A Dissertation on the Use of Sea Water in the Glands; Particularly the Scurvy, Jaundice, King's-Evil, Leprosy, and the Glandular Consumption

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1760 edition. Excerpt: ... prescribed to attenuate this Phlegm, and on thisAccount they are good against the Epilepsy. Aretoeui affirms the Contents of the Abdomen are sometimes the Cause of this Disease, and when that is the Case he advises such Medicines as purge Phlegm: Now Sea Water is of this Class, and not of the lowest Repute. Bathing in Sea Water attenuates the Blood, strengthens the Solids, and by that Means renders the Circulation equal through all Parts of the Body, which is the chief Thing to be attended to for the Preservation of Health. Perhaps OribaJtus, if his Translator has done him Justice, means epileptic Patients, when he mentions those who morbo exagitantur, and whom he advises to batHc in the Sea. The Antients supposed the Cause of this Disease lay in the Head, and therefore Celsus advises to shave the Head, to anoint it whh old Oil, Vinegar and Nitre, as also to foment it with Salt Water. I did not think it worth while to confirm a Thing so well known, with an Addition of Cases..., -.... n Of the ITCH. "' " TpVlseases of the Skin, fays Hippccratts, such as the Leprosy, Itch, Psora, &c. are generated by Phlegm. This Opinion is conformable to Experience; for the Itch amongst us, when it is an original Disease, and not caught, very seldom appears but among poor People, whose nasty way of living and low Diet bring on a pituitous Habit of Body: Now as far as Evacuations, by Stool, are concerned in the Cure, it may be performed by Sea Water; and yet this is not proper for all that are afflicted with this Disease. But Bathing, ' is is of more universal Use, for it cleanses the Glands of the Skin by the stimulating Property (c)f the Salt, and by dispersing the obstructing Humour, restores it to its Office, in which the Cure of these Diseases...