CHAP. IX.
Of a DIARRHEA, or LOOSENESS.
A Looseness, in my Sense, is an immoderate, frequent and sudden going to Stool: in which the liquid and diluted, as well as sharp and peccant, Excrements are voided, which is commonly preceded by the Belly-ach and Gripes.
IT differs from a Lienteria, in that the Excrements are not indigested, unaltered, or Chylous, nor the Stools so quick after Meals: As it also differs from the bloody Hepatick, and Hemorrhoidal Flux, in that no Blood, Matter, or Liquor like that, in which Meat may have been wash’d, is voided with the Excrements.
SOME Loosenesses are call’d Bilous, when so much of the sharp Gall is expell’d as tinges the Excrements Yellow, however mix’d with other serous Matter: Others are call’d serous and pituitous, in which viscous watery Humours, less impregnated with Gall, are frequently and copiously voided.
THIS Symptom may proceed from a great Variety of Causes: For an Error committed accidentally in eating or drinking, or any Irregularity in the way of Living may occasion it. [62] HIPPOCRATES and many others, justly observe this Case to be dangerous; because it not only relaxes and debilitates the Body of the Woman, and Ligaments of the Infant; but also necessarily impairs its requisite Nourishment, and provokes Nature to an untimely Expulsion of the tender Fruit. Which unhappy Consequence ought (by all means) to be prevented, if possible, and the grievous Affection to be cured without any Loss of Time: Now I presume That may be done first, by gentle Abstergents and Corroborants; and Then afterwards by proper Restringents and Strengthners.