Cornelius Shilander his chirurgery.  
Containing A brief method for the curing of wounds and ulcers.  
With An easy manner of drawing oil out of Wound— herbs, Turpentine, Guiacum and wax.  
Translated out of Latin into English, and published for the benefit of all those that are studious in the Arte.  
By S. Hobbes.   printer's or publisher's device 
SEMPER EADEM  CB. 
Imprinted at London by R. Johnes for Cuthbert Burbie, and are to be sold at his shop, at the royal Exchange. 1596.   

To the Reader.  
HEre hast thou gentle Reader, a brief and compendious method of chirurgery, compiled by a most excellent Doctor, in manner of a Dialogue, wherein thou Mayst learn with ease the curation both of wounds and ulcers, the virtue and operation of divers herbs, with their preparations for oil, with extracting of divers oils, most necessary and profitable for all true and faithful professors in the Art of Chirurgery. And although it was not meant at the first, to be published unto the view of the world, but only for mine own private practice; yet when I remembered that saying of Cicero, that we are not only borne to profit ourselves, but our country, parents, and friends. I therefore thought it good to publish it for the benefit of every one that is desirous of the Arte. And the rather moved thereunto, because I see many that are professors, and allowed in their practice, and yet are scarce able to define of a simple Wound of which sort the world is too full, and poor patientes buy their practice at too dear a price: But I leave them to be more careful both in study and practise. And shall request thee (gentle Reader) that whereas this book is not altogether without imperfections and blemishes, yet if thou courteously and friendly accept of it at this time, it may 'cause the same hereafter for thy further commodity to be scoured, and better amended.  
Farewell.   

A brief and easy practice of Chirurgery of Cornelius Shilander.  

The first Lecture. Of the Definition of chirurgery, and the operation of a chirurgeon.  Doctor. 
Go to chirurgeon, tell me what is chirurgery?  Chirurgeon. 
chirurgery is a right orderly taking away of affects besides Nature, by incision or setting together, and also a healing of wounds and ulcers.  Doctor. 
Right: but why say you by incision and joining together.  Chirurgeon. 
In this art, there are two parts, Synthesis and Analysis: that is, Composition, and Resolution. By Composition limbs disjointed are settled into their former seat. But by Analysis or Resolution things that were joined are divided as cometh to pass in Apostumes and ruptured or bursten Bones.  Doctor. 
I perceive you do briefly touch the two principal parts of chirurgery: but further, how doth the chirurgeon cure or heal, where Nature of Hipocrates is said to be the physician or healer of diseases:  Chirurgeon. 
That cometh to pass in a diverse kind of cause: For Nature alone is the efficient cause of curing, and the chirurgeon is the ministering or keeping cause, for he ministereth Medicines: and to the end Nature may better accomplish her operation, he preserveth her from the injury or hurt of the air.  Doctor. 
I know Apollo watereth, but Nature it is that gives the increase: But what is this methodical or right orderly taking away, whereof you make mention?  Chirurgeon. 
That first we digest the matter of the wounds or ulcers: And secondarily, that we mundify or cleanse the same being digested or concocted.  Doctor. 
Wherhfore, I pray you?  Chirurgeon. 
Because it behoveth to Medicine to move things that are ripe or concocted: not also the raw and undigested, as it is contained in the aphorism.  Doctor. 
How shall we at length evacuate or void out the matter digested?  Chirurgeon. 
By unguents or emplasters on the more declining or lower part: For those things that you must draw forth, aught to be derived or drawn whether they shall seem most chiefly to incline.  Doctor. 
Is this then the perfect method of chirurgeons?  Chirurgeon. 
Not at all: but of each ones own Method, we shall speak in their proper Lectures.   

The second Lecture. Of the Difference of wounds, and of their curing.  Doctor. 
WHat is a Wound?  Chirurgeon. 
¶ ¶ ¶ A Wound is a Solution of the continuity, bloody and fresh or new, viz. lately made.  Doctor. 
What is the cause of the solution of continuity?  Chirurgeon. 
Incision or cutting, which is made with a sword, knife, or such like weapon. Sometimes contusion or bruising, which is made by things blunt, as is a stone, club, timber, etc. And also perforation, boring or thrusting, which is done with weapons, as a Dart, lance, or other like sharp pointed thing.  Doctor. 
Is not the method of curing all these alike.  Chirurgeon. 
Yes truly.  Doctor. 
I pray you show it.  Chirurgeon 
The wound being offered to cure, the blood is not forthwith to be stopped, but suffered to issue forth by little and little, till the boiling heat of the blood caused of anger, or some great trouble of mind, be quieted or calmed.  Doctor. 
Think you then that the untimely stopping of the blood may breed annoyance?  Chirurgeon. 
Yes marry: for by Wounds are things hurtful purged out, even in a manner, as by Phlebotomy or cutting of a vain.  Doctor. 
In the mean time whiles the blood issueth out from the wounded person, what must be given him being angered or sorely moved.  Chirurgeon. 
Those things that are wont to quench the hotness and Ebulation of the blood, such as are accustomed of the physicians to be prescribed.  Doctor. 
And what is that?  Chirurgeon. 
The gum of Elennium decocted in Rhennish wine.  Doctor. 
Truly that gum is marvelous, for it digesteth, mundifieth, and incarnates, and that specially in wounds of the head.  Chirurgeon. 
So it is that in many green Wounds, chirurgeons are found that use this alone, to whom all things succeed according to their desire.  Doctor. 
I pray you let me hear the composition of Emplastrum Sticticum, as you make it.  Chirurgeon. 
It is compounded in this manner. 


Empl. Sticticum.  Recip. Ol. olivarum. ℥. vj.  
Cera. ℥. J s.  
Quib. liquefactis. ℥ ij.  
Add Liturgirii. ℥ ij.  
Amoniaci. An. ℥ s.  
Bdellii. An. ℥ s.  
Galbani. An. ʒ ij.  
Opoponacis. An. ʒ ij.  
Aristolochi rot. An. ʒ ij.  
Calaminaris. An. ʒ ij.  
Mirrhae. An. ʒ ij.  
Thuris. An. ʒ ij.  
Ol. Laurinii.. ʒ ij.  
Resina abietis. ℥ j    
Let them be boiled to a consistence, 
But note,  the Amoniac. Bdell. Galbanum, and Oppon. being brayed, aught first to be steiped in vinegar for a natural day, and after being dissolved at a soft fire, must be strained out.  Doctor. 
Very well: That Emplast. (so God love me) is marvelous both for all wounds and ulcers.  Chirurgeon. 
Without doubt it is most effectual: But note, the wound is to be dressed every day twice: to wit, the twelfth hour after the applying.  Doctor. 
Why so?  Chirurgeon 
The virtue thereof vanisheth away, if it stick any longer to the Wound.  Doctor. 
How shall we incarnate the Wound?  Chirurgeon. 
By the only applying of this Emplaster, the effect whereof is wonderful, as well in incarnating, as in digesting and in mundifying.   

The third Lecture Of stitching of the lips of wounds.  Doctor. 
IS stitching in wounds unprofitable then.  Chirurgeon. 
If the lips may by Emplasters be united, it is unprofitable, if not it is profitable.  Doctor 
give the reason therefore.  Chirurgeon. 
A chirurgeon should be a follower or Contersector of Nature, but he follows not Nature, while he stitcheth together the utter surface with a thredded needle: 
Note.  for she beginneth her glueing or joining of parts together at the inner parts, and so proceedeth leasurerly, till she be come to the extremity or outmost part of the wound.  Doctor. 
Is not this manner of curing observed of our greene-wound chirurgeons?  Chirurgeon. 
Not indeed: for they stitch together the utter parts, and leave a concavity or hollow place, wherein the blood contained is corrupted, for one Wound they make ten: whereupon if any of the sinews be hurt with the needle, good God, what grief and what bitter pain ensueth.  Doctor. 
Cure they not rightly then?  Chirurgeon. 
They cure rightly in sooth: but it would more prosperously succeed, if they used sticeicke plasters.  Doctor. 
I would feign hear of you their method in curing.  Chirurgeon. 
Being called to a person that is hurt, they by and by with a thread draw together the lips of the wound, an Orifice left beneath, whereby excrements may be purged: the white of an egg beaten they take, on a light stuff, they put it on, leaving it so for a day natural.  Doctor. 
Right: For this stops the flux of blood, assuageth the pain, and keepeth back Apostemation and Inflammation: But these matters finished, doth all the cause want peril?  Chirurgeon. 
Not indeed: Howbeit if the same happens without pricking of the Sinew, if fevers, Spasmes, or other accidents do not spring of untimely stopping the blood, the chief part of the labour is taken away.  Doctor 
I believe verily he that hath well begun hath half done: but how proceed you the next day after?  Chirurgeon. 
The next day, they gently anoint the wound itself with a feather, dipped in Gum Elenium, and then they lay on Basilicon Magistrale, described of john de Vigo.  Doctor. 
The Gum of Elenium Mathiolus saith is a most excellent medicine in the fracture of the Cranium or brain pan, which like fire, not only conglutinateth, but also mundifieth and is incarnative.  Chirurgeon. 
Also the unguent Basilicon Magistrale, artificially spread, hath a wonderful virtue digestestive, with mundifying and assuaging pain, so that amongst all other unguents it deserveth the prize.  Doctor. 
Doth it so: I pray you then give us the description of it.  Chirurgeon. 


