Fuller, Pharmacopoeia Extemporanea -- G, pp. 176-213

[p. 176]

A common Gargle.

Take Plantain water 10 ounces; red Rose water 3 ounces; Syrup of Mulberries 2 ounces; Honey of Roses strained 1 ounce; Oil of Vitriol, as much as serves to give it a fitting acidity.

It's used in Fevers, to wash, cleanse, cool the Mouth, and put off Thirst.

A Detergent Gargle.

It deterges, and scours off thick Viscosity, and slimy Nastiness sticking to the Tongue, and parts of the Mouth; humects and refrigerates the Throat, when dry'd up and parch'd; corrects the muriatic Acrimony of the Saliva, and extinguishes Thirst. But in Case of a sore Thrush, Erosions, and little Exulcerations, 'twill cause such a smarting, that it can be scarce born:

[p. 177]

And then we must have recourse to Refrigerates Moisteners, Emollients, Mucilages, and Astringents.

An Emollient Gargle.

Take Roots of Marsh Mallow, Liquorice, Pearl Barley each 1 ounce; Bran (ty'd up in a Rag) 1 handful; inner Rind of Elm, Gum Arabic each an half an ounce; Figs 8. Boil in Water 3pints, in 28 ounces of which (when strained) dissolve Syrup of Marsh Mallows, and of Jujubes each 2 ounces; Lohoch Sanans half an ounce.

We use it in Fevers, against Inflammation; Siccity, Asperity, Chaps, Clefts afflicting, parching, and burning up (as 'twere) the Tongue, Mouth, and Throat.

A Levigating Gargle.

Take Comfrey roots 2 ounces; Gum Arabic 1 ounces; boil in Barley Water 20 ounces to 12 ounces; strain and red (175, 176) Rose water 1 ounces; Syrup of Marsh Mallows 3 ounces, mix.

For Virtues it may compare with next before, only it digests less, and refrigerates more.

A Gargle for the Heat of the Mouth.

Take Plantain Water 8 ounces; red Rose water 4 ounces; whites of Eggs beaten thin 4; Salt prunel 4 scruples; Syrup of Marsh Mallows 4 ounces, mix.

[p. 178]

It Refrigerates the Tongue, Jaws and parts adjacent when burnt up with heat, refreshes them with Moisture and Mucous, when dry and parch'd, and moderately repels acrious Humours flowing into them.

A Gargle with Myrrh.

Take red Astringent Wine 1 pint; powder'd Myrrh 2 drams, mix.

It Detergeth, Astringeth, Repelleth, Drieth, Healeth. Is a most excellent Wash for swell'd, fungous, flaccid, bleeding, eroded and putrid Gums; cleanseth and freeth the Mouth from foulness and ill scents; Healeth (even Venereal) Ulcers of the Jaws and Throat. Moreover it may be injected or snuffed up into the Nose, to good Purpose in an Ozena, where putrid Matter lodg'd in the little Caverns of the spongy Bones, sends forth abominably stinking Effluvia.

A Paralytic Gargle.

Take white Wine half a pint; Mustard made up as it comes to Tables 2 ounces; Savory (or Thyme) water 4 ounces; Honey of Roses 2 ounces; Vinegar enough to render it pretty Tart, Mix.

Riverius prescribeth thus. Take Mustard seed powder'd 1 dram; Vinegar of Roses, white Sugar, each 1 ounce; Water 3 ounces; mix.

Instead of Savory or Thyme water (if not at hand) may be substitured a Decoction of Sassaphras.

[p.179]

A Gargle with Pellitory.

Take Pellitory of Spain half an ounce; Seeds of white Poppy and Henbane, each 2 drams; Cloves half a dram; white Wine half a pint; Vinegar 4 ounces; boil 'till it come to half a pint; then strain and add Brandy 2 ounces.

By vellicating the Parts, melting down gross Phlegm and making it flow, it powerfully draweth both it and sharp Serum out of the Gums and Glands. And by appeasing enraged Spirits, and composing their dolorific Conflicts; it extinguisheth the sense of Pain, and by warming the Parts, discussing the Tumor and restoring their elasticity, hinders any further afflux of Humors. And so Reason tells us, and Experience mostly confirms it, that 'tis a Noble, and every way well appointed Remedy for the Tooth Ach.

A Gargle for Phlegm.

Take Hysop water 10 ounces; Rectify'd Spirit of Wine 1 ounce; Spirit of Scurvy grass half an ounce; Spirit of Castor 2 drams; Spirit of Salt Armoniac 4 scruples; powder'd Pellitory of Spain 1 dram; Honey 4 ounces, mix and use it cold.

By Attenuating, Inciding, Vellicating and Irritating, it powerfully draws and evacuates Saliva and viscous Phlegm out of the Glands and Emunctories of the Mouth: And therefore justly claims place in Phlegmatic,

[p. 180]

cold, chronical, cephalic Diseases, in torpid, soporose Maladies. In the Lethargy. gravative Headach, Palsy (especially of the Tongue) Toothach, Elongation of the Uvulas, Tumor of the Tonsils, Quinsy, &c.

And no Body here need fear increasing of the begun Inflammation, by the use of so acrid and brisk a Medicine, for as much as its caused (generally speaking) by gross, clammy Phlegm, impacted in the spongy Parts; which damming up the Blood, and stopping its course, occasions an Inflammatory Inundation: And therefore most certain it is, that in the Eliquation and Eduction of that same stagnation and obstructing Phlegm.

A Gargle for a Quinsy.

Take Columbines 2 handfuls; inner rind of Elm 1 ounce; Jews Ears, Liquorice, Album Graecum, each half an ounce; boil in Water 2 pints and half to 26 ounces; in the strain'd dissolve Salt Armoniac 2 drams; Syrup of Raspberries, Honey of Roses, each 3 ounces.

