Chapter VI: ANOTHER Symptom not only familiar, but even Natural, to all

CHILDREN, is their _Teething_; which tho’ _This_ be the mere Work of NATURE, yet because of the various _Distempers_ and _Symptoms_, which commonly attend and conjoin this DENTITION, it is not improperly reckon’d in the CATEGORY of the _Diseases_ of INFANTS: Which however is to be understood, not of the _Simple_ DENTITION, but of the difficult _Breeding of Teeth_; Not but that the CHILD is furnished with _Teeth_ even before BIRTH, tho’ they lurk so long in their proper _Sockets_, being cover’d with the GUMS, until their due Time of _Eruption_[189]. Tho’ in the _Interim_, it has been observed that some CHILDREN have brought eminent TEETH with them into the World[190], as it is also for _Instance_, particularly reported of LEWIS the XIV of _France_.

BUT however the TEETH most commonly break out about the _Seventh Month_, and first those call’d _Dentes Incisores_, or the _four_ fore-TEETH; which after a short _Interval_, are followed by the _two_ _Dog-Teeth_, commonly call’d the EYE-TEETH; and at last succeeded by the eight _Cheek-Teeth_ or GRINDERS, in each Jaw; the two last of the _Molares_, properly called _Dentes Sapientiæ_, springing only out about, or after the one and twentieth Year. Now as this _Eruption_, particularly _that_ of the DOG-TEETH, because of their very deep _Root_ and small _Nerve_, cannot happen without an _exquisite Sense_, and _intense Pain_ to the INFANT; so, from the continual _Solution_ of the GUMS, many præternatural _Affections_ seize the CHILD, according to _Hippocrates’s_ Catalogue[191]; to which, in short, I must only refer: Because if I was to enter upon the particular _Detail_ of all _These_, I should extend the _Limits_ of this WORK beyond all measure; wherefore I shall endeavour to comprehend them all under the _one following general Head_; viz.——

CHAP. XII.
_Of the Acute Diseases of_ INFANTS.

THE very tender _Nature_ and infirm _Constitution_ of CHILDREN, subject them to many various and grievous _Symptoms_, besides those to which they are expos’d by a vast variety of _Procatarctick Causes_. But as I am not in this place to enter upon the _Detail_ of these particular _Symptoms_, neither shall I enumerate their respective _Causes_: Which however is the less requisite, considering the _Regimen_ and _Nursement_ of the CHILD already prescribed in the foregoing _Chapters_; since the _least step_, degenerating from what is there inculcated, may prove an effectual _mediate Cause_; for all that indeed, according to the most Learned and Excellent Dr. _Harris_, the only _immediate Cause_ of all CHILDREN’S _Diseases_ is, an _Active_ and _prevailing_ ACID[192].

THIS _Doctrine_, in as much as the _Constitution_ of INFANTS is undeniably most _Humid_, appears also evident from _Hippocrates_’s his own Words, saying, _the Rise of all Diseases is one and the same, the Place only makes the Difference_[193]. Hence we may justly conclude, FIRST, _That_, however the _Symptoms_ may differ in _degree_, the _Diseases_ of the INFANT-_State_ are but very _few_: SECONDLY, That the _Cure_ of _these_ is far more Safe and Easy, than _those_ of full _grown Persons_: THIRDLY, That the _Younger_ the _Sick_ CHILD is, the more easy still is the _Cure_: Because its tender Body, abounding with _Natural_ and _acquired Moisture_, is soft and flexile, and consequently apt to receive any _Alteration_: And FOURTHLY, I observe that the INFANT easily falls into _Sickness_, or may be suddenly taken Ill, and as readily restored to _Health_, if but carefully and ingenuously _treated_: Because any _Impression_ whatsoever, good or bad, is sooner received by a _Soft_, than by a _Hard Body_; tho’, I confess, the same is more _Lasting_, if once strongly impressed upon the _Hard adult Constitution_.

NOW as to the _Diagnosticks_ of CHILDREN’S _Diseases_, These depend chiefly upon the _Relation_ of the NURSES; since all _Sentiments_ taken from their unruly PULSES, or their (naturally) thick URINES, prove most _Uncertain_. However, as the STOMACH is always affected with an _Acid Distemper_, (whatever the reigning _Disease_ may be, or howsoever it may be intitled by ingenious _Authors_) so it most commonly produces _Fastidy_ or _Loathing_ of VICTUALS, _Vomiting_ of a thick GELLY, or a viscid and coagulated PHLEGM, sour _Belchings_, and EXCREMENTS of a sourish _Smell_, and a greenish _Colour_, especially in the Beginning. As afterwards——

IF the _Distemper_ continues, the PATIENT turns gradually _Pale_, and its discoloured FACE is tinged a little _Green_ or _Yellowish_; The BELLY swells with _Wind_, which breaks frequently _upwards_; one or more red _Pustules_ (a certain sign of _Acidity_) commonly rise in the FACE, or upon some other _upper Part_ of the Body; and the INFANT growing daily worse, _breathes high_, and _smells sour_ or ACID.

AGAIN, As to the _Prognosticks_ of these _Distempers_, of what kind soever they be, which afflict the INFANT; I cannot in short, but readily agree with the most Ingenious _Doctor_ before-mentioned, who plainly tells us, that _These_ depend chiefly upon the Method of _Cure_, and the _Conduct_ of the NURSE; Wherefore I proceed to the CURE.

AS to this point then of the _Cure_ of CHILDREN’S _Diseases_, I shall FIRST observe that, how _many_ soever these _Distempers_ are accounted, according to the REGISTERS of _Polite Authors_, by what Name soever they are denominated, and how learnedly soever defin’d, as they all proceed from one immediate _efficient Cause_, (which has been already hinted at) so the _Cure_ of them all is the same, and depends, in like manner, upon _One only regular Method_.

SECONDLY, I observe that as this _Cause_ is nothing else than an _Acid Humour_, abounding in the _Stomach_, and coagulating the _imbib’d Nourishment_ of the INFANT, (as is evident from all the given _Diagnosticks_) so the proper _Method of Cure_, depends entirely upon obtunding that _Acidity_, dissolving those _Coagulations_, and eliminating the _peccant Matter_. But more particularly,

HAVING always a great and due regard to the _natural Debility_, and _tender Constitution_ of the _Young_ PATIENT, the _Acid_ ought first to be prepared by prudent means, and then to be carried off by proper _Medicines_. I say _prepared_ by prudent Means, because _this_ is no indifferent Matter; For if we should take the same Method with these tender _Creatures_ in this _Case_, that we do with more _adult Persons_ we would certainly _miscarry_ in our Attempts; or if we should attempt this Preparation, by _Alexipharmacks_, _Cordials_, (improperly so call’d) _Causticks_, or _Sudorificks_; these Things being most prejudicial to the Nature of _young_ ONES, would rather promote the _Crudity_, than the _Concoction_ of the HUMOURS.

THEREFORE the ingenious Doctrine of the Excellent Doctor HARRIS, must certainly take place here, namely[194],that _the most temperate Things most securely absorb the prevailing Acidity, and that the more Simple and Gentle the Remedies are, the more Safe and Certain the Cure is._

HENCE the simple _Testaceous Medicines_ mentioned by him, are not to be paralleled in the present _Case_; since they effectually mitigate all _Ebullitions_, and gradually become the most safe and powerful _Anodines_: Insomuch, that they, in a word, as certainly asswage all the _Pains_, _Gripes_, _Disquiets_, _Watchings_, &c. of CHILDREN; as _Narcoticks_, or _Opiats_, do allay those of older People.

