"It happens often in infants, that the tongue is bound so straight by the string, that it cannot well or freely move and sometimes in the place where the bridle of the tongue is, a soft and white swelling appears, which they call the Ranula.  

The binding of the tongue is most conveniently removed by surgery; for though midwives often break the string as soon as the child is born, or cut it with a groat [silver coin] yet they sometimes err in the operation, therefore it is much safer to use a skillful surgeon; afterwards apply the following linament [recipe follows] "

next paragraph discusses the 'Ranula' which may hinder speech  [wonder if they are describing a posterior TT???]

Written in 1697, John Pechey of the College of Physicians in London. :-) 

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome