A DISCOURSE OF THE medicine called Mithridatium, declaring the first beginning, the temperament, the noble virtues, and the true use of the same: Compiled rather for those which are to use it, then for the learned.  
1585.   

¶ A BRIEF DISCOURSE OF THE MEDICINE called Mithridatium.  
We do read in the Roman histories, that Mithridates a Puisante king of Pontus & Bithynia, for causing all the Romans in Asia to be slain, and the Proconsul Opius to be cast in prison, was assaulted by Silla, discomfited by Lucullus, and lastly utterly vanquished by Pompey the great: and when this valiant king perceived himself to be overcome, and that he was to be taken of his enemies: first he destroyed his wife & daughters with poison, and then took the same poison, desiring rather so to die, then as a captive to fall into the hands of his enemies: But having drunken much of the poison, could not die therewith, and then caused his servant Bistocus a frenchman (as it is written) to kill him with a sword. Such was the magnanimity of this mighty king to escape the hands of the Romans, that he might not be carried to Rome, and in captive manner be showed in triumph. For this noble king was not only valiant in war, but also in physical matters very expert, had the knowledge of many herbs, and making trial of sundry simples that do resist poison in men condemned to die, as Galen writeth in his first book de Antidotis, and finding some to remedy the poison of Spiders, some of Scorpions, some to do good against the biting of Vipers, others of mad Dogs, many to remedy the poison of herbs, and so sundry others to help the venom of sundry poisons: he endeavoured to make a mixture of diverse simples, hoping thereby to have a ready remedy against all kinds of poison, & the same was termed after his name Mithridatium: wherein he was nothing deceived. For this noble king in his life time used much and often the medicine. And (as it is written) being subdued by the Romans, and making choice rather to die then to be led captive to Rome, attempting to kill himself with poison, and taking of it great quantity, took no harm thereof, for that his body (as the history saith) by use of the medicine altered, & resisted the action of the poison. Notwithstanding his wife and two daughters died before his face which the same poison. Since that time, the efficacy and strength of the medicine, hath in all ages (even unto these our days) been confirmed. For after that Pompey the great had conquered this valiant king, search made in his Closets, amongst sundry jewels, many secret medicines to expel diverse poisons, and to cure other internal diseases, were found: where also was the description of this medicine. And albeit Pompey, as a martial man, had greatest care of other matters, yet advertised what goodness might come by such secret medicines, commanded one Pompeius Lineus his libertine, well seen in sciences, to convert all those medicines written in the Pontic tongue, into latin. And it doth appear by the history, that many volumes of physical matters were there found, which perused and considered of by Asclepiades, in those days a famous physician in Rome, were by him commended, and at his petition translated into latin, whereof Pliny writeth in his 25. book. Of so many excellent medicines left by Mithridates, none was so highly esteemed, & so well accounted of in all respects, as that termed Mithridatium: whose excellent virtues against poison were first approved in Mithridates own body, and after confirmed by the Romans.  
In truth a man may justly blame the historiographers, which in describing the noble acts of Pompey the great, do so slenderly pass over this his fact, in translating of this medicine experienced of this noble king. For in my judgement things justly weighed, none of all pompey's valiant feats of arms, no not the royal triumph made at Rome to declare the victory in conquering king Mithridates, hath so largely advanced his name, as the making known to the world of this medicine. For the profit of that victory came only to Rome, and the triumph and praise for the same done at that time in Rome: But the profit of this medicine hath been by his means imparted to the whole world, & the commendation and praise for the same, is justly to be yielded from all the world in all ages and times: So that as all the world is greater than Rome, & all times more than one age, so doubtless more renown is due unto Pompey for divulging of this medicine, then by the conquering of this king, or by the triumph for the same. Although in the Emperor Nero his time, succeeded a learned physician called Andromachus, who to the imitation of this medicine compounded an other, adding to the description of Mithridatium the flesh of Vipers, and some other simples, which medicine he called Theriaca, of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which doth signify a wild and venomous beast, whereof the Viper is one. Yet this ought not to embase any praise due to Mithridates for compounding of Mithridatium. For all men do know that it is easier to add to a thing done, then to find out the same, and greatest praise is to be given to the first inventor. So that the dishonour that came to Mithridates by Pompey his victory was not so great, as the praise and commendation for the inventing and compounding of Mithridatium. And his calamity to be overthrown is greatly easied, his ignomy to be conquered after a sort advanced, that by the same this medicine was divulged, which happily would not have been performed, at the lest so generally, had he died otherways, and not been by Pompey overcomed. For had not Mithridates in him self approved the excellency of the medicine, purposing to have killed himself rather then to come into the hands of the Romans, surely the notable virtues of the medicine would not so well have been believed. And had not this king in that his miserable estate made trial in his own body, who would have believed that a man's body might by any means be brought so strongly to resist poison? Who but one in so desperate a case, would attempt to take strong poison upon the credit of any medicine? Great good therefore to the whole world this overthrow of Mithridates did breed: And great renown thereby came, not to the conqueror only, but to the conquered: to the one for inventing, to the other for divulging of so great a medicine, which for these two thousand years hath been of all men in all ages had in great estimation, not in Pontus only & Bithynia, & Greece adjoining to the same, but in all other nations and countries where any learning is, commended by all writers, Grecians, Arabians, and Latinists. And what greater assurance can there be of the notable virtues of this medicine, than the confirmation of the same from Mithridates to this our time, then that all physicians of the world in all ages, times, and places, in Greece, in Arabia, in Italia, in all parts of Germany, in France, in spain, in Portugal, in Hungaria, in England, in Scotland, Moscovia, Tartary, Suevia, ye in all parts of Asia, Aphrica, and Europa, even amongst the salvage and barbarous nations, hath and doth greatly esteem of Mithridatium, and so of Theriacle, and seek and provide for them to serve their countries in cases of need. How carefully all princes & rulers, hath & doth take order for the well compounding of these medicines. Doubtless had not experience confirmed their excellent qualities, the estimation would not have so many years continued: but long before this our age, would have been diminished, and by this time come to nothing. Great therefore are these medicines, and in a heigh degree to be esteemed. And albeit great praise and commendation is due to both medicines (I mean Mithridatium and Theriacle) yet greatest praise is to be given to Mithridatium. First because of his antiquity, which was of Mithridates invented, & approved many years before Theriacle was compounded. For long after Mithridates was overthrown▪ Andromachus physician to Nero the Emperor, & very expert in confecting of medicines) as Galen writeth in his first book de Antid.) with diligence considering the composition of Mithridatium, changed some of the simples, took out some, and added others, supposing by that alteration to make the medicine more perfit, & of mightier force against poison. In which consideration he added the flesh of vipers to the composition of Mithridatium, and leaving out some simples used of Mithridates, added others, in number more, and (as he thought) of greater power against poison. Whereby it may reasonably be gathered, that Andromachus not fully satisfied with the composition set down by Mithridates, supposing some defect in it, by that his alteration, endeavoured to make an other medicine in all degrees more perfit, in which no want might be found, and so he addressed the same, and called it Theriaca. Whereby no doubt some good time after, Mithridatium was less esteemed, and the credit thereof much embased, until time by long experience had sufficiently declared, wherein Theriacle doth excel Mithridatium, and in what points Mithridatium is not only not inferior to Theriacle, but of more efficacy than it.  