THE Body being then alter’d by these means, and the _Humours_ duly prepared, they are to be forthwith ejected, or timely purged off, even from the _youngest_ INFANTS, as well as from those of riper Years: The _Doses_ and _Quantities_ of all sorts, being discreetly adapted to the _Age_ and _Strength_ of the CHILD, under what _Form_ soever they may be given.

UPON this Head, I might indeed pretend to expatiate, but because, whatever _I_, or any _other ingenuous Person_, understanding the Matter in Hand, may attempt to offer, will only terminate in, and be consentaneous to, what my last quoted _Author_ has plainly laid down, and concisely comprehended in a few _emphatick Words_; I shall here also, for Brevity’s-sake, set Bounds to my _Progress_. And thus, in short, having at large, and in every particular Respect, faithfully discharged my _Duty_, both as _Physician_ and MIDWIFE, to the CHILD as well as to the MOTHER; I now take leave of both the _one_ and the _other_, and in the next place, come briefly to touch upon the _Reverse Cases_.

SECT. VII.

CHAP. I.
_Of Præternatural_ CONCEPTIONS.

HAVING particularly defin’d the _Natural Conception_, in Chap. I. Sect. III. and hitherto treated of its various different _Consequences_, both in GESTATION, BIRTH and CHILD-BED; I come in the next place (conformable to my promise before-mentioned) to treat of the opposite and _reverse Case_, commonly call’d (by the _Authors_) a vitious or depravated CONCEPTION: Which however, I shall distinguish by the general TITLE of _præternatural_, as I have one _Set_ of BIRTHS under the same Denomination, contained in Sect. V. But——

NOW, because I judge all such CONCEPTIONS as well as BIRTHS, to be _præternatural_, which, tho’ not according to the _ordinary Institution_ of NATURE, are yet however not _repugnant_ to NATURE: And because such CONCEPTIONS, as well as the _Præternatural_ BIRTHS already defin’d, happen after many different ways and manners; I shall also reduce and divide them into _two_ CLASSES, _viz._——

FIRST, _Præternatural_ CONCEPTIONS in respect of the _Number_; to which belong all _Superfætations_, and other Numerous CONCEPTIONS; And SECONDLY, _Præternatural_ CONCEPTIONS in respect to the _Form_ or _Substance_; to which belong all _false_ CONCEPTIONS, MOLES, MONSTERS, _&c._ Of all which particularly and briefly in their due Order, and FIRST——

CHAP. II.
_Of_ SUPERFÆTATIONS.

A SUPERFÆTATION is nothing else than a _Second_ (after a _First_) CONCEPTION: Since if divers INFANTS may be _conceiv’d_ at one _Embrace_, as will evidently appear from the following _Chapter_, we may easily believe, that _two_, _three_, or _more Embraces_, may most probably have the same _Effect_: Which is sufficiently confirm’d by the Experience of _Hippocrates_[195] himself, as well as by many other most Learned _Authors_[196].

WHEREFORE I shall spend no time in reciting here any _Instances_ I have met with of this _Nature_; only I refer the _Curious_ to a very famous collected _History_ of such BIRTHS, as in the _Margin_[197]. Whence the Certainty of _Superfætation_ is not to be doubted, and much less to be disputed: And according to _Aristotle_ the same may happen, after the _Second_ or _Third Day_, from first Conception, as well as after so many _Months_[198]. But farther,——

THE _Cause_ of all _Superfætations_ is only an _Apertion_ of the _Orifice_ of the WOMB, at the Effusion of the _Virile_ SEED. Which however (according to _Avicen_) only happens to such _Women_, as have plenty of BLOOD, or a _Calid_ WOMB, desirous of _Copulation_, or to such as have their MENSTRUA after the _first_ CONCEPTION.

SUPERFÆTATIONS however are not easily discover’d before BIRTH; at which time, _Avicen_ advises to take Notice of the NAVEL-STRING; _For_ (says He) _if it be without folds or wrinkles, there is but one_ CHILD; _if otherways, there’s a Child for every Wrinkle_: But I think the expert MIDWIFE using her _Hand_, as I have not unadvisedly inculcated[199], will have but small Occasion for such _Observations_, and far less _Need_ to trust to them.

BUT when more than _one_ CHILD is found, they are distinguishable, (I mean _Superfætations_) from _These_ conceiv’d at one time; _those_ having each a _peculiar_ SECUNDINE; _these_ ONE only in Commune: As the _one_ is also less vital and more imperfect, than the _other_; according to the interval of Time betwixt their CONCEPTIONS.

THE _Cure_ or Prevention of this _Case_ is much the same with the following, _viz._

CHAP. III.
_Of a Numerous_ CONCEPTION.

A _Numerous_ CONCEPTION may happen either with, or without SUPERFÆTATION: And _that without_, may be truly call’d _Monstrous_; as all BIRTHS, exceeding the Number of the _Woman’s Breasts_, or the SINUS’S of her WOMB, may be justly accounted.

I could also give many Instances of this sort of BIRTHS, where 3, 4, 5, and more CHILDREN have been _born at once_, but shall satisfy myself with _This_, which I think is one of the most remarkable, _viz._ _That_ of the _Countess Margaret_,[200] Daughter to _Florent_ IV. _Earl of Holland_, and SPOUSE to _Count Herman of Heneberg_; who, on _Good-Friday_, in the Year of our LORD 1276, and of her _Age_ 42, brought forth at one BIRTH 365 INFANTS; whereof 182, are said to have been _Males_, as many _Females_, and the odd one an HERMAPHRODITE: who were all _baptized_, _those_ by the Name of JOHN, _these_ by that of ELIZABETH, in two _Brazen Dishes_, by _Don William, Suffragan Bishop of Treves_. The BASONS are still to be seen in the _Village Church_ of _Losdun_, where all _Strangers_ go (on purpose) from the _Hague_, being reckon’d among the great CURIOSITIES of _Holland_. For farther and more instances of this Nature, I refer the Curious to a large collected _History_ of such, by the _Author_ mentioned in the _Margin_[201] From whence the Certainty of _Numerous_ CONCEPTIONS will evidently appear.

AGAIN the _Cause_ of such _Numerous_ CONCEPTIONS is (according to _Avicenna_’s just Opinion) the _Division_ of the SEED in numerous _Portions_, or _Proportions_; which may happen, either because of the WOMB, or because of the INJECTOR: Because of the WOMB, when its _Cavity_ is larger than ordinary; or when it too greedily _attracts_ to all its Parts; or when the divided SEED adheres separately to the singular _Uterine Veins_: Insomuch, that if what has been recorded of the abovesaid _Countess_ be true, it is not improbable that, there may be a CONCEPTION for every _Orifice_ of the _Uterine Veins_, and that every _Vessel_ may attract its own distinct _share_ of the SEMINAL _Matter_, and thereupon initiate a respective CONCEPTION, tho’ it cannot possibly bring it to _Perfection_.

MOREOVER the same may also happen, because of an irregular INJECTION, namely, when _that_ is perform’d by _stops_ and _intervals_; then the WOMB attracting accordingly, may occasion different CONCEPTIONS, according to the different _Immissions_ or _Divisions_ of the SEED.

BUT these CONCEPTIONS, whether _two_, _three_, or _more_, are always annexed to, and contained in one common SECUNDINE. And tho’ the _Woman_, by reason of her good Constitution of _Body_ and WOMB, may do well in the time of _Gestation_, yet her _Præternatural Condition_ in the BIRTH, always threatens _Danger_, as is already made out more manifestly[202].

