Chapter I: GRIPES or Pains of the BELLY, which may proceed either from the

MECONIUM, its not being timely, or not fully evacuated; or from the NURSE’S _Milk_, its generating _Wind_ and _acid Humours_, either by her using improper flatulent FOOD, or from the BABE’S sucking more _Milk_ than its _Stomach_ can digest: Or the same _Pains_ and _Gripes_ may also proceed from the _Effects_ of cold AIR, or from WORMS in the _Intestines_, or from the _unseasonable use_ of PAP, _&c._

THIS Affection in general is known by the _Inquietude_ and _Crying_ of the INFANT, which is now (in a manner) averse to the BREAST, continually turning itself here and there, without Rest or Intermission of _Pain_; But more particularly, _This_ proceeding from the MECONIUM, may be distinguished and known by the _Colour_ of the _Excrements_, since the MECONIUM is always _black_, and as soon as it is altogether voided, the STOOL becomes _pale_; and _that_ may be readily cured by the means already prescribed[188]. If this _Affection_ proceeds from WIND, it may be known by the CHILD’S frequently _belching_ and the BELLY’S _swelling_, if from COLD, the _use_ of PAP, or from any _pituitous viscid Humour_, the BELLY is most commonly _bound_, and the _Cure_ differs but little from the preceeding _Case_. If from corrupted MILK or _acid Humours_, the _Condition_ is most commonly attended with a DIARRHÆA, and the _Excrements_ are of a greenish or _Saffron Colour_: The _Cure_ of which, depends upon proper _Abstergents_ and Evacuations. If at last from WORMS, their proper _Diagnosticks_ shew it, of which in their Place.

II. SOMETIMES an _Extension_ or shooting forth of the NAVEL happens to the CHILD, and that frequently to the Bigness of an EGG, more or less; which _Case_ is properly call’d an EXOMPHALON, and proceeds either from the continual _Cries_, or violent _Coughs_ of the INFANT, or from a _Laxation_ or _Rupture_ of the PERITONÆUM, or sometimes from an _Exulceration_ of the NAVEL.

IN this _Condition_, whatever the _Cause_ may be, the sooner that the _Cure_ is undertaken, the more easily it is perform’d; for which End, after removing the Causes of _Crying_ or _Coughing_, the relaxed PERITONÆUM may be strengthened and astringed; as when bursten, it may be reunited and consolidated by proper CATAPLASMS and SWATHS; after replacing the _Intestines_ (if fallen down) keeping the CHILD for the most part in _Bed_, with its BELLY always _loose_, and never _too full_.