Chapter IV: AN Inflammation or Exulceration of the NAVEL may happen to the

CHILD, by the _String’s_ falling off too soon, or before it be fully clos’d and _cicatriz’d_; which may proceed from any violent Agitation of the BELLY, by continual _Crying_, vehement _Coughing_, &c. as it also may from an unskilful _Ligature_ of the STRING, or from cold AIR; upon which sometimes follows a great loss of _Blood_, and even DEATH itself, if not timely prevented.

THIS _Inflammation_ is known by the NAVEL’S swelling-up, being red and hard with _Heat_ and _Pulsation_; In which _Case_ after appeasing the INFANT’S _Coughs_, or _Cries_, &c.—I would apply to it the _Unguentum refrigerans Galeni & Populeon_, each one half mix’d; or a small _Bolster_ dip’d in the _Oil of Roses_ with a little _Vinegar_.

BUT, and if the NAVEL continues _Ulcer’d_ after the falling of the STRING from it; in that _Case_ proper _Desiccative_ and _Astringent Medicines_ are to be apply’d, such as small _Rags_ dipp’d in _Lime-Water_, but not too strong; or in _Plantane-Water_, wherein a little ALUM has been dissolved. If the ULCER be but small, a _Pledget_ of _Dry Lint_ will be sufficient; observing always to keep a good _Linnen Compress_ on the _Top_ of whatsoever _Remedy_ is us’d, with a SWATH to keep all fast, until the NAVEL be perfectly heal’d and _cicatriz’d_; lest at the same time it should also force itself _outwards_, as in the ’foregoing _Case_.