NOW as to the _Cure_ or Prevention of both _this_ and the _preceding Case_, I know but one only grateful Method of performing it; _viz._ by refrigerating and reducing the too _calid_ WOMB to a convenient _Temperature_, and using a proper _Regimen_ of _Health_ and DIET; and _that_ both before and after CONCEPTION.

CHAP. IV.
_Of False_ CONCEPTIONS.

HAVING already also particularly defin’d the _real_ or _true_ CONCEPTION in _Sect._ III. Chap. I. I come now in like manner to the REVERSE of that _Case_, properly call’d a _false_ CONCEPTION. But that I may, in this Point, be well understood,——

A _False_ CONCEPTION, in my Opinion, is nothing else, but a _Protuberancy_ of the _Woman_’s BELLY, attended with some, if not with most, of the _Symptoms_ of the Months of GESTATION: which however, is no ways occasion’d by a humane FOETUS, but (on the contrary) either by _Water_ and _Winds_, or _Wind_ and _Water_ vitiously mixed; which is also pertinently call’d a _Dropsy_ of the WOMB: Or then, by a corrupted _Viscid_, or _pituitous Matter_ collected in the WOMB; and that either proceeding from weak and vitious SEED, or from some extraordinary _Intemperature_ of the WOMB, which may hinder the _Elaboration_ of the SEED and BLOOD, and consequently the _Accomplishment_ of the CONCEPTION: Or the same may also finally proceed from the _Impurity_ of the MENSTRUA, which may corrupt the SEED, and convert it to _Aqueous_, _purulent_, or _other_ HUMOURS.

THIS _false_ CONCEPTION is attended (besides the common _Symptoms_ of a _true_ CONCEPTION) with inordinate FEVERS, PAINS of the _Head_, _Neck_, _Loins_, _Groins_, _Back_, and _Belly_: Which BELLY swells sooner than in the _Condition_ of _real_ CONCEPTION; and which, if struck with the _Hand_, gives a _Sound_ like a DRUM whence ’tis also call’d a TYMPANY: The whole _Body_ is hence discoloured; the _Feet_, and sometimes the _Face_ swells; and only a little (if any) _watery_ MILK is found in the _Breasts_. THE _Cure_ of the _Case_ depends entirely upon proper _Evacuations_, peculiar to the _Quality_ of what is to be evacuated. Whence I come to treat of the _Conception_ of MOLES.

CHAP. V.
_Of_ MOLES.

A MOLE is properly nothing else, than a _fleshy Mass_ (instead of a FOETUS) engender’d, of an _imperfect_ CONCEPTION, in the WOMB. And is so call’d, because (_quasi Lapis Molaris_) like a MILL-STONE, its _weight_ infests the _Woman_.

THERE are two immediate _Causes_ of this CONCEPTION of MOLES, _viz._ the _Superfluity_ of Matter, and the _infirmity_ of the _forming Faculty_. Which, I think, is agreeable to _Hippocrates_ his meaning, saying, that _too much Menstruous Blood, or too little, weak, or insufficient_ SEED, _is the only Cause of a_ MOLE[203].

I know, that besides these, there are many other various _Causes_ given by diverse _Authors_; yea I know that the MOLE it self is variously accepted among them: But as I am not to insist upon the _quibbling_ Notions of other Men, so I shall only here observe,——

FIRST, that there is a vast Variety and Difference in the _Substance_, as well as in the _Form_ of MOLES: SECONDLY, That there is sometimes but _one_, _and_ sometimes _two_, _three_, or _more_ MOLES, contain’d in _One_ WOMB; and _that_, sometimes with, and sometimes without the _Natural_ FOETUS as also sometimes separately, and sometimes adhering the _One_ to the _Other_: THIRDLY, That in this _Case_, if the FOETUS be not directly kill’d by the _Compression_ of its tender Body, it is at least in _Danger_ of being _misshaped_, or perhaps _monstrously formed_, according to the _Bulk_, _Weight_, and _Solidity_ of what is contain’d with it in the WOMB.

HOWEVER in regard to the FOETUS, when we are certain of its _Existence_; tho’ in the WOMB, with _one_ or _more_ MOLES, it may perhaps be very safe; Therefore I again observe, that, in this _Case_, as long as the _Woman_ is no ways endangered, the _Exclusion_ of BOTH ought to be _Natural_, and accordingly the _appointed Time_ waited for: When according to all _Authors_, the MOLE comes sometimes before, sometimes with, sometimes immediately after, and sometimes a few Days, or perhaps Weeks, after the FOETUS. But such MIDWIVES as follow my _Method_, already plainly laid down[204], will scarce trust their WOMAN with the Charge of a MOLE, one moment after the _Birth_ of the INFANT and _Secundine_: Because by such means, yea, even by a small _Clod_ of BLOOD, which is a far less matter, retain’d after the BIRTH, _Millions_ of Women have lost their pretious _Lives_.

IN the mean time, as MOLES are most commonly generated _alone_, without any FOETUS; I come now to indicate their peculiar _Diagnosticks_, which the _Reader_ may take as follows, _viz._ FIRST, the _Woman_’s BELLY swells equally in all its _Dimensions_; whereas in _Case_ of a _Natural_ CONCEPTION, it is raised, and as it were acuminated or pointed towards the NAVEL, and a little compressed on _both sides_.

SECONDLY, The _Orifice_ of the WOMB never shuts in _this_, as it does in the _Natural_, CONCEPTION: And the MOLE may be distinctly felt by the _Touch_, like a _Globular Mass_, in the _Region_ of the WOMB and LOINS.

THIRDLY, Any _expert Woman_ may also distinguish this _Case_, by its _Motion_; which is very different from that of a FOETUS, as also from that occasion’d by a _false_ CONCEPTION as above described: The FOETUS having not only a _total_, but also a _Partial Motion_; which always differs according to the _Part_ or _Member_ moved; and is consequently _first_ perceived about the _fourth Month_: Whereas the MOLE has no distinct _Motion_; only, as the _Woman_ turns to either _Side_, she may feel it (like a STONE) falling to the same _Side_; and in her walking, she may easily perceive its _suppressing dead_ WEIGHT.

FOURTHLY, Her _Breasts_ swell, but give seldom any manner of MILK, and about the 4th and 5th _Months_, when she, who has a _Natural Conception_, is commonly best in _Health_; then the _MOLE-BEARER_ falls worse; Her _Limbs_ and _Legs_ extenuate; her _Face_ and _Skin_ are all over discoloured, as the whole _Body_ languishes; PAINS of the _Back_ and _Groins_ follow of Course, together with a Difficulty of _Respiration_; as sometimes also, _Wind_ and _Humours_ break out of the WOMB.

UPON the whole, the PROGNOSTICK of this _Case_ is, that as the _MOLE-BEARING Woman_ must in all respects, be very much discommoded, and afflicted with heavy threatning _Symptoms_, so she lives continually in Danger of her Life: And the longer she entertains this unwieldy GUEST, the more rigid it grows, and the closer it sticks to her; so that consequently, the more difficult it is to dislodge or extract this _præternatural Body_: For as the MOLE has no _Secundine_, nor _Umbilical Vessels_, but adhering by its own gross _Substance_ to the oppress’d WOMB, attracting its _Nourishment_ directly from the _Uterine Vessels_; So it also fixes it self more and more strongly, and the longer the more firmly among them, to the great Prejudice and Damage of NATURE.