It humects, foments and mollifies the Muscles of the Throat, when inflam'd, swol'n up 'till almost crack'd, parch'd and scorch'd with Drought and Heat. It deterges the Glands and salivale Ducts, when outwardly smear'd over with Slime, and opens them when inwardly stuffed up with Phlegm.

[p. 181]

But where viscid Phlegm is the main cause, and the Glands suffer more than the Muscles, there's a necessity of flying to such Medicines as attenuates powerfully and draw out.

A Refrigerating Gargle.

Take waters of Frogs Spawn, Plantain and Elder flowers, each 4 ounces; red Rose water 2 ounces; whites of Eggs (beat up to Water) 4; white Sugar 1 ounce, mix.

Its a most grateful thing in hot burning Fevers, and very commodious in Heat, Drought, Asperity and Erosion of the Tongue and Mouth.

A Gargle with Roses.

Take dry'd red Rose flowers 3 drams; Pomgranate flowers and peel, each 2 drams; Myrtle berries, powder'd Bole and Japanic Earth, each 1 dram; Alum 1 scuple; boil in Plantain Water and rough red Wine, each 6 ounces to 8 ounces; in the strain'd dissolve Honey of Roses 2 ounces.

It cleanseth the Tongue when besmear'd and coated over with slimy Filth, and helps for the laxity of salivale Glands.

A Scorbutic Gargle.

Take Madder roots 1 ounce; Pellitory of Spain, Winters Cinnamon, each 2 drams; Honey suckle leaves, Sage, Sanicle, Columbines, each 1 handful;

[p. 182]

boil in Lime water 2 pints and half to 28 ounces; to the strain'd add Spirit of Scurvy grass half an ounce; Honey of Roses 4 ounces; mix.

It freeth the Gums and other parts of the Mouth, from the nasty foulness of the Blood and Saliva, occasioning in Scorbutic Persons, Corruption, Putrefication and Stench. And it drieth and healeth up the little Ulcers occasion'd thereby.

A Gargle in the Small Pox.

Take French Barly, Liquorice, each half an ounce; Marsh Mallow roots, Tares, each 1 ounces; Figs 12; Jews Ears 1 handful; boil in Water 2 pints and half to 28 ounces; in the strain'd dissolve Oxymel simple and Honey of Roses, each 2 ounces, mix.

It mollifies, humects and smooths the Mouth and Throat, when inflam'd, swell'd, disstended, stiff, parch'd, rough and painful. It maturates Pock Pustules in the Throat, and helps on Salivation.

But towards the last Stage of the Confluent sort, when the Ptyalism begins to sink and go off, if it fall out, that the Saliva be so excocted and viscid, as to bring hazard of Suffocation (which is a not unusual Case) then necessity calls for Medicines that powerfully Attenuate and Irritate (such as the Gargle for Phlegm above describ'd) and when it is used, the proportion of Spirit of Salt

[p. 183]

Armoniac it to be increased or diminished, according as the present Exigence requires, and the Patient can bear.

Gargle of black Thorn.

Take black Thorn bark 2 ounces; boil it in Water 2 pints and half to 24 ounces; in the strain'd dissolve Alum 4 scruples; Vinegar 2 ounces, Honey of Roses 6 ounces.

It Astringeth most powerfully, and is a good thing when Gums are grown loose, putrify'd, ill scented, eaten away, and apt to Bleed. It fastens the Teeth, and brings up new Flesh on them, it heals Ulcers, and helps stinking Breath.

Another notable effect of it is, that when the Salivale Glands are so stuff'd up, as to be over strain'd and squeezing them closer (like a Sponge) presseth out the influx'd Phlegm, and makes them able to resist the afflux of more.

But if it happens that the Pituita in the Glands be too thick and tough to be wrung out by Constringents, then recourse must be had to the above describ'd Gargle for Phlegm, or such like Medicines, as potently incide the Phlegm, and vellicate and open the Parts.

A Gargle with Vine leaves.

Take Vine leaves, Sage, female Fluellin, Cinquefoil, Bramble Buds, each half a handful;

[p. 184]

boil in Water 1 pint and half to 1 pint, to the strain'd add Alum 1 dram and half; Vinegar, Honey, each 2 ounces; boil again and skum it.

It most excellently refrigerates, washes, deterges, astringes, resists Putrefaction, cleanses out Filth, and purifies the Mouth, and merits place, as well in Fevers as in the Scurvy.

And here I take occasion to observe, that Alum, and like austere things, do in no wise (as some may think) shut up the Salivale Passages, of hinder the issuing out of Spittle; but the contrary (because they squeeze the Glands into less compass, as I noted in the Gargle of black Thorn) much promote the same, which may evidently appear to any one that minds Experience.

A Gargle for the Uvula.

Take Columbines 4 handfuls, red Roses dry'd, Balaustines, each half a handful; long Pepper 4 scruples; Myrrh 2 drams; boil in Water 1 quart, and white Wine half a pint to 26 ounces; to the strain'd add Brandy, Syrup of Raspberries and Mulberries, each 2 ounces; mix.

N.B. Black Currants make the pleasantest Syrup that I have ever tasted: I frequently use it, and prefer it, for sore Throats, far before that of Mulberries. Its prescrib'd (and that to very good purpose) when the Uvula, Tonsils, Muscles of the Jaws,

[p. 185]

Larynx and Pharynx are stuffed up, swol'n and inflamed: For partly by attenuating and vellicating, partly be constringing and expressing, it evacuates the pituitous filth therein collected.

And then by squeezing into less compass, the spongy, tumid and tense Glands, and reducing them to their natural Bounds and Crasis, it cuts off any further Afflux to the Parts.

Of Gargles.

