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PLAIN DIRECTIONS, &c.

FOR THE CURE OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE.

[Price Eighteen-pence.]

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PLAIN DIRECTIONS, &c.

FOR THE CURE OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE.

TOGETHER WITH Efficacious and approved Remedies, adapted to every Symptom of that DISORDER.

Sufficient to enable Perſons to cure themſelves, (even in the worſt, and moſt obſtinate Caſes) without the Aſſiſtance of a Surgeon.

DESIGNED, Chiefly to reſcue the Poor, and People of ſmall Fortunes from the deſtructive Hands of unſkillful APOTHECARIES and QUACK-DOCTORS.

By J. WALL, SURGEON.

LONDON: Printed and Sold by W. GRIFFIN, in Fetter-lane G. KEARSLY, oppoſite St. Martin's Church, in Ludgate-ſtreet, and E. ETHERINGTON, at York. MDCCLXIV.

To the READER.

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THE following ſheets are the reſult of a long experience, acquired from a frequent attendance upon the ſick through every branch and ſtage of the Venereal Diſeaſe.

The medicines directed, though in general ſimple, and eaſily prepared, are of undoubted efficacy, the whole modern practice of curing the Venereal Diſeaſe being given without reſerve in the courſe of this work; and though the Medicines here preſcribed are to be got at almoſt every Chymiſt's ſhop, yet it is not to be ſuppoſed that perſons of opulence will give themſelves the trouble of mixing the ſeveral ingredients; I therefore, hope, my brethren of the faculty will not think themſelves injured, ſince motives of humanity ſolely prompted me to this undertaking; which, I doubt not, will be found []to anſwer the moſt ſanguine expectations of the afflicted.

If this Pamphlet ſhould anſwer the author's intentions, and prove a means of delivering the vaſt numbers of poor, unhappy creatures that are groaning under the vile noſtrums of Quack Doctors, from ſure deſtruction, I flatter myſelf the public will not think my time ill employed; at any rate, I hope the afflicted will not condemn the practice, here laid down, but ſuſpend their judgments 'till they have given the medicines a fair trial.

J. WALL.

PLAIN DIRECTIONS, &c.
FOR THE CURE OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE.

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CHAP. I. Of the Marks, Characters, and Symptoms, which diſtinguiſh that branch of the Venereal Diſeaſe, called a Virulent Gonorrhaea, or Clap.

AS this ſpecies of the Venereal Diſeaſe is very frequently met with in practice, I ſhall take all poſſible care to lay before the reader, every circumſtance neceſſary to give him a juſt idea of the diſeaſe, ſince upon the right management of this branch may, perhaps, depend his future peace, happineſs, and welfare.

[2]

A Virulent Gonorrhaea or Clap, is a diſcharge of corrupted matter, either from the glands of the urethra in men, or the vagina in women, occaſioned from their having to do with an infected perſon. The quantity is always in proportion to the degree of the irritation, the quality, to the degree of malignity in the infectious matter, received from the infected perſon, in coition.

After a man has had to do with an infected perſon, he ſome time after perceives an itching in his yard, near the nut, and a kind of rotation of the teſticles, a day or two after, the parts begin to ſhoot, and burn, moſt ſenſibly felt when he makes water, which is attended with a ſcalding heat, ſoon after, a running enſues, which is commonly of a cream colour. This is the firſt ſtage of a virulent gonorrhaea, and nothing can be eaſier of cure than a clap thus circumſtanced; but when the foregoing ſymptoms are either ſuffered to continue, or the infection is extremely virulent, theſe additional ſymptoms enſue; ſmall ulcers, called ſhancres, and pocky-warts, diſcover themſelves upon the nut or fore-ſkin: the foreſkin is ſo ſwelled that it cannot be forced back over the nut, which is called a phymoſis. The running is diſcharged in larger quantities, and tinges the linnen of a yellow [3]or green colour. The pain in making water becomes more violent, and a pain is felt in the yard at every erection, as if it were violently ſqueezed with the hand, which ſymptom happens chiefly when the perſon grows warm in bed, and is called a chordee. But when the running is reſtrained, or blocked up, either from the virulence of the infection, the patients catching cold, or the improper uſe of aſtringent medicines either internally, or by way of injection, the teſticles become ſwelled, hard, and extremely painful, and ſometimes an abſceſs is formed in the urinary paſſage, which becoming fiſtulous, diſcharges a very virulent ſanies, and is called by ſurgeons a fiſtula in perinoeo.

CHAP. II. Some conſiderations concerning the management of the diet, and exerciſe, in the cure of a virulent Gonorrhaea or Clap.

I SHALL diſtinguiſh the aliments moſt proper in the cure of a virulent Clap, into three kinds: firſt, thoſe that are moſt proper to temperate the Venereal Virus, to abate the inflammation of the parts, and eaſe [4]the ſcalding heat of urine: for this purpoſe I adviſe the patient for the firſt week or ten days to have for breakfaſt, thin milk-pottage, a meſs of ſego, or two or three diſhes of tea, with a ſlice or two of bread and butter; for dinner a bread-pudding, chicken, veal, or mutton-broth; and of vegetables, turnips, potatoes, and parſnips; and by all means to avoid fleſh meats for the firſt week at leaſt: new milk from the cow affords excellent nouriſhment, and is both cleanſing and cooling to the body, and therefore a meſs in the evening will be a very proper ſupper. For conſtant drink, I adviſe weak wine and water, or ſmall beer.

After the virulence is deſtroyed and the matter begins to be of a better colour and conſiſtence, I then adviſe a more ſubſtantial diet, viz. chickens, veal, lamb, rabbits, rice-puddings, rice-milk, chocolate, hartſhorn-jellies, &c. which cool the body, thicken the juices, and leſſen the ſecretions, and conſequently the diſcharge of the venereal running.

