RENODAEUS His DISPENSATORY: Containing The whole Body Of PHARMACY. Translated by Rich Tomlinson Apothecary 1657. engraved title page A Medicinal DISPENSATORY, Containing The whole Body of Physic: DISCOVERING The Natures, Properties, and Virtues of Vegetables, Minerals, & Animals: The manner of Compounding MEDICAMENTS, and the way to administer them. Methodically digested in FIVE BOOKS OF Philosophical and Pharmaceutical INSTITUTIONS; THREE BOOKS OF PHYSICAL MATERIALS Galenical and Chemical. Together with a most Perfect and Absolute PHARMACOPOEA OR Apothecary's Shop. Accommodated with three useful TABLES. Composed by the Illustrious RENODAEUS, Chief Physician to the Monarch of France; And now Englished and Revised, By Richard Tomlinson of London, Apothecary. LONDON: Printed by Jo: Streater and Ja: Cottrel; and are to be sold by Henry Plutarch, at the three glit Cups near the west-end of Panis. 1657. VIRIS OPTIMIS, Arte MEDICINALI, Prudentia, necnon Rerum usu Spectatissimis, omníque Virtutum genere Cumulatissimis: D. D. Edwardo Greaveo, & Timotheo Clerko, IN Medicorum Societatem venerandam COLLEGII Londinensis meritò ac ritè cooptatis: Hanc suam METAPHRASIN, sive METABOAH'N, D. D. ILLUSTRISSIMI Joannis de Renou, Medici apud Gallos Professoris REGII: RICHARDUS TOMLINSONUS, PHARMACOPOLA, Summo Observantiae vestrae, & Utilitatis Publicae desiderio, Patrocinii spe exoptatissimi; Piè, Humillimè, Submisséque Dicat, Dedicat, ac Amandat. TO THE READER; But Especially to his Brethren the Apothecaries of LONDON. SIRS, If the unspotted innocency of an Action (as to the rendering of a prejudice) be a sufficient Barricado to oppose the thundering and pellmell Granades of impertinent Contradiction, and malevolent Censure, we question not but this harmless Essay of our early Lucubrations may withstand the first Lash of the Critics Rod, and in some measure mitigate, if not gag or stop the rigidness of your Censures; or at least induce your Charity to connive at our imbecility, by glancing through the Lattice of a diminishing Telescope. The advantage and commodement of the public in general, was the perfect Achme of this enterprise, in trimming our Author in this Garb, to which, if these endeavours add but one grain, or Atom, (though scattered by the hands of weatherbeaten Imperfection) we shall acknowledge it not only the Heroic Carac, but also the Laureate Apex of our Glory. Doubtless (Sirs) this was the fundamental Syntax of our thoughts, to which we determined the designation of this Translation: but we presume it may meet with a greater influence upon your Acceptations, as most congruous to your stations, being the professed Sons of Apollo, soaring in the highest sphere of Nature's Oeconomy, inhabiting the Thurisick Groves of Rerum Natura, attending the sproutings of their variegated Offspring. The benefit you may receive hereby (after some serious exagitation) we partly understand by the glimpse of that more than ordinary Illustration our formerly clouded Genius is now bespangled with. The peroration, as to reversion of that utility which may by futurity accrue, here imploreth (Sirs) both your resentment and communication. Can any Copy be so grateful to ingenious persons, than that whose stamp appears in the beaten path of Antiquity? wherein there is no Jurgia Mentis to pertarr your cogitations from delabing through the Golden Channels of Experience. Sirs, here you will find the confused Recipes, and linsy-woolsy-conceptions of Physicians ranged into an exact method, their Enigmatical expressions unforked and unvailed, their cloudy sentences artionobolized into rays of Light. Ignorance beskreens the soul, here our Author discovers the dawnings of knowledge, by breaking open the hidden Caverns of Nature, and explaining the secreta, or occult qualities of her multifarious Vegetables. Here the whole Pharmaceutical Art is denuded, and redacted to the clear intelligence of the meanest capacity, claiming your attentions, whilst it affords instructions to conduct you to a clear prospect of Via recta ad vitam longam, promising a Medicine for every Malady, and a Balm for every Soar. Here you may behold Phoebus skipping from the Bowers of Neptune, and by his darting through the Casements of Heaven, gracing the cincture of the day with his radiant complexion, glistering with Robes of silver, shooting life and spirit by his beams into the fruits of the Earth. Here you may see our Author traversing many lofty Heaven aspiring Mountains, and anon conducting you into the pleasant Penaean Valleys. Here you may sit upon the diapered brim of the Universe, and accumulate Nosegays of Roses and Gillyflowers, Medicines for scent and savour, cordial and reviving. Here you may view how this lofty Turret the Earth is bespread with Daffodils and Primroses, Cowslips and Columbine; and the Amber Locks of Ver dallying with the Eglantine Banks of Bravery. Here you may view the superbious Trees presuming to elevate their tops in the sacred Skies, In the three Books of Medicinal Materials. the delicious Bowers of the Woods adorned with the Treasure of Flora's bespangled Drapery, the curled Groves rattling with the bloomy gales, the verdant Leaves flourishing, the Silver streams of pleasant Rivers gliding, the flagrant Meadows braving it with the riches of Autumn, displaying the pride of their beauty; the pleasant Umbrages sporting with Zephyrus-Nectar-Blooms, shining with Titan's transpiercing Darts; and the whole Garden of the Universe embellished with curious Tapestry, glistering Ingeny, and interchangeable Jollity. Here may you see Rhenodaeus ploughing through the liquid entrails of Nereus, dancing Lovaltoes upon the azured waves, making Amphitrite display a delicate apparition of Paphian allurement, discovering as it were the stately Battlements of the Mint of Mexico, and the Minerals of Peru; the nature of the Porphyry, with the virtue of the Sapphire, the Carbuncle with the Topaz, the Emerald with the Chrysolite, the Smaragd with the Margarite. Millions of thanks to debonair Fortune, that these Ambrosian Delicacies are discovered, before the Postilions of Aeolus have fled to Neptune's azured Commonwealth, and our Horizon over-veiled with the Canopy of drowsy Vesper (Ignorance.) In a word, here may you view the enameled Robe of the Universe, Lady like, spotted with its rosy-locks; whose hair doth not more adorn than profit; whose ruby cheeks are not more admired for their beauty, than for their salubrious virtues desired; whose frank, free, fragrant, and fruitful Breasts do nourish her own Children sprung from her never resting womb, affording nourishment both to Man and Beast. Insomuch that we may well cry out with Du Bartas; Good Lord! how many gasping Souls have 'scaped By th'aid of Herbs, for whom the Grave hath gaped; Who even about to touch the Stygian Strand, Have yet beguiled grim Pluto's greedy hand. O sacred Simples, that our Life sustain, And when it flies, can call it back again; 'Tis not alone your Liquor inly ta'en, That oft defends us from so many a bane; But even your savour, yea, your neighbourhood, For some diseases is exceeding good. O great is the powerful Good that lies In Herbs, Trees, Stones, and their true qualities: For nought so vile, that on the Earth doth live, But to the Earth some secret good doth give; And nought so rich, on either Rock or Shelf, But, if unknown, lies useless to itself, Therefore who thus doth make his Secrets known, Doth profit others, but not hurt his own. Sirs, Communication is the primogenito of Goodness; and why should so singular a benefit longer lie hid? Doth not the immense Excellency of Eternity delight himself in expanding the beams of his Goodness? and why should the younger Sister, the Sun-burned beauty of Knowledge, and Science sublunar, be encloystered within the obscure verge of a foreign Language, barbarous, and almost inexplicable Idiom? Undoubtedly (Brethren) Heaven will follow it with a correspondency of Blessings. We desire not (Sirs) to degrade, or go about to darken the splendour, or obstruct the lustre of the Oriency of that never fading Crown due to the Seraphic Founts of Learning; but to exclaim (and not without cause) against the Saturnine tyranny of such, whose endeavours are to monopolise all Arts and Sciences in an uncouth Magazine, and to enhance them, as by Letter-Patent, locking them up, with the feculent bolts of Self-exaltation, beyond the usual extension of vulgar Capacities, not allowing them the privilege to peep within the veil. How many thousands of poor Wretches that are arrested by the virulent malignity of a distemper, and by its creeping Gangrena, preposterously hurried into the bo●ts of Charon; whereas a small matter, and it may be, a Plant sprouting at their own doors, might dissipate its vehemency at its first onset, if throughly understood, and rightly applied. Was it not the practice of the Heathens Magis, Daemons, and Sophoi, to captive the People under the hatches of blindness? and did they not receive the just Guerdon of fallacy? Shall Science be a peculiar man's property? God forbidden. Is not Salus Populi the palisado of Republics? and Experience Corona Scientiarum? It importeth you, Sirs, whom God hath called in a peculiar manner to be as it were his Vice-gerents, to operate in things about life and death, to endeavour a promotion of the former, by preparing fitly Natures Offspring for convenient and suitable Nutriment to so sublime a subject; and to increase the latter, by making confused things (every where occurrent) distinct; and abstruse, obvious. Sirs, you live in a City, which the Eternal Being hath be dubbed and adorned with variety of blessings, clarified Intellectuals, and well polished Judgements; you are subservient to the refinedst Artists under the Cope of Heaven, crowned with never-fading-Palms, for their boundless knowledge in the Botannick Art. What Plant is there in the fertile womb of the Earth, that is not now found out, and known? What glistering and shining Stars do daily, appear in your Horizon? Can every age boast of a Gerard, Parkinson, or Johnson? what an incomparable Cheapside. Garden have you hourly access unto, which may contend with the greatest part of the World for Glory, Beauty, and Variety! and shall not these Considerations alarm you? you that are called Opiferque per Orbem, to demonstrate your zeal to your Native Country, by discovering in intelligible Characters, the virtues, properties and qualities of such Simples as this Climate is luxuriant with; which (Sirs) would be an overflourishing Herald to emblazon your Escutcheons without Star, half Moon, spot, or blemish; and eternize your names in indelible stamps, upon the pinnacle of Fame; and when your Works shall redeem sick consumed persons from their expected Coffins, you shall be adored as so many Deities adumbrated in bodies of flesh. Be ye the Golden Heliotropes of God's right hand, shutting and opening at his good will and pleasure, not wrapping your Talents in the Napkin of secrecy, but rather laying out your endeavours for the good of your Country. Then would exotical Plants submit to the excellency of domestic Simples; and homebred remedies be sought after for homebred diseases. You cannot be ignorant what calumnies of late have been hurled upon both Physicians and Apothecaries; the cause of such detraction is Ignorance. Successit odium in Literas ab Ignorantia vulgi. Which Junius well perceived. And can these men judge of a Scholars worth and pains, that are not acquainted with study-labours? That long since unforked dilemma of Pliny hath often been revived, and to this day fostered; which is thus stated; Every Disease is either curable or incurable; a man either recovers of it, or is killed by it; both ways Physic is to be rejected; if it be deadly, it cannot be cured; if it may be helped, it requires no Physic, Nature will expel it of itself. Doubtless (Sirs) it concerns you to dispel such Clouds, seeing some have been so impudent to hold, that it is no Art at all, nor worthy the name of a Liberal Science, as Pet, and Canouherius, a Patrician of Rome, and a famous Doctor, goes about to prove by 16 Arguments; because it is mercenary, as now adays used, as Fiddlers play for a reward; and that the Devil himself was the first Inventor of it. Inventum est Medicina meum, said Apollo. Neither have the Paracelsian Order (as so many Promethei that would fetch Fire from Heaven) the least share in these Contumelacies: how are Galen and Hypocrates (who were the first that ever writ of Physic to any purpose) censured by them, for immethodical and obscure, terming their Medicines obsolete, and their Precepts confused, and for the most part rejected by them, calling them Mountebanks, Empirics, Impostors, Infants, Idiots, Sophisters, and such like, not worthy the name of Physicians, who were not versed in the knowledge of such Remedies as they had, boasting that he himself could make a man live 160 years by his Alexipharmacums, Panacea's, Mumia's, Unguentum Armarium, and such Magnetical Cures; Lampas vitae & mortis, Balneum Dianae, Balsamum, Electrum, Magieo-Physicum, Annulets, Martiala. What will not he (who styles himself Theophrastus, Hariolum, Bombastum, Hohanhein) and his Disciples effect? He proclaims himself to be Primus Medicorum, and did more famous Cures than all Physicians in Europe, vapouring that a drop of his Preparations should go further than an ounce of theirs. How is Galen taxed by Cardan (without a due consideration of his worth) for presuming out of his Ambition (as he terms it) to correct Theriacum Andromachi? and why there must be just so many Simples in Mithridate; and why such and such a quantity. How are the Receipts of Myrepsius, Mesue, Celsus, Scribanius, Actuarius, and others, for the most part now condemned and neglected? Every private man must have his own Compositions and Magisterials, as if he scorned Antiquity; each fellow must correct and alter, to show his skill, and maintain his own Paradox, be it what it will, and in the mean time the Patients must pay for their new Experiments. But we will not urge these cavilling Arguments any further, we hope (Sirs) you understand the frothiness of such Positions, and that you will be ready to vindicate it from such Aspersions, and acknowledge it to be a noble and divine Science; insomuch that Apollo, Esculapius, and the first Founders of it, merito pro diis habiti, were worthily accounted Gods by succeeding ages. Are we not enjoined to honour the Physician for necessity sake? Ecclesiasticus 18.3. The knowledge of the Physician lifteth up his head, and in the sight of great men he shall be admired; the Lord hath created Medicines of the earth, and he that is wise will not abhor them. Let such prattle what they will, mixed Diseases must have mixed Remedies. It is a most noble invention, saith Quercitan, found out and brought into Physic with great judgement, counsel, wisdom and discretion, so that the greatness of the Composition bespeaks the elegancy of the Medicine. For Brass vola and Cardan maintain, Nullum Medicamentum simplex esse sine noxa: Therefore in every Composition such Simples are mixed as have affinity to the part affected, some to qualify, the rest to roborate, some one part, Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy. some another. It's true of old, Physicians were compelled in the Infancy of this Art, to make use of ordinary Simples; but now necessity compels us to make use of new Remedies, and to make Compounds of Simples; as well to correct their nocumental qualities, if cold, dry, hot, thick, thin, in sipid, noisome to smell, to make them savoury to the palate, pleasant to the gust; as also to preserve them for continuance, by admixtion of Sugar and Honey, to make them last months and years for many futine uses. Truly (Sirs) 'tis a general fault (as Severinus the Dane complained) in Physic. Unhappy men, we spend our days in unprofitable questions and disputations, intricate subtleties, de Lana Caprina, about Moonshine in the water, leaving in the mean time the chiefest of Nature's Secrets untouched, wherein the best Medicines for all manner of diseases are to be found, and do not only neglect them ourselves, but hinder, condemn, forbidden, and scoff at others that are willing to inquire after them. Yet I presume few of you but are affected with a passionate speech, a well penned and elegant Poem, Burton's Melancholy. or some pleasant and bewitching discourse. We presume (Brethren) that is an extraordinary delight for you to study, and to swallow down the Ambrosian sweetness of Nature's Arcana, let the World taste of the fruits of your labours; fear not the gurmundizing jaws of Zoilus, that with the Mastiffs of Cyrum, bark against the Moon. What an infinite number of Books offer themselves in all subjects, Arts and Sciences, even to allure your minds to seek complacency in their contemplation? in Arithmetic, Geometry, Burton's Melancholy. Perspective, Astronomy, Optic, Architecture, Scalpture, Picture; in Music, Metaphysic, Natural and Moral Philosophy, Philology, in Mechanics, and their Mysteries, Military matters, Navigation, riding of Horses, Fencing, Gardning, Hunting, Fishing, Fowling; in Policy, Heraldry, Genealogy, Chronology. What vast Tomes are extant in Law, Physic, and Divinity, for profit, pleasure, speculation, and practice? Which of you will not be ravished to read the description of that Geometrical Tower of Gorzenda at Bologn? to see the Steeple and Clock at Strasburgh, and will not thence admire the effects of Art? Or that Engine so much talked of by Archimedes, to remove the Earth itself, if he had but a place to fasten his Instrument in. What greater pleasure, Loco citato. Sirs, can there be to ingenuous persons, than to view those elaborate Maps of Ortelius, Mercator, Hondius, etc. to peruse Bellonius his Observations, Gillius his Surveys, Harvey's Circulation of the Blood, America set out and cut in Pictures by Fratres A Bry; to see a well cut Herbal, Herbs, Trees, Flowers, Plants, all Vegetables, expressed in their proper colours to the life; as that of Matthiolus upon Dioscorides, Delacampius, Lobel, Bauhinus, and that voluminous Herbal of Beslar, where every Plant is described to his own bigness; to see all Creatures deciphered by the same art, with an exact description of their names, natures, virtues, and qualities, as hath been accurately performed by Elian, Gesner, etc. and truly the like pleasure there is in all other studies to such as are addicted to them. Who can read over the Eulogiums of other men's praises of certain Herbs, and not be amazed at their occult qualities? Plin. l. 25. c. 22. l. 26. c. 13. L. 24. c. 17. As Nepenthe, in expelling sadness; Hippuriu, in stenching blood; Nictegretum, or Nyctilops, that shines like a Lamp in the night, and above all other Creatures, scareth the Geese. Collicia turns water into ice; Hemlock meat to Storks, but poison to Men; Flabia, if cut, sends forth warm blood. The Herb Achimedis, Du Bartas Summary. if it be applied to any thing locked or bolted, it will presently open it. Who cannot but stand amazed at the Herb Sentida, growing in India, which if any come near unto it, or touch it, or throw any thing upon it, it presently withers, (Purchas Pilgrim. lib. 5. c. 12.) Which of you can give a reason of the diversity of Meteors, that it should rain Stones, Frogs, Mice, and Rats? Who would not but examine the truth of Astronomers reasons, Burton's Mel. whether the Stars be of that bigness and distance as they relate, 29000 Myriad, Loco citato. as Galilee discovers by his glasses, and some Rabbis stiffly maintain? Who would not but know whether the least visible Star in the eighth Sphere, be 18 times bigger than the Earth, and 14000 semidiameters distant from it? Is it not worth the inquiry (Sirs) whether the Sun be 140 times bigger than the Earth, as Tycho would have it, Swan 's Speculum Mundi. and the Moon to be lesser than any Star? For he makes Mercury 19 times lesser than the Earth, and the Moon lesser than he 42 times? Who would not but know how the Stars move in the Heavens? Doth one Sphere cut another? Or are there no solid Orbs? Are not the Planets now higher, then lower? Mars sometime lower than the Sun, and anon in Jupiter's Sphere? Are the Heavens not impenetrable, as some maintain? Or do they differ from the Air we live in? Are they living Creatures, as some of late do maintain, and endowed with sense and reason, as others would have them? Are the Stars of such a nature and substance that they should stand in need of sustentation, as some judge? Or can they give light no otherwise than as a lamp replenished with Oil? Which is not altogether unconsonant to reason, for the Heavens are subject to change and alteration. Which of you that would not dive into that main paradox of the Earth's Motion? Loco citato. For if the Earth being the centre of the World, stand still, and the Heavens move, by what power is the Heavens carried about with such an incommprehensible celerity in 24 hours? which as Comment. 2. Ch. Spher. Io. de sac. Bosc. Clavius calculates, every point of the Firmament must needs move 176650 leagues in one 24th part of an hour. Who can determine what becomes of Cranes, Cuckoos, Burtonus. Swallows, Nightingales, Storks, Red-starts, that some are seen only in Summer, some in Winter? do they sleep? or do they lie hid in the bottoms of Lakes and Rivers? or do they follow the Sun, as Peter Martyr believes? Who is not desirous to know whether Mount Atlas, Athos, Loco citato. Caucasus, Olympus, and Ossa, beso high as Pliny relates, above both Clouds and Meteors 1250 paces high? or as Mazonius calculates them, 78 miles perpendicularly high? Why doth Africa breed so many venomous Beasts? Ireland none? Athens Owls? Crete none? Why hath Thebes no Martin's? Pontus no Asses? Ithaca no Hares? and Scythia no Swine? Why so many strange Birds found in America alone, as Acosta demands, insomuch that neither Greek, Latin, or Hebrew ever heard of them before? Why are the Spaniards white? and yet the Inhabitants of Caput bonae spit black? and both alike distant from the Equator. We would also traverse the Thickets of the Woods, and find out where the Phoenix builds her nest, and where the Unicorn lodges, or whether there be any such Creatures. We would also post to Lebanus, to see whether there be any Cedars yet growing of Salomon's planting, as some maintain; and also inquire of the Indians, whether their Territories bear any such a Tree as is called Arbor-de Raise, which is by some averred to be the Tree of Adam's transgression, yielding many boughs, which put forth certain threads of a golden colour, which growing downwards to the Earth, there take root again. We would also dive into the bowels of the Earth, and there see the Generation of Minerals, Fossiles and Metals; and would also know, whether the Mountains of Jamaica afford more Metal than the Valleys of Peru. But whether doth the clue of our thoughts lead us? We have too long roved in the depths of Nocturnus, we profess ourselves not to be able to fathom with the Plummet of our Juvenility, these profundities; we leave the determination of these things to stronger Wits, that have better leisure to wade into such Philosophical mysteries; neither do they tend much to our present purpose. Therefore (Sirs) we will not detain you too long in the Portal of the Rows of our own cogitations, but enode the knot, and throw open the gates; only tender you a preparatory advertisement of such specifications, whose precognition must be absolutely requisite to your satisfactory Lecture. And first, we crave a due and equitable consideration of our defects and impediments, to the refraction and lopping off the rigour of your censures; and to ruminate with an unprejudicial ratiocination upon that known Canon, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, That one may sooner find a fault, than mend it. We confess ourselves to have been more than ordinarily conversant in an uncouth stile, in Pleonasms, Aliquando bonus dormitat Homerus. Tautologies, perturbations of senses, Printers Errata so our Translation in many places being not ad verbum, but sometimes Paraphrases, rather than Interpretations. We acknowledge with the Sciolist, Feci nec quod potai, nec quod volui, It is neither as we would, nor as it should. The minority of our XXIII. years proclaims the nerves of our Intellect to be too slender and feeble to answer the curious expectation of every one's fancy, in rendering a perfect illustration of every Ambiguity couched in the whole, and our Pencil too rude and gross to express in our idiom in draughts respondent to the nicety of the subject; not only in regard of our too frequent submission and stooping of our most serious cogitations below the dignity and due height of the Author's strain, but also the vast contrariety between our Granium, and the obscurity (by reason of the wide admission of variety of Interpretations) of the stile, stuffed with many long Parenthesis, and clouded with dark Enigmas, which we presume will draw this construction from the Oracle of your Impartial Censures, that we had the visible appearance of more than one disadvantage to encounter with. If we had been cautious to have observed the rule of that known Critic, Nonumque prematur in Annum; and taken that care that Alexander did in refining Lapis Lazuli, we should have revised this Tract, but we could not be allowed that time from the pressure of our Employments; but quicquid in Buccam venit, and that volante Calamo, being not at all affected with fustian strains, rhetorical plumes, and intricate tropes. For the obscureness of our present station, backed with the tenuity of our fortunes, confining us yet to the constant attendance on, and submission to our Profession, subjecting us to the observance of an inviduous Phalanthes, inspired with the flames of self-plaudite, which must needs render us obnoxious to many more heart-renting distractions, auroral avocations, and nocturnal interturbations, continually plucking us by the sleeve, and arresting us from the obtainment of any minute of retirement for lection; which we hope your candour, Sirs, will confess to be the causation of those many Erratas, which will appear as so many black patches upon the soil of our Physiognemie, to the observation of the austere and curious, often meditating on the Poet's confession; Cum relego, scripsisse pudet, quia plurima cerno Me quoque quae fuerant Judice digna lini. As also the natural sedentary condition of our life, which hath made the wheels of our Intellect to jar, by warbling out a Chorus of confusion, instead of Trisagions of harmony, which hath begulfed us into a Labyrinth of many private Remora's; the least whereof we presume may draw from your Cogitations a venial excuse for the injury offered our Author, in trajecting these lines through the sieve of our Crebrosity. Yet be it as it will, we have assayed and put ourselves upon the Stage, and are resolved, velis, nolis, audacter studium intrare, with those Eliensian Wrestlers in Philostratus, boldly to show ourselves, arming our interior Lineaments with this resolve, to abide your censures; though we are not ignorant what Erasmus said, Nihil morosius hominum judiciis, there's nought so peevish as men's judgements; sed linguas mancipiorum contemno, and even as the barking of a Dog, do contemn the scurrilous obloquys of railers and detractors. And howbeit Stultus labor est ineptiarum, to be busied in foolery is to small purpose, yet hear Seneca, Burton. Better aliud agere, quam nihil; better do to no end, than nothing. But it may be you will infer, it is actum agere, Loco citato. Cramben bis coctum apponere; ay but Nihil praetermissum quod quovis dici possit. Go then, and censure, criticise, and rail. We question not but if our Head had been decked with the title of Honourable, Worshipful, Doctor in Physic, Master of Arts, etc. it had been well enough; yet for all this, we shall think ourselves not a little offended, if we should be debarred from admission into their Libraries. Be pleased to accept of this our ingenious confession, and then with the greater encouragement we shall conclude, by craving pardon in the lines of Medea's. — Illud jam voce extrema peto, Ne, siqua noster dubius effadit dolour, Muniant in animo verba, sed melior tibi Memoria nostri subeat, haec irae data Obliterentur— And out of an assured hope and confidence thereof, we will begin with our Author. R. TOMLINSON. The Author's EPISTLE, by way of Preface, to the Reader. COURTEOUS READER, HEre thou hast a large Dispensatory, or, if thou wilt, the Universal Doctrine of the Medicinal Art; which yet scarce was ever congested into one Work, or digested into an exact Method, as to make the Art perfect. This, I say, is the firstborn of Curative Medicine, which I may term, The Physicians Right-hand, or Skilful Artificer; not only preparing Salutiferous Antidotes, but also directing how they should be exhibited and applied; demonstrating Salubrious Remedies for the curing of every Malady: To thee therefore (Courteous Reader) have I dedicated these my Labours; endeavouring to purge the whole Body of Pharmacy from the Erratas of the Ancient Grecians; and also, from the obscurity of the Idiom of many other Barbarous Nations, that have been famous for Physicians; and have compiled the abstract of all into this Method, which I hope I may term, The most absolute of any yet extant. Though I am not ignorant, that there are many Books extant in Latin, that handle the Pharmaceutical Art, which Fernelius hath augmented by many Precepts, Silvius illustrated with several Preparations, Rondeletius with Compositions, and Wekerus with Confections; yet (without ostentation do I speak it) none but may modestly be reproved; each describing many Compound Medicaments, whose Simples they knew not, neither could they render a Reason or Method of the Composition. I have not here prescribed any thing, but that both the aforesaid Scruples may be satisfied; neither can any doubt (how ignorant soever he be) how to select, prepare, and mingle his Simples, because these things are clearly enough demonstrated and explained, not only from my own particular knowledge, but from the famousest Physicians in Paris (of which I acknowledge myself the least) which may contend with the greatest part of Europe, for the ablest Doctors in Physic: for as many Physicians as there be, so many Oracles, so many Apollo's, so many Princes in Physic, which have made famous the Art, both by Teaching and Curing; sparing no Pains nor Cost to adorn Lutetia with merited Renown: for scarce have our Colleagues any spare hours allotted from their quotidian Avocations to the visiting of the Sick. Yet notwithstanding the pressure of my Employments in particular, and defatigable diuturnal Labours, I have endeavoured to illustrate the Pharmaceutical Art, in this Method thou now seest it in. The whole Work is divided into two Parts: the first contains Pharmaceutical Institutions, or the Theorical part of Pharmacy; the latter, An Apothecary's Shop, or Practical part of Physic: Between these two, are contained three Books of Medicinal Materials, which are, as it were, subservient to them both; demonstrating such matter as the Institutions require, and explaining such as is expedient to be used in the Shop; which I have so placed, that thereby every Simple which ingredes the Compositions, may be dignoted in its nature and quality. Now in the first Book of the Institutions, is handled the manner of Electing Medicaments; in the second, the preparation; in the third, the Composition; in the fourth, the Rules to be observed in Compounding them; and in the fifth, the Forms of Remedies are prescribed. To these are subjoined other three Books, treating of Plants, Minerals, and Animals: and lastly, The Shop, or Antidotary, divided into Two Parts; the first Treating of Medicines to be inwardly taken; the latter, of such as are to be outwardly applied: which are again divided into three Books; and subdivided into several Sections, by reason of the variety of the matter handled, and for the more elegant disposing of the Method prescribed. All which (Good Reader) I desire thee kindly to accept of; and what I have delivered, to take in good part. Farewell. RICHARD JACKSON Master of Arts, and Student in Philosophy, TO The Gentlemen of England. GENTLEMEN, HEalth is the only Diamond of Price and Dignity, which deserves to be pursued with all manner of Expense, whether of Time or Money, Pain or Labour, Sweat or Blood; and purchased at any peril; rather hazarding Life, than not to have it: for without it, all lawful sensualities, together with Science and Virtue, do vanish or cloy, (Morborum fastidiis ipsum animum in perpetuam sui contemplationem mancipantibus.) And life itself becometh so noy some and injurious, that the most notable and ingenious Cynic, answered the salutation of Speusippus, crying from his Litter (wherein he was carried, because of his Dropsy and Disease, All hail to thee Diogenes; not without some scorn or exprobration, viz. And to thee, no Health at all, who from weakness of mind, or cowardice of heart, endurest such a wretched condition, as willingly to continue languishing in the want of it. Health then being of all mortal Excellencies most desirable; and, according to that Philosophical Axiom (Plut. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) Health is Precious and desirable, and easily alterable. Those men are highly to be praised, who have endeavoured any thing for its Recovery or Preservation: for though some wandering Empirics, and Quacksalving Mountebanks, have impaired the Reputation of the Physical Profession, as appears in the History of Alexander the son of Podalirius, who (to one complaining of his stomach) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Willing to prescribe him a Sow's foot; he so expressed it, as if the choice had been Mysterious and Divine: whereas the imitation of him in this our latter Age, in singling out such Drugs, as the Foot of a Tortoise, the Dung of an Elephant, the Liver of a Mole, so strange and monstrous Trash, seemeth rather to savour of Chaldean Charms, or Magical Spells, then of any curious Art, or solid Science: It being absolute folly, according to the purest Philosophy, both Greek and Latin, to persuade a man to his Profit, by ways and means never understood or apprehended, (Terrigenam Herbigradam, Domiportam sanguine castam.) Yet there is no question, but that amongst so many of Nature's Works, there are some things proper for the preservation of our health, as salt-water serveth the Stork, or the herb Dittany the wounded Goat, had we but skill to cull out and apply them; and if the Sow, the Goat, and the Tortoise, by indivinable instinct, be directed unto them; why should we, or how can we think or imagine, but that there is an Art of it, which advanced Asclepius unto divine honours? And though its incertainty hath abated of its estimation, arising not only from the diversity of conceptions, in such as Hierophilus, Asclepiades, and Erasistratus, Diocles, Strato, and Hypocrates; but also the consideration of so many external circumstances, as of the nature of the place, the condition of the Air, the quality of the Wether, the situation of the Planets, and their efficacious influence upon the inferior Bodies, which seem necessary to direct their design aright, in an assured aim at the end hoped for, or intended; and most especially, Ex multitudine artificum & imperitia plerisque ad ea quae promittunt rudibus, & vanum modo nomen (quo commendentur lucri & laudis avidi quaerentibus) yet hath Renodaeus so restored it in the Parmaceutical part, (most essential to the Profession, both by his Theoretical Institutions, and Practical Directions, proper and necessary for every Apothecary) that he seemeth fully to have answered Apollo's expectation, in such a studious Recovery of those collapsed Arts, as shall render every Apothecary inexcusable, if he err in composing his Drugs; and wilfully obstinate, if without this Book, to the detriment of others, he shall presume to exercise his own Art, in singling out, preparing or mingling of those simples which he must make use of: It being, by the Renowned Author's Lucubrations, a Book no less useful for him, then is Horace or Homer for a Paedant, or a Breviary for a Romish Priest. In which sense, it recommendeth itself to the serious perusal of every Gentleman, who is not sottish or infrunite; both to secure his own health, and to see into the ostentatious shifts of many self-over-weening novelists; who, with a Doctorly arrogance, presume to direct their notes unto their Apothecaries, which they cannot well or safely perform, without the assistance of a Pocket-Breviate, or the pretty Compendium of some such Dispensatory; which insinuateth the deserved Commendation of the Juvenile Author, in making such judicious choice, and managing the Translation with such care, pains, and industry, as hath overcome the difficulty of the style, and the variety of interpretations, which the ambiguity of such phrases and sentences doth afford; keeping himself (so far as my importunate occasions would admit of serious perusal) close to the Author's sense, and polishing the same with an English Elegancy, which might have induced the learned Doctor to have renounced his Lutetian Privileges, for the rich Freedom of London, and rare Liberties of England: Of all which, this ingenious Translator (Mr. Richard Tomlinson) hath faithfully laboured to make him free Denizon; which, in all probability, will redound to the utility public, no less then to the private interest of his own Tribe: according to the desire of (Gentlemen) Your cordial Friend, and spontaneous Wellwisher to the Common Good, RICHARD JACKSON, Master in Arts, and Student in Philosophy. An INDEX Of the several Chapters contained in the First Part of this Work, which is divided into Five Books of Physical Institutions. The first Book: Wherein is handled the use, antiquity, and dignity of Pharmacy; the qualities and effects, together with the mode of electing Medicaments. The Contents of the Chapters are as followeth. Chap. 1. WHat Pharmacy is, and its use. Page. 1 Chap. 2. What an Apothecary is, what he ought to be: his subject, object and end. Page. 3 Chap. 3. Of a Medicament and Aliment, what they are, and what a medium between both. Page. 5 Chap. 4. Of the ancient use of Simples; and of their wonderful properties. Page. 6 Chap. 5. Of the matter of Medicaments, and whence it proceeds. Page. 8 Chap. 6. Of the faculties of Medicaments, and how many sorts there be accordingly. Page. 9 Chap. 7. Of the first and second faculties of Medicaments. Page. 11 Chap. 8. Of the third faculty, commonly called, The occult quality. Page. 12 Chap. 9 Of the faculty of Purging Medicaments; whence it proceeds, and how it operates. Page. 14 Chap. 10. Of such which besides the laxation of the belly, perform the cure of divers diseases by an occult quality. Page. 16 Chap. 11. Of simple Medicaments, which by a specifical property have respect to certain peculiar parts. Page. 18 Chap. 12. Of Annulets operating by an occult virtue. Page. 20 Chap. 13. Of the operation of Poisons, by the manifestation of their obscure qualities. Page. 24 Chap. 14. Of the faculties of such as are comprehended under a general consideration, being nominated from their effects. Page. 28 Chap. 15. A general disquisition, demonstrating how to elect cathartics. Page. 32 Chap. 16. How or when this election may be taken. Page. 33 Chap. 17. How this election may be made, from those things that have been premised. Page. 34 Chap. 18. A particular disquisition of Tastes. Page. 36 Chap. 19 What manner of election may be made by Tastes. Page. 39 Chap. 20. At what time Medicaments are to be gathered, how long their virtue lasts, and when they have it most valid. Page. 40 Chap. 21. How Medicaments may be elected, from the nature of the soil where they grow. Page. 43 Chap. 22. What election may be made, from their faculties. Page. 45 The second Book: In which is handled the Preparation of Medicaments. Chap. 1. WHether some preparation be not required to all Medicaments, as well as Aliment. Chap. 2. Of the variety (as to the genus of difference) of preparations. Page. 50 Chap. 3. Of the manner of washing Medicaments. Page. 52 Chap. 4. Of the purgation or cleansing of them. Page. 55 Chap. 5. Of Infusion. Page. 56 Chap. 6. Of Humectation, with its differences. Page. 57 Chap. 7. Of Nutrition. Page. 58 Chap. 8. Of Maceration, Infection, and Digestion. Page. 59 Chap. 9 Of triture or pulveration. Page. 60 Chap. 10. Of the several kinds of triture. Page. 62 Chap. 11. Of coction. Page. 64 Chap. 12. Of assation and fixion. Page. 66 Chap. 13. Of the manner of burning Medicaments. Page. 67 Chap. 14. Of extinction. Page. 70 Chap. 15. Of calefaction, insolation, and refrigeration. Page. 71 Chap. 16. Of putrefaction and fermentation. Page. 72 Chap. 17. Of dissolution. Page. 73 Chap. 18. Of liquation. Page. 74 Chap. 19 Of molition and duration. Page. 75 Chap. 20. Of siccation. Page. 76 Chap. 21. Of expression. Page. 77 Chap. 22. Of extraction. Page. 78 Chap. 23. Of Chemical extracts. Page. 79 Chap. 24. Of cribration. Page. 81 Chap. 25. Of collation and filtration. Page. 82 Chap. 26. Of spumation. Page. 83 Chap. 27. Of clarification. Page. 84 Chap. 28. Of aromatization. Page. 85 Chap. 29. Of colouration. Page. 86 Chap. 30. Of conditure, saliture, and farture. Page. 87 Chap. 31. Of Distillation. Page. 88 Chap. 32. Of Distillation by descent. Page. 90 The third Book: Of the general composition of Medicaments. SECT. 1. Of Internal Medicaments. Chap. 1. WHy Medicaments are compounded. Page. 94 Chap. 2. Of Syrups in general. Page. 97 Chap. 3. Of Propomates. Page. 99 Chap. 4. Of Syrups mixed with honey. Page. 101 Chap. 5. Of Juices mixed with honey. Page. 102 Chap. 6. Of Sapes. Page. 103 Chap. 7. Of Conserves. Page. 104 Chap. 8. Of Condites in general. Page. 106 Chap. 9 Of Powders. Page. 107 Chap. 10. Of Eclegms in general. Page. 108 Chap. 11. Of Electuaries in general. Page. 109 Chap. 12. Of Hiera. Page. 111 Chap. 13. Of Opiates in general. Page. 112 Chap. 14. Of Pills. Page. 114 Chap. 15. Of Troches. Page. 116 SECT. 2. Of External Medicaments. Chap. 1. OF Oils. Page. 118 Chap. 2. Of Unguents. Page. 121 Chap. 3. Of Medicaments made of wax, or Cerates. Page. 123 Chap. 4. Of Plasters. Page. 124 Chap. 5. Of Sparadraps. Page. 127 The fourth Book: The rules or laws that ought to be observed in the compounding of Medicaments. Chap. 1. WHo first Compounded Medicaments; and the reason of Composition. Page. 128 Chap. 2. Of the basis of Medicaments, and the mode of their Collocation in receipts. Page. 130 Chap. 3. Of the forms and end of Medicaments. Page. 132 Chap. 4. Of the Several weights of Medicaments, and their marks. Page. 134 Chap. 5. Of the measures that Physicians use. Page. 136 Chap. 6. Of the quantity of Medicaments to be exhibited. Page. 137 Chap. 7. A just proportion of Medicaments can scarce be defined: yet a little in excess or defect is not perilous. Page. 139 Chap. 8. Of such Medicaments as may without harm be taken in a great quantity: for whom they are Convenient, and when. Page. 140 Chap. 9 Of such as must be prescribed in small quantity. Page. 142 Chap. 10. In what quantity Simples should be mixed in Composition. Page. 143 Chap. 11. Of the manner how to repose Medicaments conveniently. Page. 145 Chap. 12. Of the Conservation and duration of Medicaments. Page. 147 Chap. 13. Of such as by a certain Antinomasia are preferred before others, from which their denomination is desumed. Page. 148 Chap. 14. Of such roots, seeds, flowers, stones, and waters, as excel others in dignity. Page. 150 Chap. 15. Of Succedaneous Medicaments. Page. 151 Chap. 16. What Medicaments are, and when they are rightly substituted. Page. 153 Chap. 17. Of adulterate Medicaments. Page. 157 The fifth Book: The several forms of Medicaments, whose use is Excellent in preventing and profligating diseases. SECT. 1. Of such as may be assumed at the mouth. 1. OF some ordinary Decoctions, common by their long use. 161 2. A description of a dose. 163 3. Of a Purgative potion. 164 4. Of Juleps. 166 5. Of distilled Restoratives. 167 6. Of decoctions or Apozemes. 168 7. Of Gargarisms. 160 8. Of Emulsions. 161 9 Of Amidalates. 163 10. Of the Ptisane, or Hordeate, used by the Ancients. 164 11. Of lohoch's, or Eclegms made for present use. 165 12. Of Apophlegmatismes. 166 13. Of a purging Bolus. 167 14. Of Opiates. 168 15. Of Condites or preserves. 169 16. Of the regal paste. 170 17. Of Marchpane. Ibid. 18. Of Piniolates or Pignolates. 171 19 Of Pandalea's. 172 20. Of Hypoglottian Medicaments, commonly called Sublingues. 173 21. Of Tables or Tabulets. Ibid. 22. Of Powders. 176 SECT. 2. 1. OF Errhines. 178 2. Of Pessaries. 172 3. Of Nadils or Penicills. 180 4. Of Suppositories. 181 5. Of Glisters. 183 SECT. 3. Of such as are extrinsecally to be applied. 1. OF Baths. 185 2. Of A Semicapium or Insess. 186 3. Of a Vaporary. 187 4. Of a Hypocaust or Sudatory. 188 5. Of Fomentations. 189 6. Of Epithemes. 190 7. Of the manner of Lotion. 191 8. Of an Embroch or sprinkling. 192 9 Of a Lineament. 193 10. Of Muslidges. 194 11. Of Collyries. 194 12. Of Virgins Milk. 197 13. Of Alome-water. 198 14. Of Irontals. Ibid. 15. Of Cataplasms. 200 16. Of Empasms and Diapasms. 201 17. Of Sinapisms & Phaenigms. 202 18. Of Dropax and Piccation. 203 19 Of Psylothers. 204 20. Of Vesicatories. 205 21. Of Pyroticks and Cauteries. 206 22. Of Plaifters for the stomach, or descuto. 208 23. Of Quilted Caps. 209 24. Of Bags. 210 25. Of Dentifrices 211 26. Of Odoraments. 212 27. Of perfumes and Suffumigatories. 213 Three Books of Medicinal Materials, Treating of such things as are requisite for Compositions made and kept in Apothecaries Shops. The first Book: Of Plants. SECT. 1. Chap. 1. OF Water. Page. 217 Chap. 2. Of Wine. Page. 219 Chap. 3. Of Vinegar. Page. 221 Chap. 4. Of Omphacy. Page. 222 Chap. 5. Of Sugar. Page. 223 Chap. 6. Of Honey. Page. 224 Chap. 7. Of Manna. Page. 226 Chap. 8. Of Cordial-flowers; and first of Violets. Page. 227 Chap. 9 Of Bugloss-flowers. Page. 228 Chap. 10. Of Borage-flowers. Ibid. Chap. 11. Of the four common Emollitives; and first of Mallows. Page. 229 Chap. 12. Of Brank-Ursine. Page. 230 Chap. 13. Of Mercury. Page. 231 Chap. 14. Of Pellitory of the wall. Ibid. Chap. 15. Of beat and Arack. Page. 232 Chap. 16. Of the five Capillaries; and first of true Maidenhair. Page. 233 Chap. 17. Of common Maidenhair. Page. 234 Chap. 18. Of Polytrich Page. 235 Chap. 19 Of Ceterach. Ibid. Chap. 20. Of Salvia vitae. Page. 236 Chap. 21. Of some other Plants that are of the second sort of Capillaries; and first of Moon-fern. Ibid. Chap. 22. Of Dodder. Page. 237 Chap. 23. Of the five opening roots; and first of Smallage. Ibid. Chap. 24. Of Petroseline. Page. 238 Chap. 25. Of Sperage. Page. 239 Chap. 26. Of Fennel. Ibid. Chap. 27. Of Butchers-Broom. Page. 240 Chap. 28. Of the four greater Coole-seeds. Ibid. Chap. 29. Of the four lesser Coole-seeds; and first of Lettuce. Page. 241 Chap. 30. Of Purslain and its seed. Page. 242 Chap. 31. Of other less Cooling-seeds; and by the way, of Succeraceous Plants. Page. 243 Chap. 32. Of the four hot seeds; and first of Annis. Page. 244 Chap. 33. Of Cummin. Page. 245 Chap. 34. Of Caraway. Page. 246 Chap. 35. Of the other four seeds which are hot in a lesser degree: and first of Ameos. Ibid. Chap. 36. Of Our Ladies-Rose. Page. 247 Chap. 37. Of Carrot. Page. 248 Chap. 38. Of Some flowers from which most efficacious waters and Oils are extracted; and first of Roses. Ibid. Chap. 39 Of Water-lilies. Page. 249 Chap. 40. Of Lilly. Page. 250 Chap. 41. Of Saffron. Page. 251 SECT. 2. Of Purgative Simples. Chap. 1. ORhabarb. Page. 252 Chap. 2. Of Cassia. Page. 253 Chap. 3. Of Tamarinds. Page. 254 Chap. 4. Of Myrabolans. Page. 255 Chap. 5. Of Aloes. Page. 256 Chap. 6. Of Senna. Page. 257 Chap. 7. Of Mechoachan root. Page. 258 Chap. 8. Of Agarick. Ibid. Chap. 9 Of Polipody. Page. 259 Chap. 10. Of Carthamus. Page. 260 Chap. 11. Of walwort or Dwarf-Elder. Page. 261 Chap. 12. Of Devills-Milk or Esula. Ibid. Chap. 13. Of Hermodacts. Page. 262 Chap. 14. Of Turbith. Page. 263 Chap. 15. Of Scamony. Page. 264 Chap. 16. Of Hellebore. Page. 265 Chap. 17. Of Coloquintida. Page. 266 Chap. 18. Of Widdow-wail and Spurge-Olive, or Mezereon and Chanilaea. Page. 267 Chap. 19 Of Thymellaea or Spurge-flax. Page. 268 Chap. 20. Of Laurel. Ibid. Chap. 21. Of Kicinus or Palma Christi. Page. 269 Chap. 22. Of Soldanella. Ibid. SECT. 6. Of Exotical Calefactives. Chap. 1. OF Ginger. Page. 270 Chap. 2. Of Zerumbet. Page. 271 Chap. 3. Of Setwel. Page. 272 Chap. 4. Of Galanga. Ibid. Chap. 5. Of Acorus or Water-flag. Page. 273 Chap. 6. Of Calamus Aromaticus, or the Aromatical-reed. Ibid. Chap. 7. Of Costus. Page. 274 Chap. 8. Of Both Beens. Page. 275 Chap. 9 Of Scecachal. Page. 276 Chap. 10. Of Cinnamon. Ibid. Chap. 11. Of Nutmeg, Mace, and Macer. Page. 278 Chap. 12. Of Pepper. Page. 279 Chap. 13. Of Cloves. Page. 280 Chap. 14. Of Cardamons. Ibid. Chap. 15. Of Cubebs. Page. 281 Chap. 16. Of Carpobalsamum and other Balsams. Page. 282 Chap. 17. Of Kermes. Page. 283 Chap. 18. Of Squinant. Page. 284 Chap. 19 Of Indian-Leaves. Page. 285 Chap. 20. Of Selticknard and Spicknard. Ibid. Chap. 21. Of Aloes-wood. Page. 286 Chap. 22. Of Saunders. Page. 287 Chap. 23. Of Sassafras. Ibid. Chap. 24. Of Guaiacum. Page. 288 Chap. 25. Of Sarsaperilla. Page. 289 Chap. 26. Of Chinaroot. Ibid. SECT. 4. Of Indigenous Calefactives. 1. OF Pellitory-Spain. 291 2. Of Mustard. 292 3. Of Treacle-Mustard. 293 4. Of Rocket. 294 5. Of nettle. 295 6. Of Orris. 296 7. Of Enula-campane. 297 8. Of Cyperus. Ibid. 9 Of Angelico. 298 10 Of Lovage 299 11 Of Seselios or Heartwort Ibid. 12 Of Gentian 300 13 Of Tormentil 301 14 Of Pyony Ibid. 15 Of Madder 302 16 Of Restharrow Ibid. 17 Of Eringo or sea-holly 303 18 Of Common Grass Ibid. 19 Of Liccorish 304 20 Of Showbread Ibid. 21 Of Sea-Onyon 3 22 Of Bulbus or the seabulb 306 23 Of Satyrion or Dogs-stones Ibid. 24 Of Leeks 307 25. Of Radish-root. 308 26. Of Windeflower. 309 27. Of Keiry or Wall-flowers. Ibid. 28. Of Thyme. 310 29. Of Mother of Thyme. Ibid. 30. Of Sampsuchum and Margerum. 311 31. Of Peniroyal. 312 32. Of Polium. Ibid. 33. Of Basil. 313 34. Of Origanum. Ibid. 35. Of Mint. 314 36. Of Calamint. 315 37. Of Wormwood. 316 38. Of Mugwort. 317 39 Of Balm. Ibid. 40. Of Horehound. 318 41. Of Betony. Ibid. 42. Of Speedwell. 319 43. Of Dittany. Ibid. 44. Of Staechas or French Lavender. 320 45. Of Sage. 321 46. Of Clary. Ibid. 47. Of Scordium. 322 48. Of Rue. Ibid. 49. Of Gromwel. 323 50. Of Saxafrage. 324 51. Of Birthwort. Ibid. 52. Of Asarabacca. 325 53. Of Burnet or Pimpinel. Ibid. 54. Of Germander. 326 55. Of Groundpine. Ibid. 56. Of Feaverfew. 327 57 Of St. johns-wort. Ibid. 58. Of Peters-wort. 328 59 Of Gith or Nigella. Ibid. 60. Of Hyssop. 329 61. Of Cranesbill. Ibid. 62. Of Leopard's bane. 330 63. Of Carduus Benedictus. 331 64. Of Cardiaca or Mother-wort. 332 65. Of Black Chamaeleon Thistle. Ibid. 66. Of Scolymus or Artichock. 333 67. Of Valerian. Ibid. 68 Of Fumatory. 334 69. Of Eybright. 334 70. Of the lesser Centory. 335 71. Of Rhaponticum. Ibid. 72. Of Spignel. 336 73. Of Dill. Ibid. 74. Of Macedonian Parsley. 337 75. Of Coriander. Ibid. 76. Of Capers. 338 77. Of Honey-suckles or Woodbine. Ibid. 78. Of Broom. 339 79. Of Savine. Ibid. 80. Of Rosemary. 340 81. Of Agnus-Castus or white Willow. Ibid. 82. Of the Ash and Ashton keys. 341 83. Of Misselto of the Oak. 342 84. Of Poplar. Ibid. SECT. 5. Of Refrigerative Simples. Chap. 1. OF Mandrake. Page. 344 Chap. 2. Of Nightshade. Page. 345 Chap. 3. Of Winter-cherries. Page. 349 Chap. 4. Of Henbane. Ibid. Chap. 5. Of Poppy. Page. 348 Chap. 6. Of Sempervinum or Houseleek. Page. 351 Chap. 7. Of Dogs-tongue. Page. 352 Chap. 8. Of Plantain. Ibid. Chap. 9 Of Knotgrass. Ibid. Chap. 10. Of Comfrey. Page. 350 Chap. 11. Of Sorrel. Page. 353 Chap. 12. Of Sowredock. Page. 356 Chap. 13. Of Liverwort and Egrimony. Ibid. Chap. 14. Of Primrose. Page. 357 Chap. 15. Of Cabbage or Garden-Colewort. Page. 358 Chap. 16. Of Fleabane. Ibid. Chap. 17. Of Coltsfoot. Page. 359 Chap. 18. Of Hops. Ibid. Chap. 19 Of Bistort. Ibid. Chap. 20. Of Strawberries. Page. 360 Chap. 21. Of Cinquefoil. Page. 361 Chap. 22. Of Goosegrass or Cleavers. Ibid. Chap. 23. Of Scabiose. Page. 362 Chap. 24. Of the Cotton-Tree or Plant. Ibid. Chap. 25. Of Cats-foot. Page. 363 Chap. 26. Of Melilot. Ibid. Chap. 27. Of Line. Page. 364 Chap. 28. Of Fenugreek. Ibid. Chap. 29. Of Red Cicers. Page. 365 Chap. 30. Of Orabus or bitter fetch. Ibid. Chap. 31. Of Lupins. Page. 366 Chap. 32. Of Barley. Ibid. Chap. 33. Of Sumach. Page. 367 Chap. 34. Of Myrtles. Ibid. Chap. 35. Of Milfoil or Yarrow. Page. 368 Chap. 36. Of Tamarisk. Page. 369 SECT. 6. Of Fruits. Chap. 1. OF Apples. Page. 570 Chap. 2. Of Pears. Page. 371 Chap. 3. Of Lemons and Citrons. Page. 372 Chap. 4. Of Oranges. Page. 373 Chap. 5. Of Pomegranates. Ibid. Chap. 6. Of Quinces. Page. 374 Chap. 7. Of Medlars. Page. 375 Chap. 8. Of Sorb-Apples. Ibid. Chap. 9 Of the fruit of the Cornel Tree. Page. 276 Chap. 10. Of Prunes. Ibid. Chap. 11 Of Apricocks. Page. 377 Chap. 12. Of Peaches. Page. 378 Chap. 13. Of Cherries. Ibid. Chap. 14. Of Mulberries. Page. 379 Chap. 15. Of Wild Mulberries and Rasberies. Page. 380 Chap. 16. Of Sebestens. Ibid. Chap. 17. Of Jujubees. Page. 381 Chap. 18. Of Figs. Ibid. Chap. 19 Of Dates. Page. 382 Chap. 20. Of Olives. Page. 383 Chap. 21. Of Raisins. Page. 385 Chap. 22 Of Red-Currans. Page. 386 Chap. 23 Of Berberies. Ibid. Chap. 24. Of filberts. Page. 386 Chap. 25. Of Pistaches. Ibid. Chap. 26. Of Almonds. Page. 387 Chap. 27. Of Wallnuts. Ibid. Chap. 28. Of Pine-kernels. Page. 388 Chap. 29. Of Cypress-Nuts. Page. 389 Chap. 30. Of Bay-berries. Page. 390 Chap. 31. Of Juniper-berries. Page. 391 Chap. 32. Of Galls. Page. 392 SECT. 7. Of Gums. Chap. 1. OF Juices or the humours of Plants. Page. 393 Chap. 2. What Gum is, and how it differs from Rosine and other Concreted humours. Page. 394 Chap. 3. Of . Page. 395 Chap. 4. Of Gum-Traganth. Page. 396 Chap. 5. Of Amoniacum. Ibid. Chap. 6. Of Gum-Lacc. Page. 397 Chap. 7. Of Dragon's blood. Page. 398 Chap. 8. Of Assafoetida. Page. 399 Chap. 9 Of Sagapenum. Page. 401 Chap. 10. Of Galbanum. Ibid. Chap. 11. Of Opoponax. Page. 402 Chap. 12. Of Sarcocolla. Page. 403 Chap. 13. Of the Gum of Ivy. Ibid. SECT. 8. Of Rosines. Chap. 1. WHat Rosine is, and its varieties. Page. 377 Chap. 2. Of Pitch. Page. 378 Chap. 3. Of Turpentine. Page. 379 Chap. 4. Of Frankincense. Page. 381 Chap. 5. Of Belzoin. Ibid. Chap. 6. Of Euphorbeum. Page. 382 Chap. 7. Of Gum Elemni. Page. 383 SECT. 9 Of Gummeous Rosine. 1. OF Mastich. 384 2. Of Camphyr. 385 3. Of Storax. 386 4. Of Myrrh. 387 5. Of Bdellium. 388 SECT. 10. Of other humours and juices arising from Plants. 1. OF Opium. 589 2. Of Elaterium. 390 3. Of Laudanum. 391 4. Of Hypocistis. Ibid. 5. Of Tartar. 392 6. Of juice of Liccorish. Ibid. 7. Of Wax. 393 8. Of Certain other juices more fitly to be described in another place. 394 The second Book: Of Minerals. THe Preface. Page. 395 1. Of Lemnian-Earth. 396 2. Of Bole-Armeniack. Ibid. 3. Of some other Earth's less in use. 397 4. Of Certain Fossiles extracted either from Sea or Land, which are referred either to Metals, Stones, or earths: and first of Boras. 399 5. Of Vitrol or Calcanth. Ibid. 6. Of Alum. 400 7. Of Salts. 402 8. Of Bitumen. 403 9 Of Sulphur. 404 10. Of Ambergris. 405 11. Of Yellow-Amber. 406 12. Of Coral. Ibid. 13. Of Auripigmentum. 407 14. Of Cinabaris. 408 15. Of Quicksilver. 409 SECT. 2. Of Medicinal & precious Stones. 1. OF the Smaragd. 412 2. Of the Saphir. 413 3. Of the Rubi 414 4. Of Granates. 415 5. Of the Sardis. Ibid. 6. Of the Hyacinth. Ibid. 7. Of the Topaz. 416 8. Of the Azure-stone. 417 9 Of the Loadstone. Ibid. 10. Of some other Gems, more seldom used in Medicine. 419 11. Of Certain Physical, but not precious Stones: and first of Marble. 421 12. Of Crystal. 422 13. Of Gypsum. Ibid. 14. Of Chalk. 423 15. Of Stones found in Sponges. Ibid. 16. Of Bricks. 424 SECT. 3. Of Metals. THe Preface. 425 1. Of Gold. 426 2. Of Silver. 427 3. Of Tinn. Ibid. 4. Of Lead. 428 5. Of Brass. 429 6. Of Verdegrease. Ibid. 7. Of Iron. 430 8. Of the seventh Metal. 432 9 Of Ceruse. Ibid. 10. Of Cadmia both Fossile and factitious. 433 11. Of Spodium. 434 12. Of Pompholix. 436 13. Of lethargy. 437 The third Book: Of Medicaments taken from Animals either whole or in part. The Preface. Chap. 1. OF Man's blood. Page. 440 Chap. 2. Of Mummy. Page. 441 Chap. 3. Of Goats-blood. Page. 442 Chap. 4. Of Hares-blood. Page. 443 Chap. 5. Of Fats; and first of the marrow of Hearts Ibid. Chap. 6. Of Goats-suet. Page. 444 Chap. 7. Of Hogs-grease. Page. 445 Chap. 8. Of Beares-grease. Ibid. Chap. 9 Of Goose-grease. Page. 446 Chap. 10. Of Ducks-grease. Ibid. Chap. 11. Of Capons-grease. Page. 447 Chap. 12. Of Butter. Page. 448 Chap. 13. Of Foxes-Lungs. Page. 449 Chap. 14. Of Castoreum. Page. 450 Chap. 15. Of the Excrements of animals; and first of Musk. Ibid. Chap. 16. Of Civet. Page. 451 Chap. 17. Of Isinglass. Page. 452 Chap. 18. Of Oesypus. Page. 453 Chap. 19 Of Medicinal bones; and first of a Heart's Heart-bone. Page. 454 Chap. 20. Of Ivory. Ibid. Chap. 21. Of the Unicornes-horn. Page. 456 Chap. 22. Of the Bezoar-stone. Page. 457 Chap. 23. Of Margarites and Unions. Page. 458 Chap. 24. Of the Sea-Navel. Page. 460 Chap. 25. Of the Dental. Ibid. Chap. 26. of Antal. Page. 461 Chap. 27. Of Tortoises. Page. 462 Chap. 28. Of Frogs. Ibid. Chap. 29. Of Crab-fish. Page. 464 Chap. 30. Of Vipers. Ibid. Chap. 31. Of Stincus mar. or scincks. Page. 467 Chap. 32. Of Scorpions. Ibid. Chap. 33. Of worms. Page. 468 Chap. 34. Of Spanish-flies. Page. 469 Chap. 35. Of Ants. Page. 470 Chap. 36. Of the silkworm. Page. 471 The APOTHECARY'S Shop. An Introduction, containing these following Particulars. 1. OF the House and Shop of an Apothecary. 471 2. Of the Instruments necessary for the Shop. 472 3. Of Mortars and Pestells. 481 4. Of Spatula's and Spoons. 482 5. Of Kettles, and other Metalline vessels. 483 6. Of Torcularies and Presses. 484 7. Of Sieves. Ibid. 8. Of Strainers. 485 9 Of Fornaces. 486 10. Of Stills and Alembecks. 487 11. Of Tables and Counters necessary for the Shop. 488 12. Of little Drawers, Boxes, and other Shop-utensils. 489 13. Of the conservation of parts, or whole, of Medicinal materials in the Shop. 490 14. Of Minerals and Metals that are to be kept. Page. 493 15. Of Such animals or parts thereof, that are to be kept. 494 16. Of Compound Medicaments, to be kept in Shops. Ibid. PART 1. The first Book: Of Preparative and Alterative Medicaments. Sect. 1. OF Syrups approved by use. Page. 498 Sect. 2. Of Syrups that may bemade at any time. Page. 518 Sect. 3. Of such Syrups as are dulcorated with Honey. Page. 529 Sect. 4. Of such juices as are to be cocted with Honey. Page. 530 Sect. 5. Of Rob Sape, or Robub. Page. 533 Sect. 6. Of Conserves. Page. 536 Sect. 7. Of Fruits and other parts of Plants that are to be condited and preserved. Page. 540 Sect. 8. Of Such Eclegms that must be kept in Shops. Page. 549 The second Book: 1. OF Selected and approved Purgative Medicaments. 554 2. Of Hieras. 567 3. Of Solid Electuaries and Troches that are Purgative. 571 4. Of Pills. 577 The third Book: 1. OF Select Cordial Powders. 599 2. Of Liquid Antidotes. 615 3. Of Alterative and Roborative Troches. 630 PART 2. Of External Medicaments. The fourth Book Of all oils. Sect. 1. OF Oils made by infusion. Page. 647 Sect. 2. Of Such Oils as may be made at any time. Page. 659 Sect. 3. Of Such Oils as are made either of animals or their parts. Page. 664 Sect. 4. Of Oils made be Expression. Page. 667 Sect. To which is added an Appendix of Balsams. Page. 685 Sect. 5. Of Oils extracted by distillation, and that either by ascent or descent. Page. 674 The fifth Book: Sect. 1. OF Unguents. Page. 690 Sect. 2. Of Cerechoths. Page. 711 The sixth Book: TReating only of Plasters, beginning at fol. 715. An Appendix of Certain waters made by art. 733 The End of this Index. An INDEX of such Diseases, whose Cure is contained in this WORK. Good for the Pain of the Head. PUrslain 242. Laurel 268. Pellitory 261. Nightshade 345. Oxymel of Squills 526. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Venice-Treacle 626. Unguentum Populeon 691. Electuary of Fleabane 560. Hiera Picra 567. Hiera Pachii Ibid. Pil. Mastichinae 578. Pil. sine quibus 581. Pil. Aureae Ibid. Pil. Cochiae 583. Pil. Asaiaret 587. Troch. Narcotici Fernelii 683. Oil of Roses 651. Oil of water-Lillies 652. Oil of Mandrake 656. Oil of Euphorbium 662. For the Weakness of the Brain and Head. These following Corroborate the whole brain and head: the powder for Suffumigation 214. Saffron 351. Pyony 302. Marjoran 311. Balm 317. Betony 318. Staechas 320. Sage 321. Ambergris 405. Coral 406. Smaragd 412. Mosch 450. Honey of Rosemary 531 conserve of Roses 536. conserve of Rosemary flowers 539. conserve of Betony Ibid. conserve of Balm and Sage 539. Emplastrum de Janua 719. Troches de Gallia Moschata 634. Troch. Aliptae Moschatae Ibid. Oil of Marjoran 684. Aromaticum Rosatum 603. pulvis Diana those 605. Oil of Myrtles 656. Oil of Mastic 660. To cause Sternutation, or to provoke Sneezing. The powder prescribed 179. Mustardseed 292. For the Vertigo. These cure the Vertigo: Coloquintida 266. Chinaroot 289. Oxymel of Squills 526. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Venice-Treacle 626. Treacle-water 733. Electuary of Fleabane 560. Hiera Picra with Agarick 568. Hiera Pachii Ibid. Pills of Agarick 582. Pills of Nitre 589. For madness and Hypochondriack Melancholy. To root out the Hypochondriack Melancholy, and such like Affections, use the true black Hellebore 265. Topaz 416. syrup of Borage, and syrup of Bugloss 510. Antidotum Asyntricum 620 Ointment of Roses 690. Confectio-Hamech 562. Electuary of Senna 564. Hiera Pachii 568. Oil of Mandrake 656. For a Lethargy. To cure the Lethargy, use that Embroch 192. Sacculus 210. Mother of Thyme 310. Castoreum 450. Honey of Rosemary 531. Treacle-water 733. Claret 734. Hiera with Agarick 568. Hiera Pachii Ibid. Hiera Diacolocynthidos 569. Pills of Agarick 582. Oil of Euphorbeum 662. For the falling sicknese. To expel the falling sickness, make use of Pyony 301. Hellebore black 265. Coloquintida 266. Pellitory 291. Pyony 301. Squills 305. Peniroyal 312. Betony 318. Misselto of the Oak 342. Coral 406. Smaragd 412. syrup of Staechadoes 520. Oxymel of Squills 526. conserve of Rosemary-flowers 539. Pyony-roots condited 546. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Venice-Treacle 626. Troches of Squills 632. Oil of Vitriol 679. Oil of Sulphur 681. Treacle-water 733. Claret 734. Electuary of Senna 564. Hiera Picra with Agarick 568. Hiera Pachii Ibid. Hiera Diacolocynthidos 569. Troch. Alhandal 575. Pills of Nitre 589. species Dianthos. The Apoplexy. To cure the Apoplexy, use the clyster in page 184. Sacculus 210. Coloquintida 266. Pellitory 291. Honey of Rosemary 531. syrup of Rosemary Ibid. Treacle-water 733. Claret 734. Hiera Diacolocynthidos 569. The Palsy. These corect and cure the Palsy, Chinaroot 289. Pellitory 291. the decoct. of the root of Enula-campane-drink 397. Bittumen 403. syrup of Staechadoes 520. fyrup of Rosemary 531. conserve of Balm and Sage 539. Oil of Vitriol 679. Mesue's Balsam 686. Hollerius Balsam Ibid. the Balsam of the Florentine Physicians 687. Doctor Evonimus his Balsam Ibid. the strange and admirable Balsam 688. Unguentum Martiatum 706. Treacle-water 733. Claret 734. Hiera Diacolocynthidos 569. Pills of Nitre 589. Oil of Castoreum 665. Cramp or Convulsion. These cure a Convulsion: Horehound 318. St. Johns-wort 327. Mother-wort 332. Rhapontick 335. Rosemary 340. Castoreum 450. Hollerius Balsam 686. vulnerary Balsam 687. the Florentine Balsam Ibid, Unguentum Arragon 705. Ungue. Martiatum 706. Oil of Dill 954. oil of Orris 649. oil of Castoreum 665. oil of Walflowers 649. Melancholy. To drive away Melancholy, use Wine 220. Bugloss-flowers 228. Borage-flowers Ibid. Basil 313. Staechadoes 320. Granate 415. Sardis Ibid. Hyacinth Ibid. Topaz 416. the Azur-stone 417. Gold 426. Bezoar stone 457. King's Sabor's syrup 516. conserve of Bugloss, conserve of Borage 457. Confectio-Alkermes 615. Confection of Hyacinth 656. Antid. Asyncritum 620. Confect. Hamech 562. Elect. of Senna 564. Hiera Diacolocynth. 569. Elect. of Gems 600. species Diacin. 606. A Catarrh. These following stay a Catarrh: as that Lohoc in 165. another against sharp and eroding Ulcers Ibid. a powder for Suffumigation 214. Hyssop 329. Bole-armeniack 396. syrup of red Poppies 503. syrup of Myrtles 516. syrup of Liquorish 520. syrup of Jujubees' 421. conserve of Roses 106. Coltsfoot-Leaves preserved 544. Pills of Agarick 582. Troches of Camphur 635. Oil of Roses 651. Oil of unripe olives 119. Pill de Cynoglosso 592. For weakness of sight. These quicken the eyesight: the water of Community 736. Fennel 239. Avens 361. Thyme 310. juice of Fumatory 334. Eyebright Ibid. the juice of the lesser Centory illited with Honey 335. the Azure-stone. 417. Aqua-Ophthalmica 736. the water of Community Ibid. Pil. sine quibus 581. Pil. Aureae Ibid. The redness of the Eyes. These take away the redness of the Eyes: Unguentum Citrinum 707. Aqua ad Epiphoram 736. For the pain of the Eyes. These allay any pain in the Eyes: the water of Nightshade 345. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Unguentum Ophthalmicum 696. Hiera Pachii 568. Troches Albi Rhasis 643. For Ulcers in the Eyes. For Ulcers in the Eyes, these things are convenient: Cadmia washed 53. Collyrium ad scabiem Palpebrarum 196. Tragaganth 396. Sarcocolla 403. Pompholix 436. the water of Community 736. Aqua ad Epiphorum Ibid. For pain and tinkling of the Ears. To cure the pain of the Ears, drop in some juice of Clivers 361. juice of Melilot 363. Goose-grease 446. Capon's grease 447. Fox's grease 449. the Balsam of the Florentine Physicians 587. Hiera Pachii 568. Pil. sine quibus 581. oil of Orris 649. To stench blood at the Nose, Hemorrhoid-veins, or other parts. To stop blood, use that Errhine in 179. Comfrey 350. Myrtleberries 367. Quince roasted 374. Sorb-apples 375. Mastic 384. Hypocistis 391. of Bole-armeniack 396. Amber 406. Coral Ibid. Sardis 415. Topaz Ibid. Gypsum 422. syrup of Quinces 515. syrup of Myrtles 417. Troches of Amber 637. The filth of the Nose. Oil of Orris takes away the filth of the Nostrils 649. Ozena, a disease or sore in the Nose, causing a stench. To take away Ozena, use Troches Hedichroi subacted with old wine 631. To fasten Teeth. These fasten Teeth: Purslane 242. Elecampane eaten 297. Dentifrices of Mastick-wood 384. For the Toothache. These mitigate and take away the pain of the Teeth: Pellitory of Spain 291. syrup of Mulberries compound 512. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Oil of Sulphur both whitens and takes away their pain 681. Oil of Cloves 683. Trochisci Narcotici Fernelii 643. Oil of Mirtle-berries 657. For Ulcers in the mouth. To cure Ulcers in the mouth, use Purslane 242. Bole-Armeniack 396. and syrup of Mulberries compound 512, 513. For the filthiness of the Mouth, and stench of breath. To sweeten the breath, use anise 244. Cloves 280. Indian-Leafe 285. Orange-peel candid 343. Mastich eaten 384. Myrrh chawed in the mouth 387. Confectio de Hyacintho 656. species Diarrhodon Abatis 603. For chopped Lips. To cure chopped Lips, anoint them with Capon-grease. For the vices of the Breast and Lungs. These do mitigate and take them away: the Emulsion in 162. the Lohoc 165. the regal Electuary 170. the regal Paste 170. Sugar 223. Manna 229. true Maidenhair 233. Salvia vita 236. Smallage 237. Senna 257. syrup of Liquorish 520. Peniroyal 312. horehound 318. red Colewort 358. the juice of the root of Cinqfoile 361. Scabiose 362. Catsfoot 363. Figgs 383. Dates 381. Chestnuts 386. Pistaches Ibid. Juniper-berries 391. Milk 448. syrup of Violets 498. syrup of Cats-foot 501. syrup of Maidenhair 504. syrupus Regius 519. Honey of Violets 531. conserve of Violets 536. Eclegme of Pine kernels 552. Lenitive Electuary 555. Diapenidion 613. Penidees 614. Diaprunum simplex 557. Oil of Violets 648. For an Asthma and Cough. To cure a Cough, use Nettle-seed, 295. those Eclegms prescribed in 165. Sugar, 223. Manna, 226. common Maidenhair, 234. Mechoachan-root, 258. Coloquintida, 266. Nettle, 295. Enulacampane-root candid, 548. the Decoction of the root drunk, 297. Liquorish, 304. Origanum, 313. Calamint, 315. Birthwort, 324. Gith, 328. Hyssop, 329. Honeysuckles, 338. Coltsfoot, 359. the seed of the Cotton-tree, 362. Sebestens, 380. Jujubees, 390. Pine-nuts, 388. Gum Thraganth, 396. Mastich, 384. Storax, 386. Sulphur, 304. Amber, 406. Syrup of Coltsfoot, 499. syrup of Poppies simple, 502. syrup of red Poppies, 503. syrup of Liquorish, 520 syrup of Jujubees' 521. syrup of Hyssop, 522. conserve of Bugloss, 537. Coltsfoot-leaves condited, 544. Lohoc of Squills, 549. lohoc of Pine-kernels, 552. lohoc sanum, 551. Diapenidion, 513. confectio de Rebecha, 614 Penidees, Ibid. Antidotum Asyncritum, 620. Venice-Treacle, 626. oil of Sulphur, 681. oil of Turpentine, 682. Claret, 734. Hiera Puchii, 568. Hiera Diacolocynthidos, 569. Troches Alhandal, 575. Pills of Agarick, 582. pills of Hounds-tongue, 592. pill. Bechicae nigrae, 596. Bechicae albae, 597. Diamarg. frig. 599. Pulvis Dianisi, 605. Diacalaminthes, 607. For the Pleurisy. To cure a Pleurisy, use the Fomentation, 190. the Litus, 193. Carduus Benedictus, 331. Petroseline of Macedonia, 337. syrup of Violets, 498. syrup of red Poppies, 503. syrup of Jujubees, 521. Lenitive Electuary, 555. Diapenidion, 513. confectio de Rebecha, 614. Antidotum Asyncritum, 620. oil of Violets, 648. For the Pthysick. These cure the Pthysick: Lettuce, 421. the seed of the Cotton-tree, 362. Pistaches, 386. Pine-kernels, 388. Milk, 448. Decoctum Testitudum, 162. syrupus Resumptivus, 523. Lohoc of Fox's lungs, 550. Antidote Analeptica, 619. Venice-Treacle, 626. Treacle-water, 732. Diamarg. frig. 599. species Diatrionsantaion 602. For Swooning. These recover swooned persons: Bezoar-stone, 457. syrup of Apples simple, 515. confection of Alkermes, 615. confection of the Hyacinth, 656. Antidote Analeptica, 619. Venice-Treacle, 626. Treacle-water, 732. Diamarg. frig. 599. Electuary of Gems, 600. pulvis Dianthos, 605. For the palpitation of the Heart. These cure the palpitation of the heart: Doronicum, 330. Ambergrise, 405. Silver, 427. Mosch, 450. Bezoar-stone, 457. syrup of the juice of Bugloss and Borage, 510. syrup of Apples simple, 515. conserve of Bugloss, 537. conserve of Rosemary-flowers, 539. confection of Alkermes, 615. confection of Hyacinth, 656. Venice-treacle, 626. Treacle-water, 732. electuary of Gems, 600. For weakness and faintness of the heart. Those Opiates comfort the heart, prescribed in 168. that Condice in 169. cordial Tablets, 174. powder in 175. Epithema in 190. Sacculus, 210. the powder for suffumigation, 214. Borage-flowers 228. Roses 284. Saffron 251. Myrabolens 255. Zerumbet 272. Costus 274. Cinnamon 276. Kermes 283. Lignum-aloes 286. Saunders 287. Angelico 298. Woodsorrel 353. Citrons 372. Orange's 373. juice of Pomegranates Ibid. Benzoin 381. Storax 386. Ambergrise 405 Coral 406. Ruby 414. Granate 415. Hyacinth Ibid. Silver 427. Mosch 450. syrup of the juice of Woodsorrel 510. syrup of Grapes 513. syrup of Lemons and Pomegranates 501. syrupus Regius 519. Rob Ribs 533. conserve of Bugloss 537. conserve of Borage 538. Enulacampane condited 548. antidotus Analeptica 619. oil of Cloves 683. Claret 734. common Claret 735. Electuary of Citron solutive 573. troches of Gallia Moschatae 634. troches of Aliptae Moschatae, Ibid. species Diambrae 601. Diamoschum, Ibid. Aromaticum Rosatum 603. Pulvis laetificans 604. Diacynamomum 606. To increase native heat. Calamus Aromaticus 273. Cardamomes 280. syrup of five roots 505. antidotum Asyncritum 620. Venice-treacle 626. Electuary of Senna 564. troch Hysterici 641. For the Plague. Against the Plagne, drink of the decoction of the roots of Enula-campane 290. Angelica 297. Gentian 300. Tormentil 301. Dittany 319. Scordium 322. Leopard's bane 330. Carduus benedictus 331. Lemnian earth 396. Hyacinth 415. Unicorns horn 456. Bezoar-stone 457. Enulacampane-roots condited 548. Solomon's Opiate 622. Electuary of an Egg Ibid. Mithridate 624. oil of Vitriol 679. oil of Sulphur 681. Emplastrum Diapalma, very good for pestilent tumours 722. Treacle-water 732. Pil. Ruffi 578. troches Alexiterii 641. powder against the Plague 608. To cause Sweat. To provoke Sweat, take Tormentil 301. Carduus 331. syrup of Apples simple 515. Treacle-water 732. Mithridate 624. Venice-Treacle 626. troches of Vipers 630. To resist Poison. These resist Poison: Wine 219. Marshmallows 229. Fennel 239. Cummin 245. Caraway 246. Amomum 247. Zerumbet 271. Setwel 272. Rocket-seed 294. Nettle-seed 295. decoction of Elecampane-root drunk 297. Angelico 298. Tormentil 301. Dittany 319. the root and seed of Lovage 299. Gentian 300. Mother of Thyme 310. Peniroyal 312. Polium Ibid. Balm 317. Horehound 318. Betony, Ibid. Dittany 319. Scordium 322. Birthwort 324. Ground-pine 326. Leopard's bane 330. Carduus 331. Valerian 333. Rhaponticum 335. Agnus castus 340. Ash-leaves 341. Bistort 559. Citrons 372. Oranges, Ibid. Juniper-berries 391. Galbanum 401. Storax 386. Ruby 414. Saphire 413. Castoreum 450. Unicorns horn 456. Bezoar stone 457. the reins of Stincus 467. syrup of Grapes 513. conserve of Betony 539. Enulacampane-roots candid. 548. confection of the Hyacinth 656. the Opiate of Solomon 621. Mithridate 624. Venice-Treacle 626. Troches of Vipers 630. Troches of Squills 632. Treacle-water 732, oil of Scorpions 665. For the weakness of the Stomach. To corroborate the stomach, use Aloes 256. Nutmegs 278. Mastic 384. Mint 314. the condite against Vomiting, in 169. the opiate in 168. the foment 189. the plaster 725. Wine 219. Anise 244. Caraway 246. Myrobolans 255. Ginger 270. Galangal 271. Cardamomes 280. Cubebs 281. the roots and seeds of Lovage 299. Gentian 300. Peniroyal 312. Mint 314. Wormwood 316. Rhaponticum 335. Strawberry-water 360. juice of Pomegranates 373. roasted Quince 374. Dates 382. Olives 383. Juniper-berries 391. Mastic 384. syrup of the juice of Woodsorrel allays the heat thereof, 510. syrup of Grapes works the same effect, 513. syrup of Quinces 515. syrup of Myrtles 516. syrupus Regius 516. syrup of Wormwood 519. vinous Hydromel 528. Honey of Roses 536. Rob of Quinces 515. conserve of Betony 539. Enulacampane-roots candid 548. Rosata novella 617. antidotum Asyncritum 620. Venice-Treacle 626. oil of Mace 663. oil of Aniseed 683. stomachical Cerate 712. plaster of Bayberries 720. Stomach-plaister 725. Plaster of Mastic, Ibid. Claret 451. Diaphoenicon 555. Hiera picra simplex 567. Hiera picra with Agarick 568. Hiera pachii, Ibid. Hiera Diacolocynthidos 569. Electuary of Citron solutive 573 Pil. Stomachicae 577. Pil. Mastichinae 589. Pills of three solutives 579. Pil. aggregativae 585. Pil. Asaiareth 587. Pil. de aromatibus Ibid. Troch. Galliae Moschatae 634. Troch. Aliptae Moschatae 635. Troch. Diarrhodon 636. Troch. de Antispodio corrects the inflammation of the stomach 637. Troch. of Berberries 638. oil of Wormwood 654. oil of Roses 651. ol. Omphacium 119. oil of Mints 653. Electuary of Gems 600. species of the three Saunders 602. Aromaticum Rosatum 603. Diarrhodon Abbatis Ibid. pulv●s Laetificans 604. species Diacalaminthos 607. oil of Myrtles 657. oil of Quinces 658. oil of Mastic 660. Against Yexing, or Hickup. To stay the Hickup, take Ceterach 235. Birthwort 324. Dill 336 Honey-suckle 338. antidotum Asyncritum 620. Philonum Romanum 621. To stay Vomiting. To stop a daily Vomiting, make use of Quinces 374. Sorb-apples 375. Barberries 380. syrup of Grapes 513. syrup of Pomegranates 514. syrup of dried Roses 508. Rob Ribs 533. Rob de Cornis 535. Rosata novella 617. antidotum Asyncritum 620. opiate of Solomon 622. plaster of Mastic 725. oil of Mint 613. aromaticum Rosatum 603. oil of Quinces 658. Obstruction of the Mesentery. Salvia vita 236. syrup of Peach-flowers 500 syrupus Byzantius 512. Diacassia 554. Hiera picra Galeni 567. Hiera picra with Agarick 568. Electuary of Meadow-Saffron 571. Pil. of three Solutives 579. Pil. Imperiales 580. species of the three Saunders. 602. To allay any Vehement heat in the Liver. To assuage the heat of the Liver, take Epithimus 237. Oxysaccarum 511. syrup of Endive 518. Lettuce stalks condited 545. Ointment of Roses 690. Cerate of Saunders 711. Electuary of Eleabane 560. Troches of Camphur 635. Troches of Ivory 637. Troches of Berberries 638. Oil of water-Lilies 653. For the obstruction and pain of the Liver. These remove the obstructions of the Liver: true Maidenhair 233. Salvia vita 236. Dodder and Epithimum 287. Asparagrass 239 Ladies-rose 247. Myrabolens 255. Saunders 287. Grass-roots 363. Asarabacca 325. the lesser Centory 335. Rhapontick Ibid. Meum 336. Broom 339. Ash 341. Liver-wort 356. the juice of the root of five leaved Grass 561. Peaches 378. Cherries Ibid. syrup of Maidenhair 514. of five opening roots 505. syrup of Fumatory 508. syrupus Bizantinus 510. compound Oxymel 527. Philonium Romanum 621. Plaster of Bayberries 720. Electuary of Flea-bane 560 Hiera picra Galeni 567. Hiera pachii 568. Troches of Rhabarb 574. Pills of 3 solutives 579. Pil. Imperiales 580. Pil. Cochiae 583. Pil. Aggregativae 585. Troch. Aliptae Moschatae 634. Troches of Capers 639. of 3 Saunders 602. species Diarrhodon Abatis 603. Oil of Mastic 660. For the Colic and its Passions. To cure the pain of the Colic, use that both in 186. that Saculus in 210. Cummin 245. Mechoachan-root 258. Coloquintida 266. Setwel 272. Galangal Ibid. Chinaroot 289. Orris-root 296. Mother of Thyme 310. Parsly of Macedonia 237. Oil of Nuts 669. Vinose Hydromel 528. Rosata Novella 617. Confection of Bayberries 618. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Philonum Romanum 621. Venice-Treacle 626. Oil of Turpentine 682. Unguentum Arragon 705. Diaphaenicum 555. Hiera Diacolocynthidos 569 Troches Alhandal 575. Pil. de Aromatibus 587. Oil of Elder 684. Oleum Moschat Linum 663. To discuss Wind. Make use of Marchpane 170. that powder in 174. that Cataplasm prescribed in 200. Wine 219. Smallage 237. Cummin 245. Caraway 246. Bishopweed 246. Carret-seed 248. Agarick 258. Setwel 271. Galangal 272. Cardamons 280. Cubebs 281. the roots and seed of Lovage 299. Basil 313. Mint 314. Calamint 315. Gith 328. Leapards-bane 330. Spignel 336. Dill Ibid. Macedonian Parsley 337. Oil of Nuts 669. Juniper-berries 676. Opoponax 394. syrupus Regius Saboris 516. syrup of Wormwood 519. vinous Hydromel 528. Honey of Rosemary 531. Enula-roots condited 548. Rosata Novella 617. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Venice-Treacle 626. Oil of Aniseed 683. Melilot plaster 717. Cinnamon water 734. Claret. Ibid. Pil. de Aromatibus 587. Troches of Capers 639. Oil of wormwood 654. Oil of Dill Ibid. Oil of Rue 655. Oil of Mint 613. Diarrhodon Abbatis 603. pulvis Laetificans 804. pulvis Dianisi 605. For the Dropsy. These are convenient for the Drosy: that Sacculus mentioned in fol. 210. Salvia vita 236. Annis 244 Cummin 245. Laurel 268. Salendine 269. Chinaroot 289. Orris-root 296. Cyperus-root 297. Polium 313. Asarabacca 325. Hopps 389. syrup of Hopps 500 syrup of damask-Roses 501. confection of Bayberries. Oil of Aniseed, Unguentum Agrippae, plaster of Bayberries, 618. Barber's plaster, 724. Troches of Rhabarb 574. Troches of Capers 639. Pil. Mechoachanae 589. For the Jaundice. These remedy those that are sick of the Jaundice: Spleen-wort 235. Dodder and Epithimum 237. Petroseline 238. Asparagrass 239. Ruscus 240. Madder-roots 302. the roots of restharrow 302. Sowe-bread 304. Polium 312. Calamint 315. Asarabacca 325. Ground-pine 326. Rosemary 340. Agnus Castus 340. Hopps 359 syrup of Hopps 500 syrup of the five opening roots 505. syrupus Byzantinus 512. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Troches of Rhabarb 574. Pil. of Egrimony 580. Troches of Capers 639. species of the 3 Saunders 602. For the Obstruction and pain of the Spleen. These dissolve and take away the obstruction of the Spleen: the fomentation in 189. true Maidenhair 233. Spleen-wort 235. Salvia vita 236. Dodder and Epithimus 237. Asparagrass 239. Senna 257. black-Hellebore 265. Rocket-seed 294. Madder-seed drunk in Vinegar 30●. Grass-root 303. Peniroyal 312. Polium Ibid. Dittany 319. Birth-wort 324. Asarabacca 325. lesser Centory 335. Rhapontick Ibid. the root and fruit of Capers 338. Honey-suckle 338. Broom 339. Agnus Castus 340. Ash 341. the seed of the Cotten-Tree 462. Fenugreek 364. Tamarisk 369. Peaches 378. Amoniacum 396. Coral 406. syrup of Maidenhair 504. syrup of the five opening-roots 505. syrup of Fumatory 508. syrup of the juice of Bugloss and Borage 510. syrupus Byzantinus 512. Oxymel Compositum 527. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Philonum Romanum 621. Unguentum Agrippae 704. Unguentum Martiatum 706. Unguentum Spleniticum 708. Barber's plaster 724. Hiera Pachii 568. Pills of the 3 Solutives 579. Pil. Imperiales 580. Troches of Capers 639. Oil of Capers 661. For the Dysentery, and other flixes of the Belly. To stop the bloody flix, and other loosenesses, use that clyster in 184. Plantain 352. Comfrey 350. Cinqfoile 361. Sumach 367. Quince-apple 374. the kernels of Medlars beaten to powder and taken 375. Sorb-apples Ibid. the fruit of the Cornel-Tree 376. wild-Mulberries 380. Raisins with the stones 385 red Currants 386. Berberies Ibid. Cypress-Nuts 389. juice of Cistus 391. Bole-armeniack 396. Coral 406. Saphire 413. Milk 448. syrup of red Currants and Berberries 513. syrup of Grapes Ibid. syrup of Quinces 515. syrup of Myrtles 516. syrup of dried Roses 518. conserve of Berberries 533. Rob de Cornis 535. Rob of Quinces Ibid. Troches of Berberries 638. Oil of Quinces 658. For the Worms. To expel and kill Worms in the belly, make trial of Aloes 256. the Suppository 282. Setwel 272. Gentian 300. Calamint 315. Wormwood 316. Gith 328. Carduus 331. Motherwort 332. Lupins illited with Honey 366. Calcanth 399. Ebony 261. syrup of Peach-flowers 500 Oxisaccarum 511. the opiate of Solomon 622. Venice-Treacle 626. the Balsam of the Florentine medics 687. the Unguent for the Worms 702. Oil of Wormwood 654. For the supression of the Urine. When the Urine is stopped, use wine 219. Spleen-wort 235. Salvia vita 236. Dodder 237. Epithimus Ibid. Smallage 238. Petroseline 238. Asparagrass 239. Fennel Ibid. Ruscus 240. Annis 244. Caraway 246. Bishopsweed 247. Carret-seed 248. Squinant 284. Indian-Leafe 285. Spicknard Ibid. Chinaroot 289. Rocket-seed 294. Nettle 295. Elecampane-root 297. Cypress-root Ibid. the roots and seed of Lovage 299. the seed of Hart-wort Ibid. the roots of Madder 302. the roots of restharrow Ibid. Eringo-root 303. Mother of Thyme 310. Polium 312. Basil 313. Origanum Ibid. Dittany 319. Sage 321. Gromwel 323. Saxifrage 324. Asarabacca 325. Ground-pine 326. St. Johns-wort 327. Artichoak 333. Valerian Ibid. Spignel 336. Dill Ibid. Macedonian Parsley 337. Honey-suckle 338. Broom 339. winter-cherries 349. Hopps 359. Sebestens 380. Juniper-berries 391. Amoniacum 496. Turpentine 387. Bdellium 388. syrup of the five opening-roots 505. syrup of Wormwood 519. compound Oxymel 527. Vinous Hydromel 528. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Venice-Treacle 626. Oil of Vitriol 679. Claret 734. species Diacalaminthes 607. Heat of Urine. To assuage the Vehement heat of the Urine, use Lettuce 241. Sebestens 380. Jujubees 381. syrup of Marsh-Mallows 506. For the heat of the reins. The heat of the reins may be assuaged by that Emulsion prescribed in 162. Ointment of Roses 690. Oil of water-Lilies 653. Oil of Mandrakes 656. For the Stone in the Bladder, and gravel in the kidneys. These break the stone: the powder of a Hare burnt 67. El. Justinum 143. the bath in 186. the Fomentation 190. Pellitory 231. true Maidenhair 233. Ceterach 235. Salvia vita 236. Parsley 238. Ruscus 240. Cypress-root 297. the root of restharrow 302. Eringo-root 303. Grass-root Ibid. Sowe-bread 304. Gromwel 323. Saxafrage 324. Pimpinel 325. Garduus. 331. Macedonian Parsley 337. Honey-suckle 338. winter-cherries 349. decoction of Primrose 357. the seed of the Cotton-Tree 362. both Cicers 365. the stones or kernels of Medlars 375. pistaches 386. Amoniacum 396. Turpentine 379. Bdellium 388. Lapis Spongiae 423. syrup of Maidenhair. 504. syrup of the five opening-roots 505. syrup of Marsh-Mallows 506. syrup of Hyssop 522. Oxymel compound 527. Diasatyrion 618. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Philonum Romanum 621. Venice-Treacle 626. Oil of Turpentine 682. the Balsam of the Florentine medics 687. Plaster of Bayberries 720. Claret 734. Diaprunum simplex 557. Diaprunum compound 558. Benedicta Laxativa 561. Oil of Scorpions 665. Gonorrhaea. The Gonorrhaea or Flux of Sperm is cured by that Emulsion prescribed in 162. Lettuce 241. water-Lilies 249. Amber 406. Coral Ibid. Aqua ad Gonorrhaeam 735. Troch. ad Gonorrhaeam 642. To stir up Lust, and excite to Venery. To provoke to Venery, use Sparrows brain 66. Secacul 276. Cloves 280. Cubebs 281. Rocket-seed 294. Nettle 295. Eringo-root 303. Seabulb 306. Dogs-stones or Satyrium Ibid. Leeks 307. Clary-seed drunk in Wine 321. Ash 341. both Cicers 365. Pistaches 386. Pine-Nuts 388. the reins of Land-Crocodiles called Scinci 467. Eringo-roots condited 546. Satyrion roots condited 547. Diasatyrion 618. Oil of Pismires 667. To allay the heat of Lust. Use water-Lilies 249. Rue 322. Agnus Castus 340. Smaragd 412. syrup of water-Lilies 504. Oil of water-Lilies 653. Ruptures. These cure Ruptures: the Cautery prescribed in 206. Horehound 318. Rhapontick 335. Comfrey 350. Cats-foot 363. Bdellium 388. Gypsum 422. Emp. contra Herniam 726. To stop the Hemorrhoids. Use that Vaporary mentioned 187. Aloes 256. the Leaves of the Figtree 381. To provoke the Hemorrhids, or to open them. The Vaporary in 188. Sumach 367. Quince 374. the Cornel-Tree 276. syrup of Quinces 515. To bring down the Terms. That Vaporary mentioned in 188. that Suffumigation 215. common Maidenhair 234. Salvia vita 236. Smallage 237. Parsley 238. Asparagrass 239. Fennel Ibid. Ruscus 240. Caraway 246. Bishopweed Ibid. Ladies-Rose 247. Carret-seed 248. Aloes 256. Calamus Aromaticus 273. Cinnamon 276. Squinant 284. Chinaroot 289. Treacle-Mustard-seed 393. Nettle-seed 295. Orris 296. Elecampane 297. Cyperus-root Ibid. Angelico 298. the root and seed of Lovage 299. the seed of restharrow 302. Madder-root Ibid. Eringo-root 303. Sowe-bread 304. two drachms of the seeds of Wall-flowers given in Wine 309. Thyme 310. Mother of Thyme Ibid. Marjoran 311. Peniroyal 312. Polium Ibid. Origanum 313. Calamint 315. Mugwort 317. Balm Ibid. Horehound 318. Dittany 319. Sage 321. Birthwort 324. Asarabacca 325. Ground-pine 326. Germander ibid. Featherfew 326. St. Johns-wort 327. Gith 328. Valerian 333. juice of the lesser Centory 535. Spignel 336. Savine 339. white-Willow 340. both Cicers 365. Amoniacum 396. Sagapenum 401. Galbanum Ibid. Storax 386. Myrrh 387. Bdellium 388. Elaterium 390. Castoreum 450. syrup of the five opening-roots 505. syrupus Byzantinus 412. syrup of Hyssop 522. syrup of Mugwort Ibid. conserve of Borage 538. Venice-Treacle 626. Cinamon-water 734. Claret Ibid. Hiera Pachii 568. Troches of Myrrh 640. Troch. Histerici 041. species Diacalaminthes 607. To stop the Immoderate Fluor of the Terms The Vaporary in 187. Sumach 187 roasted-Quince 374. the Cornel-Tree 376. Coral 406. syrup of Quinces 515. For the Whites. To stop the Whites, use the Vaporary mentioned in 187. Amber 406. Coral Ibid. The Suffocation of the Womb. Mustardseed 291. the root and seed of Lovage 299. Marjoran 311. Assafoetida 399. Sagapenum 401. Bitumen 403. Civet 451 Bezoar-stone 457. syrup of Mugwort 522. Emp. pro Matrice 726. Elect. Sennatum 564. Oil of Rue 653. species Diambrae 601. species Diamosch 601. For the falling down of the Womb, and the Intestinum Rectum. Unguentum Stipticum 694. Emp. pro Matrice 726. ad Herniam 726. To increase Milk in the Breasts. Fennel 239. Dill 336. both Cicers 365. Pine-Nuts 388. For the Gout, and other affections of the joints. Hermodacts 262. Turbith 263. Coloquintida 266. Chinaroot 289. Sage 321. Birthwort 324. Asarabacca 325. Peniroyal 312. Poplar 346. Fenugreek with Oxymel made into a pultis 398. Duck's grease 446. Oil of Foxes 666. Oil of Honey 681. the Balsam of the Florentine medics 687. Unguentum Arragon 705. Unguentum Martiatum 706. Emplastrum Oxicroceum 718. Benedicta Laxativa 561. Hiera Picra Gal. 567. Hiera Pachii 568. Troches of Alhandal 575. Pil. of Hermodactyls 584. Pills of Nitre 589. Oil of Chamomile and Dill 654. Oil of St. Johns-wort 659. Oil of Wall-flowers 649. Pil. Foetidae 590. Oil of Worms 664. Oil of Foxes 666. For the cure of the Fevers. Saunders 287. Rhapontick 335. Cherries 378. red Currants 386. syrup of Violets 468. syrup of water-Lilies 504. syrup of Succory compound 507. syrup of Endive 508. syrup of Fumatory Ibid. syrup of Woodsorrel 510. syrupus Byzantinus 512. syrup of Berberries 513. syrup of Lemons and Pomegranates 501. conserve of water-Lilies 538. Populeon 691. Diacatholicon 557. Diaprunum simple Ibid. compound 558. Diaphaenicum 555. Electuary of Flea-bane 560. Triphera Solutiva 563. Electuarium Sennatum 564. Electuarium Diacarthamum 571. Electuary of Citron-Solutive 573. Pil. of Egrimony 580. Pil. Agregativae 585. Troch. de Antispodio 637. Troch. of Berberries 638. Trochisci Narcotici Fernel. 643. A quartane Fever. Black Hellebore 265. Venice-Treacle 626. Unguentum Arragon 705. Pil. de Lapide Lazuli 586. To cause sleep. The Julep in fol. 167. that Lotion for the feet in 191. the Frontal in 199. Wine 217. Lettuce 241. water-Lilies 249. Saffron 251. Oil of Mandrake 344. Nightshade 345. Poppy 348. syrup of Poppies simple 502. syrup of red Poppies 503. syrup of water-Lilies 504. conserve of water-Lilies 538. Antidotum Asyncritum 620. Philonum Romanum 624. Ointment of Roses 690. Unguentum Populeon 691. Troch. Narcotici 643. Oil of water-Lilies 653. Pil. de Cinoglosso 592. Immoderate thirst. To Extinguish thirst, use Lettuce 241. ripe Mulberries 379. Sebestens 380. red Currants 386. syrup of Violets 498. syrup of water-Lilies 538. syrup of Berberries 513. conserve of Violets 536. conserve of water-Lilies 538. Lettuce stalks preserved 545. Troches of Ivory 637. Troches of Berberries 638. For an Inflammation. Marshmallows 229. Pellitory 231. Lettuce 241. Coriander 337. Nightshade 345. Houseleek 351. Plantain 352. Knotgrass Ibid. Melilot Line 363, 364. unripe Mulberries 379. wild Mulberries 380. Ointment of Roses 690. Ung. de Bolo 693. the cooling Cerate of Galen 711. the Cerate of Saunders Ibid. Emp. de Cerussa 724. Troch. Narcotici Fernelii 643. Oil of Violets 648. Oil of Mandrakes 656. For unnatural Tumours. To take away preternatural Tumours, Cummin 245. Misselto of the Oak 342. Amoniacum 396. Bdellium 388. Ceratum Oesypatum 713. Diachylon simplex 716. Diachylon Magnum Ibid. Diachylon Magnum cum Gummis 716. Diachylon compositum 717. Melilot 363. Oil of Orris 649. Oil of Mastic 660. To assuage any pain. Oil of Mandrake 656. the Lineament in 193. the Cataplasm 200. Gum Elemni 383. Unguentum Resumptivum 697. Ceratum Oesypatum 713. Emplastrum Divinum 723. Troch. Narcotici Fer. 643. Oil of Chamomile and Dill 654. Oil of Rue 655. Oil of St. Johns-wort 656. Oil of Violets 648. Oil of Lilies 652. Oil of water-Lilies 653. Oil of Mandrake-Apples 656. To take away all vices of the Skin, and to beautify the same. That Bath mentioned in 186. the Lotion 191. Virgins-Milk 197. Lily-root 250. Rocket-seed 294. Madder-root sprinkled with Vinegar 302. Sowe-bread 304. Honey-suckle 338. Strawberry-water 360. the Oil of Cotten-seed 362. Oil of Linseed 364. decoction of Lupins 366. Oil of Bayberries 390. Galbanum 401. Gum of Ivy 403. Pitch 388. Sulphur 404. syrup of Fumacory 508. Oil of Sulphur 681. Unguentum Album 691. Unguentum Enulatum cum Mercurio 701. Ung. Citrinum 707. Ceratum Refrigerans 711. plaster of Cerus 724. Aqua Fucatoriae 737. Confectio-Hamech 562. Pil. de Fumaria 586. Pil. Foetidae 590. Oil of Vipers 665. To take away Scabs. Knotgrass 349. Scabious 362. decoction of Lupins 366. Oil of Bayberries 390. Alum 401. Unguentum Album 691. Unguentum ad Pruritum 696. Ung. Enulatum cum Mercurio 701. Ung. Egyptiacum 704. Pil. de Fumaria 586. For the French Pox. It may be cured by the Fumigation 214. Radix Mechoach. 258. Sassafras 287. Guaiacum 288. Sarsaperilla 289. China Ibid. the Neapolitan Opiate 628. plaster of Frogs 730. Electuarium Sennatum 564. Pills of Quicksilver 591. To cause hair to grow, and to prevent it from falling off. The true Maidenhair 233. the common Maidenhair 234. Laudanum 391. Oil of Honey 681. Oil of Myrtles 657. For the Canker. Powder of Crayfish 12, 68 Led 428. Pompholyx's 436. Ung. DIapompholygos 695. Confection of Hamech 562. Pil. de Lapide Lazuli 586. For the Leprosy. Black-Hellebore 265. Confectio-Hamech 562. El. Sennatum 564. Pil. de Lapide-Lazuli 586. Pil. Foetidae 590. For St. Anthony's fire. Houseleek 351. Plantain 352. Knotgrass 349. Unguentum Rosatum 690. Ung. de Bolo 673. Galens cooling Gerate 711. Troch. Narcotici Fer. 643. ol. Omphacinum 119. For burn. Leeks 307. Tutsan 315. the lesser Centory 335. Ung. Album 691. plaster of Ceruse 724. For Tetters, and Ringworms. To cure Tetters, take Houseleek 351. Plantain 352. the juice of Knotgrass mixed with the white of an Egg Ibid. Ointment of Roses 690. For wounds. To cure wounds, make use of that powder in 107. Aloes 256. Kermes 283. Rocket-seed 294. Polium 312. St. Johns-wort 327. Tutsan 328. Comfrey 350. Milfoile 361. Dragons-blood 398. Assafoetida 399. Turpentine 379. Sarcocolla 403. Comfrey-roots condited 547. Oil of Honey 681. Oil of Turpentine 682. Oil of Cloyes 683. Balsam Vulnesary 687. Balsam D. Evonym. Ibid. Balsamum Mirabile 688. Ung. Rubrum Desiccativum 694. Ung. Apostolorum 703. Emp. De Janua 719. Emp. de Gratia Dei 722. tela Galteri 727. For Ulcers. Cypress-roots 297. Tutsan 328. Goatsbeard 329. decoction of Lupins 366. Milfoil 562. Sarcocolla 403. Borax 399. Vitriol Ibid. Alum 400. Led 428. Brass 429. Verdigrease Ibid. Cerus 432. Cadmia 433. Pompholyx's 436. lethargy 437. syrup of dried Roses 518. Honey of Violets 531. Oil of Sulphur 681. Oil of Cloves 683. common Balsam 688. white Ointment 691. Ointment of lethargy 692. the red drying Ointment 694. Ung. Diapompholygos 695. Ointment of Lead 697. Ung. Resumptivum Ibid. Ung. Mundificativum 699. Ung. Aureum 700. Ung. Apostolorum 703. Ung. e Calce 706. the Egyptian Ointment 704. Emp. de Janua 719. Diapalma 722. Gratia Dei Ibid. plaster of Ceruse 724. Tela Galter 727. Aqua Calcis 757. Troch. Cypheos' 633. Troch. Gordonii 639. Against the biting of a mad-dog. Powders of Crabs 12. Betony 318. Pimpinel 325. Venice-Treacle 626. Troch. Vipers 630. the cleansing Ointment 699. the Powder 107. For fractured bones. Comfrey 350. Mirtle-berries 367. Oxycroceum 718. of Betony 719. Emp. Catagmaticum 728. To draw out fixed weapons out of Wounds. Take Dittany 319. plaster of Betony 719. To draw pricks out of the feet. Purslane 242. Mastich-wood 384. The End of this Index of Diseases. SIRS, MAny Erratas have escaped the press, which particularly to correct, would but augment the disgrace of the Printers, and no way gratify the desires of the Readers, by reason of the vastness thereof: yet this venial excuse may be passed upon their Endeavours, that the strangeness of the character, and uncouthness of the style, was the chief causation thereof; which could not particularly be emended, by reason of the constant attendance upon my Profession, the daily pressure of my Employments, and the tediousness of the Work. Be pleased therefore with your pen to correct what is amiss, to excuse what is past, and courteously to entertain what is tendered out of a hearty Inducement to do good, which is the sincere desire of him who is Yours in all observances, R.T. Covent Garden. Feb. 1. 1657. The more unexperienced Reader may please to observe, that lb signifies Pound that ℥ signifies Ounce that ʒ signifies Drachm that ℈ signifies Scruple. JO. RENODAEUS, Medick, his five Books of Physical Institutions. Of Election of Medicaments. His first Book. CHAP. I. What Pharmacy is, and its use. PHARMACY is the second part [a] Cor. Cells. cap. 1. lib. 1. of a curing Medicine, which is [b] Gal. come. ad part. l. 6. effected by Drugs; or it is an Art, showing the way; first, to select; secondly, to prepare; thirdly, to mix Medicaments: for in these three things consists the whole Body of Pharmacy; which affords a wholesome Remedy to every Disease; for Nature (the best Parent) in her Physical operation hath opposed a Contrary to every thing: but through imbecility; or some other accident, cannot always attain to the end for which it was [c] Fernel. praefat. 4. l. ad Meth. ordained; for man's life being short, sooner yieldeth to Fate, than it can attain to Art; which was the reason why Hypocrates complained, (Epist ad Dameget) that he was an old man, and had not yet acquired the end of Physic. And truly no wonder; for this Art is very long and difficult, treating of all sublunary things created for man's supportation; [d] Aristot. l. 5. polit. primarily, for nutriment; secondarily, for cure, or any help conducing to health. The Materials therefore of Medicine are many, The matter of Phyfick is large. and almost innumerable; insomuch that the Bowels of the Earth do swell therewith, and its superficies decked and adorned with variety of Herbs and Flowers, as with an Ornament; nothing flieth or doth move in the Air, nothing groweth or doth swim in the Seas, which may not be made use of to humane remedy; for health many times is maintained and procented by most vice and contemptible things, as by a [e] Gal. c. 1. l. 2. the simplicib. Snail, Snake, Dung, etc. From Medicaments we often receive nutriment, and Nutriments often become [f] Hip. lib. de aliment. The dignity and antiquity of Pharmacy. medicinal. Pharmacy then is to be deemed praise worthy, and esteemed of honourably, which affords and ministers the Instruments of Medicine, to wit, Drugs; for the sacred Scriptures show, that they were not only extant from the beginning, but also [g] Eccles. 38. chap. created of the most High for the good of man: for God created all living Creatures, Vegetables, and Medicinal materials, purely for the service of man; out of which, our Fore fathers, by their industry, (out of regard to their healths) found out many occult virtues, and thereby prolonged their lives to old age. King [h] Cap. 20. l. 4. Reg. Ezechias was sick even to death, and was recovered by the prescript of Isaiah, with a Plaster made of Figs, and applied to the place affected. Mithridates' freed himself from all pestilence and poison, with an Antidote of his confection, which derived its name from him; insomuch that being not able with Poison, he put a period to his days with his own Sword. Emperors in time past thought it a Princely thing to prepare and carry about them certain convenient Medicaments upon all occasions and accidents, Reges olim multa medicamenta parasse. and withal to present them to those persons, of what degree soever, whose favour they sought for, as a sufficient inducement to an obligation of gratitude. For this end and purpose Cambyses sent Unguents and Spices to the King of Egypt, (as a Present becoming so sublime a Person) therewith to preserve his health. For it is more safe for a King or Captain in his Tent to want his Backler and Helmet, than salubrious remedies fit and convenient for all accidents of Ware hence many wise men have more estermed of wholesome Medicines, than a rich Treasure. It is reported of Darive, that he so much valued a certain Balsam, that he not only reposed it amongst his precious goods, but preferred it before all his outward enjoyments. We read the same of the Emperor Tiberius, who always carried with him Trochisks, a certain epidemical remedy. King's also are wont not only to command a Box or Bottle of Oil and Balsam, to be ready in their Tents, but also a whole Apothecary's Shop, furnished with variety of operating Medicaments for help and comfort, whereby they have oftentimes freed themselves and Army from great perils that would otherwise have accrued, and sometimes from death itself. Hence Physicians are called. Dii Tutelarii, Medici Deorumfilii. Tutelary Gods; or; as Galen hath it, [i] L. de med. c. 3. the Sons of Apolle: hence Heraphitus calls [k] L. 6. comp. med. locis. Medicaments, Gods omnipresent hand, which frees the sick from the danger of their diseases, and restores perfect health; whence a certain Antidote is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i e. equal to God, because it is endued with power to operate, as from a Deity. And in Mirepsius, another Antidote is called [l] L. 2.45. Sanitas, i. e. health. Another also by the same Mirepsius is called [m] L. 2.14.2.15.2.16. Theodoretoes, i. e. the gift of God, by reason of its excellent virtue incuring internal and external maladies. This medicinal Art doth prepare and afford infinite Medicines of admirable virtue, and wonderful operation, which no public City, nor private Family can want, without manifest prejudice, and great detriment to the preservation of their healths; nay, it is of such a transcendent worth, that God would not have his Tabernacle destitute of this Art; and therefore [n] Exod. c. 30. Unguentum sanctum. Moses anointed it with holy Oil, compounded of Myrrh, Cinnamon, Calamus, Cassia, and Oil. Joseph also had Pharmacy in great esteem; for when his Father Jacob died, (Gen. 50.) he commanded his Servants and Physicians to embalm his Corpse. Is this Art therefore to be contemned and despised, that is by Holy Writ thus honoured? which affords to the sound a preservative, to the sick a remedy, and to the dead honour and renown. CHAP. II. What an Apothecary is, and aught to be; and what also is his Subject, Object, and End. AS a Chirurgeon takes his denomination from his Vocation, Chirurgus' quis dicatur, quid praestat. or Art, whereby he cures external distempers dexterously, quickly, safely, and easily: so doth the Pharmacopoean derive his name from the Physic which he makes, or rather aptly compounds into a convenient Medicine. So also is the Druggist nominated from those Simples and Drugs he sells; as the Apothecary from the Apothectes, or Shop where his Medicines are placed; who in times past was called a Seplasiary, from Seplasia, a Marketplace in Capua, where the best odoriferous Unguents are made. But these names are often used indistinctly, and the concertation about the bare denomination, is vain and frivolous, when the substance is in handling. Probity is not so requisite in a Philosopher as an Apothecary, Vitae probitan in Pharmacopaeo desideratur. whose sole work is to prepare Medicines for the Physicians administration, either for preserving, or procuring health, for in his hands consists health and sickness, life and death; and he hath free power in the composure of his Physic, not only to obstruct the current of health, but also deprive us of life, when he is wickedly bend thereunto, either out of malice or ignorance; so that if Hypocrates be benest and upright, it's no matter if Socrates be a Knave. But first of all, What conversation an Apothecary ought to be of. an Apothecary ought to be a Lover of Piety, one that fears God, void of Envy and Malice, of a found judgement, well skilled in Grammar, of a good competency; not covetous, patiented of labour, of great industry, not given to corpulency and epicurism, one that makes conscienceof his actions; for an Atheist, as he doth not respect the Creator, so neither the Creature; and an envious man repines at another man's good; and a foolish man hath an inseparable property in him, viz. a desire to hurt; and the unskilful thinks nothings right but what he doth himself; and the covetous man is good to nooe, worst to himself; and a poor man is easily corrupted, for need will compel him to deal distonestry. They also are unworthy of the name and dignity of the Profession, who are by natural jaclination Scoffers, Drunkards, Jesters, Voluptuous, Frroneous, Garrulous, Impostors, Jugglers, Day lurkers, and Deceivers, who with gilded pretences do deceive the Vulgar with trifles, guiles, boastings, vain promises, adulation, and lies, cheat them of their moneys, deprive them of their health, and by their delusion bring their lives in jeopardy. Therefore nothingis more noxious to the Republic, of a greater stain and blemish to the honour of the Profession, and scandalous to good Letters, than these kind of men, who ought to be eschewed as the vilest of Creatures, and their company avoided as pestilentious. But whereas the subject of Pharmacy and Medicine is all one, viz. man's body, as it is capable of health or sickness, the Physician and Apothecary ought to participate of many good qualities, as prudence, experience, diligence, and knowledge of Medicaments. The subject of Pharmacy is the Materials of Medicine; Pharmaciam medicinae inservire. the end and scope thereof, the due composure of the same; and the Apothecary that dares to attempt or assay further, breaks his bounds and limits, and is to be accounted a Mountebank, a Quack, and Deceiver. I have known in France many Apothecaries, What Apothecaries are to be looked on as Deceivers. amongst whom I found some bold Attempters in the practic part of Physic, who with flattery, and large promises of great wonders, did deceive the richer sort of women; whom they did not only deprive of their money, but by exhibiting incongruous Medicines, operating contra naturaus, without method, or due observation, left their bodies more diseased, than in statu quo prius. And others also, who by their cunning sophistry did circumvent certain men of knowledge and repute, even the Senators themselves, (Plin. c. 1. lib. 29.) by styling themselves Phyficians, Learned men, and the like; they would feel the Pulse, look upon the Urine, and discourse of the Causes, Symptoms, Prognostics, and Cure of Diseases; pretend to great things, promise far greater, and so assert many ridiculous things, and prescribe Medicines that rather augment than abate of the we he mency of the distomper; and this they impiously thrust their. Sickle into the Physician's harvest, and most unjustly exercise Pharmacy, to the great prejudice of many, by confiding in a bare Recipe; without either giving cause or reason why it ought to be administered; for we ought not to rest and rely upon the judgement of ancient Sciolists, who assert merely upon their bare testimony, and single apprehension, certain Medicines, which may prove benign and agreeable to Constitution at some certain time; and thereupon presume to be safely exhibited at all times, without advice. As for instance, [o] Lactucae medicamentum esse potest, Alimentum & venenum. Lettuce unseasonably, and in too great a quantity administered, may as easily kill as Hemlock; it is both nutriment and poison, accordingly as 'tis used. Doth not daily experience manifest, that more perish by surfeiting, than any other distemper? Doth not Wine (though most agreeable to our nature) destroy more than War? For though it be very cordial, and as it were the succus & sanguis senectutis, as it were old men's milk, and restorative to life, yet taken at an unfit season, and immoderately, proves noxious and destructive. The office therefore of an Apothecary is only to exercise or compose certain Ingredients to a medicinal form, The duty of an Apothecary. and to adhibit them in a decent manner to salutiferous use, according to the prescript of some skilful Physician: which, that he may with good success accomplish, and answer the expectation of the Physician, he ought, first, to select his Ingredients; secondly; to prepare them; and thirdly, to compound them; of which we intent to speak in order. But before we treat of the first, let us inquire what a Medicament is. CHAP. III. What a Medicament is, and what an Aliment, and what a Medium between both. THE whole Man is a whole Disease, saith Hypocrates, (Epist. ad Damog.) for such is he when he proceeds into the world from the inquination of the womb, that he is ready for the Physician, by reason of his imperfections and diseases which he is liable to, either as a consequent from the dissent of the four qualities, or from the ill use of such things which Nature appointed for nutriment, but through the abuse thereof causes innumerable Diseases in the Body; which the medicinal Art (out of a due observation thereof) doth infallibly either prevent or cure, either by the prescript of a wholesome Diet, or by Medicaments, either internally assumed, or externally applied, as Hypocrates describes; Lib. de diata, & Gal. de sanis. And these are either simple, which for the most part Hypocrates used, or compounded according to Art; they are called Simples, which remain, and are as Nature produced them; as Cassia, Rhabarb, Polipody, Colocynth, with many others, which have only obtained their natural composition of the four Elements. But they are called Compounds, which consist of many Simples of divers virtues noited together by Art and Industry. Now a Medicament differs from Aliment, Medicamentum quid. thus: for that is called a Medicament, which being either internally assumed, or externally applied, can work an alteration in our bodies, as Pepper, Euphorbium, Pelitory, etc. And that is called Aliment, Alimentum quid. which internally assumed, doth nourish and augment the body, as Bread, Wine, the flesh of all flying and four footed Creatures, except ravenous and rapacious; for those Creatures that live by rape, are of an evil humour, and engender ill blood, and are to be rejected as unclean. And therefore in Divine Writ, the Israelites were forbidden to eat either Eagle, Vulture, Griffon, Raven, Hawk, or the like; and we, according to this Sacred Decree, do prudently abstain from the flesh of Foxes, Wolves, Lions, and such rapacious Creatures. Now the medium between both, Alimentum medicamentosum. is a medicinal Aliment, which sympathetically partakes of both natures; for it partly nourisheth, and partly altereth the body, as Lettuce, Radish root, Gourd, Garlic, and many such like. As there is betwixt Aliment and Medicament a certain medium, so also is there betwixt Nutriment and Poison; for the one preserveth, refresheth, and augmenteth; the other destroys, kills, and corrupts; betwixt both there is a Medicament, which doth effect neither. CHAP. IV Of the ancient use of Simples alone, and of their admirable proprieties. GAlen observes out of Hypocrates, Lib. de Elem. that a man could never be sick, if he consisted only of one Element, for then every man's Nature would be one, the Effect one, the Cause of his return to his natural station one. But now the absurdity lies in this, that whereas the species of diseases are infinite, so also the remedies both simple and compound, that are to be appropriated thereunto, are almost influmerable. Those Medicaments that are compounded, and yet fearmed simple, are but comparatively and improperly so styled, in as much as they are referred to others more compound, as Oximel simplex, Diaprunum simplex, and the like: but the Rose, Endive, Psantain, Mine, Wormwood, and all kind of Vegetables that are created, which have received no composition or mixture by Art, are properly called Simples by Physicians; which they sometimes use alone, as the juice of Plantain for astringent Lotions; the juice of Water Lilies ad Erysipileta, or St. Anthony's fire; the juice of Betony the Canker, with which it hath an admirable sympathy; the juice of Vine-tendress, by Galens advice, against the Shingles; the fresh or meat of Quinces, applied plasterwise to the region of the stomach, against choler, and assumed against the bloody flux, the body being first purged; as also Betony against Cephalalgia; as almost all Plants to the expelling of most Diseases. That which is recorded of many Plants exceeds credit, which produce admirable effects; for the root of Peony applied to the head, or hung about the neck, doth cure the Epilepsy; Mint put into milk hinders its coagulation and condensation into Cheese, as it hath been proved by men of good credit. The herb AEthiopis (if Fliny speaks true) cap. 4. lib. 26. Herba Ethlopidis. will pull off Iron if it be touched; which Matthiolus also asserts of the herb Lunary, or Moon-wort, which because it wresteth off Iron shoes from travelling horses, is called by the Italians Sferra cavallo. The Author of Libri sanitatis doth aver with Tribius, that the Bird called Pie, shutting the orifice of her nest, can cause the doors to fly open only by the touch of a certain herb; some attribute this virtue only to the Bird, others to the herb. Theophrastus, a most skilful Herbalist, makes mention of a certain herb, which so powerfully provokes to Lustful Couplation, that if the Noble Author speaks true, it is more than credible that Nature hath devoted this to the cold and weak constitutions, as the Nymphea to the lecherous. Clymenum rubrum, or Pile wort, Herba Ficeria. hath such power in curing the Piles, that whoso carries with him the root of this herb, shall be preserved safe from this Disease. It is scarce credible, that which Josephus writes of that admirable Plant which is called Bared, from Baaran a Valley of Judaea, which being sprung out of the earth, doth cast out a certain bright fulgur, and in the night shines like a burning Lamp; which cannot be touched by any, unless it be first wet with urine, or woman's blood, for otherwise who ever toucheth it, presently died; but by the afore said sprinkling, it may be cradicated, by which it loses its destructive quality. And that which was most wonderful, it cured Mad men, and Demomacks; which when the Inhabitants adjoining perceived, they very discreetly tied a Dog fast to it, which incited or compelled by hunger, or called upon, with much struggling pulled up the Plant. Many other Miracles doth God work in this his Foot stool, the estimation whereof, Experience alone doth teach. Yet hath he produced nothing any way noxious to Mankind, to which he hath not ordained a convenient and wholesome Remedy; Contrario contrarium Deus opponit. for he opposes one Contrary to another, and one Dissentany to another. As to the herb Wolfs-bane he hath opposed Aristoloch. Long. to Hemlock, Smallidge seed; to Henbane, Garlic; to Helmet-flower, Radish-seed; to a Viper, wild Bugloss; to Scorpions. Trefoil or Jasmine; the root of which doth vindicate and preserve the Bearer from bitings by Scorpions, or frees him from pain that is bitten; his hands also that are anointed with the juice of May weed, cannot be stung with Bees or Wasps. It will not be beyond our scope here to take notice of the various natures of Plants; for some are green, and flourish in the middle of Winter, as Wolfs-bane, and black Hellebor; other Plants in the Equinoctial, or Spring tide; others in the heat of Summer, and some in Autumn; at which time all others are, for the most or greatest part, deprived both of leaves and flowers. CHAP. V Of the matter of Medicaments, and whence it proceeds. THE principal differences of medicinal Ingredients, as well foreign as domestic, are taken either from their matter or faculties. From the Matter, which according to Dioscorides and Galen, is threefold; whereupon three general differences of Medicaments do arise, to wit, drawn either from Plants, Minerals, or Animals. In the first genus are contained all kinds of Plants, Medicamenta en plantis sumpta. their several parts, and what is deduced from them, as roots, barks, stalks, woods, boughs, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, gums, rosins, juices, drops, liquors, missel-dews, mosses, cottons, nuts. In the second are contained the Elements themselves, as Fire, Flame, Smoke; Air, serene, or turbid, hot, cold, moist, or dry; Water, pleasant, salt, winy, saltish, clammy, sulphurous, tasting of Nitre, Brass or Iron; all kinds of Earth, as Bole, Terra Lemnia, Mellitea, Chymolia, Rubrica, Ampelitis, Erithrea, Ochra, Creta, and in a word, all Minerals which are digged out of the Bowels of the Earth; as the several kinds of Stones, as the Lapis Ethites, Cyaneus, seu Lazuli, Metalla septem. Judaicus; as also Metals, which are acknowledged by all to be seven, Gold, Silver, Tin, Led, Iron, Copper, and Quicksilver, according to the number of the Planets, whence according to the Spagyrians, they borrow their names. These also are improperly referred to the Minerals, Bistumen Petrol, all kinds of Salts, Calchanth, and Amber. In the third genus are contained all Animals, whether Integrals, Medicamenta ex animalibus sumpta. or In-parts. Integrals, as an old Cock in pottage, to make the belly laxative, and to nourish the body; a Swallow eaten, for to quicken the eye sight; a roasted Lark, against the Colic; Crab fishes, for such as are in Consumptions; old Scorpions, against their bitings; Cantharideses, for Ruptures. Parts of Animals, as the brains of Sparrows against Stimulum veneris, Hairs brain, against Toothache in Children, Fox lungs against the consumption of the Lungs, Wolf's liver against the consumption of the Liver, an Ass' liver against the Epilepsy, the intestines of a Wolf against the Colic passions, the back of Stinci marini against the stifness of the Yard, Goat's blood against the Stone, Partridge or Kites gall to clear the eyes, Cran. Human. against the Falling sickness, the bone in the heart of a Hart against doting or roving, Boars tooth against the Pleurisy, an Elephant's tooth to corroborate the heart, Monoceros or Rhinoceros horns to infringe Poison, an Elks hoof against the Falling sickness. There are also yet many other parts of Animals, whence Medicaments are assumed, as Marrow, Suet, the fat of Calves, Hearts, Hogs, Kids, Ducks, Capons and Geese, the milk of Women, Asses, and Sheep, Cheese, Butter, Curds, Cream, Whey, Buttermilk, Hen's eggs, Fish-shels, the hairs and other excrements of Animals, which we particularly prescribe in the composition of Medicaments in our Pharmacopoeia. CHAP. VI Of the faculties of Medicaments, and how many sorts there be accordingly. THE faculty of a Medicament is a certain efficient cause, What the faculty of a Medicine is. on which its action depends, (Gal. l. de plenitud. & lib. 1. de simp:) whence we gather, that the faculties are answerable in number to the actions, as it is demonstrable in Aloes, and many other simple Medicaments; Aloes facultas. for Aloes hath a faculty of purging, corroborating the Ventricle, killing and expelling Worms, and exiccating the humours of the head. Every Medicament therefore, as to its faculty, is threefold, alterative, purgative, and corroborative. That is said to be alterative, which is either internally assumed, or externally applied, and so doth work a manifest mutation on our bodies, and that according to Fernelius, either in temperament, Tertia medicamentorum alterantium. in matter or form; whence arise three kinds of alterative Medicaments; first, that which impensly heats, cools, moisteneth, or drieth; secondly, that which changeth the commoderation and consistency of the matter: so as either too much to obdurate or mollify, too much to rarify or condense, too much to bind or lose, too much to thicken or attenuate; thirdly, which corrupteth or weakeneth the substance or form itself, such as besides their manifest quality, whereby they heat, erode, refrigerate, or stupify, by a certain occult propriety, and so destroy the substance itself, and induce corruption with nauscousness, as Cicuta, Anchora, Napellas, Aconitum, Sublimatum, and many more; some are noxious to the whole body, as the forenamed; others to certain peculiar parts, as the Sea-hare to the Lungs, Cantharideses to the Bladder, Wolfs-bane to the Womb, Hemlock to the Brain. The roborative, Roborativum quid. or as vulgarly termed, strengthening Medicament, is that which with or by a certain propriety respects Corroborates, and conserveses some part of our body, as Cephalick medicaments to the head, Otick to the ears, Ophthalmick to the eyes, Odentick to the teeth, Stomatick to the mouth, Stomachick to the stomach, Cordial to the heart, Hepatick to the liver, Splenetic to the spleen, Nephritick to the reins, Hysterick to the belly, Nervical to nerves; of which or most shall be spoken to in their places. The Cathartick or purgative Medicament is that which extracts a vicious and excrementious humour out of the body. Catharticum quid proprie. Now that which promiscuously and generally expels all humours out of the body, cannot truly be called purgative, as Antimonium, Cataputia major, and the like, but such as educes and purges proper and congruent humours, to which its faculty is directed and ordained; for those more violent Medicaments do often precipitate us to death, of which Galen speaks, when he * Cap. 2. lib. de vict. acut. saith, that a Purge hath a certain deletary and poisonous quality; which Actuarius thus confirmeth; Purgative Medicaments in a general notion (saith he) are accounted to be such as procreate destruction, and by most adjudged deletary, poisonous, and mortiferous: but they differ from those which are absolutely poison, or of greater power to hurt, in that they kill rather by quantity, than corrupting. And there is such an antipathy betwixt our nature and Purgations, that the very smell of them is inacceptable; which no sooner approaches to the nostrils of some persons, but it affects the whole body; in some it subverts the Ventricle, and in others it contracts the belly. But of the faculty of Purges, how it acts, and whence it proceeds, shall be largely treated of in the ninth Chapter. CHAP. VII. Of the first and second Faculties of Medicaments. WHereas simple Medicaments have often two, sometimes three faculties incorporated, we will speak of them in order. The first is called Simple and Elementary, which arises from the commixtion of the four Elements. The second, substantial or material, which proceeds from a commoderation and consistency of the matter, in which the four qualities inhere in a divers proportion. And there is something found besides these, a third, namely purgative, which Fernelius calls an occult quality. And Silvius, with others of no mean knowledge, affirm four qualities to be universally resident in some Medicament, whereof he asserts the third to be little known, and the fourth altogether unknown, yet both these are often taken for one and the same: for whatever Medicament acts by any inexplicable, or not sufficiently perspicuous property, not proceeding from the first or second qualities, are said to act from the third qualities, or property of the whole substance, or occult virtue. The first faculty of Medicaments is common, The first qualities of Medicaments. and as it were the Basis of the rest, proceeding immediately from the Elements themselves, and it consists chief in calefaction, refrigeration, moistening, or drying; in every of which it is seen either obscurely, as when it acts in the first degree; or apparently, as in the second; or vehemently, as in the third; or perfectly, as in the fourth; and that either in the beginning, middle, or end of every one: The several qualities of Medicaments. so that there are twelve orders of hot, cold, moist and dry Medicaments, which take place amongst them that have conjugated faculties, which are either hot and moist, or hot and dry, or cold and dry; for they produce these faculties not only obscurely, manifestly, vehemently, and perfectly, but also gradually, and that either in the beginning, middle, or end of their operation. The second qualities are concomitants of the first, Elementary or simple, by whose help it is that they exist and manifest their virtues; for the faculty of Apertion, Rarefaction, Attraction, Attenuation, follows Calefaction; the faculties of Crassitude, Density, Occlusion, and Repulsion, follow Refrigeration; of Mollification follows Moisture; the faculty of Induration follows Siccity, for Siccity obdurates, as it is plain with Clay hardened by the North wind, or Summer's heat, and brick with fire. As also Humidity mollifies, while any moderate heat perseveres; for the moisture of Ice becomes hard, because it wants heat. The second virtues and qualities are also apparent in austere, sharp, tart, bitter, opening, attenuating, resolving, contracting, repelling, mollifying, and casing Medicaments; and do as evidently perform their operation, as the first or elementary qualities. CHAP. VIII. Of the third Jaculty, or occult quality of Medicaments. NOW besides the first and second qualities, there is a third; which being occult, and inexplicable, no certain account can be rendered of it, nor yet any exact knowledge thereof be apprehended, but is known only by experience. For why, the Jasper stone, saith Galen, by touching the wound, should stop the flux of blood, I know not; and if I knew perfectly how to find out the nature of every thing particularly, I should think myself such an one as I do conceive Esculapius was. But some properties can neither be known nor explained; for no man can bring any firm and invincible argument or reason, why those Spanish flies, or Cantharideses, should vex the bladder with an inflammation, or hot disposition, being applied far from it; The property of Sea-crabs. or why the ashes of Crabs, being of a drying nature, should have such an admirable property against the biting of mad Dogs; or why, being mixed with Gentian or Frankincense, it operates better and more effectually than with other Medicaments. Galen admiring the never failing success of this Medicament, busied himself no little, to find out the cause why, and at length promised to publish a Book concerning those things that act by an occuit property; but performed not his promise, perchance fearing lest it might detract from his great Fame, if he should relinquish his Enterprise imperfect, or not satisfy himself or his Readers, if he did not with his accustomed learning and dexterity replenish and accomplish it. The extent of the third faculty. Yet this third faculty is very ample, containing under it Purgatives, curing distempers by a certain occult virtue, having respect to certain peculiar parts, of which we intent to discourse particularly. There is in Aliments an inexplicable quality. Neither do we acknowledge this inexplicable property to consist solely in Medicaments and Poisons, whereby the one cures, and the other kills, and sometimes expels diseases: but also in Aliments, which repair the loss of strength by that continual Effluvium; for many abhor many meats, which others take with a greedy appetite; which though at first they are unlike, yet after many concoctions become like and proper to our bodies; whence ariseth a great similitude betwixt the thing nourishing, and that which is nourished, which scarce can be defined; and why this man is more delighted with this meat, and that with another. The eating of fish and flesh is familiar to our whole Nation, yet have we known many, faith Amatus Lucianus, who altogether abstained from eating of flesh; and others, Historia notatu dign. to whom not only the eating, but also the very smell of Cheese was as poison. Another have we known, a Spaniard by Nation, who never tasted of Fish, but when he was invited by his Friend once to a Supper, and had eaten Eggs, with which the ashes of dried Fish was cunningly mixed, he fell into such a pain and anguish by vomiting, that he was almost killed thereby. The same famous Author also saw another, a Venetian Monk, in whom the smell of Roses would cause Madness; which also I have observed in a Noble Lady. And Julius Scaliger, in a learned Cardinal, as he affirms in his Exercises against Cardan, viz. (Exercit 153. part. 10.) where he commemorates a certain woman of excellent virtue and beauty, named Francis, who could by no means be persuaded, before she was fourteen years of age, to eat Flesh. He affirms also, that one of his Children as much abhorred Cabbages, as himself did the Cressons. As also a maid in the City Mediolim died with a draught of Cassia fistula; for every man's peculiar appetite is proper to himself; and many eschew Wint as Poison, others adore it as their God. Moreover, this inexplicable occult faculty is observed in the food of other Animals. For who by reason can declare why the Ostrich delights in Iron? why the Hart desires Serpents; the Bear, Antinous; the Ass, Ferula. Some Animals live only by fishing, others by hunting, others by Corn, others by the natural increase of Plants. The Mallet devours the bird Hirron; the Beaver, little Fishes; the Hawk, the Eagle, and Fox, are nourished and fed upon little Birds; the Hen, the Partridge, and the Horse, on Corn; the Ox, Deer, and Hart, on little Plants, or their tender parts. And why these do delight and grow fat rather with that Aliment than this, and those rather with this than that, cannot easily be explained by reason. For the Vulture will sooner perish with Faraine, than touch Wheat; the Pheasant rather die, than eat by stealth. CHAP. IX. Of the faculty of purging Medicaments, whence it proceeds, and how it operates. THE disquisition of the faculty of purging Medicaments hath been the exercise of many ingenious men; and yet nevertheless, as many men as have endeavoured after its knowledge, so many several opinions have they left to us their Posterity. The Alchemists not without some pains endeavour to demonstrate, that it proceeds from the saltness of the Compounds; for they lay down this for a general Axiom, that all Salts are purgative. Others maintain, that this faculty is altogether occult, not apparently explicable by reason. There are others who judge, that it arises from the special temperament of the mixture, or compound. Others look upon it as a fifth quality. Mesue would have its original in Heaven, and calls it a Heavenly Faculty. A purgative Medicine (saith he) is not such from its temperament, not as a Contrary acting upon its Contrary, not as a Simile attracting its Simile, nor as a heavy matter driving the humour downwards, nor as a light substance driving it upwards; but it hath this faculty allotted from above, acting by a Divine power. This Celestial Faculty is also by some medics, (Fernel.) and Philosophers, (Scaliger) called an Occult Faculty; sometimes also the property of the matter alone, sometimes the internal principle of every thing, The divers denominations of this quality. sometimes an unknown cause, a superelementary virtue, a property of the whole substance, and by some, a fifth quality; so that one and the same thing hath divers denominations. But because that this purgative virtue, according to Philosophers of best note, must needs be deduced from the Stars, Mesue calls it most properly Celestial; but he aims amiss in judging that it draws out humours, not as a simile attracting its simile, contrary to the Ancients opinions, reason, and experience. For Hypocrates declares, (lib. de not human.) that purgative Medicaments have a certain congruity with the humours: A Medicine (says he) when it is assumed into the body, first attracts whatsoever is consonant, and most like to its nature in the body, and afterwards draws down and purges away the rest. Which he proves clearly by this elegant comparison; As seeds and plants sown and eradicated in the ground, attract to themselves whatever in the earth is congruent to their nature, whether sharp or pleasant, bitter or salt, or whatsoever else they primarily or chief allure, as having propinquity with their essence. Galen demonstrates this more clearly, illustrating it with many evidences, (lib. 1. de nat. facult. & cap. 23. lib. 3. the simplic. & lib. de Ther.) writing in express words, that the operations are effected and perfected by the property of the qualities, which are in the substances: therefore some purgative Medicaments, if perchance they be frustrated of their acquired purgation, do not hurt the body (as some foolishly have imagined) but become nutrimental; others are turned into corruption and poison, yet a poisonous virtue is not always mixed with them. Wherefore they do not always hurt, when they do not purge, but they concoct and produce such humous as they should have educed, which never happens to stronger Medicaments. Therefore purgative Medicaments, by a certain similitude and congruity to the substance, attract and educe humours, and by the same principle that the Loadstone attracts Iron, and Amber Straw, not Iron the Loadstone, or Straw Amber: for although there be a great similitude betwixt the Loadstone and the Iron, yet every simile is not the same, neither is the Loadstone Iron, nor the Iron a Loadstone; yet the thing attracting should be more potent than the thing attracted, and therefore the Iron, as weaker, is drawn, and draweth not. Objectio. Since Traction comes by the similitude of the substance, why doth not one Loadstone attract another, and one piece of Iron another? Responsio. I answer; One and the same thing doth not draw the same, but such things as have an affinity and similitude with them; so Agarick draws phlegm, Rhabarb choler, Senna melancholy, because there is betwixt them a certain conjugal quality, or rather a convenience or similitude; which conformity is not altogether manifest; for Rhabarb differs much from choler, Agarick from phlegm, and Senna from melancholy. Although all cathartics do attract humours, Quae purgant trahendo. yet some of them do purge more especially by attraction, to wit, such as are of a more potent force, and have an excrementious humour, saith Mesue, as Scammony, Turbith, and Euphorbium; others by repression, Quae comprimendo. as all the five Myrobalans, and Rhabarb; others by loosening and mollifying the belly, as Cassia, Tamurinds, and others, Quae lubricando. which only by leniating and solving the belly, educe humours; as the herb Orage, Violets, Mallows, Sorrel, and many Potherbs. CHAP. X. Of Medicaments, which besides their solution of the Belly cure many diseases, by an occult poperty. Medicinal Materials, are as well innumerable as admirable, which assumed at the mouth, or applied to the external parts, by a certain occult virtue and specifiall propriety perfectly cureth: and undoubtedly preventeth present, and future distempers: or produceth other admirable effects; as before in some few we have demonstrated. This occult faculty also is not only discernible in plants, but also in animals, and minerals. For it is recorded that Pyrrhus his thumb, by touching such as laboured under the distempers of the spleen, cured them; and that most Christian, and potent Monarch of France, cured the King's Evil, with the touch of his hand: this occult and most effectual quality, Os Aurum trabens. is also seen in dead bodies: for Simplicius affirms, that the mouth of the fish Milvus, doth draw Gold, to which also Scaliger sets seal. Exercit 102. & 112: The reins of Scincus Marinus pulverised, and drunk, with wine, or commixed with fit conserveses and so taken, doth cause stiffness of the yard, and powerfully provoketh to Lechery. A Heart's pizzle dried, pulverised, and drunk with Coltfoot or Carduus water, is much commended against the Pleurisy. A Boars tooth pulverised and drunk, worketh the same effect, especially if taken at the beginning of the disease. The Monocerces his horn doth admirably defend the heart from poisons, and is much available in pestilent distempers. The same effects are performed in the use of Heart's horn and Rhinoceroes' his horn. The huckle bone of an Ox pulverised and drunk with Oxymell, doth mitigate the spleen. The flesh of Hares burnt, sifted and drunk doth break and expel stones out of the bladder. The skin of a Viper pulverised and Applied to a bald place, doth admirably cause hairs to grow where natural humidity is not too much decayed. The same effect is wrought by roasted Mice, and anointing the place with honey. A Cock's comb roasted, or boiled, and often eaten of, doth much and effectually help such as are possessed with colics passions. Galen. lib. de Therias. A Goat's hoof or its bladder, or Eggshells burned and taken in drink, help those that piss their beds. Galen. lib. 8. comp. med. Local. writes, that a Wolf's liver, by a certain specifical property, will help diseases in the Liver. An Asps skin dried, and pulverised, and mixed with honey, will clear the eye sight. The excrements of animals, by an occult property, Creatures Excrements. expel certain diseases; as the dung of Peacocks the Epilepsy; the dung of Swallows and Dogs the Quinsy. Let these few examples suffice, that are assumed from animals. That I may omit such as are hurtful, as the Sea Hare, the Crampe-fish. For the one by an obscure virtue, affecting the Nerves stupifies them, the other hurts the Lungs. As Cantharideses by Inflammation hurts the bladder, and stops the urine, or causes the strangury. We may observe also (which is most to be admired) this same occult quality in many vegetables, and plants: as Sarsaperilla, Lignum vitae, Sassafras and China, all which by a specifical property avail much in the cure of Lues venerea. Ragwort or Satirion, and the herb Kocket, The occult property of plants. causes the yard to stand; irritates Lust, and frequent copulations. The tre, Vitex aut Agnus Castus. and water Lilies on the contrary doth allay the ardour of Lust, extinguish seed, and hinder the excretion of the Stones. Opium mitigates frenzy and madness, and procures sleep, though it be taken in a very little quantity: Misleto of the Oak pulverised and drunk, doth effectually cure the Epilepsy. Dry grapes by a certain sympathy are very commodious to the Liver. Staves-acre, by virtue not well known, kills Lice; so Fleabane Gantts. Coleworth and Ivy cures Drunkenness. Ptarmica provokes to sneezing. As also both kinds of Hellebor. Dittany by an occult property pulls out thorns and pricks, if thereunto applied. The Ash tree drives away serpents, and cures their bitings. Stone-crop, Saxifrage, and Goat's blood expel stones: Savine brings down the monthly terms, and the fruit of the womb, whether alive or dead. The greater Comfrey doth speedily close wounds. Betony doth search malign ulcers, and accellerate their cure. Turpentine is the best Balsam to wounds, and doth both speedily and easily cure them. But that which is most strange is this: Variety of effects in the self same plant. that one plant in a certain part should have one effect, in another, a different or contrary one: as Chamomile flowers which help the headache by smelling to them, whose leaves are very hurtful, if we credit Galen. lib. 2. comp. Med. cap. 2. Sorrell relaxes the Belly, the seed makes it costick. The decoction of Colewort solves the belly. But the Colwort itself eaten, either binds it, or makes it more adust. As also Cock-broth moves the belly, whilst its flesh binds, and Gal, lib. de Ther. cap. 6. assertes the same of Oysters and Cockles. The wheyish or Butterish part of milk dissolves the belly, the cheesy part constrains and makes it costick. Galen thinks it a miracle that the decoction of Trefoil applied plasterwise to the bitings of Serpents and Vipers should presently assuage the pain thereof, and take out the poison; whereas being applied to a sound part, it provokes pains, yet the reason of this effect doth not seem very obscure, nor far different from the nature and temperament of other herbs. For it is no wonder if the Medicine, by whose help, the corrupt part was cured, and from which it drew some malignity or other, being applied to a sound part, should leave an impression there of that malignity, whereof it participated. But we intent to discourse more particularly and largely of the specifical, and admirable virtue of Quicksilver, in curing the Venerean disease, and of the occult and almost divine virtues of other minerals. CHAP. XI. Of simple Medicaments, which by a specifical property have respect to certain peculiar parts. MAny simples are adjoined with such a sympathy to certain Parts; that either assumed, or applied, or often by their very smell, help, refresh and free us from diseases. Yet I cannot conceive, that they are for this sympathy and correspondency so devoted to particular members, as thereon to spend all their effects, or not to confer any upon other parts, but that by a special faculty they respect this more than that, and that more than another part. So that many are called Cephalicks, Cephalica. or head Medicaments that have their whole substance, congruent and familiar to the head; So fitted and prepared by the long experience and use of learned men, that with a certain kind of sympathy, they may be with safety appropriated thereunto. As amongst aromatics these following, Musk, Amber, Civet, Cloves, Mace, Cinnamon, Calamus aromaticus, Squirant, Camphure, and amongst other more common simples, Betony, Rosemary, Sage, Marjorum, Balm, Staechados, the Myrtle-tree, the flowers of Betony, Clove-gilliflowers, and Orange. Ophthalmick, or Eye-medicaments, are these, and such like, Ophthalmica. Eyebright, Salendine, Fennil, Rue, and Clary; the grains whereof put under the eyelids, for they are so small that they cause no sense or trouble, purge eyes exceedingly from corrupt matter. Those are called Odonticks, which roborate the teeth, Odontica. and cleanse them, as the Mastick-tree and Myrtle, Sage and Bay. All dulcet things are agreeable and pleasant to the Lungs; yet a certain herb, called Lung-wort, by a peculiar faculty is more especially attributed to the pains thereof. If Fox's Lungs help, or any way profit men's lungs, Pulmonica. as many of the Ancients believed, than it must happen through the familiarity of the substances; no other reason can be rendered. Raisins, Figs, Jujubees, Pistac-nuts, Dates and Honey, do somewhat refresh and benefit the Lungs, and that only by their sweetness; Orrice, Maiden hair, Hyslop, and Horehound, only by attenuation. Cardiacks or Cordials, are these and such like; Gold, Silver, Cardiaca. precious Stones, Cinnamon, and other suavolent Aromaticks; and also Borage, Bugloss, Carduus, Scabious, Goatsbeard, Meadow-sweet, Violets, Roses, and Saffron. Stomachick, or Medicaments belonging to the Stomach, Stomachica, are Nutmegs, Mastic, Wormwood, Mint, and Dill; for these by a particular property help it; and also innumerable more benefit it, but that by heat rather than any special virtue, as Pepper, Ginger, Mustard, and Wine. hepatics, or Medicaments proper to the Liver, are these; Tansy, Hepatica. Egrimony, Succory, Fumatory, Rhabarb. Splenick, or Medicaments proper to the spleen, are Cetrack, Splenica. Capars, Tamarisk, Epithymus, with many more, which for brevity's sake I omit. Sage, Rosemary, and Primrose, Nervalia. by a certain property corroborate the Nerves, Ground-Pine the Arteries. I shall not hereunto reduce such as respect several parts; for even a Critic Reader may be content with these; for a grain of Salt is sufficient for him that would know its virtue, and learn its taste. CHAP. XII. Of Annulets, which carried or hanged up, do cure many Diseases by an occult virtue. THose Remedies that are called Periammata, Periapta, and Amuleta, that is, tried and suspended Medicaments, appertain to such as cure Diseases by an occult faculty: Annulets are of two sorts. and they are of two kinds; one sort consists solely of characters and words, another of simple Medicaments hanged about the neck, or any other member of the body. Physicians laugh at the former, and reject it as a thing fabulous, delusive, uncertain, and incredulous: for we find, that neither Physician nor Metaphysician ever spoke thereof, unless some Cacodemoniack, that refers them to his Philosophy. But a Physician and Philosopher being a Moralist, and an Advancer of Nature, who in honesty of life and conversation, setting the fear of the Almighty before his eyes, assays nothing, but by the just, good and lawful rule prescribed by Nature, and doth not go about to deceive the ignorant and illiterate people with vain toys, and unlawful Arts; but studies the knowledge of things by their natural causes: for Knowledge is the understanding of a thing by its cause; and happy sure is he that knows the causes of things. Whence Galen concludes, that Medicine is not made for the Disease, but for the morbificous cause, which being removed, Periammata. the effect is hindered. But Annulets neither take away the cause, the disease, nor symptoms, as those falsely persuade themselves, to whom they have been suspended, being deceived by their persuasion, who worship and invoke Devils; who also imagine, that all things may be done in their name, and by their virtue, without any other cause. Of which, and such like impious fellows, the Poet thus writes: Gens invisa diis maculandi calida coeli, Quae nunc stare polos & fulmina mittere novit, Aethera sub terras adigit, montésque revellit. Which they perform two manner of ways: for some by the virtue of most Divine names invoke and compel evil spirits, and that because every Creature fears and reverenceth his name that created: yet others more impious than these wicked men, submit themselves, offer sacrifice, and worship Devils. The reason why Witches use only evil spirits, is manifest; for good Angels are very seldom, Cur cacodaemones ab improbis viris invocentur. and not without great difficulty obtained, because they wait on God's command, and accompany none but such as are of a clear heart, and pious conversation. But evil spirits do yield themselves prompt and ready to be invoked, falsely favouring and feigning Divinity, they are always present, that they may deceive, and that they may be worshipped and adored. Out of this Shop of Devil-adoring Witches issued all those Books of Darkness, which Ulpianus by no means will allow to be read, Libri improbatae lectiones qui. but ordains that forthwith they be burned. The first Founder whereof was (as it is recorded) one Zabulus, that was addicted to the illicite Arts. Afterwards succeeded one Barnabas, a Cyprian; and in our times, Cornelius Agrippa, and many other impious men; amongst which Crew, Paracelsus deserves not to have the lowest seat, Paracelsi impietas. whose impiety was accompanied with the baseness of all vices. Now since that these Characters and Annulets have issued out of these impious men's Shops, being grounded on no reason, Characteres inde prodterint. and pestiferous to Mankind, not only Physicians, but also all Worshippers of God, aught to reject and abhor them. Yet Fernelius, that excellent Physician and Philosopher, yea, the most famous of our times, attributes great virtue to Words and Annulets. And certainly if we assent to the Hebrews, Vis verborum secundum Hebraeos. the best Authors of Virtue and Discipline, they tell us, we shall find greater power in words, than natural things; For (say they) whatsoever is in the mind, voice, word or speech, all that is in Scripture, the letters whereof are full of beavenly mysteries, are according to the position of the Stars; whence the great Creator of all things will have himself named by two letters, Λ & Ω. Furthermore, the more critical Matchiavels of the Hebrews, Literarum figura. do profess and promise to explain all things by the figure of Letters, and by the simplicity, composition, crookedness, defect, abundance, colligation, revolution, coronation, apertion, order, and transmutation of letters, points, and pricks. Words therefore and Characters are said to be powerful in the curing of Diseases: and Trallian omitted not this way of curing. To cure the Gout (saith he) dig up the herb Henbane before the Sun rise, when the Moon is in Aquarius, or Pisces, and say, Adjuro te, herba sacra, per sancta nomina Jaoth, Sabaoth, Adonai, Eloi, Deus, qui terram firmavit, & fixit mare fluviis abundans fluentibus, & qui exsiccavit uxorem Loth in statuam salinariam. Adjuro, inquam, te, ut sistas fluxionem pedum. For the Toothache this ridiculous speech is given to some, Galbes, galbat, Galled, galda. To stay an issue of blood, some use these words, Charat, Cara, Sarite, Confirma, Consona, Imaholite. These words are given to some with a piece of bread, against the biting of a mad Dog, Irioni, Rhiciori, Estera, Rhuder, Fere; or these with a piece of an apple, Hax, Pax, Max, Deus, Adimax, which he presently eats up. That of Quint. Serenus of Samos, against the semi-tertian Fever, is well known, to wit, Abracadabra, which is so described, that it ends broad below, and straight above, like a Pineapple, even to the last letter, and so it is annexed to the neck. A thin plate of Gold engraven with these words, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and hung about the neck, cures bleared eyes, or purblindness, according to Marcellus. That thou mayst stay bleeding, touch the part with thy ringfinger, and repeat these words, Socnon, Socnon, twenty seven times, or as oft as thou wilt, till the issue cease; it is good; and much profitable, if you rightly consider it. To cure the Felon, or soar under a man's nail, touch the part with thy finger, (saith Marcellus) and drawing thy finger back again, say thrice, Pu, pu, pu, Nunquam ego te videam per parietem repere. So doth the same Marcellus foolishly persuade the cure of Lippitude, or Purblindness. Take (saith he) (cap. 8. lib. de medic.) a Fly with thy left hand, and whilst thou catchest it, repeat his name on whom thou art to work this cure, and say that thou catchest the Fly to cure his eyes; then bind her alive in a linen cloth, and hang it about the neck of him or her that is affected, and look not behind thee. Many examples of the like sort may be read in Mercury, Marcellus, Trallian, Albertus, Villanovanus, and amongst those in latter time, in Fernelius, lib. 2. de abdit. rerum cause. all which (most sage men) attribute such virtue to words, that they believe them to be able to subvert nature. Apuleius also, that learned man, asserts, that by a magical susurration, swift running rivers are turned back, the slow sea gathered on a heap, the winds unanimously and with great force sent forth, the sun stayed, the stars deduced, the day abbreviated, the night continued: of which the Poet saith, Carmine vel coelo possunt deducere Lunam, Levis Poetarum credulitas. Carminibus Circe socios mutavit Ulyssis. Frigidus in pratis cantando rumpitur anguis, Atque satas alio vidi traducere messes. As also Ovid. Cum volui, ripis ipsis mirantibus, amnes In fontes rediere suos, concussáque sisto. Also Lucan. Cessavere vices rerum, dilataque longa Haesit nocte dies, legi non paruit aether, Torpuit & praeceps audito carmine mundus. But the power of words is most apparent in repelling Diseases; for either spoken, or engraven and carried, do dissolve many affections with wonderful celerity, which, as Pomponatus relates, no little exercised a certain Physicians ingenuity and judgement, admiring such things; for when he had undertaken the cure of two boys, Historiae notatis dignae. the one whereof laboured under a disease not unlike Erysipely, the other had fallen into the fire; now a certain man intervening, cured those boys with words only, and Charms. He adds moreover, that out of another who had a sword so fastened in him, that it could be got out by no medicinal Art, which notwithstanding the same man drew out by the same method of curing. In almost every Town there are certain old women who can cure the diseases of the Matrix by words unknown to any; for so much they profess and promise, and sometimes perform, not without great admiration. I could relate a thousand more examples, which because they are ridiculous and foolish, I judge them better to be omitted; for in those that are bettered by these words, either suspended or rehearsed, the cure comes rather by a certain opinion, than any virtue in them. One was not ashamed to assert, that he was freed from a Fever by an Amulet, in which these words were written, Sancti Petre & Paul stultum hunc persanate, that is, Saint Peter and Saint Paul cure this fool. Another was restored to health by this Amulet, Rapiat eum Daemon & similes ejus, that is, The Devil take him and such like. But I relate these sore against my will: we will now turn our discourse to others more approved. Those Annulets which consist of simple Medicaments, tied or suspended, are not altogether disapproved of by Physicians; indeed they often produce salutary effects by an occult property. For Experience teacheth us, that the root of Peony hanged about the neck, cures the Epilepsy; Misletoe will do the same, as also a piece of an Elks hoof included in a ring. Wolf's dung applied plasterwise about the middle, will mitigate the choleric pains, saith Aetius, (cap. 13. tet. 3. ser. 4.) Their intestines dried, and applied to the belly, have like effects; the root of Hounds-tongue hung about the neck, cures the blackness of the tongue, which the unskilful Vulgars' call Canker; for some things of small quantity and bigness, by contract only produce greatest alterations, saith Galen, (cap. 5. lib. 6. de loco off.) Dittany being applied, doth by an incredible property draw out Darts; Quicksilver carried about with us, frees us from many pestilent Diseases; the stone Aethites bound betwixt the paps, or on the ventricle, doth retain the young; but being annexed to the thigh, precipitares the birth. Which also is recorded of the root of Henbane. The gem Selenitis put into a ring, only by touching the flesh, stays blood flowing from any part. The green Jasper suspended, helps the stomach, and the mouth of the ventricle, as Aetius testifies, (cap. 35. tet. 1. ser. 2.) The Heraclean stone, commonly called the Loadstone, besides its faculty of attrcting Iron, being only holden in the hand, it easeth the grief of the Gout both in the hands and feet. He that will carry the feet and the forelegs of the Lobster, he shall not fear the coming of a Boar. See Democritus in Geopon. The curing of the Jaundice is also to our purpose here; Icteri curatio miranda. which is then effected, when the diseased attentively beholds that Bird which Holerius calls Galbula, that is, Woodwall; the French give it the name of Loriotus. And it is wonderful, that this Bird cannot endure the sight of him that hath the Jaundice. Also the cure of the bitings of Tarantula, Curatio morsus venenati per musicam. a beast like a Lizard, hath respect to this discourse, which may not be cured by Medicaments, but only by Music. I have known and heard of many such like cures, which I omit for brevity sake. CHAP. XIII. Of Poisons. THere is also an occult quality in Poisons, of which Physiologers, and searchers of natural things, do sometimes speak, as also impious Witches: the Physiologers, that they might acknowledge the prudence and sagacity of the Omnipotent Nature, in good as well as pernicious things, and contemplate the Ornament of the World: but those Witches, more pestilent than Pestilence itself, and most pernicious Enemies of Mankind, that they might exanimate and extirpate out of the world all those whose life and fortunes they envy or hate. For they most artificially adulterate the taste, odour, and colour of Poisons, which they so craftily convey into Meats and Medicaments, that they may deceive the most wise and wary, and in stead of Bread give them a Stone, in stead of a Fish a Scorpion, instead of Sugar a sugared Poison. And so good men are not so safe from evil men, as all men from Scorpions, and other destructive Beasts. Of which the Physician speaks, as the Logician of Sophisms and Fallacies, which he admonishes us to observe and avoid, as the Theologer speaks of Vice, which he persuades us to shun. Neither doth he treat of evil, that thence good might follow; wherein he differs from the Physician, who disalloweth of poisonful Sorcerers, and yet treats of Poisons, either as they are generated, or by ill luck ingested into our bodies, or else as they are requisite to the curing of malign diseases; otherwise to discourse of them, or use them, is pernicious. And indeed Galen, (cap. 42. lib. 2. the Antidote.) reproves them that teach composition of Poisons, Improbantur, qui venena compenunt. as Horummendesius, Aratus, Heliodorus the Athenian, and Orpheus. Yet doth he himself writ largely concerning poisonous Simples, as before him Dioscorides, and after both Nicander, that they might be known, avoided, and by the advice of a learned and skilful Physician, used in some diseases. For Arsenic is sometimes applied to the dead flesh in Ulcers, Viper's oil to Pocks-marks, pimples, and corrupt swell; Scorpion's oil to their stings; a hair of a mad Dog to the wound made by his own teeth. Trochisks made of Vipers, both internally assumed, and externally applied, to all poisonous affections and diseases. Poisons also are not only put into, Venena in corpore hominis interdum genita. but sometimes generated in the body, as Galen, (cap. 5. lib. 6. loc. off.) which produces both like affections and effects, as those that come by pernicious poison drunk, or otherwise assumed; for a Plague is a Poison which is sometimes generated in the body without any manifest cause; and the Sperm retained in Histerick women, is partaker of a poisonous quality. Dogs also in the heat of Summer easily become mad. But these things are to be fore-known by Physicians, that they may preserve health without fault, and drive away all diseases. And although Poisons be destructive, Venena aliquando nutrire. Historia. yet by custom they become nutritive; for I think the story of the Girl is sufficiently known, of which Avicenna, Rufus, and Gentilis speak, who being fed with Poison only from her Infancy, was so infectious, that her breath was pestiferous and destructive to such as came near her. Another woman lived at Coleyn in Germany, who, as Albertus relates, did usually eat Spiders, whereas one Spider bruised in Wine would kill many. One Porus, King of India, did daily eat Snakes and Poisons, Rex anguirus. who being a long time nourished with this kind of Aliment, was so poisonful, that he would kill men by his touch or breath, or by his spitting, as a Serpent, or any other poisonous Creature. There is a certain kind of men in the Hellespont, Ophiogenes. who are nourished with Poisons only; and thence they are fitly called Ophiogenes, that is to say, generated of Serpents. The Marsians and Psyllians delighted much in the same nutriment, who feared not at all the bitings and poisons of Serpents; which was experienced in one of that Family, Exagon by name, who by the Decree of the Roman Consuls was put into a Hogshead filled with Serpents, who nevertheless escaped without detriment. (Plin. cap. 29. lib. 6.) Athenageras' the Grecian, as it is related, could not be hurt by Scorpions. The same is affirmed of the Ethiopians that inhabit near the River Hydaspes. Galen makes mention (lib. 3. simp. cap. 13.) of a certain Athenian woman, which had often eat a great quantity of Hemlock, without any prejudice to her health. Sext. Emperic. hath the same story of another old woman. 'Tis generally reported of Lysis, that she would eat Opium in a great quantity, without impairing her health; and I saw a woman of Nemaxium, who daily took half a dram of the same. A certain maid of Crete did kill several with her looks, and bring boys into a consumption. What need of more? they that are accustomed to Poisons, are free from the mischief of them. Poisons are drawn either from Plants, Whence Poison proceeds. Animals, or Minerals. From Plants, as from all kinds of Poppy, from Henbane and Mandrakes; whose qualities, though they be poisonous, yet often times effectual for curing many Diseases. And those very things which sometimes are present poison both to man and beast, yet being rightly handled, prepared, and applied; they are a secure help. The herb Wolf's bane is poison, Poisons sometimes are mecamental. yet it is added to Ophthalmick Medicaments; and Hemlock, though poisonous, yet effectual in extinguishing Tetters, Ulcers, and Leprous spots. Nerium also drunk in Wine, is good against the bitings of Serpents. House-leek killeth the Ringworm, and spreading soars. All kinds of Nightshade, rightly applied, doth mitigate any pain. But all these, according to Dioscorides, are poisonous; as also Ranunculus, Esula, Hermodactylus; yet the use thereof is not only wholesome, but effectual in many distempers. As also Aconitus, Herba Paris, yea Antimony and Stibium, and many others, are both medicamental and poisonous, for they both cure and kill. Mushtooms also are not altogether Medicaments, but sometimes Aliment, and sometimes Poison; for by the use of these, five young Students of Paris were killed; and yet Courtiers are much taken with such Dishes. I shall not here remunerate other poisonous Plants, which are daily and fortunately put to medicinal uses, for it may suffice that I have touched upon a few, because it is not necessary, neither can they all be comprehended in one Chapter. Medicaments also are taken from poisonful Animals; Medicines daily assumed from poisonous Animals. for the flesh of Stinci marini is often given to decayed Nature to excite Venery. Viper's do admirably benefit such as are leprous; as also Snakes, whose flesh rightly prepared, is a sure Antidote against many Poisons. That which is asserted de Dracone marino, Sea-dragon is both Poison and Aliment. exceeds credit; for he hath a sharp pointed bone upon his back, so noxious to man, that whomsoever he pricks, is precipitated to death, unless he be helped in time; yet his flesh is both pleasant and wholesome nutriment, insomuch that the common sort of Frenchmen call it Flesh of Life. And so it may seem wonderful, that some Animals do at once suggest Aliment, Nutriment, and Poison; for some part of them is life, in others death to the Assumers. Yet 'tis very strange that poisonful Animals, whose bodies are enemies to ours, and present death, should by application safely cure the wounds and bitings that they themselves have made; and they alone, in many cases, are able to free us from such wounds, and the perils ensuing. The reason is, because one simile attracts another to it; and as it were revoking its own substance, frees the part affected from Poison. So Crocodiles grease cures those that are smitten by him; and those that are hurt with Scorpions, are cured by the same, bruised and applied plasterwise; Must Araneus will work the same effect, if pulverised when it hath bitten any. It is also worthy our notice taking, that Poison doth not only attract Poison, but also extract pricks and darts out of our bodies without pain, which can scarce be by any strength or art effected. Many small Creatures are altogether noxious to humane bodies, and yet useful and commodious to health; as Cantharideses, the Venomous Fly Buprestis, Salamanders, Palmer worms, a Sea-hare, a Toad, a Fen frog; for we use Cantharideses, Lizards, Scorpions, and Aunts daily and effectually to the outward parts, but not to the inward; for it is altogether unsafe to put those Creatures into the body which are naturally endowed with an evil quality. Thus did one Agyrta, a foreign and unskilful Physician, Idem fecit maledictus ille Hebraeus Francofurtanus, Aaron vocatus, qui ante biennium ad Cacodaemones suos abiit. apply Cantharideses to a man well known to be honest, but not wise, who desired a Medicament to provoke him to Venery; which sent him not to the pleasant Fields of Venus, but to the Boat of Charon. Yet there are some, although noxious, which hurt either by biting or touching; which being prepared by expert Artificers, and prescribed by skilful Physicians, and opportunely applied, do not only no hurt, but produce admirable and salutary effects; for Wine, wherein by mischance a Viper had been suffocated and extinguished, cured a Leper, long before separated from the society of his Fellow-Citizens. A Snake may perform and effect the same. What then will their flesh do, skilfully prepared? Many efficacious Poisons also are drawn from Minerals, Ex mineralibus venena multa. and these as well growing of their own accord, as Quicksilver, red Lead, Parget, Vitriol, Sorry, Sandarach, the Loadstone, crude Antimony, also the Adamant: as those that are made such by Art, as Sublimate Chalk; Verdegrease, Ceruse, Aqua fortis, and almost innumerable others, which are much better unknown, than known; for it is enough to treat of some Simples beneficial to some Diseases, amongst which some are to be preferred before others, as less averse to nature, and more conducing to health. CHAP. XIV. Of the faculties of those Medicaments in general, which are named from their effects. WE have before shown, that some Medicaments respect and corroborate some parts by a specifical virtue, as Cephalick respect the head, Ophthalmick the eyes, Pulmoniack, Hepatick, the Lungs, Liver, Spleen, and others, other parts, from whence they had their denomination: Now we shall speak briefly and generally of such as are named from their effects, that the Apothecary may have in readiness the name and knowledge of Medicaments, with their respective quality, to the proposed and desired effects. For since names are the marks of things, if they be conveniently and rightly fitted to them, they will more aptly teach, guide, and direct the Artificer. But almost all Medicaments retain their Greek idioms first imposed on them. Medicamentorum appellatio a quibus. Some named from the Arabian Language, have scarce re-obtained their first and proper euphony; yet have they in process of time been somewhat refined. Medicaments therefore from their effects are thus named by Classical Authors. A Medicament is called Cathartick, or purging, because by some way it draws noxious humours out of our bodies, as by vomiting, or secession. Physicians call that Cholagogon, or a choler-purging Medicament, which extracts choleric humours; that which purges phlegm, Phlegmagogon; that which purgeth melancholy, Melanagogum; that which purgeth watery or liquid humours, Hydragogum; and that which purgeth all humours, Panchymagogon. Another Medicament is called Polychrestum, because it is of much use. Eccoproticon is reckoned amongst the benign Medicaments, and is so called, because it only moves the dregs. Those are called Hypercatharctica, or too much purging Medicaments, which first purge that humour to which it is congruent and familiar, afterwards other humours more apt to follow; last of all, blood; so that they cause the Bloody Flux. They are called Emetica, that provoke vomiting, and educe the humours by the mouth. They are called Alliotica, that is, altering, which altar any distemper, as hot altars cold, cold hot, moist dry, Euchyma and Cacochyma, that is meats of good & evil juice, have respect to aliments, and those are called Euchyma, which get good blood, those Cacochyma, that get ill blood, they are called Epicerastica, which afford good juice by little and little, in stead of ill juice leisurely drawn out, whence comes Epicrasis, that is, a leisurely evacuation of vicious juice. That Medicament is called Hypnotycum, which rather causes drowsiness than sleep. (Galen. lib. 9 Method.) and that is called Narcoticum, which doth not only cause sleep, but stupidity, and oftentimes Necrosy or death. That is called Ureticum, which by dividing, relaxing, and compelling the passages, moves the urine and gravel, and often expels them. They are called Lithontriptica that is Saxifrage, which break or sever the stones or pebbles in the bladder, and eject them. That is called Anodynum which delineates and mitigates any pain with a moderate heat, it is called also Paregoricum, and sometimes Lysiponium that is a labour easing, or pain mitigating medicament. That Medicament is in general called Chalasticum, which eases the part to which it is applied, or refreshes it with moderate heat; but taken strictly it is that only which relaxeth and cureth any swelling, without excess of any quality, as fat, butter, grease, etc. That poisonous Medicament, which divides and opens the orifices, and excites the blood to an issue by its heat or acrimony, is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, such as be Ramsons, Savine, Leeks, Sow bread, and many others. The Greeks call a repercussive Medicament, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because by its refrigerating and binding power, it repels the humours breaking out into the members: as Plaintain, Sorbe Ails, the herb Mouse-eare: other repel by a refrigerating quality only, as water and other such repercussours, Galen. lib. 14. Method.) but according to Galen and Oribasius, all repelling Medicaments are only to be used in the beginning of a flux. That is called Helcticum or Epispasticum which draweth the humours downwards; and it is contrary to repelling Medicaments, for it is hot and thin, but repercussives, cold and gross Galen. lib. 10. compos. Med. loc. cap. 25. lib. 1. sympos. c. 16. lib. 5. simplic. And every hot Medicament draweth, every cold one repels. That which is hot in the second degree, doth apparently draw; that which is hot in the third partly draws, and partly disposes, and it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Now there are four different kinds of attracting Medicaments. Atrahentia quadruplicia. Some draw by an Elementary quality, which are hot in the second degree; Others by accident, as in putrefaction, and of this sort, Leaven hath the strongest attractive quality, others by a certain similitude, as poisons attract poison, others by an occult property, As Dittany attracts and extracts pricks and darts, the Loadstone Iron. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which whether internally assumed, or externally applied, doth not only open the passages by attenuation and scouring, but which cuts, divides, and resolves obvious humours by sweat or breath. Of which there are two kinds, some weaker called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is relaxing, which indeed are hot and subtle, but do not dry up, which rather dispose the humours for resolution, than resolve them: The matter of resolving Medicament is abundant, for all those that are moderately hot in the second, and hot in the third degree, and subtle, resolve. That which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is stopping or obstructing is contrary to that which is called Anastomoticum, for it obstructs the entry of the vessels, and hinders evacuations, because its substance is gross, and therefore obstructive. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is closing, which hath power, but more unable and weak to obstruct, and it only closes the pores of the skin as Stegnoticum doth the orifices of the veins. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is clammy, which applied to any place sticks tenaciously, and obstructs the pores of the skin, and fills them with much stuff, as Rosin or Gum. Some are also called Emphrastica, which obstruct the pores with a glewish humour, and fill them with clammy matter. A condensing Medicament called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is that which makes liquid and subtle juices more gross, its power consists in gross and terrestrial matter, void of all Acrimony. The Med. called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is contrary to this, which attenuates gross and compact humour, and variously dissolves them. It is of a very subtle substance, whether cold, as vinegar, or hot, as Aqua vitae, otherwise called Aqua vini, and by many Alchemists an Elixir, or quintessence. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is a pore-opening Medicament, which delivers the passages from viscid and clammy humours, & its faculty is various according to the various manner of the humour causing obstruction, for that obstruction, which proceeds from a glewish juice, must be dissolved by an attenuating, and cutting Ecphracticke, that obstruction which is hard withal must be resolved by a mollifying quality. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, mollifying, which mollifies a hard body as (a hard boil) and reduces it to its natural state, and it is at least hot in the second degree, and temperate, both in humidity, and siccity, cap. 4. & 8. lib. 5. simple.) that which is more temperate in heat is rather a cause of imposthumes. But that which is applied to a hard swelling caused by siccity, should be both more moist and moderate, in heat, as oil of much marrow. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or a suppuratory, which is most congruent and like to our nature, and as it were a symmetry of heat and moisture (c. 5.7. & 8. lib. 5. simple.) whence if our finger be put to any part, where we desire to change the matter into corruption, if it be long therein detained, it shall easily make a suppuration, but mollifying Medicaments are hotter, yet not so hot, that they discuss by that quality their exuperant humidity, and therefore suppurating Medicaments perform what they may, rather by quantity, and mollifying by quality than any other thing. To the former 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is very simular: but taken strictly, it is a Medicament which concocts the humour, Diapyeticum is that which changes it into corruption. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or cleansing, which purges out all gross and subtle humours and all filth, whence it is called a purgative Medicament: It is altogether bitter of taste, full of salt, and drying; that is called, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is applied to green wounds, it is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a blood stenching Medicament. That Medicament is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or incarnative, which is effectual in regenerating flesh, and it is dry in the first degree, and cleanseth moderately, and without pain. (cap. 15. lib. 5. simple. & 3. Method.). That Medicament is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or glutinatory, which conjoins and agglutinates parts disjoined, that they may return to their natural unity, when it is applied to bloody wounds, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by some Symphyticum & Aggregativum. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is effectual in solidating broken bones, and in conjoining flesh-pores. That is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Synuloticum, which makes a scar in the ulcer, which it doth by its most efficacious siccity and astriction, for this is dry in the third degree, Coleticum, in the second, and Sarcoticum in the first only. That Medicament is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which consumes the superfluous flesh, to which it is applied, and reduces the part to its native superficies, whence it is called of some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, it is hot in the third degree. That Med. is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which by burning the part, to which it is applied by its most vehement and fiery heat, it leaves a pill, or crust upon it, as sublimate, or a Caustick. That Medicament is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, putrifying, which partakes of some malign quality, and destroys and putrifies the place it touches, by enduring its stink and ill quality, as Sandarach the Monk's hood, and such like. Some are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which take away hard thick skin, and these may easily be used in their stead, which are called Catharetica, that is superfluous flesh-consuming Medicaments. And since these are the chief names taken from the ffects of medicamental faculties, we will omit those that are of less use. CHAP. XV. Of the choice of purging Medicaments in general. IF an Apothecary sufficiently know these three things, he is most expert in his Art, to wit to select, prepare, and compound Medicaments; now Election denotes knowledge, for no man can well select, and discern this good from that evil, unless he have known both: preparation also presupposes an industrious artificer, who being long exercised in the Art, doth correct and amend malign simples many ways, as by fire, water, and his hand, making the good better, and weak stronger, and of more virtue. And there is no composition without election and preparation, for a confusion of many simples together is no composition. Therefore to elect Medicaments, Delectus quid. should be an Apothecaryes' first duty and employment: which choice is thus defined. Election is a separation and distinction of that which is evil from that which good, of the noxious from the innoxious, and of the malign from the benign. Benignum Medicamentum quid. Malignum. Now that is a benign purging medicament, which purges gently, and loses the belly calmly, as Cassia, Manna, Tamarinds and Rhabarbe; and that is a malign and unwhole some medicament, which purges by a violent traction, and disturbs our bodies, by reason of that adverse essence it hath to our natures. This malignant medicament is twofold, Medicamentum malignum quotuplex. the one totally so, to wit whose universal genus is violent and unruly, of what sort soever it be, or whence soever it is taken, as Euphorbium, Laurel, Antimony. The other in some species, or by accident in some individual of its genus, which hath revolted and degenerated from its proper nature, as black Agarick, black Turbit, Colocynth, only in the Plant, or of one plant in the field, Mesue only in Plants or of the Aple-trees in the field, because it is believed to take away all bitterness and malignity of the field and plants. But we ought to abstain from both these kinds of malignant purges, unless in some great affections, Quando malignis purgantibus liceat uti. in which gentle, little or nothing profit, for then a skilful Physician may use malign medicaments duly prepared, because even poisons are salutary in some diseases, as Viper's flesh to the Leprosy, Scorpion's flesh, to wounds made by themselves, made dogs blood to them that are bitten by a mad-dogg, whence is that Proverb: Those that are wounded by Scorpions, seek remedy from the same. We must also abstain from benign purges, unless they be rightly, in a just quantity, and seasonably administered, and also exhibited to such as they may profit, for Hypocrates saith, Aphoris. 14. lib. 4. Quando à binignis abstinendum. that a purging medicament is noxious to them that have their health according to that (Matth. 9) The whole need not a Physician. CHAP. XVI. Whence the Election of purging Medicaments may be taken. THe Election of a purging Medicament is made from its essence; Essentia medicamenti quid. nature, and faculties, we call the essence of every Medicament, that very state, which arises from its matter and form, or that all which is seen, or consisteth absolutely in a Medicament without any preparation. And we call the faculty of a Medicament, that very virtue it doth, Facultas medicamenti quid. or can exercise in our bodies. Now the substance first qualities, or temperament, second qualities ensuing the temper and the disposition externally acquired, show the good or ill essence of a Medicament, Substantiae medicamentorum. now we understand by the name substance, the commoderation and consistency of the matter, which flows from the proportionable mixture of the Elements, whence some are said to be heavy, or light, others dense or rare, others gross, or subtle, others clammy or friable, from which differences a certain disposition and proper faculty is engendered, whereby we may distinguish betwixt the good and evil in the same genus. In the second place Election may be made from the prime qualities, that is from the Temperament, Temperamenti quot differentiae of which there are eight different kinds, hot, cold, moist, dry, which are called simple qualities, and as many compound hot and moist, hot and dry, cold and moist, cold and dry, to which may be added the mean temperament, in which consists the nature of man, from which flow divers other temperatures, some in one, some in two, some in three, and some in four degrees; and therefore the excess of several degrees is distinguished. Thirdly, the Election is taken from the second qualities, Secundae qualitates quot differentiis includuntur. which especially differ in four kinds, for some are tangible, others odorable, others gustable, and others visible; audible qualities are omitted, because no certain election can be made by them. Now those are rangible qualities which can be discerned by the judgement of the touch, some whereof are the properties of the Elements, to wit, in which the first qualities hot, cold, moist and dry, are discerned by the touch; others arise from the temperament, and are called second qualities; by whose means the Medicament is heavy or light, hard or soft, clammy, or friable, sharp or smooth as above. Fourthly, Odour quid. Medicaments may be selected from their odour, which is a certain vaporous substance proceeding from an odorable matter, which brought into the nostrils, moves the sense of smelling, and there are as many kinds of them, as sapours: for odours concord with sapours in proportion, and for the most part borrow their demonstrations from them, yet are not the species of odours so distinct as them of sapours, because the sense of smelling in men is very dull; hence it is that there are a thousand kinds of odours that want proper names, and therefore all odorables are generally distinguished into well smelling, and ill smelling things. Fiftly, the judgement in Election may be guided by the Taste of Medicaments, Sapor quid. Sapores quet. and that more surely than by Odours; because there are more distinct species of sapours than of Odours (lib. 4. simple. Med. Gal. cap. 21.) for sapour is a quality that may be perceived by the sense of Tasting, whereof there be nine different species, three whereof flow from overpowering calidity in a substance, gross or subtle, to wit, sharp, bitter, salt, three from exuperant frigidity, sour, austere, unpleasant, and three from moderate heat, pleasant, fat, unsavoury, Selectio medicamentorum à dispositione extrinseca. the last whereof inclines to frigidity, pleasant & fat to heat. Sixtly, Medicaments may be selected by a disposition extrinsecally acquired, which arises from the season or place (Gal. cap. 2. lib. 4.) Mesue, adds Magnitude, Parvitude, and Number, for by these the quality of the Medicament is of more or less force. A certain and universal rule cannot be given concerning the temper and choice of Medicaments by their colour and sound, that thereby the benign may be discerned from the malignant: for seeing all benignity and malignity of Medicaments consists in the substance, temperament and faculties, cold, moist, hot, and dry, are found in all colours. Neither do the colours themselves show the temperament of the Medicaments, for the colour of a medicament may very easily be changed by some external accident. The judgement also of the benignity & malignity of a medicament from its sound is as uncertain as from its colour: for there is no universal, but only a particular and accidental knowledge thereof, as in Cassia, Carthamus, and some few more. CHAP. XVII. How Election of Medicaments may be made from the things premised. EVery Cathartick attracts the humour most like itself, but Mesne asserts that some purge more particularly by attraction, as all those that are more valid, some by repression as styptics, some by lenitude, as viscid and lubricating Medicaments, and some by mollifying, as most Malacticks. But of those that purge by Traction, those are to be judged better that are lighter, and the heavier malignant; for the levity of a substance shows its subtilness and rarity, gravity its crassitude and density. Eorum, quae trahendo purgant, quaenam meliora. Now those that consist of gross matter, do hurt more; as also those that have superfluous humidity; by how much they are lighter, by so much better, unless they be decayed; for those that are lighter have less superfluous humidity, which subverts the ventricle, and causes pain. The state of those that purge by repression from a Styptic faculty consisting in the terrestrial matter, Quae comprimendo purgant quomodo seligenda. which through their native condition and temper are solid, not rare, is contrary to the former; which are to be judged of from their plenitude or vacuity, because these naturally should be gross, not rare; for by how much these are heavier, by so much better. As also those that purge by leniating, lubricating, and mollifying, because the faculty of mollifying and lubricating proceeds from humidity, which necessarily supposes gravity. But that humidity is natural, and of its proper temper, not excrementious, which makes the Medicaments better. We may judge of rare and dense substances, as of light and heavy, for levity concomitates rarity, as density doth gravity, for the terms are reciprocal: but thin and friable are not the same, for every friable thing is not thin, nor every pliant gross, nor on the contrary: but if any Medicament be thin and pure, it must necessarily be friable and tender; and if any Medicament be gross and impure, it will be viscid and clammy; these excepted in pliant humid substances, as Honey, Manna, Butter, Oil; that which is purer is better, and what impurer worse. That is properly called gross, which cannot easily be made smooth, or which cannot be bruised into thin parts; and that thin; which can easily be so reduced. That is called thick or dense, Crassum, Tenue. Densum. Rarum. Grave. Lentum. Friabile. that can pass through none or few Orifices. That rare, which is apt to pass through many. That is heavy, which being compact, is more conspicuous by weight than magnitude. That light, which is less in weight than bignesst That which is pliant is so much opposite to that which is friable, that the pliant can scarce be wrought upon by pulling or bruising; whereas the friable is bruised to powder, even with a touch or weight of a finger. Now for matter of Temperaments; in simple Temperatures hot Medicaments are better than cold, and moist than dry; in compounds, hot and moist are most wholesome, cold and dry most dangerous. But if the election be made from degrees of intention, whereas man's temperament is moderate, by how much the Medicament comes nearer man's temper, by so much it is more wholesome; and by how much it is more remote, by so much more malignant. So that what Medicament soever is four degrees distant from the mean, that Medicament is worst; and those Medicaments that exceed the extreme of four degrees, are rather to be adjudged Poisons than Medicaments. Now we may thus judge of Medicaments, De delectu in secundis qualitatibus. by reason of their second qualities, as of Tangibles; when one Medicament of the same kind is hard, another cold; one sharp, and another smooth; in these the foft is to be preferred before the hard, and the smooth before the sharp or rough. Durum quid We call that hard, according to Galen, (cap ult. lib. 3. the differ. pulls.) which is harder than our flesh, or to which our flesh yields; Molle quid. and that contrariwise soft, which yieldeth to our flesh; and both of them become such two manner of ways, to wit, either by Nature, or by Art. That also is called smooth, that hath an equal superficies. Love & asperum quid. That rough, which hath an unequal one, by reason of some parts higher, others lower in it; as in Prunes, Sebestens, Myrobolans, and many more. Now election of Medicaments may be made from Odour, Delectus ab odour. for this cause, because a sweet oppleasant smell refreshes the spirits, restores strength and vigour to them, exhilarates the principal members and parts, and corroborates their faculties. An ill and stinking smell on the contrary burdens and aggravates the head, vexes the heart, subverts the ventricle, infects the spirits, moves a loathing, causes grievous and laborious purge, and oftentimes vomitings. And therefore such purging Medicaments are obdulcora●ed with cordial Electuaries, Omnia aromata esse cardiaca. whereby their ingrateful odour is amended, and the principal parts fortressed against the malign quality of these Medicaments; for all odoriferous Spices are the fountain and principle of life. Wherefore a good smell is to be preferred before an ill; for an ill smell hurts the heart and brain, and a good one exhilarates both, (Gal. cap. 25. lib. 4. the simplic.) for it is familiar to the spirit contained in the ventricle of the brain, which whilst it is refreshed, it makes the faculties more operative. CHAP. XVIII. A particular disquisition of Tastes. WE have with Physicians of best note asserted, (Oribas cap. 5. lib. 14. collect.) that three of the nine sapours are hot, three cold, Sapor acer qualis. and three temperate. Of all which, the sharp, tart sapour is hottest, which being incited by our heat, whereby it is reduced from a potency to an act, bites, corrodes, expresses the sense of a fiery quality, and in a manner burns, as Indian Pepper, as Pelitory, or as a little flame. There are of these sharp sapours many kinds, Aerium multa genera. (Gal. cap. 17. lib. 4. simple.) for some are hot and dry, exceeding the fourth degree of heat, and are poison, as Sublimate, and Arsenicks. Others have much humidity mixed with a fiery heat, whereby they are made somewhat pleasant, and edible, as Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Garden cresses, and such like. Others are contained in a third order, as the herb Galingal, Pepper, Savine, Treacle mustard, Snapdragon, Helicampane. Others are more moderate, as Thyme, Hyssop, Anise, Coriander, Radish-root, Origane. And others are sharp absolutely and simply, and some are mixed with other sapours, as such Medicaments as are sharp and bitter. Next to the sharp sapour is the bitter, Amarus sapor. which proceeds from the assation of the subtle terrestrial parts; and it hath not the power of corroding as the sharp, but more cleansing than the saltish; so that it trouble somely exasperates the tongue, (Paul. Aegin. cap. 1. lib. 7. Galen. cap. 10. lib. 4. simplic.) and it is twofold; the one hot, spoken of before, which arises from the assation of terrestrial parts, by which sweet things are made bitter, either by concoction, or by age; the other cold, which comes by vehement congelation, as in Opium, wild Succory, Lettuces, Hemlock, and some unripe Fruits; or which comes from an inchoated or imperfect coction, or rather from remiss heat which is accounted cold, as the other from an intense heat; for there is scarce any compound which is not endued with divers natures and qualities; whence it is no wonder, if Opium and Hemlock be partly hot, and partly cold. One scruple of Coloquintis may induce to two pounds' weight of water bitterness, but no heat, unless it be very small and occult. Yet Schegkius thinks that some are hot, because of their bitterness, and that they refrigerate by an occult virtue, as Poppies and Succory, (lib. de occult. medic. facult.) Now a bitter sapour is such, either simply, as in Aloes; or mixed with other sapours, as in Wormwood, to which a stypticity or astriction is annexed. As also we may experience in many unripe Fruits, which not having as yet attained their perfect magnitude, are bitter sour; but being mature, they are bitter, and withal sweet, with a kind of sourness. Next to bitter and salt sapour, Salsus. which is not so dry because of its watery humidity, wherewith its terrene substance is tempered. (Orib. & Gal. cap. 20. lib. 4. simplic. Furthermore, it cleanseth moderately, yea, it washeth the tongue more moderately than bitter sapours, and it is pleasant enough to the tasters, endued with some astrictive faculty; yet not so much as to contract the tongue, as the austere or acerb sapour. Now this salt sapour is twofold; the one natural, the other artificial; Natural, as in Salt, Sea-water, and many salt terrene substances; Artificial, as in Lee, Lime, and in Chemic Salts. All sour sapour is cold of itself, or so naturally; as in those things, Aridus. whose cold temper is conjoined with tenuity of substance, as the juice of Limmons, Oranges, Sorrel, and such like; or so by accident, as by putrefaction, (Act. cap. 1. tetr. 1. serm.) by which means Wine is said to be sour, yet not so absolutely, for it hath some Acrimony in itself, as Galen attesteth, (lib. 1. simplic.) Hence arises another division of sour sapour, to wit, into that which is exactly such, as the sapours before mentioned, and into that which is not exactly such, but is conjoined with some other sapour, whether sweet, bitter, or sharp, as four-sweet Fruits, as Apples, Prunes, Mulberries, Cherries. Some Fruits have also bitterness joined with their sourness, as Persian Apples, and some Cherries. Vinegar partakes of Acrimony, and a mixed quality, as Galen saith, (c. 19 21. & 26. lib. 1. simplic.) because of its acquired heat; yet its fourness exceeds its Acrimony, as Acrimony exceeds sourness, in Oils of Sulphur and Vitriol, educed by Chemical Art, which corrode and by't the tongue; and taken alone, do greatly calefy. Furthermore, sour sapour, as to its impression upon the tongue, it corrodes, bites, penetrates, and exterges, and all without calefaction, unless it have some other quality mixed with it, as Galen asserts, (cap. 2. lib. 4. simple.) in which it differs from sharp sapour, although sour sapours ferment the earth for the tenuity of their parts with heat produced by putrefaction. The austere or styptic sapour doth moderately strain and exasperate the tongue and mouth, Austerus. and in some measure dry and refrigerate; and it is very peculiar to many immature Fruits, as to Quinces, to the fruit of the Dog-tree, and many Pears, especially wild Pears. The matter consists in a mean, to wit, partaker both of a terrestrial and watery nature, in which frigidity is predominant. Wherefore all austere sapours are frigid, moderately astringing and repelling fluxes; and it differs from an acerb sapour, in that it is more humid, and astringeth and exasperates less. For Galen, (cap. 7. lib. 4. simplic.) saith, that watery humidity doth much retund and dullify the strength of every sapour. But when natural heat gins to domineer in the very matter, and the watery matter mixed with the terrene hath attained to maturity, than the austerity evinced and expelled, dulcity succeeds in the same matter; and so austere Fruits after mutation become sweet, which mutation is not of the matter, but quality. Acerb sapour, Acerbus. sometimes called Pontic and Styptic, differs from the austere sapour only by reason of more or less, (Aet. cap. 1. tetr. 1. fer. 1.) for thereby it more grievously and strongly astringes and exasperates the tongue and mouth, (Aet. cap. 4. lib. 2.) because it consists more of dry and terrene matter, not apertly partaking of watery humidity. And in it cold with siccity is more predominant than heat; for every acerb sapour is cold. Now this sapour is most conspicuous in Gall nuts, in unripe Medlars, and sorb Apples. Sweet sapour is mild and pleasant to the taste, Dulcis. and familiar and acceptable to the belly and stomach, saith Galen, (c. 14. lib. 4. simple. come. ad aphor. 37. lib. 5.) because it hath a mild calidity, and laudable temper: wherefore sweet things only nourish, and the Infant in the womb only draws the sweetest blood. Now sweet differs from oily, because an oily sapour is less pleasant, whereas otherwise their temperaments are one, and their impressions on the tongue alike: for that which is sweet, lenifies and dilates the little fibres of the tongue, taketh away asperity, and cleanses away whatever inheres to the tongue. Now this sweet sapour is most apert in Sugar, Honey, Manna, Liccorish, Milk, Raisins, Jujubs, and mature Fruits. Theophrastus' constitutes four species of this sapour, to wit, milky, honey, watery, and winy. The unctuous or oily sapour is sweet, and nourisheth, as Galen saith, (cap. 9 lib. 4. simple.) that whatsoever nourisheth is sweet, or of a kind of sweet sapour: yet they are distinct; for watery humidity is of sweet things, airy of fat things; whence it easily melts in the fire, and is rather sauce than nutriment, (cap. 10. lib. 3. de Aliment.) for it lenifies and fills the exasperated parts of the tongue, as Butter, Marrow, Oil. Now unctuous sapour is such, either tightly, as all oily and fat things; or moderately, as the root of Mallows and Lilies. The insipid or unsavoury sapour is next to swell, Insipidus. and it deflects more to frigidity, by reason of its watery substance not well elaborated by its inbred heat; and it is evident in things not perfectly concocted and cold; for all unsavoury Aliments are pituitous, (Gal. cap. 46. lib. 2. the facult. aliment.) but is more properly observable in Water, Citrul, Gourds, and such like; for it affects the tongue with no manifest quality, neither is it properly a sapour, but rather a privation of sapour, as the name shows. The Latins call it fatuum, that is, foolish or unsavoury, because it moves the sense with no manifest quality, it leaves an impression much like to that of Hydraeolean. CHAP. XIX. What election of Medicaments may be made by Sapours. THE preservation of our nature consists in sanity, and sanity in temperament, from which those sapours that recede more, are to be adjudged more malign, and those that more agree to our nature are more wholesome. Now of sapours, sharp and bitter are most unacceptable and averse to our nature, sweet familiar and grateful. Wherefore by how much a purging Medicament recedes more from sharp and bitter sapours, by so much it is less noxious. For those that are exactly sharp, are to be thought worst, and most nocent, Exact acria pessima. as Euphorbium and Thymelea, which by reason of their acrimony and vehement heat, exulcerate the bowels. Next to these are sharp and bitter sapours, as the juice of Buckthornberry. After these, that which is exactly bitter, as wild Gourds, and the juice of wild Cucumbers, called El●terium. Those which are both sharp and bitter, Acria & amara. Aloen venas occludere. and also styptical, as Aloes, which contrary to Serapio, rather shuts than opens the veins, are not so ill; and they are less ill that are both sharp and styptical, as Epithymus, (Diosc. cap. 24. lib. 3. Gal. cap. 4. lib. 5. m. Pint. cap. 4. lib. 27.) Bitter and styptical are least of all ill, Amara & styptica. as Rhabarb, and Sea-wormwood; for although bitter things putrify least, and do not generate Worms, yet those that are exactly such, since they are not fit to be eaten of any Creature, much less of Man; Galen attesting the same, (cap. 9 lib. 4. simple.) by how much any sapour is less bitter, by so much the rather it is to be chosen. Now of good and wholesome sapours, Dulcia saluberrima. the sweet ones are most wholesome, as Cassia, Manna, Honey, Liquorish, Jujubs. Secondly, the unsavoury are next to these, as Mallows, Sorrel, Violets. Thirdly, both sweet and sharp, as Prunes, Tamarinds. Fourthly, sweet and bitter, as Polypody. Fifthly, sweet, bitter, and styptical, as Roses; for those that have astriction, are adjudged most wholesome. And therefore where Nature hath not given astriction to purging Medicaments, Art adds it. CHAP. XX. Of the time when Medicaments are to be gathered, how long their virtue lasts, and in what time it is most valid. THat disposition of a Medicament which is extrinsecally acquired, and which gives better knowledge to their selection, proceeds either from the time wherein they are to be gathered, or from the place where they are deposited. As to the time, three things are worthy to be known; first, when they ought to be gathered; secondly, to what time their virtue remains perfect; thirdly, in what time they are better and more useful; for some are better new than old, others better old than new, others best in the middle of the time. As to the first, Quo tempore colligenda medicamenta. we affirm that Medicaments are then to be gathered, when their virtue is better and more useful. But nevertheless all parts of Plants are not equally, and at one time and season, effectual and wholesome: For Roots should be gathered at one time, Stalks at another, Leaves at another, Flowers and Fruits, Seeds, Juices and Gums, at another time. And so Roots should be gathered in several seasons of the year, Quovis tempove quaedam radices colligenda not in Autumn only, as is asserted by Dioscorides, Avicenna, and many others. Nor also in the Spring alone, as Saladinus would have them: but some may be effoded and gathered at any time, to wit, such as are always vegetive and juicy, although the stalks be dry, as the roots of Bugloss, Sorrel, Liquorish, Saint Christopher's herb, Smallage, Butcher's broom, Cyperus, Sow bread, Lilies, Mallows, and many more. Others as soon as their leaves are fallen, at which time the virtue of the Plant goes into the root, and then the humour is more throughly cocted than at other times, as Enula campana, Angelicae, Peony, Briony, Bugloss. Others are to be pulled up and gathered ere the virtue of the Plant be diffused into branches, leaves, flowers, and seed, as Polypody, Flower-de-luce, Saint Mary's seal, Gentian, Ragwort. And some are best to be gathered in Spring and Autumn, as the roots of Mallows and Lilies, Eringes, Galangal, Sour-dock, Radish, & many more which have store of natural Juice in them. But the stocks and stalks are to be gathered when they are perfect; leaves and flowers before they fall of themselves, for then for the most part they are perfect. Fruits, when they are ripe; the juices of herbs and leaves while young branches are sprouting out. Gums are to be drawn and pressed out of the stalks gashed while it is fresh, in the beginning of the Spring, or beginning of Summer, while the juice ascends into the stalk. And all Medicaments, by Dioscorides advice, are to be gathered when the Heavens are clear. Now how long the virtue of purging, altering, De duratione virtutis medicamentorum. or roborating Medicaments endure, cannot definitely be showed and determined upon. For since that every thing hath its proper age, and a peculiar antiquity or recency consists in several Medicaments, the time of duration is not the same in all, for Rhabarb will keep fresh, potent and valid three years, others decay sooner, as of roots such as have thin substances, as the root of Valerian, Asarum, Ragwort, which are efficacious and valid only one year. Some endure five or six years, as Aristolochy; Butchers-broom, Cypetus; others ten years, as the greater Centaury; and according to Threophrastus, others thirty years, as Hellebore; others forty years, as black Chameleon; and some a hundred, as Elaterium: and if the same Author speaks true, Elaterium hath been found of two hundred years old, which was very good and precious. Therefore we can scarce determine in general for what season or time the virtue of a Medicament, especially purging, is efficacious, but only specially of some, and several; seeing we shall discourse in our Officina Pharmacopolarum particularly of these, wherein we shall most largely declare and treat of the composition of Medicaments. Yet may this rule be laid down as general, if not altogether, Quando vis medicamentorum praestantior. yet for the most part true: That all Medicaments consisting of a thin and rare substance, and all such as abound in much humidity, continue but a short time efficacious: but those that are gross and solid, and less humid, endure longer, because their virtue cannot so easily exolve and perish. The third thing remains yet unapplyed, to wit, at what time the virtue of purging Medicaments is better and more valid, seeing some are better new than old, others on the contrary, and others in their middle age. Quando recentia meliora. Now that this dignotion may be certain, and that the election may be good, it ought to be taken from certain differences of sapours, and from the variety of the substance, whereby we judge some new to be better than old Medicaments, as styptic and bitter, which being ill from their imbred siccity, become worse by age, because siccity increases in these by time; but being new, they have humidity, which tempers the excess of heat and siccity. Those also that have but weak virtue, as the flowers of Violets, borage, purple coloured Lily, Bugloss, Rosemary; or those whose virtue is posited in the superficies, and therefore easily resoluble, because of the rarity of the substance, are better new than old, as almost all Flowers, especially those whose odour quickly fails. On the contrary, Quando vetusta meliora. some old ones are better than new, especially sharp Medicaments, which are of thin parts, because the fiery heat posited in the superficies, which causes their biting and burning, by age expires. And what Acrimony remains within, in time waxes mild, and is broken, as Galen speaks of Eupherbium, cap. 2. lib. 3. the comp. med. gen. In Onions and Garlic the case is otherwise, for their Acrimony proceeds from heat conjoined with humidity, which taken away, they are more sharp, and therefore better new. Secondly, those whose virtue is valid from the temperament, and hardly resoluble for the density of their substance not posited in the superficies, but shut within, are better old than new; for all excrementitious and superfluous humidity is absumed in these by time, and their natural humidity remains, because of their density. Many are best in their middle age; Qua media atate meliora. first, sweet; secondly, unsavoury; thirdly, salt Medicaments. Sweet, because these newly gathered are flatulent, by reason of their superfluous humidity undigested; and being old, they are bitter. Unsavoury Medicaments also being new, abound with superfluous humours, whereby they are flatulent and loathed; being old, they are dead and useless. Salt Medicaments, lastly, ought neither to be too old, nor too new; for being too old, by reason of their ficcity increased, and their humidity absumed, they are bitter and sharp; and being new by reason of superfluous humidity, they trouble and subvert the ventricle. Now they are ancient or new naturally, Vetustum & recens non omnibus aequum. from a like number of days, months, or years. Whence an equal age or newness cannot be given to all, because all do not endure altogether the same number of days; but some grow old sooner, and some later. CHAP. XXI. What election of purging Medicaments may be made from the place. A Good purging Medicament may be discerned from an ill one by the place; and that either from the native place where Plants grow; or from another place near to, or remote from the Plant; or from a place near to, or remote from the Sun; or from a place exposed to its heat, or obtenebrated and hindered of its heat. Neither is it of small moment to know the place from whence the Plant sprung up, because from thence together with its Aliment, it partook of such virtue as Nature had imparted to that place, (Gal. cap. 1. lib. 3. the sympt. cause.) For a Tree transferred from Persia into Numidia and Egypt, doth not only depose its malign quality, but conveyed to us, is wholesome, and may bring forth grateful and wholesome Fruits. Now the place in which Plants, and Medicaments taken from Plants grow, is either hollow, and polluted with dung, clay, and other naughty vapours, or free from all strong smelling inquinations, or hot or cold, moist or dry. In the free place, which admits of no heap, or filth of dunghills, Cloacarum soetor ac putredo plantas insalubres reddit. Medicamental Plants, as also Nutritive, acquire the property due and convenient to their nature, while by an attractive faculty they draw the humour familiar to them out of the earth, and convert it to their nutriment; as those that are nourished with sweet, attract sweet humours; bitter, bitter humours; and such as are nourished by salt and nitrous humours, attract salt and nitrous humours. But in a place not free, but inquinated, as the suburban Gardens, Hortorum suburbanorum insalubria olera. which smell more of smoke and dung than earth, (otherwise unapt to nourish Melons and Cucumbers) do not acquire the property due to their kind and nature, but to the mixture of dung, and other things; and therefore Melons, Lettuces, and other herbs growing in such putrid places, are more unwholesome; and all Medicaments that grow in a free place, better, and therefore the rather to be chosen. Now those that are hot immoderately, sprung in too hot a place, Calida loco calido nata, qualia. are worse; as also cold in too cold a place: for the similitude of the place to the Plants intendeth and increaseth their quality and malignity, diffimilitude tempers and represses them. Whence those that abound with excrementitious humidity, grow and are nourished in most humid places, as Turbith, Hermodactyls, Polypody, because through the humidity of the ground, siccity and acrimony are retunded, as it is known from Bartram, or Pelitory, Water-pepper, and others. The vicinity also, and society of one Plant to another, makes the quality sometimes better, and sometimes worse, and is not to be rejected in the election of Medicaments. Lupins makes the Vine better; which if they be sown besides, it causeth it to bring forth sweet clusters. The Radish root also makes Hermodactyls better. The Epithymus that grows about Thyme is good; that which is gathered about Basil is naught; Polypody of the Oak is very good, that which is gathered off old walls is naught. The tree Cassia alone in the field is not worth a Pease cod. We have before, to wit, in the 8. Chapter, shown the contrary of Colocynthis; for some become better by vicinity and number, others worse. Now from a subsolar place, or from a place nearer to, or more remote from the Sun or Stars, some are better or worse: so the Oriental Senny, Illyrium and Florentine Flower-de-luce, the Spanish Angelica, the Cretian Thyme, the Judaical Bitumen, the Ethiopian Cummin, the Macedonian Parsley, the Mompelian Maidenhair, the Arabian Cotten weed, or Staechades, the Theban Poppy, the Scythian Amomum, the Chian Mastic, the Damascen Prune, the Portuguese Manna, the Rhabarb, that is, the root of Barbary; those Oranges that are brought out of France are judged best, because of the property of the earth, and the virtue of the celestial cause. But there can be little judgement given from the aspect and vicinity of the Sun and Stars, and the selection of the malignant from the benign thereby is not safe, because we can hardly know from what place every Medicament comes, or whether they grow near others or no, or what good or malignant Star respects every one, we must credit those that effode the roots, and gather the other parts of the Plants. And as the number in some doth change, intent, or remit their virtue and quality, as one only Apple of Colocynthis manifests, so also doth magnitude or parvity; for the virtue of the Earth and Plant is diffused, and in many is more remiss, but coacted into one Plant, or one Fruit more valid. Yet many Fruits are commended for their parvitude, as Capers; and many Seeds for their magnitude, as Garthamus. CHAP. XXII. Of the choice of purging Medicaments taken from their faculties. WE have briefly, but clearly, shown how purging Medicaments ought to be selected, by a judgement taken from their substance, proper temperament, second qualities proceeding from their temperament, from their disposition extrinsecally acquired, from the circumstances of place, time, number, magnitude, and parvity; it rests that we dispatch briefly what may be spoken, as to that choice which is taken from their purging faculty; which though it be helped by the first and second qualities, yet (saith Mesue) its original is celestial; and it hath that specifical property, whereby the Medicament received into the ventricle, and solicited by our heat, attracts to itself the humour familiar to its nature, as we have noted elsewhere, from the veins and passages of our body, not perceived by the senses, into the belly; and then Nature laden with the burden of the Medicament, and the humours attracted, prepares a way to excretion, either by vomit at the mouth, or by dejection at the inferior parts. Whence there are two kinds of purging Medicaments, the one a vomiting or ejective Medicament, the other dejective; which distinction is taken from the manner of excretion or vacuation. Now the dejective is more desirable than the ejective, because Nature hath allotted the inferior course to expel Excrements, the superior to receive Aliments. Whence it frequently happens, that Nature acting spontaneously, and provoked by no morbifical cause, doth abundantly carry and deject excrementious humours at the inferior parts; and sometimes irritated by the virtue of the Medicament of itself ejective, and by the force of the swelling humour, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quomodo purg●ndi. it ejects both Medicament and humours by the mouth. Whence it comes to pass, that ejective are sometimes better than dejective Medicaments, especially to those whose first region of the body or upper ventricle is stuffed with much choler, which by reason of its levity and the facility of the traction, may more easily and sooner be extruded by vomit. Hypocrates also commends vomit to them that are slender, especially in Summer, Because for the most part they are choleric; slender folks, (saith he, Aphor. 6. lib. 4.) are prone to vomit, and are to be purged upward; but take heed in Winter. And (Aphor. 40. lib. 4) in Summer it is better to purge upwards, in Winter downwards: for the gross and cold humour collected in Winter, is more easily educed by the inferior parts; and therefore the skilful Physician uses sometimes ejective, and sometimes dejective Medicaments, as the condition of the swelling humour requires, or the nature of the diseased will bear. For Galen saith, (lib. 1. de loc. affect.) That no man should be compelled to vomit, unless he be prone to vomit; and that consuming men are never to be purged by vomit, nor they who have a straight Thorax, or narrow passage. But if a Vomit be prescribed to whom it is convenient, Quae vomitoria seligenda. then let it be provoked by those Medicaments which subvert the ventricle without great molestation, and not with white Hellebor, according to Galens advice, (lib. quos, quando, & quibus medicam.) lest any vessel of the breast should break. And much less by Antimony, whereby crafty beguilers kill many, and sometimes themselves, as it is to be seen in that admirable History in Cornelius Gemma, c. 4. lib. 2. pag. 239. linea 14. The same choice is to be observed in other Purges, that we use the more benign, analogical to the morbifical humours; For we ought to give a choler purging Medicament to the choleric, (saith Galen) a phlegm purging Medicament to the phlegmatic, and a melancholy purging Medicament to the melancholic; otherwise we offend Nature. Now there is no blood purging Medicament prescribed either to purge blood by the mouth or fundament, because (as Galen saith, (cap. 6. lib. de purge. medicam. facult.) that were to jugulate, not to purge men. Historia notanda. Which the History of one Thracius, a Bithynian Rustic, who found a herb, which if any one assumed, he should first lose his blood, than his life. Now many dying by this means, the Magistrate judging the offence worthy diligent inquisition; apprehended the Malefactor; who being demanded of whom he had learned this deletory Poison, answered, that he learned it of none; but as he once carried a Hog's liver to a neighbouring place, his belly compelling him, he laid the herb down in a place where a certain herb grew while he had eased himself; Note. which after some respite, and interval, he took up again, and found that all the blood drew towards the herb: whence he conjectured, that the herb would attract blood from the body; and finding it true, by experience made upon one he met, as he had before imagined, he afterwards transferred the herb to evil uses: yet he professed, he never did show that herb to any, (of which there was much in that Country.) Now the Malefactor, amongst other his torments that he was to endure, was first to have his eyes put out, that when he was led along to the place of Execution, he should not show the herb to any. Medicaments therefore that draw blood being omitted as poisonous, others, not analogical to other parts, are to be selected, but such as respect certain parts by affinity. So Physicians prudently prescribe Agarick, Staechados, Betony, to many distempers of the head: Manna, Cassia, to distempers of the stomach and reins: Aloes, Myrobolanes, and Wormwood, to purge and corroborate the ventricle: Senna, Cetrarch, to the spleen: Hermodactyls, and Ground pine, to the Arteries: Sage and Rosemary to the nerves. Yet these simple Medicaments are not so much astringed to those parts, but they may be applied conveniently to others. And as many Medicaments, as well simple as compound, do peculiarly corroborate some certain part by some familiarity; and so some on the contrary do manifestly destroy and hurt some parts of the body, as the Sea hare the Lungs, Cantharideses the Liver, Hemlock the Brain, as it is well observed by Galen, cap. 1. lib. 1. compos. medic. per genera. The end of the first Book. OF MEDICINAL INSTITUTIONS. The second Book. In which we shall treat of the preparations of Medicament. CHAP. I. Where we shall demonstrate, whether some preparation be not required to all Medicines that tend to aliment. A Compound Medicament that is united and made up of many simples by Art and Experience (before it exists of a convenient consistence) requires not a distinct preparation alone, but also that vegetable or Medicament which is simple, as to its number, and such spontaneously and naturally may not be exhibited with success (and not without some detriment) to the use of man without some alteration by a due preparation. For those aliments which we daily assume unto our bodies, if they want their acquired preparation, as roasting, boiling, or the like, are rather fit for beasts than men; because it is natural, and therefore belongs to cattles to feed upon the fruits of the earth, as hay, pulse, etc. only prepared by the work of nature. As also the Sea affords necessary food agreeable to nature, both for great and small fishes. But the earth, unwilling to afford such a benefit of herself, doth render up her fruits somewhat incongruous to humane nature without a preparation, and will not afford either nutriment nor aliment to man without the long expectation, and indefatigable labours of the Husbandman, who after much pains rending up the bowels thereof, and casting in his seed, proves as it were ingrateful by bringing forth corn, which at the first sprouting forth becomes suitable nutriment to many birds of the air, and four footed beasts of the field, but to man in no wise without preparation, by first making bread of it with Water and Leaven: For as that great Attorney General of Nature saith (lib. de veter. Med.) That the same meat and drink which suffices beast and Horses, and other creatures, as they proceed out of the earth, raw and undigested (viz.) fruits, herbs, etc. by which these are nourished, and on which they live, cannot suffice man, nor agree with his constitution; For this is apparent, that one body differs from another, one nature from another, and one aliment another. As the same Author hath it (lib. de flatib.) for one and the same thing cannot be commodious and useful, (as to Nutriment) to all kinds of living creatures, but some are more convenient than others. Those meats and drinks which are our daily sustenance, Physicians out first Schoolmasters in teaching us to make bread. were invented and consulted of with mature deliberation by quondam Physicians, who instructed us, their posterity, to make bread of Corn, by being first separated from the chaff, than ground, sifted, kneaded and last of all baked. If therefore meat and drink being familiar, as it were to the temperament and nature of man need preparation, before they be assumed, then much more simple Medicaments, or those Ingredients which are required to the making up of a Medicine. For there is no Question to be made of compound Medicines, because they cannot be such, till they be first conoited and fitted by art, and due preparation. Now amongst simples, Lib. 3. cap. 7. that which we call Catharticke is most averse from, and inagreeable to our nature. Therefore according to Actuarius, 'twas ordained by nature to overcome, and not to be overpowered; hence it is, that every purging Medicine hath something offensive and ungrateful to the stomach, by consequence therefore it needs preparation and correction before it be exhibited, that its noxious quality may be removed, and its virtues more approximated to the nature of our constitutions, and that its operation may be better and less trouble some to the Patient: For nothing is produced out of the womb of Nature, which ought to be dished up to man without such preparation, as it requires. Medicaments are prepared, The reason why Medicines are to be prepared. that they may be more commodious for use and composition, for thereby they become either more acceptable, more valid, more wholesome, or more miscible, according to the opinion of Silvius. It is our custom to use roots and herbs, washed and boiled, and not raw, as also powders, infusions, juices, distillations, liquors, decoctions of certain vegetables, and other materials, and not integral plants, for by this, either we take away some noxious quality or other from the medicine. As when vipers are made medicinal, we use first well to smite and bombast them with rods, and then cut off their heads and tails, and thereby they become less venomous, or else by it we detect the desirable faculty. As Goat's blood is more efficacious in diminishing the stone, if the Goat be fed with Saxifrage and Grumwell, or else by it, we acquire a new faculty, as when we nourish a female creature, a she Goat, or Ass, with Scammony, Milkweed, or other purging herbs, that its milkinesse may attain a purgative faculty. CHAP. II. Of the differences of preparations. PReparation of Medicaments in general is made three manner of ways, Praeparationes tantum tres generales. either by addition, detraction, or immutation: by addition, and so Agarick is prepared, by adding Ginger and Wine, Coriander-seed with Vinegar, Viper's flesh with Bread and Dill: by detraction Cantharideses are prepared, their feet and wings cut off; Barley, by taking away its dross and chaff; Almonds, by being blanched; roots by washing, cleansing, and cutting off the Fibres, their pith and woody substance taken out: by immutation, when the Medicament itself, is so prepared by a certain artificial knowledge and Art, that its noxious faculty is either removed or corrected, and the substance thereby made better to use alone, or compound with others. But this artificial preparation requires two other manner of ways, either the adjection of those things that profit, or the detraction of those things that hurt. So Castor and Saffron is added to Opium, that its malign power may be amended; so Lapis Lazuli, is appointed to be burned before it be put into Confectio Alkermes or Kermeticall confection, that its purging faculty may be taken away. Old Mesue delivers four other particular modes of preparation, Quatuor praeparationes secundum Mes. coction, lotion, infusion, and grinding, to which our later Physicians have aded many more, as lotion, purgation, infusion, humectation, maceration, dissolution, clarification, emollition, collation, extraction, solution, digestion, fermentation, tundation, pulverization, frixion, assation, liquation, putrefaction, insolation, extinction, refrigeration, despumation, exsiccasion, induration, distillation, digestion, mixtion, scapulation, extraction conservation, duration. But in general, humectation, maceration, dissolution, emollition and what ever is humified or mollified, with water or moisture, is contained under infusion; Pulverization and scraping, and whatsoever is made smooth with scraping, rubbing, etc. is comprehended under tundation, calefaction, ustion, frixion, and what others are prepared with fire and heat, is comprehended under coction: and thus the infinite manner of preparing may be reduced to some few general heads. These subsequent modes of preparations are for the most part frequent with Chemists, calcination, digestion, fermentation, distillation, circulation, sublimation, fixation, to distillation pertains exhalation, exaltation, circulation, cohobation, rectification, they call a double distillation a cohobation, when the distilled liquor is poured upon the same Ingredient, and distilled over again. But to omit these Chemical terms of preparations, which is better to know, than make experience of. We will prosecute more particularly the accustomed preparation of Medicines, the wholesome Remedies of Physicians prescript, that we may securely and without danger make use of to the depelling of our distempers, and the safeguarde of our families, which be such as Apothecaries prepare daily and openly before all men's eyes, and places them in convenient pots and glasses and other vessels in their shops, either for present use or perseverance, till occasion serves: and of those the Physician selects for the necessity of the exigent, sometimes this, sometimes that, and prescribes how much is most convenient to be administered for the expelling of the disease. Now the Physicians work is not to prepare these Medicines, but to prescribe them, hence it is, that Apothecaries are termed the Physicians hand (for it is better to commit our lives into the hands of two than one,) to operate according to Prescript, for if the Physician alone should prescribe, prepare, and afford Medicines, It were too great a trouble to lie upon one man's shoulders. Besides, he hath power to save or kill, and not to be liable to punishment, by Law. Which, is an Impious and Intolerable thing, an act not to be endured, therefore it was ordained, that Apothecaries should be appointed, who ought to prepare and preserve Medicaments, and to distribute them out in certain quantities, according to the Doctor's Judgement and decree. But I would not abrogate Chemical remedies totally from Apothecary's shops, for there are many of them of excellent virtue, Chimica remedia non negligenda. to the dissipating of many crabbed distempers: but they are such as the learned and skilful only should use, and not ignorant Mountebanks, Qui debeant uti chymicis remediis. and wandering Quacks and deceivers, who scarce know how to prepare a Medicine, yet will proclaim themselves to the world to be more skilful than Galen and Hippocrates. But to return to our intended purpose, I say, there are divers modes of preparing Medicines, which that I may prosecute in order, I will begin with Lotion, afterwards I will extend my discourse to those ingredients which are simply prepared with water, often, when medicinal with juice or other liquor; then I will demonstrate what preparations are made with contunding, grinding, or scraping, afterwards I will explain what preparation heat performs, and I will add to these, those that are finished with a mixed manner. CHAP. III. Of Lotion. LOtion by learned Silvius is accounted the last manner of preparation, Primus praeparationis modus & cur. by some, the middle; but by us the first; because most Ingredients, before they will serve our use, before any other preparation can be made, aught to be washed, though some, I confess, are not to be washed till they be burned, roasted, or scraped. This Lotion is twofold, Duplex Lotio. the one a superficiary Lotion, which detracts the adherent filth, from the superficies of roots, herbs and other Medicinal materialis, and It is common to all other things, which being inquinated with clay, or other pollutions, are to be washed: the other is more intimate, which dilates itself both without and within, and thorough the whole substance: Now this preparation is made in water or other liquor for this end and purpose, to remove some notious quality, or to introduce some good one, as the disease itself, the nature of the disease, or the occasion requires. The Ingredient or material to be washed is either obdurate, solid, or stony, as the substance of shells, bones, stones, concrete Juices, dry gums and metals; or such as are of themselves liquid, as Turpenttne, Oil, or such as are easy to be melted, as wax, pitch, rosin, butter; or such as are dissoluble, as Lime-stones, Bole armeniack, Lytharge of God or Silver. Those things that are hard and solid, before washing aught to be pulverised, or burned, and so bruised, that they cannot be grinded without ustion, as Ivory, and Hartshorn, and so the water or liquor may reach, wash, and purge every part. Those that will easily melt as Wax and Rosin, etc. ought first to be warmed, that being melted they may more eafily yield, or be made more pliable; if they will easily dissolve of themselves, they are to be sprinkled with some water or juice, and then washed, if liquid of themselves, they are to be washed by continual stirring and commixing water or other liquor with the body of the thing to be washed. The liquors in which this Lotion is made, is either pure water, as fountain, or rain-water, or medicinal, as sulphurous Sea water, or Bituminous or some other humour, as milk, honey, vinegar, the juice of Plants, distilled water and decoctions of simple medicaments. This Lotion is either much and hard, or little and light, or a medium, or mean: for the things that are washed for the detraction of their filth ought either to be washed strongly or lightly, and the water so off changed, till it remains pure, and all its impurity segregated and ejected. Those that are washed in a medicinal liquor, should lie in the same a certain space, according to appointment, as a whole night, or the space of some hours, that they may attract the greater power from the liquor, or lose their malignant quality: This preparationis injuriously called by Silvius, A Lotion, when it is rather an Infusion or Maceration, or rather as another hath it, an Imbution, Imbutio quid. for the liquor seldom or never adds faculties to the Medicine, but rather detracts from it, as we see in Rhabarb and others steeped in water; whose purgative faculty remains by being transmitted into the Liquor. Yet are they not washed, that they may so lose their virtues, but increase them, Aloe cur abluatur. and so in Mesues judgement Aloes should be washed in odoriferous water, that it may coroborate the more, or in some purging juice or decoction (as juice of Roses, or the infusion thereof) that it may with more celerity relax the belly; yet it is not always washed, that its purging faculty may be intended, but rather that its heat may be remitted; as when it is washed in the water of Endive, Succory, or such like, that it may not too much exestuate the liver. Lotion therefore ex consequenti, either adds to, or detracts from medicinal materials, and causes not only the filth to be wiped off, but also mitigates in some their acrimony, in others destroys their malignity, and dulls their violence, and makes them better, either to be assumed or applied. Now that Metals may be washed, Metallica ut abluenda. they ought to be pulverised very small, and then to be put into pure water, or any other Medicinal liquor, and to be continually stirred with a wooden Spatula for a whole day, and in the morning following the water to be poured out, and other water put on, and agitated as before, till the water that's poured off be clear, and by this means Metals lose their Mordacity and Acrimony (if they have any such quality) for Tutia washed thus is void of all mordacity, and therefore we use it, Tutiae lotic. for the fluxions of the eyes, so likewise many other Metals being thus washed, lose their Acrimonious quality. As Galen shows at large, (4. Comp. Med. Gener. c. 2.) The Ancients were wont to quench burnt brass in Ass' milk two or three times over, Cadmia lotio. then pulverised it in a mortar with water poured on it, and so dried it again, and so preserved it to dry up ulcers of the eyes, and drive away fluxions. Ceruse is often washed in milk, sometimes in rain-water, Cerusae lotio. and sometimes in distilled water, as the Physician order it. The usual custom of our Apothecaries in the preparation of steel is to wash or sprinkle its dust with vinegar, Chalybis lotio vulgaris. according to the Arabians custom, afterwards they dry it on a large marble in the hot Sun, dried, they bruise it again, and put on vinegar as before, and so they do seven times, but this is not simply Lotion, but a manifest preparation, yet is the dust of iron more laborioufly prepared by Alchemists, of which they make their Crocus Martis, but of this we have spoken one where. The Lotion of Lead is thus, Plumbi lotio. first burnt well in a Crucible, then pulverised in a Leaden mortar, with a Leaden pestle, with rain-water, till the water wax thick, like blackish clay, than the liquor must be strained, dried, made into balls and kept. To preserve unctuous substances, Adioum & meductarum ablutio. first the Adeps; or Medulla must be melted, then strained from the drossy Membranes, afterwards washed well in water, till it appears pure and clear. The preparation of a Wolf's Liver consists in ablution & siccation. Jecoris Lupi praeparatio. First, let it be washed over and over, in odoriferous wine; in which wormwood hath first been boiled, being thus washed according to Art; Let it be well dried in an Oven, than afterwards laid in a dry place with dry Wormwood or Mint. This Lotion is by some highly commended, as of sufficient roboration to balance the weakness of the Liver, which is naturally so, by reason of its ill odor and insuavity. The intestines also of a Wolf must be washed and prepared after the same manner, Intestini Lupi praeparatio. save that they must be dried in the Northwind, they are commended by some learned Doctors, for some special qualities in or against the Colic passions. Oil, Olei Lotio. whilst it is in the water, must not be much beaten, lest it be so mixed with the water that it cannot easily be separated from it clearly without some commixtion. As for Rosin, Refinarum & picie Lotio. Wax, and Pitch; let them first be melted upon the fire, with a certain quantity of water, and purge away their dross by straining them thorough a cloth. Galen. cap. 14. libr. 1. comp. Med. gener. cap. 58. lib. 9 the simple. Med. fac. cap. 3. lib. 6. Meth. Lime also, Calcis ablutio. though it burns vehemently, yet twice or thrice washed its mordacity is taken away, and may be safely applied to any part, whether Nervous or not, which is a place most exquisitely endued with sense, some wash it seven times over, and make it up into a round ball, which being dried, they so preserve it for future uses. To show gradually the preparation of several Medicaments distinctly, were superfluous and would be burdensome to the Reader both because Silvius hath treated largely upon this subject, and also because we have added many Lotions to many Medicaments, in the Pharmacopoeia, with other preparations of those compositions prescribed in it. CHAP. IU. Of the Purgation of Medicaments. BY Lotion (of which we have treated in the former Chapter) the filth and corruption mixed with Medicinal materials is washed off, but their superfluous and noxious parts are not purged thereby, for French Barley, though a thousand times washed, will scarce lose it hilling; nor other seeds their chaff and cover; nor fruits their skins or barks; nor nuts their shells: neither can fat only by washing be purged from its Membranes: therefore should be twice cocted, and no more, according to Hippocrates advice, before it be used; in general all Medicaments more or less, should be purged by detraction, which cannot be performed so much by Lotion, as by Section, Rasion and fraction, or some other Artificial Industry of the hand. Thus the external part of roots are scraped by cutting off their little fibres, or the heart of them (commonly so called) taken out of them. Yet sometimes they are not purged from their barks, but the barks from every part, as from superfluous and useless matter: for of the Cinamon-tree the bark only is most desirable, of Ginger the root, of Santall-tree the wood, of Canes the marrow or pith; of Maiden hair, the leaves only; of the Rosetree, the flowers; of Pepper, the seed; other parts since they are either less useful, or superfluous are purged away. For this reason the Medulla or pith of Cassia Fistula is separated from its cane, Raisins from their stones; Dates from their shells; the Colocinth separated from its seeds; the hillings from many seeds, but from many fruits nothing, the Cortex, Medulla, juice, seed, and flowers of Citron and Orange are good and useful. Whereas Nuts and Almonds are involved in a threefold skin, wherefore they should be thrice purged, the skin which is thick in some, is taken away by the first; the shell is broken, by the second, and the cover next to the kernel is taken away by the third, wherein it is involved. As a Child in a sheet in the womb, the usual custom is to put Almonds or Nuts into water, and when 'tis ready to boil, rub them between your fingers, and they will easily be cleansed. CHAP. V Of Infusion. INfusion is a preparation of certain Medicaments, whereby they are sliced into small pieces, or bruised and so steeped in a liquor fit and convenient to the Physicians intention, and that by the space of one hour or two, or more, days or weeks, according to the nature of the Medicament, or the Physician's Order: for those that have a hard compact substance, and a quality firmly inhering in the substance, aught to be steeped or infused longer; those that are small and tender, a lesser space. The use of this Infusion is chief threefold, that the malign force of the Medicine may be regulated, or altogether absumed, that the benign or good quality may be made better, or their virtues transmitted into the liquor. Turbith before 'tis used, Turpethi praeparatio. aught to be steeped in new milk, and afterwards dried, that it may not gripe the bowels, when it is assumed. Mezeorus & laureola before they be exhibited in any Medicine, aught to be steeped in white Wine, and afterwards dried, that their crabbedness might be mitigated. The five opening roots after Lotion should be steeped in vinegar, Quinque radicum aperientium praeparatio. that they might the easier cut viscid Phlegm, and sooner deduce humours by the passage dedicated to the expelling of humour; Nettle-seed, Urticae semen quibus conveniat. steeped in the decoction of the herb Draconth, and assumed, helps any stopping at the stomach, for it is exceeding good for those that are troubled with stoppages. It causes the throat, and other parts, by which it passeth, to cease to burn or itch. But purging ingredients, and odoriferous spices, are usually infused in Wine, or Water, or some suitable decoction, or some distilled water, or in juices extracted from vegerables, according to the several ends and purposes of the Doctor, that they might lose their proper qualities, and transmit them into the liquor; thus Rhabarb and Agarick are wont to be infused, not only that their virtue might go into the liquor, but that it might have a better and more effectual operation of the body of him that assumes it. The mixture of Vinum Hypocraticum is only the infusion of Cinnamon in the best Wine, Vinum Hypocraticum. with the dissolution of sugar, so much as will dulcorate it: There is also some Ginger mixed with it by the Apothecaries, that it may the better content and please the drinkers palate. So also Gummi Ammoniacum, Gummorum infusio. Galbanum, Oppoponax, and Sagapenum are macerated, steeped or infused in Wine, or Vinegar, to bring down their consistences, that the filth mixed therewith, may be separated from them by colature, before they are to be used in the compositions of Electuaries or Plasters, or for other uses. So flowers of Violets, Roses, and Water-Lillyes, Florum Insusio. are infused in warm water, till their virtues be transmitted, and the colature dulcorated with a sufficient quantity of sugar, to bring it into the consistency of a syrup. CHAP. VI Of Humectation and other differences of Infusion. HUmectation, Infection, or Triture are wont to be reduced to infusion or Immersion: And Irrigation, or Inspersion to Humectation; for those Medicaments that are liquored, with Vinegar, Milk, Water or other humour grow moist, or are humected, that they may more comodiously and conveniently be used and commixed with others. Now humectation, What Medicaments need humectation. is absolute necessary to all foreign Medicaments, which being brought to us from far Regions, are hard, and dry, their juice being evaporated, and therefore we resartiate their native humidity, or cherish and defend that small relic of it that is left, by a light immersion or irrigation, or oftentimes by reposing and keeping them in a cool place, as when we lay and preserve Cassia in a cellar, Venetian Treacle in a leaden pot, etc. that their virtues may not so soon be exhaled. Many odoriferous simples also, should be moistened, The humectation of odours. if they are ordered to be pulverised, or grinded, as Amber, Bezoar, Musk, etc. lest the more subtle and odoriferous parts should fly away. Humectation also is very necessary for the preservation of fruits, and blaunching of them, from their skins and hulls. As Almonds, that they may be enucleated, are first to be scalded in hot water, Pine nuts and other fruits and nuts before they can be preserved, must be steeped, moistened, and macerated in water, that their acrimony and bitterness may be abated; for any fruit that hath any apparent quality of acrimony, by a frequent immersion in water or other liquor, doth wax more mild. Camphire, Colocynth, Euphorbium, How to powder Camphir, Colocinth, Euphorbium. How to powder Mastic. and many others that are to be pulverised, must be besprinkled with a little oil of Almonds, or such other thing before their grinding, and Mastich humected with a little rose-water, which causeth it sooner to be pulverised, and its virtue less expire, or its subtler part be diminished by flying away. Irrigation is reduced to humectation, Irrigation. which is as it were a little or sparing humectation, for those that must be used dry, aught to be irrigated or moistened, with a gentle sprinkling, that they may become more useful, and their virtues more retained. CHAP. VII. Of Nutrition. MEdicaments in a rational sense, cannot well be said to be nourished, but in a Philosophical sense they may; as when a medicament is augmented, by the mutual apposition of two, three or more Medicaments, which acretion, the vulgar Apothecaryes' call Nutrition, and perchance it was endued with this name, because it is as apparently altered in mixing, as Nutriment in nourishing. Now nutrition is not unlike to Humectation, Nutrition is Cousin-german to Huniectation. for in both there must necessarily be mixed some liquor or other, which in Humectation is copious, but in Nutrition spare, for in the latter, the liquor must not be poured on with that quantity, that the further requires; for when it is once irrigated or sprinkled, it must be presently dried, and that either by the Sun, or fire; and again moistened and dried, and so irrigated three or four times, Sarcocolla nutritia. as the Gum Sarcocolla which is nourished with a woman's, or Ass' milk, but if macerated with a copious quantity thereof, it presently dissolves, and the milk will be sour before the Gum can be dried. Alchemists usually nourish metals by a congruent homour, to the thing nourished, prepared after an occult manner, either that they may the sooner be melted or dissolved, or nourished and augmented. And so to the making up of the crude unguent which is prepared with one part of lethargy, Triapharmacon. four of oil, and five of vinegar, the lethargy by a continual beating is so nourished by the foresaid oil and vinegar, that it grows to the consistency of an unguent, without the help of fire, or addition of other hard bodies. Many roots are irrigated sometime with Wine, sometimes with other liquors, that they may swell. As Mirabolans with milk, or with any other liquor, correspondent to the Physicians purpose and intent. So likewise Aloes is sometimes nourished with a decoction of Aromaticks, The way to wash Aloes. or some other fit and convenient liquor answerable to the doctor's intent, but oftener with the juice of herbs, leaves or flowers, as with the juice of roses, red or damask, of red, to roborate, or damask to purge, both which do augment the aforesaid qualities, and sometimes in the juice of Endive, to mitigate the heat of the stomach, but first it should be dissolved in some of the aforesaid juices, afterwards dried, then pulverised, again washed and nourished with the same proportion of juice, and dried as before, and this reiterated so often, till the Aloes have drunk in the determinated quantity of the juice or liquor. CHAP. VIII. Of Maceration, Infection and digestion. MAceration is so near a kin to humectation, that they are often used for one and the same manner of preparation; for Medicaments are infunded, humected, and macerated for the self same purpose, and by the same way and art. Yet notwithstanding Maceration requires a longer space of time, than the two former, Oleum Acopum. so Flores Populi and semen Abietis, aught to be macerated in oil, according to Galens advice. cap. 14. lib. 2. the samt. tuend for, three, four or more months together, and then the oil to be pressed out, for the commixtion of the other ingredients. Ginger with other hard roots, green Almonds with other fruits are to be macerated so long till they the wax soft, or lose their unprofitable or ungrateful quality. In the making of syrup of Poppyes, Syrupus de papavere. the heads of the Poppyes are to be macerated in water for a day or two, or sometimes three, till they wax tender, and their quality transmitted into the water. Lignum Pali sancti, and that Peregrine root, Guaiacum Radix Chinae. which the Eastern Indians calls Lampatan; will scarce emit their virtues without a long maceration before their coction. The same method must be observed with other woods and roots, which ought to be macerated in some or other convenient liquor, answerable to their propertyes, that their virtues of what kind soever they be, may be transmitted into the water or decoction. Dates must be macerated three whole days in vinegar according to the prescript of Mesue before they be pulped, Dates. for the composition of Diaphaenicon, Tamarinds, and Mirabolans also must be macerated in whey made of Goat's milk, that according to the opinion of the same Author their bad and Nocumentall qualities may be amended, and that they may no ways offend the stomach. Tincture or infection is near a kin to humectation and maceration, Tincture of Insection. for those that are to be infected, must be immerged into some certain juice, yet not always for the colour or tincture only, but that it may acquire a more excellent quality, As Sericum Crudum, tinctured in Succo Cocci Baphicae, Cochaneel, or with a decoction of Kermes Berries. before it go into the composition of Confectio Alkermes, that it may more increase its Cardiack quality, and give it a more delightful tincture. Digestion also may be reduced to Maceration, by which Medicaments are occluded in some convenient vessel or other close shut, as meat in the stomach; and so macerated, adding thereunto Wine, Vinegar, Oil, or some other convenient juice. Chemists make a more ample discussion of digestion, but nihil attinet ad nos, under which they comprehend rectification, insolation, and sometimes nutrition. CHAP. IX. Of Triture. WHen Medicaments of themselves hard and solid, cannot conveniently be assumed or applied, therefore they are prepared and changed by Apothecaries with such Art, that they may easily and wholesomely be assumed, for they break and pulverize them, and that either gross or fine, as the occasion requires. Now this breaking of Medicaments is chief for three ends. The reasons of pulverization. First, That they may be exactly mixed with others. Secondly, That they may acquire a new faculty. Thirdly, That their malignity may be corrected. The manner of breaking of Medicaments, The divers manner of ways of Triture. is different and various, for many are brayed in a stone mortar, as in Marble, others in Metal mortars, as Iron, Brass, Led, and sometimes glass, others in a Wooden mortar, as of Box, or Guajaicum, with pestells usually of the same matter, for an Iron pestle is most apt for an Iron mortar, a Wooden one, for a Wooden mortar, a Leaden, for a Leaden mortar, and a glass pestle for a glass mortar: Some cannot nor will not be so exactly pulverated by beating as by grinding and rubbing, and that upon a smooth marble made hollow for that purpose, where instead of a pestle, we use a little marble stone called a Mannipulus, which we hold in our hand, and circumduce it this way, and that way, round the stone, Gems. so that we leave no part of the Medicamet unrubbed; and after this manner Gems and precious stones are made into powder, till we can perceive no knobbs with our fingers, which powder so brayed, the vulgar call marbled dust, after which manner also those powders ought to be attenuated, which go to the making up of Ophthalmick unguents. Some are brayed and ground with turning stones, as Wheat and Barley in a Mill, and so a great quantity of hard seeds may easily and speedily be bruised, and grinded to powder. Those Medicaments we prepare only for coction need but little bruising, and those also that are of a thin substance, whose virtue is dissipable, need but little bruising also, as almost all flowers. And those require much bruising, that are hard, thick solid, nervous, and not easy to be broken, as also such as partake of a malignant quality, as Colocinth, the grosser part whereof assumed being not well powdered, inheres in the turning of the Intestines, and exulcerates the part, causing the bloody flux. Those that confist of a mean substance, as many odoriferous simples, must be bruised moderately, lest their more subtle, and odoriferous parts should exhale, and be dissipated, yet they must be beaten very small, when they go to the confection of any electuary; and when we would have them to search and penetrate to the remotest parts, then must they be beaten very fine, when we would have them to stay long in the body; then they must be courser, provided they be not endued with any malign quality; some must be beaten very fine and small, that they may sooner perform their operation, and manifest their power. Roots and herbs are sometimes beaten green, and sometimes dry, sometimes raw, sometimes boiled, for their different ends and uses, but those must always but be bruised mode rately, that are to be boiled; for always observe, Note. that a greater Triture is requisite for roots than leaves, lesser for fruits, and a mean for seeds: For seeds require but a contusion betwixt roots and herbs. So likewise many Medicaments can scarce be redacted to powder, unless something be mixed with them. The husks of Silkwormes. As Coloquintido fericum crudum, Camphire, and many more, which only dilate by beating them alone, unless there be some unctuous or liquid matter superadded; sometime we use to sprinkle some with wine, other with water, some with oil and vinegar, that they may not only sooner be brought into powder, but also better serve our intention. The harder part of Animals as bones, horns, claws, nails may be more easily pulverated, if they be first filled, or burned in a Crucible. There are some who also burn Sericum Crudum, Sericum must not be burned. wool and the hairs of several Animals before they powder them; but thereby they lose their former virtues, and acquire new ones, and therefore it is better to cut them small, and dry them in an oven, and so beat them strongly till they return into powder; some unctuous seeds, as the four great coole-seeds are to be excortiated before they be powdered, because they clog, and stick to the pestle; many gums, drops and juices, conveyed to us from far Countries, are full of tender fibres, and as it were covered with a core, which are so hard to be broken, and dissolved (the innermost not dry of itself) that they cannot be beaten to powder alone, but must first be cut into small pieces, and then beaten, with other drier Medicaments; Gum Traganth, Arabic, Mastic, frankincense, Sarcocolla, and juices that have a pliant humour, cannot easily be pulverated by beating, but rather by a gentle rubbing, circumducing the pestle lightly round the bottom of the mortar, and some others, not till some drops of water be sprinkled upon them. And some are so friable, as starch, white Agaricke, and many kinds of earths, that they may be easily even with a light rubbing, be brought into powder: other have so gross, hard, and compact a substance, and such a strong and lasting virtue, that they must be long, and laboriously beaten, before they will be sifted. Those in general that require strong concoction require much Triture, and those that require less concoction, also less Triture. And when any Aromatic Ingredient, or odoriferous simples, or Gems and precious stones, are pulverizing, the mortar should be covered with a convenient cover, either of wood or leather, lest the more subtle part should exhale, and their odour decay, and they more should be closer covered, when Euphorbium or Hellibore are beaten, lest the fume should offend the nostrils, and cause importunate sneezing. Learned Silvius hath appointed this order and method to be observed in pulverating Medicaments, that thick, hard, and pliant Medicaments be first put into the mortar, and then such as are not so solid, and last of all those that are most unctuous. Led, How lead is to be powdered. according to Fernelius cap. 16. lib. 6. method. may be pulverated after this manner: First, it must be beaten into small and thin plates, which being cut very small must be macerated in the strongest vinegar for three days together, the vinegar changed every day, afterwards taken out and dried, but not burned, which, if laboriously beaten in a mortar, will quickly be brought into a very fine powder, the virtue whereof is excellent in concreting, purging, and curing of malign ulcers. CHAP. X. Of several kinds of Triture. AS the matter to be powdered is manifold, so also is the manner, for they are not only diminished by beating, grinding and rubbing, but also by crumbling, breaking, knocking, filing, whence there are many kinds of Triture not performed by pestle, or mortar, but by other instruments, as rubbing-stones, Malletts, chopping-knives, hammers, files, whence arise attrition, confrication, section, fraction, rasion, and limation. Attrition is by Silvius taken for a certain manner of preparation, Attrition what it is. whereby some certain Medicaments were grated or rubbed on a stone, such as are brought to us from Naxia, an Isle of Cyprus. As Lapis Judaicus, or Collyries made into the form of a pill, and so dried, which being rubbed upon the stone with some convenient humour, and so the matter by this preparation is made so fine and small, that will not hurt, or exasperate the eye, to which it is applied. Galen. cap. 4. lib. 4. comp. Medicam. local. Butter is sometimes so rubbed and fretted in a leaden mortar with a pestle of the same, till it acquire and obtain the same colour, which is effectual in curing the itch, and such distempers as require mitification, and so the quality of the butter is not comunicated to the lead, but the quality of the lead to the butter, and so we way expect the like from other liquors and juices, fretted in the like matter and manner. Confrication is a certain remiss attrition, Confrication. by which such things as are easily pulverable, are levigated by the crumbling betwixt ones fingers, and such as are more solid by rubbing, as Ceruse, which assoon as it is rubbed, crumbles to powder, so that confrication and attrition, differ only in more and less. First, the roots, woods, and barks of trees, Section. are cut off with saws and hatchets, and afterwards cut less to repose in shops, and after all reduced into fine powder, that they may serve to our use; bones, nails, claws, horns, are also divided by the same instruments, that they may be sold by male piece, and now of late, rasped and shaved. But this preparation made by Section may seem remote from the Apothecary's purpose, since it rather hath respect to the seller, than the buyer: yet that more nimble Section, by which the unctuous seeds of cucumbers, citruls, melons, pepons, pistakes, and such like, are excorticated by a knife, nearly concerns them. Many roots stalks and leaves of Plants are cut with a pair of shears before they be bruised. That they may be boiled for medicamental uses. Tender herbs are broken from their stalks by twineing and pulling in the hand, but their drier parts are not broken till they be bended together; Minerals sometimes are fractured by a fall, oftener by tender knocks and percussions. Many roots and stalks are cloven after the same manner that Cooper's cleave their twiggs, Fission. but their thicker and harder parts are divided either with an axe, saw, or wedge and mallet. Many roots are scraped, aswell to take away their bark, Rasson. as to purge them from their decayed parts, but wood and harder substances, as Box and Guaiacum, or those substances that are not so compacted, as Lignum aloes, Sandals, Boares-teeths, Hartshorn, Unicorn, and Rhenoceroes' horn, Elkes claws, and dried yards and peezles, and many more are rasped, that they may transmit their force into humours by coction, and more easily be pulverated: Rhabarbe, Agaricke, Ginger, Nutmegs, and sugar are oftentimes abraded upon a grater, and sometimes Quinces (saith Silvius) because by this means a greater quantity of juice is gotten out of them, than by bruising of them in a mortar. Metals, especially are filled, Limatio. because otherwise they could not be pulverated by rasion, or beating: for they either not yield at all, or else dilate being beaten, and are no ways levigated. Gold and silver are filled, and their dust exhibited without further preparation, Steel, Iron, Brass, and Led, are for the most part filled, that they may be burned, and afterwards pulverated for future uses; Teeth also and horns, and men's sculls, and some hard woods are filled, that they may be divided smaller than by rasion; for that which is filled is smaller than that which is scraped. CHAP. XI. Of Coction. THAT gentle Medicaments might become more wholesome, and fit for use and Composition, they are wont to be altered by convenient Coction, For Coction (Probl. 7. sect. 12. Hip.) is an Alteration, What coction is. and Commutation of the thing boiled: now there are three different coctions. Maturation, Elixation and Assation, but because Maturation called by the Greeks Pepansis, is a natural kind of Coction, we will omit it, because we intent only to treat of Artificial Coction; to which Elixation, Ustion, Calfaction, Frixion, Despumation, and what ever acquires mutation by heat may be referred as to its Genus. Now Coction is small, or great, or moderate according to the substance or virtue of the thing cocted, for some, whose virtue is dissolved by long coction, either because 'tis weak and posited in the superficies, or because the substance of it is contained in a rare texture, as some seeds, many odoriferous spices, and most flowers, require a light and small. Coction, others on the contrary, whose virtue is not easily resolved, either because it is vallid, and firm, or because it resides in a gross or dense substance, or because it is posited in the middle, as in Roots, Woods, Gums, Stones, and sharp Medicaments, as Onions, and Garlic, which grow sweet and mild by Coction, require long and valid Coction; others whose substance, and virtue is posited in a mean between these two extremes, as all the three Sandals, Jujubees, Tamarinds, mellow fruits, and many seed, endure but a mean and moderate Coction. Now that Coction that is made in liquor of a moderate heat is called Elixation. What elixation is. And that liquor, in which the Medicament is boiled, is for the most part water, and that either simple, as common water, or Medicinal or compound, to which Lees of Wine, Hydromel, Milk, Buttermilk, Wine, Vinegar, juices of plants, Salt-water, or sulphureous waters, and all liquors, in which Medicaments are put and boiled, may be reduced. The use of this elixation is manifold, The benefit of Elixation. First, because it resolves the excrementitious humours of a Medicament in boiling, and hence Colocynth and Turbith are boiled, that they may not gripe, and torment the belly; but it is quite contrary with those Medicaments that purge by Leniating, and Lubricating the belly, and with those that are best when they are fullest. As Cassia and Tamarinds, for such become worse by Coction; because thereby their native humidity is diminished, and their purgative faculty destroyed. Secondly, It dissipates all those flatulent gross, and corroding humours that provoke the ventricle to loathing of the same, as in Senna Polipodie, Carthamus, Walworke, etc. Thirdly, It breaks all acrimony, violence, and ulcerating faculties; as Mesue writes of Scammony, which by his prescript will be better if it be boiled in a sorbe apple, or in a quince, or risen water, as all other sharp sapours, which become better by Coction. Fourthly, It bridles and corrects, the more vehement and malign attraction of the Medicament, and therefore we boil white Hellibor, and most valid Medicaments, that their violence may be broken, and experience hath taught me, that they become more benign, when they are boiled in water, or juice of herbs, seeds, or fruits. Lastly, Elixation doth very comodiously mix the different qualities of Medicaments, that one quality, as it were concrete, might result from them all, which if it be weak in any plant, it must be boiled easier and lighter; if more potent and valid, more and harder, by how much the substance of the Medicament is grosser, and more solid: Therefore we first boil the woods, than roots, than seeds, than barks, than fruits, and last of all flowers on a gentle fire free from smoke. This order of Elixation is to be observed in the preparation of all Medicaments, especially Apozemes, which are made of the decoction of roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers, dulcorated with Sugar or Syrups. The punctual time of Coction cannot be defined, as some vainly have limited, but left to the judgement of the Artist: for some require much time of Elixation, others less. CHAP. XII. Of Assation and Frixion. ASsation is the coction of Medicaments in their own juice; What Assation is. after which manner of preparation, flesh, roots, and fruits are cocted, without any adventitious humour. Now this Assation is made divers ways; The manner of Assation. for flesh is decocted at the fire on a spit, or in an oven, or an earthen pot, or carbonaded on the coals. The roots also of black Beets are roasted in the ashes, Beta Romana. and Chestnuts in a frying pan: but those rather appertain to a Kitchen than a Physician. Now many Medicaments are dried before the fire, that they may depose their useless, and retain their salutary quality; others, that they may become more mild; others, that they may be easier and sooner pulverated. Rhabarb is sometimes dried, that it may be less purgative, Scylla. and more astrictive; as also the Sea-onion, that its vehemency may be obtunded; whereby Dioscorides saith, it offends the entrails. The brains of Sparrows excite Venery. So also Sparrows brains are dried, that they may be sooner pulverable, fitly to be mixed with those Medicaments that incite to Venery. Many also are prepared by Assation, The benefits that come by Assation. that their copious and excrementitious humidity may be thereby washed. Now they ought to be stirred or moved with a spoon, or spatula, while they are broiled on a hot tile, oven, or frying pan, lest they be burned; and they must be taken out before they grow black. Assation and Frixion differ thus; The difference of Assation and Frixion. Assation is with its own juice, Frixion with an adventitious humour, as with Butter, Oil, Wine, Vinegar, or other juice or liquor; after which manner many Aliments are fried and broiled, as Beans and Pease, both that they may be more pleasant, and also that they may more depose their bad qualities, Gal. 29. lib. 2. de Aliment. Coriander seed is fried, Coriander seed. that is, it is prepared with Vinegar, that its quality, which is noxious to the brain, may be obtunded. Semina viticis are also to be fried, Agnus ●●stus. that the flatulent humour may be discussed, and that they may inhibit Venery. Now some are fried in the oil of sweet Almonds, Myrab, Citrin. Chebul. & Nigri, for the composition of Tripherae Persicae, some in the juice of unripe Grapes; others in Wine, or other Liquor, according to the Physicians purpose and scope, that they may acquire a better quality, or lose their noxious or ill qualities. CHAP. XIII. Of ustion. MAny Medicaments, especially such as are more solid, as Minerals, or such as are endued with a malignant quality, are burned before they be fitted for man's use. Some also are burned, that they may be sooner pulverated, as bones, horns, claws, flax, and hairs of Animals; others are burned, that they may change their colour; others, that they may obtain a new faculty; and one fit for our purpose. Many sharp Medicaments are sometimes burned, that they may grow mild, and lose their Acrimony; others not sharp, that they may acquire Acrimony. And thus (as Galen, in prooemio, l. 9 simple.) took notice, that many sharp Medicaments lose much heat by burning; and many not sharp, assume and acquire heat thereby. This he proves by the example of Vitriol, which becomes more mild and moderate by ustion; and some not sharp, become more hot and crude by ustion, as Fox vini, Quicksilver, crude Lime, Tartar. and many others. Now how the same efficient produces contrary effects, The reason why sharp Medicaments by Ustion lose their Acrimony. Physicians thus judge. Acrimony is acquired by heat increased to a certain degree, which degree sharp Medicaments exceeding, lose their Acrimony. But such as were not sharp when they attain to the same degree, whether it be the second or third degree, acquire the same Acrimony; which Galen forbids us to use; for he commends Brass burned whilst it is red, but rejects it when black, because too much burned. Alchemists will have Acrimony to be lost by Ustion, because of the dissipation of Sulphur and volatile Salt, and acquired in such as are not sharp, because of the discussion of volatile Sulphur, wherein there is little or no Acrimony; and the remansion of the fixed saltness, whose Acrimony before Ustion was obtruded and obscured with Sulphur. There are also many manners of burn, The multifarious modes of burning. for some crude Medicaments are burned in an oven, some on a dish, some on an earthen pot or furnace, others in an Alchemists Reverbatory and Crucible. The powder of a Hare burnt is good against the Stone. The Ustion of Vipers. A Hare must be burnt in an oven till it may be brought to powder which is most commodious and useful for breaking the stone, and expelling the gravel in the kidneys. Galen, (cap. 2. lib. 11. simple.) advises us to burn Vipers in a new pot till they become medicamental; Salt, which is useful and good to the discussing of saltish humours and tetters. But beware lest their noxious and poisonous vapour in their combustion overcome the brain, and so hurt the operation. So likewise integral Animals that are small, may be burned; but parts only of great ones, as bones, horns, hairs, feathers, hides, claws, which must be done in a now carthen pot or furnace with burning charcoles, till they may more cafily be pulverated, (cap. 33. lib. de Theriac.) Boughs, Shrubs, and Twigs of Trees, and many Simples, may be accended alone, or burned in an earthen or metallic pot, or vessel. Crabs are sometimes burned in a Crucible, The powder of Crabs effectual in many distem pers. sometimes in a pot, often among burning coals, till they become ashes, or at least may be beaten to small powder, which is useful to cure ulcerous affects, and good for those that are bit with a mad Dog. Stone may be burned amongst hot coals blown with bellows, The Ustion of Stones. except the Sapphire, and other precious stones, which should be broken into parts before Ustion, and then put into a new pot covered with a lid full of holes, that the exhalation may have an easy passage, which must be burned till they be ignified. For Ignition in some is the end of Ustion; When Ustion is finished. in others, Ustion is not terminated till smoke expire; and yet many stones may be ignified three or four times, and still suffunded with a certain humour, till they be brayed. Fox vini. Wine-dregs must be scorched till they become white, and acquire so much Acrimony, that as it were by burning, they by't the tongue and palate. Eggs, Oysters, and Snails shells, and Animals teeth and horns ought to be burned till they be inflamed, and made white and pulverable. Rosins, Storax, Frankincense, Pitch, Turpentine, and such things, are sometimes burned and accended, that their fume may become medicamental for several uses. Alum must be burned in a hot platter till it leave bubbling, Ustio Aluminis & Vitrioli. and Vitriol till it lose its colour. Salt must be burned in a pot close covered, Salis ustio. lest it sparkle out; it is not enough burned till it leave sparkling and crackling. Nitre must be burned after the same manner. Ceruse, Cerusae praeparatio. according to Dioscorides, (cap. 103. lib. 5.) must be brayed and burned in a new pot daily set upon burning coals, till it be of an ashy colour, than it may be taken out, refrigerated, and used. Or it must be burned in a new dish upon-coals continually stirred with a wooden spatula, Sandaracha. Sandyx. till it be of colour like Sandarach; which so prepared, is by some called Sandyx, or ruddy. Now Sandarach is not the gum of the Juniper tree, which the Vulgar call Vernix, and the Mauritanians Sandarax, but a kind of golden coloured Ochre, (Brasaval, in exam. simple. cap. 66. lib. 9 simple. cap. 53. lib. 9 simple.) for Sandarach and Auripigmentum are digged out of the same pit, yea, they are mixed together, and possess the same virtue. Sandarach is by another name called by the Chemists, red Arfenick, as Gold, coloured Ochre, yellow Arsenic. Furthermore, Ceruse by burning becomes Sandyx, saith Gaben, but never Sandarach, which is of a burning faculty. But Sandyx calefies by no part, but rather refrigerates, which Painters use, as Ceruse, whose colour they can change by burning, and sometimes by mixing therewith Vinegar. Gold coloured Ochre, or Auripigmentum, Auripigmentum. must be burned in a new earthen pot set upon burning coals, till it be inflamed by the fire, and change its colour. Sandarach must be burned after the same manner, and both their virtues are alike, (saith Diosoorides, cap. 30, & 31. lib. 5.) for by their vehement heat they cause scabs, repress excretions, and discuss swell. Brass over, or Lapis calaminaris, must be overspread with coals, Cadmiae praeparatio. and burned till it shine and bubble up like the dross of Iron, than it must be extinguished, (cap. 45. lib. 5. Dioscorid.) some, when it is thus burned, beat it in wine, and burn it again, till it be hollow, and seem to be full of holes, and burn it the third time after it hath been again brayed in wine, till it be reducted to ashes. The Pumick stone must be burned under most flagrant coals, Pumicis ustio. till it wax white and shine; then must it be extracted and quenched in odoriferous wine, again burned and quenched, and after the third ustion taken out, and refrigerated of itself, and so preserved for use, (Dioscorid cap. 125. lib. 5.) Verdigrease broken very small, Eruginis ustio. must be burned in an earthen dish set upon burning coals, till it change itself, and attain an ashy colour, ibid. lib. 5. Red Vitriol must be burned in a new earthen pot set upon quick coals. Now its ustion in moister matters is perfected, Chalciteos ustio when it ceaseth to bubble up, and is perfectly dried in other matters when it is changed into a splendent colour, and hath contracted a bloody or Vermilion colour. Chrysocolla, or Borax, must be hurned in a dish upon coals, Chrysocollae ustio and Ochre after the manner of Brass over; the virtue of Chrysocal is to purge wounds, and scars, to cohibit excrescent flesh, to astringe, calefy, and waste the body by moderate biting and corroding. But Ochre astringes, erodes, and dissipates collections and swell. Led may be burned after divers manners: but before ustion, The way to burn Lead. it is for the most part attenuated either by filing or slicing; then put into a new earthen pot, and so to be burned, Sulphur being mixed with it, till it may easily be pulverated. Now this Sulphur must be interjoyned with the plates or slices, and so both inflamed together, and stirred with an iron spatula. In the interim, heware lest the most noxious exhalation of the Led pierce the nostrils, Halitus plumbi. for it greatly hurts the brain by its commixture with Quicksilver; because of which also, it offends the nerves and often causes stupidity, and the Palsy to such especially as work much in Lead. Now Sulphur and Nitre is put to the thing to be burned, being a very valid and strong compage to the thing, whose volatibles would sooner be dissipated otherwise, than their fixed parts overcome by the flame, as Alchemists observe. And Assation is related to Ustion, yea 'tis a certain way to Ustion; so is Ustion to Calcination, and Calcination to Cinefaction. but Cinefaction is most competent to Combustion, for all combustible things are ordained for flames. For in Minerals, where there is scarce any fuel for the flame, few or no ashes are left after Ustion; of wood, nothing but ashes: yet both combustible and incombustible things may be levigated; Combustibles, whilst they are attenuated into ashes by burning; Incombustibles, whilst after Ustion, by pulveration or grinding on a Marble stone, they are attenuated into Alcool, or small dust. If these shall not satisfy the Reader, he shall find a more special ustion of Medicaments daily used of us in our Book called the Apothecary's Shop. CHAP. XIV. Of Extinction. EXtinction is a suffocation of a matter hot or fiery in some Liquor. Extinctio quid. Now this matter is extinguished either when often burned, or when only ignified or heated, as when Gems or Metals are extinguished in Wine-vinegar, pure or stillatitious matter, or some juice or liquor, till they be totally cold ere they have been perfectly burned. Many things are oft to be extinguished, as Lapis Pyrites: some but once, as Galls: and some are extinguished of themselves, without the affusion of any humid matter. Weckerus saith, that Quicksilver may be extinguished with man's fasting spittle; yet things not ignified are improperly said to be extinguished, but be mended and prepared by fasting Spittle, and mended by Sage; for Spittle makes it more apt to be incorporated with other mixtures, Sage amends, corrects and assuages its fierceness; for Sage is so called, from its preservative faculty, Salvia, as it were Salvatrix, for it much roborates the brain and nerves, which the malevolent faculty of Quicksilver offends, which should be mended with the juice of Sage. A lump or mass of Gold often burned in the fire, Aqua extinctionis auri. is sometimes extinguished in common water, which water is good for such as have the bloody Flux, to shut the orifices of the vessels, and for the leprous to roborate their principal parts, and exhilerate their spirits; for it is not a rash conceit that Gold as well refreshes the internals, as the externals. As the water wherein Steel hath often been extinguished, is useful to drive away many affects, so Steel itself beaten to dust, burned and extinguished in Vinegar, is excellent for many uses; of which more elsewhere. The virtue of Extinction is such, that it attracts and retains the virtues of the humour in which it is extinguished. So Cadmia, or Lapis Galaminaris, is sometimes extinguished in Wine, sometimes in Vinegar, for the various institutions of the Physician; and Iron is sometimes extinguished in water mixed with oil, that it may be more doctile to be made into Helmets, or such pieces of Armour, sometimes in water only, that it may be the more fragil. CHAP. XV. Of Calfaction, Insolation, and Refrigeration. CAlfaction is a certain manner of preparing Medicaments, Calfactio quid. as well simple as compound, whereby they are neither boiled, nor burned, but moderately calefyed either in the sun, or by the fire, or by the heat of some putrid matter, that these may be strained, mollified, and mixed more commodiously, or that they may be used more easily and happily. So an infused Medicament is calefied before it be strained, not only that all its quality may be transmitted into the liquor, but that the liquor may more readily-permeate, and wholly draw out. Apothecaries do successfully give hot Glisters prescribed for such as labour in the Colic, if it proceed not from choler; warm ones to such as are sick of a Fever, not that their grief should wax hotter, but to mitigate it, and help the motion of Nature, and the exclusion of the humour upward may be more easy. Scarce any thing actually cold should be exhibited, whether the remedy be applied or assumed. Also Baths, and the very Linen sick folks use, should be moderately warmed. Many Medicaments also must be calefied, that they may more easily be broken, mixed, dissolved, and strained. Insolation is so like and near to Calfaction, Insolatio quid. that the one may easily supply the others course and place, for they both promise the same effect. And it is like a certain coction, Hydromel vinosum quomodo fiat. when Hydromel is calefied by being set in the Sun forty days whilst the Dog-star rules; for being more concoct, it may be a taste like Wine. Yet doth not this Art only make it become like Wine, What Hydromel is. but that which is prepared of four pints of running water, and one pound of honey, must be so long cocted before Insolation, till a raw egg may swim above it; which we call Hydromel. Now Conserves are insolated or calefied in the Sun, that all their parts may be fermented together, and their more humid matter discussed; especially such as are prepared of cold leaves and flowers, and should be kept a long time, which will be a means to hinder their working up. The juice of the herb Scylla, by Galens advice, (cap. ult. lib. de puere epileptico) must be drawn out by Insolation or Coction in the Sun; when the Air is obscure, it may be extracted with fire; and such Medicaments as by the institution of Winter cannot be insolated, may be dried by the Fire in Winter, by the Sun in Summer. Many Oils may be made by the infusion of flowers, and permixtion of other things, and may be insolated for the space of more or fewer days, as the quantity and faculty of the thing infused requires. For things more hot and dry need little or no Insolation, cold and moist longer Insolation. Vinegar altered by flowers, Vinegar of Roses. must be prepared after the same manner. For Rose leaves should be more insolated; Elder flowers a shorter time; as also that Vinegar which admits of Garlic, Mint, the flowers of Betony, and Gillyflowers. The Refrigeration also of Medicaments pertains to the Apothecary; Refrigeratio. for he refrigerates such things as he would have to congeal as jelly; as also such things as are after coction hard, he reposes in his Shop, as solid Electuaries, dry Conserves, and Plasters. Now Refrigeration differs from Extinction in this, that all things extinguished are refrigerated, not on the contrary, etc. CHAP. XVI. Of Putrefaction and Fermentation. GAlen out of Aristotle observes, (cap. 9 lib. 2. the diff. feb. & comm. ad part. 1. lib. 3. epid.) that Putrefaction proceeds always from external heat in a humid matter; as also the internal heat cocteth, and corrupteth not. So also whatever is in every part dry, doth never apertly putrify, as we see neither Brick, nor Gold, nor Silver to putrify. And because things are putrid from an external heat, Mensis Philosophicus Chymicorum. Putrefaction is a kind of Coction; as when some medicamental matter is left in a Vial occinded in dung, or as Alchemists say, a Horse's belly (for they give feigned names to their feigned art) for the space of thirty, and sometimes forty days, the last term whereof is called by them the Philosophical month; and the Liquor of this Putrefaction, menstruous, or Putrefaction finished in a month's space. The Alchemists own this kind of preparation, Menstruum quid Chymicis. as peculiar to themselves: but Galen, many years before they were hatched, taught how to putrify the Gem Calcitis, and Lethargy, obruted with dung after they were put into a new pot with Vinegar. And the Apothecaries also of our time have in this owned Galen, who macerate and putrify the branches of black Poplar for many months together, either with Hog's grease, for the confection of the Populeon Unguent, or with Oil for the Medicine, helping weariness. Fermentation is not so proper to Medicaments, Fermentatio. as to Meats and Drinks: for a lump of Doughty is fermented, or leavened, that it may make more pleasant and wholesome Bread. Wine and Beer are fermented when they grow cold, and when there is a segregation of the sincere Suck or Juice: Dregs, or Faces, Syrups, Conserves, and Electuaries are also then fermented, when new made, they refrigerate in the Vessels. Alchemists have their fermentation also, which they sometimes call Vivification, and sometimes Resuscitation; for thereby they say, that the matter perished is as it were resuscitated from the dead, and acquires new virtues. The vain Gold-mongers also promise, that such a Fermentation will conduce to the transmutation of Metals: but they never yet knew the matter of the Ferment, nor the manner of its confection. CHAP. XVII. Of Dissolution. MEdicaments are wont to be variously changed before they be exhibited: for the most part, when whole Medicaments will not serve, they are prepared by some triture, or dissolution in some liquor or other. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Now this dissolution is a certain triture, whereby Medicaments, as well simple as compound, are dissolved in some fit humour to a moderate consistency, and sometimes smaller, sometimes thicker, according to the Physicians purpose. Now Medicaments are dissolved for many uses; first, Dissolutionis usus multiplex. that they may be easily assumed; secondly, that they may more readily be compounded with others; thirdly, that they may sooner be distributed; fourthly, that they may penetrate into the part affected, and if need be, remain there; as when liquid Medicaments are injected into the belly, bladder, intestines, or any Ulcer in the body; fifthly, Medicaments are dissolved that they may afterwards be strained, and that their virtues purged from excrements, may sooner enter the inward parts. Thus Medicaments, which break the Stone, Dithontriptica. are dissolved sometimes in white Wine, sometimes in the juice of Limmons, in the water of Wall pelitory, Radish-roots, or such like, that they may more easily permeate the holes of the reins, and the passages of the ureters. On the contrary, such as are to be moved with the Spittle, are to be dissolved in a thicker matter, as in Conserves, or Syrup, Anachartasis quomodo movonda. that they may appear rather as a Medicine to be sucked, than drunk. And as Triture, so also Infusion, and oftentimes Calefaction are requisite to Dissolution; for such as are hard, pliant, and viscid, can scarce be dissolved till they be broken, or steeped, or calefied by the Sun, or Fire. Thus many Medicaments may be dissolved presently after Triture, and many kinds of Earth; others, not without long agitation, as all shells of Fishes, and many more. Some require both Maceration and Calfaction, as many Gums, which before dissolution should be macerated with strong Vinegar, Aqua vitae, or strong Wine. But Metals and Minerals cannot be dissolved in any juice or liquor, Non quavis in quovis liquore dilui. but in the juice of Limmons, in Vinegar distilled, or in such Watert as the Alchemists call strong Waters. Any Medicament therefore is not dissolved in any liquor, but in some fit and determinate one; for Turpentine may lie a whole natural day in water, or in a decoction, and scarce be dissolved, without some Eggs yolks be superadded. In general, Grease, Marrow, and Fatness are melted at the fire, that they may be more easily dissolved, and ingrede the composition of Unguents and Plasters. All kinds of odoriferous Medicaments are dissolved in cordial Waters, or altering Waters, for moist medicinal Plasters. Pills, or other Purges, whether compound or simple, are dissolved in Aqua vitae, or other convenient Liquor, by an artificial sedulity in drawing out their extracts. Solid things also, which neither can nor aught to be exhibited in that form, are first to be broken and dissolved in some convenient liquor, that they may more safely and easily be assumed. CHAP. XVIII. Of Liquation. ALL Medicaments, after due preparation thereunto, may be dissolved, but few can be melted; for Stones may be burned, Wood accended, but in no wise melted, because not congulated with cold. Liquatio quid. For (saith Aristotle, cap. 6. lib. 7. meteor.) Liquation is a solution of those things which are congealed by cold into a more liquid and fluent consistency by heat; as Fatness, Marrow, Oil in winter, and such like, which with little cold are concreted, and with little heat diffuded. But such things as are concreted with diurnal cold, are very hard to melt, as Gold, Brass, and Iron, the fusion whereof rather pertains to such as are exercised in Metals, and not in Medicaments, to an Artist, and not a Philosopher. Liquation differs from Dissolution, Dissolutio non nisi fit cum humere. in that Liquation is always caused by heat, and seldom or never with any humour; Dissolutition always with humours, seldom with heat. Lead is soon melted with heat; Sulphur, Pitch, and Rosin sooner; Salt, Manna, Sugar, Gums of Ivy, Prunes, Juniper, and other Trees, are sometimes worked in hot water, and so diffused, that they may be dissolved. The Alchemists have illustrated a Pyrothecny, Quomodo metalla facile liquentur. and have invented many things, whereby the liquative or fusitive Art is enriched; as when Sal Ammoniack once sublimated with common Salt, than twice by itself, will make hard Metals forthwith fluid. Copper also may be easily melted otherwise, if only a little of an Ass' hoof be injected to it in melting. Now the use of Liquation in Pharmacy is great, for it causes the Medicaments to change their form, and acquire a new one; and it also purges them, that their impure parts might be separated from the pure and mundane. CHAP. XIX. Of molition and Duration. MAny preparations of Medicaments hold such affinity with others, that they are often taken for the same, as Liquation and molition, which only differ according to their degree of more or less: so that molition is the beginning of Liquation. For all things that are melted, first grow soft; and many things after molition, if they be longer calefied, melt; yet not all; for Ivory, Claws and Horns may be mollified, but not melted. Now molition happens two ways; Mollitionem fieri duobus modis. either by heat only of the Fire, Sun, or Animal, or of some putrid matter, or by some affunded humour, as when wax is mollified in hot water, or some harder medicamental mass is steeped in some syrup, or convenient liquor, till it be mollified, and yield to the touch, which according to Galen, (cap. ult. lib. 3. the differ. pulls.) is Judge of the hard or soft body. Mother of Pearl, Shell-fish, and Eggeshels macerated in distilled Vinegar, are so mollified, that they may be wrought or drawn as you please. It is also thought, that Ivory may be mollified with Beer, or by being boiled for the space of six hours with the root of Mandrakes. Horns rarefied by the fire, or long boiled in water, or buried seven days in dung, do grow soft. It is thought the Coral in the juice of Barberies, Pearls in the juice of Limmons, and many Stones in certain Liquors, rightly prepared, will be softened. Since according to Galen, (cap. 1. lib. 4. de dignos. pulls.) Duratio. those things are hard to which our flesh yields, and those soft which yield to our flesh; the doctrine of molition and Duration is as opposite in the same consideration. Duration takes place in Pharmacy in compound Medicaments, which being preserved for use, aught to be somewhat dried and solid, as Electuaries, dry Conserves, Salves, Pills, Trochisks, and some Syrups. Now Medicaments are hardened by cold, Quot modis medicament a indurentur. heat, and the admixtion of dry things. By cold, as when such things as are melted, or only mollified, are removed from the fire, and being exposed to the air, do refrigerate and harden. By heat, when Medicaments are boiled to their just consistency, and their humid part absumed; for so being dryer, they become obdurate. Medicaments also harden by the admixtion of dry things, either that they may keep longer, or that in such a consistency they may be more easily and safely exhibited or applied. CHAP. XX. Of Siccation. SUch Simples as are to be preserved all Winter, or such as are brought from foreign Countries, aught to be accurately dried before they be reposed in Chests, Boxes, or Bags; for their excremental humidity coacted, and not dilated, soon corrupteth, and then their wholesome quality faileth. Neither are Medicaments dried only for conservation sake, Quare medicamenta siccentur but often times that they may be pulverated, & that their virtues may be more effectual. Now whatsoever is moist, and should be dry, it must be dried in the sun or by the fire, or left in a very windy shade void of rain and dust, till it be withered, and its superfluous humidity altogether dissipated. Those things are dried to pulveration by the heat of the fire, which are burned in a furnace or oven, or on burning coals, as Bones, Claws, Horns, Shells; or in an earthen pot, as hairs of Animals, and such things as are put in a fire pan, or covered in a dish or platter set in or upon an oven where bread was lately extracted; for so Plums, Pears, Cherries, and such humid Fruits are wont to be dried. Leaves and flowers, Quae in sole melius siccentur whose colour should remain after drying, are best dried by the Sun's heat, especially in Summer and Autumn. Seeds also gathered before perfect maturity, or in time of rain, or when the necessity of the matter requires it, cannot be exactly dried, but in the Sun, or by the fire. Thick and juicy roots also, unless they be cut small, may be dried better in a place exposed to the Sun, and Northwind, than in a shade not agitated with the wind; and the desiccation of many is to no purpose, unless insolation have preceded. Yet small roots do easily dry in a shade, as also many great ones, if they be cut into little pieces, fixed on a thread, and exposed to the shady air, so it be windy, not wet. Leaves do more easily dry, which being bound in a bundle, are exposed to the external air, partly to the heat of the fire, being suspended for the most part on the beams of shops, flowers most easily; for being laid upon a paper or dish, and moved, they are presently dry. Now leaves when dried, are to be reposed in bags of Canvas, or paper, roots, flowers and seeds, in vessels of glass or wood. The flowers of water Lillyes, because more gross and humid, Quomodo cortices & flores siccandi. must be put upon a thread, that so exposed to the air, they may more commodiously dry. The pills of Oranges, Limmons, and Pomegranates, as also spongy roots, are dried after the same manner in shops. Fox's Lungs washed in wine may be dried in an oven not very hot, Harts peezles in the open air, Wolves intestines in the shade, figs, and grapes in the Sun, as also solid Confections, which after their conditure must be preserved in sugar, or syrup. CHAP. XXI. Of Expression. STrong compression is often requisite to separate the more pure and thin substance of Medicaments from the terrestrial and gross, which since the hands alone cannot execute, Mesueus invented a press whereby Medicaments put in a strong hempen or hairy bag, may be so strongly pressed, that the whole thin substance will be compelled to go out, the gross and more compact remaining. Thus wine is compelled from the grapes into hogsheads, Pomaceus qui fiat. Intinctus viridis. thus the juice of apples is educed to the confection of Sidar; thus Seplasiaries extract the juice of young corn for that condiment, prepared with a little vinegar, toasted bread and some such like things, Vinum ex herbis. which they call the green intinct of some Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wine made of herbs. Many are put in a cloth, then wringed in one's hands, Aqua alumniosa quibus constet. till they be sufficiently expressed, as the juice of Sorrell, Purslane, and Plantain, for confecting Alum-water, add whites of Eggs and Alum to the former. After the like manner is the expression of Rhabarb, Agarick, and other Medicaments, in some decoction, or convenient juice or water, that what is useful may be taken, and what is noxious, ejected. Acacia is drawn by compression out of the juice of the seed of the Egyptian bramble or thorn dried in a shade; it looks black, Acacia. if drawn out of mature seed, ruddy of immature. Expression therefore is sometimes of the simple juice of some Medicament; sometimes of the same macerated in a decoction or water, as when the infusion of oils, and decoction of syrrups is distrained: Anacardian Honey is expressed out of small and young Anacards long boiled, for out of these thus tabefied, proceeds a thick liquor, Mel Anacardinum qui fiat. which they call Mel Anacardinum; which that it may be well made according to Arnaldus de Villa nova, Cap. de memor. defunct. the Anacards should be beaten, and macerated in vinegar seven days, on the eight day boiled on a slow fire, till two parts be dissipated, than its Colature boiled with Honey is of many called Mel Anacardinum. That juices expressed may be long preserved without putrefaction, Quomodo suci diu sine putredine servandi. it is requisite that salt be intermixed, or they reposed in a vessel of a straight mouth, oil being superadded to a finger's thickness. Infused Medicaments and juices are sometimes to be strained with a light, sometimes with a hard expression. And simple oils can scarce be extracted without hard compression, whether with or without fire: for oil of Almonds may be extracted either way, as also that which is drawn from Pistace nuts, and other oily fruits. CHAP. XXII. Of Extraction. ALl expression is a certain extraction, but not the contrary, for many things are extracted without expression, as juices and rosins of plants cut or smitten; Euphorbium unde & quomodo colligatur thus Euphorbium is extracted out of the Lybian tree wounded with a long spear, into sheep skin's bound about the tree, that is smitten; for its Acrimony doth so infect the taste and smell, and stir up such ardour in the mouth and nostrils: The Rustics are called to collect this juice, who alured, with the reward, smite the tree at distance, that they may be less hurt with the noxious fervour of the Euphorbium, who for all this never departed safe and without hurt. Elaterium by Dioscorides his advice, Elaterium quomodo parandum. must be extracted out of the wild Cucumbers (Cap. 148. lib. 4.) after this manner. The Cucumbers being gathered, those which with touching fall off, let them be kept one night, the next day a small sieve being set upon a goblet, or basin, take the Cucumbers in thine hands, and cleave them one by one on a knife with the edge upward, and the point toward thy face, and then the juice will be expressed through the sieve into the vessel set under, and that the * From that substance which remains upon the top of the fire, let the seeds be separated, and let it be added to the facula, for it is as effectual as the other. thicker part sticking to the sieve may send forth its liquor more easily strain it; let the humour be stirred in the basin, then let it stand, and covered with a linen cloth, set it in the Sun, when it hath stood a while, pour out the water that swims at top without moving the feces, whereby part of it will be effuded, and part exhausted, then beat in a mortar the settlements, and make it into little Trochisks, when it is dried on a sufficient consistency. Juices only are not extracted from integral Plants, or their parts, as Hypocistis, of the sprigs growing from the roots of Cistus, the juice of Liccorice and Cyrene Laserpitium, but several other liquors from the incisions of trees, and barks of shrubs and stalks, as Gums, Rosins, Lachrymae. Amongst extracted Gums are counted, Gum Amoniack, Gummi. Sagapene, Gum of Panan or Opoponax, Galbane, Bdellium, Myrrh, Storax, Frankincense, and many more, which for their several natures are hard or easy to be extracted: Some flow out spontaneously without wounding the tree; when the bark in Summer gapes, by reason of the heat. Rosins' are more easily extracted, because more fluent, Rosinae. falling down without the help of hands, as that which runneth of Turpentine trees, which is the best of Rosines, as Dioscorides (Cap. 67. lib. 1.) The Rosin from the Mastic tree is the second, those next that are extracted out of the Pine and Fir trees. Amongst tears or exudations many things take place, Lachrymae. as the water that flows from a vine cut, the milk of all tithymals, and the thick juice of Poppies, which when it is congealed is called Opium. In many plants therefore the bark only is wounded, and thence distils 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is tears into a basin, or some such vessel hanged for the purpose, in many the roots are wounded, or quite cut, sometimes also the boughs, thus Balsam is extracted out of the Phrygian shrub, its bark being slashed with an Ivory knife, for it may not be done with Iron or Steel without great damage to the juice. The extraction of oils is yet unhandled, which is done diverssy after an artificial manner. For they are extracted either by distillation, which is by ascent or descent, of which the Alchemists mass of books is full, or by expression, or infusion, of which we have spoken before, and shall treat more largely in our medicamental shop, or Pharmacopoea. CHAP. XXIII. Of Chemical Extracts. THere is no little difference betwixt the extractions of Apothecaries, and those of Alchemists, for the Apothecaryes' extract only a certain liquor, as Rosin, Gums, or such fluid matters, and separate them from the more gross and solid substance; but Alchemists do not only desert the gross body, but exhale the thinnest substance, till a very little portion, and that somewhat thicker, be left, to which the virtue of the whole doth adhere as united to its subject, whence they call it an extract, as it were the essence extracted and separated from the body. For such an Extract doth contain most excellent virtues in a small quantity, a dram whereof exhibited is of no less efficacy than a whole ounce of any Medicament with its gross substance. They are wont to give these extracts, to those whose ventricles loathed Apothecaryes' Medicines, and who had plenty of wealth: for to prescribe the extract of Rhabarbe or Pearl to a poor man, were to take away his life. Now these extracts of Medicaments as well simple as Compound, Extractum quomodo parandum. are often made after this manner, the Medicament is washed, being first small sliced, or if it be a mass of Pills or an Electuary, it is dissolved in the best Aqua vitae, or other fit liquor, so as it be covered two fingers, in a vessel well and close stopped, than it is left two or three days in a hot place, than they make a strong expression, which is afterward put in Balneo Mariae, that the Aqua vitae may be separated from the faculty of the Medicament, which lies somewhat thick in a little quantity in the bottom of the vessel, than it is gathered and reposed in a glass vessel, or an earthen one well glassed, and so evaporated on hot embers. If any one will make a more valid extract, than he macerates another Medicament of the same kind, in the former expression, and after a daily and perfect infusion, he extracts it by compression, as before, and this he doth three or four times, if he desire a more potent extract, and at length the last expression being finished, he segregates the Aqua vitae from it by distillation in a hot bath, or he dissipates it by insolation, till the extract only remain, which hath great and powerful virtues in a small body. They do not cast away Rhabarbe, and other Medicaments of grearer value, after the first maceration or expression as the vulgar do, but infuse them twice thrice or four times in other Aqua vitae, till they have lost their colour & sapour, and what ever virtue was in them be left in the waters, for than ought the last expression to be made, which is mixed to the other, from all which the Aqua vitae is separated by Balneo Mariae, and the subsident only or extract left. These Extracts are not always made by Aqua vitae, but oftentimes by the decoction of herbs, stilled waters, and sometimes by rain or fountain-waters, Extractum pilularum. for some masses of pills are sometimes macerated in rain-waters for the space of eight days, the juice of bugloss, Betony, or other thing, as necessity requires, being added, than it is boiled on a slow fire, strained and congealed. After the same manner is one pound of the best Rhabarb, and of China sliced small, macerated by the space of one whole day in two pounds of the juice of borage and Fumitory, well purified: than it is boiled on a slow fire, Extractum rhei. till the juice be absumed, then is there made a strong expression, which is again boiled with a slow fire in a Balneum Mariae, to the Consistency of Honey; some add two ounces of Sugar, but hereby the quantity is increased, and the faculty of the extract more dull. Extracts are prepared after many other manners, which, to treat of at large is not our purpose, because we study to institute a method for Apothecaries, not Alchemists. CHAP. XXIV. Of Cribration. AS the husbandman with his fan dissipates the straw and chaff from his Wheat, so doth he with his sieve segregate the best seed corn from the dead and feeble corns, to whom Cribration rather appertains than to an Apothecary; yet both of them use this instrument to separate the flower from the bran, which the vulgar call a searce, or sieve, sometimes a rangeing sieve, and sometimes a hair Tamise, which is made sometimes of the hair of a horses tail, sometimes of flax, sometimes of silk; now a sieve is made of a vellume pervious with many round or long holes, through which tares and small seeds may easily descend, the more succulent and good remaining: Cribration therefore is of use for that preparation of Medicaments, which is performed in a sieve. The use of this preparation is much, Cribrationis usus. for hereby the flower of grounded seeds, or the meal is separated from the bran: boiled roots are cleansed from their barks, and fruits purged from their grains and stones. The Quintessence of Cassia fistula is put in a sieve made of horse's hair, that the pith alone thus purged from the broken husks and seeds may be extracted, which is called extract of Cassia. Tamarinds and Dates macerated in vinegar or other liquor, are after the same manner put into a hairy sieve for many definite uses, and so pulped through with a Manipulus: many seeds are boiled till they crackle, as roots and leaves, till they be very soft, and then are transmitted through a sieve made of hair, to the confection of Cataplasms and other Medicines of divers forms. Cordial powders, as also others which are ingredients in a medicamental composition, must be sierced in a small tamise or fine sieve, and especially such as are administered to lose obstructions, and move urine, or monthly flowers; for by how much such are finer, by so much the sooner are they carried to the places affected. In sifting some powders, a hairy tamise is requisite, in others a silken one, or one of pure and rare linen. Cribration is chief for the more commodious mixtion of things pulverated, or of small bigness, and the separation of the smaller portion, which is often better, from the grosser portion, which is often worse. Now as there are several instruments that serve for Cribration, Varius cribrandi modus. so is the manner of Cribration divers; for properly Corn and Pulse are to be put in a sieve, stirred with a hand, and turning the seeds this way and that way in the sieve holden up, which ablegates the bad seed, and retains the good. After the same manner Cordial powders are sifted, Pulveres cardiaci quomodo cribrandi. the tamise being moved to and fro in a man's hands, not violently shaken, that the smaller part of the powder may be transmitted, the thicker part left. Some, that they may be more easily transmitted, ought in the ranging of the sieve to be shaken into a round, or other solid body with many percussions, lest the grosser parts be fastened in the sieve, and therefore almost all aught to be grinded before they be sift in the Tamise, and those that will scarce permeale the tamise or sieve, for crassitude, ought again to be grinded, and beaten till they may all pass through for tenuity and fineness. CHAP. XXV. Of collation and Filtration. UPon what account dry Medicaments are sifted, upon the same are moist ones strained, for that the filth may be segregated, and the pure and sincere liquor only extracted, it is transmitted through a strainer, and that either thick or rare, or of a mean texture as the commodious use of the thing and exigency requires, therefore the practisers of Pharmacy hold it requisite to keep many strainers in their shops, both thick and rare linen, , hempen, or hairy, often old, but oftener new, that in a strong compression, all the juice of the thing strained may be transmitted without the rapture of the cloth. That gross and viscid matters may be rightly strained, Ad crassorum & viscidorum colaturam quid requiratur. three things are required, that they be washed in more abundance of humour, that they be put in a more rare and new strainer, and that they be longer calified before collation, for so their density being more rarified, they may more easily permeate; thus the juices of flesh and herbs are to be calified before they be strained, and all kinds of Honey and Manna eaten out of any liquor. That that which is extraneous and sordid, if any such thing be mixed with it, may be separated by Colature. Those that are thin as the juice of herbs, Lemons and many fruits ought to be strained warm, and often cold, for so their terrestrial and grosser part remains, the purer and more sincere being transferred, as it were fined from their dregs. But Milk and muddy waters are strained cold, that hairs, if any be fallen thereinto, may be separated from the one, and mud from the other, yet all that which makes the water muddy is oft separated from it by residence, as we see in Cisterns, where water stands: Tent-wine also is three or more times strained cold in a linen napkin very long and fine, for procuring the more pleasant mixture and consistency of the Sugar, wine, and sweet spices, wherewith it is compounded. Some may not be strained unless very hot, others cold, others warm, and many need only one collation, some two, and some three, till they grow clear. Apozemes are strained through common strainers, sometimes through a woollen bag, or linen strainer, but syrrups which are more gross, because of the admixtion of honey, sugar, and their long coction, cannot so easily transmeate, and therefore require a thin linen strainer. Decoctions, whereof unguents are made, are strained after the, same manner, as also the unguents themselves liquified, till some thick thing, which hath escaped the stroke of the Pestle, and the heat of the fire, be segregated. The thinner part of many Medicaments is segregated from the thicker, by the other kind of collation called filtration, Filtratio. which apparation those Medicaments only use, which make up the compound called Virgin's Milk, or which expostulate only some smaller and thinner substance of some Medicament; for they assume linen or woollen lists two or three fingers broad, and very long, and they dip the one end in the vessel wherein the Medicament to be strained is contained, the other end reacheth to another vessel that stands below it, and bending into it, doth cast out by drop and drop that humour into it, which it had continently drawn from the former vessel. CHAP. XXVI. Of Spumation. WHen scum swimming upon a liquor is detracted, Spuma quid. either with a spoon or feather, if it be small, or by colature, that same act is called Despumation, because scum is a certain viscid juice including flatulency; for all enumeration of scum proceeds from the mixture of two substances, whereof the one is spiritual, the other humid, it is moved and disjected by a various agitation as Galen saith, (commons add Aphor. 43. lib. 2.) therefore the segregation of scums is made by the whites of Eggs, which by their lentor and viscidity coact and collect the scum, as when juices of flesh, many syrrups and Apozemes are in boiling cleansed from their scums. But seeing motion and heat are the efficient causes of scum, Spumae efficientes cnasae. and nothing that is crude, and not moved is covered with scum, than despumation appertains to such things as by agitation and coction engender scum. That Honey and Sugar may be cleansed from scum, an equal and sometimes a double portion of liquor is put to them, and in boiling the scum is taken off with a blunt spoon, lest together with the scum, the liquor, in which the concoction is made, should be taken off; but if despumation by this rule seem unperfect, then add to certain pound weights of liquor certain whites of eggs; which assoon as they are hardened by continual boiling; they gather scum, so that the segregation of it from the liquor will be very easy, because in straining it will be left in the strainer together with the whites of the eggs, the sincere and pure liquor only transmitted. If the honey be very impure, it must be boiled in a triple portion of liquor till it come to half, that the despumation may be perfect, which rule will hold in scumming other very impure Medicaments. Honey may be purged and cleansed from scum by itself, Quando mel per se despumandum. when it hath no alien quality, or when it cannot sustain so long coction without impairing its virtue, as those things that are mixed with it, for than it were better not to mix it for despumations sake, than to despume it with the mixture. Sugar to be purged of scum ought so long to be boiled, that after despumation, that which was a pound before, may remain no more than a pound, though two or three ounces of liquor have been added to the coction. Fruits that are to be preserved while they are boiled with sugar, or as some do better boil them in a portion of sugar, are purged by some few scum only with a spoon, as things full cocted are with a linen strainer, for they are wont to be transmitted through a cloth extended, and fastened with nails at every corner, that the scum and dregs might be left above. CHAP. XXVII. Of Clarification. CLarification is a purging of liquid Medicaments from their grosser matter, for hereby they are more acceptable to the palate, and may more easily be distributed. Now many are clarified by themselves alone, as when the more feculent settleth, as the juice of Apples, Oranges, Lemons, Bugglosse, Sorrell, some by despumation, others by collation, some also by coction, the white of eggs for the most part added, sometimes also without these, as when the juices of plants and fruits are cocted to the consumption of the third part, and then stand two days till they grow clear, Clarificatio quot modis fiat. whence clarification is effected five manner of ways, by rest, by collation, by despumation, by the mixtion of vinegar, or some sharp matter, and by the agitation and coction of whites of Eggs with the thing to be clarified. For if decoctions and syrups partake of vinegar, they will be more and more purged by themselves through the virtue of the vinegar. And whites of eggs must be agitated with a spoon, till they be all frothy, then put to the syrups or decoctions, which must be boiled again: and when the scum is gathered about the whites of eggs by perfect coction, then must the scum be artificially craded and separated, either by common trajection, which is through a four cornered cloth fastened at every corner with a nail, or by a more peculiar collation which is through Hippocrates his sleeve. collation should be iterated three or four times, till the syrup or decoction be plainly clear. Men of later times have made certain potions in the form of a Julep, which with their consistency being very clear, they call them Clarers, but such are made after the manners before nominated. CHAP. XXVIII. Of Aromatization. ARomatization is an artificial manner of preparation, Aromatizatio quid. whereby Medicaments are made more odoriferous, and suaveolent, to the better acceptation of the palate, and heart, and the greater strength and oblectation to the vital and animal faculties. For, Medicaments subverting the ventricle, are made less offensive, if they be seasoned with Cloves, Cinnamon, and other sweet spices, and less mo●est the principal parts, and do more wholesomely educe excrementitious humours, by secession, or by vomit, if it happen. And though according to Galen. (Cap. 15. lib. 2. the aliment.) Quae aromata hanc velillam partem corporis magis respiciunt. all odoriferous spices are hot, and exhilarate the vital faculty; yet some more particularly respect the brain, as Cloves; some the heart, the fountain of life, as Cinnamon; others the ventricle, as Almonds; others the Liver, as Dates; and some the womb, as musk, Amber, Civet; not that the womb is delighted with these under the species of odours: for it hath not an organ of smelling, but is affected with smells, by reason that thin and subtle matters, or the airy vapour, wherewith the spirits are recreated, with which it is of all granted, that the genitals swell. Mesue hath described many aromatical confections, as Diacinamomum, Aromaticum Rosat. Diamoschum utrumque diambra, the electuary of gems, and many more, whose use is excellent in getting and preserving strength in the principal members, in preventing and correcting putrefaction, and in refreshing the spirits. Those that from sickness recover health, or are very old, and are in riches able to resartiate their lost strength, by the prescript of Physicians, are wont to use Confections made of Conserves, Syrups, and cordial Powders, whose excellent virtue is attributed to the sweet odour of suaveolent Spices. For the like cause, Cur medicamenta aromatizentur. many Syrups are aromatized with the confection of Alkermes, or Trochisks of Galliae moschatae, or with Musk, Amber, Civet, or other suaveolent Spices hung in a Nodula, and so tied to the Vessel wherein the Syrup or Liquor is contained, that it hangs about the middle of it; for so the aromatical virtue is equally distributed to all the Liquor. Which also Vintners have learned, who make the Wine more fragrant and sweet, by hanging Ginger, Cinnamon, and such like, in the Hogshead. Those of the Courtiers that are more rich, Quibus salaces ad venerem utantur. lecherous, and slothful, that like Beasts they may more potently hold on to their Venery, and be more active in that exercise; sometimes they eat raw Eggs, sometimes fried with much Musk or Civet, whereby they rather destroy than refresh Nature. Many Fruits also, as Nuts and Pears, are before Conditure sticked with Cinnamon or Cloves, that they may be more grateful and acceptable both to the palate and heart. Juleps also are often aromatized with Rose-water, as Apozems with yellow , Sauces with aromatical Confections, Cider with Amber or Musk, as many other Medicaments with Storax, Belzoin, Camphire. CHAP. XXIX. Of Colouration. THough Colour, according to Galen, (cap. 2. lib. 1. simple. cap. 30, lib. de Histor. Philos.) cannot show the faculty of the Medicament, yet because it is a quality of a visible body, which because it hurts or profits, is more or less expetible: for as blackness and whiteness do obtund the faculties of seeing, so green colour exhilarates them, as besides quotidian experience, the Philosopher also testifies, (Probl. 60. sect. 32.) Now some Medicaments are more desirable, being white, Coloratio quot modis acquiritur. others black, others red, or of other colour. And Colour is especially acquired four manner of ways, by Lotion, Agitation, Coction; and Mixtion. By Lotion most become white, as Oil, Turpentine, Wax. Some also by Agitation, as Penediss, the white unguent of Rhasis, the plaster Diachylon, Galens refrigerating Unguent; for all these, by how much the longer they are wrought, by so much they are the whiter; Bechical. as white Pills, Bechical confections, and all sugared Medicaments; for Motion and Agitation do get the desired colour to Medicaments. But this is not so manifest in the forenamed Medicaments, as in the crude Unguent, Unguentum crudum ex quibus constat. which is made of Lytoridge, Oil and Vinegar, for these are so long beaten in a mortar, till they acquire the form of a white Unguent. Medicaments by Coction are more colourated, as more white, or more black, as the Coction is valid and long, or as it is weak. So the Plaster made of crude Ceruse is white, of burned Ceruse red. And the Plaster of crude Verdigrease is green, of burned Verdigrease white and yellow. Lastly, according to the several colours of the things mixed, the colour of Medicaments is various; for such as admit Saffron in their mixtion are yellow, such as admit Cinnabrium are red, and such as have Ceruse are white, and such as have the pith of Cassia in their mixture are black. CHAP. XXX. Of Conditure, Saliture, and Farture. AS Saliture and Farture rather seem to appertain to a Cooks, than an Apothecary's shop, so doth Conditure to the Confectioners. Yet Medicaments sometimes need these; for Saliture conduces much to conservation, Farture to good sapour, and Conditure to both. For Flowers and Fruits are not condited only, but also little stalks, barks, and tender roots, both that they may be longer preserved, and also eat more pleasantly. Thus are the roots of tender Ginger, and husks of Cassia Fistula, which are not old. Nutmegs, Myrobolans, and other foreign Fruits, are condited while fresh, that they may be brought to us without any loss of their virtues and faculties, from far countries'. Many of our own Country, sweet, sour, or Fruits of other sapours, pleasant to the palate, as soon as they are gathered, and if need be, their Cortes peeled off, (for many are not decorticated, as Gooseberries, Barberries) and so are boiled with Sugar, or Honey, or both. Those that are bitter, very sour, and sharp, are so long macerated in water, till they have deposed their vehement quality. Now Apothecaries do especially make humid Conditures, as they call them; as when they so long concoct Fruits or Roots with Sugar and Water, that they lose all their watery humidity, and after Conditure and Reconditure may be preserved with a Syrup perfectly boiled. But Confectioners do not only make such like Conditures as these, but also dry ones, as they term them, which are made of Fruits sugared, with Sugar extrinsecally boiled with them, and afterwards dried by insolation. Now many Fruits are condited with Salt alone, as Capers; or with some Vinegar added to them, Salitura. as Cucumbers cut in pieces, Purslain, Lettuces, and many Potherbs, that they may without decay be preserved till Winter; for Salt hath an admirable faculty in desiccating and conserving things. Hence Flesh and Fish salted are kept without corruption, not only some months, but years. Wherefore by some Philosophers, Epicureis' anima pro sale. the Soul is called the Salt of the Body, because as long as it remains therein, it vindicates and defends it from putrefaction. It causes also, that Medicaments acquire another quality beside what is peculiar to them; and therefore Viper's flesh, and the parts of many Animals, are besprinkled with white and bay Salt, (for according to Galen, there is the same faculty in both) with a little, if it be used for sapours sake; with more, if for conditures sake. Whatsoever Aliments are desired to be medicinal, Fartura. if there be any apparent cavity in them, it is stopped with Fruits, Herbs, or Roots, wherewith Aliments are often stuffed. Now many Aliments are stuffed before Assation or Elixation, that they may be more grateful to the palate, and sometimes that they may more conduce to procure or keep sanity; as when Polypody, Capers, dry Grapes, Barley, or other parts of Plants are included in the belly of a Capon or Goose. An old Cock is wont to be stuffed with Barley, that besides its faculty of subducing the belly, wherein according to Galen and Oribasius, it is effectual, it may cleanse and nourish. Nightcaps are often quilted with Cephalical Powders put in a double linen cloth: the topical remedy of the form of a Buckler is prepared after the same manner, but it receives roborating and stomachical Powders, such as are wont to be prescribed to the weakness of the belly. But it is properly called Farture, by which exenterated Animals, and excavated Fruits are stuffed with medicamental or alimental things, and sometimes with aromatical, only for jucundity sake. CHAP. XXX. Of Distillation. DIstillation is an education of a watery or oily humour out of any thing by heat. Distillatio quid And it is effected either by ascension, or descension, and that either by a humid or a dry heat. Distillations by humid heat are made in Balneum Mariae, or in a Vapour made of hot water. Balneum Mariae. Balneum Mariae, aut maris, as some say, is a Vessel containing in it heat, into which another vessel is put, containing the matter to be distilled. It was wont to be called Cucurbita, Cucurbita. or Boccia, upon which is put another Vessel with a beak, commonly called an Alembick or Capitel, which are most strictly closed together with a glue made of Bran, and whites of Eggs. Distillation in the vapour of hot water is also made in two vessels; Balneum roris. the one contains the matter to be distilled, and in the other is put a long copper or brass vessel half full of water; so that there is space enough left between the Cucurbita and the boiling water, by the vapour of which carried upwards, the matter to be distilled grows hot, and suscitates the vapours to the beaked Capitel, whence it descends into the Receiver. Both these Baths are described in various forms; for every one, Variae sunt formae balnei. according to his mind, changes, innovates, adds or detracts something rather form the elegancy of the Boccia, than the facility of Distillation. But in all of them, the fire, which is the efficient cause of Distillation, must be made in such place, that with little labour it may calefie the water in the Boccia. Now the fire should be clear, not smoky or filthy, Ignis in distillatione qualis. such as is made of Charcoal or Cannel; and it must be so ordered, that it neither be too potent, and burn the matter, nor so small as to be extinguished before the work be perfected. Before the water begin to be cold, let other be made hot, or at least warm, and calefied according to that degree of heat which the condition of the matter requires; for some may be distilled with a benign vapour, others with a more potent, others best with warm water. Integral fresh Plants, or parts of them cut into pieces, Plantarum distillatio. are conveniently distilled in a humid Bath. If they be dry, they should be wet with some convenient liquor before Distillation; for so the waters distilled do better retain the strength and faculties of the Plants, though they cannot be so preserved, because more excrementitious. Yet many waters do not retain the sapours of the Plants, because they so inhere in their terrestrial substance, that they will not ascend with the most vehement heat. The humid Bath is expedient in distilling waters; the dry one (if it may be called a Bath, as it pleases most) in educing oils and waters, Balneum siccum. Now it is properly called dry, because no water is put under the Cucurbita, but fire only, with dust, sand, or the filings of iron or steel sometimes interposed. Which that it may be commodiously done, Fornacis structura. the furnace must be built with such industry, that it may have a port open towards the bottom, through which the ashes may be taken out which fall from the burning coals laid upon the little gridiron. Above the gridiron there must be another port, through which the coals may be immitted; above the arch whereof must be inserted little iron beams or grates overthwart: then above must be placed the brazen, earthen, or iron pan, into which the Cucurbita is put, and it must be buried, sand or ashes being cast upon it, than the beaked Capitel may be placed above it. In the top of the furnace must be constituted certain holes, or wind-passages, through which the smoke may pass. The use of a certain Instrument of Copper, called an Alembick, Alembicus. is here requisite and frequent; in whose inferior cavity are contained iron beams, sustaining the burning coals; in its middle, the Boccia; in its superior part, the beaked Capitel, in form of a Helmet; and sometimes round with a Refrigeratory, form like a Cauldron, that it might contain an abundant quantity of water; which when it grows too hot, is effunded by a cock placed towards its bottom, and new water and cold is poured in again. The beak in some Alembics is very long and straight, and oft times in some of the form of a serpent; whence it is called a twining beak, or worm, that so it may be transferred through a Hogshead full of cold water, whereby the water may be better congealed and tempered. A certain Boccia made of glass, Retorta vesica. and crooked, commonly called a Retort, serves for that distillation which is made by sand or ashes; as also another straight one, which hath its name from a bladder, of oval form, made of glass or copper lined with tin, which serves for distilling those things which are easily sublevated, as roots, seeds, leaves, flowers, and suaveolent Spices; such as are not so easily sublevated, as farnesses, rosins and gums are to be extolled, and that more aptly in a Retort of very thick glass. The forms of distilling are so many, Varia distillandi formeae. and the instruments, as also their matter so various, that they can scarce be kept within certain Laws: yet is this old custom still observed, that Apothecaries do commonly distil young Plants, and other Medicaments in Pewter Alembics, or Leaden, tinned within, which are not so noxious as many fear: yet them of Glass and Day are better, but they may easily be broken, and then useless. Now such things as may not endure the vehemency of heat, may be better distilled in Balneum Maria, afterwards in hot ashes, wherein, as in the Bath, some temperate and mild heat may be preserved and cherished; not so in sand and filing dust, for these will not be hot but with vehement heat; wherefore they are used in educing Oils by distillation. Now the waters distilled aught to be insolated for some day's space in Vessels covered with a paper full of little holes, Quomodo aquaedist llatae insolendae. that the more pure and excrementitious portion may be resolved, and that the impression of the fire, which is wont to comitate waters distilled, may be extracted. CHAP. XXXII. Of Distillation by descent. DIstillation is made both by moist and dry calour, as well by ascent a descent. By ascent, when by the force of the heat of fire, water, or other body interposed, the thinner part of the matter in the Cucurbita is elevated to the Capitel, where condensed, Varii distillationis per descensum modi. by its weight it declines to the beak, and runs into a vessel set under the beak. And as the distillations by ascent are multifarious, so also them by descent; for one distillation is properly said to be by descent, to wit, when the humour educed without exaltation distils downwards; another is by inclination, another by transudation, another by filtration. That cannot properly be called Distillation, nor referred to this place, which is made without heat, as by Expression, or collation. Distillation by descent is sometimes made without heat, Distillationem fiert interdum sine calore. as when a bag filled with Myrrh or Tartar, is suspended in vapourish air, or in a Wine cellar; for these, as many more, long kept in a moist place, become tabid, and as it were exude a pure juice, which they emit into a vessel set under them. Quomodo aqua educatur per descensum. But it is made more frequently by fire, by whose power not only waters, but also oils are educed by descent. Thus the water of Roses, and other Flowers, may be well distiled. A pot of copper, brass, or clay, is taken and filled with Roses, or other Flowers, close covered with a head, and a vessel full of coals is set under the body containing the Flowers, out of which when they are calefied, very good water will exude into the glass subjected. But the fire is to be so ordered, that the Flowers may not be burned, and therefore many prudently put paper betwixt the vessel containing the fire, and the Flowers; for hereby they may better endure the heat. But this manner of distilling, as it is easy, so is it common. Some distil waters in dung, or other putrid matter: Distillatio in fimo. but the Apothecary may easily want these modes, who should be neat, and prepare the most select remedies. Distillatio in calore solis. That distillation which is made in the heat of the Sun after this manner, is more commendable. A pot filled with Roses, or other Flowers, is firmly joined to another pot set under it; than it is exposed to the Sun; for if its beams beat upon the upper pot, very good water will distil into the lower. But the distillation of Oils by descent is more difficult, Oleorum distillatio per destensum. and can scarce be effected without great preparation, labour, and time: yet is it very familiar to the Alchemists who educe Oils by descent after many manners; for they so prepare the vessels and instruments for distillation, that they give no passage by ascent, but the humour as it were melted and educed, exudes downwards by drops. Those Waters or Oils may be thus distilled, which the ascending vapours would destroy, or the potent spirits dissipate, before they were brought to a consistency. There are several modes of this distillation; Distillatio per transudationem one is in a furnace by transudation, whereby the humour provoked doth transude, and falls by drops into the subjected vessel, fire being placed above it. Another is made by transudation, but it is in the earth, when a ditch is diffoded in the earth, into which is put a pot, to whose orifice is fitted and joined the bottom of another pot full of little holes, and the orifice of the upper pot is covered close, in which pot is contained the matter to be distilled; then the earth being adhibited, both pots are interred even to the belly of the upper pot, so that the conjunction is covered: then the fire is put to by degrees, according to the nature and condition of the matter to be distilled; for a more solid matter requires greater heat, less solid a lesser. There is another distillation, Distillatio per inclinationem. which is a mean betwixt the distillation by ascent, and that by descent, which is by inclination, in which there is a little elevation, and afterwards a reflection downwards. It is also called a distillation by retortion, because it is made in a bending Boccia, in whose curvature the spirits united are compelled to descend into the receptacle placed below, and well joined to the crooked beak. Now this retorted Boccia should lie in a furnace built accordingly, the belly whereof must be buried in a pot wherein are ashes or sand, and the beak must hang out through some hole or chink. The retorted Boccia is wont to be used in distilling such things as ascend with difficulty, Quand re ortae in distilitationibus usurpandae. as in the educing Oils out of Metals, and Spirits out of Minerals, to which most vehement heat is required, and therefore heed must be taken lest the Retorts be burst; therefore before they be set upon the fire, they ought to be incrusted with clay, marl, or such convenient matter, if nitrous matters be contained in them; and they must immediately with ashes or sand be adhibited to the most violent fire. But because we purpose not to relate Chemical Distillations, nor their Matrals, nor describe their Cucurbites, Handles, Vessels, crooked, round or long, their Dishes, Pots, and Furnaces, we will no further prosecute their precepts in distillation, for they may be sooner and easier learned with practice and exercise, than by description. Alchemists prescribe not only many Distillations, but also other preparations, as Sublimation, Cohobation, Exhalation, Evaporation, Exaltation, and many more, wherewith their Books are stuffed. Sublimatio. Cohobatio. Caput mortuum. Sublimation is when the Extract attains to the sublime part of the Vessel, and subsists there. Cobobation is when that which is educed, is put again to the dead Head; now the dead Head as it is taken by them, is as it were dregs without juice, or excrements void of any quality: yet sometimes this is the matter of the Chemical Salt. Exhalation is a dissipation of dry spirits in the air by heat. Exhalatio. Evaporatio. Exaltatio. Evaporation is a resolution of moist spirits. Exaltation doth not design the same thing that Sublimation doth, for it is an artificial preparation, whereby the matter is after some manner changed and brought to a higher dignity of substance and virtue; as when some rude and crude matter is brought to maturity and perfection. Maturatio. Maturation and Gradation they say conduce to this, as Digestion, and sometimes Circulation do to Maturation. Digestio. Maturation is an exaltation from a rude crudity to a well cocted and elaborate perfection. Digestion is a simple Maturation, whereby things incocted and untractable, are cocted and made more mild and tractable by a digestative heat. Circulation is an exaltation of pure Liquor by a circular solution, Circulatio. Gradatio. by the help of the heat in Mercuries or Pelicans Cup. Gradation appertains properly to Metals, for it is an exaltation of them to a greater degree of bonity and perfection, whereby their weight, colour and consistency is brought to a more excellent degree. But that I may no longer digress from my purpose, I will leave their Chemical Preparations to themselves; for this Treatise of Distillation compelled me briefly to touch of these, and paint it on the margin as a Work by the by. The end of the second Book. OF MEDICAMENTAL INSTITUTIONS. The third Book. Of the composition of general Medicaments. CHAP. I. Why Medicaments are compounded. AS Simplicity in Nature is before Composition, so are simple Medicaments before compound; and the ancient Physicians, as Pliny relates, (cap. 2. lib. 26. Nat. Histor.) first prescribed only Simples to cure Diseases, as Diocles, Praxagoras, Chrysippus, and Eristratus. Hypocrates also, who first laid the foundations of the medicinal Art and gave Laws thereto, cured almost all Diseases with simple Medicaments alone. Yet (saith Aetius, cap. 25. tetr. 4. serm. 2.) necessity constrained the exercised medics to seek new remedies, and compound some Simples, because Simples cannot always cure; for (saith Galen, cap. 5. lib. 1. comp. med. general.) if Simples only could preternaturally cure all affections, there would be no need of Compounds; but this no Simple can do. The use therefore of Composition in Medicine is necessary, especially for such Diseases as require at once contrary faculties in Medicaments, which cannot be in Simples. The causes why Medicaments should be compounded are many (Serapio. cap. lib. 7.) first, Multas esse causas compositionum medicamemorum. when in curing or expelling a disease there is no one simple Medicament altogether contrary to it; then must some compound be used, which may supply the defect of the simple, as when we would moderately cleanse an ulcer, we mix two simple Medicaments: the one whereof would do it too potently, the other too negligently, now from the concourse, and commistion of these two will proceed one moderate detersory: the second cause of composition is, that the violence of the Medicament may be obtunded, or its ignavy excited; now its violence is obtunded by the admixtion of a more benign or an opposite Medicament, as when with sharp we mix mild, with bitter sweet, with calid refrigerating, & with malign Cordial Medicaments. The third cause or reason is drawn from the variety of the Maladies to be cured, for to every part affected and noxious humour, a Medicament that is Analogical and destinated to the same must be prescribed; for it is meet that Medicament must be given to the Brain, Lungs, or other parts ill affected, which hath respect to such parts, and will free from such a mortificall cause: the situation also and dignity of the parts affected demonstrate composition to be necessary; for some part doth not only require roboration, which indeed is a principal effect, as the brain by Cephalicks, and the heart by Cordials, as Galen commands, Cap. 1. lib. 1. comp. med. gener. But also oftentimes alteration, and a vindication from the noxious humour, which one simple Medicament cannot effect: furthermore a part situated fare from the remedy speaks composition to be necessary, for some attenuating Medicament must be mixed with these remedies, that the quality thereof may permeate to the part affected, as Galen declares lib. 1. de comp. per gener. There are also other less necessary causes of composition, as when Medicaments are dulcorated with sugar or honey, that they may be more acceptable to the palate and heart, or when they are condited with Cinnamon and other sweet spices, or washed in convenient decoctions, or composed into the form of a bowl or solid Electuary; for many Medicaments are conjoined, mixed and united together for odour, sapour, colour, or jucundities sake, and also for preservation to future uses. CHAP. II. Of Syrups in General. WHereas many Plants cannot always be had in readiness and integral, but either their leaves will be fallen, or their Roots hidden in the ground as in Winter, or their virtue decayed, their leaves and flowers being scattered, or they will not be found when urgent necessity requires: juices are extracted out of them for future uses, or their decoctions, condited with a sufficient quantity of sugar or honey, or both together, are prepared, so as they may be kept a long time without impairing their strength and virtue after great coction, till they acquire the the consistency of a syrup. Now a syrup is a certain liquid Medicament of juices, or decoctions, so long cocted with honey or sugar, Syrupus quid. for sapour and conservations sake, till it attain a just consistency; which may be known, if one drop of it dropped on a marble stone, dilate not, but cleave together, or taken betwixt one's fingers dwawne out in threads or teats. Syrups were invented by the Arabians, which Avicena (lib. 5. serm. 1. tract. 