spir- its ceases, then the blood and remaining spirits are absorbed by the veins, and so the penis' spirits are limber and flaggy. Below these nervous bodies is th€ urethra ; and whenever the nervous bodies swell, it swells also. The muscles of the penis are four ; two shorter, arising from the <;oxendix, and serving for erection, and for that reason are called erectores j two larger, proceed- ing from the spinehter of the anus, which serve to dilate the urethra for evacuation of seed, and are called dilatantes, or winding. At the end of the penis are the glands, covered with a very thin membrane, by means of which, and its nervous substance, it becomes most exquisitely sensible, and is the principal seat ef pleasure in copulation. The outermost covering of the glands is called prseputium, a percutiendo, from being cut ofl', it being that which the Jews cut oflT in circumcision, and it is tied by the lower parts of it to the glands of the foetus. The penis is also stocked with veins, farteries, and nerves.
70 ARISTOTLE *S MASTER-PIECE.
The testiculi, or stor.es, (so called, because tes- tifying one to be a man,) elaborate the blood l)rought to them by the spermatic arteries into seed. They have coats of two sorts, proper and common ; the common are two, and invest both the testes. The outermost of the common coats con- sists of the cuticula, or true skin, and is called the scrotum, hang-ing out of the abdomen like a purse ; the innermost is the membrana carnosa. The proper coats are also two, the outer called eliotro- des or virginales, the inner albugidia ; into the outer is inserted the cremaster. To the upper part of the testes are fixed the epidimydes, or prostoatsD ; from whence ariseth tilre vasa deferen- tia, or ejaculatoria ; which, when they come near the neck of the bladder, deposit the seed unto the vesiculje seminales ; these vesicular seminales are two, each like a bunch of grapes, and*emit the seed into the urethra in the act of copulation. Near them are the prostratse, about the bigness of a walnut and joined to the neck of the bladder. Authors do not agree about the use of them, but most are of opinion that they afford an oily, sloppy, and fat humour, to besmear the urethra, whereby to defend the same from the acrimony of the seed and urine. But the vessels which convey the blood to the testes, out of which the seed is made, are arterse spermatica;, and are also two. The ^- eins which carry out the remaining blood are two,, and have the name venre spermaticas^
akistotlk's mastes-piece. 71
CHAP. XVII.
^ voord of Advict to both Sexes, being several Uirecikms r<- speciing the Act of CopHlaiioH,
Since nature has implaated in every creature a mutual desire of copulation, for the increase and propagation of its kind, and more especially in man, the lord of the creation and master-piece of nature, that so noble a piece of divine workman- ship might not perish, something ought to be said concerning it, it being the foundation of all that we have hitherto been treating of, since without copulation there can be no generation. Seeing^ llxerefore so much depends upon it, I have thought it necessary, before 1 conclude the first book, to give such directions to both sexes, for the per-i formance of that act, as may appear efficacious to the end for which nature designed it : but it will be done with that caution as not to offend the chastest ear, nor put the fair sex to the trouble of a blush in reading it. First, then, when a mar- ried couple, from a desire of having children, are about to make use of those means that nature or- dained to that purpose, it would be very proper to cherish the body with generous restoratives, that so it may be brisk and vigorous ; and if their im- aginations were charmed with sweet and melodi- ous airs, and care and thought of business drown- ed in a glass of rosy wine, that their spirits may be raised to the highest pitch of ardour and joy, it would not be amiss j for any thing of sadness, trouble, and sorrow, are enemies to the delights of Venus. And if, at any such times of coition, there should be conception, it would have a malev- olent effect upon the child. But though generous reistoratives may be used for invigorating nature,
72 Aristotle's master-piece*
yet all excess is to be carefully avoided, for it will allay the briskness of the spirits, and render them dull and languid, and also hinder digestion, and so must needs be an enemy to copulation ; for it is food moderately taken, and well digested, that creates good spirits, and enables a man with vigour and activity to perform the dictates of nature. It is also highly necessary that in their mutual em- braces they meet each other with an equal ardour j for if the spirits flag on either part, they will fall short of what nature requires, and the women must either miss of conception, or else the chil- dren prove weak in their bodies, or defective in their understanding: and therefore I do advise them, before they begin their conjugal embraces, to invigorate their mutual desires, and make their flames burn with a Herce ardour by those endear- ing ways that love can better teach than I can write.
And when they have done what nature requires^ a man must have a care he does not part too soon from the embraces of his wife, lest some sudden interposing cold should strike into the womb, and occasion a miscarriage, and thereby deprive them of the fruit of their labour.
And when, after some small convenient time, the man hath withdrawn himself, let the women gently betake herself to rest with all imaginable serenity and composure of mind, free from all anxious and disturbing thoughts, or any other kind of perturbation whatsoever. And let her, as much as she can, forbear turning herself from that side on which she first reposed.- And by all means let her avoid coughing and sneezing, which, by its violent concussion on the body is a great enemy to conception, if it happen soon after the act of coition.
BOOK II,
A PRIVATE LOOKING-GLASS "
FOR THE FEMALE SEX.
TREATING OF SEVERAL MALADIES INCIDENT TO THE WOMB, WITH PROPER P.EMEDIES FOR THE. CURE OF EACH.
CHAR L
Of the Womb m general.
Although in the first book I have spoKen some- thing of the womb, yet being in the second book to treat more particularly thereof, and of the va- rious distempers and malsidies it is subjected to, I shall not think it tautology to give you, by way of instruction, a general de-cription both of its sit- uation and extent, I at rather think it can by no means be omitted, especially since in it I am to speak of the quality of the menstrous blood.
First, touching the v/cmb. By the Grecians it is called metra, the mother ; adelphos, says Pris- cian, because it makes us all brothers.
It is placed in the hypogastrium, or lower part of the body, in the carity called pelvis, having the strait gut on one side, to keep it from the other side of the backbone, and the bladder on the other side to defend it from blows. The form or figure of it is like a virile member, only thus described — the manhood is outwad and womanhood inward.
It is divided into the neck and the body. Th«
7
74 AErSTOTtE'S MASTEB-PIECir.
ueclc coijsists of a hard fleshy substauce, mucb like cartilage, at the end whereof there is a mem- brane transversely placed, called hymen or eng-ion. Near to the neck there m a prominent pinnacle, which is called by Mountinus the door ofthe womb because it preserves the matrix from cold and dust ; by the Grecians it is called clytoris ; by the Latins praeputium miiliebre, because the Jewish women did abuse those parts to their own mutual lusts, as Paul speaks, Rom. i. 26.
The body of the womb is that wherein the- child is conceived ; and this is not altogether round, but dilates itself into two angles, the outward part of it nervous and full of sinews, which are the cause of its motion, but inwardly it is fleshy. In the cavity of the womb there are two cells or recep- tacles for human seed, divided by a line running through the midst of it. In the right side of the cavity, by the reason of the heat of the liver, males are conceived ; in the left side, by the cold- ness of the spleen, females are begotten. Most of our moderns hold the above as an infallible truth, yet Hippocrates holds it but in general : " For in whom (saith he) the spermatic vessels on the right side come from the reins, and the spermatic vessels on the left side from the hollow vein, in them males are conceived in the left side, and females in the right." Well, therefore, may I conclude with the saying of Empedocles, " Such sometimes is the power of the seed, that the male may be conceived in the left side, as well as in the right." In the bottom of the cavity, there are little holes called the coliledones, which are the ends of certain veins and arteries, serving in breeding women to convey substance to the child, which is received by the umbilical veins; and others to carry their courses into the matrix. .
Now, touching the menstnials, they are defined
Aristotle's masteh-piecs. 75
to be a monthly flux of excrementition and unpro- fitable bloodi, which is to be understood of the su- perplus or redundance of it. For it is an excre- ment in quality, its quantity being pure and in- corrupt, like unto the blood in the veins.
And that the menstrous blood is pure and sub- tle of itself, all in one quality with that in the veins is proved two ways.: iirst, from the final cause of the blood, which is the propagation and conversa- tion of mankind, that man might be conceived ; and beinsf beootten, he mif^ht be comforted and preserved both in the womb and out of the v/omb. And ail will gxant it for a truth, that a child, when in the matrix, is nourished with the blood. And it is true, that being out of the womb, it is still nourished with the same ; for the milk is nothing but the menstrous blood made white in the breast. Secondly, it is proved to be true., from the gen- eration of it, it being the superfluity of the last aliment of the fleshy parts.
The natural end of man and woman's being is to propagate ; and this injunction was imposed upon them by God at their first creation, and again after the deluge. Now, in the act of con- <;eption, there must be an agent and patient^ for if they be both every way of one constitution, they cannot propagate : man therefore is hot and dry, woman cold and rnoist j he is the agent, she the patient or weaker vessel, that she should be sub- ject to -the office of the man. It is necessary the woman should be of a cold constitution, because in her is required a redundancy of nature for the infant depending on her ; for otherwise, if there were not a superplus of nourishment for the child, more than is convenient for the mother, then would the infaiit detract and weaken the princi- pal parts of the mother, and like unto the viper, the generation of the infiajt would be the destruc- tion of the parent-
76 akistotle's Bf aster-piece^
The m6nthl3r purgations continue fremtlie l&th year to the 46th or 50th ; yet often there happens a suppression, which is either natural or morbifi- cal ; they are naturally suppressed in breeding women, and such as give s .ck. The morbiiical suppression falls now into our method to be spoken of»
CHAP. IL
Of the Meteniion of the Courses, ,
The suppression of tlie terms is an interceptiorfe of that accustomed evacuation of blood whicb every month should come from the matrix, pro- ceeding" from the instrument or matter vitiated.. The part affected is the womb, and that of itself or by consent.
Cause. The cause of this suppression is either external or internal. The external cause may be heat, or dryness of the air, immoderate watching^ great labour, vehement motion, &c. whereby the matter is so consumed and the body so exhausted,, that there is not a surplus remaining to be expei-> led, as is recorded of the Amazons, who, being ac- tive and always in motion, had their fluxions very little, or not at all. Or it may be caused by cold^ which is most frequent, making the blood vicious and gross, condensing and binding up the pas- sages, that it cannot :fiow forth.
The internal cause is either instrumental or material, in the womb or in the blood.
In the womb it may be divers ways ; by impos- themes, humours, ulcers, by the narrowness of the veins and passages, or by the omentum, ivh fat bodies, pressing the neek of the matrix ; but
abjstotle's master-pikce. 77
then they must have hernia, zirthilJis, for in inan- kind the kell reacheth not so low ; by overmuch cold or heat, the one vithiting the action, the other consuiYung* the matter by an evil composition of the uterine parts, by th^ neck of the womb being- turned aside, and sometimes, though rarely, by a membrane or excrescence of the flesh growing about the mouth or neck of the womb. The blool may be in fault two ways, in quantity or quality * m quantity, when it is so consumed that there is not a t>uperp]us left, as in viragos, or virile women, wlio, through their heat and strength of nature, dio-esl and consume ail in their last nourishment ; as Hippocrates writes of Prethusa, who being ex- alted by her husband Pathea, her terms were sup- pressed, her voice changed, and she had a beard, with the countena-nce of a man. But these I judge rather to be Tynopagi, or "women-eaters, than wo- men-breeders, because they consume one of the principles of generation, which gives a being to the world, viz. the menstrous blood. The blood likewise' may t)e <;onsumed, and consequently the terms staid, by bleeding at the nose, by a flux of the hemorrhoids, by a dysentery commonly called the bloody flux, by many other evacuations, and ^ by continaal and chronical diseases. Secondly.! The matter may be vicious in quality; and sup- pose it to be sanguineus, plilegraatical, bilious or melancholic ; every one of these, if they offend in grossness, will cause an obstruction In the veins.
Signs, Signs manifesting the disease, are pains in the head, neck, back, and loins; weariness of the whole body, (but especially of the hips and legs, by reason of a confinity which the matrix have with these parts ;) trembling of the heart. Particular signs are these ; If the suppression pro- ceed from cold, she is heavy, slucrgish, of a pale colour, and has a slow pulse; Venus^s combat*
7*
78 Aristotle's master-piece^
are neglected, the urine cruddles, the blood be- comes waterish and much in quantity, and the ex- crements of the guts usually are retained. If of heat, the signs are contrary to those now recited. If the retention be natural, and come of conception,, this may be known by drinking of hydro^mel, that is, water and honey, after supper, going to bed, by the effect which it worketh ; for if^ after the taken of it, she feels a beating pain upon the navel, and the lower part of the belly, it is a sign she hath cc^nceived, and that the suppression is na- tural f if not, then it is vicious, and ought medi- cinally to be taken away.
Prognostics. With the evil quality &f the wombj, the whole body stands charged, but especially the heart, the liver, and the brain ; and betwixt the- womb and these three principal parts there is a singular concert : First, the womb communicates to the heart by tlie mediation of those arteries which come from the aorta. Hence, the terms being suppressed, ^vilI ensue faintings,^swooningSy intermission of pu}se, cessation of breath. Second- ly, it communkates to the liver by the veins de- rived fram the hollow vein.^ Hence will follow ob- structions, cahexies, jaundice, dropsies,, hardness of spleen. Thirdly, it communicates to the brain hy the nerves and membra;ne of the back: hence will arise epilepsies, frenzies, melancholy passion,, pain in the after parts of the head, fearfulness and inability of speaking. Well, therefore^ may I con- clude whh Hippocrates, if the months be suppress- ed, many dangerous diseases will follow.
Cure, In the cure of this, and of all the other follov/ing effects, I wiH observe the order. The cure shall be taken from chirurgical, pharmaceu- tical, and diiiretical m^eans. Tiiis suppression is a plethoric effect,, and m;ist be taken away by evacuation y and therefare we will iirst begin with
Aristotle's bi aster-piece. 19
phlebotomy. In the midst of the menstrual pe- riod open the liver vein ; and for the reservation of the humour, two days before the evacuation^ open the saphena in both feet; if the repletion be not great, apply cuppingf-glasses to the legs and thighs, akhougb there should be no hopes to re- move the suppresion. As in some thecotiledones are so closed up, that nothing but copulation will open them ; yet it will be convenient, as much as may be, to ease nature of her burden, by opening the hemorrhoid veins with a leech. After phle- botomy, let the humours be prepared and made flexible with syrup of stychas calamint, betony, hyssop, mugvvort, horehound, fumitary^ maiden hair. Baihe w'ith camomile, pennyroyal, savia, bay leaves, juniper berries, rue, marjoram, fever^ few. Take of the leaves of nep, maiden hair, suc- cory, and betony, of each a handful, make a de- coction ; take thereof three ounces. Syrup of maiden hair, mugwort, and succory ; mix of each half an ounce. After she comes out of the bath, let her drink it off. Purge with pill de agarice, fleybang, corb, ferise. Galen, in this case, com- mends pilulsB de caberica, coloquintida ; for, as they are proper to purge the humour offending, so also they do open the passage of the womb^ and strengthen the faculity by their aromatical quality.
If the stomach be overcharged, let her take a vomit, yet such a one as may work both ways, lest working only upward, it should too much turn back the humour. Take trochisks of agaric two drachms, infuse them in two ounces of oxy- mel, in which dissolve of the electuary dissarum one scruple and a half, bendic. laxit. half an ounce. Take this after the manner of a purge.
After the humour hath been purged, proceed to more proper and forcible remedies. Take of tro-
80 akistotle's master-piece.
chisk of myrrh one drachm and a half ; parsley seed, castor rinds, or cassia, of each one scruple, and of the extract of mugwort one scruple and a half J of musk ten grains, with the juice of small- age j make twelve pills ; take six every morning or after supper going to bed. Take of cinnamon half an ounce, smirutium, or rogos, valerin aris- tolochia, of each two drachms : roots of astru- mone, drachm saffron, of each two scruples j spec, diambia, two drachms ; trochisk of myrrh, four scruples 5 tartari vitriolari, two scruples ; make half into a powder 5 with mugwort water and su- gar a sufficient quantity, make lozenges, take one drachm of them every morning j or mingle one drachm of the powder with one drachm of sugar, and take it in white wine. Take of prepared steel, spec hair, of each two drachms j borax, spec, of myrrh, of each one scruple, with the juice of sa- vine ; make it up into eighty-eight lozenges, and take three every other day before dinner. Take of castor one scruple, wild carrot seed half a drachm, with syrup of mugwort, and make four pills ,* take them in a morning fasting, and so for three days together, before the wonted time of the purgation. Take of agaric, aristolochia, juice of horehound, of each five drachms ; rhubarb, spike- nard, anniseed, gaidanum, assafo&tida, mallow root, gentian, of the three peppers, lacoace, of each six drachms ; with honey make an electuary, take of it three drachms for a dose In phlegmatic bodies nothina: can be better gfiven than the decoc- tion of the wood of ofnaicum, with a little disclaim taken in the morning fasting, and so for twelve days together, without provoking of sweat.
Adminster to the lower parts by suffumigations pessaries, unctions, injections: make suffumiga- tions of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, bay berries, mugwort, galbanum, molanthium, amber, &c.
Axistotle's master-piece. 81
Make pessaries of figs, and the leaves of mercury bruised, and rolled up with lint. If you desire a stronger, make one of myrrh, adulium, apopanax, ammoniacum, galbanum, sasrepauum, mithridate, agaric, coloquintida, &c. Make injections of the decoction of origane, mugvvort, mercury, betony, and eggs ; inject it into the womb by an instrument lit for that purpose. Take of oil of almonds, lilies, capers, camomile, of each half an ounce ; laudani, oil of myrrh, of each two drachms; with wax make and unguent, with which let the place be anointed ', make infusions of fenugreek, cammomile melilot, dill, marjoram, pennyroyal, feverfew, juniper berries, and calamint ; but if the suppres- sion comes by a defect of matter, then ought not the courses to be provoked until the spirits be animated, and the blood again increased ; or, if by proper effects of the womb, as dropsies, in- flammations, &c. then must particular care be used ; the which I will not insist upon here, but speak of them as they lie in order.
If the retention comes from repletion, or fulness, if the air be hot and dry, use moderate exercise befoie meals, and your meat and drink atteuna- ting ; use with your meat garden savory, thyme, origane, and cyche peason : if from emptiness or defect of matter, if the air be moist and modera- tely hot, shun exercise and watching; let your meat be nourishing and of light digestion, as raw eggs, lamb, chickens, almonds, milk, and the like.
82 ahistotle's master-piece.
CHAP. III.
Of tlie Overflowing of five Courses.
The learned say, that by comparing contraries, truth is nnade manifest : having therefore spoken of the suppression of terms, order requires now that I should insist on the overflowing of them, an effect no less dangerous than the former; and this immoderate flux of the month is defined to be a sanguinous excrement, proceeding from the womb, exceeding both in quantity and time. First, it is said to be sanguinous ; the niatter of the flux being only blood, wherein it differs from that which is commonly called the false courses, or the whites, of which I shall speak hereafter. Secondly, it is said to proceed from the womb; for there are two ways from which the blood flows forth 5 the one is by the internal veins of the body of the womb, — and this is properly called the monthly flux ; the other is by those veins which are terminated in the neck of the matrix, — and by Aetius this is called the hemorrhoids of the womb. Lastly, it is said to exceed both in quantity and time. In quantity, saith Hippocrates, when they flow about eighteen ounces ; in time, when they flow above three days : but we take this for a cer- tain character of their inordinate flowing when the faculties of the body are thereby weakened. In bodies abounding in gross humours, this im- moderate flux sometimes unburdens nature of her load, and ought not to be istaid without the coun- sel of a phj'^sician.
Cause. The cause of this affair is internal of external. The internal cause is threefold ; in the matter, instrument, or faculty. The matter, which is the blood, may be vicious two ways ;
Aristotle's master-piece. 83
first, by the heat of constitution, climate, or sea- son, heating the blood, whereby the passages are dilated, and the faculty weakened, that it cannot retain the blood. Secondly, by falls, blows, vio- lent motion, breaking of the veins, &;c. The ex- ternal cause may be calidity of the air, lifting, carrying of heavy burdens, unnatural child-birth,
Signs. In this inordinate flux, the appetite is decayed, the conception is depraved, and all the actions weakened 3 the feet are swelled, the colour of the face is changed, and a general feebleness possesseth the vi'hole body. If the Hux comes by the breaking of a vein, the body is sometimes cold, the blood flows forth in heaps, and that sud- denly, with great pain. If it comes through heat, the orifice of the vein being dilated, then there is little or no pain, yet the blood flows faster then it doth in an erosion, and not so fast as it doth in a rupture. If by erosion, or sharpness of blood, she feels a great heat scalding the passage; it differs from. the other two, in that it flows not so sudden- ly, nor so copiously as they do. If by weakness of the womb, she abhorreth the use of Venus. Lastly, if it proceed from an evil quality of the blood, drop some of it on a cloth, and when it is dry. you may judge of the quality by the colour. If it be choleric, it will be yellow ; if melancholy, black ; if phlegmatic, waterish and whitish. '^'" Prognostics. If with the flux be joined a con- "vulsion, it is danprerous, because it intimates the more noble parts are vitiated : and a convulsion caused by emptiness is deadly. If it continues long, it will be cured with great difficulty : for it was one of the miracles which our Saviour, Christ, wrought, to cure this disease, when it had contin- ued twelve years.
To conclude, if the flux be inordinate, many dis-
84 Aristotle's master-piece.
eases will ensue, and without remedy; the blood, together with the native heat, being consumed, either cachetica), hydropical, or paralytica! dis- eases will follow.
Cure, The cure consisteth in three particulars. First, in repellinsf and carrj'in^- away the blood; Secondly, in correcting and taking away the flux- ibility of the matter : Thirdly, in incorporating the veins and faculties. For the first, to cause a regression of the blood, open a vein in the arm, and draw out so much blood as the strength of the patient will permit ; and that not altogether, but at several times, (or thereby the spirits are less weakened, and the refraction so much the greater.
Apply cupping-glasses to the breasts, and al- so the liver, that the reversion may be in the fountain.
To correct the fluxibility of the matter, cathar- tical means, moderated with the astrictories, may be used.
If it be caused Sy erosion or sh&rpness of blood consider whether ?he erosion be by salt phlegm, or adust choler. li hy salt phlegm, prepare with syrup of violets, wormwood, roses, citron-pill suc- cory, &;c. Tlien make this purgation following: mirobalans, chebol, half an ounce; trochisks of agaric, one drachm ; with plantain-water make a decoction ; add thereto fir, roast, and lax, three ounces, and make a potion
If by adust choler, prepare the body with syrup of roses, myrtles, sorrel, and purslain, mixed with water of plantain, knot-grass, and endive. Then purge with this portion ; take rind of mirobalans and rhubarb of each one drachm, cinnamon, fif- teen grains; infuse them one night in endive-wa- ter ; add to the straining, pulp of tamarind, cassia, of each half an ounce, syrup of roses an ounce; snake a jiotion. If the blood be waterish or un-
Aristotle's master-piece. 85»
concocted, as it is in hydropical bodies, ar,d flows forth by reason of the tennity or thinness, to draw off the water it will be profitable to purge with agaric, elaterium, coloqiiintida: sweating is pro- per ia this case, for thereby the matter offending is taken away, and the motion of the blood car- ried to the outward parts. To procure sweat, use cardus- water, with mithridate, or the decoction of guaiacum, and sarsaparilla. The gum of guaia- cura also doth greatly provoke sweat j pills of sar- sa par ilia, taken every night going to bed, are worthily commended. If the blood flows forth through the opening or breaking of a vein, with- out any evil quality of itself, then ought only cor- roboratives to be applied j which is the last thing to be done in this inordinate flux.
Take of bole ammoniac one scruple, London
treacle one drachm, old conserve of roses half an
ounce, with syrup, of myrtle make an electuary :
or, if the flux hath continued long, take of mastic
two drachms ; choani troch de caraba, of each one
drachm j balusiium, one scruple; make a powder:
— with syrup of quinces make it into pills ', take
one always before meal.s. Take lapidis, hajmatia,
triti, of each two scruples ; spederdum, alantalia,
one ounce ; trech decarabede, scorria, ferri, coral,
fraukincense, of each one scruple; fine bole one
scruple ; beat these to fine pc.vder, and with sugar
and plantain-water make lozenges. Asses' dun^
is approved of, wheth or taken inwardly with syrup
of quinces, or outwardly with steeled-vvater.
Galen, by conveying the juice of it through a me-
trenchita in the womb four days together, cured
this immoderate flux, which no ways else could
be restrained. Going to bed, let her take one
scruple and a half of pilon in water: make a suffu-
migation for the matrix of mastic, frankincense,
burnt frogs, not forgetting the hoof of a mule.
8
86 Aristotle's master-piece.
Take the juice of knotgrass, comfrey, and quinces, of each one OLince, camphire one drachm ; dip silk or cotton therein, and apply it to the place. Take of oil of niastic, myrtles, quinces, of each half aa ounce; fine bole, troch, decarda, of each one drachm ; sanguis draconis a sufficient quantity j make an unguent, and apply it before and behind. Take of plantain, shepherd's purse, red rose leaves, of each one ounce and a half; dried mint one ounce ; bean-meal three ounces : — boil all these in plantain-water, and make of it two plasters ; apply one before and behind. If the blood flow from those veins which are terminated in the neck of the matrix, then it is not called the overflowing of the terms, but the hemorrhoids of the womb; yet the same cure will serve both, only the instrument- al cure will a little differ: for, in the uteririe he- morrhoids, the ends of the veins hang (;ver like teats or brushes, which must be taken away by incision, and then the veins closed up with aloes, fine bole, burnt alum, troach de terrs flail ; myrrh, mastic, with the juice of comfrey and knotgrass, laid piasterways thereto.
The air must be cold and dry. All motion of the body must be forbidden. Let her meat be pleasant, partridge, mountain-birds, coneys, calf- feet, &;c. And let her beer be mixed with juice of pomegranates and quinces.
CHAP. IV.
Of the Weeping of the Womb,
The weeping of the womb Is a flux of blood, un- natural, coming from thence by drops, after the manner of tears, causing violent pains in the same
Aristotle's master-piece. 87
keeping neither period nor time. By some it is referred unto the immoderate evacuation of the courses, yet they are distinguished in the quantity and manner of overflowing, in that they flow co- piously and free ; this is continual, though by little and little, and that with great pain and difli- culty ; wherefore it is likened unto the stran- guary.
The cause is in the faculty, instrument, or mat- ter ; in the faculty, by being enfeebled that it cannot expel the blood ; and the blood resting there, makes that part of the womb grow hard, and stretcheth the vessels; from whence proceeds the pain of the womb. In the instrument by the, narrowness of the passages. Lastly, it may be the matter of the blood, which may offend in too great a quantity ; or in an evil quality, it being so gross and thick that it cannot flow forth as it ought to do, but by drops. The signs will best appear by the relation of the patient : hereupon will issue pains in the head, stomach, and back, with inflammations, suffocations, and excoriations of the matrix. If the strength of the patient will permit, flrst open a vein in the arm, rub the upper parts, and let her arm be corded, that the force of the blood may be carried backward : then apply such things as may laxate and molify the strength- ening of the womb, and assuage the sharpness of the blood, as cataplasms made of bran, linseed, fenugreek, melilot, mallbws, mercury, and arti- plex. If the blood be vicious and gross, add there- to mugwort, calamint, dictam, and betony ; and let her take of Venice treacle the quantity of a nutmeg, and the syrup of mugwort every morn- ing ; make an injection of the decoction of mal- lows, mercury, linseed, groundsel, mugwort, fenu- greek, with oil of sweet almonds.
Sometimes it is caused by the wind, and then
88 ARISTOTLE'S JLA.STER-PIECE. ^5
.i)hl8botomy is to be omitted, and in the stead •thereof, take syrup of feverfew one ounce ; honey, Toses, syrup of roses, syrup of flachus, of each half an ounce ; water of calamint, mug wort, beto- iiy, and hyssop, of each one ounce ; make a ji^lep. If the pain continues, employ this purgation: take of spec and hiersB one drachm, diacatholicon half an ounce 5 syrup of roses and laxative one ounce j with the decoction of mugwort and the four cor- dial flowers make a potion. If it comes through the weakness of the faculty, let that be corrobora- ted. If through the grossness and sharpness of the blood, let the quality of it be altered, as I have shown in the foregoing chapter. Lastly, if the excrement of the guts be retained, provoke them by a clyster of the decoction of camomile, betony, feverfew, mallows, linseed, juniper berries, cum- jnin seed, anniseed, melilot, adding thereto of dia- catholicon half an ounce ; hiera piera, tAvo drachms , Jioney and oil of each one ounce ; salt nitre a ^rachm and a half. The patient must abstain from salt, sharp, and windy meats.
CHAP. V.
Of the False Courses, or Wliitet
Fkom the M^omb proceed not only menstrous blood, but, accidentally, many other excrements, which by the ancients are comprehended under the title of rebus gunakois; which is a distillation of a variety of corrupt humours through the womb, flowing from the whole body, or part of the same keeping neither courses nor colour, but varying in both.
Cause, The cause is either promiscuously in
Aristotle's master-piece. 89
the whole body, by a cocochymia, or weakness of the same, or in some of the parts, as in the liver, which, by the v ability of the sanguificative facul- ty, causeth a generation of corrupt blood, and then the matter is reddish ; sotnetimes the gall being sluggish in its office, not drawing away those choleric superfluities engendered in the liver, the matter is yellowish ; sometimes in the spleen, not deficiating and cleansing the blood of^ the dregs and excrementitious parts ; and then the matter flowing forth is blackish. It may also come from the catarrh in the head, or from any other putri- fied or corrupted member ; but if the matter of the flux be white, the cause is either in the stomach or reins ', in the stomach by a phlegmatical and crude matter there contracted and vitiated, through grief, melancholy, and other distempers ; for, other- wise, if the matter vi^ere only pituitous, crude phlegm, and no ways corrupt, being taken into the liver, it might be converted into blood ; for phlegm in the ventricle is called nourishment hall digested ; but being corrupt, though sent into the liver, yet it cannot be turned into nutriment for the second decoction cannot correct that which the first hath corrupted : and therefore the liver sends it to the womb, which can neither digest nor re- pel it, and so it is voided out with the same colour it had in the ventricle. The cause also may be in the reins being overheated, whereby the sper- maiical matter, by reason of its thinness, flows forth. The external causes may be moistness of the air, eating corrupt meats, anger, grief, sloth- fulness, immoderate sleeping, cosiiveness in the body.
The signs are, extentiation of the body, short- ness and stinking of the breath, loathinof of meat, pain in the head, swellings of the eyes and feet, and melancholy ; humidity flows from the womb of di-
8*
90 Aristotle's master-mece.
vers colours, as red, black, green, yellow, and white. It differs from the flowing and overflow- ing of the courses, in that it keeps no certain pq.- riod, and is of many colours, all of which do gea- '■■ erate from blood. '
Prognostic. If the flux be phlegmatical, it will continue long and bedifiicult to cure, yet if vomit- ing or diarrhcsa happeneth, it diverts the humour and cures the disease. If it be choleric, it is not so permanent, yet more perilous, for it will cause a cliff in the neck of the womb, and sometimes make an excoriation of the matrix ; if melancholic it must be dangerous and contumacious. Yet the flux of the hemorrhoids administer cure.
If the matter flowing forth be reddish, open a vein in the arm ; if not, apply ligatures to the arms and shoulders. Galen glories of himself, how he cured the wife of Brutus, labouring of this disease by rubbing the upper parts with crude honey.
If it be caused by a distillation from the brain, take syrup of betony, stochas, and marjoram ; purge with pillcoen, fine quibus de agrico ; make nasalia of the juice of sage, hyssop, betony, nigella with one drop of oil of elect, dianth, aromat. rosat diambrae, diamosci dulcis, of each one drachm, nutmeg half a drachm ; with sugar and betony water make lozenges, to be taken every morning and evening ; Auri Alexandria, half a drachm at night going to bed. If these things help not, use the suffumigation and plaster, as they are pre- scribed.
If it proceed from crudities in the stomach, or from a cold distempered liver, take every morning of the decoction of lignum sanctum ; purge with pill de agrico, de hermodact, de hiera, diacolinthio, fsetid. agrigatio : take elect, aromat. roses two drachms 5 citron peel dried, nutmeg, long pepper, of each one scruple j diaglanga one drachm ; fan*
Aristotle's master-piece. 91
tall, alb. lign. aloes, of each half a scruple ; sugar six ounces, with mint-water ; and make lozenges of it : take of them before 'meals. If, with the frigidity of the liver, there be joined a repietioa of the stomach, purging by vomit is commendable ; for which three drachms of the electuary diasatu. Galen allows of diuretical means, as absum pe- trofolmah.
If the matter of the flux be choleric, prepare the humour with syrup of roses, violets, endive, succory j purge with mirobalans, manna, rhubarb, cassia. Take of rhubarb two drachms, anniseed one drachm, cinnamon a scruple and a half; in- fuse them In six ounces of prune broth, add of the straining of manna one ounce, and take in the morning according to art. Take specierum, dia- tonlantoe, diacorant, prig, diarthod, abbaris, dy- acydomes, of each one drachm, sugar four ounces with plantain water j make lozenges. If the clys- ter of the gall be sluggish, and do not stir up the faculty of the gut, give hot clysters of the decoc- tion of the four mollifying herbs with honey of roses and aloes.
If the flux be melancholic, prepare with syrup of maiden-hair, epithymium, polipoly, borrage, buglos, fumitary, harts-tongue, and syrupusbisan- tius, which must be made without vinegar, other- wise it will rather animate the disease than nature : or melancholy by the use of vinegar is increased, and both by Hippocrates, Silvius, and Avenzoar, it is disallowed of as an enemy to the womb, and therefore not to be used inwardly in all uterine dis- eases. Purgers of melancholy are pilul99 sumaricr, pilulse lud de lapina, lazuli diosena, and confectio haxaec. Take of stamped prunes two ounces; Ben. one drachm ; epithimium, polibody, fumitary of each a drachm and a half; sour dates, one ounce ; with endive water, make a decoction ; take
92 Aristotle's master-piece.
of it four ounces, add unto it confections, hame- sech three dr-tchms, manna three drachms. Or take pil. indie, pil. foetid, agarici, trochisati, of each one scruple ; pills of rhubarb one scruple; lapidis lazuli six grains; with syrup of epithimi- um make pills, and lake them once every week. Take elect. Ifetificants, galen three drachms; dia- margariti, calimlone, diamosci, dulcis, conserves of borage, violets, buglos, of each a drachm ; cit- ron-peel candied, one drachm ; su^ar seven ounces : with rose-water make lozenges.
Lastly, Let the womb be cleansed from the cor- rupt matter, and then corroborated. For the puri- fying thereof, make injections of the decoction of betony, feverfew, spikenard, bistort, mercury, and sage, adding thereto sugar, oil of sweet almonds of each two ounces ; pesaries also may be made of silk or cotton, mollified in the juice of the afore- named herbs.
To corroborate the womb, you must thus pre- pare trochisks : take of mugwort, feverfew, myrrh, amber, mace, nutmeg, storax, lign. aloes, red roses of each one ounce; with the mucilage, tragacanth make trochisks ; cast some of them into coals, and smoke the womb therewith, and make fomenta- tions for the womb with red wine, in which hath been decocted mastic, fine bole, malustia, and red roots ; anoint the matrix with oil of quinces and myrtles, and apply thereto emplastrum, pro-ma- trice ; and let her take diamosdum, dulce, aract. and celematicum, every morning.
A dry diet is commended to be the best, because in this effect the body most commonly abounds with phlegmatical and crude humours. For this cause Hippocrates counsels the patient to go to bed supperless. Let her meat be partridge, pheas- ant, and mountain birds, rather roasted than boil- ed. Immoderate sleep is forbidden, moderate, ex- ercise is commended.
Aristotle's master-piece. 93
CHAP. VI.
Of iH Suffocation of the Mother.
This effect, which, if simply considered, is no- thing but the cause of an effect, is called in Eng- lish, "the suffocation of the nnother j" not because the womb is strangled, but for that it causeth the womb to be choked. It is a retraction of the womb towards the midriff and the stomach, which so presseth and crusheth up the same, that the in- strumental cause of respiration, the midriff, is suffocated, and consenting with the brain, causes the animating facultj'-, the efficient cause of res- piration, also to be intercepted, while the body be- ing refrigerated, and the action depraved, she falls to the ground as one dead.
In those hysterical passions some continue long- er, some shorter. Rabbi Moses writes of some who lay in the paroxysm of the fit for two days. Hufus makes mention of one who continued in the same passion three days and three nights j and at the three days' end she revived. That Vv'e may learn by other men's harms to beware, I will tell you an example. Paroetus writeth of a womaa in Spain, who suddenly fell into an uterine suffo- cation, and sppeared to men's judement as dead ; her friends wondering at this her sudden change, for their better satisfaction sent for a surgeon to have her dissected, who, beginning to make an. incision, the woman began to move, and with great clamour returned to herself again, to the horror and admiration of the spectators.
To the end that you may distinguish the living from the dead, the ancients prescribe three expe- riments : the first is, to lay a light feather to the mouth, and by its motion you may judge whether
94 Aristotle's master-piece.
the patient be living or dead : the second is, to place a glass of water on the breast, and if yoa perceive it to move, it betokeneth life : the third. is, to hold a pure looking-glass to the mouth and nose and if the glass appears thick, with a little dew upon it, it betokeneth life : and these three ex- periments are good, j^et with this caution, that you ought not to depend upon them to much: for though the feather and the water do not move and the glass continue pure and clear, yet it is not a necessary consequence that she is destitute of life. For the motion of the lungs, by which the respiration is made, may be taken away so that she cannot breathe, yet the internal transpi- ration of the heat may remain j which is not mani- fest by the motion of the breast or lungs, but lies occult in the heart and inward arteries : examples whereof we have in the fly and swallow, who, in cold winters, to ocular aspect, seem dead, inani- mate, and breathe not at all ; yet they live by the transpiration of that heat which is reserved in the heart and inward arteries : therefore, when the summer approacheth, the internal heat being re- located to the outward parts, they are then again revived out of their sleepy extacy.
Those women, therefore, who seem to die sud- denly, and upon no evident cause, let them not be committed unto the earth until the end of three idays, lest the living be buried for the dead.
Cure. The part affected is the womb, of which there is a twofold motion — natural and symptoma- tical. The natural motion is, when the womb at- tracteth the human seed, or excludeth the infant or secundine. The symptomatical motion, of which we are to speak, is a convulsive drawing up of the womb.
■ The cause usually is in the retention of the seed or the suppression of the menses, causing a reple»
Aristotle's master-piece. 95
tion of the corrupt humours in the womb, from whence proceeds a flaluous refrigeration, causing a convulsion of the ligaments of the womb. And as it may come from humidity or repletion, being a convulsion, it may be caused by emptiness or dryness. And lastly, by abortion, or dilBcult child- birth.
Signs. At the approaching of the suffocation, there is a paleness of the face, weakness of the legs, shortness of breath, frigidity of the whole body, with a working into the throat, and thea she falls down as one void both of sense and mo- tion ; tho mouth of the womb is closed up, and be- ing touched with the finger, feels hard. The pa- roxysm of the fit being once past, sheopeneth her eyes, and feeling her stomach oppressed, she of- fers to vomit. And lest any one should be deceiv- ed in taking one disease for another, I will show how it may be distinguished from those diseases which have the nearest affinity to it.
It differs from the apoplexy, by reason it comes without shrieking out ; also in the hysterical pas- sion the sense of feeling is not altogether destroy- ed and lost, as it is in the apoplectic disease: and it differs from the epilepsies in that the eyes are not wrested, neither doth any spongy froth come from the mouth ; and that convulsive motion, which sometimes, and that often, is joined to suffocations is not universal, as it is in the epilepsies, only this or that matter is convulsed, and that without any vehement agitation. In the syncope, both respi- ration and pulse are taken away, the countenance waxeth pale, and she swoons away suddenly j but in the hysterical passion, commonly, there is both, respiration and pulse, though it cannot be well perceived ; her face looks red, and she hath a fore- warning of her fit. Yet it is not denied but that syncope may be joined with this suffocation.
96 Aristotle's master-piece.
Lastly, it is distinguished from the lethargy by the pulse, which, in the one is great, and ia the other little.
Prog-nostic. If the disease hath its heinsf from the corruption of the seed, it foretels more danger i than if it proceed from the suppression of the | courses, because the seed is concocted, and of a \ purer quality than the menstrous blood, and the more pure being corrupted, becomes the more foul and filthy, as appears in eggs, the purest nourish- ment, which vitiated, yield the noisomest savour. If it be accompanied with a syncope, it shows na- ture is but weak, and that the spirits are almost exhausted ; but if sneezing follows, it shews the heat, which was almost extinct, doth now begin to return, and that nature will subdue the dis- ease.
Cure. In the cure of this effect, two things must be observed : first, that during the time of the paroxysm, nature be provoked to expel those malignant vapours which blind up the senses, that she may be recalled out of that sleepy extacy. Secondly, that in the intermission of the fit, pro- per medicines may be applied to take away the cause.
To stir up nature, fasten cupping-glasses to the hips and navel, apply ligatures unto the thigh, rub the extreme parts with salt, vinegar, and mustard: cause loud clamours and thundering in the ears» Apply to the nose assafostida, castor, and saga-^ paneux, steeped in vinegar : provoke her to sneeze by blowing up into her nostrils the powder of cas- tor, white pepper, Spanish pelitory, and hellebore; hold under her nose partridge feathers, hair, and burnt leather, or any other thinof having a strong stinking smell ; for evil odours being disagreeable to nature, the animal spirits do so contest ard Strive against them, that the natural heat is there-
Aristotle's master-piece. 97
by restored. The brain is sometimes so oppres- sed, that there is a necessity for burning the out- ward skin of the head with hot oil, or with a hot iron. Sharp clysters and suppositories are avail- able. Take of sage, calammt, horehound, fever- few, marjoram, betony, hyssop, of each one hand- ful; anniseed half an ounce; coloquintida, white hellebore, sal gem, of each two drachms ; boil these in two pounds of water to the half ; add the strain- ing oil of castor two ounces, hiera picra two drachms, and make a clyster of it ; or, take honey boiled two ounces, cuphorb half a scruple, colo- quint four grains, with hellebore two grains, salt one drachm ; make a suppository. Hippocrates writeth of an hysterical woman, who could not be freed from the paroxysm but by pouring cold water upon her ; yet this cure is singular, and ought to be administered only in heat of summer, when the sun is in the tropic of Cancer.
If it be caused by the retention and corruption of the seed, at the instant of the paroxysm, let the midwife take oil of lilies, marjoram, and bays, dis- solving in the same two grains of civit, and as much musk ; let her dip her finger therein, and put it up into the neck of the womb, tickling and rub- bing the same.
The fit being over, proceed to the curing of the cause. If it arise from the suppression of the men- ses, look to the cure in chap. xi. If from the reten- tion of the seed, a good husband will administer a cure ; but those who cannot honestly purchase that cure, must use such things as will dry up and di- minish the seed, as diacimina, diacalaminthes, &c. Amongst potions, the seed of agnus castus is well esteemed of, whether taken inwardly, applied out- wardly, or received as sufiumigation; it was held in great honour amongst the Athenians, for by it they did remain as pure vessels and preserved
9
98 Aristotle's master-piece.
their chastity, by only strewing it on the bed whereon ihey lay, and hence the name of agnus castus given it, as denoting its effects. Make an issue on the inside of each Jeg, a hand breadth be- low the linee. Make trochisks of agaric, two scruples, wild carrot seed, lign aloes, of each half a scruple ; washed turpentine, ihree drachms 5 with conserve of anthos make a bolus. Castor is of excellent use in this case, eight drachms of it ta- ken in white wine : or you may make pills of it with mithridate, and take them going to bed. Take of white briony root, dried and cut afier the man- ner of carrots, one ounce, put in a draught of wine, placing it by the fire, and when it is warm, drink it. Take myrrh, castor, and assafostida, of each one scruple ; saffron and rue-seed, of each four grains ; make eight pills, and take two every night going to bed.
Galen, by his own example, commends unto us agaric pulverized, of which he frequently gave one scruple in white wine. Lay to the navel, at bed-time, a head of garlic bruised, fastening it with a swathing-band. Make a girdel of galban- nm for the waist, and also a plaster for the belly, placing in one part of it civet and musk, which must be laid upon the navel. Take pulveris, bene- dict, trochisk of agaric, of each two drachms 5 of mithridate a sufficient quantity ; and so make two pessaries, and it will purge the matrix of wind arid phelgm ; foment the natural part with sallad oil, in which hath been boiled rue, feverfew, and cam- omile. Take of rose leaves a handful, cloves two scruples; quilt them in a little cloth, and boil them in malmsey the eighth part of an hour, and apply them to the mouth of the womb, as hot as may be endured, but let not the smell go to her nose. A dry diet must still be observed. The moderate use of Venus is commended. Let her bread be
ABISTOTLe's MASTER-PirXE. 99
annlseed biscuit, her flesh meat rather roasted than boiled.
CHAP. VII.
Of the descending or falling of the Mother^
The falling down of the womb is a relaxation of the ligatures, whereby the matrix is carried backward, and in some hangs out in the bigness of an egg ; of this there are two kinds, distinguish- ed by a descending and precipitation. The de- scending of the womb is, when it sinks down to the entrance of the privities, and appears to the eye either not at all, or very little. The precipi- tation is, when the womb, like a purse, is turned inside outward, and hangs betwixt the thighs in the bigness of a cupping-glass.
Cause. The cnuse is external or internal ; the external cause is difficult child-birth, violent pull- ing away of the secundine, rashness and inexpe- rience in drawing away the child, violent coughing, sneezing, falls, blows, and currying heavy burdens. The internal cause in general is overmuch humid- ity flowing into these parts, hindering the opera- tions of the womb, whereby the ligaments by which the womb is supported are relaxed.
The cause in particular is referred to be in the retention of the seed, or in the suppression of the monthly courses.
Signs. The arse-gut and bladder oftentimes are so crushed that the passage of both the excre- ments are hindered ; if the urine flows forth white and thick, and the midriff moistened the loins are grieved, the privities pained, and the womb sinks down to the private parts, or else comes clean out.
100 Aristotle's master-piece.
Prognostic. This grief possessing an old wo- man, is cured with great difficulty; because it weakens the faculties of the w^omb, and therefore, though it be reduced into its proper place, yet upon every little illness or indisposition, it is sub- ject to return; and so it also is with the younger sort, if the disease be inveterate. If it be caused by a putrefaction of the nerves, it is incurable.
Cure. The womb being naturally placed be- tween the strait-gut and the bladder, and now fall- en down, ought not to be put up again, until the faculty, both of the gut and of the bladder, be stir- red up. Nature being unloaded of her burden, let the woman be laid on her back in such sort that her legs may be higher than her head ; let her feet be drawn up to her hinder parts, with her knees spread abroad ; then mollify the swelling with oil of lilies and sweet almonds, or with the decoction of mallows, beets, fenugreek, and linseed ; when the inflammation is dissipated, let the midwife anoint her hand with oil of mastic, and reduce the womb into its place. The matrix being up, the situation of the patient must be changed, let her legs be put out at length, and laid together ; six cupping-glasses to her breasts and navel : boil mug- wortj feverfew, red roses and comfrey in red wine ; make suiFumigation for the matrix, and move sweet odours to her nose ; and at her coming out of the bath, give her of syrup of feverfew one ounce, with a drachm of mithridate. Take laudani mastic, of each three drachms, make a plaster of it for the uavel ; then make pessaries of assafceti- da, saffron, comfrey, and mastic, adding thereto a little castor.
The practice of Parius in this case was to make them only of cork, in figure like a little Qgg^ cover- ing them over with wax and mastic, dissolved to- gether,, fastening them to a thread, and put into the womb.
Aristotle's master-piece. 101
The present danger being now taken awaj'', and the matrix seated in its natural abode, the remote cause must be removed. If the body be plethoric, open a vein ; prepare with syrup of beiony, cala- mint, hyssop, and feverfew. Purge with pil. hierac, agaric, pil. de colocin. If the stomach beoppres- sed with crudities, unburden it by vomiting: su- dorifical decoctions of lignum sanctum, and sassa- fras, taken twenty days together, dry up the su- perfluous moisture, and consequently suppress the cause of the disease.
Let the air be hot and dry, your diet hot and at- tenuating; abstain from dancing, leaping, squeez- ing, and from all motion both of body and mind 5 eat sparingly, drink little, sleep moderately.
CHAP. VIIL
i
Of the Injlammaiion of the Womh,
The phlegmon, or inflammation of the matrix, is a humour possessing the whole womb, accom- panied with unnatural heat, by obstruction, and gathering together of corrupt blood.
Cause. The cause of this effect is suppression of the menses, repletion of the whole body, immod- erate use of Venus, often handling the genitals, difficult childbirth, vehement agitation of the body, fjills, blows ; to which also may be added, the use of sharp pessaries, whereby not seldom the womb is inflamed ; cupping-glasses also fast- ened to the pubis and hypogastrium, draw the hu- mo '.rs to the womb.
Signs. The signs are, anguish, humours, pain in the head and stomach ; vomiting, coldness of the knees, convulsions of the neck, doating, trem-
9*
102 Aristotle's master-piecb.
bling of the heart ; often there is a straitness of breath, by reason of the heat which is communi- cated to the midriff, the breasts sympathising with the womb, pained and swelled. Further, if the fore part of the matrix be iniiamed, the privities are grieved, the urine is suppressed, or flows forth with difBcuity. If the after part, the loins and back suffer, the excrements are retained on the right side, the right hip suffers, tire right leg is heavy and slow to motion, insomuch that some- times she sesms to halt : and so if the left side of the womb be inflamed, the left hip is pained, and the left leg is weaker than the right. If the neck of the womb be refreshed, the midwife putting up her flnger, shall feel the mouth of it retracted and closed up with a hardness about it.
Progno'^tics. All inflammations of the womb are dangerous, if not deadly j and especially if the total substance of the matrix be inflamed ; but they are very perilous if in the neck of the womb. A flue in the belly foretels health, if it be natural ; for nature works best by the use of her own in- struments.
Cure. In cure, first let the humours flowing to the womb be repelled ; for effecting of which, af- ter the belly has been loosed by cooling clysters, phlebotomy will be needful ; open therefore a vein in the arm, if she be not with child ; the day after strike the saphena on both feet, fasten ligatures and cupping-glasses to the arm, and rub the up- per part. Purge gently with cassia, rhubarb, senna, mirobalans. Take of senna two drachms, anniseed one scruple, mirobalans half an ounce, barley-water a sufficient quantity ; make a decoc- tion ; dissolve it in syrup of succory, with rhubarb two ounces, pulp of cassia half an ounce, oil of anniseed two drops, and make a potion. At the beginning of the disease anoint the privities and
Aristotle's master-piege. 103
arelns with oil of roses and quinces ; make plasters of plantain, linseed, barley-meal, melilot, fenugreek whites of eggs, and, if the pain be vehement, a little opium ; foment the genitals with the decoc- tion of poppy heads, purslain, knot-grass, and wa- ter-lilies ; then make injections of goat's milk, rose- water, clarified whey, with honey of roses. In the declining of the disease, use incisions of sage, linseed, mugwort, pennyroyal, horehound, and fenugreek ; anoint the lower part of the belly with the oil of camomile and violets.
Take lily-roots and mallow-roots, of each four ounces ; mercury one handful ; mugv/ort, and fever- (ew, camomile fiOwers, and melilot, of each a hand- ful and a half j bruise the herbs and roots, and boil them in a sufficient quantity of milk; then add fresh butter, oil of camomile, and lilies, of each two ounces ; bean-meal a sufficient quantity : make two plasters, — the one before, the other behind.
If the humour cannot be removed, but tends to suppuration, take fenugreek, mallow-roots, decoc- ted figs, linseed, barley-meal, dove's dung, turpen- tine, of each three drachms; deer's suet half a /drachm, opium half a scruple ; with wax make a plaster.
Take of bay leaves, sage, hyssop, camomile, mugwort, and with water make an infusion.
Take wormwood and betony, of each half a handful; white wine and milk, of each half a pound ; boil them until on-e part be confirmed ; then take of this decoction four ounces, honey of roses two ounces, and make an injection. Yet beware that the humours are not brought down unto the womb. Take roasted figs and mercury bruised, of each three drachms ; turpentine and duck^s? grease, of each three drachms jopiunij two grains 5 with wax make a pessary.
104 ARISrOTtE''s MASTEK-PIECH.
The air nnmst be cold ; and all the motion of the body, especially of the lower part, is forbidden. Vigilance is comnfieaded, forby sleep the hunnour& are carried inward, by which the rnflanmmation is increased r eat sparingly j let your drink be barley water, or clarified whey, and your meat be chiek- I ens, and chicken broth, boiled with endive, suc- cory, sorrel, buglos, aad mallows.
CBAP. IX.
Of ihe &chirrosity, or Hardness of fhe Womb.
Of phlegm neglected, or not perfectly cured, is- generated a schirrus of the matrix, which is a hard unnatural swelling, insensibly hindering the operations of the womb, and disposing the whole body to slothfulness.