When the running is greatly leſſened and become quite ropy, and the pain entirely abated, I add to the foregoing diet, ſea biſcuits, or Jew's cakes, jarr-raiſins, milletpuddings, and hartſhorn-jellies, which ſtrengthen much; for a diet of this kind [5]gives great aſſiſtance to the adminiſtration of ſtrengthning medicines where they are judged proper to ſtop the running, as is ſometimes the caſe in ſtubborn gleets; but if (as is frequently the caſe) the patient's ſituation in life will not allow him to adhere punctually to theſe rules, yet as he values his future health and welfare, let him avoid all ſalt meats, as pickled pork, hams, ſalt beef, and the like; for ſalts of all kinds heighten the inflammation, increaſe the virulency, and greatly lengthen the cure of the running, 'till the diſeaſe either changes into a Pox, or is attended with an incurable gleet, and for the ſame reaſons he muſt avoid too great an indulgence of all reliſhing acids, rich ſauces, and ſpirituous liquors, as things of the moſt pernicious nature to thoſe that labour under a virulent clap.

Exerciſe in a clap while the diſeaſe is recent, muſt frequently be attended with very bad conſequences, for by violent motion the body is heated, and the blood inflamed, whereby both the pain, ſcalding of the urine, and virulence of the running are increaſed; therefore I would adviſe the patient during the firſt fortnight or three weeks of his cure, to avoid riding, much walking, jumping, and the like, which exaſperate the ſymptoms very much, and to [6]keep himſelf as ſtill as poſſible; for by this means the parts will recover their former tone, ſtrength, and vigour, in a much ſhorter time.

Towards the cloſe of the diſeaſe, when only a weakneſs of the parts, and a gleety weeping remains, I adviſe the moderate uſe of the cold-bath, which is a remedy I prefer to all others, for it braces up the nerves, conſolidates the broken fibres of the urethra, and ſtrengthens and reſtores the tone of the genitals.

Thoſe who are deſirous of experiencing the benefit of cold bathing, ought in the morning faſting to plunge over head, and to continue no longer under water than they can bear to hold their breath; for it is the firſt ſhock that gives the moſt vigorous contraction to all the muſcular and nervous fibres, whereby their due ſpringineſs and action are reſtored. But before the patient makes trial of the efficacy of this remedy, he ought to be perfectly ſatisfied that the virulency of the clap is totally deſtroyed; otherwiſe, by unſeaſonable bracing up the fibres, he will only tie up the pocky venom upon the habit, which in time will get into the blood, taint the juices, and produce a confirmed pox.

But above all, the patient muſt be careful to moderate his paſſions, wanton pictures, [7]laſcivious books, and amorous dalliances with women, muſt be ſhunned, for the ſame ill effects will certainly follow theſe, as all other debauches, ſince they heat the body, raiſe the pulſe, and occaſion a larger diſcharge by the part affected.

CHAP. III. To eſtabliſh the cure of a virulent Clap, upon the cleareſt principles of practice: I propoſe to reduce the ſeveral curative indications under the three following heads: firſt, I ſhall lay down the moſt proper methods to aſſwage the venereal ſymptoms, by medicines that correct and purge off the infectious venom. Secondly, I ſhall attempt to reſtrain the running, by thoſe means that I have always known to anſwer the purpoſe, even in the moſt obſtinate caſes: And laſtly, I ſhall lay down the choiceſt rules to relieve the weakneſs of the conſtitution, and reſtore the affected parts to their former tone and vigour.

TO accompliſh the firſt general indication, as an intenſe heat, pain, and inflammation of the yard, are always preſent ſymptoms of a freſh contracted clap, nothing [8]is preferable to the following method, to correct the venom, and relieve the inflammation and other ſymptoms. The cure muſt be begun with bleeding plentifully in the arm, which may be repeated according to the ſtrength of the patient, and the violence of the inflammation. After bleeding, the patient muſt take the following apozem every morning for five or ſix days.

Take Epſom water two pints and an half, ſcrape a little nutmeg into it, and boil it over a gentle fire 'till it comes to a quart, then diſſolve in it an ounce of manna, and half an ounce of glaubers-ſalt, and ſtrain it off for uſe: half a pint of this is to be taken milk-warm every half hour 'till the whole quantity is taken. During the uſe of the above medicine, the patient muſt drink plentifully between whiles, of barley-water, milk and water, capillaire, or any other cooling liquor. It is impoſſible to conceive how this innocent remedy cools the paſſages, and relieves the heat and ſmart of urine,

After having made uſe of the foregoing apozem for four or five days, I would recommend the patient to take two of the following mercurial pills, every night and morning, or according to the operation, one only every night and morning, for a week or ten days, unleſs the patient complains [9]of his gums, or a ſore mouth, in which caſe theſe pills muſt be left off for a few days, and the quantity of a nutmeg of the purging electuary, which I ſhall give the receipt of, muſt be taken in their room 'till the ſore mouth is entirely removed, when the patient may again take two of the pills every night only, and the next morning a doſe of the electuary, which method he muſt perſiſt in 'till the quantity of the running grows leſs, and feels more thick and ropy, when he muſt leave off the pills and continue the uſe of the electuary only, every night and morning, for a few days longer.

Receipt for making the Mercurial Pills.

Take two drachms of quick-ſilver, and rub it with a ſufficient quantity of turpentine 'till it is entirely killed, then add a drachm of powder of gum guaicum, and half a drachm of the colocynth pill with aloes, mix them well together, and divide the maſs into twenty-four pills, two of which are to be taken every night and morning.

Receipt for the purging Electuary.

Take of the beſt honey an ounce and an half, balſam of copaiva three quarters of an ounce, powder of jalap, and ſalt prunella, [10]of each a drachm, mix them together into an electuary: the doſe of which is the quantity of a nutmeg, every night and morning. If this electuary purges too much, the powder of jalap muſt be left out, and a drachm of powder of rhubarb is to be ſubſtituted in its ſtead.

When by the uſe of the medicines already preſcribed, the pain in making water and the chordee are entirely removed, and the running from a greeniſh or yellowiſh colour, has changed to a thick white matter, and is very ropy, and but in ſmall quantity. The cure muſt be compleated by taking twenty drops of balſam copaiva in a tea ſpoonful of powdered ſugar, three times in a day, or by taking two or three of the following ſtrengthning pills, every night and morning.

Receipt for making the ſtrengthning Pills.

Take boiled turpentine half an ounce, powder of rhubarb three drachms, balm of gilead twenty drops; beat them together, and divide the maſs into middle ſized pills, two or three of which are to be taken every night and morning.