6.) calls decoctions, or juices thickened with sweetness, according to the Arabic word Scarab, Sharab. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. which denotes a certain drink, but sweet or Srab, which signifies sweet wine, or rather a Syrup, or potion prepared after our manner; the Greeks call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the ancients by all these often understood Oinomel or sweet potions, for the name syrup, and the preparation thereof was scarce known to ancient Grecians. But some hold that the name syrup is more probably derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 juice and and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to draw, Nominis syrupietymologia. as it were a juice extracted, or that they were derived from Syria, or from that which Alexander Aphrodiseus calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, wine boiled to the half, new wine, wine boiled to the third part, or a sweet potion of wine and honey. Syrups are perfectly cocted with honey or sugar, that they may not corrupt, but be useful for a whole year, and they therefore have a thicker consistency, a mean betwixt wine boiled to the third, and a julep; as an Apozeme betwixt a julep and a syrup; for a syrup is not so thick as sapa, nor a julep as a syrup, nor an Apozem as a julep, for as syrups, which because thicker may be kept longer & safer, so Apozemes and Juleps, being thinner, may not be kept long and safely, for they will not keep one week, and therefore Physicians are wont to prescribe them to present use, and have them made so oft as necessity requires: but we shall treat more largely of these in the next book, for now we shall speak of such as may be kept by the Apothecaries for a long time, of which for present use are often made Apozemes, if they be dissolved in the decoction of Plants, or Juleps if in distilled waters: they often also ingrede the confection of Eclegmes, Opiates; and Condites both, that they may acquire better acceptation and virtue and also a consistency more convenient to our purpose. Yet they are sometimes prescribed alone and unmixed, especially such as must be assumed by licking by little and little to move phlegm, as all brown syrups, as the syrup of Colts-foot, the juice of Liccorish, Maidens-haire, Hyssop, or of some such like, which by reason of their sweetness coct the spittle. Now syrups are made of the decoction of herbs, Materia Syruporum. roots, fruits, seeds, flowers, or their juices, and such like as may be well decocted, and the matters to be decocted are so chosen, as they may answer our intent, whether it be to corroborate some part, or mend some vicious humour, or educe it, thence we have such variety of syrups: for they are composed to calefy, refrigerate, moisten, dry, open, obstruct, cut, thicken and purge. And the decoction of those things, whereof Syrups are made, Aqua optima quae. aught to be in water, either rain-water, or fountain water, or running water which is best, because void of all qualities: the quantity whereof must be answerable to the quantity and hardness of the things cocted: for such things as are harder, as roots and wood can scarce be cocted, save with much time and water without adustion. And therefore the water must be augmented, when simples are long to be cocted, as also when they are too bitter. The decoction strained and clarified is boiled again, with an equal quantity of sugar or honey, or both; and sometimes with sweet wine, as it will appear in our book, called the Apothecary's Shop. CHAP. III. Of Propomates. THe Ancients according to Aëtius and Paulus (Aët. cap. 30. cent. 3. ser. 1. Paul. Aeg. c. 15. lib. 7. Propomata quid. the remed) called a●l drinks dulcorated with honey by the general n●me Propomata, for they, scarce knowing sugar, made all drinks pleasant to the palate with honey, which we now make with sugar, that they may be more sweet and pleasant, yet some, not for want of sugar, are condited with honey, both for the peculiar condition of the sapour, and the attainment of those excellent qualities wherewith it abounds: for honey besides that sweetness, which it hath, being most pleasant to the tongue, is such an excellent conservative, that many use it, instead of salt, for the Babylonians (Dionys. Areop.) Melle qui corpora condiebant. in time passed buried their dead bodies in honey, and Appius the Cook (Herod. in Thalia) covered flesh with honey, that he might preserve it without salt, many things also condited, and other Medicaments are dulcorated and confected with honey, both that they may be more pleasant to the palate, and also keep more safely without corruption, and acquire more notable virtues: Wherefore Galen (Cap. 177 simple. Medic.) writes well when he saith, that honey may safely be mixed with all Antidotes. For it is most sweet (Cap. 11. lib. de alim.) and it produces most thin juice, and being mixed with Medicaments, it causes them to induce and keep better. (Paul. cap. 14. lib. 7. the remed.) yet it is not equally wholesome to all, for as (Cap. 8. lib. 2. de fac. not.) it is good for old and cold men, for it is noxious to such as are feverish and young men, especially choleric, because it is soon changed, engenders choler, and becomes bitter in hot bodies, for if it be holden too long to the fire, it will be bitter; as also, if it be kept too long (Cap. 16. lib. 4. simple.) for Galens father (Cap. 11. l. 1. de Antidote.) Pater Galeni mel amarum babebat. had a certain kind of honey, as bitter as if it had been made in Pontus, in that part where the Bees gather their honey from wormwood, yet he saith it was Athenian honey, and very good, but that it became bitter by diuturnity of time. Now Pliny (Cap. 56. lib. 7.) saith, that one Aristaeus an Athenian first invented honey, and the Curetes first taught the use thereof, Mellis primus inventor. though Ovid makes Bacchus the Author of it, when he saith: Liber & inventi praemia mellis habet. Furthermore, many Medicaments are made of honey, and also potions either more liquid, called by Paulus sweet Potions, as Hydromel that is watery, and not enough boiled, or more thick and longer boiled and insolated, as Hydromel of wine, as Oxymel, and other Medicaments which are nominated from honey, as the medicamental honeys of violets, Anacardium, R says, and such like. Many Medicaments are comprehended under this name Hydromel, as Muscadel, Melicratum, Hydromel of water, and of wine simple and compound; Quid hydromelitis nomine intelligendum. yet none is so simple, but it consists of honey and water, as the name demonstrates, but it is called simple to difference it from the more compound, whereof many differences are described every where by the best Physicians, as by Galen (lib. the Dinamid.) and by Paulus. (lib. 7. the remed.) In the Confection of Hydromel, In hydromelite qua mellis ad aquam proportio. the proportion of honey to the water is various, according to the various scope of the Physician, the temper of the assumer: For in Summer it is prescribed most watery, as also to young men, but in Winter, and to old men, and phlegmatic, with a greater portion of wine or honey; and it seems good to our Ancients properly to call that Hydromel, Hydromel vinosum. which is not very watery, but of wine, and perfectly cocted: for it seems to resemble in sapour and heat most noble Wine, as that of Malmsey; for it much excites spittle, concocts flegmes, cherishes natural hear, and roborates the stomach, its genuine description, and the manner of its making, shall be handled in the shop divulged by us. And although the rule of confecting Melicrated Mulsa, Melicratum, mulsa, & hydromel, idem. or Hydromell (which differ only in name not in substance) be not one but various, yet Mesue (part. 3. distinct. 6.) delivers the most vulgar, and usual rule, to wir the admistion of eight pounds of water to one of honey, which must be cocted together, till froth cease to swim above, which opinion the best Authors follow, though many mix with every pound of honey ten of water; and sometimes twelve, according to their various intentions. Rustics in Summer decoct the Loture of honeycombs, Hydromel Rusticorum. first strained, and they despume it well, and repose it in ample vessels, and having hung a little lump of Leaven in the vessels, they leave it for two or three days, and then they drink it with great pleasure, to expel thirst; for this drink is sharp and sweet, and most pleasant to their palates; others boil six pounds of honey in fifty pound of fountain-water and, scum it well, and then they dissolve an ounce and an half, or two ounces of Leaven, or Barm, and put in the Barrel, leaving a certain space, as about two or three fingers breadth empty. Apomel is not very watery, and as in strength and virtue, Apomeli. it is equal to vinous Hydromel, so hath it the same manner of preparation, as we shall show in our shop. Amongst sweet potions is reckoned Oinomel, Oinomel. which is made of two parts of old wine, and one of honey, and sometimes of six parts of sweet new wine, and one of honey, according to Oribasius (Cap. 25. lib. 5. Collect.) and because honey is of thin parts, and most sweet, those Medicaments that admit of its Commistion do conduce most to the attenuation, coction, and expurgation of gross humours. CHAP. IU. Of Syrups mixed with Honey. THat which the Greeks call Oxymel, and the Arabians Secanjabin; The Apothecaries, and not improperly call a tart sweet potion, for it is a sour syrup made of water and honey, or sweet wine, and vinegar, whence, the taste recerves it as sour and sweet, and as it hath a mixed and various sapour, so hath it mixed virtues as by reason of the honey to the vinegar, as of the vinegar to itself: for vinegar hath a purging faculty, and it is (Gal. l 1. Acetum esse calidum & frigidum. simple. & li. 2. Comp Med. loc.) cold and hot, discussive & repulsive, and therefore Oxymel is commodious for hot & cold diseases, it cuts, attenuates and cleanseth gross and slimy humours, it educes spittle, Oxymelitis qualitas. takes away obstructions, it prepares cold humours for expulsion, it moderates hot humours, and quenches thirst: for honey is averse to cold humours, vinegar to their lentour, and water to heat, and therefore causes that the honey be longer cocted better scummed, and the virtue of the Oximel, Mellis optimi nota. better distributed as Messue his Interpreter well observes. And the honey should not only be very good, sweet, and sharp, pale of colour, neither too thick, nor too waterish, nor abounding with spume, but the water also, being a common solace, both to the whole and sick, as Galen saith (Cap. 27. lib. de renum dignot. Aquae bonit as qui dignoscatur. & Medicat.) and most necessary to all things, aught to be most pure and good, and it may be tried so to be by taste, sight, and smell: by taste, as if it be free from all qualities, endued with none: by sight, as if it be pure, sincere and tightly clear: by smell, as if nothing can be smelled therein which is in vicious waters, and the vinegar also must necessarily be very good, rather white than red, Acetum quodnam optimum. not stillatitious, nor waterish, but most sharp, which hath a more potent faculty in cutting and attenuating. Now that Oxymel is reckoned amongst Medicines, is from vinegar, for it is not of them accounted sweet wine, betwixt which Oxymel and Apomel takes place, called by Serapis Acumel. But because all vinegar hath not the same virtue, nor all men the same delight in its taste, the same proportion of honey to vinegar is not generally used, for some would have more of vinegar, others more of honey, whence Serapio thinks it should be made according to his mind that drinks, yet the confection described by Mesue and Oribasius is most received and approved. And it is made of one part of vinegar, Oxymelitis praeparatio. two of water, and four of honey, and all are boiled together to the consistency of a more liquid syrup, for if it be not perfectly cocted, yet because of the honey, it may be preserved long enough without corruption. And this is called simple Oxymel, in respect of that which is more compound, which besides water, honey and vinegar receives many roots and fruits, whereof many forms are described by Nicolaus Myrepsus, and later writers. CHAP. V Of Juices mixed with Honey. HOney is the Countrey-mans sugar, wherewith they often condite Cherries, Goosberies and Pears, Apothecaryes' also, not for want of sugar, but by the Physicians advise confect certain juices, fruits and flowers with honey, and make them into Conserves, Galenjabin. Conserva Rosarum. sapes, and syrups: conserveses, as honey of Roses called by the Arabians Geneljabin, and by the Greeks Rhodomel, which is made of one part of the flowers of red roses bruised, and three parts of honey despumed: Mel passulatum. Sapes as honey of grapes, which confected of one pound of dry grapes, cleansed and macerated for a whole day in three pounds of water, than boiled to the half, afterwards strained, and mixed with an equal quantity of honey despumed: syrups, as another kind of honey of roses, which is made of an equal quantity of despumed honey, and red rose juice; the Mercurial honey, or Mell Mercuriale, is also confected after the like manner, and cocted to the consistency of a thicker syrup. And as the consistency of these conserveses of roses is various, so is their description and preparation, for many take the same quantity of roses purged from their white and of honey, as Mesue also did, but they do not as he, Rhodomel. boil them on the fire, but expose them to the heat of the Sun, Mel Rosatum foliatum. for the space of ten or twelve days before they repose them in their shops, thus also Rhodomel prepared without colature, is called by some of a later stamp Mel Rosatum foliatum, and by others, Conserva mellis Rosarum. But that which is confected of an equal part of the juice of red roses and of honey, because of its sapour and consistency, is called the syrup of the honey of roses; That same is a mean betwixt both, because made partly of the leaves and juice of Roses, with an equal weight of honey: yet the former manner of confection is more approved, after which manner also other Medicinal honeys are confected of other flowers. Yet is it better that these be insolated than decocted with fire; Cur prastet hac insolari quàm coqui. because the odour of flowers, being easily dissipable, perishes, and their qualities do not remain integral after cocture, but they will easily endure insolation, which acting with a temperate and diuturnal heat, not short, and fervid, better mixes such Medicaments; yet that honey which is made of fresh roses, is used to be cocted with a slow fire, that which is made of dry roses should be insolated. Now, what way soever honey of roses is made, whether of flowers integral or broken, it ought first a little to be calefied, that it may be strained, and it is called, Mel Rosatum Colatum. As fruits are harder, more difficult to be cocted, and less dissipable than flowers and leaves, so Medicinal honey is made of these after a different manner, for insolation will not suffice, but they must be long concocted in water before honey be put to them, and that fruits may be rightly cocted, they must first be macerated four and twenty hours in thrice as much water as is equal to them, than they must be cocted to the third part, or half, than an equal weight of honey must be added to the colature, and then the concoction must be perfected in the consistency of a syrup. CHAP. VI Of Sapes. Juices educed out of fruits and herbs, after collation, expurgation, and a consistency obtained by the benefit of the Sun or fire, are called Sapes, or medicinated juices, by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Rob & Sapa quid. and by the Arabians Rob, or Robub. Sape is properly wine pressed out of white ripe grapes, and cocted to the consistency of honey, called by the Arabians Rob. Now any other juice extracted and cocted to a just spissitude is by the general name called Robub. Yet these barbarous names are seldom distinguished, but Rob and Robub, are used without difference for any thick juice, as it is apparent in Mesue, who, not ignorant of the proper name, calls all concrete juices, rather Rob, than Robub, though his interpreter judges otherwise. The Juices are extracted either with a press, or by the compression of ones hands, and then trajected through a napkin, that whatever of forditude is therein may cleave to the cloth, and the pure juice may only be transmitted; which afterwards put in a pan or other vessel is insolated, or cocted on a slow fire till it grow thick, and acquire a solid form. And its watery humidity thus resolved, it may be preserved many months and years without putrefaction. Some Juices also are simple, Sapae simplices & compositae. others compound. Of the simple, some have a friable substance, and a purgative faculty, which must be longer cocted, that they may acquire perfect solidity, as Aloes, Scammony, and such like; others have a lent and viscid substance, and for the most part an astrictive and acid quality, such as all Robs are said to be by Mesue, (Distinct. 6.) Those are called compound Sapes or Juices, which besides their concrete Juices, admit of Sugar, as Rob condited of Barberries, Rob of Quinces, Mulberries, and such Fruits. As therefore sweet Wine only boiled to the third, Desrutum quid. and despumed, still remaining liquid, is called Defrutum; so Wine expressed in a harder Consistency, inspissated by heat, is properly called Sapa; which also may be called Rob or Robub. If any be more solicitous about the name than the thing itself, he may equally refer the name Robub to all Juices. The use of Sapes is commended to many things, Saparum usus. especially to diseases in the mouth; and they are sometimes prescribed alone, sometimes to be mixed with other Confections, as to Diamorum, Diacodium, and other Syrups. CHAP. VII. Of Conserves. SEeing the virtue of Flowers may be easily dissipated, it can scarce be long retained integral, but is much impaired with coction and time, and often resolved. Now that it may be retained, Flowers are wont to be condited in Sugar or Honey, and a Compound is made, that may be preserved for many months and years, without any great impairing of virtue; whence it is properly called a Conserve; whereof we have two different kinds, Conservarum differentia. the one is liquid and soft, which will yield to the pressure of ones finger, wherein is left some lentor; the other dry, which is much more solid, and made into Pastils or Trochisks, to which our fingers rather yield. But because all Flowers have not a like compact substance, or like temper, they are not all condited after the same manner, nor require the same quantity of Sugar in their conditure. Those that are more humid should taleby a day or two in a place neither too humid, nor too hot, that their superfluous humidity may be resolved. Those that are dryer, by how much they are more fresh and succulent, by so much the better. Amongst the more humid, whereof Conserves are made, we reckon the Flowers of Water-lillies, Roses, Succory, Violets, Borage, and Bugloss; amongst the drier Flowers, of Sage, Hyssop, Rosemary, Oranges, Jasmine, Betony, Peach-trees, and many other Simples, which are seldom or never condited. The more humid require a greater quantity of Sugar to their confection, the dryer a less; to some an equal weight of Sugar is sufficient, to other half their weight, to many twice their weight, to Roses and Water-lillies thrice their weight is requisite. Some are integrally mixed with twice their weight, or a sufficient quantity of Sugar, and are set to be insolated one or two months, according to the crassitude or tenuity of the Flowers. Others, as Roses, after their purgation from the white, Conserva rosarum qui fiat. whereby they are fastened to the bud, and their triture in a stone mortar with a of Box wood, are mixed tightly with thrice their weight of Sugar, and then reposed in an earthen pot well leaded, and are well covered with a paper not forated, lest the virtue of the Flowers should be dissipated. This done, the vessel is insolated by the space of a whole month, or forty days, for hereby the Conditure is excellently fermentated, the heat of the Sun permeating every part thereof, if it be stirred twice or thrice a week with a Spatula, which is effected without any dissipation of its virtues or odour. Some immerge and perfectly mix integral Flowers, sometimes and oft braying in Sugar melted and cocted to the consistency of an Electuary, which when it is cold, they put in boxes, and insolate it. If in the conditing, a little juice of Lemmon be injected, Quomodo conserva rubra fiat. it will attain a red and lively colour, that it will not lose in a years space, if it be reposed in a Vessel while it is hot; for afterwards refrigerating, a certain scum or crust arises upon the superficies, which preserves the colour, odour, and virtue longer. Conserves are seldom made of leaves, because their substance is more compact, and quality less diffipable; for they may be brought from far Countries, without impairing their virtues. Yet some, which have excellent faculties posited in their superficies, cannot be dried without damage, as Sorrel, and Capillus veneris. And therefore Conserves may well be made of them well purged, as of Monspelian, Maidens hair, which is accounted the best, as many other Simples abundant in that Country. Yet have I heard the City Monspelier more commended for medics than Medicaments. However, excellent Conserves of Maidens-hair is carried from Monspelier to all the Countries in France, which is made of an equal quantity of pulverated Sugar, and cleansed Leaves brayed and mixed together, after insolated so long as is convenient. Some hold this Conserve to be better, if a Syrup perfectly cocted be made of the decoction of this herb and Sugar, and then mixed to other cleansed and brayed Leaves of this herb, for thus it acquires a more excellent virtue, and a more fit consistency. Dry Conserve is made of dry Roses levigated very small with eight times their quantity of Sugar boiled in Rose-water to the consistency of an Electuary, Conservae ex rosis siccis. to which a little juice of some sour Simple, as Lemons or Sorrel, may be mixed; for this juice doth not only make it sweet, and sour, and pleasant to the taste, but of a more red and pleasant colour. By the same art may other dry Conserves be made of dry Flowers. CHAP. VIII. Of Condites in general. ROots, Conditura cur fiat. Fruits, and other parts of Plants are condited either for conservation, or for sapour, or both. For Conservations sake many are condited with Salt or Vinegar, and sometimes both, as Olives, Capers, Sampire, Cucumbers, and Broom-flowers. For Sapours sake, the pills of Oranges, Lemons, Almonds, Pine-apples, Cloves, Nuts, and many Seeds are confected with Honey or Sugar. For both Conservation and Sapours sake, many Roots, Fruits, and Flowers, as the root of Ragwort, Pears, Plums, Barberries, and the flowers of Bugloss and Violets, both that they may taste better, and keep longer. And such things as are to be condited, are first concocted in an apt syrup, and reposed and reserved with it in an earthen glass or vessel, which are called by Apothecaries, Condita liquida. liquid Condites. But if after perfect Concoction they be exposed to the open air till their superficies be dry, and that viscid lentor, wherewith they cleaved to the fingers of such as touch them, Confecturae siccae. be resolved, then are they called dry Confectures. Hereunto by a certain affinity may be referred a certain kind of Condite, which is called Pasta regia, or a Mazapane: but we shall treat of that more positively in our fifth Book, in our Treatise of particular Remedies. Those Delicates which the Confectioners call Tragemata, Tragemata i.e.. Junkets, may be referred to solid Condites; for they, as other Condites, are prepared by the help of the fire, and the addition of Sugar, but after a different manner. For example's sake; if Seeds are to be condited, the Sugar must first be cocted into the consistency of a syrup, then is it by little and little poured upon the Seeds; then are they moved with one's hand, and that so long, till the Seeds be covered and incrustated all over with the Sugar. Lemmons pills small cut, as also Cinnamon, are condited after the same manner. Now Fruits being humid, they require a liquid Confecture, and Seeds being dry, a dry one. CHAP. IX. Of Powders. THE Medicinal Art can by no means want Powders; for when Medicaments are either too humid, or dry, by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; the dry for the most part are pulverated, the humid are made up and concinnated with these Powders, as Electuaries, solid Conserves, Trochisks, Plasters, and other Medicaments, both intrinsically to be assumed, and extrinsecally to be applied; for nothing in Chirurgery is more frequently prescribed than incarnating, astringing, and closing Powders; Pulverum in Chirurgia frequens usus. and nothing so carefully prepared and kept of Apothecaries as cordial, capital, and roborating Powders, which are not only mixed with other forms of Medicaments, but oftentimes prescribed alone to divers uses and affections, as to roborate the principal parts, preserve their strengths, extinguish Poisons, stay Fluxes, help concoction, to bind or lose the belly. Many external passions are oft cured with these alone, Pulvis vulnerarius optimus. seldom without them, as any Wound with red Powder compounded of two parts of Dragons-blood, and one of Frankincense, as a great Ulcer after detersion with incarnating Powder. Pulvis epuloticus optimus. Thus a slash or scar of a Wound is closed with an Epulotical Powder, the best whereof are the Powders of Pompholix, Brass oar, Ceruse, Spodium, Terra Lemnia, and Led, rightly prepared. Now generally, Pulveres in medicina quid praestent. Medicaments are either given in the form of Powders, or of them other forms are made, borrowing their matter from Powders; for these do not only serve for to be fitted to the forms of several Medicaments, but whether you look to the body, or the quality of Medicaments, these are for the most part their very Basis. And Powders are made of the most select Medicaments beaten more or less, as the nature of the Medicament, or the exigency of the matter requires. And all that are levigated or redacted into Powder, are called of the Latins by a general name, Pulveres; which the Arabians call distinctly by these three idioms, Sufful, Alkool, Alkool, Sufful, Sief. and Sief. Sufful denotes any kind of Powder, whether small or great. Alkool that which is very small. Sief denotes the attrition of certain Trochisks upon a Marble, mixed with Rose, Fennel, or other convenient water, to the griefs of the eyes. Now some Powders, to wit, such as are made by the Confectioners, are destinated only to Sauces, as the Powders of Pepper, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and such like sweet Spices; and they are called of the Seplasiaries, small Spices, which they used to keep in Leather bags. Other Powders are cordial, and roborative, which pertain only to the Medicinal Art, as the Powder of Diarrhodon Abbatis, Diacynamon, Dianisi, Laetitia Galeni, and other cordial Powders, which should be reposed in boxes, glasses, or pots close covered, lest their virtue suddenly expire. Other Powders are also made, as Cathartick Powders, which are only for present, not future uses, because by keeping they are much worse and weaker. Yet scarce is any Powder internally assumed alone, and unmixed, but is put in water, or some other liquor, though not so applied externally, which we often lay to Wounds and Ulcers alone. Perfumers, Cosmeticorum studium. Chamberers, and such as would take away wrinkles from old women with painting, and promise to fascinate and cure stinking breaths, make several Powders of suaveolent Spices, as of the root of Orris, of Roses, Sandals, Storax, Betzoini, sweet Cane, Cinnamon, Cloves, Marjorum, Amber, Musk, Civet; of which, and other odoriferous Simples, they make two excellent Powders, which they call Chyprium & Violetum; and also many other and various Powders for the delectation of them that desire them. They are wont to repose them in silken bags, and put them in chests with their . But the Apothecary need not be solicitous about these, for whom it is more expedient to have good Pulvis Diamargaritonis, than Chyprium. CHAP. X. Of Eclegms in general. A Certain Medicament is made for the diseases of the Lungs, something thicker than a Syrup, and more liquid than an Electuary, which the Arabians call Lodoch; the Greeks, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; the Latins, Linctus: for it is assumed by little and little, as it were by licking or sucking, that by staying and linger in the passage, it may deerre into the breast, or at least its cough-curing virtue may reach the cavities of the Breast, and the grisles of the Lungs concoct Spittle, and cause its exclusion, which by the strength of nature may easily be done after concoction of the humour by a Vomit, or Expectoration upwards. Now they are not only exhibited in a morning upon a fasting stomach, but also at evening, and sometimes betwixt meals, to several effects, and for several intentions, and according to the matter, intention and quality whereof the Medicaments consist; for they are given to leniate, deterge, incrassate, incide, expectorate, and stay blood. Eclegms also, according to the Ancients, may be made of Medicaments of any sapour: yet very bitter and very sharp Medicaments we do not approve of for this use; for besides that ingrateful sense they bring to the palate, they exasperated the hollow artery, and the jaws, and greatly molest the lungs: yet are sour ones sometimes prescribed for the attenuation of gross humours. But use hath so far prevailed, that in the confecture of Coughcuíing Eclegms, it is almost a Law, that nothing but sweet Ingredients should make up the Compound, as juice of Liccorish, Pines, Jujubs, Sugar-candy, Dragaganth, and such like Electuaries, mixed in Honey, or some fit Syrup. But if the condition of any affection preternaturally require bitter or sharp Ingredients, then must they be mixed with the other Medicaments in a less quantity, both that they may be more easily assumed, and also that in altering the humour contained, they may not hurt the part containing. Quae eclegmata conveniant Asthmaticis. Such Lohoches as these are for their notable faculty in inciding and opening, commended to the pursy, and such as breathe difficultly, because of gross humours in their Lungs. An Eclegm should be assumed upon a stick of Liccorish a little beaten, or out of some little measure, and holden in the mouth till it melt of its own accord, and till it slide down the mouth of the stomach, or insinuate itself into the Artery subjected. They are reposed in earthen vessels leaded, and may be kept a whole year without impairing their virtues. Yet such as in their Confecture receive Almonds, or Nuts, as they grow mouldy sooner, so do their faculties sooner fail and decay. There is to be sold in Shops a certain Electuary somewhat liquid for Glisters, and it is made of one pound of the decoction of Violets, Malva, the herb Mercury, Pelitory of the wall, Beets and Wormwood, with the same weight of the Pitch of Cassia, and Honey despumed, which being thicker than any Syrup, and borrowing its colour and virtue from Cassia, is called Lohoch of Cassia. Lohoch caspa. CHAP. XI. Of Electuaries in general. SUch Medicaments as externally applied can cure any Poison, whether within the body, or inflicted on the body by some bite, are by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which introsumed help many grievous affections. The Latins do not only retain and confound both these names, but also denote them by the name of Electuary to us; for the Ancients called them Antidotes, the later men Electuaries. Whereof, according to their different consistency there be two kinds, the one solid, which Apothecaries make into little pieces, which they call Lozenges, the other more liquid made and form into the consistency of an opiate. But if according to Galen, the difference of Antidotes, or Electuaries be taken from their quality and virtues, some are assumed because of deadly Medicaments, others are prevalent against venomous beasts, others are prescribed to diseases contracted by ill victuals, and some are accommodated to all these uses, which may not only be wholsomley introsumed, but also, externally applied, as treacle Mithridate. Electuaries according to their different solidity, are called Dry and Tabulated, Electuaria sicca ac tabulata. or Liquid, which have the consistency of an opiate, a mean betwixt an Eclegme and Pills, as all Antidotes, whose powders are subactd with sape, honey, or wine, which put to sugar rightly prepared, and agitated with a wooden pestle do acquire the just consistency of a solid Electuary: So that wine, and the same Electuary may be form liquid or solid according to the adjection of sugar or honey with artificial mixtion, yet they can scarce be brought to a solid Consistency which admit of the extract of Cassia, and the inner part of fruits. The proportion of honey to powders in liquid Electuaries should be the same with sugar to them in dry and solid Electuaries, which is that to one pound of honey or sugar should be mixed three ounces of Powder, yet either may be increased or diminished, as the power of the Antidote is requisite to be more valid or more weak, for by how much more sugar or honey is added to the powders, by so much is the Electuary weaker, and by how much the less, by so much the stronger. In purging Lozenges, one dram of powder should be mixed with an ounce of sugar cocted in water, or some juice, to a consistency somewhat more solid than a syrup in Cord all Lozenges; two ounces of sugar often go to one dram of powder, the quantity whereof should be by so much lesser, by how much the quality is stronger, and the sapour more ingrateful. But Physicians should define a just quantity of sugar or honey, Medicorum error. for while they prescribe only according to their custom, as much as will serve of either indefinitely, they leave the Apothecary doubtful in making the Electuary, and they commit the sick persons safety to his judgement; for he may make the strength of the Medicament more weak, or more intense, as he pleases, and you shall scarce find two Apothecaryes' who put the same proportion of sugar or honey to the same remedy, when the quantity is not prescribed. In the Confecture of the liquid Antidote, Electuarium liquidum faciendi modus. the honey is washed with a little water, and boiled by little and little on a moderate fire, and despumed, till the water, or other liquor be exhaled, than it is taken off the fire, and before it be absolute cold, three ounces of the mixed powders are sprinkled upon the honey, every pound of honey so prepared requires three ounces of Powder, and then they are mixed with a wooden postell, till the mixture be equal. The weight of honey should not be changed, because of the mixture of the pulp of Cassia, Tamarinds, or Manna, Dactyls, and Almonds, or other fruits, for in confecting an Electuary of a Legitimate consistency, the weight of dry powders must be answerable to the sape, honey, or sugar. A soft Electuary should not be reposed in a box, before it be thoroughly cold, lest its superior part be extrinsecally incrusted in a certain Membrane, it is betetr to let it be fermented, and the crassitude equal. Sugar also must be prepared before it receive powders for it should be dissolved in stillatitious water, or other fit liquor, Electuarium siccum faciendi modus. and then be despumed, and boiled softly on a fire till it be thicker than a syrup, and till a drop thereof will not dilate itself, and after a little refrigeration the several species must be by little and little added, confounded, and mixed with a Spatula till it have got its whose solidity and equability, than it must be laid on a marble before it be cold, and with the Spatula dilated and planed, when it is cold, it may be cut into Lozenges square or round, of one, two, or three dramms weight, which after they be brought to the hardness of sugar must be laid in boxes or Chests. Of what consistency soever the Electuary be; whether solid or soft, it preserves the strength of the simples, well and long. Yet doth the soft preserve it longer than the solid, because its humidity being greater, it more constrains the faculty of the Medicaments, and hinders them from being dissipated by the air. By how much an Electuary is more grateful to the Palate, by so much the sooner doth its energy and faculty decay, for its efficacy will scarce endure a year, bitter; and ingrateful will endure two or three years, and the Antidote against wild beasts bitings, or poisons, sometimes ten years without damage. CHAP. XII. Of Hiera. HIerae differ little from the Opiate, Hiera pierae unde habeant nomen. Opiates from liquid Electuaries, for they have all the same consistency, and often the same purging faculty, yet Electuaries and Opiates do sometimes purge, neither molesting the belly, nor displeasing the palate with their sapour, but Hierae besides their purging faculty which they always have, are very bitter and unacceptable, which their name shows, for they are called Picrae, for their exceeding bitterness, as Hiera. i e. holy for their excellent effects. They are compounded of loosening and bitter, yet Medicaments good for the stomach, which incide and gently purge gross, and phlegmatic humours out of the first region of the body, Hiera picra Galeni dicitur, quod cam emendarit. and especially those that are called Galens Hierae, because changed and mended by him, (Cap. 11. lib. 8. comp. med. local.) which (saith he) are the best remedy for the melancholic affections of the belly; for many stomachical Maladies have been cured by him in one day therewith; for since Aloes is mixed hereunto, which is very good for the stomach, and Cinnamon, which is effectual in opening, exterging, and attenuating (for it is of very thin parts) they may be exhibited usefully for all gross and viscous humours, Quib us conveniat, & quibus non. and all affections about the belly and stomach, proceeding from vicious juice, but not if they proceed from a sharp fever. Hiera whose faculty is to calefy and exiccate, may not be securely used, in those fevers whereby humours are accended in the vessels, and whereby the whole body is inflamed, though by Galens advice, they may safely be used in fevers that are not vehement: there are besides Galens Picrae, Hierae varia descriptae Hierae. variously described, various compositions, which from their effects are called Hierae, and from their sapours Picrae, as from that matter, which in composition, quantity, or quality is preheminent, one Hiera is called the Colloquintidan Hiera, others are confected under the names of Logadius, Pacchus, or Myrepfius, either because they first invented their compositions, or else altered, augmented and corrected them. The descriptious composition and powers of every one shall be largely treated of, taught and explained in our book termed the shop: some Hierae, have their purgative power only from Aloes, and that not potent, and Galen. cap. 2. lib. 4. de loc. affect. saith, that they scarce condescend to the places about the Liver, unless they be taken in a more ample weight, they may be commodiously given for the suffusion or web in the eye, because they rather educe noxious humours from the brain, than from the stomach; but such as admit of Coloquintida, or Agarick, or both, or scammony, do potently move the belly, and draw hurtful humours from all the parts of the body, and purge them out. CHAP. XIII. Of Opiates in general. OPiates are reckoned amongst liquid Electuaries, and so called, because they have Opium in their mixture, or from their similitude to Hypnoticall Medicaments, or from their consistency presently after their inspissation, or peradventure from their Colour which in Opium, or the juice of black poppy, and in liquid Antidotes, whether Cordial, or opening, is the same. And although the Ancients call those Medicaments only Opiates, too strictly, which admit of Opium in their mixture, of what consistency soever, whether solid, as the Alchemists Laudanum, and Pills of Cynoglosson, or soft, as the Roman Philonium; yet are they in a larger sense taken for any soft Confections, Cordial, altering, Opiatarum appellatio amplissima. purging, or narcoticall, whether they admit Opium, as Antidotes against venomous beasts, or they consist only in cordial and altering ingredients, as Alkermes, and the confection of violets, or of purging ingredients as Triphera, Diaprunum, and such like, which are oftener called by the names of Electuaries, and Confections, than Opiates. Now Opiates were invented by Physicians of ancient note (Gal. Opiatae cur inventae cap.. 2. lib. 2. de loc. affect. Aet. c. 12. lib. 2. the sign. & cause. diut morb.) to leniate the rigour of griefs; for grief being a sad passion, Dolour quid. grievous to nature, and hard to be endured, it doth variously exagitate humours, corrupt the blood, accend a fever, and deject the spirits: Ejus affectus. so that the Physician is sometimes compelled, to relinquish the former disease, that he may cure this great symptom with these presidies, which though they take not away the cause of the disease, yet they so refresh the senses and spirits by conciliating ease and sleep, that the strength of the symptoms being debated, they may afterwards extrude the causes of the disease more easily. The vehemency therefore of grief is to be deceived, Doloris vehementia desperationis interdum parens. sometimes with Narcoticall Medicaments, which is sometimes so prevalent, that it drives men to that Madness, that they had rather die than live, and therefore lay violent hands upon themselves. Galen hath observed (Cap. 5. lib. 7. comp. med. loc.) such vehehement vexations and torments in Colicall dolours, Confectiones Colicae. which might be leniated by several Medicaments, that he described certain Narcoticall Opiates, and left them to posterity, which he called Colical confections, which may mitigate the vehemency of the symptom, stay the motion of humours, and stupify the senses: hence they are called Narcoticall opiates, because they bring to the parts a certain necrosy or mortification, and they are called Annodyna i. e. grief-absolving Medicines, because for present they mitigate and absolve from pain and grief. For Anodynes are not all of one sort, Paregorica quae. for some are Paregoricall or leniating, which are temperate, and most agreeing without heat, as Hydreole, the root of Lilies boiled in milk, and oil of Almonds. Others are called Alliotical, which leniate the grief, Alliotica. to which they are averse by some opposite quality, as oil of roses, of violets to a grief moderately, oil of water lilies to a grief impensely hot, oil of Laurall, or Anisseseeds to a cold dolour, others are also called Narcoticall Opiates, Narcotica. which by stupifying the senses take away the dolour, which must not be used rashly, for lying too long to a place, they extinguish the heat thereof, resolve the nerves, and take away at once, both motion and sense: and as Galen observeth (Cap. 18. lib. 5. simplic. med.) taken in too great quantity kills. Which is evidenced by the most perilous experiences of jugglars and deceivers, who with their shining Stibium stir up torments and other grievous symptoms, wherewith they may cover their error with a worse, do indeed take away dolours, by their narcoticall Opiates, neither rightly made, nor applied: For they easily conciliate sleep, but such a one as intrudes the diseased into Charon's boat, Somniserum Empericorum. not in this world again to awake, whence it is true that Empirics Hypnoticall medicines is often the cure of all evils. I will not here relate stories well known to me of these impious periclitatours, lest I should digress too far from my purpose, and because the work would be immense, if I should here insert what I have received from men of credit. Now Narcoticks are improperly, and only as to their nomination called Anodynes: for besides their Elementary quality whereby they refrigerate, they are endued with another that is hostile and deletary to our native heat, unless they be taken in a smaall quantity, and also then, and so prepared, as is meet, as Opium, Mandrake, Henbane, and Hemlock. Anodynes proper so called, Anod yna quae. are paregoricall, hot in the first degree, or temperate, or little exceeding a symmetry, which may be safely, either assumed or applied. Medicaments therefore that admit, Opium, or other Narcoticks must be taken in a small weight, and are truly called Opiates of what Consistency soever they be. Yet other soft altering, purging, and roborating Cofections are now also termed Opiates. CHAP. XIV. Of Pills. PIlls have their name from the form of a little ball or bullet, Pilulae cur ita dictae. Unde dicantur catapotia. which because they are not chewed, but swallowed whole, are called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for because of the ingrateful sapour, and odour of those simples, whereof they are confected, as Aloes, Coloquintida, Agarick, Opoponax, Sagapenes and other sharp, stinking and bitter simples, they are form in a spherical effigy, in a solid consistency, and exhibited in a small quantity, that they may be assumed with more ease, and less trouble, for the exiguity of the Medicament makes it easier to be swallowed, and the solidity less to be dissolved; the round form sooner to slide down, to stay longer in the ventricle, to draw more efficaciously from parts remote, and not so soon to pass into the intestines, or to be excluded by vomiting; for liquid Medicaments are often assumed and disgorged in the same instant. Pills are frequently, because of their insuavity, covered with leaves of Gold, and many odoriferous spices are often mixed artificially with them, whereby they are made more pleasant and grateful to the palate and bowels, yet if they be a little holden in the mouth, or compressed with the tongue or teeth before deglution, they will not only affect the sense with an ill taste, but also as it were, incite the horror and subversion of the ventricle; all Pills are bitter, save a few, Pilularum sapor ingratus. as those that are prescribed to Coughs which are not presently, devoured, but kept long in the mouth, that they may melt and be swallowed by little and little, and these are not so properly called Catapotia or pills, as pastils or trochiskes. The bitterness of Pills is attributed, especially to Aloes, which is their very basis, and which can scarce be assumed otherwise because of its egregious amaritude, and because of its viscidity whereby it conjoins powders, and compels them into pills. Now this bitterness is increased by the commixtion of other ingrateful things, as of Coloquintida, Agarik, Senny, and other purgative Medicaments, which will be so much the more unacceptable to the Palate, by how much more bitter ingredients are admixed, as are pills made of Coloquintida, Aloes, Agarick, Scammony and Gum Arabic, which Galen prescribes to purge many kinds of Excrements (Cap. 14. lib. 5. Method.) Now there are many kinds of Pills, Pilularum magna varietas. partly drawn from the diversity of the members, to which they are destinated, and partly from the diversity of humours, which they draw from the parts: some are called Capital pills which purge phlegm out of the head, as Cochiae, and such as are made of Agarick: others optical, because they consist of many things that are thought good for the eyes, as Pil. Lucis majoris & minoris: others stomachical, as pills before meat, and made of Rhubarbe: others Artheticall, which educe humours from the Articles, from the diversity whereof some are called Phlegmagogall, which purge Phlegm, others Cholagogall which purge Choler, other Melanagogall which purge and move melancholical succe, & from their operation they are said to lose the belly by astringing, as Pills of Rhabarb and Myrobolanes, or by moderate drawing, as Pills of Agarick, or by drawing and expurging together, as pills of Euphorbium. The greatest part of simples to be mixed in the Confection of the lump for Pills should be beaten into small powder, Pilularum compositio ut rectò fiat. then put into honey despumed, or into the slimy matter of Tragaganthum dissolved in some convenient succe, or rather into some convenient syrup, which hath some viscidity fit to make the confused seeds stick in the mixture, and not gape for siccity, that also the simples may be fermented being included in such a mixture, and that their faculty may not so soon exhale: for this cause, saith Silvius, all kinds of Pills should be comprehended in cocted honey, for being comprehended in water or succe, they do not cohere, but like bread made of bran they are presently exficcated, made friable, and decay. But if Pills admit gums, and inspissated juices, those juices should be mollified before in some thine Liquor be moved, with a hot Pestle, and then be put to the mixture of the powders, and last of all be confusedly mixed with as much honey or other viscid humour, as the mixture requires, that it may be made into dough, or a soft lump; for it will daily harden, which after two or three days must be liniated with a little oil of Almonds, and then obvolved in fine leather, or some thin bladder, it must at last be reposed in a tin or leaden box. When a part of that mass is to be used, Crassities pilularum qualis esse debeat. it must answer a definite Dosis, and if need be, be beaten with a fit juice, that it may be mollified, and pills may thereof be made greater, or lesser, or mean, as we desire they should stay more or less time in the belly. Pills, Pilulae validiores quando jumendae. that draw humour strongly from the head or other remote parts, should be exhibited four or five hours after a slender supper, or about midnight, and it is good to sleep after they be assumed. Such as purge benignly, Benignae quando. may be safely swallowed an hour or two before any meal, such as are in a mean are most safely used upon a jejune stomach in the morning. Half a dram is enough to move the belly, Pilularum dosis. often a whole dram is given of the valid to purge more potently, and to strong bodies a dram and half, which purge gross humours; some there are who are averse to all pills, others to none, some will assume none, but the greater sort, others none but little ones in a spoon with much syrup, many will scarce assume any, unless they be involved in cherries or the skins of dry grapes, some will swallow them hidden in the yolk of an egg, or in the leaves of spinach or lettices cocted; others will swallow then after some other manner, for their ingrateful sapour hath invented a thousand ways to assume them. CHAP. XV. Of Trochisks. SOme Medicaments are from the form of little wafers called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as it were little round bread like lupins, or sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by the Latins, pastils, Orbicles, and they are thus form for the Medicaments conservation, and sometimes correction; for Medicaments are more safely kept in that solid form, than in powders. Yet they must be pulverated for use, Pilulae bechicae. if they cannot be assumed whole, such only excepted, as by some are called bechical pills, which must melt in the mouth, for Trochisks of Scylla, and vipers, in in the confecture of a Treacle, lose the form of pastils, and are pulverated. And they are made of Medicaments for the most part dry or beaten, and dissolved with wine, water, or other liquor, till they acquire the consistency of pills, and then they are form into orbicles, and then dried in a shade before they be reposed in boxes where they may be kept a whole year, sometimes two or three, especially if they admit of Opium in their confection, or any valid Medicament, whose strength is not easily dissipated, Trochisks, therefore because of their obdurity and density do preserve very long that strength of those Medicaments whereof they consist, and they more easily resist the injury of the air: which Powders cannot do, but being very small condescend to the air, and are therewith easily changed: yet are not all Trochisks made of Powders, but some of Medicaments which cannot be pulverated, as Scylla and viper's flesh. Neither are Trochisks only introsumed, but also externally applied, those that are assumed at the mouth, as they may be made of every kind of Medicaments, so do they receive from Medicaments their roborating, purging and altering faculties: those are said to roborate, which having respect to a particular place, augment its strength, as Trochisks of Galliae Moschatae roborate the brain, Trochisciroborantes. of Terra lemnia the heart, of Rhabarbe the Liver, of Diarrhodon the ventricle, of Capers the spleen, such as are confected of cathartics retain the strength of their simples, and by moving the belly, Purgantes. expel the humours, as Trochisks of Agarick, Alhanhal, and of Rhabarbe: we judge the same of altering Trochisks, Alterantes. which by their opposite quality change any distemper, as cold hot, or hot cold, dry moist, or moist dry. Neither do we want Trochisks for external affections, as those which from their form, colour and Author are called white Trochisks of Rhases, and many other which are grinded on a marble, that Sief may be made for Collyries to many affections of the eyes. The peculiar Confection of Trochisks shall be more largely explained in our book entitled, the shop, it rests now that we treat of those Medicaments which are only externally applied. THE SECOND SECTION OF THE THIRD BOOK; Wherein is delivered a general explication of external Medicaments. CHAP. I. Of Oils. AS all Diseases are either internally generated, or externally annexed, so all Remedies that are prescribed to them are either internal, of which we have largely heretofore treated; or external, to which we shall now speak. And we shall begin our explication of local Medicaments with Oil, which by right vindicates the first place to itself; because the Apothecary may want many Medicaments, but scarce Oil at all, (Gal. cap. 3. lib. 6. simple. med.) Oleum alimentum est & medicamentum. For it is not only brought to the table because it is sweet, and expressed out of mature Olives, for hereunto we understand the denomination of Oil properly attributed; but the very basis of Unguents, Plasters, and Cerecloths, and the common bond of those Simples whereof they are confected. And because it is of itself temperate, or hot and moist in the first degree, or as Galen saith, (cap. 25. lib. 3. simple. medic.) because it is a medium betwixt hot and cold, moist and dry Medicaments, it helps lassitude and wearisomeness, leniates asperities, mollifies and cleanses the squalid skin, and both wholsomely and pleasantly cures many affections, which he mentioneth, (cap, 6, & 7. lib. 2. simple. medic.) Now Oils which are frequently used, Oleorum differentiae. are either simple or compound; those are simple which are homogeneal, and receive nothing from Art but extraction, which is made without the mixture of other things. Pallas inventrix olei. After which manner Minerva first educed Oil, and taught that Art, as Diodorus writes; for before her Garden there was an Olive tree unknown to all, as also the use of Oil, which before that time no man had taught how to educe. And almost all Oils drawn out by expression are simple, as Oils simply so called, which is expressed out of mature Olives, Omotribes, Oleum omotribes. or Omphacinum, which is of unripe Olives; as also Oil of Almonds, walnuts, and other Fruits, as other Oils educed out of Seeds, which differ even as the Seeds: for hot Oil is extracted out of hot Seeds, and cold out of cold Seeds. Yet all Oils are somewhat changed with age; and because of the dissipation from the watery part, that which is hot becomes hotter, and the cold refrigerates more slowly; for old Oil, according to Galen, (cap. 6. lib. 1. compos. medic. secundum gener.) hath power to extenuate; which is an effect of heat. Oil also, according to the diversity of the Fruit out of which it is extracted, as being mature or immature, and according to the manner of preparation and alteration induced by Art, acquires another and different quality and efficacy in alteration. As for example, Oleum ovorum Oil of Eggs yolks, though it be not perfectly mixed, yet by losing some humidity by its preparation, it is more hot and dry, and is a Medicine most useful in smoothing the skin, and curing an impetiginous itching, and other affectious of the skin, as also some fistulous and malign ulcers. The same quality happens to all, expressed by the force of the fire, from which they perpetually retain their acquired heat. Olei amygdalini facultas. And when Oil of Almonds is thus extracted, it is only extrinsecally applied; when without fire, it is sucked up like a grateful Lohoch, to ease the asperity of the rough artery, and coct and move Spittle; so that it is oft given with a little Sugar to Children that are troubled with coughing, or that have any distillation from the brain to the lungs, without any purging Medicaments, especially without anodynal Medicaments. That Oils may be extracted, the Fruits and Seeds should first be purged, and the Apothecaries do ill that extract Oil out of Almonds before decortication. The Seeds cleansed, are brayed with a ; Olea exprimendi modus. after contusion they are put into a pan, and set upon the fire, and stirred pretty long, that they may calefy: then are they involved in a rough cloth, and subjected to a wooden press, till by valid compression the Oils be expressed. Those that we would educe without the help of fire or heat, must after they be bruised very small, be presently put into the press, that the Oil may exude by drops. Petreol, which is educed out of Salt-petre, from whence it hath its denomination, takes place amongst simple Oils. But our purpose is to treat of such as are made by Art. Liquidambor and Balsam also are simple Oils, which distil by drops out of the incisions of foreign Trees. But more of this in our Shop. Some simple Oils also are distilled sometimes as well by ascent as by descent, as out of Juniper, Guaiacum, Cloves, and such like, Olea educta per ascensum & descensum. both wood and dry Fruits, which being put into a pot, Oil ascends into the vessel above, by virtue of the fire set under; or descends into the vessel set under, by virtue of the fire above. Yet are not all Oils extracted by descent, nor always by the help of the fire; for Oil may easily exude out of Tartarum and Myrrh included in a bag, and suspended in a moist place, as in a Wine-cellar. Of all which manners of educing Oils, more elsewhere. But compound Oils, wherewith the Apothecary should be especially furnished, are such, in which the matter of stocks, fruits, flowers, and of any simple, is infused and macerated. After which, the whole is insolated, till the strength of the matter remain in the Oil, which is afterwards expressed and reposed. After this manner are made the Oil of Violets, Roses, St. John's wort, Water-lillies, and many more, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latins Unguenta; and especially those which may be inspissated by the admistion of gums, and odoriferous things; whence they are called Myropolitans, or Unguentarians, who sold such Oils and Unguents as were suaveolent, with whom any fragrant Oil was taken for an Unguent, as Unguents for Oils. We scarce approve of their opinion which call only them simple Oils which are made of Flowers, Fruits, or other Simples infused, macerated and insolated in Oil of Olives: and those compound Oils which are cocted on a slow fire with wine, water, infusion, or convenient decoction, till almost all the admixed humour be assumed; for those seem no less, but rather more compound than these, because not only the total power of the things infused, but a good portion of the substance in which it inheres, remains with the Oil after expression in the former. Hence that Oil which partakes of no excess, but is temperate, is such perpetually from the condition of the thing infused; which if cold, then is the Oil cold; if hot, hot; if it have the power to exsiccate, then will the Oil exsiccate. Such Oils as are educed by expression only, Quibus vasis olea servanda. or by maceration and expression together, may be most safely kept, if reposed in vessels of glass or clay, perfectly before hardened with the valid heat of a furnace. But such as are educed by distillation, whether by ascent or descent, which are commonly called Chemists essences, must always be kept in solid glass vessels with straight orifices, close covered, left their substance and quality being dissipable, soon expire. CHAP. II. Of Unguents. UNguents, as Galen testifies, (cap. ult. lib. 7. simple. med.) were called by the Ancients, Oily Medicaments, confected of suaveolent spices; and according to Actuarius, (cap. 1. lib. 5. m.) are only externally applied, and being only spread along, are thought to benefit but such parts as cannot endure other remedies; such parts, as Oribasius, (cap. 27. lib. collect.) saith, are grieved with Cataplasms, and hurt with fluent madefactions. Now Unguents are of a grosser consistency than Oils, and a mean betwixt Oils and Plasters, as Liniments betwixt: Oils and Unguents; for a more liquid Unguent is called very often a Lineament; Unguenta cur dicta & inventa. of the confection and use whereof, we shall treat more at large in the fifth Chapter. And because the consistency of Unguents, Liniments, and Cerecloths, do not much differ, they are used sometimes indistinctly; for that is called a Lineament, wherewith the parts to be helped are liniated; that an Unguent, wherewith they are anointed; and that a Cerecloth, which made of Wax and Oil, is applied. The Arabians under the name of Unguents, oft comprehend Cerecloths and Plasters, and many thick Oils; and the ancient Greeks all well smelled Ointments; so Dioscorides, (lib. 1.) calls many sweet Oils, Unguents; and Hypocrates, (lib. 1. de medic.) affirms, that Physicians should not only get fame and glory of the Vulgar by the good constitutions of their bodies, and decent Ornaments, but by sweet Unguents, that is, by aromatical and suaveolent things. Yet for clearer explications sake they are distinguished from one another: and an Unguent properly is an Oily Medicament, Unguentum quid. of a middle consistency betwixt Oils and Plasters, which yet doth not still remain alike: for when heat is more vehement, the unctuous and fat matter melts more, and the Unguents become more liquid and soft; and when the heat is weaker, more solid: and therefore Unguentarians use to put less Oil in Summer, and more in Winter to their Unguents; for cold inspissates a fluent Unguent, as Oil itself; which Galen observes, (cap. 1. lib. 8. comp. med. gener.) in the composition of his stomachical Cerecloth. Now that proportion of Oil must be observed in the confection of Unguents, that to one ounce of Oil be mixed one dram of Powder, Olei proportio in unguentorum confectione. and two drams of Wax; or as Galen saith, (cap. 2. lib. 4. comp. med. gener.) that four times as much Oil as Wax be put in the confection of Unguents, and eight times as much Oil as Powder, that is, to every ounce of Oil must be put a dram of Powder, the matter whereof is educed out of dry Herbs, Metals, and Earth, which is mixed with a cold Cerate, and stirred with a Spatula, till all lumps be levigated. When Unguents receive dry juices, we must pulverate and dissolve them; when liquid and fluent, we must mix them with the rest of the matter, and by coction absume them. Such as may, should be pulverated very small, as Roots, Wood, Rosines, and sometimes Gums, when dryer. Such as may not, should be beaten with a hot till they be mollified, or else dissolved in Vinegar, or some fit liquor. Such as are more humid, as Turpontine, should be instilled; humid Herbs also, and Animals, or parts thereof that are scarce pulverable, should be perfectly cocted in wine or such liquor, till they be tabefied, and their humidity almost absumed: then must materials be mixed in the strained liquor, according to the aforesaid proportion, that the Unguent may be of a legitimate consistency; wherein Oil and Wax do not only afford form, and a great part of the matter to the Unguent, but conjoin the efficacies of the other mixtures, and preserve them longer. Now Unguents are made one while by the fire, Vnguentum crudum. as all such as admit Wax; another while only by long subaction, as such that receive no Wax, as the crude Unguent, or the Unguent of Lithargy, which is made of Oil, Vinegar, and Lithargy, coacted by the continual percussion of a . There are also differences of Unguents taken from their colour, Vnguentarum varietates. as green, white, yellow, and orange colour; from their effects, as resumptive, analeptical, cleansing; from their first qualities, whence some are said to be hot, as the Unguentum Apostolorum, Aegyptiacum, Martiatum, Enula campane; others cold, as Unguentum Natritum; others dry, as Diapompholios, & desicca Rubruni; others moistening, as the Unguent of Roses. But white Wax is more expetible to the confection of cold, and yellow to the confection of hot Unguents. But Apothecaries indistinctly take one while white, another while yellow, as the matter of either will afford more commodity. Unguents are reposed in tin boxes, Quibus vasis unguenta reponenda. and sometimes in earthen pots well glazed, and they will keep a whole year, sometimes two or three. CHAP. III. Of Medicaments of Wax, or Ceratum. CErata are often designed by Unguents, Ceronea by Plasters: by Unguents, because softer; by Plasters, because harder: Both so called, because they admit of Wax, as many Plasters, which are therefore indistinctly called Ceroneous Plasters, of them that apply Catagmatical Plasters to all diseases, bought in Unguentarians Shops: so that Ceroneous Salves are so usual amongst the Vulgar, that they call all Salves Ceroneous. A certain man in Lutetia calls a certain Plaster Ceroneous, which he applied to all pains and diseases. But Ceratum, of which we now speak, Ceratum quid. is a Medicament of a middle consistency betwixt an Unguent and a Plaster; not so solid as a Plaster, nor so soft as an Unguent. But every one augments or diminisheth the weight of Oil, and makes this Ceratum either more liquid, or more solid than an Unguent, as he thinks fit. And indeed if it were prepared after one and the same manner, it would not be preserved so long safely; Olei quantitas in Cerato non semper cadem. for though any liquid thing may be easily concrete with cold and frosty weather, and a solid Unguent soon melted in hot weather, yet we mix more Oil and less Wax in Winter, and more Wax and less Oil in Summer in Ceratum. But when the constitution of the air is temperate, and doth not much exceed the first qualities, the fourth part of a pound of Wax, or not much more or less, should be put to one pound of Oil, that the Ceratum may not melt, or be thickened by the change of weather. Yet it is seldom kept long in Apothecaries Shops, because it may at any time, and soon be made of Oil and Wax, whence it is called Ceratum, or more properly Cereole; for such as besides Oil and Wax admit other ingredients, is not so properly called Ceratum, Santalinum, and stomachical Ceratum: and others which may presently be made, as the matter requires, of Plasters melted with Oil, when the part affected cannot endure the hardness of a Salve or Plaster. Thus is a certain Ceratum called Acopa, applied to the weary nerves and muscles of those that are weak. Thus may a Ceratum spread on leather, cut according to the proportion of the place affected, be applied to the region of the spleen, ventricle, liver, womb, and to broken bones. That which is applied to the spleen must be long, Ceratorum efformatio quoad rationem partis affectae. and form like a Neat's tongue to the ventricle in form of a buckler; and thus it must be proportioned and form to other parts, according to their form and figure. In the confection of Cereole, the Wax is cut small, Cerclaei conficiendi modus. and cast into the Oil, and then melted on a slow fire; after liquation it is taken off, and forthwith mixed with a Spatula till it be compact; then a little cold water poured on, it is stirred again, and washed by this percussion; for the Ceratum thus compacted by the affusion of so much water as it can drink up; and thus accurately madefied, it is in Galens opinion, (cap. 6. lib. 1. de simple. med.) made more refrigerative, and is good for all hot sores, especially if it be removed as soon as it is heated. Seeing fatness, marrow, and such like liquid things, are added to the Ceratum, improperly so called, they must be mixed with it while cold, as also the powders, the proportion whereof to Oil is the same with that in Unguents. They may be reposed in tin or clay vessels: but it is better to have them new, seeing they may soon be made at any time. CHAP. IU. Of Plasters. THose topical Medicaments which are coacted into a more solid lump, were called by the Arabians Cerota, and by the ancient Greeks Emplasta, (Gal. cap. 12. lib. 1. comp. medic. gen.) which the later sort for euphonies sake call, Emplastra, the letter (r) being added; which being detracted, their quality sounds not emplastrical, but emplastical, or emphractical, as it were filling up or insartiating. For an Emplaster super-induced upon a part, seems to shut the pores and passages thereof, by the viscidity of its substance, and retain the halituous spirits, and by constraining the heat of the part sometimes to move suppuration; for its glewish substance doth not insinuate into itself, but remaining without, doth tenaciously adhere to the passages of the body. Yet are not its qualities idle, but being moved and helped by the heat of the part, they produce several effects, (c. 9 l. 5. the simple. med.) if its faculty be to conglutinate, it helps the coagulation of wounds in the lips; if it be catagmatical, it helps the ferrumination of broken bones; if it be sarcotical, Sarcosis non tam medicamentorum quam naturae est opus. herein it helps Nature, that it generates flesh more easily; which is not so much the effect of Medicaments, as of Nature. And as the composition of Emplasters is various and manifold, so also is their quality, for they are compounded almost of all Medicaments; wherefore all are not emphractical, or such as fill the pores with their lentor, but some are ecphractical, as it were purging fractures; others episastical, or extracting, and diaphoretical; others chyptical, which take away the filth of the skin, and ulcers; and some that are useful for many affections, as many other Medicaments, called polychrestical, which consist of contrary Medicaments. (Gal. initio l. 5. comp. med. gener.) An emplastical Medicament should want all mordacity, for it can scarce stick to the pores, if any sharp or biting quality be in it, as Galen, (cap. 9 lib. 5. comp. medic. gener.) but it may be easily discerned by melting some part of it, or by attracting some humour from above; an Emplastic therefore should be of a terrene substance, and viscous. There are two main scopes in compounded Emplasters to be minded, that a solid and gross consistency, and faculty, odour and colour are often desired; which rather please the fancy of the diseased, than conduce any thing in effect to the nature of the Medicament. Wax, and common Oil, Lithargy, and sometimes Rosines, do afford a fit consistency and matter, but small or no virtue. All things almost which are superadded, as Minerals, Metals, Roots, Wood, Flowers, and Seeds, give a body and faculty to the Plaster; which if they be dry, they must be pulverated and mixed with the Plaster removed from the fire; if any of them be not friable, they are dissolved in some liquor, which is absumed by coction, before they be mixed with the Plaster; or else it is mixed with the Plaster, and dissipated by coction afterwards. Green herbs, which cannot be pulverated, are either cocted in their own juice strained and mixed, or others are cocted in the juice of these brayed and strained; which juice being absumed, the strength thereof being left, if any remains that will not endure long coction, they may be put in and cocted, and then mixed with the Plaster. But those Emplasters must be long boiled which receive juice, water, vinegar, wine, or some decoction; because whereas the Emplaster should be all viscid and thick, that it might stick to the place to which it is applied, humidity, which is oft mixed with it, being contrary to viscidity, must be resolved by heat, if its quality must needs be retained in the Emplaster; for such as are cocted in juices keep their faculties, though the juices themselves be dissipated by exhalation. Humidity also, which is required in confecting Plasters, causes that the virtues of the rest of the ingredients be surer engrafted, and that they be carried to parts further distant. Oil indeed is added to the materials of Emplasters, but not as to constitute their body, but that the Wax might be melted with it, and that it might obtund the sharp and austere ingredients, and that the Emplasters may obtain a more pleasant and leniating faculty. Simple old Oil, and Oil made by infusion, as also any compound Oil, may be put into the Emplaster, that besides its matter, it may also afford some virtue thereunto. Wax, as also some Rosines, allow only matter to Emplasters, no power to act. Yet such Emplasters as have other matter analogical to them, as Frankincense, and * The dew of Lada. Labdanum, or such like Medicaments, admit of no Wax nor Rosines in their composition. But if Wax ingrede the Emplaster, let it be melted in Oil; if Lithargy, let that also be boiled in Oil; and if Juices, Liquors, or other such like must be mixed with it, let them also be warmed with these, till the watery and humid portion be resolved: then let Rosines and Fats be induced, as also Gums, whereof some are mixed simply with it, others after maceration in Wine, Oil, or Vinegar, and percolation. When the Plaster is throughly boiled, and taken from the fire, let Turpentine be mixed therewith, that it may not feel any force of fire. Last of all, when all these are confounded, and cocted to a legitimate consistency, and refrigerated, let the Powders be by little and little scattered above all, and diligently agitated and moved with a Spatula, till all be compact into a mass, neither too soft nor too hard, but viscid, glewish, and adherent: yet not so as to inquinate the part to which it adheres, nor to be hardly divelled from the place whereunto it is applied. And that the form of it may exist in a due consistency, the quantity of Oil must be diminished: when Fats, Marrows, and Turpentine are admitted in its confection, and augmented, when dry Gums, friable Juices, Rosines, and dry Wood or Minerals, that may be pulverated, are mixed therewith. In dry Ingredients the Oil must be thus proportioned; Olci proportio in emplastrorum confectura to every ounce of Powder must be allowed three ounces of Oil: to Wax the fourth part of as much Oil as the Wax is in quantity will serve; so that to a pound of Wax we put a quarter of a pound of Oil. But because this quantity in the tempering of most Emplasters may be better designed by one's judgement, than defined by certain rules, they now adays put to a definite quantity of Oil and Powders as much Wax as will suffice, that these liquid, dry, and viscid ingredients, being by malaxation coagulated, a fit, viscous and glewish mass of Emplasters may be induced. Out of which mass are form rowls of Plasters of half an ounce, or a whole ounce weight, which being involved in oiled papers, are reposed in the Apothecary's Shop for future uses. Thus also are Emplasters, properly so called, made, which are prepared without Fire and Wax, whose materials malaxated in Honey, or some viscid matter, are coagulated into the consistency of an Emplaster, as Emplastra de crusta panis, and de baccis lauri, or other such common Emplasters, which are a medium betwixt Plasters and Cataplasms. That Ceratum, confected of an equal weight of Wax and Honey, is also referred to Emplasters, as also Cerotum or Ceronea, of which before. CHAP. V Of Sparadraps. THere is to be sold in many Shops a Cloth plastered on both sides, which the later Writers call a Sparadrap, Tela Galterii. sometimes also Galterius his Cloth, peradventure because he was the Inventor, or rather Infector thereof. Which is thus made; a certain Cloth somewhat bare with wearing, is often dipped and inculcated in a fit Emplaster already made up, but now melted till it be all infected, inquinated, and on every side incrusted; which is then extracted and exposed to the air, that by refrigeration it may become obdurate, and so be preserved till future exigency. Now hereof are many kinds, the differences whereof arise not from the Cloth, but the Emplasters wherein it is dipped; for some are catagmatical, which are used in solidating and roborating broken bones, which are made of astringing and roborating emplastics: as, ℞. Oil of Quinces and Roses, and Rams suet, ana ℥. iiij. of Frankincense, Mastic, Pitch, Bowl armeniack, Wheat-flowr, ana ℥. ij. of white Wax, q. s. that an Emplaster may be made, wherein when melted, the Cloth may be dipped. Others have an exsiccating and epuloptical faculty, which are applied to induce scars, as this here described. ℞. Oil of Roses, lb. j of yellow Wax, lb. ss. of Venetian Ceruse, and Thutian, ana ℥. ij. of Lithargy of Gold, ℥. iij. let hereof an Emplaster be made, and with a Cloth somewhat worn with age, a Sparadrap. Joannes Vigonius describes many other forms in his Work of Chirurgy, which I neither will nor aught here to transcribe, seeing any one for any purpose may take any Emplaster with a small labour, and inculcate a Linen Cloth therein: for whosoever knows how to prescribe and make Emplasters, he may easily make Sparadraps thereof, by inquinating a Cloth therein liquefied. OF PHARMACEUTICAL INSTITUTIONS. The fourth Book. Of Laws to be observed in compounding Medicaments. CHAP. I. Who first compounded Medicaments, and the reason of composition. SEeing every Disease is the way to Death, all presidy must be used for its cure or expulsion, ere it be too far increased; and such sedulity must be used in finding and selecting Medicaments, that we may have always in readiness such as preternaturally conduce to the expugning of several affections, and as it were a Wood of the more excellent Medicaments. Yet may not these Medicaments, whether simple or compound, be exhibited till they be changed by Art, and after much preparation, as we have before demonstrated; wherein several Simples should not only be washed, dried, beaten, or infused, macerated, expressed, and made fit for commixtion, but they must be united with such care and proportion, that some new mixture may arise from their complexion in this concourse, their several virtues, if not integrally, at least preserved so, as they may perspicuously be seen while the commixtion is new, and not perfectly fermented, (cap. 2. lib. 1. comp. med. gener.) But because Medicaments exhibited alone sometimes hurt, and mixed with others, admirably advantage, when the qualities of any Medicament is proved, but the one may hereby be improved; for certain it is, that even simple Medicaments have several and different qualities; and the other which is noxious, either obtunded or ejected, and so the best will be more effectual. And though some Simples hurt not, yet because they do not sufficiently help, they are not used without commixtion with others, as an Emplastical Medicament, of which, according to Galen, (cap. 13. lib. de Ther. ad Pis.) none is simple; and therefore the first and best Authors of Emplasters have excogitated how to melt and make some of Oil. Now composition of Medicaments is necessary, Quis primus medicamentorum compositionem tradidit. for many reasons showed in our former Book, which was first of all approved and defended by Mautias Herophilaeus, afterwards by Cappadox, Heras, Musa, Asclepiades, and Andromachus, (cap. 2. lib. 2. comp. med. gen.) but chief by Galen, (cap. 2. lib. 1. comp. med. gen. Epilogismo) who having showed the reason of compounding Medicaments, teaches the legitimate proportion of the Compounds, and the manner of their exhibition: Not like those Empirics, who refer all Medicaments to imaginations, chance, or fortune, except some few, which (as it is apparent by the common suffrage of all) are bettered by composition, all consisting of one and the same faculty; of which also some are fitted by nature to cure; which tenant Galen, (cap. 3. lib. 6. comp. med. loc.) denies, Sarcoticum optimum ex facultatibus oppositis. and proves by the example of the best Sarcotick, confected of Ceratum, and a twelfth part of Verdigrease; that Medicaments of two or more opposite qualities or faculties, may be best of all compounded; for Ceratum produces corruption, Aerugo erodes ulcerous flesh: yet the Medicament compounded of these is excellent, both for generating flesh, and filling the hollow ulcer. Thus we mix hot with cold, weakening with roborating, and cordial Medicaments with Poisons, compounding our best Medicaments of Simples endued with contrary or different qualities. Galen (cap. 29. lib 9 the facult. med.) Historia Galeno nota. tells us of one of that number, who hold that Medicaments should be compounded according to experience only, (no reference had to reason) to whom a gouty fellow by chance came while he was boasting of his podagrical Medicament; who being so moderately pained before this Empirick applied his salve to his foot, that he could go, but was with pain after one sleepless night so handled, that he was so far now from going, as before, that he could not endure to be carried. The event therefore of fortuitous Compositions is always fortuitous, and oft unfortunate, as Galen shows at large, besides the story, wherewith he derides the vanity and slothfulness of the Pseudomedick; who also judges it requisite that a Physician should not only know the causes of Compounds, but the way and manner of their composition; and also that he should compound the best Medicaments for every Disease while it is time, lest that punishment be inflicted upon him which was upon two Physicians well known to Galen, (cap. 1. lib. 2. comp. medic. gen.) the one whereof was starved with famine, the other not suffered to perform his function; and all for the loss of some forms of Compounds. CHAP. II. Of the basis of Medicaments, and their collocation in Forms or Receipts. IN prescribing a Medicament, we should first appoint a basis, that is, some simple Medicament, as the chief in that composition, and most fit for depelling the disease, upon which the rest may depend. As when we undertake to oppugn any disease, if it be simple, accompanied with no ill symptom, we choose only a simple Medicament of an equal virtue, and just auxiliary: but if no Simple be apt for it, than we must compound one Medicament of many, the basis whereof must be averse to the disease; and add others, which may corroborate the member affected, or carry the quality of the Medicament to the parts more distant. Others also we must adjoin to make it acceptable and grateful to the palate, or to felicitate and facilitate the work. Now the basis is for the most part more prepollent in quality that in quantity, as in aromatical and purgative Confections; and by how much the disease to be depelled is more grievous, by so much must the basis be more potent in its virtue. Muitae bases aliquando in uno medicamento. Often also are many basis confusedly digested into some Compound, for the expugning of some brave affection; which conspiring with their mutual help, make up one perfect basis; as when we confound many anodynous Medicaments to ease some vehement dolour. Therefore in compounding Medicaments, a basis must be first sought adequate to the affection, and the part affected, yet it must not always take the first place in composition: for all the ingredients in a Composition must not be promiscuously and inordinately confounded together, but one after another. And when this order is neglected, the Medicament oft times neither acquires its just virtue, nor its apt form; for if those receive little which require much and long coction, and those much which require little, their virtue cannot be integrally procured. A due order likewise is accurately to be observed in describing forms of Medicaments or Receipts, Ordo servandus in describendis formulis medicamentorum. lest that be last described in the Receipt, which should have been first. Into which error those happen who are ignorant of the substance, qualities, and preparation of Medicaments; as also sometimes young Doctors, who not sufficiently experienced by long use, describe confusedly what ever comes into their minds, whether they know their qualities, or not. But they offend worse, who boil those Medicaments long, whose virtues are impaired by fire; who give those Medicaments in drink, which because of their eminent bitterness should be made into Pills, and covered over; who administer those things raw, which should be cocted, those whole, which should be pulverated, and those dissolved without expression, which should only be infused. Those who through negligence omit these things, may scarcely eschew the censure of the more ancient Apothecaries, who being taught by skilful Physicians, have not only found out the manner of compounding Medicaments, but many of them have attained the knowledge of the order wherein Simples should be severally collocated. Let this then be the first rule to be observed in describing Medicaments, that those which require a longer preparation, Prima Lex medicamenti describendi. as diuturnal coction, or laborious triture, be first described; such as be roots and wood that is not odoriferous; those last which require least, as flowers, and aromatical simples; those in the middle, which require moderate labour and preparation, as herbs, fruits, and seeds. Whoever do otherwise, mixing and concocting in the same instant, wood, roots, leaves and flowers promiscuously and confusedly, either lose the dissipable qualiy of the later sort, or acquire not the strength of the former; and by this improvident manner of mixture make up a Medicament, neither endued with the genuine virtue of the Simples, nor answerable to the Physicians intent. Let the second Law observable in Receipts be this; Secunda Lex. That if brevity of time be urgent, and some things are to be cocted or infused, and others to be pulverated, that you begin with those that require coction or maceration, that while these are in preparing, others may be levigated and brayed, and so in the same time their several preparations may be accomplished. The third observation is, Tertia Lex. That those which exceed in quantity or quality, be first described; yet so, that the manner of preparation and mixtion be not obverted thereby. The fourth observation, which holds good almost continually, is, Quarta. That those must be described in the last place of the Receipt, which are as the matter of the Medicament, as Honey in great Confections, Sugar in solid Electuaries, Oil or Wax in many Unguents. If this order be kept, it will lead the more recent Apothecaries into a readier and better way of preparing and mixing Medicaments, and their virtue will hereby remain more potent and firm; which if they be not rightly ordered by the rules of Art, do wax dull, and perish. CHAP. III. Of the forms and end of Medicaments. AS those that are sound in body do not need, (Aphor. 37. lib. 2. Hippoc.) so neither do they desire Medicines. And those who had need of Medicaments, either to prevent an imminent, or depel a present disease, either never call the Physician till the malady of the disease be at the height, or utterly refuse Physic; or they will have it prepared with such art and mixture, as in odour, colour, and sapour, it may please the nose, eyes, and palate. But Galen, (lib. 2. de praenot.) saith, that a Cook amongst these children and fools is preferred before a Physician; and he is more commended and allauded, because he daily indulges their genius with unaccustomed varieties and dainties. But since every one is punished by that by which he offended, and gluttony and surfeiting is the nurse almost of all diseases, it is as it were by divine ordination constituted, that a Medicament assumed by the mouth, should leave in the mouth the ultion of the fault therein committed. For it is no wonder that almost all Medicaments, especially purgative, should so much displease our taste and smell, by their quality averse to our nature, since they are instituted, not as Aliments to be changed, but to change; and either to correct the noxious quality of the humours, or to extrude it. Such Medicaments as are insipid and inodorous, and being exhibited in a small quantity, do variously wrest and exagitate the body, and the humours, are not so good as those, which though ungrateful, and assumed in a larger measure, do easily and with delight educe the vicious humours from the parts affected. Now the forms of Medicaments do not only facilitate their assumpsion, Forma medicamentorum quid praestat. (for some only like liquid, others solid Medicines) but produce divers effects, as they are in form divers; for an inciding or extenuating Medicament is better accommodated to its function by a liquid form, as also by a solid form to astriction. Now I call not that same, which gives the essence, the thing; nor yet that faculty, by which it operates, the form, but the very consistency of the compound Medicament, whether it be solid, liquid, or in a mean. Besides which consistency, another figure is often put upon dry Medicaments by the industrious hand of the Apothecary, or imprinted by some sigil; as when the matter is form into Pills or Trochisks, or planed into Tessels; and that either equilaterally cubal, or drawn out into an unequal angle. But this external impressed form or sigillation is of little moment, as nothing conducing either to promote or felicitate the effect of the Medicament, as some superstitious fellows have imagined, that I may omit what some Alchemists dream of, the external signature of some Plants, whereby they profess to accommodate the virtues of those Plants to the parts affected, with which their Medicaments by certain marks and external forms agree. But the form of a Medicament, whereby it is dense, rare, or liquid, is useful for many purposes, for the same Medicament will sometimes provoke urine, sometimes stools, according to the manner of its composition. Galen, cap. 13. lib. 4. de sanit. tuend. Such Medicaments as are levigated to powder, Crassities aut tenuitas pulverum quid efficient. are quickly carried to the reins and bladder; such as are grosser, subsist longer in the intestines, and give stools. If any would be freed from obstructions, and move monthly flowers, they can neither successfully exhibit solid Medicaments, nor yet liquid ones, if they would educe the noxious humour from the brain, or parts more dissite. And as grosser Medicaments are requisite to roborate some parts, and depel some affections, and liquid to others: so some require Medicaments of a middle consistency, as amongst internal Medicaments, Electuaries, and some Antidotes amongst external Unguents, mucaginous Salves, and Poultices. We have abundantly before declared what form is fit for several Medicaments, we shall hereafter speak in special of those which should be variously form, as the condition of the place requires, to which they are fitted; as when a scutum or signature of a Buckler is fitted for the region of the ventricle, of a stomachical Emplaster, a Pessary for the secrets, a Suppository for the fundament, a Tent for a wound. Some upon no grounds do not only desire a set form, Nimis sumptuosa medicamentorum con●ectura plerunque vana. but also a sumptuous confecture of Medicaments, otherwise rejecting them as vile and useless; as a certain rich man, who desired and received of Galen (cap. 10. lib. 3. comp. medic. gener.) a Form or Receipt of a cure for a malign ulcer in his servant; who seeing all the Ingredients of a vile price whereon the Medicament consisted, bid Galen keep that for Beggars, and give him a costly Medicament. So many little regard excellent Medicaments, if they know them, but make much of vile ones, if they know them not, admiring them as some celestial remedy. Artis arcana non detegenda. They therefore act to the indignity of Medicaments, who detect the secrets of so Divine an Art; and that they may please the people, describe their Receipts in the vulgar idiom. For it is better to make a Medicament gratis, and give it to the poor, than prescribe them any thing of small price, or teach and show the composition thereof; which they having once with success tried upon themselves, they will experience on others to their undoing; for many Medicaments, especially purgative, are both good and evil, and heals or kills accordingly, as they are well or ill used. Now the end of composition of Medicaments is the cause for which such composition must be undertaken; Finis compositionis. or that same purpose to which all things necessary in composition are referred, that the Medicaments compounded by Art may be of use, either to preserve or roborate health, or to profligate difeases. CHAP. IU. Of the Weights of Medicaments, and their marks. EVery Nation and Country had, and have still their proper Weights and Measures; the Constinopolitan Merchants two pounds' Weights, twenty six ounces; the Mediolanians 24. the Parisiensians 16. the Lugdunians 15. the Hispanians 14. the Genevians, and many more 12. the Goldsmiths only 8. commonly called Markum. The ancient Greeks, Arabians, and Romans also, had not only their proper Idioms and Characters, but Weights also; and unless the Supreme Authority forbade them, they would buy with the greatest, and fell with the least Weights, there being no certain Standard. But because in Medicine one cannot err twice; and errors in prescribing Weights and Measures are often very perilous, all medics should have common and definite Weights, that there might be a mutual consent in their operations. The medics pound always weighs 12. ounces, which is thus described, lib. j their ounce eight drams, whose note is this, ℥. j their dram three scruples, thus marked, ʒ. j so that in one ounce they have as many scruples as there be letters in the Greek Alphabet, to wit, 24. according to the Poet Faunus: Uncia fit dragmis bis quatuor, unde putandum, Grammata dicta, quod haec viginti quatuor in se. Uncia habet, tot enim formis vox Graeca notatur, Horis quot mundus peragit, noctemque, diemque. By which words, Scruples seem to be Vicegerents of Letters, Drams of Syllables, Ounces of Words, Pounds of Speeches, or at least Sentences. But there are less Weights than Scruples, for a Grain or Minute is the least of Weights, of which is made an Obolus, or half Scruple, thus noted, ℈. ss. and a Grain with two letters conjoined thus gr. or sometimes with one letter thus, g. When we would describe a pound and a half, or an ounce and a half, we mark the greater number thus, lib. j ss. the lesser thus, ℥. j ss. A grain is the most small, indivisible and minute of weights, Granum. and therefore called a mite, by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Chalcus, or aereolum weighs two mites or grains. Siliqua or Ceration in Arabic Kirat, two chalci, or 4. grains. A Semiobulus weighs 3. aereola. i e. one siliqua and a half, one obolus weighs 3. siliqua, or six Chalci; or 12. grains. A scruple weighs 2. obuli, or 12. chalci, or 24. grains. A denarius is the eighth part of a Romans ounce, and weighs 3. scruples, or six obuli, or seventy two grains. A dram is the eighth part of a Greek ounce, lighter than a denarius, weighing only 60. grains, that is, 3 common scruples, every of which should weigh 20. grains. A denarius was accounted formerly for ten pound weight, whence Silvius saith it had its name; now it amounts only to the 84. part of a pound, as a dram to the 96. I mean of a Medick pound, which weighs 12. ounces. Many for a denarius puts a dram, not much lighter, and for a dram a denarius, according to the version of the Greek interpreter, who having no weight that might exactly respond to the Roman denarius, put a dram for a denarius. Sicilicus amounts to two drams, and it is the fourth part of an ounce, a semiuncia, or half ounce contains two sicilici. The medics ounce weighs 8. drams, the Merchants 8. denarii. I find a dram called sometimes by the ancients Hexagion, the Merchants commonly call it grossum. Bes contains 8. ounces, and hath as much as the medics mina, which contains 16. ounces, and amounts to the Merchant's pound. Ex Dioscor. & Gal. But the medics 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i. e. pound is less, containing only twelve ounces. We may contract them all thus, that so they may be better accommodated to memory. A pound, oft called pondo, or As, weighs twelve ounces, deunx eleven, dextans, ten: dodrans, nine: bes or octunx, eight: septunx, seven: semis, six: or the half part of any weight, quincunx, five: quadrants or qurtarium four: triens, three. An ounce contains four sicilici, sicilicus two drams, a dram, three scruples, a scruple, two obuli, an obulus, two filiqua and a half, siliqua, two Chalci; Chalcus two grains. I would not in silence have passed over names or weights familiar to the Arabians, but that I found so many, as made them seem uncertain, who call an ounce adar, alsatil, sacros & assathis, Nomina ponderum Arabica. a dram sometimes alchi, sometimes nabach, and sometimes darchamet, a scruple also guanthus, often gormin, and sometimes kermec & arm, an obulus Seminen, Seminet, Onolos, Onolosat, Ologinat, indiscriminately, as half a one Danich, the third part Kirat: but we will leave them to their words, and use our own. When herbs must be measured by Maniples medics note it with this letter M. when flowers by pugils, with this letter P. now a Maniple with the medics, is as much as can be contained in a hand; a pugil, as much as may be holden betwixt three fingers. When an equal weight of measure or two or more Medicaments are prescribed together, Ana quid signet. they add this word Ana, which shows that an equal portion of every Medicament must be assumed. Amongst other notes of weights, or rather definite quantities in prescribing receipts, this letter. N. is placed to denote that some number should be assumed, as of many fruits which cannot by weight or measure be better described, but how great a number, the note of weight thereunto annexed must show, as for example of Almonds, Plums, or the like, two, three, four, five, or six, more or less as the Medick sees cause, should be prescribed, figures should be added to indicate their number, whereunto according to Rondeletius, the notes of the ancient Romans numbers are more accommodate, which are thus described I II. III. FOUR V VI VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. than the other characters called cyphers, and thus described. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10. Lest some ignorant tyro for two or three drams, thus designed ʒ. 2. ʒ. 3. read thirty two, or thirty three drams. CHAP. V Of Physicians Measures. NOt without reason do the holy Scriptures attest, that God created all things with weight, number, and measure; for number being an act of reason, therefore Plato asserted man to be the wisest animal, because he could number; And God commanded all this to be trutinated by just weight and measure Levit. 19 & Deut. 25. By measures I mean certain hollow instruments like boxes thereunto accommodated by certain receptive & mensurative shapes, wherein Apothecaries or Merchants may measure simple or compound, dry or liquid Medicaments. But they are made chiefly to measure liquors, as oil, vinegar, decoctions or the like, and they are so fitted by industry, as to respond to weights, for some will contain one ounce, some two, some three, some one pound, others five, others ten, others more and less. The least measure will contain ʒ. Cochlearium. j and ℈. ss. of wine of a mean consistency, and is called cochlearium. Another is called Cheme, Ligula. twice as capacious as the former, which contains of wine ʒ. ij. & ℈. j A third is called Ligula, Mistrum. or mystrum, and contains of Wineʒ. ij. ss. or ʒ. iij. Concha contains two mystras, or twice as much as Cheme, Concha. that is ʒ. v. Cyathus contains twice as much as Concha, that is ʒ. x, or ℥. j ss. Cyathus. Acetabulum. Acetabulum, which the Greeks call Oxybaphum contains half as much again as a Cyathus, that is ℥. ij. & ʒ. ij. or ℥. ij. ss. at the most. Quartarius holds twice as much as Acetabulum, that is ℥. iiij. ss. or little more. Hemina or Hemisextarius holds twice as much as Quartarius, Hemina. that is ℥. ix. Sextarius holds twice as much as a hemina, that is lb. j ss. Choenix lb. ij & ℥. iij. Choenix. Chus or Congius six sextaries that is lb. ix. Urna four Congli, that is lb. XL. Urna. Amphora two Urns, that is lb. LXXX. Amphora. Metretes, in Greek Geramium, in Latin Cadus, an amphora & a half. Metretes. Culeus, twenty Amphorae or forty Urns. Culeus. Thus we proceed from the least of measures of liquids to the greatest by degrees, as from grains, to the greatest of weights in dry things, and as the greater number contains the lesser, so doth the greatest measure or weight the lesser. Some measures therefore are great, some small, some mean, and amongst those some are destined to measure liquids, others solids, others both. Culeus, Amphora, Urna, Congius, and Quartarius serve to measure liquids, modius and semimodius solids, sextarius, hemina, acetabulum, cyathus, both. CHAP. VI Of the quantity of Medicaments to be exhibited. IT is not only worthy our inquisition in compounding Medicaments to inquire after the quality of simples only, but also to know in what quantity each simple should be mixed, & what quantity of a compound should be exhibited. For as too little brings small emolument or profit, so too much brings more harm: for a Lettuce may kill as well as Hemlock; and wine kills more than Woolfebane. Now if superabundance of Aliment be as noxious as poison, Alimentorum nimia quantitas periculosa. it is the greatest perfection of the Art & Artificer to describe the just quantity of Medicaments, and to define what and how much is convenient for every sex, age, nature, and time: For Turpethum, colocynthis and Hellebore purge strongly; Polypody, Tamarinds, and the broth of an old Cock weakly: Cassia, Senny, Rhabarbe, moderately: old and melanchollick men must be purged hardly in Autumn, boys and moist men must be purged easily in Winter, and Spring; and choleric men easily in Summer, such as are of a middle nature, must be moderately purged. And since mutations of ages and seasons change the condition of the humours, Idem medicamentum non eadem semper praestat. it happens that one and the same Medicament, taken in the same quantity, hath not always the same effect and operation, for when the humours swell, and are turbulent, than nature, with the help of a gentle Medicament, will work out the excretion of the troublesome matter, excluding it either by stool or vomit. Whereas on the contrary, if the matter by its lentour be more tenaciously fixed, and no way provokes nature by its quality to its exclusion; the strongest Medicament will not be of power to relax the belly, being only able to move, not to remove these redundant humours. This diversity of humours often deceives the non-cautious, who having by experience found, that Cassia should be prescribed and exhibited by ounces, and not by grains, Scammony by grains and not by ounces, and Rhabarb by drams; think they have prescribed a convenient dosis according to the efficacy of each Medicaments acting, when yet they often see that the Medicament either not at all, or too impensely and strongly moves the belly: For when nature cooperates, and the superfluous humour swells, a few grains of Rhabarb will relax, yea, the very odour alone of some catharticke, will sufficiently exagitate the ventricle. Wherefore the Physician does wisely, who being called by some patient never before seen of him, asks him whether his body needs a weak and gentle, or valid and strong purge, and whether he be most commonly laxative, or restringed, that he may the better accommodate his purgative Medicament; neither too much, nor too little to exagitate his ventricle, nor yet to exclude more in quantity or quality than he should. Yet if the body wholly abound with ill humours, he may not at once, but by little and little, not on one day, but many remove them, for nature cannot bear great evacuations of any humours whatsoever, but delights in gradual actions, wherein is no violence. CHAP. VII. A just quantity of Medicaments can scarce be defined, yet a little in excess or defect, is not perilous. THE Medicinary Art is indeed conjectural, yet much helped by experience, augmented by reason, and confirmed by reason, and confirmed by the authority of Doctors, who trying effects by the indagation of causes, and being more skilful and prudent by long observance have left Theorems to posterity, grounded upon many strong and necessary reasons, whereby diseases may be known, remedies invented, and a quantity of Medicaments described, if not just and definite, yet so accommodate to nature and the disease, that one may triumph, and the other be captivated: For what peril can be doubted or expected? If where an ounce of Cassia is convenient, seven or nine drams be exhibited, if where one dram of Rhabarb is requisite, two or four scruples be assumed, a small error should not cause great fear, and as all excrementitious humours cannot always be educed by a Medicament without endangering sanity; so we shall not need to suspect any harm by the eduction of some of them only that are not of an offensive quality: since meat and drink are not always ingested after the same measere, and at the same time. Nor yet ill humours always bridge diseases with them. Many have often eaten Hemlock instead of Persly in Pottage, which the maid hath mistaken, because of their convenience in external form, those also who love Frogs eat Toad stools often without harm. Yet we must with all judgement and artificial conjecture, endeavour to make the quantity of the Medicament, respond to the strength of the nature, and the burden to be educed, which if it be copious, and a proportionate Medicament, cannot with safety be exhibited at once, it is better to wash it away in several days than at once, both deject strength and humours. It's sad to reiterate purgative Medicaments, Suppurgatio ●imenda. where one will accomplish the design, or to minister a violent one where a gentle one would sufficiently exonerate. For suppurgation is dangerous, which by too much opening the veins sometimes excites the dysentary, evacuates blood, and prostrates the integrity of nature's strength to danger. It's better therefore to relinquish some of the superfluous humours, than by immoderate vacuation to protrude both necessary and excrementitious ones. And as the same quantity of the same Medicament given to the same man at several times, may produce different effects, so as its quantity varyes it acts variously, & one while is more proper for this, another while for that disease: for if (Aphor. 