London tryacle being the enemie to all infectious diseases; as may appear by the discourse following. 1612 Approx. 47 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 14 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A06273 STC 16759 ESTC S102945 99838704 99838704 3092 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A06273) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 3092) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 844:19) London tryacle being the enemie to all infectious diseases; as may appear by the discourse following. Band, R. fl. 1612 Besse, William. Browne, R. [6], 20 p. Printed by Edw: Allde, London : 1612. Describes a medicine sold by William Besse. Editor's dedication signed: R. Band. In the 1615 edition the same dedication is signed "R. Browne". Leaf D (pages 19-20) torn, affecting text. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Medicine -- Formulae, receipts, prescriptions -- Early works to 1800. Antidotes -- Early works to 1800. 2006-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-07 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-06 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2007-06 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ¶ London Tryacle , Being the enemie to all infectious diseases ; as may appeare by the discourse following . London Printed by EDW : ALLDE . 1612. To the gentle Reader , R.B. wisheth all health and welfare according to his owne harts desire . It was my good hap gentle Reader , not many dayes agoe , to hit vpon this discourse of London Triacle : which after I had shewed vnto diuers of iudgement and skill in such matters & found that they iudged the booke well worthy the setting out , especially in this infectious season . I resolued thereupon to publish it to the world , that therby the fruite and benefite thereof might the better be imparted to our whole nation . It should seeme the discourse was fully ended before the plague in London began this last Summer , for otherwise it is not to be thought but the authour would somwhere haue made mention therof . Notwithstanding , I my selfe hauing made diligent enquiry as wel of Phisitions as of Surgeons & Apothecaries what tryall hath bene made therof in the time of pestilence , I am by many of good iudgement assuredly certified that amongst the poore especially ( whome it most haunted ) this Triacle by good triall and experience hath beene found to be of singular vertue , and to haue saued the liues of hundreds which haue taken it : for very few which in the first or second day of the dissease took any reasonable quantitie of it ( for litle of it as of all other preseruatiues can haue small force ) and therewithall laid themselues to sweate , very few I say miscaried : yea the most part did within few houres perceiue the venome of the disease to be driuen cleane from the heart to the outward partes , wherby within a day or two after , they found themselues past all daunger . But because it is no part of my meaning , neyther presume I to haue skill enough to set down at full the due prayses of so pretious a preseruatiue . I will surcease to proceed any further in commending the same vnto you : and that so much the rather , because the Authour in the discourse it selfe hath at large declared the vertues thereof . Onely this I will say therof by the way , that I can in nothing resemble this Triacle better , then to the most valiant and victorious champion Hercules for his worthy actes and conquests canonized amongst the Gods. For as Hercules is reported to haue trauailed continually from countrey to countrey throughout the whole world , euery where as he went destroying monsters , slaying Tyrantes , murtherers & robbers ; clearing high wayes , cleansing all pestiferous ayres and noysome waters , whereby he deliuered infinite nations from thraldome and slauery , freed all passages for trauailers and waifarers , and restored the interrupted intercourse and trade with forraine countreyes , to the wonderfull and inestimable benefit of all mankind : Euen so this Triacle being by good aduice recieued into mans body , destroieth all venome and poison , killeth or expelleth all corrupt vapors and humors , and scoureth all the pipes & conduits whereby it saueth the heart and chiefe intrailes from suffocation and destruction , freeth all the vaines and vessels and restoreth free recourse and passage of the liuely and cheerefull spirits and nourishing humors into all the members of the body , to the singuler comfort and refreshing of the whole man. What should cause or induce the Authour so long to stay the publishing of so fruitefull or rather necessary a discourse , in this so fit an opportunity , it is hard to guesse , vnlesse peraduenture it be that he perceiued straight vpon the perfecting of his booke the plauge to begin , and therefore thought it not amisse to deferre the setting out therof vntill eyther by him selfe or some learned men , sufficient triall might be taken of the forcible effects thereof in the plague it self , as already very good experiment had beene prooued in many other disseases , Wherein if I haue guest aright , I hope the Authour hath lesse cause to be offended with me considering I haue but done that which he meant to haue perfourmed himselfe , in making him do his countrey good a litle sooner then he intended . And my hope herein is the greater , because it is apparant by the suppressing of his name , that he neither ambitiously therby hunted after praise , nor greedily gaped for gaine , but wholy respected the benefiting and profiting of his countrey , By how much the more his good meaning is of all men to be taken in good part . And thus presuming that the Authour will beare with my boldnesse and not doubting but so well a meant worke shall be acceptably receiued of the gentle Reader , I commit them both vnto the almighties protection . R. Band. The contents of the Booke , 1. The occasion of making London Triacle . 