BUT it sometimes however happens, that the _Milk_ of a _NURSE_, otherways a very _proper Person_, degenerates from some of the abovesaid _Qualities_: In which _Case_ it is no ways convenient to change the _NURSE_, especially if it so happen to the MOTHER; only the _MILK_ is to be corrected according to _Art_, which may be easily performed by proper _Medicinal Means_, and that as well with respect to its _Quality_ as _Quantity_: However, as _this Case_ belongs to the _SYMPTOMS_ of the _Breasts_, which I have already declined speaking to, as in the foregoing _Chapter_, so I shall no ways enter upon it in this Place. But again—— THIRDLY as to her _Regimen_, such a NURSE is to make use of, and enjoy a good and convenient _Diet_; abstaining carefully from all _salt_ and _sharp Victuals_, as well as from high-spiced _Meats_, and strong or spirituous _Liquors_. In short, as she ought to avoid all Sorts of _intemperate Air_, and keep herself clean both in _Person_ and _Cloaths_; so she ought always to exercise herself by some light _Labour_, and keep herself in a moderate active Motion; prudently suppressing, at all Times and upon all Occasions, the various _Passions of the Mind_: By which means, any _Woman_ as above described, may make a very good _NURSE_, and that even without abstaining altogether either from the moderate Use of _Wine_, or of _Conjugal Conversation_; notwithstanding the contrary Opinion of most _Authors_, provided only that she does not give the _CHILD suck_ for an Hour or two after _Copulation_. [Illustration] CHAP. IX. _Of the Diet and Ablactation, together with the farther Regimen of the CHILD._ BESIDES the _external_ and _internal Excrements_ mention’d in the foregoing _Chapter_, the INFANT in a few days after _BIRTH_, pukes up a certain Sort of _viscid Phlegm_; for which Reason it ought to have no _SUCK_ until this _Humour_ be evacuated, lest the MILK incorporating with that Matter, _both_ should corrupt: To prevent which Inconveniency, _some_ order a little _Oil of sweet Almonds by Expression_, and a small Quantity of _Sugar-Candy_, or a little fresh _Butter_ and _Honey_ mixed. INSTEAD of which, however, I have seen some _Jewish Matrons_ give also the new-born CHILD for the first Thing, a little SALT dissolv’d and mix’d in a Spoonful of _Hysop_, or _Saxifrage-Water_; which (tho’ no improper _Prescription_ in itself) yet I conceive their chief Reason for it to proceed from _Ezek._ 16. 4. where the LORD summing up the Duty of the _MIDWIFE_, says, _Thou wast not salted at all_, &c. Again farther—— THE Learned _Arnoldus de Villa Nova_, advises us to give the _CHILD_, for the first Thing, half a Scruple of fine _pulverized Coral_ in a little of the _Woman’s MILK_; and that (says he) to prevent _FITS_, to which new-born _Children_ are very subject.