1. lib. 4. Hippocr.) a woman with child be advised to purge, which she may without fear or danger do, betwixt the fourth and sixth month of her pregnancy, she may confidently assume a roborating Medicament in a small quantity, that the cause of that molestation, whereof pregnant women complain, may be gently removed, and the foetus receive not detriment thereby. But when the quantity of Opium, Diagredium, or such Medicaments which have great power, in a little bigness, is to be excoginted, let it be with great care and prudence prescribed, and pondered, that if a just quantity can scarce be defined, the exoberance or defect may be very small, for whereas the least thing is not reached by the Law, nor judged by the Praetor, yet we may cafily offend in the least excess. CHAP. VIII. Of such Medicaments as may without harm be taken in great quantity, for whom they are convenient and when. Every Medicament doth more or less offend nature, as its faoulty is stronger or weaker: by how much a catharticke is more grievous in odour or sapour, by so much it causes more molestation; for all purges (saith Galen. cap. ult. lib. quos, quando & quibus) offend the ventricle, especially in its mouth, which, consisting of of many nerves, is of more accurate sensation, and therefore we either mix benevolent lenocinyes with purgatives, or select, such as are not so ingrateful, nor so much disturb the ventricle. Which if they can be procured, must not yet be presently exhibited, save by those for whom they are convenient, and in such quantity, as may respond to the strength of nature, and be easily born. Which quantity is various, according to the various faculties of the Medicaments, which if they be weaker, may be exhibited by so much in a greater quantity, if stronger in a less. Now I call them purgatives weak, which by gentle and benign motion of the ventricle, cleanse the first region of the body, and are measured rather by ounces, than drams, as Mannae, the pulp of Tamarinds, the pith of Caffia, or the like: Those valid or strong, which being small in quantity produce groat and violent effects, and which are rather weighed by grains and soruples, than by drams, of which hereafter: all them are accounted weak, which are measured by ounces; and they violent which are measured by grains; they indifferent which are measured by drams, as Rhabarb, Senny, Aloes and the like, all which, as also all lubricating and roborating purgatives, may be taken in greater quantity. This also holds good in alterating Medicaments, Alterantium dosis. which by how much they recede less from the symmetry of our body, as being only hot or cold in the first degree, may be prescribed in greater quantity; by how much they recede more, as hot or cold in the fourth degree, may be exhibited in lesser quantity; it is not then without peril copiously to assume Pepper, Bartram, Euphorbium, or Cicuta, Hedum or Water-lilies, because by the former the entrails would be inflamed, by the later benumbed and chilled. But since roborative Medicaments differ much in their active powers, they must be used in different quantities, as cordial waters by ounces, conserveses, roborating the principal parts by drams, more potent Antidotes, by scruples; Bezoar-stone, and Unicorns horn by grains. Now such liquids as are assumed either to roborate, altar, or purge, may be given in a greater quantity. Furthermore not only the efficacy of the Medicament, but also the state of the body and humours require an augmentation, Qui Medicamentis vaitdis, qui benignis egent. or diminution in quantity; a gentle and weak Medicament will not move a strong and firm body, which hath been either accustomed to labour, and frequent purgation, or pestered with many obstructions; whereas the soft and slender bodies of women and children, which are either dry or macilent, as also of pregnant women and persons newly recovered from diseases, will not endure strong ones. The species also, and plenty of the humour, Frigidus & crassus humor tardius purgatur. varyes the quantity of the Medicament; for a viscid, gross, frigid, melancholic, pituitous and tenaciously adhering humour will hardly be deduced, but requires a more valid and potent catharticke for its exclusion, a thin, calid, and choleric humour will sometimes be ejected by spontaneous vomit, very easily by a purgative Medicament. Furthermore, the state of the heavens, the nature of the region, and the condition of the season of the year require a different quantity of Medicament, for seeing the belly is obdurate in a cold season, (Aphor. 5. lib. 3) and a rigid Winter coartactes, and condenses the body, especially in the frigid region or climate, the humour then tenaciously adhering, is not propelled, save either by a strong Medicament once, or a gentle one often and in abundance exhibited, and as the year for the most part causes diseases according to its own constitution (Aphor. 5. lib. 3.) so according to the species of the humour causing the disease, and its greater or lesser progress: it is requisite, that not only the kind, but quantity of the Medicament be changed, which must be more copious: if by reason of the body, humour, state of the heavens, region, or custom purgation be difficult, as on the contrary, if purgation be easy in lesser quantity, as shall appear hereafter. CHAP. IX. Of such as must be prescribed in small quantity. EVery purgative Medicament hath either a strong or a weak faculty, which by a particular propriety respect the gentle or potent eduction of this rather than another humour. Now that Medicament I call gentle or weak, Blandum medicamentum quale. which assumed in an indifferent quantity moves the ventricle benignly and educes moderately, but superfluously assumed, educes superabundantly. For if an immoderate quantity of Rhabarb or Cassia, which are of the most familiar Medicaments to nature, be assumed, as an ounce and a half of the former, or half a pound of the later, it will move either stool or vomit, or both, with a great and immoderate turbation of the ventricle, and agitation of the humours. That I call a potent purgative, Potenter purgans. which in small quantity, as that that's weighed by grains, causes a copious and great dejection, which must be given in small quantity; as also all such as are ingrateful, rare, dear, endued with potent efficacious virtue, or partaker of any malignant quality. Those are ingrateful, Ingrata qualia. which by their odour grievously affect our nose or brain, as Castor, Sagapenum, and Assa-foetida which being a stinking gum the Germans call the Devil's dung, or by their sapour, such as are bitter Medicaments as Colocynthis, the lesser Centory: sharp, as Euphorbium, Bartram; most acid, as the Oil of Sulphur & Vitriol, a few drops whereof in a due proportion mixed with the syrup violets make it of a red shining colour, and somewhat acid of taste, and thereby very pleasant to the eyes and palate. A certain Court Doctor at his first coming, gave this syrup thus altered by Art, equally for all diseases with his own hands, who deceiving the vulgar with his ostentations, called it the secret of secrets. Those that are rare and dear, as Gems, Precious-stones, Pearl, Balsam, Precious Aromatas, Amber, Musck, Civet, and such as work an alteration in the body by their calidity or frigidity in the fourth degree, must be prescribed in small quantity. Those which by a certain antipathy, Qua magna cautela sumenda. and special potency impair the principles of life, spirit and heat, consume the flesh, and destroy the integrity of sanity, must not be exhibited without extraordinary care and prudence; as Viper's flesh against the pestilence or leprosy, the reins, or rather the flesh of the loins of Stincus to provoke to Venery, Cantharideses against the retention and obstruction of urine, for these Cantharideses rightly prepared and mixed with fit Medicaments, and administered in a small quantity, do move urine without harm; but in a great quantity they stay it, and impensly calefy the bladder. Rondeletius. Minerals also, and all such as have more efficacious faculties, must be taken sparingly; such as are more remiss, liberally. Furthermore, those that conduce to the dulcoration, correction, or deduction of other Medicaments, must be mixed always in a small quantity, as Cinnamon, Sanders, or Squinant, to conciliate suavity of odour or sapour in the Medicament. Ginger to the castigation of Agarick, Saffron of Opium, opening and mciding Medicaments to the dilation of the quality of other Medicaments to the parts to be cured. But nothing doth so much dehort from a great quantity of any Medicament, as its effrenate, prepotent, and malign quality; which as soon as it is educed into act, doth grievously disturb Nature, and excites a Troop of symptoms. Those which are rare, and by their price fit Princes, and rich men, if necessity require, may be prescribed in small quantity. CHAP. X. In what quantity Simples must be mixed for composition. FEW Compounds are found to confist of many Simples equal in proportion, but two or more exceed the quantity of the rest. They exceed, which are the matters Vicegerents, and induce an apt form to the Medicaments, as Oil, Wax, Lithargy, in Salves and Unguents; or which are most potent in action, and constitute the basis in composition, as Aloes in many Pills; as also such as have but weak faculties in great quantity, or are adhibited for the preservation of others, as Honey and Sugar in Electuaries and Syrups. This rule is chief to be observed in the proportion of Medicaments to be compounded, that that which brings more utility to the Medicament, should be adhibited in greater quantity in composition. They which are symbolical, whose matter is equally apt to induce the form of the Medicament, and which are in their faculties equally averse to the cause and symptom of the part affected, should be mixed in equal weight: which seems to be observed in the Tetrapharmacal Unguent, which consists of equal portions of Wax, Rosine, Pitch, and Bulls fat. And also in Justinus his Electuary, which by Nic. Mirepsius his description, cap. 403. receives an equal portion of thirty Simples, all which are thought by a certain propriety to break stones, and clear the urinal passage. To these is added Honey and Sugar in a different proportion, that the Electuary may acquire a convenient form, and apt consistency, and be fit for long preservation. Some portion of simple Medicaments is measured by number, some by weight, others by both; some in measures, some in handfuls, others in pugils. The quantity of roots are variously measured for their dosis, according to their various virtue and efficacy in operation. If their faculty gently move the belly, they are measured by drams; if potently, by scruples; if they only alter, by whole or half ounces; and when they make up a bath, by pounds or handfuls. In making Syrups of a great quantity, they may be exhibited from ℥. j to ℥. ij. or ℥. iij. in decoctions for one dosis, from ʒ. ij. to ℥. ss. or ℥. j or more or less, according to the power of the roots. If the decoction be made for many doses, their quantity must be proportionately augmented. When two, three, or more roots of the same, or very like quality are prescribed, a lesser quantity of each should be taken, that all conjoined may make up the quantity of one, according to Rondolet. Which should also be observed in all other Simples that are similar in quality, if so be they equally conduce to the propugnating of one affection, and roborating one part. And briefly, such as are endued with some acrimony, or eximious faculty, must be mixed in small quantities, such as weak and gentle, in great. The same rule should be observed in recent and dry herbs, which are measured by one or more handfuls, according to their faculty, and the nature of the Medicament to be compounded; for to some dosis we measure them by whole or half handfuls, to a fomenting Medicine by two handfuls, to a bath by more. Or sometimes bundles of little flowers, Flores. whether recent or dry, as the flowers of Rosemary, Violets, Bugloss, we measure sometimes by pugils, sometimes by weight. Great ones, if recent, as Lilies, Roses, by handfuls; if arid, by drams or ounces in scales. All seeds, Semina. whether hot, cold, temperate, sharp, acerb, bitter, or ingrateful, are librated by weight; but they ingrede the composition in different quantities, according to the different virtue, or the Physician's scope. Such as are most calid, most frigid and narcotical, if externally to be adhibited, may be given from ʒ ij. to ℥. j if intrinsically, to be assumed from ℈. j to ʒ. j or a little more or less, as the faculty is more or less potent. Fruits, Fructus numer● & pondere ●●●surantur. as well as roots, are different in magnitude and quality, whereof various quantities are described, which are known after several manners. The least, as Ribs and Barberries are prescribed by weight; the greater, as Sebesten and Plums, by number; some by both, as Almonds, Jujubs, and dry Grapes. Many, which because of their greatness are not integrally requisite, are cut into slices, purged from their cores, shells, or stones, and then measured by drams or ounces. And that I may consummate all, Liquids are prescribed by measure, Solids by weight, Fruits by number, Leaves by maniples, Flowers by pugils, every one's dosis answering its quality. I hold it superfluous further to prosecute the dosis, measure, or weight which should be taken of Woods, Barks, Pulse, Animals, or things thereunto pertaining, since these may be discerned and judged of by their consistency and quality, as also by what hath been already said. CHAP. XI. Of the reposition of Medicaments. THat we might dilucidly explicate the accurate composition of Medicaments, we have largely discussed the manner of their confection, their basis, form, end, and quantity of every Ingredient, as also the reason of their equality or inequality. Now it rests, that the Medicaments thus composed be reposed in such places as may conduce to the preservation of their virtues integral. Now a Medicament, whether simple or compound, (for both must be kept) must not be reposed in any but in a fit and convenient place, that it be not altered and corrupted, but kept in its perfect vigour till opportunity causes its delivery to such as it fits. A Simple must first be selected, and purged from filth, and its excrementitious and useless parts, and then dried, that it may be kept; for humid things will not keep without moulding and putrefaction. Herbs must be dried in a shade, Herbarum repositio. or a place where the Sun scorches net, yet not marcid, but dry, and void of fumes and dust, and then bound in little bundles, must be reposed in canvas or paper bags, lest they take detriment by the aforesaid cumbrances. Flowers must also be thus dried, reposed, and so conserved. Now Conservation and Reposition are related. Dry and gross herbs take no harm from the rigour of cold, but liquid and humid are easily condensed; which appropinquating to heat, are thereby brought to their pristine state. Yet distilled waters by immoderate congelation lose much of their bonity, and are often effused by the abruption of the glasses wherein they are reposed through the vehemency of cold, unless the Confectioners care prevent it. In January and February, 1608. while I was distilling waters, Saevitia Hy●●mis, anno 1608. the rigour of the winter was so vehement for six whole weeks together, that it broke all my earthen, glass, tin, and copper vessels, (though very strong) wherein I had put the waters: And when bread was drawn hot from the oven, it presently acquired a stony obdurateness; neither were the wine-cellars free from frost. And when the vehemency of the cold assuaged, all the houses in Lutetia were white both within and without with horrid ice. In which time many were vexed with the disease of the Lungs, whereof very many died. Fruits are repoled sometimes in Storehouses, Frullum. as Apples; sometimes in Barrels, as Plums; often in glass or wooden Boxes closed with papers, lest fumes or dust should alter them, as Jujubs, and also lest Flies erode and spoil them. Seeds after siccation are reposed in glass or wood vessels, Seminum. and kept in a dry place. Roots after purgation and are faction are reserved in wooden Boxes or Chests, Radicum. wrapped sometimes in bombast; if precious, as Chinean Rhabarb, lest the noxious quality of the air, or edacity of heat, spoil their qualities, and corrupt them. Liquid juices are reposed in bottles, Saceorum. or other vessels with straight orifices, whereupon Oil must be diffused, lest they be altered by the air. Juices are also reposed in wooden Boxes, or glass or earthen Vessels, as also Water-drops, Gums, whole or parts of Animals and Minerals. Liquors, Liquorum & Oleorum. Oils, Liquidambar, and Balsam, are reposed in glass Bottles stopped with cork, or wax, and some bladder, that they may not be dissipated by the air. Turpentine may not only be well reserved in an iron or glass Vessel, but in a figuline also. Some are best preserved in the highest part of the house, some in the middle, and some no where save in wine-cellars, or such madid place, as Cassia. Compound Medicaments, according to their different consisteacies and virtues, require for their Cepositories different Vessels, as Hydromel, a Barrel; Syrups, Potter's vessels, and for carriage sake Boxes of white Iron or Tin; as the Syrup of Mompelian Maidenhair, which reposed in such a vessel, may be commodiously conveyed to exotic regions; solid Electuaries, wooden Boxes; liquid ones, tin or earthen Vessels well leaded; Powders, glass; Unguents, tin pots. Thus every one requires a Repository convenient to its nature. CHAP. XII. Of the conservation and duration of Medicaments. AS we do not use to confect Compounds, so neither do we gather Simples for one dosis, but select and prepare a greater quantity of each for future uses: which that they may be safe from dust, fumes, putrefaction, or injuries by the air, or infects, as by Flies, Mice, and the like, we repose in fit Vessels, or include in Bags, or involve in Papers, and keep all in our Pharmacopoly, except such as require a more humid, or more dry place, as Cassia, a Wine-cellar; Sugar, Conditures, Junkets, and most Sweet meats, an Oven, or Closet near the fire. Many for their conservation must be condited with Vinegar, Salt, or both, as Cucumbers, Capers, Olives; or with Sugar or Honey, as all kind of Medicaments, whereof Electuaries or Syrups are composed. Decoctions will keep in Summer two or three days, in Winter a whole week; distilled Waters and Conserves, a whole year. Syrups perfectly cocted, Electuaries; Trochisks, Pills, Oils, Unguents, and Salves, will often keep two years; as also Roots, Woods, Barks, dry Juices, Tears and Gums, three years, and sometimes four; Elateries, thirty years; Nails, Bones, Horns, an age. Some can scarce be long preserved without the presence of those things with which they hold familiarity, as the Magnet with Iron, with whose limature it is nourished, and upon whose absence it decays, and loses its vigour. Others better preserve their faculties, if by the appropinquation of other things they be vindicated from the injury of the air and worms. Thus Camphor buried in Linseed is safely kept, Limmons and Oranges in a heap of Wheat will not so soon putrefy; and Mechoacams' root involved in Wormwood keeps its faculties entire, and will not be so easily croded. Musk and Civet are safely conserved in lead boxes: but that they should resartiate their lost virtue by suspension in the middle of a Boghouse, Platearius' his advice derided. Platearius his nose can only find. Saffron, Cloves, Pepper, Mace, and other aromatical Spices, are best conserved in leather bags; Storax, Belzoin, in glass boxes; Sanders, sweet Aloes, Mastic, Schaenantum, Seeds, and innumerable more, in Costers, or wooden Boxes; of which, more in our Shop. Medicaments therefore, as well simple as compound, if they be thus sedulously conserved, will endure long; if not, they soon fade and decay. But the greatest part of these should be changed every year; yet if any change not their colour, odour, and sapour, they need not. Now those keep longest which are of a gross substantiality, and whose qualities tenaciously and firmly adhere to their substances; as on the contrary, those do not endure long whose substance is rare, as Flowers, and those whose virtues are superficial and dissipable. Yet those are kept better and longer which are included in close Boxes, or Vessels well operculated, for so their virtue is retained more securely. Many think, that Antidotes against the poison of Beasts are safest kept in leaden Vessels, which in Galen's time were reposed in precious, and now in earthen Vessels. CHAP. XIII. Of such as by a certain Antinomasia are preferred before others, from which their denomination is desumed. THat God might free Man from those erumnies and egritudes wherewith he is daily pestered, he hath adorned the Earth like a little Paradise, or rich Garden with innumerable Herbs and Plants, that by their pleasant odour refocillate his spirits, by their variegated colours recreate his eyes, which in sanity allow him nutriment, in fickness resreshment, and liberty from the all commanding Tyrant Death. In which plentiful Soil, many of the same kind fruicate and occur us, which being indistinguishable because of their similarity in form and quality, have obtained the same denomination. For who can distinguish of the infinite sorts of Flowers and Grass? who can define their number? or describe the differences of Gerania, Heriatum, Anemones, Daffodils, and many more Plants, in whose various variety Nature seems to delight itself. Now since some of these are absolutely described without any addition of particular or peculiar description, those must always be elected and used which Experience hath proved better. And this Theorem must be perpetually observed in such as have some analogy among themselves, that that be always assumed which is best in every kind; as when we describe Aloes simply, we mean Aloe succatrine. And that I may give you a few examples for many. When we put Vinegar simply, we do not mean that they may take Beer, but Wine-vinegar; when Balsam, we mean Egyptian Balsam; when Benjoin, we mean that same which, from its white spots like Almonds, is called Amygdalite. And when we put Cassia absolutely, Cassia Fistula must be exhibited; when Coral, red, which is accounted best. So also the rest are understood of the best of that kind: as Dittany Of The Cretensian Dittany. Aristolochy Of Round. Sweet root Of Liquorice. Endive Of Broad-leaved Succory. Epithyme Of Woodbine growing about Thyme Fenicle Of Fennel. Earth gall Of The lesser Centaury. Gum Of Arabic. Pomegranate Of Acid. Hepatica Of Liverwort. Ivy Of Corymbiferous. Jasmine Of White. Henbane Of White. Lettuce Of Garden. Lily Of White and bulbous. Horebound Of White. Mint Of Garden. Githe Of The seed only. Water-lilly Of White. Cresses Of The seed only. Oil Of Olive. Opium Of Theban. Poppy Of White. Polypody Of the Oak. The lesser Quercle Of Germander. The greater Plantain Of Ribwort. Rose Of Red. Meadow-green Of Meadow-sweet. Staechadoes Of Arabic. Santalum Of The Citron. Longwort Of White. Turpentine Of Venetian. Betony Of Masculine. Violet Of Black, or rather ceruleout. Xyloaloes' Of Blackish. Iris Of Florentinian. Ginger Of Malvaticall, which is the best and most sought of by Persians, Arabians, and Barbarians. CHAP. XIV. Of such Roots, Seeds, Flowers, Stones, and Waters, as excel others in dignity. MAny Simples of several kinds have symbolical qualities; and yet Experience hath demonstrated, that some of them excel others, and are more convenient for the profligation of diseases, as being endued with a better altering, roborating, or purging faculty, and exhibiting more successful effects; of which are some Plants, or parts thereof, and some Minerals, which being absolutely described, put the Apothecary upon doubts, Radices aperientes majores. who is ignorant of the genuine dilucidation: whose tenuity, that we may auxiliate, we will give him the names of the five opening roots; Radices aperitive majores. and they are the roots of Smallage, Sperage, Parsley, Fennel, and Butchers-broom. Besides which, other five are much celebrated, to wit, the roots of Grass, the greater Madder, Oenone, Capers, and Eryngium. The four greater or colder seeds are the seeds of Lemons, Semina frigida 4. majora. Gourds, Melons, and Cucumbers; the four lesser, of Lettuces, Purslain, Endive and Succory. The four greater or hotter seeds, Semina calida majora, & totidem minora. are of Anise, Fennel, Cummin, and Carraway; the four less hot, of Ameos, our Lady's Rose, Smallage, Carrot. Cordial flowers are only three, Cordiales tres. to wit, of Violets, Bugloss, and Borrage; which if they be such, are then most effectual, when recent and retentive of their colour and odour; for when they are dry, insipid, and inodorous, they have either quite lost, or much weakened their qualities. And indeed the qualities of all flowers perish with their odour, sapour, and colour. But I am of opinion, that Roses, which of all flowers retain their suavity longest, as also all such as by their gracious odour exhilarate the spirits, are most cordial; for all suaveolent flowers, whether herbal, as the Lily of the Valley; or arbustal or arboral, as the flowers of Orange trees are cordial, and may with success be used in medicinary business. The flowers of Chamemile, Melilote, and Anise, are accounted cordial: but I prefer as more excellent, the flowers of Oranges, Jasmine, Deluce, Sage, Rosemary, Betony, Clove-gilliflowers, and many others, which with their fragrancy delight the nose, and recreate the spirits. The hairs or capillary herbs are five, Herb capillares quinque. Maidens-hair, commonly called Mompiensian hair, common Adiantium, Polytricum, Citrarch, or Wall-fern, Rue on the wall, without all reason called Salvia vitae, to which we may add Epithymum and Woodbine. The common mollifying herbs are four, Mallows, Marsh-mallows, Emmollientes berbae octo. black Violet, Garden Bear-foot, or brank Ursine; whereunto four more are adjoined, Mercury, Pelitory of the wall, Beet, and Arache, all which are used in making the decoction of Clysters, and laxative Cataplasms. There are many precious Fragments, Fragmentae pretiosa quinque. but five artificially in use among Physicians, as of Saphire, Granate, Emerald, Hyacinth, Sardis. The Vulgar know only four kinds of Cordial Waters, and cannot be persuaded to a fifth, to wit, of Endive, Succory, Bugloss, and Borrage: but I find eight besides these that are more cordial, to wit, the Water of Carduus, Scabiose, Marigold, Devil's bit, Woodsorrel, Goatsbeard, Sorrel, and Water-lillyes. Some conduce to the roboration of the brain, Quatuor aquae cephalicae. and are therefore called Cephalical Waters, which are four, to wit, the Water of Betony, Balm, Roses, and Orange tree flowers. There are also in Shops four hot Unguents, as Ung. Aregon, Quatuor unguenta calida, & quatuor frigida. Martiatum, Altheae, and Agrippae; and as many frigid ones, to wit, Ung. Album, Rosatum, Populeum, Citrinum. CHAP. XV. Of succedaneous Medicaments. PHysicians should not use Succedaneous Medicaments, unless they be thereunto compelled, either having not knowledge, or having not trial of the requisite Medicament: yet an Apothecary by the medics advice may substitute a convenient Medicament instead of another that is so rare as it cannot be had, or so dear as it cannot be purchased: yet so, that the succedaneous be in species, kind, and virtue very similar and answerable to the deficient; and if it may be, a simple Medicament should be put for a simple, and a compound for a compound: as A Plant for a Plant, A Root for a Root, A Bark for a Bark, Seed for Seed, Liquor for Liquor, Gum for Gum, Rosine for Rosine, Oil for Oil, Mineral for Mineral, Salt for Salt, Earth for Earth, Stone for Stone, Gem for Gem, Metal for Metal, Animal for Animal, Part for Part. The same Law must be observed in compounds but not so strictly, for powder must be put for powder, eclegme for eclegme, electuary for electuary, syrup for syrup: Yet there is often such affinity in quality betwixt Medicaments of different consistencies, that a substitution may be easily admitted. For if any hath an aversation to a bechical eclegme, he may without danger assume syrup of jujubs, and he that refuses pills, why may he not assume some other catharticke of equal virtue in a potion? Thus Physicians do oft indulge their Patients, by prescribing liquids to such as nauseate solids, and on the contrary. Yet a simple Medicament is not always substituted for a simple one, for since one can scarce find two simples alike in all things: for the want of one, to which no single one responds, we substitute two or more, whose concourse exhibit the similar virtues, whether in elementary qualities, as heat, cold, humidity, and siccity, or in secundary qualities, which follow the modification of the matter: For it is enough, if the substituted Medicament effect that, which the genuine and deficient promised. For one that wants a rare and precious Medicament calefying or refrigerating in the seoend degree, and hath other two, the one hot or cold in the third degree, the other in the first; may by putting these two together, acquire one accommodate to his purpose, to wit calefying or refrigerating in the second recess, which rule is of use in mixing attenuating, incrassating and other simples. But because the soil and the heavens change the qualities of simples, as we have observed in the Persian tree; we must with diligence observe which are fittest for substitution, for there is much difference betwixt our flower deluce, and that of Florence: for their is cephalical, and bechical, our Phlegmagogous and strongly purgative. And as Canary wine is more noble than Spanish, and Spanish than French wine: so the grapes from which they are expressed, are of distinct qualities, sapours and degrees of heat: and therefore simples of the same kind and species have not always got the same temperature and degree of qualities, for what grows in a hotter soil is hotter: and in a colder colder. When therefore a Medicament, is prescribed, which because of its soil is hotter, Quamado gradu tertio aut quarto calidum substituitur pro minus calids. and cannot be got, another of the same kind may be substituted, through the colder, if in greater quantity. For that which is hot in the fourth degree may be taken in such a quantity, as it may only calefie in the third degree; as for example, if you take but about four grains of Euphorbium, it will calefy only in the third degree, which in greater quantity would calefy in the fourth; and by how much you take less, by so much it calefies less; but every Medicament hath a determinate dosis, else so small a portion might be given, that though it were fire, yet would it neither burn nor calefie; and Cloves, which are hot in the third degree, if less than three grains of them be administered, they calefy not to the third degree, and so of all qualities in their degrees. Now there are in every degree three parts or mansions, Cujusque gradus tres parts. beginning, middle and end, which are so constituted, that the beginning of one degree coincidates with the end of another, as the beginning of the fourth with the end of the fift. So the end of Winter differs little from the beginning of the spring. The usual dosis of such as calefy in the fourth degree is of four grains, whereof there being three mansions; Dosis callidorum in quarto gradu. the chief dosis which attains the end of that same grave, is of twelve grains: that which attains the middle, sixteen, and the beginning, twenty grains, which is the dosis of such as calefy in the end of the third degree. Wherefore when any want a Medicament, that califies or frigifies in the end of the first degree, he may substitute one that is called or frigid in the beginning of the second degree; he that wants a medicament hot in the end of the second degree, may exhibit one that's hot in the beginning of the third. Now since the doses of compounds are deduced from simples, according to the deficiency of any simple, another may be substituted which is Analogical to the deficient, in the mixtion whereof, if the aforesaid Laws be observed, the result in the compound will be no way deficient by substitution. CHAP. XVI. What Medicaments, and when they are rightly substituted. Lest our pharmaceutical treati should be defective, or a patiented destitute of praesidy, when his auxiliatory Physician prescribes him something, that neither the Pharmacopolitans shops, nor gardens afford, we will here describe the supplements of such defects, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latins Succedanea & Substituta, or more vulgarly quid pro quo. But as we before observed, such substitutes should be similar, What substitutes ought not to be allowed of. inivertue to those whose place they spply, and whose vicegerents they are; now if such cannot be found, than those must be elected which differ in little, and respond in many things. For its absurd to call those succedaneous Vicegerents, which are mdued with opposite not succedaneous and symbolical qualities, and they write without reason, who substitute Euphorbium for Agarick, Pellitory for Sorrell, and Melliote for a Quince, for these have no affinity with each other. But when some weaker are substituted in place of better, their qualities must be augmented by quantity, for quantity reduplicated recompenses the weakness of the quality, as on the contrary, if the substitute be too valid, less quantity must be exhibited, that thereby its rigour may be diminished. Now, this should not be done without the advice of some skilful Doctor, which many do not only despise, but themselves prescribe Medicaments to the great damage of their patients, but such are for the most part unconstant, importunate, and talkative knaves, who trimly apparelled intrude themselves to the sicks presence, and deceive them with fair speeches. I speak of that impious rabble, who deceive the incautious vulgar; but the skilful and prudent, who take nothing rashly, but at a Physician's advice and preception, may substitute, legitimate Vicegerents in the place of such as want or are decayed. Those that without choice and care repose for genuine and good, what ever Medicament comes first to their hands, will make dangerous Medicaments, and substitutions. One was wont pleasantly to inculcate that of the Ninivite to such a busy fellow, Saepe loco illius quid pono. Lest therefore any error be committed in reposition of suppositories, we shall here place the substitute in opposition to the deficient. You may substitute. For Wormwood, Origanum or southernwood. For Southernwood, Origanum. For The juice of Acaoia, The juice of Cistus, or Hypocistis. For Bear's foot, Mallows. For Acorus, The root of folefoot, or Radix Asari. For The true Venus' hair, The Common. For Ameos. Anise seed. For Amomus, Acorus. For Gum Amoniack, Propolis. For Bitter Almonds, Persian nuts. For Wolveses grease, Weasels grease. For Heart's grease, Goat's grease. For Alum, Fossile salt. For Althaea, Mallows. For Arsenic, Sublimatum. For Rain-water, Fountain water. For Sea water, Saltedwater. For Anise, Carrot. For Round Aristolochy, Long. For The flower of Fomgranate, The rind thereof. For Balsam Limpid Turpentines: For Borrage, bugloss. For Bettony, Parsley. For Spinach, Arache. For Butter, Oil. For Calamus Arom. Squinant. For Cardamomum. Cyperus. For Calamintha, Wild mint. For Germander, Ground pine. For Cinnamon, Common Cassia. For Cinabrium, Red Lead. For Juice of Citron, Limmons juice. For Daucus Creticus, English carrot seed. For Dates, Massilian figs. For Dittany. Sage. For A Bear's tooth, A hog's tooth. For Diphryx, Burned Brass. For Liquorice, Raisins. For walwort. Elder. For White Hellebore, Elaterium. For Black Hellebore, Lapis Lazuli. For Epithyme, Epithymbrum. For Eruca, Erisimum. For Agrimony, Liverwort. For Sea holly, Oenone. For Fenygreek. Orobus. For Fennell, Smallage. For Partridge gall, Cothurnix gall. For Verdigrease, Rust. For Fumitory, Sowthistle. For The hulls of Senny, Twice as much of its leaves. For Myrtle leaves, Its berries. For Galangale, Acorus. For Galbanum, Sagapenum. For Gentian, Tormentill. For Liverwort, Agrimony. For Helecampare, Flower deluce. For Hyssop, Savoury. For The juice of Cistus, Acacia. For Jasmins' flowers, Rormary Flowers. For Jujubs, Raisins. For Sweet rush, Cardomomum. For Henbane, Poppy. For Lettuce, Garden Succory. For Sorrell, Black Violet. For Laureola, Misletoe. For Lacca, Storax. For Sciatick Cresses, Cretian Cresses. For Loadstone, The Phrygian stone. For Mallows, Arach. For Mandrake, Poppy, For Honey, Sugar, For Mumy, Pissaphaltum, For Spicnard, Schaenanthum, For Nep, Wildmint, For Nutmeg, Cloves, For Water-Lilly, Lettuce, For Sheepsgrease, Calf's marrow, For Oil, Butter, For The juice of unripe grapes, Juice of Lemons, For Opium, Lettuce juice, For Opobalsamum, Oil of Cloves, For The juice of panax, Gum Amoniake, For Ryce, Wheat meal, For White thorn, Gooseberry tree, For Poppy juice, Mandrake juice, For Petty spurge, Sea Lettuce, For Parsley, Smallage, For Plaintain, Mouse-eare, For Pompholyx, Burned brass oar. For Walwort, Ground pine, For Quinquenerve, Plantain, For Radish-seed, Its juice, For Rosemary, Majoram, For Gooseberries, * Berberryes', For Rue, Tansey, For Sagapene, Pyne gum, For Sage, Calaminthe, For Elder, walwort, For Cantonicum, Southernwood, For New wine, Sweet wine, For Cuttlebone, A pumick stone, For Sutureia, Thyme, For Saxifrage, Burnet, For Houseleek, Nightshade, For White spike, Lavender, For Tansey, Feverfew, For Sowthistle, Succory, For Cuckoo bread, Sour dock, For Thyme, Satureia, For Thimelaea, Chamelaea, For Tamariske, Citrarch, For Tussilage, Lungwort, For Garden Valerian, Wild, For Masculine betony, The famale, For White Hellebore, Turpethum. For Black Violet, White. For Red Wine, White. For Sweet Cassia, Cinnamon. For Yylobalsum, Radix Ligustici. For Ginger, Pepper. For Civet, Musck. But because it seldom falls out that one can err twice in a Medicine, let junior Apothecaryes' diligently beware, lest they substitute any thing without the Physicians advice; if they do otherwise, they may exhibit and sell spurious Medicaments for legititimate; as I have 1000 times observed in some ignorant fellows who without discretion substitute any simple which of its self is deficient. CHAP. XVII. Of Adulterate Medicaments. men's insatiable avarice hath rapt some to that height of iniquity, that they exhibit Adulterate Medicaments for true and genuine; the dignotion whereof is of great moment in making Medicaments, and should be a Physicians and an Apothecaryes' employment accurately to learn, that to be their patients may exhibited none but good, which may conduce to their adjument, and sanity; not adulterate, whose end is peril and languour. These I thought meet to detect, lest some unskilful Apothecary be deceived by such circumforaneous prestigiatours, who often sell the flowers of Carthamus for Crocus, and Ivory for Monocerots horn; and similate many more, especially rare and precious Medicaments, whose use is frequent, and virtues eximious. Lest therefore the Apothecary, in whose hand the life or death of a patiented is, be imprudently circumduced by these wicked slaves, for lucre's sake, to circumvent the patiented, I'll show him how to detect and avoid these impious frauds and deceits. A lump of Kid's blood kneaded in hot bread pulverised, Moschi adulterium and Laudanum dissolved and kept in a box, after they are mixed, wherein true musk had been reposed, doth much similate musk: yet it may be detected by its consistency, colour and odour, which soon fails in the fictitious. The powder of Xyloaloes, Benjoin, Storax, Ambra. and Laudanum mixed together similate together. But the peculiar native odour of genuine Amber may be easily diseerned from these: Moreover Amber by long attrition in ones hands becomes more friable, these more soft. The bark of Tamariske, Cinamomi. macerated in Cinnamon water; and dried very much, similates Cinnamon: but the taste will difference them. Cloves that are inodorous by age will become fragrant by madefaction in wine, Caryo byllorum. wherein good Cloves have been macerated, but this acquired odour is fugacious. Rosin, Belzoin. Frankincense, and a little Storax, mixed together, do fraudulently similate Belzoin: but as they differ in odour, so also in colour, the spurious being full of white spots. Some instead of Camphor sell the gum of Juniper: Camshora. but none can be thus imposed upon, but such as are very ignorant, for any one that's conversant with Aesculapius may at the first sight detect the fraud. Opobalsamum with a little oil doth very much represent liquidambar, O●●o●al●●mo l●●● d●nb●r ass●●e. wherewith it has affinity in its faculties, and this hath been so peritely adulterated, that it hath deceived the most experienced in Paris. The Oriental Earth, Terra Lemmia orientalis. called Terra Lemnia, is represented by Bole, or common Argill dried, pulverated, kneaded with Plantain water, made into pastils, and signed with the great Turk's sigil, with which Character much comes from Bellonium: but the falsity will be deprehended, if both be washed with water, for the water of Terra Lemnia will be fatter, the other more limpid and tenuious. They vitiate Bitumen also by the mixture of pitch, Bitumen. but the fire will discover it, for that which hath pitch in it, will emit a pleasant odour. Opii. Opium is similated by Meconium, or the juice of the leaves, and stalk of black Poppy, but the error may be discerned by the fatness, which is much in the genuine, none in the adulterate. Manna Thuris may easily be adulterated, Manna thuris. since the powder of Rosin doth much resemble it, but fire detects the fraud. Tacamahaca, Tacamahaca, is adulterated with Gum Elemi, which is very like the true one, for they respond in colour, consistency, and odour, only the one is a little more pleasant to the nose. Sagapene, Galbanum, Opoponax, and Serapinum, being common, are seldom adulterated. But Bedellium being more rare is adulterated by course Myrrh, and so imposed upon idiots. Sassafras was unknown of old in Europe; which at its first allation was sold dear, and was thereupon much sophisticated. I knew a man that sold the powder of Box-wood and Fennell-seed for the powder of saffafras: but when plenty of the genuine was conveyed, the adulteration ceased. Some knaves sell an Ox's heart-bone, for a Heart's heart-bone, but they that know both approve of the Hearts, and reject the other, as endued with no eximious virtue. Some substitute great plums for Tamarinds; but they do ill in calling them Tamarinds, since they differ so apertly in shell, pulp, and sapour. I could detect the adulteration and manner thereof of a thousand other Medicaments, out of Dioscorides and other, as well ancient as modern Writers, but I hold it better toconceale them, since man is so prone to evil, and so perite to deceive: this I'll say by the way, that waters, liquors, juices and compound Medicaments may be easily adulterated, simples, especially integral ones, not so easily. The end of the fourth Book. OF PHARMACEUTICAL INSTITUTIONS. The fifth Book. Of the forms of Medicaments, whose use is celebrous in precaution and profligation of diseases. THE FIRST SECTION, Of such as are assumed at the mouth. THE PREFACE. AS many Aliments are condited with mixture of several things, and prepared with laborious artifice, that they may be long conserved without petretude and marcour, as Pastyes, Puddings, many farciments and biscake, on which the Mariners feed sometimes by the space of two years, while they sail to the Indies, or as that same Powder or meal which the Turkish Soldiers carry in their Zones made like knapsacks, which they knead with water, and coct to the consistence of a pultis, and so feed upon it a whole month. Others being conservative not above a day or two, and some not above an hour without alteration. So many Medicaments will endure in integral strength for the space of a year or two, being conserved in Pharmacopolyes, as in a rich store-house for future uses: Others not enduring without damage the space of two days in Summer, as those which are prepared for present use, whereof we have determined in order to discourse in this our last Book, beginning with them, that are intrinsically assamed, either by the mouth or other convenient place, as Nose, Fundament, and the like; which are variously compounded, not only according to the variety of the nature of the disease, but also of the part affected, which must have some one, some another consistency, that they may be more commodiously applied, more fitly adhere, or with more ease be deferred to the part affected, as potibles must be liquid, edibles solid, and applicatives indifferent, all which, that we may severally prosecute, we will begin with potulents, and then describe other more solid Medicaments in this first Section: we will in the second subjoin a special treatise of such as are injected into the belly, or uterus: in the third, we will describe those Medicaments which are applied to the extrinsecall parts of the body. CHAP. I. Of some ordinary decoctions common by their long use. Sometimes the substance alone, sometimes the juice, sometimes the decoction of the Medicament is administered, which decoction, that it may be more easily and successfully assumed, must be of simple, distilled, or other convenient water, or humour, as the intention of the Physician and exigency of the matter requires. Now the liquor, wherein the decoction is made that must be assumed at the mouth (of which alone we now speak) should be endued with no insuave, or violent quality. For potulent decoctions made in the juice of Wormwood, lesser Centory, immature grapes, or Lee, or vinegar, are neither safe, nor grateful: but unguents, Pills Fotus, and whatever is extrinsecally applicable, that requires decoctions to their preparations, may be decocted in any convenient humour, whether bitter, acerb, salty, or oily, if the condition of the disease or part affected postulate it. But now we treat of that more special decoction, Quarum decoctionum frequens usus. which after percolation, is assumed by the mouth, either alone or mixed, with other Medicaments dissolved; of which sort, is the common decoction of any Medicament, and the pectoral decoction, which not Medick can well be without. Now every decoction is either small, or much, or indifferent, according to the substance and strength of the Medicament, which is to be cocted; Quae parum aut multum decoqucnda. for some must be decocted gently, as having a rare sustance, and weak and dissipable faculties; others will sustain a more valid decoction, as consisting of a firm, crass, and dense substance, and endued with faculties not so dissoluble; others require a mode rate decoction, whose substance and faculties are of a mean consistency: thus Fruits would not be so little, nor Flowers so much cocted as Roots. When a Decoction is prescribed absolutely, without the special designation of any liquor, Aquae quantitas in decoctis parandis. it ought to be made either in pure and simple water, as fountain or river water, or else in rain water; the quantity whereof must respond to the quantity of the Simples to be cocted, as near as may be, without exuberance or defect; for when Simples through coction depose their qualities into the water, if it be copious, and they few, the decoction after percolation will retain be weak faculties: As on the contrary, if many Simples be cocted in little water, the decoction will be exhaled and dissipated, and the Simples burned rather than brought to elixation; which is acquired by moderate heat in an humour proportionate to the quantity and nature of the thing cocted. Those that sustain the longest coction, require more abundance of water, the shorter the less, many Simples require much: so that those that are hard, and require long coction, should be demerged in water, and covered two or three fingers therein. Thus a certain measure of water cannot be defined, but is often left to the Apothecary's judgement. When a Decoction is to be made only for one dosis, Aquae quantitas pro dosi pa randa. it's enough to elixate a few Simples in half a pound of water on a slow fire, till it be boiled to half; if for two dosis, then in a whole pound of water; if for four, in two pounds. And thus may the quantity of water be augmented, as the Simples are augmented. There are furthermore three Decoctions very usual in making Medicines. The first is called the common Decoction, which is commonly used to the dissolution of Purgatives, sometimes to the coction of Senny leaves, and sometimes to the infusion of Simples. The second is commonly called the pectoral Decoction, because it is used to all such as bring adjument to the pectoral parts. The third is the glysteral Decoction; of which in its place. All men do not describe their Confections alike, but every one adds or detracts something according to his judgement. This is the most vulgar and usual description of the common Decoction. ℞. of clean Barley, p. j of sweet Plums, nu. vj. of Raisins stoned, Liquorice scraped, an. ℥. ss. of Anise and Fennel seeds, an. ʒ. ij. is winter; Decoctio communis medicinae. but in summer of the four greater cold seeds, an. ʒ ij. of the three cordial flowers, an. p. j let the Decoction be made in two pound of water till half be consumed. This Decoction percolated will be enough for four ordinary doses, or three extraordinary. The pectoral Decoction, whereof is frequent use in pectoral affections, is variously also prescribed: but that which Rondeletius gave, is thus amended by Bauderonius. ℞. of whole Barley, p. j of Figs and Jujubs, an. nu. vj. of Dactyls, Decoctio pectoralis. nu. vj. of Raisins stoned, and Liquorice, an. ʒ. ss. of Hyssop pretty dry, m. ss. boil them in lb. ij. of rain or fountain water, to the half. Some substitute Sebestens for Jujubs, others augment the quantity of Hyssop, others add Capillaries, and Cordial Flowers: but since their virtue is pectoral enough, which are contained in the form prescribed, there is no necessity of loading it with more; especially considering, that by how much more Simples go to the making of them up, by so much is their making and assumption more difficult; and so on the contrary. CHAP. II. Of a Dosis. THat certain and convenient quantity of any Medicament, which is prescribed, or rather given to a sick man at once, or necessity compelling at twice, is a Dosis: for Dosis is Dation; whereof there are as many varieties, as there are differences in the nature or properties of Medicaments, or Bodies to which the Medicaments are offered. Dosis medicamentorum varia. For there is one Dosis of Liquids', another of Solids, and another of those that have a middle consistency. cathartics also are given in various Doses, which having once entered into the body, if they be too valid, or exhibited in too great measure, do not only exagitate the superfluous humours, but also the good and laudable, and by gripping the bowels, hurt the faculties there inhering. One Dosis also is given to children, another to young men, another to men of strength, another to old men, according to their several natures, customs, and strength. The Dosis of Liquids' is measured and given in ounces; of Solids, sometimes in grains, often in drams, and sometimes in ounces. Altering Medicaments are seldom given by one ounce alone, Alterantium medicamentorum dosis. unless it be to children, or else that they be endued with eximious and valid qualities, as Aqua vitae, Cinnamon, and those we call Imperial. Their more usual Dosis consists of three or four ounces; if they be exhibited in greater measure, they cause loathe, they subvert the ventricle, and are insuccessfully excluded by vomit. Roboratives, especially liquid ones, Roborantium dosis. are given from one ounce to three or four; solid ones are sometimes given by grains, as the Powder of Monoceros; sometimes by scruples and drams, as Cordial Confections, and many Antidotes. Purgatives are measured and given after the same manner, Purgantium. some by three, six, or eight grains, as Diacrydion, and Stibium also, which though it be immite and effrenous, yet tamed and castigated by Art, and exhibited by a prudent Physician, often produces successful effects: And I see no reason why it may not be used in stead of better, to the cure of a contumacious disease. For if it be lawful for man's subsidy to seek remedies from Viper's flesh, Neotericorum in inveniendis remediis sedulitas. and their very skin and excrements, how can it be illegitimate to expect solace from those Medicaments, which Neotericks' sedulity have invented, their industrious dexterity have secured, and many experiences have proved; though the Ancients either were ignorant of them, neglected them, or administered them unduly, as now adays many malevolent Circulators, who kill innumerable with their Stibium that is ill prepared, and exhibited in an undue dosis, neither when, nor to whom it is meet. And that I may return to my purpose; Quam varia catharticorum dosis. some cathartics are given only in a small dosis, as Colocynthis, and Hellebor, by a few grains or scruples; others by drams, as Rheum; others by ounces, as Manna, Cassia, Tamarinds. A Dosis than denotes a quantity of a Medicament fit to be exhibited at once; as when any Medicament of three or four ounces at the most is made into the form of a potion, Decoction, or distilled; wherein we dilute Roboratives, as Powders, Antidotes, and Cordial Confections; or infuse cathartics, as Agarick; or dissolve them, as Catholicon or Diacarthamum; whereof every one hath its peculiar dosis, whereby it should be given in greater or lesser quantity, as it is of weak or valid faculties. But to describe every of these according to the nature and quality of every Medicament, and body, were to comprehend the whole method of Medicine. CHAP. III. Of a purgative Potion. EVery kind of Medicaments may be given in any form, but not so fit perhaps to cure a Disease, or help any part. The most usual form of such as free the passages of obstructions, deduce the vessels, Purgantia cur in forma potabili convenientiora. and provoke monthly flowers and urine, is liquid. But those especially that are purgative, require a more potable form, for hereby they more promptly diffuse themselves, more easily ingrede the small veins, and more efficaciously deduce the humour inhering in those parts. For one dram of a solid Medicament diluted with some humour, Catharticum liquidum citius ducit. will move the belly more than twice as much of it whole. Wherefore when we say a purgative Medicament absolutely, we mean a laxative Potion, whose dosis should seldom exceed three ounces, lest by moving the ventricle, it be presently excluded by vomit. Now purgative Potions are various, according to the various nature of the Medicaments, and humours to be educed: For every humour except blood, which is vacuated only by the section of some vein or artery, hath its proper eductive Cathartick; that which purges Choler, is called a Cholagogous; that which purges Melancholy, Melanagogous; and Phlegm, a Phlegmagogous' Medicament. And of each of these, whether simple or compound, are made purgative Potions, when they are macerated, infused, dissolved, or cocted in some fit liquor; as to educe Choler, thus: ℞. of the roots of Succory, Sorrel, Liquorice, an. ʒ. ij. of Endive, Cholagogon. Fumitory, Agrimony, an. m. ss. of the three cordial Flowers, an. p. j let a Decoction be made in a small quantity of water, wherein infuse of Rhabarb, ʒ. ij. ss. of Orange coloured , ℈. ss. dissolve in the expression Syrup of Violets, ʒ. vj. and make a potion thereof. When a stronger Purge is required, either you may augment the quantity of the things, or take a stronger Medicament; as this: ℞. of Diaprun. dissolved, or Electuary of the juice of Roses, ʒ. iij. Alia potio validior. let it be dissolved in ℥. iij. of the fore mentioned Decoction, or of Endive water; put to it of the syrup of Succory compounded with Rhabarb, ℥. j and make a Potion. Phlegm may be deduced by many Medicaments, as well simple as compound, as well as Choler; whereof I shall take these few prescriptions in stead of many examples. ℞. Polypody of the Oak, Grass roots, Raisins stoned, of each, ʒ. iij. of the seeds of Carthamus, ʒ. ij. Germander, Ground-pine, Betony, of each, m. ss. of Anise seed, ʒ. j make a Decoction, in which boil on a slow fire of the leaves of Senny, ʒ. ij. ss. in the colature infuse of Agarick, ʒ. j ss. in the expression dissolve of the syrup of white Roses, ʒ. j make a Potion thereof. In such a Decoction after collation you may dilute of the Electuary of Diacarthamus, ʒ. iij, orʒ. ss. of the syrup of damask Roses, ℥. j that it may be a Potion. Senny, Rhabarb, and Polypody, vacuate phlegm also, and so do Turbitum, Carthamus' seed, Colocynthis, Widow-wail, Veratrum album. white Hellebor, the seed and root of Wallwort, Benedicta Laxativa, and Diaphoenicum; whereof a perite Artificer may make various purgative Potions. Melancholy also hath its peculiar cathartics, as Epithymum, Melancholiam quae ducunt. Azure stone, Senny, black Hellebor; and amongst the compounds, the Confection Hamech, Catholicum, Diasenna, and King Sabor's syrup. Of one or more whereof dissolved, infused, or cocted in some convenient liquor, a purgative Medicament may be confected; as thus: ℞. Barks and roots of Capers and Tamarisks, roots of Bugloss, Melanagogon optimum. Liquorice, Raisins and Currens, of each, ʒ iij. of whole Barley, ʒ. ss. Cateras. Maiden hair, Marigolds, borage, of each, m. ss. of the three cordial Flowers, of each, p. j of which make a Decoction, wherein infuse Senna, ℥. ss. sweet Fennel seeds, ʒ. j in the Colature dissolve syr. Regis Saboris, ℥. j make it into a Potion. Or, ℞. Liquorice, Raisins stoned, an. ʒ iij. Jujubs, nu. vj. Epithymus, Spleenwort, tops of Hops, Wood sorrel, Fumatory, an. m. ss. Broom flowers, p. ij. make a Decoction, in which dissolve Confectio Hamech, ʒ. j ss. Diasenna, ʒ. ij. syrup of Violets, ʒ. vj. or ●. j make it into a Potion. Catholicum also is useful to purge Melancholy; Catholicum polychrestum est. for being universally commodious to purge any noxious humour, it easily accommodates itself to those wherewith it is mixed; as if it be mixed with Rhabarb, it purges Choler; if diluted in the decoction of Senny, or mixed with the confection of Hamech, it purges Melancholy. CHAP. IU. Of Juleps. THE acception of Julep and Syrup with the Arabians is almost one and the same, for they confound them together, and speak of them under the same head or Chapter, understanding nothing more by an absolute Julep, than Sugar dissolved in Rose water, and cocted to the consistency of a Syrup. But we speaking more distinctly, treat of them both, but in several Chapters and Books, to wit, of Syrups, which should be inspissated by a longer coction in our Officine: but of Juleps, which should be but lightly cocted, and presently assumed, in this our Book of Medicinal Receipts. Now Julep is a Persian word, Julep quid. signifying a sweet Potion, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and they make it of any distilled dulcorate water, as of Syrups of the juice or decoction of Simples, elixated with Sugar or Honey to a more crass consistency. Serapio, that he might eschew the insuavity of all odour and sapour, confected a Julep, or rather Hydrosacharum, of Water and Sugar only, which he calls a simple Syrup. Avicenna, to conciliate more suavity, adds thereto a third part of Rose-water. Mesue takes not only water, but confects Juleps of juices, infusions, and decoctions. And the vulgarity of men call all limpid dulcorate Potions Julens, whether they be made of distilled waters only, or of the decoction of a few sweet simples, and much water percolated, clarified, Julepus zizyphorum. and dulcorated; such as the Julep, or rather Syrup of Jujubs; for when it is made of a hundred great Jujubs, and four pounds of water cocted to the half, and one pound of sugar, it acquires a more crass consistency than a Julep; and therefore when it comes to be used, it requires dilution in simple water cocted, or in a Prisane, whereas a Julep is limnid enough of itself. And that same Syrup, which from its frequent use there; derives its name from Alexandria, Syrupus Alexandrinus. is improperly called a Julep, since it is as much inspissiated by coction, and as long kept as any Syrup. Now the Julep of Roses is right made, when it consists of Rose-water, with half as much Sugar cocted almost to the crassitude of a Syrup, or little less, if it be presently to be assumed, as vulgar Juleps, Julepus rosatus qui fiat. which are made for present use, of Sugar, or some Syrup, with thrice its quantity of water: as, ℞. The water of Endive, ℥. iij. Syrup of Lemons, ℥. j mingle them. Thus Juleps should be of a more liquid consistency, that they may be percolated: but those that are longer cocted, or receive only a double quantity of Water to their Sugar, as the syrup of Roses, Syrupus Rosareus Rondeletii. according to Rondeletius, or an equal weight of both, according to Silvius; are because of their crassitude scarce fluid, and admit not of percolation. Therefore according to the different coction and quantity of Water to the Sugar, it will be a Syrup, if both be equal; or a Julep, if three parts of Water be put to one of Sugar, according to Loubertus. Since Juleps are easy to make, I shall only describe one or two forms. ℞. of the waters of Fumatory and Wood sorrel, an. ℥. ij. of Sugar, ℥. j boil them on a gentle fire till one ounce be consumed; make it into a Julep for one dose. An Hypnotical Julep to conciliate sleep, may be thus made: ℞. The water of Water lilies, ʒ. ij. of Betony, ℥. j Syrup of Poppyes simple, ℥. j drink it at the hour of sleep, which is at nine of the clock at night. CHAP. V Of distilled Restoratives. ALL analeptical and restorative Medicaments, which refocillate the habit of the body absumed by long disease or hunger, which are prescribed to resartiate the vigour of the faculties weakened with languor, are not only taken from medicinal, but alimental matter. For whereas they conduce partly to the nutriment of the body, and partly to the cure of the part affected, it is manifest by reason, that they should be endued with various qualities. Now they are called distilled Medicaments, Distillata cur dicta. because they are distilled drop by drop from an Alembick into a subjected Vessel; and Restoratives, because they are extracted from nutritive flesh, from Conserves, Cordial Powders, and all such things as either by their odour or substance refresh the spirits, or roborate the principal parts. Many disapprove of the custom of the ancients, who distilled the raw flesh of Capons or Partridges, purged from their bones and fatness, together with the powders and conserveses: for seeing raw flesh is hardly concocted, and the faculty of the powders easily, and dissipable, with what reason are these mixed, especially seeing, that the water first distilling from the crude flesh, corrupts soon; they seem to do better, that put the flesh half cocted and its own juice, into the Alembick with the other materials. Neither do we approve of their action, Catenarum aurcarum decoctio non utilis. who coct golden chains together with the flesh, seeing nothing of them is dissolved; nor yet extracted from them, save that filth they have contracted by touching. Their custom is more laudable, who cast filings of Gold into coction, as the Apothecaryes' of Paris use to do, who spare no cost, that they may confect their restoratives and other compounds well. This solemn and excellent distillation may be thus accomplished. ℞. Of the broth of one Capon, and 2. Partridge. lb. ij. of the waters of bugloss, Wood Sorrell and Water-Lillyes, of each as much as will suffice: of the Conserve of violets, succory and roses, of each ℥. ij. Pulveris Diamargariti frigidi, Electuarii triasantali & diarrhodonis Abbatis an. ℥. j Troches of Camphor. ℥. ij. filings of Goldʒ. j ss. put them all into an Alembeck, and after convenient maceration, let them be distilled according to Art. The description of another distillation excellent against hot and malignant fevers. ℞. Of the waters of Wood sorrel, Goates-beard, Carduus, Succory, of each ℥. iiij. Cock broth lb. j Conserve of Water-Lillyes, Roses, of each ℥. j Treacle ℥. ss. of the powder of the roots of Angelico and Termentill, of eachʒ. ij. Dictamus ℥. j Carduus and Citron-seeds, of eachʒ. ij. Sage and Orange flowers of each p. iij. put all these into a still, and according to Art proceed to the distillation. You may add to a portion of this same distillation, when you would use it some fit liquor, as the juice of Lemons or Oranges, with a little common sugar, or conserve of Roses, if the sick desire it. CHAP. VI Of Decoction or Apozemes. GErmany indeed (that I may a little decline from the road) is happy, in that it is not only a nursery of famous men, but a treasure also of precious things. Yet as the frugiferous tree brings forth with fragrant Apples blasted blossoms, and sometimes pestiferous fruits, so hath she produced a very Monster in nature, I mean that Pseudomedick Paracelsus, who professed the Devil the Author of his Medicine, calling his characters and words, the Devil's Art; our syrups and decoctions, man's inventions; Herophilus the ancient Philosopher denoted these, as also all Medicaments, with more sanctity, calling them, the Auxiliatory hand of the Gods; which being endued with divine and admirable faculties, are able to cure the diseased, and preserve the sound body. Upon this account Heraclitus, famous also amongst Philosophers, was wont to call sacrifices, Medicaments, because they like some praepotent Physic purge the soul, as medicaments do the body. Cael. Rhod. cap. 2. lib. 12. The Impostor said truly, when he called decoctions, man's medicaments, for herewith the quality of the peccant humours is tempered, many pains eased, the violence of the untimely guest death abated, the acerbity of the symptoms mitigated, and the parts reduced to their native bonity and vigour; for they are made of all kinds, but especially of alterative and roborative Medicaments; wherein sometimes some benign purgative simples are infused in small quantity, for it were absurd to call any blackish, ingrateful laxative decoction, wherein much Senny, or half an ounce of some electuary, as Catholicum, or some lenitive hath been dissolved, an Apozeme: for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Greeks comes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to fervefy, Apozema quid, & unde dicatur. or decoct; and an Apozeme is only used for the thin decoction of herbs. Now the whole matter of Apozemes is from plants, of whose water juleps are made, and of whose decoction, Apozems, and Syrups; amongst which there is this difference, that juleps are tenuious, Apozematum materia. Julepi, syrupi, & apozemata, quomodo differunt. syrups crasser, and Apozemes in the mean, all dulcorated either with sugar or honey, or both, and according to their different consistency, more or less cocted. The ancients used sweet water wherein they had cocted the leaves of some plants, instead of Apozemes, as many now a days do the broth of green herbs altered with some mixture: For the virtue of herbs is as well left in chickens broth, by elixation, as in simple water, and these alterative broths are both cheaper, and more grateful than Apozemes: yet a sick man may use both, receiving broth made of fit herbs by the Physician's advice, from a Cook that knows nothing further than a pan or spit, and Apozemes prepared with prudence, and industrious Artifice, from the Apothecary; not for nutriment as the broth, but calefaction, frigefaction, humectation, siccation, apertion, or some such mutation; and therefore sometimes roots or other parts of bitter, or insuave herbs, are taken, purged, and cocted in a sufficient quantity of water, being useful for that purpose; and an Apozem made for many or few doses according to the quantity of the decoction, our of the broth percolated; dulcorated with sugar or honey, and if need be, aromatized with or Cinnamon: These Apozemes are not only made in Summer, while herbs are fresh, but in Winter also, when either none, or only arid ones can he had; though then indeed the use of syrups is more frequent, which differ from Apozemes only in coction, which should be more valid in syrups that are more crass and durable, than in Apozemes in Winter, and Apozemes to Syrups in Summer, whereby so that syrups are Vicegerents to Apozemes it seems two names denote one thing: but in Syrups a greater quantity of sugar is requisite, to wit the weight of the whole decoction, in Apozemes various, as sometime, the third, sometimes the fourth part of sugar or honey to the weight of the decoction: for it is sufficient, if you put to every pound of the decoction one quadrant, that is three ounces of sugar, or syrup, or at most a trient, that is four ounces, But when the sapour of the liquor is very ingrateful, the weight of the sugar must be augmented, and when the Apozeme is made, it must be despumed, and purged with the white of eggs. Apozemes are variously confected, according to their several purposes, An opening Apozeme. as to remove obstructions thus. ℞. The Roots of Asparagras, Butcher's Broom, Saccory, Liquorish, Raisins stoned, of each ℥. ss. of the leaves of Maidenhair, Agrimony, Pimpinell, Topps of Hopps, Mugwort, of each m. ss. tops of Hyssop p. ij. The three Cordial flowers, of each p. j Boil these in lb. ij. ss. of water, till half be cousumed, add to the colature, Syrup of Maidenhair or sugar ℥. iiij. fiat Apozema for four doses. Another to moderate and assuage the fervour of Choler, thus. ℞. Of the Roots of Succory, wood-sorrel, Sorrell, of each ℥. ss. Liquorish, An Apozeme against choler. Currands, of each ʒ. iij. Endive, Succory, Dandilyon, wood-sorrel, Fumitory, Lettuce, Purslane, of each m. j White Roses m. ss. or the three Cordial flowers of each p. j Boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, and in the colature dissolve Syrup of the juice of wood-sorrel, or Lemons, or Sugar of Roses ℥. iiij. aromatize it with yellow Sandersʒ. ss. for four doses. CHAP. VII. Of Gargarisms. GAROARISMES are instituted to the diseases and affections of the Mouth, Gums, Palate and throat, whose faculty, according to Celsus cap. 23. lib. 5. is either levative, or repressive, or evocative. Cream or milk of Barley leviate; water, wherein lentils, or roses, or black berries, or quinces, or dates have been cocted, represses. And Mustard, Pepper or such sharp Medicaments evoke. But Gargarisms, in Actuarius his judgement (Cap. 6. lib. 3. Method. Medend.) should not be confected hereof without the admixtion of some sweet things, lest they should too much offend the gust. For when the liquor hausted to the Gurgulio, is again revoked to wash the whole concavity of the mouth; if it be too sharp, it will with its mordacity offend the gustative organs. Therefore the sharp simples, whereof Gargarisms are confected, are either mixed with Hydromel, or simple water, wherein the syrup of Stecados, dry Roses, or other such sweet decoction hath been dissolved in such quantity, as to abate much of their acrimony, or amaritude. To educe phlegm from the brain or jaws make a Gargarism thus. ℞. Pellitoryʒ. ij. Cypress root, and Turbith, of eachʒ. iij. A Oargarisme to purge Phlegm from the Brain Elecampane,. ℥. j Tops of Origanum, Hyssop, and Sage, of each m. j boil them in a pint and half of water till a third part be consumed, in the colature mix Oximel simplex, ℥. iij. fiat Gargarisma, or thus. ℞. Liquorish, Carthamus' seed an. ℥. ss. Bay berries, Stavesacre, of eachʒ. iij. Mustard seed, white pepper an. ʒ. ij. Galangal. ʒ. j staechadoes, Betony an. m. ss. boil them in Hydromel. pro Gargarizatu. To roborate the mouth, and deterge its collutions make one thus. A cleanfing Gargarism. ℞. The leaves of the Prune tree, tops of Briers, Plantain, Jewscare, red Roses an. m. j balaustians, tops of Myrtles, of each m. ss. Barley, Berberies, of each ℥. ss. boil them in two pints of water, till half be consumed; to the colature add the syrup of dried Roses, of mulherryes, of each ℥. ij. mingle them. This following Gargarism conduces to the cure of the French disease in the throat or other part of the mouth. ℞. Of Guaicum, ℥. j Sarsaperilla, Sassafras, A Gargarism for an Ulcer in the throat. of each ℥. ss. lignum Lentisciʒ iij. boil them in two pints of water, till a third part be consumed, adding towards the end of the coction Liquorishʒ. vi. Roses Sage and Rosmary of each p. j with the colature often wash the throat. Gargarisms may be used at any time, especially in the morning and betwixt meals, but they should be new continually; for by long keeping they corrupt, and rather harm than heal the mouth. CHAP. VIII. Of Emulsions. AS one disease may be cured by many and different Medicaments, so may one Medicament cure many, and different diseases, as the same called by the later medics, an emulsion, which may be accommodated to many uses; for it conduces much to the mitigating the griefs of the heart and lungs, to the conciliating of sleep; to the refrigerating of immoderate heat; to the asswaging of the Urines acrimony, and extinguishing the ardour of the reins. They therefore seem much to be deceived, who think that emulsions serve to nothing, save the cure of the virulent flux of the sperm; for in many things they may be used instead of Apozems and Hordeates, when they are confected of brayed seeds, which refrigerate, leniate, move urine, or conciliate sleep, upon which in the time of contrition either a Ptisane, or decoction of such simples as conduce to that purpose must be superfused; as when purged Almonds and Artichokes, with the decoction of jujubs, and dry grapes are contunded for the asperity of the jaws: the frigid seeds, with the decoction of Lettuces, and of the flowers of Water-Lillyes, for the heat of the bowels, and the same seeds with the decoction of the roots of seeds of Althaea, Liquorice and Figgs, for the Acrimony of urine. The quantity of the decoction must be augmented or diminished according to the quantity of the seeds; an emulsion should neither be absolutely crass, nor absolutely liquid, but in a mean betwixt the consistency of Apozems and Syrups, like the more limpid Amygdalates, which in colour and sapour differ not much from emulsions, but they are somewhat more crass, as Hordeates are denser than Amygdalates, Syrups than Hordeates, Eclegmes, than Syrups, and Electuaryes than Eclegmes. These are the best descriptions of Emulsions, for the diseases of the breast and lungs. ℞. An Emulsion to allay the heat of the stomach. Of sweet Almonds blanched, ℥. j Pine kernels not rancid ℥. ss. the 4. greater Cool seeds, of eachʒ iij. beat them in a stone mortar, and with a pint of the decoction made of Jujubs and Raisins, conquass them together, dulcorate it with ℥ 4. of sugar for 4. doses. To extinguish the ardour of the reins, and abate the Acrimony of urine. ℞. To allay the heat of the urine. The 4. greater Cool seeds, of each ℥ ss. the seeds of Lettuce, and white poppyes, of eachʒ ij. bruise them well in a marble mortar, and mix with them one pint of water, or Ptisan: in the Colature dissolve syrup Nimphaea ℥ iij. forʒ. doses. This following Emulsion conduces to the cure of the virulent flux of the sperm after other universal remedies. ℞. Water Lentils, Lettuce seed, of eachʒ ij. Purslain and Plantain seed, of eachʒ j the 4. greater Cool seeds of each ℥ ss. beat them in a stone mortar, pouring on Barley water lb j ss. add sugar of Roses ℥ iiij. for 5. or 6. doses. To be taken two hours before meals. CHAP. IX. Of Amygdalates. ALmonds are either bitter, which are solely Medicinal, or sweet, which are partly alimental, partly medicamental. Of these, a certain potion is confected, white as milk, which Physicians prescribe to feverish and pectoral affections: for though Almonds, according to Paulus Aegyn. lib. 7. de re Med. and Oribasius cap. 2. lib. 2. Synopseos, be moderately hot, or rather temperate, yet being brayed and diluted in water, their fervour is abated, and by a certain inciding and attenuating faculty purge the breast and bowels (Actuar. cap. 7. the spirit. animal. nut.) now of their cremour may be made a certain sorbicle, which doth both nourish and lenify the asper Artery, and facilitate the projection of such humours as are contained in the breast, which is thus made. ℞. Of Almonds blanched ℥ ij. beat them in a stone mortar; and pour on lb ss. of water, addʒ vj. of sugar, boil them a little on the fire, and afterwards let it be given. Some add to the mixture two or more grains, others refuse: How Amigdalates are made. it may be administered at any time, especially to such as love not pottage or broth, but it is most frequently given at the hour of sleep, and then you may put to it a little of the seed of white Poppy or Lettuce, especially if it be prescribed to a sick man, that cannot sleep. Some bray Almonds with warm water, and so by the addition of a little sugar make it up without fire, and so give it. But it's better to bray them with lukewarm water, and afterwards elixate them after the usual manner; the quantity of sugar should be augmented or diminished as the condition of the affection requires, for as sweet things are bechical, and most accommodate to the affections of the breast & Lungs, so by how much the Amygdalate is more obdulcorated with sugar, by so much it is more convenient to them; by how much its less obdulcorated, by so much fit for the feverish. This sweet potion is very common at Lutetia, Amygdalata Lutetia usitatissima. in so much that the very women make of it daily, so that their medics never describe any receipt, but bids the Apothecary make an amygdalate, leaving the materials to his arbitration. A greater quantity, both of sugar and Almonds must be put in the confection that's made for such as love solids, less of each and more of water, for such as love liquids. CHAP. X. Of the Ancients Ptisane or Hordeate. THe vulgar Ptisane is a potion made of Liquorice-water, and a little barley, and often without: the Ancients Ptisane is a meat made of select barley, decortticated with grinding, and water, hence Ptisana from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to grind and decorticate, Hordeati praeparatio. by Galens advice (cap. 2. lib. de Ptisana) the barley should be fat, partaker of no adventitious quality, neither too new; nor too old, nor yet wrinkled, which Barley thus selected must be macerated in water, then brayed in a mortar, that the exterior shell, and all glumosity may be excussed, then rubbed with ones hands, washed, and purged from the bran, then dried and kept; and when use calls for it, then must a part of it be cocted in twelve times as much water on a slow fire, till it swell to the height, depose all flatuosity, Antiquorum Ptisana. and become a smooth, continual, equal, and lubrical juice: thus the Ancients at first cocted their Ptisane, and exhibited it to the sick: yet some of them mixed with it boiled wine or honey, or cummin, and others a little oil, vinegar and salt, but we being more delicate, add none of these, but only sugar, and sometimes a few Almonds, and as we retain not the mixture of the Ancients, so neither do we keep the name, calling that a hordeate, which Hypocrates and Galen called a Ptisane, and it's thus made at Lutetia. ℞. The best Barley well purified ℥ ij. boil it upon a gentle fire in clear water, till the barley gins to swell, pour off the water, and let fresh be poured on, then boil it upon a clear fire for four or five hours, afterwards strain it; add to the colatureʒ vj. of sugar, afterwards boil it again, and so make use of it. For thus your Hordeate will be more crass and nutritive, in Italy they do not boil it after colature, and it is more liquid, and more greedily assumed by some patients, but it nourisheth not so much, and therefore is assumed not only once a day about the hour of sleep, but twice, or thrice like a julep. And seeing barley however prepared cannot be made to calify, but is always cold according to Galen (come. ad part. 30. lib. 1. de vict. acut. cap: 16. lib. 1. de aliment.) a Ptisane made of these two is both good Medicament and aliment for the feverish, for it both nourishes and cures, and in nourishing supplies the place both of meat and drink, and operates like Alita and Rice. (Gal. lib. 1. de alimen. lib. 1. de vict. acut. cap. 237. libr. de simple. medicament.) CHAP. XI. Of Lohoch or Eclegms made for present use. WE have spoken at large of Eclegmes in general, now we come to treat of those in special, which must be made and exhibited presently, being not conservative without alteration, because in two or three days they rise so much through fermentation, that they cannot be kept within their pots, unless they be agitated with a spatula or liquorice stick; for so the sugar is more accurately mixed with the liquor, and the mixture settles more easily, and may be more securely kept. Now lohoch's are prescribed for various effects, according to the various matter, Eclegmatum usus. and qualities of the Medicaments whereof they consist, which if they be sweet and grateful to the palate, leniate the asper artery, concoct the humours, move and educe spittle: if dulcoacid incide, attenuate, and prepare viscous and crass Phlegm; if dulcoamare deterge, coct and expurgate. But because amaritude very much offends the guste, bitter things, save in small quantity, never ingrede this confecture, for it is always almost compounded of sweet things, as Liquorice juice, Jujubs, Pine Apple, Sugar-Candy, Penidis, Electuary of diaireos, or diatragacanthum, or such like confections pulverated, and subacted with honey, some fit syrup, or both. A lohoc thus confected conduces to the incision and attenuation of crass humours. ℞. Electuarii diaireos simplicis, ℥ j sugar candy ℥. ss. Loboch incidens. Annis conditedʒ two. syrup of Hyssop, and oxtmell simplex, of each ℥. i. ss. mix them well together, which you may use often, either fasting in the morning, or betwixt meals, upon a Liquorish stick. To coct and expectorate humours, the frequent use of this following lohoch doth much conduce. ℞. Diatragacanthi frigid. ʒ. vi. diair is Solomonis, Alphenici, A Lohoch to cause Concoction. of each ℥ ss. with the syrup of Liquorish, or Maidenhair, make it into a Lohoch. This Eclegme following stops Rheums falling upon the lungs. ℞. Penides, Diatrag. frigid. of each ℥. ss. sugar of Roses, ʒ vi. To stay a Catarh. Terrae Lemniae. ℥ two. with the syrup of Poppyes, make it into a Linctus. This cures eroding fluxions, and the distempers of the Lungs, or at least reduces them to a better state. ℞. Manus Christi perlatae ℥. j Ter. Sigill. pulv. Diatragan. frigid. of eachʒ j red coral ℥ ss. Lapis Haemath. ℈. j with syrup of Balm, make it into a Lohoch. CHAP. XII. Of Apophlegmatismes. THE head aggravated with excrementitious humours, especially with phlegm, may, be emptied with many kinds of Medicaments, but none can effect this without the molestation of other parts; for phlegmagogous potions or pills, while they educe Phlegm from the brain, do importunately molest the ventricle and members adjoining, and by moving the belly cause grievous pains, and very often excite heart aches and swoon; Apophlegmatismorum utilitas. but Apophlegmatismes, being endued with a sapour not so ungrateful, affects the concavity of the mouth more gently, atracting abundance of Phlegm through the emissaryes of the palate from the brain, which may be easily excluded by frequent sputation. Now all simples, whereon Apophlegmatismes consist, are hot, and often endued with acrimony, whereby they do not only attenuate, incide, and attract the cold humour, but also excite the expulsive faculty to its work. These things project Phlegm, Mastic chewed, or made into a gargarism, sage, stavesacre, thyme, pennyroyal, carthamus, pepper, mustard, bartram, ginger, acorus, the roots of deluce, and Cyperus, whereof some cut into small pieces are masticated and grinded with the teeth, or pulverated, and put into some convenient liquor, and so form into pills or trochiskes; or obvolved in some thin cloth, and made up like a knot: or elixated, and their decoction percolated and kept in one's mouth, like a gargarism. Their more usual form is solid, that they may be longer detained in the mouth, and masticated whence a masticatory is used for an Apophlegmatisme and an apothegmatisme for a masticatory: the head must decline while the Medicament is masticated or chewed, and the lips be open, that the humour attracted and congested may have more free and speedy passage. Many forms or receipts of this Medicament might be described, but that I may not be tedious, one or two shall serve: as, ℞. Stavesacreʒ iij. mastichʒ ij. cubebsʒ j pellitoryʒ ss. make of these a fine powder, and with syrup or juice of damasks roses make them into little troches, or thus: ℞. The roots of orrisʒ ij. long pepper, mustardseed, pellitory, Agaricke, of eachʒ j stavesacreʒ i ss. beat these into a very fine powder, and with the best honey make them up into the form of pills globular: and roll them up in sarsenet, which at the time you would use them, hold in your mouth, till Rheum distils. CHAP. XIII. Of a Purging bolus. SUch as nauscate and abhor liquid purgations, and cannot receive pills, because of their insuavity, or the squalour of their ingredients; stand in need of a Medicament which is of a middle consistency betwixt a potion and a pill; which antiquity hath named a Bolus, for so that is called, which is taken by pieces or morsels, as the vulgar term it; Bolus quid. so that a Bolus is a piece of a purgative Medicament of the consistency of an opiate, fit for ingestion, and of such crassitude, as it may be easily swallowed whole, some of the Latins call it Buccea. It may be made of any kind of purgative, Ejus materia. except such as by their insuavity move loathing and abhorrence, or such whose malignity cannot be castigated, nor yet their substance be assumed. Sometimes alteratives, and Aromatical simples are mixed therewith to correct the effcrous nature of the purgatives, or to conciliate a more grateful odour, and sapour, or to help to the roboration of some part, but yet in small quantity, lest the bulk of the bolus swell too much, which the sick do much abhor, Delicatuli purgantia aversantur. for many are moved at the first taste of a Medicament, are angry at the second, and mad at the third. The manner of the boles confection is most simple, as being oft made of nothing but Cassia alone; for this is the basis of boles, as Aloes is of pilis; the use of boles as it is frequent, so it is wholesome in hot weather. ℞. Of the Pulp of Cassia newly extracted ℥ j ss. A Laxative and cooling Bolus. powder of yellow ℈ j mix them well together, and with syrup of violets, make it into a Bolus, which take upon the point of a knife, drinking broth after it. Rhabarb or some scamoniall Medicine is often added to Cassia, as to the deduction of choler, thus: ℞. Ext. Cassiae ℥ j diapruni solutiviʒ ij. powder of liquorish ℈ j make it up into a bowl with sugar, or syrup of succory. But because Cassia by its flatuosity oft causes dolours in the belly, which by its molestation brings swoon to the delicate, its quantity should be small, that it might be extracted with the other vapours, or something mixed with it, that might discuss its wind. ℞. Pulp of Cassia, extracted with the decoction of Aniseseedsʒ vi. the Electuary of the juice of Roses. ʒ two. Rhabarbʒ ss. with sugar, make it into a bowl. If Cassia be wanting, Boli non semper cassiam habent pro basi. yet boles may be confected, for they be made of the Pulp of prunes, tamarinds, Raisins, and many Electuaries; for of these and many other purgative Medicaments, as well simples, as compounds, may be made laxative opiates, which may be taken fasting in the form of a bowl. CHAP. XIV. Of Opiates. WE have abundantly discoursed afore. cap. 13. lib. 3. of oplates in general, and we hold it superfluous to speak the same things over again, therefore we shall now only describe some receipts of particular opiates, after which paradigme it will not be difficult to confect others. Now opiates, Opiarum usus. are not prescribed solely to conciliate sleep (though they derive their denomination from Opium) but to purge, roborate, or other wayto alter, as other liquid Electuaryes, in which order they may justly be ranked, as partaking of the same consistency and manner of composition. Their materials are powders put into honey, Uateria. or a syrup, and sometimes into sweet wine, and accurately subacted with a pestle, wherewith some conserveses, or other cordial or cephalical confectures have been compounded, such as roborate the heart, and conserve and exhilarate the integrity of the vital faculties. An opiate may be confected for the richer sort thus. ℞. Of the conserveses of the flowers of Bugloss and Borage, of eachʒ iii. Conserve of marigolds, Citron pill condited, of eachʒ i confectio Alkermes, de Hyacintho, of eachʒ i spec. de gemmis, diamarg. frigid. Laetitiae Gal. of each ℈ j East Bezoar, and Monncerves horn of each ℈. ss. and withʒ two. of the syrup of preserved mirabolans, or Lemons, fiat opiata The sequel receipt confers much to the roboration of the brain, and the recreation of the drowsy vital faculties. ℞. Conserves of Betonyʒ vi. of Roses ℥ ss. Confectio Alkermes, ℈ iiii. spec. dianthos ℈ two. diamarg. frigid. dianisi, diamosch. dull. an. ℈ i. with syrup of Staechados fiat Opiata. Let this be assumed by such whose ventricle languishes through frigidity, or humidity, and imbecility of the digestive faculty. ℞. Old conserve of Roses ℥ ss. of Rosemary flowersʒ two. candid Nutmegʒ i. spec. aromat. Rosat ℈ two. diacinamomi ℈ i. Diambrae ℈. ss. Syrup of mint or Julep of Roses, as much as will suffice to make it up into an opiate, of which takeʒ i. at a dose. This for the poorer sort. ℞. Conserve of Roses ℥ j Enulacampane condited ℥. j ss. the best Bowl washed in Carduus waterʒ ss. with the syrup of wood-sorrel, make into an opiate. CHAP. XV. Of Condites. FOr the commodity of those parts, which hold the principality in nature's oeconomy, a certain mixture is invented, more pleasant than opiates, which the later medics call a condite. It consists of conserveses, cordial powders and sugar, The matter of Condites. mixed in an unequal quantity; for to the confection of a Granulatum, there is required more conserveses, less powder, and far more sugar than to an opiate, and the conditure is often overspread with leaf gold, that it may be more grateful to the eyes, and more potent in its qualities. For it is confected of all kinds of cordials, save those that are disgustful. For since it should be frequently used by those, to whom it is accommodated, to wit by macilent languishing, and such persons as are beginning to recover their healths, it should partake of very little or no insuavity. A condite to refartiate lost strength may be thus made. ℞. Citron pill conditedʒ ij. Conserve of bugloss and Roses, A cordial Condite. of each ℥. ss. spec. de gemmis, diambrae, diamarg. frigidi a ℈. j the bone in the heart of a Hart, ℈. ss. Unicorns horn, Bezoar stone, of each gr. vj. Leaves of gold nu vj. sugar of Roses, the triple quantity of the whole, or as much as will suffice to make it a condited Cranulate. This following condite may with success be exhibited of such, whose ventricle through imbecility naufeares, and ejects all esculents and potulents presently after their assumption. ℞. Old Conserve of Rosesʒ vj. of the greater Comfreyʒ ij. pulveris diarhod. Abatis ℈ two. Ivory, red Coral, of each ℈ i. the sugar of Roses, three times the weight of the whole, or as much as will suffice to make it a Condite, of which take fasting in the morning and before every meal ℥ i. CHAP. XVI. Of the regal paste. THe regal paste and opiates have so much affinity each with other, Differentia inter pastam regiam & opiatas. consisting both almost of the same ingredients, that according to Rondeletius, the only distinction is that the regal paste is more dry than an opiate, and more humid than an electuary, or rather more solid than both: for the consistency of an opiate, and an electuary differ so little, that they may be easily thought the same; but however it be to an opiate, it is not mazapane as Gorraeus is of opinion, but a certain confection so called by the more recent, Electuarium regium. and by Mesue the regal electuary; for because of its princely, that is; eximious faculty it hath against expectoration and other pectoral affectious, it acquired that name. It consists of conserveses, pulpes, syrups, and powders prepared and subacted with such industry, that out of the mixture results a tractible mass like paste, whereof boles or other small sweet breads are confected, from whence it derives its denomination, which dry so by little and a little, that when they come to be used they do not commaculate the fingers of the assumer with their lentour, and these pastes are thus confected. ℞. Blanched Almonds, Pistakes, Pine-kernels, of each ℥ ss. Pulp of Jujubees, Dates, Damask prunes; of eachʒ iii. Gum Thraganthʒ i Starch ℥ ss. and with as much sugar of Roses as will suffice to make it up into a paste. Rondeletius prescribes a paste thus described for to move spittle. ℞. Conserve of Maidenhair, and Bugloss, of each ℥ ss. Pul. Diatrag. frigid. Diaireos' simp. of eachʒ two. Penniddees, Sugar Candy, of each; two. and with a little Syrup of Liquorish, or as much as will suffice to make it up into a paste: but know, that if you put a little too much syrup to it, you will make its consistence more liquid, and so instead of paste make an opiate. CHAP. XVII. Of Mazapane. MAzapane or Marchypane is a confection so named by the more recent, which is a most frequent junket, for it is most grateful to the gust, and nourishes very much, wherefore it is prescribed to the macilent, and such persons, as are vexed with any preternatural affection in the breast or Lungs. Many bechical and sweet ingredients go to this confection, as sugar, pistack-nutts, pine-kernels, and other sweet fruits, which brayed, and accurately subacted with simple, or rose-water, become a mass, whereof wafers or morsels, Marcipanis quibus constet. (as Rondelet calls them) are concinnated, which are gently cocted in an Oven, till of red they become yellow, and acquire a competent hardness. The vulgar manner of this confecture with the dulciaryes is most simple, as being made only of Almonds, rose-water and sugar. But Apothecaries by a Physician's advice, add something to these which hath respect to some one part, which tempers some noxious humour, and by its nutritive, as well as Medicinal faculty, preserves as well as resartiates sanity. The most usual and pleasant confection of Mazapane is this. ℞. Sweet Almonds decorticated, ℥ iij. Pistakes ℥ j Marcipanis optimus. bruise them very well in a mortar, with a little Rose-water, add thereunto) the finest sugar lb ss. fiat pasta, which you may make into what form you please. Marchepane after this manner is usual also (and very accommodate) to expel flatuosity. ℞. Pistakes ℥ j blanched Almonds ℥ ij. Anifeseedʒ i. Cinnamon ℈ i. after they are finely beaten add of the finest loaf sugar, four ounces, and so make it up into a paste, which if by too much water it be too liquid, let it fervefy in a basin, on a slow fire till it be more crass, then make Marchpane, which dry a little in the Oven after bread hath been extracted. Those little long masses of bread which are confected of flower and thrice or four times as much sugar, with a little Coriander, Panis biscoctus. and a small portion of eggs subacted together, may by some affinity be referred hither, which they commonly call Biskakes: But I would not put my sickle into another man's harvest therefore I will leave these sweet breads to the confectioners. CHAP. XVIII. Of Piniolates or Pignolates. ANother kind of paste is made almost after the same manner, which the neoterics call Piniolate or Pignolate, because it's made of Pine kernels, cleansed and immerged in melted sugar, and cocted to the consistency of condite sugar. But that the Pine kernels may depose all their rancour, they should be macerated a whole day or half at least in water, and Rose-water should be dropped into the confection, for so it will be more grateful to the gust, as also to the smell, if a grain of Musk be mixed therewith, as we see in many junketts which are set at the head of the table, the most usual form of confecting pineolates, is this. ℞. Of the finest sugar dissolved and cocted in Rose water, till it be about the consistency of an Electuary lb ss. mingle with ℥ two. of Pine kernels infused in water for the space of twelve hours, afterward; stir them together with a spatula, that the whole mass may be subigated, in the end add mosch ℈ i. and so make a paste, whereof you may make Cylinders which repose and exsiccate on a paper, that they may grew harder. CHAP. XIX. Of Pandalea. THere is another kind of solid paste called Pandaleon, which is by Rondeletius prescribed to the affections of the breast and lungs, for it consists of many things that attenuate, and coct viscid humours, and move expectoration, and all Pandaleas seem to be bechical, nothing differing from pectoral Ecclegmes and syrups, save in consistency, nor from solid Electuaryes save in external form: for they are compounded, made and cocted after the same manner, only solid Electuaries are harder, and are rolled out into quadrate or long figures; and Pandaleas are kept whole in a wooden box, as conserveses in a glass or earthen vessel, and when use calls for them, they are cut with a spoon or knife, and a piece thereof given, to be retained in the mouth like so much Alphenix, or bechical Tablets, that it may melt, and go down like a lohoch. It hath the same consistency, and is kept in the like vessels as those same sugared confections or comfitures, usual, and frequent in Spain, which they call Marmelades. They are made commonly of some sweet powder and sugar perfectly concocted in some convenient water, that they may concrete. Some conserveses are sometimes added, and a little honey, if need require, and such a Pandalcon, how ever displeasing it may be to some men's palate; is very good, and is thus confected. ℞. Pull: Diaireos Salomonis. ʒ i. diatrag. frigid. ℈ two. powder of yellow ℈ i. sugar dissolved in Coltsfoot-water ℥ iiij. fiat Pandaleon, which keep in Marmalet Boxes. Some also make a Pandalcon of Pine kernels, or Almonds decorticated and brayed, with sugar or honey; thus. ℞. Pine kernels well cleansed and bruised ℥ i. Penidees ℥. ss. clarified honey, as much as will suffice to make it up into a solid paste, or Pandalcon. CHAP. XX. Of Hypoglottidian Medicaments commonly called sublingues. THe cough and stinch of breadth molest all that are near us, seeing the cough affronts their ears, and the stinch their noses; now certain bechical and Aromatical pastilles will cure both affections, which from their round and long form, which Apothecaries put them in, and that same quality which is predominant in them, whereby they expectorate the humour, causing coughing are called bechical, from the manner of their use Hypoglottidian, and from the odour which they acquire by Mosche, Moschardine Medicaments, They are very pleasant which are thus confected. ℞. Of the finest sugar ℥ j ss. Penidees ℥ ss. orrisʒ ss. yellow Sanders, Cinnamon, of each ℈ i. mosch ℈ ss. with musiladg of Gum Thragants made in Rose water, make them up into a paste, of which form any figure, long, round, or what will lie most conveniently under the tongue. The description is both easy and good. ℞. Sugar of Roses, ℥ two. sugar Candy ℥ i. starchʒ i spec. diacinamon, diamisi, and orris, of each ℈ i. mace ℈ ss. Zivet gr. vi. with the musiladge of Gum Thraganth, made in Balm water, fiant Hypoglottides. CHAP. XXI. Of Tables, or Tabuletts: tabels pertain to solid Electuaries, yea, they are very Electuaryes, being confected of powders and sugar perfectly cocted, that their consistency may be harder, and they longer and more securely preserved without damage and impairment. The like quantity of sugar is required in confecting tables, Sacchari quantitas in tabellis. as of honey in liquid electuaries, and in both the quantity is augmented or substracted, as the validity or imbecility of the Electuaries faculty requires. In purgative tables one dragm of powder must be put to an ounce of sugar, duly cocted in water or other convenient liquor, Portio Sacchari in tabellis purgantibus. in roborative tables, that they may be more grateful to the palate more sugar is requisite, as two ounces of sugar to every dragm of powder. I shall only hint here a little of tables in this book, since I have (Cap. 11. lib. 3.) at large discoursed, not only of liquid Electuaryes, but solid also, and tabels, in the description of such Medicaments as may be long preserved. Yet that I may suggest the forms of all Medicaments to him that would confect them, I will add some few receipts of roborative tabels: as, ℞. Cordial Tabulets. Spec. Elect. diamarg. frigid. de Gemmis anaʒ ss. powder of the bone in the heart of a Hart ℈ ss. Spodium ℈ i. with sugar dissolved in Rose water ℥ iii. make them into Tabulets, ofʒ i. orʒ two. weight, take one of them every morning fasting. Such as are rich, and begin to recover from some long disease, or are any way troubled with palpitations and swoundings, let them get these tabels confected. ℞. Pul. Aureae Alexandrinaeʒ ss. diacinam. hyacinthor. smaragdor. pearl, finely powdered, of each ℈ i. Monoceros horn, and Bezoar stone, of each ℈ ss. with sugar dissolved in Rose water ℥ iiii. make them into little Tabuletts. Those tabels they call Manus Christi are reducible to this head, which are nothing else but Sacharum rosatum, either simple as the common, or more compound, which admits of Pearls in its confection, and is called Manus Christi perlata; which is thus confected. ℞. Manus Christi perlata. Of the whitest sugar dissolved in Rose water, and cocted, till above the consistency of a syrup ℥ two. pearl finely powderedʒ i. fiant Tabella. CHAP. XXII. Of Powders. BEsides those powders kept in shops for future uses, whereof we have spoken elsewhere; there many others, which are made for present use, as the digestive powder which helps the frigidity of the ventricle, Pulvis digestivus. and the imbecility of the coctive faculty, being confected of such Medicaments as are stomachical, roborative, help concoction, and dispel flatuosity, and it is thus made. ℞. The seeds of Dill, and Coriander prepared of eachʒ two. Orange pill Conditedʒ i ss. Pulvis flatus discutiens. Cinamonʒ i. Mace, Cloves, of eachʒ ss. sugard Candy ℥ two. or iii. make of these a powder. Another Powder also of eximious power and virtue, to roborate the ventricle and parts addicted to sanguification, and dissipate flatuosity, is thus confected. ℞. The seeds of sweet Fennel, and Coriander Condited, of eachʒ i ss. Squinant, Calomus aromatic. an. ʒ ss. Dianisi, Diamargar. frigid, and Diacinamon, of each ℈ i. A crust of Bread well toasted. ʒ two. sugar ℥ two. make them into a powder. Cordial and Alexiteriall powders, that roborate the principal parts and faculties in malignant fevers may be thus confected. ℞. The roots of Angelico, Tormentill, of eachʒ ss. A Cordial Powder. Ligni Aloes ℈ i. Citron seeds and Cinnamon, of each ℈ ss. the bone in the heart of a Hart, Ivory, the best pearl, of each ℈ i. Monoceros horn, Bezoar stone, of each ℈ ss. Dictamusʒ ss. sugar of Roses ℥ i ss. make of them a powder which must be taken fasting, or long after meat with the water of Scordium or Carduus, or some distilled restrative, or other convenient liquor. There are also topical powders, which are applied to solidate wounds, and implete ulcers with flesh, of which in their place. THE SECOND SECTION, Of such as are either ingested or injected. CHAP. I. Of Errhins. ALL Medicaments are either assumed, ingested, or applied: Juleps, Apozemes, Syrups, and all such as enter only at the mouth, whereof we have before treated, are assumed: Errhins, Suppositories, and Clysters, are ingested: Unguents Salves, Fomentations, and many more, whereof we shall now treat in order, are applied, we begin with such as ingrede the body, but not at the mouth, but the nose, privy parts, or fundament: and have their egress where they made their ingress. Those which are immitted at the nose are thence called Errhins, and vulgarly Nasalia; those which are exhibited at the nose to purge the head are thence commonly called caputpurgia by the suffrage of v medics. They are constituted of Medicaments endued with a sharp and exterging faculty, whereby the expulsive faculty, being more validly excited, moves and expels the humour lodged in the brain; such as be the qualities of beat, Showbread, wild Cucumber, and the juice of Marjoram, as also the powder of Euphorbium, Hellebore and Pepper; and of such like sharp Medicaments which snuffed up the nostrils, move sternutation, and purge the brain; some also consist of astrictive and agglutinative Medicaments, as those which are prescribed to stay a bloody flux. They are given in divers forms, either liquid, which must be attracted by the nose, or solid, which must be ingested into the nostrils, or pulverall, which must be snuffed up. A liquid Errhin is thus confected. ℞. A l'quid Errhine. Of the juice of the root of Beet, and the leaves of majoran, of each ℥ i. of the juice of Brank ursine and Showbread, of each ℥ ss. fiat Errhinum: let a portion of it, as ℥ ss. be attracted in the morning up your nose again and again, still keeping water in your mouth, lest the Errhin from the nose flowinto your mouth. Some are given in form of an unguent, which they daub on the interior part of the nostrils, and they are good for such as are troubled with continual headache, with bad eyes, Epilepsy, and dulness of smell, their bodies bring first duly purged, and they are made thus. ℞. Of wild Cucumber, Pellitory, of each ℈ j white Pepper, An Erhine in the form of an Unguent, Carpesium, or Cubebs, and stavesacre, of each ʒ ss. with a little oil of orris and wax make it up into a lineament. A solid Errhine to stay the bleeding of one's nose is thus made. ℞. Bolearmenick, Dragons' blood, of eachʒ j Roses. Balaustians. of eachʒ ss. and with a little whites of eggs well beaten, make them up into the Consistency of a solid Errhin, or immerge therein a little Hares down, or cotton; and make it like a tent, to be put up the nose in a pyramidal form, to which annexe a thread that you may extract it at your pleasure. Ptarmicall or neezing powder, when it's used for Errhins is thus described. ℞. Hellibor. both white and black, of eachʒ i. Euphorbium ℈ ss. dried orrisʒ ss. make of these a very fine powder, let a small portion thereof be snuffed up the nose, after a convenient Catharticke. CHAP. II. Of Pessi or Pessaries. BY the name Pessus or Pessarium we understand all those suppositoryes which are immitted into the privy parts which are by Hyppoerates called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as unguents, plasters, roots; or bruised herbs, and penicills, but here they are taken for a long Medicament, equalizing or exceeding the length and thickness of a finger, which is intermitted into women's naturals; with a thread bound to it, that being so far intruded, it may be more commodiously extracted. A Pessaryes form should be pyramidal, smooth, round, Pessorum forma. and equal lest it hurt the neck of the uterus; now there ought to be two or more of unequal magnitude in readiness, that a more tenuious one may be first immitted, the more crass afterwards: that it may go up more easily. There are two sorts of Pessaryes, one made of some solid matter, as Led, or Tin, like a pyramidal tent, which serves to open, reserate and dilate the narrow, obstructed and shut uterus: another of other Medicinal matter, which is convenient to attenuate, or incrassate, to move or stench blood: but they are made for the most part of aromatical Medicaments; when they are prescribed to move monthly flowers, Aromata recream uterum. or abate the symptom of the Hysterical suffocation (Aphor. 28. lib. 5. Lib. de moth. mul. Hipp.) for Aromaticks do very much recreate the uterus, but by a benign and aerial vapour, which deducing the orifice of the vessels, freet them from obstructions, and thereupon incites the flower of the terms; but such ingredients may not be too sharp, lest they exulcerate the mouth and neck of the uterus, seeing the Pessary must abide a pretty while in this case. Before the intromission of the Pessary, the orifice of the uterus must be anointed with some odoriferous unguent, as oil with musk in it, liquidambar, or some such thing wherein Musk and Civet are compounded, of which and a little wax are confected unguents wherewith Virgins naturals are anointed: for Virgin modesty admits not of pessaryes, which cannot be intromitted, till the Virgin Zone be loosed. And therefore the matter of pessaryes is reduced to the form of an Unguent wherein smooth lint, or Cotten is immerged, and a pessary of a just longitude form thereof, by involution in a thin linen cloth, to which a thread is fastened, for the abovesaid reason. A pessary to move monthly flowers. ℞. Roman gith. Nigell. Roman, Bay-berryes, of eachʒ ss. Mirrhʒ j Savin, Dictamus, A pessary to draw down the Terms. of each ℈ ij. spec. Hierae Picrae. ʒ ij. Castor ℈ j and with oil of Spicknard, and a little wax, make it up into a lineament, into which dip some lint, and roll it up into a pessary: anointing the outside with oil of Almonds. All pessaryes are not obvolved, but some like suppositoryes form of materials redacted to a solid consistency, which are of the length of a man's yard, as this same to stay monthly flowers. ℞. Bole-armeniake, Dragon's blood, of whichʒ ij. powder of myrtle berries, Pomegranate flowers, Roses, Hypocistides, of eachʒ i Unguentum Comitissae ℥ j Let these be mixed together upon a gentle fire; make thereof a pessary of a Pyramidal form, of a just bigness. CHAP. III. Of Nudils or Penicils. THe condition and nature of some parts are such, that they cannot endure every Medicament, as being either too heavy or too hard for them; hence it is that Emplasters are sometimes relinquished, though otherwise they were most proper for the cure, merely because they may not be tolerated: as we see in a fundament exasperated with swell, caused by inflammation, or with cliffs by cold, and the external orifice of a woman's privity ulcerated, to which we neither apply suppositoryes nor pessaryes, but soft peniscills, which are improperly called noduls, which name Apophlegmatismes may more properly arrogate to themselves. For Penicills are not made into knots, nor yet are they hard, but very soft, as consisting only of cotton or wool, immerged in some convenient unguent; that so they may be easily admitted and endured by the parts affected, as we see in curing wounds, betwixt whose sides two or more penicills are reposed. But they are for the most part adhibited to the womb, and external part of the privityes, the condition of which parts when ulcerated cannot tolerate other remedies, and they are constituted of divers matters according to the different affections for which they are made, as to assuage the dolour of the fundament, which is ulcerated by some acid humour. This penicill, ℞. Ung. refriger. Galeni ℥ ss. Ung. Nutrit. ʒ ij. Penicillus Anodynus. with half the yolk of an Egg make it up into a lineament, in which Immerge a little wool, and apply it to the place affected. To deterge some fordid Ulcer this penicill is useful. ℞. A syrup of wormwood, Honey of Roses, of each ℥ j myrrh, Alius detergens. aloes, of each ʒ ss. and with a little wool make it into little penicills. A bolster of wool or cotton imbued in Unguento de Apio will effect the same, if adhibited to the place. This penicill will desiccate an ulcer. ℞. Ung. Albi ℥ ss. desiccativi rubri, Diapompholigos, of eachʒ ij. mingle them; and with some lint make Penicills, which apply to the Ulcer. CHAP. IU. Of Suppositoryes. THE torpour of the belly causes great confusion in the humours, and propagates an immense troop of diseases, which that they may be avoided; the slow belly must be either lubricated with humectative aliments, or scoured with Clysters, or moved with suppositories; that it may every day depose the excrements of the precedent day; Ventris segnities naturam malè lacessit. For by the cohibition of these dregs, the exclusion not responding the assumption, vapours ascend to the head, the body ingravidates, concoction and all other functions are impaired. Such then, as through shamefulness, will not denudate their fundament to the Apothecary, that he may move their bellies with a Clyster, may exhibit this kind of Medicament, called a suppository à supponendo, which they may themselves easily repose in their fundament. This subdititious Medicament did in times past bear the form of an acorn, Glans subdititia. whence it was called Glans, but now it is made longer, equalizing in longitude a finger or pessary. Suppositoryes are very useful; for when the expulsive faculty is dull, and cannot exclude the excrements in their due time, or when the rectum intestinum is so stuffed with obdurate dregs, that it can either not admit of, or else not egest a glister, then must the faculty be stimulated with a sharp suppository, as with a needle. These subdititious Medicaments conduce much to the enecation of small worms, as also to such affections as require laxativenesse, and yet may not be moved by glisters, as in the disease of bursting, and in the inversion of the rectum intestinum by too much humidity. Their basis is honey, Suppositorii basis. of which alone cocted to that craffitude and consistency, as it will not inquinate one's singers, they may be, and are often confected, for honey consisting of tenuious parts must needs have some acrimony in it, which may provoke the belly to excretion (Galen. cap. 38. lib. 3. the aliment.) Common salt, or the powder of sal Gem or Hiera, or other simple, or compound is sometimes added to honey. This is the common suppository wherewith the excretive faculty is excited to its work. ℞. An usual suppository. Honey ℥ ij. common saltʒ ij. or sal. Gem. ℈ iiij. boil then on a gentle fire, in a little pipkin, to aperfect consistency, and make a suppository of the longitude of a finger. For one cannot coct so little honey, as to make up one suppository with honey alone, lest so little quantity, as would serve one glans, be burned, or cause the ignition of the vessel before it can acquire a tractable consistency. This suppository is very good to kill the worms of the fundament, and educe that phlegm whereon they feed. ℞. Another for the worms, Aloesʒ i ss. Agaricke, Wormwood, of eachʒ j sal. Gemm. ʒ ss. make of cheese a powder, to which add honey boiled to a consistency ℥ ij. and according to art roll them up into suppositories. Let them be immerged in the oil of bitter Almonds, or of Wormwood, or in the gall of an Ox, till use calls for them. For Infants they cut a piece of white soap, like an acorn, which they immit, or sometimes the stalk of a beat, or Mercury daubed with butter instead of a suppository; for all these gently exonerate the belly. CHAP. V Of Glisters, or Enemata. clyster, or Clysmus, is a word borrowed from the Greeks, signifying ablution, as Enema injection; and both are used for the same thing: for ablution cannot be in the belly, but by injection of some thing, which by the fundament is immitted to the intestines to excite the excretive faculty to mollify the bardness of the belly, to alter the intemperature, to ease the dolour, to discuss the flatuosity, to cohibit the fluour, and kill and expel the worms in the intestines. Glisters are instituted for many more effects also; The commodities that ensue Glisters for no part in the body almost, but it receives solace from them, (Com. ad Aph. 17. lib. 18.) if dolour possess the head, if lippitude the eyes, if strangulation the jaws, if suffocation the breast, if inflation the belly, if inflammation the reins, if dissury or ischury the bladder, a clyster will successfully cure all these evils. Now the Uterus hath its proper Glisters, which must be infunded into its fundament by a Metrenchyta, the bladder it's Glisters; neither want the bowels theirs, whose orifice is narrow and nervous, and their cavity profound. And it is taken for a liquid Medicament infused into the intestines by the fundament, whereof there are various descriptions, according to the variety of the affections for which they are ordained; as to mollify the belly, after this manner. ℞. Mallows, Violets, Marsh-mallows, brank Ursin, Mercury, Pelitory, ana m. j sweet Fennel seed ℥ ss. in the Summer time the four greater cool seeds ℥ j boil these in a sufficient quantity of water till a third part be consumed; of which, after it is strained, take lb. j ss. for strong people; but for the younger sort lb. j for infant's lb. ss. This decoction may in Summer be kept uncorrupt two days in some cold place, in Winter four: but it is best when it is new made, Quamdiu decoctum pro Clyst. possit. incorruptum ser, vari. and those Apothecaries do ill that keep it a whole week, and then use it. Folia Orientalia are oft decocted herein, and some Electuaries, and Honey dissolved, according to the various intentions of the Physician, as to excite the slowness of the belly, and to educe the humours lurking there. And better to excite the drowsy faculty, something of common Salt, or precious, may be added, Clysteris inventionem avis dedisse fertur. whose virtue in moving the belly is thought to be known by the Bird called Ibis, not much unlike a Stork, which with its long bill draws up sea water, and immits it into its belly, whereby it is purged: hence according to Galen, (praef. sai introduct.) was the use of Glisters learned. But be sure no Salt be dissolved in the Glisters prescribed to the dissentery, for it will much embitter the dolour of the intestines. This clyster will discuss flatuosity. ℞. A Carminate clyster. Marsh-mallows, Pelitory, tops of Dill, Origanum, Calamint, Southernwood, the flowers of Melilot, and Chamomile, ana m j the seeds of Cummin, Anise, Coriander, ana ℥. ss. boil them, in the Colature dissolve Honey of Rosemary ℥. ij. Bened. Laxativ. ʒ. vj. El. de Baccis Lauri ℥. ss. Ol. Anethi ℥. iij. fiat Enema. Some instead of Oils made by infusion, dissolve ʒ. j of Oil of Aniseed educed by the chemical art, or a little more or less, as the condition of the body and disease require; which I have oft expenenced with success, when I could not have any other to my mind. Here note, Validius purgant Clysteres qui pinguia non admittunt. that that injection wherein Oil or Butter, or both have been mixed, doth attract the humours more slowly; for the faculty of the cathartics is dulled with the addition of fats, but the dolour of the intestines is sooner quelled. Oils and Greases are mixed and added rather to mollify and leniate, than attract; As, ℞. Of the decoction of the four emollient herbs lb. j dissolve therein Honey of Violets, red Sugar, Catplicon ℥ j ss. Oil of Chamomile, fresh Butter, ana ℥ ij. conquass them together, & fiat Clysmus. Take notice also, that Injections or Glisters do not only purge the inferior intestines, but the middle also, and sometimes the superior, as when the ventricle is ill affected, and attracts it from the inferior intestines: so that Galen (cap. 1. lib. 3. the sympt. cause.) asserts, that some have vomited up part of a clyster, though elsewhere he seems to hold the contrary. Which may happen also when a clyster made of Milk, or the decoction of Flesh, is injected into some macilent fellow, with whose sweetness and grateful warmth his empty ventricle being alured, sucks and attracts the liquor to itself, that it may be refreshed therewith, as we may read in the Writings of Avenzoar, (They. cap. 18. tract. 