2. The first inuention of Theriaca , and in what estimation mighty princes euer haue had it . 3. Why it was called Triacle or Thiriaca . 4. The vertues and qualities of London Triacle . 5. The order of vsing this Triacle . 6. For what cause the receipt is not yet published , and wherefore the making of it is ( by authority ) committed to one Apothecary . The occasion of the making of London Triacle THe Masters & Wardens of the Grocers companie , hauing by sundry yeares searches , wel marked and obserued , that a filthy & vnwholsome baggage composition , ( termed cōmonly Triacle of Geane ) hath bene craftily , and by couine of certaine lewd persons , in a monstrous quantity , some thousand weight yearely brought into this Realme , and here to the fowle deceauing , and danger of the liues of many thousands , bene publikely sould , carying credit with all sorts of people , onely for the bare name sake of Theriaca , or Triacle : ( as their dutie to their country bound them ) did diuers yeares vse all such good meanes and orders , as they could deuise , to bannish cleane out of the realme , or at least to hinder much the vente of such a uoysome and poysonish drugge . For although that the most of the company were not greatly learned , yet many of them being discreete men , and of good insight and experience in such matters , did out of the rules of bare reason , gather that this so named Geane Triacle , being ( as it is wel known ) made only of the rotten garble , & refuse outcast of all kinde of spices and drugs , hand ouer head , with a little filthy molasses , and tarre to worke it vp withall , was so farre from either curing or preuenting any disease in mans bodie , that by all likelyhood it must needes ingender most rotten and corrupt humors . And with good reason might they iudge that composition of no great vertue and force , which hath bene often sould of late yeares for xxx . s̄ . and sometimes for xxviii . s.̄ the hundred , which falleth out iii. d or at most vnder iii. d.q. a pound . Now , what good Spice , Suger , Hony , or other drugge of any vertue can be sould for so bace a price , let any man iudge ? So as it is most apparaunt to one that hath but halfe an eye , that so base a composition must needes be made of such dregges , and refuse , as are more fitte for the dungcartes , then the Apothecaries , or Grocers shoppes . And surely it is great pittie , that some seuere punishment is not by the superiour maiestrates , inflicted vpon such lewd persons , as being so often warned do still bring in , or otherwise by themselues , or their seruants make , or vtter such filthy and rotten drugges , and that vnder the cloake and name of so comfortable a preseruatiue , as Triakle hath in all ages bene esteemed to be . But to goe forward , the Grocers finding that their good care , and discreete orders for the bannishing of so vnwholsome a drugge , did not take such effect as they looked for and wished : and obseruing that the very cheapnes of this misnamed Geane Triacle , together with the excessiue dearnes of Venice Triacle , and Mithridate , were the onely causes , that still contiinued so meruailous a vent thereof , After deliberate consultation had , thought it best to entreat the learned Society of Phisitions , to set downe some effectuall receite of Triacle , which might be both forceable against rotten and venemous disseases , and also of an easie and moderate price for the poore subiect . Vnto which , their so honest and reasonable request , the Colledge of Phisitions did readily condiscend : and therevpon they presently committed the charge of the setting down of the receite , vnto three choise men of their companie , which should ( by a certaine day ) deliuer vnto Mr. Besse an Apothecarie ( to whome both by the Phisitions and Grocers order , the making thereof was onely committed ) their prescript , which they did after diligent conferring of sundry receats of learned writers , together ( according to the charge to them committed , carefully performe : ) within fewe daies after Mr. Besse did bring to the Colledge , both the prescript to him before deliuered , and also a pound of the composition , which he by their order had made vp for a tryall sake , to the intent that all the whole company of Phisitions together , after diligent examination of the prescript , with such tryall as Arte could take , by the colour , taste , smell , and consistence of the Tryacle it selfe , might either resolue vpon that receat alreadie set downe , or elsby adding , and rebating , as by their skill should seeme good ( with some little change ) sette downe another . And so it fell out indeede , that some little alteration , being in one simple or two made , the receate , was ( with the Colledge seale annexed vnto it ) redeliuered to the said Mr. Besse , to be yearely by him accordingly dispensed and prepared , with streight charge , not in any iot or point , to varie from the very words of the same prescript : And that euery yeare before the dispensing thereof , he should giue notice to the President , and Censors of the Phisitions Colledge , that for the carefuller preparing thereof , they might with any other of their Societie , come to his house