An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

By the same Authors, it is also Related, that in June A.D. 1671. an house was struck with Lightning in four places, in some places the Timber was split, and in other places had holes made in it, as if bored through with an Auger, but no impression of fire were any where to be seen. A Girl fifteen years old, fitting in the Chimney, was struck down and lay for dead, the space of half an hour. And it is probable, that she had never recovered, had not an able Physician been sent for, who viewing her, perceived that the Clothes about her Breast were made to look bluish by the Lightning: It had also caused her Paps to look fiery and blackish, as if they had been scorched with Gun-powder. Under her Breast the Lightning had left creases, a cross her body, of a brownish colour. Also some creases made by the Lightning as broad as ones finger run along her left Leg reaching to her Foot. The Physician caused two spoonfuls of Apoplectic Water to be poured down her throat, upon which she instantly ⟨p. 96⟩revived, complaining of a great heat in her Jaws and much pain, in the places hurt by the Lightning. Half a drachm of Pulvis Bez• atticus Anglicus, in the water of sweet Che• vil was given to her, which caused a plentiful sweat, whereby the pain in her Jaws wa• diminished. Being still feverish, an emulsion made with Poppy feed, Millet, Cardu• Benedictus, &c. was made use of, upon which the Patient had ease and recovered. It appears by this as well as other instances, that great care should be had of those that are Thunder-struck, that they be not given up for quite dead, before all means be used in order to their being revived. Paulus Zacchias in Questionibus Medicis giveth Rule• whereby it may be known whether persons smitten with Lightning be dead, past all recovery or no. And the History put forth by Jacobus Javellus in an Epistle emitted with his Medicinae Compendium, describes the cure of persons struck with Lightning. I have not my self seen those Books; but who so shall see cause to obtain and consult them, will I suppose find therein things worth their reading and consideration. Something to this purpose I find in the Sc•o•ion on the Germ Ephem. for the year 1671. obs. 37. p. 69.