Recip. Ol. Ros. ℥ iij.  

Unguent. Basilicon. Magistral.  Ol. mastiches. ℥ j  
Pinguid. Vituli, An. ℥ ij.  
Et Poreines An. ℥ ij.  
Foli. Plantag, an. p. j  
Foli. Periclym, an. p. j  
Foli. Betonice, an. p. j  
Foli. Pimpinel, an. p. j  
Foli. Pilosel. an. p. j  
Foli. & Anthos. an. p. j    

A Ciath is a measure of wine containing ℥ j ʒ uj ℈ j of oil ℥ j s, of honey ℥ ij s.  Let them all be beaten together, and boiled with a Ciath of Wine to the consumption: and to the straining thereof, add of 

Gum Elenium, ℥ s.  
Resinae piri, ℥ s.  
Liturgiri Auri, ℥ j  
& Argenti, ℥ j  
Minii, ℥ v.    
Let them boil again till they get a black colour, and let there be added, 

Refinae Abietis, ℥ ij.  
Cera alb. q. s.    
And let there be made a soft Cerote.  Doctor. 
But what if inflammation come in the mean season!  Chirurgeon. 
What then? Afterwards they have wherewith they may take the same away.  Doctor. 
What is that?  Chirurgeon. 
A defensive with oil of Roses alone, or oil of Roses with Bole Armoniak, or of vinegar, with a double potion or quantity of water.   

The fourth Lecture. Of contused wounds, and the method of curing them.  Doctor. 
IN wounds coming of Contusion or bruising, is the way of proceeding all one and the same?  Chirurgeon. 
Not altogether: for lest any filth of stone or Wood stick in them, they are first to be washed with cenuenient liquor.  Doctor. 
With what liquor.  Chirurgeon. 
With the decoction of Wine, of myrrh, and then further, the way of curing is all one with the former, the lips joined together, the Wound is to be emplastred with the white of an egg: the next day after, it is gently to be anointed with the Eum of Elenium. And thereupon Basilicon Magistrale is to be applied, as we have said.  Doctor. 
What if contusion or bruising chanceth without a wound?  Chirurgeon. 
Take the White of an egg vehemently beaten with oil of myrtle, and with the powder of the same. An. ℥ j on a light stuff moistened in vinegar and Water, and squeezed in the hand: take them and apply them to the part infected, and by God's grace it will vinish away.  Doctor 
What if the Contusion doth continued?  Chirurg. 
Use often the same medicine, and you shall attain your desire: I use wax dissolved only, and it falls out well.   

The fift Lecture. Of deep wounds by thrusting in.  Doctor. 
BY what method are wounds cured wherein weapons thrust do stick still.  Chirurgeon. 
Before all things the weapons are to be drawn out, and if to the deepness of the Wound there fall out a strait Orific. the Wound must be enlarged, and the cure begun, as is said, with Gum Elenium and Basilicon Magistrale.  Doctor. 
What if the Wound may not be enlarged?  Chirurgeon. 
Than we use a lotion of Wine, myrrh, and salt boiled which injected with a syringe, purgeth out the corrupt matter, but the member aught to be placed downward, to the end it may the more easily issue out.  Doctor 
I understand: but how may you draw out weapons, that are hoooked or forked, without endamaging the veins and arteries.  Chirurgeon. 
Drawing forth is by drawing to, that belongeth to weapons of round and long making, or is done by thrusting from or pushing further: by this means weapons with barbed heads are drawn out, for when they cannot be drawn back, they must needs be thrust out on the contrary side.  Doctor. 
What if they may not be thrust out?  Chirurg. 
The Wound than must suddenly be made wider: For in cases to make delay is nothing safe, or we must use an hollow and round instrument, which may contain in itself the foresaid barbs divided afore from the flesh.  Doctor. 
All things devised wittily enough: But if the weapons stick in the bones, how must a man work.  Chirurgeon. 
Let the place be opened with a three cornered incision, and let the Tripan be so set to, that in the compass of the arrow the bone itself may be bored with deep boring: For most easily then with instruments they with the bone together will be plucked out.  Doctor. 
Truly I confess this to be true, so the Weapon be not in some more noble part of the body: But if by reason of the veins, and arteries, and sinews, the Wound may not be enlarged, or Tripan used, what should be done then?  Chirurgeon. 
In this & their like, a man must proceed with disgestives resolutives & attractives, 
I will persuade no man to believe this, except he have seen it by experience  or he must use charming words, whereby without much business all kind of weapons are with two fingers drawn out of the wound.  Doctor 
Do you believe that.  Chirurgeon. 
I would not believe it, unless I had seen it.   

The sixth Lecture. Of wounds of the sinews, and the easy Method of curing them.  Doctor 
GOd grant that with so few words you may determine touching the pricking of sinews, or Wounds of the sinews, to the which cramps, fevers, and such like, not without peril of the Patients do ensue.  Chirurgeon. 
I will dispatch in few words if you please.  Doctor. 
It pleaseth me marvelous well.  Chirurgeon. 
The blood after it hath moderately issued out of the Wound, as is above said, must be stayed, either by stitching, with the application of an egg, or Sticticke Emplaster: An Orific. left in the lower part, by which way the excrements may be purged out.  Doctor. 
'tis true in all such cures that offereth itself first.  Chirurgeon 
After that, a defensive is to be laid on the higher part of the wound, of oil of Roses, and myrtle, An. ℥ j oil of camomile, ℥ s. Bole ammoniac, ℥ j & Cera quod satis est.  Doctor. 
These also are common with other Wounds.  Chirurgeon. 
The day next following we shall anoint the lips of the wound with Resin of fir, putting thereupon the emplaster Stictick, or the Emplaster described of Vigo, in the chapter of the wounds of the sinews.  Doctor. 
That disgesteth passing well, assuageth pain, and with an attractive force cleanseth the wound itself.  Chirurgeon. 
If in such manner of wounds there be great boiling out of impure superfluities with pain, the opening of veins, and appeasing of the pain, are also needful.  Doctor. 
Is any thing more to be done?  Chirurgeon. 
The due situation of the member is no less necessary, for if the hurt hath happened in the upper part of the hand or finger: a table is to be framed, that the Member may be left spread or stretched out: But if in the lower part, let the hand be half clenched and drawn together a little, for so the sinews shall the more easily cleave together or close.  Doctor. 
Give us Vigoes' Emplaster in prickings of the nerves.  Chirurgeon. 


Recip. Ol. Rosarum an. ℥ j  
Violarum, an. ℥ j  
Chammomil, 
Emplastrun pro punctura Neruotum.  an. ℥ j  
Sepi Vitulini. ℥ iij.  
Anpung. Porc. ℥ j  
Pinguid. Gall. an. ℥ s  
Medul. crur. vittul. an. ℥ s  
Limbricor. loto in vino, ℥ j  
Butyri recentis, ʒ vj.  
Mucilag. Altheum. l s.    
Let them boil at a soft fire to the consumption of the Mucilage. Add to the straining, 

Litargiri aur. an. ʒ x.  
& Argent. an. ʒ x.  
Minii. ʒ iij.  
Cum Cera sufficienti.    
Let a Cerote be made, adding in the end of the seething Resina Abietis, ʒ x. Masticis, ℥ s. and let them boil again once about.   