NOW, as to the _Cure_, or the _Delivery_ of the MOLE, as has been said, the _sooner_ it is undertaken, the easier it is performed: And in this _Case_, I know all _Authors_ advise only, to endeavour its _Expulsion_ by _Bleeding in the Feet_, _by proper Baths_, _by strong and Acrid Clysters_, &c. in order by such like _means_, to excite or stir up THROWS to open the WOMB and irritate the _expulsive Faculty_. But for my part, I would not too much afflict the PATIENT with these uncertain _means_, especially if the _Præternatural Body_ be of any long standing; but rather at once betake my self, to that which cannot fail me, _that_ is the HAND-CURE; after Bathing, relaxing and moistening the PASSAGES with _Oils_ or _emollient Ointments_: And _This_ I would undertake, and perform after the same manner, as in the _Condition_ of a _Dead Child_, when the PAINS are altogether _Deficient_. Again farther——

I observe that, of all the _Countries_ I know, there is none, whose _Women_ are so subject to MOLAR CONCEPTIONS, as the _Provinces of Holland_: And moreover, by what I have diligently observ’d my self in those _Parts_, as well as by what I have comprehended from their most _Learned Men_, the _MOLES_ generally conceived there, are very different from _Others_ commonly conceived in _other Parts_; Insomuch that _Those_ are of a strange, astonishing, deformed _shape_, having (as it were) something in them like the _Rudiments_ of a _Work imperfectly begun_; such a _Piece_, as, for Example, a _Limner_ may draw at the first _Draught_, with a rude _Pensil_; together with something of both _Life_ and _Motion_: LIVING however only (as it were) _Vitâ Plantæ_, and moving but by _Palpitation_; as I have also seen and observ’d this _Body_ to contract it self sensibly at the _Touch_, and immediately again dilate it self perceptibly. In the _interim_ I must farther observe in this Place, that most commonly NATURE ejects these _Bodies_ happily about the _fourth Month_; however yet, not always _all_ at once, but most frequently by _Piece-Meal_ and in _Heaps_, not unlike as the PUMP does the _Bilge-Water_ out of the _Ship_.

BUT here it may be _ask’d_, why the _Dutch good Women_, should be more subject to these _Præternatural Conceptions_ than any _others_? To which I _answer_, according to the Sense and Sentiments of most of _their own greatest Men_; FIRST, that all over these _Provinces_, the very _Borders_ of the SEA are inhabited, and a World of People live (as it were) in the very _Jaws_ of the OCEAN; whose bellowing _Waves_ and tumultuous _Surges_, are not only obvious to their _Eyes_ all Day, but obnoxious also to their _Ears_ all Night long; as they continually beat upon their _Coasts_, and sometimes too near their very _Doors_: From whence these _Women_ cannot but be much affected and disturbed, if not also frighted in their very _Embraces_.

HOWEVER yet, I do not conceive _This_ to be always the CAUSE, since _MOLAR CONCEPTIONS_ are also very common in their greatest _Cities_; But as _those_ happen there most frequently among the _Sea-faring Men’s Wives_; so, I think, we may rationally account for them after this ensuing manner, _viz._ The _Sailers_ arriving from their _Voyages_, and coming Home merrily with full Sail up to their very Doors, incontinently embrace their WIVES, without having any regard to their _Natural Course_, the SILENT MOON, or any other _Circumstance_; And the honest WIVES, having perhaps long wanted their _Husbands_, make no _Procrastination_, but eagerly fall to enjoying _One Another_; the good _Women_ attracting as greedily the virile Benevolence, as _Nature_ can prompt, or as _Cerberus_ could snap at a _Piece_, or the _Hunger-starved_ a _Bit_ of _Bread_. Upon which, if no _Efluxion_ happens in the Beginning, _NATURE_ being incapable of _elaborating_ such an _unapt confused Matter_, it is converted to a _MOLE_; which (as aforesaid) is frequently cast forth about the _fourth Month_, and call’d by them _een Manekindt_, as we for the same reason call it a MOON-CALF.

CHAP. VI.
_Of_ MONSTERS.

WHEN the _Parts_ destinated to the _Generation of Man_, are in all respects well constituted, NATURE in the Beginning fabricates a fair and comely _Conception_, and at last produces a _Lovely Creature_ of its own kind, absolutely perfected, and compleatly furnished with all its own graceful _Ornaments_: Whereas if any _Deficiency_, _Enormity_, _Fault_ or _Blemish_ be actually in _Those Parts_, then the _conglomerated Principles_ of _GENERATION_ are variously form’d into different Sorts of _prodigious CONCEPTIONS_ and _Monstrous BIRTHS_. However——

WITH respect to the _Variety_, as well as the _Veracity_ of this _SUBJECT_, that I may make short Work on’t, I refer the _Curious Reader_ to the WORKS of _Jacobus Ruffius_, _Cornelius Gamma_, &c. who have not only described at large, the various _Shapes_ and _Figures_ of the most remarkable _MONSTERS_ which have been Born, but also particularly noted the _Times_ and _Places_ of their _BIRTHS_; which they have authentically collected from many creditable _Authors_.

IN the small Conversation, by the _By_, which I have had either at Home or Abroad with the _Learned_, I have met with none who have deny’d the _Truth_ of this _POSITION_ in _general_; tho’ some of my _Superiors_ in this Place, have been pleas’d to contradict in _particular_, what I am just now going (and chiefly for that very reason) about to publish to the World, in the next following _Chapter_.

BUT notwithstanding that we all agree as to the _FACT_, yet I have found but few ready to discuss the proper _Causes_ of _Monstrous BIRTHS_: Only so far, that _some_ would have them to proceed immediately from the Commixture of _Humane_ with _Brutal SEED_; _others_, directly from the _INFLUX_ of the _Stars_; _Some_ again, from a vitious _Constitution_, or oblique _Situation_ of the _WOMB_; others also, from a _Lascivious_ and enormous _Act_ of _Copulation_; and _some_ at last, from the sordid and corrupted _SEMINAL Matter_ of the _Persons Copulating_. Which may be all indeed, in some respect, consentaneous to _Reason_; but notwithstanding, in speaking to such _Causes_, I think, we ought previously to consider the _Requisites_ concurring to the _Production_ of the FOETUS; what they naturally are, and how they ought to be _qualify’d_.

THE FIRST and chief of which is the _Forming Faculty_; 2ly. The _two Instruments_, by which this _Faculty_ operates, _viz._ the _SPIRIT_ or innate _Seminal Heat_, and the _Imagination_, 3ly. _The MATTER_, viz. both the _SEEDS_, and the _Menstruous Blood_; 4ly. And lastly, the _PLACE_, namely the WOMB: Whence I conclude that any _one_, or _more_, or (perhaps) all of _THESE_, degenerating from their _due state_ or _natural Qualities_, may prove the _Cause_ or _Causes_ of a _MONSTROUS CONCEPTION_, or _Æquivocal GENERATION_.

AS to the _Forming Faculty_, it never errs or fails, but always performs its _Duty_, as far as depends upon it self, or its own _Intention_; tho’ indeed it often happens to be frustrated by the _Instrumentary Causes_: As the most ingenious _Artificer_ cannot finish his _Work_, however successfully begun, without a proportionable _Metal_ to work upon, and corresponding _Instruments_ to work by; So it is, in this _Case_, with the _Forming Faculty_: Hence it is that _MONSTERS_ are also pertinently call’d, as they undeniably are, the _Works_ of _NATURE_; however degenerating from its proper _END_, that it may effect something, even such a _MONSTER_, rather than that the indigested and unalterated _Matter_ should remain in the _WOMB_, and turn either to a _MOLE_ or a _STONE_, as has often happened[205]. Which being thus consider’d, we shall find the _Error_ or _Fault_ to ly either in the _Instruments_, in the _Matter_, or in the _Place_.

