Nicholas Culpeper (1616-1654) is the author of the first medical book published in the British North American colonies.1 The book, published in Boston in 1708, more than 50 years after the author's death, and titled The English Physician, is a small (approximately 3 x 5 inches) publication of only 94 pages, meant for the lay reader, and contains some of the author's "Choicest Secrets in the Art of Physick."2
Some of Culpeper's prescriptions under Children's Infirmities are these:
To prevent the Falling Sickness, and Convulsions
Take of red Coral in powder 10 Grains, give it in Breast milk to a new Born Child, for the first Food it takes after its Birth. It mightly strengthens the Brain.
To make them Teeth easily
Take pure Capons Grease well clarified, as much as a Nutmeg, twice as much Honey, then mix them together three or four times in a day anoint the Gums when they are teething.
Against Agues and Fevers, coming by pain in breeding of Teeth, or otherwise.
Take one spoonful of Ungent Populeon, two spoonfuls of Oyl of Roses, mix them, then before the Fire anoint the Childs bowing places of his Arms, Legs, soles of its Feet, Fore-head and Temples, twice a Day, Chasing it well with a warm Hand.
Against the Worms
Take Myrrh and Aloes of each alike, finely powdered; and with a few drops of Chymical Oyl of Wormwood, or Savin, with a little Turpentine, mix them, and make them up for a Plaister for the Childs Navel.
Congenital Porencephaly in a New Born Child