The seventh Lecture. Of wounds of the Head, and the particular cure of them.  Doctor. 
MVst nothing peculiar be observed in wounds of the head.  Chirurgeon 
If it be without hurt of the Skull, we Emplaster it with the White of an egg, and the next day do anoint the lips (as is said afore) with applying the plaster of Gum Elenium, or of betony,  Doctor. 
What if the Skull be broken?  Chirurgeon. 
If that be done without solution of the flesh, so that inwardly there be no rough sharpness of the bones, we use resolving and drying medicines, whereby the moisture of blood between the skull & Dura matter may be resolved & dried up.  Doctor. 
Not without cause verily: for blood poured or issued out of the vessels, as the veins at length putrefieth, and corrodeth or fretteth the nigher parts, therefore of dissolving it, consideration must first be had, but wherewith is that brought to pass.  Chirurg. 
With Emplasters that we apply to the head shaven, or powders which we give them to drink with waters proper for that purpose.  Doctor 
And what manner Emplaster is that?  Chirurgeon. 
It is an Emplaster of Vigo, which is compounded thus 

Recip. Furfuris exsiccati &  
Triturati. l s. 
A plaster to dissolve congealed blood   
Farina Fabarum. ℥ viii.  
Rosarum & Mirtilorum. An. ℥ j  
Camomile. & Mileloti, an. M. j  
Stecados. Squinanti, An. p. j  
Coriandri. Anissi. anʒ. vi.  
Betonica. Periclemini,  
Anethi, An. M. s.  
Absinthi. M. ij.    
All these being brayed with bran and soap sufficient, and a small quantity of sweet smelling wine: Let them boil to thickness, adding in the end of the seething, 

Olei Chamomeli, An. ℥ ij s.  
Anethi, Rosarum. An. ℥ ij s.  
Myrthini. An. ℥ ij s.  
Croci, ʒ j  
Cera alb. ℥ ij.    
Let them boil again a gallop, and be stirred with a stick while it shallbe warm: add thereto Calami Aromaticiʒ x.  Doctor. 
Declare now the powder that hath the power to dissolve the inward congealed clods of blood.  Chirurg. 


Recip. Rheabarb. electi. ʒ ij. 
A powder to dissolve congealed blood   
Mumiae. Syncer, ʒ s.  
Lacce Rubr. Sperm. Ceti. An. ʒ j  
Boli Armen. an. ʒ s  
Ter. sigil. an. ʒ s  
Radic. Hirundinaria, ʒ iij.    
Make a fine powder, and let it be given with Aqua Tilia.  Doctor. 
Must we not use the Tripan then sometimes.  Chirurgeon. 
Yes use it, but in two cases only.  Doctor. 
What I pray you?  Chirurgeon. 
While the pricking of Dura matter. by the Asperities of the skull is felt, or while a piece of the bone sticks between the skull and Dura matter. For whereas these may not be concocted by the aid neither of Nature, nor of medicine, the administering of the Tripan is requisite.  Doctor. 
When must it be Tripaned?  Chirurgeon 
Sometimes the first day, sometimes the second, and sometimes the third, according as the accidents are grievous or light.  Doctor. 
You say true: But the Skull opened, what harm shall the Dura matter. suffer of the injury of the air.  Chirurgeon. 
That this may be avoided, we apply the Tripan in an hot place, closed upon every side, and the Asperities or sharp pricking scales so soon as may be we take away. Than hot honey of Ros. poured in, with Cotten we fill the empty place and live thereupon put, we stop up the wound, and in the end with the unguent of Gum Elenium, and Emplaster of betony thereon set, we heal the grief.  Doctor. 
What, is the cure finished so?  Chirurgeon. 
Doubtless so that the Ligature be daily renewed, and due order of diet observed, the member being saved from Flegmon or inflammatios of blood.   

The eight Lecture. Of wounds piercing the breast.  Doctor 
TOuching Wounds of the breast what think you?  Chirurgeon. 
In this the way of curing is like the former, so as they pierce not.  Doctor 
Not: I speak of piercing wounds.  Chirurgeon. 
These are dangerous, yet if they admit or abide cure this way it shall be done: Let the wounded party lie groveling on the bed, to the end by little and little may issue from the region of the stomach to the outer parts, such superfluous stuff as aught to be expelled, neither is the blood forthwith to be stopped, so as the flux be not too great.  Doctor 
What then afterwards?  Chirurgeon. 
A fine Flamula dipped in Gum of Elenium, or the Resin of fir, with a little of the marrow of a calf, and Cumfry roots is to be put in, and the white of an egg is to be laid thereon, (as we said before) or the Stictick plaster described of us.  Doctor. 
What if the blood be not well purged out of the breast?  Chirurgeon. 
To dissolve the same, use our powder that we described before of, 

Rheabarb, ʒ ij.  
Mumia, ʒ s  
Lacca Rubre, anaʒ j  
Spermatis Ceti. anaʒ j  
Boli Armeni. an. ʒ s  
Terra sigillat an. ʒ s    
With Aqua Tilia, for in this case it claims the prerogative to itself.  Doctor. 
But what if the wound cannot be consolidated, or closed with these remedies?  Chirurgeon. 
We shall then use decoctions of Wound herbs, which consolidateth.  Doctor. 
Describe us such a decoction, that in a perilous case we may secure hurt persons.  Chirurgeon. 


Recip. Consolida maior, An. M. j  

A Decoction consolidative  & Mediae, An. M. j  
Sanicula, An. M. j  
Betonica, An. M. j  
Ophioglossi, An. M. s  
Agrimoniae, An. M. s  
Rhabarbari, ℥ s  
Mumia sincere, ʒ ij  
Spermatis Cetiʒ j    
Let it be sod in wine in a double vessel well stopped, whereof let the diseased drink a Ciath morning and evening.  Doctor. 
Well said: besides conglutination, it also dissolveth congealed blood, but what if the cough troubles the party?  Chirurgeon. 
The cure thereof here we omit, it sufficeth here briefly to have comprehended chirurgical administrations alone, other things are also needful oft-times, as blood-letting, purging, & other matters which should be sought for of the Pharmacenticke or curative part.   

The ninth Lecture Of wounds of the Intestines and belly.  Doctor. 
NOw of the Wounds of the Intestines and belly.  Chirurgeon. 
The cure of Wounds of the belly without hurt of the Intestines or guts is easy, for their way of curing is all one with the former.  Doctor. 
How do ye know the guts to be wounded?  Chirurgeon. 
For that the ordure doth often voided out, and the guts strent out with the call.  Doctor. 
The guts hurt, is there any hope of health?  Chirurgeon. 
If a small Gut be hurt, or if through the back part of the Gut cometh, where the store of sinews is, it is deadly: but if the great guts be wounded, because they consist of fleshy substance, a man must hope well of the wounded person.  Doctor. 
How do you know whether the small or great guts be hurt?  Chirurgeon. 
Of the place, for the small guts are set above the navel, and the greater guts beneath.  Doctor 
With what method then are the wounds of the guts to be cured?  Chirurgeon 
Let the guts first washed with wine of myrrh, be brought into their usual place, and being first stitched with a thread, that stitch that skinner's use, let the portion of the call fallen out, on what part of the belly it is, be made equal in a sound place: Let it be bound with some thread for that purpose, then let it be cut off half a finger's breadth from the knot, and being seared close with a hot glowing iron, and so set in again, part of the thread left out: then let the Mirach and Peritonium be also bound together.  Doctor. 
How aught that to be done?  Chirurgeon. 
In the first stitching let the Mirac with Peritonium be thrust through with the needle: on the other part the Mirac alone. In the third stitch let the Mirac also be stitched alone. In the fourth stitch the Mirac and Peritonium. In the sixth the Mirac alone, and that by interchangeable course aught to be done, sometimes by bath, and sometimes by the one.  Doctor. 
Is it so? what after that?  Chirurgeon 
The white of an egg, without putting in of any Tent, is to be applied, for the thread hanging out supplieth the turn thereof.  Doctor 
What must be done the day following?  Chirurgeon 
It is to be anointed with the Resin of fir, or Gum of Elenium, with the applying of unguentum Basilicon Magistrale, and sometimes a wound decoction is to be used.   

The tenth Lecture. Of Wound-Hearbes, and manner of extracting oils out of the same herbs.  Doctor. 
WHat are the herbs whereof Wound drinks are at this day compounded?  Chirurgeon. 


