Treatment of Paralysis Praxis Medicinae Theorica
The Treatment of Paralysis
from Praxis Medicinae Theorica et Empirica, 1585
This text is interesting as it deals with the treatment of disease, but the whole text is set out in Table form. Each disease lists Preparers, Purges (where applicable) and Strengtheners (tonic medicines) used in the treatment of the disease. In some cases, other classes are added, such as ‘Diverters’, which are used to divert a humor away from an organ or ‘Noble’ part in some diseases. It then lists some Empirical formulas, found useful in the treatment of the Disease.
Preparers
Hydromel, Oxymel, Oxymel of Squill
Honey of Rose
Decoction of: Orris, Sage, Stoechas, Nutmeg, Betony, Hyssop
Syrup of: Stoechas, Hyssop, Syrup of Vinegar Simple, Byzantine Syrup
Distilled Waters of: Sage, Rosemary, Betony, Marjoram, Balm, Cowslip
Purge
Decoction of: Calamus, Orris, Sage, Rosemary, Betony, Stoechas
Pills of: Cochia, Assajeret, of Agaric, Aloephangine, Foetid Pills, of Mastic, of Sagapen
Hiera Picra Galeni, Hiera Logadi, Hiera Diacolocynth
Diacatholicum, Troches of Agaric
Bloodletting: Cephalic Vein
Emetics and Enemas
Divert
Enemas of Sage, Betony, Stoechas, Oregano, Mallow, Camomile, Marjoram
Cupping
Chewing Nutmeg
Sternutatory (Snuffing)
Gargles
Massage
Plaster of Mustard
Strengthen Brain and Nerves
Theriac, Mithridate
Diarrhodon Abbatis, Pleres Arconticum, Diamuschu Dulce, Diambra, Rosata Nouvelle
Confected Roots of: Calamus, Ginger, Pyrethrum, Elecampane, Galangal
Conserves of: Sage, Betony, Rosemary, Stoechas,
Decoction of: Calamus, Orris, Zedoary, Ginger, Stoechas, Sage, Hyssop, Guaiacum, Sarsaparilla
Brains of a Hare or Rabbit
Nutmegs chewed
Oil of Foxes, Oil of the Philosophers
Noble Empirical Formula in the Treatment of Paralysis
1. DECOCTION
Hyssop 3 ½ handfuls
Sage
Rosemary 1 handful each.
Decoct in sufficient water until one-third has wasted, strain and add Honey.
2. POTION
Angelica ½ oz.
Round Birthwort 3 drams
Calamus 1 oz.
Sage
Marjoram
Betony 1 ½ handfuls each
Stoechas ½ handful
Senna 1 ½ oz.
Agaric 1 ½ drams
Cinnamon
Ginger 1 dram ea.
Decoct in sufficient water, strain and add Syrup of Stoechas, 3 oz. to form a potion.
3. PILLS
Pil. Euphorbium
Pil Foetiidum ½ scruple each
Pil. Cochia
Turbith 1 scruple each
Castoreum ½ scruple
Diagrydium 3 grains
Form pills.
4. BOLUS
Agaric 1 scruple
Diacolocynth 1 ½ drams
Nutmeg ½ scruple
With sufficient Conserve of Rosemary form a Bolus
5. GARGLE:
Mustard seed
Staphesacre 1 dram ea.
Pyrethrum 1 ½ drams
Turbith 4 scruples
Rue
Sage
Hyssop 2 ½ handfuls each.
Decoct in water, then add 1 oz. each of Simple Oxymel, Oxymel of Squill and Honey of Roses. Use as a gargle.
6. ELECTUARY
Conserve of Sage
of Rosemary 1 oz. each
Confected Ginger
of Elecampane ½ oz. each.
Theriac
Mithridate 1 ½ drams each
Nutmeg 1 dram
With syrup of Stoechas form an Electuary. Dose of ½ oz.
7. MIXTURE
Conserve of Sage 1 oz.
of Rosemary
of Calamus ½ oz. each
Nutmeg
Pepper
Clove 2 scruples each
With Syrup of Stoechas form a Mixture. Dose: 1 dram