Ccrase. One cause of this disease may be as- cribed to want of judgment in the physician ; as many empirics administering to an inflammation of the womb, do over-mueh refrigerate ai^nd affrige the humour, that it can neither pass forward nor backward ^ hence the matter bei»g condensed, de- generates into a lapidiou-9 hard substance. Other causes may be suppression of the menstrous re- tention of the lochi, commonly called the after purgings ; eating of corrupt meats, as in disordi* nate lono;ing called pica, to which breeding women are so often subject. It may proceed also from obstructions and ulcers in the matrix, or from eviJ effects in the fiver and spleen.
Signs. If the bottom of the womb be affected^ she feels as it were a heavy burden representing a mole ; yet differing, in that the breasts are atten- liated, and the whole body waxed less. If the
Aristotle's MAST£R-piEca. 105 •
neck of the womb be affected, no outward humours will appear : the mouth of it is retracted, and be- ing touched with the fingers, feels hard j nor can sire have the company of a man without great pains and prickings.
Prognostics, A schirrus confirmed is incura- ble, and will turn into a cancer, or incurable drop- sy ; and ending in a cancer, proves deadly, because the native heat in those parts being almost smoth- ered can hardlv affain be restored.
Cure. Where there is a repletion, phlebotomy is advisable ; wherefore open the medina on both arms, and saphena on both feet, more especially if the menses be suppressed.
Prepare the hum.our with syrup of borage suc- •cory, epithynan, and clarified whey ^ then take of these pills following, according to the strength of the patient:
Take of hiera picra six drachms, black helebore polybody, of each two drachms and a half j agaric, lapis lazuli, abluti salindi-ss, coloquintida, of each one drachm and a half ; mix them and make pills. The body bein(>- purged, proceed to mollify the hardness as foiloweth : anoint the privities and neck of the womb with unguent, decaltbea, and agrippa ; or take opopanax, bdellium ammoniac, anS myrrh, of each two drachms, saffron half a drachm ; dissolve the gum in oil of lilies and sweet almonds 5 with wax and turpentine make an Knguent ; apply below the navel ciacalion, ferellia 5. make infusions of figs, mugwort, mallows, penny- royal, althea, fennel roots, melilot, fenugreek, boil- ed in water. Make injection of calamint, linseed, melilot, fenugreek, and the four mollifying herbs, with oil of dill, camomile, and lilies dissolved in the same. Three drachms of the gum bdellium ; cast the stone pyrites on the coals, and let her re- ceive the fume into her womb. Foment the se-
jO§ abistotle'^s master-piece.
cret parts with decoctrons of the roots and leaves of danewort. Take of gum galbanum, opopanax, of each one drachm, juice of danewort, mucilage, fenugreek, of each one drachm ; calf's marrow an ounce, wax a sufficient quantity : make a pessary, or make a pessary only of lead, dipping it m the aforesaid things, and so put up.
The air must be temperate : gross, vicious, and salt meats are forbidden, as pork, bulPs beef, fish» old cheese, Sec.
CHAP. X. .
Of ihe Dropsy of the Womb.
The uterine dropsy is an unnatural swelling,, elevated by the gathering together of wind or phlegm in the cavity, membranes, or sabstanceof the womb, by reason of the debility of the native heat and aliment received, and so it turns into an excrement.
The causes are overmuch cold or moistness of the melt and liver, immoderate drinking, eating of crude meats ; all which, causing a repletion, do suffocate the natural heat. It may be caused like- wise by the overflowing of the courses, or by any other immoderate evacuation. To these may be added abortions, phlegmons and schirrosities of the womb.
Cnre. The signs of this effect are these. The lower parts of the belly, with the genitals, are puff*- ed up, and pained ; the feet swell, the natural col- our of the face decays, the appetite is depraved, and the heaviness of the whole body concurs. If she turns herself in the bed, from one side to the Other, a noise like the flowing of water is heard.
ARISTOTLE'S MASTER-PIKCE,
Water sometimes comes from the matrix. If the swelling be caused by wind, the belly being hot, it sounds like a dr«m ; the guts rumble, and the wind breaks through the neck of the womb with a mur- muring noise ; this effect may be distinguished from a true conception many waj^s, as will appear by the chapter " Of Conception." It is distin- guished from the general dropsy, in that the low- er parts of the belly are most swelled. Again, ia this sanguificative faculty it appears not so hurt- ful, nor the urine so pale, nor the countenance so soon changed, neither are the superior parts ex- tenuated, as in the general dropsy.
Prognostics. This elfect foretels the sad ruin of the natural functions, by that singular consent the womb hath with the liver, and that therefore chachevy, or general dropsy, will follow.
Cure. In the cure of this disease imitate the practice of Hippocrates-: first, mitigate the pain with fomentation of melilot, mercury, mallows, linseed, camomile, and althea ; then let the womb be prepared with syrup of stosbis, hyssop, cala- mint, mugwort, of both sorts, with the distilled waters or decoction of elder, marjoram, sage, ori- gan, sperage, pennyroyal, betony ^ purge with senna, agaric, rhubarb, and claterium. Take spec- ierum, hier, rhubarb, and trochisks of agaric, of each one scrnple ; with juice of iros make pills.
In disease which have their rise from moistness, purge with pills. And in these effects which are «aused by emptiness or dryness, purge with potion. Fasten a cupping-glass to the belly, with a great fume ; and also the navel, especially if the swell- ing be flatulent : make an issue on the inside of each leg, a hand breadth below the knee. Take specierum, diambrae diamolct, diacalaminti, dia- cinamoni, diocimini, and troch. de myrrha, of each; two drachms, sugar one poj^ud j with betony wa-
JOS ARrsroTLE*^ MAS
ter make lozenges : take of them two hours before meals. Apply to the bottom of the belly, as hot as may be endured, a little bag of camomile, cum- miti, and melilot, boiled in oil of rue ; anoint the belly and secret parts with unguent agrippa and unguent arragoes ; mingle therewith oil of iros ; cover the lower parts of the belly with the plas- ters of bay berries, or a cataplasm made of cum- min, camomile, briony roots, adding cow's and goat's dung.
Our moderns ascribe great virtues to tobacco- water distilled, and poured into the womb by a me- trenchyta. Take bin, balm, southern-wood, ori- gan, vv^ormwood, calammt, bay-leaves, marjoram, of each one handful ; juniper berries four drachms ; with water make a decoction : of this may be made fomentations and infusions : make pessaries of storax, aloes, with the roots of dictau, aristolo- chia, and gentian. Instead of this you may use pessary, prescribe chapter xvii. Let her take of electuarium aromaticum, dissatyron, and eringe roots candied, every morning.
The air must be hot and dry ; moderate exer- cise is allowed ; much sleep is forbidden. She may eat the flesh of patridges, larks, chickens, mountain birds, hares, conies, &c. Let her drink he thin wine.
CHAP. XL
Of Moles and False Conceptions.
This disease is called by the Greeks mole ; and the cause of this denomination is taken from the load or heavy weight of it, it being a mole, or great lump of hard flesh burdening the womb.
Aristotle's xtaster-piece, 109
It is defined to be and inarticulate piece of flesh, without form, begotten in a matrix as if it Avere a true conception. In which definition we are to note two things: first, in that a mo]e is said to be inarticulate an-d without form, it differs from nnon- sters, which t^re both formate and articulate : se- condly, k is said to be as it were a true concep- tion, which puts a difference betweea a true con- ception and a mole; which difference holds good three ways ; first, m the genus, in that a mole can- not be said to be an animal: secondly, in that species, because it hath no human figure, and bears not the character of a man ; thirdly, in the irxdividual, for it hath no affinity with the parent, either in the whol« body or any particular part of the same.
Cause, About the cause of this effect, amongst learned authors I find a variety of judgments. Some are of opinion, that if the woman's seed goes into the womb, and not the man's, thereby is the mole produ-ced. Others there be that affirm, it is engendered of the menstrous blood. But if these two were granted, then maids, by having their courses, or through nocturnal pollutions, might be subject to the same, which never yet any were. The true cause of this fleshy mole proceeds both from the man and the woman, from cor- corrupt a«d barren seed in man, and from the menstruous blood in the woman, both emitted to- gether in the cavity of the womb, where nature finding herself weak, {yet desiring to maintain the perpetuity of her species,) labours to bring forth a vicious conception rather than none : and instead of a living creature, generates a lump of flesh.
Signs. The signs of a mole are these : the months are suppressed, the appetite is depraved, the breasts swell, and the belly is suddenly pufled up, and waxcth hard. Tlius far the signs of a
10
breeding woman, and" ane that beareth a mole, ar^ all one I will show you how they diifer. The first sign of di^erenee is taken from the motion of a mole; it may befdt to m-ove in the womb before the third month, which an infant cannot j yet th© inotion cannot be understood of anj^ intelligent power in the mole, but the faculty of the womb and the animal spirits diffused through the sub- stance of the mole,' for it hath not an animal but a vegetative life, in manner of a plant : secondly, if a mole, the belly is suddenly puffed up; but if a: true conception, the belly is suddenly' retracted, and then riseth up by degrees : thirdly, the belly being pressed with the hand, the mole gives way y and the hand being taken mvay, it returns to the place again ; but a child in the womby though press- ed with the hand, moves not presently ; and being lemovedy returns slowly, or not at all: lastly, the child continues in the womb not above eleren jTifOnths, but a mole continues sometimes four or five years, more or less, according as it is fasten- ed in the matrix. I have known a mole fall away in fowr or five months. If it remain until the eleventh month, the legs wax feebl^e^ and the whole body consumes, only the swelling of the belly still increases, which makes some think they are dropsical, though there be little reason for it ; for in the dropsy the legs swell and grow big, but in a mole they consume and wither.
Prognostics. If, at the delivery of a mole, the :flux of the blood be great^ it shews the more dan- . ger, because the parts of nutrition having been i^iolated by the flowing back of the superSuous humours, where the natural heat is consumed ; and then parting with so much of her blood, the woman thereby is so weakened in all her faculties that she cannot subsist without diUliculty.
Cure, We are taught in the school of Hippo-
ahmtotle's mastes-^iece. ill
«rat«s, that phlebotooay causeth tibortion, by ta- king all that nourishment which should preserve the life of the child: wherefore, that this vicious ■conception may be deprived of that vegetative sap by which it lives, open the liver vein and the sa- phena in both the feet, fasten cupping-glasses to the loins and sides of the helly^ which done, le* the uterine parts be first mollified, and then the expulsive faculty provoked to expel the bur- •den.
To laxate the ligature of the mole, take mallows with the roots, three liandsful j camomile, melilot, ipeiitory of the wall, violet leaves, mercury, root of fennel; parsley, of each two handsful ; linseed, fe- jiugreel:, each one pound ; boil them in water, and let her sit therein up to the navel. At her going out oi the i)ath, anoint the pj ivdties^md reins with the iollowincr uno-u-ent : take oil of camomile, lilies «weet almonds, one ounce each ; fresh butter, lau- ■danum, ammoniae, of each half an ounce; with. ^the oil of iinseed make an unguent. Or, instead of this may be used unguentum agrippa, or dial- thea. TaLe mercury and althea roots, of each half a handful; fios, bvachoc, ursini, half a handful; linseed, barley meal, of each six ounces ; boil all these with water and honej^ and make a plaster ; make pessaries of the gnni galbanum, bdellium, antimonia cum, figs, hog's suet, and honey.
After the ligaments of the mole are loosed, let the expulsive faculty be stirred up to expel the mole ; for effecting- of which alkmedicaments may he used whicii are proper to bring down the ■courses. Take troch. de myrrh one ounce; cas- tor astrolochia^ gentian, dictam of each half an ounce ; make a powder ; take one drachm in four ounces of mugwort v^ater. Take of hypericon, ca- lammt, penny-royal, betony, hyssop, sage, bore- iiauiid, Valeria, madder, savine^ with water make
112 ^ ARISTOTtr/s MASTEK-PIECE.
a decoction ; take three ounces of it, with one ounce and a half of feverfew. Take of mugworty my irh gentian, pill. coch. of each four scruples; rue, pennj^roya], sag-e-panum, opopanax, of each a drachm ; assafoetida, cinnamon, juniper berries, borage of each one drachm ; with the juice of sa- vine make pills to be taken erery mornrng: make an infiision of hj'^ssop, bay-leaves, asirum, cala- mint ; bay-berries, camomile, mngwort, ervine, cloves, nutmeg, of each two scruples ; galbanum one drachm; hiera picra and black hellebore oil, of each one setaple j with turpentine make a pessary.
But if these things prove not available, then must the mole be drawn away with arn instrument put up into the womb, called a pesgriphus, which may be done with no great danger, if it be per- formed by a skilful surgeon. After the delivery of the mole, by reason that the woman hath part- ed with much blood already, let the flux of blood be stayed as soon as may he. Fasten cupping- glasses to the shoulders and ligatures of the arms-. If this help not, open the liver vein in the right arm.
The air must be tolerably hot and dry, and dry diet, such as doth mollify and attenuate ; she maj drink white- wine^
CHAP. X!L
0/ Conception, and how a Woman way know whether she haih coiiuived' or not, aiid whether a Male or a Female.
The natural instinct that nature has implantec^ in men and women to propagate their own species puts them upon making use of those ways that x>.^
^SKTOTi-E's PIASTER-PIECE. Il3
tuTe lias ordained for that end, which, after they :have made use of, the WQman many times, through iixnoranceof her havingf conceived, or want of that idiie care which she ought t© take, is little better than a murderer of her ovv^a child, though she in- tends it not ; for, after conception, finding herself not well, and, through ignorance, not knowing what is the matter with her, goes to a doctor and inquires of him j and he knowing nothing but wha *• they tell "him, and not thinking of their being with -child, gives them strong cathartical potions which destroy the conception. Aud some there are, thai out of a foolish coyness, though they do know they have con<;eivcd, yet will not ^confess it, that they might be instructed how to order themselves ac- cordingly ; those that Eire so -coy may in time learn to be wiser ; and for thp sake of those that are ig- norant, I shall set down the signs of conception, that women may thereby kiM>w whetlier they have 'Conceived or not.
Signs. If under the eye the vein be swelled, that is, under the lower eyelid, the veins in the eyes appearing clearly, and the eyes sometimes discoloured, if the woman has not the terms upon lier, nor v/atched the night before, you may cer- tainly conclude her to be with child ; a^id this ap- pears most plainly just upon her conception ; and the first two months I never knew this sign to fail.
Keep the urine of the woman close in a glass three days, and then strain it through a fine linen 'cloth J if you find smalT living creatures in it, she has most assuredly conceived with child j for the urine which was before part of her own substance, will be jOfenerated as well as its mistress.
A coldness and chillness of the outward parts after copulation, the heat being retired to make conception.
iO*
114 ARISTOTHE^S MASTER-PfECE.
The veins of the breast are more clearly seen than they were wont to be.
The body is weakened, and the face discoloured. ' The belly waxeth very flat, because the womb closeth itself together to nouri'sh and cherish the seed.
If cold water be drank, a coldness is left in the breasts.
Loss of appetite to victimls, sour belching-s, and exceeding weakness of stomach.
The breasts begin to swell and wax hard, not without pain and sorenesy.
Wringing or griping pains, like the cramp, hap- pen m the belly about the naveL
Diners appetites and longings are engendered.
The veins of the eyes are clearFy seen, and the eyes seem something discoloured, as a looking- glass will show you. This is an infallible sfgn.
The excrements of the guts^ are voided painful- ly, because the womb swelling thrusteth the right gut together.
Take a handsome green nettle, and put it into the urine of the woman ; cover it close, and let it remain a whole night j if the woman be with child, it will be full of red spots on the morrow; if she be not, it will be blackish.
There are several other rules of this nature, but these are the best, and som-eof them seldom fail.
Now, because many are mighty desirous to know whether they be with child of a male or a female, I will in the next place lay down some rules whereby you may form a proper judgment in that case.
Signs of a Male Child.
The woman breeds a boy easier and with fess pain than girls, and carries her burden not so heav- ily, but is more nimble in stirring.
AKIETOTLE's MASTEB-PIECi:. 215
The child is first felt by her on the right side ; for the ancients are of opinion that male children lie on the right side of the womb. The woman, when she riseth up from a chair, doth sooner stay herself npon her right hand than on her left.
The belly lies rounder and higher than when it is a female.
The right breast is more plump and harder than the left, and the right nipple redder.
The colour of a woman is more clear and not sd swarthy as when she conceives a girl.
The contrary to these are signs of the concep- tion of a female, and therefore it is needless to say any thing of them.
But I will add the following, which have been the result of my own experience, and which I never knew to fail.
If the circle under the woman^s eyes, which is of a wan blue colour, be more apparent under the right eye, and the veins most apparent in her right eye, and there most discoloured, she is with child of a boy ; if the marks be most apparent in her left eye, she is with child of a girl.
Again, let her milk a drop of her milk in a ba- son of fair water ; if it sinks to the bottom, as it drops in, round in a drop, it is a girl she is with child of; but if it be a boy, it will spread and swim at top. This I have often tried, and it never failed.
CHAP. XIII.
Of Untimely Births.
When the fruit of the womb comes forth before the seventh month, that is, before it comes to ma-
1 16 ARISTOTLE^ MASTER-PIECE.
turity, it is said to be abortive ; and, in effect, the child proves abortive (I mean, does not live) if born in the eight month. And why children born in the seventh or ninth month may live, and not in the eighth month, may seem strange, yet it is true. The cause thereof, by some, is ascribed to the planet under which the child is born ; for every month, from the conception to the birth, governed by its proper planet ; and in the eighth month Sa- turn doth predominate, which is cold and dry ; and coldness being an utter enemy to life, destroys the nature of the child. Hippocrates gives a bet- ter reason, viz. the infant being every way perfect and complete in the seventh month, desires more air and nutriment than it had before j and because in cannot obtain these, it labours for a passage t# go out 5 and if its spirits become weak and faint, and have not strength sufficient to break the mem- branes and come forth, as it is decreed by nature, it shall continue in the womb till the ninth month, that in that time its wearied spirits may again be strengthened and refreshed j but if it returns to strive again the eighth month, and be born, it can- not live, because the day of its birth is either past or to come. For, in the eighth month, saith Aven, he is weak and infirm j and, therefore, being then cast into the cold air, his spirits cannot be sup- ported.
Cure. Untimely birth may be caused by cold ; for as it maketh the fruit of the tree to wither and to fall down before it be ripe, so doth it nip the fruit of the womb before it comes to full perfection, and makes it to be abortive j sometime by humid- ity, weakening the faculty, that the fruit cannot be restrained till the due time; by dryness or emptiness, defrauding the child of its nourishment ; by one of those alcine fluxes, by phlebotomy, and other evacuations J by inflammations of the womb,
Aristotle's masteb-piece. 117
ilia other sharp diseases. Sometimes it is caused, by laughter, joy, anger, and especially fear ; for in tnat the heat forsakes the womb, and runs to the heart for help there, and so cold strikes in the ma- trix, whereby the ligaments are relaxed, and so abortion follows j wherefore Plato, in his time, commanded that the woman should shun all temp- tations of immoderate joy and pleasure, and like- wise avoid all occasions of fear and grief. Abor- tion also may be caused by the corruption of the air, by filthy odours, and especially by the smell of the snuff of a candle ; also by fails, blows, vio- lent exercise, leaping, dancing, &c.
Swns. Siirns of future abortion are, extenua- tion of the breasts, with a flux of watery milk, pain in the womb, heaviness in the head, unusual weari- ness in the hips and thighs, flowing of the cours- es. Signs foretelling the fruit to be dead in the womb, are hoUowness in the eyes, pain in the head, anguish, horror, paleness of the face and lips gnaw- ing of the stomach, no motion of the infant, cold- ness and looseness of the mouth of the womb, and thickness of the belly, and watery and bloody ex- crements come from the matrix.
CHAP. XIV.
JDirections for Breeding Women,
The prevention of untimely births consists in taking away the forementioned causes, which must be effected before and after the conception.
Before conception, if the body be over hot, dry, or moist, correct it with the contraries : if couch- anical, purge it: if plethorical, open the liver vein : if too gross, attenuate it : if too lean, corroborate
1 18 Aristotle's master-piece.
and nourish it. All diseases of the womb must be removed as I have shewed.
After conception, let the air be temperate; sleep not overmuch, avoid watchings, much exer- cise of body, passions of the mind, loud clamours, and filthy smells: sweet odours also are to be re- jected of those that are hysterical. Abstain from all things which provoke either the urine or the courses ; also from salt, sharp, and windy meats. A moderate diet should be observed.
If the excrements of the guts be retained, lenify the belly with clysters made of the decoction of mallows, violets, with suo-ar and common oil ; or make broth with borage, buglos, beets, mallows, ta- king in the same a little manna. On the contrary, if she be troubled with looseness in the belly, let it not be stayed without the judgment of a physi- cian ; for all the uterine fluxes have a malign quality in them, which must be evacuated before the flux stayed.
The couoh is another accident which accompa- nietli breeding women, and puts them in great dan- ger of miscarr^riag, by a continual distillation fall- ing from the brain. To prevent which, shave away the hair on the cornal and satical coissures, and apply thereon the following plaster : take of resinte half an ounce, of laudana one drachm, citron peel, lign, aloes, olibani, of each a drachm ; stirachis li- quidss, and sicca, a sufficient quantity ; dissolve the gums in vinegar, and make a piaster,* at night going to bed let her take the fume of these tro- chisks cast upon the coals. Also, take of frankin- cense, storax powder, and red roses, of each a drachm and a half, sandrach eight drachms, mastic, benjamin, amber, of each one drachm ; with tur- pentine make trochisks, apply a cautery to the naps of the neck. And every night let her take these pills following : take hypocistides, terriae, si»
Aristotle's master-piece, 119
gillate, fine bole, of each half an ounce ; bastort, al- catia styracis, calamint of each two drachms, cloves one drachm ; with syrup of myrtles make pills.
In breeding women there is a corrupted matter generated, which flowing to the ventricle dejecteth the appetite, and causeth a vomiting ; nnd the sto- mach being weak, and not able to digest this mat- ter, sometimes send it to the guts, whereby is caused a flux in the belly, which greatly stirreth up the faculty of the womb. To prevent all these dangers, the stomach must be corroborated as fol- lows : take lign. aloes and nutmeg, of each one drachm ; mace, clove, mastic, and laudanum, of each two scruples ; oil of spike an ounce ; musk two grains ; oil of mastic, quinces, and wormwood of each half an ounce ; make an unguent for the stomach, to be applied before meals. But instead thereof may be used ceronum, stomachile, galeni. Take of conserve of borage, buglos, and atthos, of each half an ounce ; comfect. de hyacinth, lemon peel candied, specierum, diamarg. pulv. de gem- mis of each two drachms ; nutmeg and diambra, of each two scruples j piony roots and diacorati, of each two drachms; with syrup of roses make an electuary ; of which she must take twice a day, two hours before meals. Another accident which - perplexeth a woman with child is swelling of the legs, which happens the first three months, by su- perfluous humours falling down from the stomach and liver ; for the cure whereof, take oil of roses two drachms, salt and vinegar, of each one drachm ; shake them tegether until the salt be dissolvedj and anoint the legs therewith hot, chafing it in with the hand : it may be done without danger in the fourth, fifth, or sixth month of pregnancy ; for the child in the womb may be compared to an ap- ple on a tree ; the first three months it is weak and tender, subject, with the apple, to fall away j
120 Aristotle's master-piece.
but afterwards, the membranes being strengthen* ed, the fruit remains firmly fastened to the womb, not apt to mischances, and so continues until the seventh month, till growing near the lime its liga- ments are again relaxed, like the apple that is al- most ripe, and grow looser every day until the fix- ed time of delivery. If, therefore, the body is in real need of purging, she may do it without dan- ger in the fourth, fifth, or sixth months ; but not before nor after, unless in some sharp diseases, in which the mother and the child both are like to perish. Apply plasters and unguents to the reins, to strengthen the fruit of the womb. Take of gum agaric, galangale, bistort, hypocistid. and storax, of each one drachm ; fine bole, nutmeg, mastic, boilust, sanguis draconis, and myrtle berries, a drachm and a half; wax and turpentine a su£ll- cient quantity j make a plaster. Apply it to the reins in the winter time, and remove it every twen- ty-four hours, lest the reins be over hot therewith. In the interim anoint the privities and reins with unguent and consitissas ; but if it be the summer time, and the reins hot, the following plaster is more proper : take of red roses one pound, mastic and red sanders, of each two drachms ; bole am- moniac, red coral and bistort, each two drachms j pomegranate peel prepared, and coriander, of each two drachms and a half; barberries two scruples; oil of mastic and quinces, of each an ounce ; juice of plantain, two drachms ; with pitch make a plas- ter; anoint the reins also with unguentum sandal. Once every week wash the reins with two parte of rose-water, and one part of white wine mingled together and warmed at the fire. This wnll as- suage the heat of the reins, and disperse the oil of the plaster out of the pores of the skin, and cause the ointment or plaster the sooner to penetrate and strengthen the womb. Some are of opinion, that
'' Aristotle's master-piece. 121
as long as the loadstone is laid to the navel, it keeps the woman from abortion. The like is also recorded of the stone setites, being ''hanged about the neck j the same virtue hath the stone samius.
CHAP. XV
Directions to be observed by Women at the time of their falling in Labour, in order to their safe Delivery, ivith Directions for Mid wives.
Having given necessary directions for child- bearing women, hov/ to govern themselves during the time of their pregnancy, 1 shall add what is necessary for them to observe in order to their delivery.
The time of birth drawing near, let the woman be careful to send for a skilful midwife, and that rather too soon than too late ; against which time" let her prepare a pallet, bed, or couch, and place it near the fire, that the midwife and assistants may pass round, and help on every side as occa- sion requires, having a change of linen ready, and a small stool to rest her feet against, she having more force when they are bowed than when they are otherwise.
Having thus provided, when the woman feels her pain come, and the weather not cold, let her walk about the room, resting herself by turns upon the bed, and so expect the coming down of her wa- ter which is a humour contracted in one of the outward membranes, and flows thence when it is broke by the struggling of the child, there being no direct time fixed for the cfHux, though general- ly it flows not above t\vo hours before the birth. Motion will likewise cause the womb to open and dilate itself, when from lying long in bed it is un-
U
122 Aristotle's master-piece.
easy. Yet if she be verj' weak, she may take some gentle cordial to refresh herself, if her pain will permit.
If her travail be tedious, she may revive her spi- rits with taking chicken or mutton broth, or she may take a poached egg, but must take heed o£ eating to excess.
As for the postures women are delivered ja^ they are many, some lying on their beds, some sit- ting in a chair, supported and held by others, or resting upon the bed or chair; some again upon their knees, being supported upon their arms; but the most safe and commodious way is in the bed, and then the midwife ousfht to mind the followinof rules : — Let her lay the woman upon her back, her head a little raised by the help of a pillow, having the like help to support her reins and but- tocks, and that the rump may lie high ; for if she lies low she cannot be well delivered. Then !e-t her keep her knees and thighs as far distant as she can, her legs bowed together to her buttocks, the soles of her feet and heels being fixed upon a little log of timber placed for that purpose, that she may strain the stronger ; and in case her back be very weak, a swathing band must be cast under it, the band being four times double, and about two inches broad ; and this must be held by two persons, who with steady hands and equal motion must raise her up at the time her pains happen ; but if they be not exact in their motion, it is better to let it alone. And at the same time, let two women hold her shoulders that she may then strain out the birth with more advantage j and then to facilitate it, let a woman stroke or press the upper part of the belly gently and by degrees. Nor must the woman herself be faint-hearted, but of good cour- age, forcing herself by straining and holding her breath.
ahistotle's master-piece. 123
In case of delivery, the midwife must wait with patience till the child's head or other members burst the membrane: for if through ignorance, or haste to go to other women, as some have done, the midwife tear the membrane with her nails, she endangers both the woman and the child j for by- lying dry, and wanting that slipperinessthat should make it easy it comes forth with great pains.
When the head appears, the midwife must gent- ly hold it between her hand, and draw the child at such times as the woman's pains are upon her, and at no other, slipping by degrees her forefingers under its arm-pits, not using a rough hand in draw- ing it forth, lest by that means the tender infant may receive any deformity of body. As soon as the child is taken forth, which is for the most part with its face doAvnwards, let it be laid on its back, that it may more freely receive external respira- tion ; then cut the navel string about three inches from the body, tying that end which adheres to the body with a silken string, as near as you can j then cover the head and stomach of the child well, suffering nothing to come upon the face.
The child being thus brought forth, if healthy, lay it by, and then let the midwife regard the pa- tient in drawing forth the secundine ; and this she may do by wagging and stirring them up and down and afterwards with a gentle hand drawing them forth ; and if the work be difficult, let the woman hold salt in her hands, shut then^ close, and breathe hard into them, and thereby she will know whether the membranes be broken or not. It may be also known by causing her to strain or vomit, by put- ting her finger down her throat, or by straining or moving her lower parts ; but let all be done out of hand. If this fail, let her take a draught of raw elder water, or yolk of a new laid egg, and smell to a piece of assafcEtida, especially if she is trou-
124 akistotle's masteii-?iece.
bled with the windy cholic. If she happen to take cold, it is a great obstruction to the coming* down of the secundine : and in such cases the midwife ought to chafe the woman's belly gently, to break not only the wind, but oblige the secundine to come down. But these proving ineffectual, the midwife must insert her hand into the extern or orifice of the womb, and gently draw it forth.
Having now discoursed of common births, or such as are for the most part easy, 1 shall now give directions in cases of extremity.
CHAP. XVI.
In Cme of Extremity y what ought to be observed ; espectally to Women, who, in their Travail, are attended with a Flux of Blood, Convulsions aiid Fits of the Mind.
If the woman's labour be hard and difficult, greater regard must be had than at other times. And first of all, the situation of the womb and posture of lying must be across the bed, being held by strong persons to prevent her slipping down or moving herself in the operation of the chirurgeon ; her thighs must be put asunder, as far distant as may be, and so held ; whilst her head must lean upon a bolster, and thereinsof herback be supported after the same manner. Her rump and buttocks being lifted up, observe to cover her stomach, belly, and thighs, with warm linen, to keep them from the cold.
The woman being in this posture, let the opera- tor put up his or her hand, if the neck of the womb be dilated, and remove the contracted blood that obstructs the passage of the birth ; and having by degrees gently made way, let him tenderly move the infant, his hand being first anointed with sweet
Aristotle's master-piece. 125
butter or a harmless pomatum. And if the waters be not come clown, then without difficulty may they be let forth ; when, if the infant should at- tempt to break out with its head foremost or cross, he may gently turn it to find the feet j which hav- ing done, let him draw forth the one, and fasten it to the riband, then put it up again, and by degrees find the other, bringing them as close and even as may be, and between whiles let the woman breathe, urging her to strain, in helping nature to perfect the birth, that it may be drawn forth ; and the readier to do it, and that the hold may be the sur,er, wrap a linen cloth about the child's thighs, observ- ing to bring it into the world with its face down- wards.
In case of a flux of blood, if the neck of the womb be open, it must be considered whether the infant or secundine comes first, which the lattei sometimes happening to do, stops the mouth ol the womb, and hinders the birth, endangering botb the woman and child ; but in this case the secun- dine must be removed by a svAd turn ; and indeed they have by their so coming down deceived many who feeling their softness, suppposed the womb was not dilated, and by this means the woman and child, or at least the latter, has been lost. The .secundine moved, the child must be sought for, and drawn forth, as has been directed ; and if ia such a case the woman or child die, the midwife or surgeon is blameless, because they did their true endeavour.
If it appears upon inquiry that the secundine comes first, let the woman be delivered with all convenient expedition, because a great flux of blood will follow; for the veins are opened, and upon this account iwo things are to be considered.
First, The manner of the secundine advancing, whether it be much or little If the former, and
11*
126 Aristotle's master-piece.
the head of the child appear first, it may he guid- ed and directed towards the neck of the womb, as in the case of natural birth ; but if there appear any difficulty in the delivery, the best way is to search for the feet, and thereby draw it forth ; but if the latter, the secundine may be put back with a gentle hand, and the child first taken forth.
But if the secundine be far advanced, so that it cannot be put back, and the child follow it close, then is the secundine to be taken forth with much care, as swift as may be, and laid easy without cut- ting the entrail that is fastened to them ; for there- by you may be guided to the infant, which, wheth- er alive or dead, must be drawn forth by the feet in all haste ; though it is not to be acted unless in case of great necessity, for in other cases the se- cundine ought to come last.
And in drawing forth a dead child, let these di- rections be carefully observed by the surgeon, viz. If the child be found dead, its head being foremost, the delivery will be more difficult ; for it is an ap- parent sign, by the woman's strength beginning to fail her, that the child, being dead, and wanting its natural force, can be no ways assisting to its deli- very : wherefore the most certain and safe way for the surgeon is to put up his left hand, sliding it as hollow in the palm as he can into the neck of the ; womb, and into the lower part thereof towards the ' feet, and then between the head of the infant and the neck of the matrix ; then having a hook in the right hand, couch it close, and slip it up above the left hand, between the head of the child and the flat of his hand, fixing it in the bars of the temple towards the eye. For want of a convenient com- ing at these in the occiputal bone, observe still to keep the left hand in its place, and with it gently moving and stirring the head, and so with the right hand and hook draw the child forward, admonish-
Aristotle's master-piece. 127
ing the woman to put forth her utmost strength, still drawing when the woman's pangs are upon her. The head being drawn out, wiih all speed he mnst slip his hand up under the arm-holes of the child, and take it quite out ; giving these things to the woman, viz. a toast of fine wheaten bread in a quarter of a pint of Ipocras wine.
Now the former application failinf, when the woman is in her bed, let her receive the following potion hot, and rest ti.l she feels the operation.
Take seven blue figs, cut them to pieces, add to them fenug^reek, motherwort, and seed of rue, of each five drachms; water of pennyroyal and mo- therwort, of each six ounces j boil them till one half be consumed ; and having strained them again add trochisks of myrrh one drachm, and saffron three grains ; sweeten the liquor with loaf-sugar, and spice it with cinnamon.
Having rested upon this, let her labour again as much as may be ; and if she be not successful, make a fumigation of castor, opopanax, sulphur, and assafc3tida, of each half a drachm, beating them into powder, and wetting them with the juice of rue, so that the smoke or fulne may only come to the matrix, and no farther.
If these effect not your desire, then the follow- ing plaster is to be applied, viz. Take of galba- num an ounce and a half; colocynthia without grains, two drachms ; the juice of motherwort and lue, of each half an ounce, and seven ounces of virgin bees' wax ; bruise and melt them together, spreading them on a searcloth, to reach from the navel to the os pubis, spreading also the flax, at the same time making a convenient pessary of wood, closing it in a bag of silk, and dippinsf it in a decoction of round birthwort, savin, colocynthia with grains.; stavescarc, black hellebore, of each one drachm j and a little sprig of rue.
128 Aristotle's master-piece.
Bat those things not having the desired success and the woman's danger still increasing, let the surgeon use his instruments to dilate and widen, the womb j to which end the woman must be set in a chair, so that she may turn her crupper as much from its back as is convenient, drawing like- wise her legs up as close as she can, spreading her thighs as wide as may be ; or if she be very weak, it may be more convenient that she be laid on a bed with her head downwards, and her but- tocks raised, and both legs drawn up as much as may be j the surgeon then, with his speculum ma- tricis, or his apertory, may dilate the womb, and draw out the child and secundine together, if it be possible : the which being done, the womb must be well washed and anointed, and the woman laid in bed, and comforted with spices and cordials. This course must be taken in the delivery of all dead children, likewise with moles, secundine, and false births, that will not of themselves come forth in season. If the instrument aforesaid will not sufficiently widen the womb, then other in- struments, as the drake's bill, and long pincers, ought to be used.
If it so happen that any inflammatioti, swelling, or congealed blood be contracted in the matrix, under the film of these tumours, either before or after the birth, where the matter appears thinner, then let the midwife, with a pen-knife, or incision instrument, lance it, and press out the cocruptioa healing it with a pessary dipped in oil of red roses.
If at any time, through cold or some violence, the child happens to be swelled in any part, or hath contracted a watery humour, if it remain alive, such means must be used as are least inju- rious to the child or mother; but if it be dead, the humours must be let out by incision to facilitatt the birth»
Aristotle's master-piece. 129
If, as it often happens, that the child comes with its feet foremost, and the hands dilating them* selves from the hips, in such cases the midwife must be provided with necessary instruments to stroke and anoint the infant with, to help it coming forth, lest it turn again into the womb, holding at the same time both the arms of the infant close to the hips, that so it may issue forth after this man- ner ; but if it proves too big, the womb must be well anointed. The woman must also take sneez- ing-powder, to make her strain ; those who attend may gently stroke her belly to make the birth de- scend, and keep it from retiring back.
Sometimes it falls out that the child coming with the feet foremost has its arms extended above its head ; but the midwife must not receive it so, but put it back into the womb, unless the passage be extraordinarily wide, and then she must anoint both the child and the womb ; nor is it safe so to draw it forth, which must be done after this man- ner: the woman must be laid on her back, with her head depressed, and her buttocks raised ; and then the midwife, with a gentle hand, must com- press the belly of the womb, by that means to put back the infant, observing to turn the face of the child towards the back of its mother, raising up its thighs and buttocks towards her navel, that so the birth may be more natural. • If a child happen to come forth with one foot, the arm being extended along the side, and the other foot turned backward, then must the woman be instantly taken to her bed, and laid in the pos- ture above described ', at which time the midwife must carefully put back the foot so appearing, and the woman rock herself from one side to the other, till she find the child is turned, but must not alter the posture, nor turn upon her face ; after which she may expect her pains, and must have great
330 Aristotle's master-piece.
assistance and cordials to revive and support her spirits.
At other times it happens that the child lies across in the womb, and falls upon its side : in this case the woman must not be urged in her labour, neither can any expect the birth in such a manner : therefore the midwife, when she finds it so, must use great diligence to reduce it to its right form, or at least to such a form in the womb as may make the delivery possible and most easy, by moving the buttocks, and guiding the head to the passage j and if she be unsuccessful herein, let the woman again try by rocking herself to and fro, and wait with patience till it alters its manner of
lying-
Sometimes the child hastens the birth, by ex- panding its legs and arms ; in which, as in the former case, the woman must rock herself, but not with violence, till she finds those parts fall to their proper stations ; or it may be done by a gentle com- pression of the womb ; but if neither of them pre- vail, the midwife, with her hand, must close the legs of the infant ; and, if she come at them, do the like to the arms, and so draw it forth ; but if it can be reduced of itself to the posture of a natural birth, it is better.
If the infant comes forward with both knees foremost, and the hands hanging down upon the thighs, then must the midwife put both knees up- ward, till the feet appear ; taking hold of which with her left hand, let her keep her right hand on the side of the child, and in that posture endeav- our to bring it forth. But if she cannot do this, then also must the woman rock herself till the child is in a more convenient posture for delivery.
Sometimes it happens that the child presses forward with one arm stretched on its thighs, and the other raised over its head, and the feet stretch*
Aristotle's master-piece, 131
cd out at length in the womb. In such case, the midwife must not attempt to receive the child in that posture, but must lay the woman on the bed in the manner aforesaid, mailing a soft and gentle compression on her belly, to oblige the child to retire ; which if it does not, then must the midwife thrust it back by the shoulder, and bring the arm that was stretched above the head to its right sta- tion ; for there is most danger in these extremities 5 and, therefore, the midwife must anoint her hands and the womb of the woman with sweet butter, or a proper pomatum, and thrust her hand as near as she can to the arm of the infant, and bring it to the side. But if this cannot be done, let the woman be laid on her bed to rest awhile ; in which time, perhaps, the child may be reduced to a bet- ter posture, which the midwife finding, she must draw tenderly the arms close to the hips, and so receive it.
If an infant come with its buttocks foremost, and almost double, then the midwife must anoint her hand and thrust it up, and gently heaving up the buttocks and back, strive to turn the head to the passage, but not too hastily, lest the infant's retiring should shape it worse ; therefore, if it can- not be turned with the hand, the woman must rock herself on the bed, taking such comfortable things as may support her spirits, till she per- ceives the child to turn.
If the child's neck be bowed, and it comes for- ward with its shoulders, as sometimes it doth, with the hands and feet stretched upwards, the midwife must gently move the shoulders, that she may direct the head to the passage ; and the bet- ter to effect it, the woman must rock herself as aforesaid.
These and other the like methods are to be ob- served in case a woman hath twins, or three chil-
132 Aristotle's master-piece.
dren at a birth, which sometimes happens : for, as the smgle birth bath but one natural and many vmnatural forms, even so it may be in a double or treble birth.
Wherefore, in all such cases, the midwife must talie care to receive that first which is nearest the passage ; but not letting the other go, lest by retir- ing it should change the form; and when one is born, she must be speedy in brin^ilig forth the other. And this birth, if it be in the natural way, is more easy, because the children are commonly less than those of single birth, and so require a less passage. But if this birth come unnaturally, it is far more dangerous than the other.
In the birth of twins, let the midwife be very careful that the secundine be naturally brought forth, lest the womb, being delivered of its burden, fall, and so the secundine continue longer there than is consistent with the woman's safety.
But if one of the twins happens to come with the head, the other with the feet foremost, then let the midwife deliver the natural birth first ; and if she cannot turn the other, draw it out in the posture it presses forward ; but if that with its feet downward be foremost, she may deliver that first, turning the other aside. But in this case the midwife must care- fully see that it be not a monstrous bictb, instead of twins, a body wnth two heads, or two bodies joined together ; which she may soon know, if both the heads come foremost, by putting up her hand between them, as high as she can ; and then, if she find they are twins, she may gently put one of them aside to make way for the other, taking that first which is most advanced, leaving the other so that it do not change its situation. And, for the safety of the other cliild, as soon as it comes forth out of the womb, the midwife rnust tie the navel-string, as hath before been directed j and also bind, with
Aristotle's master-piece, 133
a large and long fillet, that part of the navel that is fastened to the secundine, the more readily io find it.
The second infant being born, let the midwife carefully examine whether there be not two secun- dines j for sometimes it falls out, that by the short- ness of the ligaments, it retires back, to the pre- judice of the woman. Wherefore, lest the womb should close, it is most expedient to hasten them forth with all convenient speed.
If two infants are joined together by the body, as sometimes it monstrously falls out, then, though the head should come foremost, yet it is proper, if possible, to turn them, and draw them forth by the feet, observing, when they come to the hips, to draw them out as soon as may be. And here great care ought to be used in anointing and widen- ing the passage. But these sorts of births rarely happening, I need to say the less of them ; and, therefore, shall next show how women should be ordered after delivery.
CHAP. XVII.
How Childbearing Women ought to be ordered after Delivery,
If a woman has had very hard labour, it is ne- cessary she should be wrapped up in a sheep's skin, taken off before it is cold, applying the fleshy side to her reins or belly j or, for want of this, the skin of a hare or coney, flayed off as soon as killed, may be applied to the same parts ; and in so doing a dilation being made in the birth, and the melan- choly blood expelled in these parts, continue these for an hour or two.
Let the woman afterwards be swathed with fine 12
134 Aristotle's master-piece.
linen cloth, about a quarter of a yard in breadth, chafing her belly, before it is swathed, with oil of St. John's wort ; after that, raise up the matrix with a linen cloth, nnany times folded ; then with a linen pillow or quilt cover her flanks, and place the swathe somewhat above the haunches, winding it pretty stiff, applying-, at the same time, a warm cloth to her nipples ; do not immediately use the remedies to keep back the milk, by reason the body, at such a time, is out of frame j for there is neither vein nor artery which does not strona^ly beat ; and remedies to drive back the milk, being of a dissolving nature, it is improper to apply them to the breasts, during such disorder, lest by doing so, evil humours be contracted in the breast. Wherefore, twelve hours at least ought to be al- lowed for the circulation and settlement of the blood, and what was cast on the lungs by the ve- hement agitation during the labour, to retire to its proper receptacles.
Some time after delivery, you may make a re- strictive of the yolks of two eggs, and a quarter of a pint of white wine, oil of St. John's wort, oil of roses, plantain, and rose-water, of each an ounce ; mix them together, fold a linen cloth, and apply it to the breast, and the pains of those parts will be greatly eased.
She must by no means sleep directly after deli- livery ; but about four hours after, she may take broth, caudle, or such liquid victuals as are nour- ishment ; and if she be disposed to sleep, it may be very safely permitted. And this is as much, in case of a natural birth, as ought immediately to be done.
But in case cf an extremity, or an unnatural birth, the foliowino- rules ousfht to be observed :
In the first place, let the woman keep a temper- ate diet, by no means overcharging herself after
Aristotle's master-piece. 336
such an extraordinary evacuation, not being ruled by giving credit to unskilful nurses, who admon- ish them to feed heartily, the better to repair the loss of blood. For that blood is not for the most part pure, but such as has been detained in the vessels or membrane, better voided, for the health of the woman, than kept, unless there happen an extraordinary flux of the blood. For if her nour- ishment be too much, it may make her liable to a fever, and increase the milk too much ; curdling, very often turns to imposthumes.
Wherefore, it is requisite, for the first five days especially, that she take moderately, panado broth, poached eggs, jelly of chickens or calves' feet, or fresh barley broth, every day increasing the quan- tity a little.
And if she intend to be a nurse to her child, she must take something more than ordinary, to in- crease the milk by degrees, which must be of no continuance, but drawn off either by the child or otherwise. In this case likewise, observe to let her have coriander or fennel seeds boiled in bar- ley broth ; but by all means, for the time specified, let her abstain from meat. If no fever trouble her, she may drink now and then a small quantity o| pure white wine or claret, as also, syrup of maiden- hair, or any other syrup that is of an astringent quality, taken in a little water well boiled.
After the fear of a fever or contraction of hu- mour in the breast is over, she may be nourished more plentifully with the broth of pullets, capons, pigeons, mutton, veal, &c., which must not be till after eight days from the time of delivery ; at which time the womb, unless some accident hinder has purged itself. It will be tl^en likewise expe- dient to give cold meats, but let it be sparingly, that so she may the better gather strength. And let her, during the time, restquitely and free from
136 Aristotle's MAaTER-piECE,
disturbance, not sleeping in the day-time, if she can avoid it.
Take of both the mallows and pellitory of the wall a handful ; camomile and melilot flowers, of each a handful j anniseed and fennel seed, of each two ounces ; boil them in a decoction of sheep's head, and take of this three quarts, dissolving in it common honey, coarse sugar, and new fresh but- ter, two ounces ; strain it well, and adminster it clysterwise ; but if it does not operate well, take an ounce of catholican.
CHAP. XVIII.
How to expel the Cholic from Women in Childbirth.
These pains frequently afflict the woman no less than the pains of her labour, and are by the igno- rant taken many times the one for the other ; and sometimes they happen both at the same instant ; which is occasioned by a raw, crude, and watery matter in the stomach, contracted through ill di- gestion j and while such pains continue, the wo- man's travail is retarded.
Therefore, to expel fits of the cholic, take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and an ounce of cinnamon water, with three or four drops of spirits of ginger ; then let the woman drink it off.
If this does not abate the pain, make a clyster of camomile, balm-leaves, oil of olives, and new milk^ boiling the former in the latter. Administer it as is usual in such cases. And then fomenta- tions proper for dispelling of wind will not be amiss.
If the pain produce a griping in the guts after delivery, then take of the root of great comfrey
Aristotle's master-piece. 137
one drachm, nutmeg and peach kernals of each two scruples, yellow amber eight drachms, ambergris one scruple ; bruise them together, and give them to the woman as she is laid down, in two or three spoonsful of white wi|ie j but if she be feverish, then let it be in as much warm broth.
136
Aristotle's ma«ter-piece.
disturbance, not sleeping in the day-time, if she can avoid it.
Take of both the mallows and peljitory of the wall a handful ; camomile and melilot flowers, of each a handful ; anniseed and fennel seed, of each two ounces ; boil them in a decoction of sheep's head, and take of this three quarts, dissolving in it common honey, coarse sugar, and new fresh but- ter, two ounces j strain it well, and adminster it clysterwise ; but if it does not operate well, take an ounce of catholican.
CHAP. XVIII.
^
:t
n
How to expel the Cholic from Women in Childbirth.
These pains frequently afflict the woman no less than the pains of her labour, and are by the igno- rant taken many times the one for the other ; and sometimes tbey happen both at the same instant ; which is occasioned by a raw, crude, and watery matter in the stomach, contracted through ill di- gestion ; and while such pains continue, the wo- man's travail is retarded.
Therefore, to expel fits of the cholic, take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and an ounce of cinnamon water, with three or four drops of spirits of ginger ; then let the woman drink it off.
If this does not abate the pain, make a clyster of camomile, balm-leaves, oil of olives, and new milk^ boiling the former in the latter. Administer it as is usual in such cases. And then fomenta- tions proper for dispelling of wind will not be amiss.
If the pain produce a griping in the guts after delivery, then take of the root of great comfrey
'J Shi
Aristotle's master-piece.
137
one drachm, nutmeg- and peach kernals of each two scruples, yellow amber eight drachms, ambergris one scruple; bruise them together, and give them to the woman as she is laid down, in two or three spoonsful of white wi^e ; but if she be feverish, then let it be in as much warm broth.
rn
'!
i
THE*
FAMILY PHYSICIAN
BEIKG
CHOICE AND APPROVED REMEDIES
FOR SEVERAL DISTEMPERS
INCIDENTAL TO HUMAN BODIES.
For the Apoplexy
Take man's skull prepared, powder of the roots of male peony, of each an ounce and a half; con- trayerva, bastard dittany, angelica, zedoary, of each two drachms ; mix and make a powder ; add thereto two ounces of candied orange and lemon peel, beat all together to a powder, wherefore you may take half a drachm or a drachm.
A Powder for the Epilepsy or Falling Sicknes$.
Take of opopanax, crude antimon}'', castor, dra- grons's blood, peoney-seeds, of each an equal quan- tity ; make a subtle powder ; the dose, half a drachm, in black cherry-water. Before you take it, the stomach must be cleansed with some pro- per vomit, as that of Mynficht's emetic tarter, from four grains to six ; if for children, salt of vit- riol, from a scruple to half a drachm.
Aristotle's master-piece, 139
For a Head-ache of a long standing.
Take the juice of powder or distilled water of koglice, and continue the use of it.
For Spitting of Blood,
Take conserve of comfrej' and of hips of each an ounce and a half j conserve of red roses, three ounces ; dragon's blood, a drachm ; species of hya- cinths, two scruples ; red coral, a drachm ; mix, and with syrup of red poppies make a soft elec- tuary. Take the q^uantity of a walnut, night and tz^orning.
For a Looseness.
Take Venice treacle and diascordium, of each Haifa drachm, in warm ale or water-gruel, or what you like best, at night going to bed.
For the Bloody Flux.
First take a drachm of powder of rhubarb, in a sufficient quantity of conserve of red roses, in the morning early ; then at night, take of terrified or roasted rhubarb, half a drachm; diascordium, a drachm and a half; liquid laudanum cydomated, a scruple ; mix, and make a bolus.
For en Inflammation of the Lungs,
Take of charious water, ten ounces ; water of red poppies, three ounces ; syrup of poppies, an ounce ; pearl prepared, a drachm j make a julep, and take six spoonsful every fourth hour.
An Ointment for the Pleurisy.
Take oil of violets or sweet almonds, of each an 04mce, with wax and a little saffron make an oint- ment, warm it and bathe it upon the part af- fected.
140 Aristotle's master-piece. '
*in Ointment for the Itch,
Take sulphur vive in powder, half an ounce, oil of tartar per deliquium a sufficient quantity, oint- ment of roses four ounces ; make a liniment, to which add a scruple of rhodium to aromatize, and rub the parts affected with it.
For a Running Scab.
Take two pounds of tar, incorporate it into a thick mass with well sifted ashes ; boil the mass in fountain water, adding leaves of ground-ivy, white horehound, fumitorjr roots, sharp pointed dock, and of flocan pan, of each four handsful j make a bath, to be used with care of taken cold.
For Worms in Children.
Take wormseed half a drachm, flour of sulphur a drachm, salt-prunel half a drachm ; mix, and make a powder. Give as much as will lie on a sil- ver three-pence, night and morning, in grocer's treacle or honey ; or to people grown up, you may add a sufficient quantity of aloe rosatum, and so make them up into pills 5 three or four may be ta- ken every morning.
Foil' Fevers in Children.
^ake crab-eyes a drachm, creani of tartar half a drachm ; white sugar-candy linely powdered weight of both ; mix ail well together, and give as much as will lie on a silver three-pence, in a spoon- ful of barley water or sack whey.
»4 Quieting Nighi'Draught when ike cough is violent.
Take water of green wheat six ounces, syrup diascordium three ounces, take two or three spoonsful going to bed every night, or every other night.
asistotie's master-piece. 141
Jn Electuary for the Dropsy,
Take best rhubarb one drachm, gum lac pre- pared two drachms, zyloaloes, cinnamon, long birthwort, half an ounce each, best English saffron half a scruple j with sryup of chychory and rhu- barb make an electuary. Take the quantity of a nutmeg or small walnut, every morning fasting.