Pyrola sanicula.  
Phioglossum consolida.  
Mayor, media, &  
Minor Regalis.  
Saracenica, Limonium.  
Mumia, Spcrma ceti,  
Vinca, provinca Serpentina.  
Centaurea, Hypericon,  
Betonica, Aristolochia,  
Persicaria, Balsamina,  
Herba carpentaria.  
Flos S. Jacob, Millifolium.  
Perfoliata Prunella.  
Numularia saluia. Cum aliis.    Doctor. 
Give us some composition of these.  Chirurgeon. 


Recip. Pyrola. M. ij.  
Ciclaminis, an. M j  
Saniculae, an. M j  
Alchimilla. M. s    
Let them seethe in Rhennish Wine, according to Ante. And of the same (being strained) let the hurt person drink thereof morning and evening.  Doctor. 
While we use these decoctions must nothing be bound upon the Wound?  Chirurgeon. 
Yes marry: the herbs sodden are strained, and with a little salt are applied to the Wound.  Doctor. 
Are there other potions otherwise compounded?  Chirurgeon. 
There are many: for of these simples each man at his own discretion may devise himself decoctions, which he may use with great success.  Doctor. 
You express all things so briefly and plainly, that nothing can be more. But there are others which in steed of these decoctions, do exstract oils out of the said Simples. Tell I pray you how that may be done.  Chirurgeon. 
divers men work diversly: but I will briefly declare unto you, that which herein is easy to done. They that extract oils out of flowers, do first dry the Flowers in the wind, and after they are dried: In each pound of oil of olives they put v. handful of flowers therein mixed together in a stillitory well stopped for two natural days, are digested in Balneo Neptuni with a soft fire: namely, in the first degree. After these days they take it out of the vessel and strain it, and if it cannot quite be strained, they wring it out with a press, as we were wont to do while we press oil out of Almonds.  BALNEUM neptuni. Doctor. 
At this first steiping of the Flowers in the Balneum, will the oil be perfect, or must this steiping be renewed?  Chirurg. 
It must needs be renewed, but with other Flowers dried in the wind, for these must again be steiped in the oil, strained and pressed out, for two days space, and been put (as afore) in Balneum Neptuni, not above the first degree of heat, and then be priest out and strained.  Doctor 
Doth this second infusion of flowers suffice then?  Chirurgeon 
It sufficeth not: it must be repeated the lhird time in the same manner altogether as we have spoken of. But after the second day, the oil that is priest out must be set in a glass body well stopped, and in a Balneo Neptuni more hot, where it must remain so long till the dregss be separate from the oil, and the oil appear clear.  Doctor. 
So thy Neptune love me, thou utterest all those matters with an easy method, that if Peracelsus had performed the same, in good sooth there would be many, who leaving the gross bodies, would compose their medicinces of oils and Spirittes of the Bodies.  Chirurgeon. 
You say true: but the oil whereof we have remembered is not perfect yet, unless also another working be added  Doctor. 
Of what manner I pray you?  Chirurgeon. 
This oil purged from his dregs, the phlegm: that is, the watery moisture, which when it is severed, it aught to be reserved in a glass, and in a cold place, that also must be done with the help of Neptune.  Doctor. 
How say you? in a cold place: It should be placed in the sun rather, whose heat is said to be vital.  Chirurgeon. 
Away with that, that must be done in no wise, for so the oil should get a rank savour: contrariwise, if it be put in a cold place, it will be most fragrant, & will breathe forth the sent of the flowers steipt therein.  Doctor. 
Are oils then in like sort composed out of Herbs?  Chirurgeon. 
I indeed: but that they must first of all be bruised together, and be chopped very small, and therefore who so understandeth that hath gone before, shall easily extract oils out of herbs and roots.  Doctor. 
Very well: there resteth nothing but that chirurgeons so do make their oils that they help the wounded, for so shall they purchase themselves a name, and exercise this art with honour.   

The eleventh Lecture. Of the manner of compounding of the spirit of Turpentine.  Doctor. 
WHat think you of the spirit of Turpentine, is it not of greater power than the oils of the aforesaid herbs?  Chirurgeon 
Yes surely, it is of miraculous faculty. So that if any man had the true spirit, it were no hard matter for him to cure all sorts of wounds in very short time.  Doctor 
Think you then the true oil thereof is seldom found?  Chirurgeon. 
Very many boast that they have it, but hitherto I have found no man, whole oil was not corrupt of Vulcan or the fire.  Doctor 
But alchemists there are, that dream of nothing but oil.  Chirurgeon. 
I fear me, they lose their oil and their time and labour, for Vulcan useth their Furnace over hot, meet rather to mollify iron, then to these kind of natural works.  Doctor 
But tell me, I pray you, how you distill oil out of Turpentine, which is the most excellent medicine against wounds For I covet to hear, if you it remember those things you have learned.  Chirurgeon. 
I will verily show you, and that most gladly; They that distill oil out of Turpentine, do first mingle vi. l. of Turpentine with iij. cups of water in a brazen vessel, or a brazen Cucurbita with a crooked Limbeck. And before the Distillation they besmear the joints with Lutum sapientiae, to let expiration or breathing out: Which done, they distill with a slow or soft fire: and immediately the spirit with the water by drop-meale runneth out of the limbeck into the Vial set underneath, and after that they see nothing more distilled by the help of Vulcan, they open the Cucurbita, and do let the Turpentine cool.  Doctor 
What then afterward?  Chirurgeon 
After that the Turpentine is cooled, they take it out of the Cucurbita, and they repeat the same afresh with vi. l. of Turpentine, and iij. cups of water: And do distill it as afore, and that so often, until they have such store of Spirits as they wished.  Doctor. 
What availeth it, or what use have the Spirits mixed with the water?  Chirurgeon. 
None, and therefore they aught to be separate from the water, that any may know their natural force.  Doctor. 
How great store of Spirits do come forth in distillation of vj. l. of Tupentine and three cups of water.  Chirurgeon. 
A pound with one third part of a pound, more or less according as the Turpentine is pure or impure.  Doctor. 
You have all at your finger's ends, and nothing is hid from you: proceed we then to the composition of oil of Turpentine.   

The twelfth Lecture. Of the manner of distilling oil of Turpentine.  Doctor. 
GO to now, in what sort is oil of Turpentine made  Chirurgeon. 
We take viii. l. or ix. l. of this Turpentine from whence the Spirits are severed, and in the vessel spoken of even now, we continually stir it with a Splattor whiles it melteth through the heat of Vulcan, until all the water be vapoured out and doth no more ascend.  Doctor. 
Be there no signs whereby we know that the Turpentine hath boiled enough before distillation?  Chirurgeon. 
There are verily: while in boiling it is hard no more to knack, it is a most certain sign that all the water is consumed.  Doctor. 
What is to be done after that?  Chirurgeon. 
The Limbeck is to be set in by and by, and the joints well to be luted with Luto sapient.  Doctor 
Whereof is this Lutum sapient. composed?  Chirurgeon. 
There are sundry compositions for sundry operations, but here it sufficeth to take clay, with meal and whites of eggs.  Doctor. 
After that the joints are luted with Lutum sapient, as they term it, how must we proceed further?  Chirurgeon. 
First, I reduce Vulcan to the first degree of heat, for being more vehement, it hindereth our operations.  Doctor. 
When Vulcan is so fitted to your intention, do you go on to distill without delay?  Chirurg. 
Yes marry: and within an hour and a half the distillation will be finished. Howbeit, lest the time deceive you, sometime you must let it work so long, until that which distilleth shall appear green: for than is the sign of perfect operation. and that no more oil remains in the body of the Turpentine.  Doctor 
All well done: Our Vulcan grant that much profit to the commodity of the weal public you may procure yourself thereby, and that your Ople may be of so great efficacy in healing wounds, that with it alone you may cure all whatsoever.    

❧ The Practise of Cornelius Shilander touching ulcers. THE SECOND PART.  