FIRST then, as to the _Instruments_, of the _two_ above-mentioned, I take the _Imagination_ to have the most prevalent _Power_ in _CONCEPTION_; which I hope may be readily granted, considering how common a Thing it is, for the _MOTHER_ to mark her CHILD with _Pears_, _Plums_, _Milk_, _Wine_, or any _thing else_, upon the least trifling _Accident_ happening to her from thence; and _that_ even in the latter ripening _Months_, after the INFANT is entirely formed, by the _Strength of her Imagination_ only, as has been already manifestly set forth at large[206].

WHICH if so, Pray, what wonder is it, if the _Woman_ in time of _CONCEPTION_ (which is by far the more _critical Juncture_) should by the same reason _conceive_, and at last bring forth her FOETUS with a _Calf_’s, _Lamb_’s, _Dog_’s, _Cat_’s-_HEAD_, or the _Effigy_ of any other thing whatsoever? And _this_ the more especially, considering, that not only the _conceiving Woman_, but also the _copulating Man_, may effect the same thing; if he should imprudently set his Mind on such Objects, or employ his perverted _Imagination_ that way. Now this absurd _Imagination_ takes even place also among the very _BRUTES_, as _Lemnius_ relates[207] of a _Sheep_ with a _Seal’s_, or _Sea-CALF’S HEAD_, having no doubt seen that Animal in the critical Time of _Conjunction_ or _Conception_.

IN like manner, supposing such _Women_ to conceive in their Minds, some deformed _SPIRIT_ or _ANIMAL_, with _Horns_, _Snout_, _Wings_, _Cloven-Feet_, &c. (as has sometimes happen’d) What should hinder this _Woman_ to produce a BIRTH with these _Monstrous Marks_? THIS is also therefore very possible, but more especially, when the _Disposition_ of the MATTER acquiesces, which it certainly does when the SEED and BLOOD are impure: For, Is it not manifest to our _Eyes_, that some CHILDREN bring with them long _Hair_ and _Nails_ into the World, merely from the _Impurity_ of these _material Substances_? Then supposing the _Force_ of an absurd _Imagination_ to have seconded the _Efficacy_ of such _Sordid Stuff_, what a MONSTER might not _these_ Jointly have produced? Wherefore I shall only add upon the whole of _This_, that as such impious and foolish _Imaginations_ ought to be suppressed, so both the SEED and the BLOOD ought to be pure and temperate, to prevent such _præternatural Productions_.

NOW, as to the _Heat_ and _Spirit_ contain’d in the SEED, we may easily conceive its _Effects_, and such as have been in _Glass-Works_, and have seen GLASSES, made, may readily comprehend how MONSTERS are formed in the WOMB: For in modeling the GLASS, if the _Work-Man_ blow the PIPE too much or too strongly, the _Stuff_ is so extended, that the GLASS becomes both _longer_ and _wider_ than its due proportionable FORM; and so it may also happen in the WOMB, by an _immoderate Action_, or too great an _Extension_ or _Diffusion_ of the SEMINAL SPIRIT, which sometimes may only affect some _particular Part_, such as the HEAD, NOSE, MOUTH, EARS, _&c._ and sometimes the _whole_ FOETUS disproportionably.

SECONDLY, Hence we may rationally conclude, that a _superfluity_ of SEED, and _super-abundancy_ of material HUMOURS may, in like manner, produce _duplicated Members_, such as _Two_ HEADS, _Four_ HANDS, _Four_ FEET, _Six_ or _more_ TOES or FINGERS, _&c._ and _this_ especially, in case of the _Woman’s_ strange _Imagination_ concurring; which may easily happen, by fancying herself sometimes to _see double_ with her EYES, which _Deception_ may probably proceed from the _Concourse_ of HUMOURS, gross VAPOURS, and confused or distracted SPIRITS. And _This_ in short, it is evident, holds also good among the _other Creatures_ (IRRATIONALS) as _Lemnius_ writes[208] of himself, that He saw a _Sheep_ and a _Calfe_, each with _two_ HEADS, and a _Hen_ with _four_ FEET and as many WINGS.

AGAIN, as from the _Superabundance_ of MATTER, _Geminated Members_, or Superfluous Particles may proceed; so from the _Scarcity_ of these MATTERS, _Want_ of requisite _Aliment_, or from any partial _Invalidity_ of the _Natural Faculties_, some _Members_ or certain _Particles_ may be either maim’d and destitute of their _Natural Use_, or then (which is worse) be altogether _irregular_, _defective_, or _Unnatural_.

LASTLY as to the _Place_, I mean the WOMB, in which the _Conception_ is made; It ought not only to be _perpendicularly seated_ in the _PELVIS_, or in a _direct line_ from the _VAGINA_ upwards, but also to be well conform’d and proportion’d: Otherways, as an ugly or unshapely exteriour FORM or MOULD of _Wax_ or _Clay_, produces a corresponding deformed IMAGE cast therein; so the WOMB may as effectually be the _Cause_ of a _Deform’d_ or _Monstrous_ BIRTH. And moreover not only so, but the WOMB ought also to be in its due _Temperament_ and _Natural State_, free of all _Distempers_ and Inconveniencies, such as obdurated GLANDS, ULCERS, CICATRICES, _&c._ Otherways, as a TREE planted in _Stony Ground_, its ROOT cannot diffuse or spread it self round every way, but being cramp’d and oppress’d, it _crooks_ and _bends back_; So it is with the FOETUS in the WOMB, if oppos’d and resisted by the _Constriction_ or _Coarctation of the Place_, or by any inherent _Præternatural Substance_, its MEMBERS cannot possibly be _articulately_ and _distinctly form’d_, much less can they attain their _Natural_ GROWTH and FIGURE.

IN short from what is here said, I think, the _Notions_ of such Men, as will have MONSTERS, only and immediately to proceed from a _Coition_ with BRUTES, may evidently appear as _absurd_ as _they_ are verily _groundless_[209]: And for strengthening or backing of my _Authority_, I may add _Galen_’s own Words[210], saying, _Vel semen Humanum in Utero Equæ, vel Equinum in utero Muliebri, aut non admitti, aut admissum corrumpi_. Which is also farther confirm’d by Holy St. _Jerom_, saying,[211] _non minùs absurdum est, Animal construi ex Equo & Homine, quàm Vitem Olivæ insertam, simul vinum & oleum proserre_. Which _Doctrine_ seems also most agreeable to _Truth_, in _that_ there can be no _Affinity_ or _Concord_ betwixt _these_ Specifically different _SEEDS_, neither in their _Natural Actions_, _Aliment_, _Maturation_, _Time_, or _Manner_ of _Birth_, &c. to pass by all other _disconsonant_ or _incongruous Circumstances_.

IN FINE therefore, for these _Reasons_, I believe Nothing of the many _fabulous Relations_ extant, of the _Hippocentauri_, _Onocentauri_, _Minotauri_, &c. inhabiting the LAND, nor of the _Tritons_, _Nereids_, _Syrens_, &c. which are said to possess the SEA; tho’ indeed both St. _Antony_[212], and St. _Jerom_[213], maintain the Existence of the SATYRI and SYLVANI: But be these Things as they will, I believe, that the _Production_ of every _MONSTER_, concurs to the _Perfection_ of the _UNIVERSE_, and that sometimes such _Prodigies_, or rather _Dæmonical Illusions_, may appear, as well as _Monstrous_ BIRTHS happen, by the Will and Pleasure of the great _CREATOR_, who would thereby signify and portend something _extraordinary_, or more than NATURAL to us _Mortals_.

