The Treatment of Vertigo
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.

Purge


Syrup of Multiple Infusion of Roses
Diaprunum solutive
Diacatholicum, Hiera Logadii, Hiera Picra, Diacolocynthidos
Pills of: Coccia, Aurea, Arabic, Mastic, Aggregative, Sine Quibus
Tamarind, Rhubarb, Manna, Senna, Polypody, Dodder, Yellow Myrobalan
Troches of Agaric

Divert


Bleed the Cephalic
Enemas
Friction massage of the extremities
Cupping with Scarification at the rear of the Head (nape of the neck)
Open the Hemorrhoid veins, promote Menstruation
Sternatories, Gargles
Blisters at the rear of the Head (or nape of the neck)

To Check Turbulent Wind


Syrups of: Quince, Pomegranate
Sugar of Roses
Juice of Barberry, of Currants
Diacydonium with Spices
Waters of: Lettuce, Violet, Plantain, Balm
Odors with Camphor, Rose
Oil of Roses

Strengthen and Resolve the Relics


Syrup of Apples, of Stoechas, of Bugloss
Conserve of Borage, of Bugloss
Sugar of Roses
Diarrhodon Abbatis, Aromaticum Rosatum, Diatragacanth Frigidi, Diatrion Santalum, Diamoschu dulce
Decoction of: Rosemary, Betony, Eyebright, Mint, Sage, Stoechas, Centaury, Galangal, Cinnamon, Annis, Fennel seed, Licorice
Odors of Nigella, Marjoram, Castoreum

Noble Empirical Formula in the Treatment of Vertigo


1. A JULEP
    Syrup of Chicory & Rhubarb  2 oz.
    Syrup of Endive juice              1½ oz.
    Wormwood water
    Chicory water
    Endive water                            3 oz.
Form a Julep.

2. DECOCTION
    Couch Grass                             1 ½ oz.
    Endive
    Chicory                                      1 ½ oz.
    Annis
    Fennel seed                             3 drams
    Licorice                                     ½ oz.
    Polypody                                  1 oz.
    Rhubarb                                    3 drams
Decoct, strain, and add 3 oz. of Syrup of Rose Solutive.

3. PILLS
    Hiera Picra
    Pil. Aggregative                        1 ½ scruple
With Syrup of Mint qs, form Pills

4. PILLS
    Pil. Arabic
    Hiera Picra Galeni                   ½ dram
    Rhubarb
    Troches of Agaric                    ½ scruple
With Syrup of Mint, form Pills.

5. DECOCTION
    Betony root
    Asarum                                      1 oz.
    Barley                                        ½ oz.
    Radish seed                              2 drams
Decoct in water until one-third has wasted. To 5 oz., add 2 oz. of Oxymel of Squill.

6. ELECTUARY
    Quince pulp                             2 oz.
    Conserve of Roses                 1 oz.
    Conserve of Rosemary          ½ oz.
    Aromaticum Rosatum           1 ½ oz.
With 1 ½ oz. of Syrup of Roses, form a mixture.

7. DECOCTION
    Sage                                          3 handfuls
    Peony seed                              1 oz.
    Annis                                         ½ oz.
    Licorice                                     6 drams
Decoct in wine, qs, and form a potion.

8. ELECTUARY
    Galangal
    Zedoary                                    4 scruple
    Ginger candied                       1 oz.
    Nutmeg
    Cinnamon                                 1 dram
    Peony seed                              1 ½ drams
    Juniper                                      1 dram
    Mint                                            1 ½ scruple
With Syrup of Rose, form an Electuary.

9. ELECTUARY
    Aromaticum Rosatum
    Diarrhodon Abbatis                1 dram
With Sugar dissolved in Wormwood water, form an Electuary.

See also


Dizziness & Vertigo
The Treatment of Vertigo