Now that I may gather up into one View, what I have before scatter'd under several Heads: I'll lay down the following Rules, concerning the several sorts of Gargles, and their skilful choice, according to Curative Intentions.

1. If extreamly thick and tough Matter be to be brought out of the Glands; then acrious, penetrating and irritating things (such as Salt Armoniac) are to be used.

2. If it be not so very tough, and yet stagnates by reason of the fungous laxity of the Glands, austere Constringing things will perform that Office.

3. If slimy Filth coat over the Tongue and Mouth, Acids and Detergents are required.

4. If the Parts be excoriated, tender, smarting, dry and parch'd, Mucilages and Emollients are most commodiously prescrib'd.

[p. 186]

5. If the Muscular parts be a little (and but a little) inflam'd, and there be no great fulness, or afflux of Blood, Refrigerants and Repellents may be allow'd at first.

6. But if the Muscular parts be inflam'd much, by reason of the Ebullition of the Blood and the Inflammation be fix'd, Emollients will do the Business.

An Anodyne Glyster.

Take new Milk half a pint; Brandy 2 ounces; Oil of Aniseed half a dram; Diascordium 6 drams; let it be given lukewarm, just before Sleep and retain'd if possible all Night.

When the Intestines are besmear'd over will a glutinous Slime, and thereby refrigerated, relax'd and tortur'd with Spasms, Wind and Gripes: This warms, comforts, eases and reduces them to a sound Crasis.

'Twould make one Smile and Vex both at the same time, to see the silly Pride and Malignity of some of our pert Scorners, who, though they have neither Read, Seen, nor Thought much in Physick, are yet continually setting up for Judges, and condemning all, but their own dear selves, and Notions. Such Insolents are these, I expect may fall severly on me, for prescribing such quantities of vinous Spirits and chymical Oils in Glysters. But were they to make due trial of the same, there's no doubt on't, but Observation would teach'em better, and happy

[p. 187]

Success would command them to applaud, what they now oppose.

And though this be not a very vulgarly establish'd Practice, yet they know its not mine only, nor a new one either. For Rondeletius (born above 200 Years ago, p. 895) cured a Woman of a grievous Colic Fit with a Glyster of nothing but Hippocras Wine, in which were infused Cinnamon, Pepper, Ginger, grains of Paradis. And Sanchez (p.123) orders the same.

Dr. Stubbs (Philo. Transac. No 37. p.271) relates, that in the Colic Bilious, they (in Jamaica) usually give Glysters of a pint of Brandy, which will make them as drunk and as mad, as if they had taken it at their Mouth. He observe'd, that less Brandy would sox them in a Glyster, than if drank by them. He try'd a quarter of a pint in a Glyster on himself, and it made him not dead Drunk, but raging Mad. And he saith, he remembers still how unruly he was, so as to be held in Bed, his Reason being depraved by these Fumes.

Upon this observation, I would scarce ever exceed 2 or 3 ounces of Brandy, and I declare, so far I have often gone, with safety and Success.

As to chymical Oils, I find Duretus (de Morbb. (186, 187) Internis cap.41 p. 410.) commends Oil of Juniper distill'd half an ounce,

[p. 188]

in Malvatic Wine. And Claudius Deodatus prescribes boldly thus.

Take Malvatic Wine, Oil of Walnuts, each 3 ounces; Spirit of Wine 1 ounce; chymical Oils of Juniper and of Rue, each 2 drams; mix and put it up very hot.

An Apoplectic Glyster.

Take Pellitory of Spain half an ounce; Coloquintida (tied up in a rag) half a dram; Rue 2 handfuls; boil in Water to 12 ounces; and to the strain'd add Infusion of Crocus Metallorum 3 ounces; Tincture of Castor half an ounce; Salt Gem, Oil of Amber, each 2 drams; mix.

If the Coloquintida be not tied up in a rag, its little dust that boils off, will cause most horrid Gripings, which I should never have imagined it could, had not Experience assur'd me of it, saith Ettmuller.

Its very conductive in Soporose Affections as Lethargy, Coma, Apoplexy and the Palsy. But if it stay not with the Patient, it must be repeated again: For its no unusual thing in these Cases, for the Glysters to come slip away presently, by reason that the Intestines having their Fibres benummed, and paralytically relaxed, lose their retentive Faculty.

A Balsamic Glyster.

Take Broth of Sheeps Inwards (or Head) 10 ounces; Yolks of Egss 2; Lucatellus's Balsam 1 ounce; S

[p. 189]

Sheeps Sewet 2 ounces; mix and put it up just hot enough to keep the Sewet melted.

By fomenting, anointing and lining the Intestines, it cherisheth, composeth, appeaseth and healeth their Fervours, Corrugations, Tortours, Erosions and Ulcers. And is a most desirable Remedy for a Dysentary, after once Bleeding and Purging.

A Glyster of Bitters.

Take Virginia Snake root powder'd 1 dram; pulp of Coloquintida (tied up in a nodule) 1 scruple; Tansy, Savine tops, each half a handful; decoct in Water to 6 ounces; strain and add Oil of St. John's Wort half an ounce; chymical Oil of Wormwood half a dram; Species of Hiera picra half a scruple, mix

It kills and expels Ascarides which have their residence near the Anus. But as to the other common long sort of Worms, while they are well, and lively to creep about; and inclinable to ascend into the upper Guts and Stomach, the bitter Glyster is not to be administered, lest it force them upwards, where they may prove very troublesome and mischievous. But the true and effectual way for them is, first to give Anthelminthics by the Mouth for some Days, to make the Worms weak and languishing, and to drive them down into the lower Guts, and then after that, the bitter Glyster to fetch them out.

[p. 190]

The Ascarides are but a feeble Nation, and yet so exceedingly hard to be destroy'd, that tho' they should all and every individual be drove out, yet there will not be an end of 'em so, for a new and numerous Off-spring will, in a little time be hatch'd out of their Eggs, which they leave deposited in the Intestinun rectum. And therefore assure yourself, its of no great avail to expel the Parents unless their Seeds be also extirpated, and clean cast out.