For a Tympany Dropsy,
Take roots of chervil and candied eringo roots half an ounce each, roots of butcher broom two ounces, grass-roots three ounces, shaving of ivory and hartshorn two drachms and a half each, bur- dock seeds three drachms ; boil them in two or three pounds of spring water. While the strained liquor is hot, pour it upon the leaves of water- cresses and goose-grass bruised, of each a handful, adding a pint of Khenish wine. Make a close in- fusion for two hours, then strain out the liquor again, add to it three ounces of magistral water and earth worms, and an ounce and a half of the syrup of the five opening roots. Make an apozem, whereof take four ounces twice a-day.
For an Inward Bleeding.
Take leaves of plantain and stinging-nettles, of each three handsful, bruise them well, and pour ou them six onuces of plantain water, afterwards make a strong expression, and drink the whole ofT. Probatum est.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
WORTHY OF NOTICE.
WHEN YOU FIND
A red man to be faithful, a tall man to be wise, H fat man to be swift of foot, a lean man to be s
fool a handsome man not to be proud, a poor man not to be envious, a knave to be no liar, an upright man not too bold and hearty to his own loss, one that drawls when he speaks not to be crafty and circumventing-, one that winks on another with his eyes not to be false and deceitful, a sailor and hangman to be pitiful, a poor man to build church* es, a quack doctor to have a good conscience, a bailiff not to be a merciless villain, an hostess not to over-reckon you, and an usurer to be charitable,
THEN SAY,
Ye have found a prodigy.
Men acting contrary to the common course of nature.
END OF THE MASTEK-PIECE.
EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE.
PART n.
THE
EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE.
INTRODUCTION.
I HAVE given this Part the title of Th« Experiencett Midwife, both because it is chieflj designed for those that profess Midwifery, and contains whatever is necessary for them to know in the practice thereof; and also, because it is the result of many years' experience, and that in the most difficult cases, and is therefore, the more to be de- pended on.
A Midwife is the most necessary and honourable office, being indeed a helper of nature ; which therefore makes it necessary for her to be well acquainted with all the opera- tions of nature in the work of generation, and instruments with which she works. For she that knows not the opera- tions of nature, nor with what tools she works, must needs be at a loss how to assist therein. And seeing the instru- ments of operation, both in men and women, are those things by which, mankind is produced, it is very necessary . that all Midwives should be well acquainted with them, that they may the better understand their business, and assist nature as there shall be occasion.
The first thing then necessary as introductory to this Treatise is an anatomical description of the several partis •of generation both in men and women; but as, in the form- er part of this work, I have treated at large upon thesf. subjects, being desirous to avoid tautology, I shall not here ' repeat any thing of what was then said, but refer the read- er thereto, as a necessary introduction to what follows. And though I shall ,be necessiated to speak plainly, that so I may be understood, yet I shall do it with that modesty, that none shall have need to blush, unless it be from some- thing in themselves, rather than from what they shaJ here; having the motto of the royal garter for my de which is, " Houi soil qui mal y pense." " Evil be t (hat evil thinks."
A
BOOK L
CHAP, I.
&CT. I.— Of the Womb,
In tliis chapter I am to treat of the womb, w'hich the I^atins call mzitrix. Its parts are two; the inoulh of the ■womb^ and the bottom of it. The mouth h v.a orince a! the entrance into it, which may be dilated aiid fthut togeth<:r like a purse ; for although, in th« act oC copulation, it w> big enough lo receive the glands of the yard, yet^ after con- ception, it is so close and shut, that it will not admit the point of a bodkin to enter ; and yet again, at the lime oi" the woman's delivery, itis opcBed to such an extraordinary degree, that the infant passeth through it into the v/orl'd : at which time this orifice wholly disappears, and the woma- Jieems tohave but one great cavity from its bottom to the entrance of the neck. When a woman is not with child,, it is a little oblong, and of substance very thick and ch.sc ; hviX when she is with child, it is shortened, ami its thrck- aess diminisheth proportionably to its distention : and there- fore it is a mistake of some anatomist^s, who affirm that its sofcetance waxeth thicker a little before a woman's labour f for any one's reason willinfonn him, that the more distend- ed it is, the thinT^er it must be ; and the nearer a womaj* i?- to the time of her delivery, the shorter Jier womb mirst be extended. As to the action by which this inward ori- Sce of the womb ia opened and shut, it is purely natural ,- for were it otherwise, there would not be so many bastards £>egotten as there are ; nor would any married woman have 30 QRauy children. Were it ia their owa power, they vro^l4
AKiSTOTLE'S MIDWIFE. 3
•iiinder conception, though t1i«y would be willing enoagh t& ^ase copulation ; for nature has attended that action -vritfe fiomething so pleasing and delig^itful, ^nd that they are wili- ijigto ind'iilg'8 themselves in the use thereof, notwithstand- ifig'the pains they afterwards endu're, and th€ hazard of Iheir lives that often follows it. And this comes to pass, not so much from an inordinate lust in women, as that tbe gjreat Director of Xature, for the increase and multiplica- tion of mankind, and even of all other species in the eie- raentary world, hath placed «uch a magnetic virtue ia ti»o •womh, that it draws the seed to it as the loadstone drats?*^ iron.
Th« Author of Nature has placed the womb in the belly, that the heat might always be maintained by the warmth oT ihe parts surrounding it4 it is therefore seated in the mid- <lleof the hypogastrium {or lower part of the belly), be- wecn the bladder and the rectum (or right gut), by which •also it is defended ii'Om any hurt through the hardness of the bones: and it is ixlac-ed in the lower part of the belly tor the conveniency of copulation, and of a birth^s being thrust out at the full time..
It is of a figure almost ros«id inclining somewhat to -aft oblong, in part resembling a pair ; for, being broad at the hGitom, it gradually terminates in the point of tiie orifice, which is narrow.
The length, breadth, and thickness of the womb differ according lo the age and disposition of the body. For ia %urgins not ripe it is very small in all its dimensions ; but, in women whose terms flow in great quantities, and such its frequently use copulation, it is mu<;h larger^ and if they have had children, it is larger in them than in such as have bad none; but in women of a good stature, and weil shaped, it is, (as I have said before), from the entry of Iht: privy parts to the bottom of the womb, usually about eight inches; but the length of the body of the womb alone does not exceed three ; the breadth thereof is near about the sanie ; and of the thickness of the little finger, when the womb is not pregnant ; but, when the woman is with child, it becomes of a prodigious greatness, and the nearer she is to h^r delivery the more Is the womb extended.
It is not without reason, then, that Nature (or the God <if Nature) has made the womb of a membranous substance; for thereby it does the easier open to conceive, is gradually dilated by the growth of the fcetus, or young one, and is af- terwards contracted and closed again, to thrust forth both it and the afterburden, and then to retire to its primitive AcaL Hence also it is enabled to expel any noxious hu-
4 ABISTOTLE*$ Mir»WII-E.
mours which may sometimes happen to be cotitaineJ with- in it.
Before I have done with the womB, which is the field of generation, and ought therefore to he the more particularly taken care of, (for as the seeds of plants can produce no plants, nor spring, unless sown in ground proper to awak- en and excite their vegetative virtue, so likewise the seed of a man, though potentially ciOfntaining all the parts of a child, would never produce so admirable an effect, if it were not cast into the fruitful field of nature, the womb,) I shall proceed to a more particular descriplfion of its parts,, and the uses for which nature hath designed thera.
The womb then is composed of varioas similar parts, that is, of merol>ranes, veinSy arteries, and nerves. Its membranes are two, and they compose the principal parter of its body; the outermosi of which ariseth from the peri- toneum, or caul, and is very thin; without smooth, but within equal, that it may the better cleave ?o the womb, as^ it is fleshier and thicker thai> any thing else we meet with- in the body when the womaa is not pregnant, and is inter- woven with all sorts of fibres or small strings, that it may the better surfer ihe extension of the child and the waters reused during the pregnancy, and also that it may the t.n^ier close again after delivery.
The veins and arteries proceed both from the hypogas- trics and the spermatic vessels, of which I shall speak b}^ and by; all these are inserted and terminated in the proper membrane of the womb. The arteries supply it with food for nourishment, which being, brought together in toe^ great a quantity, sweats through the substance of it, and( distils as it were a dew into the bottom of the cavity ; from whence do proceed both the terms in ripe virgins, and the blood which nourisheth the embryo in breeding women. The branches which issue from the spermatie vessels are inserted in each side of the bottom of the womb, and are much less than those which proceed from the hypogastrics, those being greater, and bedewing the whole subtanee of it. There are yet some other small vessels, which, arising the one from the other, are conducted to the internal orifice, and by these, those that are pregnant do purge away tliy jsuperfluity of their terms, when they happen to have more than is used in the nourishment of the infant ; by which means nature hath taken such care of the womhj that du- ring its pregnancy it shall not be obliged to open itself for the passing away those excreraentitious humours, which,, should it be forced to do, might often endanger abortion.
As touching the nerves, they proceed from, the brain.
akistotle's midwife. 5
which fumiiiies, all the intier parts of the lower belly with ^hem, which is th« true reason it hath so great a sympathy ^\-ith the stomach, which is likewise very considerably fur- nished froni the same part : so that the womb cannot be aJliicted with any pain but the stomach is immediately sen-, sible thereof, which is the catise of 4;hose loathings or fre- quent vomitings which happen to it.
Bv.t, besides all these parts whieh compose th-e womb, it halh yet four ligaments, whose office is to keep it firm in its place, and prevent its constant agitatioa, by the contin- ual motion of the intestines which surround it ; two of which are above, and two below. Those above are called the broad ligaments, because of their broad and membran- ous iigure, and are nothing else but the pr-oductio-n of the peritoneum, which, growing out of the side of the loins, towards the reins, come to be inserted in the sides of the bottom of the womb, to hinder the body from hearing too mu<;h on the neck, and so from sujTering a precipitation, ■as will sometimes happen when the ligaments are too jiiuch relaxed ; and do also contain the testicles, and as well safely conduct the different vessels as the ejaculator- ies to the womb. The lowermost are called round liga- ments, taking their original from the side of the v/omb near the horn, from whence they pass the groin, together with the production of the peritoneum, which accompanies til-cm through the rings and holes of the oblique 4^ud trans- verse muscles of the belly, by which they divide them- ^■selves into raaTiy little branches, resembling the foot of a goose, of whrch some are inserted into the os pubis, and ^Ive rest are lost and confounded with the membranes that ■cover the upper and interior parts of the thigh ; and it is that which canselh the numbness which women with child feel in their thighs. Thes-e two ligaments are long, round, and nervous, and pretty big in their beginning, near the «iatrix, hollow in their rise, and all along to the os pubis, where they are a little smaller, and 'become flat, the better to be inserted in the manner aforesaid. It is by their means the womb is hindered from rising too high. Now, ■Although the womb is held in its natural situation by means ^)f these four ligaments, yet it has liberty enough to extend ilseJf wlien pregnant, because they are very loose, and so ^easily yield to its distention. But, besides these ligaments, which "keep the womb a? it were in a poise, yet it is fas- tened, for greater security, by its neck, both to the bladder ivnd rectum, between which it is situated. Whence it comes to pass, that if at any time the womb be inflamed, 4i communicates the iniiammatioa ^totiie neigubouxing parts»
6 AKISTOTLE^S IttlDWrrE.
Its use or proper action, in the work of generation, is to receive and retain the »€^ed, and deduce from it power and action, by its heat for the generation of the infant ; and is therefore absolutely netressary for the conservation of the species. It also seems by aecidern to receive and expel the impurities of the whole body, as wh-eu woroen have abund- ance of whites ; and to purg^e away, fromi time to tjn>e, the superllaily of the blood, as whea a v^oman is not with child.
Sect. II. — Of the Difference between, the Ancient and Modern Physicians, toPxhijig the Woman'^^S' emtribuiing 3eed to the Fwmaiion of the Child.
Oua modern anatomists and physicians are of different sentiments from the ancients touching the woman's contri- buting of seed for the formation of the child,, as well as the man ; the ancients strongly atEfuntig it, but oar modern ftutbors being generally of another judgmeK?.- I will not make myself a party in this controversy, but set down im- partially, yet briefly, the arguments on each side^ and leave the judicious reader to judge for himself.
Though it is apparent, say the ancients, that the seed of man is the principal efficient and beginning of action, motion, and generation, yet that the woman affords seed, and con- tributes to the procreation of the child, is evident from hence, that the woman has seminal vessels, which bad been given her in vain if she wantetJ seminal excrescence^ but since aature forms nothing in rain, it miist be granted they were made for the use of seed aod procreation, and fixed in their proper places, to operate and contribute virtue and efficacy to the seed ; and this, say they, is farther proved from hence, that if women at years of maturity use dM. copulation to eject their seed, they often fall into stramge diseases, as appears by young women and virgins : an4 also it appears, that the women are never better pleased than when they are often satisfied this way, which argues that the pleasure? and delight, say they, is double in woman to what it is in men ; for as the delight of men in copulation consi:sts chief ly in the emission of the seed, so women csre delighted both in the emission of their own, and the reception of th* man's.
But against all tkiSy emr noiodern authors^ affirm, that the ancients are very erroneous, inasmuch as the testicles iu women do not atTord seed, but are two eggs, like those of fowls and other creatures ; neither have they any such offices as in men, but are indeed an ovarium, or receptacle for eggs, wherein these eggs are -nourished by the sangui-
ARISTOTLE'S MIDWIFE. 7
nary vessels dispersed through them ; and from thence one or more, as they are fecundated by the man's seed, are con- veyed into the womb by the ovaducls. And the truth of this, say they, is so plain, that if you boil them, their liquor will have the same taste, colour, and consistency, with the taste of birds' eggs. And if it be objected, that they have no shells, the answer is easy : for the eggs of fowls, while they are in the ovary, nay, after they are fallen into the titerus, have no shell ; and though they have one when they are laid, yet it is no more than a fence which nature has provided for them against outward injuries, they being hatched without the body ; but those of women being hatch- ed within the body, have no need of any other fence than the womb to secure them.
They aisc further say, there are in the generation of the foetus, or young ones, tv/o principles, active undpassive : Xh^ active is the man's seed elaborated in the testicles, out of the arterial blood and animal spirits ; the passive principle is the ovum, or e^^, impregnated by the man's seed : for to say that women have true seed, say they, is erroneous. But the manner of conception is this : the most spirituous part of man's seed, in the act of copulation, reaching up to the ovarium or testicles of the woman (which contain diver- eggs, sometimes more, sometimes fewer), impregnates one of them ; which, being conveyed by the ovaducts to the \)jpttom of the v/omb, presently begins to swell bigger and bigger, and drinks in the moisture that is plentifully senl thither, after the same manner that the seeds in the ground fiuck in the fertile moisture thereof, to make them sprout.
But, notwithstanding what is here urged by our modern bnatomists, there are some late writers of the opinion of the ancients, viz. that women both have, and emit seed in the act of copulation ; and even women themselves take it ill to be thought merely passive in that act wherein they make such vigorous exertion ; and positively affirm, thit Ihey arc sensible of the emission of their seed in that acti^i, and that in it a great part of the delight which {Ley tike in that act consists. I shall not, therefore, go about \o take away any of their happiness from them, but leave them in possession of their imaginary felicity.
Having thus laid the foundation of this work, I will now proceed to speak of conception, and of those things that avf: necessary to be observed by women from the time of theiir conception to the time of their delivery.
8 ARISTOTLE'S MID WIFE, -.
CHAP. II.
OF CONCEPTION ; WHAT IT IS ; HOW WOMEN ARE TO ORDESt THEMSELVES AFTER CONCEPTION.
Sect. I — What Conception w, and the. Qualifications re(jnisit^
thereto.
Conception is nothing else but an action of the womb, by which the prolific seed is received and retained, that an infant may be engendered and formed out of it. There are two sorts of conception : the one according to nature, which is followed by the generation of the infant in the womb ; Ihe other false, and wholly against nature, in which the seed changes into water, and produces only false concep- tions, moles, or other strange matter. Now, there are three things principally necessary in order to a true conception, so that generation may follow, viz. diversity of sex, con- gression, and emission of seed. Without diversity of sex there can be no conception ; for, though some will have a woman to be an animal that can engender of herself, it is a great mistake ; there can be no conception without a man to discharge his seed into her womb. What they allege of pullets laying eggs without a cock's treading thera i» nothing to the purpose ; for those eggs, should ihey be set under a hen, will never become chickens, because they never received any prolific virtue from the male, which is absolutely necessary to this purpose, and is sufficient to convince us, that diversity of sex is necessary even to those animals, as well as to the generation of man. But diversi- ty of sex, though it be necessary to conception, yet it will jiOt do alone ; there must also be a congression of those different sexes : for diversity of sex Avould profit little, if copulation did not follow. I confess I have heard of some subtle women, who, to cover their sin and shame, have en- deavoured to persuade some peasants that they were never touched by man to get them with child ; and that one, in particular, pretended to conceive by going into a bath where a man had washed himself a little before, and spent his seed in it, which was drawn and sucked into her womb, as she pretended. But such stories as these are only for those who know no better. Now, that these dilferent sexes should be obliged to come to the touch, whiclj we call co- pulation, or coition, besides the natural desire of begetting their like, v/hich stirs up men and women to it, the pans appointed for generation are endowed by nature with »
Aristotle's midwife. 9^
delightful and mutual itch, -which begets in lb em a oesire to the action ; -vvithoat which, it would not be very easy for a man, born for the contemplation of divine mysteries, to join hiuiselt^, by the v,ay of coition, to a woaian, in reirard of the uncleanness of the pari and of the action. And, on the other side, if women did but think of those pains and inconveniences to which they are subject by 'their irreat bellies, and those hazards of life itself, besides the unavoid- able pains that attend their delivery, it is reasonable to be- lieve they would be atfrighted from it. But neither sex make these reflections till after the action is over, consider- ing nothins; beforehand but the pleasure of enjoyment ; so that it is from this voluptuous itch that nature oblisjes both sexes to this congression. Upon v/hich the third thing foUowelh of course, viz. the emission of seed into the womb in the act of copulation. For the woman having received this proliiic seed inio her womb, and retained it there, the womb thereupon becomes depressed, and embraces the seed so closely, that being closed, the point of a needle cannot enter it without violence. And now the woman may be »aid to liave conceived, having reduced by her heat from power into action the several faculties which are in the seed contained, making use of the spirits with which the seed abounds, and which are the instruments which begin to trace out the iirst lineaments of all the parts, and which afterwards, by making use of the menstruous blood flowing to it, give it, in time, growth and final perfection. And thus much shall suflice to explain what conception is. I &hall now proceed to shew,
Sect. II. — Hoio a Woman ought to order herself after Concep-^
Hon.
My desiijn in this treatise being brevity, I shall bring forward a little of what the learned have said of the cause.** of twins, and whether there be any such thing as super- Icctaljons, or a second conception, in a woman, (which is yet common enough) when I come to shew you how the rnidwite ought to proceed in the delivery of these Avomen that are pregnant v/ith them. But, having already spoke of conception, I think it now neces.sary to shew how such as have conceived ought to order themselves during their pregnancy, that they may avoid those inconveniences which often endanger the life of the child, and many times their own.
A -woman, after her conception, during the time of her being -with child, ought to be looked on as indisposed or sick, though in good health j for child-bearing is a kind of
10 Aristotle's midwife.
nine-months' sickness, bein^f ali that time in expectation of many inconveniences which such a condition usually causes to those that are not well governed during that lime ; and therefore ought to resemble a good pilot, who, when sailing on a rough sea, and full of rocks, avoids and shuns the danger, if he steers with prudence; but if not, it is a thousand to one but he suMers shipwreck. In like manner. a woman with child is often in danger of miscarrying and losing her life, if she is not very careful to prevent those accidents to which she is subject all the time of her preg- nancy ; all which time her care must be double, first of lierself, and secondly of the child she goes with : for other- wise, a single error may produce a double miscliief ; for, rf fshe receiv^es any prejudice, her child also suffers with her. Let a woman, therefore, after conception, observe a good diet, suitable to her temperament, custom, condition, and quality; and if she can, let the air where she ordinarily dwells be clear and well tempered, free from extreme* either of heat or cold ; for being too hot it dissipateth the spirits too much, and causeth many weaknesses; and Iry l>eing too cold and foggy, it may bring down rheums unii distillations on the lungs, and so cause her to cough, which, by its impetuous motion, forcing downwards, may moke her miscany. She ought also to avoid all nauseous and ill gmells ; for sometimes the stench of a candle, not well put out, may cause her to come before her time ; and I hava known the smell of charcoal to have the same effect. Let her also avoid smelling of rue, mint, pennyroyal, castor, brimstone, &c.
But, with respect to their diet, women with child have generally so great loathings, and so many different long- ings, that it is very diJficult to prescribe an exact diet for them. Only this I think advisable, that they may use those meats and drinks which are to them most desirable, though perhaps not in themselves so wholesome as some others, and, it may be, not so pleasant ; but this liberty must )>€ made use of with this caution, that what they so desire b« not in itself unwholesome; and also, that in every thinjx they take care of excess. But, if a child-bearing womau finds herself not troubled with such longings as we havt» spoken of, let her take simple food, and in such quantity as niay be sufficient for herself and the child, which her ap- l>etite may in a great measure regulate ; for it is alike hurt- ful to her to fast too long, or to eat too much ; and, there-: fore, rather let her eat a little and often : especially let her r.void eating too much at night; because the stomach being 4tiQ much filled, compresseth the diaphragms, and thereby
ARlSTOTLE^S JHI&WIFE. 11
causes dliliculty of breathing. Let her meat be easy of digestioi^. such as the tenderest parts of beef, mutton, veal, sows, pullets, capons, pigeons, and partridges, either boiled or roasted, as she likes best ; new laid eggs are also very good lor her ; and let her put into her broth those herl» that purify it, as sorrel, lettuce, succory, and burrage ; foi- they will purge and purify the blood. Let her avoid what soever is hot seasoned, especially pies and baked meats, ■which, being of hot digestion, overcharges the stomach. If slie desires iish, let it be fresh, and such as is taken out of rivers and running streams. Let her eat quinces or mar- malade, to strengthen her child ; for which purpose sweeS almonds, honey, sweet apples, and full ripe grapes, are alss> ;^^;od. Let her abstain from all sharp, sour, bitter, and Malt things ; and all things that tend to provoke the terms — such as garlic, onions, olives, mustard, fennel, pepper, and Jill spices except cinnamon, which in the last three months M good for her. If at first her diet be sparing as she in- creases in bigness let her diet be increased ; for she ought lo consider she has a child as well as herself to nourish. Let her be moderate in her drinking ; and if she drinks wine, let it be rather claret than white, (which will breed good blood, help the digestion, and comfort the stomach, which is always weakly during her pregnancy:) but white v/ine being diuretic, or that which provokes urine, ought to be a:voided. Let her have a care of too much exercise.; and Let her avoid dancing, riding in a coach, or whatever elso puts the body into violent motion, especially in her first month. But to be more particular, I shall here set down rules proper for every month for the child-bearing woman to order herself, from the time she has first conceived to ihe time of her delivexy.
Rules for the First Two Months.
As soon as a woman knows (or has reason to believe) tihe hath conceived, she ought to abstain from all violent ;notions and exercise ; whether she walks on foot, or ride» on horseback, or in a coach, it ought to be very gently. I>et her also abstain from every venery, )to which, after conception, she has usually no great inclination,) lest there be a mole or superfoetation ; which is the adding of one embryo to another. Let her beware she lift not her arm* too high, nor carry great burdens, nor repose herself on ?iard and uneasy seats. Let her use. moderately good juicy meat, and of easy digestion ; and let her wine be neither too strong or too sharp, but a little mingled with water ; or if she be very abstemious, she may us^waler wherein einna-
12 Aristotle's midwife.
mon is boiled. Let her avoid fastings, thirst, watching, mourning, sadness, anger, and all other perturbations ot the mind. Let none present any strange or unwholesome thing to her, nor so much as name it, lest she should desiro it, and not be able to get it, and so eitlier cause her to mis- carrj', or the child to have some deformity on that account. Let her belly be kept loose with prunes, raisins, or manna, in her brolh ; and let her use the following electuary, to strengthen the womb and the child : —
Take conserve of burrage, buglos, and red roses, each two oijjnces ; of balm an ounce ; citron peel and shreds, mi- robolans candied, each an ounce ; extract of wood aloes, a scruple; pearl prepared, half a drachm ; red coral, ivory, each a drachm ; precious stones each a scruple ; candied iiutmegs, two drachms : and with syrup of apples and quinces inake an electuary."
Let her observe the following Rules.
" Take pearls prepared, a drachm ; red coral prepared and ivory, each half a drachm ; precious stones, each a scruple; yellow citron peels, mace, cinnamon, cloves, each half a drachm ; saflron, a scruple; wood aloes, half a scru- ple ,• ambergris, six drachms ; and with six ounces of sugar dissolved in rose-water, make rolls." Let her also apply strenglheners to the navel, of nutmegs, mace, mastich, made up in bags, or a toast dipped in malmsey, sprinkled with powder of mint. If she happens to desire clay, chalk, or coals (as many women with child do,) give her beans boiled with sugar : and if she happens to long for any thing which she canriot obtain, let her presently drink a large draught of pure cold water.
Rules for the. Third Mmith.
In this month and the next, be sure to keep from bleed- ing ; for though it may be safe and proper at other limes, it will not be so to the end of the fourth month ; and yet if blood abound, or some incidental disease happen, which requires evacuation, you may use a cupping-glass, with scarification, and a little blood may be drawn from the shoulders and arms, especially if she has been accustomed to bleed. Let her also take care of lacing herself too strailly, but give herself more liberty than she used to do ; for incinsing her belly in too strait a mould, she hinders the infant from taking its free growth, and often makes it com« before its time.
Rules for the Fourth Month. In this month you ought also to keep the child-beariog
Aristotle's midwife, 13
woman from bleeding, unless in extraordinary coses ; but when this month is past, blood-letting and physic may be permitted, if it be gentle and mild ; and perhaps it may be necessary to prevent abortion. In this month she may purge, in an acute disease ; but purging may be only used from the beginning of this month to the end of the sixth ; but let her take care that in purging she use no vehement medicine, nor any bitter, as aloes, which is disagreeable and hurtful to the child, and opens the mouths of the ves- sels ; neither let her use coloquintida, scammony, nor tur- bith : she may use cassia, manna, rhubarb, agaric, and senna : but dyacidodium purgans is best, with a little of ths electuary of the juice of roses.
Ruhsfor the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Months.
In these months child-bearing women are troubled with coughs, heart-beating, fainting, watching, pains in the loins and hips, and bleeding. The cough is from a sharp vapour that comes to the jav/s and rough artery from the terms, or the thin part of that blood gotten into the veins of the breast, or falling from the head to the bi'east ; this endan- gers abortion, and strength fails from watching ; therefore purge the humours that fall to the breast with rhubarb and agaric, and strengthen the head as in a catarrh, and give sweet lenitives, as in a cough. Palpitation and fainting arise from vapours that go to it by the arteries, or from blood that aboundeth, and cannot get out at the womb, but ascends, and oppresseth the heart ; and in this case cordials should be used both inwardly and outwardly. Watching is from sharp dry vapours that trouble the animal spirits, and in this case use frictions, and let the woman wash her feet at bed-time, and let her take syrup of poppies, dried roses, emulsions of sweet almondti, and white poppy seed. If she be troubled with pains in her loins and hips, as in these months slie is subject to be, from the weight of hcf child, who is now growing big and heavy, and so stretcheth the ligaments of the womb, and parts adjacent, let her hol4 it up with swathing bands about her neck. About thil lime also the woman often happens to have a flux of blood; either at the nose, womb, or hemorrhoids, from plenty of blood, or front the weakness of the child that takes it not in ; or else from evil humour in the blood, that stirs up na- ture to send it forth. And sometimes it happens that the vessels of the womb may be broken, either by some violent motion, fall, cough, or tro.ible of mind, (for any of these will work that eiieci ;) and tliis is so dangerous, that in *ttch a case the child cennot be well j but ii' it be from hkuji.
14 aristotlb's auDvriKE.
cml^', the danger is less, provided it flows by the veins of the neck of the womb ; for then it prevents plethory, and takes not away the nonrishtnenl of the child ; but if it pro- ceeds from the weakness of the child, that draws it not in, abortion of the child often follows, or hard travail, or els-e she goes beyond her time. But if it flows by the inward reins of the womb, there is more danger by the openness of the womb, if it come from evil blood; the danger is alike from cacochimy, which is like to fall upon both. If it arises from plethory, open a vein, but with very great caution, and use astringents, of which the following will do well :— take ytearls prepared, a scruple ; red coral, two scruples ; mace, nutmegs, each a drachm ; cinnamon, half a drachm ; make a powder, or, with sugar, rolls. Or give this powder in broth : " Take red coral, a drachm ; half a drachm precious B^tones ; red sandcr, half a drachm ; bole, a drachm ; sealed earth, tormentil roots, each two scruples, v.uth sugar of ro«es, and manus Christi ; with pearl, five drachms ; make a powder.'^ You may also strengthen the child at the na- vel ; and if there be a cacochimy, alter the humours ; and if you may do it safely, evacuate : you may likewise us-e amulets in her hands and about her neck. In a flux of hemorrhoids wear off the pain; and let her drink hot wine with a toasted nutmeg. In these months the belly is a bo subject to be bound ; but if it be without any apparent dis- eihse, the broth of a chicken, or veal sodden vfith oil, or with the decoction of mallows, or marshmallows, mercury, find linseed, put up in a clyster, will not be amiss, but in les-5 quantity than is given in other cases : viz, of the de- coction five ounces, of common oil three ounces, of sugar two ounces, of cassia fistula one ounce. But if she will aot take a clyster, one ov two yolks of new laid eggs, or a little peas-pottage warm, with a little salt and sugai-, supped a little before meat, will be very convenient. But if her belly be distended and stretched out with wind, a littlo fennel seed and anniseed reduced into powder, and mingled with honey and sugar, made after the manner of an electu- ary, will do very well. Also, if the thighs and feet swell, let them be anointed with exphrodinum (which is a liquid medicine made with vinegar and rose-water, mingled witli siUt.)
Ruka for tha Eighth Month.
The eighth is commonly the most dangerous, therefbre the greatest care and caution ought to be used ; the diet belter in quality, but not more, nor indeed so much i-'i <tR5l3Uity as before 5 but as she must abate her diet, &a she
Aristotle's midwife, 15
jnust increase her exercise : and because then women with child, by reason that sharp humours alter the belly, are accustomed to weaken their spirits and strength, they may well take before meat an electuary of diarrhoden or aro- maticum rosatum, or diamagarton ; and sometimes they may lick a little honey : as they will loath and nauseate their meat, they may take green ginger candied with sugar, or the rinds of citron and oranges candied; and let them often use honey for the strengthening of the infant. When, she is not far from her labour, let her eat every day seven roasted figs before meat, and sometimes let her lick a little honey. But let her beware of salt and powdered meat, for it is neither good for her nor the child.
Rules far the Ninth Month,
In the ninth month let her have a care of lifting any great weight ; but let her move a little more, to dilate the parts and stir up natural heat. Let her take heed of stooping^ and neither sit too much, nor lie on her sides, neither ought she to bend herself much, lest the child be unfolded in th« umbilical ligament, by which means it often perisheth. Let her walk and stir often, and let her exercise be rather to go upwards than downwards. Let her diet, now especially, be light and easy of digestion ; and damask prunes with svsgar, or figs with raisins, before meat ; as also the yolks of eggs, flesh and broth of chickens, birds, partridges and pheasants ; astringent and roasted meats, with rice, hard eggs, millet, and such like other things, are proper. Baths of sweet water, with emollient herbs, ought to be used by her this month with some intermission ; and after the baths, let her belly be anointed with oil of roses and violets ; but for her privy parts it is better to anoint them with the fat of hens, geese, or ducks, or with oil of lilies, and the do* coction of linseed and fenugreek, boiled with oil of linseed and marshmallows, or with the following liniment : —
" Take of mallows and marshmallows, cut and shred, of each an ounce; of linseed one ounce; let them be boiled from twenty ounces of water to ten ; then let her take three ounces of the boiled broth, of oil of alrnonds and oil of flow- er-de-luce, of each one ounce ; of deer's suet three ounces." Let her bathe with this, and anoint herself with it warm.
If for fourteen days before the birth she do every morn- ing and evening bathe and moisten her belly with musca- dine and lavender water, the child will be much strength- ened thereby. And if^very day she eat toasted bread, it will hinder any thing from growing to the child. Her priv/ parts may be gonlly stroked down with this fomentation.
IQ Aristotle's midwife.
*^Take three ounces of linseed, and one handful each of mallows and marshmallows sliced, then let them be put into a bag and immediately boiled." Let the woman with child, every morning and evenins;, take the vapour of this decoction in a hollow stool, taking great heed that no wind or air comes to. her in-parls, and then let her wipe the part 00 anointed with a linen cloth, and she may anoint the belly and groins as at first.
When she is come so near her time as to be within ten or fourteen days thereof, if she begins to feel any more than ordinary pain, let her use every day the following : — '•' Take mallows and marshmallows, of each one handful; camomile, hard mercury, maiden-hair, of each a handful ; of linseed, four ounces ; let them be boiled in such u suiiicient quanti- ty of water as to make a bath therewith." But let her not sit too hot upon the seat, nor higher than a little above her navel ; nor let her sit on it longer than about half an hoar, lest her strength languish and decay ; for it is better to use it often than to stay too long in it.
And thus have I shown how a child-bearinor woman ought to govern herself each month during her pregnancy. How she must order herself at her delivei-y, shall be shown i-a another chapter, after I have first shown the intended mid- ivife how the child is fii'st formed ia the womb, and the laaaner of its decumbiture there.
CHAP. HI.
(>f the Paris proper to a Child in the Womb. How it is formed there, and the Manner of its Situation therein.
In the last chapter I treated of conception, showing what it was, how accomplished, its signs, and hoAV she who has conceived ought to order herself during the time of her pregnancy. Now, before I come to speak of her delivery, it is necessary that the midwife be first made acquainted with the parts proper to a child in the womb: and also, that she be shown how it is formed ; and the manner of its situation and decumbiture there; which are so necessary to her, that without the knowledge thereof, no one can tell how to deliver a woman as she ought. This, therefore, shall be the work of this chapter. I shall begin with the first of these.
Sect. I. — Of the Parts proper to 0 Child in the Womb.
In this section I must first tell you what I mean by the
Aristotle's midwifb. It
parts proper to a child in the womb ; and. they are only those that either help ornourisli it, whilst it is lodged in that dark repository of nature, and that help to clothe and defend it there, and are cast away, as of no more use, after it is born ; and these are two : viz. the nmbilicnrs, or navel, vessels, and the secundiniim. By the first it is nourished, and by the second clothed and defended from wrong. Of each of these I shall speak distinctly: and, first,
Of the UmbiliaiTSy or Navel Vessels.
These are four in number : viz. one vein, two arteries, and the vessel which is called the urachos.
1. The vein is that by which the infant is nourished, from the time of its conception till the time of its delivery ; till, being brought into the light of this world it has the same way of concocting its food that we have. This vein ariseth from the liver of the child, and is divided into parts when it hath passed the navel ; and these two are again divided and subdivided, the branches being upheld by the skin called chorion (of which I shall speak by and by,) and are joined to the veins of the mother's womb, from whence they have their blood for the nourishment of the child.
2. The arteries are two on each side, which proceed from the back branches of the great artery of the mother ; and the vital blood is carried by those to the child, being ready concocted by the mother.
3. A nervous or sinewy production is led from the bottom oC the bladder of the infant to the navel, and this is called urachos; and its use is to convey the urine of the infant from the bladder to the alantois. Anatomists do very much vary in their opinions concerning this ; some denying any such thing to be in the delivery of the women ; and others, on the contrary, affirming it ; but experience has testified there is such a thing ; for Bartholomew Carbrolius, the Oi-- dinary doctor of anatomy to the College of Physicians at Montpelier, in France, records the history of a maid, whose water, being a long time stopped, at last issued out through her navel. And Johannes Fernclius speaks of the same thing that happened to a man of thirty years of «ige, who, having a stoppage at the neck of the bladder, his urine is- fued out of his navel many months together, and that with- out any prejudice at all to his health ; which he ascribes to the ill lying of his navel, whereby the urachos was not v/ell dried. And Volchier Coitas quotes such another in- stance in a maid of 34 years of age, at X"furemburg, in Ger- tuany. These in.st.inces, iho^igh tliey hupr-cn i)'.;i Bekktv.,
18 akistotle's midwife.
they are sufficient to prove that there is such a thing as an m-achos in men.
These four vessels before-mentioned, viz. one vein, two tirteries, and the urachos, do join near to the navel, and axe united by a skin, which they have from the chorion, and so become like a gut or rope, and are altogether void of sense, and this is that which women call the navel-string. The vessels are thus joined together, that so they may neither be broken, severed, nor entangled; and when the infant is born are of no use, save only to make up the liga- ment which stopR the hole of the navel, and some other physical use, &.c.
Of the Secundine, or Jtficr-Birtk.
Setting aside the name given to this by the Greeks and Latins, it is called in English by the name of secundine, after-birthj or after-burden ; which are held to be four in Humber.
1. The first is called placentia, because it resembles the form of a cake, and is knit both to the navel and chorion, and makes up the greatest part of the secundine, or after- birth. The flesh of it is like that of the milt, or spleen, soft, red, and tending something to blackness, and hath many small veins and arteries in it ; and certainly the chief use of it is, for containing the child in the womb.
2. The second is the chorion. This skin, and that called the amnios, involve the child round, both above and under- neath, and on both sides, which the alantois doth not. This skin is that which is most commonly called the secundine, as it is thick and white, garnished with many small veins and arteries, ending in the placentia before nam-ed, being very light and slippery. Its use is not only to cover the child round about, but also to receive and sately bind up the roots of the veins and arteries or naVel vessels before described.
3. The third thing which makes up the secundine is the alantois, of which there is a great dispute amongst anato- mists. Some say, there is such a thing, and others that there is not. Those that will have it to be a membrane, say it is white, soft, and exceeding thin, and just under the placentia, where it is knit to the urachof--, from whence it receives the urine ; and its office is to keep it separate from the sweat, that the sallness of it may not offend the tender fikin of the child,
4. The fourth and last covering of the child is called nmnios ; and it is white, soft, and transparent, being nour- ished by some ver\' small veins and arteries. Its use is not
Aristotle's MiDWirsk 19
only to enwrap the child, bat also to retain the sweat of the child.
Having thus described the p?urts proper to a child in the womb, I will next proceed to speak of the formation of the child therein, as soon as I have explained the hard terms cf this section, that those ff*r whose help this is designed, may understand what they read. A vein is that which re- ceives blood from the liver, and distributes it in several branches to all parts of the body. Arieri&s proceed from the heart, are in a continual motion, and by their continual motion quicken the body. Nerve is the same with sinexo, and is that by which the brain adds sense and motion to the body. Placentia properly signifies a su^ar cake ; but in this section it is used to signify a spungy piece of flesh, resembling a cake, full of veins and arteries, and is made to receive the mother's blood appointed for the infant's nourishment in the womb. The chorion is the outward skin which compasseth the child in the womb. The amnios is the inner skin which compasseth the child in the womb. The alantois is the skin that holds the urine of the child during the time that it abides in the womb. The unichos is the vessel that conveys the urine from the child in the womb to the alantois. I now proceed to
Sect. II. — Of the Formation of the Child in the Womb.
To speak of the formation of the child in the womb, we JDiust begin where nature begins ; and that is, at the act of coition, in which the womb having received the generative eeed (without which there can be no conception,) the womb immediately shuts up itself so close that the point of a needle cannot enter the inward orifice ; and this it does partly to hinder the issuing out of the seed again, and part- ly to cherish it by an inbred heat, the better to provoke it to action ; which is one reason why women's bellies are so lank at their first conception. The woman having thus conceived, the first thing which is operative in the concep- tion is the spirit, whereof the seed is full, which nature quickening by the heat of the womb stirs up to action. This seed consists of very different parts, of which some are more, and some are less pure. The internal spirits, therefore, separate the parts that are less pure, which are thick, cold, and clammy, from those that are more pure and noble. The less pure are cast to the outsides, and witn these the seed is circled round, and the membranes made, in which that seed whichis the most pure is wrapped round, and kept close together, that it may be defended from cold find other accidents, and operate the better.
20 Aristotle's midwife..
The first thing that is formed is the amnios ; the next th« (Morion ; and they enwrap the seed round like a curtain. Soon after this (for the seed thus shut up in the vroman lies not idle) the navel vein is bred, which pierceth those skins, being yet very tender, and carries a drop of blood from the veins of the mother's womb to the seed ; from which drop the vena cai-va, or chief vein, proceeds, from which all the rest of the veins v/hich nourish the body spring ; and now ihe seed hath something to nourish it, whilst it performs the rest of nature's work, and also blood administered to every part of it, to form flesh.
This vein being formed, the naval arteries are soon after formed ; then the great artery, of which all others are but branches ; and then the heart ; for the liver furnisheth the arteries with blood to form the heart, the arteries being made of seed, but the heart and the flesh of blood. After this the brain is formed, and then the nerves to give sense and motion to the infant. Afterwards the bones and flesh are formed ; and of the bones, first the vertebras or chin bones, and then the skull, &c.
As to the time in which this curious part of nature's workmanship is formed, having already, in Chapter II. of the former part of this work, spoken at large upon this point, and also of the nourishment of the child in the womb, I shall here only refer the reader thereto, and proceed to show the manner in which the child lies in the womb.
Sect. III. — Of ihe manner of ihe Child's hjing in the WomK
This is a thing so essential for a midwife to know, that she can be no midwife who is ignorant of it : and yet even about this authors extremely differ ; for there are not two in ten that agree what is the form that the child lies in thQ v/ombj or in v/hat fashion it lies there ; and yet this may arise in a great measure from the different figures that the child is found in, according to the different tiroes of the wo- man's pregnancy ; for near the time of its deliverance oul of those winding chambers of nature, it oftentimes changes the form in which it lay before for another.
I will now show the several situations of the child in the mother's womb, according to the difierent times of preg- nancy, by which those that are contrary to nature, and arc the chief cause of all ill labours, v/ill be the more easily con- ceived by the understanding midwife. It ought, tlierefore, in the first place, to be observed, that the infant, as well male as female, ia generally situated in the midst of the womb ; for though sometimes, to appearance, a woman's belly seems higher on one side thaa another, yet it is so
Aristotle's midwife. 21
■with respect to her belly only, and not to her •womb, in the midst of which it is always placed.
But, in the second place, a woman's great belly makes different figures, according to the different times of preg- nancy; for, when she is young with child, the embryo is always found of a round figure, a little oblong, having the spine moderately turned inwards, the thighs folded, and a little raised, to which the legs are so raised, that the heels touch the buttocks ; the arms are bending, and the hands placed upon the knees, towards which the head is inclining forwards, so that the chin toucheth the breast ; in which posture it resembles one sitting to ease nature, and stoop- ing down with the head to see what comes from him. The spine of its back is at that time placed towards the mother's, the head uppermost, the face forwards, and the feet down- wards ; and, proportionably to its growth, it extends its members by little and little, which were exactly folded in the first month. In this posture it usually keeps till the seventh or eighth month ; and then, by a natural propensity and disposition of the upper part of the body, the head ia turned downwards towards the inward orifice of the womb, tumbling as it were over its head, so that then the feet are uppermost, and the face towards the mother's great gut ; and this turning of the infant in this manner, with its head -downwards, towards the latter end of a woman's reckoning, is so ordered by nature, that it may thereby be the better disposed for its passage into the world at the time of its mother's labour, which is not then far off (and, indeed, some children turn out at all until the very time of birth ;) for in this posture all its joints are most easily extended in coming forth ; for, by this means the arms and legs cannot hinder its birth, because they cannot be bended against the inward orifice of the womb ; and the rest of the body being very supple, passeth without any difiiculty after the head, which is hard and big, being past the birth. It is true, there are divers children that lie in the womb in another posture, and come to birth with their feet downwards, especially if there be twins ; for then by the different motions they do so disturb one another, that they seldom come both in the same posture at the time of laboui-, but one will come with the head, and other with the feet, or perhaps lie across ; and sometimes neither of them will come right. But how- ever the child may be situated in the womb, or in whatever posture it presents itself at the time of birth, if it be not with its head forwards, as I have before described, it is always against nature, and the delivery will occasion the mother more pain and danger, and require greate'r care
22 ARISTOTLE'S MIDWIFE.
and skill from the midwife, than when the labour is more natural.
CHAP. IV.
^ (htidc for Women in Travail, showing what is to be donCf when they fall in Labour, in order to their Delivery.
The 'end of all that we have been treating of is, the bringing forth a child into the world with safety both to the mother and the infant, as the whole time of a woman's pregnancy may veiy well be termed a kind of labour ; for, from the time of her conception to the time of her delivery, she labours under many dimculties, is subject to many dis- tempers, and in continual danger, from one effect or another, till the time of birth comes ; and when that comes, the greatest labour a,nd travail come along with it, insomuch, that then ail her other labours are forgotten, and that only is called the time of her labour; and to deliver her safely is the principal business of the midwife ; and to assist her therein, shall be the chief design of this chapter. The time of the child's being ready for its birth, when nature endeav- ours to cast it forth, is that which is properly the time of a woman's labour ; nature then labouring to be eased of its burden. And since many child-bearing women (especially the first child) are often mistaken in their reckoning, and so, when they draw near their time, take every pain they meet with for their labour, which often proves prejudicial and troublesome to them, when it is not so ; I will, in th% first section of this chapter, set down some signs, by which, a woman may know when the true time of her labour is come.
Sect. I. — The Sigrui of the true Time of a Woman's Labour.
"When women with child, especially of their first, per- ceive any extraordinary pains in their belly, they imraedi-' ately send for their midwife, as taking it for their labour ; and then, if the midwife be not a skillful and experienced woman, to know the time of labour, but takes it for granted without further inquiry (for some such there are,) and so goes about to put her into labour before nature is prepared for it, she may endanger the lives of both mother and child, by breaking the amnios and chorion. These pains, which are often mistaken for labour, arc removed by warm clotba laid to the belly, and the application of a clyster or two, by
4
Aristotle's midwife. 23
which those pains which precede a true labo^nr are rather furthered than hindered. There are also other pains inci- dent to a woman in that condition from a flux of the belly, •which are easily known by the frequent stools that follow them.
The signs, therefore, of labour, some few days defore, are, that the woman's belly, which before lay high, sinks down, and hinders her from walking so easily as she used to do ; also there flows from the womb slimy humours, which niv ture has appointed to moisten and smooth the passage, that its inward orifice may be the more easily dilated when there is occasion ; which, beginning to open at that time, suffers that slime to flow away, which proceeds from the glandules, called prostata. These are signs preceding the labour ; but when she is presently falling into labour, the signs are, great pains about the region of the reins and loins, \vhich^ coming and retreating by intervals, are answered in the bottom of the belly by congruous throes, and sometimes the face is red and inflamed, the blood being much heated by the endeavours a woman makes to bring forth her child ; and likewise, because during these strong throes her respi- ration is intercepted, which causes the blood to have re- course to her face ; also her privy parts are swelled by the infant's head lying in the birth, which by often trustirvg, causes tliose parts to descend outwards. She is much sub- jected to vomiting, which is a sign of good labour and speedy delivery, though by ignorant women thought other- mise ; for good pains are thereby excited and redoubled; which vomiting is excited by the sympathy there is be- tween the womb and the stomach. Also, when the birth is near, women are troubled with a trembling in the thighs and legs, not with cold, like the beginning of an ague fit, but with the heat of the whole body ; though it must be granted, this does not happen always. Also, if the hu- mours which then flow from the womb are discoloured with the blood, which the midwives call show3, it is an infallible mark of the birth being near. And if then the midwife puts up her fingers into the neck of the womb, she will find the inner orifice dilated; at the opening of which, the mem- branes of the infant, containing the water, present them- selves, and are strongly forced downwards with each pain she hath, at which time one may perceive them sometiro^e to resist, and then again press forward the finger, being more or less hard and extended, according as the pains are stronger or weaker. These membranes, with the waters in them, when they are before the head of the child, which thxj midwivea call the gaiJierhig of the -waters, resemble to the.
24 Aristotle's midwife,
tonch of the finorer those eggs which have no shell, but are covered only with a simple membrane. After this, the pains still redoubling, the membranes are broken by a strong im- pulsion of the waters, which flow away, and then the head of the infant is presently felt naked, and presents itself at the inward orifice of the womb. When these waters come thus away, then the midwife may be assured the birth is very near, this being the most certain sign that can be ; for the amnois alaniois, which contained those waters, being broken by the pressing forward of the birth the child is no better able to subsist long in the womb afterwards, than a naked man in a heap of snow. Now, these waters, if the child comes presently after them, faciliate the labour, by making the passage slippery ; and, therefore, let no midwife (as some have foolishly done) endeavour to force awav the water, for nature knows best when the true time of the birth is, B-nd therefore retains the water till that lime. But if by accident the water breaks away too long before the birth, then such things as will hasten it may be safely ad- ministered, and what these are I will show in another section.
Sect. II. — How a woman ought to he ordered when the Tirm of her labour is conie.
When it is known that the true time of her labour is come, by the signs laid down m the foregoing section, of which those that are most to be relied on are pains and strong throes in the belly, forcing downwards towards the womb, and a dilation of the inward orifice, which may be perceived by touching it with the finger, and the gather- ing of the waters before the head of the child, and thrusting down of the membranes which contain them ; through which, between the pains, one may in some manner with the finger discover the part which presents (as was said before) especially if it be the head of the child, by its roundness and hardness ; I say, if these things concur and are evident, the midwife may be sure it is the time of the v/omau's labour; and care must be taken to gel all things that are necessary to comfort her in that time. And the better to help her, be sure to see she is not strait-laced j you may also give her one strong clyster or more, if there be occasion, provided it be done at the beginning, and before the child be two forward ; for it will be difficult for her to receive them afterwards. The benefit accruing hereby, will be, that they excite the gut to discharge itself of its ex- crements, that so, the rectum being emptied, there may be score space for the dilation of the passage ; likewise to
i
AIIISTOTLE'S MIDWIFE. 25
cause the pains to bear the more downward, throach the endeaI'Durs she makes when she is al stool ; ond in the meantime, all other necessary things for her lahonr sliould be put in order, both for the mother and the child. To this end, some get a midwife's stool ; but a pallet bed, gir- ded is inuch the best way, plrsced near the fire, if the season so require; which pallet ou^ht to be so placed, that there may be easy access to it on every side, that the woman may be more readily assisted as there is occasion.
If the woman abounds with blood, to bleed her a little may not be improper, for tliereby she will both breathe the better, and have her breasts more at liberty, and -like- wise more strength to bear down her pains ; and this may be done without danger, because the child being about that time ready to be born, has no more nped of the mother's blood for its nourishment : besides, the evacuation does many times prevent her having a fever afler delivery. Also, before her delivery, if her strength will permit, let her walk up and down her chamber ; and that she may have strength so to do, it will be necessary to give her some good strengthening things, such as jelly broth, new-laid eggs, or some spoonsful of burnt wine ; and let her by all means hold out her pains bearing them down as much as she can, at the time when they take her ; and let the midwife from time to time touch the inward orifice with her finger, to know whether the waters are ready to break, and whether the birth will follow soon after. Let her also annoint the woman's privities with emollient oil, hogs grease, and fresh butter, if she find they are hard to be dilated. Let the midwife likewise be all the while near the labouring woman, and dilligently observe her gestures, complaints, and pains; for by this she may guess pretty well how her labour ad- vanceth, because when she changeth her ordinary groans into loud cries, it is a sign the child is very near the birth ; for at that time her pains are greater and more frequent. Let the woman, likewise, by intervals, rest herself on the bed, to regain her strength, but not too long, especially if she be little, short, and thick ; for such women have al- ways worse labour, if they lie long on their beds in their travail. It is better, therefore, that she walk about the chamber as much as she can, the woman supporting her under the arms, if it be necessary ; for by this means, the weight of the child causeth the inward orifice of the womb •to dilate the sooner than in bed ; and if her pains be strong- er and more frequent, her labour will not be near so long.
Let not the labouring woman be concerned at those qualms and vomitings which perhaps she may find come
26 Aristotle's midwife.
npoa her, for they will be much for her advantage in th< issue, however uneasy she may be for the time, as thej- further her throes and pajns by provoking downwards.
When the waters of the child are ready and gathered (which may be perceived through the membranes to present themselves to the inward orifice) to the bigness of the wiiole dilation, the midwife ought to let them break of themselves, and not, like some hasty raidwives, who bcin^; impatient of the woman's long labour, break them, inten- ding thereby to hasten their btisiness, when instead thereof they retard it ; for by the too hasty breaking of these wa- ters (which nature designed to cause the infant to slide forth more easy) the passage remains dry, by which means the pains and throes of the labouring woman are less effi- cacious to bring forth the infant than they would otherwise have been. It is therefore much the better way to let the waters break of themselves ; after which the midwife may with ease feel the child by that part which first presents, and thereby discern whether it comes right, that is, with the head foremost, for that is the most proper and natural way of its birth. If the head comes right, she will find it round, big, hard, and equal ; but if it be any other part, fthe will feel it unequal, rugged, and soft or hard, accor- ding to the nature of the part it is. And this being the true time when the woman ought to be delivered, if nature be not wanting to perfoim its office; therefore, when the midwife finds the birth thus coming forward, let her hast- en to assist and deliver it, for it ordinarily happens soon after, if it be natural.