CHAP. VII.
_Of various deformed_ CONCEPTIONS.

THE particular _Description_ of _MONSTROUS CONCEPTIONS_ in the preceding _Chapter_, leads me, of Course, to treat of _another Sort_; which I shall comprehend under the _Title_ of _Deformed CONCEPTIONS_. _This Sort_ happening almost in _all Countries_ promiscuously, tho’ in _some_ more frequently than in _others_, becomes almost in _all Parts_ Daily obvious to our _Eyes_, so that we need be at no great Pains to prove the _Reality_ of _deformed_ BIRTHS, but rather inquire into the _Causes_ of such uncouth _CONCEPTIONS_.

IN short therefore as to _these_, if we only look back and reflect on the three preceding _Chapters_, we will find the _Causes_ of the _present Case_ very evident and sufficiently manifest, if not particularly included in the _Latter_: Wherefore I have only farther here to observe, that all such _Præternatural CONCEPTIONS_, degenerate from the _Natural_, in proportion to the _Prevalency_ of their _Cause_ or _Causes_; So that the _Cause_ being less considerable in _this_, than in the _foregoing Case_, instead of a _MONSTROUS_, we have only a _deformed_ BIRTH: Such as a _Scurf-Head_, a _discolour’d Skin_, an _ugly Visage_, _disagreeable Features_, _distorted Mouth_, _crooked Nose_, _Legs_, or _Arms_, maim’d in _whole_ or in _Part_, _Tumours_, _Pustules_, or _Bubos_ about the _Groins_, &c. Which, tho’ _these_ and such like _Accidents_ may verily proceed from either of the forementioned _Causes_; Yet I think, the most common and ordinary _One_, in all Countries, is an impure and unseasonable COPULATION: Such as is not only precisely forbid by the _Express Word_ of _God_[214], but also repugnant to right _Reason_, and even to common _Sense_.

FOR who can be so stupid as not to conceive, that this _Menstruous Contagion_, will naturally (tho’ insensibly) creep into the BLOOD, invade the whole _Habit of the Body_, and tacitely infect the very _soundest Constitution_, even sometimes with the _Venereal_ Pox, or perhaps with an _Elephantiasis_, or the _Leprosy_ it self? Nor does this EVIL end always here, but such BIRTHS are also generally as perverse in the MIND, as they are _Heterogeneous_ in the _Person_; for like BASTARDS of _Nature_, they are commonly denudated, or destitute of all her laudable _Gifts_ and _Graces_, which others, her _Legitimate_ SONS, are happily born with and enjoy in Abundance.

HENCE it is, that, if they become not altogether _Jolt-Heads_, _Foolish_, or _Delirious_, they are most ordinarily otherways _Lewd_, _Vitious_, and _Licentious Persons_, if not also _envious Traducers_, and _crafty Cozeners_ of Mankind: From hence likewise the _Italians_ and _Germans_ derive a memorable _PROVERB_, which they never forget upon dealing with such _Persons_, viz. to this purpose; _Take Care of Him whom_ GOD _has marked_. For tho’ _some of Them_, are capable of undertaking _Nothing_ of any Moment, much less of accomplishing any laudable _Work_, _NATURE_ it self thwarting their _Career_ in every _Enterprize_, and the very STARS (as it were) concurring to their _Frustrations_: Yet _others_ have subtile WITT enough to scrape together (_per Fas aut Nefas_) Heaps of contemptible _Dross_, much of affinity with their own vile _Substance_; which however, seldom prevents a base or ignominious _CATASTROPHE_ to _themselves_, who are thus found established upon such a _præternatural_ BASIS of _Pollution_.

IF then _these_ be the direful _Consequences_, how unreasonably cruel are such _Parents_, who thus by Enterprising the Work of _PROCREATION_ without _humane Decency_, and contrary to the very _Institution_ of _NATURE_, involve their _Posterity_, in such miserable _Calamities_? But this sort of BIRTHS, I have also diligently observ’d, happens most frequently in _Holland_, and _that_ chiefly for the _Reasons_ and _Causes_ mentioned in the foregoing _Chapter_. Which _Observation_ leads me to the following _Matter of_ FACT, which (without any intended _Reflection_, or _Reproach_ upon any particular _Country_, or rather, as _this_ would be, upon _Human Nature_ it self) I shall ingenuously relate, not only to clear up the _MYSTERY_ of a certain _Truth_, which I have found, to be _controverted_ in this Place, and _that_ even among some of the more _Learned_ themselves; but also for _Morality_ and _Instruction_ sake to the _Reader_ in particular, and for the _common Good_ of _Mankind_ in general, _viz._——

THAT these BIRTHS in those _Parts_, are often attended and accompany’d with a _Monstrous little Animal_, the likest of any thing in Shape and Size to a MOODIWARP; having a _hooked Snout_, _fiery sparkling Eyes_, a long _round Neck_, and an acuminated _short Tail_, of an extraordinary _Agility_ of _FEET_. At first _sight_ of the World’s Light, it commonly _Yells_ and _Shrieks_ fearfully; and seeking for a _lurking Hole_, runs up and down like a _little Dæmon_, which indeed I took it for, the first time I saw it, and _that_ for none of the _better Sort_. Moreover——

THE following _accidental Passage_ is so remarkable, that I cannot pass it by, in order to satisfy and convince _others_ of this admirable TRUTH; Namely, that, not many Years ago, in coming from _Germany_ over East and West _Friesland_, to _Holland_, I took Passage in the ordinary _Fare-Vessel_, from the City of _Harlingen_ for _Amsterdam_, over what they call the _Zuyder-Zee_; Which is commonly reckon’d a _Voyage_ of 10 or 12, Hours, tho’ at this Time we happen’d to be near 36 Hours on our _Passage_. Amongst the better Sort of the _Passengers_, who possess’d the _Cabine_, there happen’d to be a _Woman big with Child_, of a very creditable _Aspect_, who afterwards told me, that She was bound for _Amsterdam_, on purpose to buy some Necessaries for her _lying-in_ at the easiest rate; when in the _interim_, the good Provident _Woman_, was taken all at once, aboard the _Ship_, with a sudden and surprizing LABOUR: Upon which occasion, in short I immediately lent her a _helping Hand_, and upon the _Membrane_’s giving way, this forementioned ANIMAL made its wonderful _Egress_; filling my _Ears_ with dismal SHRIEKS, and my _Mind_ with greater CONSTERNATION.

WHEN not immediately recollecting what I had either heard or read of this _MONSTER_, I could not help continuing in my Surprize, until I heard some of our _Accidental Company_ call it _de Suyger_, as they went about to kill it: Upon which I immediately laid the _Woman_ of a pretty _plump_ GIRL; who, notwithstanding all this, had no _Deformity_ upon it, save only many _dark_, _livid_ SPOTS all over its Body; which I prognosticated might turn to a _Universal_ SCURF. In the mean time I order’d the _Express’d Oil_ of ALMONDS to be diligently us’d, as soon as we landed.

AFTERWARDS I had occasion to talk with some of the most _learned Men_, of the several famous Universities in these _Provinces_ upon this Head; who ingenuously told me, that it was so common a Thing, among the _Sea-faring_, and _meaner sort of People_, that scarce ONE of these _Women_ in _Three_ escaped this kind of strange BIRTH; which my own small _Practice_ among them afterwards also confirmed: Insomuch, that I always as much expected the Thing _de Suyger_, as the CHILD it self: And besides the _Women_ in like manner, make a respective suitable _Preparation_, to receive it warmly, and throw it into the _Fire_; holding _Sheets_ before the _Chimney_, that it may not get off; as it always endeavours to save it self, by getting into some _dark Hole_ or _Corner_. They properly call it _de Suyger_, which is (in our Language) the SUCKER, because, like a _Leech_, it sucks up the INFANT’S _Blood_ and _Aliment_.

