THE SECRETS OF PHYSIC and PHILOSOPHY, Divided into two Books:  
In the first is showed the true and perfect order to distil, or draw forth the Oils of all manner of Gums, Spices, Seeds, Roots, and Herbs, with their perfect taste, smell and virtues.  
In the second is showed the true and perfect order to prepare, calcine, sublime, and dissolve all manner of Minerals, and how ye shall draw forth their oils and Salts, which are most wonderful in their Operations, for the health of Man's Body.  
First written in the Germane Tongue by the most learned Theophrastus Paraselsus, and now published in the English Tongue, by JOHN HESTER, Practitioner in the Art of Distillation.  
LONDON, Printed by A. M. for William Lugger, and are be sold at the Postern Gate at Tower Hill. 1633.   

TO THE RIGHT Reverend Father in God, and his singular good Lord, john Watson, by the grace of God, Bishop of Winchester, and Prelate of the right Honourable Order of the Garter, I. H. wisheth health and peace, and long life in JESUS CHRIST.  
Pretty and pithy is the tale (my Good Lord) that Plato tells in his Protagoras, and somewhat appliable to my present purpose, and therefore not absurd for me to set down, to the better preferment of my pretence. Among other his excellent Inventions (as he is in all his things most like himself still very divine) he showeth how jove looking down from heaven with a pitiful regard upon the hard & untoward condition of men, seeing the sundry calamities, and infinite miseries that they were subject unto, while yet they lived savage like beasts amongst beasts, every man leading his life after the level of his own lust, took order straight with his winged Messenger Mercury, to descend down with expedition, with travel to collect and gather together the dispersed multitude, that so united they might both be stronger to defend themselves from the bruit beasts their common enemy: and linked as it were in a body politic, each presented as well with the daily view of his own want, as the continual show of the like lack in others, might with joint assent and consent (as driven by necessity) endeavour to drive necessity from themselves. For the speedier accomplishing whereof, he had in charge to establish a law, that if any amongst them were found unfurnished with justice, and void of shamefastness: the same should be counted as an unprofitable drone among labouring bees, and should suffer punishment accordingly. A worthy talk, and fit so worthy a Philosopher. By the which he highly delivered in general terms, that which we daily find in particular proof: to weet, no common wealth, nor society to continue long happy where the members and parts thereof either for love of justice, or fear of shame are not like affectioned each other. Now lest I should seem to allow of this tale in speech, and to dislike it in practice, I have presumed by this bare translation, to testify my forwardness in furthering her that fosters me. And yet is not my Translation so bare, (my good Lord) but that it carrieth in it more plainness to the Reader, than perhaps they shall find in the first writer: For beside that I have culled out their choice things, I have from the same choice proined, and cut off their superfluity, I have supplied their defects, I have laid open their obscurity, and I have shadowed their defaults, neither yet arrogating to myself, not derogating from them, but as Dies diem docet, So; Experimentum experiendo confirmatur. What my travel herein shall profit, I know not: but sure I am, my trouble in the trial of them hath been great, my expenses large, my proofs painful, and nothing at all herein pleasant save only a little knowledge that I have got, above the capacity of the common sort, a thing sure that I value far above the price that it cost me. Which knowledge indeed such is my grossness, or such the subtleness of the matter if self that I can easilier by demonstration show it, then by declaration teach it: and therefore dare I not under-credite warrant perspicuity to all men, but to those that are Filijartis, I promise more than I found, and yet found I more than they having would willingly lose: To the residue I may say, that as Hens sit, but hatch not Chickens in one day: so men read, but learn not Arts in one day.  
To you, my good Lord, whose Countenance herein I crave for protection, whose judgement and skill I appeal to for favour, I must needs confess they are not written) although loath to have them masterless like their master, I am over bold, to shroud them under your wings) to you I say they are not written, except overladen with the deep and grave mysteries of higher and more heavenly Philosophy, it may please you for delight, now & then to look down into the plentiful and pleasant store-house of Nature; a matter no doubt that all your whole life time, you have been singularly delighted with, as most plainly do declare the singularity, that you have happily attained unto in all & every the parts of her, no less to your great content at home, then to your like commendation abroad: which because I can neither praise to your desert not in praising please your desire, I leave to speak farther of: only desiring your good Lordship with your wont clemency, to accept of this small testimony of my great good will, assuring yourself, that amongst the great number of your well willers, there is no one more dutiful than your poor  
john Hester.   

To the Reader.  
EXperience, the Daughter of Time, the mother of Wisdom, the Reward of Travel, and the only jewel of a few the wiser, is commonly, good Reader, set out at so high a price, & valued at so dear a pennyworth, that she hath ever more Cheapeners, than Chapmen, more lookers on her, than likers of her: and yet is she bought of some, although one dram of her cost them a whole pound of Repentance. To descend into particulars, were but to tie thee to a wearisome tale, and to lead thee along thorough a tedious Labyrinth, stuffed full of Examples of former ages: a matter already so open to the view of the whole world, that for me to stir further therein, were but to set a lighted candle in the bright Sun. Only for proof, it may please thee (good Reader) to admit the Instance in myself. When I began first to shake hands with the variety of delights, that unstayed Youth are commonly carried away with: and looking back, (as it were over my shoulder) saw the vast Sea of sugared miseries that I had waded through, I then began to think it high time to set down a surer Compass to direct the remnant of the course that I have yet to run. And although at that time I carried in my purse sufficient wealth to support my calling, in my body sufficient health to maintain my life; and those both so reasonable, as might have satisfied a reasonable man, (were not Natura hominum novitatis avida) yet found I neither such content in the one, nor the other, as might longer content me to continue in that state. But drawn on a while by this instinct, or infection (I know not whether to callit) I was driven at last by a greedy kind of jealousy, to envy the store that I saw in others, in respect of mine own penury: and therewithal I fell into consideration how I might become one of the small number of those, whom the greatest number wondered at. To enter the strait path that many the learned had happily to their great commendation perfectly trodden, I saw it almost impossible, unless peradventure I should get me where the Muses dwell, to Oxford and Cambridge, and there putting myself Apprentice seven years to the seven liberal Sciences, might afterward become as long journeyman I cannot tell to whom: and in the end (as too many the learned do) get I cannot tell what. This course yielded so course a liking, as I sooner passed over it, then into it: and casting about again with myself, I was cumbered with a hundred other odd crotchets, all as fare beyond the compass of my reach, as they were short of the condition of my liking, till at length in the midst of this muse, I met in my mind with two such minions, as in my conceit were the only Paragons of the rest: the one gallant and gorgeous garnished with gold and silver, bedecked with jewels, sole Lady and Governess of all the rich Mines and Minerals that are in the bowels of the earth: the other sweet & odoriferous, adorned with flowers and herbs, beautified with delicate spices, sole Lady and Regent of all pleasant things that grow upon the face of the earth. These I vowed to serve and to honour, even to the l●sse of life and limb: neither have I greatly broken promise with them, though they have not kept touch with me. Goodly and many golden mountains they promised me, Marry hitherto have seantly performed any leaden molehills. But howsoever the bargainestand between them and me, I am neither disposed to accuse them, nor excuse myself. We agreed upon wages, and I wear their Liveries: their Cognusance, such as it is, I bear where I am not ashamed to show it: diverse and sundry their Affairs have they employed me in, in the which I have faithfully, painfully, and chargeably applied myself, and attained by their instructions, (to mine own destruction almost) many their hidden secrets aswell in Metals and Minerals, as in Herbs and Spices: part whereof I have diligently collected together, and for nonpayment of my board wages at their hands, am forced to set them with the residue of my skill to sale, with offer unto thee (good Reader) of preferment to the best things I have: yet at a fare easier price than they cost me, being no less my Summa summarum cast up, and the foot of my account set down, than the wasting out of my former health, and the wearing of the little wealth I had. So that what experiences soever I have digged out of hard stones, blown out from hot fire, raked out from foul ashes, with great cost, and greater travail, that hast thou here in my Book to see, and in my shop to use with great ease at thy commandment.  
john Hester.   

A TRUE AND perfect Order to make Oils out of all manner of Gums, Spice, Seeds, Roots and Herbs Whereunto is added some of their virtues, gathered out of sundry Authors.  

To make Oil of Mastic.  
TAke the purest Mastic that may be got, which is not mixed with Sandrake, or such like, and beat it to powder, than put it into a glass with a long neck, and put therein as much pure Aqua vitae, as will cover it three fingers high, and then slop it close that it take no air, than set it in warm horse-dung, or in a soft Balneo, until it be dissolved: then pour it into a glass, and put therein as much wine as you shall think good, and distil it with a head, and receiver in sand, with a small fire, and you shall receive both oil and water together, the which you shall separate one from an other. Then increase your fire, and there will come fourth another oil, which smelleth somewhat of the fire, and i● best to be used outwardly. Ye may rectify it again with a small fire, and so it will come sweet.  
The virtues of this oil. It is excellent against all cold diseases of the Maw: it comforeteth the liver and the lights, and all other inward parts of the body. Being drunken it helps those that vomit or spit blood: it consumeth and breaketh all inward sores. This oil being anointed on the belly, it stoppeth the flux, it stoppeth women's Terms, it is also good for the Mother that is fallen down, if you anoint it therewith, and the under part of the belly: It is good for young children whose Arsegut cometh forth, if you anoint it therewith, and put it up again: It is also good for those that are Bursten, if you anoint them therewith, and let them wear a Truss fit for that purpose: it helpeth fresh wounds very quickly, if you anoint them therewith, and lay thereon a cloth wet in the same. It fasteneth the teeth if you anoint the gums therewith: it comforteth a weak stomach, and causeth good digestion, if you anoint it therewith.  
This Oil hath all the virtues of Mastic, but it is an hundred times more of force.   

To make Oil of Mirra.  
TAke pure Mirra that is new and fat, six ounces, and put it into a glass with a long neck, and put thereon twelve ounces of pure rectified Aqua vitae, then lute the glass fast, and set it in horse-dung until it be dissolved. Then pour it into an Urinal with a head and a receiver, and distil away the Aqua vitae in Balneo, with a soft fire, and the oil will remain in the bottom, the which strain through a fine cloth, and keep it in a glass. His virtues are these.  
This Oil by his natural Virtue preserveth all things from putrefaction that is anointed therewith: likewise the face and hands being anointed therewith, it presenteth them in youthful state, a long time. It helpeth▪ all stinking sores and wounds quickly: it helpeth: pains of the ears, if it be put therein. It preserveth the sight of the Eyes, if your put one or two drops therein: Helpeth all pains of the Mother, if it be anointed therewith: it stayeth the hair from falling: if any be troubled with a Fever, let him anoint his wholebody therewith, and lay him down to sweat. This Oil drieth and consumeth all Accidents after birth. Being drunk, it maketh a sweet breath, and helpeth the Cough: it is good against short wind: it helpeth the stitch in the side; if you drink thereof one dram: it stoppeth the flux of the bells it maketh a clean voice. The Armpits being anointed therewith, it taketh away the stinch from those parts: if ye mix it with wine, and wash the mouth therewith, it will comfort the gumm●; and fasten the teeth: it is also good for wounds in the head.  
If thou wilt use this oil to preserve any part, you shall use it in this order; first, make a Bath with some sweet herbs, and then hold that part the which you will preserve over the fume, that the poares may open, then dry it with a linen cloth, then anoint it with this Oil, and chafe it in: that being done, if there remain any yellowness of the Oil, ye may wash it away with white wine. This Oil would be occupied when you are in the stew or hothouse.   

To make Oil of Storax liquida.  
TAke the purest Storax that you can get, and put it in a glass with a long neck, and set it in horse-dung for a month, then take it forth, and distil it in an Urinal that hath a wide mouth, in sand, with a gentle fire, and you shall have both Oil and water, the which you shall, separate, and keep to your use.  
Risius writeth in his great Book of Distillations, that this Oil hath the same Virtues that the Oil of Mirra hath: but that it is a little more hot and piercing.   

To make Oil of Storax Calamite.  
THis oil may be made diverse ways, of the which I will show you the best. Take the purest Storax that you can find, and beat it into Powder, than put it into a long necked glass, and put thereon pure rectified Aqua vitae, and lute the glass, than set it in warm dung, or in a soft Balneo a month. Then distil it in sand with a small fire, and thou shalt have both Oil and water, which you shall separate. You shall understand, that towards the end of the distillation, there will ascend a certain matter like Manna, the which is pleasant.  
The virtues of this oil. Three or four drops being drunk, it comforts the Breast and Lungs, and all inward parts: it helps the pains of the Mother if it be drunk, and also anoint those parts therewith: it stops the Rheum that falls to the breast and neck: this being drunk, it makes a man merry, and of light courage, but beware you take not too much. If you put two or three drops into the Ears, it takes away the singing in them.   