So Galen in his first book de Antidote. writeth. Because of the flesh of Vipers in Theriacle, it is much better in the biting of the Viper than Mithridatium. But in all other effects, Theriacle can not only not do more than Mithridatium, but is inferior. The same Galen in 2. de Antidote. writeth in like sort. We will begin (saith he) with the description of Mithridatium, for it is stronger against many poisons than Theriacle, though this be better against the biting of the Viper. Whereby we may gather that where Andromachus endeavouring to make a more perfect medicine, then that left of Mithridates, did in some part accomplish his purpose, leaving a medicine excelling the other in one particular thing, but not of like efficacy generally. It happened therefore in this case (if a man may compare nature's actions to art) as in the framing of man, who doth in all actions exceed all creatures, yet not so generally, but that in some one action some one beast doth excel man, as we read that the Eagle hath perfecter sight than man, the Dog doth pass man in smelling, the Ape in agility, the Tiger in swiftness. But whosoever will with reason confer all actions, he shall find in all together, that man passeth all creatures, for such is his constitution and temperature, that more and perfecter actions do proceed from man them any one creature. So it came to pass, that Andromachus endeavouring to make a medicine of greater perfection than Mithridatium, obtained that in one thing his medicine excelled, but in many other was inferior to Mithridatium. For a man may gather the virtues of these two medicines, at large displayed in Galens works, into three orders. First that they are good against the biting and stinging of venomous beasts, be they Serpents, Scorpions, mad Dogs, or others. Secondly they serve to cure all kind of poisons taken into the body. Thirdly to remedy other inward diseases. Now it is certain, and long experience hath confirmed, that both these medicines have strong and mighty virtues to remedy all three kinds of effects: yet no doubt one of them is in some effects of more power than the other. As Galen writeth that Theriacle for the biting of Vipers, is stronger than Mithridatium: In other it doth exceed Theriacle. So we may justly conclude with Galen, that against the biting & stinging of beasts, Theriacle hath more force: But for inward poisons & inward diseases, truly Mithridatium is of more might. Wherefore albeit both medicines are noble, & greatly to be desired, yet Mithridatium is to be accounted of greater price, as having more generally stronger virtues, and serving to more purposes.  
And it may be objected, that in Theriacle compiled by Andromachus are many simples added, which have great virtue against diverse kinds of poisons, and happily are therein of more efficacy, than those in Mithridatium, left out by Andromachus in his Theriacle. Whereby it may be conjectured, that Andromachus making choice of the simples, selected such as were of greatest force to remedy poisons, & omitted the weaker, adding in their place, some other of more strength: so it is probable, that Theriacle so compiled, is of greater might in all kind of poisons. But Galen in his works declareth, that experience in his time did show the contrary, and reason confirmeth the same. For let the simples in Theriacle be in number more, and in quality of greater efficacy, yet it must be remembered, that it is certain, that when in compositions some one simple is set as the base and ground of that medicine, that that simple doth draw the force and strength of all the rest to his property and action, and so every such compound is specially good in that one thing for which it was devised. Now when Andromachus did make the flesh of vipers as the base and ground of his Theriacle, it followeth that the same doth draw to it the qualities and virtues of all the simples in Theriacle: so it doth come to pass, that Theriacle is far better than Mithridatium, against the biting of vipers and such venomous beasts. And for that all other simples in it, are carried by the flesh of the vipers, to exercise their force strongly therein, they have the less power to remedy other poisons. When no such thing was intended in the composition of Mithridatium, it is agreeable to reason that the simples in it every one retaineth his own power and property, and so one such quality or form doth result by the mixture, of great strength against all poisons. Moreover it is certain that in the composition of Mithridatium, are fewer simples in number then are in the confection of Theriacle, than it followeth that when like quantity of both is taken, as for example, ʒ j, surely a greater portion of every one simple is taken in Mithridatium, and lesser in Theriacle, the lesser quantity must needs have lesser strength in remedying other poisons, save that, to the which the base or ground doth call them. So it remaineth firm that Galen writeth, as observed in his time, that Theriacle is in deed better than Mithridatium in biting of vipers and like beasts, and that Mithridatium exceedeth th'other in remedying all other poisons taken into the body and inward diseases. Wherefore in this our country where no such peril and danger is of vipers, Mithridatium by good reason ought to be reputed of greater estimation than Theriacle.  

Of the composition of Mithridatium.  
IT shall not be amiss in this place, to declare the composition of this medicine. And it is to be noted, that where all writers do greatly commend it, yet certain it is, that they do not in one sort describe the making of the same. But almost every authore hath a several description, differing in the number of the simples, and also in the proportions and quantities. In time past the Apothecaries in making of Mithridatium, followed most the description of Nicolaus Praepositus, of Auicenna, and of Nicolaus Mirepsicus, some of Aetius, some of Paulus. The former descriptions containing above one hundred simples, were long and laborious, and required many supplies, for simples unknown. Wherefore in these our later days, in which learned men have examined every thing perfectly, the most part have commended one of the three compositions expressed by Galen in 2. de Antid. of the which, two were taken (as Galen writeth) out of the books of Andromachus. The first found without name is attributed to Andromachus, as compounded by him, of others supposed the very same, which was found in the closerts of king Mithridates, & after transcribed in the works of Andromachus. The second description is also recited out of Andromachus books, under the names of Antipater and Cleophantes. The third is referred to Damocrates: It doth not appear by any thing written by Galen, which of these three compositions is best to be followed. And so of the learned men of our time, some hath used the one, and some the other. Many do best like of the first description attributed to Andromachus, both for that Andromachus by the opinion of Galen and of all other ancient writers, was adjudged very skilful in compounding of medicines, & therein did far excel all physicians of his time, and also because it may be justly gathered, that that description is the very same, which Mithridates used. For in the Andromachus was physician to Nero the Emperor of Rome, it appeareth that he obtained to see and to consider, of all the books which found in Mithridates' closet, were translated into latin by Lineus the grammarian, and brought to Rome. And it is not agreeable to reason, that Andromachus studying to make a more perfect medicine then that which came under the name of Mithridatium, would also invent an other under the same name. But it is very probable that Andromachus with diligence perusing the receipt of Mithridatium, used of Mithridates, would leave it in such form as Mithridates compounded it, and devise an other by the same, which he meant to make more perfit. Andromachus therefore not altering the description of Mithridatium, but leaving it in the same form as it was found, confected an other, which he called Theriaca. And where we do read in the 2. de Antid. of Galen, an other receipt set down under the name of Theriaca Mithridatis, with assertion that the king used the same: yet it seemeth not to be that Mithridatium which was found in the closet of that king. For all writers do confess, that Andromachus long after added to that receipt of Mithridates, the flesh of vipers: so that Mithridatium compounded by Mithridates had not in it the flesh of vipers, and that Theriacle which Galen in that place calleth Theriaca Mithridatis, doth receive the flesh of vipers, so it followeth that it is not the Mithridatium used of Mithridates. And he that will with diligence peruse that receipt mentioned of Galen, by the name of Theriaca Mithridatis, shal● find it in the simples not much differing from Theriaca Andromachi, and many things repeated twice in divers clauses doth argue an imperfection: that Galen may be thought in that place to speak after the common opinion, when he affirmeth it to be the same which Mithridates used, being in deed far different from that medicine. Wherefore we may reasonably conclude, that the first receipt transcribed by Galen in 2. de Antid. out of Andromachus works, is in truth the self same that Mithridates used, and in mine opinion, in that respect the better to be liked, and the rather to be followed. For what better assurance can we have of the true and perfect confection of this medicine, then that which was delivered by Mithridates? and what description can more assure us of the effects of this medicine, then that composition which Mithridates followed, who first gave so notable proof of the medicine, and thereby the first credit to the same? So that if by discourse of reason it may be proved, that an other description is more artificial and more agreeable to the rules of confection of medicines: yet in mine opinion this description, being the same that Mithridates used, set down happily by the king, more according to experience then art, is rather to be followed then any other, thought more cunningly addressed. Nevertheless it is not to be deemed that king Mithridates was altogether unskilful, when many volumes concerning physic were found in his closet, & translated into latin, brought to Rome. And it appeareth that he taking delight in medicinal matters, had about him diverse physicians, who might artificially dispense the simples in Mithridatium. And Galen in the said book de Antid. commendeth the description of Mithridatium attributed to Andromachus: whereby it appeareth, that this description of Mithridatium is not addressed altogether without art. For which cause, the learned of our time, have great reason to prefer that description of Mithridatium before others. Albeit some do more esteem the composition of Damocrates, as with more art and more cunning dispensed. Notwithstanding because it is very likely that the precept attributed to Andromachus, as found in his books, is the self same that Mithridates used, and hath of many, in this our country, of late years been followed: I thought best in this place to express the same, as I do find it in Galen, in 2. de Antid. and is in many antidotary books allowed, which is as followeth.  
