In a 1711 Vestry entry, the following is recorded:

 

"Ordered that ye church wardens agree with some doctor to cure Mary Wild of
her ailment, & if she think herself able to undergo a course of Phistic, the
church wardens agree with ye doctors for ye same."

 

I am trying to understand the meaning of the word "Phistic". Is this a
physical ailment, or a mental ailment, or a course of treatment for an
ailment?  If a course of treatment, what was involved?

 

 

Thank you.

 

 


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