Notwithſtanding we have obſerved that the changing of the colour of the running from yellow to white, was a certain mark of the virulence being entirely deſtroyed, [11]yet the reader is deſired to take notice, that in perſons advanced in years, and thoſe who have had ſeveral claps; this change of colour can ſeldom be effected, ſo that the running continues of a pale yellow, or light green to the laſt, though you ſhould continue the uſe of the purging medicines ever ſo long, you will never be able to change the colour of the running, but may very much impair the conſtitution by purſuing this method; in this caſe therefore, provided the running is of a good conſiſtence, the inflammation, ſmart of urine, and chordee entirely gone off, and the yard ſo entirely free from all pain, that you can ſqueeze it ſomewhat roughly without more ſoreneſs than what is uſual from a rude handling of this member naturally, you may ſafely proceed to ſuppreſs the gleet by the uſe of the balſam copaiva, and the ſtrengthning pills, though the colour of the running does not appear altogether ſo favourable as might be wiſhed.

If the means hitherto preſcribed ſhould prove inſufficient, and though the virulency is perfectly cured, a running ſhould ſtill remain, even after having perſiſted in the uſe of the ſtrengthning pills, for ſome time, the diſorder is then called a gleet, and muſt be treated as will be ſhewn hereafter.

Of the cure of the Chordee.

[12]

If the chordee does not readily give way to the uſe of the mercurial pills and purging electuary, the relief will be moſt ſpeedily effected by purſuing the following method,

Bleed in the arm to the amount of eight or ten ounces,

Take elder flowers one handful and an half, chamomile-flowers and mallow-leaves, each one handful, boil them over a gentle fire, in three pints of water to a pint and an half, which ſtrain off for uſe. Foment the parts with this of a moderate warmth frequently, 'till the part grows ſupple, after which apply to the whole body of the yard a little warm, and carefully kept on with a proper bandage, the following pultice. Take linſeed-flower and bean-flower, each half an handful, ointment of marſhmallows half an ounce, make them into a pultice with a little of the fomentation liquor.

But if the patient cannot conveniently make uſe of the above fomentation, and pultice, a drachm of weak mercurial ointment muſt be well rubbed in on the whole under part of the yard, every other night.

Cure of the Phymoſis and Paraphymoſis.

[13]

The ſame fomentation and pultice muſt be uſed as were directed for the cure of the chordee, only a ſmall quantity of ſpirits of wine and camphor, ſhould be added to the fomentation: however, if this method fails of ſucceſs, from the great virulence of the venereal venom, and the ſwelling encreaſes with very violent pain, it will be abſolutely neceſſary to ſnip the foreſkin, and give the nut of the yard more room to play.

Cure of the Hernia Humouralis, or ſwelling of the Teſticles.

The cure of this diſorder muſt be begun with bleeding to the amount of ten or twelve ounces, then let a bag truſs, which may be had of Mr. White, Truſs-maker in Fleet-ſtreet, be got, for the ſupport of the ſwelled cods, and let the following pultice be applied every night and morning.

Take the crumb of ſtale rolls, and boil them with a ſufficient quantity of new milk, to the conſiſtence of a pultice, to which add half an ounce of ointment of elder-flowers.

When the pain is removed, the ſwelling very much abated, and there remains only a little hardneſs of the part, the pultice [14]may be left off, and a mercurial plaiſter ſpread on leather, is to be applied to the part, and kept on with the bag-truſs, which ſhould be worn for ſome time after the diſorder is removed, to prevent a relapſe.

Cure of Venereal Chancres.

Chancres are little ſuperficial eating ulcers, occaſioned by the venereal venom on the nut of the yard, foreſkin, or ſome other part near the private parts.

Dreſs the ſores with the following ointment, ſpread on lint, every night and morning, firſt bathing them with a little warm milk.

Take a quarter of an ounce of hogs-lard, and mix therewith half a drachm of red praecipitate in fine powder.

The medicines proper to be taken inwardly are

The Mercurial Pill.

Take ten grains of calomel, and mix it with a little conſerve of hips into a pill, for one doſe, which muſt be taken for three nights together, and then is to be worked off with the following purging pills.

Take one ſcruple of Pill e Duobus, and divide it into three pills, to be taken in the morning early, and repeated every third morning.

[15]

Theſe medicines muſt be continued 'till the chancres are quite healed, and indeed to prevent a relapſe, it would be prudent to continue taking them a week or two longer: after each of the mercurial pills, a large draught of ſaſſafras tea made very ſtrong, ſhould be taken warm, and the ſame ſhould be repeated every morning, except on thoſe days on which the purging pills are taken.

Cure of the Pocky Warts and Excreſcences.

Theſe, though not dangerous, are very troubleſome companions, and chiefly appear on the nut, foreſkin, or body of the yard. To remove them, nothing is preferable to the following method: firſt, bathe them with warm milk and water, then rub them gently with a piece of blue vitriol, commonly known by the name of blueſtone, and apply a piece of dry lint to the warts at every dreſſing: this ſhould be repeated 'till the warts are entirely waſted away: the ſame medicines which are directed under the article of Chancres, muſt likewiſe be taken internally.

Cure of the Bubo, or venereal ſwelling in the Groin.

The firſt ſign of a venereal bubo, is a dull heavy pain in the groin, ariſing from an obſtruction of the ſmalleſt veſſels, which [16]cauſes little knots and kernels at firſt, but the pain continuing to encreaſe, the ſwelling grows as large as a pidgeon's egg, ſometimes much larger, and the part is ſometimes inflamed, and the ſkin changes to a red colour.

There are two methods recommended for the cure of this ſymptom of the venereal diſeaſe, the one, by diſperſing the bubo before it comes to ſuppurate, by the uſe of mercurials, and purges, which, as it requires no manual operation, is ſhorter, more free from pain, and equally ſafe, therefore has juſtly the preference.

The method is as follows.