The first Lecture Concerning Humours and Qualities whereof Ulcers have their original.  Doctor. 
Go to, tell what is an ulcer.  Chirurgeon. 
An ulcer is a solution of the contivitie, mattery and festering, but more properly in Latin containing Pus & sanies: For in an ulcer is a thin matter, termed Sanies, and a thick, which is called Sordis or Pus.  Doctor. 
And what is the beginning of this malady?  Chirurgeon. 
The mineral of impurities, which by their saltishness, sharpness, sweetness, sourness, doth corrode the skin, through which, as an emunctory or cleansing place it is expelled.  Doctor. 
Come they not then of blood, choler, melancholy, or phlegm.  Chirurgeon. 
Not so, for these parts of the body framed by Nature, that are authors of no evil, but only do covet what is good and perfect.  Doctor. 
You say well that they are parts: but the hot and cold qualities of these parts are the causes of ulcers. 
Note.   Doctor. 
Nay verily: these qualities are only the effects of impurities: for choler, doth not because it is hot, erode or fret the members, otherwise it should so do always, sith it is at no time not hot, but because the impurity of choler prevaileth in sharpness, which imprinteth in the members an heat unnatural.  Doctor 
What is it then that doth work?  Chirurgeon. 
Even that which is saltish, bitter, tart and sweet: these are such as have some force, as saith Hypocrates, which while they exceed in a man, they bring forth effects besides Nature, the hotnesses, coldnesses, drinesses, and moystnesses are of no efficacy.  Doctor. 
What here I hitherto, it hath been believed that ulcers proceeded from the distemper of humours or elements.  Chirurgeon. 
I confess indeed that it is commonly said, but this distemper hath wrought great mischief to philosophy, and bewitched the eyes of many, who supposing to have caught the kernel, got the rinds and shells.  Doctor. 
Are there not then four humours in man?  Chirurgeon. 
Yes in sooth, there are, yea, and many more.  Doctor. 
How many therefore?  Chirurgeon. 
So many as be sorts of colours: there is an humour white, done, yellow, black, red, green, blue, purple, etc.  Doctor. 
Than you seem to deride the fourfold differences of humours?  Chirurgeon. 
Why not deride it?  Doctor 
Why not deride it? Ti's a point of rashness to hold opinion one jot against the philosopher's decrees.  Chirurg. 
Not at all: Plato is my friend, so is Aristotle: but the truth is more my friend.  Doctor. 
Did the Philosophers err then in the quaternity of Elements, and their mixture?  Chirurgeon. 
I, indeed.  Doctor. 
How so?  Chirurgeon. 
It is repugnant to holy Scriptures, which is the true philosophy: God (saith Moses) shope man of the mould of the earth: that is, of water and earth mixed together.  Doctor. 
Doth that then come to pass without the admixtion of air and fire.  Chirurgeon. 
Who doubts it? Aristotle's air is found no where, and Fire is an accident, and not a substance.  Doctor. 
Tush man, what's that you say?  Chirurgeon. 
It's easy to be conceived, if one knoweth that a fire-cole which we call Fire, differeth from a dead coal, as they term it, not on fire only accidentally, like as iron glowing hot, from that which is cold and glows not. Bodies also are resolved into water and earth alone, For the vapour and exhallation ascend, and the gross earth, abides in the bottom of the Cucurbita.  Doctor. 
Truly spoken indeed: but it is the part of Philosophers to consider those things: For a chirurgeon it is enough to know choler, phlegm, blood, and melancholy, with their heating and cooling qualities,  Chirurgeon. 
It is not to the end a man may have the nature of an ulcer throughlie known, because a man is compounded only of water and earth, and with them alone is nourished, it is behoveful to know the differences of earths and waters, for according to the diversities of these, divers ulcers spring in man.  Doctor. 
Unfold to us the original beginnings of ulcers, for I understand not how that cometh.  Chirurgeon. 
We feed on bread, herbs and flesh, we drink water, Ale, or beer, and wine. It is certain that in these watery or earthy, impurities, lurk that which for their unlikeness of Nature cannot be altered into our bodies: Whiles therefore the pure cannot by the benefit of Nature be severed from the impure, 
Note.  there is made an interchangeable commixture of both. Mallows with Nettles, and arsenic with Violettes is mingled, which tempered of mutual mixture so long, do remit or slake their eagerness, till they shall be severed.  Doctor. 
What?  Chirurgeon 
This earthy or watery impurity, free from the mixture of purity is exalted by reason of its saltishnes, sharpness sweetness, or sourness corrodeth the flesh and skin, and breedeth calidities, humidities, and other accidents.  Doctor. 
Very well: but if ulcers be engendered of water and earth, how becomes their difference so manifold?  Chirurgeon. 
Because the difference of earths and water's is manifold: for the water and earth of the Nettle is one, of arsenic another, of Pepper another, and so of the rest: of which some are saltish corrosive, other some are sharp pricking. etc.  Doctor. 
Is water with earth than the Genus or general thing from which ulcers are derived, and in which they are contained?  Chirurgeon. 
Assuredly, and nothing more rrue, though it be against the common opinion of Philosophers.  Doctor 
You utter Paradoxes, written of none, so far as I know.  Chirurgeon. 
I acknowledge them to be Paradoxes, but such as aught of none not be allowed, even as Tartar lies in sweet wine in form resolved, which in process of time is congealed, or as it were, 
Note.  curdled, and cleaves to the vessels sides. So in man are found impurities, which in digested times being congealed or festered, do breed in the flesh ulcers agreeable to their Nature.  Doctor 
A fair simile.   

The second Lecture. Of the method to be kept in ulcers.  Doctor 
PRoceed we now to the method to be kept in ulcers?  Chirurgeon. 
Here like as in wounds we proceed with disgestives and mundificatives.  Doctor. 
What kind of method is this then?  Chirurgeon. 
The purging and due manner of diet being let pass, which must be sought of the curatine and dietarie part: First, we shall digest the matter, till Pus appears equally white: then we shall mundify the matter sufficiently concocted, exsiccatives that may dry up the humidity in the ulcer not neglected. These doings finished, Nature herself will procreate flesh, and bring ulcers to consolidation, so that by the chirurgeon she be rightly kept from the injury of the air: that is, be bound with Emplasters that may preserve her.  Doctor. 
You say well: for the chirurgeon is nature's Gardien or keeper, but when any ulcer is offered to cure, shall we forthwith digest the matter?  Chirurgeon. 
Yes: so it be simple: that is, so as no pain, or Flegmon, or Tumor, or Apostume, or callosity, or flux of blood or corruption of the bone be joined withal: otherwise while it is compounds, the said accidents are first away to be taken, then after, a man may proceed further by the method we have declared.  Doctor 
By what means may these be removed quite?  Chirurgeon 
Dolour or pain by medicines, Anodinae assuaging it, Flegmon by the unguent of Rosh, Callousnes and corruption of the bone by Cantiers, after Vigo: Flure of blood by Croco Martis, tumour, or swelling by unguentum Agrippinum, with oil of Tartor: of Apostume we shall speak hereafter.  Doctor. 
In how many differences are Vlces found?  Chirurgeon. 
In manifold: for so many ulcers there be, as be diversities of impurities: and impurities either have the action and property of arsenic, and become pestilent ulcers, with mighty inflammation, or have the property of Alom, and become corrosive, or have the Nettles property, and become sharp & biting: or have the property of Popie and Mandrag or of other vegetables and minerals, and become ulcers: which for the diversity of impurities, do allot to themselves divers names.  Doctor. 
Assuredly your speeches are far more probable than theirs that ascribe all these matters to choler, melancholy or phlegm, and that will raeher borrow these names from the utter tokens, that is, from the colours, then from the inward properties.   

The third Lecture. Of Remedies that are used in the curation of ulcers.  Doctor. 
HItherto you have spoken of the general method, now declare with what remedies ulcers are cured.  Chirurgeon. 
Commonly after digestiod we use unguentum Egyptiacum, which in every filthy, putrefied, virulent, 
A method for curing ulcers.  and hollow ulcers, by experience we have learned to be of very great force. rolling it on with Unguent. de Mynio, Basilicon, or de Lytargiro.  Doctor 
Were it not better to use Praecipitat. so much magnified of Vigo?  Chirurgeon. 
I must approve also the use of this powder well prepared: for it mundifieth ulceration without pains, it correcteth the malignity, it maketh the subtle matter gross, and bringeth it to good digestion.  Doctor. 
I pray you give us the description of unguentum Egiptiacum.  Chirurgeon. 