To make Oil of Benjamin.  
THis is made as you made the oil of Storax Calamite, and is only used in perfuming: some distil this Benjamin with rose water, but I think it will not be so perfect in smell, nor so easily done.   

To make Oil of Galbanum.  
TAke the purest Galbanum thou canst get, & put it into a glass close luted, then set it in Balneo Mariae until it be dissolved, then distil it with a soft fire, and then will come forth a fair yellow oil, the which ye shall separate.  
This oil being drunk, is good against an old cough, and for such as are short wound, and can not easily draw their breath, but are always panting & breathing. It is also very good for such as are broken, and bruised within, and against Cramps, and shrinking of sinews. This oil being drunk in Wine with oil of Mirra, is good against all venom drunken, or shot into the body with venomous darts or arrows. Being taken in the same order, it provoketh women's terms, and delivereth the dead child. It hath the same virtue, if a presume thereof be received in the secret parts This Perfume doth also help women that are grieved with the rising, or strangling of the Mother, and them that have the Falling sickness, and being laid to the Navel, it causeth the Matrix or Mother that is remooved from his natural place, to settle again. This oil doth mollify and soften, and draweth forth thorns, splinters, or shivers, and cold humours, being mixed with any convenient unguent. It is good to anoint the side against the stopping and hardness of the Milt. The perfume or sent of this Oil driveth away serpents from the place where it is burned: and no venomous beasts have power to hurt such as be anointed with the Oil of Galbanum, and if ye mix this oil with the root of Angelica, or the seed or root of Spondilium, and touch any Serpent or venomous beast therewith, it causeth them to die.   

To make Oil of Sagapenum, a Gum running out of the Herb Ferula.  
TAke this Gum, and dissolve it in strong Wine, in Balneo Mariae, and then distil it in the sand with a gentle fire.  
This oil is good for the stitch in the side, It taketh away the Cough that hath continued long: It helpeth the swelling of the breast, whereby the breast is stopped. It is very good against the Cramp: it warmeth the joints, and helpeth the pains of the hips, and all such like diseases coming of cold. It is good for women that have great pain in their-bed, if you anoint the nostrils therewith: For it driveth forth both the quick and the dead fruit quickly: being drunk with wine it helpeth against poison, and is also good against the biting of an Adder: being put into the eye, it taketh away spots: You shall note, that women with child must take great heed of this Oil.   

To make oil of Opoponax.  
THis is made as is aforesaid, and his virtues are these.  
If you drink three or four drops with Wine, it helpeth the Cough, and all impediments of the Milt: it helpeth also all Impediments of the Bladder, and cleanseth it of all scabs and sores: It helpeth the stitch in the side: it causeth speedy delivery in Women with child: it helpeth against wind in the Matrix, and dissolveth the hardness of those parts, and causeth the pain to cease.   

To make Oil of Euphorbium.  
THis it made as is said afore, and his virtues are these.  
Ye shall note, that this Oil is not to be occupied inwardly, by reason of his great heat, except it be mixed with some other thing, as if it be mixed with honey, it purgeth the belly marveylously: it helpeth those that are troubled with obliviousnesse, if ye anoint the parts therewith: It draweth forth thorns and such like out of the flesh: it helpeth the biting of an Adder: it is also good for stiffness of the joints coming of cold, if ye anoint the parts therewith.   

To make Oil of Amber, or Succinum.  
TAke Amber, and beat it to powder, and put it into a glass with a Head and a Receiver, and distil it in sand with a gentle fire, and there will come forth both oil and water, the which ye shall separate one from another.  
This Oil being perfectly distilled, is good against pains of the head, and resolution of sinews, and against swimming in the head, and falling sickness. If ye drink thereof three or four drops in the morning with Pionie water, it preserveth a man from all poisons and pestiferous airs, if ye anoint the nostrils therewith, or put it into some medicine fit for that purpose. It is excellent against diseases of the Blader and Reins, and driveth forth the Stone, and provoketh Urine, if ye drink it with Malmesy, or Parcelie water, or such like. It helpeth the Colic. and choking of the Matrix; if you also anoint the parts therewith, it driveth forth the fruit, and causeth a woman to be fairly delivered; if she drink three or four drops, it is good against all fluxes of the head.   

To make Oil of Amoniacum.  
TAke this Gum, and put it into a glass close luted: and set it in warm dung, or in Balneo Mariae, until it be dissolved; then distil it in sand with a head and a receiver, & thou shalt have both Oil and water, the which ye shall separate one from another: ye shall understand, that there will come forth more water than oil, as I have proved many times.  
This Oil helpeth the Cough coming of moisture: it purgeth the breast, and helpeth Ulcers in that place, three or four drops being taken in an Egg: it helpeth pains in the side, if ye anoint it therewith: It dissolveth all hardness, and swellings, and taketh away the pains of the Gout. If ye mix this oil with as much oil of Galbanum, and a very little oil of Wormwood, and anoint the Milt, it taketh away all the pains: being mixed with oil of Wormwood, and anointed in the navel, it killeth worms.   

To make Oil of Sarcocolla.  
THis is an excellent Balsam against all wounds, and filleth them with flesh: it purgeth all old sores, without pain and smart: it breaketh hard Impostumes, it helpeth all running Eyes, if you use it in a colliery: it helpeth weals in the eyelids: Being drunk with Wine, it helpeth the Phewme that falleth to the teeth, and for that cause it is used of those that are troubled with abundance of phlegmatic humours: You shall note, that this oil is specially used in fresh wounds, and old sores. This Oil is made as you made the oil of Serapynum.   

To make Oil of Castoreum.  
TAke the fattest that thou canst get, and stamp it well; then put it into a glass, and set it to putrify in Balneo Mariae, five or six days, then distil it with a soft fire, and thou shalt have an excellent Oil.  
This is good against all cold Cramps, and Balsies, being mixed with Rew and Vinegar, and put into the nostrils, it comforteth the brain, and taketh away pains of the head. Being anointed on the neck, and also drunk with Wine, it helpeth much those that are troubled with the Falling Sickness: It helpeth Convulsions, and pains of the sinews, if you anoint them therewith: Being drunk with Pepper and Hidromell, it provoketh women's terms, and also the fruit, it warmeth cold places; it is also excellent against Appoplexia it helpeth those that are deaf, it moveth Venery. It cureth the Colic, and the suffocation of the Matrix, and strengtheneth the natural parts.   

To make Oils of Frankincense.  
TAke Frankincense, as much as you will, and put it into a Retort of glass well luted, and put thereunto for every pound of stuff, four ounces of clean sand, and then distil it with a gentle fire, until all the substance be come forth, and thou shalt have both water and oil, the which ye must separate.  
The water is good against wind in the stomach, if it be drunk: it is also good for chops in the hands and feet, if ye wash them therewith, & anoint them with the oil against the fire, and straight ways put on a pair of gloves, and so doing three times they shall be whole.  
This Oil helpeth simple wounds in three or four days, if ye anoint them therewith, and lay thereon a cloth wet in the same, it preserveth all flesh from putrifying and alteration, and taketh away the pain: It helpeth all aches and bruises if ye anoint them therewith. Ye shall note, that you must use no tent where you occupy this oil, but wash the wound clean, and join it, or stitch it close together, and then lay thereon a cloth wet in the same; for if ye fall a tenting, ye make work for the Surgeon.   

To make Oil of Turpentine.  
TAke pure and clean Turpentine as much as you will, and put it into a glass, so that three parts be empty, and put therein a certain quantity of Sand, as much as you shall think good; then distil it in sand with a soft fire, and there will come forth four Liquors: The one is a clear water, the other a clear Oil, the third a yellow Oil, the fourth a red and stinking, the which a number of Apothecaries do fell in stead of Balm. Ye shall note, that the first Oil is hot, the second hotter, the third hottest of all, and not so good to occupy inwardly, as the first.  
Falopius in his book of secrets writeth, that this oil will help fresh wounds in four and twenty hours, if ye anoint them therewith, and lay thereon a cloth wet in the same. So is the oil of Tile-stones, or the blessed oil mixed with Gray's or badger's grease. This oil is made with powder of tile-stones burned red hot, and quenched in the best oil olive, and then with a retort and strong fire purchased.  
It is good against contraction or sinews coming of cold: It provoketh urine, if ye drink one dram of the first oil in white wine: it breaketh wind in the body, and dissolveth the Pleurisy, and pestilent Fever: it provoketh an appetite if ye anoint the stomach therewith. It helpeth against cold diseases of the Maw, and helpeth a stinking breath, and the cough.   

To make Oil of Wax.  
TAke new yellow Wax as much as you shall think good, and melt it on the fire; then pour it into sweet Wine, and wring it between your hands, then melt it again, and pour it into Wine again; and this you shall do five or six times at the least, and every time you must have fresh Wine, then at the last you shall put it into a Retort of glass well luted with his Receiver, and distil it in Sand, and there will come forth a fair yellow oil, the which will congeal like pap when it is cold. You shall understand, that for every pound of Wax, ye shall put thereto four ounces of the powder of Bricks into the glass.  
Raymonde Lullie greatly commendeth this Oil, approving it rather to be a Celestial or divine Medicine, then humane: for because this in wounds worketh most miraculously, which for his marvellous commodity, is not so well to be used of the common Chirurgeon: Because this precious Oil healeth a wound be the same never so big or wide, being afore wide stitched up, in the space of eleven days, or twelve at the most: But those that are small, this Oil healeth in three or four days, by anointing only the wound therewith, and laying thereon a'cloath wet in the same.  
Also for inward diseases this Oil worketh miracles: For if you give one dram at a time to drink with white wine, it stayeth the shedding of the hair, either on the head or beard, by anointing the place therewith. Moreover, it is excellent in provoking of Urine which is stopped: it helpeth stitches and pains in the loins, if you drink the foresaid quantity with White Wine: It helpeth the cold Gout or Sciatica, and all other griefs coming of cold. Ye shall understand, that if you rectify this oil, it will congeal no more, but than it will be too hot to take inwardly, for it pierceth marvellously, and is good to be mixed with other medicines, to cause them to pierce the better.   

To make the Quintessence of Honey.  
YOu shall understand that Honey is a liquor rather divine then humane, because it falleth from heaven upon the herbs, & is such a sweet thing, that the like cannot be found upon the earth. And this Raymond lully calleth the Flower of Flowers, because Bees gather it upon the Flowers in the field. And truly it is a most strange thing if we would consider well the quality of Honey and Wax: and therefore the wise Baruch Arabico, in the Academy of Avicene, did write this sentence: Mel dentro, & olio difuori, satisfying us by this, that Honey and Oil were the first two liquors in the world. And truly it is so if we consider well, as it may well be proved by holy Scripture.  
The order to make this Quintessence, is thus: Take two pound of perfect pure Honey, and put it into a great glass, that four parts of five may remain empty: Lute it well with a Head and Receiver, and give it fire until there appear certain white fumes, which you shall turn into water, with wetting of clothes in cold water, and laying them on the Receiver and Head, and they will turn into water of a red colour like blood. When it is all distilled, keep the glass close shut, and let it stand till it be clear, and in the colour of a Rubine. Then distil it in Bal●e● Mariae, at least six or seven times, and so it will lose his red colour, and remain in the colour of Gold, having a great smell, and so pleasant, that the like cannot be found in the world.  
The juice of a Limmon doth dissolve Leafe-golde in warm ashes, with the Quintessence of this honey, and maketh it potable in forty eight hours.  
This Quintessence dissolveth gold, and maketh it potable, and likewise any sort of jewel that is put therein. It is of such virtue, that if any be a dying, and drink two or three dams thereof, presently he will recover, as the Quintessence of Wine will do. If you wash any wound therewith, or other sore, it will heal quickly. It is also good against the Cough, Catarrh, and pains of the Milt, and many other diseases which I will not speak of: for but few. and they very hardly, will believe the great virtue and operation thereof.  
I gave this six and forty days unto one that had the Palsy, and he was helped. It helpeth also the falling sickness, and preserveth the body from putrefaction, so that by these you may perceive that it is a celestial medicine. If therefore any virtuous man would take a little pain, in the experience hereof, he shall do wonderful things, as many times I have, so that the people deemed that I wrought by Enchantment, when as indeed I did it by virtue of this liquor, ministering the same so privily that they could not see it, which fell out to my great honour, and benefit of the sick, as you shall read in my Thesauro della vita humana. And therefore I would wish them that profess Physic and chirurgery, to use such Experience, whereby cometh Honour and gain to the Physician, and profit to the Patient.   