Firſt, let eight or ten ounces of blood be taken from the arm, then apply a mercurial plaiſter ſpread thick on leather, the ſize of the ſwelling: this need not be changed oftner than once in four days. Take inwardly the mercurial pill, directed under the article of chancres, every night going to reſt, and continue the uſe of it 'till the mouth grows hot, and the gums begin to ſwell, and a ſpitting ſeems to be coming on; but as ſoon as this happens, the mercurial pill muſt be immediately left off, and the purging pills, directed under the article of chancres, muſt be taken every morning, or every other morning, according to [17]the ſtrength of the patient, 'till the ſoreneſs of the mouth and ſpitting are entirely gone off, after which you muſt take the mercurial pill in the manner already directed, 'till the mouth again grows ſore, when the ſpitting muſt be reſtrained by the purging-pills as before. This courſe muſt be purſued 'till the ſwelling diſappears. To prevent a relapſe, a quart of ſtrong ſaſſafras-tea ſhould be taken every day for a fortnight or three weeks. The diet ſhould be very low and ſparing, and the ſick perſon ſhould be very warmly cloathed, and great care taken to prevent catching cold. The other method of cure by promoting a ſuppuration, I ſhall omit giving any account of in this treatiſe, as in that caſe, it is abſolutely neceſſary to have the aſſiſtance and advice of a ſkilful Surgeon.

CHAP. IV. Cure of the falſe Clap, or virulent diſcharge of Matter from the Nut of the Yard.

THIS diſcharge is not ſo great as in the common venereal clap; but the nut of the yard is commonly inflamed and very painful, and if neglected or improperly treated, chancres, a phymoſis, paraphymoſis, or cryſtallines, are frequently the conſequence.

[18]

To begin the cure, bleeding muſt be performed in the arm, to the amount of eight or ten ounces, to abate the inflammation. The fore-ſkin ſhould be gently drawn back and the part waſhed with warm milk and water, two or three times in a day, and the nut of the yard ſhould at each dreſſing be covered with a ſmall bit of fine lint to ſuck up the virulent diſcharge, and if the pain and ſwelling be very violent, a pultice of white bread and milk may be applied to the part every night; the mercurial pills muſt be taken as directed under the article of the virulent Conorrhaea; by continuing this method a fortnight or three weeks, the running generally ceaſes of its own accord; but if after uſing this method for ſome time longer, any diſcharge ſhould remain, it will be neceſſary to dab the parts with a little red wine, in which a red hot poker has been ſeveral times extinguiſhed, in order to reſtore them to their natural tone.

But if from neglect or improper treatment, the inflammation ſhould degenerate into chancres, and theſe ſhould bring on a phymoſis, paraphymoſis, &c. recourſe muſt then be had to the remedies directed under thoſe reſpective articles.

CHAP. V. Cure of Caruncles and Carnoſities in the Urinary Paſſage, which hinder the free paſſage of the Urine, and ſometimes occaſion an entire ſuppreſſion of Urine.

[19]

THESE can only be cured by the uſe of the Specifick Bougies, which are ſold by W. GRIFFIN, Printer, in Fetterlane, with printed directions for their uſe, Price 10s. 6d. the dozen, or 5s. 3d. the half dozen.

CHAP. VI. Cure of Gleets.

A Gleetis generally the conſequence of a venereal clap ill-cured, and is very obſtinate and troubleſome to cure. Balſamic medicines are very ſeldom of any ſervice in this diſorder, and therefore being firſt well ſatisfied that the virulence is entirely removed, recourſe muſt be had to the cold bath, and the following ſtrengthning pills muſt be taken twice or three times in a day, four at each doſe, with a glaſs of old red port wine mixed with water.

Receipt to make the Strengthning Pills.

Take roch allum three drachms, dragons-blood one drachm, melt them together [20]over the fire, then powder them and add ten grains of ſugar of lead, then make them into middle ſized pills, with as much Chio turpentine as is ſufficient to give the maſs a proper conſiſtence. If the gleet does not give way to the uſe of theſe pills, joined with cold bathing, a little of the following injection muſt be thrown up the yard with a ſyringe, night and morning.

Receipt to make the Injection.

Take three drachms of the compound ceruſs powder, and one ſcruple of camphor, diſſolve them in twelve ounces of lime-water for an injection.

N. B. Great care muſt be taken that the ceruſs powder is reduced into as fine a powder as poſſible.

But whereas many perſons after a perfect cure of the clap, and a total ſuppreſſion of all gleety ouzings, are ſubject to a lankneſs of their teſticles, whereby the left generally hangs lower than the right, and both of them much lower than their natural poſition requires they ſhould. This is a certain indication of great weakneſs and feebleneſs in the conſtitution of theſe parts, for the relief of which, the following fomentation will be the moſt efficacious remedy that can poſſibly be made uſe of.

Receipt for making the Reſtringent Fomentation.

[21]

Take oak bark three ounces, roch allum half an ounce, boil them together in a quart of ſmith's forge-water 'till one half is waſted away, then ſtrain off the liquor, and foment the parts with it twice a day as warm as it can be borne. It is almoſt impoſſible to conceive how much it will reſtore the tone of the teſticles, and oblige the ſcrotum to purſe up and contract its dimenſions, eſpecially if the ſtrengthning pills are taken inwardly at the ſame time.

Another conſequence of a virulent clap, which ſometimes happens where the diſorder has been very ſtubborn, is a ſhooting pain in the urinary paſſage, attended with a ſenſation in the nut of the yard, as if a drop of the gleety matter was actually falling from it; but upon looking there is not the leaſt ſign of any moiſture whatſoever. This is occaſioned from the extreme weakneſs, tenderneſs, and ſenſibility of the nerves diſtributed to the urinary paſſage, and if perſons thus affected, will have but a little patience, they will in a very little time, perceive this uneaſineſs, by the aſſiſtance of the cold bath, daily decreaſe, and entirely vaniſh away, in three weeks or a month at fartheſt.

[22]

And thus I cloſe the firſt part of this treatiſe, concerning the cauſe and cure of the virulent Gonorrhaea or Clap, under all its ſymptoms and degrees, 'till it vitiates the blood and juices, and produces all the various branches of the French Pox, the deſcription and cure of which ſhall be the ſubject of the ſecond part.

PART SECOND. OF THE GRAND OR FRENCH POX.

[23]

IN the former part I have ſo fully treated of every thing that relates to the cure of a virulent clap, that I cannot recollect any material circumſtance omitted, which might be judged neceſſary in the cure of that branch of the venereal diſeaſe: For the reader will perceive, that I have not only given the proper methods to relieve the moſt inveterate ſymptoms of a clap, but alſo the moſt effectual means to reſtore the conſtitution to its former ſtrength, and the ſuffering parts to their former tone and vigour.