and there make examination , and tryall of all the simples , ingredients , before they were put together , & compounded . And that to the good of all the Realme , the said Triacle might be the more faithfully prepared , the Master and Wardens of the Grocers , first presented M.W. Besse to the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen his bretheren , as a very fit Man both for skill , and honest carefulnes in his profession , to performe the Compounding of such a Tryacle : where was giuen him a corporall Oath , for the true , and carefull preparing thereof : And afterwards , the said Master and Wardens did deliuer vnto M.W. Besse in writing , both the receate new writte out againe , and withall , all the poynts of his Oath , with the Seale of their Company , reseruing the Phisitions receate and seale , for their discharge , in the Grocers Hall. Which course and order of examining yearely the simples , and carefull making vp of the Composition , hath now these fiue years bene accordingly put in execution , and the Triacle it selfe ( by so many yeares experience ) throughly tried to be of singuler vertue , and of wonderfull force , as well in comforting nature , as in expelling all noysome , and venomous matter from the hart , and principall partes of mans body . In setting downe of which receate , the Phisitions tooke especiall care to appoint such ingredients as were perfectly knowne , not hard to be gotten , and ( as much as might be in so forceable , and effectuall a preseruatiue ) home bredde : and this they chiefely did , for the good and ease of the poore subiect , whose purse cannot reach vnto the price of costly medicines . All which things well considered , there may be more said iustly in the commendation of this London Triacle , then may be of any other medicine whatsoeuer heretofore deuised , and set out in this Realme : And if I should say forraine Realmes too , it might well be iustified , considering the sound learning , deepe iudgement , and long experience of the whole Colledge of Phisitions , that deuised it with the great care which both they , and also the magistrates of the Citie haue taken , for the diligent , and perfect preparing thereof . As for the price , it is so reasonable ( a pound not amounting aboue ij . s̄ . viij . d. an ounce by retale not aboue ii . d. ) as no wise man will spare so much to do his horse or dogge good withall . This Tryacle is made , and to be had at the house of M. William Besse , dwelling in the Poultery , neere the Counter . Of the first inuention of Theriaca , and in what estimation mightie Princes euer haue had it . ALthough Andromachus the Elder , Nero the Emperours chiefe Phisition , be of most men estéemed , as the first inuentour of Triacle , or Theriaca , yet you must vnderstand , that he did onely adde vipers , first to some olde composition thereof , which he liked best , and withall gaue it a new name , tearming it , not Theriaca , but Galene , as much to say as calmenes , or stilnes . This Galene did Crito ( a famous practicioner vnder the Vespatians reignes ) name Theriaca , because it receiued the flesh of vipers : of Phisitions , by a preheminence named in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But that the Reader may , together take a view both of the first beginning , and originall , and also what great credit Theriaca was presently in with mightie Princes , euen vpon the very first inuention : He must vnderstand , that the verie first Theriaca , recorded of in writers , is that of Antiochus , whome Plinie surnameth Magnus , and Galen Philometor . He reigned in Siria some 200. yeares before Christ . This was called Antiochus his Theriaca , because that great and mightie King himselfe did continually vse it as a preseruatiue against all poysons , and venomous stingings . By whose countenance , it grew presently into such estimation and credit , that the famous Phisition Endemus , ( as Galen reporteth ) put the receate thereof in verse : And that all men might pertake the good and profite of so forceable a preseruatiue : The verses ( as Plinie recordeth ) were engrauen in stone , ouer the porch doore of Aesculapius his Temple , as a medicine of so diuine power and vertue , as not to be esteemed for any mans inuention , but rather a diuine receate reuealed vnto mankinde , by the great God of Phisick himselfe . Within two or three ages after Antiochus , did Nicander , that learned Phisition and Poet , dedicate his booke , named Theriaca , vnto Attalus then King of Perganum , where after , Galen was borne . This Attalus was a noble Prince , greatly fauouring and aduancing all kinde of good learning : but aboue all things , wonderfully giuen to make triall of the vertues of medicines , and especially of such as were thought of force against venomous beasts , & poysons : which both he then , and by his example afterward , Mithridates the great ( as Galen truly testifieth ) did curiously and diligently , make experiment of vpon condemned persons . The experiments of this learned King Attalus , rōming within an age or two after vnto the hands of Mithridates , and being by his like studie , and tryall in immitation of Attelus ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) much encreased , he culd out of both their experiences , the very choise simples , and thereof deuised a most effectuall composition , named by Galen Theriaca Mithridatis ( much differing from that which we commonly call Methridatum ) by continuall vse of which medicine , he preserued himselfe many score yeares free from all danger of poysoning : so that ( as Galen writeth ) being streightly beseiged by the Conquering Romans , and out of all hope to escape , to preuent their cruelty , and to auoide his owne shame , he twice tooke ranke and strong poyson : but the force of his so often receaued Tryacle was such , as no poyson neuer so great could preuaile against it , whereby in the end , the good king was compelled to dye vpon his owne sword . About fourscore yeares after Mithridates miserable end , did Aelius Gallus , Tiberius the Emperours lieftenant in Aegipt and Arabiae , in his returne from thence , bring two receates of Theriaca home with him : wherewith he presented the Emperour Tiberius , esteeming them as fit presents for so mighty a Manarch . Now in what wonderfull estimation , or rather admiration , Tryacle was had in Galens time , Galen himselfe doth at large set downe , in his booke Intituled of Triacle , and dedicated vnto Piso a noble Roman : which booke ( as may be gathered by the text ) he writ in the beginning of Caracalla his Raigne , before he had made away his brother Geta. For Marcus Aurelius ( in the beginning of whose raigne Galen first came to Rome ) a Prince for his deepe and profound learning , named Marcus the Philosopher , and which ( as Galen testifieth ) had a perfect and exquisite knowledge of his owne temprature and complexion , by the daily vse of Triacle ( being both by nature , and also by trauaile , as well of body as minde , of a weake constitution ) liued many yeares ( notwithstāding ) in excellent good health , & state of bodie . So that the wonderfull opinion , which was had through all the world of this Emperours wisdome , & learning , together with his long continued health , procured by the onely vse of this preseruatiue , brought Triacle into such credit and estimation , that all great men , as well in the Court of Rome , as els where in the Country and Prouinces abroad , following the Emperours example , fell to the vse thereof . And least the reader should thinke that Marcus Aurelius onely vsed Andromachus his Triacle : let him reade the last chapter of Galens second booke of Counter-poysons , where , in the very first line he shall finde the receate that Aurelius so much vsed , compounded but onely of four simples , and God he knowes , a simple composition indeede ( for all the great credit it had ) if it be compared with our London Tryacle . Some fourteene yeare after M. Aurelius his departure , succeeded in the Empire Soptianus Seuerus , a prince though not greatly learned , yet both very wise and valiant . This Emperour made that most renowned Phisition ( or rather Prince of all Phisitions ) Galen , to prepare and compound for the Emperours owne vse , the Theriaca of Andromachus , and that of the chiefest , and most choyce simples , which could be got in the whole world : whereby through the renounce of so famous a Phisitian , the glorious name of Triacle was euer after amongst all posteritie wonderfully encreased and aduaunced . From Galen vntill our dayes ( almost 1400. yeares ) If one ouer-runne the stories of all nations and ages , He shall finde that Triacle hath beene from time to time , of all mighty Princes had in wonderfull estunation and reputation . Yea that most Tyrannous and Barbarous Monarch , the great Turke , euery yeare in Egypt ( because that Country lieth most fitly to get all Indian and Arabian simples freshest ) hath by the handes of the skilfullest and learnedst Phisitions , which that sauadge & vnlettered nation yeildeth , a composition of Theriaca prepared by the name of Tharach Faruc , which both of the Emperour himselfe , & of all his Bashawes and great men , is had in wonderfull estimation . Although that through the ignorance of their Phisitions in the making therof , both the vipers themselues ( for whom they substitute a kind of Serpent with horns , called therfore of the Greeks Cerastes but of the Egyptians Tahyr ) and many other especiall simples besides are mistaken and falsified : whereby it commeth to passe , that the Alexandrian or Egyptian Theriaca is in no degree to be compared with any kind of Triacle artificially prepared in sundry Citties of Christendome , where all kindes of good learning , and namely of Phisicke do most plentifully flourish . VVhy it was called Triacle or Theriaca . FOr the naming of it Theriaca or Triacle , diuers and sundry reasons may be alleaged . First , because it was of purpose ordained to supply the vse , or rather to reforme the abuse , and to enioy and possesse the roome and place of that bastard Triacle , which hath these many yeares , to the vnspeakable annoyance of many thousands , beene too too much vsed in this Realme , by the name of Geane Triacle . The second , but principall reason is , for that all , or most of the ingredients , hauing singuler force against , either inward poysons , or outward venomous bytings ▪ or stingings of venomous beasts , it must needes follow , that so perfect a composition made of so choise counter-poysons , & those so orderly in weight and measure proportioned , could not but be of wonderfull vertue and efficacy , not onely against poisons and venomes , but also against all corruption and rottennesse , either of humors or spirits : Neither is the name Triacle or Theriaca to be thought , as vnfitly attributed to the London composition , although it receaue no vipers flesh in it at all . For notwithstanding that Crito a famous Empericke about Vespatianus his dayes , gaue that same composition , which Andromachus Neroes Phisition , first either inuented or enlarged , & withall tearmed it Galene the name of