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

Treatment of Paralysis Praxis Medicinae Theorica