Rec. glicirrizae ʒ seven. ob. iiij. Spicae nardi ʒ seven. ob. iij. Croci, cinnamomi, Zinziberis. ana. ʒ seven. ob. ij. Galbani. ʒ seven. Castorei, costi, ana. ʒ vj. ob. ij. Scordij, iunci odorati, Opoponacis, Terebinthinae. Seminis dauci. ʒ vj. ob. iij. Opobalsami, ana. ʒ vj. ob. iiij. Thlaspios. Thuris, myrrhae, ana. ʒ vj. Succi hyppocistidis. Polij, Se●elios, ana. ʒ v. ob. ij. Cypheos', Casiae. Stiracis ʒ v ob. iiij. Petroselini ʒ iiij. ob. iij. Opij. ʒ iiij. ob. ij. Nardi gallicae, anae ʒ. i●●. Seminis feniculi, Nardi indicae, Gentianae, Mei athamantici, Rosarum siccarum, Cardamomi, Folij. Anisi, ʒ. iij Acori, Hiperici, ana ʒ ij Gummi Acaciae, Phu pontici. Scinci, ʒ ij. ob. ij Vini choi, & mellis Attici desoumati, ana q. s.  
BEcause many learned men of this age do best allow the description of Mithridatium, delivered by Damocrates, as more artificially done, in which the rules of compounding of medicines are more exactly followed, and is in truth easier to be made of the Apothecaries, better digested in orders, not having so small divisions in the proportions, as this attributed to Andromachus, and so may better be made of the Apothecary in what quantity shall seem good to him: therefore I do think it not amiss in this place to recite that description also of Mithridatium of Damocrates, as the same is expressed in the second book of Galen de Antidote. that such as shall think better to follow the same, may by this pamphlet know the ingredience, which is this.  
Rec. Mirrhae, croci, ana. ʒ. x Agarici, Zinziberis, Cinnamomi, thuris, Spicae, Nardi, Thlaspios, Seselis, stechados, ana. ʒ. viii Opobalsami, costi, junci odorati, styracis, Galbani, terebinthinae, Piperis longi, castorei, Sucoi hypocistidis, Opoponacis, Folij malabathri recentis, Cassiae ligneae, ana. ʒ. seven Polij, scordij, Seminis dauci, bdellij, Piperis albi, cypheos, Carpobalsami, Nardi celticae, Gummi, ana. ʒ. i● boni ponderis. Petroselini, Opij, Cardamomi, gentianae, Seminis feniculi, dictamni, Foliorum rosarum, Anisi, asari, acori, ana. ʒ. iij Phu, sagapeni, Succi glicirrizae, Mei Athamantici, ana. ʒ. ij ● Acaciae, Ventris scinci, Sem. hiperici, Vini & mellis q. s.  
PLiny in his 22. maketh mention of a kind of Mithridatium made of two dry Walnuts, two Figs, xx. leaves of Rhue, one grain of salt: Aetius and other writers die recite the same. And they greatly commend it against poison, & other pestilential diseases.   

Of the quality and temperament of Mithridatium.  
IT is of all men of our age confessed, and taken for a truth, that medicines compounded have their virtues, and do their effects according to the nature of the simples whereof they are compounded. So it must needs follow, that Mithridatium compounded of many simples, hath divers & sundry properties, & those agreeable to the ingredience. And whereas in Mithridatium are simples differing in quality, some having power to heat, some other to cool, yet the greatest number are in quality hot and dry. And albeit these being contrary, and repugnant, do make alteration the one with the other: notwithstanding it must needs follow, that those reactions not being infinite, at the last one form and quality must result in the compound, agreeable to the natures of those simples, which do bear and carry dominion. Now whereas in Mithri●atium the most simples have quality to heat and dry: it followeth that Mithridatium hath a hot and drying power. And as compounds must have a time of fermentation, and ripening (for the reactions of the simples are not perfected in a moment) So the quality or form which doth arise by the working of one simple with an other, hath not his perfection presently after the mixture, but a certain space of time must be given before we can justly expect the true action of the medicine compounded, as proceeding from the form of the medicine, which doth result by fermentation of the working of the simples in the compound. So that before the due time, we may not look for the virtues answerable to the composition, but that some one simple above the rest may show his quality, that the compound medicine may do an effect answerable to that simple, and not as proceeding from the whole composition. In which respect, Galen writeth that Theriacle newly made, doth greatly provoke sleep, by reason that Opium (that is the juice of Poppy prepared) mingled in it, being of greater force than other simples, before fermentation doth exercise his quality more than the rest: and after that his quality is by fermentation with other simples broken, he can not so strongly do his operation. So Theriacle after the just time of fermentation doth not so mightily provoke sleep, as new Theriacle doth. The same is observed in Mithridatium, and all other compounds, that immediately after mixture, the qualities of the simples are strongest, and show their powers best. But certain it is, that after due time of working, when the compound is fully ripe, no one simple doth work in it according to his own nature, but by the reactions one common nature doth result, which cannot be attributed to any one or more simples, but may be truly said a common nature arising out of all the ingredience, and from that form the actions of the compound do proceed. Which form is to us not certainly known, the effects are best learned by experience. Wherefore it is very wisely written of joannes de sancto Amando in his exposition upon the antitodary of Nicolaus, that it is better alway to use a medicine compound exercised, than one lately invented whereof we have no experience. For although we may by discourse of reason gather that the compound, as Mithridatium, is hot, and dry, because the simples whereof it is made, are the most part hot and dry, and then experience doth confirm this conjecture: yet other qualities of Mithridatium and of other compounds are not so easily known by any discourse or method, but chief learned by experience. For the common form from whence many secret virtues do proceed, is not known by any learning or method. So it must needs follow, that the actions of the same form are not learned by method or doctrine, but chief by experience. In which respect also, we have reason to retain the description delivered by Mithridates, before any other, for that that noble king gave better proof in himself of the virtues of the medicine, than any other hath of it by any other composition.   

That Mithridatium is not so hot as Theriacle, compounded after Andromachus description, which is in these days most followed: and that it may more safely be used.  