UPON this _Head_, and to this _Purpose_, I might produce the _Authorities_ of sundry good _Writers_, but shall content my self here at present with ONE of the same _Nation_, viz.[215] The most Learned and Eminent _Levinus Lemnius_, who gives us a very remarkable and particular Account at large, of a certain BIRTH, which began with a _MONSTROUS MOLE_, succeeded by the SUCKER, and ended with the _Production_ of an excarnificated MALE-CHILD.

THESE things then being so, and proceeding merely from the immediate _Reasons_ above-mentioned, ought to serve for a memorable _Caution_ to all PARENTS, that, in their conjugal _Duties_, they behave themselves orderly and decently, not like insatiable BRUTES; but, like rational _Men_, to the end that their _Families_ may be preserved, and their _Persons_ succeeded, not by an opprobrious RACE, but, by a _univocal Generation_ of hopeful CHILDREN, Men of _Probity_ and _Integrity_ both in BODY and MIND.

CHAP. VIII.
_Of Imaginary_ CONCEPTIONS.

THERE remains yet one Sort of _spurious_ CONCEPTION, which happens without any _virile Help_ or _Assistance_, merely by the Force of _Imaginary VENERY_: Especially among _Salacious Women_, a _Seminal Fluxion_ may happen upon many coherent occasions; which joining and incorporating with the MENSTRUOUS BLOOD, may be so much fomented by the _Uterine Calidity_, and the other _Faculties_ of the WOMB, that the _Rudiments_ of an imperfect ANIMAL may be amassed and conceived. But——

AS the _Masculine SEED_ (the _efficient Cause_) which ministers both FORM and LIFE, is wanting, it can assume neither of these Perfections: The _Maternal Matter_ serving only to bring it to a rude indigested _Consistency_, or a confused fleshy _Substance_ of a strange and uncommon _FIGURE_.

THIS in short, is no ways improbable, if we consider that _HENS_, without the _COCK_’s assistance, lay _Eggs_; however, of such a _Nature_, that whatever Pains the _HEN_ is afterwards at to _sit_ and _brood_ upon them, the _Eggs_ can never be animated so as to produce _CHICKENS_. Or, if we consider, that tho’ _feminine Trees_ or _Roots_, having of themselves less _Power_ and _Strength_, as they are only imbued with a _frigid_ and _infœcund Humidity_, may smile a little in their _SEASON_; yet, because of the natural _Deficiency_ of _HEAT_, and their innate _Debility_ or _Impotency_, they only yield an empty or imperfect _Rudiment_ of either _FRUIT_ or _SEED_, unless, by the _Vicinity_ and delectable _Conjunction_ of the _MALE_, they participate of its _Fœcundity_, as _Pliny_ testifies[216] of the PALM.

AGREEABLE to _this Position_, the Practical Observations of many eminent _Physicians_, teach us, that _WOMEN_ have and may conceive at this rate, without any _virile Energy_ or _Concurrence_; of which Dr. _Burnet_[217] gives us a notable Instance, concerning a certain _Noble-Woman_, a _Matron_ of undoubted VIRTUE, who some Years after her _Course of Nature_ had alter’d, in the 56th of her Age, brought forth several fleshy MOLES, as he calls them, and _that_ attended with a great _Flooding_, and the most severe _Pains_ of LABOUR, as if in the _Case_ of a _Natural_ BIRTH. Again moreover——

DO we not know, in fine, that the _necessitous_, and such as suffer _Want_, may be refreshed purely by the SAVOUR of our _Dishes_? And that the _Hunger-starved_ may be satiated merely by the ODOURS of our _Kitchins_? As possibly thus may the _marriageable_ GIRL, but more readily however the WIDOW, fill her self with her own odd IMAGINATION; and being debarr’d the _Enjoyment_ of her PARAMOUR, hug him tacitely in her _Bosom_, and embrace him heartily, however _absent_, in her _Mind_. Which, if frequently done, may occasion a _Collection_ and _Commixture_ of gross _Humours_ in the WOMB; whence a _deformed Concretion_, or _shapeless_ MASS, may be engendred, and _that_ only by _Imaginary VENERY_. To which _Case_ and _Purpose_, I think, _Virgil_, very pertinently alludes,[218] saying——

_Scilicet ante omnes furor est insignis Equarum,
Continuóque avidis ubi subdita flamma Medullis,
Vere magis (quia vere calor redit ossibus) illæ
Ore omnes versæ in Zephyrum stant rupibus altis,
Exceptantque leves Auras, & sæpe sine ullis,
Conjugiis vento gravidæ, mirabile dictu,
Diffugiunt.——_

AND thus at last having particularly, treated of all the distinct and different _sorts_ of CONCEPTION, to which the _Woman_ can be subject; I come now in the _next place_, to address my self to HER, who was never yet capable of any CONCEPTION; and _that_ in the _Chapter_ and _Manner following_, viz.

CHAP. IX.
_Of the_ STERILITY _or_ BARRENNESS _of_ WOMEN.

AS STERILITY is in it self a _Præternatural Faculty_, so I cannot but think, that, in the CLASS of _Præternatural Conceptions_, that of a _NON-CONCEPTION_ may at last pertinently take place.

NOW I remember the _Reader_ was referred to this _Place_, by Sect. II. Chap. 5. where I promised to expound the unsuccessful ACT of _Copulation_; as I there briefly did the _Reverse-Case_: And after having all a long _thus_ far forward, safely conducted the _Fertile_ or _Fruitful_ WOMAN, thro’ the different _Trains_ and _Consequences_ of the successful ACT, I have left _Her_ in a safe _Condition_, together with the _Dear_ PLEDGE of her _Natural Fœcundity_; whilst in the next place, I come now to treat of the _Præternatural BARREN WOMAN_.

IN order to which, I FIRST observe, that the _Jews_, and almost all other _Nations_, deemed it the greatest MARK of _Infamy_ imaginable, for a WOMAN, _to yield no Children_; as is evident from the _Scriptures_, how HAGAR, _the fruitful Chamber-Maid_,[219] _despised_ SARAH, _her barren Mistress_, &c. But moreover——

SECONDLY, We may observe, that, upon every provoking Occasion, the LORD _himself threatned them with this Curse_; as _one_ of the greatest INSTANCES of his heavy _Displeasure_, and _One_ of the severest _Judgments_, that his _VENGEANCE_ could inflict on them for their _Sins_, as is also manifest from repeated INSTANCES of _Scripture_, particularly from the Words of the _Holy Prophet_, saying,[220] _They sowe the Wind_, _and shall reap the Whirlwind_: _Their Glory shall fly away from the WOMB: Their Root is dryed up, they shall bear no Fruit_, &c.

THIRDLY, We may easily conclude that, such a _Sentence_ passing from the Mouth of the most high _JUDGE_, the Supreme _Physician_, and _Omnipotent_ himself, could never be revers’d by the _Art_ or _Ingenuity_ of MAN: But as _Christians_ have no Reason to suspect themselves to lay under this accursed _Sentence_, so they may well look nearer _Home_, and take a view of the many different mediate and immediate _Causes_ of _STERILITY_ or _NON-CONCEPTION_ in them.