10. lib. 1.) This clyster is good against the Lethargy, Apoplexy, and other affections of the brain, whereby the senses droop, and the faculties become dull. ℞. Betony, Marjoran, Calamint, Sage, Origanum, ana m. j Mercury, Arach, ana m. ij. boil them with ℥. ij. of Senna, andʒ. ij. of Aniseeds; in a pint of the Colature dissolve Honey of Rosemary ℥. ij. Confectio Hamech, and Hier. Diacolocynthidos', ana ℥. ss. Saltʒ. ij. fiat Clyster. This clyster cures the dissentery, or other great flux in the belly. ℞. Plantain, Knotgrass, Mullet, ana m. j boil them in lb. j of Milk; and lb. ss. of Bean-cod water till the third part be consumed; in the Colature dissolve Bole-armeniack, and Starch, anaʒ. ij. the yolk of one Egg, and so make it into a clyster. SECTION III. Of such as are extrinsecally applied; and first, CHAP. I. Of Baths. WHEN we mention a Bath, we mean such an one as is made of sweet water, whether pluvial or fluvial: not such sordid Baths as they have in some places in Spain, where they wash, or rather inquinate themselves in urine long kept for that purpose: nor yet those medicinal Baths wherewith many places of the Earth abound; which because of several Minerals they pass through, acquire several sapours, and odours, and eximious faculties in curing many affections. For the Earth produces almost as many Springs of Medicinal Waters, as diseases (Gal. cap. 5. lib. 1. de sanitate tuenda) wherewith Normandy, and almost all France, and Germany, and Italy abound. But we here speak of a Bath, which being made of simple water, or the decoction of some herb, may be provided in any house. Now Baths are instituted for three causes, to wit, for delight, Balneorum usus triplex. for preservation of sanity, and depulsion of diseases. The ancient Romans were great admirers of Baths for pleasure, and therefore they made Baths for public uses, both for amplitude and artifice inimitable, the structure being of Alexandrian and Numidian Marble; Balneorum superha structura for the walls were adorned on one side with Thasian stones, on the other with Pictures much recreating the sight; their cocks were of silver, which distilled warm, or hotter water, as they would, into the vessel; for they were so much taken with Lavacres, that some of them, especially their Emperors and Senators, Balnea Romani habebant in deliciit. who had Baths apart, would bathe themselves seven times a day. And seeing Baths are very voluptuous, as Ulpianus not without reason attests, the Jews that lived at Tripoli and Damascus had Baths for pleasure, wherein men and women bathed promiscuously, before Antoninus the Philosopher's time, which they therefore called Gymnasies. To preserve sanity, Be●●eorum magna militas. such as have a hot liver, or squalid skin; are much helped by frequent bathe in warm water, as Oribasius, cap. 27. lib. 1. asserts. To depel diseases Baths are very useful; for Galen (cap. 10. lib. 10. m. med. c. 20. lib. 12.) commends them in the Hectic Diarian, and sometimes in the putrid fever, with due observation. Hypocrates also before Galens time attested in many places, that Baths conduce to the cure of many diseases, (part. 44. lib. 3. de vict. acutor.) for they open the pores, discuss the humours, abate the heat of the bowels, take away lassitude, dilute the terrene and melancholical humour, or at least temper and moderate it. Make a Bath of milk alone, or a very small quantity of water and milk, for such as are rich, and labour under a Hectic Fever: for such as are not rich, let water suffice, and that fluvial or pluvial rather than fountain water; wherein for more success, coct some parts, or else integral plants, as Marsh-mallows, Mallows, Violets, Vine leaves, and Colesfoot, of each m. iiij. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water for a Bath. For the morphew or fedity of the skin, after the emendation of the brave humours, and diminution of blood by purge and phlebotomy, let the body be immerged in the aforesaid Bath, then let him be washed three, four, or more times, if need be, in this following Bath. ℞. The leaves of Enulacampane, Sorrel, Scabious, ana m. vj. Tatsane and Fumatory, ana m. iij. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water to fill the Bath. Some foolish Wretches believe, that the Leprosy may be cured by a Bath of Man's blood: but this horrible Prescript seems to be an invention of the Devil, and not at all to be admitted; for such a Disease whereby the whole Oeconomy of Nature is ruined, can neither by external application, nor internal assumption, nor by both together, be emended. CHAP. II. Of a Semicupium, or Insess. AS a Bath is a Lavacre of the whole body, except the head, which partakes also of the vapours; so an Insess of half the body; for it is a Bath only of the belly, or a half Bath full of convenient liquor, wherein the diseased may sit up to his ventricle, his legs and feet be put out, called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by the Latines Insessus or Insessio, and sometimes Semicupium. It is constituted of the same Materials that make up a Bath and Fomentation; and it is less than one, greater than the other. It is very useful, for it mollifies the Uterus, reserates its vessels, Semicupii usus. assuages colical passions, and other dolours caused in the reins by the stone, in the ureters by obstructions, or in other inferior parts of the belly. This Semicupium will by the emollition and deduction of the vessels assuage the dolour of the stone in the reins. ℞. Beets, Marsh-mallows, Mallows, Violets, Pelitory, tops of Dill, anam. iij. Linsed ℥ ij. boil all these in rain water, or fountain, till their virtues be transmitted, pro semicupio. Some put the materials in some bag, and apply them to the place most pained in the very insession. The body that abounds with crude and viscid humours should be first purged by some convenient Medicament, if time permit; if not, then with a clyster. Some make Insessions of the decoction of Tripes to cure the exsiccation, hardness, and tension of the belly, and the colical dolours; some add milk to them, others wine, others oil. That colical dolour which arises from much flatuosity, distending and excruciating the belly, may be cured with this Semicupium. ℞. Polium of the mount, Calamint, Origanum, tops of Dill, Melilet, Marjoran, ana m. iij. the seeds of Cummin, Anise, Fennel, Bay-berries, ana ℥ j put them all in two bags, and boil them in water sufficient for a Semicupium; wherein the diseased must be demerged with his face upward from the knees to the navel. CHAP. III. Of a Vaporary. AVaporary consists of the same things a Semicupium is made of, though in less quantity; for it is enough that a few herbs or such things be cocted in a Kettle, and the vapour thereof traduced through a hole in a chair whereon the diseased sits, to move the Uterus or Fundament; for it is only made to reserate the Uterus, to evoke or stay Flowers, to open or constringe the Hemorrhoides, to assuage dolour, and to alter some intemperancy. To provoke Flowers, lest the vapour should be disgregated and exhaled into the ambient air, the perforated chair whereon the diseased woman sits, should be accurately involved in many ; for so the ascendent vapour will be easily carried to the privities; and permeating the orifice of the vessels, will attenuate the blood, and excite it to motion. This Receipt is fit to move Flowers and Hemorrhoides. ℞. Marsh-mallows, Mugwort, Calamint, Hyssop, Winter-savoury, Marjoran, ana m. j Savin m. ij. the flowers of Melilot, Chamemile, and Jasmine, ana m. ss. let the Decoction be made in water, and in a fourth part of white wine, and let the vapour be admitted as above. This Prescription is accommodate to stay both fluxes, to wit, of Flowers and Hemorthoides. ℞. Shepherd's purse, Knotgrass, Mouse-ear, Plantain, ana m. j Roses m. ij. Balaustians m. j boil them in Bean cod water; let the vapour enter in at the genitals. This will assuage and allay the dolour of the Hemorrhoides. ℞. Mullein m. ij. Marsh-mallows m. j Linseed ℥. ss. boil them in milk; and whilst they are hot, put them in a stool-pan, and sit upon it, that the vapour may ingrede the fundament. CHAP. IU. Of an Hypocaust, or Sudatory. AN Hypocaust is a place made like a little Furnace, Hypocaustum quid. wherein sweat is procured, by dry heat ascending through, like Spiracles, from the fire set under it. It is called by another name, to wit, Unde dicatur Laconicum. Ejus usus. Laconicum, because the Laconians chief used it, as the Romans did baths. It conduces much in frigid and diuturnal diseases; for seeing its fervid and sharp heat doth not only calefy the external habit of the body, but the very praecordia and internals also; it potently opens the passages, calefies, melts, and by sweat educes the humours. But seeing this external calour continually thus occurring and insinuating itself into the internals, doth speedily project the humours, it can scarce be tolerated one quarter of an hour without dissipation of the spirits, and loss of strength, whereupon swoundings often follow: but the more delicate, and such also whose bodies are loaden with impure excrements, are chief in danger of this delinquency. Quae ingressum bypocausti praecedere debent. He therefore that consults his sanity, should never enter these Sudatories till he have by purge and phlebotomy, if need be, exonerated his body; for so the relics of those humours that infest his body, may be easily projected by sudour. The Rustics custom is irreproveable, who being destitute of an Hypocaust extracted by due and artificial industry, take a Hogshead of a just magnitude, and calefy it either by a fire, or by setting it over a pan full of burned coals, or a vessel full of hot water, and set therein, sweeting profusely, and with case, without any danger of swourding. Some will sit in an oven where bread is but lately drawn out, put their heads only out at the mouth thereof, and so sweat abundantly. Surgeons have invented a certain Aestuary of a vimineous texture, like a Birdcage, wherein they excite such to sweat as are infested with the French disease; which they properly call a Cage, wherein the Birds do not nourish, but are nourished. These miserable Wretches are included herein with hot bricks, and almost suffocated, till they sweat abundantly in every part of their bodies, having before drunk of the Decoction of Lignum sanctum, or Sarsaparilla, or some other Alexitery, which will both move sweat, and deleate the French disease. CHAP. V Of Fomentations. Foments' are so commodious, that no part of the body is averse to their sanative operations. Aetius prescribes this Medicament to fore eyes. Trallian, (initio lib. 6.) to the ears, to the flux of the belly, yea, he thinks them convenient to assuage any dolour. Celsus, (cap. 12. lib. 3.) admits of Foments in Fevers, and thinks they should not be omitted, but by all means applied to pleuritical, hepatical, splenical, and arthritical persons, as also to the calculative, or other parts affected, where the ulcer hath not dissolved the continuity, nor divided the integrity. For Oribasius, (cap. 29. lib. 9) saith, they rarify the skin for transpiration, attenuate the blood, discuss part thereof, and so operate, that the parts affected are not so dolorous. Foments' therefore are made for many purposes, as thus to roborate the ventricle. ℞. Wormwood, both the Mints, tops of Dill, Roses, of each m. ij. A Foment roborating the stomach. Penniroyal, Marjorum, of each m. j Balaustians, Cyperus nuts bruised, of each ℥ j boil them in water, with a fourth part of wine added towards the end of the Coction, and foment the ventricle with sponges dipped therein, as hot as can be suffered. Trallian prescribes many Foments to the splenetic affections, which consist of such things as roborate it, or as incide and digest the humours, or as change and alter its intemperance. This Foment after purgation doth remove obstructions, and roborate it. ℞. Cetrarch, or Spleen-wort, Roman Wormwood, Staechados, A Fotus for the spleen. Tamaris, of each m. ij. Broom flowers, Jasmine, of each m. j boil them in water and wine for a good space, and to every pint of the Decoction add Oil of Capars ℥ iij. with which foment the part affected, either with sponges, or bladders filled and applied. This Foment is very good to cure the Pleurisy. ℞. For the Plenrisy. Marsh-mallows, Mallows, Violets, of each, m. ij. the flowers of Melilot and Chemomile, tops of Dill, of each m. j Linseed ℥. j boil these either in water or milk, and foment the side either with or sponges dipped therein. After the foment, liniate the part with some lenitive Oil, as Oil of Lillyes, Almonds, or Violets, or else with new Butter. This foment, for the diseased of the Stone, must be applied to the region of the reins. ℞. Fotus pro calculosis. Water-cresses, Pelitory, Beets, Violets, of each m. ij. Faenugreek ℥. ij. boil them in Hydromel, and foment the reins therewith. CHAP. VI Of Epithemaes. SOme make no difference betwixt a Foment and an Epithema; but Fernalius rightly asserts them to be different Medicaments, Differentia inter fotum & epithema. both from their forms, and their efficacy, seeing a Foment endued with many qualities, may be constituted many ways, and applied to many parts. But an Epithema is chief eximious for two qualities, to wit, alterative, whereby it emends some distemper; and roborative or alexiterial, whereby it strengthens the heart, and oppugns some kind of poison, and for the most part applied only to the regions of the heart and liver. They consist of distilled, Epithematum materia. cordial, and alterative waters, or liquid decoctions, mixed with powders of fingular virtues, wherein the proportion of powder is of one scruple, or half a dram to every ounce of water, which we mix with a little vinegar. Some Alexipharmacal Confection is sometimes diluted in stead of powders, as in some pestilent season, or in some malignant distemper, which impairs the strength of the heart, and faculties of the diseased; for in such a case it is most secure to mix some Antidote or Mithridate with the Epithema. This Epithema doth refrigerate and roborate the liver inflamed with a Fever. ℞. An Epithema cooling the liver. of the waters of Succory, Endive, Water-lillyes, and Plantain, of each ℥. iij. Vinegar of Rosesʒ. j Pulvis Triasant. ℥. j ss. Diarrhadon Abbatisʒ. j Troches of Camphorʒ. ss. fiat Epithema; and with a cloth dipped in it, bathe the region of the liver. An Epitheme thus confected, will muniate and preserve the heart, and strength of the vital faculties. ℞. An Epithema to comfort the heart. of the waters of Bugloss, Scabious, Cardaus, Sorrel, Roses, of each ℥. iij. spec, diamarg. frigid. Triasant. of eachʒ. j ss. Powder of Tormentill, Gentian, Dictamus, and grains of Kermes, of eachʒ. ss. with which besprinkle a linen cloth, and apply it hot to the region of the heart. The Ancients much commended the use of Scarlet cloth; which is not approved of by the more recent, because in its tincture it is infected with much Arsenic: but I approve of it in poisonous diseases, seeing poisons in such a case are often salutiferous. CHAP. VII. Of Lotion. WE understand not by Lotion here a bath of cold water, as Oribasius, (cap. 7. lib. 1.) and Paulus, (cap. 51. lib. 1.) do, but the ablution of some particular member in some medicinal decoction, to take away its filth, correct its distemper, digest its humour, roborate its parts, mitigate its dolour, and to conciliate sleep. This Decoction will by ablution of the head kill Lice. ℞. Staves-acre ℥. ij. Wormwood, Tansy, Betony, A Lotion to kill louse. the lesser Centanry, of each m. ij. Coloquintide seeds ℥. ss. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water till a third part be consumed, and with a sponge wash his head. This Lotion will denigrate the hairs of hoary heads; which I prescribe to such old women as would not betray their age to their husbands by their whiteness. ℞. The bark of Oak and Elm, of each ℥. ij. Galls ℥. ij. the bark of Wallnuts lb. ss. the leaves of the Pomegranate tree, and Myrtle, of each m. ss. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, add thereunto Alum ℥. ij. Vitriol ℥. j after the Colature, wash the hairs therewith, letting it dry in the Sun. Yet Galen (cap. 1. lib. 1. de comp. med. loc.) professes, that he never exhibited any thing to such as adorned themselves for their own or others delight; for this were all one as to paint a Sepulchre. In times past men washed their heads more frequently than now adays; which caused of late this Proverb, Wash your head never, feet seldom, hands often. This Lotion made of the decoction of such Simples, will mitigate calour, and soporate the senses, will by ablution of the feet therein conciliate sleep. ℞. Lettuce m. iij. Betony, Water-lillyes, of each m. ij. Poppy flowers, A Lotion to wash the feet, to cause rest. m. j boil them in water, and wash the feet therewith. CHAP. VIII. Of an Embroche, or Aspersion. BY Embrochation we mean the irrigation of some part affected, with some Oil, Decoction, or Liquor accommodated to the cure of that distemper, distilled thereon like rain; and hence Embroche, from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to rain. This Medicament, according to Aetius, (cap. 172. ser. 3. tetr. 1.) is used when bathing is for some circumstances prohibited. And as it is the decoction of Poppy and Chamemile, it conduces much to such as are infested with night-watches, fevers, and delirations. Archigenes seeing his Master Agathinus to rave because of his long wakes, freed him both from his deliry and wake by irrigating his head with much hot Oil. These irrigations seem to differ from foments only in this, that they are distilled upon the part from on high, the foments' being only applied thereunto by sponges, , or in bags. Now according to Oribasius, Prigatio. (cap. 23. lib. 9) we use irrigation only when some inflammation must be resolved, or ulcer suppurated; Aspersion. but aspersion in washing the face, and in hot fevers, and that in Summer with cold water, in Winter with warmer. Yet in more simple Fevers, as also in the subversion of the stomach, we use water mixed with vinegar in aspersion. We use aspersions also to cure eyes infested with fluxes, by the decoction of Basil, which is most efficacious, subjecting a dry sponge under the chin, lest the water run down to the breast. An Embroche or Irrigation is compounded of Simples cocted in Wine, Water, Lees, or Oil, as this same for the Lethargy. ℞. Embroche capitis. Cyperus, Calamus Aromaticus, Orris, Bay tree, of each ℥ ss. Sage, Rosemary, Penniroyal, Calamint, Staechados, of each m. ss. Squinant, Coriander seed, Cummin seed, of eachʒ ij. boil these in three pints of water till the third part be consumed; add to the Colature Aqua vitae ℥ iij. besprinkle this on the head. An Irrigation to conciliate sleep consists of Simples endued with quite contrary qualities, and is thus made: ℞. Lettuce, m. ij. Water-lillyes, white Roses, of each m. j Poppy flowers, Betony, of each m. ss. boil these, and let the Colature be sprinkled on the head. To Irrigation we may refer the Stillicide or Laver of medicated waters; but it is not now our intention to treat thereof, but will proceed. CHAP. IX. Of a Lineament. ALiniment is of a middle consistency betwixt an Unguent and Oil, being more liquid than an Unguent, Linimenium quid. and more crass than Oil, for it admits of a very little Wax and Fat in its confection, and therefore is not fluid without incalescence at the Fire or Sun. Its basis is Oil, whereunto sometimes is added a little of refinous Fat with Wax; yet not so much, but it still retains its soft consistency; for a Lineament is nothing but a very soft Unguent, to the confection whereof any Oil may be assumed, so it be accommodated with faculties requisite to the intended scope. And therefore almost every Lineament being paregorical and lenitive, is confected either of simple Oil, or of Oil of Almonds, Violets, or such like, which will not excessively alter any temper, as this same to abate the dolour of the side in a Pleurisy. ℞. Oil of sweet Almonds ℥ ij. ss. fresh Butter ℥ j Litus ad pleuritidem. a little Wax to make it up into a Linctus; anoint the side therewith. Now to mitigate some dolour caused by a frigid humour, some Oil must be assumed, which is calid in the same degree, that it may correct the humours distemper. As on the contrary, this Lineament made of refrigerating Oils, will amend the distemper, and assuage the dolour caused by a calid humour. ℞. Oil of Water-lillyes ℥ ij. ss. Oil of Roses ℥ ss. Waxʒ iij. Let them be melted for a Lineament. ℞. Oil of Violets ℥ two. the musilidge of Marsh-mallow roots, or Linsud ℥ i. a little Wax to make it a Lineament, and apply it to the part affected. This Lineament will mitigate a cold distemper. ℞. Oil of Chamomile, and Dill, of each ℥ i. ss. Ducks fat ℥ i. A Litus for a cold distemper Wax. ʒ iii. let these be melted together, and make a Lineament. CHAP. X. Of Mucagines, or Musliges. BEcause there is often mention made of Mucagines, which are either applied alone, or mixed with other Medicaments, our Institution leads us now to speak a little thereof. Now this Mucilage is efficacious in mollifying, humectating, and leniating some dolour, as that same which is extracted from glutinous roots and seeds; sometimes it digests and attracts, as that same which is educed out of many gums. The seeds of Line, Foenugreek, Mallows, Quinces, Flea-wort, and Marsh-mallow roots, as also their roots macerated in warm water, are very mucaginous. Figs also, Gum Arabic, Tragacanthum, and Isinglass, if they be a whole night infused in water, or other liquor, and the next day recalefied, and strongly expressed through a new cloth or bag, will dimit much mucaginous matter. Thus the mucage of Bdellium, Sagapenum, Ammoniacum, and Galbanum, is extracted to make up the confection of the mucilaginous Emplaster. To every ounce of water, or other liquor, they ordinarily impose an ounce of seeds, or roots: but if the Mucage should be more crass, than the quantity of roots or seeds must be augmented; if more liquid, diminished, as one dram of seed to an ounce of water. This Muslidge applied to an inflammation, helps much. ℞. A Muslidge against inflammation. The roots of Marsh-mallows ℥. ss. Flea wort seedʒ. ij. infuse them upon hot embers for a day and a half in Nightshade water; afterwards strain it, and apply it to the part affected. This Mucage mitigates the dolour of the eyes caused by heat. ℞. Another to the pain of the eyes from a hot cause. Quinco kernelsʒ iij. infuse them a whole night in the water of Nightshade, Water-lillyes, and Eye-bright, ana ℥ i. ss. in the morning extract the Muslidge, and apply it to the part grieved. CHAP. XI. Of Collyryes. IT is not enough that a Medicament be accommodated to an affection only, but it must be fitted to the part affected also; for we do not prescribe one Medicament to the ears, mouth, nose, and belly, but exhibit a singular Medicament to each, as will best fit it. The eyes have their peculiar Medicaments, called Collyryes, which are endued with eximious qualities respecting their affections eximiously; such as Galen speaks of, (libro de oculis, & libris 4, & 5. composit. medicament. loc.) as also Paulus and Aetius in many places. There are two kinds of Collyryes; the one dry, Collyriorum differentia. Collyria ficca. called by the Arabians Sicf; by the Grecians, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; by the Latins, Collyria fieca; the other humid, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which are by the more recent called Collyries absolutely, either because by their liquid form they are better accommodated to application, the eyes not tolerating a hard and crass remedy; or else because they are made of dry Collyries, levigated upon a Marble, and dissolved in water, or such convenient liquor. Some of the humid Collyries are of the consistency of Honey, or a soft Unguent, Tuthiae praeparatio. as Tutia redacted to the form of an Unguent, by much ustion and lotion, with the juice of Fennel, or other convenient liquor. Others are altogether liquid and fluxile, as all those which are made of the waters of Eye-bright, Roses, or Plantain, with a small quantity of white Trochisks. These should be reposed in glass vessels, as the more solid in earthen pots. And as a multitude of ocular affections are cured by Collyries, so a multiplicity of materials go to their confecture; as the whole Family of Medicaments, whether of Minerals, Animals, or Plants, from which either Powders can be efringed, or Waters distilled, or Juices extracted, or Excrements desumed. When you would quicken the sight, make an oxydorcical colliery of such Medicaments as cure caligation, as the galls of Animals, the waters of Salendine and Eye-bright, or the water of Community; which confect thus. ℞. Eye bright m. iij. Salendine, Fennel, Vervine, Fumatory, A water to quicken the sight. ana m. ij. Rue, Balm, ana m. j Cloves, Mace, long Pepper, ana ℥. ss. macerate them a whole night in equal parts of white Rose-water, and white Wine; then distil of the water, with which wash the eyes. This colliery will cure the pruriginous scabies of the eyebrows. ℞. White wine, * White. For the scabies of the eyelids Rose water, ana ℥ j ss. Hepatick Aloes finely pulverised, ʒ j mix them, and make thereof a Collyrium. This colliery will roborate and refrigerate. ℞. A cooling and strengthening water for the eyes. The water of Plantain, and red Roses, ana ℥ ij. whites of Eggs ℥. ss. mix them, and beat them well together, and make thereof a colliery. This colliery applied to the eyes, will assuage their dolour. ℞. For the pain of the eyes. The waters of Purslain and Plantain, ana ℥ j ss. the mucilidge of Quince seeds made in Night shade water ℥ j mingle them, & fiat Collyrium. This colliery will most efficaciously desiccate, roborate, and refrigerate. ℞. A water strengthening and drying. The water of Mouse-ear, white Roses, and Plantain, ana ℥ j Troch. alb. Rhasisʒ i Tutty preparedʒ. ss. fiat Collyrium. This colliery, commonly called Eleiser, roborates the eye, and hinders the lapse of the fourth membrane, or uvea; and it is thus confected. ℞. Collyrium Elciser. Antimony, Lapit Hematit. anaʒ x. Acacia ℥ ss. Aloesʒ j let them be finely powdered, & cum aqua * Knotgrass. Corrigiolae fiant Trochisci; and when occasion calls for them, dissolve one of them in white Rose water. This other colliery, which hath its denomination of Lead, is endued with a sarcotical and consolidative faculty, and is thus made. ℞. A colliery of Lead. Led, Antimony, Tutty washed, Brass, Gum Araback, Traganth, ana ℥ j Opium ℥ ss. make of these a Powder, and with white Rose water form them into Trochisks, which dissolve in white Rose water. This colliery of Lanfrancus, so called, in whose Works I could never yet find it, is excellent against the French disease, and is thus described by the ancient Writers. ℞. Collyrium Lanfranci. White Wine lb j of the water of Plantain and Roses, of each a much as will suffice. Auripigmentumʒ ij. Verdigreaseʒ j Aloes, Myrrke, ana ℈ ij. let these be finely powdered, and make thereof a Collyrium. CHAP. XII. Of Virgin's milk. virgin's milk is one of those Medicaments which the sedulity of our age hath invented; the making of which works no small admiration in the Vulgar, whilst of two unicolourous juices mixed together they educe a third, white, viscid and lent substance, like milk, to the spectators eyes. Thus many exhibiting a specimen of their ingeny, are believed to do miracles, while they only unfold Nature's secrets. Lac virginale cur dicitur. Now it is called Virgins milk, partly from its colour, whereby it is like milk, partly from its consistency and virtues, wherein it is eximious, even to delete the freckles of the skin, which change and adulterate the virgin and genuine colour of the face. This topical Medicament is made after many ways, whereof this is the most ordinary Receipt. ℞. Litharidge of Gold finely powderedʒ iij. white wine vinegar, of the best and strongest, lb. ss. mingle them together, stir them with a wooden spatula for three hours, afterwards filter the liquor through a brown paper, in the form of a funnel, into a glass drop by drop: to that which is filtrated, add pluvial or fountain water, in which dissolve a little salt, upon the mixtion whereof a milk will appear. This is also an usual form. ℞. White wine vinegar lb. ss. Litharidge of Gold finely powdered ℥ j boil them together till the third part be consumed, and to the Colature add a little Oil of Tartar, and it will become white. It may also be thus confected. ℞. Ceruse ℥. ss. Litharidge ℥ j Trochisks of Camphorʒ. ss. the strongest Vinegar lb. ss. macerate them three or four hours, afterwards filtrate them, and to the filtration add the water of Bean flowers, or Plantain, or Roses; in which dissolve a little Salt, and it will become white. It is very good against the redness of the face, and pimples, Ejus virtuor and roughness of the skin. CHAP. XIII. Of Alum water. THE affinity of the qualities mind me of another water of eximious virtues, which derives its denomination from Alum, which is its basis. Since many Juices ingrede its confection, which are better new than old, it can scarce be made before or after Summer, but about the end of August, or the beginning of September; for then the juice of Grapes is most copious, and most acid, being immature, and therefore more accommodate to confect this water. Being extrinsecally applied, it cohibits and deterges inflammations, pimples, and other infections of the skin; adhibited also above the tongue that grows black by the acuteness of a Fever, it will not only delete its roughness, but so moderate its calour, as to reduce it to its natural heat. I shall here exhibit its more usual and approved description, whereunto a skilful Medick may easily adjoin another, if the particular nature or condition of any affection require it; and thus it is confected. ℞. Aqua aluminosa magistralis. Of the juices of Plantain, Purslain, Grapes, Roch alum, ana lb. j whites of Eggs, no. xij. mix them well together with a spatula, and afterwards distil them in an Alembick. Some, by mixing the juice of Nightshade and Lemons with it, make it more prevalent against filth and louse, and other affections of the skin; and they call it the Magisterial Alum water. CHAP. XIV. Of a Frontal. AFrontal, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is a Medicament, which imposed on the forehead, doth help the headache; and it is often exhibited to extinguish its ardour, and conciliate sleep, when in long Fevers too much waking hath dejected the strength, corrupted the blood, and exagitated the mind. For then a topical, refrigerative Hypnotick applied to the frontispiece of the head, will be very salutiferous, by abating the dolour, mitigating the fervour, tempering the blood, and cohibiting the ascendent fumes. Nicholaus Myrepsius tells us, that a Frontal duly confected, and rightly adhibited to the eyes, cures lippitude, and abundant fluours. But we must take heed we do not adhibit humectative and refrigerative Frontals to a phlegmatic brain, or old men in winter, especially seeing they are not meet for such in summer, Quibus frontalia bene vel male conveniunt. nor yet for any of a cold nature. But they may be successfully applied to young men, and such as are choleric, or infested with some hot disease, which always causes great dolour in the head at any time. But the use of Frontals' is no way safe for young girls, whose Cranium yet gapes, and whose Vertex is yet movable, especially such as admit Vinegar in their composition, which is an enemy to the brain; or are endued with a narcotical, or with a refrigeratory or calefactory quality, or any other eximious faculty in excess. They indeed are very expetible which by the first degrees change the distemper of the four qualities, cohibit vapours, gently soporate the senses, and roborate the brain. All Frontals are either somewhat humid, or altogether dry; the humid are of multifarious forms and consistencies, for they are either made in form of an Unguent, or of a Lineament, or of an Opiate, or of a Cerato malagma; as when some oleaginous Medicaments are superadded to brayed herbs, and a Frontal form of the mixture. Neither are dry Frontals uniform, but confected of leaves and flowers, either integral, or pulverated and sowed in a double Syndon, or pure cloth. This Frontal is accommodate to women. ℞. Of the leaves of Lettuce, and Betony cut small, and of Rose leaves ana m. j madefy these in Oxyrrhodino, and make thereof a Frontal. This Frontal will assuage the fervour of the head, and conciliate sleep. ℞. Conserves of Water-lillyesʒ vj. of Roses ℥. ss. Fervorem mitigans, somnumque concilians. of the flower of Poppyes p. ij. beat them together in a mortar with a little Unguent Populeon, & fiat Frontale. CHAP. XV. Of Cataplasms and Poultices. THis soft Medicament, which only extrinsecally applied, doth assuage dolour, repel, mollify, relax and calefy, as also move, vacuate and digest corrupt matter, is called both by Greeks and Latins Cataplasma. It hath the consistency of a Pultis, whence it often borrows a name; though in proper locution, Pulls is rather an Aliment, and Cataplasma a topical Medicament, which is not confected solely of Honey, wherein some Simples or Compounds accommodate to that purpose have been cocted, as the Ancients used to make it; but of Roots, Herbs, Meal, Oil and Butter; and very often, and that successfully, by clinical women, of Milk, Bread crumbs, Oil, and the yolks of Eggs, to mitigate, leniate, and concoct. And he that calls a Cataplasm thus compounded a Pultis, and a Pultis made of Barley meal, the mucaginous matter of Linseed, and Eggs yolks, a Cataplasm, doth err nothing, according to Fernelius; for both have the same consistency, to wit, a mean betwixt an Unguent and a Salve; and as it were the result of both their materials compounded together, both have the same method in confecture, and in use. Fernelius thinks, that the Ancients used Cataplasma and Malagms for the same thing: but Galen, (initio lib. 7. the comp. med. gen.) according to the meaning and opinion of the Ancients, names those Medicaments alone Malagms, which mollify parts preternaturally obdurated: so that a malactical and mollitive Medicament, and a Malagm do not at all differ, nor constitute distinct species, as 'tis very probable. Poultices than are constituted of Roots, Leaves, Stalks cocted to a putrilency, Meal, Fat, and Oil. If dry Plants be required, they must be pulverated; if green, cocted till they liquefy, then stamped in a mortar, trajected through a scarce, and mucaginous fat, or oleaginous matters added to the pulped matter, and sometimes meal; and then must they be again cocted, till they acquire the crassitude of a Pultis. This Cataplasm will assuage dolour, and mollify obdurateness. ℞. Anodynum & malacticum. The roots of Lillyes and Marsh-mallows, ana ℥ ij. Mallows, Pelitory, Violets, ana m. ij. boil them till they become soft, beat them small, and pulp them through a sieve, to which add Linseed ℥ ij. Oil of Lillyes ℥ iij. One made of the powder of Linseed cocted in Hydreol to a just consistency, will exceedingly mollify and mitigate any dolour. This Cataplasm will educe viscid humours, open the pores, and dissipate flatuosity. ℞. Briony root lb. j Showbread root ℥ iij. Mercury m. ij. Flatus dissipant. boil them till they become soft in water with a fourth part of white wine, bruise them, and traject them through a sieve; to the pulp add powder of Bay-berryes ℥ ss. powder of Fennel seeds and Cummin, and Chamomile flowers, anaʒ ij. Lupins and Faenugreek, ana ℥ j Oil of Orris as much as suffices, to make a Cataplasm. A Cataplasm made of common bread, Syncomistum. which they call Syncomistum, is good for all things, if we believe Oribasius; For (saith he) it is convenient almost for all inflammations, when it is confected with water and oil of Roses. That also is good for many dolours which is confected of leavened bread and oil, for it ripens obdurateness, heals contusions, attracts lurking humours to the skin, digests and resolves them. There are various forms of Poultices recorded in every Author, which here to rehearse would be as endless as useless, since these few examples may suffice. CHAP. XVI. Of Catapasms, Empasms, and Diapasms. ODoriferous Powders compounded of many Aromataes, Catapasma quid. which for fragrancy and suavities sake are strewed upon , are properly called Catapasms. Those Powders also which after litation are applied to some part of the body, as to the stomach for its roboration, and those odoriferous Powders which are made for Condiments, and other uses; as Sarcotical, for generation of flesh in ulcers; Catheretical, for absumption in superfluous flesh; Epulotical, for the induction of a scar, are called Catapasms, (Paul. c. 13. l. 7.) But because we have treated of these before, we shall not further prosecute that subject; neither would we have spoken a word thereupon, but for that same paranomasia there is betwixt a Catapasm and a Cataplasm. The less affinity falling in the denominations of Empasm and Diapasm, leads us to show their difference each from other, as also how they both differ from a Cataplasm. Now according to Oribasius, (cap. 31. lib. 10.) Empasma quid those are Empasms which are adhibited to cohibit immoderate heat, or other exhalations, or to scarify the extremity of the skin, or to remove a Pleurisy. Those Diapasms, Diapasma quid which are accommodated to conciliate suaveolence to the skin or body, either by way of Powder, Unguent, or Lineament. Those Cataplasms, which are confected after the former description, and for the uses we mentioned in the foregoing Chapter. Empasins are either used to stay the immoderate fluour of sweat, which is not critical, but dissolves Nature's strength, or to help the Mydroptical, Sciatical, or Orthopnoical Patients. Those that stay and cohibit the profusion of sudours, consist of Parget, dry and levigated Myrtle, Pomegranate pills, Syrian Sumack, Sorb apples dried and brayed, Galls, Acacia, and such like Astrictives. Those that help such as are diseased with the Dropsy, such as are infested with the Sciatica, and such as cannot breathe unless they hold their neck straight up, are confected of Sand, burned Wine lees, Nitre, Salt, Sulphur, Mustard, Water cresses, Pepper, Pelitory, and such like sharp Ingredients, whereof Sinapisms also are made, which act and produce the same effect with Empasms. CHAP. XVII. Of Sinapisms and Phaenigms. ASinapism is a kind of Cataplasm, for their consistency is alike, though their faculties be distinct: for Sinapisms consist of one quality, and are always calefactory; Catalpasms of many; and thence they calefy, refrigerate, mollify, relax, etc. A Sinapism is seldom or never adhibited in acute diseases, neither by way of table nor colliquament, as Oribasius notes, (cap. 13. lib. 10.) but in Lethargies, Apoplexies, or the Nightmare, and in stupid natures, that the dullness of the sense may be excited, the faculty awakened, the heat acted, and the humour discussed. The manner of making a Sinapism is thus described by Oribasius and Aetius, (cap. 181. tetr. 1. serm. 3.) Take dried Figs, q. v. macerate them a whole day in warm water, afterwards make a strong Expression, and bruise the Figs; then take the sharpest and strongest Mustard seed, bruise it by itself, pouring on a little of the colature of the Figs, which will make it beat more easily: but take heed too much be not mixed; lest it be too thin and liquid; then reduce them into small masses, of the Figs and Mustard, of each equal parts: but if you would have the Sinapism stronger, take two parts of the Mustard, and one of the Figs; if weaker, two of the Figs, and one of the Mustard. If the Sinapism be made with Vinegar, it is more inefficacious and weak, because Vinegar discusses the strength of the Mustard. The Sinapism should be put upon a Linen cloth, and so adhibited to the place, and should be often looked at, to see if it have contracted rubour enough by its admotion, for some perceive its effect on them sooner, some later, so that I cannot certainly define what space of time it must abide on the place. But if the Sinapism after long admotion act not, nor alter the colour of the skin, it must be fomented with hot water with a sponge, that the faculty of the Sinapism may be easier intromitted; for the Sinapism, by extracting the excrements to the skin, either ulcerateth, or at least rubrifies it; whence it is called a Phaenigm, that is, a rubrifying Medicament. Phaenigmus. After the diseased hath sufficiently used the Sinapism, he must be bathed, and then have the part affected anointed with oil of Roses. CHAP. XVIII. Of Dropax and Pication. A Dropax is a topical Medicament, sometimes hard like a salve, Dropax quid. sometimes soft like a Malagm, as the case requires. Now a Dropax is either simple, which is made of Pitch, and a little Oil only; or compound, Differentiae. which admits of many calefactories besides Pitch and Oil, as Pepper, Bartram, Bitumen, Brimstone, Salt, and the ashes of Vine branches. It is convenient for diuturnal diseases, as Aetius, (cap. 180. tetr. 1. Quibus morbis conveniat. serm. 3.) shows, and must always be adhibited both before and after a Sinapism; before, that it may prepare the body for a Sinapism; and after, that it may exscind the remaining affections. A simple one is thus made. ℞. Of the best Pitch, dissolve it with a little Oil; and while it is hot dip in a cloth, and clap it to the place affected, and before it is cold pluck it off again; calefy it before the fire, and apply it as before; and before it waxes cold, pull it off; and let this be repeated as often as need requires. It helps such as are infested with frequent vomits, with colics, Picatio quibus affectibus conveniat. and with crudities; it helps also such parts as do not grow, nor partake of the nutriment. The more compound Dropax is constituted of the above mentioned calefactories, Dropax magis compositus. when it is prescribed for the reduction of any part perished by cold to its pristine bonity; and when it is requisite, that it exsiccate. Then Oribasius (cap. 10. lib. 1.) adds Salt, Sulphur, Wine, and the ashes of Vine branches to its confection; and when it should open, Euphorbium and Lymnestis, otherwise called Adarce; and all these must be brayed and strewed into melted Pitch. The Dropax must be applied while it is hot, the hairs of the place first shaved off, and a special care had lest the strength of the Dropax overpower the diseased. If the Dropax be speedily pulled off, it confirms the remiss spirits, Dropacis effectus. revokes them to the superficies, and minds them of their work. (Aetius loco dicto.) It is sometimes adhibited instead of a Psylothrum, to evil the hairs of a scurfy head; for that malign, filthy, contagious ulcer of the head cannot be perfectly cured, unless the hair be first evelled or abraded. CHAP. XIX. Of Psylothers. APsylother is referred to the cosmical Medicaments, which serve chief for the body's culture and ornament, neither Unguent nor Salve, nor yet partaking of any special form; but a depilatory Medicament, which applied in any form whatever, will by its quality erode the hairs or down, and so make a rough place smooth. Now every Psylother, properly so called, having an eroding and burning faculty, doth not only attenuate, but evell hairs, and for a time utterly denude the place, and therefore must not be applied without great care and prudence; for if it abide too long on the place, especially if it be adustive, it will ulcerate the skin, raise pimples, and burn like a Caustick, or erodes like an Escharotical Medicament. Oribasins, (cap. 13. lib. 10.) reckons these for such Depilatories as may be safely adhibited, to wit, stillatitious Lixive, Arsenic, Sandarach, and Calx viva. Yet may some of those that exulcerate more vehemently be added to make the Psylothers more valid; as Paulus Aegineta doth in this description, (cap. 52. lib. 3.) ℞. * Millepedae. Hog's louse. Psy●othris Pauli. Aselli domestici. Assellorum domesticorumʒ ij. Sandarach ℥ ss. Lime stone ℥ j old Vinegar, the Lixivium of a Fig tree, and lb ss. boil them to the consistency of a Lineament. This Domesticus Asellus is an Animal which lodges under water vessels, and contracts itself into a lump. The Greeks call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latins, Millepedae; the French, Cloportes; we, Palmer worms. Rondeletius prescribes this Psylother to absume hairs, Rondeletii Psylother. that they may never come again. ℞. Auripigmentum, Aunts eggs, Gum Arabic, ana ℥ ss. Gum Hederae ℥ ij. and with the blood of a Bat, or juice of Henbane, make it up into a Lineament according to art; a portion whereof must be applied to the place you would have denuded, after you have shaved off the hair. Oribasius and Aetius call white Vine or Briony a Psylother, because of its excellent faculty in eroding hairs. This Psylother is most efficacious, made after this manner. ℞. Another. Limestone ℥ ij. Auripigmentum ℥ ss. let these be boiled in as much Lixivium as will suffice, and make thereof a Lineament, with which anoint the place for four hours, afterwards wash it with clean water. In the Turks Dominion there is a Mineral they call Rusma, which may justly be preferred before all Psylothers for its preeminency in acting; for though it be very temperate, and burn not the part to which it is adhibited, yet it doth speedily and without dolour erode the hairs, denude the place, leaving it very smooth, without any token of a hair. Which that it may be more commodiously applied, it should be levigated into small powder, and diluted in water with half as much Calx viva. The Turkish women, before they go into a Bath, or Hypocaust, adhibit this mixture to their privy members, and armholes, which places they much desire always to depilate and glabrify. This Rusma is like Iron dross, but lighter, blacker, and seemingly exust, as Bellonius observes, (cap. 33. lib. 3.) CHAP. XX. Of Vesicatories. THis little Medicament, Vesicatorium quomodo a sinapismo & pyrotico differt. from its effect in exciting the bladder, we call a Vesicatory. It is a little more vehement than a Phoenigm or Sinapism, which only rubrifies the superficies of the skin, and more weak than a Pyrotick, which burns the skin; for being adhibited to the skin, it raises the extreme surface, and causes blisters; which being broken, emit water in little quantity, if the body be dry, or the Medicament applied to the superior parts; in greater quantity, if the body be humid, or hydropical, and it applied to the inferior parts, as to the leg: for the skin being broken, the water fluctuating in the belly or legs, will sometimes delabe, and flow from the little ulcer, as from a fountain: but the ulcer is sometimes left dysepulotical. A Vesicatory applied behind the ear on the side the tooth affected stands, helps the toothache; and sometimes by its adhibition to the feet, the Gonagry and Podagry are cured; and it is thought to be more conducible to the phlegmatic than the choleric: yet I saw the Ring-worm perfectly cured by the application of a Vesicatory, which no other presidy could amend. (Marcellus, cap. 19 lib. de remed.) commends it to the cure of tetters, and other affections of the skin. Vesicatorium rusticorum. If a Vesicatory be applied to a wound inflicted by some wild beast, or to a malign sore near the groins, it will evoke the poison, and very much facilitate the cure. The Rustics make it of the roots of Ranunculus bruised, and apply it; but the Apothecaries make it of Cantharideses pulverated and mixed with a little vinegar and leaven: that is the best which is confected of the powder of Cantharideses, mixed with the Gum of Elemus. And it is thus made. ℞. Euphorbium, Pepper, Cantharideses, ana ℈. ss. and with leaven and vinegar make it into a Vesicatory. CHAP. XXI. Of Pyroticks, or Cauteries. HIppocrates, (Aph. ult. lib. 7.) saith right; What Medicaments cannot cure, the Sword may; what the Sword cannot, Fire may; but what Fire cannot, is altogether incurable. For a Disease is oft so efferous, as it will yield to no Medicament, but must either be cured by section, or ustion, or both. Now ustion is oft performed with a hot Iron, which were able to terrify the most magnanimous; in whose stead the sedulity of our medics have invented a Medicament, which from its operation and effect they name a Pyrotick; for in its efficacy it resembles fire, by its application it kills the quick flesh, absumes the dead flesh, and perforates the sound part, that it may receive the excretion of the unsound, opens the unsound that it eructate its own excrements. Thus a Pyrotick makes an abscess for the corruption to break through; thus it breaks the imposthume, and pertunds the fwellings, that each may disgorge its own poison. Pyroticks are applied to divers parts of the body, as sometimes to the head, sometimes to the arms, sometimes to one or other leg, to resolve and divert rheumatic humours. A Pyrotick is sometimes applied to that same ample production of the peritoneum, where the spermatick veins tend to the testicles, for the cure of the bursting disease, Cauterium ad Herniam. that new flesh may supply the place of the morbid, and intercept the passage of the descendant intestine, that so it may be incarcerated in its proper place. Many Circulators do so much adhibit this method of curation on the incautions diseased, that they burn both Seminaries and productionary vessels with their oft repeated Pyroticks. Their materials are all adust and caustical, Pyroticorum materia. exceeding the fourth degree of heat, as Calx viva, Arsenic, Sublimatum, Tartar, Orpine, Vitriol, Nitre, and it may be Lixivium, as also the result of the ashes of Vine branches. Pyroticks have various confections, Conficiendi modus. every one making them according to their own arbitration, and thinking that best they themselves invent. I knew a young Barber as ignorant as could be, who was wont to adhibit a little Sublimatum subacted with the Egyptian Unguent, which he earnestly commended for the best and most secure Pyrotick. Marianus in his Chirurgy much esteems this Pyrotick, which he desumed from Jo. Vigonius; and it is thus described. ℞. Lixivium lb. vj. Soap, Roman Vitriol, ana ℥ j boil them together in a brass vessel till the liquidness of the water be consumed; and what remains in the bottom, let it be reserved, of which make Cauteries of what magnitude you please. Cardanus confected his Cauteries of Soap and Lime alone mixed, beaten and subacted to the form and consistency of an Unguent: but now they are made before the fire, and acquire a more solid and convenient form; as this: ℞. Lime stone lb. j Salt petre ℥ j infuse them a whole day in four pints of Lixivium; afterwards stir it well with a spatula, then strain it three or four times, till the water be all poured off, which dry before the fire; or thus, after infusion let the whole mixture be agitated with a rudicle; next day let it be percolated three or four times, till the water be clear; which put in a brass vessel, and coct it over a luculent fire till the water be consumed, but not till all its lentour be exficcated: then make of that mass many Cauteries, of several magnitudes, which preserve in a glass vessel diligently stopped for future use. It is also well confected after this manner. ℞. Of the ashes of Vine branches lb iiij. Sal Gem. ℥ iij. Lime stone lb j ss. infuse them for four or five hours in lb xv. of rain water, which stir well together for a good space, afterwards boil it a little; and when the whole mixture is perfectly cold, strain it six or seven times through a thick cloth; put the limpid Colature into a brass basin, and coct it till a stony matter be left in the bottom, which form into Pyroticks of different magnitudes. Amongst Pareus his descriptions I find a Cautery, ridiculously called Sericeum, whose effect not answering his vain pollicitations, I will not here describe. CHAP. XXII. De Scuto, or, Of Plasters made in the form of a Buckler, to be applied to the stomach. MAny Medicaments, as well assumptive as applicative, are prescribed to the frigid distemper, and imbecility of the ventricle. Gentle Purgatives, and Eustomachical Medicaments, as pills of Aloes, and Rhabarb, Aromaticum rosatum, and digestive Powders are assumed. Calefactives and Roboratives, Cui parti accommodatum. as Liniments, Foments, whereof before, and this Scutum whereof we now treat, are applied. Now this Medicament peculiar to the ventricle, Scutum cur sic dictum. is so called from its form; it suscitates heat, augments strength, and helps concoction. It is concinnated of some stomachical Emplaster extended upon a quilted piece of Leather, and applied. Sometimes there is a piece of Tiffany put betwixt it and the part affected. But it is more ordinarily confected of dry Medicaments, which roborate the ventricle, involved in bombast, and sewed in a double cloth like a Buckler. The abundance of Calefactives and Roboratives suggest to us such plenty of matter, Ventriculum peculiariter respicientia. that we may select such as especially respect the ventricle, as Nutmeg, Mace, Cloves, sweet Cane, Squinant, Roses, Mint, Wormwood, and many more, which recreate the spirits by their suaucolence, and help concoction by their calour. A Scutum thus confected, is most efficacious for the said uses. ℞. Cyperus, Lignum Aloes, Calamus Aromaticus, anaʒ j Squinant, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmegs, anaʒ. ss. Mace ℈. j red Roses, Marjoran, Wormwood, Mint, anaʒ ij. Sageʒ j make of these a fine powder, which quilt between two linen , cut like the form of a Buckler, and applied. This Description requires less cost. ℞. Galangal, Orris, Pepper, of eachʒ j Bay berries, Cummin seed, anaʒ. ss. both sorts of Wormwood, Mint, Sage, and Rosemary, ana us. ss. make of these a Powder, and quilt them between a double sarsenet in cotton wool, and apply it to the region of the ventricle. CHAP. XXIII. Of Cucufa, and Semicucufa, or quilted Caps. THE brain being according to Hypocrates, (lib. de grandul.) as it were a great glandule, and the head, the very seat and continent of Phlegm, which like a Cucurbite it attracts, a great congeries of frigid humours is always resident in the head; which unless they be vacuated by some convenient Medicament, or else their continual generation hindered, they will distil upon the jaws, lungs, breast, and parts subjected. Yet many are so averse to vacuate Medicaments, or their brains of so frigid a constitution, that though often purged, yet will they complain of gravity in their heads, especially if they have been troubled with any noise, or stood barehead in the air. Therefore after universal purgation, a convenient Cucufa must be adapted to the head like a Cap; Cephalical Powders being insperged in Cotten, and the Cotten sewed within a double cloth, and put upon the head to roborate it, to cure its cold distemper, and to stay the distillation. Now all the matter of these Powders wherewith the Coif or Cap is refarciated, is not desumed from dry Plants, but some from Minerals and Animals, which are as delightful as useful. A Powder thus made, is both good and pleasant for a roborative Coif. ℞. Cloves, Cinnamon, Calamus Aromaticus, Squinant, Orris, A Powder for a quilted Cap. ana ʒ j Bay berries ℈ ij. Storax benjoin, anaʒ ss. Mace ℈. j Marjoran, Rosemary, anaʒ ij. Mosch ℈. ss. make of these a Powder, which quilt in a Cap. Those that cannot procure a Cucufa thus made, may thus confect one with less cost. ℞. Betony, Balm, Sage, Staechados, Rosemary, ana m. ss. Another for the same. Bay berriesʒ iij. Cumminʒ j make of all these a gross powder to quilt in a Cap or Coif. This Powder may for the same purpose be safely and successfully strewed on the hairs of one's head. In sum, a Cucufa or Coif, and a Scutum or Buckler, are confected after one and the same manner; only the form of the Coif hath adapted it to the head, the Buckler to the stomach, to which parts their faculties are destined, as adjutorious; for the one consists of Stomachicals for the stomach, the other by Cephalicals is accommodated to the head; whereunto we sometimes add astrictives, when we would stay the Catarrhs. And as a Cucufa involves the whole Cranium, so Semicucufa only half; as when this Medicinal Powder interbastated in Cotten, is applied only to the part affected. CHAP. XXIV. Of Bags. WHen a Physician would use small, or pretty big Seeds that are dry, or integral, and are not of themselves applicable to the part of the body, they must before their adhibition be included in some great or small Bag proportionate to the part affected. A very small Bag is used to cure the noise in the ears, a large one is adhibited to the Colic and Tympany, that it may cover the whole belly. The magnitude of the Bag applied to the region of the heart, must be proportionate thereunto; as those, which being confected of cordial and alexiterial Powders, are carried on the region of the heart in time of pestilence, to the presidy of itself and its faculties. They are either dry, Fomenta sicca. or humid: the dry ones were by the Ancients called Foments, who did not distinguish between dry Foments and Bags. They are applied to many parts of the body, as head, heart, ventricle, liver, spleen, and Uterus, in on quadrate form: but they should be long, like an Ox's tongue, that are adhibited to the spleen; and in the form of a Buckler, to the ventricle. But that the dispensation of the matter may be equal in all the parts of the Bag, it must be transversly stitched all over. That which is applied to the heart is most what made of Silk, to the other parts of Linen or Canvas, of a rare contexture. Calid Bags, which consist of Seeds rubbed and irrigated in Wine or Vinegar, best confer to refrigerated members, and do dissipate flatuosity, evoke and absorb humours; as this for the Colic or Tympany. ℞. A Sacculus to colic passions. Grumwell seed lb. ss. Bay berries bruised ℥ iij. sweet Fennel seed, Dill and Cummin, ana ℥ j common Salt ℥ ij. Basil and Morjoran, ana m. ss. torrefy them all together in a frying pan, and reckoned them hot in a bag, which induce upon the part affected; and when it grows cold, calefy it, and apply it again; or rather make two, that they may be adhibited by course. This Bag is eximious in curing cordial affections. ℞. A Sacculus to comfort the heart. The roots of Angelica, Orris, Enulacampane, Cyperus, Gentian, Tormentill, anaʒ j Trochisks of Camphor, Benjoin, Storax, ana ℈ ij. Aliptae moschatae, Lignum Aloes, yellow Sanders, anaʒ. ss. Mace, Cloves, Squinant, ana ℈ j Kermes, Barberries, Citron pill, anaʒ ij. make of these a gross Powder, and put them in a silken Sacculus for the region of the heart. I can scarce approve of dry Bags for the Pleurisy, nor yet of such as are made madid with a little vapour, but think humid Foments more conducible; of which before. Coifs, Frontals, and a Buckler, are accommodated to the head and stomach: but Bags are more convenient for the cure of the Lethargy, Apoplexy, and excitation of the drowsy senses; as this: ℞. Cyperus, Galangal, Cloves, Angelica roots, Bay berries, Cummin, anaʒ ij. Sage, Marjoran, Betony, Staechados, Lavender of both sorts, ana m. j make them all into pretty crass Powder, and interbastate it in two Bags for the friction of the skull; for it is most convenient to have two Bags, especially when we purpose to apply the hot, that while one is adhibited, the other may calefy, and so alternately succeed each other. CHAP. XXV. Of Dentifricies. THE Teeth are obnoxious to very many vices; for Nigritude deturpates them, Rottenness absumes them, Laxity shakes them, and Dolour most grievously infests them. Dentifricies are prescribed to their nigritude, Astrictives to their laxity, Detersives and Roboratives to their corruption, and a thousand remedies to their dolour or aches; for every one professes a secret Experiment for the Toothache. But that which once conduces to their cure, is afterwards often vain, if not discommodious. Many Women would rather endure the Toothache, than their blackness, which notwithstanding the Commonalty regard not: yet such a marcour came upon Metrodorus his son's gums, Historia. that both his axle teeth, and also his gums, fell out. (Hip. lib. 5, & 7. epid.) medics prescribe Dentifricies to exterge and dealbate the teeth, in various forms, as of Powder, Opiate, Lineament: but the most usual is of Powder, thus: ℞. Cuttle boneʒ ij. white Coral, Crystal, anaʒ j Harts horn, A Powder to make white the teeth. Lignum Lentisci, ana ℈ ij. make of them a Powder, with which rub the teeth. This Dentifrice also will dealbate the teeth. ℞. Ivory, Pumice stone, Heart's horn, anaʒ j Coral ℈ ij. Pearl ℈ j Cloves, Cinnamon, Roses, Rosemary, ana ℈ j make of these a Powder, with which rub the teeth. A Dentrifrice in form of an Opiate may be thus confected: ℞. Sea horse teeth burnt, Alum, white Coral, anaʒ j Cuttle bone, Dentrificies in the form of an Opiate. Pumice stone, ana ʒ j burnt Salt ℈ ij. Mace, Cloves, Lignum Lentisci, anaʒ. ss. make of these a Powder, and with Honey of Roses an Opiate. Some make others in the form of Trochisks, with which when dry and hard, they deterge, purge and dealbate their teeth. CHAP. XXVI. Of Odoraments. HIppocrates (initio lib. de medico) went not far from the mark, when he said, that besides other things, artificial culture in apparel, and suaveolence, was requisite to a Physician, wherewith the diseased may be as much delighted, as he is wont to be offended either with ungrateful, or too fragrant odours: for many men hate those odours that either fill the head, or molest the sense, and cause headache; and on the contrary, are delighted with the vapours that proceed from suaveolent simples, which recreate the uterus, ventricle, heart, and brain. Whereof Galen, (cap. 6. lib. 1. de sympt. cause.) giving a reason, and proportionating the constitution of odours with them of sapours, (c. 21. l. 4. the simple. med. facult.) saith, As sapours that are familiar are grateful and pleasant, and those ungrateful and unpleasant which are not familiar; so those odours that are familiar to the animal spirits, are grateful and suaveolent thereunto; and those that are not familiar, unpleasant and maleolent. And as according to Galen, sweet meats are temperate, so according to Scaliger, suaveolent Medicaments are moderately hot. Which things being thus, pleasant Odoraments must needs be grateful to the brain, and principal parts. Yet some of them are hot in the third degree, as Cinnamon, Cloves, and sweet Cane, which we do not use save in small quantity, or intermixed with such things as temper their heat: for Odoraments objected to the nose in great quantity, are graveolent, and hurtful to the brain; which recreate it in small quantity, because their graveolency is tempered with the ambient air, Maleolentia ingrata, & sacultatibus no●ia. or with the mixtion of other things. But maleolent things, though tempered with the ambient air, are averse to the brain both in quality and substance; according to Galen, (cap. 10. lib. de instrum. odorat.) which Aristotle also confirms, whilst (cap. 24. lib. 8. the Hist. Anim.) he says, that Women may become abortive at the smell of an extinguished Candle. Seeing then that suaveolent Odours are consocial to the spirits; and their familiar Pabulum, the Physician will not only acquire praise of the Vulgar by being perfumed, but he will be better able to prescribe Odoraments, both to roborate the spirits, and defend sanity. Now they are either described in form of an Unguent, or of a Pomander, or of Trochisks, or of Powder. An Odorament in form of Powder is thus confected. ℞. Calamus Aromaticusʒ iij. Orris Florentineʒ ij. Storax, Benjoin, anaʒ j Roses ℈ ij. Clovesʒ. ss. Mosch, Amber, anaʒ. ss. make of these a Powder. Our later Physicians extol an Odorament they call the * Damask Powder. Cyprian Odour, or the Violet Odour; which being variously described, every one calls a suaveolent or fragrant Powder, or the Cyprian or Violet Powder. An Odorament in form of an Unguent may be easily made, if you put the above described Powder in Oil, Amber, and Wax, that it may acquire a fit consistency. Or thus: ℞. Yellow Saenders, Calamus Aromaticus, Squinant, Cinnamon, anaʒ j Storax Benjoin, Mace, anaʒ. ss. Waxʒ iij. Ol. Moschelini q. s. & fiat unguento. Or thus: ℞. Mace, Cinnamon, anaʒ. ss. Benjoin ℈ ij. Civet, Mosch, Amber, ana ℈. ss. Camphor gr. 5. with Oil of Almonds make it up into an Unguent. An Odorate mass also may be made of select Aromataes, whereof Pomanders or Trochisks may be form, whose suaveolence is of great esteem; as, ℞. Citron pill dry, Cinnamon, Labdanum, anaʒ j Storaxʒ ij. Mace, Cloves, Lignum Aloes, Orris, anaʒ. ss. Camphor ℈ j Mosch, Civet, Amber, ana ℈. ss. with musilidge of Gum Traganth make it into a mass, of which make Pomanders or Trochisks. CHAP. XXVII. Of Perfumes, and Suffumigatories. ALL sweet Odours exhilarate the spirits, but many will not communicate their scent save by fire, and therefore such are set over burning coals, or otherwise so calefied, that they emit their odours plenteously. Thus did the first Adorers of a Deity make their Incense Sacrifice: thus do Physicians confect their Perfumes for sanity: and thus do the Courtiers confect theirs for pleasure. Yet the matter of Perfumes is not always injected upon coals, but sometimes put into a brazen or silver pot, which the Vulgar call a Cassolet, Corula Cassoleta. together with water of Roses, or Oranges, laying quick coals under it, that it may boil, and with its vapour fill and perfume the whole house. A Perfume is either humid or dry, and both either for pleasure or sanity; the humid may easily be made, and is very familiar to delicate women, who being sick, or taking purgative Medicaments, perfume their Cubicles with the pills of Oranges, Lemons, Cloves, Cinnamon, and Rose water mixed together, and put in a Cassolet over the fire. The dry ones are more frequently confected by Apothecaries at the Phyficians precept, either for pleasure or profit. Those, who through epicurism and voluptuousness profusely spend their Father's means, most accustom delicious Perfumes. Those, whose spirits want refection, brains roboration, heart's exhilaration, and body's vindication from some malignity, require sanitiferous Perfumes. Now Perfumes help the lungs stuffed with abundance of phlegm, Suffitus quibus affectionibus conveniat. and yet they are not convenient to all diseases and affections about the breast: for Aetius (cap. 144. tetr. ser. 3.) saith, that they do harm such as spit blood, by opening the vessels: neither yet are they convenient for those, who have some dry disease about their breasts; but they eximiously conduce to such as are pursy, orthopnoical, and whose breasts are infested with many crude humours; as also to such as labour under the French disease, Lues Indica suffitu nonnunquam curatur. if they be duly confected of idoneous Medicaments, which will abject the poison of that distemper, by frequent salivation, and be exhibited after the body hath been vacuated by universal remedies. And they are most frequently used in form of a pretty crass Powder; as thus, to roborate and siccate the brain. ℞. Storax, Benjoin, anaʒ j ss. Gum of Juniper, Frankincense, anaʒ j Cloves, Cinnamon, ana ℈ iij. the leaves of Bays, Sage, Rosemary, anaʒ. ss. make of all these a gross Powder, and then put a part thereof upon burning coals, that the diseased may expire the suffigated fume. This Perfume will stop the humour that delabes from the brain to the lungs. ℞. Cypress nuts, Balaustians, Laudanum, anaʒ j Rosesʒ ij. Myrtle berries, and Mastic, anaʒ j ss. make gross Powder for Fumigation. This Fumigation made after this manner, doth wonderfully roborate the heart, and resartiate the spirits. ℞. A Cordial Fume. Calamus Aromaticus, Xyloaloes, Squinant, Cinnamon, anaʒ j Storax, Benjoin, anaʒ j ss. Mace, Cloves, anaʒ. ss. Roses, Marjoran, ana ℈ ij. Aliptae Moschataeʒ ij. pulverize them for a fume. A mass may be confected of these Powders, with some dust of small coals, and a fit liquor, which may be form into pastils, or Birds, or Cloves, which we commonly call Cyprian Birds, which take fire without flame, and exhale a suaveolent fume; and they are thus confected. ℞. Benjoin ℥ j Storax ℥ ij. Laudanum ℥. ss. Aliptae Moschataeʒ iij. small Coal ℥ ij. beat all these into a fine Powder, and with Gum Traganth dissolved in Rose water, make them up into a paste, of which form little Birds, Cloves, or what you please. Hypocrates (lib. de nat. mulicb.) advises women whose flowers stay, twice every day to receive the fume of a Suffiment through a tunnel pipe into their privities, and it will move flowers. To which end such must first be elected as calefy in the first, or at most in the second degree, afterwards more vehement may be used; yet with this caveat, that too sharp ones be not exhibited, lest the head be burdened, or the neck of the uterus ulcerated. (Hip. lib. de superfoetatione.) Perfumes are destined to deduce the vessels, and to draw the uterus towards the orifice, that the blood may easily profluate. But seeing the cunctation of flowers proceeds from the durity and siccity of the uterus, the matter of Perfumes must be received in some idoneous liquor, whereby the uterus may be humectated, as in Wax, simple or odorate Oil, Turpentine, Laudanum, or Gum of Tragacanthum, that pastils may be form thereof, which, when use requires, may be injected upon burning coals, or rather ashes, as Aristotle in his Problems thinks more convenient; as thus: ℞. The roots of Showbread, Asarum, Orris, Myrrh, Bdellium, anaʒ j Storaxʒ iij. * Nigella Romana. A Fumigation to move a woman's flowers, by sitting over the Fume, and receiving it into her Privities. Roman Gith.. ʒ ij. Cinnamon, Cloves, anaʒ j Savin, Marjoran, Calamint, Dictamus, ana ℈ ij. Galliae moschataeʒ j make of these a Powder, or with Turpentine form them into pastils for future uses. Perfumes are often successfully conducible in dysepulotical ulcers, and the French disease, whereto other remedies have been frustraneous: but especially if they be confected of Cinnabaris, wherein as also in Quicksilver, whereof it participates, is an admirable faculty, and Alexiteries, which work the exclusion of this venereous poison by salivation. For the fume hereof ascending upon the whole body, doth transmit itself through the spiraments of the skin into the internal parts, and there by attenuating, impelling, and disjecting the humour, at length deduces it to the mouth, and excludes it by frequent sputation. And thus it doth not only perfectly deleate the ulcers which infested the throat, and internal parts of the mouth, but takes away the dolour, and expels the matter which caused the tubercles and swell. And this Perfume is thus confected: ℞. Benjoin, Frankincense, Olibanum, anaʒ ij. Bay-berries, Calamus Aromaticus, anaʒ j Cinnabarisʒ x. make of these a Powder, and take liquid Storax to make it up into a mass for fumigation. Or thus: ℞. Grains of Juniper, Olibanum, Mastich, Labdanum, anaʒ j ss. Cinnabaris ℥ j pulverize them for future use. It may also be thus effected: ℞. Storax Benjoin, Storax Olibanum, Labdanum, anaʒ j Myrrh ℈ ij. Galliae moschataeʒ ij. Mastichʒ j Cinnabaris ℥ j ss. powder them, and with Turpentine make them up into a mass for suffumigation. But these Perfumes may not be adhibited without great prudence, lest they should cause strangulation, resolution of the nerves, or palsy: for Cinnabaris and Quicksilver beingof an indomitable nature, may not be exhibited, save by an expert and perite Physician. I saw a waiting man of our Kings so suffited by a woman, that through the resolution of his recurrent nerves by the malign vapour of the fume, Historia. lay 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or speechless, two months, and so died. I have observed others, by Empirics undue preparation of Cinnabaris, brought to a Palsy, that could not be repaired by Art. I will not further prosecute the history of such as have been suffited by * Mountebanks. Circulators, infested with dolours, and hence have contracted their death. For if any Wretch infected with the French disease, have recovered his sanity by the decoction of Guajacum, by the litation of Quicksilver, or by the suffumigation of Cinnabaris, he will forthwith experience upon others the effect of that which helped him. Hence many Tailors, Black-smiths, and very Porters now at Lutetia, by these remedies undertake the cure of this disease, and unhappily effect the contrary. And now I think I have largely enough described in this, and the third Book, all the Forms or receipts of Remedies. If any more be designed by the Ancients, they may either be reduced to these heads, or thought obsolete. But if any nauseative Critic disdain these our Lucubrations, and envy our Fame, the Lord grant him more prudence: however, since he is malevolent, and displeasing to all, I think it not a piacle to displease him. Now it is expedient that we extruct a Shop for the benevolent Student in the Pharmaceutical Art. The end of the fifth Book. THREE BOOKS OF MEDICINAL MATERIALS; THE First whereof treats of Plants, the second of Minerals, and the third of Animals. EVERY ONE Divided into Chapters, and again subdivided into Sections, By the Author, JOANNES RENODAEUS, Physician in PARIS. Translated by RICHARD TOMLINSON, Apothecary. LONDON, Printed by J. Streater, and J. Cotterel, M.DC.LVII. Serenissimo, Dignissimo, & omni genere virtutum cumulatissimo, JOHANNI NEWBURGH Armigero, salutem & obsequia. QUAE rore coelesti perfusa est tellus, thuris & aromatum halitus amoenos, gratitudinis ergo ad coelos mittit; imo omne è Cereris proveniens gremio, influxui sydereo eam impraegnanti, sacrificium spirat eucharisticum; nec ullus est hominum adeo ingratus, quin messis è Lybicis acceptae arvis, Diis sibi dantibus solvet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Tibi, itaque Maecenas optime, quum quò tuis ex aequo respondeam meritis, ex unico Sabino non suppetit mihi. Lucubrationum hasce mearum primitias dedico, & supplex offero; ut hinc ex animo palam testarer, me tibi semper gratias habere, usquè solvere, & debere tamen: Tuum est, quod uberibus siccis proles destinata, Amalthaeae cornu sugat mellitissimum; tuum, quòd ego Minervae fruar Apiario; quodque Pandorae inspiciam Myrothecium. Si in me collata omnia tua narrarem beneficia, meipsum ingratum dicerem, nam omne gratitudinis rependium superârunt munera; sit itaque hoc istius debiti Chyrographum, cujus inopia prohibet solutionem, per quod me obstrictum tenes & tenebis; & quum non tam quale munusculum, quam quali animo detur, observes; hoc quale quale opusculum, tuo sub patrocinio in lucem rediens, ne dedigneris (unice) sed pro humanitate quâ polles maximâ manu ducas obstetricanti; esto fida nutrix, ut lingua quam adhuc compescit infantia, vestrâ ope fiat vocalis, & sibi plusquam restituta, & sic Rhaenodeum in Rhaenodeo erit invenire, teque in teipso scilicet Mecoenate. Opus (fateor) si spectes apparatum, angustum nimis est, ut tui aspectus honore dignaretur; sin materiam, amplum satis est, ut teipsum vendicet patronum; non possum enim non mirari, quam lautam, augustam & expeditam Natura nobis struxit Apothecam; inspiciat nostrae Maiae lenocinium, & marcescat invidus; ipsae tessellae habent colorum gratiam, & flosculis pictis adblandiuntur; herbarum tunicas variegatas indies Prata induunt magnifica, crispatis comis superbinnt silvae & labruscae racemis sparguntur Antra; quae regio in terris, quae non est nobis officina? quaecunque sustentat terra, & tegit coelum, materiae inserviunt medicinali; ampla equidem est supellex, nullum tamen agnoscit dominum nisi teipsum, qui adeò naturae calles Phaenomena, ejus adeò perspicis arcana, ut Philosophorum nemini audis secundus; qui tantus es in Medicina, in Chymica tantus, & scientiis quibusvis adeò instructus, ut facile te unum in omnibus, in singulis primum pronunciarem; & hic eloquium nostrum epistolare nullo Rhetoris aspersum flore, miram patitur Aposiopesin; tua enim eloqui sonat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, quum nemini tantum accessit eloquentiae, quantum tibi meritorum, silere etiam, ponit piaculum; quum uno ore, qui tecum versantur, omnes collaudant, vituperant nulli; meum tamen erit, silentio admirari, quod ultimis haud valeo conatibus assequi; te debitò conceptu extollam tacito, quem si describerem, vel selectissimis verbis extenuarem, licet quodque vocabulum sonaret hyperbolen, quaeque litera praeferret emphasin; Deum vero, ne sim prolixior, ut tibi tuisque semper praeesset, cordicitùs rogo & obtestor: cui, ut posteriora primis, praesentibus aeterna, cumulatissimè praeponderent, vota nuncupat indefessae. Dignitati vestrae, humillime devotissimus, R. TOMLINSON. The TRANSLATOR, by way of Preface to the READER. WHEN we cast our eyes over the whole frame of the Earth, and contemplate upon the immense bulk of Medicinal Materials, we cannot but wonder at Heavens providential care of Man. Was there ever any malady that invaded this Microcosm, but a suitable remedy was found for the same? How is the Earth bedubbed with variety of Colours? what Bravery and Allurement doth it carry in its face? how doth the juicy Vine flourish, and bedeck the Valleys with its blushing Clusters? the pithy Elm ambitious to out strip the laquacious Hazle? how is the hoary Chestnut planted with the Aromatic Juniper? the lofty Cedar with the spinous Shrub? nay, the whole Globe coruscates, being brandished with Autumn Fruit. What could the Gods have done more for the benefit of man, than to have ordained him to umpire in Paradise Terrestrial, creating for his use, the whole universal mass serving him for Medicinal Materials, (of which we are now about to treat) having infused into them distinct Remedies, with such an orient splendour, that by the very beholding of them, they do allure our minds to seek out remedy for every malady. How hath Nature framed some Vegetables, that they are affrightening to behold, rough in handling, every way threatening damage by their prickles, that we may even seem to hear them in a manner speaking in their own dialect, why they were so created? Lest that ravenous wild beasts should devour them! lest audacious and insolent hands should pluck them up! lest careless feet should trample upon them! lest the fowls of the air should break them in pieces! So that being as it were armed and fenced with these weapons, they do preserve themselves and their virtues safe and sound, from all contingent accidents, for the Medicinal use of Man. The matter herein specified, need not fear the nipping frigidity of the Northern Zone, being planted by the sacred hand of Jove, abundantly and spontaneously sprouting forth but of the untilled soil, aspiring with their tops Heaven wards. What care we for watered Gardens, curiously trimmed. Box Groves, neat garden quarter's bespangled with the variety of Starlike cotours, growing proud as it were with the splendour of their variegated, far fetched flowers. The spontaneous sproutings of the Earth is that we treat of; Pomona doth cherish her voluntary off spring with her own breasts; shall we judge Nurse's breasts sweeter than the Mothers? the Woods of the Medes, the pleasant and silver streams of Bacrra, and all Panchnia with its Thus bearing-soyl, give up their offspring to the recovery of Man. Ambergris, Camphor, Storax, Opium, Agarick, Scammony, can no longer now be adulterated. To whom will not the true Amomum be known? Opobalsamum, Carpobalsamum, and Cornu Unicornu, that Antidote against Poison so much boasted of. This Trcatise will quit you from the pains of turning over larger Tomes, and the wearisomeness that accompanies it; here you may find the Willow Groves struggling with the winds, shrouding lesser Plants under their preasant shades, extending forth as it were a Canopy to secare them from the scorching beams of the Sun, and the nipping frigidity of the Northern wind. The illustrious adumbration of Plaits of Herbs offering themselves as so many embroidered Couches for tired Mortals to rest upon; whilst be ruminates which to pick and choose as most commodious for the recovery of his Malady, the whole Creation affording him delight. The Rives with their silver streams gliding musically from the rook, trampling upon the sands of gold, lulling him to a complacency by their tacit bubblings, conveying the moisture of Life to the banks of Herbs; whilst in the interim, the sweet-singing Chorysters of the Woods thunder out whole Volleys of musical strains, by tuning afresh their Organical Instruments; and all to allacriate the spirit of Man. As for those flashy Rhodomantadoes that go about to adulterate the best Exoticks, labouring under as it were an idle Lethargy, deserve to bepunished with stripes and hissed at as Serpents Doth not the Swallow easily find its Chelidonium? and the Hawk its Ageratum? Hath not the Creator of Vegetables impressed certain Physiognomical notes in Plants, and imprinted in them as it were so many Emblems and Characters, not only as marks and signs of their occult virtues, but resemble with a sweet similiude the express figures and portraitures of the parts unto which they are to be appropriated; and shall these, by these vile Mimi, be injurionsly usurped and adulterated? its revenge enough that they make the neselves to be jeered at, in attributing virtue to that, which hath no affinity nor propinquity to the place whergunty it applied. The Pandects of Vegetables are no less defrauded of their natural ornament and bonity, by the unskilful handling of some selfconceited Idiots. However, it is not our desire to trim Ladies in Confectioners Shops; let them boast of their Arras embroidered with Shadows, whilst we content ourselves with the true description of Nature's rough draught of Plants, Animals, and Minerals, of which we shall distinctly speak, or at least of so many as are necessary to the composition of those Medicaments prescribed in the Shop. Be pleased (whoever thou art) but to cast a favourable aspect upon this our Translation, and it will seat you in the midst of the Elysian Fields, where you may recreate yourselves with pleasure and delight in be fair Groves of Rerum Natura: but if you despise, and look upon it with scorn, it turns all into fading and unprofitable branches. R. TOMLINSON. THREE BOOKS OF JOANNES RENODAEUS, Physician in PARIS; Of such Medicinal Materials as are requisite for Compositions made and kept in Apothecaries Shops. Book I. Of Plants. CHAP. I. Of Water. WATER, which in a different respect may be taken for an Element, and an Aliment, is not only the solace of Mankind, but the subsidy of all animate and vegetative Creatures, which no living thing can be without. (Arist. c. 2. l. 4. de gen. animal.) For many Animals live without the use of Fire, without the use of Water none, with which alone a Spanish Virgin did for a long time preserve her life, (Coel. Rhod. cap. 23. lib. 23.) Albertus saw a melancholic fellow, who abstained from all food the space of seven weeks, refreshing himself only every second day with a draught of Water. And Animals are not solely generated and nourished by Water, but Plants also, which neither bud nor flourish without its benign affluence, but become dry, tabid, and juiceless. As on the contrary, the Tree planted by the Water side, Psal. 1. will yield its fruit in its season. Whence perhaps old Hesiod broached his opinion, that Water was the most ancient of Elements. To which Thales accords, who constitutes Water the first and sole principle of bodies. Of which opinion was also Empedocles, who thought all things to be produced by Water. And one Hippon, (Arist. c. 2. l. 1. de anima) who called Water the Soul of the World; and Hypocrates also, Aqua & ignis vita principia. who constituted Water and Fire the principle of life. But Hippon meant by Water, sperm; Hypocrates, the radical moisture. Now the Water whereof we now treat, that is necessary to Mankind, either to quench his thirst, or to coct and confect Aliments and Medicaments, is elementary, often designed with the name of the frigid Element. And it is either fontane, fluvial, puteal, or pluvial and cysternial. It is called fontane water, à fundendo, because it is poured out of the earth, which is preferred as most wholesome. Yet some fountains are impaired; for passing through the bowels of the earth, they require alien faculties, for they mutuate their odour or sapour from the places through which they permeate: Thus some, which are trajected through sulphureous passages, are so hot, that they may not be used; others, because of those veins of Alum, and involutions of Vitriol, are so acid and ingrateful, that a thirsty man would not taste them. In Germany, beyond Rhine, there is a fountain of sweet water, whereof if one drink, his teeth will fall out within two years. In many parts of France there are Medicinal Waters of alien, insuave, and strange sapours, as the Pucensian Wells, whereunto people flock in multitudes yearly, and return successfully. But I purpose not here to treat of these, it shall suffice me to show at present what qualities water that is potable, and requisitely necessary to an Apothecary in confecting Medicaments, should be endued withal. Now such water, according to Aristotle, (lib. de sensu & sensib.) should in itself be the mixture, matter, and seminary of all spours; or as Galen (c. 15. l. 1. etc. 2. l. 2. de alim.) writes, should be insipid, void of all qualities, and most light, but not in weight, as some would hence infer, for then Snow-water would be best, because lightest, which we know to be unwholesome: but it should be of tenuious parts, quickly calefied, and quickly refrigerated; such as fontane and fluvial water is, if it be pure; in defect whereof, rain water, by Galen's advice, (lib. de Ptis.) may be assumed, especially to the confection of Hydromel. Yet our College at Paris judge Cisternine waters unwholesome, as being dead, and having contracted some vice from the air from the spout through which, and from the trough into which they delabe; for the shower that proceeds from air of an inquinated, pestilentious, and putrified quality, must needs participate thereof; the shower that washes the sides of houses, must needs be infected with corruption, or other filth, especially if it wan● motion, which is the foul of water. The shower that is contained in a Cistern, though well grounded with sand, must needs be corrupted, especially when abundance of impure water delabes, for then the sand will putrify and inquinate it. Hence the water afterwards running out of that Cistern, is endued with a very bad odour and sapour, and is useless. The very condition of rain accelerates its corruption, which being partaker of the airs lenity, is quickly corrupted. Yea, many Authors of credit have writ, that many Fishes have received detriment by rain, as the Muller, or Cestreus, whose eyes are white, and they at that time very macilent. The best water therefore is fontane, fluvial, and puteal water, so it be not muddy nor ferid, but insipid, that is, endued with no manifest quality, nor mixed with any alien sapour, as of Salt, Nitre, Sulphur, Bitumen, Alum, or others of that kind. (Gal. comment. ad part. 10. lib. 4. epid.) CHAP. II. Of Wine. THE ancient Romans sacrificing to their Gods, continually offered Wine; whence the Poet, Redduntur merito debita vina Jovi. For (saith Plato) they dedicated Wine to the Gods, that they might expel all cares from Men, and fill their hearts with gladness; for Bacchus is the rest bringing God to afflicted Mortals. Nature's Storehouse contains nothing better than Wine, which is the best Balsam to cure wounds, the most excellent Cordial to refresh the spirits, and the most eximious Aliment to nourish the body; which its name seems to denote: for it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, from helping, according to that of Homer, If thou drinkest, thou wilt find help; for it letificates marts heart, exhilarates his mind, makes his age florid, takes away sadness, cherishes native calour, calefies his bowels, helps concoction, roborates the stomach, takes away obstructions, prepares the passages for the exclusion of the excrements, moves urine, resarciates the spirits, discusses flatuosity, obtunds frigid poisons, attenuates, cocts and discusses crass humours. And that I may comprehend its immense dignity in a few words, Wine is the blood of the earth, old men's milk; life issuing from the Vine, that conserveses life in others, yea, and suppeditates them Aqua vitae; whence Alchemists call it the Elixir of life: All which, when the Greek Poer had experienced and acknowledged as most true, he did with such alacrity adore Wine, for Laudibus arguitur vine vinosus Homerus; that he thereby attained not only the knowledge of abstruse Sciences, but alsomost eximious eloquence; for Faecundi calices quem non fecere disertum? For as it is vulgarly received, Wine acuates the ingenuity, and rouses the spirits: Eunium & Aeschylum non scripsisse carniina, nisi vino fuerint madidi. for which cause the Poet Ennius would never betake himself to the description of Verses, unless he were first well madefied with Wine. Aeschylus also never accinged himself to write Tragedies, unless he had first imbibed himself with Wine. It is also storied of Lampris, that being then most apt to speak and answer to the purpose, and discreetly, when he had ingurgitated much wine. He was wont to say of himself, that he was like Frank incense, which never emits its suaveolence, till it be well calefied. In wine there is eloquence, in wine verity, in wine alacrity: for this, as the Proverb hath it, will make an old Wife dance. It was a Piacle among the Hebrews, to abstain from wine; and a custom among the Persians, never to treat and decrae of any serious matters, till they had been well drunk, (Alex. ab Alex.) yet Galen saith of Plato, that he never permitted Soldiers, nor Servants, nor Princes, nor such as were to consult about any matter, to drink wine liberally, because it would tyrannize over the faculties of the soul; and taken in excess, enervate the strength, and destroy sanity. Whence Hypocrates saith; that in wine is sickness and sanity, moderation and freity, peace and war; according to that of the Poet, Vinum alit lights, lights dissolvit easdem. Wine therefore is adiaphorous and indifferent, good or evil, Vinum sanis robur. as its use is good or evil. And as it is sanity and strength to the sane, so it is infirmity to the infirm, and especially to such as are distempered from a hot cause. There are many sorts of wine differenced by their colour, Vini differentiae sapour, substance, odoar, virtue, and place; from their colour, they are called white, red, black, flave, claret, and palid wines; from their sapour, sweet, austere, sharp, aceth, insipid; from their substance, crafs, thin, feculent; from their odour, sweet, fragrant, inodorous; from their virtue, vinous, aquous, polyphorous, multifarious, and oligophorous; from their place, Falernian, Alban, Grecian: of which ancient wines we should drink moderately, by Galen's advice, (c. 6. l. 5. de sanit. tuend.) for they gravidate the head; but we want all these: yet ours are no less vinous, as our Anrelian, Burgundian, Andine, Ainian, Meudonian, Ruelliane, and Argentoliane, Qui primus aquam vino miscuerit. which are generous wines, and need Amphiction, who first mixed water with wine. And as in Banquets men get the best wine, so should we seek the most generous and noble in our Pharmacopolies for Medicaments, which are to be assumed at the mouth, as Theriacal and Mithridative Confections; as also for some that are to be extrinsecally applied, as many Salves and Unguents. There is a water also distilled from these wines, easily contracting ardour and flame, and eximious for many uses, which they call Aqua vita; as indeed there is nothing in wine which is not eximious, as its odour, sapour, and spirits, whereby man is not only refreshed, nourished, and cherished, but also many Medicaments and Adjuments made out of its very lees and dregs, which the Alchemists call Tartar. CHAP. III. Of Vinegar. VInegar, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is sharp, or rather dead wine, for it is produced out of vapid wine, destitute of its proper spirits, and innate calour: and as Omphacy is elegantly termed wine increasing, so is Vinegar wine decreasing, for wine is the mean betwixt both. And vinegar is more tenuious, acute, and liquid than both, and therefore it doth not concrete or congeal in frost, if it be made of wine; which is the most salubrious and eximioius: for that which in some Countries is made of stolen beer, is insane, and should not at all be used by an Apothecary in his Confectures: for when we put vinegar absolutely, we mean wine-vinegar so confected by age or artifice, not by any malignant mixture, which for its eximious qualities is used in kitchens to Sauces and Condiments; in Pharmacopolies, to the preparation of Oxymel, Lythargy, and other Compounds. Now all vinegar is attenuative, incisive, discussive, repressive, refrigerative, and somewhat calefactive, (Gal. cap. 10. lib. 2. comp. med. loc.) for old Homer acknowledges, that it retains in it some seeds of calour; whence Galen saith, (cap. 19 l. 1. de simple. med.) it is of a mixed quality; for as milk is not all homogeneous, and similar, nor in all parts the same, so neither is vinegar, which many say is calid, and many frigid. But such as have truly prepended its faculty, find it for the most part more frigid than calid, (cap. 20. ejusdem libri) And I much recede from their opinion, who think it to be calid like a Cautery, or Pyrotick; for by sense we find, that when it is applied, it is at first sharp and refrigerative; but after its ablation, some calour follows, which happens accidentally, and because of its acrimony, though not always, nor to all bodies, (c. 21. ejusdem libri.) Hence we may collect, that vinegar is naturally frigid, but hath acquired an accidentary calidity; or as Galen speaks, (cap. 23. ejusdem libri) neither absolutely frigid, nor absolutely calid, participating of neither extreme; for many things that consist of contrary and pugnant qualities, seem simple to the sense, and are judged as neuters; for it is unavoidable that vinegar, having lost its innate quality, should acquire another by putrefaction. Of which opinion is Theophrastus and Aristotle; for the vinous parts of the wine transeating into vinegar, must be refrigerated, and the aquous parts thereof by putretude obtain an adventitious calidity, as all things else which putrefy, do, (c. 2. l. 4. simple.) Vinegar then is a compound of parts of a contrary quality, to wit, partly calid, partly frigid, as the ashes of burned wood. Yet Vinegar is of admirable utility to Mortals; but it is more frequently used of others, than of Apothecaries. CHAP. IU. Of Omphacy. OMphacy, What Omphacy is. which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Shopmen Agresta, is the juice of sour grapes not yet come to maturity, not yet changed into Rob by the Sun's calidity; such was Dioscorides his Omphacium. But that we now have, is expressed like wine in a winepress, out of grapes of perfect magnitude, but not maturity; then percolated, reposed in hogsheads, and mixed with a little salt, and these by progression would be wine, so wine by regression will be vinegar, which in its virtues is very correspondent to Omphacy, for both are refrigerative, the Omphacy more imbecilly, the vinegar more validly, because more tenuious; which also participates of more acrimony, which is calefactive by its adscititious calidity. Acetum calidum & frigidum. Therefore Aristotle said well, that vinegar was frigid by the innate calour of the wine, and calid by the adventitious; which calour is not of sufficient vigour to overpower the frigidity proceeding from its acidity. But Omphacy hath not the least of calidity in it, neither is it so tenuious, nor yet so nimble, as with that expedition to permeate the pores and parts of the body as vinegar; which being not only acid, but acerb, (Gal. cap. 10. lib. 4. the simple. med.) is more conducible to the ardour of the Hypochondriacal parts than vinegar; for it is not so violent, nor is its frigidity mixed with any mordacious calour; for such as are infested with excess of this calour, should be mitigated without violence, or assumption of any Calefactive, or Medicament endued with mordacious acrimony. Omphacium quibus profit. And hence is it, that Omphacy is profitable for great ardours, (Gal. cap. 2. lib. 4. the simple.) whether it be imposed on the orifice of the belly, or other parts, that need refrigeration. But it is most frequently assumed at the mouth, either mixed with Aliments for pleasure, or with Medicaments for sanity; for broth altered therewith, is more grateful to the jaws and palate; condiments acidulated therewith, revoke the appetite. It also extinguishes the heat of the liver, and tempers the estuosity of the blood; all which the sytup of Grapes will perform. And though Omphacium may be made of any immature grapes, yet it is in France deduced only out of those the white vines bring forth; whose branches being longer, and more crass than others, serve to make Arbours in Gardens, and whose clusters are as big as Olives; whereof, when mature, scarce any good wine can be confected, but very good Omphacium when they are immature, as at the latter end of Summer, or a little before Vintage time. Oil educed out of immature Olives, is from its affinity in sapour to this Omphacium, called Omphatical Oil. CHAP. V Of Sugar. SUgar was unknown to the Ancients; which is now so copious, that to say a Pharmacopoly without Sugar, were more than an * Ironia. Irony. Yet it doth not fall from Heaven like dew, nor is it gathered of Plants leaves, as some have thought, who look only at the name: but it is got of an arundinaceous Plant, which grows not only in India, but in many places of Asia and Africa, and now in some Gardens in France; but it scarcely escapes secure from the Winter's tempests. This sacchariferous Plant is about eight foot high, very crass, Planta saccharifera. knotty, obduced on every side with long, straight, and twined leaves, hollow, sappy, and stuffed within with plenty of sweet juice, which will distil down the cut cane like Amber; whose pith or sap being severed from the cane by a knife, and cocted on the fire, will turn all into Sugar, save a little Salt at the bottom of the vessel. Its roots emulate the roots of our Cane, but they are not so ligneous, but more succulent and sweet, from which some sprigs erupt, which if pulled up, and transplanted in due time, will grow and flourish. It bears hairy flowers, like our reeds, which one thing is enough to show that it is a reed. The juice extracted from it, and but once cocted, is not sufficiently elaborate, but is red, and thence called brown Sugar; by some, Sugar-froth; which when it is cocted longer, and more defecated; will be white, and is called Sugar absolutely. There comes Sugar from Madara and Canary, which is extraordinary white, which as much excels the other in worth, as it doth in candour: yet some Negotiators bring some a little duller, which is as good as the other. But many adulterate Madarensian Sugar, by washing common Sugar with lixive, cocting it again, and absterging the nigritude from off it, by which means they make it exceeding white, but not so sweet, and grateful. Sugar-Candy is thus made of common Sugar. Sacharum candum quomodo fiat. Let the Sugar be melted with a little water, and elixated like a crass syrup, which inject into an earthen pot, wherein wooden sticks are put lattice-wise, and cross one over another; set the pot on a board in a hot place, where leave it for the space of fifteen or twenty days, then pour out the syrup that is not concreted, and pour in a little warm water, to wash off the fatness of the syrup, which again pour out, and repose the vessel in a hot place; take it on the morrow, and break it, and you shall find the sticks laden with Sugar-Candy, shining like Crystal. There is another kind of Sugar not so white, Powder-sugar. nor yet so crass as the former, which is partly pulverated, partly redacted to more crass lumps, which the vulgar call Cassonade, or Castonade; which is not only used in Kitchins, but also in Shops. That which is brought us from far Countries, is turbinated pyramidal-wise, and commonly called Sugar-loaf, which is less cocted, and less obdurate than Candy, and so less calid, and more accommodate to obdulcorate Condiments, Broths, and other Aliments; for Sugar abates acrity, retunds acidity, gratifies austerity, and makes all sapours more suave. Whence not only Confectioners, but Bakers and Cooks frequently use Sugar, for no delicate Dish comes on the Table that doth not participate of Sugar; for if Water, Wine, Fruits, Flesh, Fish, or other Edibles or Potables be nauscated, the mixture of a little Sugar will make them current. All Sugar is moderately hot, Vires. conducible to the roughness of the tongue, asperity in the breast, and to the cough; it moves spittle, but hurts the teeth, for it effects nigritude, mobility, and rubiginy in them. CHAP. VI Of Honey. AThenaus writes, that the Cyrians, Inhabitants of Corstea, are therefore long-lived, because they daily use Honey: And Democritus being asked, how a man might preserve his life long in sanity, answered, by anointing his interior parts with Honey, his exterior with Oil, (Gal. c. 11. l. de atten. vict. rat.) For Honey being most sweet, propagates most tenuious juice. And (c. 8. l. 2. the facult. not.) begets in old men special good blood, in young and bilious men much choler; for according to Actuarius, (c. 8. l. de spir. anim. mot.) that which is sweet in Honey, must needs be choler in the body. And this mutation is very facile, because Honey, according to Paul, (c. 4. l. 1. de synops.) & Oribas. (l. 5. collect.) calefies and exsiccates in the second degree, and hath a kind of Acrimony conjoined with its sweetness, for that is the best Honey which participates of these two, to wit, of sweetness and acrimony, (Gal. c. 17. l. de antidote.) new Wine expressed from sweet Grapes, and cocted to the half or thirds, though it be not much inferior to Honey in sweetness, yet like water it is obtuse, and no way vellicates the sense. Honey alone is a Compound of itself, for it is collected of the juices of many herbs and flowers, and is profitable to all ages, but especially to old men, and such as are of a cold constitution, chief in winter time; for where it meets with much calour, there it turns into choler. Galen (c. 5. l. 1. de alim fac.) Historia notanda. derides the concertation of two men, the one whereof affirmed Honey to be wholesome, the other unwholesome, both conjecturing from the effect it had wrought in themselves: but neither of them understood, that man kept not one temperament from the beginning to the term of his life; nor yet if the temperament had been one, that the decurse of years would work some change in it; for the one of them was old and phlegmatic, the other young and choleric. Now Honey, according to Galen, (c. 177. l. de simple. med.) Mel quid. is the juice of Celestial Dew collected by Bees; for every Aliment is desumed either from Animals or Plants, Honey is from neither; for it arises from the leaves or flowers of Plants, Vnde fiat. and yet it is not their juice, nor fruit, nor any part thereof, but the same with Dew, (c. 38. l. 3. de alim. fac.) and yet not so copious nor assiduous. Yet something from Plants tends to its benignity or malignity, (Orib. c. 62. l. 2. collect.) for that is poisonous which is collected of poisonous Plants, as Wolfs-bane, (Paul. Egin. c. 52. l. 5.) that bitter which is brought out of Pontus, where great store of Wormwood abounds. That Honey is best which in colour is pale, Mel optimum. in consistency neither crass, nor concrete, nor yet dilute, but alike in all parts; which besides its sweetness, participates of the acrimonious sapour of Thyme, but no perceptible part thereof in odour, according to Oribasius, (c. 62. l. 2. collect. And as Honey by long coction, so by long keeping it will grow bitter; for Galen saith, (c. 11. l. 1. de antidote.) that he kept Athenian Honey, which we account the best, so long, as in amaritude it resembled that which the Bees collect in Pontus. It were supervacaneous to treat any more of Honey, since we have abundantly spoken thereof in the third Chapter of the third Book of our Institutions. CHAP. VII. Of Manna. MAnna is the most excellent and divine gift of Nature; and not only that which God preternaturally bestowed on the Israelites, but this also which like Honey or Sugar-dew, distils upon leaves, and daily offers itself for our use. For our vulgar Husbandmen do no less admire their small Manna, than the Israelites did their Sugar-hail, whilst exulting, they sing, Jupiter reins Honey down; whence it is called Areomel, by the Arabians Terenjabin, and in the sacred Scriptures Manna; with which our Manna, or Manna Thuris, accords only in name; which is produced by the elision of two bundles one against another; for thereby certain small fragrancies are congested, which is collected for Manna Thuris. There is also another kind, they call Manna Larigna, collected of the broken boughs of the Larix tree; but both these too licentiously usurp this title: for Manna properly so called, which is used by Physicians, (for I do not speak of the Man-hu, or Manna of the Hebrews) is celestial dew, sweet and grateful, delabing about the dayspring upon the boughs and leaves of trees and herbs, which speedily concretes into the consistency of a gum. That is best which is collected of leaves, and is called Manna de folio; and that worst, which is called Manna de terra. Now the Portuguese Manna, especially that which comes out of a certain part of Oenotria, is thought the best, where it descends every Summer, and is gathered of all. (Brassavel. in exam. fimpl) Brassavelus tells us, Historia. how the Neapolitan Kings once occluded this place, that none might assume it without toll or tribute; but the Manna thereupon ceased to descend; the tribute being taken off, and the hindrances removed, the Manna again descended; the place being again occluded, it ceased; the enclosure or hedge being again taken away, it descended: so that the Kings were glad to leave it free, and permit any to collect it that would. The same is storied of the Tragasaan of Salt in Epirus, upon which when Lysimachus imposed a tribute, there was none to be found; when the tribute was