And this may be best achiev'd, if we do not presently give over the Glyster, as soon as the Ascarides cease coming away, and are quiet, but repeat them every third Day, and after once a Week, 'till they, their Nests and Eggs are all torn off, and thrown out, which piece of Practice I have not yet found in any Author.

Since I wrote this, I have met with something like it in Mecurialis (Consil. 13. p.71)

Id minime filentio praetereundum judico, and consumendam omnem Ascaridum materiam; delendam Instestinorum proprietatum; nec non praecavendum ne malum redeat, detur Aloes Scrupulus unus singula quaq; hebdomade. To prevent their return, give every Week a scruple of Aloes.

And I found in Bartholine (Act. Med. Col. 4. cap. 46.) an account of a Woman of 50, who for many years had a fresh brood of Ascarides hatch'd every Month, and which

[p. 191]

(when numerously swarming) she easily expell'd them with a Wormwood Glyster. She told him their manner was, to come at the new Moon, continue the first Quarter, and never trouble her all the rest of the Month.

From this Relation I conclude, that such an eradicating Glyster as this, given every new Moon, and first Quarter, for some Months, may probably destroy them quite.

A Carminative Glyster.

Take Camomile Flowers, Bay Berries, each half an ounce; sweet Fennel, and Cummin Seeds (added at last) each 2 Drams; boil in Water to 12 ounces; strain, and add Brandy 2 ounces; Oil Olive 1 ounce; Oil of Anniseed 2 drams.

It's useful, and good for the Intestines, when refrigerated, debilitated, relaxed, obstructed, lined with Phlegm, blown up, and tortured with Wind and Flatus. In particular, in the Wind Colic, Hypochondriac, and Hysteric Affections; in a general Dropsie, and Marasmus also, when it happens (without an Hectic Fever) upon the account of want of Concoction, and Distribution into the Lacteal Veins.

For the better apprehending of this, I wou'd have it understood, that Wind and Flatus are very different things.

Wind is what is caused by either windy Diet; or else by bad Digestion, or by both. It's no where but in the Cavity of the Stomach,

[p. 192]

or Intestines; it happens presently upon eating; it discovers itself by a little Sickness, and Fulness at Stomach, Yawning, and Drowsiness, which in a while either finds vent upward, or if it pass into the Guts, puffeth up the Abdomen, rumbleth about a while, and so breaks away downward, or else if it continue pent up there, causing a pinching Pain, it's what I call a Wind Colic, and is no great Illness, (provided the Stomach and Intestines be not organically depraved) but easily cured by Glysters, Carminatives, and Paragorics.

Flatus, (which Helmont calls Gas Sylvestre, an invisble, impalpable, and incoercible Spirit, and may perhaps be likened to that of bottled flying Ale, the wild part of which no Chymist can catch) is produced by an Acrid Glandulous Juice, viciously fermenting with a crude viscous Matter, and that not in the Cavity of the Intestines so much as in their Membranes, the Mesentery, yea and uttermost Loculi of the Body, where the Arteries have thrown out, and deposited it. This throubleth mostly when the Party is empty, and is what I mean Hypochondriac, and Hysteric Affections, such as unaccountable Uneasiness, Vermiculations, Flushings, acid Ructus, Tension of the Hypochondria, craoking of the Guts, Gripes, and what uesth to be called Vapours, and Spleen Pains.

[p. 193]

In this case, these Glysters do good, by appeasing the Spirits, comforting the weak Fibres, attenuating heavy Phlegm, correcting the Intestinal Glands, discussing the Fermenting Combinations, and driving them out of the Body.

But when it rises higher, and the Case becomes downright Convulsive, as it doth in a true Hysteric Colic, then every extranous thing on the tender Membranes gives Offence and irritates, and increases the exorbitant Explosions. Of which see more in the next ensuing.

A Colic Glyster.

Take Canary Wine, Linseed Oil, each 6 ounces, Oil of Amber half a dram; to which may be added Liquid Laudanum 40 drops, mix.

It brings good Assistance in horrid tormenting Pains of the Bowels, and pertinacious Costiveness, for as much as it recreates the Membranous Substance of the Guts, explicates Corrugations of the Fibres, expells Wind and softens Excrements.

But if a Colic (which often occurs) takes up its Stage high, either in or just below the Ventricle, the Glysters, though never so powerful, signify little of nothing, because their comfortable Operation reacheth not up into the small Guts.

Since I penned this, I find the same in Crato (Consil. 10. p.85.) Clysteria, si malum

[p. 194]

supraumbilicum est, parum juvant--- dum Obstructiones in superioribus partibus sunt, parum materiam attingunt; & sape usurpata Incomodum afferunt. If the Obstruction be fixed above the Navel, Glysters scarce can reach the Matter, do little good, and are often incommodius.

Upon this reason it is, that Sennertus (de Colica 881.) saith, and is quoted by Riverius, If Glysters (which frequently chances) do no good, and the Matter is fixt in the upper Intestines, they are not to be obstinately insisted on too long. 'Twas observ'd, that when a certain Patient had had 30 Glysters, without any manner of Relief; another Physician cured him presently, with Manna 1 ounce and half; and Oil of sweet Almonds 2 ounces, in fat Chicken Broth.

N.B. What is hitherto said, is to be understood of the Bilious Colic. But

In the Hysteric Colic, Glysters are generally to be avoided, for they provoke the tender Fibres, excite the stronger Convulsions and Dolours, render the Disease more outragious and hard to be cured, and now and then raise it up to such a Degree that it becomes Mortal. Which young Practisers may do well to take notice of.