But if it happens, as sometimes it may, that the waters break away too long before the birth, in such a case those things that hasten nature may be safely administered. For which purpose, make use of penny-royal, dittany, juniper- berries, red coral, betony, and feverfew, boiled in white wine, and give a draught of it; or it would be much better to take the juice of it when it is in its prime, which in in May and having clarified it, make it into syrup, with double its weight of sugar, and keep it all the year, to use when occasion calls for it ; mugworth, used in the same manner, is also good in this case ; also a drachm of cinnamon pow- der, given inwardly, profits much in this case ; and so does tansey, broiled, and applied to the privities ; or an oil of it, »o made and used, as you were taught before. The stooe atUies, held to the privities, is of extraordinary virtue, and instantly draws away both child and after-burden ; bat great care must be taken to remove it presently, or it -will if^w forth the womb and all ; for such i« the magnetic
abistotle's MiDWiyr. 27
TJrtue of this stone, that both child and womb follow it as readily as iron doth the loadstone, or the loadstone the north 6lar.
There are many other things that physicians affirm are good in this case ; among which are, an ass's or horse's hoof hung near the privities ; a piece of red coral hung near the said place. A loadstone helps very much, held in the woman's left hand ; or the skin cut off a snake, girt about the middle, next the skin. These things are men- tioned by Mizaldus ; but setting those things aside, as not *j certain, notwithstanding Mizaldus quotes them, the fol- lowing prescriptions are very good to give speedy deliver- ance to women in travail.
1. A decoction of white wine made in savory, and drank.
2. Take wild tansey, or silver-weed, bruise it, and apply it to the v/oman's nostrils.
3. Take date stones, and beat them to powder, and let her take half a drachm of them in white wine at a time.
4. Take parsley, and bruise it, and press out the juice, and dip a linen cloth in it, and put it up so dipped into the mouth of the womb ; it will presently cause the child to come away, though it be dead, and will bring away the af- ter-burden. Also, the juice of parsley is a thing of so great virtue (especially slone-parsley) that being drank by a wo- man with child it cleanseth not only the womb, but also the child in the womb, of all gross humours.
5. A scruple of castorum in powder, in any convenient liquor, is very good to be taken in such a case ; and so al- so is two or three drops of spirit of castorum in any conve- nient liquor ; also, eight or nine drops of spirit of myrrh, given in any convenient liquor, gives speedy deliverance.
6. Give a woman in such a case another woman's milk to drink : it will cause speedy delivery, and almost without any pain.
7. The juice of leeks, being drank with warm water, highly operates to cause speedy delivery.
8. Take peony seeds, and beat them into powder, and mix the powder with oil, with which oil anoint the loins and privities of the v/oman nnd child ; it will give her de- liverance very speedily, and with less pain than can be ima* gined.
9. Take a swallow's nest, and dissolve it in water, straiu it, and drink it warm ; it gives delivery with great speed and much ease.
Note this also in general, that all things that move the terms, are good for making the delivery easy; such as myrrh, white amber in white wine, or lilj'-water, two' scru-
28 " Aristotle's midwife.
pies or a drachm : or cassia lignea, dittany, each a drachm ; cinnamon half a drachm, safi'ron a scruple ; a;ive a drachm : or take borax mineral a drachm, cassia liunea a scruple, saffron six grains, and a:ive it in i^ack : or lake cassia li^nea a drachm; dittany, amber, of each a dz-schm; cinnamon, borax, of each a drachm and a half; ssfl'ron a scruple; and give her half a drachm : or give her some drops of oil of hazel in convenient liquor; or two or three drops of oil of cinnamon in vervain water. Some prepare the secundine thus : — Take the navel-string and dry it in an oven, take two drachms of the powder, cinnamon a drachm, saffron half a scruple, with juice of savin make trochisks ; give two drachms ; or wash the secundine in wine, and bake it in a pot ; then wash it in endive water and wine; take half a drachm of it : long pepper, galangal, of each half a drachm ; plantain and endive seed, of each a drachm and a half; lavender seed four scruples ; make a powder : or take laud- anum two drachms ; storax, catamite, benzoin, of each half a drachm ; musk, ambergris, each six grains ; make a pow- der, or trochisks for a fume. Or use pessaries to provoke the birth ; take galbanum dissolved in vinegar, an ounce ; myrrh two drachms ; saffron a drachm ; with oil of oats make a pessary.
An Ointment f Of the Navel.
Take oil of keir two ounces, juice of savine an ounce, of ^eks and mercury each half an ounce; boil them to the consamplion of the juice: add galbanum dissolved in vin- egar half an ounce, myrrh two drachms, storax liquid a drachm ; round bitwort, sowbread, cinnamon, saffron, « drachm ; with wax make an ointment, and apply it.
If the birth be retarded through the weakness of the mo- ther, refresh her by applying wine and soap to the nose ; con feet, alkerraas diamarg.
These things may be applied to help nature in the deliv- ery, when the child comes to the birth the right way, and yet the birth be retarded ; but if she finds the child comes the wrong way, and is not able to deliver the woman as shi- ought to be, by helping nature and saving both mother and child (for it is not enough to lay a woman, if it might be done any other way with more safety and ease, and less hazard both to woman and child,) then let her send speedi- ly for better and more able help ; and not, as I once knew a midwife do, who, when a woman she was to deliver had hard labour, rather than a man-midwife should be sent for, undertook to deliver the woman herself (though told it was a man's business,) and in her attempting it brought away
Aristotle's ihidwife, 29
Ihe child, but left the head in ike raolher's womb ; and had not a man-midwife been presently sent for, the mother had lorft her life as well as the child; such persons may rather be termed butchers than raidwives. But supposing the v/o- man^s labour to be natural, I will next show what the mld- "»v^ife ought to do, in order to her delivery.
CHAP. V.
OF NATURAL LABOUR : WHAT IT IS ; AND WHAT THE BIlDWirE IS TO DO IN SUCH A LABOUR.
Sect. I — IVhat Natural Labour is.
There are four things which denominate a woman's na- tural labour ; the first is, that it be at the full time ; for, if a woman comes before her time, it cannot properly be tern>- ed natural labour ; neither Avill it be so easy as thouj?h she had completed her nine months. The second thing is, that it be speedy, and without any ill accident : for, when the lime of the birth is come, nature is not dilatory in the bring- ing of it forth, without some ill accident intervene, which renders it unnatural. The third is, that the child be alive ; for all will grant, that the being delivered of a dead child is very unnatural. The fourth thing requisite to a natural birth is, that the child come right : for if the position of the child in the womb be contrary to what is natural, the event will prove it so, by making that which should be a lime of life, the death both of the mother and the child.
Having thus told you what I mean by natural labour, I shall next show how the midwife is to proceed therin, in order to the woman's delivery. When all the foregoing re- quisites concur, and after the waters be broke of them- selves, let there rather be a quilt laid upon the pallet bed- stead than a feather bed, having thereon linen, and cloths in many folds, with such other things as are necessary, and that may be changed according to the exigency requiring it, so that the woman may not be incommoded with the blood, waters, and other filth which are void in labour. The bed ought so to be ordered, that the woman, being ready to be delivered, should lie on her back upon it, having her body in a convenient posture; that is, her head and breast a lit- tle raised, so that she be between lying and sitting ; for b«?- ing so placed, she is best capal)le oJ" breathing, and like- wise will have more strength to benr her pains than if she lay otherwise, or sunk down in her bed, J3eing so placed,
.5»*
so Aristotle's midwife.
she mast spread her this:hs abroad^ folding her legs a little to^vards her buttocks, somewhat raised by a small pilloW underneath, to the end her rump should have more liberty to retire backj and let her feet be stayed against some firm thing: besides this, let her take hold of some of the good women attending her with her handsj that she may the bet- ter stay herself during her pains. She being thus placed near the side of her bed, having her midwife at hand, the better to assist as nature may require, let her take courage, and help her pains the be.^^t she can, bearing them down when they take her, which she must do by holding in her brealh, and forcing them as much as possible, in like manner as when she goes to stool; for by such straining, the diaprag- ma, or midriff', being strongly thrust downwards, necessa- rily forces down the Womb and the child in it. In the meantime, let the midwife endeavour to comfort her all she can, exhorting her to bear her labour courageously, telling her it will be quickly over, and that there is no fear but she will have a speedy delix^ery. Let the midwife also, havini^ no rings on her fingers anoint them with oil or fresh butter, and therewith dilate gently the inward orifice of the womb, putting her finger ends into the entry thereof, and then strecch them one from the other, when her pains take her by this means endeavouring to help forward the child and thrusting, by little and little, the sides of the orifice towards the hinder part of the child's head, annointing it with fresh butler, if it be necessary.
When the head of the infant is a little advanced into the inward orifice, the midwives* phrase is, " It is crowned :" because it girds and surrounds it just as a crown; but when it is so far that the extremities begin to appear with"* out the privy parts, they then say, " The child is in the pas^ sage;" and at this time the woman feels herself as it were scratched, or pricked with pins, and is ready to imagine that the midwife hurts her, when it is occasioned by the violent distension of those parts, and the laceration which some- times the bigness of the child's head causeth there. When things are in this posture, let the midwife seat herself con- veniently to receive the child, which will now come quick-* iy, and with her finger ends (which she must be sure to keep close pared) lei her endeavour to thrust ihe crowninsf of the v^^omb (of which I have spoken before) back over the head of the child ; and as soon as it is advanced as far as the ears, or thereabouts, let her take hold of the tv;o sides with her two hands, that when a good pain comes she may quickly draw forth the child, taking care that the navel- string be not entangled about the neck, or any other part,
^ sotn^imes it is, lest thereby the after-burdea be pulled with violence, and perhaps the wcmb also, to v/bich it is fastened, and so either cause her to fiocd. or else break the strings, both which are of bad consequence to the woraan„ whose delivery may thereby be rendered the raore dtrlicult. It must also be carefully observed, that the head be not drp.wn forth straight, but shaking it a little (lom. one side to the other, Ihat the shoulders may sooner and easier take their plac^ immediately after it is >ast, without losing any time, lest, the head being past, th-e child be stopped there by the largeness of the shoulders, and so come in dans^er of feeing suffocated and strangled in the passagCv. a? it some- ?iiiics happens, fcf the Want of care therein. But as soon as the head is born, if there be ueedj she raay slide h-er fingers under the arcpits, and the rest of the body v;i]l iol- iow without any difS<;uity,
As soon as the mid-c^rife hath in this manner drawn forth 5th e child, to her put it on one side, lest the blood and wa- ter which follow immediately, should do it any injui-y, by running into its mouth aad nose, as they woi^Id do if it lay •on its back, aad so endanger the fchoaking o( it. The child being thus born, the next thing requisite is, to bring away the afier-feurd^n : but before that, let the midwife be very -careful to examine whether there be mfsre children in the Womb ; for sometimes A woman may -have twias that expect it not ; whicJi the midwife may easily know, by the contin- ■aance of the pains ^after the child is born, and the feig-ness of the mother's belly. -But thx; midwife may be rac^re sure of it, if she puts her hand «p to the eatry of the womb, and finds there another water gathering, and a c-hiid in it pre- senting to the passage 5 and if she finds it so, she must have a care of going to fetch the after-birth, till the woman be delivered of all the children she is pregnant with. Where- fore the first string must be ■cut, being first tied with a thread three or four double, aad fasten the other end with ■a string to the woman's thighs, to prevent the inconve- nience it may cause by hariging between her thighs 5 and then, removing the child already born, she must take care to deliver her of the rest, observing all the same circum* stances as with the first ; niXer which it will be necessary to fetch away the after-birlh or births. But of that I shall treat in another .section ; and lirst show what is to be done 4o the new-born iftfant,
•SEcr. U.-^Qfitke Ctttting ef ihe Child's Navel S'tring>
Though this is by many accounted but a trifle, yet great <Bar€ is to be taken about iti; and it shows noac oi the iea«t
m ahistojTLE's midwife-.
»rt and skill of a midwife to do' it as it siiould be ; and thai it may be so done; the midwife ought to observe. 1. The time. 2. The place. 3. The manner. 4. The event.
1. The time is, as soon as ever the infant comes out ef" the womb, wbether it bring* part of the afterbirth with i-t •0T not ; for sometimes the child brings into the world a piece of the amaios upon its head, and Ls what mid wives call the &ctKl, and ignorantly attribute some extraordinary virtue to tie child that is so born; but this opinion is only the effect «f their ignoran^ee ; for when the child is bora with such a t^-own (as some eall it) upon its brows, it generally betokens weakaessj and denotes a short life. But to- proceed to the matter in hand. As soon as the child is come into the world, it should be considered whether it is weak or strong ; and if it be weaky let the midwife gently put back part of the vital and natural blood into the body of the child by its navel; for tbat recruits a weak child (the vital and natural spirits being communicated by the mother to the child by its navel-string ;) but if the child be strong, the operation is needless. Only let me advise yow, that many children that are born seemingly dead:, may be soon brought to life again, if you squeeze six or seven drops of blood out of that part of the navel-string which is cut vii, and give it to th® child inwardly.
2. As to the place in whicrh it should l>e cutythat is, whether it should be cut long or short, it is that which au- thors can searcely agree in, and which many midwives quar- rel about J some prescribing it to be cut at four ftngers ^©adth, which is, at ieast, but an uncertain rale, unless all fingers were of one siz:e. Itij-a; reeeived opinion, that the parts adapted to- generation are contracted or dilated according to the cutting of tbe navel-stri»g ; and that is the reason why midwives are generally so kind to their own seXy that they leave a longer part of the navel-string of a male than a female, because they would have the males well pro- Tided for the encounters of Venus ; and the reason they give, why they cut that of females shorter is, because tliey believe it makes them modest, and their privities narrower, ivhich makes them more acceptable to their husbands. IMiv zaldus was no't altogether of the opinion of these midwivesr^ and he therefore ordered the navel-string lo be cut ions: li»oth in male and female children j for which he gives thi* reason, that the instrument of generation follows the pro- portion of it ; and therefore, if it be cut too short in a fe- >nale, it will be a hindrance to her having children. I wIJI :Eiot go abou-t to contradict the opinions of Mizaldas ; these txpcFigace has made good:— The one is,, thai, if the navcV
Aristotle's midwife. ^
Eliing of a child, after it is cut, be suiiered to touch the ground, the child will Rt3X^er hold its water, either sleeping or waking, but will be aabject to an iuvolanlary making of water all its lifetime. The other is, that a piece of the child's navel-string carried about one, so that it ti'ijch his ^kin, defends him that wears it horn the falling sickness and convulsions.
3. As to the manner it oiust be cut : let the midwife tak« 'abrov/a thread, four or five times double, of an eli long, or -thereabouts, tied with a single knot at each of ihe ends, to prevent their entancling; and with this thread so accom- modated (which the midwife must have in readiness before the wooian's labour, as also a good pair of scissors, that so no time may fee lost) let her lie the string within an isch of the belly with a double Icnot, and, turning about the end of the thread, let her tie two more on the other side of the string, reiterating it again, if it be nece.'^sary; then let her cut off the navel anotter incfc belov/ the ligatures, tov/ardji the after-birth, so that there only remains but two inches of the string, in the midst of which will be tiie knot we -speak of, which must be so strait knit as not to suifer a ^iKjp of blood to squeeze out of the vessels ; but care must be taken, not to knit it so strait as to cut it in two, and therefore, the thread must be pretty thick, and preity strait cut, it being better too strait than too loose ; fei-s<ome chil- dren have miserably lost their lives, with a^l their blood, iyefore it was discovered, because the nav-el-stfing was not -well tied : therefore great care mnst be taken that no blood squeeze through : for if tteere do, a n-ew knot must be raad« %vith the re^t of the string- Youaeed not l1ear to bind the aavel-siring very hard, because it is void of sense, and that part of it which you leave, falls oli of its owa accord in a very few days, sometimes in six or seven, or sooner, but r.ev-er tarries longer than eight or nine. When you have thus cut the navel-string, then take care the piece that falls ■viii' touch not the ground, for the reason I told you Mizal- dus gave, which experience has justilieJ.
4. The last thing f mentioned was, the event or conse- quence, or what follows cutting th« navel-string. As soon us the navel-string is cut off, apply a little cotton or lint to ihe place to keep it warm, lest the cold eater into the body of the child, which it most certainly will do, if you have not bound it hard enough. If Ihe lint or cotton you apply to it be dipped in oil of roses, it will be the belter; and thea put another small rag three or four t«mes double upon the foeliy: upon the top of all, p«t another small bolster: and ihea swathe it -with a linen iwathe, four fingers broad, ta
34 JiR^STOTLE's MIDWIFK,
Seep it steady, lest \rf movw? too much, cr by being" comtin- ually stirred from r^idc to side, it conies to fall off before ihe navel-string which you left remaining is fallen off. It is the csual custom of jaidwjves to put a piece of burnt rag to it, which we commonly call tinder : but I would rather advise them to put a little ammoniac to it, because of its dryi-ng> quality.
Sect. III. — How to hring miray, fhe .^fter-burden.
A WOMAN cannot be said to be fairly delivered, though the child be born,, till the alte2--burdea be also taken from her ; herein differing from most animals, who when they have broug"ht forth their young, cast forth nothing else but some water, and the membranes which containerd them. But women have an after-labour, which sometimes proves more dangerous than the first ; and how to bring it safely away^ without prejudice to her, shall be my business to show in ihis section.
As soon as the child is born, before the midwife eithcF ties or cuts the navel-string, lest the womb should close, lei her take the strfng and wind it once or twice about one or two of the fingers of h.er left hand joined together, the bet- ter to hold it, with which she may draw it moderately, and with the right hand she may only take a single hold of it above the left near the privities, drawing likewise with that very gently, resting the while the forefinger of the same hand, extended and stretched forth along the string towards the entry of the vagina, always observing, for the greater facility, to draw 'it from the side where the burden cleaves-^ least: for, m so doing, the rest will separate the better c and special care must be taken that it be not drawn forth with too much violence, lest by breaking the string near the- burden the midwife be obliged to put the whole hand into the womb to deliver the woman : and she need to be a very fikilfnl person that undertakes it, lest the womb, to which this burden is sometimes very strongly fastened, be drav^'a away with it, as it has sometimes happened. It is, there- I'ore, best to use such- remedies as may assist nature. And here take notice, that what briugs away the birth, will also bring away the after-birth. And therefore, for effecting this work, I will lay down the following rules.
1. Use the same means in bringing av/^ay the after-birth that you made use of to bifiag away the birth ; for the samc^ care and circumspection are needful now that were then.
2. Considering the labouring woman cannot but be much spent by what she has already undergoae in bringing forth tiio infant : be th-crcfore sure to crive her sometaiug to cam-*
Aristotle's midwife, 3i
fori her. And in this case good jelly broths, also a little wine and toast in it, and (Jther comforting things, will be very necessarj'.
3. A little white helkbore in powder, to make her sneeze, h in this case very proper.
4. Tansey and the stone t«tite9, applied as before direct- ed, are also of good use in this case.
5. If you take the herb vervain, and either boil it in wine, or make a syrup with the juice of it, which you may do by addins: to it double its weight of sugar, (having clarified the juice before you boil it,) a sp^oonful of that given to the wo- man is very efficacious to bring away the s€cundine ; and teatherfew and mugwort have the?ame operation, taken as ?he former,
6". Alexander boiled in wine, and the wine drank, also sweet cervil-e, sweet cicily, angelica roots, and musterwort, are excellent remedies in this case,
7. Or, if this fail, the smoke ofmarygolds, received in a woman's privities by a funnel, have been known to brinj away the after-birth, even when the midwife let go her hold.
8. Boil mugwort in water till it be very soft ; then take it out, and apply it in the manner of a poultice to the navel of the laboisring woman, and it instantly brings away the birth and after-birth. But special care must be taken to remove it &s soon as they come away, lest by its longer tar- rying it should draw away the womb aide.
SixT. IV.— O/^ Laborious and Diffi<:uU Labours^ and how the Midwife is to proceed tiKrein.
There arc three sorts of fead labours, all painful and dif- ficult, but not all properly unnatural. It will be necessary therefore to distinguish these.
Thejirst of these labours is that wherein the mother and e^ild suffer very mu<:h by extreme pain and difficulty, evea though the child come right; and this is distinguishably called the labox-ious labour.
The second is that which is difficult, and differs not much from the former, except that, besides those extraordinary pains, it is generally attended with some unhappy accident^ which, by retarding the birth, causes the difficulty: but Uiese difficulties being removed, it accelerates the birth, ^d hastens the delivery.
Some have asked, what is the reason that women bring forth their children with so much pain 7 I answer, the »€use of feeling is distributed to the whole body by the. nerves ; and the mouth of the womb being so strait that it fc-Ast of aecewity be dilated at the time of the woman's de-
36 Aristotle's MiDWirr.
livery, the dilating thereof stretches the nerves, and from thence comes the pain. And therefore the reason why »©me women have more pain in their labours than others, proceeds from their having the mouth of the matrix more full of nerves than others.
The best way to remove those difficulties that occasion hard pains and labour, is to show first from whence they proceed. Now the diiliculty of labour proceeds either from t!ie mother, or child, or both.
From the mother, by reason of the indisposition of the body, or from some particular part only, and chiefly the womb, as when the woman is weak, and the mother is not active to expel its burden, or from weakness or disease, or want of spirits ; or it may be from some strong: passion of the mind with which she was before possessed; she may also be too young, and so may have the passage too strait ; or too old, and then, if it be her lirst child, because her pains are too dry and hard, and cannot be easily dilated, as happens also to thera which are too lean ; likewise those who are either small, short, or deformed, as crooked wo- men, who have not breath strong enough to help their pains, and to bear them down, and persons that are crooked hav- ing sometimes the bones of the passage not well shaped* The cholic also hinders labour, by preventing the true pains j and all great and acute pains, as when the woman is taken •\vith a violent fever, a great flooding, frequent convulsion?, bloody flux, or any other great distemper. Also, excrements retained cause much djfSculty and so does a stone in the blad- der ; or when the bladder is full of urine, w^ithout being able to void it; or when the woman is troubled with great and painful biles. It may also be from the passages, when the membranes are thick, the orifice too strait, and the neck of the womb not sufficiently open, the passages pressed and strained by tumours in the adjacent parts, or when the bones are too firm, and will not open, which very much endangers the mother and child ; or when the passages are not slip- ]>ery, by reason of the waters having broke too soon, or of the membranes being too thin. The womb may also be out of order with respect to its bad situation, or conformation, having iip neck too strait, hard, and callous, which may easy h? so na^irally, or may come by accident, being many times caused by a tumour, an imposthume, ulcer, or superfluous
As to hard labour occasioiied by the child, it is when the child happens to stick to a mole, or when it is so weak it cannot break the membrane!? ; or if it be too big all over, or in the head only, or if the navel vessels are twisted about
Aristotle's midwife. 37
Its neck ; when ihe belly k hydropsicial ; or when it is monstrous, having two heads, cr joinGcl to another child; also, when the ciiilJ is dead, or so weak that it cau contri- bute nothinc: to its birth ; likewise when it cciries wronff or when there arc two or more. And to all these various difficulties there is Grteutimes one mor«, and that i«, the isf- norarice of the midwife, who, for want of understand ins: in iier business, hinders nature in her work instead of helping h«r.
Having thcrs looked into the causes of hard labour, I will now sliow the industrious midwife how she may minister some relief to the labouring woman under these difficult cir- cuuistanccs. But it will require nnderstanding and judg- ment in the midwife, when she finds a woman ia ditfi-cult labour, to know the particular obstruction, or ca,use thereof, that so a suitable remedy may be applied,* as, for instance, vhen it happens by the m.other's being too young -and too strait, she must be gently treated, and the passage annoint- cd wiih oil, hogs'-lsrd, tjr fresh butter, to relax and dilate them the easi-er, lest there should huppen a rupture of any part when the child is born ; for sometimes the peritoneum f)reaks, with the skin from the privities of the fundament.
But if the woman be ia years with her first child, let her lower parts be a-nointed to molliiy the inward orifice, which, in such a cast? being more hard and callous, does not easily yield to the disten^sion of labour, whix:h is ihe tru« cause why such women are longer in labour, ajid also why their children, being forced against the iaward orifice of the w-omb (which as I have said, is a little callous) are born with great bumps and bruises on their heads.
Those women that are very smali and mis-shapen, should not be put to bed, at least, till their waters are broke, but rather kept upright, and assisted to walk about the cham- ber, by being supported under the arms ; for, by that meana they will breathe more freely, and mend their pains better than on the bed, because there they lie all in a heap. As for those that are very lean, and have hard labour from that cause, let them moisten the parts with oil and oint- ments, to make th^m more smootli and slippery, that the head of the infant and the womb be not so compressed ami bruised by the hardness of the mother's bones which form the passage, if the cause bt weakness, she ought to be atrcngthened, the better to support her pains ; to whichi end give her good jelly broths, and a little wine with a toast ia it. If she fears her pruus, let her he comforted, assurinsi her tliat she will not endure many more, but be deilvereil ia a liule time. Bui if her pains be slow aad small, or none
4
at all, they must be provoked by frequent antf pretty strong clysters ; let herAvalk about the chamber, that so the weighs cf the child may help them forward. If she flood, or have strong con\^ulsioiiLs, she must the» be helped by a speedy delivei7 : the operation I shall relate in the section of un- iiataral labours. If she be costivey let her use clysters, which may also help to dispel the choKc,. at those times very injurious, because attended with useless pains, and because such bear not dawnv/ard, aad so help- not to forward the "birth. If she find; an obstruction or steppage of the urinev by reason the v/omb bears too much on the bladder, let her lift up her belly a little with her hand, and try if by that she receives any beneiit ; if she finds she does not, it will be necessary to introduce a eatheter into her bladder, and thereby draw forth her urine.^ If the difficulty be from the ill posture of the woman, let her be placed otherwise, in a posture more suitable and convenient foF her ; also if it proceed from the indispositions of the womb, as from its- oblique situation, &c., it must be remedied,>as well as it can be, by the placing her body accordingly : or, if it be a vicious conformation^ having the neck too hard, too cal- lous, and too strait,, it must be appointed witlx oils and oint- ments, as before directed. If the membranes be so strong as that the waters d& not break in due time^ they may be brokess with the fingers, if the midwife be first well assured that the child is come foBward into the passage, and ready to follow presently after ; or else, by the breaking of the wa- ters too soon, the child may be in danger of remaining dry a longtime ; to supply which defect, you may moisten Ihe parts with fomentations, decoctions, and emollient oils : "which yet is not half so well as when nature does her work in her own time, with the ordinary slime and waters. These membranes do sometimes press forth with the waters three or four fingers' breadth out of the 'body before the child, re- sembling a bladder full of water; but there is then no great danger to break them, if they be not already broken ; for ■when the case is so, the child is always in readiness to fol- low, being in thepassage ; but let the midwife be very care- ful not to pull it with her hand, lest the after-burden be thereby loosened before its time, for it adheres thereto very strongly. If the navel-string happen to come first, it must presently be put up again, and kept so, if possible, or other- Tvise the woman must immediately be delivered. But if the after-burden should come fii'st, it must not be put up againi by any means ; for the int'ant having no further occasion for it, it would be but an obstacle if it were put up ; in this case it must be cut off, having tied the navel-string, and at-
' aristotie's midwife. 39
^-erwards draw forth the child with all the speed that may be, lest it be suffocated.
Sect. V. — Of Women labouring with & dmd Child.
When the difficulty of labour arises from a dead child, it 43 a case of great danger to the mother, and great care ought to be taken .therein ; biit before any thing be done, the midwife ought to be v/ell assured the child is dead in- deed, which may be known by these signs.
1. The breast -suddenly slacks, or falls flat, or bag;^ down, 2. A great coldness possesses the belly of the mother, es- pecially about the navel. 3. Her urine is thick, and a fil- thy stinking settles at the bottom. 4. No motion of the child can be perceived ; for the trial whereof, let the mid- wife put her hand in warm water, and lay it upon her belly ; for that, if it is alive, will make it stir. 5. She is very sub- ject to dream of dead men, and be affrighted therewith. 6. She has extravagant longings to eat such things as are contrary to nature. 7. Her breath stinks, though not used «o to do, 8. When she turns herself in her bed, or rises up, the child sways that way like a lump of kad.
These things -being carefully observed, the midwife may make a judgmen't whether the child be alive or dead, espe- tjially if the woman take the following prescription : " Take half a pint of white wine and burn it, and add thereto half •an ounce of cinnamon, but no other spice whatever- and Avhen she has drank it, if her travailing pains come upon iier, the child is certainly dead : bat if not, the child may possibly be either weak or sick, but not dead ; this will bring her pains «pon her, if it be dead, and will refresh the child, and give her ease, if it be living; for cinnamon re- freshoth and strengtheneth the child.
Now if, upon trial, it be found the child is dead, let the mother do all she can to forward the delivery, because a dead child can be nowise helpful therein. It will be ne- cessary, therefore, that she lake some .comfortable things to prevent her fainting, by reason of the putrid vapours as- cending from the dead child. And in order to her delivery, let her take (he following herbs boiled in white wine (or at least as many of them as yon can get,) viz. dittany, betony, pennyroyal, sage, featherfew, centaury, ivy leaves, and ber- tries. Let her alsoiake sweet basil, in powder, and half a drachm at a :tim«, in white wine ; Itt her privities be also anointed with the juice of the garden-tansey. Or take the tansey in the summer, when it can beuiost plentifully had, and before it runs up to the flower, and having bruised it well, boil it in oil till the juice of it be consumed. If you
40 AUrSTOTLK^g MIDWIFS.
set it in the sun, after you have mixed it -with ci], if wiH be more ell'ectual. This an inrrastrious midwije, who woirM be prepared against all eveiits, ought to have always by her. As to the nianner of her delivery, the same methods must be used as are mentioned in the seetioa of natural la- bour. And here I cannot but commend asraiu the stone ffitites, ketd near the privities, whose Enagnetic virtue ren- tiers it exceedingly necessary on this occasion, for it draws the child any way, with the same facfiity thai the loadstone draws iron.
Let the midwife also make a strong decoction of hyssop Tvilh water, and let the woman drink it very hot, and it wil' in a little time brins; away the dead ehiJd.
if, as so&n as she is delivered- of the dead child, you are in doubt that part of the- after-birth is left behind in the body (for in such cases as these, many tianes, it rots, and comes away piece-meal,), lei her continue drinking the same (ieeoction till her body be cleansed.
A decoction made of the herb muster-wort, used as you did the decoction of hyssop, works the same efi'ect. Let the midwife also take roots of pollodum, and stamp them vrell j warm them a little, and bind them on the sides of her feel, •nd it will soon bring away the child either dead or alive.
The following medicines likewi:?e atesucli as stir up the expulsive faculty ; bat in this case they jnust be made- stronger, because the intition of the ehild ceasetk.
Take savine, round birlhwort^ trochisks of myrrh, afaram. roots, cinnamon, saffron^each half a drachm. : jmade a pow- der, give a drachm.
Or she may purge first,, and then apply an emollient^ anoirtiiig her about the womb witii oil of lilies, sweet al- i:>onds, camomile, hen and goose grease. Also foment, to- p,et out the ciuld, with a decoction of meixury, ©rris, wild cucumbers, saecus, broom flowers. Then anoint the privi- ties ancf loins with iiintment of sowbi'ead. Or,
Take coloquintida, agaric, birtbv/ort, of each a drachm ; made a powder; add aramoniacum disj-olved in wine^ox pall, each two drachms : with oil of keir make an oialment^ Or this pessary :
Take birthv/orl, orris, black hellebore, coloquintida^ myrrh, each a diacbm j powdered ammoniacum dissolved in wine, ox-gallj. each two draehraa. Or make a I'ume with an ftSs's hoof burnt, or gziilianum,, or castor^ and let it Be taken in with a funnel.
To tal:e away pains, and strengthen the parts, foment with the decoction of mugwort, mallows, rosemary, wiiU wood myrtle^ St. Joha's wort, caek half an ounce, sperma-
artstotle's midwife. Ai.
-ceti two drachms, deer's suet aa ounce ; with wax make •an ointment. Or,
Take wax six oances, spermaceti an ounce; melt them, dip flax therein, and lay it all over her belly.
If none of ihese things will do, the last remedy is to use surgery, and then the midwife ought without delay to send Cor an expert and able man-midwife, to deliver her by man- ua:i operatioa ; of which I shall treat more in the I chapter.
CHAP. VL ^f Unnuiural Labours.
In showing the duty of a midwife, when the child-bear- <ing woman's .labour is unnatural, it will be reqtiisite to show, in the firet place-. What I mean by unnatural labour ; €or, that women do bring forth children in paia and sorrow -is natural and common to all. Therefore, that which I call unnatural is, when the child comes to the birth in a con- trary posture to that which nature ordained, and in whicl* the geneiality of child^^en come into the world.
The right and nata-ral birth is, when the child comes with its head first ; and yet this is too short a definition of a natural birth : far if any part of the head but the -crown comes first, so that the 'body follows not ia a strait line, it is a wrong and difficult birth, even though the h-ead comes iirst. Therefore, if the child comes with its feet first, or with the side across, it is quite co-ntrary to -nature, -or, to ; speak moi^ plainly, that which I 'call uTinatural. I
Now, there are fmrr generail Ways a cliiid may come wrong. 1-. When any of the foie parts of the body first present themselves* ^ When, by an unhappy transposi- tion, any of the hinder parts of the body first present them- selves, 3. When either of the sides, or, 4. the feet present themselves first. To these the different wrong postures that a child can present itself may be reduced.
Sext, i. — Haw to deliver a Woman of a dead Child by Man- I'M Operation.
Wheist manual operation is necessary, let the operator acquaint the woman of the absolute necessity there is for such an operation ; and that, as the child has already lost its life, there is no other way left for the saving of lier's. Let him also inform her, for her encouragement, thai he
42 arist©ti,e's MH>WrFE.
doubts not, with the divine blessing, to ctliver h«r safely 5 end that the pain arisinsf thereby will not be so great as she fccirs. Then let him endeavour to stir up the woman's pains by giving her some sharp clyster, to excite her throes to bear down and bring forth the child. And if this pre- vail not, let him proceed with the manual operation.
First, therefore, let her be placed across the bed that he raay operate the easier„ and let her lie on her back, with tier hips a little higher than her head, or at least the body C{j:uaily piaced, when it is necessary to put back or turn the infant lo give it a better posture. Being thus situated, she must fold her legs so as her heels be towards her buttocks, and her thighs spread, aad held so by a couple of strong l>er9ons ; there must be others also to support her under lier arms, that the body may not slide down when the child is drawn forth ; for w^hich, sometimes a great strenijth is required. Let the sheets and blankets cover her thighs, for decency's sake, and with respect to the assistance, and also to prevent her catching cold ; the operator herein governing himself as well with respect to his con-venience, and the facility and surety of the operation, as to other things. Then let him- aaoint the entraace ©f the womb with oil or fresh butter, if necessary, that so with more ease he may introduce his hand, which must alsabe anoint- ed ; and having, by the signs before mentioned, received satisfaction that it is a dead ciiild, he must do his endeav- ours lo fetch it away as soon as lie possibly can. If the child offer the head firsts he must gently put it back, until he hath liberty to intioduce his hand cjuite into the womb^ thpn sliding it along, under the belly, to find the feet, let lum draw it forth by them, being very careful to keep the head from being locked in the passage, and that it be not separated i'rom tlie body : which may be affected the more easily, because the child being very rotten and putrified,. the operator needs not be so mindful to keep the breast and race downwards as lie is in living births. But if, notwith- aianding all these ])recantions, by reason of the child's pu- trefaction, the head should be separated and left behind in the wumi), it must be drawn forth according to the direc- fions v.'hic)i shall be given in the third section of this chap- ter. Bat when the head, coming first, rs so far advanced that it cannot be well put back, it is better to draw it forth 60f than t'j tormeut i.lie womau too much hy puUins; it back to turn it and briiig it by the feet : bui the head being a part round and slip^j^ry, i; may so happen tUut the operator catinot take hold of it with iiis lingers by reason of its moist- ure, nor j)ut them up to the side of it, because the passage
Aristotle's midwife. 43
is filled with its bigness ; he must therefore take a proper instrument, and put it up as far as he can, without violence, between the womb and the child's head, observing to keep the point of it towards the head (for the child being dead before, there can be no danger in the operation,) and let him fasten it there, giving it good hold upon one of the bones of the skull, that it may not slide ; and after it is well fixed in the head, he may therewith draw it forth, keeping the ends of the fingers of his left hand flat upon the oppo- site side, the better to help to disengage it, and by wagging it a little, to conduct it directly out of the passage, until the head be quite born; and then taking hold of it with the hands only, the shoulders may be drav/n into the passage, and so sliding the fingers of both hands under the arm-pits, the child may be quite delivered ; and then the after- bar- den fetched, to finish the operation, being careful not to pluck the navel-string too hard, lest it break, as often hap- pens, Avhen it is corrupt.
If the dead child comes with the arm up to the shoulder so extremely swelled that the woman must suffer too great violence to have ii put back, it is then (being first well as- sured the child is dead) best to take it ofif by the shoulder points, by twisting it three or four times about, which is very easily done by reason of the softness and tenderness of the body. After the arm is so separated, and no longer possesses the passage, the operator will have more room to put up his hand into tha womb, to fetch the child by the feet, and bring it away.
But although the operator be sure the child is dead in the womb, yet he must not therefore presently use instru- ments, because they are never to be used but when hands are not sufficient, and there is no other remedy to prevent the woman's danger, or to bring forth the child any other way ; and the judicious operator will choose that way which is the least hazardous and most safe.
Sect. II. — How a Woman must be Delivered^ when the child's Feet comes first.
There is nothing more obvious to those whose business it is to assist labouring women, than that the several un- nttural postures in which children present themselves at their birth, are the occasions of most of the bad labours and ill accidents that happen unto them in that condition.
And since midwives are very often obliged, because of the unnatural situations, to draw the children forth by the feet, I conceive it to be most proper first to show how a child must be brought forth that presents itself in That pos- ture, because it will be a guide to several of the rest.
44 Aristotle's midwife.
*
I knox^ indeed that in this case it is the advice of sever'* al authors to change the figure, and place the head so that it may present to the birth ; and this counsel I should be very inclinable to follow, could they but also show how it may be done. But it will appear very difficult, if not im- possible, to be performed, if we would aV^oid the danger that by such violent agitations both the mother and the child must be put into ; and therefore my opinion is, that it is better to draw forth by the feet, when it presents itself in that posture, than to venture a worse accident by turning it.
As soon, therefore, as the waters are broken, and it is known that the child comes thus, and that the womb is ?>p€n enough to admit the midwife's or operator's hand into it, (or else by anointing the passage with oil or hog's-grease, to endeavour to dilate it by degrees, using her fingers to this purpose, spreading them one from the other, after they are together entered, and continuing to do so till they be sufficiently dilated), then, taking care that her nails be well pared, no rings on her fingers, and her hands well anointed with oil or fresh butter, and the woman placed in the man- ner directed in the former section, let her gently introduce her hand into the entrance of the Womb, where, finding the child's feet, let her draw it forth in the manner I shall pre* sently direct; only let her first see whether it presents one foot or both ; and if but one foot, she ought to consider whether it be the right foot or left, and also in what fashion it comes : for, by that means, she will soon come to know where to find the other, which, as soon as she knows and finds, let her gently draw it forth with the other ; but of this she must be especially careful, viz. that the second be not the foot of another child ; for, if so, it may be of the most consequence, for she may sooner split both mother and child, than draw them forth : but this may be easily prevented, if she but slide the hand up by the first leg and thigh to the twist, and there find both thighs joined togeth- er, and descending from one and the same body. And this is also the best means to find the other foot, when it comes but with one.
As soon as the midwife has found both the child's feet, she may draw them forth, and holding them together, may bring them by little and little in this manner; taking after- wards hold of the arms and thighs, as soon as she can come at them, drawing them so till the hips come forth. While this is doing, let her observe to wrap the parts in a single cloth, that so her hands, being always greasy, slide not on the infant's body, which is very slippery, because of the vicious humours which are all over it j which being done,
Aristotle's midwife. 45
she may tate hold under tlie hips, so as to draw it forth to the beginnias of the breast ; and let her on both sides with "her hand bring down the child's hand along its body, Which she may easily find; and then let her take care that the belly and face of the child be downwards ; for, if they ' Should be upwards, there would be some danger of its being stopped by the chin, over the share-bone ; and there- fore, if it be not so, she must turn it to that posture ; which may easily be done, if she takes a proper hold of the body when the breast and arms are forth, in the manner as we have said, and draws it, turning it in proportion on that side which it most inclines to, till it be turned with the face downwards ; and so, having brought it to the shoulders, let her lose no time, desiring the woman at the same time tobeardovrn, that so drawing, the head at that instant may take its place, and not be stopped in the passage. Some children there are whose heads are so big, that when the "Whole body is born, yet that stops the passage, though the midwife takes all possible care to prevent it. And when this happens, she must endeavour to draw forth the child by the shoulders, (taking care that she separate not the body from the head, as { have known it done by the mid- wife,) discharging it by little and little from the bones in the passage with the fingers of each hand, sliding them on each side opposite the one to the other, sometimes above, and sometimes under, until the work be ended ; endeavour- ing to dispatch it as soon as possible, lest the child be suffocated, as it will unavoidably be, if it remain long in that posture ; and this being well and carefully effected, she may soon after fetch away the afier-birth, as I have before directed.
Sect. III. — How to bring away the Head of the Child, when separated from the Body, and left behind in the Womb.
Though the utmost care be taken in bringing away the child by the feet, yet, if it happen to be dead, it is sometimes so putrified and corrupt, that v/ith the least pull the head separates from the body, and remains alone in the womb, and cannot be brought away but with a manual operatioa and great difficulty, it being extremely slippery, by reason of the place v/here it is, and from the roundness of its figure, on which no hold can be well taken; and so very jrreut is the difficulty in this case, that sometimes two or three able practitioners in midwifery have, one after the other, left the operation unfinished, as not able to effect it, after the utmost efforts of their industry, skill, and strength; 60 that the woman, not being able to he delivered, perished.
46 Aristotle's midwife.
To prevent which fatal accident let the following operation be observed.
When the infant's head separates from the bodj', and is left alone behind, whether through putrefaction or other- wise, let the operator immediately, without any delay, while the womb is yet open, direct up his right hand to the mouth of the head (for no other hole can there be had,) and having found it, let him put one or two of his fingers into it, and the thumb under its chin then let him draw it by little and little, holding it by the jaws : but if that fails, as sometimes it will, when putrified, then let him pull forth the right hand, and slide up his left, with which he must support the head, and with the right let him take a narroxV instrument, called a crochet, but let it be strong, aad with a single^ branch, which he must guide along the inside of his hand, with the point of it towards it, for fear of hurling the womb; and having thus introduced it, let him turn it towards the head, to strike either in an eye-hole, or the hole of an ear, or behind the head, or else between the su- ture, as he finds it most convenient and easy ; and then draw forth the head so fastened with the said instrument, still helping to conduct it with his left hand ; but when he hath brought it near the passage being strongly fastened to the instrument, let him remember to draw forth his hand, that the passage, not being fiJled with it, may be larger and easier, keeping still a finger or two on the side of the head, the better to disengage it.
There is also another method, with more ease and less hardship than the former : let the operator take a soft fil- let or linen slip, of about four fingers breadth, and the length of three quarters of an ell, or thereabouts ; taking the two ends with the left hand, and the middle with the right, and let him so put it up with his right as that it may be beyond the head, to embrace it as a sling doth a stone, and after- wards draw forth the fillet by the two ends together ; it will thus be easily drawn forth, the fillet not hindering the least passage, because it takes up little or no space.
When the head is fetched out of the womb, care must be taken that not the least part of it be left behind, and like- wise to cleanse the woman well of her after-burden, if yet remaining. If the burden be wholly separated from the sides of the womb, that ought to be first brought away, be- cause it may also hinder the taking hold of the head. But if it still adheres to the womb, it must not be meddled with till the head be brought away ; for if one should endeav- our to separate it from the womb, it might then cause a flooding, which would be augmented by the violence of the
Aristotle's MibwiFE, 47
operation ; the yessela to which it is joined remaining for the most part open as long as the womb is distended, which the head causeth while it is retained in it, and cannot close till this strange body be voided, and this it doth by con- tracting and compressing itself together, as has been more fully before explained. Besides, the after-birth remaining thus cleaving to the womb during the operation prevents it from receiving easily either bruise or hurt.
Ej:ct. IV. — How to deliver a Woman when the Child's Head is presented to the Birth.
Though some may think it a natural labour, when the child's head comes first ; yet, if the child's head present not the right way, even that is an unnatural labour ; and there- fore, though the head come first, yet, if it be the side of the head instead of the crown, it is very dangerous both to the mother and child, for the child's neck would be broken, if born in that manner ; and by how much the mother's pains continue to bear the child, which is impossible unless the head be rightly placed, the more the passages ai-e stopped. Therefore, as soon as the position of the child is known, the woman must be laid with all speed, lest the child should advance further into this vicious posture, and thereby ren- der it more difficult to thrust it back, which must be done, in order to place the head right in the passage, as it ought to be.
To this purpose, therefore, place the woman so that her buttocks may be a little higher than her head and shoulders, causing her to lean a little upon the opposite side to the child's ill posture ; then let the operator slide up his hand, well anointed with oil, by the side of the child's head, to bring it right gently with his fingers between the head and the womb ; but if the head be so engaged that it cannot be done that way, he must then put up his hand to the shoul- ders, that so by thrusting them back a little into the womb, sometimes on the one side and sometimes on the other, he may, by little and little, give it a natural position. I con- fess it would be better, if the operator could put back the child by its shoulders with both hands : but the head takes up so much room, that he will find much ado to put up one, with which he must ])erfoi'm this operation, and with the help of the finger ends of the other hand put forward the child's birth, as in natural labour.
Some children present their face first, having their heads tnirned back ; in which posture it is extremely difficult for a child to be born : and if it continues so long, the face vrill be swelled, and become black and blue, so that it will
AS , aristoti.e's midwife.
at first seem monstrous, which is occasioned, as well by the compressiou of it in that place, fis by the midwife's iingera handlins: it, in order to place it in a belter post-are. But this blackness will v/ear awaj' in three or four da3-s' time, by anointiiig it often with oil of sweet almonds. To fJeliver the birth, the same operation must be used as in the former, when the child comes first v/ith the side of the head; only let the midwife or operator work very gently, to avoid as much as possible bruising" the face.
Sect. V. — Hoio to deliver a Woman when the Child present* cm or both Hands together with the Head.
Sometimes the infant will present some other part to- gether with its head ; which if it does, it is usually one or both its hands; and this hinders the birth, because the hands take up part of that passage which is little enough for the head alone : besides that, when this happens, they generally cause t!ie head to lean on one side ; and there- fore this position may be very well styled unnatural. When the child presents thus, the first thing to be done, after it is perceived, must be to prevent it from coming down more, or enaagin:^ further in the passage; and therefore the op- erator having placed the woman on the bed, with her head lower than hei buttocks, must guide and put back the in- fant's hand with his own as much as may be, or both of them, if they both come down, to give way to the child's head ; and this bei.ig done, 'f the head be on one side, it must be brought into its natural posture, in the middle of the passage, that it may come in a strait line, and then pro- ceed as directed in the foregoing section.
J?Ecr. VI. — How a Woman is to be delivered, when the Hands and Feet of the Infant come together.
There are none but will readily grant, that when the hands and feel of an infant present together, the labour must be unnatural ; because it is impossible a cbiid can be born in that manner. In this case, therefore, whetx the midwife guides her hand to ihe orifice of the womb, she will perceive only many fingers close together; and jJii be not tiu!ficiently dilated, it will be a good while before the hands aad feet will be exactly distinguished ; for they ure some- times so shut and pressed together, that they seem to be all of one and t!ie same shape ; but where the womb is open enou:?h to introJnce the hand into it, she will easily know whicls are the hfinds and which are the feet ; and haviniy taken particular notice thereof, let her slide up her hand, cad presently direct it towards the infant's brea&t, which
Aristotle's midwife. 49
she will find very near, and then let her very gently thrust back the body towards the bottom of the worab, leaving the feet in the some place where she found them : and then, having placed the woman in a convenient posture, that is to say, her buttocks a little raised above her breast and head (which situation ought also to be observed when the child is to be put back into the womb,) let the midwife af- terwards take hold of the child by the feet, and draw it forth, as is directed in the second section.
This labour, though somewhat troublesome, yet is much "better than when the child presents only its hands '; for then the child must be quite turned about before it can be drawn forth ; but in this they are ready, presenting them- selves, and there is little to do but to lift and thrust back the upper part of the body, which is almost done of itself, by drawing it by the feet alone.
I confess there are many authors that have written of labours, who would have all wrong births reduced to a na- tural figure ; which is, to turn it that it may come with the head first. But those that have thus written are such as never understood the practical part ; for if they had the least experience herein, they would know that it is very often impossible ; at least, if it were to be done, that vio- lence must necessarily be used in doing it, that would very probably be the death of mother and child in the operation. I would therefore lay down, as a general rule, that when- soever a child presents itself wrong to the birth, in what posture soever, from the shoulders to the feet, it is the best way, and soonest done, to draw it out by the feel ; and that it is better to search for them, if they do not present them- selves, than try to put it in the natural posture, and place the head foremost ; for the great endeavours necessary to be used in turning the infant in the womb, do so much weaken both the mother and the child, that there remams not afterwards strength enough to commit the operation to the v/ork of nature ; for, usually, the woman hath no more throes or pains fit for labour after she has been so wrought upon ; for which reason it would be very difficult, and tedious at best; and the child, by such an operation made very weak, would be in extrcine danger of perishing before it could be born. It is therefore much better in these cases to bring it away immediately by the feet ; searching for them, as I have already directed, when they do nut present themselves ; by which the mother will be prevented a tedious labour, and the child be often brought alive into the world, who otherwise could hardly escape death.
5
50 Aristotle's midwife.
Sect. VII. — How a Woman should be Delivered that has Twins, which present themselves in different Postures,
We have already spoken something of the birth of twins in the chapter of natural labour ; for it is not an unnatural labour barely' to have twins, provided they come in a risrht position to the birth. But when they present themselves in different postures, they come properly under the denomi- nation of unnatural labours ; and if when one child presents itself in a wrong figure, it maiies the labour dangerous and unnatural, it must needs make it much more so when there are several, and render it not only more painful to the mother and children, but to the operator also ; for they often trouble each other, and hinder both their births. Besides which, the womb is so filled with them, that the operator can hardly introduce his hand without much vio- lence, which he must do, if they are to be turned or thrust back, to give them a better position.
When a woman is pregnant with two children, they rarely present to the birth together, the one being generally more forward than the other ; and that is the reason that but one is felt^ and that many times the midwife knows not that there ar^ twins till the first is born, and thai she is going to fetch away the after-birth. In the fifth chapter, wherein I treated of natural labour, I have showed how a ■woman should be delivered of twins, presenting themselves both right ; and therefore, before I close the chapter of unnatural labour, it only remains that I show what ought to be done when they either both come wrong, or one of them only, as for the most part it happens; the first gene- rally coming right, and the second with the feet forward, or in some worse posture. In such a case, the birth of the first must be hastened as much as possible, to make way for the second, which is best brought away by the feet, without endeavouring to place it right, because, it has been, as well as its mother, already tired and weakened by the birth of the first, and there would be greater danger of its death, than likelihood of its coming out of the womb that way.
But if, when the first is born naturally, the second should likewise offer its head to the birth, it would be then best to leave nature to finish what she has so well begun ; and if nature should be too slow in her work, some of those things mentioned in the fourth chapter, to accelerate the birth, may be properly enough applied : and if, after that, the second birth should be yet delayed, let a manual operation be deferred no longer ; but the woman being properly
akistotle's midwife. 51
placed, as has been before directed, let tho operator direct his hand gently into the womb to find the feet, and so draw forth the second child, which will be the more easily effect- ed, because there is a way made sufficiently by the birth of the first; and if the waters of this second child be not broke, as it often happens, yet, intending to bring it by the feet, he need not scruple to break the membranes with his fingers : for though, when the birth of a child is left to the operation of nature, it is necessary that the waters should break of themselves, yet when the child is brought out of the womb by art, there is no danger in breaking of them; nay, on the contrary, it becomes necessary ; for withoui the waters are broken, it would be almost impossible to turn the child.