To make Oil of Lignum vitae, or Guaicum.  
TAke the freshest Wood that thou canst get, and make it in powder, than put it into a vessel of glass well luted, and set it in hors-dung, or in Balneo, to digest, then take it forth, and distil it with a gentle fire, as thou wouldst distil Nutmegs, and thou shalt have both oil and water, the which thou shalt separate by themselves: then take the feces and put it into a new earthen pot, and set it in a furnace of reverberation, until it be burnt: into ashes, then take that ashes and make thereof a Lie with Fumetarie water, and when thou seest that the ashes will make the water no more sharp, cast them away, and let the water settle clear, than vapour away the water with a soft fire, and in the bottom will remain a Salt, the which you shall dissolve and congeal until it be clear and fair, as Sal ●…ron, or Eniallie, then keep it to thy use: the water is to drink with Wine.  
The Oil is to anoint the fores or aches, and the salt is to purge, and the order to use it is thus: Either in the Pox, Gout, or the Palsy.  
First, you shall purge the Patient well with this: Take of the salt half a scruple, Theriaca Alexandria, two dams, mix them, and give them thereof half a scruple at a time: you shall give this three or four times, according to the infection of the disease; for in this Salt is virtue to purge all humours that causeth the Gout, the Palsy, and the Pox, and such like hath not been found, neither by vomiting or purging. Then when the patiented is well purged, if the patiented have any sores or holes, you shall mundify them with this salt; and when they are mundified, you shall dress them twice a day with the Oil, until they be whole, but if the Patient have no holes, you shall anoint those places where he feeleth ache or grief: Also every morning early in his bed, and at night an hour after supper, you shall give him a good spoonful of the water with Rhenish wine to drink, and let him sweat thereon well; also he shall use this with his meat if he will. Ye shall understand, that the cure lieth not in meat nor drink, but in the medicine, and therefore keep him not too hungry, but let him have good meat, and well seasoned with salt, and let him drink wine; and so using this order, thou shalt be able to help the Gout, Pox, or Palsy.   

To make Oil of Butter.  
TAke new fresh Butter, as much as you will, and put it in a Retort of glass well luted, and there will come forth three liquors, the which thou must separate.  
This Oil doth pierce marvellously, and taketh away the pains of the Gout, if you anoint them therewith: If you anoint the hands and face therewith, it will preserve them fair: It is also good for those that are troubled with a Catarrh, if you give them thereof an ounce fasting; for presently it arriveth to the stomach, and mollifieth the Catarrh, in such order as you shall spit it forth at the mouth.   

To make Oil of Eggs.  
TAke Eggs and seethe them hard; then take forth the yolks, and stamp them in a mortar, than put them in a frying-pan, and set them over the fire, and continually stir them until you see them turn to oil, then take them forth, and put them into a Canvas bag, and press it forth. This Oil helps wounds with great speed: it makes the hair of the head or beard black: It takes away the pains of the Emeralds; it is excellent against burning with fire, or scalding with water: you shall understand this oil may be made very perfect by the art of Distillation without impression, as I have proved diverse times.    

¶ Here beginneth the Order to make Oils of all manner of Spices and Seeds.  

To make Oil of Cinnamon.  
TAke Cinnamon as much as you will, and stamp it grossly; then put it into a glass with pure Aqua vitae, and so let it stand five or six days, then distil it with a small fire, and there will come forth both oil and water, the which you shall separate one from another, for the Oil will sink to the bottom: some use to distil this with wine, and some with Rose-water.  
You shall understand, that this Oil is of a marvellous nature, for it pierceth through the flesh and bones, and is very hot and dry, and is good against all cold and moist diseases, and in special for the heart and head, in so much that if a man lay speechless, and could scant draw his wind, it would presently recover him again, so that his time be not yet come: most miraculous to see: and to be short, this Oil is of such operation and virtue, that if a man drink never so little, he shall feel the working in his fingers and toes with great marvel: and therefore to be short, it pierceth thorough the whole body, and helps all diseases that are come through cold & phlegmatic matter. This oil is hot and sharp: it digesteth and makes thin, & drives down women's terms: it helps women that have great pains and smart in their travail, and brings forth their fruit, if you give the Patiented a little of this Oil, with oil of Mirra in Wine to drink, and anoint the parts therewith. The face and hands being anointed with this oil, it driveth away the Measells and Spots. It warmeth the breast, and helps the cold Cough: It consumes all cold Fluxes, that proceed from the brain, and head, and causeth quiet sleep.  
This Oil may be occupied in stead of the natural Balm for many Diseases: Ye shall note, that the water of Cinnamon is also good against the aforesaid Diseases, but yet nothing of so much force as the Oil; for one drop of Oil will do more, than four spoonfuls of the water: therefore they would be used together.   

To make Oil of Cloves.  
THis Oil is made in this order: Take the best Cloves thou canst get, and beat them grossly, than put them into pure wine into a glass with a long neck close luted; then set it in warm hors-dung the space of a month, then distil it in sand with a soft fire, and thou shalt have a fair Oil, which will sink to the bottom, the which you shall separate: and his virtues are these.  
It strengtheneth the brain, head, and heart, and reviveth the spirits; it serveth against all cold diseases, it consumeth all evil phlegm: being outwardly applied, it hath great virtue in healing, & may be occupied in steed of balm for wounds. One or two drops taken in the morning with wine helps a stinking breath: it makes the heart merry, and cleanseth the filthiness thereof, and openeth the liver that is stopped: being put into the eye it clears the sight, it comforts a cold stomach, and causeth good digestion, it purgeth melancholy: this oil may be made in manus Christi with sugar, and they will have the aforesaid virtue and strength.   

To make Oil of Nutmegs.  
THis Oil is made as the Oil of Cloves, and will swim upon the wine: but if you distil this again in Balneo, it will be most pure and subtle, and may be kept an hundred years in his perfect strength and virtue.  
This Oil being drunk with Wine, driveth down women's terms, and also the quick and the dead fruit: and therefore women with child shall not occupy this oil, until such time as they be in travel with child, and then it causeth them to be fair delivered without pain and danger: Being drunk with wine, it takes away all pains of the head coming of cold: It comforts the maw, and opens the liver, milt, and kidneys, and such like, it is excellent against beating of the heart, and faintness and swooning; if ye drink thereof, and anoint the region of the heart therewith: it makes good blood, and expelleth phlegmatic and melancholy humours, and makes a man merry: being used at night, it takes away all fancies and dreams: if any had a wound, or had broken a rib within him with a fall, let him drink this Oil with any slight wound-drinke, and it will help him although he were almost dead: it is good in all filthy sores which are counted uncurable: it is also precious for all cold diseases of the joints and sinews: it makes a sweet breath: if the spleen do swell, ye shall anoint therewith the left side: it helps all effects in the blather if it be drunk.   

To make Oil of Mace.  
THis oil is made as aforesaid, and is hot in operation, it hath great virtue against the colic, which cometh of cold causes, or of a rheum descending from the head: it comforts the heart, the stomach, and the womb, it is good in the strangury, and all cold diseases: if ye drink thereof three or four drops fasting with a spoonful of wine or broth, or eat two or three manus Christi made there with.   

To make Oil of Pepper.  
THis oil is distilled as is said afore, and is very clear and light, and his virtues are these.  
This oil hath more virtue than the Pepper hath in piercing, and specially in the colic, and other weak places filled with phlegm, if you take thereof three or four drops with one scruple of the juice of a Quince, two hours afore the fit, after the body is well purged, and let blood; it stayeth also the shaking at the first time, or else at the second, it taketh away the fit.  
Ye shall understand that this Oil is only the airy part, separated from the other Elements. I saw once this Oil made by a Germane, which had the perfect taste, savour, and smell, and was so hot on the tongue as oil of Vitriol.   

To make Oil of Saffron.  
TAke the best Saffron thou canst get, and put it into a glass, and put thereon pure rectified Aqua vitae, then lute the glass fast, and set it in warm horse-dung a month: then distil it in Balneo Maria with a soft fire, until all the Aqua vitae be come forth: then take forth the Saffron, and press it in a press made for that purpose, within a strong Canvasse bag, and you shall have both oil and water, which you shall digest five or six days, and then separate them by art.  
If this oil be drunken with Wine it makes a man merry, and to have a fair colour: if ye anoint the temples of a man overcome with drink it will help him. This oil being anointed on Saint Anthony's fire it quencheth it, and preserves the place: this oil being mixed with women's milk stoppeth the running of the eyes: being anointed on the heart it maketh it merry. The head being anointed with this oil it provokes sleep, by reason whereof the ancient Doctors heretofore did use it to such as were mad, anointing the temples therewith, it cleanseth old sores.   

To make Oil of aniseed.  
TAke as much Aniseed as thou wilt, and beat it grossly, then infuse it in strong wine four or five days, and distil it in a gourd with a head and receiver, in sand, and there will come forth both oil and water, which thou shalt separate.  
This oil being drunk with wine in the morning fasting, maketh a man to have a sweet breath, if ye put a little into the nostrils when you go to bed, and anoint the temples therewith: it takes away all pains coming of cold, and causeth the patiented to sleep quietly: it is good against wind in the guts and stomach, and causeth the pain to cease, if ye drink three or four drops and anoint the stomach therewith: It breaketh also Phlegm, and causeth it to come forth at the mouth: It provoketh venerous acts, and driveth forth poison by sweat: it is most excellent for those that are short wound, and cannot fetch their breath but with great pain: it comforteth the Breast and lungs: it breaketh the stone in the Reins and, Bladder: it is good against the Blocdy flux & piles. If any chest be anointed therewith, it will not suffer Moths to breed therein.   

To make Oil of Fennell seed.  
THis is made as is aforesaid, and his virtues are these: It is most excellent against all pains of the eyes, in so much that if a man were almost blind, it would recover his sight again, if he drink thereof once a day, and drop one drop into the eye morning and evening: It maketh a sweet breath, and comforts the head of cold humours: it comforteth the Maw, and opens the liver & Milt that is stopped: It helpeth the dropsy & yellow jaundice, of what cause soever it be: in hot diseases ye must occupy it with cold waters, and in cold diseases with wine: Ex Philippo Hermano.  
This oil as writeth Evonimus, breaketh the stone in the reines, and provoketh menstrue and urine: it comforteth the stomach and breaketh wind, this oil may be made in manus Christi, with sugar, and is very pleasant, and hath the self same virtue.   

To make Oil of Cumin seed.  
THis oil is made as is aforesaid, and is good against wounds that pierce the spleen: it is also most excellent to scatter and break all the windiness of the stomach, the belly, the bowels and matrixe; also it is singular against groping torments, and gnawing or frettings of the belly, not only to be used inwardly, but to be put into glisters, or to be laid to outwardly with barley meal. This oil being drunk with wine, is good for those that are hurt with any venomous beasts: this oil either eaten in Manus Christi, or drunk is very profitable for such as have the cough and have taken cold, and for those whose breasts are charged or stopped. This oil being too much used, decayeth the natural complexion and lively colour, causing one to look won and pale.   

To make Oil of Carraway seed.  
THis Oil is made in the aforesaid order, and is very good and convenient for the Stomach, and for the mouth: at helpeth digestion, and provoketh Urine: it suageth and dissolveth all kind of windiness and blast of the inward parts. And to conclude, it is answerable to the Oil of Annis seed, in virtue and operation.   

To make Oil of Dill seed.  
THis Oil is made in the aforesaid order: This oil being eaten in Manus Christi, or drunk with wine, causeth women to have great plenty of Milk: it driveth away ventosity or windiness, & suageth the blast & griping torment of the belly: it stayeth vomiting and laskes, and provoketh urine: it is very profitable against the suffocation or strangling of the matrix, if ye cause the woman to sit over the fume of it in a close stool, for that purpose this oil being eaten in Manus Christi, stayeth the yexe or hiquet.  
This oil healeth hollow and moist ulcers, and especially in the share or pvivie parts, this oil doth digest and resolve and suage pain, and ripeneth all raw and unripe humours. This oil may not be too much used inwardly, for it diminisheth the sight, and the seed of generation.   