contra-decreed, the Salt redounded. (c. 12. l. 9 Rhod. Cal.) But that I may not further rove; there is a kind of Manna in France, commonly called Manna Briansonnensis, which medics sometimes use for want of Calabriensis: but it is not near so good. There is another kind round, called Manna Mastichina, Manna ●●●●china. which beaten from the boughs and leaves of trees by the impetuousness of the wind, which delabes like hail, but neither from Heaven, nor from the Air; which is improperly called Manna, being the tears of trees, or their juice concreted. Manna is moderately hot, it lenifies the throat, asper-artery, and breast; it benignly moves the belly, and purges watery humours, especially the small Manna; as that which comes from Calabria, not Terenjabin, which the Arabians say is like Honey; which we use not, because we want it. CHAP. VIII. Of Cordial Flowers; and first, of Violets. A Violet, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, grows in opake and rough places, at the foundations of walls, or margins of gardens, and sometimes in meadows; it is green all the year long, and flourishes sometimes in February, most frequently in March, whence it is called Mars his Flower; and sometimes in Autumn, if it be cultivated; it leaves are like Ivy leaves, but less and thinner, of a short stalk, in the end whereof grows a Flower of a ceruleous purple colour, and odour like Flower de luce. It brings forth a small seed in little round leaves about the end of Summer. Now Violets are multifarious, and different in colours; for some are white, some blue, and other in a mean betwixt both. There are some also which stand upon longer and harder stalks, whose flowers are like a purple colour; others which are tricolorous, and grow upon quadrate, slender, succulent and reptile stalks in dry places, whose leaves are more angust, long and lascivious than others: from its threefold colour some call it the herb Trinity, others the flammeous Violet, and the vulgar Frenchmen the Minute pensea. Other small stocks of Violets have got names, which because Phyficians seldom use, we omit. But the martial Violets are wholly used, for their flowers being endued with an exhilarating faculty, Vires. are mixed with Cordials, their seeds and leaves being malactical, ingrede the decoction of Glisters, and confection of Cataplasms. All men conclude, that their Flowers are refrigerative; yet that acrimony they leave in the mouth by mastication, speaks them to participate of some calour. But because that calour is fugitive, being overcome by their exuberant frigidity, the medics judge them to be frigid. CHAP. IX. Of the Flowers of Bugloss. BUgloss, so termed from its similitude to an Ox's tongue, because it is eximious in inducing hilarity, is by Dioscorides and Pliny called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; it hath long, broad, rough leaves, like Cumfrey, but straighter, shorter, and not of so obscure a green. Its stalks are bicubital, brachiate, rough; its flowers replenished with spots like stars, ceruleous, shining, in the bottom whereof is a long, obscure, pithy seed. It's root is long, crass, black without, white within, succubent, sweet; it grows in gardens, in fandy, and also in plain places. There is no variety neither in nature nor shape amongst the Hortensian Buglosses, only the flowers of some are white, of others purpureous, and vulgarly ceruleous. But the wild ones differ much: for some are always green, which will like in any region; others are very sharp, whose leaves are rigid with prominent pricks, which by some are mistaken for Anchusa, so named from the blood wherewith its root infects the tangent. Bugloss is of a hot and moist, or rather a middle temperature; whence it is reckoned amongst the exhilarative Plants, which Galen was not ignorant of, when (c. 80. l. 6. the simple. med.) he wrote, that Bugloss immerged in Wine would cause joy and hilarity. CHAP. X. Of borage flowers. borage is an herb notorious enough; its leaves and faculties bear an affinity with Bugloss, for both their leaves are long, resembling a Neat's tongue: but borage leaves are shorter and broader, which the rigour of the winter soon corrupts and kills: but Bugloss bears it out, and grows; but especially its root, and those leaves that are next ground flourish. It bears broad ceruleous flowers, and sometimes white, larger than Bugloss, in the midst whereof, as in its centre, is defixed a certain dusky crown, whose end is acuminated. It grows in any ground, but it is more florid in humid and fat soil. It is fresh all Summer, and also all Autumn, if it be sown later; its seed is black; in all other things it responds to Bugloss. Its flowers put into broth give a special taste, and subduce the belly; and taken in Wine, they cause great joy and pleasure; according to that old saying, Ego Borrago gaudia semper ago. Its flowers in Condiments recreate the eyes and jaws, and in Medicaments augment their cordial faculties. There is another Plant very like this, Borrago semper virens. which they sometimes call Bugloss, sometimes borage, always green; for it resembles both their form and nature, and is thought to prepoll in the same faculties. It grows in Plains, and is sown and kept in Gardens by such as delight in variety of Simples. CHAP. XI. Of the four common Emollitives, and first, of Mallows. THere are four common emollitive Herbs, Mallows, Marsh-mallows, black Violet, and Bears-breech, or brank Ursine; whereunto other four less famous are adjoined, to wit, Mercury, Pelitory of the wall, Sicla, commonly called beat, and Arach, whose use is celebrated in making the decoctions of mollitive Glisters, and Cataplasms. Now Mallows is so denominated from its mollifying quality; Malva unde dicta. and it is either Hortensian, which by culture and mangony will grow to a tree, and acquire great procerity; or Sylvestrian, which is well enough known to all; for it abounds every where with thick cireinated and angulous leaves; it puts forth flowers all Summer long of a pale purple colour; its roots are small, long, and lignous; its seed small, smooth, and orbicular. There are many sorts of Mallows. Malvarum differentiae. The first of that name is that which importunely germinates in every way side, or court. The second is not so copious, which is smaller, with lesser boughs, growing about rude and incultivated places near Villages, with flowers of a pale purple colour. The third is called the Mallow tree, Arborescens. which like a shrub sprouts up to the height of six or eight cubits. The fourth is called Althaea, by the Latins Bismalva, and Ibiscus, because of the multiplicity of its faculties; for it hath malvaceous, smooth, long, hoary, and somewhat clipped; whiter flowers, and seeds like other wild Mallows. Its roots are crass, long, round, divaricated into many circles, and pregnant with much juice; its sprigs that grow besides it put forth malvaceous, long, hoary, and tomentaceous leaves, white flowers, and small, plain, and round seeds, like other Mallows. It calefies in the first degree; it hath a digestive and laxative faculty, and will coct mucaginous excrements. The fifth is called Alcea, Alcea. which is like Mallows in its original and stalk, but deeper cut; out of its root proceeds abundance of shrubs half a cubite long, adorned with red flowers; which fallen off, we may see a round seed like other Mallows. The sixth is called Transmarina, Transmarina. and Rosacea, from the elegancy of its flower, like a Rose. It is known in all parts, for it is sown and cultivated almost in every Garden; it puts forth its branches at the beginning of the Spring. Some sorts of Ibiscaes' are referred to the kinds of Mallows, to wit, the Althaea that grows like a tree, the Althaea that grows like a fen, and the Althaea of Theophrastus, which bears yellow flowers. There are also as many sorts of Alcea, to wit, the common, foreign, and shrubby, which is Cinquefoil. All Mallows is mollitive, Vires. and thence it is denominated; and its leaves decocted are good for the shingles; and it is good against poisonous stings, and the dolours excited by Bees or Wasps. CHAP. XII. Of Acanthus, or brank Vrsine. THE name Acanthus is not only referred to such Plants as are spinous, as Carduus, but also to such as prick not, as to the Artichoke, and brank Ursine, which the Shopmen call Acantha, many Marmoraria, because its leaves are engraven in marble Chapiters'. Dioscorides saith, it grows in Gardens and moist places, and puts forth long, broad, smooth, fat, blackish leaves, cut like a nettle; its stalk is of two cubit's length, smooth about the thickness of a finger, and on every side from the middle upwards involved with little long leaves accuminated like nucaments, but not spinous, out of which a white flower proceeds; its seed is long and dusky, its top is like the top of a sprig. Its roots are juicy, long, red, and glutinous, which are of little or no use in Physic; though made into a Lineament, they are good for burn; and drunk, move urine, and conduce to the good of such as are tabid, for their leaves only are desumed to the decoction of Glisters and Cataplasms, to which use solely the whole Plant is destinated, and got by Apothecaries. Some say it is called brank Ursine, because its leaves resemble the fore feet of Bears. We find it also called Paederota, and Melamplyllum. We have abundantly before treated of Violets, which are also reckoned among the mollitive Plants in the first degree, and shall not need to superadd any more. CHAP. XIII. Of other Mollitives; and first, of Mercury. THis Herb derives its name from Mercury its Inventor, whence the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but more frequently Linozostis. There are two kinds of it: the first is called the masculine, the second the feminine Mercury; the branches of both are round, light, rough, with some genicles, a cubite high, brachiate; there are many long leaves cut about like a Saw, like sweet Basil, all about the stem. In the leaves of the masculine there are two seeds joined together, which cohere with little feet, like Goosegrass. Small ears come out of the feminine, with mossy flowers thereon; which if they whither, no seed follows. It is green all Summer, dead in Winter, springs again in the Spring; its faculty is chief to exonerate the belly. And there is a Honey made of its juice, they call the Mercurial Honey, which will excite the drowsy expulsive faculty, and deterge the belly. There is also a third kind of Mercury, called Cynocrambe, or wild masculine Mercury, which grows all over by high ways, and humid places; which, because it hath much affinity with the masculine, it hath pleased learned Authors to denote it by that name. CHAP. XIV. Of Pelitory of the Wall. THE many names that Pelitory of the wall hath put upon it, hath caused learned men to doubt which is the true Herb, or it due name. It is most frequently by Apothecaries called Helxine, of which name Dioscorides describes two Plants. The first is firnamed Cissampeloes, and it is a kind of convolvulus, which grows in hedges, and circumeats the vicine Plants: the other in walls and maceries; whence it is called Parietaria, or mural Herb, as also Helxine, because it adheres to ones ; it emits small, pale, mossy flowers, and very rough leaves, which being good to wipe and exterge glass cups with, are thence called Vitreols. I find it also called by some, the Herb of the wind, but Anemone challenges that name by better right. But since Pelitory of the wall is so notorious, it needs no further description. It is refrigerative and detersive, and cures inflammations. If it be fried with Oil or Butter, and applied to the region of the reins, it eases the dolour of the gravel there, and accelerates its exclusion by reserating the passages; and therefore it is duly instituted by Fernelius an Ingredient in the confection of the syrup of Althaea. CHAP. XV. Of beat and Arach. beat is either red, Beta. Atriplex. which they commonly call the black Betes, or white, or yellow, for so many sorts are found by their colours. Now the red Bete is twofold; one is our common red Bete, which is not distinct from others in root, or leaves, but only in colour; the other is the Roman Betes, which is somewhat blacker, having a very crass root like Rape, whence it is called Bete-rape, and by many very properly Erythrorise; by Fuchius, the red Rape, but very improperly. The white is received most in meats, yet its juice may well be used in Errhins, for its nitrous faculty will deduce phlegm out of the brain. And hence we may gather, that Bete is not so fatuous and insipid as Martial thought, for it troubles and loads the stomach, and nourishes little; and therefore few but Rustics and poor people eat it, unless it be to move the belly; and especially the white, which moves and exonerates the belly, as the red doth the bladder; and therefore it is most accommodate to the confection of Diacassia. Atriplex, commonly called Arrochy, by the Greeks, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is not without reason reckoned amongst the mollitive Herbs; for amongst Potherbs, none subduces the belly more efficaciously and easily than it. For it refrigerates in the first degree, humectates in the second, and is void of all sapour; it is of a watery and uliginous nature, and therefore quickly permeates the inferior parts, and opens the belly. CHAP. XVI. Of the five Capillaries; and first, of the true Maidens-hair. THere are five Herbs which have much affinity one with another, to wit, the true Capillus Veneris, or true Maidens-hair; Capill. Vener. the common Maiden's hair, Asplenium, or Wall-fern; Citrarch, Herbae capillares unde habeant nomen. commonly called Polytrick, or Spleen-wort; and Salvia Vita, or Wall-rue. Some would have Epithymus, and Bind-weed, or Dodder, to be true Capillaries, because they resemble hairs and Capillaments; whereas these five Herbs are not called Capillaries so much from their external form, as that faculty wherewith they colour hairs, and resartiate their defect. The true Maidenhair is most frequently found in the Narbonian Tract; sometimes, but seldom, in other colder parts of France: that which in one year flourished at Lutetia in the Garden of Joannes Gomerius the expert Apothecary, the rigour of the Winter killed ere another year circulated. It is a small Herb, without stalk, flower, and seed, growing in mountainous, rocky, shady, moist places, and in the brinks of fountains; in stead of a stalk it hath many hairs, whereon small, slender leaves, not unlike the leaves of Coriander, do adhere; whence Mesue calls it the Coriander of the sountain. But the name Adiantum was given it, as Theophrastus attests, because being long infused in water, as all the other sorts of Capillaries also, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i. e. it will not be madefied. But this assertion fails in long maceration, for being long immerged in water, it will be madid, as other Herbs. Galen (lib. 6. the simplic. med.) saith, that Adiantum, Vires. as to calidity and frigidity, is symmetral; it deficcates, extenuates, digests, repairs the loss of fallen hairs, discusses swell and impostumes; being drunk, it breaks stones, and admirably helps all the affections of the breast, liver, reins, and spleen. Its virtues are profusely described by Mesue, (c. 20. the simple.) CHAP. XVII. Of Common Maidenhair. BEsides the true Adiantum, De Adianto vulgari. which is the proper Maidens-hair, Theophrastus (cap. 13. lib. 7.) makes mention of two other small Plants of the same name, to wit, white and black Adiantum, both whose branches are of a nitent black colour, their leaves alike, to wit, rugged, thick, and one side consperged with little red spots, their faculties similar: but the one putting forth little stalks or nerves blacker than the other, is called black Adiantum. Their mistake is damnable to the sick, who instead of each, desume Dryopteris, of Oak-fern. Some credulous persons think it a miracle, that Adiantum infused in water, should not be madefied, but should so withstand its humidity, as always to appear dry, from which event it desumed this denomination; but its longer demersion in water shows the contrary. Some think it so called rather, because it is not madefied with the descent of rain, like as we see in Fern; or because it thrives in the margins of fountains and walls that encompass waters, and yet cannot endure to be touched by water; as we see Swallows, which delight to build their nests in men's houses, but will not suffer themselves to be handled by men. Adiantum emits out of its slender root compacted of small filaments, certain exile sprigs, straight, half a hand high, and sometimes longer, sometimes of a whiter, sometimes of a blacker green, circumvested with little soft leaves, after the manner, positure and rite of a fern, but much more small, more green on one side, less on another, and maculated with some spots. It grows best in opake places, it is always green, never scatters its leaves, but is destitute of all flowers and seed. Its faculties are commended for many purposes, for it prohibits the falling of hairs, and repairs their loss; it helps such as are pursy, and short breathed; it moves flowers, discusses swelling in the neek, and produceth the same effect with true Maidens-hair, or Capilus Veneris. CHAP. XVIII. De Polytricho; or, of Polytriche. AS three Plants are comprehended under this one name Adiantum, so three names design one Plant. Polytrichus. For perite Herbalists take Trichomanes Polytrichum, and Callitrichum, are all the same Herb; for Trichomanes is by the Romans called a Capillary, because it completes the place void of hairs. Polytrichum is so called, because it makes the hair come thicker; and Callitrichum, because it makes the hair more comely. (Ruel. c. 133. l. 3.) Some call this Herb Pinula, others Filicula, and some Adiantum. It grows upon walls, and in opake and shady places, and about the margins of fountains, or in dens, as Adiantum doth. It's root is small and black, out of which there issues little nitid, rigid, dusky sprigs, like Capillaments. It hath leaves on both sides, very orderly disposed, and adversly pediculated, like to Lentils in magnitude and form, but more tenuious, and maculated underneath with ferrugineous spots. It neither bears seed nor flowers, like Adiantum, wherewith also it agrees in reference to its faculties. CHAP. XIX. Of Ceterach, or Spleen-wort. ALL the society of Pharmacopolists stood long in this error, Ceterach. that Scolopendrium and Heminionis; commonly called Harts-tongue, were one and the same Plant; till better informed, either by the bare words or writings of Physicians; they were convinced, that Splenium, commonly called Ceterach, was the true Scolopendrium. Its leaves are small, divided like Polypody, yellowish, rough, narrow, and corrugated underneath, adhering to a blackish pedicle scarce a palms length, disposed in an adverse order; yet not so; that they are directly opposite one against another, like the leaves of the Polytriche, but that they oppose each others interstice, as of some Polypody. It is found in rocks, opake walls, and such stony and shady places, insisting upon no stalk, save a small pedicle, crowned with no flower, and gravidated with no seed. It's faculty is to minuate the spleen, to break and expel the stone, Vires. to move urine, to abate singulture, and cure the Jaundice. CHAP. XX. De Salvia vita, or Rue-maidenhair. THis Plant is next in affinity to a Capillary, Salvia vita. which from the sunilitude of the leaves, and the congruity of place wherein Rue and it grow, is called mural Rue, and by the Shopmen, Salvia vita. It thrives best in opake rocks, wet stones, old edifices and caves, which as it were dividing the rocks, proceeds out of their incisures, with thin, short and slender stalks, whereon little but crass leaves adhere; divided, and of a whitely green colour, very like to Rue. The whole Plant is scarce as long as a man's palm, devoid of seed and flowers, always green; and therefore it is often used in winter, when other Plants are either withered or cradicated. It reserates the excrementitious passages, Vires. takes away obstructions, moves excrements, exsiccates watery humours, and thence conduces to the stops of the spleen and mesenteries; it moves flowers and urine, expels the stone, cures the dropsy, and helps diseases within the breast. They are mistaken that think this is Fellon-grass. CHAP. XXI. Of some other Plants that are of the second sort of Capillaries; and first, of Moon-fern. THis Herb is from the efficacy of its faculties, Hemionitis. wherewith it respects the spleen, called by Pharmacopolists, sometimes Asplenium, sometimes Scolopendrium, as also Ceterach, because in curing the affection of the spleen it hath the precellency: yet it is neither Scolopendrium, Asplenium, nor common Ceterach, but a distinct Plant destitute of stalk, seed, and flower, only a company of leaves issuing out of the earth; whence it is often called Phyllitis, that is, a folious herb; for its root emits many fibrous and blockish leaves upon as many filaments, which leaves are crass, rigid, long like Heart's tongue, as it is sometimes denominated, smooth on the upper side, rough on the lower, with transverse ferrugineous lines. Gaza calls it Mula. It is of great use to the spleen, Vires. whose obstructions it doth not only remove, but abates its durity and obtumescence, and successfully helps the affections of the liver. CHAP. XXII. Of Dodder and Epithymum. DOdder grows upon fruitful Herbs, like Epithyme, Dodder epithymus. destitute of a root; but as Matthiolus faith, issues out of the stalk of a Plant like a wing, or long capillament. It grows most abundantly about Line, whence the Shopmen call it, Lines Podagry. Fuchsius not without reason believes, that Dodder at first proceeds from some root, which withers and perishes when its capillaments do involve a plant, from which it may suck nutriment; and thence it is that the temperament and quality of the Dodder changes according to the variety and nature of the Plants which it involves. And many think, that Dodder and Epithyme differ not, save that the one grows on Line, the other on Thyme. Yet Matthiolus will not suffrage herewith, but contends, and that by testimony from Galen, that both the form and qualities are in them different; for Epithyme calefies in the third degree, and Cuscuta only in the second; but here it only follows, that Epithyme borrows its calefactive quality from Thyme, Cuscuta from Line. They do very dangerously mistake, who take the podagry of other Plants for true Cuscuta and Epithyme. Neither of them have any leaves, they are only hairy, putting forth slender capillaments, like Cittern strings, out of which issues forth small flowers like glistering stars, gravidated with small seeds, which ingrede the composition of the laxative syrup of Succory and Rhabarb. It is abstersive and roborative, it cures the obstructions of the liver and spleen, moves urine, helps the jaundice, and is good for all affections proceeding from choleric and melancholic humours. CHAP. XXIII. Of the five Apertive Roots; and first, of Smallage-root. THere are many apertive roots, five whereof precel the other in dignity, three whereof grow in Gardens, to wit, Petroseline, Sperage, and Fennel; two in places uncultivated, Smallage, and Butchers-broom. * Smallage. Apium in Latin, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek differ much, as also Parsly and Petroseline. For Apios, according to Dioscorides, (cap. 177. lib. 4.) hath leaves like Rue, short, and growing on three or four stalks lying along on the ground, and on a root that is extrinsecally black, intrinsically white, form like a Pear, which will move the body both by vomit and stool, though not vehemently. Yea Apios is sometimes taken for a root like a Pear in form; and sometimes for some juice that is insipid, or at least of an imperceptible sapour. Whereas Apium properly so called, which Dioscorides names seline, or cleofeline, is very like Parsley, but greater, and effects the same with Parsley: but because of its ungrateful odour and sapour, is excluded the lociety of Potherbs. It grows most commonly in uncultivated and moist places, whence it is properly called Paludapium, or Rustic Smallage. It is hot in the second, Its virtues. and dry in the third degree, (Gal. l. 8. simp.) it moves flowers and urine, discusses flatuosity, and its seed is more efficacious than the Herb itself. Pliny saith, it cures Spider's poison. It's root is frequently usurped to deduce the passages, to remove obstructions, and it is thought that its leaves eaten conduce much to the lungs. CHAP. XXIV. Of Petroseline. THat which the Ancients called Garden-Apium, Petroseline. and Parsley, we call Petroseline; it is most common in Gardens, and most frequently used in making broth, and dressing meat; it grows no where save in Gardens, and there most redundantly, whether they be hot or cold; it refuses no soil; if it be cultivated and fat, and suppeditate humour whereon it may live; its seed germinates the latest of all, to wit, about forty or fifty days after its sature. It bears leaves like Coriander, crisped; roots it hath, long, and capillated, which are pleasant for Aliments, and useful for Medicaments. It is given to such as are troubled with the stone, Vires. jaundice, and difficulty in ureting, and to such women as have not their flowers proceeding in due time. CHAP. XXV. Of Sperage. THE name Asparagus is given to this Herb, Asparagus. either because it grows upon a rough, sharp shrub, or its stalk being full of pricks, or else because it grows spontaneously without sature. For many grave Writers have attested, that it doth grow out of a horn of a Ram contunded and perforated: yet the recent buds, and slender germination of this and other such Plants that may be cropped for Potherbs, were called in former times Sperages. Now Sperage is either wild, or sative, and both notorious enough, putting forth many sprigs, and many little, long and slender leaves, which like Fennel, end in Capillaments. This Pot-herb delights in siccity, and perishes by frequent rigation; yet if it be irrigated in Autumn, it will put forth tender and succulent buds. It proceeds from round roots, in number many, Vires. which are apertive, deduce the passages, remove obstructions from the liver and reins, cure the suffusion of the gall, move flowers and urine. CHAP. XXVI. Of Fennel. ALL the parts of Fennel are useful; Fennel. for its tender branches mixed with sour Condiments, make them more grateful; its seed decocted with Senny, discusses all that that causes flatuosity, and wring in the guts; yea either mixed with others, or assumed alone, it effects innumerable benefits; its roots alone, without other mixture, remove obstructions. It is a kind of ferulaceous Plant, sometimes exceeding a man's height; its stalk is geniculated, filled with a fungous' sap; its external cortex is smooth and green, its leaf like Maiden-weed, slender, long, soft, capillaccous, and suaveolent; its muscary or top, round, patulous, broad, and circulated, whereon there depends a nude, long, and pale seed; its root is long, crass, white, and odoriferous. There are two kinds of Fennel; one the Greeks call Marathrum, which also is twofold; the one sweet, which is copious in Italy; the other common, whose seed is less, and sharper. The second sort they call Erraticum, or Hippomarathrum, from its magnitude; for it exceeds the sative Parsley in crassitude and procerity, and grows in Mauritania, sometimes twelve cubits in height, four palms in thickness; its seed is like Millet seed, its root white, and suaveolent. Fennel calefies only in the second degree, Vires. or beginning of the third. Being drunk in wine, it helps the poison of Serpents, moves flowers and urine, generates milk, and cures suffusion. Hippomarathrum is more efficacious in all things? for it potently expels flowers and urine, ejects stones, purges the King's evil, yea nothing so good against the poison of Serpents. Some will have wild Parsnip to be a kind of Fennel, its stak and muscary being feniculaceous: but their leaves, colour, odour, sapour, virtue and form, are very dissimilar. This Herb is called by some, Harts-eye; by others, Gratia Dei. CHAP. XXVII. Of Ruscus, or Butchers-broom. Ruscus, Ruscus. or Bruscus, seem to be a spinous Myrtle, or wild Butcher's broom, for it hath the form and leaves of a Myrtle, but they are more rigid, hard; macronate, and inodorous. Certain red berries adhere to its virgults about the magnitude of Cherries, wherein two or three nuts are enclosed, of such osseous durity, that they will scarce admit of pulveration by triture. Another Plant, called Hypogloss, and Laurus Alexandrina, hath some affinity herewith, but its leaves are softer and larger, out of the middle or superior part whereof little leaves, like little tongues, proceed. It grows in rude and uncultivated places; Vires. the decoction of its root moves flowers, breaks and expels the stone, cures stranguty, and the jaundice. CHAP. XXVIII. Of the four greater frigid Seeds. THese four are the Seeds of Gourd, Quatuor frig. major. Cucumber, Melons, and citruls, under which many oleraceous Fruits are contained, which by the Ancients are denoted by this name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; yea there is such affinity amongst these, that their nomenclatures seem to be indeterminate and indistinct; for many under the name Cucumber comprehend Melons and Pepons; under Cucurbites, citruls and Melopepons. But culture and mangony hath effected many sorts of each; Cucurbitarum differentiae. for they have designed four sorts of Cucurbites, the greater, the lesser, or the lagenarious, or the anguine, the long and blue one, besides Coloquintida, which is a wild Cucurbite. Cucumber is either sylvestrian, Cucumeres. which is called the asinine Cucumber, of whose juice an Elatery is confected; or sative, of which there are many sorts; for some are long, straight, and yellow; others shorter, green, and crooked; some compressed, broad, and round; others clypeiformous, and are commonly called Pepons. Melons, by the French so called, Melones. are by the Italians named Pepans, by Dioscorides, Melopepons; by the Ancients, domestic Cucumbers. But to avoid the confusion of names, it is expedient we call those Fruits, which springing from the sative Sicya, (for so is the Plant whereon Melons grow, named) are fragrant like Quinces, or such redolent Apples, Melons; whereof, as well as of the rest, there are many sorts: for some from the suavity of their odours, and sapour, are called Moschatelline, others Saccharine Melons; others from the soil and region wherein they grow, acquire other denominations. citruls in magnitude exceed all the former which abound in the Country, whereof also there is much variety both in colour, figure, Citrulli. magnitude, and sapour; for some are short, others long; some plain, others round; some are unequal, others yellowish, which excel the rest in suavity. And as these four Plants have mutual affinity in their form, so also in their faculties. Their seeds collected are the four greater frigid seeds, which are preserved for frequent use in Pharmacy. CHAP. XXIX. Of the four lesser frigid Seeds; and first, of Lettuce, and its seed. LEttice, or Lactuce, Quatuor frig. minor. is so called from the exuberance of lacteous juice that may be expressed from it; which is the first of Oils: for as it is most grateful in Edibles and Condiments, so is it most salubre in Medicaments; for besides its faculty in generating laudable blood; it extinguishes the fervour of the blood and bowels, conciliates sleep, and helps such as labour of hectic Fevers, (Gal. c. 40. l. 2. de alim. etc. 13. l. de maras.) and it is a most familiar alimentous Medicament, much conducing to young and choleric natures. It may be sown at any time; and if the soil be fat, well subacted, and exposed to the Sun, it will flourish, and largely diffuse itself. If it be plucked while it is tender, and be transplanted into another soil well stercorated, it will abundantly emit circumvolved leaves, and be capitated. As no Pot-herb is more excellent, so none more notorious than Lettuce, whereof we find three kinds in Gardens; the wrinkled and vulgar, which is not capitated; the sessile, or capitated; and the Roman with black seed, and broad leaves. Some adjoin two more, to wit, the Cecilian, and Cyprian or Grecian. Besides which, there grows another Herb in uncultivated places, which derives the denomination of Lactuce, rather from its juice and seed, than from its form; which Galen calls Thridax. Some enumerate more sorts, from the variety of their colours, as white, red, black, and purpereous Lettuces. All the parts, Vires. as also the seeds of Lettuces, refrigerate and conciliate sleep; which remedy Galen successfully exhibited, when through long and continual studies, his sleep had departed from him. Though this seed be here reckoned amongst the lesser refrigeratives, yet is it accommodate to more uses; for it stays the immoderate flux of the sperm, it moderates the ardour of urine, humectates refrigerateth, leniates, quenches thirst, and conciliates sleep. CHAP. XXX. Of Purslain, and its seed. PUrslain seed is one of the lesser refrigeratives. And Purslain is a Garden herb most frequently exhibited in Broth and Condiments, which often inchoates Rustics dinners; and is conserved a whole winter with salt and vinegar. Purslain is two fold; either wild, which grows spontaneously in every Vineyard, and abounds with many branches that creep along the ground, being of a redly green colour. Or Garden Purslain, which is by culture produced; whose leaves are more ample, more carnous, more succulent; whose branches are more erect, and not so hard. They are not much different in forms, but in faculties they are various; for the sative refrigerateth, but the spontaneous calefies, as many attest. The leaves of either of them contunded, Vires. and applied to the corns of the feet, will cure them. They help Tetters, they assuage the headache, contracted by being in the Sun, if they be adhibited with Oil of Roses. Being manducated, they confirm lose teeth, and cure the ulcers of the mouth and jaws. There is a Sea-Purslain, but it ingredes the composition of no Medicaments described in our Shop. CHAP. XXXI. Of other Seeds less frigid; and by the way, of Succoraceous Plants. TWO other less frigid Seeds are desumed from Succory, whereunto many Herbs are referred, to wit, † Gum Succory. Chondrilla, * Hawk-weed. Hieracium, Sowthistle, Garden-Endive, wild Lettuces, and all intubaceous Plants. But when we put Succory absolutely, we mean of the wild Succory, which comes more frequently into use in Medicine; and it is the genus of all those differences of sative and wild Intubacies. The sative Succory, or Intube, is by the Greeks called Seris, Intybum. Seris. Scariola. Endivia. Intybolachanum. because it is sown: whereof there are two sorts, the one broad leafed, which some call Garden Endive; the other narrow leafed, which is called Seris, Garden Succory, or Endive; and by Silvius, Intube. Galen calls them both Intubolachanum, that is, edible Endive, because Succory is reposed among potherbs for broth and salads. To the wild Succory are referred Sowthistle, or yellow Succory, Taraxacum. Dens Leonis. Lion's tooth, Hedypnois, so called, because it conciliates sleep; which Rondeletius calls Dioscorides his Chondril; by some, Monks-head; by others, Urinal. Cicerbita, or Sowthistle, in French Laicteron, because its juice is lacteous, is of the family of Endives, and grows in any place, whether cultivated, or not; whereof Dioscorides makes three sorts, the sharp, the smooth, and the procerous. The first is called by some Sows-snout. Clusius tells us of five sorts, two vulgar, the smooth, and the smother; two austrial, the smooth, and the smother; one Pannonical. To the wild Succory also are referred all the sorts of Chondrils, whereof some constitute only two, others three, besides Zacinth, or Wart-wort, and Perdion, which some call Sea-Chondril; others, Bulbose. So that all the sorts of Chondrils are six, which respond more to the sorts of Succory in faculties, than in form. And if we may from affinity of qualities infer conformity in a genus, Hieracia. then may Hawk-weed be reposed among the sorts of Succories; or as others will, among the Sowthistles. Now there are many sorts of Hawk-weed, to wit, the greater, broad leafed, narrow leafed with a short root, the long rooted, the Hawk-weed of the Valley, and of the Mountains; some with leaves like Succory, others both in leaf and form like Chondrils, about which consult the more recent Herbalists. But that I may return from whence I deviated; The various names of Succory. the various names of Succory have much obscured the sorts thereof: for the genus is oft put for the species, the species for the genus, and one species for another, and yet all designed by one name. These names are often attributed to Succory, Ambubeia, Picris, Intybum, Seris, Endivia, Seariola, Intubolachanum, yea and all the species of Hawk-weed, Cicerbita, Soncius, Chondrilla, and wild Lettuce are denoted by the name Succory. Wild Lettuce hath affinity with the kind of Succory, for it bears leaves like Garden-Endive, and in nature responds to the sorts of Poppy, though it cructates a soporiferous and poisonous odour, like Opium. The seeds of wild Succory and Endive are they which are desumed for the seeds less frigid, whose qualities the appellation sufficiently indicateth. CHAP. XXXII. Of the four more calid Seeds; and first, of Anise. THE four more calid Seeds are desumed from Anise, Anisum. Fennel, Cumin, and Carraway. We have before shown what Fennel is; and Anise the very women know, whose seeds they often use in incrustated Sugar, or else in confecting that bread they call Biscake, wherewith they mix Anise seed, because it conciliates a very grateful odour and sapour. They add it also to many Condiments, for the better grace; for it sweetens the breath, moves urine, helps the Hydroptical, and conduces more to the ventricle than any oleraceous seed, (Dioss. c. 65. l. 3.) It is hot and dry in the third degree, (Gal. l. 5. simple.) yet the gust cannot perceive its calour to be so excessive. The Grecks and Latins call it Anisum, which is the name both of plant and seed, which I find sometimes called Aricetum. This Plant is neither like Smallage nor Fennel, as Fuchsius and Ruellius assert, but a medium betwixt both: for its leaves are not so broad as Smallage, nor yet so small and capillaceous as Fennel. But because it is vulgarly notorious, I shall not stand further to describe it. The Pharmacopolists say, that these seeds are hot and carminative, that is, discussive of statuosity, as they interpret it: but it etymology is obscure and unknown, unless they deduce it from the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, to discerp or divide into minute parts; or from carmino, to comb; whence the Arabians refer Carmes to Maidens-hair. Now carminare is to comb hair or flax, and that not all at once, but by little and little; and so flatuosity must be orderly and successfully discussed. But the true original of carminative I cannot attain, though it be a word much and long received and approved. CHAP. XXXIII. Of Cumin. CUmin is the name of a Plant and a Seed like some Fennel; De Cumino. whereof there are two sorts, one sative and domestic, the other wild. Hypocrates, who commends the sative for many diseases in women, calls it the Regal Cumin; Dioscorides, the Ethiopian; and some, the Egyptian and Asian Cumin. It insists commonly on one stalk, about a foot or less high, brachiated with many branches; its leaves are sected into slender parts, like Fennel, but they are shorter, and lesser; its top puts forth a round head, which first emits flowers, and is afterwards onerated with nude, straight, and chanelled seeds; its root is slender and odorate; which withers as the seeds grow to maturity. It is sown, and grows plenteously in Spain, Italy, and some hot parts of France; if its seed be injected on fat soil, it fruticates most of all Pot herbs; and some Idiots think, that it spreads most if it be sown by some wicked and malevolent person: but their opinion is rather derisible than probable. The wild Cumin puts forth leaves like Chervil; exile stalks like Shepherd's needle; it is capitulated with five or six round, hairy heads, wherein lodges sour seeds. There is another sort very like the sative, which from every flower emits sublime cornicles, wherein seeds are contained, like Gith seed. And this seems to be the Plant which the Shopmen call Larks foot, and Regal Cumfrey. It is hot and dry in the third degree; it attenuates, digests, Vires. and resolves; taken and adhibited; it discusses flatuosity, incides frigid humours, dissipates pituitous humours, expels poisons, and may be prosperously usurped against the Colical dolour, and Tympany. CHAP. XXXIV. Of Carraway. ALL the Society of Confectioners call Charon, De Car●. or Careum, Carraway; Athenaeus calls it Carrot, wherewith in form and faculty it agrees. It insists upon a stalk of a cubit height, quadrangular, intercepted with some genicles, hollow within, with leaves like Carrots. It's root is carnous, and yet gracile, long, white, and sometimes yellowish, of a pastinaceous sapour. It's seed is on the tops of its branches like Fennel, blackish, and angulous; the Arabians call it Cardumeni, which Silvius uses for Cardamome. But such as are skilful in Arabic, think he is mistaken. Carraway is hot and dry in the third degree; Vires. it moves urine, expels flowers, discusses flatuosity, roborates the stomach, helps concoction, is a good ingredient in the mixture of Antidotes, and may be used instead of Anise. It's root cocted, may be eaten like Carret. (Diosc. c. 66. l. 3.) CHAP. XXXV. Of the other four Seeds, which are calid in a less degree; and first, of Ameos. AMeos is so like Cumin, that that which grows in Ethiopia is taken for Cumin. It's seed is sufficiently known; it is small, and much less than Cumin seed, which its appellation seems to denote; for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 portends a very small seed like sand; which word designs the whole Plant. Yet there are two sorts of Ammi; the one is the Ethiopian, which is greater than the common Ammi, and hath broader leaves. The other is less, with smaller leaves, which is not so frequent. The former hath a green and round stalk, referted with many branches, long and straight leaves, divided with many incisures in their circumference; its muscary is like Anise, crowned with small flowers, onerated with small seeds smelling like Origanum, and acrimoniously bitter. The stalk of the lesser Ammi is short, which puts forth many branches, long and capillaceous leaves, which are attenuated towards the top; small white flowers like the former, which are coacted into round heads; its seed is long, small, and sharp; it is used by some for Sison: for Sison, according to Dioscorides, being a small seed growing in Syria, black, hot and long, like Smallage, or the lesser Ammi seed, it may be taken for, or at least substituted instead of Ammi. Ammi is in gust, sharp, and somewhat bitter; it incides, attenuates, Vires. calefies, exsiccates, and digests; it moves flowers and urine, discusses flatuosity, and gripe in the guts. It is thought that women would conceive more easily, if after copulation they smell upon Ammi. CHAP. XXXVI. Of Amomum; or, our Lady's Rose. AMomum is not only reckoned amongst exotical, but unknown Plants, for none of the Ancients have accurately delivered its form or description: and Clusius, of the more recent Herbalists, who was very diligent in searching, and desirous to find out the knowledge of this Art, hath left us three images or forms of this Herb: but we can scarce by probable conjecture find which is its true effigies of these three; nay, we may as well think that none of them respond to it. First, he saith it is like a branch of a certain tree, which by its odour and suavity challenges affinity with the tree that bears Cloves, but its leaves and fruit are lesser and rounder than the Clove trees. Secondly (saith he) it well resembles the branches of paralious Tithymal. Thirdly, it is resembled by a short bough loaden with grains, like Cardamomum, hanging in clusters. But he ingeniously confesses, that it is very hard to determine which is the true Amomum. Indeed that small, long, aromatical, and calefactive seed, which Apothecaries keep, and call Cretian Amomum, responds very well to the faculties of the true Amomum recorded by Dioscorides; but of what Plant it grows, is unknown to us. This, and many other rare Simples, have I seen and tasted, in the Pharmacopoly of Pasch. Bazvin, a man of approved piety and learning, which vulgar Amomum, if it be not the true one, may very well be its substitute; I mean not Pliny's Amomum; which being impatient of cold, grows at Lutetia in earthen pots, with straight and copious branches circumvested with a green bark, coronated with flowers like to them of Myrtle, but longer, white, and stellaceous; after which, round, crass, flave, and succulent fruits, like them of Alkakengye, crupt. Galen substitutes Acorum to Amomum, though its denomination hath more cognation with Cardamome. It calefies, astringes, and exsiccates; its decoction conduces to the liver and reins, and helps such as are bitten by Scorpions. CHAP. XXXVII. Of Daucus, or Carret. 1. THis name, Daucus, comprehends three sorts of Plants under it. The first of that name is called Daucus absolutely, and is meant of the Cretian Daucus, which according to Diescorides, hath leaves like Fennel, a stalk of nine inches length, a head like Coriander, a white flower, long seed, like Cumin, whichis hirsute, with white down. It is suaveolent in eating; and is most frequently used in the syrup of Mugwort, and may be prosperously mixed with other Medicaments. This Daucus grows not only in Crete, but also in many other regions, as in Germany, Italy, and Venetia: but the Cretian carries the name, though that which is brought from the Alps and Genoa be every whit as good. The second sort of Daucus is like Smallage, but its acrimony is greater, its scent stronger, and sapour hotter. The third hath leaves like Coriander, white flowers, seed like Anise, but longer and sharper. There are other Plants like this, which are taken for it. Thus Theophrastus calls Carrot Daucus. Thus wild Pastinaca and Caucalis borrow the denomination of Daucus. It's seed, Vires. which is frequently used in Medicine, calefies, siccates, opens, incides, moves flowers and urine, and discusses flatuosity. We have before treated of Smallage, whose seed is reckoned amongst the lesser Calefactives. CHAP. XXXVIII. Of some eximious Flowers, from which most efficacious Waters and Oils are extracted; and first, of Roses. Risen is so common, spontaneously growing in every hedge, that it cannot but be known. There are two sorts hereof; one wild, which is called Cynorrhodon, or Dog-rose; the other, Garden-rose, which we call Rose absolutely: whereof there are many sorts, to wit, red, white, pale, incarnate, luteous, ceruleous, which grows in many places in Italy; and the mosellate Rose, which flourishes in Autumn. Other varieties may be educed out of these by art and mangony; but three only are used in Medicine, to wit, white, red, and damask waters are distilled out of the white; Honey of Roses, Conserve, Oil, and Unguent, of the red; and Syrup laxative are made of the damask. There are many parts in Roses, to wit, the flower, the stalk capillaments, granules, little flowers, the calix, the seed, the daun. Some call those little flowers that adhere to the capillaments, Anthera; but Anthera properly is a compound Medicament used to the affections of the mouth, as it appears by Actuarius, (c 7. l. 6. m. med.) by Celsus, (c. 11. l. 6.) by Oribasius and Marcellus. All Roses have not the same faculty; for the pale relax, the red astringe, both roborate; as also the common white and sweet Roses: for all sweet odours recreate and refresh the spirits, as also those vital and animal parts that hold the principality. CHAP. XXXIX. Of Nymphea, or Water-Lilly. THis Nymphea, which the Poets feign to have sprung from a dead Nymph that was jealous of Hercules, is the most used of all water-plants in Medicine; whereof Pharmacopolists make two sorts; one greater, which bear't white flowers; the other less, which bears luteous flowers. Both grow in standing waters and fens. The greater hath ample, round and green leaves, gracile, long, smooth, and round stalks, white flowers, in candour and magnitude resembling Lillyes, and yellow in the middle; a black, nodous; and long root: some call it Water Lily; some, Ne●●●●ar; and others, Heraclea. The lesser grows in a slimy, watty soil, on slender stalks, about three cubits long, whereon a yellow shining flower grows, like a Rose; its root is white, nodous, sharp, and sweet. Nymphea refrigerates exceedingly, assuages salacity, Vires. retains the immoderate flux of the seed; and being drunk, and exhibited by way of lineament, it quite extinguishes the seed; it conciliates sleep, and wholly takes away Venery, if its decoction, or conserve, or syrup made of its flowers be long used. CHAP. XL. Of Lilly. Lily is by some of the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; by others, who believe that it was produced by Juno her milk, it is called Juno's Rose; in Garlands it is placed next to the Rose; for its eximious candour, suaveolence, and elegant form illustrate its dignity. This Plant is very fecund, for one root will produce and nourish fifty heads. It consists commonly of one stalk two cubits high, and sometimes higher, comous, with leaves like Ragwort, but something longer, twined, and green, with a flower in form of a basket, whole labra constitute a circle, out of which bottom issue shining tufts, like yellow yearn, and whose extremity is tuberous. This broad and elegant flower adhering to a small, slender, and languid peduncle; and another to a crass and rigid branch, encompassed with leaves, which withers about the end of Summer, and buds again at the beginning of Autumn. There are many sorts of Lillyes; for besides the white and common, which is so called absolutely, there is another, they call the white Byzantian Lily, which hath got its distinction from the place where it grows; another there is of a cruent colour, another yellow, another light red. There is also a small Lily, they call the Lily of the Valley; and there is a great one, they call the Persian Lily, or more commonly, the Imperial Crown, which the Barbarians of Tusat; whereunto we may add the Day-Lilly, Chalcedony Byrantine, and such like, whereof now to treat, were beyond our institution. The root of white Lily is malactical and anodynous, and of much use in decocting glisters, and confecting emollitive and matter moving Cataplasms. An Oil also may be extracted out of the flowers infused for the same purposes. Their water also distilled, will take wrinkles out of one's face, and make it of a very white colour. CHAP. XLI. Of Crocus, or Saffron. WE refer to the order of these eximious flowers, Saffron. the golden coloured red flower, of a bulbous Plant, which the Physicians call Crocus; the French men following the idiom of the Mauritanians Saffron. But it is a bulbous Plant, lively and carnous, whose leaf is narrow and gramineous, whose flower is like meadow Hermodactyle, with filaments of a purple and golden colour, and whose odour is intense with some sharpness. It grows best about fountains and highways, rejoicing to be torn and trod upon, which (as they say) comes better on by being killed. But the best of all grows in Corycus, a Mountain of Cilicia, for its odour is more fragrant, and its colour more aureous. It is green in the Spring, it dilates itself all Summer, in Autumn are its flowers gathered, which are not usurped for medicinary and culinary uses solely, but many more, when any aureous colour is desired. Now Crocus is either domestic, whereof Dioscorides enumerates many sorts; or sylvestrian, whereof Dodonaeus describes more; all which, for brevity's sake, I omit. It is hot in the second degree, dry in the first; Vires. if moderately used, it helps the brain, refocillates the senses, excites sleep and torpour; by recreating the heart, it begets joyfulness, draws the humours to concoction, and much profits him that knows how to use it with prudence. Mesue makes an Oil thereof, which ingredes the confection of the Emplaster made of Frogs. It goes also to other compositions, as to the Syrup of King Sabor, and to the Oxycrocean Emplaster; whereunto it gives not only colour, but also eximious faculties. SECTION II. Of Purgative Simples. The Preface. OUR former Section being finished, wherein we have clearly unfolded and explained such common Simples as are as it were Preparatives, and occur every where to the composition of Medicaments; we will proceed therefore in the next place to describe such cathartics as purge humours by subdacing the belly; and they are such as are given sometimes by themselves alone, or mingled with such Compositions as are prescribed in our Shop. And these are for the most part exetical and foreign, conveyed to us dry, from savage and barbarous Regions. Yet some we have growing with us, especially in hot Regions; net they do not retain the same virtues and qualities that the other have, but come far short; and therefore it is that they are rejected, and the foreign (which are brought from India and Arabia) used. Notwithstanding, our Soil is not altogether so ungrateful, but the it affords many excellent purging Simples, as we shall here demonstrait in this Section. CHAP. I. Of Rhabarb. MAny of the Ancients put no difference betwixt Rhaponticum and Rhabarbarum, nor betwixt the greater Centaury and Rhaponticum, but made one of three several Plants. But that our vulgar Rhabarb is not Rhaponticum, the description of Dioscorides doth sufficiently evince; and that Rhaponticum is not the greater Centaury, the same Author demonstrates, in that he treats of them in divers Chapters, and describes them in different forms and faculties. Our vulgar Rhabarb is so called, because it is the most eximious root among the Barbarians, or Indians, or Troglodytes; or perhaps it may derive its denomination from Rha, a River's name in Pontus, as the nomenclature of Rhaponticum is from thence probably acknowledged. But since Rha in the peregrine idiom denotes a root, Rhabarbarum, that is, the Barbarians root, may by an Antonomasy be put for the best root, which the Arabians call Raved, the Chinians Ravam, where it is most frequent, and where it is thus denoted, without further addition. The Rhabarb that comes out of the Dominions of Sina, is the most approved, where it both grows plentifully, and almost spontaneously; and is thence conveyed into Ormus, Persia, Arabia, and Alexandria; which afterwards coming to us, is called Indian, Arabic, and Turkish Rhabarb. Rhabarb is very like our common round * Hipolapathum. Dock; its root is very crass, round, externally somewhat black, internally flave, like the colour of a Nutmeg; which macerated or masticated, infects with a Saffron colour. It is a cholagogous' Medicament, benign, and roborative to the liver and ventricle: it conduces very much to dysenterick, choleric, and other affections proceeding from the imbecility of the liver. CHAP. II. Of Cassia. THis name comprehends three Plants under it, to wit, * Cassia odorata. Sweet-Cane, which Theophrastus calls Cneoron, and its probable Virgilius means by his Lavendula: Cassia * Lignea. Lignea, or small Cane, and Cassia * Fistula Fistula,. or siliquous Cane, which is a tall tree, bearing leaves like our Walnut tree, whereunto it is like. The materiality of its wood is compact and hard, its cortex thin and flave. Its roots are husked, long, round, black, externally ligneous, internally pithy, black, and abundantly pregnant with many round and plain seeds, distinguished by certain ligneous and transverse membranes. The Ancients either were ignorant of, or else grossly neglected this tree. The Arabians having first experienced its salutiferous use, first commended it. The marrow or pith of Cassia humectates, Cassia vires. tempers immoderate heat, lubricates, lenifies and subduces the belly, educing the excrements without gripe. It may be successfully given to young men, old men, and pregnant women. CHAP. III. Of Tamarinds. THE Arabic word, Tamarinds. Tamar, signifies a Date; not because the fruit of the tree is like thereunto, but because the Barbarians took no care to give it any more proper denomination than what the vulgarity imposed upon it, by whom these Fruits are called Tamarinds, that is, Indian Dates. The Greeks for their acidity call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, acid Dates; but without reason, for they resemble no Dactyle. The tree whereon Tamarinds grow, is tall, hard, and compact, like our Walnut tree, or Oak, encompassed with many boughs, and adorned with leaves minutely incided, about the magnitude of Palm leaves. These Fruits, when immature, are green and acid; when mature, they are cineritious, their acidity not without suavity. But Mesue speaks inconsiderately, when according to Garcla's judgement, he thinks that Tamarinds are the fruits of wild Date trees in India, whereas there is not a Date tree in all India, but what is conveyed from Arabia. They grow on a tree fair to look on, brachiated with many boughs, adumbrated with abundance of leaves, like some female Fern, called by the Spaniards Helecho, coronated with fair, odorate, and white flowers, after whose fall, the fruits emerge, which at first are green, and are nocturnally involved in leaves, to keep them from the cold, diurnally exposed to the Sun. These leaves will inflect themselves, though there be no fruit in the night season; and so the boughs of the tree are hedged in therewith. In Malavar, Tamarinds are called Puli; in Guzarat, Ambili; in Canary, Chincha; and in other regions they assume other denominations. Vires. They gently subduce the belly, leniate, temperate, and promore adust humours; they are cold in the third degree, dry in the second. CHAP. IU. Of Myrobalambs. IF names should answer the natures of the named, these fruits should rather be called Syriacks or Arabicks, than Myrobolambs; seeing they neither resemble the idea of an Acorn, nor yield the fragrancy of an odoriferous Unguent, as the etymology of the name portends. And if Galen or Dioscorides have given the name, Myrobalamb, to any Fruit besides its nature, that same differs as much from a true Myrobalamb, as an inodorate thing from an odorate, and a Prune from an Acorn. The nomenclature than is more received by use and custom, than by reason and nature. And these we call Myrobolambs, are but certain sorts of Plums, decerped from as many different trees, as they have different firnames: for the diversity of their forms and faculties demonstrate the errors of such, who contend that they grow upon one and the same tree, but are severally at divers seasons collected. There are five sorts thereof, the flave, the Indian or black, Species. the Bellirian, the Chebulian, and the Emblian; many whereof grow in the Kingdom of Cambaia, whose names Garcias hath got from the Inhabitants, and hath delineated the several trees and fruits in a few words. Arare (saith he) or the flave Myrobalamb, is round, and bears leaves like Sobrus: Rezanuale, or the Indian black Myrobalamb, is eight squared, and hath leaves like a Willow. Gotim, or the Bellirian, hath leaves like Bay, but more cineritious and pale. Aretca, or the Chebulian Myrobalambs, are great and round, yet not perfectly round, but somewhat long, when they attain their full growth, and bear leaves like the Peach tree. Anuale, or the Emblian, have their leaves minutely incided, and about a hand length. The trees are generally of the magnitude of Plum trees, all wild, growing spontaneously, none domestic. Avicenna calls Myrobasambs, Delegi; but the Arabians give peculiar names to each sort; calling the flave, Azfar; the Indian, Asuat; the Bellirian, Heleragis; the Chebulian, Quebulgi; the Emblian, Embelgi. The several sorts of Myrobalambs have a several and peculiar faculty; for the flave, or orange-coloured, are cholagogous; the Indian, or black, purge melancholy, and exhilarate; the Chebulian and Emblian are phlegmagogous; all purge clemently, astringing, and roborating the heart and liver. CHAP. V Of Aloes. ALoes is the name both of the juice, and of an Herb very useful in Pharmacy; for whether it be internally assumed, or externally applied, it produces falutiferous effects. And it is a Plant either little, or not at all, like Scylla, as some conjecture; for its leaves are crasser, fatter, longer, and broader, sharp on both sides, jagged, bend backward, aculeated with blunt pricks, pregnant with viscid and tenacious juice, and foliated like the greater House-leek. It's stalk is a foot high, its flowers white, and seed like Daffadil; its root is single and crass, like a stake struck into the earth. It grows plentifully in India, from whence its juice is brought, as also in Arabia, and other hot Countries. This Plant will, through its tenacious juice, live two years, and emit new leaves, if it be set upon a board: but if it be cast on the ground, it withers. It is by some for its lively nature (for it is always green) called the Seas Sempervive; yet it will soon tabefy, if it be not preserved from cold, whereof it is very impatient. The whole Plant is graveolent, and its sapour bitter, but especially its juice, which out of what part soever it be extracted, is very useful in Medicinal Confections. It's liquor concreted, and brought to us, is of two sorts; the one sandy, and contaminated with filth, which we call Aloe Caballine, and use in curing horses, and the like; the other is coacted like a liver, and is thence called Hepatical Aloes, or Aloe succotrine; or Succo-citrine, its powder being of Citrine, or Orange colour. It is also called by some, Socotorine, because it comes out of an Island so called. The yellow, fat, clear, and friable, made up like a liver, is the best; the black, hard, sandy, and impure, is not good. It is hot in the first degree, dry in the third; applied, it condensates, astringes, exsiccates, and glutinates the wounds; assumed, it opens, reserates the passages, moves and stimulates the Hemorrhoides, roborates the ventricle, subduces the belly, purges choleric and phlegmatic humours, kills and expels belly-worms, takes away obstructions, exarceates putretude, and preserves bodies long from corruption. CHAP. VI Of Seeny, or Senna. AS all the precepts of Pharmacy were not at first put in practice, Senna. so neither were all Medicaments at first marshaled under precepts, or indeed brought to light; for the Ancients had no knowledge of that we call Seeny; the Persians, Abalzemer; than which, no purgative now more frequent, more usual, more useful. It is a siliquous Plant, brought to us from the Eastern Countries, much like our Collutea, but its leaves better resemble the greater Myrtle. Flowers of a dusky colour issue out of the hollow betwixt its stalk and stem, appended on tenuious pedicles; to which succeed little, long, plain incurvated leaves, gravidated with small, brown, compressed seeds, like Gygars. Its roots, which are long and slender, are useless in Pharmacy, especially if its stalk be not long-lived; which being impatient of cold, lives not above four months in the Western Countries, nor in Raly after Autumn. There are two sorts hereof; one wild, whose leaves are lesser, rounder, and more useless; the other domestical, whose leaves are larger more acute, and useful. Seeny calefies not so much as some think; Vires. for it is but hot about the end of the first degree, or beginning of the second, and dry about the end of the second. It purges clemently both cholcrick and crass phlegmatic humours; it deterges, digests, and expurges all viseid humours, and adust choler from the brain, lungs, spleen, liver, ventricle, and mesentery; and cures all diseases in those parts, arising from these humours. It is exhibited either in form of powder, Lenitivum. as when it ingredes the Electuary of Diabalzemer, or Catholicon, or infused and decocted, as when purgative Syrupus de pomis, or laxative Apozemes are made thereof. But seeing in concoction it excites gripe and flatuosity, it must be mixed either with Anise, or Coriander, or Fennel seeds, to discuss its flatuosity. CHAP. VII. Of Mechoacan root. Ascertain crass root cut into short stakes, and dried, hath been of late brought us from the Province of Mechoacan, and bears the Provinces name. This peregrine root is purgative, of a pale colour, and crass, which puts forth many long, and imbecil boughs, which without fulciments would lay along the ground; but being annexed to perches, they grow up, and with many involutions amplect them like Briony, to which its effigies is very similar, but its faculties dissident: Differentia inter Brioniam & Mechoacam. for Briony is sharp and hot, Mechoacan almost insipid, and void of all acrimony. The leaves of Briony are broad, and quinquangular, and divided like Vine leaves, but more sharp, hirsute, and white; its flowers small, white, racemous, and congregated like Grapes. And Mechoacous leaves are ample, but withal tenuious, sad-green, and mucronated only on one side, not angular like Briony. Its fruits are many, cohering in bunches about the magnitude of Corianders, which come to maturity in Autumn. The whitish and freshest root is best. Some call this root white Rhabarb; others, American Scammony; the Pharmacopolists, Mechoacan root. That which is very white, or black, or wormeaten, is naught. It is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second; it purges, and that facilely, pituitous and watery humours, not debilitating like other purgatives, but roborating the parts. It should be dissolved rather in wine than in other liquors; it may be safely adhibited to old men and boys; it conduces very much to such as are infested withan inveterate cough, with colic dolour, and with the French disease. CHAP. VIII. Of Agarick. Mushrooms are either terrestrial, which grow out of the earth, or arboreous, which adhere to the stocks of trees; for there's scarce an inveterate tree, but some kind of campinion adheres thereunto; either blackish and rugous, as on Oaks, and Wallnut trees; or crass, dure, and whitish, as on the Beech tree; or white, full, soft, and friable, as Agarick that is excerped from the Larix tree. Which tree is nobilitated with three sorts of excrements, as Larix Rosine, which is more humid than others, and void of all acrimony, which is by some sold for Turpentine. Laxative Manna, which is collected from its effracted boughs and branches; and Agarick, which grows upon its bowl, when inveterate. The coniferous Larix tree is of eximious procerity, assurging with a straight stalk, incorticated with a crass bark, dehiscing with frequent chinks, circumvested with many leaves, short, soft, and tenuious, like Pine leaves, not aculeated, but retuse, which numerously cohere together in each tubercle. Its apples are small, almost like them of the Cypress tree. That Agarick that seems to be the imposthume of the Larix tree, is best, which is white, rare, friable, at the first sweet to the gust, afterwards bitter and styptical. Democritus calls it, Medicamentum familiae. It grows in Galicia and Cilicia; but the best comes from Agaria, a region of Samatia, whence it derives its denomination. Now we have very good from Delphinatus, a Province of France, and many parts of Italy, where procerous Larix trees grow copiously, on whose trunks Agarick grows; which is no root, as Dioscorides and Galen conjectured. It is hot in the first degree, dry in the second; it purges phlegm, liberates obstructions, attenuates, deterges, dissipates flatuosity, and eases us of all diseases proceeding from viscid, crass, and frigid humours. CHAP. IX. Of Polypody. POlypody is so termed, because many knots and tubercles, like the Fishes called Polypi, grow on its roots. It is also called Dentropteris, or tree fern, because it grows on trees, and sometimes on umbrous stones, mossy walls, and such humid places. It is an herb without stalk, flower, and seed, consisting only of a root and leaves like masculine fern, but lesser, and maculated on the under side with yellow spots. It's root is hirsute and long, about the crassitude of a little finger, extending itself obliquely, and exasperated with many lumps; within it is porraceous and virid, like a Pastick nut; its sapour is very sweet, subamare, austere, and somewhat aromatical; but it doth not much affect the tongue. It doth not calefy in the third degree, as Mesue thought; but it's probable that it exsiccates in the second; it deterges, digests, and ficcates crass and viscid humours, educes melancholic and viscid phlegm, and that even from the articles, if it be copiously assumed. It sustains much coction, and is seldom given alone, but mixed with other purgatives, which may adauge its imbecil purgative faculty. The broth of an old Cock, the decoction of beat or Mallows, much augment its purgative faculty. It helps also some affections, when it is externally applied, (Diosc. c. 188. l. 4.) CHAP. X. Of Carthamus. Bastard or Spanish Saffron. AS the nomenclature of Cartham denotes this herb to be purgative, so doth Enicus show it spinous. For Cartham is a Plant, which as to its faculty is subductive, and to its cognation of the sorts of Carduus. It assurges on a stalk two cubits high, and more, which is straight, hard, ligneous, and towards the top ramous. Its leaves are long, broad from the middle to the stalk, acuminated towards the top, and aculeated in their ambient. The extremities of the branches produce some round heads, about the magnitude of Olives, obduced with many spinous skins, which emit Saffron-coloured flowers, so like them of Crocus, that most perspicacious eyes may be deceived in them: hence the Vulgar call it the wild Crocus. To these succeed long, smooth, white, angulous, and splendent seeds, effigiated like them of Heliotrope, whose cortex is hard, and medulla, or pith, white, fat, and sweet. Cartham is by the Seplasiaries called wild Crocus; by the medics, Cnicum: whereof there are two sorts, the one sative, or vulgar; the other wild, whereof Theophrastus makes two sorts also; the one with a straight cawl, which women use for distaffs, which according to Ruellius, (c. 155. l. 3.) is a kind of thistle, and wild Cartham; the other lower, grosser, and more hirsute, which they call Carduus Benedictus, of which elsewhere. Carthamus' seed is purgative; Vires. for its very pith solely assumed, is flegmagogous; and mixed with other Medicaments, expurges lent and frigid humours: but that it calefies not in the third degree, sense demonstrates, contrary to Galen's opinion. CHAP. XI. Of walwort, or Dwarf-Elder. walwort and Elder are so similar, Ebulus. that they seem to differ solely in magnitude; whence Dioscorides calls them both Elders, the one the Arboreous Elder, the other the Dwarf-Elder. Elder grows into a tall tree sometimes, whose boughs and bowl are hollow, medullous, and round, like reeds; first green, then cineritious, ligneous, and hard; Sambucus. its leaves are like them of a Walnut tree, but graveolent, and in their ambient frequently incided. Its flowers are many, small, white, and elegantly composed into heads; whose consequents are turgent berries, of a sanguineous colour. The Elder germinates first of wild trees, and is last denudated of its leaves. But Wallwort, or Dwarf-Elder, is more herbaceous, and low, whose stalk is neither ligneous nor perpetual, but annually tabefying and dying. It grows best in moist and fat soils, especially if they be incultivated. Its leaves are ample, and incided about. Its flowers composed into heads, are numerous, white, odorate, not fetid. Its fruits like Elders, are small, round, black, and pregnant with juice and seed. Its roots are crass, long, and carnous; out of its fruits in Autumn they get small seeds, which they keep in their Pharmacopolies. Both its roots and seeds are hydragogous, and very apertive, and therefore useful in hydroptical and watery diseases. CHAP. XII. Of Esula, or Devil's milk. THere are seven sorts of Tithymals enumerated amongst the lacteous Plants, whereunto Esulae are congenerate, Esula. for they are all lacteous, and purge phlegm with gripping and molestation. yet Esula is by the Rustics taken for Rhabarb, and so frequently used to the valitude of many, and the death of more. It is called Esula, or Caula; by the Arabians, Alsebran; by Diascorides, Peplus; by the Shopmen, Esula rotunda, because its small leaves are orbiculated. It grows in vineyards, hedge sides, and many incultivated places. Another Plant, which Dioscorides calls Peplion, and Peplis, and some water Plantain, hath much cognation, and the same virtues with this Esula. The round and lesser Esula is better than the greater, which hath leaves like Tithymal. Esula is hot, Vires. sharp, and ulcerative, violently educing phlegm; its substance being tenuious, is igneous, sharp, incisive, tenuative, fusive, apertive, and siccative. Besides phlegm, it draws also choler from the junctures. It's freity is castigated by infusion in vinegar, as we have showed (in Officina, c. 8. l. 2.) or by admistion of some cordials or roberatives. CHAP. XIII. Of Hermodactyls. HErmodactyls, Hermodactylus and Colchian Ephemora, are bulbous Plants, similar in form, in faculties dissimilar; for * Quick-fading flower. Ephemerum is strangulative, in one day suffocating the assumer, and no way subducing the belly in purging; whereas Hermodactyls are no way perilous, and yet expurge orderly phlegm from the junctures. There is also indigenous Ephemerum, which some call wild Leeks, or meadow Cracus, whose leaves are but three or four, long, broad, smooth, The difference between Hermodactyls and Ephemerum. and fat ones, whose flowers are in colour and form like them of Crocus, issuing out at the same time, to wit, in Autumn. It's root is like an Onion; it grows in meadows, and moist places, it is by some erroneously usurped for Hermodactyle; for this being exsiccated, is flaccid, feeble, and not at all purgative, nor yet pernicious, as the Colchian Ephemerum, which is strangulative; whereas Hermodactyle is exotical, and not flaccid as this, but hard, compact, and easily pulverable, which educes humours from the remote parts and junctures of the assumer. Now one sort of Ephemerum is lethal and strangulative, to wit, the Colchian; another not strangulative, to wit, our indigenous one; a third purgative and safe, to wit, the Syrian, which in Pharmacopolies is called Hermodactyla. Hermodactyle calefies and siccates in the beginning of the second degree; Vires. yet with such excrementitious, flatulent, and nauseative humidity, that it makes the ventricle aversant to it; especially then, when the commoved humours with one conflux come upon it. It draws phlegm, and other viscid humours, even from the articles, and therefore conduces much to the Chiragry, Podagry, and other dolours in the junctures proceeding from pituitous humours. CHAP. XIV. Of Turbith. THE enarration of no Plant is so much controverted as that of Turbith: Mesue calls it a Lactary, and a ferulaceous Herb: Serapio thinks it is the root of Tripoli: Acluarius one while says it is the root of Pityussa; another while, Dioscorides his Alypum; and the more, because it is whitish. Some think it's the root of Tapsia, others of Scammony; but Garcias will have it a Plant different from all these; For (saith he) it is a plant whose root is neither great, nor long; whose cawl, of about a finger's crassitude, and two palms longitude, is extended along the earth like Ivy. Its leaves are like them of Althaea, as also its flowers, which are whitish, or red, not changing their colour thrice in a day, like Tripoli, as foam have foolishly credited. Now all Turbith is not gummous, but only that part of the cawl that is next the root; which part is also most useful, the rest being too gracile and comous to be used. It purges only phlegm, not choler, as Alypum doth, which some call Herba terribilis; for its flowers, leaves and seeds move terrible purgations. Perhaps this Herb is called Turbith from the like faculty, as Turbith because turbative, which the Arabians call Terbeth; which name they also give to their more valid flegmagogous' Simples. Turbith then, according to Garcias, is neither the root of Alypum, nor of Tripoli, nor of Scammony, nor of Tapsia, nor yet any lacteous or ferulaceous Plant; neither is the gummous or domestic the best, according to Mesue; however, there is no Shop wherein good Turbith may not be found noted with those ensigns which Mesue gives it. Whereunto also that same that Garcias depinges in other lineaments, which the Arabians call Caritamion, responds in faculties. But which is the true Turbith, is yet ancipitous. That is most approved of, which is some what white and cineritious, easily frangible and fresh; for the inveterate is imbecil, and conturbates the bowels. It is hot in the third degree, purges by moderate traction; Vires. and if it be corrected, educes crass, viscid and putrid phlegm from the ventricle, breast, remote parts, and junctures. CHAP. XV. Of Scammony. BY Scammony we understand not only the concrete juice of a certain Plant, but also the Plant itself. And it is a lacteous, volvulous, scansory, and smooth Plant; in leaf, flower, and form, very like Similax; in root somewhat different, which in Similax is slender, in Scammony crass, long, candid within, graveolent, and pregnant with juice; out of which, slender and viticulous branches issue, which climb up the adjoining bushes, amplexing and implicating them. Its leaves are broad, and acuminated like Arisaron, but lesser; its flowers are albid and cave, like a scale; it grows plenteously in fat soil, chief in Antioch and Syria. The liquor commonly called Scammony, is collected out of its roots after several manners; as first, the head of the root is resected, then excavated with a knife, that the juice may run in the concamerated passage, till it be brought to fit receptacles or vessels supposited. Secondly, the earth about the root is effoded, and the root left in a concamerated hole, whereunto the juice is profunded upon Wallnut tree leaves therein subjected, which after concretion is extracted. Thirdly, the root evelled, is incided, and the juice issuing from it, is exsicced, form into lumps, and preserved. Fourthly, juice is extracted from its leaves and cawl by triture, which exsiccated, coacted, and kept. But Scammony so educed, is either black, or of a sal green, which is the worst; that is best, which exudes out of the root by incision, especially that which comes from Antioch; that which comes out of Armenia is next; out of Europe, bad enough. The best is nitid, splendid, clear like gum, somewhat white, rate, fungous, spongious, easily liquescible, tender, friable, not ponderous, nor very graveolent, nor yet suaveolent, but like taurine glue. And by how much any recedes more from these notes, by so much it is worse. All Scammony purges validly, Vires. moving the belly with labour and molestation; it expurges phlegm, and watery, thin and sharp humours; and if it be too largely assumed, it abrades the intestines, hurts the bowels, opens and crodes the orifices of the veins, draws blood downwards, excites the dysentery, conturbates the heart, liver, and other entrails, and subverts the ventricle; it is hot and dry in the third degree. It's efferous faculty may be castigated by the admistion of Aloes, The correction of Scammony. but better if it be decocted in a Quince excavated, and roasted upon coals, or in an oven, with some seeds of Smallage, Fennel, and Dancus: but the most usual correction is by the admistion of the juice of Quince, or Roses. Scammony thus castigated, Cur Diacrydium cictum. is by the Pharmacopolists called Diacrydium, which they corruptly term Diagredium. When it is too new, it is efferous; when antiquated, imbecil and torminous; for it moves, but emoves not good diet. CHAP. XVI. Of Hellebor, or Bearsfoot. ELlebore, or Hellebore, is either white, or black. There be two sorts of white, the greater, and the lesser; the greater bears leaves like Plantain, or rather Gentian, but larger, more veinous, skrewed and complicated. It's cawl is straight and long, emitting many branches, out of which white flowers emerge. It's root is cepous, crass, and white, whereunto many fibres adhere. It calefies and siccates in the third degree; it educes many, but chief pituitous humours, but not without molestation; it excites vomit in the Assumer, and its powder adhibited at the nostrils, moves sternutation. Elleborine is very like that same the Pharmacopolists keep. Black Hellebore is quadruple; the first sort is the true Hellebore; Species nigri. the second, Garden Pseudo-ellebore; the third, Dioscorides his Hellebore, or Bears foot; the fourth is wild Pseudo-ellebore. Some add black ferulaceous Hellebore, and the great Elleboraster. The true black Hellebore emits broad, full, smooth, hard leaves, Elleborus niger verus. like Laurel, whose ambient is incided: its flowers are broad, patulous, first albid, then purpureous; in whose middle, when they are ready to decide, grow short husks, pregnant with small seeds. It's root is manifold, disterminated into many black fibres and radicles. It flourishes in the winter solstice, and deep snows. This sort of Hellebore is most usual among medics, and should be usurped, when Hellebore is put absolutely and simply; which the Latins call Veratrum; the Arabians, Cherabachen. It purges Melancholy, and profits such as are mad, frantic, Vires. hypochondriacal, splenical, epileptical, elephantical, and infested with a quartane fever, conducing much to all diseases proceeding from choler and melancholy: but it is perilous to the sane, imbecil, and young. CHAP. XVII. Of Coloquintida. THis Plant is a certain sylvestrian Cucurbite, by the Greeks and Latins called Colocynthis; by the Arabians, Landbel, and the Death of Plants; by the Persians, Fel terrae, as that which superates all other Plants in amaritude; and, according to Mesue, infects its neighbours poysonously. It creeps out of the earth like sative Cucurbite; its leaves are also like thereunto, ample and lanuginous; its branches long, and serpentine; its flowers of a dusky pale colour, like them of Cucumbers, whereof some die presently, producing no fruit; others suppeditate round apples in the form of an indifferent ball, very bitter, fungous, pithy, and gravidated with seeds like them of Cucumbers; which at first are green, but when they have attained to Autumn, and their perfect magnitude, they are pale. They are always very bitter, and kill not only the vicine Plants, but with adustion affect the earth about them, as Mesue relates at large, who writes much of Colocynthis; which I, thinking to be of small moment, will not rescribe. It calefies and siccates in the third degree, Vires. attracting pituitous and other crass humours from all parts, as the brain, nerves, muscles, and articles, though very remote. It purges Choler also, and often prosperously cures the colical colour, Apoplexy, Vertigo, Epilepsy, difficulty of breathing, and many other affections, which more clement Medicaments cannot help. Let him that would know more, read Mesue, (c. 4. l. 2. the simple. med. purge.) There is a kind of sylvestrian and erratical Cucumber, Cucumber asinius. which the Shopmen call sometimes asinine, sometimes anguine Cucumber, whose leaves, branches, and flowers, differ not much from the former. But in Fruits they are alien, for this produces not round, spongious, and white apples, as the former, but long acorns somewhat green, which having acquired their perfect magnitude, will presently leap away at the light contrectation of ones finger. The juice drawn out of this, and coacted, makes the Elatery we spoke of before. CHAP. XVIII. Of Mezereon, and Chamelaea; or Widow-wail, and Spurge-olive. MAny, through too much oscitancy, confound Mezereon, Widow-wail. Spurge-olive. Dwarf-bay. Thymelaea, Chamelaea, and Chameleo niger. Thymelaea indeed, and Chamelaea, are affine both in form and nature. But black Chameleon differs from them both, for they are shrubby Plants, emitting tenuious, rigid, and ligneous branches, with small leaves like Pomegranate leaves; but black Chameleon is of the family of Thistles, bearing leaves like Artichoke, but lesser, more tenuious, and spinous; whose root, according to Galen, is of a poisonous nature. This Plant is called Mezereon by the Arabians, because it is venenate; for Mezereon is as much as viduifical, or widow-making Plant, otherwise called the Lion of the earth, whose stalk is elevated about two cubits above the earth; its leaves are like them of an Olive, but greater; its grain is like Myrrh. The Commentators upon Mesue are altogether ignorant which is this Plant; but it seems to be some kind of Chamelaea, especially that which bearing three grains coherent, is called Tricoccoes. And as in many kinds of Plants, some are familiar to us, and natural, others pernicious; so in the society of Chamelaeas, one is efferous, participating of some malign quality, which we call Mezereon, or Almezerion; another better, and less formidable, which may be safely exhibited in Medicine. And it is called Chamelaea, or Spurge-Olive, for it is much like an Olive; a shrubby surculous Herb, with slender boughs about a cubit long, with leaves like an Olive tree, but lesser, bitter, sharp, and mordacious, affecting and ulcerating the tongue. It's fruit is small, round, in the beginning green, afterwards red. The whole Plant is acrimonious, and of an adustive faculty; Vires. it leaves (saith Dioscorides) detract phlegm and bile, especially when assumed in Pills, for so are they most successfully usurped. CHAP. XIX. Of Thymelaea, or Spurge-flax. THymelaea, which some without reason call Cneorum, or Cnestrum, is a shrub whereon Coccum Gnidium grows, emitting specious slender boughs of two cubit's length, with leaves like Chamelaea, but more narrow, and very glutinous and fat, with white, and sometimes red, small, frequent flowers on the summities of its rods, whose consequents are certain small grains, they call Pepper of the Mount; which at first are green, then Orange colour, round like berries, whose husks are black without, white within. The whole Plant, Vires. especially its leaves and fruits, are acrimonious, calefactive, and adustive, wherefore they should be prepared with vinegar; its leaves should be gathered in the dog-days, dried in a shade, and preserved; its leaves and fruits purge phlegm, watery and serous humours. CHAP. XX. Of Laurel. THere grows in many woods a wild Plant spontaneously, that hath more cognation with the three former in faculty than in form, which is also nourished in many Gardour, and hath from the pulchritude of its leaves got the name Eupetalon, from their similitude with Bay, Laurel, and Chamedaphne. It grows in groves, incultivated, mountainous and rough places, as also in many opake and umbrous places in France. It's root emits many crass, obsequious branches, circumvested with a crass bark, with long, broad, carnous, smooth, splendent, sad green leaves, like Bay-leaves, but lesser and softer, and many long, cave, and candid flowers about the tops of the branches; its fruits, or black berries, pregnant with stones, grows immediately to the root of the leaves. Laurel depurges phlegm, Vires. and serous humours, conduces to the headache, dropsy, and such affections as proceed from these humours. But it must not be rashly exhibited, but as it is duly prepared and prescribed by a perite Physician, for it hath an efferous quality, whereby it offends the bowels and entrails. CHAP. XXI. Of Ricinus, or Palma Christi. RIcinus is so called, Palma Christi. from the similitude of its seed to a little filthy Animal most offensive to Cattle▪ It is also called Cici, Croton, Lupa, Myrasola, Kerva, Palma Christi, and in Arabic, Albemesuch. This Herb in form and figure represents a tree; for its leaves emulate Fig leaves, its cawl and boughs are concave like reeds, its flowers mossy and pallid, its fruits are triangular, coherent in clusters, and maculous, whose exterior core is sharp, and spinous, but within they are full of a candid fat pith, or sap, out of which the torcular will express Oil not only for Lucerns, but other uses; for Dioscorides asserts, that it will purge the belly, and kill worms. It is also good to cure the scab, ulcers in the head, and suffocation in the uterus. It is certain that Ricinus is calefactive and siccative in the second degree, and that it will purge the belly; twenty grains hereof, or a little more or less, according to the strength and age of the Assumer, cleansed, brayed, and drunk, will deject bile and water by stool. CHAP. XXII. Of Sea-Colewort, or Soldanella. SOldanella comprehends two different Plants under it; Sea Bind weed the one is very like the vulgar in form, but its leaves are perdifolious; it germinates every year, and produces new leaves; it is called Brassica multiflora, & Monospermos'. The other is very dissimilar, and thought to be of the family of Woodbinds, from its effigies; its seed is mucagineous, black, hard, and angulous; its faculty is hydragogous, and it much conduces to the hydroptical assument. And though it be an enemy to the stomach, yet duly administered, and mixed with other Medicaments, it roborates the entrails, educes watery humours without violence, and is a good ingredient for that eximious Hydragogal Medicament we have heretofore described. Our Land is nobilitated with many more purgative Simples, as the Aller tree, Rhamnus, which we call Buck-thorn, which I will not here congest, because they are either seldom used, or that they do not ingrede our compositions. SECTION III. Of Exotical Calefactives. The Preface. THE allseeing providence of God hath thought good to bless the remotest part of the East (India) with better Medicaments than Physicians; Plants of such rare worth, and admirable virtue, that medics of a more polish life and conversation, of greater learning and experience than those rude Barbarians, have, to their perpetual renown, demonstrated their virtues and operations, and by long use and observation, have found them fortunately successful in many desperate distempers. What shall we say? do we not daily receive multifarious and innumerable Plants from divers parts of the East and West? Sweet-swelling-Aromaticks, heart-reviving-Cardiacks, and body-warming-Calefactives, to which our Microcosm is perpetually obliged; of which we are about now to treat. And we intent to fix our discourse, first, upon those that are calefactive in the highest degree; afterwards, handle such as are less; and lastly, speak to those that have a middle quality, or moderation between both. CHAP. I. Of Ginger. GINGER is a Plant so called, Ginger. which we borrow of the Barbarians, like our water Flower-de-luce, but its leaves are blacker; its root extends itself with internodian genicles, which emits arundinaceous leaves, From whence the best Ginger comes. twice or thrice repeated each year. It grows in many parts of India, whether sown or planted. That we count best that comes from Malavar, where it is most frequent and diligently cultivated; else it is not good. When it is effoded, they leave an internodium thereof in the hole for the perennity of the Plant; for the piece occluded will germinate the next year, producing new roots and leaves. This root, while tender, cut into small pieces, will eat pleasantly with vinegar, oil, and salt: but it comes not to us till it be dry, or condited, for it is too efferous for our soil. We shall hereafter declare what difference there is among Ginger, Zerumbet, and Zedoaria. Ginger calefies in the third degree, it helps concoction, and roborates the weak ventricle: but its use is now more rare than it hath been formerly; for it is scarce admixed to any Condiments, only used in the castigation of some Medicaments. CHAP. II. Of Zerumbet. ZErumbet, or Zumbert, Zedoaria and Ginger are peregrine Plants of near cognation, but not all known to all men. For the Arabian Serapio (c. 172. l. de simple.) from the assertion of Isaac, saith, that Zerumbet and Zedoaria are one. Afterwards he asserts, that Zerumbet are round roots, like Aristolochy, of the colour and sapour of Ginger. And in another place (c. 271. ejusd. libri) he writes, that it is a great tree in the Mountains of the East-Indies. Avicenna (l. 2. tract. 2. c. 247.) saith, that Zerumbet is a wood like Cypress. Some think it is Arnabo, Arnabo, quid. whereof Paulus Aeginus makes mention (c. 3. l. 6.) but they mistake; for it is the opinion of many, that Arnabo is a tall tree, that is suaveolent; or as others think, that Arnabo is the name of a Plant that is now known by some other name. But Zerumbet is a graminaceous Plant; either sative, How it differs from Ginger. that grows in the Province of Malavar; or spontaneous, which grows in some woody places of that Country, and is there called wild Ginger: Garcias. Because its form and root hath much affinity with Ginger. But all in Zerumbet are larger, for its leaves are longer and broader, its roots more crass, which after their effossion are cut and dried, and so conveyed to Arabia, afterwards into Europe. Round Zedoaria may justly be substituted in stead of Zerumbet; for it is probable that both Plants are of the same name, nature, and genus, and differ no more than long and round Cyperus. Zerumbet is much commended against Poisons; Vires. it exhilarates the heart, roborates and conserveses the entrails. CHAP. III. Of Zedoaria, or Set-wall. BY the names Zador, Set wall. Zeduar, Geiduar, and Zadura, we are to understand the vulgar Zedoaria, which Mesue saith is a round root, resembling Ginger, but more odorate, and withal bitter, and not so sharp and hot as Ginger. It is brought from the Country of Sina, and the extremes of India; it is related to Zerumbet, but more vulgar and notorious; but neither Plant have been seen whole by any almost in Europe. Avicenna saith, Zedoaria is like Cyperus, others say it is like Costus, of which hereafter: but all Aromatical Simples are more similar in virtue and power, than in form and effigies. Zedoaria is hot and dry in the second degree; Vires. it discusses flatuosity, cures the bitings of poisonous Animals, helps the colical dolour, kills maw-worms, and is a good ingredient in Actidotes. CHAP. IU. Of Galangal. THere are two sorts of Galangal, the greater and the lesser, both growing in the same soil: but the lesser, which is more odoriferous, fruticates more plenteously in the Region of Sina, Major. the greater in Javar and Malabar; and it is two cubit's high, and higher, if sown in fat ground. Its leaves are almost two cubits long, more green above than below; its cawl is circumvested with the convolution of the leaves; its flower is white and inodorate, its seed small, its root about the head crass, bulbous, and nodous, like that of reeds; in other parts it is very like Ginger, and it is propagated in like manner, to wit, by root, and not by seed, though it thrives very well that is sown; it seems to be very like * Orris. Flower-de-luce in root, leaves, and form. The lesser Galangal is about two hands high, Minor. with leaves like Myrtle, its root nodous, for the most part spontaneous. Some simply confound it with sweet Cane and Acorus. The Chyneans and Malabareans use it oftener in Condiments than Medicaments. It is hot and dry in the third degree; it roborates the ventricle, cures the colical dolour, discusses flatuosity, and helps all frigid distempers. The lesser must be taken for the better. CHAP. V Of Acorus, or Water-flag. ACorus is an odorate Plant, geniculated like our Orris, but its leaves are longer and narrower, its cawl more tenuious and longer, and its roots also more slender, which obliquely prostrate themselves along the superficies of the earth; which are whitish within and without, and of an acroamare sapour. They err shamefully who say, that Acorus, The error of many. both the sorts of Galangal and Ginger, differ not at all. And they are not excusable, who usurp * Calamus Aromaticus. sweet Cane and Acorus indistinctly; for they differ very much, as appears by their several descriptions. Moreover, Europe brings forth Acorus only, seldom or never any sweet Cane; India produces sweet Cane, never Acorus. Acorus, according to Galen, is hot and dry in the third degree. CHAP. VI Of Calamus Aromaticus, or, the Aromatical Reed. CAlamus Aromaticus is an Indian arundinaceous Plant, whose cawl is hollow like a quill, easily frangible into splinters. It differs much from Acorus, and is not enumerated amongst the Roots, but ligneous Plants, which are concave, and geniculated. It is white within, like a reed, flave without; its odour is most fragrant, its sapour acrimoniously bitter; and it is glutinous in chewing. It is brought from India only; instead of whose root, another aromatical one is sold in many Shops, Myrepsicus. which Hypocrates calls Myrepsicum, that is, unguentary, from its suavity. Some call it Babylonian Cyperus, which by the more perite Herbalists is named Shop-Cane; which Johannes Robinus, the King's Herbalist, hath by his industry and labour transplanted in the Physician's Garden at Paris. But this is not the Ancients Calamus Aromaticus, for this is hotter and more acrimonious, having more strict and junceous leaves, which are triangular; the vulgar Calamus hath broader leaves. But since they are similar both in form and faculty, our vulgar Calamus may be rightly substituted for the rare and exotical. It is hot and dry in the second degree; Vires. it astringes gently, hath a little acrimony; by the tenuity of its parts, opens the passages, moves flowers, recreates the spirits, and helps the native colour. CHAP. VII. Of Costus. COstus is a peregrine Plant celebrated by the Ancients, but not accurately noted and described; so that its true dignotion is not apparent to the recent. All indeed say it is a root, but none yet indubitably asserted of what plant, or whether of one or more. Yet if we believe the Ancients, Species. (as of necessity we must in such things whereof they have had perfect knowledge, and which they have often used and approved) there are three sorts of Costus, the Arabian, Indian, and Syrian. The Arabian is white, Amarus & dulcis. light, and suaveolent above the rest; while it is fresh and new, it is abundantly full and dense, not carious. The Indian is indeed light, but black and amare; the Syrian is flave, tuberous, to the gust acrimonious, to the olfact fragrant. The Arabians constitute only two sorts thereof, the amare, and the sweet. And Clusius thinks there is but one kind of Costus, and that it is only called sweet, in reference to the more amare and acrimonious. Such a difference as this in sapour, we daily experience in Plants, which while fresh and new, are more sweet and suave; when inveterate, croded with worms, and corrupted, more amare, acrimonious, and insuave. The Costus now in use amongst Physicians, Costus vulgaris is a root almost like Ginger, within white, smooth, light, without palely flave, somewhat amare, very fragrant, and often so suaveolent while new, that it importunately affects the head. It grows in many places in India, as in Guzarat, and about Amadabar, the most famous City of that Country. The Greeks and Latins retain the Arabian nomenclature, all calling it Cost, or Gostus. In Pharmacopolies some usurp a root of a certain vulgar aromatical Plant instead of Costus, The error of some Apothecaries. which seems to be desumed from the sorts of Seseleon; it hath some affinity with that which Matthiolus calls Ethiopicum, in root, leaves, cawl, magnitude, form, and faculties, which by some is called Pseudo-costus; by others, Belgian Costus; and by others, Shop-Costus. If any one fear to substitute this for the true Costus, Suecidanium. let him take Angelica root in its stead. Costus being subamare, is somewhat astrictive; being acrimonious, is exceedingly calefactive; and being suaveolent, is refective and exhilarative. CHAP. VIII. Of both Beens. Been, or Been, (Rhas. par. 135. the nomin. Arab.) is an Arabic word, denoting a certain tree growing in Ethiopia, like our Tamarisk, whose fruit is called Abelban, out of which emanates an Oil they call Muscelline, which name they also give to the Plant itself, as Rhasis hath it; but neither he nor Avicenna do further dilucidate the Plant; only Avicenna saith, The opinion of Avicen. it is a ligneous lump or root, which by exsiccation hath contracted wrinkles and lineations; whereof there are two sorts, the one white, the other red, both hot and dry in the second degree. Elsewhere he saith, that both the Beens are dry in the first degree, and the red hotter than the white: but we see the contrary in those two roots we celebrate in the Shops for Been, for the white is sensibly calid, the red more languid and ignave. Serapio is no whit clearer in describing both the Plants. Serapio's opinion. There be (saith he) two sorts of Ben, both about the magnitude of the root of the lesser Pastinaca, and tortuous, they are brought from Armenia, their odour is good, and both are viscid, calid, and humid. Since then the Ancients agree only about the name of this their indigenous Plant; no wonder if our Writers be silent, or else enunciate few and most probable of its properties. There is no Pharmacopolist but he knows the white and red roots that are celebrated for Beens: but that dignotion is only superficial, and none yet have learned their true effigies. The Arabians say, that Ben corroborates, impinguates the body, Vires. augments seed, conduces to the palsy, and performs many more commodities, which we find not in our white root; and therefore Silvius substitutes in its stead the root of Eringium. I prefer ours, Succidanium. or the Spanish Angelica before it, as more cordial. Some think that Polemony is white Ben, and Bistort red; but that conjecture is not worth the improbation. CHAP. IX. Of Scecachul. SCecachul I find diversely called by the Arabians, as Lochachium, Lichimum, and Alithimum, whose seed, or rather grain, they call Culcul; its leaf is like Albena, or Julben; which words Serapio confounds, and uses them both for Scecachul; which is a Plant, by their description, short stalked, of a veinous and nodous root, out of each of whose genicles emerge leaves like them of Balsam. It emits violaceous flowers, at the beginning of the Spring, out of its summity, to which black grains of the magnitude of People follow, full of sweet humidity, which the Barbarians call Culcul; but Rhasis saith, Kilkil is more consonant to their idiom, who (l. 23.) reconseates their qualities, and saith, they are hot and moist in the second degree; Serapio saith, only in the first degree. Both contend, that they very much excite venery, for it increases sperm, erects the uterus, and incites to copulation. Scecachul grows in umbrous places, and about tree roots. But neither the roots nor grains of Scecachul ever came at us; which seeing it is an exotical Plant wholly unknown to late Searchers, it ought to be expunged out of Receipts; for it is absurd to borrow a name from the Barbarians, since both we and they perhaps want the Herb; for why else have they not described it more accorately, or sent it to us, or at least sold it in their Empories, or shown it amongst other of their rare Simples. Since it serves for to excite venery, Suecidanium. as oft as the said Plant is required, either Satyrium may be prescribed, or the Prescript augmented, or Pistacia, or Pine-apples, or Ornithoglossum, or some such Plant of the venercous rank, may be substituted. CHAP. X. Of Cinnamon. WHat Cinnamon is, we can scarce learn from the Ancients, who have conjectured much about it; nor yet from the more recent, save such as have peragrated its native soil, as Garcias, who himself saw it in many parts of the East-Indies, as in Zeilan, from whence the best is brought. The multiplicity of its denominations have much obscured its dignotion; for in Malago it is called Cais manis, that is, Sweet-wood; in Ormus, Drachint, by which word the Persians and Arabians also denominate it. We call it sometimes Cassia, and Casia, sometimes small Cane, and sometimes Cinnamon, that is, China's Amome. But if we credit Garcias, who was an oculate faithful Narrator, Species. Cassia, Cinnamon, and small Cane, is one and the same Medicament. Neither are there more sorts of Cinnamon than two, one growing in Zeilan, the other in Malabar and Jaca. There are indeed sieve degrees of bonity in these two kinds. The more crass small Cane is Xylocassia, or ligneous Cassia, Cassia Lignea. Cinnam. ver. which the Arabians, Persians and Indians call Salthaca. That which is more odorate, fragrant, and tenuious, is the true Cinnamon, which the odorate tree portends; and it is desumed from the same shrub that small Cane comes of. But Cinnamon is decerped from the trunk whose bark is most crass, the small Cane from its boughs. Which Theophrastus seems to aim at, when he discerps it into many parts, asserting that the Cinnamon next the root is worst, and least odorate; the supreme best, and most odorate; that in the middle, of a middle bonity. Matthiolus cannot resent this opinion of Theophrastus, and others, who assert, that Cassia and Cinnamon do not differ; he confesses, that Cassia and small Cane differ not, but that Cinnamon differs from both, and cannot be found; and if it could be found, that its wood as well as its bark would be of use to medics. But notwithstanding his authority, we have very good Cinnamon; and it differs not from small Cane, or sweet Cassia, save in some degrees of bonity; and thus must the varieties enumerated by Dioscorides be accepted. And, they speak very probably and rationally, who assert that Xylocassia, or small Cane, is the most crass and extrmsecal cortex, Cinnamon the more interior, tenuious, odorate, better, and more commodious for use. In Galen's time Cinnamon was so rare, that only Emperors possessed it, who kept it among their Treasures; but its excellency hath now caused it to be brought plenteously to us from peregrine Regions. Cinnamon-tree is wild and spontaneous, about the magnitude of an Olive-tree, with many and straight boughs, leaves of Orange-colour, in the form of Bay-leaves, white flowers, black and round fruit, about the bigness of little Olives. It's eximious virtue is in its bark, which calefies, concocts, Vires. accelerates flowers and birth, and exceedingly recreates the heart. There is another sort of Cinnamon tree, very much like this in form, whose odour, sapour and virtue consists not in the bark, as in the East-Indian tree, but in the fruit only, as Clusive relates out of Nicolaus Monardus (e. 25. l. simple.) CHAP. XI. Of Nutmeg, Mace, and Macir. INdia affords us a certain aromatical Nut, which from its suaveolence is called Moschocaryon, Moschocarydion, Caryon aromaticum, Nux myristica, and Nutmeg. It is excerped from a peregrine tree, about the magnitude of a Pear tree, with leaves like Persica, but shorter, red flower, and peramene odour. This tree was unknown to the Ancients, especially to the Greeks. It grows in the Island Banda, where it is called Palla, Mace, and Bunapalla. The fruit of this tree is for its suaveolence called Nux moschata, yet it smells not of Mosch; and it is circumvested with two shells, the one, to wit, the exterior, is most crass, which gapes when it is mature, as we see walnuts covers; the other is next the Nut, which is more tenuious, which being of a red colour, shows most excellently through the chinks of the exterior bark. And that same tenuious involument is Mace, which dehisces also when the Nut is exsiccated, and acquires a golden colour instead of its red. Mace then is a thin membrane of a flave colour, which covers and complects the Nutmeg. Now Mace and Macir differ; for Mace is the hull of a Nut, and Macir the crass flave, or as Pliny saith, red bark of a certain wood brought from Barbary, bitter to the gust, and astrictive; of which tree we can learn no certain knowledge neither from the ancient nor late Writers; and hence we gather, that Macir is not well known. A fresh, heavy, and fat Nutmeg, which at the prick of a needle emits an olcous juice, is best, and most approved. Both its and Maces faculty are commended for roborating the ventricle, Vires. and helping concoction. CHAP. XII. Of Peppers. MAny dissimilar Plants are denominated Peppers, as white, Species. black, and long Pepper, Calecutian also, or Pepper of India, and watery Pepper, or Persian; yea some have called Vitex, or Agnus casta, and Ribs, wild black Pepper. But when Pepper is put absolutely, Garcias admonishes Apothecaries to select the white as best; for want of which, ours desome black. The Plant that bears white Pepper differs so little from that which bears black, that they are the very same to sense; both are scansive, and so imbecil and caduce, that unless they be underpropped, their lent and flexile branches will delabe to the earth, like Hop-trees, or Would bind. And they are either upholden by some fulciment, or sown at the root of some tree, to whose top they ascend by convolution. Their leaves are rare, their roots small, their fruits small, round, and racemously coherent. All Pepper is calefactive, Vires. but the white is more potent and odorate than the black; but as the Plant is rare, so is its fruit. There is Pepper with a cawl, of which in its place. The Plant that bears long Pepper is no congruent to the former in effigies than in faculties, according to Clusius, Long Pepper. though Garcias makes them very dissident Plants, for their leaves are equal in magnitude, both hederaceous, but withal nervous, annexed to a short pedicle. The fruit of this Plant very much resembles those grains that grow on Hazle-trees; they issue out of every space betwixt knots opposite against the pedicles of the leaves, as in other Pepper trees. These fruits consist of many grains, elegantly composed according to the longitude of their pedicle. They are green, because they are collected before their maturity, and sometimes longer, sometimes shorter, as it happens in other fruits not yet come to their perfect growth. Macro-Pepper, according to Dioscorides, (c. 189. l. 2.) Macropiperis vires. is very mordaceous; and because it is decerped before its maturity, it is somewhat amare; it is a good ingredient for Antidotes, and theriacal Medicaments. CHAP. XIII. Of Cloves. CLoves are the grains or fruits of a certain exotical tree of the name, which grows in the Islands of Molucca, in form and magnitude like a Bay-tree, with leaves like a Peach-tree, or rather Willow, but more angust, with many branches and flowers, which at first are white, then green, afterwards red; and when they are hardened with the heat of the Sun, black; which represent a rudiment, or imperfect fruit exsiccated, and exasperated with four points. This fruit, while green, superates all others in suavity; it empts out of the extremity of the branches like a nail, whence the vulgarity call it a Cyroflcous nail; for it better resembles a nail than a out, as its name depotes, for Garyophillum is a Nut-leaf. It is hot and dry above the second degree, Vires. and is very useful both in Condiments and Medicaments. It benefits the heart and brain, helps the liver and stomach, emends the fetour of the mouth, and gratifies the breath; it helps concoction, rids the eyes of dimness, and quickens sight, incites to venery, and takes away obstructions. CHAP. XIV. Of Cardamomes. CArdame, Cordumeni, and Cardamome, are Plants that differ but little in name, but much in nature; for Cardame is a kind of Cresses, with seed and leaf most calid, and almost adustive, Cardamonum. Cordumeni. like Mustard. Cordumoni is not Cardamome, as Silvius thought, but Roman Carraway. Cardamome is a peregrine Plant, Cardamomes. if not in form, yet in faculty challenging cognation with Amome, as its name denotes. It grows in India; Species. whereof there are two sorts, to wit, the greater, which the Arabians call Cacolaa quebir, and Calcula quebir; and