Some learned men of our time, by reason go about to discourse, and prove, that Theriacle is not in quantity so hot as Mithridatium, & in that respect do infer, that it may more safely be used. Which they do gather, for that in Theriacle a greater quantity of Opium (that is the juice of Poppy prepared) is, then in Mithridatium, whose cooling power doth much abate the heating qualities of other medicines. This argument in these two medicines newly made, before fermentation is perfit, may take place. For then in deed every simple retaining his own virtue, Opium may remit the hot qualities of the rest: at what time neither of these medicines is generally to be used, but for some special point, as Galen to provoke sleep, doth counsel new Theriacle. But after fermentation is perfected, all the simples one altering the other, every one hath qualities so broken, that not one retaineth his own nature: then surely the common form resulting, doth follow the simples which do bear dominion, and they in both these medicines are hot and dry, and the hot and dry simples in Theriacle are more in number, and of greater force, then in Mithridalium: as may appear to him that will compare both confections. Whereby it followeth that the common quality arising in Theriacle, doth heat more than that in Mithridatium. Neither the increase of Opium doth in proportion answer the strength of heating in it: neither hath it any such force so greatly to contemper the simples, as these men do imagine. For although Opium hath special property above other medicines to induce sleep, yet his cooling quality (of many writers) is not accounted so great, for it hath so strong bitterness: that many do suppose that it hath a mixed nature, consisting of many hot parts: if it be true that Galen writeth in his 5. book of simples, that all bitter things are hot, and being certain that Opium doth stupefy, & strongly cause sleep, it is of some inferred that that power doth rather proceed of a property of substance, than altogether depend of his cooling quality. Wherefore it is not without reason affirmed by learned men writing hereof, that Mithridatium doth not so strongly heat as Theriacle: and experience doth also confirm the same. For who so useth these medicines, doubtless he shall find that Theriacle rightly compounded after Andromachus description (which is in all this treatise to be understood, and is in these days of the Apothecaries most commonly made, and so of the wiser sort in most vulgar use) doth heat more than Mithridatium, which is confessed of the writers, commenting upon the antidotary of Nicolaus, and in this our age of many learned men affirmed. For which cause, many in these days without danger do use Mithridatium when need requireth. In summer time, & hot seasons, very few and seldom Theriacle. And Galen doth expressly forbid to give Theriacle to children. More safe therefore is the use of Mithridatium then of Theriacle, not only in respect of the heating quality, which seemeth less, & more gentle in Mithridatium: but also in respect that a greater quantity of Opium is in Theriacle. For admit that Opium by fermentation sustaineth great alteration, notwithstanding the common form of Theriacle taketh some infection of Opium, that some effect declining to his nature, doth also proceed, and the more, if that stupefying and dormitory power in Opium, doth depend rather of property of substance, than of manifest cooling quality, as some do argue. For the properties of substance in medicines, have not like alteration by fermentation, as the manifest qualities have by reaction: we may therefore fear the common and often use of Theriacle for the quantity of Opium in it. For like reason, often use of Theriacle may be suspected, because of the flesh of vipers added to it, as the base & ground of the medicine. For notwithstanding the great care of the place, of the time, of the kind observed in taking and choosing of the viper, the diligence in preparing, the care of mixture with other things, for the better correction of the malignity of the beast, which haply might remain in the flesh: yet a man may doubt of some error committed▪ in so dangerous a case. And though all things therein be rightly done, yet some little quality of the nature of the beast will remain, that a man may suspect often to use the medicine. And where king Mithridates was expert in physical matters, it is not to be adjudged but that he did aswell know the nature of the flesh of vipers, as he knew the venom of the beast: so it is very likely that he purposing to compound a medicine to be often taken for his safety against poison, did of purpose make it without the flesh of vipers, knowing that if he should have added that, he might not with like safety have daily used the same. And what learned men do so often in these days counsel Theriacle, as do Mithridatium? and we do in this our time with less danger and more security, for the measles, the small pocks, the worms, and for internal diseases in children, give Mithridatium▪ then Theriacle. We may therefore in mine opinion justly conclude, that Mithridatium is a medicine more generally to be used, & may oftener and with more safety be given then Theriacle.   

Of the age and keeping of Mithridatium.  
Where we have sufficiently declared that compound medicines must have a time of fermentation before they be brought to use: this place requireth that we do declare the time, when Mithridatium is sufficiently fermented and come to his perfection. Galen in his books de Theriaca doth write exactly of the time of fermentation of Theriacle, affirming that it is thoroughly concocted in xii years, not denying but that it hath concoction in shorter time, as in 5. and in 7. years, so that we are to judge that Theriacle is not sufficiently ripe to be used before five years, and in 7 years is better digested, & in xii years hath his full fermentation, and perfect concoction. Yet Aetius and Paulus Aegineta do measure the concoction of Theriacle in shorter time. For Aetius saith that Theriacle is fermented in xii months, and that it may be used after one month in some cases, and so affirmeth that it endureth to thirty years. Where Paulus appointeth the age of Theriacle to be twenty years, therein he doth not greatly differ from Aetius: for he making the term of Theriacle to be 30 years, doth also say that then it is good in light diseases. So that by Aetius, Theriacle may be used after xii months, and continueth in good perfection to 20. years, and after declineth, that at 30. years it is aged, yet may it be used in diseases which are not very great. Our later writers do generally better allow of Aetius & Paulus opinion for the age of Theriacle, then of Galens: and some suppose an error or fault in that place in Galen: and so they do affirm that Theriacle is fully concocted in the space of xii months, and then may be sold of the Apothecary: and that the same being well kept, will continue in good strength 20. years, and after doth decline and wax weaker, and yet may be used when it is 30. years old, but it is then as an old man decayed, and weak of strength.  
Of Mithridatium the former writers have set down no time of concoction, leaving to a wise man to determine of that, which is written accordingly of Theriacle. For because these two medicines are confected of many simples, not greatly differing, they have many things common: so as that which is of the one affirmed, may be applied to the other. Notwithstanding as in the number & nature of the simples, they do not in all points agree: so no doubt in the age of these medicines some difference is to be allotted: yet such, as a man exercised in these matters, may easily supply. For in that Theriacle hath in it the flesh of vipers, and a greater portion of Opium, then is in Mithridatium, it is certain that Theriacle requireth a longer time to his concoction: for the flesh of vipers must have perfect fermentation with the simples for his correction. In like sort Opium doth ask a long time of fermentation, & for that cause Galen. 12. de Method. Medend. saith, that Philonium is not to be used in a year after it is compounded, and that the use of it after ij. iij. or iiij. years, is more without danger. Whereby he giveth us to understand, that medicines which do receive Opium, require long time of fermentation: so that Theriacle receiving a greater portion of Opium than Mithridatium, aught to have a larger space to be concocted, than it. Now if Theriacle hath his perfection in one year, surely Mithridatium is thoroughly fermented in six months, and may be kept in good strength, not only as some have written to three, or fours years, but to x or xii years: and except we shall to such time prorogue his old age, there will be no proportion in the times. For if Theriacle being cocted in one year, doth last to 20. years before it doth wax old, surely by the like proportion, Mithridatium not well fermented under six months, may justly be said to continued in good efficacy to 10. or 12. years. And as Theriacle after 20. years waxeth old & feeble: so Mithridatium after 10. or 12. years doth decline, that being 20. years old, is then decayed and of little force. As we may probably determine these times, so there can be no certainty set to lead us to the time. For if the simples be not in good perfection, or the same orderly and well according to art compounded, or otherways the medicine not well kept: than it will sooner wax old, & lose his strength. But as Galen writeth, to these great medicines, great care must be had of the choice of the simples, that they may be had in the readiest perfection. And like diligence must be given, that the confectioner may in all points do his duty, not in making only, but also in keeping the medicine. And therefore princes are greatly to be commended, which do by their authority provide, that these medicines might be well ordered. And for that many do in these days procure Mithridatium, to have it in their houses ready to use, it is good to know that it is best kept in vessels of glass, of silver, and of gold, and that it is not so good to keep the same in Tin vessels, for that they are often corrupted with led, and gather a ceruse matter, as Galen writeth in his first book de Antid. I wish therefore that the merchants may hereof be admonished, which do commonly bring Theriacle from Venice, in vessels of led, whereby no small danger may grow in so noble a medicine, & so greatly esteemed. So we must not fill the vessel to the top, as we say brim full, but leave some reasonable space, for the medicine to work, to exhale, & breath: and for that cause, Galen counseleth to open the vessel sometimes.   

How to know good Mithridatium.  
We do read in the book of Galen de Theriaca ad Pisonem, & in his books de Antidote. how diligently he laboured to give certain notes and rules, how a man might know the goodness of Theriacle, and when the same was perfect: and so did in those his works set down both rules and proofs thereof. So careful in old time writers were, that we might be assured of the goodness of these noble medicines, serving in so great affects, and in such common use. But such is the malice of many which seek gain, that of the greater price a thing is, the more sophistication they use in it: that if means were not declared, to discern the good from the bad, the sophisticated from the true: no man might assure himself of the certainty of any thing in estimation. It is therefore very necessary, to show how men may know when Mithridatium is good and perfit, and when the same is nought & corrupted. And for that Galen in his foresaid books, hath laboured to declare this in Theriacle, we will apply the same to the examination of Mithridatium. For in that these medicines have a great affinity, they do in most things so concur, that the same which is said of the one, may be applied to the other. First therefore in consistence of substance, if Mithridatium be well and artificially compounded, it ought to have an equality of substance, not dry nor over liquid, and moist, not to arise in clots and lumps, but it must be in substance coherent, equal, and smooth. In smell it must resemble the simples whereof it is made, and yet not to offer to the nose, the smell of any one simple above the rest, but to yield a common odour arising by fermentation of all the simples, not peculiar to any one, nor ungrateful, but answerable to the ingredience, resembling no rottenness, nor mustiness.  