Having therefore accompliſhed every thing neceſſary in the cure of a clap, I ſhall proceed to treat of all the particular circumſtances of the Second Infection, or French Pox, from the firſt and ſlighteſt attack it makes upon the conſtitution, to its laſt and moſt deplorable ſymptoms, where the diſeaſe becomes univerſal, and the patient too frequently ſinks under the moſt excruciating tortures.

[24]

When the venereal diſeaſe firſt appeared in Europe, it was reputed epidemic and contagious, but it is now known by undoubted experience, and the unanimous conſent of phyſicians, that it can neither be contracted by any error in diet, the fault of the air, or any ſpontaneous corruption of the humours, but ſolely by infection, and the communication of it from one that is diſeaſed. It is therefore moſtly if not ſolely communicated by the immediate contact of one diſeaſed, with ſome part of a ſound perſon, as by coition, by the breaſt, by lewd kiſſing, by introducing the finger into the places infected by a venereal ulcer or flux, if there happens to be a hang-nail on the finger, or ſome little cut or eraſement of the ſkin. It alſo often ariſes from the long continuance of a virulent clap, the unſeaſonable uſe of aſtringents, or the unſkilful application of ſtyptic injections, whereby the pocky venom that ought to diſcharge itſelf through the urinary paſſage in form of a running, is too haſtily ſuppreſt, and the inſectious matter is thrown upon the conſtitution, and infects the blood and juices.

The difference of the ſymptoms have a great dependance upon the influence of the pocky venom, whereby they are either mild, corroſive, or extremely malignant, [25]though ſometimes the vicious juices of the body occaſion a variety of untoward ſymptoms, even in caſes where originally the pocky venom was very mild; this happens in bodies highly ſcorbutic, that live much upon high ſeaſoned meats, rich wines, and other hot inflammatory diet, which fire the blood, ſharpen the humours, and render the pocky ſymptoms more corroſive and malignant.

The ſafety or danger of the patient very much depends upon the greatneſs or ſeverity of the ſymptoms, the multitude of the parts affected, and the neceſſity of thoſe parts to life. When the ſymptoms are few, and do not affect the parts eſſential to life, provided the venereal venom does not lay hold of the bones, we may judge the cure will be eaſily and ſpeedily effected. A more favourable iſſue may be expected from a pox attended with a virulent running, than from a dry pox, without that circumſtance attending it: as alſo from a pox contracted in youth, than in old people. It is always a good ſign and promiſes well to the patient, where the ſcabs and breaking-out appear full on the habit, and their heads riſe with an eminence above the ſkin, and the want of vital force is the ſole reaſon why this diſeaſe ſo frequently terminates in [26]the ſcurvy, aſthma, or dropſy in aged people.

The cure of an hereditary pox is very difficult, but not impoſſible, the ſame may be concluded of an infant, that ſuckles an infected nurſe. A pox of long ſtanding in a ſtrong, healthful young man, is eaſier to cure than a freſh pox in a weakly, ſcorbutic, or hectical conſtitution, though an inveterate pox is very troubleſome and difficult to relieve, even under the beſt conſtitutions.

Signs of the ſecond Infection or grand Pox.

Buboes in the groin, and chancres on the private parts make the firſt degree of this diſtemper. The ſkin eſpecially about the neck and breaſt, and between the ſhoulders is covered with flat ſpots like freckles, of a yellow or livid colour, it is full of itchy puſtules, tetters, ringworms and ſerpiginous eruptions. There are chaps in the palms of the hands and ſoles of the feet, with itching, from whence proceeds a clear liquor like water: it abounds with hard, callous, round puſtules, riſing a little at the top, generally dry, but ſometimes moiſt, ſcaly, branny, and yellow, frequently on the corners of the lips, and the ſides of the noſtrils, but more eſpecially on the forehead, temples, and behind the ears, where [27]they appear in rows like a ſtring of beads, and gradually creep among the hair. The inſide of the mouth, throat, and noſe, are alſo affected. The palate and glands of the throat become hot, painful, inflamed, and ulcerated; puſtules appear in the roof of the mouth, which degenerate into round, malignant, phagaedenic ulcers, which rot the bone as far as the noſtrils. The membrane which lines the inſide of the noſtrils is likewiſe liable to puſtules, which produce ulcerations, that infect the bones of the noſe with a caries, which being eaten away, the noſe falls down having loſt its ſupport; the voice becomes hoarſe and low, the gums ulcerate and rot, the teeth ach, grow rotten, and fall out, and the breath is very offenſive. The miſerable patient is tormented with pains in the night time, when in bed and covered warm with clothes, which become ſo intenſe that the patient cannot lie in bed, theſe are either tenſive, pricking, pulſative, or rending, fixed or wandering, which ſometimes occupy the muſcular and tendious parts, like the rheumatiſm; ſometimes the tendons and ligaments about the joints, reſembling the gout, ſometimes they are with ſwelling or inflammation, ſometimes without. At the dawn of the morning theſe pains remit and become more tolerable, 'till the ſucceeding [28]evening again exaſperates the pains, and renews the tragedy, which circumſtance diſtinguiſhes venereal, from all rheumatic, gouty, or ſcorbutic pains whatever. All theſe ſymptoms gradually encreaſe; afterwards nodes or exoſtoſes ariſe on the ſkull, ſhin-bones, and bones of the arms, which being attended with conſtant pain and inflammation, at length grow carious and rotten. The lymphatic glands become hard and callous, and form in the neck, armpits, groin, and meſentery, hard moveable, circumſcribed ſwellings, like the kings-evil. The lymphatic veſſels being enlarged by a thick, ſtagnating lymph, form ſwellings, which are called Gummata; in the tendons it cauſes nodes, in the nerves ganglions, and in the ligaments of the joints tophs.

Neither do the eyes eſcape the fury of this diſeaſe, for they are externally affected with pain, redneſs, itching and lippitude, and internally being loaded with humours, ſuppuration ſometimes happens and the ſight is deſtroyed. The ears are affected with a ſinging noiſe, deafneſs and pain, while their internal ſubſtance is ulcerated and rendered carious.