Theriaca , because it receiued vipers flesh , ( which kind of Serpent is of many Greekes both Phisitions & Philosophers , by a prerogatiue called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet the name of Theriaca hath both before Neroes time and since , bene commonly attributed not only to compounds , contayning no vipers flesh at all , but also to very simples , only for that they were iudged of force against the bytinges and stinginges of venomous beastes . For compoundes , who so doubteth , let him read the 10. chap. of the 2 booke of Galen of counterpoisons ( for so I translate Antidotus ) where he shall finde fiue seuerall Theriacaes vpon a row , into none of which , vipers flesh is any ingredient . The first , of Antipater , The second , & third , of Aelius Gallus ( vnder whose conduct in our Sauiour Christs time , Strabo that learned Geographer did trauaile both Egypt and Arabia ) The fourth , of Euclide by-named Palatianus . The fifth , of Zeno the Laodician . Againe , in the fourteenth chap. he shal finde Theriaca Antiochi , Philometoris ( Plini calleth him Magnus ) which raigned in Siria some 12. score years before euer vipers flesh was put into any Theriaca . For Andromachus Neroes Phisition , by Galens owne testimony , was the very first that added vipers flesh vnto Theriaca . Now since Andromachus time , we may finde infinite receipts of Theriaca in sundry Phisitions , clearely voide of vipers flesh : As namely , that which M. Aurelius so much vsed with so good successe , then the vulger Theriaca diatessaron a simple receate , in shew of foure common simples , yet a receate no doubt of singular force and vertue : And last of all , that baggage composition , thrust in vnder the name of Geane Triacle , hath these many yeares vsurped the name of Theriaca , although it hath no vipers flesh in it at all . As for simples , both Galen calleth Garlicke the country mans Triacle , and Plinie maketh mention , of a kinde of Vine in the Iland of Thasos , called therefore Theriaca , because , as well the grape , as the wine would heale the bitings , and stingings of Serpents . Besides , Valeriana is of sondry late writers , named Theriaca for the same reason : which things considered , the learned Colledge of Phisitions of this famous Citie of London , did very aptly , and aduisedly ( to this their Composition ) attribute the name of Theriaca . And that so much the more , for that this London Triacle , besides the choyse of olde simples , containeth in it , at least a dozen spices and hearbes , not knowne to the olde writers : whose wonderfull vertues , are notwithstanding against all poysons and venomes ( by many a hundred yeares tryal ) sufficiently approoued . And these late knowne simples were added , by warraant both of reason ( the perfect rule and leuell of all Phisitions actions ) and also of Auerroes , the best learned , both Philosopher , and Phisition of all the Arabians , which in his abridgement of Phisick , ( commonly called the Colliget ) doth iustly reprooue the opinion of Auicen , ( otherwise himselfe a most famous Phisition ) affirming the Andromachus his Triacle , taketh his so wonderfull force , not from the vertues & qualities of the simples which are in it , but from a fift supernaturall hidden propertie , proceeding from the essentiall forme ( as he tearmeth it forsooth ) of the whole mixture , and therefore strictly warneth all Phisitions , neither to adde too , nor diminish any thing from Andromachus his first prescript : Which opinion of Auicen , as too superstitiously tying all posterity to our fore-fathers receipts , Auerroze doth , and that iustly confute , wishing ( which in this composition , the Phisitions of London haue with great reason put in practise ) that diuers of such excellent counter-poyson simples , as later times haue discouered , should be either added ouer and aboue the olde ingredients , or else substituted in some of their places , which were found to be of least force and vertue . Of the vertues , and qualities of London Tryacle . TO recite all the vertues , and vses of the London Triacle , as well in preuenting , as incuring most gréeuous disseases , would require a learneder , and larger discourse , then at this present is either requisite , or intended to be set downe . Notwithstanding the cheife , and most principall quallities thereof , and those from which the reasons and grounds of all the rest must be fetched , are these that follow . First , this Triacle heateth , and dryeth about the midst ( as Phisitions tearme it ) of the second degree , and withall , is of very thinne parts . Secondly , it hath a skowring , or deansing vertue , with a moderate astriction . By his heate , it helpeth all kindes of concoction , and ripeneth all crud humors , or drines in mans body . By his heate , & thinnes of parts , it openeth all poares & passages , it thinneth & breatheth out grosse humors and windes , it softeneth hard tumors , and relaxeth stifnes of partes , and consequently mittigateth all kinde of paines , and greifes : It prouoketh sweate , vrine , and womens courses , it openeth the Emerands , and furthereth all euacuations : By his drynes , and cleansing powre , it consumeth and wasteth , or els wypeth away all grosse , tough , and clammy humors : and thereby deliuereth obstructions , and mightily resisteth all putrifaction , and poysons , either inward or outward . By his milde astriction and moderate warmth , it strengthneth all the principall members of mans bodie , and thereby renueth good spirits , ingendereth pure blood , and stayeth all immoderate