But herein principally lies the care of the operator, that he be not deceived, when either the hands or feet of both children offer themselves together to the birth ; in this case he ought well to consider the operation, as, whether they be not joined together, or any way monstrous ; and which part belongs to one child, and which to the other; that so they may be fetched one after the other, and not both toge- ther, as might be, if it were not duly considered ; taking the right foot of the one and the left of the other, and so drawing them together, as if they both belonged to one body, because there is a left and a ris:ht, by which means it would be impossible ever to deliver them. But a skilful operator will easily prevent this, if, having found two or three feet of several children presenting together in the passage, and taking aside two of the forwardest, a right and a left, and sliding his hand along the legs and thighs up to the twist, if forwards, or the buttocks, if backwards, he finds they both belong to one body of which being thus as- sured, he may begin to draw forth the nearest, without re- garding which is ihe strongest or weakest, bigger or less, living or dead, having put first a little aside that part of the other child which offers to have the more way, and so dis- patch the first as soon as may be, observing the same rules as if there were but one, that is, keeping the breast and face downwards, with every circumstance directed in that section where the child comes with its feet first, and not fetch the burden till the second child is born. And there- fore, when the operator hath drawn forth one child, he must separate it from the burden, having tied and cut the naveistring, and then fetch the other by the feet in the same manner, and afterwards bring away the after-burdea witli the two strings, as has been before showed. J I" the children present any other part than the feet, the operator
52 Aristotle's midwife.
may follow the same method as directed in the foregoing flection, where the several unnatural positions are fuiiy treated of.
CHAP. VII.
DIRECTIONS FOE. CHILD-BEARING WOMEN, IN THEIR LYING-IN.
Sect. I. — Hoiv a Woman newly Delivered ought to be ordered. As soon as she is laid in her bed, let her be placed in it conveniently for ease and rest, Avhich she stands in great need of, to recover herself of the great fatigue slie under- went during her travail ; and that she may lie the more easily, let her hands and body be a little raised, that she may breathe more freelj^, and cleanse the better, especial- ly of that blood which then comes away, that so it may not clot, which being retained causeth great pain.
Having thus placed her in bed, let her take a draught of burnt white wine, having a drachm of spermaceti melted therein. The herb vervain is also singularly good for a woman in this condition, boiling it in what she either eats or drinks, fortifying the womb so exceedingly, that it will do it more good in two days, than any other thing does in double in that time, having no offensive taste. And this is no more than what she stands in need of ; for her lower parts being greatly distended till the birth of the infant, it is good to endeavour the prevention of an inflammation there. Let there be also outwardly applied, all over the bottom, of the belly and privities, the following anodyne and cataplasm : Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and two or three new laid eggs, yolks and whites, stirring them together in an earthen pipkin over hot embers, till they come to the consistence of a poultice ; which being spread upon a cloth, must be applied to those parts, indif- ferently warm, having first taken away the closure (which was put to her presently after her delivery,) and likewise such clots of blood as were then left. Let this lie on five or six hour5, and then renew it again when you see cause. Great care ought to be taken at first, that if her body be very weak, she he not kept too hot, for extremity of heat weakens nature and dissolves the strength ; and whether she be weak or strong, be sure that no cold air comes near h'er at first ; for cold is an enemy to the spermatic parts, and if it get into the womb, it increases the afterpains,
Aristotle's midwife. 53
causes swelling in the womb, and hurts the nerves. As to her diet, let it be hot, and let her eat but a little at a time. Let her avoid the liyht ibr the first three days, and longer if she be weak, for her labour v/eakens her eyes exceeding- ly, by a harmony betv/een the womb and them. Let her also avoid great noise, sadness, and trouble of mind.
If the womb be foul, which may be easily perceived by the im.purity of thebluod (which will then easily come away in clois or stinking, or if you suspect any of the after-bur- den to be left behind, which may sometimes happen,) make her drink of featherfew, mugwort, pennyroyal, and mother of thyme, boiled in white wine and sweetened with sugar.
Panado and new laid eggs are the best meat for her at first; of which she may eat often, but not too much at a time. And let her nurse use cinnamon in all her meals and drinks, ibr it generally strengthens the womb.
Let her stir as little as may be, till after the fifth, sixth, or seventh day of her delivery, if she be weak ; and let her talk as little as possible, for that tends to weaken her very much.
If she goes not well to stool, give a clyster made only with the decoction of mallows and a little brown sugar.
When she hath lain in a v/eek or more, let her use such things as close the womb, of which knot-grass and comfiey are very good : and to them you may add a little poiipo- dium, for it will do her good, both leaves and root being bruised.
Sect. II. — How to remedy those Occidents which a Lying-in Woman is subject to.
I. The first common and usual accident that troubles wo- men in their lying-in, is after-pains. They proceed fiom cold and wind contained in the bowels, with which they are easily filled after labour, because then they have more room to dilate than when the child was in the womb, by which they were compressed; and also because nourish- ment and matter, contained as well in them as in the stom- ach, have been so confusedly agitated from side to side du- ring the pains of labour, by the throes which always must compress the belly, that they could not be weil digested, \vhence the wind is afterwards generated, and by conse- quence the gripes which the woman feels running into her belly from side to side, according as tlie wind moves more or less, and sometimes likewise fnjni the womb, because of the compression and commotion which the bov/els make. Tlicse being generally the case, lei us now apply a suitable remedy.
64 AHISTOTLE'S MIDWIFE.
1. Boil an egg soft, and pour out the yolk of it, with which mix a spoonful of cinnamon water, and let her drink it ; and if you mix iu it two grains of ambergris, it will he better : and yet vervain taken in any thing she drinks, will he as effectual as the other.
2. Give the lying-in woman, immediately after delivery, oil of sweet almonds and syrup of maiden hair mixed to- getlier. Some prefer oil of walnuts, provided it be made of nuts that are very good ; but it tastes worse than the other at best. This will legnify the inside of the intestines by unctuousness, and by that means bring away that which is contained in them more easily.
3. Take and boil onions well in water, then stamp them with oil of cinnamon, spread them on a cloth, and apply them to the region of the womb.
4. Let her be careful to keep her belly w"arm, and not drink too cold ; and if the pain prove violent, hot clothes, from time to time, must be laid on her belly, or a pancake fried in walnut oil may be applied to it, without swathing her belly, too strait. And for the better evacuating the wind out of the intestines, give her a clyster, which may be repeated as often as necessity requires.
5. Take bay berries, beat them to powder, put the pow- der upon a chafing-dish of coals, and let her receive the smoke of them up her privities.
6. Take tar and bear's grease, of each an equal quantity, boil them together, and whilst it is boiling, add a little pigeon's dung to it. Spread some of this upon a linen cloth, and apply it to the reins of the back of her that is troubled with after-pains, and it will give her speedy ease.
Lastly, Let her take hajf a drachm of bay berries beatea into a powder in a draught of muscadel or tent.
IL Another accident to which women in childbed are sub- ject is the hemorrhoids, or piles, occasioned through the great straining in bringing the child into the v/orld. To cure this,
1. Let her be let blood in the saphsena vein.
2. Let her use polj^podium in her meat and drink, braised and boiled.
3. Take an onion, and having made a hole in the middle of it, fill it full of oil, roast it, and having bruised it all to- gether, apply it to the fundament.
4. Take a dozen of snails, without shells if you can get them, or else so many shell snails, and pull them out, and having bruised them with a little oil, apply them warm as before.
5. If she go not well to stool, let her take an ounce of
ARISTOTLE'S MIDWIJ-E, 55
cassia fistula drawn at night going to bed ; slie needs no change of diet after.
ill. Retention of the menses is another accident happen- ing to women in childbed; and which is of so dangerous a consequence, that, if not timely remedied, it proves mortal, "When this happens,
1. Let the woman take such medicines as strongly pro- voke the terms, such as dittany, betony, pennyroyal, ieather- few, centaur}'', juniper berries, peony roots.
2. Let her take two or three spoonsful of briony water each morning.
3. Gentian roots beaten into a powder, and a drachm of it taken every morning in wine, are an extraordinary remedy.
4. The roots of birthwort, either long or round, so used and taken as the former, are very good.
5. Take twelve peony seeds, and beat them into a very fine powder, and let her drink them in a draught of hot cardus posset, and let her sweat after. And if this last medicine do not bring them down the first lime she takes it, let her take as much more three hours after, and it seldom fails.
IV. Overflowing of the menses is another accident inci- dental to childbed women. For which,
1. Take shepherd's purse, either boiled in any conve- nient liquor, or dried and beaten into a powder, and it will be an admirable remedy to stop them, this being especially appropriated to the privities.
2. The (lower and leaves of brambles, or either of them, being dried and beaten into powder, and a drachm of them taken every morning in a spoonful of red wine, or in a de- coction of leaves of the same (which perhaps is much bet- ter,) is an admirable remedy for the immoderate flowing of the terms in women.
V. Excoriations, bruises, and rents of the lower part of the womb are often occasioned by the violent distention and separation of the four caruncles in a woman's labour. For the healing whereof.
As soon as the woman is laid, if there be only simple con- tusions and excoriations, then let the anodyne cataplasm, formerly directed, be applied to the lower parts to ease ths pain, made of the yolks and whites of new laid eg2:s and oil of roses, boiled a little over warm embers, continually stirring it till it be mixed, and then spread on a fine cloth ; it must be applied very Avarm to the bearing-place for five or six hours, and when it is taken away, lay some fine rags, dipped in oil of St. John's wort, on each side of the bearing-
66 Aristotle's midwise.
place ; or ]et the part excoriated be anointed with oil of St. John's wort twice or thrice a day ; also foment the parts "with barley water and honey of roses, to cleanse them from the excrements which pass. When the woman makes "Water, let them be defended with fine ra?s, and thereby hinder the urine from causing smart or pain.
VI. The curdling and clotting of the milk is another ac- cident that happens to women in childbed ; for, in the be- ginning of childbed, the woman's milk is not purified, be- cause of the great commotions her body suiFered during her labour, which aifected all the parts, and it is then moved with many humours. Now this clotting of the milk does, for the most part, proceed from the breasts not being fully drawn, and that either because she has too much milk, and that the infant is too small and weak to suck all, or because she doth not desire to be a nurse; for the milk in those cases remaining in the breast after concoction, without be- ing drawn, loseth the sweetness and the balsamic quality it had, and by reason of the heat it acquires, and the too long stay it makes there, it sours, curdles, and clots, in like man- ner as we see runnet put into ordinary milk turn it into cards. The curdling of the milk may be also caused by having taken a great cold, and not keeping the breast well covered.
But from what cause soever this curdling of the milk pro- ceeds, the most certain remedy is, speedily to draw the breasts until it is emitted and dried. But in regard that the infant, by reason of weakness, cannot draw strong enough, the woman being hard marked when her milk is curdled, it will be most proper to get another woman to draw her breasts until the milk comes freely, and then she may give her child suck. And that she may not afterwards be troubled with a surplus of milk, she must eat such diet as gives but little nourishment, and keep her body open.
But if the case be such, that the woman neither can nor will be a nurse, it is necessary to apply other remedies for the curing of this distemper : for then it will be best not to draw her breasts : for that will be the way to bring more milk into them. For which purpose, it will be necessary to empty the body, by bleeding the arm : besides which, let the humours be drawn down by strong clysters and bleed- ing in the foot ; nor will it be amiss to purge gently ; and to digest, dissolve, and dissipate the curdled milk, apply a cataplasm of pure honey, or that of the four brains dissolved in a decoction of sage, milk, smallage, and fennel, mixing with it oil of camomile, with which oil let the breasts be "well anointed. The following liniment is also good to scat- ter and dissipate the milk.
Aristotle's midwife. 57
A Liniment to scatter ami dissipate the Milk.
That the milk flowins: back to the breast may without offence be dissipated, you must use this ointment : " Take pure wax two ounces, linseed oil half a pound ; when the wax is melted, let the liniment be made, wherein linen, cloths must be dipped, and, accordins: to their lar^jeness, be laid upon the breast ; and when it shall be dispersed, and pains no more, let other linen cloths be dipped in the distilled water of acorns, and put them upon them."
Note. Tnat the cloths dipped in distilled water of acorns must be used only by those who cannot nurse their own children : but if a swelling in the breast of her who gives suck do arise, from abundance of milk, and threatens an in- iiammation, let her use the former ointment, but abstaia from using the distilled water of acorns.
CHAP. VIII.
Directions for the Nurses j in ordering newly bom Children.
When the child's navel-string hath been cut, according
to the rules before prescribed, let the midwife presently
cleanse it from the excrements and filth it brings into the
world with it ; of which some are within the body, as the
urine in the bladder, and the excrement found in the guts ;
and others without, which are thick, whitish, and clammy,
proceeding from the sliminess of the waters. There are
children sometimes so covered all over with this, that one
would think they were rubbed over with soft cheese ; and
some women are of so easy a belief that they really think
it so, because they had eaten some while they were with
child. From these excrements let the child be cleansed
with wine and water a little warmed, washing every part
therewith, but chiefly the head, because of the hair, also
the folds of the groin, arm-pits, and the cods or privities ;
which parts must be gently cleansed with a linen rag, or a
soft sponge dipped in luke-warm wine. If this clammy or
vicious excrement stick so close that it will not be easily
washed off from those places, it may be fetched ofi' with oil
of s\sreet almonds, or a little fresh butter melted with wine,
and afterwards well dried off; also make tents of fine rags,
and wetting them in this liquor, clear the ears and nostrils ;
but for the eyes, wipe them only with a dry soft rag, not
dipping it in the wine, lest it should make them smart.
58 ARISTOTLE-'S MIDWIFE.
The child being thus washed, and cleansed from the na- tive blood and impurities which attend it into the world, it must in the next place be searched, to see whether all things be riorht about it, and that there is no fault or dislo- cation ; whether its nose be straight, or its tongue tied ; or whether there be any bruise or tumour of the head ; oi whether the mould be not overshot; also whether the scro- turn (if it be a male) be not blown up and swelled; and, in short, whether it has suffered any violence by its birth, in any part of its body ; and whether all the parts be well and duly shaped ; that suitable remedies may be applied, if any thing be found not right. Nor is it enough to see that all be right without, and that the outside of the body be clean- sed, but she must chiefly observe whether it dischargeth the excrements contained within, and whether the passage be open ; for some have been born without having been per- forated. Therefore, let her examine whether the conduits of the urine and stool be clear, for want of which some have died, not being able to void their excrements, because timely care was not taken at first. As to the urine, all children, as well males as females, do make water as soon as they are born, if they can, especially if they feel the heat of the jSre, and sometimes also void the excrements, but not so soon as the urine. If the infant does not ordure the first day, then put up into its fundament a small suppository, to stir it up to be discharged, that it may not cause painful gripes by remaining so long in its belly. A sugar almond may be proper for this purpose, anointed over with a little boiled honey : or else a small piece of Castile soap rubbed over with fresh butter ; also give the child for this purpose a little sprup of roses or violets at the mouth, mixed with some oil of sv/eet almonds drawn without a fire, anointing the belly also with the same oil, or fresh butter.
The midwife having thus washed and cleansed the child, according to the before-mentioned directions, let her begin to swaddle it in swathing cloths, and when she dresses the head, let her put small rags behind the ears, to dry up the filth which usually engenders there, and so let her do also in the folds of the arm-pits and groins, and so swathe it ; then wrap it up warm in a bed with blankets, which there is scarce any woman so ignorant but knows well enough how to do : only let me give them this caution, that they swathe not the child too strait in its blankets, especially about the breast and stomach, that it may breathe the more freely, and not be forced to vomit up the milk it sucks, be- cause the stomach cannot be sufficiently extended to eon- tain it 5 therefore let its arms and legs be wrapped in its
Aristotle's midwife. 69
bed, stretched and straight, and swathed to keep them so, ■viz. the arms alonar its sides, and its le^s equally both to- gether, with a little of the bed between them, that they may not be galled by rubbing each other : then let the head be kept steady and straight, with a slay fastened on each side of the blanket; and then wrap the child up in mantles and blankets to keep it warm. Let none think this of swathing the infant is needless to set down, for it is necessary it should be thus swaddled, to give its little body a straight figure, which is most decent and proper for a man, and to accustom him to keep upon his feet, who otherwise would go upon all four, as most other animals do.
CHAP. IX.
iSect. I. — Of Giipes mid Pains in the Bellies of young Chil- dren,
This I mention first, as it is often the first and most com- mon distemper which happens to little infants after their birth ; many children being so troubled and pained there- with, that it causes them to cry night and day, and at last die of it. The cause of it for the most part comes from the sudden change of their nourishment, for, having always re- ceived from the umbilical vessels whilst in the mother's "womb, they come on a sudden to change not only the man- ner of receiving it, but the nature and quality of what they received, as soon as they are born ; for instead of purified blood only, which was conveyed to them by means of the umbilical vein only, they are now obliged to be nourished with their mother's milk, which they suck with their mouths, and from which are engendered many excrements, causing gripes and pains; and that not only because it is not so pure as the blood with which it was nourished in the womb, but because the stomach and the intestines can- not yet make a good digestion, being unaccustomed to it. It is also caused sometimes by a rough phlegm, and some- times by worms ; iuv physicians affirm, that worms have been bred in children even in their mother's belly.
Cure. If it proceed from the too sudden changes of nourishment, the remedy must be to forbear giving- the child suck for some days, lest the milk be mixed with phlegm, which is then in the stomach corrupt : and at first it must suck but little, until it is accustomed to digest it. If it be the excrements in the intestines, which, by' their long stay,
60 Aristotle's midwife.
increase these pains, give them at the mouth a little oil of sweet almonds and syrup of roses : if it be worms, lay a clolh dipped in oil of wormwood, mixed with ox-galL, upon the belly, or a small cataplasm mixed with the powder of rue, woi-mwood, coloquiniiJa, aloes, and the seeds of citron incoporated with ox-gall and the powder of lupines. Or give it oil of sweet almonds, with sugar-candy, and a scruple of anniseed ; it purgeth new-born babes from green choler and stint;ing phlegm ; and, if it be given with sugar.-pap, it allays the griping pains of the belly. Also anoint the belly with oil of dill, or peiljtory stamp, with oil of camomile.
Sect. II. — Of Weakness in newly born Infants.
Weakness is an accident that many children bring into the world along with them, and is often occasioned by the labour of the mother; by the violence and length whereof they sufler so much, that they are born with great weak- ness, and many times it is di/ficult to know whether they are alive or dead, their body f^ppearing so senseless, and their face so blue and livid, that they seem to be quite choaked ; and even after some hours, their showing any signs of life is attended with so much weakness, that it looks like a return from death, and that they are still in a dying condition.
Cure. Lay the infant speedily in a warm blanket, and carry it to the fire, and then let the midwife take a little wine in her mouth and spout it into his mouth, repeating it often, if there be occasion. Let her apply linen to the breast and belly dipped in wine, and let the face be un- covered, that he may breath the more freely ; also, let the midwife keep his mouth a little open, cleanse the nostrils ■with small linen tents dipped in white wine, that so he may receive the smell of it, and let her chafe every part of his body well with warm clochs, to bring back the blood and spirits, which, being retired inwards, through weakness, often puts him in danger of being choaked. By the applica- tion of these means, the infant will gradually recover strength, and begin to stir his limbs by degrees, and at length to cry ; and though it be but weakly at first, yet afterwards, as he breathes more freely, his cry will become more strong.
Sect. III. — Of the Fundament being closed up in a newly bom Infant.
Another defect the new-born infants are liable to is, to have their fundaments closed up ; by which they can neither evacuate the new excrements engendered by the milk they
Aristotle's midwife. 61
suck, nor that which was amassed in their intestines before birth, which is certainly mortal without a speedy remedy. There have been some female children who have had their fundament quite closed, and yet have voided the excrements of the guts by an orifice, which nature, to supply that de- fect, had made within the neck of the womb.
Cure. Here we must take notice, that the fundament is closed two ways ; either by a single skin, through which one may discover some black and blue marks, proceeding from the excrements retained, which, if one touch with the finger, there is a softness left within, and thereabout it ought to be pierced ; or else it is quite stopped by a thick fleshy substance, in such sort that there appears nothing ■without by which its true situation may be known. When there is nothing but the single skin which makes the closure, the operation is very easy, and the children may do very well ; for then an aperture or opening may be made with a small incision-knife cross ways, that it may the better re- ceive a round form, and that the place may not afterward* grow together, taking great care not to prejudice the spinc- ter or muscle of the rectum. The incision being thus made, the excrements will certainly have issue. But if, by reason of their long stay in the belly, they become so dry that the infant cannot void them, then let a clyster be given to moisten and bring them away ; afterwards put a linen tent into the new-made fundament, which, at first, had best be anointed with honey of roses, and towards the end, v/ith a drying cicatrizing ointment, snch as unguentum album, or pomphilix, observing to cleanse the infant of his excrements, and dry him again as soon and as often as he evacuates them, that so the aperture may be prevented from turning into a malignant ulcer.
But if the fundament be stopped up in such a manner, that neither mark nor appearance of it can be either seen or felt, then the operation is much more diflicult; and even when it is done, the danger is much greater that the infant will not survive it. Then if it be a female, and it sends forth its excrements by the way I have mentioned before, it is better not to meddle, than, by endeavouring to remedy an inconvenience, run an extreme hazard of the ir.fant'3 death. But when there is no vent for the excrements, without which death is unavoidable, then the operation is justifiable.
Operation. -^'Ltt the operator, with a small incision-knife that hath but one edge, enter into the void place, and turn- ing the back of it upwards, within half a finger's brcadiU from the child's ramp, which i^ the place where he will
6
62 akistotle's midwipe.
certainly find the intestine, let him thrust it forward, that it may be open enough lo give free vent to the matter there contained, being especially careful of the spincter ; after which, let the 'vvounu be dressed according to the method dijected.
Sect. IV. — Of the Thriisk, or Ulcers in the. 3Iouth of an Infant,
The thrush is a distemper that children are very often, subject to, and it arises from bad milk, or from foul humour in the stomach ; for sometimes, though there be no ill quali- ty in the milk itself, yet it may corrupt in the cliiid's stomach because of its v*''eakness, or some other indisposition ; io which, acquiring an acrimony instead of being well digested, there arise from thence biting vapours, which, forming a thick viscosity, do thereby produce this distemper.
Cure. — It is often difficult, as physicians tell us, because it is seated in hot and moist places, where the putrefaction is easily augmented ; and because the remedies applied cannot ledge there, being soon vv^ashed away with spittie. But if it arises from too hot quality in the nurse's milk, care must be taken to temper and cool, prescribing her cool diet, bleeding and purging her also, if there be occasion.
Take lentiles husked, powder them, and lay a little of them upon the child's gums. Or take bdellium flower half an ounce, and with oil of roses make a liniment. Also wash the child's mouth with barley and plantain-water, and honey of roses, or syrup of dry roses, mixing with them a little verjuice of lemons, as well to loosen and cleanse the vicious humours which cleave to the inside of the child's mouth, as to cool those parts which are already over-heated. This may be done by means of a small fine rag fastened to the end of a little stick, and dipped therein, whereby the ulcers may be gently rubbed, being careful not to put the child to too much pain, lest an indammation make the dis- temper worse. The cnild's body must also be kept open, that the humours being carried to the lower parts, the va- pours may not ascend, as it is usual for tbem to do when the body is costive, and the excrements too long retained.
If the ulcers appear malignant, let such remedies be used to do their work speedily, that the evil qualities that cause them being thereby instantly corrected, their malignity may be prevented; and in this case touch the ulcers with plan- tain-water, sharpened with the spirits of vitriol ; for the remedy must be made sharp, according to the malignity of the disempter. It will be necessary to purge these ill hu- mours out of the whole habit of the child, by giving half an ounce of succory with rhubarb.
Aristotle's midwife. 63
Sect. V. — Of Paim in the Ears j Inflammation, Moisture^ ^
The brain in infants is very moist, and hath many excre- ments which nature cannot send out at the proper passages ; they get often to the ears, and there cause pains, flux of blood, with iniiammation, and matter with pain; this in children is hard to be known, as they have no other way to make it known but by constant crying ; you will perceive them ready to feel their ears themselves, but will not let others touch them if they can prevent it ; and sometimes yott may discern the parts about the ears to be very red.
These pains, if let alone, are of dangerous consequences, because they may bring forth watchin2;s and epilepsy '^ fov the moisture breeds worms there, and fouls the spungy bones, and by degrees causes incurable deafness.
Cure. Allay the pain with all convenient speed, but have a care of using strong remedies. Therefore only use warm milk about the ears, with the decoction of poppy tops, or oil of violets : to take away the moisture, use honey of roses, and let aquamollis be dropped into the ears ; or take virsin honey, half an ounce ; red wine two ounces ; alum, safiron, saltpetre, each a drachm j mix them at the fire ; or drop in hempseed oil with a little wine.
Sect. VI. — Of Redness, and Inflammation of the Buttocks^ Groin, and the Thighs of a Young Child,
If there be no great care taken to change and wash the child's bed as soon as it is fouled with the excrements, and to keep the child very clean, the acrimony will be sure to cause redness, and beget a smarting in the buttocks, groin, and thighs of the child, which, by reason of the pain, will afterwards be subject to inflammations, which follow the soonex', through the delicacy and tenderness of their skin, from which the outward skin of the body is in a short time separated and worn away.
Cure. First, keep the child cleanly; and, secondly, take off the sharpness of its urine. As to keeping it cleanly, she must be a sorry nurse that needs to be taught how to do it ; for if she lets it have but dry, clean, and warm beds and clouts, as often and as soon as it has fouled and wet them, either by its urine or excrements, it will be sufficient. And as to the taking off the sharpness of the child's urine, that must be done by the nurse's taking a cool diet, that her milk may have the same quality ; and therefore she ought to abstain from all things that may tend to heat it.
Em besides these, cooling and drying remedies are re- quisite to be applied to the inflamed parts : therefore let the parts be bathed with plantain-water, with a fourth of lime-
64 Aristotle's midwife.
"water added to it, each lime the child's excrements are wiped oft"; and if the pain be very great, let it only be fo- mented with luke-warm milk. The powder of a post to dry it, or a little mill-dust strewed upon the parts affected, may be proper enough, and is used by many women. Also, un- guentum album, or diapampholigos, spread upon a small piece of leather, in form of a plaster, will not be amiss.
But the chief thing must be the nurse'jj taking great care to wrap the inflamed parts with fine rags when she opens the child, that those parts may not gather and be pained by rubbing together.
Sect. VII. — Of Vomiting in YoUng Children,
Vomiting in children proceeds sometimes from too mucL milk, and sometimes from bad milk, and as often from a moist loose stomach ; for as dryness retains, so looseness lets go. This is, for the most part, without danger in chil- dren ; and they that vomit from their birlh are the lustiest : for the stomach not being used to meat, and milk being ta- ken too much, crudities are easily bred, or the milk is cor- rupted ; and it is better to vomit these up than to keep them in ; but if vomiting last long, it will cause an atrophy, or consumption, for want of nourishment.
Cure. If this be from too much milk, that which is emit- ted is yellow and green, or otherwise ill-coloured and stink- ing ; in this case, mend the milk, as has been shown before ; cleanse the child with honey of roses, and strengthen its stomach with syrup of milk and quinces made into an elec- tuary. If the humours be hot and sharp, give the syrup of pomegranates, currants, and coral ; and apply to the belly the plaster of bread, the stomach cerate, or bread dipped in hot wine ; or take oil of mastich, quinces, mint, wormwood, each half an ounce ; of nutmegs, by expression, half a drachm ; chemical oil of mint, three drops. Coral hath an occult property to prevent vomiting, and is therefore hung about the neck.
Sect. VIII. Of breeding Tedh in Young Children,
This is a verj- great and yet necessary evil in all chil- dren, having variety of symptoms joined with it. They be- gin to come forth, not all at once, but one after the other, about the sixth or seventh month ; the fore-teeth coming flrst, then the eye-teeth, and, last of all, the grinders. The eye-teeth cause more pain to the child than any of ihe rest, because they have a deep root, and a small nerve which hath communication with that which makes the eye move.
In the breeding of the teeth, first they feel an itching ia
Aristotle's midwife. 67
<ct)ld, and the excrements white, give syrup of raastich and quinces, with mint-water. Use outwardly mint, masticb, cummin: or take rose seeds an ounce, cummin, anniseed, each two drachms ; with oil of raastich, wormwood, and wax, make an ointment.
Sect. X. — Of the Epilepsy and Convulsions i% Children,
This is a distemper that is often fatal to young children, and frequently proceeds from the brain, as when the hu- mours that cause it are bre4 in the brain, originating either from the parents, or from vapours or bad humours that twitcJa the m-embranes of the brain ; it is also sometimes caused by other distempers, and by bad diet : likewise the toothache, whea the brain consents, causes it, and so does a sudden fright- As to the distemper itself, it is manifeit and well enough knowA where it is ; and as to th-e cause whence it comes, you may know by the signs of the disease, whether it comes from bad milk, or worms, or teeth : if these are all absent, it is certain that the brain is first af- fected ^ if it come with the small- pox or measles, it ceaseth when they come forth, if nature be strong enougii.
Cure. For the remedy of this grievous and often mortal <3istemper, give the following powder, to prevent it, to a child as soon as it is born: take male peony roots, gathered in the decrease of the moon, a scruple^ with leaf gold make a powder \ or take peony roots a drachm ; peony seeds, mistletoe of the oak, elk's hoof, man's skull, amber, each a scruple ; musk, two grains ; make a powder. The best part of the cure is taking care of the nurse's diet, which must be regular, by all means. If it be from corrupt milk, provoke a vomit ; to do which, hold down the tongue, and put a quill, dipped in sweet almonds, down the throat. If it come from the worms, give such things as will kill the worms. If there be a kv^i, with respect to that also, give coral smaraged and elk's hoof. In the fit, give epileptic water, as lavender water, and rub with oil of amber, or hang a peony root, and elk's hoof smaraged, about the child's neck.
As to a convulsi-on, it is when the brain labours to cast «ut that which troubles it : the manner is in the marrow of the back, and fountain of the nerves ; it is a stubborn dis- ease, and often kills.
Wash the body, when in the fit, especially the bachbone, with liecocti/jn <if aJtlia?a, lily roots, ^leony and camomile ilowers, and anoint it with man's and goose's grease, oils of worms, orris, lilies, foxes, turpentin^e, mastich, storax» and calarnint. Tlie sunflower is also very good, boiled iit "Water, to wash the child.
PROPER AND SAFE REMEDIES
T(yr Curing all those Distempers fltat are peculiar to
THE FEMALE SEX.
-f And especially those that are obstructions t© Bearing of Children,
BOOK II.
Having finished the first part of this book^ and therein, I hope, amply made good my promise to the reader, I am BOW eome to treat of the distempers peculiar to the female sex ; in which it is my design to treat only of those to which they are more subject when in a l>reeding condition, and those that keep them from being so; together with such proper and safe remedies as may be sufficient to repel them. And since, amongst all the diseases to which human nature is subject, there is none that more diametrically op- poses the very end of our creation, and the design of nature in the formation of the difi'erent sexes, and the power these- by given us for the work of generation, than that of sterility, or barrenness, which, where it prevails, renders the most accomplished midwife but a useless person, and destroys the design of our book ; I think, therefore, barrenness is an efiect that deserves our first and priacipal consider- ation.
CHAP. I.
Of Barrenness : its several Kinds : wUh fhe proper Hemedies for it ; and the Signs of Insufficiency both in Men and Wo- men^
SscT. I. — Of Barre^iiiess in g&neral.
Bassenness is either natui-al or artificial.
Natural barrenness is, when a woman is barren, though, the instruments of generation are perfect both in herself and husband, and no preposterous or diabolical course used to cause it, and neither age nor disease, nor any natural defect hindering, and yet the woman remains naturally Ibarren.
Now this may proceed frpia a nartaral cause j for if thft
akistotle's midwife. 65
their giimsj then they are pierced as with a needle, and pricked by the sharp bones, whence proceed great pains, watching, inflammation of the gums, fever, looseness, and convulsions, especiaily when they breed their eye-teeth. The signs when children breed their teeth are these ;
1. It is known by the time, which is usually about thf, seventh mouth.
2. Their gums are swelled, and they feel a great heal- th ere, with an itching, which makes them put their fingers into their months to rub them ; a moisture also distills from the gums into the mouth, because of the pain they feel there.
3. They hold the nipple faster than before.
4. The gums are white where the teeth begin to come ; and the nurse, in giving them suck, finds the mouth hotter, and that they are much changed, crying every moment, and cannot sleep, or but very little at a time.
The fever that follows breeding of teeth comes from choleric humours, inflamed by watching, pain, and heat. And the longer teeth are breeding, the more dangerous it is ; so that many, in the breeding of them, die of fevers and convulsions.
Cure. Tavo things are to be regarded : — one is, to pre- serve the child from the evil accidents that may happen to it by reason of the great pain ; the other, to assist, as much as may be, the cutting of the teeth, when they can hardly cut the gums themselves.
For the first of these, viz. the preventing those accidents to the child, the nurse ought to lake great care to keep a good diet, and to use all things that may cool and temper her milk, that so a fever may not follow the pain of ihe teeth. And to prevent the humour from falling too much upon the inflamed gums, let the child's belly be kept always loose by gentle clysters, if he be bound ; tliough oftentimes there is no need of them, because they are at those times usually troubled with a looseness ; and yet, for all that, clysters may not be improper.
As to the other, which is to assist in cutting the teeth, that the nurse must do from time to time by mollifying and lw)sening them, and by rubbing them with her finger dipped in butter or honey ; or let the child have a virgin-wax can- dle to chew upon ; or anoint the gums with the mucilage of quince made with mallow-water, or with the brains of a hare ; also fonient the checks with the decoction of althcea, .'ind camomile flower and dill, or witli the juice of mallows^ and lix'sh butter, ii' the gums are inflamed, add juice of nightshade and lettuce. I have already said the nurse
6*
68 Aristotle's sudwife.
ought to take a temperate diet : I shall now only add,
that barley-brolh, water-gruel, raw eggs, prunes, lettuce, and endive, are good for her ; but let her avoid salt, shaip, biting, and peppered meats and wine.
Sect. IX. — Of the. Flux of the Belly ^ or Looseness in Infants,
It is very common for infants to have the flux of the belly, or looseness, especially upon the least indisposition ; nor is it to be wondered at, seeing their natural moistness contributes so much thereto; and even if it be extraordina- rily violent, such are in a better state of health than those that are bound. The flux, if violent, proceeds from divers causes: as, 1. From breeding of the teeth, and is then com- monly attended with a fever, in which the concoction is hindered, and the nourishment corrupted. 2. From watch- ing. 3. From pain. 4. From stirring up of the humours by a fever. 5. When they suck or drink too much in a fever. Sometimes they have a flux without breeding of teeth, from inward cold in the guts or stomach that obstruct* concoction. If it be from the teeth, it is easily known ; for the signs in breeding of teeth will discover it. If it be from external cold, there are signs of other causes. If from a humour flowing from the head, there are signs of a catarrh, and the excrements are frothy. If crude and raw humours are voided, and there be wind, belching, and phlegmatic excrements ; or if they be yellow, green, and stink, the dux is from a hot and sharp humour. It is best in breeding of teeth when-the belly is loose, as I have said before : but if it be too violent, and you are afraid it may end in a consump- tion, it mast be stopped ; and if the excrements that are voided be black, and attended with a fever, it is very bad.
Cure. The remedy in this case is principally with respect to the nurse, and the condition of the milk must chiefly be observed : the nurse must be cautioned that she eat no green fruit, northings of hard concoction. If the child suck not, remove the flux with such purges as leave a cooling quality behind them, as syrup of honey or roses, or a clyster. Take the decoction of millium, myrobolans, of each two or three ounces, with an ounce or two of syrup of roses, and make a clyster. After cleansing, if it proceed from a hot cue, give syrup of dried roses, quinces, myrtles, with a little sanguis draconis. Also anoint with oil of roses, myr- tles, mastich, each two drachms ; with oil of myrtles and wax make an ointment. Or take red roses and moulin, of each a handful ; cypress roots two drachms ; make a bag boil it in red wine, and apply it to the belly. Or, use the plaster of bread, or stomach ointment. If the cause be
Aristotle's midwife. 99
man anci woman be of one complexion, they seldom have cliildren : and the reason is ckar : for the universal course of nature being formed of a composition of contraries, can- not be increased by a composition of likes ; and therefore, if the constitution of the woman be hot and dry, as well as the man's, there can be no conception ; and if, on the con- trary, the man should be of a cold and moist constitution, as weil as the woman, the eflect would be the same ; and this barrenness is purely natural. The only way to help this is for people, before they marry, to observe each others' constitution and complexion, if they design to have children. If their complexions and constitutions be alike, they are not fit to come together, for discordant natures only make harmony in the work of generation.
Another natural cause of barrenness is want of love be- tween the man and wife. Love is that vital principle that ought to inspire each organ in the act of generation, or else li will be spiritless and dull; for if their hearts be not united in love, how should their seed unite to cause conception? And this is sufficiently evinced, in that there never follows conception on a rape. Therefore, if men and women desiga to have children, let them live so, that their hearts as well as their bodies may be united, or else they may miss of their expectations.
A third cause of natural barrenness, is the letting virgins blood in the arm before their natural courses are come down, which is usually in the fourteenth and fifteenth year of their age ; sometimes, perhaps, before the thirteenth, but never before the twelfth. And because usually they are out of order and indisposed before their purgations come down, their parents run to the doctor to know what is the matter ; and he, if not skilled, will naturally prescribe open- ing a vein in the arm, thinking fulness of blood the cause ; and thus she seems recovered for the present : and when the young virgin happens to be in the same disorder, the mother applies again to the surgeon, who uses the same remedy ; and by these means the blood is so diverted from its proper channel, that it comes not down the womb, as usual ; and so the womb dries up, and she is for ever bar- jen. To prevent this, let no virgin blood in the arm before lier courses come down well; for that will bring the blood downwards, and by that means provoke the menstrua to ijome down.
Another caus€ of natural barrenness is debility in copu- lation. If persons perform not that act with all the bent and ardour that nature requires, they may as well let it alone, and expect to have children without it , for frigidity
70 Aristotle's midwife.
and coldness never produce conception. Of the c^re of mis we will speak by and by, after I have spoken of acci- dental barrenness, which is occasioned by some morbific- matter or infirmity upon the body, either of the man or the woman, wh'ch being removed they become fruitful. And since, as I have before noted, the firit and great law of the ^ creation was to increase and multiply, and barrenness is in direct opposition to that law, and frustrates the end of our creation ; and as it is a great affliction to many to be with- out children, and often causes man and wife to have hard thoughts one of another ; I shall here, for the satisfaction of well-meaning people, set down the signs and causes of insufficiency both in men and women ; premising first, that when people have no children, they must not presently blame either party, for neither may be in fault.
Sect. II. — Signs and Causes of Insufficiency in Men.
One cause may be in some viciousnes.s of the yard, as if the same be crooked, or any ligaments thereof distorted and broken, whereby the ways and passages, through which the seed should flow, come to be stopped or vitiated.
Another cause may be too much weakness of the yard, and tenderness thereof, so that it is not strong enough erected to inject seed into the womb; for the strength and stiffness of the yard very much conduces to conception, by reason of the forcible injection of the seed.
Also, if the stones have received any hurt, so that they cannot exercise the proper gift in producing seed ; or if they be oppressed with an inflammation, tumour, woundy or ulcer, or drawn up within the belly, and not appearing outwardly.
Also, a man may be barren by reason of the defect of seed : as, first, if he cast forth no seed at all, or less in sub- stance than is needful. Or, secondly, if the seed be vicious, or unfit for generation ; as, on the one side, it happens in" bodies that are gross and fat, the matter of it being defec- tive; and, on the other side, too much leanness, or continual wasting or consumption of the body, destroys seed ,- nature turning all the matter and substance thereof into the nutri- ment of the body.
Too frequent copulation is also one great cause of barren- ness in men : for it attracteth the seminal moisture from the stones, before it is sufficiently prepared and concocted. So if any one, by daily copulation, do exhaust and draw out all the moisture of the seed, then do the stones draw the moist humours from the superior veins into themselves ; aad so having but a little blood in them, they are forced
Aristotle's midwife, 71
of necessit}^ to cast it out raw and Tjnconcocted, and thus the stones are violently deprived of the moisture of their veins, and the superior veins and all the other parts of the body of their vital spirits ; therefore it is no wonder that those who use immoderette copulation are very weak in their bodies, seeing their whole body is thereby deprived C'f the best and purest blood, and of the spirit, insomuch that many, who have been too much addicted to that pleas- ure, have killed themselves in the very act.
Gluttony, drunkenness, and other excesses, do so much hinder men from frui-tfulness, that it makes them unfit for,, generation.
But among other causes of barrenness amonj? men, this also Is one, and makes them almost of the nature of eunuchs, and that is the incision, or the cutting of their veins behind their ears, which in case of distempers is oftentimes done; 4'or, according to the opinion of most physicians and anato- mists, the seed fiov/s from the brain by those veins behind the ears more than from any other part of the body. From whence it is very probable, that the transmission of the seed is hindered by the cuttingof the veins behind the ears, -so thai it cannot descend at all to the testicles, or may come thither vei'y crude and raw.
Sect. III. — Signs and Causes of Insufficiency , or Barrenness in
Women.
Although there are many causes of the baneness of women, yet the chief and principal are internal, respecting either the privy parts, the womb, or menstruous blood.
Therefore Hippocrates saith (speaking as well of easy as, difficult conception in women,) the first consideration is to be had of their species ; for little women are more apt to conceive than great, slender than gross, white and fair than, ruddy and high coloured, black than w^an, those that have their veins conspicuous than others : but to be very fleshy is evil ; and to have great swelled breasts is good.
The next thing to be considered, is the monthly purga- tions, whether they have been duly every month, whether; they flow plentifully, are of a good colour, and whether they have been equal every month.
Then the womb, or place of conception, is to be consider- ed. It ought to be clean and sound, dry and soft ; not re- tracted or drawn up; not prone, nor descending downwards ; nor the mouth thereof turned awa}^, nor too close shut up. iku to speak more particularly : —
The first parts to be spoken of are the pudenda, or privi- tie.-', and the womb ; which parts are shut and inclosed,
72 Aristotle's midwifk.
either by nature or against nature ; and from hence, Buch in women are called impervaiores as in some women the mouth of their womb continues compressed, or closed up, from the lime of their birth until the coming down of theijf courses, and then, on a sudden, when their terms press for- ward to purgation, they are moJf sted with great and un- usual pains. Sometimes these break of their own accord } others are dissected and opened by physicians j others never break at all, which bring on disorders that end in death- All these Atins particularly handles, showing, that th# womb is shut three manner of ways, which hinders concep- tion. And the first is, when the lips of the pudenda grow and cleave together. The second is, when there are cer- tain membranes growing in the middle part of the matrix within. The third is, when (though the lips and bosom of the pudenda may appear fair and open) the mouth of the womb may be quite shut up. All which are occasions oC barrenness, as they hinder the intercourse with man, the monthly courses, and conception.
But amongst all causes of barrenness in women, the greatest is in the womb, which is the field of generation j and if this field is corrupt, it is in vain to expect any fruit, let it be ever so well sown. It may be unfit for generation by reason of many distempers to which it is subject : as, for instance, over-much heat, and over-much cold ; for women whose wombs are too thick and cold, cannot conceive ; be- cause coldness extinguishes the heat of the human seed. Immoderate moisture of the womb also destroys the seed of man, and makes it ineffectual, as corn sown in ponds and marshes ; and so does over-much dryness of the womb, so that the seed perisheth for want of nutriment. Immoderate heat of the womb is also a cause of barrenness; for it scorcheth up the seed as corn sown in the drought of sum- mer; for immoderate heat burns all parts of the body, so that no conception can live in the womb.
When unnatural humours are engendered, as too much phlegm, tympanies, wind, water, worms, or any such evil humours abounding contrary to nature, it causes barren- cess, as do all terms not coming down in due order.
A woman may also have other accidental cause? of bar- renness (at least such as may hinder her conception,) as sudden frights, anger, grief, and perturbation of mind; too violent exercises, as leaping, dancing, running after copu- lation, and the like. But I will now add some signs, by which these things may be known.
If the cause of barrenness be in the man, through over- much heat in his seed, the womaa may easily feel that in receiving it,
ARISTOTLE'S MIDWIFE. 73
If the nature of the woman be too hot, and so unfit for ■conception, it will appear by having her terms very little, and the colour inclining to yellowness ; she is also very hasty, choleric, and crafty ; her pulse beats very swift, and she is very desirous of copulation.
To know whether the fault is in the man or in the wo- man, sprinkle the man's urine upon a lettuce leaf, and the woman's urine upon another, and that which dries away iirst is unfruitful. Also take five wheaten corns and seven beans, put Ihem into an earthen pot, and let the party make water therein ; let this stand seven days, and if in that time they begin to sprout, then the party is fruitful ; but if they sprout not, then the party is barren, whether it be man or woman : this is a certain sign.
There are some that make, this experiment of a woman's fruitfulness : lake myrrh, red storax, and some odoriferous things, and make a perfume of it ; which, let the woman receive into the neck of the womb, through a funnel ; if the woman feels the smoke ascend through her body to the nose, then she is fruitful; otherwise she is barren. Some also take garlic and beer, and cause the woman to lie on her back upon it, and if she feel the scent thereof in her nose, it is a sign of her being fruitful.
Culpepper and others also give a great deal of credit to the following experiment : Take a handful of barley, and steep half of it in the urine of the man, and the other half in the urine of the woman, for the space of twenty-four hours ; then take it out, and put the man's by itself, and the woman's by itself; set it in a flower-pot, or some other thing, where let it dry ; water the man's every morning with his own urine, and the woman's Avith hers, and that which grows first is the most fruitful ; but if they grow not ■at all, they are both naturally barren.
Cure. If barrenness proceed from stoppage of the mens- trua, let the woman sweat, for that opens the parts ; and the best way to sweat is in a hot-house. Then let the womb be strengthened by drinking a draught of white wine, wherein a handfui of stinking arrack, first bruised, has been boiled ; for, by a secret magnetic virtue, it strengthens the womb, and, by a sympathetic quality, removes any dis- ease thereof. To which add also a handful of vervain, which is very good to strengthen both the womb and the head, which are commonly afflicted together by sympathy. Having used these two or three days, if they come not down, take of calamint, pennyroyal, thyme, betony, dittany^ 5[?urnet, feverfew, mugwort, sage, peony roots, juniper ber-
7
74 a&istotl'l's miewife,
Tis.s, hulf a handful of each, or as many as can be got ; let these be boiled in beer, and taken for her drink.
Take one part of gentian-root, two parts of centaTry^ distill them with ale in an alembic, after you have bruised the gentian-roots, and infused them well. This- water is ati admirable remedy to provoke the terms. But if you have Dot this water in readiness, take a drachm of centaury, and Lalf a drachm of gentian-roots bruised, boiled ia posset drink, and drink a draught of it at night, going to bed. iieed of wild navew, beaten to powder, and a drachm of it taken in tiie naorning: ir> white wine, also is very good j but if it answer not. she must be let Wood in the legs. And be sure you administer your medicines a little before the Full of the moon, or before the new and full moon^ by no meanai in the %vanc of the iiioon ;. if yeu do, you will find them in- effectual.
If barrenness proceed from the overflowing of the men- strua, then strengthen the womb as you were taught before ;. afterwards anoint the reins of the back with oil of roses, oil of myrtle, oil of quinces, every night, and then wrap a idece of white bnize iibtiat your reins, the cotton side next the skin, and keep the .^ame always to it. But, above all, 1 recommend this medicine to you^ Take condrey-leave'j or roots, and clown wound- wort, of each a handful; bruise them well, and boil tiiem in ale, and drink a good draaglit of it now and then. Or take cinnamon, ca^jsiri lignea, opium, ei' each two drachms ; myrrh, white pepper, galbanunu. of each one draclim: dissolve the gum a ad o-piura in v/hity wine; beat the rest into powder, and make pills, mixing ihem together exacUy, and let the patieiU take two eacU liight going to bed; but lei the pills not exceed tifteca «rrains.
If barrenness proceed from a flux in the womb, the cure xiuist be according to the cause producing it, or which ihfi liux proceeds from, which may be known by signs : for a ilox of the womb, being a continual distillation from it for a h;ng time together, the colour of what is voided shows what humour it is that oifenda ; in some it is red, and that pro- cef^is from blood pulrilied ; in some it is yellow, and that detiotes choler ; in others white and pale, and tltat denote,'* phlegm. If pure blc»od comes out, as if a veiii were opened, some corrosicu or enawing of the womb is to be feared. Ail foaae. are known by the follr.wing signs :
The place of conception is continually rnoist with the ha- mours, the face is ill-coloured, the party loathes meat, and lircathes with difficulty, the eyes are much swollen, which iH sometimes vvithoui pairi.^ If the Oifcndiug humour b? pui's
ARISTOTLE'3 MlDWirE. 75
b":aod, then you must let blood in the arm, and the cephalic vein is fittest to draw back the blood ; theu let the juice of ^J-antain and comlVey be inje-sted into the womb. If phlegm be the cause, let cinnamon be a spice used in all her meats uad drinkt^ -, and let her take a little Venice treacle or mi- ihridate every morning. Let her boil burnet, mugwort. ieverfew, and vervain, in all her broths. Also, half ."i urachm of myrrh, taken every morning, is an excellent re- medy against this malady. If choler be the cause, let her take barrage, buglos, red roses, endive, and succory root?, lettuce and whitJi poppy-seed, of each a handful ; boil these in white wine till one-half be wasted ; let her drink half a pint every morning ; to which half a pint add syrup of peach- flowers and syrup of chicony, of each an ounce, with a little i'hubarb, and this will gently purge her. If it proceed from putrihed blood, let her be bled in the foot, and then streng- then the womb, as I have directed in stopping of the men- strua.
If barrenness be occasioned by the falling out of the womb, as sometimes it happens, let her apply sweet scents to the nose, such as civet, galbanum, storax, calamitis, wood of aloes, and such other things as are of that nature ; and let her lay stinking things to the womb, such as assafoetida, oil of amber, or the smoke of her ow^n hair, being burnt ; for this is a certain truth, that the v/omb flies fx-om all stinking, and to all sweet things. But the most infallible cure in this case is: take a common burdoc-Ieaf (which you may keep dry, if you please, all the year,) apply this to her head, and it Avill draw the womb upwards. In tits of the mother, apply it to the soles of her feet, and it will draw the womb downv/ards. But seed, beaten in a powder, draws the womb which way you please, according as it is applied.
If barrenness in tlie woman proceed from a hot cause, let her take Avhej', and clarify it ; then boil plantain leaves and roots in it, and drink it for her ordinary drink. Let her inject plaintain juice into her womb with a syringe. If it be the winter, when you cannot get the juice, make a .strong decoction of the leaves and roots in Avaler, andJn- ject that up with a syringe ; but let it be blood warm, and you will find this medicine of great efficacy. And further, to take away barrenness proceeding from hot causes : tak« of conserve of roses, cold lozenges made of tragacanth, the confections of tricantelia ; and use, to smell to, camphor, rose Avater, and saunders. It is also good to bleed the ba- silica, or liver-vein, and take four or five ounces of bloody and then take this purge : take electuarium de cpithymo, de succo rosaium, of each two drachms and a half; clari-
76 Aristotle's midwife.
fied whey, four ounces; mix them well together, and take it in the morning fasting : sleep after it about an hour and a half, and fast ifour hours after ; and about an hour before you eat any thing, drink a good draught of whey. Also take lily-water, four ounces ; mandregar water, one ounce ; saiFrcn half a scruple ; beat the saffron to powder, and mix it with the waters, drink them warm in the morniag : use these eight days together.
Some approved Remedies agaimt Barrtnness^ and to g«M5« Fruitf%lness,
Take broom flowers, smallage, parsley seed, cummin, mugwort, feverfew, of each half a scruple; aloes, half an ounce ; Indian salt, saffron, of each half a drachm : beat and mix them together, and put to it five ounces of feverfew water warm ; stop it close up, and let it stand and dry in a warm place, and this do, two or three times, one after the other ; then make each drachm into six pills, and take one of them every other night before supper.
For a purging medicine against barrenness, take conserve of benedicta lax, a quarter of an ounce ; depsillo, three drachms ; electuary de succo rosarum, one drachm ; mix them together witli feverfew water, and drink it in the morning betimes. About three days after the patient hath t fkr^n the purge, let her be bled, taking four or five ounces isuiii the median, or common black vein in the right foot; and then give, for five successive days, filed ivory, a drachu"? and a half, in feverfew water ; and daring the time, let her sit in the following bath an hour together, mornins; and jiight. Take mild yellow sapes, daucus, balsam wood and fruit, ashkeys, of each two handsful, red and Avhite behen, broom flowers, of each a handful ; musk, three grains ; am- her, saffron, of each a scruple; boil all in water sufficient- ly ; but the musk, saffron, amber, and broom flowers, must be put into the decoction, after it is boiled and strained.
A Confection very good agahist Barrenness. Take pistachia, eringoes, of each half an ounce; saffron one drachm ; lignum aloes, galingal, mace, coriophille, balm flowers, red and white behen, of each four scruples ; ivory shavings, cassia bark, of each two scrupks ; syrup ofcon- fected ginger, twelve ounces ; white sugar, six ounces j decoct all these in twelve ounces of balm water, and stir them well together ; then put to it musk and amber, of each a scruple ; take thereof the quantity of a nutmeg three times a day ; in the morning, an hour before noon, and an hour after supper.
akistotle's midwife, 77
But if the cause of barrenness, either in man or woman, be throi^gh scarcity or diminution of the natural seed, then such things are to be taken as do increase the seed, and incite or stir up to venery, and further conception ; which i sliall here set down, and then conclude this chapter con- cerning barrenness.