To make Oil of Parcely seed.  
THis oil is made in the aforesaid order, and his virtues is to open obstructions of the liver and kidneys: it provoketh menstrue, if it be drunk with convenient liquors: it causeth a good appetite and digestion, and comforts the stomach: it driveth forth the stone and gravel, & provoketh urine, and is a remedy against all poisons: it driveth away all blast and windiness: it is also good against the Cough, if it be made with medicines made for that purpose.   

To make Oil of Rue, or Hearbgrace.  
THis oil is made of the seed of Rue being putrified in wine.  
Cardanus, writeth, that this Oil being perfectly made, is of great vettue against poison being drunk with wine, for it causeth the patiented to avoid it by vomit, at the first time he taketh it: and at the second time it expelleth the other evil humours that are infected therewith: and at the third time it cureth the patiented, and maketh him whole: and this is done in three or four days: it helpeth all diseases of the eyes, of what cause soever it be, so that the apple of the eye be not perished. The use of this oil to the eye, is to anoint it therewith twice a day, or wash the eye with the water of Rue, and drop one or two drops into the eye.  
This oil being drunk, suffereth no poison to remain in man that day: if a man drink thereof fasting which is sore wounded, and that the other cure be had accordingly, he shall easily escape. This oil being drunk, taketh away the gout and dropsy sprung of a cold cause: it restores all numbed members taken with the Palsy, if you anoint them therewith.  
Cardanus also affirmeth in his second book de Subtilitate, that there are certain poisons which slay with their only touching, against which poison, saith he, the best remedy is, not to tarry in any place until thy hand wax hot, but often bathe the parts with warm water, and anoint them with oil of Rue perfectly distilled.   

To make Oil of Ivy.  
THis Oil is made as is aforesaid, and is good against these Diseases following.  
Against gripings or wind in the guts: against Gonorheam, & pains in the neck coming of a Catarrh: this oil may be compared to Balm, three or four drops being drunk, it doth prevent the resolution of Sinews, the Falling sickness, and other Diseases of the brain: It preserveth the body from all poison and pestilent airs, it comforts a cold stomach: It stayeth vomiting: it purgeth the reines: it breaks the stone, it provoketh Urine: it helpeth the Colic, and pains of the guts: it helpeth pains in the Stomach and Lungs: it is good against the Dropsy, and water between the skin and the flesh: it killeth worms: to be short, it helpeth all sick members: by the virtue of his piercing, being anointed outwardIy, it stayeth Consumptions: it helpeth Scabs, and old evil Ulcers: it: helpeth pains of the hips, the Gout, and Colic: It helpeth the chops in the hands and feet.  
Philippus Harmanus writeth, that if this Oil be rectified again, it will be an hundred times more purer, and more piercing, for I have seen those that could not make water in three or four days: and after they have drunk four or five drops of this oil, and anointed therewith the Region of the bladder, presently they have made water without any tarrying.  
This Oil is so excellent against the Pestilence, that if any drink thereof oftentimes, he shall not be infected: although he were in the house where the Pestilence is. But if any have the Plague already, let him drink three or four drops in Wine, and lay him down to sweat, and the next day he shall be well again.  
This oil is so excellent against poison, that if a man use it, there will no poison remain with him: It strengtheneth the Maw and all inward parts, and principally it warmeth the heart: it stoppeth the bloody flux: It is also good against all diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder: If ye drink it with Wine, it stoppeth women's terms: this oil being anointed from the navel of a woman to the privy parts and reines of the back, it strengtheneth the Matrix, or Mother, and drieth up the moisture therein, and prepareth it to conception.  
This said Oil of Ivy being made up with Sugar in Manus Christi, hath the foresaid virtues.   

To make Oil of Rosemary Flowers.  
TAke Rosemary Flowers, and stamp them, than put it into a glass with strong Wine, and stop it close, than set it in the Sun five or fix days, and then distil it with a soft fire, and thou shalt have both water and oil, the which you shall separate, and keep close in a glass, and his virtues are these.  
It helpeth against all pains in the head, although they have continued seven years: it comforteth the memory, & also preserveth the eyes, if you drink thereof now and then a drop or two, and put another into the eyes. It helpeth those that are deaf, if it be put into the ears, and also drunk with good wine: It openeth all stops of the liver and milt, and helpeth against the dropsy and yellow jaundize: it breaketh wind and helpeth the Colic, and rising of the mother: it is also excellent for those that have drunk poison, or that are infected with the pestilence, if you drink thereof a little and lay you down to sweat: It comforteth the heart and cleanseth the blood, and maketh a man merry, and causeth a good colour, and this Oil is most excellent for those that are full of Itch, and scabs. And to be short, it helpeth all the disease of the body, that come of cold and moist humours, although they were never so evil: It helpeth the Canker and Fistulas, and such like.   

To make Oil of Wild Time.  
THis Oil is made as is aforesaid.  
This Oylebeing eaten in Tablets of Sugar, or drunk in Wine, bringeth to women their flux natural, and driveth out the front and gravel, and provoketh vomit: the same taken in like manner stoppeth the Laske, and cureth Gripe or gnawing, and is excellent against Cramps, and the contraction of Sinews.  
This Oil being taken in meats or broths, is a sovereign Medicine against all poisons, and against the bitings and stingings of venomous beasts and serpents. This being applied unto the forehead and temples with oil of Roses and vinegar, suageth headache, and is very good against raving and frenzy: the fume of this Oil driveth away venomous beasts.   

To make Oil of Time.  
THis oil is made as is aforesaid, and his virtues are these.  
Three or four drops being drunk with honeyed water, helpeth a painful cough and shortness of breath: it provoketh urine, and expelleth the secondine and dead fruit from the matrixe: it provoketh menstrue, and dissolveth clotted and congealed blood in the body: being taken with oxymel and a little salt, it purgeth tough and clammy phlegm, and sharp choleric humours, and all the corruption of the blood▪ being taken in the said manner, it is good against the Sciatica, the pain in the side and the breast: it is also good against blast and windiness in the side and belly, and of the stones and genitors: it is good for those that are fearful, melancholy, and troubled in spirit and mind.  
This oil being often used, helpeth bleered eyes and pains of the same: being drunk in wine, it is most profitable for those that are troubled with the Gout, but if it chance that their pains be on them, ye shall give them 5 or 6 drops with a dram of oxymel: if ye use this oftentimes with honey, it will cleanse the breast, and ripen phlegm, and causeth it to be spit forth with ease: the smell of this Oil is most comfortable for those that have the Falling sickness.   

To make Oil of sweet Margerom.  
THis Oil is made as is aforesaid, and his virtues are these.  
Being drunk in White Wine, it is most wholesome for those that begin to fall into a dropsy, and for such as cannot piss but drop after drop, and that with great difficulty. It is also good for those that are troubled with griping pains and wring of the belly: being taken in the said order, it provoketh women's terms.  
If ye convey this Oil with Oil of bitten Almonds up into the nostrils, it will purge the head of moist humours, and cause them to sneeses. It is most excellent for those that have lost their smelling, & against all pains of the head, being used as is aforesaid: It is good against poison, and the stining of Scorpions.   

To make Oil of Sage.  
This oil is made in the aforesaid order: And helpeth congealed blood within the body, and cureth inward wounds and bruises, either by a stripe or fall if it be drunk with wine: it provoketh urine and breaketh the stone: it comforteth the heart, and taketh away the head ache. It is also good for women with child, to use it now and then, for it closeth the matrixe and comforteth the fruit.  
This oil being often drunk causeth women to be fruitful: If ye drink it with wine it helpeth the cough, and openeth the stops of the Liver, and suageth the pain in the side: if it be drunk with wormwood wine, it stoppeth the bloody flux: It is also good against the biting of venomous beasts, for it cleanseth and helpeth them.   

To make Oil of penerial.  
THis oil is made as is aforesaid, and his virtues are these.  
Being drunk in Wine, it moveth monthly terms, bringeth forth the secundine, the dead fruit and the unnatural birth: it provoketh urine, and breaketh the Stone, especially in the Kidneys, being used with purified Honey: It cleanseth the Lungs and Breast from all gross and thick humours. This oil being mixed with Honey and Aloes, purgeth the melancholic humour, and prevaileth much against Cramps, and the contraction of Sinews.  
This oil being drunk with water and Vinegar, stayeth the inordinate desire to vomit, and the gnawing pains of the stomach; being drunk with Wine, it helpeth the biting of venomous beasts: it is also good against the Falling Sickness: the temples and nostrils being anointed with this oil, it taketh away the swimming pains and giddiness of the head. It is most excellent for those that have cold and moist brains: it taketh away the pains of the Gout, The fume or smoke of this Oil being at the secret parts with a fonnell, is good against ventosity, windiness, and blast, and also against the hardness and stopping of the Mother.   

To make Oil of Mint.  
THis oil is made as is aforesaid.  
This oil being either eat or drunk, is most profitable for the stomach, for it warmeth and strengtheneth the same, and drieth up all moist and superfluous humours gathered in the same, and taketh away all pains thereof, and causeth good digestion: it stayeth also vomiting in those that have a weak stomach, being drunk with vinegar, it stayeth those that vomit blood, and killeth the round worms.  
This oil being drunk four or five times with some convenient liquor, helpeth the griping pain and gnawing in the belly, with the Colic, and stoppeth the inordinate courses of the menstrual issue, being drunk with wine, it easeth women which are too much grieved with hard and perilous travel in child bearing: being dropped into the ears it taketh away the pain: the smell of this oil causeth a man to be merry.  
This oil is singular good against the gravel and stone in the Kidneys, and against the strangury, which is when one cannon piss, but drop after drop, if ye use to drink it in wine.   

To make Oil of Isope.  
THis oil is made as is aforesaid of Camomile. If ye use to eat this oil either mixed with honey, or made into Manus Christi with Sugar, it will help those that have obstructions or stops of the breast, with shortness of breath, it is also good against an old difficult and hard cough: ye must use this morning and evening for a certain space.  
This oil being drunk with syrup of vinegar, purgeth downward tough and clammy phlegm, and killeth and driveth forth worms: it hath the like virtue if ye eat the same with figs.   

To make Oil of Radish seed.  
TAke the seed of Radish and stamp it small, then take for every pound of seed, two ounces of good Wine, then stamp it again until it be mixed, then put it into a vessel of Iron or Copper, and set it over the fire, and stir it continually, until it be as hot as you may suffer your hand therein, and then put it into a canvas bag, and press it forth, and thou shalt have both oil and water, the which you shall separate one from another.  
This oil causeth good digestion, and provoketh urine, the which is stopped through wind and ventosity: it dissolveth wind in the stomach, and breaketh the gravel and stone in the bladder.   

To make Oil of Mustard seed.  
THis oil is made by impression as is said afore, and is excellent for those that have the stone, and causeth them to avoid gravel: it provoketh women's sicknesses, if you anoint the body and reines, and within the neck of the Matrixe, and also take it inwardly, it dissolveth the pains of the side and mother, if you eat it with a little Cinnamon and white Honey mixed together.   

To make Oil of Colewort seed.  
THis oil is made as is said afore, and of nature is hot and windy, and is used much of lecherous persons, because it maketh elevation of the yard, and causeth them to be lusty, being used in meats it causeth good digestion: it preserveth armour from rusting a long time it is good against inflammations in all parts of the body, and is also good against worms.   

To make Oil of Linseed.  
THis oil is made in the aforesaid order, and is good against the pleurisy: if ye give thereof four ounces to drink, for it dissolveth the imposthume presently, and so preserveth life. It is good against Emerods' in the fundament. This oil of Linseed being distilled with Frankincense and wax, is most excellent to dissolve all contusions. With this oil they make varnish.   

To make Oil of Saint john's Woort or Seed.  
THis oil is made of the seeds by impression, and is excellent to help wounds, because it defendeth them from alteration, and maturation, and will not suffer humours to run thither. It is also excellent against poison, and the pestilent fever, and all evil dispositions of the stomach: it is good against the flux of the body and Emerods', and for all manner of scabs. It helpeth the rapture newly done, if you anoint it therewith, and wear a truss fit for the purpose, and let him keep his bed, and walk as little as he can for a certain time: it helpeth against all manner of sores, as well old as new, and that it doth by his proper quality, for it is neither hot nor cold, but temperate.   