wastings , and euacuations , either of humors or spirits . So that what soeuer infirmity in mans body , proceedeth either from too much aboundance of humors and winde , or els from their faultines in coldnes , grosenes , toughnes , clammines , or rottennes : likewise what soeuer is caused by stopping of the conduits , and passages , or by the astriction , and shutting of the poares : Besides whatsoeuer imperfections or defaultes possesse the cheife and principall partes , and thereby hinder or depraue any of their functions or workes : all these ( if they be by inward medicines curable ) may by this Triacle ( artificially and skilfully vsed ) be either wholy , and altogether cured , or at least greatly eased , and amended . To a Phisition , or any other man trayned vp in good literature , these breife instructions are sufficient , to direct him fully to the perfect vse of this Triacle , in all conuenient disseases . But because this discourse dooth cheifly respect , and is especially written for the ignorant , and vnlettered multitude of the common people , which is no wayes able to conceaue the naturall causes of things : it will not be amisse , for the simple persons better instruction , to set down by name , such common and running disseases , as this Triacle is most to be vsed against . First , of all therefore it is of marueilous force against the Plague , Sweating-sicknes Pocks ( small I meane ) or measels , or any other malitious & pestilent Feauer . For being giuen the sicke person to drinke with Dragons , Carduus Benedictus , or Angelica water , it driueth out from the hart and principall partes to the skinne , all the venome and corruption of the dissease . By the same vertue it both preserueth , and also cureth as well any inward poyson , as any byting or stinging of madde dogge or venomous beast : yea , being outwardly applyed to the bytings and stingings : or to the Carbunble or Bubo in the plague , it doth ( as it were ) miraculously drawe out all the inward venome , and corruption by that issue . As for long head-aches , & megrames , Turnsicknes , dulnes of sight , thicknes of hearing , and such like disseases of the braine , sinewes , and instruments of Senses , which proceede from colde and tough humors , or from winde , all these by the continuall vsage hereof , may in time be either cleane taken away , or else greatly asswaged and diminished : For by comforting the braine , it cheareth the spirits , sharpeneth the wit , strengthneth the memorie , quickneth all the Sensces . Against the falling sicknes , and wormes , being disseases most commonly troubling children this Triacle is an especiall remedie : as hauing diuers choyce ingredients , perticularly respecting those infirmities of purpose inserted into it : For the Wheasings , and olde coughs , being taken with the water or decoction of Hysope , or Horehound , it is very effectuall : as also with the decoction of Comfrey rootes , or conseruc of olde red Roses , it excellently stayeth any lingering spitting of blood , issuing from the lungs or chest : Likewise it healeth any stitches in the sides ( if they proceede not from hotte inflamations or pleurifles ) being either inwardly taken , or outwardly applyed hot . Now in the stomacke , it prouoketh appetite , helpeth concoction , and distribution , breaketh and discusseth winde and either digesteth or driueth out from thence , all rawe and corrupt humors , whereby it healeth the inflation , or puffing vp of the stomacke with winde , and cureth that kinde of greedines ( which Phisitions tearme the dogges appetite ) which dissease forceth them that haue it , to eate their meate greedily , and that very much , but presently after to caste it againe : notwithstanding after they haue vomited , their appetite is no whit stayed nor abayted , but streight way they become as greedy againe as before : In the lyuer it deliuereth all obstructions , & cureth the yealow Iaundise , espetially being taken with the decoction of worme wood ( ground pure ) Horehound , Alecoast , Maudline , or Succory : Whereby it cureth the gréene sicknes , and the dropsie , not being growne too farre , nor rooted . The like force it hath in infirmities of the spleene , wherein it helpeth all stoppings , discusseth windinesses , and diminisheth all sort of colde swellings or tumors : namely , being receaued with the decoction of Tamariske , barke of Capers rootes , or of Finger-fearne . Neither is it of lesse power and vertue , in curing the disseases of the entralls or guttes : for it singularly helpeth the Collick , and stayeth all lares , and aswageth all torments , and grypings , if it be orderly taken with fitte , & conuenient liquors , strops , or conserues . But the most especiall , and singular vertue thereof , is the wonderfull comfort and strength it yeeldeth and imparteth to the hart , the principall parte of the life of man : which his force is most mightily perceaued in faintings , and swoundings . The same effects it showeth in tremblings of the hart , and in all melancholie-passions and frights . But to goe forward : in the kidnies and bladder , it mildly scowreth away and clenseth sand , grauell , or stones , and thereby often times cureth the stoppings of Vrine , and the Stran 〈…〉 rie . For the Gowt ( after generall euacuations orderly administred ) the continuall vse of this Tryacle , is a most effectuall remedie : which effect it worketh by helping concoction in the stomacke and Lyuer , by comforting the braine , and by drying vp , or driuing out , either by sweate , or inscensible outbreathings , all superfluous