FOURTHLY, however, before I enter upon _these_, I would previously have it noted, that, sometimes the _Fault_, or _Cause_ of the _Woman’s not conceiving_, lies in the MAN; and may proceed from many diverse _Diseases_ or _Symptoms_ in him, as particularly mentioned, and treated of at large,[221] by the most Learned _Senertus_, to which we refer the _Curious_; Because we have nothing to do with the MAN in this place: Wherefore that I may return to the WOMAN, I say——

THE immediate _Causes_ of _STERILITY_ in her, are manifest from the very _Definition_ of _CONCEPTION_: Which, according to _Galen_,[222] is nothing else, than _a Comprehension of SEED in the Womb, for the Generation of Man_. But here it may be requisite, to explain this general _Term_ of Comprehension, which I would have understood to imply _four particular Qualities_ of the WOMB, _viz._ _Attraction_, _Retention_, _Distribution_, and _Fomentation_. Hence it is that such _Women_ must needs be BARREN, as cannot either _attract_ the effused; or _retain_ the attracted; or _distribute_ and _alterate_ the retain’d _SEED_ through the Parts of the WOMB, and excite its latent _Virtue_ to ACTION; or lastly, such as cannot duly foment and nourish the same _SEED_, when regularly _distributed_; and _These_, I think, are all the immediate _Causes_ of _BARRENNESS_: As _Those_, for which the _SEED_ either cannot be _attracted_, or _retained_, or _distributed_, or _fomented_, are the mediate _Causes_ of _STERILITY_.

NOW, as to the FIRST of _These_ then, the _Attraction_, or the _attractive Faculty_, may fail in its Duty _two ways_, viz. either because of its own _Debility_; or because of some præternatural _Impediment_. The _Debility_ or _Imbecility_ of this Faculty may proceed either from a _Defect of Spirits_ in the _Seminal Vessels_; or from either of the _Intemperatures_ of the WOMB, whether _Natural_ or _Adventitious_: And _Impediments_ may happen in _Attraction_ many different ways, such as by a læs’d or extinct _Venereal Appetite_; by the _Woman’s Aversion_ or _Indifference_ to her _MATE_; by the perverse _Affections_ of the Mind, such as _Melancholy_, _Grief_, _Anger_, _Fear_, &c. by _Causes_ of the VAGINA, or _Orifice_ of the WOMB; by a _Coalescence_, _Ulcer_, _Membrane_, _Carnous_ or _Scirrhous Substance_, or any other kind of _Tumours_; as also by a _Constriction_, _Distortion_, or _Compression_ of the _ORIFICE_; or at last by too much FAT, _&c._[223]

SECONDLY, the _Retentive Faculty_ may come short of its Duty _three different ways_; namely, either because of its own _Imbecillity_, or because of some _Præternatural Impediments_; or because of the _Object_ it self. The _Imbecillity_ or _Impotency_ of this Faculty may proceed either from the _Intemperature_ of the WOMB; or from the Abundance of some slimy _Mucous Humour_ in the same: And its _Impediments_ may happen from a _Prolapsus_, an _Inflammation_, an immoderate _Flux_, the _Whites_, a _Gonorrhæa_, _Worms_, _Scirrhous_, or other _Tumours_, _Ulcers_, or the _Cicatrix_ of an old _Sore_ in the Body of the WOMB; as also from the Amplitude or Laxity of the ORIFICE, whether _Natural_ or _Adventitious_: Which _Accident_ frequently happens even to _Child-bearing Women_, sometimes by an ABORTION, sometimes by a difficult BIRTH, and sometimes also by the rude _Usage_ of an ignorant MIDWIFE, that they can _never more Conceive_, until they be duly _Cured_: Again, the _Cause_ may be in the OBJECT, or SEED it self; when it is either _impure_, _acrid_, _vitious_, and disagreeable to the WOMB; or deprived of its natural _Heat_ and _Spirits_.

THIRDLY, the _Distributive_ or _Alterative Faculty_ may be also impugned in its _Function_, _1st_, by its own _Debility_, occasion’d by either of the _Diseases_, or _Intemperatures_ above-mentioned; or 2dly, by the discording _Qualities_ of the _Seminal Matter_; or 3dly, by some certain Disproportion betwixt that _Matter_ and the WOMB it self: Since as all SEEDS do not answer alike in _one Field_, some requiring a Pinguid and Loose _Soil_, others a Lean and Slender _Ground_; so it is with the WOMB and the injected _SEED_: For, however fruitful the _One_ may be, if the _other_ be not of a proportionable _Fœcundity_, no _CONCEPTION_ can possibly follow: Hence it is that many _Women_ have been accounted _BARREN_ in their first _Marriage_, who have had several _Children_ to a _second Husband_. Again, as _some SEEDS_ perish and are quite lost in _moist_, _clayish_, or _marshy Ground_, and _others_ decay and are burnt up in an _Acrid_, _Sandy_, or _Gravelly Field_; So it is also with the Human _SEED_: For, in the too _cold_, or _moist_ WOMB, it is extinguished, and in the too _Hot_ or _Dry_ WOMB it is corrupted[224].

FOURTHLY, the Fomentation, or the _Nutritive Faculty_ may be deficient in its Office of _attracting sufficient Aliment_ to foment and nourish the SEED; which however, is most commonly occasion’d by Want, or Scarcity of _Blood_ in the WOMB, proceeding from _perverse Evacuations_, _Penury_ or _Necessity_, an _Atrophia_, _Consumption_, or the like, or then, in fine, by the _Impurity_, or _vicious quality_ of the BLOOD.

NOW These, I think, are all the most common, as well as the most prevalent _Causes_ of STERILITY: Tho’, according to _Johannes Anglicus_, there are also several _external Causes_[225]; which however, I shall here pass by in Silence; lest, as some good _Women_ are at great Pains to rectify their _barren Wombs_, _others_ should thereby take Sinistrous Measures to suppress their FERTILITY. And in this CLASS may be included the _Medicines_ call’d by the _Greeks_ φθόυα, because they are endued with certain _occult Qualities_, which extinguish the _SEED_ and obstruct the _CONCEPTION_[226].

HAVING thus defin’d the mediate and immediate _Causes_ of reputed STERILITY, I can scarce, because of either of _these_, call a _Woman_ really BARREN; Since I have known some of the most difficult of _these Cases_ to have been duly _cur’d_, and diverse _Women_ to have conceiv’d, after many Years _BARRENNESS_, and prov’d the Joyful MOTHERS of hopeful _Children_; of which I could give some signal _Instances_, if I took Pleasure in swelling this _Work_: Hence it is, that the great Philosopher and Physician, _Daniel Senertus_, only disswades the _Ingenuous_ from undertaking this _Cure_, in the Cases of vicious _Hereditary Dispositions_, venenated _Constitutions_, or other heavy _Diseases_[227].

MOREOVER, we find that the very best of the _Ancients_ have been at great Pains, in distinguishing exactly the _curable_, from the _incurable_ BARREN WOMB: Yea _Hippocrates_, _Galen_, &c. have given certain Directions, founded upon the solid _Truths_ of their Immense Knowledge and Heavenly Wisdom, to try and discover the _One_ from the _Other_; as _they_ have also taught us to Judge of every particular _Cause_ affecting the _Curable_ WOMB. But to facilitate these Nice _Discoveries_, I shall subjoin some few _Diagnostick Signs_; because except we know the particular _Cause_, we can never pretend to remove it, and without removing the _Cause_, the _Effect_ can never cease, or be _cured_. Not but that——