In like sort, the taste must not express any one simple, but be as a common sapore, resulting of all the simples: so that if in tasting of Mithridatium you may manifestly discern or descry any one simple in it, surely that Mithridatium is not well confected. Therefore it may not have in it any excess of ungrateful bitterness, which doth sometimes happen, when the confectioner doth either take honey overold, or boil the same overmuch. So it may not show to the taste any sourness, which happeneth if the wine used be not well chosen, or not well handled in the compounding.  
It seemeth that Andromachus in his Theriacle had a great care of the colour of it, and for that cause only (as some do write) did add vitriol prepared, to yield to it an exact blackness. But Mithridates attending rather the goodness, then by colour to please the eye, had no such care of the colour, and so is thought to put nothing into Mithridatium to give it any fresher colour than the simples would yield. Notwithstanding Mithridatium truly made, hath his colour convenient arising of the simples, which ought to be a little redness declining to yellowness, which colour, after due fermentation, doth appear with some freshness, & by time in keeping, the same doth decline to an obscure darkness. Although at the first it may be thought hard to judge of Mithridatium by these signs, yet after a man is exercised in often viewing, tasting, and smelling of Mithridatium, his savour, colour, & taste will be so familiar, that a man shall quickly discern the true from the mingled, the sophisticated from the right compounded. A man therefore that will judge herein, must often see, taste, and smell to Mithridatium, until his senses be thoroughly acquainted with the qualities of the medicine, and then he shall not be easily deceived.  
For better certainty of the perfection and goodness of Theriacle, Galen doth mention of certain experiments to be made for trial thereof: as to give the same to such as have been either hurt externally by some venomous beast, or have taken inwardly some poison. Whereof princes have made trial in condemned persons, casting them to vipers, or giving unto them some strong poison, & after causing them to take of Theriacle the quantity of a nut: and experience declared, that such as took Theriacle escaped the venom of the poison, and they which took it not, died. Which proof experienced in Theriacle, may also be applied to the trial of Mithridatium, and in that by all ancient writers Mithridatium is reputed of greater force than Theriacle, in curing all poisons inwardly taken: It followeth, that if it be good and truly made, it must remedy such as have taken poison into the body. And because common persons have not like opportunity to make this experiment in men condemned, as princes have: therefore we may in other beasts (as in dogs, in cocks and hens, being domestical creatures) experience the same, giving to these beasts some poison, and after Mithridatium: and if the beast do take no harm by the poison, we may be assured of the goodness of the medicine. And the like is to be expected, if you give the remedy before the poison be taken. For the medicine doth not only defend the body from the venom of the poison, after it is taken: but also preserve, if it be first used: as we read of king Mithridates. In like manner Aetius biddeth us to give to a dove, to a hen, or to a dog, the quantity of two scruples of Opium, and strait after to minister to the same, Mithridatium, dissolved in some liquore, and if it be good and pure, the beast shall sustain no harm by the Opium.  
Galen delivereth as a certain sign of the perfect goodness of Theriacle, to give it to one that hath taken a purgative medicine. For (saith he) if it be perfect good, the medicine will not purge at all: if after the taking of Theriacle, the medicine doth his operation, & purge nevertheless: surely then that Theriacle is unperfect, & not good. We do not read this sign applied to Mithridatium: yet I see no cause but that we may proceed in like manner to try the goodness of it. For it is certain that no one simple is in the composition of Theriacle (which may be said to stay the working of the purgative medicine) which is not in Mitrhridatium. For where Theriacle doth abound with the flesh of vipers, put as the base of the medicine, no writer hath attributed to that parcel any such property. The like may be said, if you discourse through all the simples added to this confection of Theriacle, and not in Mithridatium. Therefore it seemeth most agreeable to reason, that the property to stay the working of a purgation, doth proceed from the common form of Theriacle: and so we may with like reason expect the same effect in Mithridatidatium, and rather in Mithridatium, because all writers do confess that it is of greater force for inward poisons, and inward affects, than Theriacle. Therefore I may conclude, that Mithridatium given after a purgative medicine, will better stay or diminish the working thereof, then Theriacle: and our experience in common practice, doth confirm the same. For in this our age, who doth after purgative medicines (to bridle their overworking) so often give Theriacle, as Mithridatium? Wherefore no doubt we may make trial of the perfection and goodness of Mithridatium, in like sort as Galen writeth of Theriacle, that is to say, to minister to one a purgative medicine, and after to give to the same man a reasonable quantity of Mithridatium: and if the medicine doth not work according to his nature, or that his operation be less than it ought to be, surely that Mithridatium is very perfect and good. Otherwise, if the medicine doth proceed in his action to purge, and the same appeareth not diminished by the taking of Mithridatium, than we may greatly doubt of the goodness of the Mithridatium.   

How we may make good Mithridatium, in these days.  
I am not ignorant that divers later writers do constantly affirm that in this our time we cannot make either good Theriacle or good Mithridatium, for that they say we do lack many simples going into their compositions, and must use others to supply, and so may justly doubt whether the supplies do in all points answer the true simples, and they which we have are brought from far countries, long journeys, some by land, some by sea, especially, to us in England, whereby they may be thought greatly weakened, and to lose much of their strength and virtues, before we have them. So they conclude, that we cannot by any diligent means, make these medicines in that perfection as the ancient writers did, and so we may not so exactly look for the effects of these medicines promised by the old writers. Whereto it may be said, that in part this allegation is true, and in deed a few years past, when this fault was found, it was more truer than now it is. For in truth when good learning began to spring after barbarism, them in deed great was the want of true simples, not in these two medicines only, but in many other more. But now in this our time all things are called to a better examination, and it is certain that few simples are now sacking, namely to the making of Mithridatium: and it is also evident that the care of physicians and of the Apothecaries (I mean of the better sort) is so honest and so great, that they do not only diligently procure from the places (where the simples which go to the compositions of these medicines do grow) the very true: but also provide that the same may in those countries be gathered out of convenient places, in due times and seasons. And the help of so many and great navigations into foreign dominions (more in these our days used, then of long time before us) do give so good opportunity to have true and good simples, that to say truly what I do think of this our age, I do verily believe that we have as true and as good simples, as Galen had in his time: especially such as are requisite to the making of Mithridatium. For we do read what a do Galen made to have pure and good Cinnamon, and made it an Emperors work to procure the same, and in lack of Cinnamon did sometimes substitute double quantity of Casia. Whosoever will with diligence examine the sacks of Canella, brought from the new found countries in great plenty in these days, may easily find the perfect kinds of Cinnamon, agreeable to the description of the old writers: & also the true Casia. We may also understand, how in old time things were sophisticated by the monuments of old writers. And who doth not now perceive and acknowledge many errors in Di●scorides books, in delivering the descriptions of simples, not so well known in his time, as now by these navigations made manifest? Many things written by the ancient authors, by hearsay, are now to the eye made evident and known. Wherefore it is true that now in this age things are so exactly examined, & so diligently sought for, and so painfully cared for: that in truth I do suppose we may make in this time Mithridatium, in very good perfection: and the simples wanting, are few in number: the substitutes for the same, by learned men so well considered of, & so aptly appointed: that we need not so greatly to doubt thereof, but may justly expect th'effects attributed to the medicine, if not in so large manner as the ancient writers have delivered, yet in such reasonable sort, that we may esteem of the medicine, as of a precious jewel, as of a thing good against some drie-poisons, & divers internal and pestilential diseases.   

Mithridatium made in England is rather to be chosen, then that which is brought from Venice and other countries beyond the Sea.  