moysture , both there and in all other parts of the bodie . Besides all these , it is a singular remedie , both for Palsies and cramps , either inwardly taken , or outwardly applyed , and annoynted with some conuenient Oyle or grease . In womens matters , although the vertues thereof be excellently effectual , notwithstanding , I thinke it not amis to omit the rehearsall of them at this time , because any large discourse thereof , especially in the mother tongue , may seeme vnfit for chaste eares , and besides , is more likely to do harme then good , in vnchaste mindes . But here I may not ouer passe the mighty power it hath in driuing away any long lingering Ague , proceeding from colde , grosse , or tough humors , & namely , of an old quartane Ague , if it be orderly giuen in good large proportion , with the decoction of Germander , or Tamariske halfe an houre before the fit , the partie withall being put into a warme bed , & with store of warme clothes prouoked presently to sweate : marry here great heede must be taken , that first the body be well purged , and let blood ( if neede be ) and that the humor be ripe and concocted . To set downe at large , all the perticuler vertues , & effects of this London Triacle , would make vp a large volume . For because therefore both I meane to be short , and these vertues alreadie expressed are sufficient to direct any reasonable man to the orderly vse of this London Triacle , in most common disseases : I will surcease to discourse any longer of the quallities thereof , and proceede to the order of vsing it . The order of vsing London Triacle . IN the vse of London Triacle , three things are to be considered : first , the quantitie , next the time , and lastly , the manner of ministring of it . A certaine quantitie , either in weight or measure thereof , cannot precisely be declared in words , by reason of the manifold diuersities , as well of the strength , age , sexe , temperature , and complexion of the sicke bodie , as of the disseases themselues , their causes , and the parts of mans body therewith possessed : In sucking children halfe a scruple will be a reasonable quantitie : In women with childe , or in child-bed , in very olde folkes , or yong children past sucking , a whole scruple may be well borne : in stronger bodies , and abler constitutions , a larger proportion may be allowed , ( due consideration being had of the vrgencie of the dissease , and the strength of the partie ) as from a scruple weight vpward to a whole dra●me or foure scruples in very vrgent and hard disseases , as in driuing away of a quartane or such like . But when poyson is already receaued inwardly , or any bodie newly bitten , slung with a mad dog , or venomous beast , you must ascend yet higher , and encrease your dasts to two dragmes weight , yea , and in strong poysons and venomes , vnto three dragmes , and this you must often times doe , and not be content with once giuing it . And here because most men knowes not these names of Scruples and Dragmes , and many men though , they peraduenture knowe them , yet haue them not readie at hand when neede requires , it is to be vnderstood , that a drag-weight in English siluer is vii . d. ob . iust , and a scruple ( which is the third part of a dragme , weigheth iust ij . d. ob . now who so cannot halfe or double any of these , is too simple to be thought fit to minister medicines vnto any sicke bodie being in danger . Furthermore , for because that most of the common and vulgar people , though they had weights , yet they knowe them not : and which is more , knoweth not how to weigh any thing by those coynes which they best knowe , it is thought not amis , to set downe such directions in giuing of this Triacle , as the ignorantest man of all cannot much goe amis . For a scruple , they are full the bignes of a meane and ordinarie hasell . Nut husked : and for a dragme , the quantity of a small nutmeggo , may safely be administred , and so the rest ●atably : And thus much for the quantity . Now for the time and fit season of giuing it ( which , as in all other medicines administring , so in this Triacle giuing is the difficultest poynte of skill in all phisick ) two things are chiefly to be noted : The time of the day , and the time of the dissease . Of all times of the day the morning is most apt , and fittest both for this medicine and all other such like to be taken in . And good cause why : For in the morning , after the whole nights rest , the former dayes meate being fully digested and dispearsed into the outward parts of the bodie , the inward parts , as the stomacke , liuer , spleene , and bellie vaines , are then empty , & therefore more apt both to receaue in themselues , and to dispearse throw into the whole bodie , the force and vertue of the medicine then taken . For alwaies , especiall care and regarde is to be taken , that neyther this Triacle , nor any such like strong & forceable medicine , be administred inwardly after meate , or vpon a full belly . Yea , and if the bellie be not either by nature loose , or by Arte made soluble , the vse of Triacle can no wayes be safe . The other time to be obserued , is that of the dissease it selfe , which caryeth so great sway , that often times it ouerruleth the time of the day , and altereth it at pleasure , according to the time of the whole dissease , or of that present fitt then possessing the sick body : for the time of the whole sicknes , as a long Ague , or other lingering dissease , it is against all rules of Arte to minister Triacle , either in the beginning , or in the encrease