Women have diſorders peculiar to the ſex, as cancers in the breaſt, a ſuppreſſion or overflowing of the monthly courſes, the [29]whites, the hyſteric paſſion, an inflammation, abſceſs, ſchirrus, gangrene, ulcer and cancer of the womb, they are either barren or ſubject to miſcarry, or the children they bring into the world have an univerſal eryſipelas, are half rotten, and covered with ulcers.

After this catalogue of ſymptoms, it is no wonder that all the animal, vital, and natural functions ſhould be depraved, and that the unhappy ſufferer ſhould fall into a decay, and at laſt worn out with pain, die conſumptive.

Management of the Patient, in relation to Diet, Exerciſe, &c. while under the cure of the Venereal Diſeaſe.

A thin, cooling, attenuating diet, is certainly the moſt proper to ſoften the blood, and reſolve the ſcurfy ſcabs which defile the ſkin, and for this end nothing is preferable to ptiſans, made of ſarſaparilla with milk, in caſe the perſon is of a dry hectical conſtitution, or a decoction of guaicum, if he is cold or moiſt, and conſequently inclinable to breed phlegm, he may eat milk, light puddings, eggs, either boiled or poached, chicken-broth, mutton or veal broth, chocolate, tea, water-gruel, &c. If any wine is drank it ſhould be diluted [30]with Briſtol-water, and this method ſhould be continued 'till the cure is fully compleated. Great care muſt be taken through the whole courſe of the cure, never to indulge in any exceſs, for a little error committed on this head will certainly prove of very pernicious conſequence: all violent exerciſe ought to be avoided, as riding, jumping, &c. for though the pox is a chronic diſeaſe, and upon that account may ſeem to require ſome degree of motion or exerciſe, yet it is frequently attendwith violent ſymptoms of an inflammation; for which reaſon, I ſhould adviſe the patient never to uſe more exerciſe, if it could poſſibly be avoided, than moderate walking, or gentle riding in a coach or chaiſe, for the benefit of the clear, ſerene air, which is of great efficacy in the cure of the venereal diſeaſe. The government of the paſſions is of the laſt conſequence, for it is not poſſible to make any conſiderable progreſs in the cure, unleſs the ſick perſon is reſolved to prevent their breaking out in irregular excurſions. It therefore highly concerns the patient above all other things not to ſuffer his fancy to rove after women, who ſhould never come into ſight, if poſſible, during the time he is under cure; for theſe irregular deſires from wanton objects will retard the cure, and occaſion thoſe [31]ſymptoms which ſome time before diſappeared, to return with greater fury.

CHAP. VII. Cure of venereal ulcers which affect the Noſe, Palate, Throat, and parts adjoining.

HAVING in the preceding part of this treatiſe fully treated of the cure of venereal chancres, and buboes in the groins of either ſex, we ſhall now conſider the moſt proper method to relieve and thoroughly eradicate thoſe ulcers which affect the throat, and parts adjoining: In theſe caſes moſt authors have adviſed a ſtrong ſalivation to be raiſed with all poſſible ſpeed, and indeed this ſymptom of the venereal diſeaſe, ſeems much more likely to be relieved by a ſalivation than any other ſpecies of that diſorder, ſince in this caſe the pocky ulcers, and ſcabs, being near the ſalival ducts, are immediately diſſolved, and carried off by the ſalivation, without paſſing again into the blood and mixing with the juices; nevertheleſs, if the following method be carefully purſued, I am perſuaded theſe ſymptoms may be as perfectly cured as if the patient underwent that diſagreeable and tedious courſe.

To abate the inflammation of the parts, bleeding, to the amount of ten or twelve [32]ounces will be neceſſary, and the parts affected ſhould be waſhed frequently with the following gargle.

Receipt for the Gargle.

Take a quarter of an ounce of red roſe leaves dired, and infuſe them in a pint of boiling water, add ten drops of oil of vitriol, and when cold, ſweeten it with three quarters of an ounce of loaf ſugar.

Take half a pint of this infuſion, one ounce and an half of honey of roſes, and half an ounce of mel aegyptiacum, mix them all together for a gargle, to be uſed frequently as above directed.

Internally the mercurial pills directed under the article of the virulent clap, or gonorrhaea, muſt be taken night and morning, till the ulcers are entirely healed, drinking after each doſe half a pint of the following diet drink mixt with a little milk lukewarm.

Receipt for preparing the Diet Drink.

Take ſarſaparilla and guaicum ſhavings each two ounces, ſtick liquorice one ounce, boil them together in two quarts of lime water, till one half is waſted away, then ſtrain off the reſidue for uſe.

[33]

Lime water is made by pouring a gallon of boiling water on a pound of quick lime, and letting it ſtand till the water is cold, when it muſt be carefully poured off from the lime, and kept in a ſtone bottle well corked.

After theſe meaſures have been taken ſome time, and the complaints are gone off, I would adviſe inſtead of the pills, the following electuary, to be taken the quantity of a nutmeg night and morning with half a pint of the diet drink, after each doſe, to ſweeten the blood, and prevent a return of the pocky complaints.

Receipt for the Alterative Electuary.

Take aethiops mineral, and gum guaicum each half an ounce, camphor a ſcruple, conſerve of roſes one ounce, mix them together into an electuary, with as much ſyrup of orange peels as is neceſſary to give it a proper conſiſtence.

N. B. This electuary ſhould be taken three weeks or a month.

Theſe remedies generally effect a certain and ſucceſsful cure, but in ſome ſtubborn caſes, where the diſorder is very malignant, and has taken deep root, the ulcers will be apt to ſpread notwithſtanding all you have done for their relief, in which caſe the [34]mouth, and throat, muſt be fumigated with the ſmoke of artificial cinnabar every night, at leaſt, for four or five nights running, and then if no ſpitting enſues, and the ulcers ſeem likely to heal, the pills and diet drink muſt be made uſe of as above directed.

Receipt for the fumigating Powder.