For this, yellow rap<3 seed baked in bread is very good ; also young fat ilesh, not too much salted ; also saffron, the tails of stincus, and long pepper prepared in wine. But let such persons eschew ail sour, sharp, doughy, and slimy nieats, long sleep after meat-, surfeiting, and drunkenness; and so much as they can, keep themselves from sorrow, grief, vexation, and anxious care.
These things foUov/ing increase the natural seed, stir up venery, and recover the seed again when it is lost, viz. eggs, milk, rice boiled in milk, sparrows' brains, flesh, bones and all : the stones and pizsles of bulls, bucks, rams, and bears ; also cocks' stones, Jambs' stones, parti'idges, <juai]s, and pheasants' eggs. And this is an undeniable aphorism, that Avhatever any creature is addicted unto, tliey move or incite the man or woman that eats them to the like; and therefore partridges, quails, sparrows, &ev. being extremely addicted to venery, they work the same <;l'fect on those men and women that eat them. Also take 3\oliee, that in what part of the body the faculty which yoti would strengthen lies, take that same part of the body of another creature, in whom the faculty is strong, as a medi- cine. As for instance, the procreative faculty lies in the lesticles ; therefore cocks' stones, lambs' stones, &c. are proper to stir up venery. I will also give you another general rule : all creatures that are fruitful, being eaten, makes them fruitful that eat them, as crabs, lobsters, prawns, pigeons, &lc. The stones of a fox dried and beaten lo powder, and a drachm taken in the morning in sheep'.s milk, and the stones of a boar taken in like manner, are very good. The heart of a male quail carried about the roan, and the heart of a female quail carried about the wo- man, causeth natural love and fiuitfulness. Let them, nlso, that would increase their seed, eat and drink of the test as much as they can ; for, sine cerere ct liberofrigei Ve~ iius, is an old proverb ; which is, " Without good meat and -drink, Venus will be frozen to death."
Pottages are good to increase the seed ; such as are made -of beans, peas and lupines, mixed with sugar. French bean.s, wheat sodden in broth, anniseed; also onions stewed, garlic, leeks, yellow rapes, fresh mugwort roots, eringo rocl5 confected, ginger confectod, &c. Of fruits ha;2el nuts,
78 ARISTOTLE^S MIDWIFT,
Cyprus nuts, pistachia, almonds, and marchpanes, thereof. Spices good to increase seed are cinnamon, galengal, long pepper, cloves, ginger, safrron, and assafoetida ; a drachm and a half taken in good wine, is very good for this pur- pose.
The weakness and debility of a man's yard being a great hindrance to procreation, let him use the following ointment to strengthen it : take wax, oil of beaver, cod, marjoram gentle, and oil of coiius, of each a like quantity, mix them into an ointment, and put to it a little musk, and with is anoint the yard, cods, &c. Take of bouse emmets three drachms, oil of white safanuum, oil of lilies, of each an ounce ; peund and bruise the antg, and put them to the oil, and let them stand in the sun six days ; then strain out the oil, and add to it euphorbium one scruple, pepper and rue, of each one drachm; mnstard seed half a drachm : set thi» altogether in the sun two or three days, then anoint the instrument of generation therewith.
CHAP. IL The Diseases of ike Womb.
I HAVE already said, that the womb is the field of g'ene- ration ; and if this field be corrupted, it is vain to expect any fruit, though it be ever so well sown. It is therefore not without reason that I intend in this chapter to set down the several distempers to which the womb is obnoxious, with proper and safe remedies against them.
Sect. I. — 0/ ihe Hot Distempers of the Womb,
This distemper consists in excess of heat; for as heat of the womb is necessary for conception, ?o if it be too much, it nourisheth not the seed, but disperseth its heat, and hin- ders the conception. This preternatural heat is sometimes from the birth, and causes barrenness ; but if it be acciden- tal, it is from hot causes, that bring the heat and the blood to the womb ; it arises also from internal and external me- dicines, and from too much hot meat, drink, or exercise. Those that are troubled with this distemper have but few courses, and those are yellow, black, burnt, or sharp ; have hair betimes on their privities ; are very prone to lust, sub- ject to the headache, and abound with choler ; and when the distemper is strong upon them, they have but few terms, ■which are out of order, being bad and hard to flow, and in
Aristotle's midwife, 79
ti^pe they become hypochondriacs, and for the most pan barren, having sometimes a frenzy of the womb.
CiLre. The remedy is to use coolers, so that they offend not the vessels that must be open for the flux of the terms. Therefore, take the following inwardly, succory, endive, violets, water lilies, sorrel, lettuce, saunders, and syrups and conserve made thereof. Also take conserve of succory, violets, water lilies, burrage, each an ounce ; conserve of roses, half an ounce, diamargation frigid, diatriascantal, each half a drachm ; and with syrup of violets, or juice of citrons, make an electuary. For outward applications, make use of ointment of roses, violets, water lilies, gourd, venus narvel, applied to the back and loins.
Let the air be cool, her j|[arments thin, and her food en- dive, lettuce, succory, and barley. Give her no hot meats, nor strong wine, unless mixed with water. Rest is good for her ; but she must abstain from copulation, though she may sleep as long as she pleases.
Sect. II. — Of the. Cold Distemper of the Womb.
This distemper is the reverse of^he foregoing, and equal- ly an enemy to generation, being caused by a cold quality abounding to excess, and proceeds from a too cold air, rest^ idleness, and cooling medicines. It may be knov/n by an aversion to venery, and taking no pleasure in the act of copulation when the seed is spent ; the terms are phlegma- tic, thick, and slimy, and do not flow as they should; the "vvomb is windy, and the seed crude and waterish. It is the cause of obstructions and barrenness, and hard to be cured.
Cure. Take galengal, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, each two drachms ; ginger, cubebs, nedory, cardaraum, each an ounce; grains of paradise, long pepper, each half an ounce ; beat them, and put them into six quarts of wine for eight days ; then add sage, mint, balm, motherwort, of each fhree handsful : let them stand eight days more, then poiu* off the wine, and beat the herbs and the spice, and llifv5 pour on the wine a^ain, and distill them. Or you may v\:^u this : take cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, mace, ginger, cubels, cardamum, grains of paradise, each an ounce and a half ; galengal six drachms, long pepper half an ounce, zedoary iive drachms ; bruise them, and add six quarts of wine ; pu< them into a cellar nine days, daily stirring them ; then adi! of mint two handsful, and let them stand fourteen days ; pour off the wine, and bruise them, and then pour on the wine again, and distill them. Also anoint with oil of lilies, rue, angelica, bays, cinnamon, cloves, mace, and nutmeg. Let her diet and air be warm, her meat of easy concoction.
80 Aristotle's midwife.
seasoned with anniseed, fennel, and tb;J^^;e ; and let Lea avoid raw fruits and milk diets.
Sect. III. — Of the Lifiammatlon of thz Wo7rw.
The inflammation of the womb is a stretching of it by- wind, called by some a windy mole ; the wind proceeds from a cold matter, Avhether thick or thin, contained in the veins of the womb, by which the weak heat thereof is overcome, and which either flows thither from other parts, or is gath- ered there by cold meats and drinks. Cold air may be a producing cause of it also, as women that lie in are exposed to it. The wind is contained either in the cavity of the ves- sels of the v/omb, or between the tunicles, and may be known by a swelling in the region of thc^^womb,' which sometimes reaches to the navel, loins, and diaphragm, and rises and abates as the wind increaseth or decreaseth. It dift'ers from the dropsy, in that it never swells so high. That neither physician nor midwife may take it ibr a conception, let them observe the signs of the woman with child, laid down in a former part of this work ; and if any sign be wanting, they may suspect it to be an inifPktion; of which this is a iurlher sign, that in conception the swelling is variable ; also, if you strike upon the belly, in an inflation, there will be a • noise, but not so in case there be a conception. It also dif- fers from a mole, because in that there is a weight and hard- ness in the beily, and when the patient moves from one side to the other she feels a great weight which moveth ; but not so in this. If the inflation continue without the cavity of the wombj the pain is greater and more extensive, nor i« there any noise, because the wind is more pent up.
Cure. This distemper is neither of a long continuance, nor dangerous, if looked after in time ; and if it be in the cavity of the womb, is more easily expelled. To v^'hich purpose give her diaphnicon, with a little castor, and sharp clysters that expel wind. If this distemper happen to a woman in travail, let her not purge after delivery, nor bleed, because it is from a cold matter; but if it come after child bearing, and her terms come dov/n sufiicientlj^, and she has fulness of blood, let the saphajna vein be opened ; after which, let her take the following electuary : take conserve of betony and rosemary, of each an ounce and a half; can- died eringoes, citron peel candied, each half an ounce ; dia- cimium, diagalengal, each a drachm; oil of anniseed six drops ; and with syrup of citrons make an electuary. For outward application make a catapiasmof rue, mugwort, ca- momile, dill, calamint, new pennyroyal, thyme, with oil of rue, keir, and camomile. And let the following clyster, tw
aristotle\s midwife. 81
expel wind, be put into the womb ; take agnus castus, cin- namon, each two drachms, boil them in wine to half a pint. SUe may likewise use sulphur, Bath and Spa waters, both inward and outward, because they expel wind.
Sect. IV. — Of the Straightness of the Womb, and its Vessels.
This is another effect of the womb, which is a very great obstruction to the bearing of children, hindering both the flow of the menses and conception, and is seated in the ves- sels of the womb, and the neck thereof. The causes of this straightness are thick and rough humours, that stop the mouths of the veins and arteries. These humours are bred either by gross or too much nourishment, when the heat of the womb is so weak that it cannot attenuate the humours, which, by reason thereof, either ilow from the whole body, or are gathered into the womb. Now, the vessels are made straighter or closer several ways : sometimes by inflamma- tion, schirrous, or other tumours ; sometimes by compres- sions, scars, or by flesh or membranes that grow after a wound. The signs by which this is known are, the stoppage of the terms, not conceiving, and crudities abounding in the body, which are all shown by particular signs; for if there is a wound, or the secundine pulled out by force, phlegm comes from the wound ; if stoppage of the terms be from an old obstruction by humours, it is hard to be cured ; if it be only from the disorderly use of astringents, it is more cura- ble; if it be from a schirrous, or other tumours, that com- press or close the vessel, the disease is incurable.
Cure. For the cure of that which is curable, obstructions must be takc-n away, phlegm must be purged, and she must be let blood, as will be hereafter directed in the stoppage of the terms. Then use the following medicines : take of anniseed and fennel seed, each a drachm ; rosemary, penny- royal, calamint, betony flowers, each an ounce ; castus, cin- namon, galengal, each half an ounce ; saffron, half a drachm, with wine. Or take asparagus roots, parsley roots, each an ounce ; pennyroyal, calamint, each a handful ; wall-flow- ers, gilly-flowers, each two handsful ; boil, strain, and add syrup of mugwort an ounce and a half. For a fomentation, lake pennyroyal, mercury, calamint, marjorum, mugwort, each two handsful ; sage, rosemary, bays, camomile flowers, each a handful ; boil them in water, and foment the groin and bottom of the belly : or let her sit up to the navel in a bath, and then anoint about the groin with oil of rue, lilies, dill, &c.
82 akistotlil's midv/ifk.
Sect. Y .—Of tha Fslling of the IVornb.
This is another evil eiTect of tiie Vt'omb, which is both very troublesome, and alao a hindrance to conception. Some- times the womb fallelh to the ]niddle of the thighs, nay, al- most to the knees, and may be knov/a then by its hanarin^r out. Now, that which causeth the womb to change its piace is, that the ligiiments, by which it is bound to the oth- f:c parts, are not in order ; for there are four ligaments, two above, broad and membranous, that come IVom the perito- neum, and two below, that are nervous, round, and holiow : it is also bound to the great vessels by veins and arteries, and to the back by nerves ; but the place is changed when it is drawn another v/ay, or wheu the ligaments arc loose, nod it falls down by its own weight. It is drawn on ona side when the menses are hindered from iiowing, and th« veins and arteries are full, namely, those that go to the womb. If it be a mole on one side, the liver and spleen cause it ; by the liver veins on the right side, and the spleen on the left, as they are more or less filled. Others are of opinion, it comes from the soUuion of the connexion of the fibrous neck and the parts adjacent; and that it is from th« weight of the v/omb descending : this we deny not ; buttl-e ligaments must be loose or broken. But women in a dropsy could not be said to have the womb fallen down, if it caraa only from looseness ; but ia them it is caused by the sall- Tiess of the water, which dries more than it moistens. Now, if there be a little tumour, within or without the privities, like a skin stretched, or a weisfht felt upon the privities, it is nothing else but a descent of the womb; but if there be a tumour like a goose e^s:, and a hole at the bottom, and there is at first a great pain in the parts to which the wojnb is fastened, as the loins, the bottom of the belly, and the os sacrum, it proceeds from the breaking or stretching of the ligaments ; and a little after, the pain is abated, and there is an impediment in walking, and sometimes blood comes from the breach of the vessels, and the excrements and urine are stopped, and then a fever and convulsion ensucth, often- times proving mortal, especiallv if it happen to women with child.
Cure. For the cure of this distemper, first put up the womb, before the air alter it, or it be swollen or inflamed ; jmd for this purpose give a clyster to remove the excrements, iind then lay her upon her back, with her legs abroad, and lier thighs lifted up, and head down ; then take the tumour in your hand, and thrust it in without violence ; if it be swelled by alteration and cold, foment it with the decoctiou
of mailow5, altbtea, lime, fenugreek, camomile f-ovt'ers, bay* berries, and anoint it witb oil of lilies, and hen's grease. If there be an inflammation, do not put it up, but fright it in, bj' putting: 0. red hot iron before it, and making: a show as il'you intended So burn it ; but first sprinkle upon it the powder of mastieh, frankincense, and the like : thus, take frankincense, mastieh, each two drachms ; sarcocol, steeped hi milk, a drachm ; mumm.y, pomegranate flowers, sanguis draconis, each half a drachm. Vv^hen it is put up, let her hv with her legs stretched, and one upon the other, for eiiiht or ten days, and make a pessary in the form of a pear, with cork or spunge, and put it in the womb, dipped ia hiiarp wine, or juice of acasia, with powder of sanguis, with galbanum and bdeiUun). Also apply a cupping glass, with a great ilame, under the navel or paps, or to both kidneys, and lay this plaster to the back : take opoponax, two oun- ces; storax liquid, half an ounce; mastieh, frankincense, pitch, bole, each two drachm-S ; then with wax make a ■piaster : or, take laudanum, a drachm and a half; mastieh, and frankincense, each half a drachm; wood aloes, cloves, floike, each a drachm ; ash-coloured ambergris, four grains : tausk half a scruple ; make two round plasters to be laid Oil each side of the navel: make a fume of snails' skins i^alted, or of garlic, and let it be taken in by the funnel. Use also astringent Ibraentations of bramble leaves, plan- tin^, horse tails, rnyrlies, each tv/o handsful ; wormseed two handsful ; pomegranate flowers half an oz.; boil them in wine and water. For an injection take comfrey root au oz.; rupture wort, two drachms; yarrow, mugwort. each half an cz. ; boil them in red v/ine, and inject with a syr- inge. To strengthen the \yornb, take hartshorn, bays, of each a drachm ; myrrh, half n drachm ; make a powder for two doses, and give it with sharp v/ine. Or, you may take ;iedoary, parsnip seed, crabs' eyes prepared, each a drachm ; nutmeg half a drachni ; and give a drachm in powder; but astringents innst be used with great caution, lest by stop- ping the courses a worse mischief follow. To keep it ia its place, make rollers and ligatures as for a rupture; and put pessaries into the bottom of the womb, that may force it to remain. Let the diet be such as has drying, astrin- gent, and glueing qualities, as rice, starch, quinces, pean-, yiid green cheese ; but let the auramer fruits be avoided ; liud id her wine be a3triDg?nt and red.
g4 akistotle's midwife.
CHAP. III.
OF DISEASES RELATING TO WOMEN'S MONTHLY COURSES.
Sect. I. — Of Wom&n^s Monthly Courses in General.
That divine Providence, v/hich, with a wisdom peculiar to itself, has apppointed women t© conceive by coition with man, and to bear and bring forth children, has provided for the nourishment of children during their recess in the wofnb of their mother, by that redundancy of the blood which is natural to all women ; and which, flowing out at certain periods of time (when they are not pregnant,) are from ihence called terms and menses, from their monthly flux of excrementitious and unprofitable blood. Now, that the matter flowing forth is excrementitious, is to be understood only with respect to the redundancy and overplus thereof, being an excrement only with respect to its quantity ; for as to its quality, it is as pure and incorrupt as any blood in the veins ; and this appears from the final cause of it, which is the propagation and conservation of mankind ; and also from the generation of it, being the superfluity of the last aliment of the fleshy parts. If any ask, if the menses be not of a hurtful quality, how can they cause such venom- ous eft'ects ; if they fall upon trees and herbs, they make the one barren, and mortify the other ? I answer, this ma- lignity is contracted in the womb ; for the woman wanting native heat to digest the superfluity, sends it to the matrix, where seating itself till the mouth of the womb be dilated, it becomes corrupt and mortified ; which may easily be, considering the heat and moistness of the place ; and so this blood being out of its proper vessels, and too long re- tained, oflends in quality.
Sect. II. — 0^ Terms coming out of order, either befoi-e or after the usual Time,
Having, in the former part of this work, treated of the suppression and overflowing of the monthly terms, I shall content myself Avith referring the reader thereto, and pro- ceed to speak of their coming out of order, either before or after the usual time.
Both these proceed from an ill constitution of body. Every thing is beautiful in its order, in nature as well as in morality ; and if the order of nature be broke, it shews lue body to be out of order. Of each of these eflfects biiefty.
When the monthly courses come before their time, show-
Aristotle's midwife. S5
ins: a depraved excretion, and flowing sometimes twice a month, the cause is in the biood, which stirs up the expulsive faculty in the womb, or else in the whole body, and is fre- quently occasioned by the person's diet, which increases the blood too much, making it too sharp or too hot. If the retentive faculty of the womb be weak, and the expulsive faculty strong, and of a quick sense, it brings them forth the sooner. Sometimes they flow sooner by reason of a fall, stroke, or some violent passion, which the parties themselves can best relate. Ifitbefrom heat, thin and sharp humours, it is known by the distemper of the whole body. The looseness of the vessels, and weakness of the retentive faculty, is known from a moist and loose habit of the body. It is more troublesome than dangerous, but hinders conception, and therefore the cure is necessary for nil, but especially such as desire children. If it proceed from a sharp blood, let her temper it by a good diet and medicines. To which purpose, let her use baths of iroa Avater, that correct the distemper of the bowels, and then evacuate. If it proceed from the I'etentive faculty, and looseness of the vessels, it is to be corrected with gentle astringents.
As to the courses flowing after the usual time, the causes are, thickness of the blood, and the smallness of its quanti- ty, with the straightness of the passage, and weakness of the expulsive faculties. Either of these singly may stop the courses, but if they all concur, they render the distem- per the worse. If the blood abounds not in such a quantity as may stir up nature to expel it, its purging must necessa* rily be deferred till there be enough. And if the blood be thick, the passage stopped, and the expulsive faculty weak, the menses must needs be out of order, and the purging of them retarded.
For the cure of this, if the quantity of blood be small, let her use a larger diet, and very little exercise. If the blood be thick and foul, let it be made thin, and the humours mixed therewith be evacuated. It is good to purge after the courses have done flowing, and to use calamint ; and indeed the oftener she purges the better. She may also use fumes and pessaries, apply cupping-glasses without scarification to the inside of the thighs, and rub the legs, and scarify the ancles, and hold the feet in warm water four or five days beibre the courses come down. Let her also anoint the bottom of her belly with things proper to provoke the terms.
86 Aristotle's midwife.
Remedies for Disorders, in Women's Pap*,
Make a cataplasm of bean meal and sallad oil, and lay it to the place afflicted. Or anoint with the juice of papilaris. This must be done when the paps are very sore.
If the paps be hard and swelled, take a handful of rue, colewort roots, horehound, and mint ; if yon cannot get all these conveniently, any two will do ; pound the handful in honey, and apply it once every day till healed.
If the nipples be stilf and sore, anoint twice a'day with Florence oil till healed.
If the paps be flabby and hanging, bruise a little hemlock, and apply it to the breast for three days : but let it not stand above seven hours. Or, which is safer, rusas juice well boiled, with a little smapios added thereunto, and anoint.
If the paps be hard and dead, make a plate ol'lead pretty thin, to answer the breasts ; let this stand nine hours eacii day, for three days. Or sassafras bruised, and used in like-
manner.
Receipt for procuring Milk.
Drink arpleni, drawn as tea, for tAventy-one days. Or, eat often anniseeds. Also, the juice of arbor vitas, a glass- ful once a day for eleven days, is very good, for it quickens the memory, strengthens the body, and causeth milk to flow in abundance.
Directions for Drawing of Blood.
Drawing of blood v/as at first invented for good and sa- lutary purposes, although often abused and misapplied.
To bleed in the left arm removes long-continued pain and headaches. It is also good for those who have got falls and bruises.
Bleeding is good for many disorders, and generally proves a cure, except in some very extraordinary cases ; and in those cases bleeding is hurtful.
If a woman be pregnant, to draw a little blood will give her ease, good health, and a lusty child.
Bleeding is a most certain cure for no less than twenty- one disorders, without any outward or inward applications ; and for many more, with application of drugs, herbs, and flowers.
When the moon is on the increase, you may let blood at any time, day or night ; but when she is on the decline, you mast bleed only in the morning.
Bleeding may be performed from the month of March to
Aristotle's midwife. 87
November, No bleeding in December, January, or Febru- ary, unless an occasion require it. The months of March, April, and November are the three chief months of the year for bleedin;? in ; but it may b.e performed with safety from the 9th of March to the 19ih of November.
To prevent the dangers that may arise from the unskilful drawing of blood, let none open a vein but a person of ex- perience and practice. There are three sorts of people you must not let draw blood : first, ignorant and inexperienced pretenders. Secondly, those who have bad sight and trem- bling hands, whether skilled or unskilled. For when the hand trembles, the lance is apt to startle from the vein, and the flesh be thereby damaged, which may hurt, canker, and very much torment the patient. Thirdly, let no woman bleed you, but such as has gone through a course of mid- wifery at college ; for those who are unskilful may cut aa artery, to the great damage of the patient. Besides, what is still worse, those pretended bleeders, who take it up at their own hand, generally keep unedged and rusty lancets, which will prove hurtful even in a skilful hand. According- ly, you ought to be cautious in choosing your physician : a man of learning knows what vein to open for each disorder ; he knows how much blood to take as soon as he sees the patient ; and he can give you suitable advics concerning your disorder.
END OF THE MIDWIFE.
PART ITL
ARISTOTLE'S BOOK OF PROBLEMS.
THE STATE OF MAN'S BODY.
Q. Among all living creatures, why hatn man only hi« eountenance lifted up towards heaven? A. 1. From the will of the Creator. But, although this answer be true, yet it seemeth not to be of force, because that so all ques- tions might be easily resolved. Therefore, .2. I answer, that, for the most part, every workman doth make his iirst -work worse, and then his second better ; so God creating all other animals before man gave them their face looking down to the earth ; and then, secondly, he created man, un- to whom he gave an upright shape, lifted unto heaven, be- cause it is drawn from divinity, and is derived from th» goodness of God, who maketh all his works both perfect and good. 3. Man only, among all living creatures, is or- . dained to the kingdom of heaven, and therefore hath his face elevated and lifted up to heaven, because that, despi- sing earthly and worldly things, he ought often to contem- plate on heavenly things. 4. That the reasonable man is like unto angels, and finally ordained towards God ; and therefore he hath a figure looking upward. 5. Man is a microcosm, that is, a little world, and therefore he doth command all other living creatures, and they obey him. 6. Naturally there is unto every thing and every work that form and figure given which is fit and proper for its motion ; as unto the heavens roundness, to the fire a pyramidical form, that is, broad beneath and sharp towards the top, which form is most apt to ascend; and so man hath his face to* wards heaven, to behold the wonders of God's works.
Q. Why are the heads of men hairy ? A. The hair is the ornament of the head, and the brain is purged of gross humours by the growing of the hair, from the highest to the lowest, which pass through the pores of the exterior llesh, become dry, and are converted into hair. This ap- pears to be the case from the circumstance that in all man's body there is nothing drier than the hair, for it is drier
Aristotle's problems. 89
than the bones ; and it is well known that some beasts are nourished with bones, as dogs, but they cannot digest feath- ers or hair, but void them undigested, being too hot for nourishment. 2. It is answered, that the brain is purged in three diflerent ways ; of superflous watery humours by the eyes, of choler by the nose, and of phlegm by the hair ; which is the opinion of the best physicians.
Q. Why have men longer hair on their heads than any other living creatures ? A. Arist. de Generat. Anim. says, that men have the moistest brains of all living creatures, from which the seed proceedeth which is converted into the long hair of the head. 2. The humours of men are fat, and do not become dry easily ; and therefore the hair groAveth long on them. In beasts, the humours easily dry, and therefore the hair groweth not so long.
Q. Why doth the hair take deeper root in man's skin than in that of other living creatures? A. Because it has greater store of nourishment in man, and therefore grows more in the inward parts of man. And this is the reason why in other creatures the hair doth alter and change with the skin, and, not in man, unless by a scar or wound.
Q. Why have women longer hair than men ? A. 1. Be- cause women are moister and more phlegmatic than men ; and therefore there is more matter for hair in them, and, by consequence, the length also of their hair. And further- more, this matter is more increased in women than men from their interior parts, and especially in the time of their monthly terms, because ;the matter doth then ascend, where- by the humour which breedeth the hair doth increase. 2. Because women want beards ; so the matter of the beard doth go into that of the hair.
Q. Why have some men soft hair and some hard ? A. I. The hair hath proportion with the skin ; of which some is hard, some thick, some subtle and soft, and some gross j therefore the hair which grows out of a thick gross skin, is thick and gross ; that which groweth out of a subtle and fine skin is fine and soft ; when the pores are open, then Cometh Ibrth much humour, and therefore hard hair is en- gendered ; and when the pores are straight, then there doth grow soft and fine hair. This doth evidently appear in men, because women have softer hair than they; for in women the pores are shut and straight, by reason of their coldness. 2. Because, for the most part, choleric men have harder and thicker hair than others, by reason of their heat, and because their pores are always open, and there- fore they have beards sooner than others. For this reason also, those beasta which have hard hair are the boldest,
90 Aristotle's problems.
because such hair proceedeth from heat and choler, ei- amples of which we have in the bear and boar; and con- trariwise, those beasts that have soft hair are fearful, be- cause they are cold, as the hare and the hart. 3. From the climate where a man is born ; because in hot regions hard and gross hair is engendered, as appears in the Ethi- opians, and the contrary is the case in cold countries to-s wards the north.
Q. Why have some men curled hair and some smooth ? A. From the superior degree of heat in some men, which makes the hair curl and grow upward : this is proved by a man's having smooth hair when he goes into a hot bath, and it afterwards becomes curled. Therefore, keepers of baths have often curled hair, as also Ethiopians and choleric men. But the cause of the smoothness is the abundance of moist humours.
Q, Why do women shew ripeness by hair in their privy parts, and not elsewhere, but men in their breasts ? A, Because in men and women there is abundance of humidity in that place, but most in women, as men have the mouth of the bladder in that place, where the urine is contained, of which the hair in the breast is engendered, and especial- ly that about the nt^vel. But of women, in general, it is said, that the humidity of the bladder and of the matrix, or womb, is joined, and meeteth in that low secret place, and therefore is dissolved and separated in that plaee into va* pours and fumes, which are the cause of hair. And the like doth happen in other places, as in the hair under the arms.
Q. Why have not women beards ? A. Because they want heat ; which is the case with some effeminate men, who are beardless from the same cause, and have com- plexions like women.
Q. Why doth the hair grow on those who are hanged ? A. Because their bodies are exposed to the sun, which by its heat doth dissolve all moisture into the fume or vapour of which the hair doth grow.
Q. Why is the hair of the beard thicker and grosser than elsewhere ; and the more men are shafen, the harder and thicker it groweth ? A. Because by so much as the humours or vapours of any liquid are dissolved and taken away, so much the more doth the humour remaining draw to the same; and therefore, the more the hair is shaven, the thicker the humours gather which engender the hair, and cause it to wax hard.
Q. Why are women smoother and fairer than men ? A* Because in women much of the humidity and superfluity.
Aristotle's problems. 91
"which are Ihe matter and cause of the hair of the body, is expelled with their monthly terms ; which superfluity, re- maining in men, through vapours passes into hair.
Q. Why doth man, above all other creatures, wax hoary and gray ? A. Because man hath the hottest heart of all living creatures ; and, therefore, nature being most wise, lest a man should be suflbcated through the heat of his heart, hath placed the heart, which is most hot, under the brain, which is most cold ; to the end that the heat of the heart may be tempered by the coldness of the brain ; and, contrariwise, that the coldness of the brain may be qualified by the heat of the heart ; and thereby there might be a temperature in both. A proof of this is, that of all living creatures man hath the worst breath when he comes to full age. Furthermore, man doth consume nearly half his time in sleep, which doth proceed from the great excess of cold- ness and moisture in the brain, and from his wanting natural heat to digest and consume that moisture, which heat he hath sufficiently in his youth, and therefore ia that age is not gray, but in old age when heat faileth ; because then the vapours ascending from the stomach remain undigested and unconsumed lor want of natural heat, and thus putrify, of which putrefaction of humours the whiteness doth follow which is called grayness or hoariness. Whereby it doth appear, that hoariness is nothing else but a whiteness of hair, caused by a putrefaction of humours about the roots of the hair, through the want of natural heat in old age. Sometimes all grayness is caused by the naughtiness of the complexion, which may happen in youth ; sometimes through over great fear and care, as appeareth in merchants, sailors, and thieves.
Q. Why doth red hair grow white sooner than hair of any other colour ? A. Because redness is an infirmity of the hair ; for it is engendered of a weak and infirm matter, that is, of matter corrupted with the flowers of the woman ; and therefore it waxes white sooner than any other colour.
Q. Why do wolves grow grisly ? A. To understand this question, note the difference between grayness and grisli- ness : grayness is caused through defect of natural heat, but grisliness through devouring and heat. The wolf being a devouring beast, he eateth gluttonously without chewing, and enough at once for three days ; in consequence of which, gross vapours are engendered in the wolf's body, which cause grisliness. Grayness and grisliness have this differ- ence ; grayness is only in the head, but grisliness all over the body.
Q. Why do horses grow grisly and gray ? A. Because
92 akistotle's problems.
they are for the most part in the sun, and heat naturally causes putrefaction ; therefore the matter of hair doth pu- trify, and in consequence they are quickly peeled.
Q. Why do men become bald, and trees let fall their leaves in winter ? A. The want of moisture is the cause in both, which is proved by a man's becoming bald through venery, because by that he lets forth his natural humidity and heat ; and by that excess in carnal pleasure the moisture is con- sumed which is the nutriment of the hair. Thus, eunuchs and women do not grow bald, because they do not part from this moisture ; and therefore eunuchs are of the complexion of women.
Q. Why are not women bald 1 A. Because they are cold and moist, which are the causes that the hair remaineth; for moistness doth give nutriment to the hair, and coldness doth bind the pores.
Q. Why are not blind men naturally bald ? A. Because the eye hath most moisture in it, and that moisture which should pass through by the substance of the eyes doth but coQie a sufHcienl nutriment for the hair, and therefore they are seldom bald.
Q. Why doth the hair stand on end v/hen men are afraid ? A. Because in time of fear the heat doth go from the out- ward part of the body into the inv/ard to help the haart, and so the pores in which the hair is fastened are shut up ; af- ter which stopping and shutting up of the pores, the stand- ing up of the hair doth follow.
0/ the Head.
Q, Why is a man's head round ? A. Because it contains in it the moistest parts of the living creature ; and also that the brain may be defended thereby, as with a shield.
Q. Why is the head not absolutely long, but somewhat round? A. To the end the three creeks and ceils of the brain might the better be distinguished ; that is, the fancy in the forehead, the discoursing or reasonable part in the middle, and memory in the hiadermosl part.
Q. Why doth a man lift up his head towards the heavens when he doth imagine? A. Because the imagination is in the forepart of the head or brain, and therefore it liftelh up itself!, that tlie creeks or cells of the imagination may be opened, and that the spirits which heJp the imagination, and are lit for that purpose, having their concourse thither, may help the imagiiialion.
Q. W^iV d(nl» a man, when hemusethor thinketh of ihings past, look towards the earth ? A. Because the cell or creek which is behind, is the creek or chamber of the meiaory ; and
ARISTOTLK^S PROBLEMS. 98
therefore that looketh towards heaven when the head ia bowed down, and so that cell is open, to the end that the spirits which perfect the memory should enter in.
Q. Wliy is not the head fleshy, like other parts of the body ? A. Because the head would be too heavy, and would not stand steadily. Also, a head loaded with flesh betokens an evil complexion.
Q. Why is the head subject to aches and griefs ? A. By season that evil humours, which proceed from the stomach, ascend up to the head and disturb the brain, and so cause pain in the head : sometimes it proceeds from overmuch fill- ing the stomach, because two crreat sinews pass from the brain to the mouth of the stomach, and therefore these two parts do always suffer grief together.
Q, Why have women the headache oftener than men ? A. By reason of their monthly terms, which men are not trou- bled with ; and by which a moist, unclean, and venomous fume is produced, that seeks passage upwards, and so causes the headache.
Q. Why is the brain white ? A. 1. Because it is cold, and coldness is the mother of white. 2. Because it may receive the similitude and likeness of all colours, which the white colour can best do, because it is most simple.
Q. Why are all the senses in the head ? A, Because the brain is there, on which all the senses depend, and are di- rected by it ; and, consequently, it maketh all the spirits to feel, and governeth all the membranes.
Q. Why cannot a person escape death, if the brain or heart be hurt ? A. Because the brain and heart are the two principal parts which concern life ; and, therrfore, if they be hurt, there is no remedy left for cure.
Q. Why is the brain moist ? A. Because it may easily receive an impression, which moisture can best do, as it ap- peareth in wax, which doth easily receive the print of the seal when soft.
Q. Why is the brain cold ? A. 1. Because that by this coldness it may clear the understanding of man, and make it subtle. 2. That by the coldness of the brain the heat of llie heart may be tempered.
Of the Eyes.
Q. Why have you one nose and two eyes ? A. Because light is more necessary for us than smelling; and therefore it doth proceed from the goodness of Nature, that if we re- ceive any hurt or loss of one eye, the other should remain,
Q. Why have children great eyes in their youth, whicli become small as they grow up ? A. It proceeds from the
94 Aristotle's problems.
want of fire, and from the assembling and meetina: together of lijrht and humour; the eyes, being lightened by the sun, which doth lighten the easy humour thereof and purge them ; mvd, in the absence of the sun, those humours become dark and black, and the sight not so good.
Q. Why does the bluish gray eye see badly in the day- time, and well in the night ? A. Because grayness is light and shining of itself, and the spirits with which we see are weakened in the day-time and strengthened in the night.
Q. Why are men's eyes of divers colours? A. By rea- son of diversity of humours. The eye hath four coverings and three humours. The first covering is called consolida- live which is the outermost, strong and fat. The second is called a horny skin or covering, of the likeness of a horn ; which is a clear covering. The third, uvea, of the likeness of a black grape. The fourth is called a cobweb. The iirst humour is called abunginzs, ircm its likeness unto the white of an esg. The second, glarial ; that is, clear, like unto crystaline. The third, vitreous ; that is, clear as glass. And the diversity of humours causeth the diversity of the eyes.
Q. Why are men who have but one eye good archers ? And why do good archers commonly shut one eye ? And why Ho such as behold the stars look through a trunk with one eye? A. This matter is handled in the perspective arts ; and the reason is, as it doth appear in The Book of Causes, because that every virtue and strength united and 3init together is stronger than when dispersed and scattered. Therefore al! the force of seeing dispersed in tv/o eyes, the one being shut, is gathered into Ihe other ; and so the light is fortified in him; and by consequence he doth see better and more certainly with one eye being shut, than when both are open.
Q. Why do those that drink and laugh much shed most tears ? A. Because that while they drink and laugh with- out measure, the air whic'n is drav/n in doth not pass out through the windpipe, and so with force is directed and sent to the eyes, and by their pores passing cut, doth expel the humours of the eyes; which humour being so expelled brings tears.
Q. Why do such as weep much, urine but little? A. Be- cause the radical humidity of a tear and of urine are of one and the same nature; and therefore, where weeping doth increase, urine diminishes. And that they are of one na- ture is plain to the taste, because they are both salt.
Q. Why do some that have clear eyes see nothing ? A. By reason of the oppiliation and naughtiness of the sinews
Aristotle's phoblems. ^5
Mrith which we see ; for the temples being destroyed, the strength of the light cannot be carried from the brain to the eye.
Q. Why is the eye clear and smooth like glass ? A. 1. Because the things which may be seen are better beaten back from a smooth thing than otherwise, that thereby thtj sight should strengthen. 2. Because the eye is moist above all parts of the body, and of a waterish nature ; and as the water is clear and smooth, so likewise is the eye.
Q. Why do men find beasts who have their eyes deep in their head see best far off"? A. Because the force and power by which we see is dispersed in them, and doth go directly to the thing which is seen. Thus, when a man doth stand in a deep ditch or well, he doth see in the day-time the stars of the firmament ; because then the power of the sight and of the beams are not scattered.
Q. Wherefore do those men who have eyes far out in their head not see far distant ? A. Because the beams of the sight which pass from the eye are scattered on every side, and go not directly unto the thing that is seen, and therefore the sight is weakened.
Q. Why are many beasts born blind, as lions' whelps and dogs' whelps ? A. Because such beasts are not yet of per- fect ripeness and maturity, and the course of nutriment doth not work in them. Thus, the swallow, whose eyes, if they were taken out when they are young in their nest, would grow in again. And this is the case in many beasts who are brought forth before their time, as it were dead, as bears' whelps.
Q. Why do the eyes of a woman that hath her flowers stain new glass ? And why doth a basilisk kill a man with his sight ? A. 1. When the flowers do run from a woman, then a most venomous air is distilled from them, which doth ascend into the woman's head ; and she having pain in her head, doth wrap it up with a cloth or handkerchief; and, because the eyes are full of insensible holes, which are called pores, there the air seeketh a passage, and infects the eyes, which are full of blood. The eyes also appear dropping and full of tears, by reason of the evil vapour thai is in them; and these vapours are incorporated and raulti plied until they come to the glass before them ; and by reason that such a glass is sound, clear, and smooth, it doth easily receive that which is unclean. 2. The basilisk is a very venomous and infectious animal, and there pass from his eyes venomous vapours, which are multiplied upon the thing which is seen by him, and even unto the eye of man ; the which venomous vapours or humours entering into tlie
96 Aristotle's pkoblems,
body do infect him, and so in the end the man dieth. And this is also the reason why the basilisk, looking upon a shield perfectly well made with fast clammy pitch, or any hard smooth thin^, doth kill itself, because the humours are beaten back from the hard smooth thing unto the basi- lisk, by which beating back he is killed.
Q. Why is sparkling in cats' eyes and wolves' eyes seen in the dark and not in the light ? A. Because that the greater light doth darken the lesser ; and therefore in a greater light the sparkling cannot be seen ; but the greater the darkness, the easier it is seen, and is made more strong and shining.
Q. Why is the sight recreated and refreshed by a green colour ? A. Because green doth merely move the sight, and therefore doth comfort it ; but this doth not black nor white colours, because these colours do vehemently stir and alter the organ and instrument of the sight, and therefore make the greater violence ; and by how much the more violent the thing is which is felt or seen, the more it doth destroy and weaken the sense.
OfiheNost.
Q. Why doth the nose stand out farther than any other part of the body ? A. J. Because the nose is, as it were, the sink of the brain, by which the phlegm of the brain is purged ; and therefore it doth stand forth, lest the other parts should be defiled. 2. Because the nose is the beauty of the face, and doth smell.
Q. Why hath man the worst smell of all creatures ? A. Because man hath most brains of all creatures ; and, there- fore, by exceeding coldness and moistness, the brain want- eth a good disposition, and, by consequence, the smelling instrument is not good ; yea, some men have no smell.
Q. Wny have vultures and cormorants a keen smell ? A. Because they have a rery dry brain ; and, therefore, the air carrying the smell is not hindered by the humidify of the brain, but doth presently touch its instrument; and, there- fore, vultures, tigers, and other ravenous beasts, have been known to come five nundred miles to dead bodies.
Q. Why did nature make the nostrils ? A. Because, the mouth being shut, we draw breath in by the nostrils to re- fresh the heart. 2. Because the air which proceedeth from ihe mouth doth savour badly, because of the vapours which jise from the stomach, but that which we breathe from the nose is not noisome. 3. Because the phlegm which doth proceed from the brain is purged by them.
Q. Why do men sneeze 7 A. That the expulsive TirttMS
Aristotle's problems, S7
and power of the sight shoulJ thereby be purged, and the brain also, from superfluities : because, as the lungs are purged by coughing, so is the sight and brain by sneezing ; and those who sneeze often are said to have a strong brain ; and therefore physicians give sneezing medicaments to purge the brain ; and thus it is, such sick persons that cannot sneeze die quickly, because it is a sign their brain is wholly stufied with evil humours, which cannot be purged.
Q. Why do not such as are apoplectic sneeze ; that is, such as are subject easily to bleed ? A. Because the pas- sages or ventricles of the brain are stopped; and if they could sneeze, their apoplexy would be loosed.
Q. Why does the heat of the sun provoke sneezing, and not the heat of the fire ? A. Because the heat of the sun doth dissolve, but not consume, and therefore the vapour dissolved is expelled by sneezing ; but the heat of the fire doth dissolve and consume, and therefore doth rather hinder sneezing than provoke,
OfiheEars.
Q. Why do beasts move their ears, and not men ? A. Because there is a certain muscle near (he under-jaw which doth cause motion in the ear; and therefore that muscle being extended and stretched, men do not move their ears, as it hath been seen in divers men ; but all beasts do use that muscle or fleshy sinew, and therefore do move their cars.
Q. Why is rain prognosticated by the pricking up of asses' ears? A. Because the ass is of a melancholic con- stitution, and the approach of rain produceth that effect on juoh a constitution. In the time of rain all beasts prick np their ears, but the ass before it comes.
Q. Why have some animals no ears ? A. Nature giveth unto every thing that which is fit for it; but if she had given birds ears, their flying would have been hindered by them. Likewise fish want ears, because they would hinder thei* swimming, and have only certain little holes through which they hear.
Q. Why have bats ears, although of the bird kind ? A. Because they are partly birds in nature, in that they fly, by reason whereof they have wings ; and partly they are hair)', and seem to be of the nature of mice, therelbre nature hath given them ears.
Q. Why have men only round ears ? A. Because the shape of the whole and of the parts should be proportion- able, and especially in all things of one nature ; for as a drop of water is round, so the whole water ; and »o, because
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98 Aristotle's problems.
a man's head is round, the ears incline towards the sam« figure ; but the heads of beasts are somewhat long, and so the ears are drawn into length likewise.
Q. Why hath nature given all living creatures ears ? A. Because with them they should hear. 2. Because by the ear choleric superfluity is purged ; for as the head is purged of phlegmatic superfluity by the nose, so from cho- leric by the ears.
Of the. Mouth.
Q. Why hath the mouth lips to compass it ? A. Be- cause the lips cover and defend the teeth ; for it would be unseemly if the teeth were always seen. Also, the teeth being of a cold nature would be soon hurt if they were not covered with lips.
Q. Why has a man two eyes, two ears, and but one mouth ? A. Because a man should speak but little, and hear and see much. Aad by hearing and the light we see the difference of things.
Q. Why hath a man a mouth ? A. 1. Because the mouth is the gate and door of the stomach. 2. Because the meat is chewed in the mouth, and prepared and made ready for the first digestion. 3. Because the air drawn into the hoi- low of the mouth for the refreshing of the heart is made more pure and subtle
Q. Why are the lips moveable ? A. For the purpose of forming the voice and words, which cannot be perfectly done without them. For as without a, 6, c, there is no wri- ting, so without the lips no voice can be well formed.
Q. What causes men to yawn or gape ? A. It proceed* from the thick fume and vapours that fill the jaws; by the expulsion of which is caused the stretching out and expan- sion of the jaws, and opening of the mouth.
Q. Why doth a man gape when he seeth another doing the same ? A. It proceeds from the imagination. And this is proved by the similitude of the ass, who, by reason of his meloncholy, doth retain his superfluity for a long lime, and would neither eat nor piss unless he should hear another doing the like.
Of the Teeth.
Q. Why do the teeth only, amongst all other bones, ex- perience the sense of feeling ? A. That they may discern heat and cold, that hurt them, which other bones need not.
Q. Why have men more teeth than women ? A. By rea- son of the abundance of heat and blood, which is more io mea tiian in women.
ARISTOTLE'S PROBLEMS.
99
Q. Why do the teeth grow to the end of our life, and not the other bones ? A. Because otherwise they would be consumed with chewing and grinding.
Q. Why do the teelh only come again when they fall, or be taken out, and other bones being taken av/ay grow no more ? A. Because all other bones are engendered of the humidity which is called radical, and so they breed in the ^vornb of the mother ; but the teeth are engendered of nutri- tive humidity, which is renewed and increased from day to day.
Q. V/iiydo the fore-teeth fall in youth, and grow again, and not the cheek-teeth ? A. From the defect of matter, and from the figure ; because the fore-teeth are sharp, and the other's broad. Also, it is the ofHce of the fore-teeth to cat the meat, and therefore they are sharp; and the office of the other to chew the meat, and therefore they are broad in fashion, which is fittest for that purpose.
Q. Why do the fore-teeth grow soonest ? A. Because we want them sooner in cutting than the others in chewing.
Q, Why do the teeth grow black in human creatures in their old age ? A. It is occasioned by the corruption of the meat, and the corruption of phlegm, with a choleric humour.
Q. Why are colts' teeth yellow, and of the colour of saf- fron, when they are young, and become white when they grow up ? A. Because horses have abundance of watery humours in them, which in their youth are digestcu and con- verted into grossness : but in old age heat diminishes, and the watery humours remain, whose proper colour is white.
Q. Why did nature give living creatures teeth ? A. To ssome to fight with, and for defence of their lives, as untt> wolves and bats ; unto some to eat with, as unto horses i unto some for the forming of voice, as unto men.
Q. Why do horned beasts warn their upper teeth, ? A . Horns and teeth are caused by the same matter, that is, nu- irimental humidity, and therefore the matter which passeti? into horns turneth not into teeth, consequently they wai> the upper teeth. And such beasts cannot chev/ well ; there fore, to supply the want of teeth, they have two stomachs and chew their meat twice ; in the first chewing they con vcy their food into one of these stomachs, from whence it returns, and they chew it again ; then it goea into the other, to be digested.
Q. Wliy are some creatures brought forth with teeth, as kids and lambs ; and some without, as men ? A. Nature doth not want unnecessary things, nor abound in superflu- ous ; and therefore because these beasts, not long after they are fallen, do need teeth, they are fallen with teeth ; but
100 axistotle's problems.
men, being nourished by their mothers for a long tinve, do Bot so soon stand in need of teeth.
Q. Why have not birds teeth ? A. Because the matter of teeth passeth into their beak, and therefore there is their digestion ; and, although they do not chew with teeth, their kead, in digestion, doth supply the want of teeth.
Of the Tongue
Q. Why is the tongue full of pores ? A. Because the tongue is the mean whereby we taste; and through the mouth, in the pores of the tongue, doth proceed the sense of tasting. Again, it is observed, that frothy spittle is sent into the mouth by the tongue from the lungs, moistening the meat, and making it ready for digestion.
Q. Why do the tongues of such as are sick of agues judge all things bitter ? A. Because the stomachs of such persons are filled with choleric humours ; and choler is very bitter, as appeareth by the gall ; therefore, this bitter fume dotli infect rheir tongues ; and so the tongue, being full of these tastes, doth judge every thing bitter.
Q. Why doth the tongue water when we hear sour and sharp things spoken of ? A. Because the imaginative vir- tue or power is of greater force than the power and facalty of tasting; and when we imagine a taste, we conceive the power of tasting as a mean; there is nothing felt by the taste, but by means of the spittle the tongue doth water.
Q. Why do some persons stammer and lisp? A. Some- times through the moistness of the tongue and brain, as in children, who cannot speak plainly nor pronounce many letters. Sometimes it happeneth by reason of the shrinking of certain sinews which go to the tongue, which are corrupt- ed with phlegm.
Q. Why are the tongues of serpents and mad dogs venom- ous ? A. Because of the malignity and tumosity of the venomous humour which predominates in them.
Q. Why is a dog's tongue good for medicine, and a horse's tongue pestiferous ? A. By reason of some secret property, or that the tongue of a dog is full of pores, and so doth draw and take away the viscocity of the wound. It is observed that a dog hath some humour in his tongue, with which, by licking, he doth heal; but the contrary effect is in the lick of a horse's tongue.
Q. Why is spittle white ? A. By reason of the continual moving of the tongue, whereof heat is engendered, which doth make this superfluity white ; this is seen in the froth of water.
Q. W^hy is spittle unsavoury and without taste ? A. IC
Aristotle's problems. 102
it had a certain determinate taste, then the tongue "would not taste at all, but only have the taste of spittle, and could not distinguish others.
Q. Why doth the spittle of one that is fasting heal arx imposthume ? A. Because it is well digested, and made subtle.
Q. Why do some abound in spittle more than others ? A- This doth proceed of a phlegmatic complexion, which dotk predominate in them ; and such are liable to a quotidian ague, which ariseth from the predominance of phlegm : the contrary, in those who spit little, because heat abounds iu them ^ which consumes the humidity of the spittle ; and so the defect of spittle is a sign of fever.
Q. Why is the spittle of a man who is fasting move subtle than of one who is full? A. Because the spittle is without the viscocity of meat, which is wont to make the spittle of one who is full gross and thick.
Q. From whence proceedeth the spittle of a man ? A. From the froth of the lungs, which, according to the phy- sicians, is the seat of the phlegm.
Q. Why are beasts when going together for generation very full of foam and froth ? A. Because then the lights and heart are in great motion of lust ; therefore there is engendered in them much frothy matter.
Q. Why have not birds spittle ? A. Because they have very dry lungs.
Q. Why doth the tongue sometimes lose the use of speak- ing '/ A. It is occasioned by a palsy or apoplexy, which is ft sudden effusion of blood, and by gross humours ; and sometimes also by infection of spiritus animaUs in the middle cell of the brain, which hinders the spirits from being car- ried to the tongue.
Of the Roof of the Mouth .
Q. Why are fruits, before they are ripe, of a bitter or soar relish, and afterwards sweet? A. A sour relish or taste proceeds from coldness and want of heat in gross and thick humidity ; but a sweet taste is produced by suiiicient heat : therefore, in the ripe fruit humidity is subtle through the heat of the sun, and such fruit is commonly sweet ; but before it is ripe, as humidity is gross or subtle for want cT heat, the fruit is bitter or sour.
Q. Why are we better delighted with sweet tastes than v/ith bitter or any other ? A. Because a sweet tiling is hot and moist, and through its heat doth dissolve and consume eupcrfluous humidities, and by this humidity imn\undicity in washed away j but a sharp eager taste, by reason of the
9*
102 Aristotle's problems*
cold which predominates in it, doth bind overmuch, and prick and offend the parts of the body in purging, and there- fore we do not delight in that taste.
Q. Why doth a sharp taste, as that of vinegar, provoke appetite rather than any other ? A. Because it is cold, and doth cool. For it is the nature of cold to desire and draw, and therefore it is the cause of appetite.
Q. Why do we draw in more air than we breathe out ? A. Because much air is drawn in that is converted into nutriment, and with the vital spirits is contained in the lungs. Therefore a beast is not suffocated so long as it receives air with its lungs, in which some part of the air remaineth also.
Q. Why doth the air seem to be expelled and put forth, seeing the air is invisible, by reason of its variety and thinness ? A. Because the air which is received in us, is mingled with vapours and fumes from the heart, by reason whbreof it is made thick, and so is seen. And this is proved by experience, because that in winter we see our breath ; for the coldness of the air doth bind the breath mixed with fume, and so it is thickened and made gross, and by conse- quence is seen.
Q. Why have some persons a stinking breath ? A. Be ■ cause of evil fumes that arise from the stomach. And sometimes it doth proceed from the corruption of the airy parts of the body, as the lungs. The breath of lepers is so infected, that it would poison birds if near them, because the inwai'd parts are very corrupt.
Q. Why are lepers hoarse ? A. Because the vocal in- struments are corrupted, that is, the lights.
Q. Why do persons become hoarse ? A. Because of the rheum descending from the brain filling the conduit of the lights ; and sometimes through imposthumes of the throat, or rheum gathering in the neck.