To make Oil of Quinces seed.  
TAke the seed of Quinces and stamp them, than put them into a frying pan with a little wine, and stir them well together, until it be so hot that you can scarce abide your hand therein, then put it into a canvas bag, and press it out in a press, and thou shalt have both oil and water, the which thou shalt separate.  
This oil is excellent against all pains in the stomach, and helpeth the digestion & dissolveth wind: It provoketh venerous acts. It is also good against Emerods' and Fistulas that come in the lower parts.   

To make Oil of Acorns.  
THis oil is made as is aforesaid, and is very restrictive and driving, and helpeth those that are troubled with the flux, if ye drink thereof a little and anoint the belly therewith: you shall note that this oil is not to be occupied much inwardly: this oil is excellent to make Varnish  
In this manner ye make oils out of all manner of feeds.   

To make Oil of Tartarus by distillation.  
Take white Tartarus beaten in powder, four pound, and put it into a strong vessel of stone well luted, with a head and receiver, and give it first a small fire, and then increase it according to art, and at the last give it extreme fire until all the moisture be come forth, then put the liquor into a glass, and distil it in Balneo, and the oil will remain in the bottom: the which thou salted distil or rectify in sand, and then the oil will have the colour of gold.  
It is most excellent to cure ulcers caused of the pox: for it taketh away their malice in such order, that it can hurt no more: being drunk with wine, it breaketh the stone in the raines and bladder, it provoketh urine, it purgeth ulcers.   

Another way to make Oil of Tartarus.  
TAke Tartarus and stamp it small, and then put it in a new earthen pot unglazed, and set it in a potter's furnace, or furnace of reverberation until it be white, then lay it upon a smooth stone in a moist place, and it will turn into oil: the which is corrosive: but one part thereof mixed with ten parts of pure rectified Aqua vitae, healeth ulcers quickly, if ye touch them therewith: it maketh the face fair: if ye wash the hair therewith it maketh it yellow: it taketh out black spots in linen cloth, and fixeth the medicines alchimicall, with diverse other virtues, the which I will leave until another time.   

To make Oil of a Heart's horn.  
Ye shall take a Heart's horn in the month of August, and file it to powder, then boil it in water until it be sufficient, then draw away the water in Balneo, and take that which remaineth in the bottom, and put it in a glass with little pieces of tiles, and distil it, and thou shalt have a fair oil, the which serveth for sundry purposes.   

To distil Oil of a man's Excrements.  
TAke the dung of a young sanguine child or man, as much as you will, and distil it twice in a Limbeck of glass. This helpeth the Canker, and mollifieth Fistulas: comforteth those that are troubled with Allopecia.   

To make Oil of the Skull of a man.  
TAke the skull of a man that was never buried, and beat it into powder, then distil away the fleg●… with a gentle fire, and put it on again, and distil it again, and this you shall do three times upon the feces, and at the last give it strong fire, until the Oil be come forth: the which ye shall separate by Balneo, and keep it close shut in a glass. The dose is three grains, against the falling sickness. Ye shall understand, that there is also a salt to be drawn forth of the feces, the which is of great virtue against the aforesaid diseases being drunk with wine, as is aforesaid.  
FINIS.    

SECRETS OF PHYSIC AND PHILOSOPHY.  
The second Book, CONTAINING The ordering and preparing of all Metals, Minerals, Allumes, Saltes, and such like, for medicines both inwardly and outwardly, and for diverse other uses.  
Printed at London by A. M. for Will. Lugger, and are to be sold at the Postern gate at Tower-Hill. 1633.   

To the Reader.  
IN this present Book (well-beloved Reader) I have taken upon me to set forth, the true and worthy cunning of the distillation of Minerals, that is, of those things which are found in the Mines, as all manner of Salts, Allums, Vitriol, Sulphur, Mercury, and such like Metals, as Saturnus, jupiter, Mars, Sol, Luna, Venus. And how you shall get the liquor or moisture out of them. And all that which appertaineth to the health of man. The which I mean by the grace of God to set forth in this Book, with a number of Alchy mists preparations of the said things, the which worketh wonderfully in man's body: so that it seemeth to diverse persons miraculous.  
Therefore (gentle Reader) peruse this Book with discretion, and then if thou seest it stand to thy mind, set thy hand to the plough and be diligent in the work, so that thou mayest know the proof, and feel the ready commodity thereof, for ye shall understand that there is no medicine in the world that can be found of so quick operation as the Minerals are, if they be truly prepared and as I will show you hereafter: but if they be not well prepared they are very hurtful, and not to be allowed. Therefore look that ye prepare them as I shall show you, and then you shall wonder at their working.  
And although the worthy science of Alchemy is come in such disdain through lewd persons, that it seemeth lies and fables, and no true science: Yet that ought not to hinder or derogate any thing to our purpose, as long as our matter is against the abuse of it, as for example:  
The Alchemissts have wrought in this work, to the intent they might have of Lead and Copper, Gold and Silver, or the mean to make them of all other simples or slight metals. But whether God hath given them that gift I know not: therefore I leave it to the Masters of that Arte. And albeit we have seen many wonderful things in that Art: yet will I not affirm that it is possible to be done, for it seemeth unreasonable, that a man in so short time should do that thing the which nature doth in many years. And that men should presume to do that which God doth only himself, and not any of his creatures. We therefore will not affirm it to be true or possible, nor yet will we deny it utterly or condemn it as untruth. But we will leave the answer to those that take it to be done.  
But here in this treatise we will set forth that which we have seen and wrought, and proved, and are expert therein: And although it be sprung out of the Art of Alchemy, yet it is not to that intent, for it serveth not to transmute Metals, but it serveth to help those diseased both inwardly and outwardly, who of the common sort of Surgeons are counted uncurable, and also given over of the Physicians. Those Patients shall be helped through the hidden mysteries & heavenly secrets of this science.  
And forasmuch as it is impossible to prepare these things without the Art of Alchemy: therefore we must praise this art through our preparations above all other sciences, that maketh for the health of man, for they preserve a man only touched and afflicted with slight wounds and griefs on his body, and that with much pain and much ado. But this Art giveth unto man his health again in short time, and with small pain unto the patiented, be he never so desperately sick, and to man's thinking past cure: for I have seen miracles therein.  
And insomuch that it is all prepared with fire: the mean man calleth it Alchymia. Howbeit the intent of the Alchemist is fare from our intent. But call it what you will, it maketh not much matter of the name. For I am sure there is nothing in all Physic that ministereth either better or readier help to cure man's body, than this science of preparing metals with fire rightly. I say rightly prepared, not as the unskilful apothecaries have ordered them, or as the unlearned Physicians have occupied them, for the Apoticary is no other than a servant in the kitchen (as I may term him) and no master Cook, so long as he knoweth not these preparations, which I will show you.  
In like manner it is to be thought of the Physician that hath no skill in these preparations. For we have seen and proved diverse times, that the first vapour or smoke of any Herb or Spice is the best that is therein, and yet our learned Physicians command it to be boiled until half be consumed, etc. Then note if the best fly away in boiling, what strength can the Medicine have. Therefore I say that the Physician without this Art of preparation is little or nothing worth, although they take the patient's money. For he goeth to work blindly with a blind leader, which is the Apoticary. But the Physician that is expert in this Science, and doth prepare his Medicines truly, he is to be praised above all other. For a man cannot buy with any money that which is got by long careful travel. Therefore is the Art of Alchemy worthy to be praised, and the Alchemist to be praised also, although they attain not to their first intention, yet they have opened the way through the which this excellent cunning of preparation was known and found, and through the which there are a number of wonderful secrets opened, the which without this Art were all unknown, to the great hindrance of the sick and diseased persons. Therefore I will not speak against it, but hold it in great estimation to our intention, that is the help of the sick and diseased person, and to prepare the Minerals wherewith you may do that which cannot be done with any other Herbs, or simples, or spices And herewith will we finish this preface, and write of the names of the simples, which are occupied in this Arte.   

The names of the Metals, Simples, or Medicines of this Science.  
HEre will I well-beloved Reader, show thee for good will that thing which many have sought with their money and labour, and yet could never find it: especially for that I will not have this worthy Science trod under feet. Therefore we will write first of the names of the Simples, and then of the names of the preparations, and what they are.  

Sal Armoniacke, that is a salt so called, the which ye shall find at the apothecaries.  
Sal Gem, is stone salt, found in the Mine as clear as the glass.  
Sal Commune, is common salt that we eat.  
Vitriolum, is green coperas.  
Calcantum, is yellow Coperas, a matter like Ochre.  
Alumen is Alum: but there are diverse kinds.  
Sulphur Vive, is the stone whereout the other Sulphur is melted, and is green of colour.  
Antimonium is a certain Mineral so called that ye shall find at the apothecaries.  
Carrabe that is yellow Amber or Sucinum.  
Tartarum, that is Argil or wine lose.  
Saturnus that is lead.  
jupiter that is tin.  
Mars that is iron.  
Sol that is gold.  
Luna that is silver.  
Venus that is copper.  
Mercury that is quicksilver.   

The names of the preparations.  

CAlcinatio that is to make any of these metals as it were lime, with great fire sometimes, and other sometime with small fire.  
Solutio that is to dissolve and make as it were liquid like unto water, the hard or tough substance of any thing.  
Sublimatio that is a driving up, or ascension of the mettle by force of heat into the top of the Limbeck, so that it may hang in the top of the vessel hard and dry.  
Distillatio that is to take away the moisture by the heat of the fire.  
Digestio that is to set the matter in hot water or in horse dung.  
Fixatio that is to sublime a matter, so long that it will sublime no more, but remain fixed in the bottom.  
There are a number of other preparations, but we will leave them because we have written sufficient for our purpose already.    

To prepare Crocum martis and such like which are prepared through calcination.  
CRocum Martis, or Crocum Veneris shall be made in this manner: Take the limmall of iron, as much as you will, and wash it with fair water so long until that the water run as clear as it was put out, then put it in a glass, and put thereon strong Vinegar until it be covered, and let it stand so two or three days close shut: then pour off the Vinegar and dry the limmall well, then put it into a new earthen pot with a cover, and lute it very well round about with lime and hair mixed together: then set it in a furnace of calcination eight days and eight nights, so that it may continually stand red hot, then take it forth and grind it on a stone, and if it grind very smooth without any hard matter that ye can either see or feel, than it is calcined enough: but if ye feel any hard matter, put it into the furnace again two or three days, and then grind it again, and this order ye shall use until it be fine as can be possible.  
This Crocum Martis being so prepared, amongst all other medicines in the world, it is the most excellent that can be found against the bloody flux, giving it in this order. Take conserve of roses one ounce, crocum Martis one scruple, mix them together, and let the Patient eat it in the morning, and fast thereon two hours, and it will help him although he had had it never so long, or never so sore. It is also given above all other medicines in the later end of a dropsy, and also against the flux of menstrue, and against bleeding at the nose, and all other fluxes. It helpeth those that spit blood: it is excellent to stop the flux in wounds, and to help them and dry them, if ye strew the powder thereon, etc. Ye shall make Crocum Veneris in the self same order aforesaid: but where ye took limmall, ye shall take the scales of copper: and ye shall note, that this Crocum Veneris is not to be used inwardly, but only outwardly.   

Of the preparation of Alumes and Salts  
TAke shall Gem, or common salt, and set it in a calcining furnace with a small fire, until it be red hot the space of half an hour, and that it crack no more, then let it wax cold and beat it to powder and let it melt, and let it stand till it be clear; then pour it in a pot well nealed, and set it on the fire, and let it boil till it be dry, and ye shall find the salt on the ground as white as snow, the which ye shall neal once more in the fire, and then it is prepared.   

The preparation of Alum.  
TAke Alum and calcine it in an open vessel till all his moisture be gone, then make it red hot, and after a while put it into an other pot with strong vinegar, and set it on the fire and let it seethe dry, than set it on the fire again till it be red hot, and as white as snow, then keep it to thy use.  
This is very excellent to dry up old sores if it be mixed with honey, and taketh away dead flesh without pain, etc.   