Take vermillion and frankincenſe, each half an ounce, rub them together into a groſs powder, and divide them into eight papers, one of which is ſufficient for one fumigation. The method of fumigating is by putting a paper of this powder on a red hot iron, or heater, and placing a tin funnel inverted, on the heater, then the patient receives the ſmoke into his mouth, thro the ſmall end of the funnel, which at firſt he may bear for ſix or eight minutes, at each time lengthning the time a little: after the fumigation is over, a glaſs of mulled wine is proper to ſupport the ſpirits.

CHAP. VIII. Cure of Venereal Eruptions, and Ulcers which affect the ſkin and fleſh in different parts of the body.

[35]

WHEN the venereal diſeaſe is diffuſed through the whole habit, and taints the ſkin and fleſh, with ſerpiginous eruptions; when puſtules and pocky warts beſet the forehead, ſides of the face, lips, chin, amp;c. when ſcabbs, and ſpreading tettars, affect the arms, breaſt, ſhoulders, back, and thighs; when foul ulcers occupy the neck, loins and legs, attended with ſevere night pains, in the bones of the arms and legs, as if dogs were gnawing of them, which go off towards morning regularly; under theſe circumſtances, nothing can be done better than to aſſiſt nature, to throw off the tainted juices, as much as poſſible by the cuticular diſcharges.

Gentle purges in the beginning of the cure are very ſerviceable, ſuch as the following.

Take ten grains of calomel, and make it into a pill, with a little bit of conſerve of roſes. This ſhould be taken over night, [36]and workt off with the following purging draught.

Take three ounces of the infuſion of ſenna, and half an ounce of ſyrup of buckthorn, mix them into a draught, this pill and draught may be repeated four or ſive times, after which I recommend the mercurial pills, directed under the article of the Virulent Gonorrhaea, or Clap, to be taken night and morning, drinking after each doſe, half a pint of the diet drink, prepared as directed in the preceding article, as warm as poſſible. Between whiles, the patient ſhould make uſe of the warm bath, ſince nothing ſo powerfully moiſtens, and ſoftens the fibres of the ſkin, and as warm bathing renders the perſpiration freer and more full, it conſequently removes the obſtructions, and aſſiſts greatly the diſſolution of the pocky matter, ſo that by the aſſiſtance of the warm bath, the time of cure is very much ſhortned: the method here laid down, if ſtrictly attended to, and accompanied with a ſparing regular way of living will, in the worſt caſes, effect a certain cure, without the leaſt neceſſity of having recourſe to that diſagreeable and dangerous remedy, a ſalivation. Sometimes the eruptions, blotches, ulcers, amp;c. may require ſome topical application, the beſt is the following ointment, a little of which may be ſpread [37]on a piece of fine rag and applied to the larger eruptions, &c. once in a day, which in a little time will diſperſe them.

Receipt for the Detergent Ointment.

Take a quarter of an ounce of quickſilver and diſſolve it in as much ſpirit of nitre, as will ſerve for that purpoſe, then add, by degrees, a quarter of a pound of melted hogs lard, and mix them into an ointment.

When the cure is fully compleated, the patient muſt be very careful not to expoſe himſelf too ſuddenly to the cold air, if the weather is extreamly ſharp, leaſt from a too ſudden conſtriction of the fibres of the ſkin, occaſioned by the intenſe cold, he ſhould be affected with rheumatic pains, frequently more tormenting, and more difficult to be removed, than thoſe occaſioned by the venereal diſeaſe. He muſt alſo be very careful of endangering his conſtitution, by running into exceſſes of eating, drinking, &c. leaſt from a high way of living the ſcabs, blotches, eruptions, &c. that diſappeared under the preceding courſe of medicine, ſhould ſpring up again under the form of puſtules and ulcers, equally troubleſome to the patient, and more hard to be cured than thoſe which aroſe from the effects of the venereal poiſon.

CHAP. IX. Cure of nocturnal pains in the Head, Arms, Legs, and other parts of the body ariſing from a Venereal cauſe.

[38]

IF the patient will ſtrictly confine himſelf to a ſlender and regular diet, the mercurial pills directed under the article of the Virulent Gonorrhaea or Clap, accompanied with the decoction of Sarſaparilla, prepared and given in the following manner, will relieve in a very ſhort time venereal head-achs, and nocturnal pains, and if perſiſted in, I have great reaſon to think will always cure, without ſweating or confinement, at all ſeaſons of the year, even where a ſalivation, or long continued courſes of the decoction of the woods have failed.

Receipt to prepare the Sarſaparilla Decoction

To three ounces of the ſarſaparilla-root, as freſh as it can be procured, not ſpoiled with long keeping, worms, ſea-water or moiſture, add three quarts of river-water, and bring it to boil immediately in an open veſſel, and let it boil away to two pints of the ſtrained liquor, that is, to about two [39]pounds averdupoize: I ſometimes add a little liquorice-root, to make it more palatable. This quantity muſt be taken at two or three doſes, either warm or cold, as is moſt agreeable, every twenty-four hours; every other day it muſt be made freſh, and what is not uſed the day it is boiled, muſt be kept in a cold cellar.

There is great reaſon to think, that thoſe rheumatic complaints, which are ſo common and obſtinate after a mercurial courſe, may be cured by taking regularly for ſome time the decoction of ſarſaparilla, agreeable to the well known effects of that medicine, which is only to be depended on where mercury has failed, or when it is combined with it. I mention this, becauſe few diſeaſes reſiſt more the power of medicine than this, ſo obſtinate indeed they are, that often times they will not yield to a ſecond ſalivation.

CHAP. X. Cure of carious Bones from a Venereal cauſe.

[40]

THE proper way to relieve all cariated bones, is to lay them bare, and keep the wound open ſo long, 'till the rotten parts are, by proper applications brought to exfoliate or ſcale off, but as in this caſe it is impoſſible for the ſick perſon to diſpenſe with the attendance of a ſkilful ſurgeon, I ſhall not enter into farther particulars on this ſubject.

CHAP. XI. Cure of a Conſumption from a Venereal cauſe.