SOme have been of opinion, that Theriacle & Mithridatium may better be made in other countries, (as namely at Venice, and Constantinople) then in England: affirming that more and better simples are growing there, which we do lack: and that such simples which are found neither in these countries, nor in England, but are procured from the east and west Indians, do sooner and in better perfection come to those places, then to us. Surely if things be rightly weighed, this allegation is not true. For the parts of Italy, and the territories about Constantinople, have very few or no simples growing in their soils, which do not spring in England, required to the composition of Mithridatium, and many are found in England in better perfection than there. As namely, who doth not grant the best saffron to be in England, & all travelers which come into England, do confess that our soil doth produce very good plants (as namely Scordium) in better kind than other countries: and some strangers do send into England often for some of our simples, which do go into the composition of Mithridatium. It is also well known, that strange herbs transplanted hither, and some of seeds sown, do very kindly spring in England, which is also confessed of some later writers in their herbals. And where few simples requisite to make Mithridatium are wanting (as not growing in England) it seemeth most true, that they which do grow here, are most kindly for us (for native things are best agreeable to our constitutions.) So that whereas the most simples in number required to the composition of Mithridatium, are found naturally to spring in England: I see no cause why we should not best allow of it made here: neither ought the paucity which we do lack, to draw us better to esteem of a foreign medicine made of all foreign things. And as I dare affirm that in this country we do lack as few simples which go to the making of Mithridatium, as any of the forenamed places: so I may justly pronounce, that such which are wanting to them, and to us also, may and are as easily, and in as short time transported to us, as to them. For in these days, the spices and other things brought from the Indians by navigation to Lishburn, and thence to other countries of Europe, may as soon be transported to us as to Venice. Where in times past such merchandise were carried from the east Indians to Alexandria by land upon Camels, that trade is now decayed, and for the most part such drugs are imported by sea, and the ships do commonly light in some part of Portugal: so that it is easy to see that our Apothecaries in England, may with as good conveniency procure them from those places, and in as good perfection, as the merchants of Venice or of Constantinople. Nevertheless if any thing lacking with us, do come to Venice: it is soon transported thence to Antuerp (as in the space of 24. days) & so to us. Wherefore I do not conceive, why any man should think that our Apothecaries in England, cannot make Mithridatium in as good perfection as other countries do: but rather we ought to adjudge the contrary, that it made here, is in as good perfection, and more agreeable to our natures & constitutions, then that which is compounded in other countries, as altogether made of strange simples, which have no affinity with our bodies. And if we do with judgement consider how uncertain we are of the true confection, when it is done in places so far from us: it may make us greatly to fear, lest they which do compound the medicine, having more care to gain, then truly to dispense the same, will neither make choice of the best simples, neither use diligence in the mixture. And if the princes of the countries with careful laws provide, that the confectioners shall do their duties truly, in compounding and observing the things needful to the well handling of so noble a medicine: who can assure himself of the truth of the merchant▪ in transporting the same? whose profession is by his merchandise to gain, & so no doubt will use means every way to increase his profit, that we may justly suspect, that they do very seldom bring into England from Venice or Constantinople, any Theriacle or Mithridatium unmingled: & the better skill they have in their trade, with more art they can sophisticate their wares, to deceive the judgement of the buyer, that I greatly do doubt that little or none at all of these medicines are brought true and sincere unmixed: as hath been tried when strangers in England have purposely examined both Theriacle and Mithridatium compounded in London, with other brought from the said countries, & have given praise to that made in London: as master Hugh Morgane her majesties Apothecary can witness, whose confections have been better commended by strangers, than any of other places. Farther whereas of Mithridatium there are divers descriptions, not all of like goodness (as I have before declared) how can we tell what compositions the confectioner followed? hereof the merchant not having care, can not inform us: so we remain uncertain of the true knowledge of the medicine, not having knowledge of the simples used in that we buy: and as we know not assuredly what kind of Mithridatium we do buy: so we remain uncertain of the medicine. And where we have declared that Theriacle & Mithridatium have their times of fermentation, of their durance, and that after a certain age they decline, wax old, & feeble: we cannot know the time of that which is foreign made: so we have uncertain medicine, and shall be uncertain how long we may keep the same. All which circumstances may be easily known, in that which is made in England. Galen in his books doth not allow of Theriacle kept in Tin vessels, affirming that they are corrupted with led, the cer●se whereof doth corrupt the medicine. What shall we then say to our merchants, which do bring Mithridatium & Theriacle from other countries in vessels of led? do not these medicines take of the vessels great corruption, and notwithstanding are sold to the great annoyance of the Queen's subjects? Wherefore if we do truly weigh in the balance of reason, that which I have here written) and yet much more may in this matter be said) surely we shall not only confess that none of these medicines, specially Mithridatium, made in foreign places, are, or aught to be so greatly esteemed, as those which are made at home in England. And we may truly confess that we are lustily punished in expending our money upon foreign things, when we have & may have better at home. And it is very lamentable to consider, that strangers do daily send into England a false & naughty kind of Mithridatium, & Threacle, in great barrels, more than a thousand weight in a year, and utter the same at a low price, for iij. d. or iiij. d. a pound, to the great hurt of Her majesties subjects, and no small gain to strangers purses. Wherefore to conclude, I do counsel all English men rather to buy Mithridatium truly made in England, then that which is brought from other countries. And here it is to be wished, that our most gracious Sovereign thereof informed, may by Her magistrates do, as in old time Emperors of Rome did, that is, by her edict take order, that our Apothecaries may with care and diligence select the simples which do go to the making of this medicine, that the true may be gotten in their best perfections, and the same truly chosen may be rightly dispensed, and in all points according to art well ordered, the time of fermentation duly observed, the manner of keeping, in good sort performed: and so all things rightly administered by her majesties careful ordinances, I do not doubt, but that we shall in this our country have both Mithridatium & Theriacle in good perfection, that we may find the great effects and noble virtues of both, so largely delivered by the ancient writers in their monuments.   

Of the virtues and properties of Mithridatium.  
GALEN in his books de Antidote. doth not particularly express the properties of this medicine: but generally enunceth, that it doth good against all poisons, and is strong to remedy many inward diseases. It doth appear by sundry places in Galen, that Mithridatium hath all the virtues which Theriacle hath, and is inferior to it only in the curing of the biting of vipers, and such other venomous beasts: in other things it doth excel Theriacle. Then where Galen at large displayeth the faculties & virtues of Theriacle in his books De Theriaca ad Pisonem, & ad Pamphilianun, he needed not particularly to set down the properties of Mithridatium. For it doth suffice for us to look into the qualities & powers of Theriacle to learn the faculties of Mithridatium. But the latter writers in all their antidatories do express the same at large. In which books we do read thus.  
Mithridatium is next in quality and virtue to Theriacle, and doth little differ from it, save that Theriacle is in temperament hotter, and stronger against the biting of serpents. Concerning other properties of Mithridatium confuesly numbered in these books, it will not be amiss to reduce them to a method and order: So we may affirm that the effects and virtues of Mithridatium do consist in two special points. First to preserve from infirmities, then to cure diseases. For as Galen writeth, this medicine doth not only cure affects which are engendered, and help to remedy poison taken: but used before, doth so defend, that poison given after shall do no harm, as happened to king Mithridates, when he would have poisoned himself, Who so useth Mithridatium in health, shall in such sort make his body strong, that neither poison, nor other disease shall easily harm him. And as man consisteth of body and soul, so Mithridatium doth in both exercise his virtues. His properties are such, that it quickeneth the senses, cleareth the mind, and sharpeneth the wit. Which actiones it performeth by cleansing the instruments which do serve to these functions, from gross and thick vapours. And where oftentimes many fumes do ascend, by the which the animal spirits are obscured, the use of Mithridatium doth dissipate, extenuate, & consume the same: whereby these animal faculties & powers are cleared, and so a perfit mind is preserved in a whole body. For Mithridatium maketh strong all parts which do serve for nutrition, increaseth natural heat, openeth obstructions, expelleth superfluity, whereby the natural faculties of the body do perfectly perform their functions, the stomach in good order desireth and digesteth aliments, the liver maketh good and perfect blood, and each part putteth from him his excrements in convenient order and time. So the heart receiving pure blood, maketh good spirits fit for his actions, which he orderly sendeth to the animal parts, & to other members of the body. Whereby all the principal parts being in their perfections, do every way well dispense through the body, that it remaineth in good order to perform all actions. And whereas man is subject to many casualties, Mithridatium used as is said, so defendeth the body, that no poison shall easily harm it. Whereof Mithridates gave proof, w●● by long use of this medicine. so altered the constitution of his body, that no poison could annoy it.  