To calcine Vitriol.  
TAke Vitriol and beat it to powder, and put it into a new earthen pot that is unneiled, and set it in an oven somewhat warm till it be dry, then cover the pot close and lute it well, that no air may come forth: then set it in a calcining furnace the space of two hours, so that it may always be as red as the coals, and then it will be as red as blood, then grind it on a stone, and keep it to thy use.  
There is no Corosive the which worketh like this vitriol calcinated, for if ye mix it with any Unguent, and lay it on a ill Ulcer, it maketh an Asker the which in all corrosives must be loosed with fat or butter: but this corosive needeth not, for ye must still lay more therein, and leave the Asker in the sore, for the virtue of this Vitriol is so great, that it causeth the flesh to grow under the Asker, and when the flesh is enough the Asker will fall off, and then ye shall need nothing but to skin it, the which is not commonly seen of other corrosives: therefore I praise this for the best of all corrosives.   

To calcine Quicksilver.  
TAke Aqua fortis ʒ. two. Mercury ʒ. i. and put them in a glass, and set it on the fire in a scarvell with sand or ashes, till the Mercury be dissolved, then put it into an earthen pot well glazed, and set it on the fire to boil till it be dry, and stir it always with a stick that it may dry the better, and when as it is well dried, put it in an other pot with a kever that is very well glazed within, then lute it very well that no air may come forth: but ye must note that the pot must be top full, then set it in a calcining Furnace with a good fire four days & four nights, then grind it to small powder on a stone, and keep it to thy use. For thou hast Mercury calcinated, of the which we have spoken much in our pearl of chirurgery.  
This is excellent in all old sores, although they be never so evil, for it cleanseth without pain and healeth them, that is, it cleanseth as long as it is needful, and then it healeth, which is most strange to see: this eateth away all dead flesh, and preserveth that which is good and sound, and causeth the ulceration to heal in short space. Ye shall note that when we speak of Mercury calcinated or precipitate in any place, ye shall take this.   

To calcine Tartarus.  
TAke good Tartarus that is clear and without filth, and stamp it to powder, than put it in a scravell that never was occupied, and set it in the calcining furnace, so that it may stand but even red hot, and there let it remain until it be as white as snow throughout, then take it forth and keep it in a glass close shut, until you read more how that ye shall make this Oil.   

To calcine Tin or Lead.  
TAke Tin or Lead and melt it on the fire, and when it is molte set it very hot, then take an Iron Scummer and stir it therewith so long, till it come to ashes, then take that ashes and wash it so long till that the water runneth dear off as ye put it on, then dry it in a calcining Furnace till that it smoke no more, than put it into another new pot with a cover, that is unglased, and lute it very well, then set it in the calcining Furnace again one whole day with a good fire, then take it forth and ye shall find a Calxe in manner white, but somewhat inclining to yellow. The Tin ye shall calcine in the self same manner as ye did the Lead, but when ye burn it to ashes ye must give it great fire, but in calcining it shall not need greater fire than it was for thy Lead, and so keep your fire until it be as white as snow, and then it is prepared to make his Oil as we will show you hereafter.   

To Calcine Silver.  
TAke Silver and dissolve it in Aqua fortis, then cast a piece of Copper into the glass where the water is with the silver, and straightway power thereon a good quantity of rain water, and then the silver will fall to the bottom in a Calxe: then let it stand so one night, or as long as ye will, and then pour away the clear water, and dry the Calx on the fire, then wash that with warm water so long that it have no bitter taste of the Aqua fortis, and when ye have so done, ye shall take common salt prepared as I have showed you before, and lay it in a Crusible the thickness of a straw, and then lay thereon your Calx of Silver, and cover it with the same salt again, then lute your Crusible with a cover that no air may come forth, then set it in a calcining furnace with a reasonable fire six hours long, then take it forth and put thereon fair water, and let it seethe two or three Pater Nosters, and then the salt will seethe away, and the Calx will remain sweet, which ye may prove upon the tongue: but if it be not sweet, wash it again till it be sweet, and then keep it in a glass, for it is prepared to make his Oil.   

To calcine Gold.  
TAke gold and Mercury, and make thereof amalgamie as the Goldsmiths do use to gild their silver Plate: the which is made thus.  
Take twelve parts of Mercury, and one part of gold, the which ye shall beat into very thin plates, and then cut it in as small pieces as ye can, then take a Crusible and put therein the Mercury, and set it on the fire till it begin to smoke, than put thereto the gold and take it from the fire, and stir it together so long till that ye may see no more gold, then set it on the fire again, and stir it so long that the Mercury be flown all away, and then ye shall find your gold in the Crusible like sand, then take that and put thereto as much prepared salt, and grind them together on a stone as small as is possible, then put it in a glass, and wash it with warm water so long till that ye see the Calxe fair and yellow and sweet upon the tongue, so that it taste nothing of saltness, than it is prepared: and herewith will we make an end of Calcination, and write of Sublimation.   

To sublime Quicksilver.  
TAke Mercury and wash it with Vinegar and salt a pretty while, then put thereon very hot water and wash it therewith, till that the water run as clear off as ye will put it on, then dry it with a cloth and grind it with vinegar & salt again, and wash it with warm water as ye did afore: this grinding and washing ye shall use till that the Mercury be no more black, and that it be as clear as a glass, then take of that Mercury one pound, Salt prepared two pound, Shall Armoniac sublimed as I will show hereafter one pound, grind these saltes together with the Mercury, so long till that the Mercury cannot be perceived: then put all the substance in a subliming vessel with his cover, the which hath a hole in the top: as I will show thee hereafter in the next book, if God permit me life. Then set it in a calcining furnace, and give it first a small fire till that the moisture be flown out thorough the hole of the cover of the Sublimatory, the which ye shall know by this means: ye shall now and then hold a knife over the hole of the instrument, and then if the knife be wet there is moisture in the vessel, but when ye see that the knife is still dry, stop the hole with a stopple of paper, and increase the fire a little bigger, and let it stand so four hours long, then increase the fire yet bigger, and let it stand four hours: then make the fire so hot that the bottom may be all red, and that continue six hours, but let not your fire slake, then let it wax cold and take that which is sublimed, and grind it on a stone with two pound of salt prepared, and sublime it again as ye did afore in all points, then let it wax cold, and grind it again with Salt prepared, and sublime it again. This grinding and subliming ye shall use until the Mercury be as clear as Crystal, and as white as Snow and then it is prepared, then keep it in a glass till that I writ more thereof.   

To sublime Sulphur.  
FIrst before that ye will sublime Sulphur, ye must prepare him thus.  
Take Sulphur vive and grind it to fine powder, then searce it finely, than put it in a pan with strong vinegar, and set it on the fire, and let it seethe a whole day and a night, but ye must put thereto always more vinegar as it consumeth away, and still ye must scum off the skim or filth as fast as it riseth, and when it hath sodden so in Vinegar, ye shall seethe it two days in the Urine of young children, and always scum off the froth, and put thereto more Urine always as it consumeth. This seething and skumming ye shall continue until there rise no more froth, than put it in a glass, and wash it with warm water till all the stink of the piss be gone, and that it remain as white as any Snow: then dry it well for it is well purged, then take of that purged Sulphur half a pound, Vitrial calcined one pound grind these very fine together, so that the Sulfur cannot be seen, then put them in a subliming vessel, and set it in the furnace, and give it first a small fire till the moisture be gone, the which ye shall know with a knife as I shown you afore: then stop the hole and increase the fire a little, and so keep it six hours, then let it wax cold and take that which is sublimed, and grind it with fresh Vitriol and sublime it again as ye did afore: this subliming and grinding with fresh Vitriol, ye shall use till that the Sulfur be as white as Snow, & so clear as a glass, and then it is sublimed enough: therefore keep it in a glass close shut with Wax, till that we write more thereof.   

To sublime Sal armoniac.  
TAke Sal Armoniac l'i. and as much limall of Iron and grind them together on a stone, than put them in a subliming vessel, and seethe it in the furnace first with a small fire, and then increase it so that the bottom of the pot may be red hot, and so let it stand half a Summer's day, then let it wax cold and take that which is sublimed and grind it on a stone, with as much salt prepared and sublime it again: This grinding with new salt and subliming, ye shall use so long till that it be sublimed as white as Snow and then it is prepared: then keep it to sublime thy Mercury with.   

To sublime Copper, which is a great secret.  
FIrst ye must calcine it with Sulphur thus.  
Take plates of Copper beaten as thin as is possible, and cut them in little pieces as big as a penny or thereabout, then take a crusible and put therein Brimstone beaten a finger thick, then lay thereon a bed of these plates and cover them with Sulphur, & then lay another bed and cover it with Sulphur again, and this do till the Crusible be full, then set it in the calcining Furnace half a day long with a good fire, then let it wax cold and grind it upon a stone, and then put it into Aqua fortis & let it dissolve: and distil away the water and make the powder very dry, the which remaineth in the bottom of the glass land grind it on a stone with salt prepared: then put it in a subliming vessel, and set it in a Furnace, and give first a small fire, and then give it a very strong fire four and twenty hours: and then let it wax cold, and in the vessel ye shall find a green powder light and subtle, but nothing like the Copper, the which ye had to sublime. Then keep that in a glass close shut with wax, for there is no better medicine in the world than this for the Canker, the Wolf, Fistulas, and all such like sores, for this doth help them quickly: and when ye will occupy it in such sores, ye must straw it thereon, and lay upon it a wound plaster: of the which I have written a number in my pearl of Chirurgery, and it shall heal them how sore soever they be.   

To sublime Lead and Tin.  
THese two are sublimed with less labour than the Copper: nevertheless when ye shall sublime them, go to work as thou didst with Copper, saving that ye may not calcine them with Sulphur, but as I have showed you afore. And when it is so calcined ye shall dissolve them in this strong water following: and when it is dissolved distil the water away till it remain dry: then dissolve it again, and distil the water away again, so that it remain scant dry: then take that, and put thereto twice so much salt prepared and sublime them together with a strong fire, and ye shall find a white powder sublimed in the top, the which serveth to the same use that the copper serveth for: that is in all foul ulcerations and filthy sores, etc.   

How to make the said Aqua fortis to dissolve Lead and Tin.  
TAke salt Peter, Vitriol Roman and Sal Armoniac, of each one pound, beat them well together and put them in a glass, the which is very well luted: then set on the head with a great receiver, and lute the joints well that no air may come forth, then give it a very small fire twelve hours long, and then encrcase it according to Art: but take good heed that ye be not rash with your fire at the first, lest that all the glasses fly in pieces: then keep it to thy use, and when ye will dissolve your Lead, ye must take for every pound of Lead, two pound of water, and dissolve it cold, for otherwise it would blow the glass in pieces.   

To make Oil of Sulphur, the which is a great secret.  
THis oil is made in this manner. First ye shall have a bell of earth, or a head of glass like the common Stills of Tin, the which ye shall hang up by a string: then take a plate of Iron of a finger thick, and two fingers broad, and make it red hot in the fire, then lay it under the bell or head, and cast thereon Brimstone, & let it burn, so that the fume may go within the bell, and this ye shall continue, possible a whole day, afore that one drop will fall: but when ye see it drop, then continue till ye have oil enough, and then hast thou a great treasure, the which keep in a glass, for it will help the pox and all outward sores and ulcerations. And also stinking and filthy sores, the which will not be holp. It is also excellent against the Rose, and against the pestilence, the which ye must use in this manner. Take water of Sorrel, of Roses, of Cardus Benedictus of each ʒ. i. oil of Sulfer ℈. i. mix them together, and give it the patiented as soon as he feeleth himself sick, and lay him down to sweat one hour, and let him not stir that he may sweat the better, then dry him well with warm clothes, and let him rest two hours, and then if he have list to eat, let him have a cullus made of a Hen in this order. Ye shall boil the Hen or chicken so long, that the flesh fall from the bones, then stamp the bones and all, and strain it with the said broth, than put thereto a good deal of Sugar, and a little Wine, and let the patiented eat it with a very little bread: and then two hours after, ye shall give him the aforesaid receipt with Oil, and let him sweat thereon two hours, as is said afore, and this ye shall do the next day once, and by the Grace of God the Pestilence shall not hurt him. But when ye will occupy it to the Pox, or any other filthy sores, ye shall give it with water of Hops, of Cicorie, of Germander, of each ʒ. i. water of fumetory ʒ. two. Oil of Sulphur ℈ i these ye shall mix together, and let the Patient drink it at seven a clock in the morning, and let him sweat thereon two hours: then dry him with warm clothes, and then at night ye shall give him that portion in manner as ye did before, and let him sweat thereon other two hours: and this order ye shall use till that they be whole, the which will be in very short time, so that it shall seem miraculous, for his sores will presently be healed, although they were never so evil.  
Against the Rose ye shall take the water of Sorrel, of Purselene, and put thereto ℈ i of oil of Brimstone, and let the Patient drink it, and lie down to sweat thereon, and in one day he shall be holp, although he had it a long time.   