Now as we find nothing of the Small Pox before the Arabian Authors, nor of the Rickets before Dr. Glisson. And the Romans (as Pliny assures ur, lib. 26. cap.1.) knew not

[p. 195]

the Colic it self before Tiberious had it: So neither did we ever read of the Hysteric Colic, as such, before Dr. Sydenham; and therefore whatsoever others have said before him of the Cure of the Colic, must by no means be referred to the true Hysteric sort.

I can't deny indeed, but that C. Piso publish'd (1618) his Opinion of the Colics being Nervous: And our Famous Dr. Willis made a much further advance since upon a like Hypothesis. But yet its manifest, that neither of them had a clear perception of this spirituous Colic, so as to distinguish it rightly from the Humoral one. And therefore they never did, nor could establish a proper Method for its particular Cure.

No, this Atchievement was reserv'd for the immortal Sydenham. He it was that first plainly describ'd it and distinguish'd it, and determined it so different from the Bilious Colic, that the self same Method which cures one, hightens and enrages the other. And he being our particular Author for this Disease (for none has written to much Purpose of it since that I know of) I think it not Pains ill placed, to give an Abstract of what he delivers.

Only first I crave leave to produce a remarkable passage out of Lewis Duretus, who though he dy'd above 100 Years before Sydenham, and could not in those dark times make out a thorough Discovery, yet went a great way

[p. 196]

with it, both as to Notion and Practice.

In Hollerium [c. 41. p. 407.] Aliquando dolor Colicus praenuncius est Arthritidis, & Paralysis; aut Translatione Materia ad superiores patres, aut temeraria Curatione; ut si Clysteres Materiam discutientes primo injeceris. Nam si innascatur dolor Colicus a Repentina a collectione materiae; & injiciantur Clysteres Carminativi, sit Disseminatio materia.

A Colic is sometimes the fore-runner of a Gout or Palsy, and that iether from a translation of the Matter to the superior Parts, or from Male Practice, as when Glysters are given that discuss. For where the Colic is caused by a sudden Collection of Matter, if Carminative Glysters be injected, they will disperse the Matter into other parts.

Now by superior parts, its evident he can mean nothing but the Brain, and its Appendixes the Nerves. By sudden collection of Matter, I think we may fairly understand (tho' he had a clear and distinct Notion of ) the Ataxy of the Spirits, whose (194,195) Spasmodic Explosions are as sudden as the blast of Gun-Powder. And in such a Colic, he saith Glysters are Male Practice, because they drive the Convulsions out of the Bowels into the Genus Nervosum.

But to come to Sydenham, he saith (Epist. to Cole, p.141.) Its manifest enough that the whole of Hysteric Affections is to be accounted for,

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from the Animal Spirits being not rightly disposed, and not from corrupted Semen or Menstruous Blood, sending up malignant Vapours in to the Parts affected, nor from (I know not what) perverse depravation or congestion of Humours, And if the Fomes lay in Matter, then Vomiting, Purging, Bleeding, Fasting and the like, would prevent the Hysteric Affects; whereas we see (on the contrary) they constantly excite them.

De Morb. Acut. p.228. Bleeding and repeated Purging, which are most apparently indicated in the beginning of the Bilious Colic, have no place here, except where there's a very great fulness of Blood and Humours, which sometimes (tho' seldom) I have found in Women of mighty sanguine Temperament and Viragoes. For Experience teaches that the Pain, and all the other Symptoms will be exasperated by the Tumult which Evacuations cause. And I have more that once observ'd, that the repetion even of the most mild Glysters, hath brought on a continued Series of Symptoms.

And if we do but consider the Circumstances to which this Disease is mostly owing, such as too great loss of Blood, violent Passions of the Mind, hard Labours of the Body and the like; all which forbid such things as may raise up a greater perturbation of the Spirits, and instead call for Anodynes:

[p. 198]

I say if we consider this, then Reason joins us with Experience, and tells us, this Disease is produc'd by the Ataxy and inordinate Motion of the Spirits, than by any fault of the Humours. And I doubt not in the least, but that this Disease (which though it brings bitter Pains, yet of itself no hazard of Life) often becomes Mortal, by miscarriages of this kind.

Epist. to Dr. Cole p.167. I affirm, That often repeated Evacuations (which are certainly much indicated in the Bilious) do in the Hysteric Colic, not only, not restrain the Pains and Vomiting, but irritate them, further (by promoting the Perturbation of the Spirits, which Perturbation is the true cause of these Symptoms) whence at length the Malady turns to Convulsions, and then quickly off goes the Sick.

Thus the great Man absolutely forbids repeated Bleeding, Purges and Glysters. Speaks home to the Purpose, and positively in the Case, urges Reason and Experience both. And his Opinion hath stood in his Works above 30 Years, and they have been printed in several Countries, as in England twice or thrice, in Strasburg, Geneva, Leipsic, Amsterdam. And I remember not any design'd opposition to it in any Book in all this time: Only a little spiteful Libeller has of late (to defend an ill Cause) shew'd his Teeth and bark'd at it.

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And now because this great distinction of Bilious and Hysteric Colic, and their respective Cure, is so immediately Practical, and of such concern in Practice; it were to be wish'd, that some Person or Society, of sufficient Ability and Integrity, would be so public-spirited, as to give us their Experience, Reason and last Thoughts, concerning it, to the end, that if it be an universally true Doctrine, they may establish it as such, or if it want distinguishing, they may clear it, and set us right. And this would be better Work, than running into Parties and Factions, and Abusing and villifying one another, and by that means (accidentally at least) ruining the Repute of (next to Divinity) the most useful and Honourable Profession in the World.

We had a most lamentable Instance lately, of a Symptomatic, Hysteric Colic, which because it may occasion more Caution for the future, and had been fouly represented, merits a true Relation. But being too long to crowd in here, it must find a place at the end of the Book. However since an unknown Glyster was given, and a great deal depends upon it, perhaps I may strike some light into the dark Case by subjoining what follows.