Q. Why have the females of all living creatures the shrillest voices, the crow only excepted, and a woman a shriller and smaller voice than a man ? A. By reason of the composition of the veins the vocal arteries of voice are formed, as appears by this similitude, that a small pipe sounds shriller than a great. Also in women, because the passages where the voice is formed is made narrow and straight, by reason of cold, it being the nature of cold to bind ; but in men, the passage is open and wider through heat, because it is the property of heat to open and dissolve. It proceedeth in women through the moistness of the lungs, and weakness of the heat. Young and diseased men have sharp and shrill voices from the same cause.
Aristotle's problems, 103
Q. Why doth the voice change m men at fourteen, and in women at twelve ; in men when they begin to yield seed ; in -women when their breasts begin to grow ? A. Because then the beginning of the voice is slackened and loosened ; and this is proved by the similitude of the string of an in- strument let down or loosened, which gives a great sound ; and also because creatures that are gelded, as eunuchs^ -capons, &c. have softer and slenderer voices than others, by the want of their stones.
Q. Why do small birds sing more and louder than great ones, as appears in the lark and nightingale ? A. Because Xhe spirits of small birds are subtle and soft, and the organ conduit straight, as appeareth in a pipe ; therefore their notes following easily at desire, they sing very soft.
Q. Why do bees, wasps, locusts, and many other sucli 3ike insects, rsiake a noise, seeing they have no lungs, nor instruments of voice ? A. Because there is in them a cer- tain small skin, which, when struck by the air, causeth a sound.
Q. Why do not fish make a sound ? A. Because they have no lungs, but only gills, nor yet a heart ; and therefore they need not the drawing in of the air, and by consequence they make no noise, because a voice is a percussion of the «ir which is drawn.
OfiheNeck.
Q. Why hath a living creature a neck ? A, Because the neck is the supporter of the head, and therefore the neck is in the middle between the head and the bod}', to the intent that by it, and by its sinews, motion and sense of the body might be convej'ed throughout all the body ; and that by coeans of the neck, the heart, which is very hot, might be separated from the brain.
Q. Why do some creatures want neclis, as serpents and fishes ? A. Because they want hearts, and thereibre want that distance which we have spoken oi'; or else they have a neck in. some inward part of them, which is not distin- guished outwardly.
Q. Why is the neck full of bones and joints ? A, That it may bear and sustain the head the better. Also, because the backbone is joined to the brain in the neck, and from thence it receives marrow, which is of the substance of the brain.
Q. Why have some creatures long necks, as cranes, storks, and such like ? A, Because such birds seek their food in the bottom of waters. And some creatures have short necks, as sparrows haw because such are ra-
101 AHISTOTLe's paOBLEMS.
venous, and therefore for strength have short necks ; as ap- peareth in the ox, who has a short neck and strong.
Q. Why is the neck holiow, and especially before, about the tongue ? A. Because there are two passages, whereof the one doth carry the meat to the nutritive instrument, or stomach and liver, which is called by the Greeks (Esophagus ; and the other is the windpipe.
Q. Why is the artery made w^Ith rings and circle ? A. The better to bow and give a good sounding.
Of the Shoulders and Arms.
Q. Why hath a man shoulders and arms ? A. To lift and carry burdens.
Q. Why are the arms round ? A. For the swifter and speedier work.
Q. Why are his arms thick ? A. That they may be stron*? to lift and bear burdens, and thrust and give a strong blow j so their bones are thick, because they contain much marrow <or they would be easily coiTupted and injured.
Q. Why do the arms become small and slender in some diseases, as in mad men, and such as are sick of the dropsy ? A. Because all the parts of the body do suffer the one with the other : and therefore one member being in grief, all the humours do concur and run thither lo give succour and help to the aforesaid grief.
Q. Why have brute beasts no arms ? A, Their fore feet sre instead of arms, and in their place.
Ofih& Hmida,
Q. For what use hath a man hands, and an ape also like unto a man ? A. The hand is an instrument that a man doth especially make use of, because many things are done by the hands, and not by any other part.
Q. Why are some men ambo dexter, that is, they use the- left hand as the right ? A. By reason of the great heat of ihc heart, and for the hot bowing of the same; for it is tha? which makes a man as nimble of the lel"t hand as of the right.
Q. Why are the fingers full of joints ? A. To be more fit and apt to receive and keep what are put into them.
Q. Why hath every finger throe joints, and the thumb but two ? A. The thumb iiath three, but the third is joined to the arm, therefore is stronger than the other lingers ; and is called pollox, or polleo, that is, lo excel in ^.trength.
Q. Why are the tingers of the light hand nimbler than the lingers of the left? A. It procoedeth from the heat that predominates in those parts, and causeth great agility.
Of iha Nails.
Q» From whence da nails proceed 1 A. Of the tumosity and humours, which are resolved and go into the extremi- ties of the fingers ; and they are dried through the power of the external air, and brouglU to the hardness of horn.
Q. Why do tlie nails of -aid men gmw black and pale ? A. Because the heat of the heart decaying, causeth their beauty io decay also,
Q. Why are men judged to be good or evil complexioaed by the coiouf of their nails J A. Because they give witness of the goodness or badness of the heart, and therefore of the complexion ; for ii^ they be somewhat red, they betoken cho- ler well tempered; but if they be yellowish or black, they signity melancholy.
Q. V/hy do white spots appear in the nails I A<, Through. SDixture ol' phlegm vriih. the nutriment.
Of the Paps and Dugs.
Q. Why are the paps placed upon the breasts ? A. Be- cause the breast is the seat of the heart, which is most hot^ and therefore the paps grow there, to the end that the menses being conveyed thither, as being near to the heatot ihe heart, should the sooner be digested, perfected, and con- verted into the matter and substance of the milk.
Q. Why are the paps below the breasts in beasts, and above the breasts in women / A. Because woman goes up- right, and has two legs only : and therefore if her paps were ?>elow her breasts, they would hinder her going ; but beasts having four feet prevents that inconveniency.
Q. Why have not men as great paps and breasts as wo- men ? A. Because men have not monthly tei'ms, and there- fore have no vessel deputed for them.
Q. Whether are great, small, or middle-sized paps best for children to suck ? A. In great ones the heat is dispersed, •and there is no good digestion of the milk ; but in small ones the power and force is strong, because a virtue united is jitrongest, and by consequence there is good working and digestion of the milk-
Q. Why do the paps of young women begin to grow about 13 or 15 years of age J A. Because then the flowers have no course to the teats, by which the young one is nourished, but follow their ordinary course, and therefore wax soft.
Q. Why hath a woman which is with child of a boy, the right pap harder than the left ? A. Because the male child is conceived in the right side of the mother; and therefore the flowers do run to the right pap and make it hard.
1-06 Ar.iL-roTi.i/s TP.oni.Kyn.
Q. Why doth it show weakness of the child, vrhen th-e milk (loth drop out cf the paps before the woman be deliv- ered ? A. Because the milk is the proper riutriinei>t of the- child ia the womb of the mother, therefore if the milk rui> out, it is a token that the child is aoi nourished, and conse- quently is weak.
Q. Why doth the hardness ofthe paps betoken the health of the child in the Avomb ? x\. Because the fiowers are con- verted into milk, and that milk dotli sufficiently nourish the child, and thereby strength is signified.
Q. Why are women'^s paps hard when they be with child^ end soft at other times ? A. Because they swell then, and are puffed up ; and the great moisture which proceeds fron> the flowers doth run into the pap&, which at other seasons remaineth in the matrix or womb, and is expelled by the place deputed for that end.
Q. By what means doth the milk ofthe paps come to the matrix or womb ? A. There is a certain knitting and cou- pling of the paps with the womb, and there are certain veins which the midwives do cut in tlie time of the birth of the child, and by those veins the milk flows in at the navel of the child, and so it receives nourishment by the navel.
Q. Why is it a sign of a m.ale child in the womb, wlient. the milk that runneth out ofthe woman's breast is thick, and not much, and of a female when it is thin ? A. Because a woman that goeth with a boy, hath a great heat in her,, which doth perfect the milk and make it thick ; but she who goes with a girl hath not so much heat^ and therefore the milk is undigested, imperfect, watery, and thin, and will swim above the water if it be put into it.
Q. Why IS the milk wliite, seeing the flowers are red, ot which it is engendered ? A. Because blood which is well purged and concocted becometh white, as appeareth in flesh whose proper colour is red, and being boiled is white. Al- so, because every humour v.'hich is engendered of the body, is made like unto that part in colour where it is engendered, as near as it can be ; but because (he flesh ofthe paps ia white, therefore the colour ofthe milk is white.
Q. Why doth a cow give milk more abundantly than other heasts? A. Because she is^a great eating beast, and where there is much monthly superlluity engendered, there is much, milk ; because it is nothing else but that blood purged and tried.
Q. Why is not milk wholesome ? A. 1. Because it cur- dleth in the stomach, virhereof an evil breath is bred. 2. Be- cause the milk doth grow sour in the stomach, where evil humours are bred, and infect the breath.
AKJSTOTLE'S P&0B2.EMS. J07
Q, Why is milk bad for such as have the headache ? A« Because it is easily turned into great fumosilies, and hath jnuch terrestrial substance in it, the which ascending doth *cause the headache.
Q. Why is milk fit nutriment for iufants ? A. Because jt is a natural and usual food, and they were nourished by the sa.me ia the womb.
Q. Why are the white-meats made of a new milked cow ^ood 1 A. Because milk at that time is very spungy, ex- pels many fumosities, and, as it wer«, purges at that time.
Q. Why is the milk naught for the child, if the woman friving suck uses curaal copulation ? A. Because in time of carnal copulation the best part of the milk goes to the seed vessels, and to the womb, and the worst remains in the paps, which hurts the child.
Q. Why do physicians forbid the eating of fish and milk at the same time ? A. Because they produce a leprosy, and because they are both phlegmatic.
Q. Why have not birds and fish milk and pa).>s ? A. Be- cause paps would hinder the ilight of birds. And although fish have neither paps nor milk, the females cast much spawn, which the male touches with a small gut, and causes •sb^jir kind t'O continue ia succession.
Of tkc Back.
Q, Why have beasts backs ? A. 1. Because the back 19 the way and mien of the body, from which are extended and spread througliout all the sinews of the backbone. 2. Be- ^,ause it .should b« a guard and defence for the soft parts of ihe body, as of the stomach, liver, lights, and such like. 3. Because it is the foundation of all the bones, as the ribs, <iastened to the backbone.
Q. Why hath the backbone so many joints or knots, call- ed sponddia ? A. Because the moving and bending it, with- out such joints, could not be done; and therefore they are wrong who say that elephants have no such joints, for with- out them they could not move.
Q. Why do iish die after theii' l)ackbones are broken ? A. Because in fish the backbone is instead of the heart; now the heart is the first thing that lives, and the last that dies ; and when that bone is broken, fish can live no longer.
Q. Why doth a man die soon after the marrov/ is hurt or perished ? A. Because the marrow proceeds from the brain, which is a principle part of a man.
Q. Why have some men the piles ? A. Those men are cold and melancholy, which melancholy first passes to the i.'plee», its proper seat, but there cannot be retained, for ihc
103 Aristotle's pboblems.
abundance of blood j for which reason it is conveyed to the backbone, -where there are certain veins which terminate in the back, and receive the blood. When those veins are full of the melancholy blood, then the conduits of nature are opened, and the blood issues out once a month, like womea'a terms. Those men who have this course of blood are kept from many infirmities, such as the dropsy, plague, <Scc.
Q. Why are the Jews much subject to this disease ? A. Because they eat much phlegmatic and cold meats, which breed melancholy blood, which is purged with this 11 ux. Ari' other reason is, moti&n causes heat, and heat digestion ; but strict Jews neither move, labour, nor converse much, which breeds a coldness in them, and hinders digestion, causing melancholic blood, which is by this means purged out.
Of the Heari.
Q. W^hy are the lungs light, spungy, and full of hole« ? A. That the air may be received into them for cooling the heart, and expelling humours, because the lungs are the fan of the heart ; and as a pair of bellows is raised up by taking in the air, and shrunk by blow^ing it out, so likewise the lungs draw the air to cool the heart, and cast it out, lest through too much heat of the air drawn in, the heart should be suffocated.
Q. Why is the flesh of She lungs white ? A. Because they are in continual motion.
Q. Why have those beasts only lungs that have hearts? A. Because the lungs be no part for themselves, but for the heart; and therefore it vrere superfluous for those creature& to have lungs that have no hearts.
Q. Why do such creatures as have no lungs want a bladder ? A. Because such drink no water to make theLr meat digest, and need no bladder for urine ; as appears in such birds who do not drink at all, viz. the ialcon and spar- row-hawk.
Q. Why is the heart in the midst of the body? A. That it may impart life to all parts of the body ; and therefore it is compared to the sun, which is placed in the midst of the planets, to give light to them all.
Q. Why only in men is the heart on the left side ? A. To the end the heat of the heart should mitigate the cold- cess o[ the spleen ; for the spleen is the seat of melancholy, ■which is on the left side also.
Q. Why is the heart first engendered ; for the heart doth first live, and die last ? A. Because the heat is the begin- ning and original of life, and without it no part can live. Pox of the seed retained in the matrix, there is first engen*
Aristotle's paoBLEMS, 105
-fiered a little small skin, which compasses the seed ; where- of first the heart is madt? of the purest blood ; then of blood not so pure, the liver ; and of thick and cold blood, the mar- row and brain. ^
Q. Why are beasts bold that have little hearts ? A. Be- -cause in a little heart the heat is well united and vehement, and the blood touching it, doth quickly heat it, and is speed- ily carried lo the other parts of the body, which give cou- rage and boldness.
Q. Why are creatures with a large heart timorous, as the hare ? A. The heart is dispersed in such a one, and not able to heat the blood which cometh to it; by which means icar is bred.
Q. How is it that the heart is continually moving t A. Because in it there is a certain spirit which is more subtle than air, and by reason of its thickness and rarefaction seeks a larger space, filling the hollow room of the heart, hence the dilating and opening of the heart; and because the heart is earthly, the thrusting and moving ceasing, its parts are at rest, tending downwards. As a proof of this, take an acorn, which, if put into the fire, the heat dissolves its humidity, therefore occupies a greater space, so that the rind cannor contain it, but puffs up and throws it into the fire. The like of the heart. Therefore the heart of a liv- ing creature is triangular, having its least part towards its left side, and the greater towards the right ; and doth also -open and shut in the least part, by which means it is in continual motion; the first motion is called diastole^ that is, extending the breast or heart ; the other systole, that is, shutting of the heart ; and from these all the motions of the body proceed, and that of the pulse which physicians feel.
Q. How comes it that the flesh of the heart is so compact and knit together ? A. Because in thick compacted sub- stances heat is strongly received and united. And because the heart with its heat should moderate the coldness of the ,. brain, it is made of that fat flesh apt to keep a strong heat. ^
Q. How comes the heart to be the hottest part of all liv- ing creatures? A. It is so compacted as to receive heat best, and because it should mitigate the coldness of the brain.
Q, Why is the heart the beginning of life ? A. It is plain that in it the vital spirit is bred, which is the heat of life ; and therefore the heart having two receptacles, viz. the right and the left, the right hath more blood than spirits ; which spirit is engendered to give life and vivify %he body.
I'l^ AHISTOTLE^S PK0BLEM8.
Q. Why is the heart long and sharp like a pyramid ? A^ The round figure hath no angle, therefore the heart is round, for fear any poison or hurtfal matter should be re- tainwl in it ; and because that figure is fittest for motion.
Q. How comes the blood chiefly to be in the- heart T A. The bldod is in the heart as its proper or elHcfent place, ^vliich some attribute to the liver; and t-herefore the heart doth not receive blo^ of aay other parts btit allot h-er parts- of it.
Q. How happens It that some creatures want a heart T A. Although they have no heart, yet they have somewhat that answers for it, as appears in eels and fisb that have tlie back-bone instead of a heart.
Q. Why does the heart beat in some creatures when the head is off, as in birds and hens ? A. Because the heart lives first and dies ks$, arid therefore beats loager thaw other parts.
Q. Why doth the heat ©f the heart sometimes fail of a 3iuidea, as in those wh© have the falling sickness ? A. This proceeds from: the defect of the h^art itself, and of certarn small skins with which it is covered; which being ii>fected and corrupted, the heart faileth on a sudden ; sometimes aiso by reason of the parts adjoining ; and there- fore, where any venomous humour goes out of the stomach that hurts the heart and parts adjoining, that caiases this- falating-
The Stomach..
Q. For what reason is the stomach large and wide ? A. ^B^eause in it the food is first concocted or digested as iC were in a pot, to the end that what is pure shoyJd be sepa- rated from that which is nol ; and therefore, a-ccording tO' the quantity of food, the stomach is enlarged.
Q. How comes it that the stomach is round ? A. Becu^ssc if it had angles and corners, fo©d' would remain in them-, and breed ill humours, so that a saan would- never want aifues, which humours are evacuated and Consumed, and not hid in any such corners, by the roundness of the stomach-
Q. How comes the stomach to be full of sinews?' A. Be- cftuse the sinews can be extended and enlarged ; and so is- the stomach when it is full; but when empty it is drawn/ together ; and therefore nature provides those sinews.
Q. How comes the stomach to digest? A. Because of the heat which is in it, and comes from the parts adjoinidg, that is, the liver and the heart. For as we see in metals, the heat, of the fire takes away the rust and dross from iron,
Aristotle's pboblems. SIJ
a'he silver from tin, and gold from copper; so also by dige*» lion the pure is separated from the impure.
Q. Foi- what reason doth the stomach join the liver 1 A-> Because the liver is very hot, and with its heat helps diges- tion, and provokes appetite.
Q. Why are we commonly cold after dinner ? A, Becaiasc then the heat goes to the stomach to further digestion, a»d «o the other parts grow cold.
Q. Why is it hurtful to study soon after dinner ? A. Be- cause when lh« heat labours to help the imagination m study, it ceases from disesting the food, which remains un- digested ; therefore people should walk some time after meals.
Q. How eometh the stomach slowly to digest meat 7 . A- Because il swims in the stomach. Now, the best digeslioa is in the bottom of the stomach, because the fat descends not there : such as eat fat meat are very sleepy^ by reason that digestion is hindered.
Q. Why is all the body wrong, when the stomach is Dta;- easy ? A. Beca^ise the stomach is knit with the brain, Ibeart, and liver, which are the principal parts in man; and when it is not well, the. others are indisposed. Again, if the first digestion be hindered, the others are also hindered ; for in the first digestion is the beginning of the infirmily m the stomach.
Q. Why are young men ■sooner hungry' than old men ? A^ Young men do digest for three causes? 1. For growing; 2. For restoring of life : and, 3. For conservation of life. Al- so, young men are hot and dry, and therefore the heat doth, digest more, and by consequence they desire more.
Q. Why do physicians prescribe that men should eat wh^c they have an appetite? A^ Because jnuch hunger ami emptiness will fill the stomach with naughty rotten humours, , which are drawn in instead of meat ; for, if we fast over night, we have an appetite to meat, but none in the morn- ing; as then the stomach is filled with naughty humours, and especially lis mouth, which is no true filling, but a de- -ceitful one. And therefore, after we have eaten a little, our stomach comes to us again ; for the first morsel, having made clean the mouth of the stomach, doth provoke the ajv- petite.
Q. Why do physicians prescribe that we should not eal too much at a time, but by little and little 7 A. Becau3« when the stomach is full, the meat doth swim in it, whicix is a dangerous thing. Another reason is, that as very green wood doth put out the fire, so much meat choaks th<e natural heat and puts it oat ; and therefore the best physic is to Kse temperance iu eating and driakinj?.
312 AaiSTOTLE'S PK;0»LE3IS.
Q. Why do we desire change of meats accordinsr to tiie^ diange of times ; as in winter, beef, pork, mutton ; in sum- mer, light meats, as veal, lamb, &c.? A. Because the com- plexion of the body is altered and changed according to the time of the year. Another reason is, that th is proceeds from the quality of the season ; because the coM in winter dotlt cause a better digestion.
Q. Why should not the meat wc eat be as hot as pepper and ginger ? A. Because as hot meat doth infiame the blood, and dispose it to a leprosy ; so, on the contrary, meat too cold doth mortify and conceal the blood. Our meat should not be over sharp, becauseit wastes the constitution {. too much sauce doth burn the enti'ails, and inclineth tc often drinking ; raw meat doth the same ; and over sweeS meats to constipate and cling the veins together.
Q. AVhy is it a good custom to eat cheese after dinner j, and pears after all meat ? A. Because, by reason of its earthliness and thickness it tendeth down towards the bot- tom of the stomach, and so putteth down the meat; nnd^ the like of pears. Note, that new cheese is belter than old; and ih-jt ol.l soft cheese is very bad, and causeth the headache and stopping of the liver ; and the older the worse.. •Vl.r'refore it is said, that cheese digests th alt things but
iiScif.
Q. Why are nuts good after cheese, as the proverb is.. After fish nuts, and after flesh cheese ? A. Because fish is of hard digestion, and doth easily purify and corrupt ; and auts are a remedy against poison.
Q. Why is it unwholesome to wait long for one dish after another^ and to eat of divers kinds of meat ? A. Because the first begins to digest when the last is eaten, and so digestion is not equally made. But yet this rule is to b<r noted, dishes light of digestion, as chickens, kids, veal, soft eggs, and such like, should be first eaten : but gross meats*, as venison, bacon, beef, roasted pork, hard eggs, and fried eggs, should be eaten last : because, if they should be first served and eaten, and were digested, they would hinder the digestion of the others ; and the light meats not digested would be corrupted in the stomach, and kept in the stomach violently, whereof would follow belching, loathing, headache bellyache, and great thirst. It is very hurtful too, at the same meal, to drink milk and wine, because they are pro- ductive of leprosy.
Q. Whether is meat or drink best for the stomach ? A. Drink is sooner digested than meat, because meat ia of greater substance, and more material than drink, aad therefore meat is harder to digest.
Aristotle's problems, 313
Q. Why is it good to drink after dinner ? A. Because the drink will make the me^ readier to digest. The sto- mach is like unto a pot v/hich doth boil meat, and therefore physicians do counsel to drink at meals.
Q. Why is it good to forbear a late supper? A. Because there is little moving or siirdng after supper, and so the meat is not sent down to the bottom of the stomach, but remain eth undigested, and so breteds hurts ; therefore a light supper is best.
<]!>/ the Blood.
Q. Why is it necessary that every living thing that has blood have also a Jiver? A. Because the blood is first made in the liver, its seat, being drav/n from the stomach by certain principal veins, and so engendered.
^. Why is the blood red ? A. 1. It is like th€ part in which it is made, vix. the liver, which is red, 2. It is like- wise sweet, because it is well digested and concocted ; but if it have a little earthy matter mixed with it, that makes at somewhat salt.
Q. How is women's blood thicker than men's:? A. Their coldness thickens, binds, congeals, and 'joins it together.
Q, How comes the blood to all parts of the body through the liver, and by what means ? A. Through the principal veens, as the veins of the head, liver, &c. to nourish all the Taody..
Of ih£ Urine,
Q. How doth the 'urine come into the bladder, seeing the lEJadder is shut? A. Some say by sweatings ; others, by a «mall skin in the bladder, which opens and lets in the urine. Uxine is a vcertain and not deceitful -messenger of the health orinfirniiiy of man. Men mak<e wlijte urine in the morning, and before dinaer red, but after dinner pale, and also after eupper.
Q. Why is it hurtful to drink much cold water ? A. Be- cause one contrary doth hinder and expel another; water is very colJ, and iyiug-so in the stomach hinders digestion.
Q. Why is it unwholesome to drink new wine ? A. 1. It jcannot be disjested ; therefore it causes the beily to swell, and a kind of Jbloo.ly flux. 2. It hinders making water.
Q. Why do physicians forbid us to labour presently after dinner? A. U Because motion hinders the virtue and power af digestion. 2. Because stirring immediately after dinner causes the diliVrent parts of the body to draw the meat raw to them, which often breeds sickness. 3. Because caation makes the food descend befor4; it ij digested-. Bvl
324 AaiSTOTLE^S PKOKLEMS,
after supper it is good to walk a little, that the foot! may go- to the bottom of the stomach.
Q. Why is it good to walTc before dinner! A. Because it makes a man well disposed, and fortifies and slrenslhens the natural heat^ causing the superiuity in the stomach tc descend.
Q. Why is it wholesome to Tomit ? A. It purges th?: stomach of all nauahty humours, expelling them, \vhich would breed agues if they should remain in it; and purge? ihe eyes and head, clearing the brain.
Q. How comes sleep to strengthen the stomach and the digestive faculty ? A. Because in sleep the heat draws inwards, and helps digestion ; but when we awake, the heax returns, and is dispersed through the body.
Of the Gall and Spleeu.
Q. How come living creatures' to have a gall ? A. Be- eause choleric humours are received intait, which Ihrough their acidity help the guts to expel superfluities, also it helps digestion.
Q. How comes the jaundice to proceed from the gnll ? A. The humour of the gall is bluish and yellow ;. therefore, when its pores are stopped, the humours cannot go into the sack thereof, but are mingled with the blood, wandering throughout alt the body^ and infecti-ng the skin.
Q. Why hath not a h&rscy mule, ass, or cow, a gall ? A.- Though those creatirres have no gall in one place, as in a purse or vessel, yet they have one dispersed in small veins..
Q. How comes the spleen to fee black ? A. It is occa- i^ioned by terrestrial aad earthy matter of a black colour. According to physieiaaa, the spleen is the receptacle of mC"- lancholy, and that is black.
Q. Why is he lean who hath a large spleen ? A. Be- cau-se the spleen draws much water to itself, which v/ouhl turn to fat ; therefore^ men that have but a smaM; spleea are fat. <S
Q. Why does the spleen cause men to feugh, as says Isa- d'orus : « We laugh with the spleen,we are angry with th<^ gall, we are wise with the heart, we love with the liver, we feel vnth the brain^ and speak with the kings ?" A. The reason is, the spleen draws much mielancholy to it, being it» proper seat, the which melancholy proceeds from sadaesSj. and is there consumed j and the cause failing, the effect doth' so likewise. And by the same reason the gall causes an- 'i^'er ; for choleric men are oftea angry, because they hav»- much ealic
ahistotle's problems. 315
Of Carnal Copulation.
Q. Why do living creatures use carntil copulation ? A, Because it is mosi natural in them to get their like.
Q. What is carnal copulalioa ? A. It is a mutual actioJi of male and female, with instruments ordained for that pur- pose, to propagate their kind.
Q. Why is this action sfood in those who use it lawfully end moderatelj' ? A. Because it eases and liahtens the body, clears the mind, comforts the head and senses, and expels imelancholy.
Q. Why is immoderate carnal copulation hurtful ? A. r>ecause it destroys the sight, dries the body, and impaii's the brain; often causes fevers, and shortens life also.
Q. Why doth carnal copulation injure melancholic or choleric men, especially thin men ? A. Because it dries the bones much, which aie naturally so. On the contrary, it is good for the phlegmatic and sanguine, because they abound with that substance which, by nature, is necessarilj expelled.
Q. Why should not the act be used when the body is full ? A. Because it hinders digestion ; and it is not good for :^ hungry belly, because it weakens.
Q, Why is it not good soon after a bath ? A. Because liieu the pores are open, and the heat dispersed through the body ; for after bathing it cools the body too much.
Q. Why is it not proper after vomiting or looseness ? A. Because it is dangerous to purge twice a day ; for in this act tiie reins are purged, and the guts by the vomit.
Q. Why is there such delight in the act of venery ? A» Because this act is such a contemptible thing in itself, that all creatures would naturally abhor it, were there no plea- .sure in it; and therefore nature readily uses it, that all Xiiids of living things should be maintained and kept up.
Q. Why do such as use it often take less delight in il " vdn those who come to it seldom ? A. 1. The put!:-' , j-es (; Llie seed are over large and wide; and therefore it mak- i no stay there, which would cause the delight. 2. Thro sgbi oiten evacuation there is little seed left, and therefore no delight. 3. Becau.se such, instead of seed, cast out bl'>od undigested and raw, or some other watery substance, Wiii;;J» ii not hot, and therefore allords no delight.
Of the Seed of Man or Beasts.
Q. How, and of what, cometh the seed of man ? A. Some philosophers and physicians say, it is superfluous humour; otliers say, thai the seed is pure blood flowing from the
116 aeistotle's problems.
brain, concocted and whitened in the testicles ; but sweat, urine, spittle, phlegm, choler, and the like, and blood dis- persed throughout the whole body, come chiefly from the heart, liver, and brain, because those parts are greatly weakened by casting seed ; and therefore it appears tha*^^ frequent carnal copulation is not good.
Q. Why is a man's seed white, and a woman's red ? A. It is white in men by reason of great heat and quick diges- tion, because it is rarified in the testicles ; but a woman's is red, because the terms corrupt the undigested blood, and it hath its colour.
Q. How come females to have monthly courses ? A. Be- cause they are cold in respect of men, and because all their nourishment cannot be converted into blood, a great part of which turns to menses, which are monthly expelled.
Q. For what reason do not the menses come down in fe- males before the age of 13 ? A. Because young womcn are not, and digest all their nourishment.
Q. For what reason do they leave off at about 50 ? A. Because nature is then so exhausted that they cannot expel them by reason of weakness.
Q. VVhy have not breeding women the menses ? A. Be- cause that then they turn into milk, and into the nourish- ment of the child ; for if a woman with child have them, it is a sign she will miscarry.
' Q. Why are they termed metish-uay from the word mensiSj a month ? A. Because it is a space of time which measures the moon, as she ends her course in 29 days and 14 hours.
Q. Why do they continue longer with some than others, as with some six or seven, but commonly with all three days '/ A. The first are cold, therefore they increase most in them, and consequently are longer expelling : other wo- men are more hot, and therefore they have fewer, and are sooner expelled.
Q. Are the menses which are expelled, and those which the child is engendered of, all one ? A. No, because th« one are unclean, and unfit for that purpose; but Uie other very pure and clean, therefore the fittest for generation.
Q. Why have not women their menses at one and the same time, but some in the nev/ moon, some in the full, and others at the wane ? A. From their several complexions ; and though all women (in respect of men) are phlesfmatic, yet some are more sanguine than others, some more chole- ric: and as the moon hath her quarter's, so have women their complexions; the first sanguine, the second choleric. Q. Why do women easily conceive after their menses f A. Because the womb being cleaixasd^ they are better pre- via red for rorippnLuin.
AEISTOTJ-E'S rROBLKilii. 117
Q. Why do women look pale when they have their menses «pon {hem ? A. Because then the heat goes from the out- ward pails of the body to the inward, to help nature and expel their terms, which deprivation of heat doth cause a paleness in the face. Or, because that flux is caused of raw humours, which, when they run, make the face colour- less.
Q. Why do they at that time abhor their meat ? A. Be- cause nature labours more to expel their terms than digest ; and therefoie, if they should eat, their food would remain Taw in the stomach.
Q. Why are some women barren and do not conceive ? A. 3. It proceeds sometimes from the roan, who may be of a cold nature, so that his seed is unlit for generation. 2. Because h is waterish, and so doth not stay in the womb. 3. Ey reasoa that the seed of them both has not a like proportion, as if the man be melancholy and the woman, sanguine, or the man choleric and the woman phlegmatic.
Q. Why do fat women seldom conceive ? A. Because they have a slippery womb, and the seed will not slay in it. Or, because the mouth of the matrix is very strait, and the seed cannot enter in, or, if it does, it is so very slowly that it grows cold and unfit for generation.
Q. VVhy do those of hot constitutions seldom conceive ? A. Because the seed in them is extinguished or put out, as water cast into fire ; wherefore we find, that wom.en who vehemently desire the fiesh seldom conceive.
Q. Why are whores never v/ith child ? A. By reason of divers seeds, which corrupt and spoil the instruments of conception, for it makes them so siippery that they cannot retain seed. Or else it is because one man's seed destroys another, so neither is good for generation.
Q. Why do women conceive tv/ins ? A. Because there are seven cells or receptacles in the Avomb ; wherefore they may naturally have so many children at once as there falls *ecd into those cells.
Q. VVhy are twins but half men, and not so strong as others ? A. The seed which should have been for one, is ilivided into two, and therefore they aie weakly and seldom live long.
0/ Hermaphrodites.
Q. How arc hermaphrodites begotten ? A. Nature doth always tend to that which is best, and always intendeth Xo beget the male and not the female, because the female ii» only for the male's mate : therefore the male is sometimes begotten in all its principal parts: and yet, through the evil
118 aiustotle's pboblems.
disposition of the womb and object, and inequality of the seeds, when nature cannot perfect the male, she brings forth the female too. And therefore natural philosophers say> that an hermaphrodite is impotent in the privy parts of man, as appears by experience.
Q. Is an hermaphrodite accounted a man or woman ? A* It is to be considered in which member he is fittest for co- pulation ; if he be fittest in the woman's, then he is a wo- man; if in the man's, he is a man.
Q. Should he be baptized in the name of a man or w»> man ? A. In the name of a man, because names are given ad placitu7n, and therefore he should be baptized according to the worthiest name, because every agent is worthier than its patient.
Of Monsters.
Q. Doth Nature make any monsters ? A. She doth ; if she did not, then would she be deprived of her end. For of things possible, she doth always propose to bring forth that which is most perfect and best ; but in the end, through the evil disposition of the matter, not being able to bring forth that which she intended, she brings forth that which she can. As it happened in Albertus's time, when, in a certain village, a cow brought forth a calf, half a man -, then the countrymen suspecting a shepherd, would have burnt him with the cow ; but Albej tus, being skilful in astronomy, said, that this did proceed from a special constellation, and eo delivered the shepherd from their hands.
Q. Are they one or two ? A. To find out this, you must look into the heart ; if there be two hearts, there be two men.
0/ Infants,
Q. Why are some children like their father, some like their mother, some to both, and some to neither ? A. If the seed of the father wholly overcome that of the mother, the child doth resemble the father; but if the mother's predo- jninatc, then it is like the mother; but if he be like neither that doth happen sometimes through the four qualities, some- times through the influence of some heavenly constellation.
Q. Why are the children oftener like the father than the mother ? A. It proceeds from imagination of the mother in the act of copulation, as appeared in a queen who had her imagination on a blackamoor ; and in an Ethiopian queen, who brought forth a white child, because her imagination was upon a white colour; as is .seen in Jacob's skill in casting rods of divers colours into the water when his sheep 'Went to ram.
ARISTOTLE'S rHOBLEJHS. JjfQ
Q. Why do children born in the eighth month for the most part die quickly ; and why are they called the children of the moon ? A. Because the moon is a cold planet, which has dominion over tlie child, and therefore doth bind it with its coldness, which is the cause of its death.
Q. Why doth a child cry as soon as it is born ? A. Be- eause of the sudden change from heat to cold ; which cold doth affect its tenderness. Another reason is, because the , child's soft and tender body is wringed and put together coming out of the narrow and straight passage of the ma- trix ; and especially, the brain being moist, and the head i pressed and wrinkled together, is the cause that some bu-- mours distil by the eyes, which are the cause of tears and \reeping.
Q. Why doth the child put its linger into its mouth as soon as it cometh into the world ? A. Because that coming out of the womb it cometh out of a hot-bath, and entering into the cold, puts its fingers into its mouth for want of heat.
Of the Child in the Womb.
Q. How is the child engendered in the womb ? A. Th« iirst six days the seed hath the colour of milk ; but in the six days following a red colour, Avhich is near unto the dis- position of flesh J and then it is changed into a thick sulv fitance of blood, But in the twelve days following, this substance becomes so thick and sound, that it is capable of receiving shape and form.
Q. Doth the child in the womb void excrements or make ■water ? A. No ; because it hath not the first digestion, which is in the stomach. It receives no food by the mouth, but by the navel ; therefore, makes no urine, but sweats, which is but little, and is received in a skin in the matrix, vrhich at the birth is cast out.
Of Abortion and Untimely Birth.
Q. Why do women that eat unwholesome meats easily miscarry ? A. Because they breed putrified seed, which, the mind abhorring, doth cast it out of the womb, as unfit for the mo3t noble shape which is adapted to receive the soal.
Q. Why doth wrestling or leaping cause the casting of the child, as some subtle women do on purpose ? A. The vapour is burning, and doth easily hurt the tender sukstanco of the child, entering in at the pores of the matrix.
Q. Why doth much joy cause a woman to miscarry ? A. Because in the time of joy a woman ia destitute of beat, and 6« miacarriage doth follow.
220 Aristotle's problems.
Q. Why do women easily miscarry vhen they are first with child, viz. the first, second, or third month ? A. As apples and pears easily fall at first, because the knots and ligaments are weak, so it is with a child in the womb.
Q. Why is it hard to miscarry in the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth months ? A. .Because then the ligaraeuta are stronger and well fortified.
Of Divers Matters.
Q. Why has not a man a tail like a beast ? A. Because a man is a noble creature, whose property is to sit ; v/hich a beast, liaving a tail, cannot.
Q. Why does hot water freeze sooner than cold ? A. Hot water is thinner, and gives belter entrance to the frost-
Q. Why is every living thing dull after copulation ? A. By reason that the act is filthy and unclean; and so every living creature abhors it. When men do think upon it, they are ashamed and sad.
Q. Why cannot drunken men judge of taste as well as sober men ? A. Because the tongue, being full of pores and spungy, receives great moisture into it, and more in drunk- en men than in sober ; therefore the tongue, through often drinking, is full of bad humours ; and so the faculty of tast- ing is rendered out of order: also, through the thickening of the taste itself, drink taken by drunkards is not presently felt. And by this may be also understood why drunkards iiave not a perfect speech.
Q. Why have melancholy beasts long ears ? A. The cars proceed from a cold and dry substance, called a gristle, which is apt to become bone; and because melancholy beasts do abound with this kind of substance, they have iong ears.
Q. Why do hares sleep with their eyes open ? A. I. They have their eyes standing out, and their eyelids short, therefore, never quite shut. 2. They are timorous, and, as a safeguard to themselves, sleep with their eyes open.
Q. Why do not crows feed their young till they be nine days old ? A. Because seeing them of another colour, they think they are of another kind.
Q. Why are sheep and pigeons mild ? A. They want galls, the cause of anger.
Q. Why have birds their stones inward ? A. Because if outward they would hinder their flying and lightness.
Q. How comes it that birds do not piss ? A. Becamse that superfluity which would be converted into urine, is turned into feathers.
Q. How do wc hear better by night thun by day ? A. Be.
Aristotle's froulem3. 121
canse there is a greater quietness in the nij>ht than iti the day, for the sun doth not exhale the vapours by night, bat it doth iu the day : therefoie the mean is more lit than ia the day; and the mean being lit, the motion is better r«^ wived, which is said to be caused by a sound.
Q. For what reason doth a man laugh sooner when touched in the armpits than in the other parts of the body ? A. Because there is in that place a meeting of many sinews, and the mean we touch, which is the flesh, is mor% subtle than in other parts, and therefore of finer feeling. When a man is moderately and gently touched there, the spirits that are dispersed run into the face, and caase laughter.
Q. Why do some women love white men, and some black men? A. 1. Some Avomen have a weak sight, and such delight in black, because white doth hurt the sight, more than black. 2. Because like delight in like ; but some women are of a hot nature, and such are delighted with black, because blackness followeth heat; and others are of a cold nature, and these are delighted with white, because cold produces white.
Q. Why do men incline to sleep after labour? A. B^ cause, through continual moving, the heat is dispersed to the external parts of the body, which, after labour, is gathered together to the internal parts, there to digest ; and from digestion vapours rise from the heart to the brain, which stop the passages by which the natural heat should be dispersed to the external part ; and then, the external parts being cold and thick, by reason of the coldness of the brain, sleep is easily procured. By this it appearetii, that such as eat and drink loo much do sleep much and long, because there are great store of humours and vapours bred ia such persons, which cannot be digested and consumed by the natural heat.
Q. Why are such as sleep much evil disposed and ill co. loured ? A. Because in too much sleep moisture is gathered together which cannot be consumed, and so it doth covet to go out through the superficial parts of the body, and espe- cially it resorts to the face, and therefore is the cause of bad colour, as appeareth in such as be phlegmatic, and who ♦lesire more sleep than others.
Q. Why do some imagine in their sleep that they eatandl drink sweet things ; A. Because the phlegm drawn up by the jaws doth distil and drop to the throat ; and this phlegm is swep-t after a sore sweat, and that seemeth so to them.
Q. Why do some dream in their slc(?p that they are ia Ifce water and drowned, and some tliat they are in th«
12^ AEISTOTLES PHOBLEl^IS.
water and not drowned ; especially such as are phlegmatic ? A. Because v^hen the phlegmatic substance doth turn to the high parts of the body, then they think they are in the water and drowned ; but when that substance draweth unto the internal parts, then they think they escape. Another reason may be, overmuch repletion and drunkenness ; and therefore, when men are overmuch filled with meat, the fumes and vapours ascend and gather together, and they think they are di'owned and sU'angled ; but if they cannot ascend so high, then they seem to escape.
Q. May a man procure a dream by an external cause ? A. It may be done. If a man speak softly at another's ear and awake him not, then of this stirring of the spirits there are thunderings and buzzings in the head, which cause dreaming.
Q. How many humours are there in a man^s body ? A. Four ; whereof every one hath its proper place. The first is choler, called by physicians stava, bilis^ which is placed in the liver. The second is melancholy, called atra hilis, Avhose seat is in the spleen. The third is phlegm, whose place is in the head. The fourth is blood, whose place is in the heart.
Q. What condition and quality hath a man of a sanguine complexion ? A. He is fair and beautiful ; hath his hair for the most part smooth ; is bold ; retaineth that which he hath conceived ; is shame-faced, given to music, a lover of sciences, liberal, courteous, and not desirous of revenge.
Q. What properties do follow those of a phlegmatic com- plexion ? A. They are dull of wit, their hair never curls, • they are seldom very thirsty, much given to sleep, dream of taii!gs belonging to the water, are fearful, covetous, given to heap up riches, and are weak in the act of venery.
Q. What are the properties of a choleric man ? A. He is soon angry, furious, and quarrelsome, given to war, pale coloured, and unquiet, drinks much, sleeps little, and desires of men's company much.
Q. What are the properties of a melancholy man ? A. He is brown in complexion, unquiet, his veins hidden, eateth little and digesteth less, dreameth of dark and confused things, is sad, fearful, exceeding covetous, and incontinent.
Q. What dreams do follow these complexions? A. Plea- sant merry dreams do follow the sanguine ; fearful dreams, the melancholic ; the chaieric dream of children, fighting, and fire ; and the phlegmatic dream of water. This is the reason why a man's complexion is said to be known bf his dreams. ^ Q. What is the reason that if you cover aa egg over
Aristotle's problem:?. 123
with salt, and let it lie in it a few days, all the meat within is consumed ? A. The great dryness of the salt consumes the substance of the egg.
Q. Why is the melancholic complexion the worst ? A. Because it proceeds from the dregs of blood, is an enemy to mirth, and bringeth on an aged appearance and death, being cold and dry.
Q. What is the cause that some men die joyful, and some in extreme grief? A. Over great joy doth overmuch heat the internal parts of the body; and overmuch grief doth drown and suffocate the heart, which failing, a man dieth.
Q. Why hath a man so much hair on his head ? A. The hair of the head proceeds from the vapours v/hich arise from the stomach, and ascend to the head, and also of the superfluities which are in the brain ; and those two passing through the pores of the head are converted into hair, by reason of the heat and dryness of the head. And because man's body is full of humours, and he hath more brains, than any other creatnre, and also more superfluities in the brains, which the brain expelleth : hence it followeth that he hath more hair than any other living creature.
Q. How many ways is the brain purged, and other hidden places of the body ? A. Four; the watery and gross hu- mours are purged by the eyes, melancholy by the eai'S, cho- ler by the nose, and phlegm by the hair.
Q. V/hat is the reason that such as are very fat in their youth are in danger of dying on a sudden ? A. Such have very small and close veins, by reason of their fatness, so that the air and the breath can hardly have free course in them ; and thereupon the natural heat, wanting the refreshment of air, is put out, and as it were quenched.
Q. Why do garlic and onions grow after they are gather- ed ? A. It proceedeth from the humidity that is in them.
Q. Why do men feel cold sooner than women ? A. Be- cause men, being more hot than women, have their pores more open, and therefore it doth sooner enter into them than women.
Q. Why are not old men so subject to the plague as young men and children ? A. They are cold, and their pore:^not 80 open as in youth ; and therefore the infecting air doth not penetrate as soon by reason of their coldness.
.Q. Why do we cast water in a man's face when he swoon- eth ? A. Because that through the coldness of water the heat anay run, to the heart, and so give strength.
Q. Why are those waters best and most delicate which run towards the sun ri.ging ? A. Because they are soonest stricken with tlie sun beams, and made pure and subtle, the
1S4 Aristotle's problems,
sun havin? them long under it, and by that means taking off the coldness and siross vapours Avhich they gather from the ground they run through.
Q. Why have ^vomeu snch weak and small voices ? A. Because their instruments and orj^ans of speaking, by rea- son of their coldness, are small and narrow ; and, therefore, receiving but little air, cause the voice to be eii'eminate.
Q. Whereof doth it proceed that want of sleep doth weak- en the brain and the body ? A. Much watching doth eu- srender choler, the which being hot doth dry up and lessen the humours which serve the brain, the head, and other parts of the body.
Q Wherefore doth vinegar so readily staunch blood ? A- From its cold virtue; for all cold is naturally binding, and irinegar being cold, hath the like property.
Q. Why is sea Avaler Salter in summer than in Avinler ? A. From the heat of the sun, seeing by experience that a Salt thing being heated becometh more salt.
Q. Why do men live longer in hot regions than in cold ? A, Because they may bjemore dry, and by that means the jsatural heat is belter preserved in them than in cold coun- Iries.
Q. Why is well water seldom or ever good ? A. Art vrater which standeth still in the spring, and ia never heated fey the sunbeams, is very heavy, and hath much earthy mat- ter in it ; and therefore, wanting the heat of the sun, is caught.
Q. Why do men sleep better and more at ease on the tight side than on the left? A. Because when they lie oa the left side, the lung? do lie upon and cover the heart, which is OH that side under the pap; nov/ the heart, the fountain of life, being thus occupied and hindered with the lungs, cannot exercise its own proper operation, as being overmuch heated with the lungs lying upon it, and there- fore, wanting the refreshment of the air which the lungs do give it, Jike the blowing of a pair of bellows, is choaked and Kuilbcaled ; but by lying on the right side, these inconveni- ences are avoided.
Q. What is the reason that old men sneeze with great difficulty ? A. Because that through their coldness their arteries are very narrow and close, and therefore the heat is not of force to expel the cold.
Q. Why doth a drunken man think that all things about him do turn round ? A. Because the spirits which serve the sight are mingled with vapours and fumes, arising from the liquor he has drank : the overmuch heat causeth the eye to be in continual motion ; and the eye being rouud eauseth all things about it to seem to go round.
ARISTOTLE^S PROBLEMS. 125
Q. Wherefore doth it proceed, that bread, which is made with salt, is lighter than that which is made without it, considering salt is very heavy of itself, yet the salt dries it, and makes it light, by reason of the heat which it hath : and the more heat there is in it, the better the bread is, and the lighter and more wholesome for the body.
Q. Why is not new bread good for the stomach ? A. Be- cause it is full of moistness, and thick and hot vapours, which do corrupt the blood ; and hot bread is blacker than cold, because heat is the mother of blackness, and because the vapours are not gone out of it.
Q. Why do lettuces make a man sleep? A. Because they engender gross vapours.
Q. Why do the dregs of wine and oil go to the bottom, and those of honey swim uppermost ? A. Because the dregs of wine and oil are earthj'^, and therefore go to the bottom ; but honey is a liquor that cometh from the stomach and belly of the bee, and is there in some sort purified and made subtle ; on which account the dregs are most light and hot, and therelbre go uppermost.
Q. Why do cats' and wolves' eyes shine in the night, and not in the day ? A. The eyes of these beasts are by nature more crjstalline than the eyes of other beasts, and therefore do shine in darkness ; but the brightness of the sun doth hinder them from being seen in the day time.
Q. W^hat is the reason that some men, when they see others dance, do the like with their hands and feet, or by other gestures of the body ? A. Because the sight having carried and represented unto the mind that action, and judging the same to be pleasant and delightful, therefore, the imagination draweth the likenes of it in conceit, and stirs up the body by the gestures.
Q. Why does much sJeep cause some to grow fat and some lean ? A. Those who are of ill complexion, when they sleep, do consume and digest the superfluities of what they have eaten, and therefore become fat. But such as are of good complexion, when they sleep, are more cold, and digest less.
Q. How and from what cause do we suffer hunger better than thirst ? A. When the stomach hath nothing else to consume, it consumeth the phlegm and humours which it findeth most ready and most at hand ; and therefore we suft'er hunger better than thirst, because the heat hath nothing to refresh itself with.
Q.. Why doth tiie hair fall after a great sickness ? A. Where the sickness is long, as in an ague, the humour* of the head are dried up through over much heat, and, there- fore, wanting nourishment the hair falls
I^ ahistotle's problems.
Q. Why doth the hair of the eyebrows grow long in old men ? A. Because through their age the bones of the eye- lids are thin for want of heat, and therefore the hair doth grow there by reason of the rheums of the eyes.
Q. Whereof proceedeth gaping ? A. Cf gross vapours, which occupy the vital spirits of the head, and of the cold- . uess of the senses, causing sleepiness. (i
Q. ¥/hat is the reason that some dowers do open with the sun rising, and shut with the sv.n selling ? A. Cold "; doth close and shut, as hath been said, but the heat of the aun doth open and enlarge. Some compare the sun to the eoul of the body; for as the soul giveth life, and when it departeth death foiloweth, so the sun doth give life, and vivicate all things ; but cold bringeth death, Vv'iUiering and decaying all things.
Q. Why doth grief cause men to grow old and grey ? A- Age is nothing else but dryness and want of humours in the body ; grief then causcth alteration, and heat dryness j age and greyness follow immediately.
Q. Why are gelded beasts weaker than such as are not gelded ? A. Because they have leas heat, and by that means less force and strensth.
PROBLEMS OF M. ANTONIUS ZIMARUS SANTIPERTIAS,
Q. Why is it esteemed, in the judgment of the most wise, the hardest thing to know a man's self? A. Because noth- ing can bs known that is of so great importance to man, for the regulation of his conduct in life. Without this knowledge, man is like the ship which has neither compa&s nor rudder to conduct her to pert, and is tossed by every passion and prejudice to which his natural constitution ia subjected. To know the form and periection of man's self, according to the philosophers, is a task too hard; and a man, says Plato, is nothing, or if he be any thing, he 13 nothing but his soul.
Q. Why is a man, though endowed with reason, the most unjust of all living creatures ? A. Because man only is desirous of honour ; and so it happens, that every one coverts to seem good, and yet naturally sliuns labour, though he attain no virtue by it.
Q. V/hy doth immoderate copulation do more hurt than immoderate letting cf blood ? A. The seed is fuller of nu- triment, and better prepared for the nature of the body, than the blood ; for the body is nourished by the seed.
Q. What is the reason that those who have long yards oannot beget children ? A. The seed, in going a long dis- tance, doth lose the spirit, and therefore becomes cold and unfit.
Q. Why do such as are corpulent cast forth but little seed in the act of copulation, and are often barren ? A, Because the seed of such goes to nourish the body. For the same reason corpulent women have but few menses.
Q. How come women to be prone to venery in the sum- mer time, and men in winter '/ A, In summer, the man's testicles hang down, and are feebler than in winter; or, because hot natures become most lively in the cold season j for a man is hot and dry, a woman cold and moist ; and therefore in summer the strength of men decays, and that of women increases, and they grow livelier by the benefit of the contrary quality.
Q. Why is man the proudest of all living creatures ? A. By reason of his great knowledge ; or, as philosophers say, ail intelliirent beings having understanding, nothing remains that escapes man's knowledge in particular ; or it is because he haih rule over all earthly creatures, and all things seem to be brought under his dominion.
128 SANTIPERTIAS'S TROBLEMS.
Q. Why have beasts their hearts in the middle of their breasts, and man his inclining to the left side ? A. To moderate the cold on that side.
Q. Why doth a woman love the man best who has got her maidenhead ? A. By reason of shamefacedness ; Plato saith, shamefacedness doth follow love. Or, because it is the beginning of great pleasure which doth bring a great alteration in the whole body, whereby the powers of the mind are much delighted, and stick and rest immoveable in the same.
Q. How come hairy people to be more lustful than any others ? A. Because they are supposed to have great store of excrements and seed, as philosophers assert.
Q. What is the cause that the suffocation of the matrix, which happens to women through strife and contention, is more dangerous than the detaining of the flowers ? A. Be- cause, the more perfect an excrement is, in its natural dis- position, the worse it is when it is altered from that dispo- sition, and drawn to the contrary quality ; as is seen in vinegar, which is sharpest wJien it is made of the best wine. And so it happens that the more men love one another, the more they fall into variance and discord.
Q. How come women's bodies to be looser, softer, and less than men's ; and why do they want hair ? A. By reason of their menses ; for with them their superfluities go away, which would produce hair ; and thereby the flesh is filled, consequently the veins are more hid in women than in men.