To make Oil of Vitriol.  
FIrst ye must have an earthen pot, the which holdeth about a gallon, and must be about a foot, or fourteen inches high, them ye must have a head of glass, the which cometh just over the pit, then take vitriol and put it in the pot, and then set on the head, with a great receiver, and lute the joints well, then give it small fire, as I have showed you afore in the making of strong water, and when ye see that it will drop no more, then increase the fire a little, and so keep it till it drop no more, then take away the receiver, and pour out the water, and set it to again, and lute it fast, then increase thy fire by little and little, till that the fumes come forth: then keep it bigger and bigger, so that the pot may stand as hot as the coals, and so keep it until that the head and receiver wax clear again, but in any wise slack not thy fire: for I have seen fire kept a whole day, after that the water was taken away, and never a drop fell into the receiver, but at the last it came apace, therefore leave not till it be done. Then keep this oil very close in a glass, that the spirits fly not away, for when it hath lost his spirits, it is good for nothing, but to corrode and eat away dead flesh. But when this oil hath his spirits, there is no better medicine in the world, against the falling sickness and Apoplexia being used thus: Take Aqua vitae perfectly rectified, without phlegm one pint, Oil of Vitriol one spoonful, mix them and let the Patient drink thereof every morning one spoonful, and he shall be helped, although he have had it ten years, and fell every hour: and for Apoplexia ye shall give it in the said order. But if he cannot drink it so, ye shall give it as ye think good, so as he have it in his body, and presently he shall mend, although he had it a long time, and were lame over all his body. It is also excellent good against all hot fevers in the summer, for it helps them in one day, as I have proved diverse times myself, and ye shall give it in this order. Take bourage water as much as ye will, and put thereto so much of this oil, till it be sour like verjuice, and thereof let the Patiented drink as much as he will, and then ye shall see the Patient holp, and his thirst shall slake, and also his heat. This oil is also good against all foul & old sores, & to take away their stink, if ye do mix it with water of Egremony, till it be very sour, and then wash the fore therewith. If ye mix more oil with the said water, until it be as sour as vinegar, it takes away warts if ye wash them therewith, and causeth them to fall out without pain. It helps all scabs if ye wash them therewith, mixed with Egremony water as is aforesaid. If ye mix it with bourage water, bugloss water, and mellise water, it helps the beating of the heart, which hath continued a long time.   

To make water of Mercury, which Paraselsus writeth of in his book of Chirurgery.  
TAke Mercury that is sublimed, as I have showed you afore, and put it in a glass, and set it in a furnace, and give such a temperate fire, as you may hold your hand over it Paster noster while, and that degree of fire ye shall keep, the space of six weeks, but look that ye increase not the fire, nor yet diminish it: then take that Mercury and grind it fine, and pour it into a bag, like unto an Ipocrasse bag, and hang it in a moist place, and set a glass under it, and the Mercury will turn into water, which keep well: and when thou wilt occupy that water, thou shalt wet a linen  therein, and lay it on such kind of sores, as will not be holp by no other kind of means: for it will take away their corofives, and cause them to heal, although they were never so ill. And moreover, because that thou shalt know wherefore it serveth, ye shall note that it is good against all Cankers, Fistulas, the wolf, and such like, for it helpeth them all, though they were never so evil, as Paraselsus writes in his great Surgery in the chapter of the Canker, and such like.   

To make water of shall Armoniake.  
TAke Sal Armoniake that is sublimed seven times, and grind it to powder, than put it into a glass, that hath a hole in the bottom on the one side, and then set that glass in another, and set them in a moist cellar, and then the Shall armoniac will dissolve into water, and run into the neither glass, the which ye shall keep close: in the aforesaid manner ye may make water of Alum, the which is excellent to dry up all filthy wounds, etc.   

The order to fix all things that are flying.  
TO fix any thing, is to be understood thus. Ye shall sublime it so often, as it will sublime no more, but it will lie in the fire, so as the fire cannot consume it, and when ye will fix any thing, as Sulphur, Quickesilver, or Arsenic, or such like, ye shall do it in this order: ye shall take Mercury sublimed, or Sulphur sublimed, or Arsenic, or such like, and put it into a subliming glass, which I will show you diverse Patterns, in the next book (God willing) and set it in a Furnace with a small fire, and then increase it according to Art, the space of a whole day, and then at Evening ye shall turn the glass and let it sublime up into the other end: and this order ye shall use with subliming, from one end unto another, till that it will sublime no more: the which ye shall prove in this manner. Ye shall take a little thereof and lay it on a red hot coal, and look whether it smoke or no, for if it smoke it is not fixed, but if it smoke not it is fixed: but to know the very truth, ye shall take thereof and grind it to powder, and then put it into a Crusible, and give it as great a fire as though ye would melt Copper, and then if ye see there cometh no smoke from it, it is fixed: but if it smoke away, ye shall put it into a new subliming glass, and sublime it again, then keep it to thy use, till I writ more thereof: for when you have your spirits fixed, ye have a great treasure, not to be bought with money, and principally of Sulphur fixed, for therewith ye may do what ye list, for there can no sickness come unto man's body, but it may be holp therewith. Also Mercury being fixed, is such an excellent medicine against the pox, that the like cannot be found in the world. But ye shall note, that it must not be occupied alone, but with other things which I will show you in an other place. The Arsenic and the Shall armoniac may not be occcupied in any wise inwardly, but only outwardly, as ye shall hear hereafter, and especially of the salt of Arsenic.   

To make Oil of Antimony.  
IF you will make this oil, ye must look diligently to your fire, lest ye spoil all: then take a retort of glass, and lute it very well, and put therein three pounds of Antimony, and three pounds of Sal gem calcined, beaten together, then increase your fire according to Art, three days and three nights, and lute thy receiver very well, which must be of the quantity of five or six gallons, or more, the greater the better, and then thou shalt have an oil as red as blood, which is not to be sold or bought for money: for it helpeth the Canker, the Wolf, Noli me tangere, and Fistulas, if ye anoint them therewith: first the dead flesh will fall out without pain, and then it will heal, how sore soever it be, although it were forty years old.  
In summa. It is a most excellent oil against all sores and venomous Ulcers, for if ye anoint them three times therewith, it helps them, although they were so venomous as they did eat a hand broad in one night, as is diverse times seen of the Wolf, and such like ulcerations, that eat so, as it seems a dog had bitten out a great piece. These and all other ulcerations, which will not be holp by any means, ye shall help them with this oil in short space, so as shall seem marvellous to behold.   

How ye may draw forth Salt out of all metals and first out of Gold, which is called Sal sapientium.  
FIrst if you will make sait of Gold, you shall take gold filled into powder, and dissolve it in the afore written strong water, and when it is dissolved, ye shall boil away the water, till it remain dry, than thou shalt put thereon fair water, and let it seethe therewith three or four hours long, and then pour it away, and put more thereon and let it seethe again, and then pour it off again: this pouring on and off ye shall use till the water have no taste of the strong water, but is sweet: and when it is so, give it great fire that it may dry well, then put it in a glass and set it in a calcining Furnace, and there it shall calcine a whole month long, so that it remain always red hot and at one degree of fire, then take and grind it on a stone, until it be as fine as is possible: then pour thereon good distilled vinegar, and lay a cover over the glass, and let it seethe in Balneo Mariae a whole day long, putting thereto always fresh vinegar: then pour off that vinegar into a glass and put thereon more, and boil it a whole day as ye did afore, and this ye shall do three times: then take that vinegar that ye poured off and distil it by Balneo Mariae till it remain dry, and in the bottom ye shall find a salt as white as snow, which ye shall take and put thereon more vinegar, and set it in the Balneo Mariae that it may boil the space of two hours, then let it settle a whole day, and then pour off that which is clear, and then if there remain any thing in the bottom it is not enough prepared: then shall ye dissolve it in vinegar again, and distil the vinegar again as I have showed you, and ye shall find a whiter salt in the bottom of the glass, which ye shall put in vinegar again, and let that boil in Balneo Mariae two hours, as I have afore shown you, and then let it stand and settle, and then pour off the clearer part, and distil it in Bailneo Mariae, and the salt will remain in the bottom as white as snow. But if there remain any in the other glass ye shall not do as I have showed you, till it be all dissolved.  
Then dissolve that salt in rain water three or four times, and look whether there remain any salt in the bottom undissolved, and if there remain none, it is well prepared, or else not, and it is called Sal philosophorum, or sapientiae, and when it is dissolved into clear water, that the salt may remain very dry in the bottom, the which ye shall keep in a glass close there, for it is a mod excellent medicine against all diseases of the body, for it will leave nothing in a man's body that shall hurt him, but it doth drive it forth by sweat, and maketh the Patient as sound and whole as ever he was in all his life. It helpeth all outward sores, as the Canker, the Wolf, Fistulas, and such like.  
This being taken inwardly doth help those outward diseases most wonderful: for it helpeth them in three or four days, and when ye will occupy it against such diseases, ye shall use it in this manner.  
Ye shall take a Vial full of wine, and put therein two or three grains of that salt, for it is sufficient for any sick person, for any kind of diseases, then stop that Vial and set it in warm water, until the salt be dissolved, then give the sick person thereof to drink warm, and lay him down to sweat, for it will cause him to sweat wonderfully, therefore keep him from the cold in any wise, for that sweat will bring him to health again, although he were a Leper, so that it come not by nature of his mother, for if it come by kind, there is no help that I do know, yet nevertheless this medicine can not hurt, nor yet it cannot help him. But other sicknesses, although they were never so evil or sore, it will help them. It helps the Pestilence miraculously in one day, and likewise the pox in short time, giving it as is aforesaid in wine, and lay thereon and sweat, and when thou wilt help any outward sore, thou shalt lay thereon a wound plaster, and let him drink the said salt with wine morning and evening, as is said afore, and in short space they shall be helped,   

The order to distil vinegar to make the aforesaid salts.  
TAke good strong rhenish wine vinegar, and distil it in a Limbeck of glass, and give it first a small fire till half be distilled, then take it away, for it is nothing worth to our work, then taste it on thy tongue whether it be sharp or no, if it be not sharp, it is not good: if not, keep that small fire till the liquor come forth sour: ye shall note that the worst of the vinegar distilleth first, then distil that which is last with a reasonable fire till it be almost distilled, but ye may not distil it all quite out, lest it should stink of the fire, and wax red, for than will it not serve our purpose. Moreover ye shall note that it may not drop faster, but that a man may say a Pater noster between.   

To draw forth the salt of Arsenic.  
THe salt of Arsenic is a marvellous salt, but it is sharp and corosive, and the order to make it is thus.  
Take Arsenic ʒ i. which is fixed, and dissolve it in Aqua fortis made of salt Peter and Alum, and when it is dissolved put thereon rain water, till it sink to the bottom, and when it is sunk to the bottom let it stand to settle, then pour off that part which is clear, and put on more fresh water, and let it seethe, and then let it settle and pour off the water again, and then pour on more: and this order ye shall use until the water come off as sweet as ye put it on, then calcine it six days and six nights, then pour thereon distilled vinegar and seethe it in Balneo Mariae to dissolve, and at night let it settle and wax clear: then pour off that which is clear and put on more, and let it stand a day to dissolve as I said afore, and then let it wax clear, and then pour off the clear parts. This ye must do three times as is said of gold, and then dry it very well, and put thereon fair rain water till it be dissolved, and when it is dissolved ye shall make no more fire under it, but let it wax cold, and then pour the clear parts off and distil it in Balneo Mariae until it be dry: and then you shall find your salt in the ground as white as the snow: which is most excellent against the Canker, the Wolf, and such like as cometh of wounds, etc. Ye shall help them thus. Take of this salt ℈. j and put thereto ʒ. j of Vnguentum fuscum, and therewith dress the sores, and they will heal in short time, though they were never so old: and therefore if thou wilt understand wherefore it serves: look in my pearl of Chirurgery, and also in the Chirurgery of Paraselsus.   