Ettmuller (vol. 1. p. 615.) saith Bartholine observ'd, That a Glyster of the Decoction of Tobacco caused wonderful Disturbance,

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Convulsions, cold Sweats, and other most terrible Symptoms; and tells us, he himself had seen the very same in his Practice. And (p. 1301.) Clyster ex Decocto Tabaci summe periculosus est, cum usum ejus (subito ac modo applicatus fuerit) Praecordiorum Anxietates, Lypothymias, Vomitus, Sudores circa frontem frigidos, totius feralem quasi Pallorem, aliaq; similia Symptomata insecuta fuisse noverim. A Glyster of the Decoction of Tobacco is a most extreamly dangerous thing, for I have known where there have followed (immediately, as soon as ever it was Injected) Sickness and Anguish at Heart, Swooning, Vomiting, cold Sweats, cadaverous Paleness, and other the like frightful Symptoms. And I my self (who wrote this) had a Relation given to me of one Mr. O. who from a Glyster of Tobacco infused in Sack, when he had a Colic upon him, fell presently into horrid burning Pains, Convulsions, Faintings, and so perish'd miserably upon the spot, as 'twere all in Flames.

The comon Glyster.

Take of our Decoction for Glysters 12 ounces; Syrup of the Juice of Groundsell (or of Buck-Thorn) salt Butter, brown Sugar, each 1 ounce; Oil of Aniseed 8 drops, mix.

Its to wash out the Intestine, especially the great ones, and to discharge them Wind and Excrements.

[p. 201]

A Comforting Glyster.

Take Canary Wine 1 pint; Diascordium half an ounce; Yolks of Eggs 2, mix.

But half the usual quantity is prescib'd, to the end that it may the longer be retain'd in the Body.

What Cordial Juleps are to the Stomach, the same this Glyster is to the Guts. For it so refreshes them, as to raise an universal Exultation of the whole Systasis of the Spirits, whereby they are roused up, and enabled to perform their Business briskly; and throw out whatsoever is offensive to Nature, and noxious vigorously.

Besides many other uses, its eminently serviceable in malign Fevers; and that not only because it succours the fainting Spirits, but also because it defends the Viscera themselves, and driveth the Radii of the Miasme outward from the Center to the Circumference.

I had acquaintance with a celebrated Physician, who sometimes prescrib'd this Glyster in the Small Pox, to promote Expulsion. But I judge this piece of Practice is rarely and cautiously to be imitated, because this Inflammatory Distemper oftener wants a Bridle to keep it back, than Spurs to prick it forward.

A Corroborating Glyster.

Take dry'd Wormwood, Centory, each 1 handful: Camomile flowers, Bay berries, each 3 drams;

[p. 202]

boil in Sheeps-head-Broth to 10 ounces; to the stain'd add Brandy 2 ounces; Oil of Turpentine and Juniper, each half a dram, mix.

It (like an internal Fomentation) in the Intestines, repairs their natural heat and vigour, re-establishes the relax'd Fibres, refreshes the tir'd Spirits, deterges heavy Phlegm, breaks off Wind, and appeases Pains.

A Emollient Glyster.

Take Milk 10 ounces; Oil of Camomile 3 ounces; Honey of Herb Mercury, Brown Sugar and Pulp of Cassia, each 1 ounce; Oil of Aniseed half a dram, mix.

It softens hard Excrements and conglobated Scybala, Lubricates the Bowels and Purges.

An Epileptic Glyster.

Take Camomile flowers 1 handful; boil in Water to 3 ounces; strain and add Spirit of Hartshorn 8 drops; Oil of Aniseed 5 drops; Honey of Roses 3 drams; the Author saith, there's no need of Yolk of Egg to mix it.

The use of Volatile Salts in Glyster, I take to be a new Practice, not thought of by our Fore-fathers in Physic. Yet Ettmuller (whose Prescript this is) writes that a certain eminent Physician commends them (not without Success) in an Epileptic Paroxysm, and gives them well to Children, as to

[p. 203]

grown Persons, and this he order'd for an Infant of a Year old.

A Febrific Glyster.

Take Peruvian Bark fine powder'd 2 ounces; boil in several Waters 'till it come to half a pint; let it pass through a Sieve, so as to be turbid and add Diascordium half an ounce; Oil of Aniseed 1 drop; mix.

If the Patient cannot retain it long enough boil in it Pomgranate peel (or Flowers) half an ounce; and add Cinnamon Water 2 ounces.

I have often Experimented this Glyster, and found it egregiously prevalent against Intermitting Fevers, especially in Children in a less Dose. For I must ingenuously own, that I have known it fail of its effect, more commonly in grown Persons; and I never order it, but to those Patients that either have a prejudice against the Cortex, or are so tender Stomach'd or so Humoursome, that they cannot or will not take it by the Mouth.

The manner of using it is, to administer it presently after the Paroxysm, and as soon as it comes away, to give another of the same, and repeat it toties quoties, so as that the Intestines may be continually imbued with it, from Fit to Fit, 'till the Fever be driven.

Ad. Helvetius, a Parisian Doctor, perhaps found out this sort of Remedy; and wrote a little Book of it. His way was thus.

[p. 204]

Take pulverised Bark 1 ounce; mix it in a pint of warm Water, without putting any thing to't besides.

He gives it just after the Fit, and repeats it three times a Day, 'till the Patient is thoroughly well. After the Cure he continues the same for the space of 12 Days, viz. the first 6 Days one in the Morning and another in the Evening. The 6 last Days one in the Morning only.

He saith, when the Patient cannot hold the Glyster long enough, he adds to each Syrup of Meconium 1 ounce, which will make it stay without Pain.