of the dissease , vntil manyfest tokens of concoction and ripenes appeare : after which time ( if the obstructions of the lyuer or spleene continue not still great ) you may safely , accordingly as the ripenes encrease , & the obstructions decrease , ratably augment the quantitie of your Triacle . The same is to be obserued in the time of the fit : for vntill the matter of that fit make show of ripenes , & that the passages of the outward parts and skinne be somwhat opened , you may no wayes giue any Triacle : but after that time you may safely minister it , the better thereby to further the issue of sweate , and insencible out-breathings : by which kindes of euacuations ( being aboundantly performed ) very often times it falleth out ▪ that the whole dissease is dissolued and rid away . Besides the two times rehearsed , she one of the ●●y , th● the other of the dissease , the age of the Triacle it lesse is diligently to be considered : for the newer he is , the better , 〈◊〉 readi●● he stayeth any euacuation , especially by vomitto or stoole , & withall asswageth any inward grypings or paines , cheifly such as proceede from hotte and fretting humors . As gaine , the older this Triacle is , the more forceable and effectuall are his vertues , in opening all stoppings and obstructions of the principall parts , and consequently in expecting , and driuing out from the inward to the outward parts all venomous and rotten , either humors or vapors . Now for the manner of giuing it , you must note , that if your intent be to stay any fluxe or euacuation , by strengthening the principall parts , or else to mittigate & asswage any inward point , in such cases you must minister your Triacle in solide or drye forme , either alone , or with some conserue , or Electuary , and then sleepe vpon it : vnles you meane to stay immoderate sweating . Contrariewise , if you meane and desire to driue out , and expell any corrupt or noysome humor or vapor , then giue it dissolued in some conuenient liquor , and sleepe not after it : except your meaning be to procure sweate , which of all euacuations is onely furthered by sleeping : And thus much for the right vse of this London Tryacle . For what cause the receate is not yet published , and wherefore the making thereof is commited onely to one Apothecarie . NO doubt many will not a litle meruaile why the receat & proscript of this London Triacle , is neither in this discourse , nor any where els published to the view of all m●n , especially of Phisitions abroade : that by the examining at the simples , they may better iudge of of the force and vertue of the whole composition : An exam●●● whereof there is no president to be showed , either in former ages , or forraigne countries , vnles one would fetch a president and 〈◊〉 from the barbar 〈…〉 Turks , who those many years haue ●once●led the r●●eate 〈…〉 till now of late , Prosperus 〈…〉 ●●ing sundrie yeares in Egypt , 〈…〉 prescript thereof , at the hands 〈…〉 Simpler , which yearely had the 〈…〉 daies , all the simple ingredients for th●● 〈…〉 in the presence of all the skilfullest Phis●● 〈…〉 doth yearely make vp the whole Composition : 〈…〉 ●●ceate , the same Alpinus hath very honestly , and to 〈…〉 praise , published to the whole world . In auntient tim●● 〈◊〉 pr●●decessors were so farre from concealing and supp●●●● any such effectuall medicine , that the first Composition of Triacle ( whereof record is found in any writer , Antioc●●us his Theriaca I meane ) was presently by Endemus a famous Phisition put into verse , and the verses engrauen in stone , and set vp ouer the good Esculapius his Temple doo●●e , the euery man to reade ouer , and copie out at his pleasure . What cause or reason then should mooue the Phisitions of London , to kéepe their new receate of Triacle so much concealed ? Assure your selues they did it not without great reason , and good consideration . The very true cause of suppressing the receats , is the entire affection they beare to the whole nation , their natiue countrie , together with a diligent carefulnes they haue , that the Composition may without fraude or cou●●n ●●e truly and perfectly prepared . For seeing how great 〈…〉 growne in the world , by suffering euery man that would take it vpon him to make Geane Triacle hand ouer hand , and that without ouer looking or correcting after ad●●is●● deliberately taken , they could fi●●e in th●●●ughly , and disorderly age , n●● other meanes to avo●●e 〈◊〉 inc●●●●nience , or rather mischiefe , sauing onely by committing the making and compounding thereof , with some one 〈◊〉 and skilfull Apothecary alone : which their good 〈◊〉 meaning could not haue bene compassed , if the 〈◊〉 haue published to the world : For so euery other , 〈◊〉 〈…〉 by the 〈…〉 〈…〉 , might 〈…〉 〈…〉 as he is whome 〈…〉 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 〈…〉 is committ the 〈…〉 〈…〉 only Apothecary , that thereby 〈◊〉 〈…〉 themeselues of the perfect 〈◊〉 〈…〉 viewing , and diligently examining all the 〈…〉 at his house , which thing would haue bene 〈…〉 & labour for them to performe in so many 〈…〉 and Dr●●●ers houses as would haue 〈◊〉 ●●on●● above the 〈◊〉 thereof . Neither is it their m●●●ing altogether to s●●ppresse the rec●●t●● , but onely : to conceale it for a 〈◊〉 , vntill good order may by authoritie be set downe , for 〈◊〉 t●●e and orderly 〈◊〉 of it , and such other live . 〈◊〉 they were the ●●●●rly 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 and to 〈◊〉 for a season , that before the publishing , they might make perfect proofe , and full tryall of the effects and vertues thereof . FINIS .