To make Oil of Metals, and first of Lead and Tin.  
IF you will make oil of these two Metals, ye must first calcine them, as I have showed you, and then dissolve them in the aforesaid strong water, and when they be dissolved let them stand till it be as clear as a glass, then distil away the water by a Limbeck till it remain dry, and when it is dry, put thereon good distilled vinegar, and set it in Balneo Mariae to dissolua a whole day, and let it boil, and then let it wax cold and settle, then pour off that part which is clear and distil it in an other glass, and when your matter is dry, put thereon other distilled vinegar, and let it seethe so long until it be dissolved, then distil away the vinegar, and then put on more vinegar: this dissolving and distilling ye shall use so long until the matter remain in the bottom like oil, than put it forth whilst it is yet warm, for when it is cold it is so tough as ye cannot get it from the glass: This oil so made is most excellent, for it helps wounds and sores in very short time: and moreover, there is no oil amongst all the secrets of Physic or Surgery that heals a wound sooner than this oil doth, for it helps them in four and twenty hours, so as there be no bones broke or cut, etc. There is an other manner of making of this oil which is better, whereof we will not write in this place.   

To make Oil of Copper, and of Crocum Martis, or Iron.  
THese metals ye must first calcine, and then dissolve them in strong water, than put thereon rain water till the mettle sink to the bottom, then put to so much rain water till it have no taste of the strong water, then dry it well and put thereon distilled Vinegar, and set it in Balneo to dissolve, then distil away the Vinegar till it remain dry, than put thereon fresh Vinegar, and distil that away till that the matter remain dry: and this order ye shall use till that the matter remain moist in the bottom like oil. This oil is of like virtue as the other, and therefore we will write no more thereof in this place.   

To make Oil of Quicksilver.  
IF thou wilt make this oil, ye must have Mercury fixed or else it will not serve for our use: therefore take that which is fixed and put it in strong water, and set it in Balneo to dissolve, and set thereon a head, and when it is dissolved let it settle, and then pour off that part which is clear, and distil it in Balneo Mariae, and your Mercury will remain in the bottom, then put thereon rain water, and wash it so long that the water have no taste of the strong water, but remain as sweet as ye put it on: then put thereon distilled vinegar, and set it in Balneo Mariae a whole day till it be dissolved, then distil the vinegar away, and put thereon fresh, and set it in Balneo Mariae again to dissolve, and then distil it away again: and this order ye shall use till that it remain like an oil in the bottom, then take it forth and keep it in a glass close shut, lest it should lose his strength. This oil is of as great operation in fresh wounds as the other aforesaid are: it is above all other against the Pox to be used outwardly, for it helpeth all sores that come of the Pox, if ye anoint the sores therewith and in the foresaid manner: Ye may make oils of all Metals, but they are not to be taken inwardly, and therefore I will show thee another order how you shall make oils of all the Metals to use inwardly.   

To make Oil of Gold, the which is distilled through the helm, and it is to be used both inwardly and outwardly.  
IF thou wilt make oil of gold, ye shall take his salt of the which we have made mention afore, and put it into a glass with a long neck, and mix the glass fast with hermes-sel, that is with a pair of gloing tongs as I will show you hereafter: than ye shall set the said glass in a calcining Furnace, with a fire so temperate as though it stood in the sun, and there ye shall let it stand eight days, and then increase the fire other 8. days, till that ye see it begin to wax yellow, and then keep thy fire in that heat till that thou seest thy glass all yellow, and then increase thy fire a little till that ye see it wax a browner yellow: and when ye see that: ye shall keep it in that heat eight days, and then if ye see it change no colour, increase your fire a little more eight days, and then ye shall see it wax red, and when it is indifferent red, ye shall increase your fire again eight days, till that ye see it a brown red, than ye may give it a greater fire, for it is fixed, & no fire can consume it: and when ye have kept it 8 days in such a great heat, ye shall let it wax cold, and if ye will make this oil, ye shall grind it in fine powder, & put it into a stone pot, and put thereon distilled vinegar, & set it in Balneo Mariae to dissolve 4. days long, then let it settle & pour off the clear parts, and put thereon more vinegar & stop the pot very close, and set it again other four days in Balneo Mariae to dissolve, and every day ye shall stir it two or three times with a stick, then let it wax cold and settle, and pour off the clear parts, and then put thereon fresh vinegar, and set it to dissolve again, and let it stand and settle until the fifth day in the morning, then let it wax cold and settle, and then pour off the clear parts, and if there remain any thing in the pots bottom, cast it out, for it is not profitable for our work, then wash the pot very clean, and put therein the said Vinegar, that ye boiled afore, and distil it per Balneo Mariae until it be dry, and ye shall find the powder fairer than it was afore, and then put thereon fresh Vinegar, and set it to dissolve in Balneo Mariae, as is said afore. And when it hath stood four days, ye shall pour it clear off, and look if there remain any feces or powder in the bottom, and if there be any you shall pour it out, and make the pot clean, and put therein the said Vinegar which ye poured off, and distil it away per Balneo Mariae, until that it remain dry: then put thereon fresh Vinegar, and dissolve it as I have showed you, and then pour off the Vinegar and distil it again, and this ye shall use, until you find no more sand in the bottom. But that it is all dissolved, and then it is prepared to make his oil of, then distil that last vinegar away per Balneo Mariae, until that it be very dry, than put it into a glass with a head and a great receiver, the which ye must lute together very well that no air may come forth, then give it small fire four hours long, and then increase it a little stronger, and so keep it other four hours, and then ye shall see certain yellow fumes rise up into the head, then keep thy fire in that degree, until that thou seest the head wax red, then increase your fire a little, until that the head be as red as blood, then keep thy fire in that state, until thou seest the colour begin to slake. Then make thy fire greater, until that the bottom of the vessel be red, and then keep it in that stay one hour, and then the head will seem to be full of Snow. Then make the fire as great as thou canst, until the head wax clear again as it was at the first. Then let it wax cold, and thou shalt find an oil in the receiver, the which is not to be bought for any money: For because it helpeth all diseases in man's body, both inwardly and outwardly: although they be never so evil, as the Pestilence, the Pox, the Wolf, the Canker, Consumptions, the Dropsy, and the Leper, if so be that it came not by nature of the father and mother. And the order to take it is thus: Ye shall take a pot of wine and put therein ℈ i of this oil, and give the sick thereof to drink in the morning, and let him lie in his bed and sleep, and then thou shalt see his wonders. And if so be that the Patient be full of evil humours, and that he shall need purging, it will cause nature to cast forth either by sweat, or urine, or by vomit, or downward, as long as the Patient shall have need, and then strait ways amend and wax stronger, then if he had eat a whole Capon: and then if the Patient do purge no more by any of the said means aforesaid, ye shall give it him but three days. For if he do purge more than one day, it is a token that he is full of corruption, as of the Leapry, and the Pox, for those are so full of corruption, so that he cannot be holp in one day by nature. Therefore ye shall give it more than three days, that is thus to be understood, ye shall give it him so long that nature purgeth no more, and that ye may see that the Patient waxeth very strong, for this medicine worketh with the help of nature a long tim● after, and therefore this medicine is precious, and of too quick operation to give to any sick person, where no need is. But as for the wolf and the Canker, and such like outward sores, ye● shall understand, that there is need of no other help then the aforesaid drink as is said afore: and ye shall lay upon the sore a cool Leaf or Lint, and you shall fee great abundance of foul and rotter blood and such like come forth: The which is scant to be believed, and then those holes or sores will incarnate, and heal of themselves without fault.  
FINIS.    


THE TABLE OF THE FIRST Book of the Secrets of Physic and Philosophy, wherein is showed how.  
1. TO make Oil of Mastic. fol. 1.  
2. To make Oil of Mirra. fol. 5.  
3. To make oil of Storax Liquida. fol. 8.  
4. To make oil of Storax Calamite. fol. 9  
5. To make oil of Benjamin, fol. 11  
6. To make oil of Galbanum, fol. 12  
7. To make oil of Sagapenum, fol. 15  
8. To make oil of Opoponax, fol. 16  
9 To make oil of Euphorbium, fol. 17  
10. To make oil of Amber or Succinum, fol. 18  
11. To make oil of Amoniacum, fol. 20  
12. To make oil of Sorcocolla. fol. 22.  
13. To make oil of Castoreum fol. 23.  
14. To make oil of Frankincense. fol. 25  
15. To make oil of Turpentine, fol. 27  
16. To make oil of Wax, fol. 29  
17. To make Quintessence of Honey, fol. 32.  
18. To make oil of Lignum Vitae or Guai●um. fol. 38  
19 To make Oil of Butter, fol. 42  
20. To make Oil of Eggs. fol. 43  
21. To make Oil of Cinnamon. fol. 44.  
22. To make Oil of Cloves. fol. 48  
23. To make Oil of Nutmegs. fol. 50  
24. To make Oil of Mace. fol. 52  
25. To make oil of Pepper. fol. 53  
26. To make Oil of Saffron. fol. 55  
27. To make Oil of Aniseed, fol. 57  
28. To make Oil of Fennell-seed. fol. 59  
29. To make Oil of Cummin-seed. fol. 60  
30. To make Oil of Carraway-seed. fol. 62  
31. To make Oil of Dill seed. fol. 63  
32. To make Oil of Parcelie seed, fol. 64  
33. To make Oil of Rue or Hearbgrace. fol. 65  
34. To make oil of Ivy. fol. 68  
35. To make oil of Rosemary flowers. fol. 72  
36. To make oil of Wild Time. fol. 74  
37. To make oil of sweet Margerom. fol. 78  
38. To make oil of Sage. fol. 80.  
39 To make oil of penerial, fol. 81.  
40. To make oil of Mint. fol. 84.  
41. To make oil of Hyssop, fol. 86  
42. To make oil of Radish seed. fol. 87  
43. To make oil of Mustard seed. fol. 88  
44. To make Oil of Colewort seed. fol. 89  
45. To make oil of Linseed. fol. 90  
46. To make oil of Saint john's wort or seed. fol. 91  
47. To make oil of Quinces seed. fol. 92  
48. To make oil of Acorns. fol. 93  
49. To make oil of Tartarus by distillation. fol. 94  
50. Another way to make Oil of Tartarus. fol. 95  
51. To make Oil of Harts-Horne. fol. 97  
52. To distil Oil of Man's Excrements. fol. 98  
53. To make Oil of the skull of a man. fol. 98   

The Table of the second Book, showing  
1. The Names of the Metals, Simples, or Medicines spoken of therein. fol. 117  
2. The names of the Preparations. fol. 120  
3. How to prepare Crocum Martis, and such like as are prepared through calcination. fol. 122  
4. To prepare Alumes and Salts. fol. 125  
5. Toprepare Alum. fol. 126  
6. To calcine Vitriol. fol. 127  
7. To calcine Quicksilver. fol. 129  
8. To calcine Tartarus. fol. 131  
9 To calcine Tin or Lead. fol. 132  
10. To calcine Silver, fol. 134  
11. To calcine Gold. fol. 136  
12. To sublime Quicksilver. fol. 138  
13. To sublime Sulphur fol. 141  
14. To sublime Sal armoniac. fol. 144  
15. To sublime Copper, which is a great secret. fol. 145  
16. To sublime Lead and Tin. fol. 148  
17. How to make Aqua Fortis to dissolve Lead and Tin fol. 149  
18. To make Oil of Sulphur, the which is a great secret. fol. 151  
19 To make Oil of Vitriol. fol. 155  
20. To make water of Mercury, which Paraselsus writeth of in his book of Chirurgery. fol. 160  
21. To make water of Sal Armoniacke. fol. 162  
22. The order to fix all things that are flying. fol. 163  
23. To make oil of Antimony. fol. 167  
34. How you may draw forth Salts out of all metals, and first out of Gold, which is called Sal Sapientium. fol. 169.  
35. The order to distil Vinegar to make the aforesaid Salts. fol. 176.  
36. To draw forth the S●●● of Arsenic. fol▪ ●…8.  
37. To make Oil of Metals, and first of Lead and Tin. fol. 181.  
38. To make Oil of Copper, and of Crocum Martis, or Iron. fol. 183.  
29. To make Oil of Quicksilver. fol. 185.  
30. To make Oil of Gold, the which is distilled through the belme, and is to be used both inwardly and outwardly fol. 187.   
FINIS   

LONDON, Printed by. A. M. for William Lugger, and are to be sold at the Postern Gate at Tower Hill. 1633.