A Glyster in Gripes.

Take powder'd white Chalk half an ounce; Rue; Camomila flowers, each half a handful; boil in Water half a pint to 4 ounces; to the strain'd add Tincture of Castor 3 drams; Diascordium 2 drams; Syrup of Meconium half an ounce; Oil of Aniseed 10 drops, mix.

It concentrates Acids, comforts the Intestines, dissipates Wind, eases Pain, takes off Spasms, and is superlatively good and convenient for small Children; when (by reason of hard breeding of Teeth, or acrious Humours) they have green griping Stools, and are troubled with Inquietude, Watchings, feverish erratic Flushings, and Convulsions threaten them.

[p.205]

An Hysteric Glyster.

Take round Birthwort and white Bryony roots each half an ounce; Rue, Feverfew, Pennyroyal, Camomile flowers, each half a handful; boil in Water to 1 pint, in which (when strain'd and cold) dissolve Asa Faetida 1 dram; Oil of Amber 2 drams; brown Sugar 1 ounce, mix.

In the very actual Hysteric Fit, it may be injected, powerfully to repress the Ataxie of the exploding Spirits. Perhaps it may be found too strong for some worn-out, weakly Constitutions.

A Glyster for Infants.

Take new Milk 3 ounces; Oil of sweet Almonds, Syrup of Violets, each half an ounce; Oil of Aniseed 12 drops, mix.

It mollifies and loosens, dissipates Wind and eases Pains.

A Laxative Glysters.

Take either Chicken, or Veal-Broth 12 ounces; Oil Olive, brown Sugar each 2 ounces; Oil of Anniseed, half a dram, mix.

It comforts the Intestines, discusses Wind, softens the Excrements, and loosens the Belly.

A Lenient Glyster.

Take new Milk 10 ounces; Mucilage of Fleawort, and Quince Seeds (extracted in red Poppy Water)

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3 ounces; Yolk of 2 Eggs, Diacodium 2 ounces, mix.

It hath place, when the sharpness of Cholerick Humours vehemently stimulates, vellicates, pricks, and corrodes the Intestines. For it obtunds Acrimony, lines the Membranes with Mucus, and composes and appeases the irritated Spirits.

A Glyster with Mullein.

Take Mullein, and Elder Flowers, each half a handful; Herbs, Hemlock, Henbane, each 1 handful; boil in Smith's Forge Water to 12 ounces; to the strained add the Yolk of 1 Egg; Linseed Oil 2 ounces; oil of Amber half a dram; Balsam of Sulphur 2 drams, mix.

It discusses the Swellings of the internal Hemorrhoids, effectually allays their Pain, heals the little Ulcers, and hinders a further afflux of Blood, and ill Humours.

A Nourishing Glyster.

Take Broth made of Sheep's Inwards 10 ounces; Yolks of 3 Eggs; Canary Wine 3 ounces, Juice of Kermes half an ounce, mix.

Some Deny that there are truly Nourishing Glysters; but I incline to the contrary Opinion, 1. Because the Colon hath Lacteal Vessels implanted into it, 'tho not many. 2. I have sundry times observed, that the Glyster of Pomgranate Peels hath been kept in the Body 24 hours, and the next Stool

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that followed was not liquid, but hard and solid. 3. Hildanus (Cent. 4. Obs. 30.) tells of a certain Woman, who for 6 Weeks took in no Sustenence at her Mouth, but by the benefits of such Glysters, was so well supported, that being great with Child, went out her full time, and was happily brought a bed. 4. P. Borellus (Cent. 1. Obs. 56.) saw a Person made drunk by a Glyster of Wine. And the like I noted before, in Anodyne Glyster. I could produce many more Arguments, but I presume these may abundantly suffice, to prove that there are such things as Nourishing Glysters.

An Oiley Bitter Glyster.

Take Linseed Oil 6 ounces; Coloquintida tied up in a Rag 1 dram and a half; boil a little , and strain it.

Rulandus anointed the Belly with part of it, and injected the rest Glyster-wise, into one that was most miserably afflicted with the Iliac Passion, and gave present Relief. But he is not rashly imitated, lest the Glyster should be forcibly driven up into the Ventricle, and increase the Vomiting, which was very enormous before, and so hasten Death. Yet, notwithstanding, when the Belly is obstinately bound up, before the Peristalic Motion of the Guts is wholly inverted, and before the Colic passed into an Iliac Passion, I judge it may be a profitable Remedy.

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A Glyster of 4 Oils.

Take Oils of Linseed and Camomile each 6 ounces; Oil of Scorpions and Turpentine each 2 drams; mix.

It's commodiously prescribed against the Stone, and Sand in the very Paroxysm, for it lubricates the Passages, breaks the Spasme of the Viscera, softens hard Excrements, disburthens the Intestines pressing upon the Reins, Ureters, and Bladder, and so openeth the Ways, and forceth small Stones, gravelly Matter, and Sand to descend, and be evacuated with less difficulty and dolour.

A Glyster of Pomgranate.

Take Pomgranate Peel bruised half an ounce; Flowers of the same 1 dram; boil in Milk half a pint to 4 ounces; to the strained add Brandy (or Cinnamon Water) 2 ounces; Diascordium 6 drams; Oil of Nutmeg 6 drops, mix.

That it may be the longer and easilier retained, (which is of great moment in this case) foment the Anus with some warm Astringent Decoction, or at least, apply hot Cloths to it, and let the Patient compose himself to sleep, as soon as he can. Perhaps also, it might be well for him to lie upon his Right side, for so the Colon will not be so much pressed upon, by the weight of the other Intestines.

[p. 209]

This (beyond almost all other astringents) is prevalent in stopping such a Looseness, as comes without Gripes, and is occasioned, not so much by the quantity and sharpness of Matter, as Laxity and Lubricity of the Intestines.