Q. What is the reason that when we think upon a hor- rible thing, we are stricken with fear ? A. Because the conceit or imagination of things has force and virtue. For Plato saith the fancy of things has some affinity with the things themselves ; for the image and representation of cold and heat is such as the nature of the things are. Or it is, because when we comprehend any dreadful matter, the blood runneth to the internal parts ; and therefore the ex- ternal parts are cold, and shake with fear.
Q. Why dotli a radish root help digestion, and yet itself remaineth undig^ested ? A. Because the substance con- sisteth of divers parts; for there are some thin parts in it, which are fit to digest meat, the which being dissolved, there doth remain some thick and close substance in it, which the heat cannot digest.
Q. Why do such as cleave wood cleave it easier in the length than athwart? A. Because in the wood there is a grain, whereby, if it be cut in length, in the very cutting, one part naturally separateth from another.
Q. What is the reason, that if a spear be stricken on the
APHRODISKUS'S PR0BLE4I8. 129
end, the sound comeih sooner to one which standeth near, than to him who striketh ? A. Because, as hath been said, there is a certain long grain in wood, directly forward, filled with air, but on the side there is none, and therefore a beam or spear being stricken on the end, the air which is hidden receiveth a sound in the aforesaid grain, which serv- eth for its passage ; and, seeing the sound cannot go easily out, it is carried unto the air of him who is opposite ; as those passages do not go from side to side a sound cannot be distinctly heard there.
Q. Why are the thighs and calves of the legs of men fleshy, seeing the legs of beasts are not so ? A. It is be- cause men only go upright; and therefore Nature hath givea the lower parts corpulency, and taken it away from the upper ; and thus she hath made the buttocks, the thighs, and calves of the legs fleshy.
Q. Why are the sensible powers in the heart ; yet, if the hinder part of the brain be hurt, the memory suffereth by it; if the fore part, the imagination; if the middle, the cogitative part ? A. It is because the brain is appointed by Nature to cool the heat of the heart; whereof it is, that ia divers of its parts it serveth the powers and instrument* with their heat, for every action of the soul doth not pr^ Med from one measure of heat.
PROBLEMS OF ALEX. APHRODISEUS.
Q. Why doth the sun make a man black, and dirt white, wax soft, and dirt hard ? A. By reason of the disposition of the substance that doth suffer. All humours, phlegra excepted, when heated above measure, do seem black about the skia ; and dirt, being full either of saltpetre, or sal; liquor, when the sun hath consumed its dregs and filth, doth become white a?ain ; when the sun hath drawn and stirred up the humidity of wax, it is softened ; but in dirt the sun doth consume the humidity, which is very much, and makes it hard.
Q. Why are round ulcers hard to be cured ? A. Be- cause they are bred of a sharp choler, which eats and gnaws ; and because it doth run, dropping and gnawing, it makes a round ulcer ; for which reason it requires drying medicines, as physicians assert.
Q. Why is honey sweet to all men but such as have the jaundice ? A. Because they have much bitter choler aU
130 APHRODISEUS'S PROBLEMS.
over their bodies, which abounds in the tongue; whence it happens, when they eat honey the humours are stirred, arxl the taste itself, by the bitterness of choler, causes an ima- gination that the honey is bitter.
Q. Why doth water cast on serpents cause them to fly ? A. Because they are dry and cold by nature, having but liltle blood, and therefore fly from excessive coldness.
Q. Why doth an egg break if it be roasted, and no! if boiled? A. Vfhen moisture comes near the fire, it is heat- ed very much, and so breeds wind, which being pent up in little room, forces its way out, and breaks the shell : the like happens in tubs, or earthen %'essels, when new wine is put into them : too much phlegm breaks the shell of m\ egg in roasting ; it is the same with earthen pots too much heated ; whereof some people wet an e^g v;hen they intend to roast it. Hot water, by its softness, doth dissipate its jiumidity by little and little, and dissolves it through the thinness and passages of the shell.
Q. Why do men wink in the act of copulation, and find a like alteration in all the other senses ? A. Because, be- ing overcome with the effecr of that pleasure, they do comprehend it the better.
Q. W^hy have children gravel breeding in their bladders, and old men in their kidneys and reins ? A. Because children have straight passages in their kidneys, and an earthy thick humour is thrust with violence by the urine to the bladder, which hath wide conduits or passages, that give room for the urine and humour whereof gravel is en- gendered, which waxes thick, and seats itself, as the man- ner of it is. In old men it is the reverse, for they have wide passages of the reins, back, and kidneys, that, the urine may pass away, and the earthy humour congeal and sink down ; the colour of the gravel shows the humour whereof the stone comes.
Q. Why is it, if the stone do congeal and wax hard through heat, we use not contrary things to dissolve it by coldness, but light things, as parsley, iennel, and the like 7 A. It is thought to fall out by an excessive scorching heat, by which the stones do crumble into sand ; as in the man- ner of earthen vessels, which, when they are over heated or roasted, turn to sand. And by this means it happens that small stones are voided, together with sand, in making water. Sometimes cold drink thrusts out the stone, the kidneys being stretched, and casting it out by a great eflbrt, thus easing ihe belly of its burden. Besides, it often hap- pens that immoderate heat of the kidneys, or of the reins of the back (through which the stone doth g:row) is quench- ed witli coldness.
APHR0DIS£U5'fi PROBLEMS. 131
Q. Why is the curing of an ulcer of bile in the kidneys or bladder very hard ? A. Because the urine, being sharp, doth ulcerate the sore. Ulcers are worse to cure in the bladder than in the kidneys, because urine stays in the former, but runs away from the latter.
Q. Why do chaff and straw keep water hot, but make snow cold ? A. Because the nature of chaff wants a mani- fest quality ; seeing, therefore, that of its own nature it can be easily mingled, and consumed by that which it is annexed unto, it easily assumes the same nature, and being put into hot things, it is easily hot, heats again, and keeps hot ; and, on the contrary, being made cold by the snoWj and making the snow cold, it keeps it in its coldness.
Q. Why have we oftentimes a pain in making water ? A. Because sharp choler issuing out, and pricking the bladder of the urine, doth provoke and stir up the whole body to ease the part offended, and to expel the humour moderately. This doth happen most of all unto children, because they have moist excrements, by reason of their often filling.
Q. Why have some medicines of one kind contrary ef- fects, as experience proves ; for masticji doth expel, dissolve, and also knit ; and vinegar cools and heats ? A. Because there are some small invisible bodies in themj not by con- fusion, but by interposition ; as sand moistened doth clog together and seem to be but one body, though indeed there Bre many small bodies in sand. And since this is so, it is not absurd that contrary qualities and virtues should be hidden in mastich, and that nature hath given that virtue to these bodies.
Q. Why do nurses rock and move their children when they would draw them to sleep ? A. To the end that the l^umours being scattered by moving may move the brains ; but those of more years cannot endure this.
Q. Why doth oil, being drank, cause one to vomit, and especially yellow choler ? A. Because, being light, and ascending upwards, it provoketh the nutriment in the sto- mach, and lifteth it up, and so the stomach being grieved, summoneth the ejective virtue to vomit, and especially choler, because that is lifiht, and consisteth of subtle parts, and therefore the sooner carried upward ; for when it h mingled with any moist thing, it runneth into the highest room.
Q. Why doth not oil mingle with moist things ? A. Be- cause, being pliant, soft, and thick in itself, it cannot be divided into parts, and so cannot be mingled; neither if it be put on the earth can it enter into it.
132 ATIIRODISEUS'S I'ROBLEMS,
Q. Why are water and oil frozen in cold weather, and wine and vinegar hot ? A. Because that oil, being with- out quality, and lit to be compounded with any thing, is cold quickly, and so extremely, that it is most cold. Water, be- ing cold of nature, doth easily freeze when it is made colder than its own nature. Wine being hot, and of subtle parts, tuffereth no freezing.
Q. Why do contrary things in quality bring forth the same eifect ? A. That which is moist is hardened and ktound alike by heat and cold. Snow and liquid do freeze with cold ; a plaster, and gravel in the bladder, are made dry with heat. The efiect indeed is the same, but by two divers actions ; the heat doth consume and eat the abun- dance of moisture; but the cold stopping and shutting with its overmuch thickness, doth wring out the filthy humidity, like as a sponge wrung with the hand doth cast out the water which it hath in the pores or small passages.
Q. Why doth a shaking or quivering seize us oftentimes when any fearful matter doth happen, as a great noise or crack made, the sudden downfall of water, or the fall of a large tree ? A. Because that oftentimes the humours be- ing digested and consumed by time, and made thin and weak, all the heat, vehemently, suddenly, and sharply flying into the inward part of the body, consumeth the humours which cause the disease. So treacle hath this effect, and many such like, which are hot and dry, when taken after connexion.
Q. W^hy do steel glasses shine so clearly ? A. Because they are lined in the inside with white lead, whose nature is shining, and being put to glass, which is lucid and trans- parent, doth shine much more ; and casts its beams through the passages, and without the body of the glass ; and by that means the glass is very shining and clear.
Q. Why do we see ourselves in glasses and clear virater ? A. Because the quality of the sight, passing into the bright bodies, by reflection doth return again on the beam of the eyes, as the image of him who looketh on it.
Q. What is the reason, that if you cast a stone into a standing water which is near the surface of the earth, it causes many circles, and not if the water be deep in the earth? A. Because that the stone, with the vehemence of the cast, doth agitate the water in every part of it, until it come to the bottom; and if there be a very great vehe- mence in tlie throw, the circle is still greater, the stone going down unto the bottom causing many circles. For, first of all, it doth divide the outermost and superficial parta of the water into many parts, and so always going down to
APHRODISEUS'S PROULF.MS. lS3
the bottom, again dividing the water, it maketh another circle, and this is done successively until the stone resteth ? and because the vehemence of- the stone is slackened still ;js it goes down, of necessity the last circle is less than the I'irst, because by that and also by its force the water is divided.
Q. Whyaresuch as are deaf by natnre dumb? A. Because ihey cannot speak and express that which the never heard. Home physicians do say, that there is one knitting and nniting of sinews belonging to the like disposition. Bin .such as are dumb by accident are not deaf at all, for then there ariseth a local passion.
Q. Why doth itching arise when an ulcer doth wax whole, and phlegm cease ; A. Because the part which is healed and made sound doth pursue the relic of the humours which remained there against nature, and which was the cause of the bile, and so going out through the skin, and dissolving itself, doth originally cause llie.itch.
Q. How comes a man to sneeze oftener and more vehe- mently than a beast ? A. Because he uses more meats and drinks, and of more different sorts, and that more than re- quisite ; the v/hich, when he cannot digest as he would, he doth gather togetliev mucli air and spirit, by reason of much humidity; the spirits being then very subtle, ascending into the head, often force a man to void them, and so provoke sneezing. The noise caused thereby proceeds from a vehe- ment spirit or breath passing through the conduits of the nostrils, as belching does the stomach, or farting by the fundament, the voice by tho throat, and a sound by the ear.
Q. How come the hair and nails of dead people to grow ? A. Because the flesh rotting, withering, and falling away, that which was hidden about the root of the hair doth nov/ appear as grov/ing. Some say that it grows indeed, because carcases are dissolved in the beginning to many excrements and superfluities, by putrefaction. These going out at the uppermost parts of the body by some passages, do increase the growth of the hair.
Q. Why does not the hair of the feet grow soon grey ? A. For this reason, because that through great motion they disperse and dissolve the superfluous phlegm that breeds greyncss. The hair of the secrets grow very late, because of that place, and because that in carnal copulatioa it di."*- y'olves the phlegm also.
Q. Why, if you put hot burnt barley upon a horse's sore, is the hair which grov/;? upon the sore not white but like lh« other hair I A. Because it hath tlje force of expelling, Rftd doth drive away and dissolve the phlegm, as well as aii
j3i APHP.ODISEUS'S PROBLEMS.
other unprofitable matter that is gathered together through the weakness of the parts, or crudity of the sore.
Q. Why doth hair never grow on an ulcer or bile ? A, Because man hath a thick skin, as it is seen by the thick- ness of his hair; and if the scar be thicker than the skin itself, it stops the passages from whence the hair should grow. Horses have thinner skins, as is plain by their thick hair ; therefore all passages are not stopped in their wounds and sores, and after the excrements which wer« gathered together have broken a passage through those small pores the hair doth grow.
Q. Why is Fortune painted with a double forehead, the one side bald and the other hairy ? A. The baldness sig- nifies adversity ; and hairiness prosperity, which we enjoy when it pleases her.
Q. Why have some commended flattery ? A. Because )ftattery setteth forth before our eyes what we ought to be, though not what we are.
Q. Wherefore sho'Ald virtue be painted girded ? A. To shew that virtuous men should not be slothful, but diligent, and always iti action.
Q. Why did the ancients say it was better to fall into the power of a raven than a flatterer ? A. Because ravens do not eat us till we be dead, but flatterers devour us alive.
Q. Why have choleric men beards before others ? A. Because they are hot and their pores large.
Q. How comes it that such as have the hiccup do ease themselves by holding their breath ? A. The breath re- tained doth heat the interior parts of the body, and thehic^ cup proceeds from cold.
Q. How comes it that old men rememeber well that which they have seen and done in their youth, and forget such things as they see and do in old age ? A. Things learned in youth take deep root and habitude in a person, but those learned in age are forgotten, because the senses are then weakened.
Q. What kind of covetousness is best ? A. That of time, when employed as it ought to be.
Q. Why is our life compared to a stage play ? A. Be- cause the dishonest do occupy the place of the honest, and the worst sort the room of the good.
Q. Why do dolphins, when they appear above the water, denote a storm or tempe^it approaching ? A. Because that at the beginning of a tempest there do arise from the bot- tom of the sea certain hot exhalations and vapours which lieat the dolphins, causing them to rise up for cold air.
Q. Why did the Romaaa call Fabius Maximus the target
APKRODISEUS'S I'KOBLEaiS. 235
ofthe people, arid Marcellus the sword ? A. Because the one adapted himself to the service of the commonwealth, and the other was very eager to revenge the injuries of his country ; and yet they were in the senate joined together, because the gravity of the one would moderate the courage and boldness of the other.
Q. Why doth the shining of the moon hurt the head ? A. Because it moves the humours of the brain, and cannot af- terwards dissolve them.
Q. If water do not nourish, vi^hy do men drink it 7 A. Because water causes the nutriment to spread through the body.
Q. Why is sneezing good ? A. Because it purgeth the brain, as milk is purged by the cough.
Q. Why is hot water lighter than cold ? A. Because boiling water hath less ventosity, and is more light and subtle, the earthy and heavy substance being separated from it.
Q. How comes marsh and pond v/ater to be bad ? A. By reason they are phlegmatic, and do corrupt in summer; the fineness of water is turned into vapours, and the earthiness doth remain.
Q. Why are studious and learned men soonest bald ? A- It proceeds from a weakness of the spirits, or because warmth of digestion causes phlegm to abound in them.
Q. Why doth much watching make the brain feeble ? A. .Because it increases choler, which dries and extenuates the body.
Q. How come steel glasses to be better for the sight than any other kind ? A. Because steel is hard, and doth pre- sent unto us more substantially the air that receiveth the light.
Q. How doth love shew its greater force ; by making the fool to become wise, or the wise to become a feol ? A. In attributing wisdom to him that hath it not ; for it is harder to build than to pull down; and ordinarily love and folly are but an alteration of the mind.
Q. How comes much labour and fatigue to be bad for the sight ? A. Because it dries the blood too much.
Q. Why is goat's milk reckoned best for the stomach I A. Because it is thick, not slimy ; and they feed on boughs and wood i-ather than grass.
Q. Why do grief and vexation bring gray hairs ? A. Be- cause they dry, which bnngeth on grayness.
Q. How come those to be most merry who have the thickest blood ? A. Because the blood which is fat and thick makes the spirits firm and constant, wherein consists* the force of all creatures.
136 AFHRODISEUS'S PROBLEMS.
Q. Whether is it hardest to obtain a person's love, or ia keep it when obtained ? A. It is hardest to keep it. by reason of the inconstancy of innn, who is quickly angry, and soon weary of a thing ; hard to be gained, and slippery to keep.
Q. Why do serpents shun the herb rue ? A. Becaud© they are cold, dry, and full of sinews, and that herb is of a contraiT nature.
Q. Vv'hy is a capon better to eat than a cock ? A. Be- cause a capon loses not his moisture by treading of the hens.
Q. Why is our smell less in winter than summer ? A. Because the air is thick, and less moveable.
Q. Why does hair burn so quickly ? A. Because it is dry and cold.
Q. Why is love compared to a labyrinth ? A. Becan.s8 the entry and coming in is easy, and the going out almost impossible, or very hard.
PART IV.
ARISTOTLE'S LAST LEGACY;
Fully unfolding the Mysteries of J^ature in ihs Generation of Man.
INTRODUCTION.
When the Almighty Architect of the World had formed the heavens in the beginningjand laid the foundatons of the earth, and had created a fair and beautiful world out of «. rude mass and undigested chaos, and by his powerful fiat had brought into being all the several species of vegetables and animals, and given even to the plants and vegetables to have seed in themselves for producing their several kinds or form, and to the animals (which he created male and fe- male) the power of propagating their species, and had adorned the v^rorld with all those beautiful and glorious em- bellishments that his consummate wisdom and goodness saw fit and requisite for the wonderful guest he designed to bring into it, he at last created man, as a microcosm or lesser world, to be lord of this greater AVorld, not with a bare fiat only, as he did the rest of his creatures, but called, as it were, a council of the sacred Trinity about it, saying, " Let US make man in our own image, after her own like- ness, " &c. as the divine historian expresses : so that man, in his original, is a ray of the divinity, and the very breath of the Almighty ; and therefore it is said "God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and he became a living isoul.*' Man being tlius created, and miidc lord ollhe v/orld had in himself at first both sexes; for the text tells us, ** Male and female created he them, and culled iheii" name
136 Aristotle's last legacy.
Adam." But yet, till Adam was divided, he was still alone : thoufjh every other jivins: thing had a mate, he had none, though he was lord of all ; so tiiat in Paradise itself he seem- ed uiih3ppy, wanting a meet help; and therefore his mnni- licent Maker, resolving to make him completely happy, di- - vides him from himself, that by a more agreeable conjune- lion he might be united to himself asraia ; and so a part of Inrnself was formed Eve, whom Adam having never seen before, by sympathy of nature, directly called, "'bone of his bone, and flesh of iiis ilesh.'^ And Adam having thus found a help-mate given him by his Creator, vvras now completely happy; and being blessed by the Almii^hty, had thislav.^ al- so" given him, to increase and multiply, he being endowed with a natural propension thereunto, and the woman hav- ing a plastic power given her by nature for the formation of the embryo. This natural inclination and propension of the sexes to each other, with the plastic power of nature, is only the energy of the first blessing and command of the Almighty, and which, to this day, upholds the world.
The mystery cf the generation of that noblest piece ot creation, man, and the unfolding of the plastic pov.'er of na- ture in the secret v/orkings of generation, and formation of the seed in the womb, v^'as the subject of a previous treatise ; a subject so necessary to be knov.'a by all the female sex (the conception and bearing cf children being that which nature has ordained their province) that n:iany, for want of the knowledge thereto, perish, with the fruit of their womb also, who, had they but understood the secret of generation displayed in that book, might have heen still in the land of the living. •
It is therefore for the use of such that this and the pre- ceding treatise were complied ; wherein the mystery of ger.- eration is not only revealed, and the abstruse secrets cf na- ture made known, but the obstructions and hindrances of generation are declared, and proper remedies against all the defects of the womb most fully precribed.
CHAP. I.
Of Virginity, xdhai it is, ih Si^ns and Tckens^ and hoiL' a Man may know tcheiher he marries a Virgin or no'.
The great Maker of the universe, who gives nil creatures life and being, and apower in themselves to propagate their kind or specie?, eveu to the eud of l.'ie wprld. has to that
AmS'lorLE^S L.VST LEGACY* 33?
eiiSBrealed them male and female ; and these two of con- trary natures and qualities; for in. this noble pair, viz. man-- and woman, iLe man is hot and dr}^ the woma:! cold and 2Jioist ; and these twodilierent qualities uniting are ordainj(i l.iv nature for the procreation of children, the seed cf toc man being the efficient cause, and the womb of the vraman the field of generation, v/herein the seed is nourished, and ihe embryo conceived and formed, and h\ due time broaghi forth.
Since the woman then has so great a part in the genera- tion of man, I shall endeavour to show hov/ nature has fit- ted her for it; and because a knowledge of tbe disease (I'v, it what it will) is haifthe cure, I have already, in a forego- ing part of this woric, given a full description of the several parts or members of generation ; that so, at any time, if any part be affected or out of order, it may be sooaer rec- tified.
And since the first state of woman is virginity ; in speak- ing of it I will first show what it is, and then lay down somfe signs and tokens of it, by which it may be known.
Virginity is the boast and pride of the fair sex, though they generally commend it to put it oil', and that they may the sooner get a good husband, and thereby lose it : and \ • tiiinlc they are in the right of it ; for if they keep it too lonj* it grows useless, or at least abates much of its value ; a. stale virgin (if such a thing there he) being looked upon like an old almanac, out of date. Virginity is the chiefs the best, the prime of any thing, and is properly the integ- rity of a woman's privities, not violated by man, nor knowa tiy him, it being the property of a virgin not to have known iTian. But, to come a little more close, there is in the neck of the womb of young maids a pendulous production, called the hymen^ which is like the bud of a rose haif blown, nod this is broken in the first act of copulation with a man, and from thence came the wonldejloro, or deflower, because t\ut taken away of virginity is called deflowering a virgins • for. ■when this rose-bud is expanded, virginity is wholly lost.
Certain it is, there is in the first act of copulation som<»- thjng that <;auseth pain and bleeding, which is an c\'idenr sign of virfdnity ; but what it is, authors agree not; some say, it is a nervous membrane, or thin skin, with small veiny which bleeds at the first penetration of the yard ; others' say, it is four carbuncles, or bits of flesh, or little buds, lihc myrtle-berries, and these nre i)lump and full in virgins, but hang loose and fla:r in those that have used carnal copn.!a- tion, being pressed by the yard : some have (observed a fl€*hy circle about th<3 vy?nph<ii, or n<'ck vf the wombj \\h\i
J44> AKZSTOTLE^S LAST LEG^CT. ^.
Httle obscure veins, which make the membrane not tor ba aervous but fiesh3%
There is no doubt but that the part which receiveih the yard is not in women that have used a man, as it is in vir- gins ; and yet it is not alike in all, whieh hath caused that diversity of opinions both among authors and anatomists, fortiiis is not found in aB virgins. Excess of lust, or desire of a man, in some, may break the hymen; or daustrwm vir- ginale. Sometimes, when it itchethy they put in their finger and so break it, and sometimes the midv/ives break it in the birth. Sometimes it is done by stopping of the urine, cough- ingj violence, straining, or sneezing ; and therefore, if there be no bleeding at the iirst penciration, it is not always a sign of unchastity : hviX where there is bleeding, it i& an un- questionable proof of virginity.
Leo Africanas makes mention of a custom of the Africans nt their wedding?, which was this : After they were mar- ried, the bridegroom and the bride were shut up in a cham- ber, while the wedding-dinner was preparing ; snd an oki woiaan stood at the chamber-door to receive from the bride- groom a ^heet, having the bloody tokens of the wife's vir- ginity, which she shev/ed in triumph to all the guests, ani then they feasted altogether v/ith joy j bat if there was no blood to be seen, the bride was sent home to her friends with disgrace, and the disappointed guests went sadly home without their dinner. But notwithstanding the African cus- tom, I affirm, that some honest virgins have lost their maidenheads without bleeding, and therefore are not to be censured, as many ignorant men do, who, for want of this token, cause their wives to lead an uncomfortable life ait their days ; those coxcombs (though not cixckoids) fancying themselves to have horns on their heads when it is not so.
Some make the siraitness of the privities to be a sign oJ' virginity, but this is no certain rule ; for much depends up«>f> the age, habit of body, and other circumstances : though it cannot but he acknowledge, that women who have used carnal copulation are not so strait as virgins, yet tliis can be no certain argument for virginity ; for after repealed acts of venery, the privities may be made so strait by the ^se of astringent medicines, that a whore may be sometimes taken for a virgin ; and Culpepper mentions a v/oman thaS was married, v/hc, deiircas to appear a vii-a:in, used a bath of comfrey roots, whereby she deceived those v/hu Irad to do with her.
Some there are who jnake milk in the breasts a sign of lost virginity, not considering tirat there is a iwo-f(dJ rriilk ; the one of virgins, being u malady contraj-y t© uatiuie, th«
ARISTOTLE'S LAST LEGACY. 14 1
otl'ier nntural ; the first is made of blood that cannot fret out of the womb, and so goes to the breasts, being nothing but a superfluous nourishment that is turned into milk by the faculty of the breasts, without knowledge of a man ; the other is only when there is a child either in the wcnjb, or born ; yet the milk differs very much, both in respect of the blood and diversity of veins that bring it to the breasts ; and though both are white, yet that of virgins is thinness, and less iu quantity ; neither is it so sweet. And therefore, if virgins happen to have such milk, they are not for that rea- son to be deemed unchaste.
Upon Xbe w^hole matter, when a man marries, and finds upon lying with his wife the tokens of her virginity, he luus all the reason in the world fo be satisiied he has married a virgin ; but if, on the contrary, he finds them not, he has no reason to suspect her of unchastity, as if she were not a virgin, since the hymen, or daustmm virgmale, may be broken so many other ways, and yet the- \voman be both virtuous and chaste.
And thus much I thought myself bound to say, in the be- ginning, of the female sex, who are often suspected and accused of dish<?nestv, when there is no reason for it.
CHAP. IL
What a W^ornan ought to do, in order to Conception.
Women that are desirous to have children, in order there- into mu*t give themselves to moderate exercise ; for idle- ness and want of exercise are very great enemies to gene- ratian work ; and those that observe it, shall find that our oily dames, who live high and do nothing, seldom have cliiidren, or if they have, they seldom live; whereas, the ^oor women, who accustom then)selves to labour, have many children, and those lusty. Nor need we wonder at ' it, if we conside? the benefit that comes by moderate exercise •and labour; for it opens the ])orc3, quickens the spirits, slirs up the natural heat, strengthen? the body senses, and spirits, and comforts the limbs, and helps nature in her; exercises, of which the procreation of children is not the least. ' I
Next to moderate exercise, she must avoid all manner \ of discontent, and the occasion of it ; for discontent is a great enemy to conception, and contentment and quietness of mind are as great friends to ilj for contentment dilutes
J42 Aristotle's last legacy,
the heart and arteries, whereby the vital blood or spirit f,'? solficientty distributed throughout the body ; and thence arise such affections as please, recreate, and- refresh the nature of man as hope, joy, love, gladness, and mirth. Nor docs it only comfort and strengthen the body, but also the <»perations and imaginations of tbe mother, -whieh work forcibly on the conception of the child ; and therefore wo men ought to take great care that their iraagiaations be pure and clear, that their children may be well formed^
Another thing that women ought to do, in order to coii- ception, is to keep the womb in good order ; and to that end, see that the menses come down as they ought to do : if they are discoloured, then they are out of order: but if the blood come down pure, then women will be very prone to conceive with child, especially if they use copulation a day or two after their monthly terms are stayed.
Another thing a woman that would conceive ought to- observc is, that she use not the act of copulation too often ; for satiety gluts the womb, and makes it unlit to do its of- iice. There are two things demonstrate this; the one is, that common whores (who often use copulation,) have seldom any children ; the other is, thai those women whose husbands have been long absent, conceive very quickly after their return.
And also the time of copulation ought to be convenient^ that there may be no fear or surprise j for fear hinders con- ception.
And then let the time of copulation be natural, and not stirred up by provocatives; and observe also, that the greater the woman's desire of copulation is, the more sub- ject she is to conceive.
A loadstone carried about a woman, causeth not only conception, but concord between man and wife.
CHAP. III.
Things itscessary for Women to observe after Conception.
Women are very subject to miscarriages in the two first months after conception, because then the ligaments are nveak, and soon broken* To prevent which, let the woman «very morning drink a good draught of sage ale, and it will 4o her abundance of good.
But if signs of abortion or miscarriage appear, let her lay & loast dipped in lent, in case mascadel cannot be gotttiij
ARISTOTLE^S LAST LEGACY. 14S
to her aavel, for this is very good ; or let her Jake a little, £i;arden tansey, and having bruised it, sprinkle it with mus- <:adel, and apply it to the navel, and she will iind it much, better. Also, tansey infused in ale, like sage ale, and & draught drank every morning, is most excellent for such 'women as are subjec?; to miscarriages ; also take juice of tansey, clarify it, and let the woman take a spoonful or twcr ■of it : ia such cases it will be aa excellent preservative against miscarriages.
Also, let the air be temperate, sleep moderate, avoid watching and immoderate exercise, with disturbing passions 4o«d clamours, and filthy smells ; and let her abstain from ail things which may provoke either the urine or the 'Courses, and also from all sharp and windy meats ; and let a moderate diet be observed.
If the excrements of the guts be retained, lenify the belly with clysters made of the decoction of mallows, vio- lets, with sugar and common oil ; ormak6 broth of burrage, feuglos, beets, mallows, and take therein a little manna. Bu-t, on the -contrary, if she be troubled with a looseness of the belly, let it not be stopped without the judgment of a physician ; for old uterine fluxes have a malignant quality in them, which must be evacuated and removed before the ^ux -be ijlnyed.
CHAP. IV.
V/ th£ Ptmsicre and Advantage of Ma-rria^e, the imprcprietf ofuiuiqual Matches, and the miwous ejects of Uiduwful Love.
We have hitherto been treatingof the generation of man, 'srhich is effected by man and woman in the action of coition and copulation. But this cannot be done lawfully but by those who are joined together in wedlock, accor- ding to the institution of the Creator in Paradise, when he- iirat brought man and woman together ; which being so, it necessarily leads us to treat oi the pleasure vmd advan- tage of a married life.
And sure there are none who question the pleasure and advantage of a married life, but reflect on its Author, andi on the time and place of its institution. The Author and Institutor of marriage was no other than the great Lord of the whole universe, the Creator of heaven and eaz'th, whose wisdom was infinite, apd therefore knew what was best for U5, and whose goodness is equal to his wisdom, and
•j^4 AKISTOTLK S LA?.T LT.GACY.
thigrefore instituted maniag^e, as what was best ibr the man when he had just created, and whom he looked upon tin short of that complete happiness which he had designed him, when he was alone, and had not a help-mate provi- ded for him.
The time of its institution is no less remarkable ; it was- whilst our first parents were clothed with that virgin purity and innocence in which they were created j it was at a time wherein they had a blessed and uninterrupted con- verse and communion with their Creator, and were com- plete in all the perfections both of mind and body, being the lively image of Him that created them ; it was at a time when they could curiously survey the several incom- parable beauties and perfections of each other without sin, and knew not what it was to last. It was at this happy time that the Almighty divided Adam from himself, and of H crooked rib made a help-mate for ])im ; and, by institutinsr marriage, united him unto himself again in wedlock's- f^acred bands. And this must needs speak very highly in coramendatiou of a married life.
But we have first considered only the time; now let us consider next what place it Vf'as wherein at first thin mar- riage-knot was tied, and we shall ^nd it was paradise; a place formed by the great Creator for delight and pleasure ; and, in ouv usual dialect, when we would show the highest {satisfaction we take, and give the greatest commendatioit to a place we can ascmid no higher than to affirm it was like a paradise. There are many curious delicacies and delights to please the eye and charm the ear in the gardens of princes and no?)leman, but paradise did certainly out-da them all ; the sacred Scriptures give this high encomium of it, " It was pleasant as the garden of God !" It was, how- ever in the midst of this paradise, the centre of delight and happiness, that Adam was unhappy while in a single siate ; and therefor* marriage may very properly be slyltd the paradise itself.
I shall show you the love of a good wife to her liusband, ia an illustrious example of a queen in our own nation in former times.
King Edward the First, when he went to Palestine, for the recovery of the Holy Land, in which expedition he was very victorious and successful, took his queen along with him, v,'ho v/illingly accompanied him iu all the dangers he exposed himself to. It so happened, that after several victories obtained by him, which made him both beloved aud feared he was wounded by a Turk v/ith an empoisoned arrow, v/hich s}\ the king's physicians concluded moftnl.
Aristotle's last legacy. 153
First, then, if you would choose a good nurse, choose one of a sanguine CDmplexion, not only because that complexion is generally accounted best, but also because all children in their minority have their complexion predominant. And that you may know such a woman, take the following des- cription cf her.
Her stature is of the middle size, her body fleshy, but not fat; but of a merry, pleasant, and cheerful countenance; a iresh ruddy colour, and her skin so very cle<*r that you may see her veins through it. She is one that loves company, and never cares to be alone ; never given to anger, but much inclined to playing and singing; and, whicli makes her the fittest person for a nurse, she very much delights in children. In choosing such a one, you can hardiy do amiss ; only let me give you this caution, if you cannot get one ex- actly of this description (which you will find very difficult,) get one as near to ii as you can. And letthese rules further guide you in your choice.
1. Let her age be between 20 and 30, for then she is in her prime.
2. Let her be in health, for her sickness infects her milk, and her milk the child.
3. Let her be a prudent woman, for such a one will be careful of the child.
4. Let her not be too poor ; for if she wants, the child must want too.
5. Let her be well bred ; for ill bred nurses corrupt good ^nature.
6. If it be a boy that is to be nursed, let the nurse be such a one whose last child was a boy, and so it will be the more agreeable ; but if it be a girl, let the nurse be one whose last child was a girl.
7. If the nurse has a husband, see that he be a good likely man, and not given to debauchery ; for that may have an influence upon the child.
8. In the last place, let the nurse take care she be not with child herself; for, if so, she must of necessity either spoil her own, or yours, or both.
To a nurse thus qualified, you may put your child without danger. And let such a nurse take the following directions, for the better governing and ordering herself in that station.
Jipproved Directions for Nurses*
1. Let her use her body to exercise. If she hath nothing else to do, let lier exercise herself by dancing the child ; for moderate exercise causcth good di°[estion ; and I am sure
154 Aristotle's last legacy.
good blood must needs make milkj and good milk cannot fail of makinsr a thriving cliild.
2. Let ber live in aood air ; there is nothing more mate- rial than this. It is the want of This makes so many chil- dren die in London ; and even those ff-w that live are not of the best consitutions, for gross and ihick air makes unwieldy bodies and dull wits : And let none wonder at this ; for the operation of the air, to the body of man, is as great as meat and drink, for it helps to engender the vital and animal spirits ; and is thus the cause of sickness and of health, of life and death.
3. Let her be careful of ber diet, and avoid all salt meats garlics, leeks, onions, and mustard, excessive drinking of wine, strong beer, or ale, for they trouble the child's body with choler : cheese, both new and old, afflicts it with mel- ancholy, and all fish with phlegm.
4. Let her never deny herself sleep when she is drowsy, for by that means she will be more wakeful when the child cries.
5. Let her avoid all disquiets of mind, anger, vexation, sorrow, and grief; for these things very much disorder a Woman, and therefore must needs be hurtful to the milk.
6. If the nurse's milk happen to be corrupted by an ac- cident, as sometimes it may be, being either too hot or too cold, in such- cases let her diet be good, and let her observe the cautions which have already been given her. And then if her milk be too hot, let her cool it with endive, succory, lettuce, sorrel, purslain, and plantain; if it be too cold, let her use beverage, vervain, bu2:los, mother of thyme, and cinnamon ; and let her observe this general rule, that what- soever streiigthens the child in the womb, the same attends the milk.
7. If the nurse wants milk, the thistle, commonly called our lady's thistle, is an excellent thing for the breeding of milk, there being few things growing (if any) that breed more and better milk than that doth ; also the hoofs of the forefeet of the cow, dried and beaten to powder, and a drachm of the powder taken every morning in any conve- nient liquor, increases milk.
Choice Remedies for Increasing Milk,
If a nurse be given to much fretting, it makes her lean, and hinders digestion ; and she can never have store of milk, nor v/hat she hath be good. Bad meats and drinks also hinder the increase of milk, and therefore ought to be forborne. A woman that would increase her milk, should eat the best of ibod, (that is, if she can get it,) and let her
Aristotle's last legact. 155
drink milk wherein fennel seeds have been steeped. Let hej drink barlej'-water, ajid barrage, and spinach ; also goal's milk, cow's milk, and lamb sodden with verjuice. Let. her also comfort the stomach with confection of anni- seed, carraway, and cum.min seeds, and also use those seeds sodden in water; also take barley-waler, and boil therein green fennel and dill, and sweeten it with sugar, and drink it at pleasure.
Hot fomentations open the breasts, and attract the blood, as the decoction of fennel, smailage, or stamped mint ap- plied. Or,
Take fennel and parsley, green, each a handful, boil and stamp them, and barley-meal half an ounce, gith seed a drachm, storax, calamint, two drachms, oil of lilies two ounces, and make a poultice.
Lastly, Take half an ounce of deer's suet, and as much parsley roots, an ounce and a half of barley -meal, three drachms of red storax, and three ounces of oil of sweet al- monds ; boil the roots well, and beat them to pap, then mingle the other amongst them, and put it warm to th^ nipples, and it will increase the milk.
And thus, courteous reader, I have at length finishdl what I designed, and what 1 promised ; and can truly affirm, that thou hast here those receipts, remedies, and directions given unto thee, with respect to child-bearing women, mid- wives and nurses, thai are worth their weight in gold, and will assuredly (with the blessing of God,) answer the end, whensoever thou hast occasion to make use of them, they not being things taken on trust from tradition or hearsay, but the result and dictates of sound reason and long expe- rience,
END OF THE LAST LEGACY.
156 Aristotle's last legacy.
CONCLUSION.
Courteous Reader, In the Works of the renowned and famous philosopher, Aristotle, you have got laid before j^ou a Collection of the best Observations on the Secrets of Nature, thai ever the World was favoured with on that subject. Let me now entreat you, who have read them, and all those who may hereafter do so, to mark well what is therein contained, and thereby direct your future conduct, wliich you will lind to your advantage. Whatever young and inconsiderate per- sons may think or say of what is herein contained, it is ab- solutely necessary to be known ; and, when reduced to practice, may prove ihe happy means of preventing many fatal and lamentable consequences, which ignorance and iaconsideralion produce. Farewell.
THE END.
THE
MID WIVES VADE-MECUM.
CONTAINING
Particular Directions for Midwives, Nurses, ^c
Those that take upon them the office of midwives, ousrht to take care to fit themselves for that employment by the knowledge of those things that are necessary for the faith- ful discharge thereof. And such persons ought to be of the middle age, neither too young nor too old; and of a good habit of body, not subject to diseases, fears, or sudden frights. Nor are the qualifications assigned to a good sur- geon improper for a midwife, viz. a lady's hand, a hawk's eye, and a lion's heart ; to which may added, activity of body, and a convenient strength, with caution and diligence ; not subject to drowsiness or impatience. She ought also to be sober, affable, courteous, chaste, not covetous, or sub- ject to passion, but bountiful and compassionate; and, above all, she ought to be qualified as the Egyptian mid- wives of old, that is, to have the fear of God, which is the principal thing in every state and condition, and will furnish her, on all occasions, both with wisdom and discretion.
When the time of birth draws near, and the good woman finds her travailin? pains begin to come upon her, let her send for her midwife in time, better too soon than too late, and get those things ready which are necessary upon such occasions. When the midwife comes, let her first find whe- ther the true time of her birth be come ; for by not properly observing this, many a child hath been spoiled, and the life of the mother endangered ; or at least given her double the pain needful. Fo^ unskilful midwives, not minding this, have given things to force down the child, and thereby dis- turbed the course of her natural labour; whereas nature works best in her own time and way. I do confess, it is somewhat difficult to know the true time of some women's labour, they being troubled with pains long before their true labour comes, even some weeks before ; the reason of which I conceive to be the heat of their reins; and this may be readily known by the swelling of their legs ; and therefore, when women with child find their legs swell overmuch, they may be assured that their reins are too hot. For the eure whereof, let them cool the reins, before the time of
250 Aristotle's last legacy.
their labour, with oil of poppies, and oil violets, or water- lilies, by anointing the reins of their backs with them ; for such women whose reins are over hot, have usually hard labours. But in this case, above all the remedies that I know, I prefer the decoction of them in water; and then, havin? strained and clarified it with the white of an egg, boil it into a syrup with its equal weight of sugar, and keep it for use.
There are two skins that compass the child in the womb, the one is the amrwis, and this is the inner skin ; the other is the allantois, and this is the skin that holds the urine of the child during the time that it abides in the womb. Both these skins, by the violent stirring of the child near the time of the birth, are broken ; and then the urine and sweat of the child contained in them fall down to the neck of the womb; and this is that which the midwives call the waters^ and is an infallible sign that the birth is very near; for the child is no more able to subsist in the womb after those skins are broken, than a naked man is in the cold air. These waters, if the child come presently after them, facili- tate the labour, by making the passage slippery ; and there- fore the midwife must have a care that she force not the waters away, for nature knows better the true time of the birth than she, and usually retains the waters till that time.
SOME GENUINE RECEIPTS
FOR CAUSING SPEEDY DELIVERY.
A LOADSTONE held in the labouring woman's hand. Take wild tansey, bruise and apply it to the woman's nostrils Take also date stones, and beat them to powder, and let her take half a drachm of them in white wiire at a time.
Take parsley, bruise it, and press out the juice, and put it up (being so dipped) into the mouth of the womb, and it will presently cause the child to come away, though it be dead, and the after-burden also ; besides, it cleanseth the womb, and also the child in the womb, of all gross hu- mours.
Let no midwife ever force away a child, unless she ifl sure it is dead. I once was were a woman was in labour, which being very hard, her midwife sent for another mid- wife to assist her, which midwife sending the first down Stairs, and designing to have the honour of delivering the
» Aristotle's laSt legacy. 151
■woman herself, forced away the hody of the child, and left the head behind ; of which the woman was forced afterwards to be delivered by a man-midwife.
After the child is born, great care is to be taken by the midwife in cutting the navel string, which, though by some is accounted but a trifle, yet it requires none of the least skill of a midwife, to do it with that prudence and judgment that is requisite. And that it may be done so, you must consider, as soon as the child is freed from its mother, whether it is weak or strong ; if the child be weak, put back gently part of the vital and natural blood in the body of the child by its navel (for both the vital and natural spirits are communicated by the mother to the child by ita navel-string) ; for that doth much recruit a weak child ; but if the child be strong, you may forbear.
As to the manner of cutting the child's navel string, let the ligature or binding be very strong ; and be sure not to cut it off very near the binding unloose. You need not fear to bind the nave] string very hard, because it is void of sense, and that part the navel string very which you leave on falls of its own accord in a few days ; the whole course of nature being now changed in the child, it having another way ordained lo nourish it. It is no matter with what instrument you cut it off, so it be sharp and you do it cleverly. The piece of the navel string that falls off, be sure you keep it from touching the ground ; remember what I have before told you concerning this matter, and if you keep it by you it may be of use. The navel string being thus cut otf, put a little cotton or lint to the place, to keep it warm, lest the cold enter the body of the child, which it will be apt to do if it be not bound up hard enough.
The ne.'it thing to be done, is to bring away the after- birth, or secundine, else it will be very dangerous for the woman. But this must be done by gentle means, and with out delay, for in this case especially delays are dangerous ; and whatever I have set down before, as good to cause speedy delivery, and bring away the birth, is good also to bring away the afler-birlh.
And after the birth and after-birth are brought away, if the woman's body be very weak, keep her not too warm ; for extremity of heat doth weaken nature, and dissolves the strength ; but whether she be weak or strong, let no cold air come near her at first ; for cold is an enemy to the spermatic parts. If cold gets into the womb, it increases the after-pains, causes swellings in the womb, and does great hurt to the nerves. If what I have written be carefully observed by midwives,
252 Aristotle's 1.ast legacy.
and such nurses as keep women in their lyinfr-in, by God's ilessina: the childbed woman may do very well, and both midwife and nurse gain credit and reputation. For though these directions may in some things thwart the common practice, yel they are grounded upon experience, and will infallibly answer the end.
But there are several accidents that lying-in women are subject unto, which must be provided against ; and these I shall speak of next.
The first I shall mention are after-pains, about the cause oPwhich, authors very much difl'er: some think they arc caused by the thinness, some by the thickness, some by the sliminess, and others by the sharpness of the blood ; but my own opinion is, they proceed from cold and water. But wtiatever the cause may be, this I know, that if my fore- going directions be observed, they will be very much abated, if not quite taken away. But in case they do hap- pen, boil an egg, and pour out the yolk of it, with which mix a spoonful of cinnamon water, and let her drink of it; and if you mix it with two grains of ambergris, it will be better.
The second accident lying-in women are subject to is ex- coriation in the lower part of the womb. To help this, use oil of sweet almonds, or rather oil of St. John's wort to anoint the part with.
Another accident is, that sometimes, through very hard la- bour, and great straining to bring the child into the world, the lying-in woman comes to be troubled with the hemorr- hoids or piles. To cure this, let her use polypodium bruised and boiled in her meat and drink.
A fourth thing that often follows is, the retention of the menses ; this is very dangerous, and, if not remedied, proves mortal. But for this, let her take such medicines as strongly provoke the terms ; and such are peony roots, dittany, juniper berries, betony, centaury, sage, savory, pennyroyal, feverfew.
Ttie lust thing I shall mention is, the overflowing of the menses. This happens not so often as the foregoing, but yet sometimes it does ; and in such cases take shepherd's purse, either boiled in any convenient liquor, or dried and beaten to powder, and you wiil find it very good to stop them.
Having thus finished my Vade-Mecum for midwives, be- fore I conclude I will add something of the choice and qua- lifications of a good nurse ; that those who have occasion for them, may know how to order themselves, for the good of the children whom they nurse.
Aristotle's last legacy; 145
^'- unless some human creature would suck away the empoison- ed blood out of the wound ; at the same time declaring, that it would be the death of the person who did it. Upon this, it was proposed to several of the courtiers ; but they all waved this danijerous piece of loyalty ; which, when the queen perceived that the king must die for want of such kind assistance, she, with a braveness worthy of herself, declared she was resolved to undertake the cure, and venture her own life to save the king her husband ; and so accordingly sucked the poisonous matter from the wound, and thereby saved the king; and the same Divine Provi- dence that inspired her with the generous resolution, pre- served her from the apparent danger, as a reward of her affection.
But that which renders marriage such a mormo, and makes it such a bugbear to our modern sparks, are those unhappy consequences that too often attend it ; for there are few but see the inauspicious torches Hymen lights at every wedding, what unlucky hands link in the wedding- ring, nothing but fears and jars, and discontents and jeal- ousies ; a curse as cruel, or else barrenness, are all the blessings that crown the genial bed of many. But it is not marriage that is to be blamed for this; these things are only the effects of forced and unequal matches. When greedy parents, for the sake of riches, will match a daughter that is scarcely seventeen, to an old miser that is above threescore ; can any one imagine that such a conjunction can ever yield satisfaction, where the inclinations are as opposite as the months of June and January. This makes the woman (who still wants a husband, for the old miser is scarce the shadow of one) either to wish, or, may be, to contrive his death, to whom her parents thus, against her ■will, have yoked her ; or else, to satisfy her natural incli- nations, she throws herself into the arms of unlawful love : which might both have been prevented, had the greedy in- considerate parents provided her with a suitable match. A sad instance of which truth is as follows :
There lived in Warwickshire a gentleman of very good estate, who becoming old, at the death of his first wife, thought of marrying his son and heir, then at man's estate, to the daughter of a neighbouring gentleman, of an ancient family and good estate, who approved of the motion, and agreed to give five thousand pounds to his daughter upon her marriage with the young gentleman. No sooner had the father got a sight of the young lady, but, forgettin? his son, he became suitor for himself; and to obtain her, offered as much money for her (besides settling a good jointure Dnher) as her father had promised to give with her to his son.
146 Aristotle's last legacy.
This liberal offer so -wrought on the lady's father, that both by persuasions and menaces he forced his daughter (who was unwilling) to marry the old gentleman. But be- ing compelled to this unequal match, she never lived con- ten^tetlly with him ; for her affections wandering after other men, she gave entertainment to a young gentleman of 22 years of age, whom she liked much better than her husband, being one more suitable to her years. Then she became impatient for her husband's death, and now thought every day an age to live with him, and therefore sought opportu- nity to cut off that thread of life which she was of opinion nature lengthened out loo long ; and to that end, having corrupted her waiting maid, and the stable groom, she re- solved, by their assistance, and that of her inamorato, to strangle him in his bedj which resolution (although her lover failed her, and came not at the time she appointed him, recoiling at the dismal apprehension of a fact so hor- rid) she executed by her servants ; for watching till her husband was asleep, she let in those assassins, and then casting a long towel about his neck, she caused the groom to lie upon him that he might not struggle, v/hilst she and her maid, by straining the towel, stopped his breath. And now the next thing was, how to prevent the discovery of this atrocious deed ; and for that purpose they carried him to another room, where a close-stool was placed, on which they sat him ; and when the maid and groom were both "withdrawn, and the coast clear, she made such a hideous outcry in the house, wringing her hands, and tearing her hair, and weeping so extremely, that none suspected her; for she alleged, that missing him some tfme out of bed, she went to see what was the reason he stayed so long, and found him dead, sitting on his close-stool ; which seeming very plausible, prevented any suspicion of his death. And being thus rid of her husband she set a great value upon her beauty, and quite shook off her former lover (perhaps be- cause he bad implicitly refused to be an actor in her hus- band's tragedy) and coming up to London made the best market of her beauty that she could. But murder is a crime that seldom goes unpunished to the grave; in two years, justice overtook her, and brought to light this horrid deed of darkness. The groom (one of the actors in this fatal tragedy, being retained a servant with the son and heir of the old murdered gentleman, for whom the lady was at first designed,) with some other servants attending him to Coventry, his guilty conscience (he being in his cups) forced him upon his knees to beg forgiveness of his master for the murder of his father, and taking him aside, acquaia-
ARlSTOTLE^S LAST LEGACY, 147
ted him with the circumstances of it. The gentleman, though struck with horror and amazement at the discovery of so vile a fact, yet pave the groom good words, but ordered his servants to have an eye upon him, that he might not escape when he was sober, and had considered what might be the issue of the confession he made ; and yet, escape he did for all their vigilance ; and being cot to the sea-side, was (after three attempts to put to sea, being as often forced back by the winds proving contrary) happily pursued and apprehended by his master, r-nd brought back a prisoner to Warwick, as was soon after the lady and her gentlewo- man also, who were all justly executed for that horrid mur- der; the lady being burnt on Wolvey Heath, and the two servants suffering death at Warwick ; leaving the world a sad example of the dismal consequences of doting love, and of unequal matches; for iiad this lady not been forced, through tlie desire of lucre in her parents, to marry the old knight, but had been married to the son, as was first in- tended, the old gentleman might Jiave prevented an untime- ly death, and ^he young lady lived with innocence and honour.
And though in many such like matches the mischief does not run so high as to break forth into adultery and murder, but the young lady, from a principle of virtue and the fear of God, cuibs all her natural inclinations, and is contented with the perfurmance of her husband (how weak soever it may be, and cold and frigid) and does preserve her chastity so pure and immaculate as not to let one wandering thought corrupt it ; yet, even in this very case, the husband, conscious of the abatement of his youthful vigour, and his own weak imbecile performances of the conjugal rites, suspects his virtuous lad}', and watches over her with Argus's eyes, makiui^ hlrnself and her unhappy by his senseless jealousy ; and though he happen to have children by her (which may well be, having so good ground to improve on) yet he can scarcely think they are his own ; his very sleep is disturbed with dreams of cuckoldom and horns ;" nor dares he to keep a pack of hounds, for fear Action's fate should follow him. These are a few of the sad ell'ecls of old men's dotage, and unequal matches.
But let us turn the tables now, and see if it be better on the other side, when a young spark of 22 marries a grandam of 70 years, with a wrinkled face. This, I am sure, is most unnatural. Here can be no increase, unless of gold, which oftentimes the old hag (for who can call her better, that marries a young boy to satisfy her lecherous itch, when she is just tumbling into the grave,) conveys away, before mar-
148 abistotle's last iegacy.
riage, to her own relations, and leaves the expectant cox comb nothing but repentance for his porlion. Pocket ex- pences she will perhaps allow him, and for that slender wages he is bound to do the basest drudserj'. But if he meet with money (which was the only motive of the match, her gold being the greatest cordial at the weddin? feast,) he may likely squander it profusely away in rioting amonsst his whores, hoping, ere long, his antiquated wife will lake a voyage to another world, and leave him to his liberty; •whilst old grandam, finding her money wasted, anj herself despised, is tilled with those resentments that jealousy, envy, and neglected love produce: wishing: and hoping each day to see him in his grave, though she has almost both feel in her own. Thus, each day, they wish for each other's death, which, if it come not quickly, they often help to hasten.
But these are still excrescences of marriage, and are the errors of people marrying, and not the fault of marriage itself. For, let it be what God at first ordained, a nuptial of two hearts as well as hands, whom equal fears and mu- tual love has iirst united before the parson joins their hands, and such will tell you, that mortals can enjoy no greater happiness on this side heaven.
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