Recip. Aqua Plantag. Vini Granatorum.  
Mellis Licii. Ana. ℥ ij.  
Floris Acris, Aluis Rocsa, An. ʒ x.    
Let all boil to a consistence.  Doctor 
Let me hear how in ulcers these kind of powders or unguents do pierce to the inmost parts.  Chirurg. 
If mixed with Barbers Lie and Mel Rosarum, they be injected with a syringe, as Vigo teacheth.  Doctor 
And what must be done after mundification?  Chirurgeon. 
Than we take of 

Aquar. Hordei. l j  
Mel Rosarum, ℥ iij. Sarcolla, ʒ ij.  
Myrrha, Thuris, An. ʒ j  
Vini oh doris, ℥ vj.    
Let these be voyled to the consumption of the third part, it is good to comfort and incarnate the place.  Doctor 
What remedy is there for superfluous and proud flesh?  Chirurgeon 
The powder of burnt Allome, setting on Splegiants, whereon they put the Emplasters.  Doctor. 
Are all ulcers then cured with these remedies?  Chirurgeon. 
Not: there are certain inveterate ulcers that are named Chirons' or Telephis: ulcers there are also of harder consolidation, representing the nature of Mercury, which aught to be cured with other remedies.  Doctor 
With what remedies I pray you?  Chirugian 
With oil of Mercury, oil of antimony, or oil of Sulphur.  Doctor. 
Let us leave these remedies to Alchumists, and show us those that we may prepare without difficulty.  Chirurgeon. 
Most gladly: and if you be not content with one, I will give you more.  


Recipe Serpentaria utriusque. An. M. ij.  
Aristolocia acutae. an. l s.  
Consolida ponticae. an. l s.    
Contundantur, & cum Terebinth. l i & s. & Olei olivarum ℥ iiij. frat unguentum. With this unguent all affects of the skin, even Phagacdena itself is cured.  


Another.  
Recip. Succi Chelidoni, l j  
Alocs Epat. ℥ ij.  
Mumia, ℥ j  
Viridis Aeris. ℥ j  
Almis Vsti. ℥ ij.    
Terantur Subt. quae terenda sunt, & cum Succo digerantur in calore per dies octo. Post ulcera panis in co madefactis ligentur.  


Another.  
Recip. Argenti vivi, ℥ s.  
Mortif. ℥ s.  
Cerusa ℥ ij  
Euphorbie. ʒ ij.  
Saxiphragie, An. ʒ j  
Litargirii, An. ʒ j  
Sandalorum, An. ʒ j  
Anxungia por. q. s,   

Another.  
Recip. Virid. earis. ℥ s.  
Almis Vsti. ℥ ij  
Henrici rubei ut vocant. ʒ uj  
Terebinth. distill. l. j misce.   

Another.  
Recip. Salis Armoniaci, ℥ iij  
Salis communis. ℥ s.    
Buliant in aqua, post add gumi Attramentum ℥ iij. & liquescunt simul & indurietem excoquantur huius portiuncula in aqua dissoluatur qua Hulcus abluatur.  Doctor. 
Are these most excellent remedies?  Chirurgeon. 
They are, and yet there are more excellent in account, which are not rashly to be published to all, for all kind of ulcers may be cured with potions.  Doctor. 
You are a marvelous Artsman: you will not communicate your secrets to others, that you may be rich yourself I know.  Chirurgeon. 
Truly you have rightly aimed.  Doctor 
But I pray tell me what availeth in the procuring of a Cycatrise?  Chirurgeon. 

Ad cicat. Pruocat.  Let the place be first washed with the water of Plantin, Rosh, or Roch alum, with a little Mel Rosarum: Afterwards use of the medicine which is made ex Minii. ℥ j olei Rosarum & Mirthini, An, ℥ is. This is of Vigos' description.   

The fourth Lecture. Of the manner of curing fistulas.  Doctor. 
NOw it remaineth that we entreat of fistulas.  Chirurgeon. 
It is so: know therefore that the Fistula is a deep and hollow ulcer, indurated with a strict and narrow Orific, 
methods ad Fistulas curandas.  which requireth exercise or handy operation, and not the physicians help.  Doctor. 
Have you any experiments against the Fistula?  Chirurg. 
Truly I have, and that good store.  Doctor 
Than teach me with what remedies this evil is taken away?  Chirurgeon. 
I will show you what things are required of the chirurgeon, but know that such things as are delivered of Vigo, belong to physicians, and not so much to chirurgeons for, this business may be dispatched without incision.  Doctor 
Than what remedies must we use?  Chirurgeon. 
Decoctions and reasonable diet, which take away the cause, whereof fistulas do proceed, for I have seen many well cured by these means only.  Doctor. 
Ought there not any emplasters to be applied?  Chirurgeon. 
Yes: unguent de Tutia, drawn on Leather, or on linen cloth, which also must be often in the day wiped.  Doctor. 
What Decoction, and what Diet shall it be which the Patient is to use?  Chirurg. 
It is not here to be spoken of, for these and such like are to be sought for in the other part of medicine, namely to such as belong to physic and diet.  Doctor 
You still keep your old custom, you conceal that which are said to be ignorant to the Logicians: but tell me, may not the Fistula be cured by topical remedy.  Chirurgeon. 
It may, as some affirm, but I have no experience thereof.  Doctor. 
What is your experience?  Chirurgeon 


Recip. Olei Martis,  
Ol. Vitrioli. an. ʒ j  
Olei Mercurii, ℈ j s.    
Misce his Plinnaceoli infundantur, & post infusionem exsiccati, Fistula imponantur calositatem enim statim auferint.  Doctor 
I demand not these chemical things, which aren not to be gotten without great cost, tell me some other.  Chirurgeon 


Recip. Oleii Laterini, ℥ iij.  
Olei Terebinth. l. s.  
Olei Gariophilorum. ℥ j s.  
Thuris Masticis. an. ℥ s  
Myrrha, an. ℥ s  
Mumia. ℥ iij.    
Distillentur, & Oleum inde distillatum per siringam. quotidie bis iniiciatur, & cavicas vino vel aqua salis subinde eluatur.  Doctor 
Thy remedies are hard to be prepared.  Chirugian 
Therefore those remedies are best to be used, which in this evil are infallible.   

The fift Lecture. Of scabs.  Doctor 
NOw sir, let us to the scabs, what kind of remedies have you against the same?  Chirurgeon. 


Reci. Succi, Chelidonie, Fume terra  
Boraginis scabiosa,  
Lapacii acuta. an. ℥ iij    
Cum feari aceti & Anxungia vetteri misceantur, with the which the part infected is to be anointed.  Doctor. 
Be all kind of scabs to be cured by this kind of remedy?  Chirurgeon. 
Yes truly they are: unless they proceed of the French pox, for those scabs will not give place to so light medicines.  Doctor 
What think you of unguents against scabs, set down of Vigo in his Antidatorie?  Chirurgeon. 
For that they are compounded of quicksilver, they are not to be used, but rejected, for they are not applied without hurt to such bodies where they are used.  Doctor. 
Do you know any other unguent, which is not compounded of ioyces, which I may come by in the winter time  Chirurgeon. 
I do; 

Recip. Butyri recentis.  
Anxungia, ℥ s.  
Litargirii, an. ʒ j  
Cesusa, an. ʒ j  
Zinziberis, ʒ j  
Sulphuris. ʒ s.  
Helebori nigri,  
Puluersat. ʒ iij  
Aceti, ℥ j s.    
Misceantur & coquantur ad forinum Vngnent.   