A Purging Glyster.

Take of the Decoction for Glysters 12 ounces; Mixture for Glysters 3 ounces, mix.

The Title sets forth its use.

I am of Opinion, that Glyster (notwithstanding the valve of the Colon, which hinders their corporal Ascent any higher) may purge not only the Rectum, and Colon, but all the upper Guts also. For the peristaltic Motion once begun in the lower ones, may very easily (and useth to) be continued successively up, even to the Pylorus it self, and by that means the Execrements are born downwards, and squeez'd forwards, through the whole Tract of the Intestines; and this especially in those, whose Guts being wove up of fine-spun Fibrillae, are touchy and irritable, and therefore easily purged.

A Refrigerating Glyster.

Take of the common Emulsion 12 ounces; Oil of Lilies 4 ounces; Salt Prunel 2 scruples; Sugar of Lead 1 scruple; mix, and inject it milk warm.

[p. 210]

It's adviseable, when a very acrid, fiery Bile being plentiful suffused into the Intestines, excites Fervor, Fury, and Dolour, as in the cholera morbus, and some sort of Fevers.

Some have dared to inject Glysters actually cold; and some again condemn it, as male Practice But seeing the Stomach, (which is of a far more exquisite Sense, and hath such a sympathetic Influence upon the whole System of the Spirits) I say, seeing the Stomach can bear cold, yea even icy Draughts, why should not the Guts the same, or more? But I never made any Experiment of this Matter, and therefore only propose, but not impose it.

A Saponaceous Glyster.

Take Mallows, Golden Rod, each 1 handful; Juniper and Bay Berries; Daucus and Parsley Seed each 2 drams; boil in Water to 12 ounces; in the strained dissolve Castile Soap half an ounce; Oil of Camomile 1 ounce; Oil of Anniseed, 30 drops; Syrup of Violets 2 ounces, mix.

It potently disperseth Wind, softneth indurated Feces, evacuateth the Intestines, lubricateth the Urinary Passages, expelleth Sand, and therefore, upon all these accounts, belongs especially to, and is very commodious for those that are troubled with Gravel and Sand.

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A Somniferous Glyster.

Take Opium 8 grains; dissolve it in erratic Poppy Water 6 ounces, and add Diascordium half an ounce; the Yolk of 1 Egg, mix and inject lukewarm at sleeping time.

In acute, and other great Distempers, when want of Sleep, (caused by vehemence of Pain, Estuosity of Humours, or restlesness of Spirits) grows to that pass, as to weaken so much, that 'tis no longer safe to venture Opiates in the (209,210) Stomach, then (that Nature may not be destitute of all Assistance) Authors advise to give them in Glysters. Thus Sennertus (de Phrenet) counselleth to mix Opiates in Glysters, where the Patient is weakened to the utmost Degree, and therefore may not take them by Mouth. And Riverius (de Phrenit.) asserts, that Laudanum used in Glysters procures Sleep Effectually enough, and more safely, than when swallowed.

Notwithstanding young Practioners may be carfeul in ordering it: For Platerus (lib. 1.obs. p. 136) tells us, he prescib'd and Opiate Glyster to an old Man, in a Fit of the Stone; upon which he slept and waked easy, but the nerves of his Tongue were so struck, that he stammer'd like a drunken Man, yet his Speech return'd again, as the force of the Narcotic wore out. And Salmuth (Cent. 3. obs. 97.) writes of A Coma Somuolentum,

[p.212]

occasion'd by 1 dram of Opium dissolv'd in a Glyster, which was cured by another of Malvatic Wine.

A Sweet Glyster.

Take New Cows Milk 6 ounces; Melassos 2 ounces, mix.

This Glyster is to be made of use of, before the bitter one, whilst the Worms lying in the small Guts, bite and gnaw, and cause the Belly-ach. For they will greedily make to the Milk, which is sweet and delicious to them, and so leaving off biting, will come out of their lurking Holes, and crawl downwards and lie ready easy to be cast out by Siege.

A Terebinthine Glyster.

Take Urine of a Man in Health 1 pint; Venice Turpentine (dissolved in 2 Yolks of Eggs) 1 ounce; Oil of Aniseed 1 dram; Melassos 1 ounce, mix.

Its but a Whimsy to prescribe Urine of Wine Drinkers, as supposing such most enrich'd with Spirits; whereas it has no vinous Spirits at all, and is not so pure , natural and humane a Liquid, as the Urine of such that drink little, and let themselves be healthy.

Urine seems a very proper Ingredient in a Glyster, because it being lately a Guest in the Body, is now receiv'd again in a Friendly Manner, and supplieth the place of Bile.

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For Pecquet is clear in it, and Helmont also, that the Salt of Bile, and of Urine is the very self-same, and both most certainly Nitrous.

Terebinth dissolv'd in Glysters is beneficial in the Dropsy, Colic and Stone; not only because its Balsamic Particles comfort, and heal up the Intestines, but also, because taken up by the Veins, and circulating with the Blood, they move Urine.

Ettmuller reports, that when a Glyster of Milk and Turpentine 3 drams, dissolv'd with the Yolk of an Egg, had been given in the Morning, and retain'd all Day, it gave the Urine a sensible Violet odour at Night, as Turpentine taken by the mouth useth to do.

This Observation makes it very probable, that the Particles of Turpentine diffuse themselves every where; and that they agitate stagnating, morbific Matter, and where they find it degenerated into Mucid, Salt or Sharp, they incline and reduce it to Freshness, and a better Crasis. But then for this use of Altering and Meliorating the Juices of the Body; it must be given frequently, and in such small quantities as will not purge itself off. Which perhaps the curteous Reader will take kindly, as a new hint in Physick; and the currish one may snarl at, as a thin Conceit.


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