In pestilential seasons, it preserveth such as do use it: where of we have examples, not only in ancient writers, but also in our daily experience.  
Now concerning the part curative, though the same may be gathered by that which is already written in preservation: yet it is better for order sake to repeat one thing often, then to be thought insufficient by omitting any thing. Wherefore we may say with the old authors (which proof also confirmeth) that Mithridatium remedieth diseases of the mind, taketh away strange imaginations, helpeth melancholy fantasies & passions, which draw men often to desperation. This it performeth by altering the blood, opening the spleen, by changing and dissipating the vapores arising of the melancholy humour, and yielding to the animal spirits pure and good exhalations, and by comforting the heart. And where oftentimes cold and gross fumes do ascend so plentifully, that the wits are dulled, the senses and discourse of reason either greatly impaired or clean taken away, the judgement and memory hurt or abolished: Mithridatium by his sweet brething quickeneth the same, reduceth the brain to his temperament, altereth, consumeth, & spendeth those vapours, and bringeth man to his natural state, and when it is new, it induceth sleep, and remedieth the furiousness of many madmen.  
No man needeth to doubt of the mighty power of Mithridatium, in curing all kind of poisons either outwardly received or inwardly taken, being to that purpose chiefly devised, and of long time experienced to be therein of great force. Although for the biting and stinging of venomous beasts, it is supposed of less might than Theriacle: yet it is of all men confessed much stronger to cure poisons, taken into the body by potion, or otherways. So his might is great to heal all pestilent (all and malignante diseases, cureth the plague, fevers which depend of naughty and malignant causes, helpeth the french pocks, the small pocks, the measles: and in all other inward diseases which are great, and such as other medicines can not remedy, Mithridatium is found to have a special grace to cure them. And in such desperate diseases & cases, when other remedies will not serve, than we ought to fly to Mithridatium, as Galen writeth of Theriacle.) For being a noble medicine of great power, it is not to be used in every affect of little moment.  
Wherefore it is written that Mithridatium cureth all infermities of the head in men, and women, if the same do come of a cold cause: namely it helpeth the melancholy madness, the Falilng sickness, the Hemicrane or meagrame, the pains in the eyelids and brows, the watering of the eyes, the pains of the ears, of the teeth, of the mouth, of the jaws, the squinancy, the apoplexy, the lethargy, and such other cold diseases of the head: in which cases it is inwardly drunken, & also outwardly applied, spread in the form of an emplaster: it comforteth the heart, & doth good in the passions of the same.  
It helpeth the diseased of the breast, cureth the cough, shortness of breath, spitting of blood, the pleurisy and stitches of the side, the phthisike & other inward diseases of the breast and lungs. In these later causes, especially for stitches, it is applied outwardly, spread emplaster ways, and in the chough and such other diseases, it is inwardly ministered with some convenient liquor: for so it cutteth the grossness of the phlegm, and maketh it easy to be avoided, openeth the pipes, and enlargeth all those parts which do serve for breathing.  
To proceed to the affects of the stomach, it provoketh appetite, remedieth over much desire to eat, termed Canina appetentia: for it drieth superfluous, & resolveth & correcteth corrupt humores: it helpeth concoction, by increasing of natural heat, cureth evil belks, & inflation of the stomach: for it breaketh wind, and will not suffer any thing to corrupt in the stomach: it stayeth vomiting by strengthening the stomach: by keeping the stomach clean from wind, superfluous, and evil humores, it taketh away the abhorring of meat.  
It doth great good in all diseases of the belly, pains in the guts, called the Iliaca passio, the bloody flix, and all other fluxes given with the decoction of the flowers of the pomegranate called Balaustia. In the colic of the belly it is very good, and to ease the pains of the belly after a purgative medicine, it hath a special virtue. For it taketh away the malignity of the medicine, breaketh wind, and doth strengthen parts weakened by the purgative medicine. It nourisheth diseases & pains in the sides and about the midriff, it helpeth the infirmities of the kidneys, and of the bladder, breaketh the stone, remedieth the passions of the matrix, provoketh the natural courses in women, and stoppeth the same if they do abound. For it openeth the passages by extenuating that which by grossness doth stop the ways: and by making nature strong, stayeth fluxes, which commonly do grow immoderate by weakness. It diminisheth the swellings & hardness of the matrix, & of other parts, it doth remedy the barrenness in women, & maketh them fertile. Mithridatium is accounted a special good remedy against the pain of the joints, to cure the gout and the Sciatica, for that it drieth superfluous humores, stayeth the rheum, & maketh all parts strong. But it must be given, not at the first, when the pain beginneth, but after: when the rage of the pain is past, and the body ought first to be purged before you give Mithridatium. And it used before the fits of the gouts, maketh greatly for preservation, to keep one from often accessions of the gout. It helpeth the diseases of the sineves, the resolution, that palsy, the cramp, the diseases called Tetanoes Ambrostotonos, and Opistetanoes: for it augmenteth natural heat, dissolveth, by evaporation, humores soaken into the syneves, & restoreth the spirits and strength. It helpeth the shaking fits of fevers, & given twice or thrice half an hour before the fit, oftentimes it doth cure the fever quartan and the quotidian.   

Of the use of Mithridatium.  
THe better to know the use of Mithridatium, we are to consider the time most convenient to give it, the quantity, & the manner of giving. For the time, we may with Galen counsel to minister the same in no wise upon a full stomach, but after concoction is perfect. The usual time and best to take it, is in the morning fasting, it is not so good to give it when the stomach and first veins are full of crude and raw humours. And before it be given, it is good to procure the belly to be lose, according to Galens counsel in ministering of Theriacle, in his book ad Pamphilianum.   

Of the quantity.  
AS Galen writeth in his book de Theriaca ad Pisonem, so we may affirm that one quantity of Mithridatium is not to be given to all men, in all times▪ and in all diseases. And the better to find out the just quantity, we are to remember, that Galen in the said book mentioneth of two quantities given of Theriacle, the one referred to a hazel nut, the other to a bean of Egypt. And for that he also affirmeth, that in strong diseases the greater quantity is to be given, and the lesser in light▪ diseases, and so in great infirmities he ministereth the quantity of an hazel nut, and in diseases of less force, useth the portion of the bean of Egypt: it is evident that the hazel nut importeth the greater quantity, and the bean the lesser. So that by Galen the greatest quantity to be given of Theriacle, is measured by an hazel nut, and the least by a bean of Egypt. And the form of speech which Galen useth to express these quantities, in my judgement doth import the bigness, and not the weight of the things. For Galen in every place writeth ad magnitudinem fabae aegyptiae, & so ad magnitudinem nucis avellanae, to the michelty or bigness of a bean of Egypt, the bigness of an hazel nut. Which manner of speech hath relation to the bigness & not the weight. We are therefore to construe Galen, that in great diseases Theriacle is to be ministered, that his bulk may be equal with the bigness of an hazel nut, and in other diseases, of a bean of Egypt. Massarius in his book de ponderibus reducing these things to weight, saith that Paba Aegyptia importeth a scruple and a half, that is, half a drachine: and that nux avellana signifieth a drachine. So if we will by weight measure the quantities, the greatest which is to be given of Theriacle is a drachine, and the least is half a drachine.  