The sixth Lecture. Of burning with Fire, oil, Butter, etc.  Doctor. 
HOw are those burnings cured, which cometh of fire, milk, oil, butter, and such like.  Chirurgeon. 
Butyri recentis, liquifacti calid. quantum sufficit, aqua infundatur & agitetur, donce nivis instar albescat & tandem aqua abiiciatur, & servetur ad usum in formam unguent. With this lineament thou shall often anoint the part infected, and always be careful to keep the place moist with Butter, neither shall ye suffer the part infected to dry, before the heat be extinguished.  Doctor. 
Have you any other like to this?  Chirurgeon. 
I have: Recip. Corticis Tiliae interiores in aqua fontana macerentur, & fiat unguentum. Let this be continually applied unto the burnt place: but if the place through burning be exulcerate, proceed according as we have spoken before of ulcers.  Doctor. 
Truly this method of yours is very easy,   

The seventh Lecture. Of the preparation of the oil of Guiacum that is, of the holy wood.  Doctor. 
LEt us come I pray you to the oil of holy wood, which as it is said, hath a marvelous faculty in ulcers.  Chirurgeon. 
I am content, for that cannot be omitted without great offence, which we know to do much good in a common weal.  Doctor. 
Do you suppose that this oil is the best Antidote to heal ulcers?  Chirurgeon, 
This aught not to be doubted of any man, and chief to those ulcers which have their original of the Spanish, or if you had rather, of the French pox.  Doctor. 
Hitherto I had thought that that disease could not be cured without quicksilver, which being by a certain property begotten to himself, all men say it is a remedy in such a sickness.  Chirurgeon. 
That is lest of all true: For the oil of holy wood is more effectuous, and he is helped more easily, so that it be well prepared of the chemists, and the natural colour not eqanged into a fiery, by reason of an immoderate heat.  Doctor. 
And are there certain degrees of fire to be kept in distillation because we must not run hither and thither.  Chirurgeon. 
There are truly: for otherwise his nature that is distilled should be corrupted: for as all things are not hot in the same degrees, but either dry, cold, or moist, so likewise divers degrees of fire are to be observed in distillations, for that both the nature of the herb, and the diversities of the operation requireth it.  Doctor. 
Truly I would hear of you the whole matter, for it seemeth to me that no man aught to be ignorant of the work  Chirugian 
You say true: but the handling hereof would require a great volume, if we should set it down according to the worthiness thereof: here it sufficeth us to show in what degree the fire aught to be kept, whiles we draw the oil out of the wood Guiacum, or holy wood.  Doctor 
Well said: For he which doth declare any thing particularly, it is more easily understood of the Reader, than he which doth it generally, especially in such variety of distillations, and degrees thereof: go to therefore, tell me how the oil of this wood is called holy, is it because of his efficacy.  Chirurgeon. 
Truly it is: But the better to get this oil it is needful to have a large great retort well luted with clay, called the Lute of wisdom, the Guiacum aught to be turned small, and in light pieces, and also a vessel of cold water must be provided, through which a brazen and hollow pipe must pass.  Doctor. 
These things are easy to be done, but how must the rest of the work be accomplished.  Chirurgeon. 
Than the retort must be filled with Guiacum, being small cut almost to the neck.  Doctor. 
And this is easy?  Chirurgeon. 
Being filled and luted (as we have said) we set it in the furnace following. So that the neck of the Retort be left out three handfuls empty, and so to be let into the pipe that passeth through the water.  Doctor. 
I would to God Paracelsus himself had declared his works with so easy a method: there would be found more Paracelsians then Galenists: but what followeth?  Chirurgeon. 
Both the Orifists and the neck of the retort with the pipe are to be luted with clay on both sides, the breadth of an inch, lest the spirits breath out whiles it is distilling: For the Spirits, because they are delivered from their bodies, do easily fly, therefore the vessels and all the chinks aught to be well fenced with the Lute of wisdom.  Doctor 
These things have no difficulty at all as I think.  Chirurg. 
Well said: it hath no difficulty, but the operation is somewhat hard, but if thou art desirous to practise, first make a furnace with a vessel full of cold water.  Doct 
Very well: but must it not have in the top of the Furnace the form of a Testicle?  Chirurg. 
It is true: therefore after all things be finished according to that order which we have spoken of principally, it is to be wrought with a gentle fire, lest that vessel having the form of a testicle break.  Do. 
Must we then dispatch the business with a gentle fire?  Chirurg. 
Not truly: but you must increase the fire with degrees, that is to say, by little and little, until ye see the oil and the water to distill into the receiver.  Doct 
How long shall the oil distill?  Chirurg. 
I know not that! but know this, when it can distill no more than leave off working, for it is a token of no more moisture and spirits in the body of the Guyacum.  Doct 
Is the oil of the Guyacum therefore distilled then?  Chirurg. 
It is truly: but yet doth it want other preparations.  Doctor. 
What are they, I pray you?  Chirurg. 
First of all, that which is found in the receiver, both water and oil, they must be afterwards separated  Doctor. 
How must they be separated?  Chirurg. 
Because the oil doth pierce to the bottom, and is black like Pitch, the water must be poured forth by little and little.  Doctor. 
Doth this water contain in it any faculty?  Chirurg. 
Yea truly: but we will omit it here, and we will have nothing but the oil itself.  Doctor. 
But tell me, what must we do with the oil separated from the water?  Chirurg. 
The oil is to be put into another Cucurbita and a little water is to be poured unto it:  Do. 
What kind of head or receiver must be put unto it? one with a snout or beak, as we have spoken of, or any other  Chirur. 
Every kind of limbeck is not convenient for this work, therefore that is the most aptest, that which is called a Vapour, because it containeth in his upper part cold water.  Doct 
Wherhfore is it so?  Chirurg. 
Because with the cooling of the head & snout, the oil is kept down, and so falleth into the bottom of the Cucurbita, from whence it ascendeth not:  Do. 
How long shall we distill?  Chirurg. 
So long as you see any thing distill into the receiver.  Do, 
What must we do afterwards?  Chirurg. 
That which is in the receiver you may reserve to yourself if you will, for the oil lieth in the bottom of the Cucurbita:  Do. 
How is the oil taken out of the Cucurbita?  Chirurg. 
After the vessel is cooled, it must be opened, and the water which you found in the vessel must be separated from the oil by a leisurely pouring out, lest any of the oil pass therewith:  Do. 
Is the oil then perfect, being separated from the water, doth it need no other preparation?  Chirur. 
As yet it hath not his perfection: moreover, we have need of another metamorphosis that we be not frustrate of hope:  Do. 
I pray you what metamorphosis is this?  Chir. 
This oil which is separated from the water, is to be put into a Cucurbita of glass.  Do. 
Must we then distill it a third time, I fear me lest the distillation so many times repeated, will mar the nature of the oil:  Chirurg, 
Why should it mar it: Nay rather, fear lest the doves fly out from their open nests.  Doctor. 
Must we then distill it in a brazen Instrument, on the which the vapour is overluted?  Chirurg. 
We must have another instrument, as I have said, for the oil must run into a glass Cucurbita, or rather a receiver.  Do. 
What afttrwards?  Chirurg, 
There must be also a glassen limbeck luted over.  Do. 
Well, one glass in another aptly agreeing.  Chirurg. 
And this Cucurbita must be set in a vessel of Sand, fit for the Lembick, in the first degree of heat.  Do. 
Will it then distill?  Chir. 
Do you ask whether it will distill: Yes truly, you shall see oil as read as blood in the receiver, which is of such faculty that nothing can go beyond it.  Doct 
How long must we distill?  Chir. 
So long until no more will come forth.  Doct 
Are the Fecis that are left in the bottom after distillation profitable?  Chiru. 
They are truly: but they require to be mingled, and before mingling to be rectified in Horse-dung: of which matter, seeing the operation is somewhat difficult, I purpose not here to speak of it, let our oil suffice you, whose faculty, how great it is, experience shall tell you, for good merchandise needeth no praise.   