IN the firſt place, let the patient make choice of a fine, clear, ſoft air, a light, thin, ſpare diet, ſuch as both contains a large quantity of nouriſhment in a little compaſs, and is at the ſame time eaſy of digeſtion; ſuch as aſſes milk, jellies of hartſhorn, calves feet, ſago, &c. new-laid eggs, chocolate, welfleet oyſters, viper broths, and craw-fiſh ſoops; for theſe thin, [41]ſoftning, and nouriſhing meats, attenuate the viſcid juices, and give time for the medicines employed in the cure, to open the obſtructions, and remove the hectic fever. The following is an excellent broth in conſumptive caſes.

Receipt for making the Reſtorative Broth.

Take two dried vipers ſliced into ſmall bits, three craw-fiſh bruiſed, two ounces of pearl barley, a cruſt of bread, a little mace and ſalt, and boil them together over a gentle fire in two quarts of water, 'till one half is waſted away, ſtrain off the remainder for uſe. Of this broth half a pint may be taken every morning, at two of the clock in the afternoon, and at ſupper time. Nothing affords greater nouriſhment than this broth, though it is plain and ſimple, and not ſtuffed with a load of ingredients, which ofther pall the appetite, and load the ſtomach, than do any real ſervice.

As the patient gathers ſtrength, and his appetite encreaſes, half a chicken, or a bit of neck of mutton may be added to this broth. I would adviſe a couple of large iſſues to be made between the ſhoulders, juſt below the nape of the neck, which always prove of great ſervice by draining the [42]lungs of the pocky particles, which miniſter freſh ſupply for the foul expectoration. when by theſe means, the hectic fever is ſomething abated, and the ſtrength in ſome meaſure repaired; the cure muſt be attempted with the following gentle courſe. Two or three grains of calomel made into a bolus, with conſerve of roſes, muſt be taken night and morning, drinking half a pint of the ſarſaparilla decoction, prepared as already directed, after each bolus; for ſarſaparilla, in emaciated and conſumptive habits from a venereal cauſe, is the greateſt reſtorer of appetite, colour, fleſh, and vigour, yet known: if the ſtomach will bear it, the other pint of the decoction ſhould be taken, mixt with ſome new milk, at intermediate times every day. By purſuing theſe means with care, the patient will be reſtored to his former health again, without the leaſt fear of a relapſe.

CHAP. XI. Means to reſtore a broken conſtitution, whether impaired by the ſeverity of the Venereal Diſeaſe, or ſhattered by the violence of Quack-medicines.

[43]

THE ſigns of a broken conſtitution are a great weakneſs in the loins, with a pain in the ſmall of the back, a waſting away, wandering pains in the head, back, and breaſt, under the ribs; cold, clammy ſweats, frequently break out about the forehead, temples and neck, fluſhings in the face, eſpecially after eating; a great weakneſs and frigidity of the private parts, tremblings and ſudden twitchings often in a day ſeize the nerves, tendons, and muſcles of the face, mouth, arms and legs, attended with a weakneſs in the joints; a dizzineſs and ſwimming of the head; a lowneſs and faintneſs of ſpirits; the body is generally coſtive, the ſtools are of a clay like nature, and come away in ſmall pieces lik dogs turds; the urine is thick and foul, and lets fall a ſediment which appears thro' the urine, as if threads were lying in the bottom of the chamber-pot; ſometimes the ſurface of the urine is covered with a [44]greaſy ſcum which in cold weather will congeal like a thin cake of fat. This ariſes from the oily parts of the blood melting down, and diſcharging by the urinary paſſages; a profuſe ſtubborn gleet attends ſome, a dribling of urine, accompanied with hot ſhooting pains others, the pulſe is weak and ſoft, and from any ſlight motion beats quicker, more unequal, and as it were in an hurry. The digeſtion is bad, ſo that the patient is miſerably oppreſt with wind, which if it does not go off by frequent belchings, occaſions ſevere cholics.

To relieve the patient under theſe infirmities, we muſt firſt endeavour to reſtore the tone of the ſtomach, for which purpoſe I adviſe the following ſtomachic draught, to be taken every other day, from which I have often found wondeſul effects.

Receipt for the Stomachic Draught.

Take tincture of rhubarb prepared with wine, and tincture of hiera picra, each ten drachms, lavender drops one drachm, mix them together into a draught.

After this has been taken ſome time, to compleat the cure, I recommend the uſe of the cold bath, and the following reſtorative tincture.

Receipt for the Reſtorative Tincture.

[45]

Take two ounces of the beſt Peruvian bark in groſs powder, one ounce and an half of dried orange-peels, three drachms of Virginia ſnake-root, four ſcruples of ſaffron, two ſcruples of cochineal, infuſe them together in a pint and a quarter of brandy, in a veſſel cloſe ſtopped, for a week, then ſtrain off the tincture for uſe.

A large ſpoonful of this tincture may be taken two or three times in a day, drinking after each doſe a glaſs of water, with ten drops of acid elixir of vitriol in it.

This Tincture tends to ſtrengthen the ſolids, to prevent the further diſſolution of the blood, reſtores its craſis, and in the end whether the nervous or vaſcular ſyſtem be affected, is the moſt powerful reſtorative in nature, and moſt likely to compleat the cure in all broken conſtitutions.

FINIS.

Appendix A

[]

Juſt Publiſhed, (Price 1 s. 6 d.) Every Man his own Phyſician. BEING A complete Collection of effiacious and Approved Remedies, for every Diſeaſe incident to the Human Body. With plain Inſtructions for their common Uſe.

Neceſſary to be had in all Families, particularly thoſe reſiding in the Country.

By JOHN THEOBALD, M. D.

Author of MEDULLA MEDICINAe.

Compiled at the command of his Royal Highneſs the Duke of CUMBERLAND.

The THIRD EDITION, with great Additions and Improvements.

LONDON:

Printed and ſold by W. GRIFFIN, in Fetter-lane, G. KEARSLY, oppoſite St. Martin's Church, in Ludgate-ſtreet, and E. ETHRINGTON at York.

By whom in a few Days will be Publiſhed, (Price 1 s. 6 d.)

By the Author of Every Man his own Phyſician.

The Young WIFE's GUIDE.

CONTAINING, Every thing neceſſary to be known relative to the management of Children, from the time of their Birth to the Age of Seven Years; with a plain and full account of every Diſorder to which Infants are ſubject, and a collection of efficacious Remedies ſuited to every Diſeaſe.

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Zitationsvorschlag für dieses Objekt
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