In that Mithridatium is like to Theriacle, it may be given in like quantity. And because it is more gentle, and not in quality so hot as Theriacle, and not receiving the flesh of vipers, nor so great quantity of Opium, it is a more safe medicine▪ & so may be given in greater quantity, that we need not be bound to an hazel nut, nor to a bean of Egypt, but may as cause shall require exceed both. For which cause the writers of our antidatory books, not without reason do affirm, that Mithridatium may be ministered to four Drachines', that is half an ounce. And Durastantes in his commentary upon Luminare Maius bringing the quantity of a nut, and of a bean to the weight, saith that an hazel nut signifieth an ounce, and the bean of Egypt half a scruple, and because the one proportion is very great, the other over little: therefore he putteth his censure, that an hazel nut containeth ij. Drachines', or iiij. Drachines' at the most. And the bean of Egypt one Drachine, or ij. Drachines' at the most. So that by his opinion we may minister Theriacle to ij. or iij. Drachines', when the disease and the case so requireth. Wherefore we need not greatly to fear to give Mithridatium in so large a quantity as is prescribed in our antidotaries, that is, to minister it to half an ounce. Nevertheless in these days we do very seldom minister Mithridatium so largely: for most commonly we follow the prescript of Galen, and give of it the quantity of a bean, or of an hazel nut. In measure we prescribe the half a drachine and two scruples, and in mighty diseases, and urgent causes we offer one drachine, and very seldom do proceed to a greater quantity: which proportions in my judgement are most usually to be kept. Yet by this discourse it appeareth, that we are not so to be restrained to these quantities, but that we may upon occasions give a greater quantity, if the patiented, the disease, & other circumstances do so require. And hereby also it appeareth, that we cannot so determine the quantity of this medicine, nor of any other, that the same may always be observed: but the certain appointment of the same must be left to the discretion of him which doth minister the medicine, to prescribe the quantity according to the circumstances of the present case. And therefore it shall not be amiss here to consider more particularly of the circumstances, whereby we may the better attain to conjecture the just quantity to be given in the present case. First therefore we are to consider the country where the party which is to take the medicine, doth inhabit, & here also the time of year. And as Galen writeth of Theriacle, that in the East parts & in hot countries, in summer and hot seasons it is not to be ministered: so we may affirm of Mithridatium, that in hot countries & seasons we ought to refrain from much geiving of it. Wherefore when occasion is to give in summer, we must prescribe a lesser quantity then in winter, and in the spring time. So we may give a bigger quantity in these north parts, then in hotter countries. The like respect is to be had of the liquore in which we give it, that in hot places & seasons it be mingled with a cold liquor, as with water: and in cold countries and times with a hot liquore, as with wine.  
The like consideration is to be had of the temperament of the body, and of the age. In which respect Galen doth forbid choleric & hot constitutions to take Theriacle. And such must with more wariness use Mithridatium, and in lesser quantity and mingled with some convenient liquore, moderate the heat of the medicine.  
Concerning age, Galen doth forbid the gieving of Theriacle to children, for (saith he) the mightiness of the medicine doth exceed the strength of children, and dissolveth their bodies: and telleth an history of a child destroyed by taking of Theriacle. We may therefore admonish physicians of these days, which do often & boldly give Theriacle to young children for the worms: let them consider what warrant they have so to do: it is to be feared lest they endanger thereby so tender bodies. And we are to be circumspect in giving Mithridatium to children, and to be very wary in the ministering of it, lest we do harm therein. And yet I do think we may with more safety minister Mithridatium then Theriacle. To young men & such as have much natural heat, we may give this medicine: but neither often, nor in great quantity, & in water rather than wine. To men of years which are in the declining age, in greater quantity, and in wine. In respect of the disease we are so to measure the quantity of the medicine, that in a mighty and a strong disease, we give a greater quantity. Therefore as Galen writeth of Theriacle, so we may determine of Mithridatium. In strong poison, and to such as are bitten and stinged with virulent beasts or mad dogs, we give a greater quantity: in other diseases the quantity of the medicine ought to be according to the greatness of the sickness. So when there is time to digest the medicine, we may appoint a greater quantity: when little time is for concoction, than lesser quantity serveth. The like consideration is to be made in all these circumstances of the liquore, in which the medicine is to be dissolved, the same to be of a greater or lesser measure, according to the circumstances: whereof we are to speak more particularly in the manner of giving.   

Of the manner of giving of Mithridatium.  
By that we do read in Galen in his books de Theriaca and de Antidote. it appeareth that thancient physician did seldom, or not at all give either Theriacle or Mithridatium dry, and not dissolved in some liquor▪ and the reason may be, for that they gave it most commonly before or after poison, or to preserve or cure some pestilentall sickness, which depended of a malignant cause. In which respect, it seemeth requisite to minister the medicine in liquid form, that it might have the speedy passage through the body, and come to the heart, that the spirits comforted, might the better exist and the sooner expel the venom, and the malignity of the affect. For not only Mithridatium and Theriacle, but all other medicines taken in a solid and dry consistence, do stay in the stomach long, and sustain greater alteration, than when the same is given in a liquid form. For which cause when we have intent to comfort the stomach, to help digestion, to break wyn●e in the stomach and belly, than it is convenient to give Mithridatium in dry substance. When intention is to remedy diseases in more inward parts of the body, in all venomous, pestilential and malignant causes, we give the medicine dissolved with some liquore. And as we read in Galen, that he used not always one liquore, so he maketh mention of these, of water of Mulsa, that is water & honey, which we do call mead or meath, of mulsum, that is wine and honey mingled, of acetum mulsum, that is wine, honey and vinegar, of posca, that is water & vinegar, of certain decoctions made of herbs, roots, and seeds. And it is to be seen by Galens discourse, that he made choice of the liquores by indication taken of the country, of the time of the year, of the age and complexion of the patiented, and of the nature and disposition of the disease. So that he gave a hot liquore, as wine or wine or wine & honey in cold countries and times, in aged men, & such as were not of hot complexions, and had not much natural heat, & in diseases not over hot, & in strong poisons. Contrariwise in hot regions, in summer time, in such as were in the flower of their age, and had choleric and hot constitutions, dry bodies, and did abound with natural heat, in hot choleric sicknesses, in great fevers, he made choice of a cold liquore having regard that the liquore might contemper and mitigate in some part the quality of the medicine. Which intentions applied to the giving of Mithridatium, it will be easy to choose a fit liquore▪ when we are to minister the same in it. For the same circumstances will soon induce us to make choice of a convenient liquore▪ we may also learn by Galen, that as the circumstances are to lead us to appoint the quality of the liquore, as is aforesaid: So the disposition of the disease will teach us to apt a convenient liquore in substance: for it is agreeable to reason, that such a liquore be given, which may not only mitigate the quality of the medicine, but with having also property to do good in that disease, may further the action of the medicine. So by good reason in pestilential agues, in malignant diseases, the pocks, the measles, we do give Mithridatium with the dissolved water of Dragon, or of Carduus benedictus, or in some like decoction, and we do in such cases many times mingle with the syrup de acetositat● citri syrup acetosus, which things do not only mitigate the heat of the medicine, but also help and further his action. In the cough, and diseases of the breast and side, we may with Galen choose wine and water called mulsum when the patiented is without a fever: in a fever with water and honey called mulsa. In such a● are short breathed, it is best given with vinegar compounded with scylla, to them which spit blood, at the beginning, with water and honey, which we call mead, after, with water only, but the medicine will be more effectual, if you do boil the roots of Comfry in it. In diseases and pain of the belly, with water. In stoppages of the liver, they yellow jeaundes, the Dropsy, with an opening decoction, as the decoction of the roots of Asara bacca. And in respect of the drought in the Dropsy, it may be given in mead. In diseases of the kidneys and bladder, with the decoction of parsley, and in ulcers of the kidneys, with wine and water, in excoriation of the guts, with a decoction of Sumach: to those which have the falling sickness, if they be leave, with mead, & it were two long, and to little purpose thus particularly to run through all diseases. we may easily appoint a convenient liquore, and prescribe the quantity of the medicine, & of the liquore, by that which is written, and thought I have for example sake (for examples do best teach) discoursed in many diseases, appointing such liquores which Galen doth use and best allow of, yet I doubt not but an expert man will for the present case, devise much better, by indication taken of the circumstances before mentioned, That a man well weighing these things, may quickly know the true use of Mithridatium, and so not err in the ministration thereof, but give the same to the great good of those, which shall take it, and to the honour of God, whose goodness giveth success to all medicines, to work health where and when it pleaseth his holy wisdom.