The eighth Lecture. Of the manner to prepare wax before Distillation.  Doct 
WHat think you of the oil of wax, is there great difficulty in the preparing of it?  Chi. 
Do you not perceive such difficulty as some suppose?  Do. 
I pray you teach me how it is made of the chirurgeon.  Chirurg. 
Before all things the wax must be prepared, for this part being omitted as the chiefest, no oil is drawn from the wax.  Doctor. 
Therefore how must it be prepared?  Chirurg. 
Amongst all other preparations, this is one of the best: Four or five pounds of Virgin wax broken into six or seven pieces, must be put into the Cucurbita, to the which must be poured three pettes of Malmsey wine.  Doctor. 
What afterwards?  Chirurg. 
The vapour being overluted, and the fire so to be tempered lest the wax flow over, as it is a boiling.  Doctor. 
In what degree of heat must it be then.  Chirurg. 
In the second: nevertheless, if you see a little of the wax together with the wine in like manner to distill ever, you may not think therefore that you have erred, for this wax after the Cucurbita it luted, may be mingled again.  Doctor. 
The vessel being well fitted, how is the operation to be expected?  Chirurg. 
That must be done by the help of Vulcan, that the wax with the wine may boil in the Cucurbita.  Doctor. 
What doth this Ebrilution profit: or whereunto serveth it?  Chirurg. 
It serveth that in the boiling, the spirit of the Wine with the wax by little and little doth distill.  Doctor. 
Ought this distillation to be often repeated?  Chir. 
Yea, often therefore, that the wax may be well prepared, after that we have of this distilled wine one pint, than we pour it again upon the wax through a pipe from the one side: and lest any should evaporate, we stop it close.  Doctor. 
What if the wax stick unto th' pipe of the limbeck?  Chirur. 
It must be drawn forth by little and little otherwise the beak would be stopped up.  Doct 
What afterwards?  Chirurg. 
Secondarily, the distillation hereof aught to be renewed, and eye pint of the distilled wine (as before) must be poured in again through a wide pipe, and work it together twelve hours that there may be a certain reciprocal Distillation and pouring forth.  Doct 
And what must we do after twelve hours?  Chirur, 
The distillation being repeated, you shall gather the spirit of the wine and wax: this spirit you must reserve, for it must be mingled with the oil of wax, as afterward shall be taught.  Doc. 
Is the wax then sufficiently prepated with these absolute things?  Chirurg. 
Not so: but after many distillations, the Cucurbita is to be opened, and the wax must be sepeeated from the phlegm to which it is mingled.  Doct 
How must that be done I pray you?  Chirurg. 
Only pressing it down with your hands.  Doct 
You say well: for with pressing down the wax, the moisture is taken away.  Chirurg. 
Than this wax being separated from his phlegm, must be put into the Cucurbita, from whence it was taken, and afterwards is to be melted at a gentle fire, and wrought with a Spatula so long till it ascend no more, and that there come no smoke from it, or hath no more froth upon it.  Doct 
Are these sure tokens whereby we may know that the wax is sufficiently prepared.  Chirur. 
Yea doubtless, and all these things are well to be bept in memory, the distillations & pouring forth by course the pressing out of the Flegmes, the boiling and working of the wax, until we see these tokens now spoken of, but if all things be done as it aught to be, we shall easily draw out the oil of wax.   

The ninth Lecture. Of the manner of drawing oil out of Wax being prepared  Doctor. 
THe wax being sufficiently prepared, how afterwards shall we distill the oil?  Chirurgi. 
The Ware is to be made hot, and to be put into a large retort of glass well luted with that lute which is called Lutum Sapientiae, unto whose neck a pipe shall be aglutinated and so made to pass through a vessel of cold water.  Doct 
How is that Lute made?  Chirur. 
With clay, with fuller's hair, with whites of eggs and sand.  Doct 
After the Retort is luted, with his neck and pipe, what must we do?  Chir. 
It must be placed in the furnace, begin your work first with a gentle fire, by the space of one whole hour.  Doct 
And how must we proceed afterwards?  Chirur. 
The fire must be increased by degrees, until such time that all the substance be come forth into the receiver, which will be somewhat gross, but nevertheless of most excellent efficacy.  Doct 
Will not the oil then be clear after the order of Turpentine?  Chirur. 
Not, it will not: but it will be congealed: for to have it clear would require an often distillation, and 'cause the oil to be of a more hotter operation and sharper.  Doct 
Tell me the virtue of this oil, and how it aught to be applied?  Chiru. 
It is most excellent in all wounds & ulcers whatsoever, if it be rightly applied, besides it may be ministered inwardly for divers diseases, as occasion shall be offered.  Doct 
Have we now finished our discourse in every respect, as may be necessary for a chirurgeon.  Chirur. 
We have for this time, until it please God to 'cause us to meet again.  Doct 
I pray you then make a brief repetition of such conferences as hath passed between us since our first meeting.  Chi. 
Most willingly: for it shall be most necessary for the refreshing of both our memories.  Doct 
I thank you: I shall be a debtor unto you for your courtesy.  Chir. 
In our first conference I defined unto you what Chirurgery was, what was the operation of a chirurgeon: The 2. of the difference of wounds & their curing: Thirdly, of the stitching of wounds Fourthly, of contused wounds: Of deep wounds: Of wounds of the sinews: Of wounds of the head: Of wounds piercing the breast: Of wounds of the intestines and belly: Of the drawing oil out of herbs: Of compounding the spirit of Turpentine: Of drawing the oil out of Turpentine. Of ulcers, fistulas and Scabs: Of the drawing oil out of Lignum fanctum, and of wax: Of all which, I have briefly and simply discoursed of, according to that knowledge which God hath given me.  Doct 
You have satisfied me of all things that I can bethink me worthy the ask, only I am to request you to set me down some receipts, whereof you make good account, which may be as a supply for the brevity we have used in our conferences,  Chi. 
Indeed, in many places of our talk I omitted the rehearsal of divers medicines, which of purpose I did to bring them in together at the end: which shall serve as an Antydotarie for you to resort unto, when as occasion shall require.  
Ad ignem persicam, and the Canker.  
Rec. Vittiolei ℥ j Amborum Gumi minorum, an. ℥ ij. Ocrae ℥ s Vini & Aceti, an. l j cocta calidaque superligentur.  
For the Fistula.  
Recip. Aqua Galethini, ℥ iiij. Olei Vitellorum, Ouarum ℥ j Mumiae liquorum, ℥ vi. Fiat Oleum quo madidi panni superpoponantur.  
An emplaster for wounds.  
Recip. Cerae Terebinthinae, Visci preparati, ana l j Olei Lini, l iij. Litargiri preparati, Calaminaris prepar. ana l j coquantur in emplastrum.  
A powder for compound wounds.  
Recip. Croci Martis, Veneris, atque Saturnia, ana ℥ s. Mercurii dulcis, ʒ s. Ind fiat pulvis  
Emplastrum.  
Recip. Olei olivarum, l j Masticis, Thuris, myrrh, Oppoponaci, Serapina, Storacis, Bdellii, ana ℥ j Coquantur in formam: postmodum accipe Cerae l. j, Calami preparati, l s coquantur in Cerotum, pinch manib. extrahendo cum Camphora in Oleo Anetino vel ex Verbasco.  
Potio ad Fistulasj  
Recip. Aquae de cornib. Cerui l j Centaureae, Consolid. aurea, ana ℥ iij. Parthenionis, ℥ iiij s. His impone Reubarb, Mannae electae, Spermatis ceti, ana ℥ j huius optime commoti singulis vicibus mane vesperique bibatur Coclear vinum, etc.  
Emplastrum ad vulnera.  
Recip. Litargitii, Mimii ana l s. Olei olivarum, l j Cerae, l s Reduc in emplastrum, postmodum accipe puluer. Aranciarum, Chelidoniae, Aristolochi rot. ana ℥ iij. & formetur emplastrum.  
Balzamum.  
Recipe Terebinth. claris. l ij, Olei Omphacini, l s. Gumii Elenii ℥ uj Resinae Pimae. Colophony, ana ℥ iij, Mirrhae, aloes ep. Thuris, sarcocol. Mastic, Hannoniac. in vino dissoluto, ana ℥ j s. Garophilorum, Nucis muscat. Cucubarum. Cinamoni, anaʒ iij. Sem. Hipericonis, Rubic. Tinctorum, Grani puri, anaʒ x. Vernum Ter. lot. in vino ℥ viii. Vini Maluatici. l j s: Pul. puluersantur & impone Terebinth. Oleum & vinum cum alus in vitre a pro dies x. vel xii in Sole, & post distillentur in balneo.  
Gargarismus prosquinantie.  
Recipe Mellis rosacei ℥ iiij. Aristolochia rot. Pirolae, ana ℥ s. Aquarum de prinis, de prunella, ana ℥ seven. Fiat Gargarismus.  
Cataplasm. pro squinatia.  
Recip. Mucilaginis de Fenngreco, ℥ x, Cerusa, ℥ ij. Camphorae vitae, ℥ s misce & fiat Cataplasma.  
Balsamum.  
Recipe Mirrhae electae, Aloes hep. Spicenardi, Sanguis dtac. Thuris, Mumie, Oppoponacis, Bdellii, Carpobalsami, Sinamoni, sarcocol. Croci, Mastic, Gumi Arab. stiraces liq, sing ℥ ij: Ladani elect. Sive Castorii ℥ ij s. Moschi, ʒ s. miscetur Terebinth. Pondus omnium tritis a Lembico distillentur.   
FINIS