the lesser, which they call Hail, or Kakelahil. Both grow on a cawl of a cubit's height, and not on tall trees, as some conjecture. It is a leguminous Plant, Cacolaa Hail. which when it is grown to its height, puts forth cod, and every husk brings forth grains, which the Barbarians call Cacolaa; some Grana Paradisi. Other grains, falsely called by this name, are circumvected by Circulators, as Malegets, so called from Melegueta, the Province where they grow. Cardamome, though peregrine, is now most notorious and vulgar, and also most frequently used in Medicine; but the lesser, as it is more odorate, so is it better, and the greater worse. Each Cardamome calefies, recreates the principal parts, Vires. roborates the native heat, discusses flatuosity, and helps concoction. CHAP. XV. Of Cubebs. THE Ancients seem to attribute so much to the Arabians, The uncertainty of the Antiquity. that whatever they pronounced, they observed as a Law. Yet Barbarism in speech doth not so much move me, as their dissidy in the very thing; which is such, that they cannot consent about the Plants growing in their own Gardens. Whence it is no wonder if they descent about such as grow spontaneously in the Country, as in the description of Cubebs, The various opinion of the Physicians about Cubebs. which Avicenna calls Carpesium; Serapio, wild Myrtle. And the Indians say it's neither, but another far different Plant which produces Cubobs, which some of them call Cubab Sini; others, Cumuc; others, Quabeb and Cubebe. The Plant however is wild and spontaneous, whose imbecil branches adhere like Smilax, or Pepper-tree; its leaves are like Myrtle leaves, its fruits racemously congested, every grain cohering by a longer pedicle. This fruit is so much estimated in Jaoa, and other Regions where it grows, that the Inhabitants always boil it before they sell it to Merchants; for they fear lest it should be sown, radicate, and grow in another soil. They err shamefully that constitute Cubebs to be Vine-seeds, or the fruits of Butchers-broom, seeing there is no cognation among these Plants. Actuarius is more tolerable, who consenting with Avicenna, saith, that Cubebs are one with Carpesium, for both are aromatical and calefactive; but their effigies differs, Carpesium. for the stalks of Carpesium, according to Galen, are very slender, its branches like them of Cinnamon, to which in faculty and odour it responds; only Carpesium is more valid and aromatical, insomuch that the gust perceives it; and being tenuious, it liberates the bowels of obstructions, moves urine, expels the stone; yet is it not so tenuious as Cinnamon. Cubebs are very rare; Vires. they calefy and roborate the ventricle, free the liver from obstructions, discuss flatuosity, emend the frigid distemperature of the uterus, and excite the drowsy faculties to venery. CHAP. XVI. De Carpobalsamo; And of the fruit, and other part of Balm-tree. BAlm is a peregrine shrub, growing formerly in Judaea, Egypt, and the valley of Syria, and most in Jericho; not very fair to look on, of a cineritious colour; it hath slender boughs, leaves like sweet Marjoran, which annually decide in December, and repullulate in the middle of the Spring. Its flowers are like the small luteous Jasmine, to which a small, aromatical, succulent, flave, mordaceous and acrimonious seed follows, which smells like * Opobalsamum Balmgum, and is called Carpobalsame. This Plant is full of branches even to the root, whose surcles are very slender, fulve, odorate, asperated with many knots, and smells like Balm-oil. When they are well grown, they abscind these branches, and sell them to Merchants, who carry them into foreign Countries for lucre sake, for they are very expetible and vendible in any place; because of their eximious faculties, medics call them Xylobalsamum. Sometimes they abscind its very cawl, Opobalsamum. whereunto they append a little bottle oblited with wax, whereinto an oleous liquor of a most fragrant odour doth distil. But they more frequently vulnerate its crasser boughs and cauls with a vitreous, or an Ivory knife, at the beginning of Autumn; out of which scarification emanes a crass juice like Oil, which they call Balsamelaeon, and Opobalsamum. Amongst all Oils and Balsams, this is most approved and commended, whose faculties are inferior to no Medicament in abigating diseases, whether it be intrinsically assumed, or extrinsecally adhibited, or mixed with other Medicaments. The Syrian, tenuious and perspicuous, is best, which will delabe and settle in a vessel full of water, which indeed is common to all legitimate Balms, The best Balsam. but chief to that that is desumed out of the famous Garden of the Turkish Emperor, where a small tree is cultivated and kept with great sedulity, three parts whereof are excerped for the expugnation of many diseases, to wit, its wood, liquor, and seed, called in the proper idiom of the medics, Xylobalsame, Opobalsame, and Carpobalsame; which being very rare, and not growing in every region, are possessed only by Kings and Noblemen, for the vulgar Carpobalsame is not legitimate, its faculties being ignave, almost inodorate, faint, rancid, exolet, and not suaveolent. And the same may be pronounced of the wood they call Xylobalsame, for it is the cawl of Lentisks often so corrupted; or inveterate, that it is insipid, inodorous, and inefficacious. medics have invented three succidaneous Vicegerents for the want of these three; for Carpobalsame, Cubebs; for Xylobalsame, new and fresh Lentisk; and for Opobalsame, the Oil of Cloves and Nutmeg, as also the limpid water of Turpentine tree, thin as Oil; for Turpentine is the very Mother of artificial Balms, the parts of whose Plants respond well to the parts of natural Balm. There are now two other sorts of Balm circumvected; Bal. de Poru. the one called Peruvian Balm, which is educed out of a certain fruit growing in Peru, whereof Clusius makes mention. De Tolu. Another they call Balm of Tolu, from a certain region of India, which distils out of a sauciated tree, like little Pines; both of them are endued with eximious faculties, and may be very well substituted instead of Syriack. CHAP. XVII. Of Kermes. MAny Plants will only grow in the Meridional, others in the Septentrional, and some in both regions; as that same grain which the Mauritanians call Kermes; which very denomination, according to Dioscorides, demonstrates the Plant to be exotical, and to grow in Asia, Armenia, or Arabia; for in two usurpations it reserves its Arabian nomenclature, to wit, in the confection of Alkermes, and in dying of a Bermesian colour. Now Kermes, or Karmas, is the name of a suffruticeous Plant, Kermes seu Karmas, quid. and its grain, which is vulgarly called Scarlet die, or infectory grain. It grows both in the aforesaid places, and in Orleans in France, and many places in Italy which are hot, and tend towards the Meditenancan Sea; and it is reposed amongst the aculeous Ilices; for their variety is manifold; whereof some are glandiserous, which grow into tall trees; others coccigerous, which are lower; some bacciferous, which are of a middle consistency, as * Holly. Aquifoyl, which is frequent and vivacious in the Septentrional soil. Yet some exclude this Plant from the number of Ilices, although the two former have not so much affinity each with other, as the later with this. The Plant then whereon Kermes grows, is a certain small Illex, putting forth many cauls, which are harder towards the root, obtenebrated with leaves continually green, long, jagged about, dense, sinuous, angulous, spinous, aculeated, and horrid, which at the beginning of the Spring conceives as it were a little egg towards its root, which it obvallates with pricks supernally devolved, which in its growth changes its colour from white to cineritious, then to purple, and at last acquires a most elegant colour: for the whole grain is full of sanguineous liquor, which after perfect maturity, and too long coaction in its membrane, produces worms, whereof some are winged, Succus Kermes and fly away: yet before the procreating of them, the liquor may be studiously extracted, to the confection of Alkermet, and scarlet tincture. The generation of these little Animals, or may be hindered, or their death procured, by the aspersion of a little vinegar, whereby their exanimated carcases are collected, and coacted into a mass, like Vermilion, which they call * Sceachul. Scaletium; and Pliny, Cusculium, for the tincture of purple, or scarlet colour. This grain is not the fruit, but excrement of this Illex; or a red and lucid gum contained in a husk, which grows about the root of the leaves. This Illex is not only coccigerous, but glandiferous also; for the more inveterate surcles bring forth Acorns somewhat longer and blacker than those of the Oaks, but than it ceases to produce grains, Coccum Baph. or * Coccum. And therefore these surcles are prescinded, that a new spring of surcles may follow, and be cocciferous. Kermes exceedingly roborates the heart, Vires. and all its faculties; it also astringes precided nerves and wounds by its glutinous faculty, when extrinsecally adhibited. CHAP. XVIII. Of Schoenanthum, or Squinant. S'Choenanthum is an odorate bulrush growing in India, from whence it is brought to us in bundles, being incicurable by all Art. It is a junceous and gramineous Plant, whose small, dry, hard and nodous root emits hard, straggling, round, full, not concave, and clear reeds, gracile towards the top; whose rigid, mucronated, and pale leaves of half a palms length, amplect its gramineous surcles. Two sorts of flowers, palely red, and pappous, adorn its summity; some call is, the reed of Mecha; others, Camel's food, because African Camels feed on its summities. Its flowers are seldom brought to us with it, though it be denominated from them. Schoenanthum is moderately calefactive and astrictive; Vires. and because its parts are tenuious, it moderately digests and repels; the root is more astrictive than the other parts of the Plant; the flower is hotter, which potently moves urine and flowers. CHAP. XIX. Of Folium, or Malabather; the Indian leaf so called. A Certain eximious Leaf is brought to us from India, which the Arabians call (Cadegi Indi) that is, Indian Leaf, which the Inhabitants call Tamalapatra, and the Apothecaries, with reference to its native soil, Malabathre. It is a leaf like the leaf of the medics Appletree, of a palid green colour, with three strokes percurring its longitude; it is odorate, smelling like Cloves. It doth not swim upon water, nor grow in the Indian fens, nor yet without root, as Dioscorides thought; but it is desumed from a tall tree, far from waters, fruticating in dry places. Malabathrum is hot in the second degree, odorate, moves urine, Vires. emends one's breath, keeps from moths, and in other qualities concord's with Spicknard; which may be well substituted, Succidanium. when it cannot be had. CHAP. XX. Of Spicknard. DIoscorides (c. 6. l. 1.) Species. makes mention of two sorts of Spicknard, one Indian, the other Syrian, both growing in one Mountain, but the one on that side that looks towards India, the other on that that looks towards Syria. He afterwards adjoins the Celtian, that grows on the mountains of Liguria, which is called Saliunca, from its native Country name; and the mountainous, which grows in Cilicia, and Syria, sometimes called Thylacrtis, and Niris. Lobelius makes two sorts of Celtian Spicknard, or Celticknard; Species Nard, Celliae. the one with leaves like skrewed Gentian, and a root like the greater Valerian; the other called hirculus, whereof Clusius records, that he gathered Fascicles among the Celtian Spicknard. Besides the peregrine Spicknard, and its related species, we have some Plants celebrated with this denomination, Lavendula major. Pseudonardus. Aspica. as the greater Levendula, which in the French idiom is called Aspic, and by some, Pseudo-Spicknard; out of which a kind of Oil is extracted by Chemistry, commonly called Oil of Aspic; as also another great Lavendula, to wit, the Cerulean or Italian; and also another lesser Lavendula, of the same colour, odour, and effigies. Stoechas that is spicated, may also be referred to this rank. But when Spicknard is written without further addition, it is always meant of the Indian, out of whose exile root grows certain spicated hairs, and thick glomorations, discriminated by wreaths and tufts, out of whose middle issue junceous leaves. Spicknard calefies in the first degree, Vires. and desiccates in the second; it helps the liver and the ventricle, moves urine, cures the pains of the stomach, and exsiccates the humidity of the mesentery. Indian or black Spicknard is most fanative to bodily affections. CHAP. XXI. Of Agalloche, or Aloes wood. ALoes tree is by the Greeks called Xylaloe, Lignum Aloe. and Agallochum, it is like an Olive tree, sometimes greater, and not circumvested with a skin, as Dioscorides writes, but with a crass bark. It's wood is odorate and blackish, maculated with some cineritious strokes and spots; it is ponderous, crass, compact, and succulent; which adhibited to the fire, or accended, (it will not flame) exudes much liquor. It's odour is not perceptibly dispersed through the universal matter of the wood, but it is more fragrant in the very middle, and the dry is more suaveolent than the green. The tree is very rare, The variety of it. growing only in India, and in such Regions and Promontories where Tigers and wild ravenous Beasts make their abode; whence it is, that neither a great tree can be cut down, nor young shrub evelled, without great danger and peril. Hence the Ancients foolishly credited, that it grew in Paradise. Serapio mentions more sorts thereof than he either saw or knew; perhaps more odorate woods may be referred to Agalloche. So the odorate tree growing in the Promontory of Comorin, is by some called Aloes tree, when by Garcias it is a different Plant. Agalloche, Vires. or Aloes wood, called by Avicenna, Agalugen, is hot and dry in the second degree, and is very good against the affections of the heart. CHAP. XXII. Of Santals', or Sanders. THE wood of a certain tall peregrine tree, like a Walnut tree, is brought to us, which in the Island Tymor, where it grows, they call Chandama; in Arabia, Sandal; in Europe, Santal: whereof there are three sorts, the white, pale, which are frequent in Tymor; and red, which grows in the Island Tanasarim, as Garcias ab horto, tells us, who saith there is so much affinity betwixt the Santal-trees, that the pale can scarce be discerned from the white, save by the Inhabitants that cut down the trees, and sell them to the Merchants; for the effigies of both is one, the leaves the same, both very green, like Lentisks leaves; their flowers are of a ceruleous black colour; their fruits about the magnitude of Cherries, first green, then black, which are insipid and diciduous. The pale or citrine Santal-tree fruticates best in aprike places; Which is best. it is more odorate and better than the white, and yet the white much excels the red; the red is inodorate, very like Brafil, but not so sweet nor infective, nor yet so hard and ponderous. The Ancients attributed great virtue to Santals', Vires. for they exhilarate and roborate the heart, and vital parts, according to Avicenna; they are averse to hot and feverish diseases, they liberate obstructions, and much recreate the liver. CHAP. XXIII. Of Sassafras. A Very grand tree grows in Florida, which the Indians call Paccame, the Spaniards, Sassafras, with a tall cawl, circumvested with a cineritious and thin bark, boughs expanded at the top, leaves like Fig leaves, dirempted into three angles, roots sometimes crass, sometimes slender, according to the ago of the tree, expanded along the interior caverns of the earth, which are somewhat aromatical, smelling like Fennel. The tree fruticates best in maritimous and temperate places; its root is best, and especially the bark thereof, which is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree. It's other parts participate of both qualities only in the second degree. Besides its elementary qualities, it is endued with peculiar ones, for which it is very expetible and useful: but because of its rarity, Circulators pulverate Box wood, and Fennel seed, and sell it for Sassafras; for they think they can well enough deceive the Vulgar, if for the true Sassafras, which is of a fulve colour, and Fennel odour, they can exhibit this flave Powder, smelling like Fennel. The decoction of Sassafras, according to Clusius, is good against all kinds of diseases, especially obstructions, women's diseases, and French pox; it roborates the internal parts. CHAP. XXIV. Of Guajacum. SIX simple Medicaments are much commended for the cure of Morbus Gallic us, to wit, Sassafras, Guajacum, Sarsaparilla, China, Mercury, and Cynabaris. Of Sassafras we have already treated, of the rest in order. Guajacum is so called by the Indians, from the Germane word Guajacam; by the Latins, Lignum sanctum; it is brought from the Western Islands Boriquen, Cuenga, Nagrande, and Nicaragua. It is a tall tree, in magnitude and effigies like an Illex, or Oak, ramous, blackish in the middle, hard, with a crass and fat bark, small and hard leaves, luteous and purgative flowers, which the Indians condite and assume, to purge their bodies. Their fruits that follow the flowers, are of the magnitude of Chestnuts, and like two Lupins conjoined. There is another sort of Guajacum which is lesser, but better, which they call Palus Christi, Palus sanctus, Palma sancta. and sometimes Lignum sanctum; it is a shrub in colour, faculties, magnitude and form, much unlike the great Guajacum: for the matter of its wood is white, concolorate, and very fibrous; its sapour is sharper, odour more fragrant, and qualities more efficacious. But because it is very rare, in want thereof we usurp Guajacum, which is endued with the same faculties, but more infirm. Both of them are prevalent in curing the French disease; Vires. for they calefy, incide, attenuate, open, move sudour, exarceate putretude, and by special properties extinguish venereous poison. CHAP. XXV. Of Sarsaparilla. THere comes a certain long and uniform root from the Western Islands, especially from Peru, and the Province Honduras, which is sometimes called Sarsaparilla, sometimes Salsaparilla, and Sarzaparaglias; which Matthiglus and Dodonaeus think to be the same with our Smilax: but they differ much, for Smilax root is nodous, and geniculated like grass root, and much shorter and softer. Sarsaparilla's root is without knots, asperated with no genicles, hard, fibrous, rugous, pithy, and sometimes twenty foot long, which may be easily cleft like a twig. It's other parts are like Smilax, and climbs vicine Plants, as Smilax doth. Sarsaparilla calefies moderately, opens, projects sudour, Vires. and extinguishes the venereous poison. The Indians use its juice to cure the venereous disease, which to them is natural and endemial. CHAP. XXVI. Of China root. I May not omit this other Antidote against the Indian disease, to wit, that excellent Root, which, as also the whole Plant, hath its name from China; but in its native foil retains its Country's name, to wit, Lompatau. It grows in the vast region of China, which terminates upon the East-Indies, and Scythia, not in mountainous and dry ground, as some have conjectured, but in fens and moist places like a reed, as about the seashore, or head of some fountain. It's root is crass and nodous, as red 〈◊〉 hard also, and tuberous, like the Brambles root; and rubeous and tortuous, like Bistorts root. Slender and imbecil cauls crupt out of its root, which are circumcinged with very rare leaves; which though low, require fulciments, that they may be straight. This root is now vulgar; which the Ancients either knew not, or oscitantly pretermitted; but now it is so notorions, that no Barber, or young Apprentice, but he will talk thereof. The Indians use this Medicament as panpharmacal to all diseases, and especially to such as cannot be cured by other remedies. It is very prevalent in curing the Indian Pox; Vires. it helps the Vertigo, cures the pain of the stomach, helps the hydroptical, cures the colical colour, and affections of the uterus, removes obstructions, opens the passages, moves urine, causes sudour, helps in convulsions and palsy, and eases the dolour of the articles: for Charles, the fifth Emperor of that name, found no ease from other Medicaments, but much from China, against the Gout, which handled him very ill. Some say that it is good for such as are tabid, but I think too hot to cure the consumption, to emend a dry distemper, and resarciate it. Garcias used it against the heat of the liver so long, that his body was almost wholly inflamed. It's use is now more rare than formerly it hath been. SECTION iv Of Indigenous Calefactives. The Preface. WE have many hot Plants which will not grow in foreign Countries, of which we intent to speak distinctly in this fourth Section. And they are such as either grow spontaneously in the Fields, or by culture in Gardens. Wherein we shall observe this method, first, touch upon those that are hottest, than such as are hotter; and lastly, those that are moderately hot; all which we shall run over with brevity; yet not so, but that their qualities may be distinctly known. And therefore we shall begin with such as have a fiery kind of quality; as, CHAP. I. Of Bartram, or Pellitory. BArtram, or Pyrethrum, is so called from that igneous quality which its chewed root leaves in the gustative organ; the Vulgar call it Alexander's foot; the Latins, from the abundance of spittle it causes in the mouth, call it Herba salinaris. It is an herb of a cubit's height, or more; in its cawl and leaves emulating the wild Daucus, or vulgar Carrot, are multifariously divided, and sected into small capillaments, like Fennel; its flower that erupts out of the summities of its surcles, is fair, broad, and patulous, like a Marigold, but larger, subluteous in its orb, and circumdated with little angust, long leaves, supernally whitish, and on the contrary fide of a purple colour, in the middle of its orb, and between the leaves issues a small, long, and odorate seed. It's root is crass, long, and of a blackish red colour. It grows in many places of Italy and Spain, and fruticates, flourishes and perfects its seed when it is sown in Gardens in Holland: but it grows more copiously and floridly in hot and Eastern Regions; and we enumerate it amongst our indigenous Plants, because we have it in Europe and the Western Countryes-pretty plentiful. There is another Plant, which by its acrimonious odour moves sternutation, which Apothecaries call wild Pyrethrum, because by its vellicative sapour it moves the gust like Bartram, and promotes spittle; which grows in mountainous and incultivated places, also in meadows and hedges. Pyrethrum's root is hot in the fourth degree; detained in the mouth, it projects phlegm copiously, and therefore it helps the toothache proceeding from a frigid cause; it helps also the diuturnal head-ache, the Apoplexy, Epilepsy, Palsy, and all affections arising from phlegm congested in the head. CHAP. II. Of Mustard. MUstard is no Aliment, sometimes a Medicament, often a Condiment; for it is most conveniently admixed to viscid and glutinous dishes, especially in winter, that their viscidity may be corrected, and the ventricle thereby roborated; for it admirably helps such as have dull palates, and nauseate their meat. But because by its acrimony it importunely affects the gust, it is not only grinded with vinegar, to mitigate its fervour, but mixed with sweet wine, to obdulcorate its acrimony; and so is made a grateful Condiment, which many for its vulgarity disestimate. Mustard is either sative or spontaneous; the sative is of two sorts, the one hath leaves like Rape, but lesser, and more sharp, with a round, hispid, sharp stalk, of two cubit's height, or more, brachiated with many boughs, about which erupt luteous flowers orderly disposed, to which long, thin and sharp husks succeed, wherein a little round seed is included, of a yellow colour, and mordaceous gust. The other sative Mustard is so like the former, that they seem only to descent in colour of their seeds; which in the former is luteous, in this a blackish red; the leaves of this are somewhat more like Rocket than the other, in all other things they are the same. The wild grows spontaneously in any dry place, and sometimes in humid places, brinks, and hedges; it is less than the former, bearing lesser leaves, jagged, almost like Shepherds-purse, but more acute; it emits luteous quadrifolious flowers; it afterwards puts forth its seed in husks, which it varies, sometimes bearing white, sometimes red seed. This Plant denominates a noble Medicament they call Synapismum, which is celebrated to many uses, as to inveterate head-aches, Epilepsy, Vertigo, difficulty of breathing, distillations, and the Gout. Mustard is hot and dry in the fourth degree; it incides, attenuates, Vires. extracts; detained in the mouth, it moves phlegm; brayed and snuffed up the nose, it causes sternutation; it excites women suffocated with the histerical passion: but such as have imbecil and caliginous eyes, should altogether eschew it. CHAP. III. Of Thlaspi, or Treacle-Mustard. MUstard and Thlaspi are rightly described in the same series; for both agree, if not in effigies, yet much in qualities; so that Thlaspi is commonly called Country, Species. or Treacle-Mustard. There are many kinds of Thlaspis, whereof three are most noted, one greater, another lesser, and another mean, whereunto all the rest of that name are referred. The first grows plentifully both in cultivated and incultivated Fields, with large, long, crisped leaves, acute towards the end; its cawl is about half a foot long, emitting boughs, circumcinged with flowers, at first white, which are frequent at the beginning of Summer, not unlike Shepherds-purse, which convolving themselves into two valvuls, produce a blackish, hot, and sharp seed, in sapour like Mustard, or Nasturtium. The second hath a ramous cawl of a foot high; its leaves are lesser, angust, acuminated, and subverted; its flowers white, seed small, sharp and hot, like Nasturtium. The third and less Thlaspi is an Herb with angust leaves, of a finger's length, converting themselves downwards, and a little incided in their extremities; its flowers are whitish, cawl slender and ramous, of a foot high, whereon many small, plain husks, like little Lentils on small pedicles, do depend in an excellent series; wherein a small seed, affecting the mouth and tongue with a sharp sapour like Mustard, is enclosed. It grows in incultivated, stony, mountainous, hot and dry places, as on many walls and houses; whence some Herbalists call it Tectorium Nasturtium, and sometimes Countrey-Mustard. It's seed is used in Antidotes; yet he shall not much err, that in defect thereof usurps other seeds. Many refer many more Plants, bearing sharp and servant seed, to the Thlaspi; but seeing they descent much in effigies, others refer them rather to Plants more affine in form: for the Thlaspi of Crateva, which seems to be a latifolious Violet, called Bolbonac, as also Draba, by some called Thlaspi, have little or no affinity with the rest of that name. Vires. It's seed is not and dry in the fourth degree; it breaks impostumes, moves flowers, kills the young in the uterus, helps the sciatical; infunded at the fundament, it evacuates blood, and pollicitates many more commodities, if rightly and opportunely usurped. It is mixed with some Antidotes. CHAP. IU. Of Rockett. ROcket, which the Greeks call Euxomon, is sown in Gardens for Condiments sake; for it is both good and useful in Salads and Pottage for such whose internal calour languishes, and whose lust to venery is dull; for Rotlet revokes venery, and accelerates the husband slow to congress; whence Poets call it, Herba salas. the Salacious Herb. It rises a cubit high, with angust, long leaves, lacinated on both sides with deep, but rare incisures, with palid, and sometimes hueous and quadrifolious flowers; seed like Turnip seed, and a white and dure root; it grows sometimes spomaneously among branches, and other rough and incultivated places. There is also erratical and wild Rocket, which grows in squalid places near high ways, and town walls, with leaves like Sowthistles, but more slender and small; with flowers of a luteous colour, like them of Brassica, which erupt in the middle of Summer. Bank-creffes, which some call Irio, others Tortela, do so much resemble Rocket both in gust and form, that they call it Rocket: yet seeing Galen reposes Erysimum amongst alimental Plants, I will scarce enumerate it among wild Rockets. Eruca is also the name of a certain Insect, as well as an Heth, whereof there are many differences desumed from their dissidency in colour and magnitude, whereof we neither will, nor ought now to treat, it being our purpose to speak only of such Simples as are Ingredients necessary to Compositions in Pharmacopolies. Rocket calefies and siccates in the third degree, Vires. extenuates the spleen, cures the bitings of Mice and Spiders, excites venery, moves urine, deleates black scars, if illited with Oxe-gail, and emaculates freckles. CHAP. V Of Nettle. THere are two general differences of Nettles, Species. one whose leaves are improbously mordacious, and surcle hurting the contrectants hands with its pungent down; the other innoxious, which may be handled without molestation. The former is by the Greeks called sometimes Acalyphe, because it is injucund to the tact; sometimes Cnide, because it punges mordaciously, commonly called Quick-Nettle; the other is called Lamium, and Anonium, as also white, or dead Nettle. There be also three sorts of quick Nettles, the two greater, and one lesser, all wild and spontaneous. Some call these wild ones, masculine and seminine Nettles, as superating one another in procerity. The Romans call that Masculine in the first place, which emits round surcles of half a cubit's height, and sometimes longer, cave, and hollow, with broad, mucronated, simbrious, crisped leaves, rough and mordaceous on both sides, which by their contact excite lumps and ustion, and rubefy the skin. The seed is included in small pills, round and hispid, which proceed out of the root of the leaves. That Feminine in the second, which produces seed not globularly, but racemously, like Grape clusters, after the manner of the feminine Mercury; its cawl is higher, and more ramous; its leaves broader, and all its parts mordacious. The third sort is the least, and yet most ramous, mordacious, and graveolent, producing its seed racemously, but not after the manner of the former; for many grains erupt out of the surcie at the foot of the leaves together, but each one hath a pedicle like the masculine Nettle. This third sort is called Dog-Nettle, and is most of all mordaeious. They all grow in incultivated places, about hedges, dams, and old walls, and sometimes in Gardens, and in fat soils. All Nettles siccate exceedingly, but calefie not so much; for though Urtica be ab urendo, Nettle from burning, yet they are not ustive from their heat, but by causing such a pain from their pungent down: for (Macer. c. 2. l. 2.) Nettles decocted are very ignavely hot, they help the orthopnoical, moves urine and flowers; their feed stimulates to venery, and is a present Antidote against the poison of Hemlock. It helps also against the malignant quality of Henbane, Mushrooms, and Quick-filver, as also the bitings of Serpents, and poisonous Beasts. The seed of the mascussine Nettle is thought best. Here we may not omit, To help those that are slung with Nettles. that Oil conduces much to the ease of those pustuls and dolours excitated by Nettles; as also Elder leaves bruised and adhibited, which by a special propriety respect this affection. Many other Plants are reposed amongst Nettles, which are sometimes called Lamia, sometimes dead Nettles; whereunto another Plant is referred, which the Romans call Labio, which some think is Agripalma, or Cardiack; others, Galeopsis, and Galeobdolon. The first sort of these dead Nettles are those that assurge to a cubital procerity with Nettle leaves, soft, and crisped, sometimes of a whitish, sometimes reddish colour. The second very like the former, but not so ramous, with flowers like Spurge, but purpureous, issuing out of the genicles of its surcles. The third is lesser, more imbecil and fetid, with rounder leaves, which is seldom, if at all used in Medicinal Confections. Some now of late make a syrup of the flowers of other Nettles for the affections of the lungs and breast, which they call Syrupus de Lamis: but its effect doth not celebrate it. CHAP. VI Of Flower de luce, or Orris. Ascertain Lily, whose flower in its variegated colour emulates the Rainbow, painted in an opake cloud opposite to the Sun, is thence called Iris; whereof I have often noted twenty two sorts and varieties, which to recenseate, were superfluous. But two especially are most frequently used in Medicine; the one our indigenous flower, which is of a ceruleous colour, and sweet odour, whose root potently educes waters; and the Tuscan or Flerentine Iris, whose root is white, but flower much whiter, and both very fragrant; which pre-excells the other, save in educing serous humours out of the belly. All Flower-de-luce hath long leaves like swords, and nodous roots; except a sew, whose roots are bulbous, and flowers patulous, like Lillyes, but with small leaves more reflected, three of which lesser sort are interposed amongst the three greater; after which, two or three husks that are triangular come forth, whereon angular seeds are contained. The ceruleous Flower-de-luce, which some call, the Celestial Lily, is most expetible in Pharmacopolies; for its root is hydragogous, and useful to the hydroptical; and an Oil may be made of its flowers, good for many things. The Florentinian is best, for it is cephalical, aromatical, cordial, incisive, and apertive. All Flowers-de-luce calefy, extenuate, cure gripe, and expel flowers, being, according to Dioscorides, (c. 1. l. 1. universally useful. CHAP. VII. Of Helecampane. ENulacampane puts forth leaves from its very root, which are long, late, mucronated, hispid, and numerous; its cawl is hard, of three cubit's length, or more; its flowers are aureous, and stellated like Oxe-eye, or Flea-bane, which turn into knaps, the seed, which is like Thistle-seed, remaining. It's root is great, crass, flave, odorate, and suaveolent; it grows in fat and humid places; the best is brought from Helena, where the Poets feign that it sprung up from Helena's tears, whence it had its name. Some say, Helena sowed it there to kill Serpents; for it is very efficacious against poisons, not only such as infect men, but also and chief such as harm beasts; for given to Sheep in wine and vinegar, it keeps them from, and cures them in the pestilence, whereunto they are obnoxious, which the Vulgar call Clavelate. Some think that the root of Hellecampane should be desumed instead of the unknown root of Behen; to whom I easily assent: Succidanium. for if Helecampane be not Behen, it's a good substitute. Helecampane's ropt is manifestly hot; Vires. it moves urine and flowers; mandicated, it confirmates teeth; and condited, cures the cough, (Diosc. c. 27. l. 1.) the decoction of the root epoted, cures convulsions, orthopnoity, pestilence, and bitings of Serpents. CHAP. VIII. Of Cyperus. CYperus is a triangular rush, growing in moist and marish places, of a cubits or higher procerity, whose lower part is white, and top black; it produces long, gracile, arundinaceous, hard, cultellated leaves, with panicles depending on its summity, amongst which the seed lurk. Its roots are round, nodous, long, implicated one amongst another, and reptant like grass roots, blackish without, and subluteously white within, which are odorate, pleasant, and amare. The roots are only useful, the other parts good for little. The root excellsses without mordacity, Vires. potently exsiccating ulcen, and perducing them to a scar, which for its astrictive faculty is very conducible to the ulcers of the mouth; it moves flowers and urine, and being drunk, helps the stone and dropsy. There is another kind of Cyperus very like this in effigy, but its root is more nodous and rotund, whence it is called round Cyperus. Dioscorides makes mention of a Cyperus in India like Ginger, which masticated in the mouth, makes the juice of Saffron colour; which is amare and acrimonious to the gust; and erasive, if illited on a place. CHAP. IX. Of Angelica. IT'S a wonder that the Ancients either knew not, or spoke not of this noble Plant, for whose rare faculties the more recent denominated it Angelica; than which, Europe produces not a more fragrant and pleasant Plant. It is more than two cubits high, with a geniculated, skrewed, palid, cave and ferulaceous cawl; its leaves are ample, soft, green, and crisped like Alexander's leaves; its root is very crass and long, sometimes disterminated into many roots, most odorate and aromatical; out of which an oleous liquor exudes, of the same odour with the leaves and branches; its seeds are yellowish, plain, broad, and membranous. There are three sorts of Angelica, Species. two domestic, and one wild; one of the domestic, which is above described, seems to be a kind of Laserpitium; the other, which is lesser, is like it in odour, form, and faculties, differing only in magnitude. The wild one is like these in root, cawl, leaves, heads, odour, flower, and gust, only its odour and sapour is not so sweet; it delights in cold, moist, and meadowish places; it seems to be that Herb which Dodonaeus and Clusius call Archangelica; yet if that name be meet for any Herb, it is more proper to the true Angelica. It is hot and dry in the second degree; Vires. it opens, attenuates, and digests; it incides and discusses crass humours; it is averse to poisons, conduces in pestilentious diseases, moves flowers, and recreates the heart and its faculties. CHAP. X. Of Libistichum, or Ligusticum, or Lovage. THe affinity in form among Simples, causes much ambiguity in discerning their distinct Species; for what Laserpitium is, how it is differenced from Libisticum; how both from Angelica Imperatoria & Smyrnium, can scarce be collected from the writings of the learned: but as much as I can attain by conjecture and reason, Ligusticum, which in the shops they call Levisticum, is a plant in altitude equalising some arboreous shrubs, with a geniculated cause, hollow within, leaves like paludapium, but bigger, lacinious, and as it were disterminated and incided into many parts, of a pale green shining colour, capitulated with Umbells, coronated with small and subluteous flowers shining on every side, to which a long, round, strewed seed succeeds like fennel seed, acrimonious to the gust, and suaveolent. (Diosc. C. 51. L. 3.) It's root is white and odorate like the Hungarian Alheal: whence some call it Panacea. They err, who think it is Smyrnium, or Hiposelinum; and they more, who contend, that it is not only Silvium or Laserpitium, but a succe educed out of that plant, and is called Belzoni: for this Gum comes out of a tall tree, the Syreniack juice out of Laserpitium, which is a ferulaceous plant; and out of Libisticum or Lumbrady, either no juice is educed, or none of it preserved after eduction; whether the Syreniack juice be sweet Asa, or Belzoin, shall be declared in its place. Ligusticum grows plenteously in Liguria, and in the Mountain Apenninus, where it is called Panacea, Species. because it resembles the Heraclea panax in its root, cawl, and faculties. Panacea is fourfold, the Syrian, the Heraclean, the Chironian, and the Centaurean, which some call the Pharnacean; but I leave these to the exact discussers of Simples, who writ the History of all Herbs, and return to my purpose. The Roots and Seeds of Ligusticum are calefactive, Vires. and therefore help concoction, roborate the ventricle, dissipate Flatuosity, move Urine and flours, take away the suffocation of the uterus, and cure the bitings of Serpents. CHAP. XI. Of Seseli, or Hartwort. MAny Plants dissident in effigies are donated with this name, as Massiliense, Aethiopicum the herb, Aethiopicum the shrub, Creticum or Thordylium, Peloponnense pratense & herbaceum, or that which is like hemlock: the Massilian Seseli, which is most useful in medicine, hath a ferulaceous cawl, of two Cubits height, Seseli Massiliense. geniculated, and hard; its leases like Fennel, but more ample, large and crass, with white flowers in Umbells; long seeds like Fennel, which are very acrimonious, and yet grateful, whereof medics make much use. The Aethiopian fruticious Seseli hath lignous, Aethiopicum jrutex. rigid, subrubeous and cubital surcls, long leaves, which are indifferent broad, smooth, and a whitish green: yellow flowers upon umbells, and long seeds like Libisticum. The Aethiopian herbaceous Seseli, Aethiop. Herba. hath ferulaceous bicubital cauls, broad leaves like paludapium, umbells referted with white flowers, membranous, broad, plain, paleaceous, odorate, and grateful seed. The Peloponnesian Seseli, Peloponeuse. hath a geniculated and ferulaceous cawl, broad leaves variously dissected, patulous Umbells, subluteous flowers, broad, long, plain seed; and a crass root somewhat blackish without, white within, acrimonious and amare, and grievous to the stomach. The Cretian Seseli hath a low and more obsequious Caul, leass incided and crisped in their margin, small white flowers in umbells, small, broad, plain, odorate, and acrimonious seeds, which are seldom used in medicine. All Seseli seed is hot and dry in the second degree, expels urine, Vires. draws flowers and the young; and educes urine from the reins and bladder, the seed of the Massilian is best. CHAP. XII. Of Gentian. GEntian is not underservedly extolled, nor yet indignly denominated after Gentius King of Illyrium; for it is a most solemn fugatour of pestilence, destroyer of putretude, and antidote against Poison; its Leaves are like Plantain, or rather white Hellebore, veinous, a foot long, very amare, and of a redly green colour; it's Caul is cubitall or higher, out of whose several genicls issue flowers, consisting of six small angust and radiant leaves vertiginously disposed, to which broad tenuious seeds succeed, which are included in the long Cauls whereon the flowers stood. It grows in any place, but delights more in montanous so they be opaque; the best come from Illyrium, where it arrogated the princely name of its inventor: its root is of chiefest use. Gentian especially in its root, comprises so much of virtue, that it keeps not only men, Vires. but beasts also from the harm of poison, drunk in water it corroborates the stomach, kills the worms, arceates puttertude; tames pestilentious poison, and securely cures the stinging of poisonous animals. Other plants from some similitude acquire the name of Gentian, as the lesser Cruciata and Gentianella; but their faculties being little or not at all like the true Gentians, they seldom ingrede the composition of Antidotes. CHAP. XIII. Of Tormentill. THis plant is called Tormentilla, The denomination. because it leniates the torment and pain of Odontalgy or toothache; and Septafoile, by the Greeks Heptaphyllon, because it consists of seven leaves; it grows in shady, woody, and opaque places; it puts forth many slender simbecil and lower branches, betwixt every knot it emits seven leaves of inequal magnitude, luteous flowers; a crass, tuberous, short root, black without, red within, whose use is eximious in curing pestilentious diseases. It's root calefies moderately, dries exceedingly, to wit, Vires. in the third degree; it astringes moderately, wonderfully opposes putretude, moves sudor, and efficaciously sucurres in pestilentious diseases. CHAP. XIV. Of Paeony. Paeony is an herb eximious in name, flower and faculties; it hath many branches of feets length, with fair rubeous flowers on their summities, ample like Roses, whence some call them Saint Mary's Roses. There are three sorts of Paeony; The first is the Masculine, Species. which hath leaves like Walnut-trees, but lesser in circuit, and more crass. The second bears leaves divided like Lovage, lesser than the former, of a dark green colour, with shorter surcls, and all things less, which is the feminine. The third seems to be neuter or promiscuous, bearing an Idea of both, which is neither absolutely red, nor white, but pale. Some grow now in Gardens altogether white, and very fair; the most elegant whereof is multiflorous, whose flower is not simple like the rest, but manifold. All have tuberous and multifidous roots, but some of them are more glandulous than the rest; they have long cauls, divided leaves, patulous flowers, in the summity of their cauls there are husks like Almond husks, which dehisceing show their small red splendent grains like Orange grains, and in the middle some black lucid, medullous ones, of a medicated sapour, acrimonious, subastringent, with some amaritude. I describe these briefly, lest my Work should swell into a greater Volume: Many things are supersititiously spoken of Paeony; which I willingly omit, not judging them worthy recital. Its roots are commended to the roboration of the Nerves and Brain, Vires. to exarceate the Epilepsy, and cure it, as also to roborate the whole Head. CHAP. XV. Of Rubia, or Madder. THis Plant from its rubetude is by the Latines called Rubia, by the Greeks Erythrodanum; it puts forth quadrangular, sharp, and geniculated boughs from the very ground; with angust, long, sharp leaves, orbicularly digested about the genicls; its flowers in the summities of its branches are small and luteous, to which a small round seed succeeds, which at first is green, after red, at last black. Its roots are very long, numerous, flexibly dispersed along the ground, red within and without, wherewith wool and skins are infected or died; the Shopmen calls it Dyers Ruby, the vulgar Garensa; it grows spontaneously in shady and opaque places, so that all regions abound therewith; its root is amare to the gust, accommodated to infect and die woollen, and therefore most used by Dyers. Ruby root moves urine and flours, Vires. cures the jaundice, its seed drunk in vinegar absumes the Spleen; its root applied draws flours, seconds, and the birth; and illited with vinegar, it cures the tetter or ringworm. CHAP. XVI. Of Onion, or Restharrow. THis plant is called Onon, Resta Bovis. Or Onion, from its flower which in colour represents wine; the Barbarians call it the Oxens arrest, Remora Aratri. Acutella. or rest; the Romans the Ploughs remora, because its long and fibrous roots remorate the Oxen in ploughing: it is also called Acutella, because with hard and acure pricks it punges its attingents; it is a most notorious plant, growing in the middle or margins of fields, especially in fat and glutinous soils; and most vivacious of plants; For happening upon an accommodate foil, it propagates much, emitting every year new surcles which spread themselves over the vicine land, so it be cultivated and fat: its furcles are short, rigid and spinous, coronated with leaves like Rue leaves disposed Garland-wise; its heads are circinnared, its leaves hirsure and suadveolent; its flower like Pease blooms, but lesser unicolorate and purpureous. It's root calefies and extenuates, moving Urine, breaking, and expelling the stone, removing obstructions, expelling flours and blood, and curing the Jaundice. CHAP. XVII. Of Eryngium, or Sea Holly. ERyngium is either marine, Species. which germinating plenteously in maritimous places, puts forth broad and angulous leaves circumsepted with hard pricks; or campestrian and vulgar, whereof there are many varieties, some being called the Spanish, Pannonian and Alpine Eryngium, besides many spurious names. The leaves of the vulgar is sected into many acuminated, spinous particles; its cawl is cubital and ramous, in whose summity certain globular heads circumcincted with pricks, radiate like Stars; out of the middles of which heads so horrid with spines, issue caeruleous and sometimes flave flowers: its root is crass and long, black extrinsecally, white intrinsically, succulent, sweet and odorate. From the indefinite number of its heads many call it centum-caput, the rustics, hare, thistle and flying thistle; for the whole plant withering, is evelled by the force of the winds, which rolling up and down the fields, eminously represents a running hare; they mistake, that think this is Secacul, for Serapio treats of these two in several Chapters, and gives them distinct descriptions: The Arabians call Eryngium, Astaraticon, not Scacul, or Scekakul; yet their faculties being alike, as the learned Writers do assert, vulgar Eryngium may well be substituted for ignote secacul. Eryngiums' root is calefactive, it deduces the passages, Vires. moves Urine and flours, expels sand out of the reins and bladder, and excites venery. CHAP. XVIII. Of Common grass. SEeing grass comprehends all plants which bear leaves, Species graminis quot. or a segetive Idea, it is no wonder if perite Herbalists enumerate forty six differences thereof. Yet of all these the dogge-grasse is only medicative, the rest rather affording aliments for beasts, than medicaments for man. And as dogge-grasse is unknown to none, so is it infensive to all Agricolists, who with their hands and rakes purge their corn of it, which being very feracious, would otherwise surrept all aliment from their wheat or vicine plants; for it creeps along with numerous, genicusated and vivacious radicls, which attract to themselves all the fatness of the earth. Its leaves are hard, as broad as them of a small reed, tenuious and acuminated; whence women call it needle-grasse, and dogs-tooth. This grass liberates the reins and other entrails from obstructions, Vires. and kills the intestines worms; the root is more excellent than any other part of the plant. CHAP. XIX. Of Liqucrice. THe whole plant is denominated from the sweetness of the root; for Glycyrrhiza, which Pharmacopolists call Liquorice, denotes a sweet root; some call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because retained in the mouth, it quenches thirst. It's root is long, numerous, spread along the ground, which emits a cawl of three Cubits high, with leaves like Lentisks dense, fat, gluminous and gummeous to the touch; with purpureous and sometimes white flowers. In the Month of July or sooner, it bears Cod about the bigness of Vetches or Cicers. Theophrastus, (C. 3. L. 9) calls it Scythica, because the Scythians useing a little Liquorice would tolerate thirst eleven or twelve days. Children delight herein, for which end they demerge small pieces of Liquorice in water in a glass bottle, which when it is flave with Liquorice-juice they drink off, and put more water thereunto; Spanish-Juice. which they agitate for more potions. The Cappadocians and Spaniards bring us every year Liquorice-Juice, condensed into pastils. They say it is temperate as to all qualities, but accedes nearer to calour, Vires. it leniates the asperities of the Artery, and Ulcers of the Bladder; it helps the Cough, moves expectoration, and is very good against all diseases in the Lungs and Breast. CHAP. XX. Of Cyclamen, or Sowe-Bread. VArious and many are the nomenclatures of this Sowe-bread; for the Barbarians call it Arthanita; the Shopmen Hogs-Bread; some the Earth-Corke; others the Earth-Aple; and some Cissophyllon. It grows in shady places, under Trees, in briars and thick Woods, it flourishes in Autumn, it bears Leaves like Ivy which are angular, crisped about, of a greenly purpureous colour, maculated with white spots on both sides. There is another sort of Cyclamen, which hath broad Leaves, but scarcely any whit angular, but rather round, and obscurely maculated. And a third sort also, which hath lesser roots, more purpureous flowers, and more suaveolent, which some think is that, which Pliny calls Chamaecisson. Cyclamen is endued with many eximious qualities, for it incides potently, opens, moveth flowers, expels conception though dead, cures the Jaundice, expels stones, it is efficacious against impostumes, emends all spots, is averse to Poisons, either by potion or application, draws menstruous blood and young ones; They say, if a woman with Child go over the root of Cyclamen, she will become abortive: Vires. but light conjectures oft beguile the credulous. The later writers mention two more, different from the former in form and magnitude of leaves, as also in colour and inversion of their flowers: and besides, some flourish in the Spring, others in Autumn, others in the middle time. CHAP. XXI. Of Scylla, or Sea Onion. THat Scylla is caepacious, and delights in hot, sandy, and maritimous places, and grows spontaneously, is unknown to few, for it is of late called the Sea Onjon. And he that hath anatomised an Onion and a Scylla, hath found no difference in their internals nor yet in their cores; yet in leaf flowers and seed they are much dissident. When the leaves of Scylla are marcid, its Caule assurges to the height of a Cubit, with white flowers issuing out of its middle like strawberry-flowers, which from thence pullulate to its very summity; short, triangular and compressed husks follow these, gravidated with black and full seed. The stalk is very long and florid, because of the threefold emersion of flowers; the first whereof, which are like them of Bulbus, expand themselves for a long season; then the second Garland of flowers performs its course; and then the last. And it is most remarkable, that the Caule and the Leaves never flourish at once for not till the Caule withers will the leaves erupt; nor, till the leaves become marcid, will the call assurge, contrary to the nature of other Plants, which first emit leaves, then prolong their Cawls: in Scylla the Caule first erupts, than the Leaves. Scylla calefies in the second degree, and is very incisive, Galen saith, it is best to take it boiled or roasted, for so its vehement quality will be castigated; duly praepared, it helps against the frigid affections of the brain and Nerves. Galen repurged one, cut it small, demerged it in a melitery, insolated it forty days, and gave it to a boy infested with the Epilepsy. CHAP. XXII. Of Bulbus, or the Sea Bulb. BUlbus is either Coronative, medicative, or esculent; among the Coronative are enumerated the innumerable varieties of Daffodils, Lilionarcisses, Tulips, and Hyacinths; among the medicative, Scylla, Hermodactylls, Pancratium, and the vomitory Bulbus; and among the esculent which are also desumed to many eximious medicinal uses, Leake, the Onions of Ascalon, and such as by a certain antinomasy are called regal Onions, as praecelling the rest, which excite venery, and which come in frequent use among the ancients for meat; instead whereof we use common Onions, which are the true bulbus, and pollicitate the same effects; being also alike described with the ancients, Bulbi, so that when Bulbus seed is prescribed, Onion or Scallyons seed may be usurped. Bulbus is a certain root, corticous, short, round, and tunicated with many membranes, the most external whereof is greatest; it often grows out of the earth, producing some slender radicles like capillaments, which keeping in the earth attract convenient succe for the nutriment of the whole Bulbus. Its fronts are like them of Onions, round, angust, inane and mucronated; its caulicles of nine inches height, in whose summity, little purpureous flowers emicate, to which succeeds seed black without, white within. All sorts of Bulbus are acrimonious; Vires. they excalefie, excite venery, suppeditate Aliment, cause inflation, and stiffness of the yard; but two large plenty of them should not be used in meats, because they trouble the nerves. Of all the Bulbuses I think Satyrium most excites venery, the rest are more ignave, causing it by their flatuosity. CHAP. XXIII. Of Satyrion, or the True Dogs-stones. SOme plants from the effigies of their roots are called Testicls, from their effect Satyria, because they make men Satyrs-like prone to venery; amongst Bulbous roots, such as have but one bulb, are properly called Satyria; that which hath two, Cynosorchis; that which hath three, Triorchis. Of every of which there are many differences, some desumed from the form of their bulbes: How to know the Best. others from the number of their leaves; others from the colour of their flowers and their positure; yet are all alike in facultres, and friends to Venus: but that is most approved, whose root is singular, round, about the magnitude of an Apple, yellow without, white within, turgid with carnosity, sweet to the gust, and grateful to the mouth. Three leaves emerge out of this root, which are depressed towards the ground, in figure and colour like Lilies leaves, but lesser; from which three it is called Trifoile; its cawl is of a foot height, its flowers small and white, the roots of this praecels the rest for conditure; and this I think is the true Satyrium. Condited Satyria are analeptical, and restaurative; they are good for such as are tabid, and such as frequently exercise venery: for the root of Satyrium is thought so potent in exciting venery, that by retension in ones hand, it will stimulate them to congress; whence the Greeks design all plants by the nomenclature of Satyrion, which excite venery. CHAP. XXIV. Of Leeks. LEeks are sown in gardens for culinary uses; for the plant is rather esculent then medicinal, as Cooks well know; yet its succe is sometimes usurped in medicinal remedies, as in coacting the powders of foetid pills; and sometimes in extinguishing or rather educing of Empyreums: for though it be calid, yet it hath an excellent faculty, in attracting and expelling the impressed vestigium of colour. Leck is either sative or spontaneous, and both are twofold; Species. the first sort of the sative is called the headed Leek; the second the sective Leek; the first, because it consists of a round root like an Onion; the later, because its root is longer and oftener sected; one sort of the spontaneous is called Schoen oprasum, which bears tenuious leaves like a bulrush: the other is called Ampeloprasum, which grows spontaneously in vineyards and other places. Dioscorides makes mention of one, to wit, the headed Leek, whose head or rather root that it might greatly increase and dilate itself, the ancients covered it with a tile or slate, and so they obtained their end; many other ways are invented, whereby Leeks may acquire a prodigious magnitude; but these we leave to Gardeners. All Leeks calefie extremely, ezsiccate, extenuate, open, incide, Vires. resolve and help against the bitings of Serpents and Ustions. It's seed brayed and drunk in passum or white Wine, helps against the difficulty of urine, and diduces its passages: some writ, that Leek eaten excites venery, and discusses ebriety; but its frequent use causes tumultuous sleeps, hurts the sight, and begets aeruginous bile. CHAP. XXV. Of Radish root, and Rape or wild Navew. THere is much affinity betwixt radish root, rape root, and wild Turnip. Radish root is so notorious, that it needs not much explication; for the vulgar are so delighted therewith, that they sustain themselves with this root, bread, and salt; nay all Nations make meat thereof: Rephani Species. There are three sorts hereof, one is the greater, which is an enemy to Vines; another lesser; the third is black radish, which some call wild radish, the Gardeners Reforum. Rape root, Rapium unde dicitur Bunias. is from its tumescent figure called Bunias, from its round figure Gonzylon, or rather Strongylon; vulgarly Nape: its root is very crass, carnous, tuberous, white and not capillated; its leaves, long, sharp, green, deeply incided on both sides, its Caule bicubitall and ramous; its flowers luteous to which Cod succeed, pregnant with seeds like Colewort feeds but greater, which ingrede the confection of Mithridate, whose faculty is eximious in expugning venenate diseases. Some suspect, that Bunias differs from Nape, and that the seed of Bunias, and not of Nape, ingredes the composition of Mithridate, but each may be substituted in defect of the other. There are three differences of Napes or Rapes desumed from their Roots, the first is orbiculated, turbinated, and short; the second crass and long; the third less, and vulgar, which the vulgarity call Nape. Napes or Turnips as they acquire their magnitude, so also their bonity from the condition of the Heavens and of the soil; those that grow in the fields about * A Town in France. Caen, are so sweet and grateful, that they are justly preferred before the rest. Rapistrum is a certain wild rape root not at all bulbous; Rapistrum. which germinates in every field, with broad, green leaves, and luteous flowers, whose seed the women call Navet. There is another sort thereof, with leaves like Bank-cresses, which is called Lapsana; as also a third kind with leaves like rocket, and white flowers; all of them bear small, black, round seeds included in Cod. Radish roots are eaten raw, turnips not without coction; all calefie, open, and move urine. CHAP. XXVI. Of Anemone, or Wind-flower. WE have above treated only of such Calefactives, whose Roots were most celebrated, save that at the beginning of this Section we described a few, because of their exceeding calidity; whose roots were useless. Now we come to dissert of such whose other parts are also useful, beginning with Anemone. Which is sometimes called the Winds-herb, because it never opens and dilates itself, save when the wind blows; the Poet's fable, that it grew from Adonis' blood, whence they call it Adonis his flower. There are two general differences hereof, Species one is the wild, the other the garden Anemone; both which, (especially the later) are manifold; whose sorts and varieties are distinguished only by the colour and multiplicity of their flowers: for some bear white flowers; others read; others caeruleous; some phoeniceous; others somewhat red; others violaceous; and others a greenish red: all which are coronary for the excellency and pulchritude of their flowers: but the wild Anemones varieties are fewer, and yet more requisite in medicine; as in the confection of unguent Marliatum: des. Myrepsus; wherein wild Anemone, especially that that is called wind-herb is usurped: but seeing all their descriptions and variety are excellently and elegantly depinged, by the famous Authors D. D. Dod. & Clus. I will not further prosecute their descriptions. All the sorts of Anemone are acrimonious, apertive, incisive, detersive, and exsiccative. CHAP. XXVII. Of Keiri or walflowers. KEiri is a Mauritanian word, denoting a luteous Violet, which is always green, patiented of Cold, contrary to the nature of other Violets which whither at the first aspect of Winter's rigidity; and grow not again till they be new sown: I except the Garden Violets, that repullulate every year; in following the distinction of the Herbalists, who nothing solicitous about the nature of words, distinguish Leucoïon from white violets; when yet Leucoïon enunciates nothing more than a white violet: Leuco signifies white; ïon, a Violet. And as there are many varieties of Violets, so are there also of Leucoïa, amongst which, that which bears a luteous flower, to wit, Keiri, is most commendable to medicinal uses: it grows in all places, as on stone walls, old edifices, and rubbages, and other saxous and dry places; it is sown also, and pullulates in gardens near walls; it's Causs are ramous, many, rigid and slender; its leaves long, angust, of a bluish green, lesser and more rigid than other violets: its flowers luteous, odorate and sweet, its cod's long and small, wherein a small plain seed is coarctated. They make an oil of the flowers by infusion, fit to resolve humours, mitigate cold dolours, and roborate the nerves; ʒ. ij. of its seed given in wine, or subacted with honey educes flowers, young, and secondines. A bath made of the decoction of its flowers will perform & effect the same. CHAP. XXVIII. Of Thyme. THyme unknown to none, is a little surculous plant, with small angust leaves, vested with many heads, referted with white flowers in its summities: whereof there are two sorts; the first called Cephaloton, Species. which is like Stoechas; the others differs from this, because it is harder, and hath few leaves and flowers, and them not on heads, but about the leaf roots. There is another exotical Thyme, they call Peruvian Thyme, which is not so surculous and folious, less acrimonious and more suaveolent, in other things it responds to the rest. Thyme calefies and siccates in the third degree, it incides, attenuates, moves flours, protrudes the young, purges the Bowels and Lungs: it is thought very conducible to the clarity of the eyes. But it is more frequently used in condiments then otherwise. Vires. CHAP. XXIX. Of Serpylle, or Mother of Thyme. THere are two sorts of Serpyll, one garden, which is greater and more succulent, delighting in culture and fat soil; the other wild, which grows in petrous, squalid, dry sterile places, and in the margins of fields and on hills; both of them are like Thyme, in effigies odour and sapour, they derive their names from creeping; for their branches creep along by the ground, and radicate where ever they touch it: the vulgar and wild serpyl is exile and small like a little Vine, hard and lignous, assurging a palm in altitude, with small leaves like Thyme; others lay along, demitting capillated fibres or radicles into the earth. They have round heads on their summities; out of which issue flowers of a whitish red and purpureous colour, which with the whole Plant are suaveolent. Another kind of serpyll is found in many places which is not Serpentine as the rest, but large and wild which the shopmen call Montanous, Pennyroyal. The Garden Serpill because of its grateful and sweet odour is enumerated among the coronaries, its circles are longer and crasser than the other, its leaves also broader, and duller, and its heads coronated with greater flowers. Serpill is acrimonious and hot, moves flowers and Urine, abates the gripeings of the belly, conduces in the Lethargy, cures the biteing of poisonous beasts, and by its fume when it is burned repels Serpents. CHAP. XXX. Of Sampsuchum and Margerum. SAmpsuchum according to Dioscorides is not Marjoram, but another ramous herb, which is reptant, with round and hirsute leaves like calamint, whereas Marjoram is not reptant but erect with many surcles, and with mucronated not round leaves, yet it may well be used for want of Sampsuchum, for it is a plant both in faculty and form very like it, whose grateful odour and savour causes it to be nourished in gardens and pots with diligence and care, and Margerum perhaps desumed its name from Marum as Dodonaeous writes, who makes Margerum, Marum and Hysobrium one Plant, as he collected from Dioscorides his description; and Sampsuchum and Amaracus another; as he gathered from Dioscorides and Theophrastus; yet Amaracus by Galens authority which he also gathered out of Dodonaeus is Feverfew so named, not by his own but by another's lapse; seeing Amaracus is indeed Sampsuchum. We cannot admit of their reasons who make Pulick Mountain a kind of Marum; which the vulgar French call Mastic sink they are very dissident, for Marum according to Dioscorides is a surculous herb, with a flower like Origanum, leaves much whiter, and by him called Origanum. Pliny saith it is an exotic Plant and not to be numerated amongst the domestic family, whereas Clinopodium, which some call Cleonicon, other Zopyron, is an herb of vulgar dignotion, and like Serpill. Now Margerum is either impatient of cold, or most patiented thereof, the latter is Winter Margerum which flourishes in the middle of Winter; the former summer Margerum which perishes with the first occurse of frost. Margerum is manifestly calefactive cephalical, and hysterical, which drank or assumed at the mouth or fundament acceletates flowers. CHAP. XXXI. Of Pennyroyal. is twofold, Species. the one masculine and sative, which is the true Pulegium and latifolious; the other wild and angustifolious: the true Pennyroyal doth abundantly emit many and round cauls, which are often procumbent; But oftener extol themselves on high, two leaves somewhat rotund emerge out of each genicle; its flowers are subcaeruleous, circumcingeing the culms about the exortion of the leaves. Pennyroyal is suaveolent, especially when it is coronated with flowers; its water distilled duly in a glass vessel will keep its odour: and as the true Pulegium or Pennyroyal differs little from the second sort of Calamint, so neither doth the wild differ from Serpil: it grows best in dry saxous and mountainous places, whence it is called mountain Pulegium, which many say is Clynopodium; fresh Pulegium incended will kill gnats. Many odorate Herbs are referred to Pulegium, in the designation whereof Authors agree not. It calefies in the third degree, it exsiccates, attenuates, moves flowers and secondines, digests pectoral phlegm, helps concoction, eases convulsions; in wine it cures Serpents stings, cures the spleenatick by admotion, and is good against the affections of the Podagry and Epilepsy. CHAP. XXXII. Of Polium. THe little tomentaceous and whitish head of Polium coacted into the Species of an hirsute berry, represents the hoary head of an old man; whence its denomination is desumed: it hath from one root numerous, slender, hard, lignous, round surcles of half a hands height; its leaves are long, crisped and rigid like Germander, but more angust and better harnessed; the tops of its branches are coronated with small flowers; circumvested with white down, many whereof are coacted together into one head; its seed is small, black, and long. The whole Plant is hollow, growing most abundantly in squalid montanous places; whence Pharmacopolists call it Mountain-Polium, which Dioscorides calls Teuthrio; it is graveolent, and yet not injucund, but useful in Medicine. There is another sort of Polium not so potent in odour, nor firm in power: whose surcles are also rigid and round, leaves shorter and more angust, flowers many congested together, and hoary with white down. Remb. Dodonaeus recenseates yet two sorts more; Pena, four: Which I leave to their investigation, who undertake to describe the universal History of plants. Polium calefies in the second degree, ficcates in the third; it cures the Dropsy, Jaundice, and affections of the Spleen: it moves urine and flours, it drives away Serpents either by substraction or fumigation; it draws wounds to scars. CHAP. XXXIII. Of Basill. BAsill or Ozymam, being a most odorate plant, doth justly challenge this name; lest posterity should confound it with Ocymum, which Varro saith, is a kind of Pabulum, made up of green segetives for Oxen: For the same fragrancy it is called Basill, as though it were worthy a basilical or regal house. Many think it is called Ocymum from the celerity of its growth; for it erupts the third day after its sature, and often sooner; and some superstitiously or rather ridiculously believe, that it will make a more abundant provent, if it be sown with maledictions: but its signification challenges z instead of c. from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to smell; because me whole plant smells sweetly; it is admirable, that Amber should expel the dry furcles of Basil, and yet attract the small stalks of all other segetives. Holerius a Physician of Paris, tells us a story worth our notice, A Story. of a certain Italian, who frequently smelling to basil, had a Scorpion generated in his brains, which caused long and vehement dolours, and, at last, his death: yet the Libyans aver, that who ever eats Basil, he shall not that day fear to be hurt by a Scorpion. There are four sorts of Basil, three sative, and one wild, which is called Acinos; two of the satives are latifolious, one angustifolious, which we call the lesser Basil. The vulgar and latifolious, is surculous with round branches, leaves like Mercury of a cubital altitude, with white flowers, and sometimes purpureous; black and small seed, which D. Fern usurps to the Syrup of Arthemifia. It is manifestly hot, dissolves flatuosity, moves urine, Vires. helps against fadnesse invected by melancholy, exhilarates, and animates; yet Chrysippus disallows of its use, as inducing madness, and hurting the sanity of the eyes. CHAP. XXXIV. Of Origanum. THere are four sorts of Origanum; the first is called Origanum Heracleoticum, or Cunila; the second, Onitis; the third, Sylvestrian; the fourth, Tragorian; which also is of two sorts, which I will not describe at large. The true Origanum is like the great Marjoram in leaves and branches; it bears umbels on its summities not circinated, but armed with small prickles variously congested: it gins to grow in the middle of Summer; and as it is like Marjoram in form, so also in odour: but it is more patiented of Cold, for it lives in the middle of Winter, it is averse to Colworts, and to all kinds of Serpents; wherefore when Snails are about to dimicate with Serpents, they arm themselves with Origanum, which is very prevalent against cold poisons. It calefies, Vires. siccates, incides, attenuates, moves urine and flours, and is good for such as are troubled with Coughs or difficulty of breathing, if it be taken in honey eclegmatically. CHAP. XXXV. Of Mint. THough Mint be well known to every one, for being most vivacious, it germinates in every place; yet its Species are not all exactly described, but Mint, Menthastrum, Sisymbrium, & Calamintha, all confusedly designed, which are thus distinguished. Mint is either garden, domestic and true; or wild, which is called Menthastrum; Prima menthae species. now there are four Species of Mint: The first hath quadrangular cauls, obscurely red, somewhat pilous, with round leaves, and subrubrous flowers growing orbicularly about the Cauls: its root is Serpentine, which puts forth ever and anon new Turiones. The second in root, leaf, Odour and magnitude aemulates the first, but its colour is more obscurely red, and the flowers in the summities of its branches are spicated. The third hath longer leaves, and flowers in its ear. The fourth hath long and sharp leaves, with subpurpureous flowers, geniculately circumvesting the internodia of the cauls like the first. Besides these which the perite Herbalists enumerate, Matthiolus adjoins another, which the Goritians call Greek-Mint; Val. Cordus, Sarracenica; some, St. Mary's herb; some, Roman Sage; some, Lassulata; and most, herb du coque after the French. It grows in most Gardens, its leaves are like the greater Sage, or Betony; of a greenly white colour and crisped, its Cauls are cubital or longer; whose summities emit coryambaceous flowers, of a yellowish colour like Tansey flowers, its sapour is amare; it and all mints are graveolent, yet not ingrateful. There be also two sorts of Menthastrum or wild-Mint; the first grows about any old wall or ditch, with more large and rufous leaves, easily incided, whose flower is spicated: the other Meadow-Mint, which grows in water brinks, whose leaves are hispid, hoary, and subrotund, and flowers spicated as the former, both are graveolent, yet grateful. Mint is useful to cibaries, Vires. which being young is a very grateful fallet herb, but more adult it is more ingrateful and hard: it is of a hot nature, and very stomachical; for its quality is to augment the heat of the ventricle, it confirms roboration, helps coction, discusses flatuosity, and cures gripe. Sisymbrium hath such cognation with the family of Mints, that by culture or neglect it may be transmuted into Mint, or Mint into Sisymbrium; the Shopmen call it Balsamint; the vulgarity, Rugged Mint: it differs much from Zion, or Perula, as also from Cardamen, or Crestion, which they call watermint: for the true Sisymbrium, which many call wild Serpil, is very like Garden mint, but more odorate and latifolious, which hath excellent medicinal faculties, (Diosc. C. 155. L. 2.) CHAP. XXXVI. Of Calaminth. THere are three sorts of Culaminth; Species the first is familiar with mountains; the second challenges affinity with Pennyroyal; the third with Menthastrum. The first delights in squalid tuberous and montanous places, and is called Mountain- Calaminth, which for its elegant effigies and grateful odour, is now cicurated in Gardens; as also all kind of Mints, to which it responds after a manner both in faculties and nomenclature; for Calaminth portends fair Minth, and this complex name denotes its nobility. The second sort of Calaminth hath leaves like Pennyroyal, but sometimes greater, whether variegated with spots, with whitely purpureous flowers amicting its cubital branches, it delights in aprike places, and is found in many fields when the segetives are demessed; it is also called Nepeta in Dioscorides, who yet neither approves nor disapproves of the name. The third is like Menthastrum, with leaves somewhat longer Caul and Branches greater than the former, and yet not so efficacious. Dodonaeus exhibited the herb Cattaria instead of this. Fuchsius exhibits another much dissident; and Dioscorides describes not a Line of Cattaria; yet it may justly be referred to the family of Calaminths, as having cognation therewith; though the herb and faculty hath been unknown by the Ancients. It puts forth many quadrate hard caulicles, at every knot two hoary leaves like horenound, spicated flowers like Mint or Menthastrum; it is called Cattaria, because Cat's delight in eating and playing with its leaves; Apothecaries call it Nepeta. It calefies and attenuates exceedingly; Vires. it hath a peculiar faculty in auxiliating the conception, and foecundating the womb. Yet all Calaminth is of a tenuious substance, Vires. hot and dry in the third degree, it abates gripe, kills worms, cures the Jaundice, educes flowers, taketh out blue scars, cures difficulty of breathing, and strenuously digests humours; the montanous Calaminth is most efficacious. CHAP. XXXVII. Of Wormwood. THough Absynth be an herb of vulgar dignotion, yet scarce two agree in recenseating and describing its Species: however letting pass the varieties of opinions, we assert, that there are three sorts of Wormwood; Species. the common Wormwood, the Santonian Wormwood, and the Scriphian Wormwood: They err, who say, that the common Wormwood differs from the Roman and Pontian, and that the Santonian is the Roman Wormwood; for the common is the Roman Wormwood, so called, because it was holy to the vulgarity, and because it grew plenteously in the Roman fields, and in every old hedge. The Pontian is so denominated from Pontus, and from its stypticity or astriction. That which is called San●onian, or rather Xantonian Wormwood, is so denominated from a tract where it grows, bearing the same name: hence some call its seed Sanctum, when they should call it Sanctonian seed; the whole plant is like common Wormwood, but lesser, and not so white; its seeds are not see many, and its flowers are small. The third sort which is called Scriphian or Marine Wormwood, grows copiously on the Mountain Taurus near Cappadocia, the herb is slender, like small Suthernwood, referted with small seeds, subamare and graveolent with some calefaction; the whole is so like feminine Southernwood, that they can scarce be discerned each from other. Galen saith, Vires. that all Wormwood participates of an aromatical acrimonious and amare quality, but some Gardens afford us vulgar Wormwood no whit amare but sweet, distinguished from the Pontian only in sapour; All roborate the stomach, help coction, and kill Worms, whether they be assumed or adhibited. See Dioscorides about the differences and qualities of Wormwood's; as also Gasparus Bauhinus, who published a whole Book of Wormwood. CHAP. XXXVIII. Of Mugwort. THe Species of Mugwort are more than two, contrary to the opinion of many; for besides the common differences of latifolious and tenuifolious, there is one marine Mugwort, which from one lignous root, fruticates in many sarments, with low and serpentine leaves; and if we believe Ruellius and Fuchsius, Feverfew and Tansy are Species of Mugwort. All Mugworts are Sylvestrian, the first whereof is latifolious, lacinious, and marginally dissected; with straight, round, striated bicubital cauls, and small flowers like Wormwood: it grows by waysides, and oftentimes in the middle of Gardens. The second is more tenuious, with a small white and graveolent flower. The third is also tenuifolious, which grows about hedges and water-tracts, whose flowers and leaves contrited refer the odour of Marjoram; the vulgar is used to the confection of the Artemisian Syrup. It was called Artemisia by King Mausolus his Wife, whereas before it was called Parthenis. Many superstitious people call it St. John's herb, wherewith he circumcinged his Loins on holidays. It calefies in the second degree, opens, attenuates, Vires. expels flowers, secondines and young, and auxlliates many affections of the Uterus. CHAP. XXXIX. Of Melissa, or Balm. WIth the same complacency that a Cat is carried to Cattaria, is a Bee carried to Apiastrum or Melissophyllon, which is a melleous leaf. There are many differences hereof; for besides that Sylvestrian which is improperly called Melissa by Fuchfius, which smells like Cymices; the vulgar is most celebrous; then the Spanish, and then the more peregrine as the Moluccian, which comes from the Islands of Molucra. Our Melissa is well known, it assurges with quadrangular surcles, broad, rugous and subasperous leaves, smelling like Quince-Apple; with two prominents betwixt each knot, which emit small cups, with candicant flowers, after which a small blackish seed succeeds. The Spanish Melissa is in effigies, odour, and faculties, very like the former, but its leaves are lesser, not so rigid and green. The Moluccian Melissa is twofold, the one smooth, the other spinous, both emitting culms and leaves like ours. It calefies in the second degree, Vires. siccates in the first; in insessions it educes flowers, and in drink or illition it confers against the bitings of Scorpions, spiders, and dogs; it roborates the head, increases the memory, and recreates the animal faculties. CHAP. XL. Of Horchound. THere are two kinds of Horehound, Species. the one white, the other black, which is called Ballore; both are ramous without roots, of half a foots altitude, growing about walls and fields margins: the white which is of more use hath quadrangular cauls hirsute with small hoariness; two subrotund, rugous, incided, and lanuginous leaves: its flowers which are small emerge out of small cups, which verticillately circumdate the genicls of the surcles: all Horehound delights in ruderous places, and about ruined aedifices; some prefer black Horehound before the white; but I choose the white with the more perite and Learned. It is hot in the second degree, Vires. dry in the third; it removes obstructions, purges the Lungs, educes flowers, conduces to broken and convelled nerves, and is given against the stings of Serpents and poisonous potions. CHAP. XLI. Of Betony. Betony is altogether wild, delighting in opagque and watery places, yet for its excellent endowments it is cultivated in Gardens, it emits long, broad, green, subasperous leaves, incided about like a Saw; its caulicles are slender, quadrangular, somewhat hirsute, and cubital; its flowers are spicated, red and white in some places: the Greeks call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latins, Betonica, which name may be detorted to another plant, which some call Vetonica altilis; some, flos Armerius; and the Germans, flos superbus. Besides the vulgar Betony, there is another latifolious one, found in many places, which delights more in culture, and flourishes most in Gardens. Betony is hot and dry in the second degree, Vires. it is endued with a cephalical and alexiterial faculty, wherefore it is good against the Epilepsy and poisonous diseases; especially against the bitings of mad dogs and Serpents; and if any praeassume this, lethal poison drunk shall not hurt him. CHAP. XLII. Of Veronica, or Speedwell. VEronica is twofold, one masculine, the other feminine, which many call Elatine; the former, Paulus Aegineta calls Betony; it creeps along the earth, with many hirsute and pedal surcles with long leaves, lesser than Betony; somewhat like * Spanish Spurge. Teucrion, but lanuginous, with flowers orderly digested, of a purpureous colour, with a small rotund black seed contained in cups like boxes, and with a slender root variously divaricated. The feminine Veronica, which many call Elatine; some, Reprilis Veronica, hath many, pedal, slender, flexile, lanuginous, and solious surcles; with hoary, pilous leaves, like † Money-wort. Nummulary: with small white flowers like * Snap-draggon. Anthirrhinon, with small, round black seed like † Anagalidis. Pimpernel, much of it grows among segetives in fallow ground and sandy places. Some make mention of a kind of Veronica, with an erect Caul, which puts forth more rigid furcles, which are renuious, ramous and folious like the former. Dodonaeus adds another Veronica, growing in Meadows and moist places, in effigies and magnitude very like the feminine; but its leaves are lesser, not lanuginous, but smooth and green: its brauches are reptile, flowers caeruleous, its seed contained in little boxes small and black; this and the former are seldom or never used in medicine. Sense indicateth, that Veronica is hot and dry; Vires. and experience demonstrates it to be astrictive, and a good vulnerary: it cures the Scab, Wounds, Ulcers, and all vices in the skin; it hath a peculiar faculty in curing, or at least assuaging, cancerous Ulcers. Fuchsius writes falsely, that the King of France, correpted with the Leprosy, was cured with the adjument of this herb: for no King of France was ever correpted with such a foed disease, nor yet with Pestilence. CHAP. XLIII. Of Ditanny. DItiany's caulicles are cubital or shorter, which divide themselves into certain wings, on whose summities depend flowers proceeding from the same interstices, in the form of scales: its leaves are rotund, but acuminated on the one side, very lanuginous, and like pennyroyal, but higher: that is best that grows in Crete; and that most laudable that grows on Picte, a Mountain in that Region, whence it is denominated; some of the Greeks call it Beloacon, that is, Weapon-salve; and Belotocon, because it excludes infixed dar●●: for Hearts confixed with Arrows run to Dictanny, by the contact whereof they exclude the Arrows. Hence some call it Dorcidium or Cervary, because Hearts first invented its use. Goat's also feeding near it, and vulnerated demonstrated its efficacy; its leaves are tomentous, and its flowers of a violaceous black colour. Another kind of Dictanny is found in some maritimous places, as in the Barofluctuan shores in Normandy, very like this in leass, which is called Pseudo-Dicamny; but its flowers do verticulately circumcinge its surcles, and its faculties are not so efficacious as the legitimate. Dictamny which some call Diphthomny is hot and dry in the third degree, it will by the Ancients testimony extract weapons, extinguish introsumed poison; it helps in pestilence, excludes flowers, young, and seconds; abates the spleen, and cures Strangury. CHAP. XLIV. Of Stoechas, Cassidony, or French Lavender. SToechas is unjustly firnamed Arabian, seeing it equally germinates in other parts and regions, as in Crete, Belgium and Normandy, where it lives well among Snowes, and in the Island Stoechades, from which, or from their spicated summities they are denothinated. Dodonaeus knew three sorts thereof; the first, the common and true Stoechas; the second, the Belgian, like the former in effigies; the third with sawed leaves: besides which there is another with golden coloured leaves, like Eliochrysum, and is called Chrysocome or Orenge-coloured Stoechas; this hath short and slender caulicles, angust, hoary and hispid leaves, and luteous splendent flowers like small bubbles: it grows in rough and Sandy places; Pena makes three sorts hereof. See him. The true Stoechac emits many cubitall, slender, and lignous cauls, with hair on its summities angular like ears of Corn, long leaves, broad like Lavender spike and hairy; small, caeruleous odorate flowers in a Foliaceous spike which are sua veolent. Stoechas is manifestly hot a mare, moderately astrictive and very cephalical; for it recreates head, and all animal faculties, discusses frigid humours, exhilarates the mind, and conduces to all affections of the head flowing from a cold distempet: it roborates all the entrails, and the whole body. CHAP. XLV. Of Sage. SAge is either domestic or Sylvestrian; domestic is twofold, the greater and the lesser: both called Elelisphacoes, though some denote the greater only with this name, calling the lesser Sphacelos, which some call wild Sage, others boske Sage. There is another kind of Sage in Crete that bears betries, which in figure, odour, and sapour is very like ours. Sage is a ramous plant, (Diosc. C. 41. L. 3.) having quadrangular and hoary branches, with leaves like Quince leaves, but more angust, sharp, crass and whiter: its flowers which depend on the tops of its branches are fulcated like them of Horminum, and caeruleous. Salvia is Cephalical, nerval, calefactive, siccative, apertive, Vires. moving flours and urine; the lesser must be selected as better to the confection of Stoechas, but the greater may well supply its defect. CHAP. XLVI. Of Horminum, or Clary. CLary is either sative, Species. which delights in cultivated and fat soil; or wild, which grows in meadows and macilent places: both are well known, they emit from one root, many cubital, angular, and subhirsute Cauls', but especially the sative: their leaves are broad, mucronated and sharp like Horehound: their flowers besides their leaves do verticulately circumcinge their surcles; their flowers are of a purpureous caerulcous colour; sometimes whitish, sometimes altogether white, erupting out of boxes, which dehisceing for maturity look downwards: a small, long, and black seed is included in these; the seed of the wild ones is round and brown. Horminum and Orvalla have so much affinity with each other, that very grave men, and perite Herbalists constitute no difference betwixt them; but they are without distinction; as Matthiolus hath noted. Horminum comes from the verb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because it draws its usurpers to venery. Some call it Sage of Rome; but Orvall is commonly called, All good: sometimes, Gallitriche; by some, Cockles centre: by others, Sclarea; and by some, Scarlea; whose four varieties Dodon, delivers, which here particularly to recenseate, would be beyond mine institution. Clary is manifestly hot, its seed drunk in Wine excites venery, Vires. takes away the white spot in ones eyes; it being demerged in some convenient liquor, cructates a certain mucage, which wonderfully helps the affections of the eyes: the Sylvestrian is more efficacious. CHAP. XLVII. Of Scordium. SCordium is so called from the odour of Allium, which it refers, it is a surculous plant procumbent on the ground, with two leaves issuing out of each genicle, which Leaves are long like Germander, but greater, incided in their circuits; soft, hirsute, and white, red flowers erupt out of the wings of the surcles, very like the flowers of dead nettle or archangel, but lesser: that which grows in Crete is not only laudable, but also that which grows in other Regions. It is almost miraculous, that grave men, (especially Galen, C. 24. L. de Antiq.) writ of Scordium, to wit, that those bodies of dead men lying upon the ground without Sepulture, which fell upon Scrodium, putrified much slower than others; and those parts of the carcases that touched the herb were totally vindicated from putretude: wherefore Galen was persuaded that Scordium is averse to the poison of all reptiles, and all noxious medicaments which cause putrefaction: it grows copiously in many Fens, beside ditches and other concave and humid places; it is found also in many uliginous and fatter Mountains. It calefies and siccates, Vires. preserves from putretude, and resists poisons; it cures the pestilence, and many contagious diseases. It is most usefully profitable in a potion against lethal poisons and bitings, it purges the entrails, and moves flowers and urine. CHAP. XLVIII. Of Rue. RUe is enumerated amongst the graveolent herbs, whether it be domestical, whereof there is but one sort well known to all; or Sylvestrian, whereof there are more varieties. Rue is a suffrutitious, bicubital, ramous, surculous, folious, and continually green plant, which bears luteous flowers, upon whose occase, a quadrangular head emerges, divided with so many closerts and continents, as it hath angles: wherein is contained that seed which ingredes the composition of the syrup of Stoechas. Rue in Greek is Péganon, because its extraordinary dry spirit and calour exsiccate the genital sperm: yet it is endued with many other eximious faculties, which greatly commend its use: Mithridates also set a good estimate upon it, who used it in that pcculiar Autidote wherewith he defended himself from many poisons. Which he constituted of two hundred Rue Leafs, two figs, Antidote Mithrid, quibus Constiterit. two dry walnuts, all contrited with a grain of salt. The Sylvestrian Rue affords two differences especially, the one whereof, in leaves, odour, and effigies is very like the Garden Rue, and is called Mountain Rue, because it fruitcates on mountains; the other being most rare and variously denominated, hath exercised many wits in its designation: Dioscorides (C. 53. L. 3.) seems to call it Moly, yet in the next Chapter describing Moly, he makes its leaves graminous, and roots bulbous, which can in no wise accord with Rue. The Cappadocians have also designed it with this name; the Syrians call it Besasan; the Arabians, Harmel & Harmala; which name many Shopmen give to common Rue: which may rightly be substituted in defect of the true Harmala, which is the second sort of Sylvestrian Rue. This Harmala emits many caulicles of Nine Inches height, without any root; its leaves are angust, small, and long: its flowers white and quinquefolious, its seed is contained in heads like them of the domestic Rue, but they are only triangular; it is graveolent; it grows in Cappadocia, and in many incultivated places in Spain. It is hot and dry in the third degree, it attenuates, incides, Vires. digests crass humours, and extinguishes Sperm. We shall not now treat of Goat-rue, improperly so called, though we may speak of it in a more proper place. CHAP. XLIX. Of Litho Sperm, or Gromell. THis herb is called Lithosperm, from the durity of its seed; its leaves are like Olive-leaves, but longer, hispid, sharper, and of a sad green; its surcles are straight, slender, ligneous, sharp and hirsute: its flowers white, issuing out of the wings of its leaves, and depending upon short pedicls. A small, rotund, hard and splendent seed, which glisters in the Sun, follows upon the occase of its flowers: whence it is probable, the Shopmen call it Sun-millet. There are two sorts thereof, Vires. which in form and faculties aae alike, in magnitude only dissident; besides which two others are found, which are either useless, or not experienced. Lithosperm is hot and dry in the second degree, it moves urine, breaks and expels stones, liberates from obstructions, opens the passages, and helps against Strangury. CHAP. L. Of Saxifrage. MAny and different plants, from their faculty in breaking the stone, are called Saxifrages; thus Betony by Galen, and another ferulaceous herb like Epithyme by Dioscorides. Pimpinell also, and other Lithontriptical plants are thus nuncupated: as also other plants which desume this name not from comminution or contrition of stones in the reins or bladder, but from their exortion in rocks; as Empetrum or Cristina marinv, which as it were dividing the rocks, issues out of their rhymes and fruticates there long and vivaciously. The vulgar Saxifrage, especially the greater, is very like Pimpinel, its leaves are variously descided, and serrated in their circuit: its cawl is cubital, angulous and striated: its umbels whitish, its seed like Garden smallage, acrimonious and fervent to the gust. The lesser differs from the former in little save magnitude. Many say, that Pimpinel differs from Saxifrage only in hirsutenesse; for Pimpinel is pilous, the other smooth and glabre. Other two plants, are referred to the family of Saxifrages; the one whereof is called white Saxifrage, because it bears a white flower; the other aureous, because it bears a golden flower; the seed of the greater Saxifrage should be selected to the confection of Benedicta Laxativa. It is evidently hot and dry, Vires. it attenuates, incides, digests, expurges, takes away obstructions, moves flowers, educes glutinous humours out of the breast, moves urine, and breaks and expels stones. CHAP. LI. Of Aristolochy, or Birthwort. ARistolochy is so called, because it helps childbearing, and edures their Lochia. Many call it the Earth's apple, because its fruit is like an apple; but this nomenclature is peculiar to the round ones, for the fruits of some are turbinated. There are five sorts of Aristolochies, the long, round sarmentitious, saracenical, and Pistolochia or Polyrhizon; all which are so like in cauls, leaves and flowers, that none but such as are very perspicacious can difference and distinguish them. They grow in many places in France about the margins of vineyards of fields, in fat and restible soil: the long grows copiously on the Banks of Sequana. Dioscorides acknowledges only three sorts of Aristolochy, the round, the long and the sarmentarious, the long he calls the masculine; the round the feminine; which some call Dactylis, he attributes eximious faculties to both; not only against venerate animals, but also for their potency in extracting the splinters and fractures of bones and darts. The round which nigreds the Confection of Hiera Pacchii, Vires. calefies and dries potently, it is good against poisons, difficulty of breathing, sigh, and Spleen; it attracts such things as are left after childbearing; whence it is called Aristolochia; for removing the remoras it validly educes the Seconds, and moves Flowers. CHAP. LII. Of Asarum, or Asarabacca. ASarum is by some called Vulgago; by others, Perpensa and Baccharis: but the Shopmen call it after the Greeks and Latins Afarum; its leaves are in colour and magnitude hederaceous, yet not acuminated, but somewhat rotund, constituting an imperfect circle; or as the Alchemists say, referring the signature of an ear, of which herb, when the Empirick Rivierius boasted, he was demanded by a learned Physician of Paris; whether or no the Leaves of Asarum were the best and most determinate cure for the diseases of the Auricles; whose ridiculous response demonstrated, that he neither knew the herb, nor the proper affections of the place; its flowers are small, lying under its leaves, like the flowers of Orange coloured Henbane, but lesser, wherein a small, angulous and sharp seed is contained; its roots are many, slender and gracile, obliquely diffused, and alternately implicated. Its roots are hot and dry, as also its Leaves; Vires. but these more imbecilly: they move urine and flowers, excite vomit, and expurge pituitous and crass humours; they are very good against the obstructions and tumors of the Liver and Spleen; whence macerated in wine, it is good against the Jaundice and Dropsy. CHAP. LIII. Of Pimpinell, or Burnet. PImpinel or Pampinell, Species. which some enumerate amongst the Saxifrages, is twofold; the one Hortensian, which delights in sature and culture; the other Sylvestrian, which grows in Meadows and other incultivated places; both agree with Saxifrage, not only in form, but faculties also; some call this plant Peponell; others, Bipennula; others, Sanguisorbe and Sanguinary; some give it the most composited name of Dionysio-nymphas; because conjected into Wine, it conciliates a certain grateful suavity in drinking. It moves urine and flowers, cures wounds and Sciatica, conduces against the affections of the nerves; calefies, siccates, toborates the nerves, and is a good ingredient to vulneraries. Many say that Ascyrum Androsaemum and Hypericum are one, but they are different plants, and of divers forms. CHAP. LVIII. Of Androsaemum, or Peters-wort. ANdrosaeme is so called, because its succe resembles man's blood; it is a fructiferous and ramous plant, its surcles are many, slender and red, its leaves broad, and mucronated like Ivy, but more tenuious and florid; which bruised, emit red succe like red wine; it hath many wings expanded on both fides of its summity: about which there are small luteous flowers; its seed is contained in small cups like Poppy seed, its hair contrited emits a resinous odour. It grows spontaneously in many Woods of Northmany, and other incultivated places, whose leaves women collect and successfully adhibite to pustuls, and almost all cutaneous affections: for they have experienced, that if it benefit not, it will not hurt any part whereunto it is admoved. It calefies, Vires. siccates, agglutinates, stays blood, cures burn, helps against the Sciatica, cohibits wounds, adimpleats Ulcers with flesh, and cures them; two dragms of its seed brayed and taken, deduces the choleric excrements of the belly by stools. CHAP. LIX. Of Gith, or Nigella. THere is no small difference betwixt Melanteria, and Melanthium; for Melanteria is a mineral like Mysius; but Melanthium or Gith is a Plant which they call Nigella, which assurges like a shrub, with slender boughs, leaves minutely incided like Coriander leaves, and candid flowers on the tops of its branches, many hairy tufts and stalks being interposed like green hair, whereunto quadrangular heads succeed, armed with prominent and reflected cornicles, distinguished with membranous covers, and gravidated with black angulous, acrimonious, and odorate seed. There is another sort of sative Gith, which from the colour of its seed is called Orenge-coloured Gith; it is in all things like the former, but in its seed. There are as many sorts of wild Gith, which grow amongst segetives, very like the satives; and another which is called Pseudomelanthium, and is enumerated amongst the caereals. The first sort of Gith the Shopmen call Nigella Romana, though it be scarce at Rome, but plentiful in Germany. It calefies and siccates potently, kills Worms, moves flowers, helps the orthopnoical, dissipates flatuosity, and benefits such as are affected with diseases in their Uterus. CHAP. LX. Of Hyssop. HYssop well known to all, is a fruticous plant, of a feet length, with leaves like Thyme, but longer, and broader; caeruleous flowers, whose branches are vested like Spike, with a long and lignous root. And it is of two sorts; one montanous, which fruticates spontaneously in dry places; the other sative, which is for culinary uses nourished in Gardens; for it is grateful, and affects broth with a delectable sapour and sweet odour. Both sorts are hot and dry in the third degree; but the domestic, especially that which bears white flowers, is less hot and dry. Their faculties according to Dioscorides, Galen, and Mesue, are perstrictive, yet all confess that they much help in diuturnal Coughs and distillations, and benefit the suspirious and orthopnoical. CHAP. LXI. Of Cranesbill. DIoscorides makes but two sorts of Cranesbill; Species Matthiolus three, borrowing the third from Pliny: Fuchsius, six; Dodonaeus, eight, besides other two described by Fuchsius, which he doth but just mention. The first emits very lanuginous surcles red from the root; leaves like Anemone, cut with many and long incisures, red flowers, after whose occase little heads emerge out of the summities of its branches, of the longitude of a needle, well representing the bill of a Stork, or Crane; whence later Writers one while call it Cranes bill, another while Storks bill, and another while Shepherd's Needle. The second hath small and pilous surcles, of half a foots longitude, with leaves like Mallows, but whiter; purpureous flowers on its summities, and with heads like Cranes bills: they mistake, that call it Anemone. The third hath pedal, geniculated, hoary, hispid and graveolent surcles, with leaves like Chervil, red flowers and capitls rostrated like Storks. The whole plant is red, whence it was of old called Rubel, now Rubertian, sometimes Robertian, or herb- Robert. The fourth hath lacinated red leaves, purpureous flowers, and heads rostrated as the former. The fifth is called Ranunculus, because it bears leaves like frogs; its flowers are patulous and subcaeruleous; its heads like the former: it is twofold; the one greater, whose flowers are caeruleous; the other lesser, whose flowers are red. The sixth expands slender lanuginous branches, small and laciniated leaves, purpureous flowers, to which the Stork bills succeed. There is also a tuberous Storks bill; so called from its crass, nodose and tuberous root; it luxuriates with many round surcles: leaves like Anemone, much laciniated, red, patulous, fair flowers on the tops of its caulicles, like little Roses. Besides these, others are by some enumerated as the montanous Storks bill, the Lady's Comb, the Doves foot, and another, which for its suaveolence is called sweet Storks bill, which grows copiously in many places in Normandy, especially in maritimous tracts; some call it the herb Camphorata, but they err; for Camphorata is of the family of Ground-pines: but I find Southernwood called Camphorata, by many, for it smells like Camphire. For defect of Camphorata, suaveolent Storks bill may be substituted in the confection of the unguent Martiatum; if both be wanting, the first sort of Storks bill may be desumed. All of them are endued with the same faculty, Vires. the Moscative is calefactive, nerval, and discussive: the Rupertian, detersive, and accommodate to Ulcers. CHAP. LXII. Of Doronicum, or Leopard's Bane. THat which Mesue calls Doronici, Actuarius Carnabadium; and it is likely that which Paulus calls Memirem, and Matthiolus falsely Aconitum Padalianche, we call vulgar Roman Doronicum, whereof that Matthiolus might give his opinion, he experienced his upon a dog, which by that means died. I, besides the authority of grave men, can oppose him by experience; for I gave a great quantity thereof to a dog, which he eat up without harm: yea, it is daily usurped successful in decoctions and cordial Electuaries: besides, the famous Doctor, Conradus Gesnerus asserts, that he hath often assumed Doronicums root condited, and drunk two dragms of its powder in water; yea, that he had frequently and successfully prescribed it either solitary or mixed with other medicaments to his patients. And though we grant to Matthiolus, that Doronicum kills dogs, it does not thence follow, that it is lethal to men; for both are not of the same nature, nor yet live of the same aliment: thus Aloes kills Foxes, not men: Nux vomica kills Cats and many Birds, which is to us a solutiferous medicament. Doronicum then must not be disapproved of as poison, since many commend it, if not for an aromatical, yet for an alexiterial simple. And therefore Mesueus uses it in the Electuary de Gemmis, because there is some theriacality in it, (Avicen. Tract. 2. the med. cord.) Doronicum is a small plant, with slender cauls; soft and long leaves like Plantain, somewhat flave and hirsute like Mouse-ears, whose ambitient is rotund, somewhat laciniated, and a little acuminated: its roots are small, rotund, and orbicular, growing more angust towards their extremes like the body and tail of a Snake; their colour is white, sapour, dulcoamare, and somewhat astrictive: its flowers are luteous and radiate like Ox eye. Some make but three varieties of Doronicum, which seem solely to discrepate in magnitude. Clusius enumerates seven; amongst which, Damasonion, which most call Alisma, is comprehended: and Classical Authors affirm, that the root of Damasonion may well be substituted for the root of common Doronicum, in the confection of the Electuary de gemmis, and other cordial compounds; for it is commended against poisons, whether ingested or inflicted by Dioscorides, (C. 69. L. 3.) whereby it seems more convenient for these concoctions than Doronicum, of whose faculties some doubt; others speak little. Now Damasonium is very Doronicum in effigies, bearing leaves like Plantain, but more angust, lacinious, and conveyed downwards, with a slender, simple cawl of more than a cubit's height, a pale flower, slender, acrimonious, and odorate roots, which are good against poisons. Doronicum is hot and dry almost in the third degree, Vires. it discusses flatuosity, is good against palpitation, and conduces to such as are venenately and pestilentiously diseased, or bitten by Serpents. CHAP. LXIII. Of Cardus Benedictus. ATractylis, which is a kind of bastard Saffron, is twofold, the one whereof hath a straight Caul, and is thence called recticaul; the other emits procumbent surcles, and is thence called Straticaul, and by a more usual name Carduus Benedictus; it is a plant well known to all, its Cauls are round, obsequious, brachiated and decumbent; its leaves laciniated on both sides and spinose; the summities of its surcles emit little heads stipated with spinose and pungent leaves, whence it is called Acanacia; which heads are lanuginous and turgid, with long dusky and bearded seed; the flower is pallid, its root which is small in respect of the numerosity of its branches and leaves, is white, and divided into fibres. Carduus Benedictus being exceedingly amare, Vires. calefies, roborates the heart and vital parts, moveth sudour, resists poisons, conduces against pestilentious diseases, mitigates the dolours of the Reins and sides, kills Worms, and prevails against the bitings of Serpents. CHAP. LXIV. Of Cardiobotanum, or Cardiaca, or Motherwort. MYrepsus in the confecture of his unguent Martiatum, puts Cardiobotanum; Nic. Praepositus, Carducellum; but what either of them are, we cannot easily define. Many use white Chamaeleon for Carducellum; and Carduus Benedictus for Cardiobotanum: others use Cardiaca, or Agripalma; which we call Motherwort. It is called Cardiaca, from its effect; for it is thought, that it conduces in heart affections: but it is strange, that so insuave an odour should laetificate the heart, which delights so much in suaveolents; Cardiaca, or Agripalma (for so it is often named) is a cubital plant, seldom lower, often taller, bearing quadrangular, hard, and crass cauls, of a blackish red colour; its leaves are broad, obscurely green, like nettle leaves, laciniated and divided with deep incisures; its flowers small, purpureously white, verticulately circumcinging its furcles, and emerging out of its caulicles. It grows in incultivated, strong and rough places: some call it Melissa; others Syteritis Herculana. It is hot and dry in the second degree, it absterges, expurges, kills belly-Worms, Vires. liberates from obstructions, helps in Convulsions, and cures the affections of the heart; yet its foetour portends it to be no whit cordial. CHAP. LXV. Of Black Chamaeleon Thistle. THere are almost innumerable varieties of Thistles, to whose family both the white and black Chamaeleon are referred; the white hath no cawl, but from the midst of its broad, long procumbent leaves, emits a head covered with prickles; some take it for Carducellum: but the black, which the Romans call Vermilago, and Carduus Niger, assurges with crasser and higher Cauls; long and broad leaves, divided on each side with profund sections; out of its summities erupt certain round heads coacted into umbells, splendent with many little flowers; its root is crass, black without, flave within, and very acrimonious to the gust. The Root of black Chamaeleon, Vires. participates of some malignant quality; insomuch that it is never intrinsically assumed; but frequently and safely extrinsecally adhibited, especially when mixed with other medicaments: for, its freity is retunded by the concourse of other simples, and it afterwards pollicitates a salutary effect upon some affections, as the Sciatica, and other infections of the skin. CHAP. LXVI. Of Artichock, or Scolymus. ARtichock, which the Greeks call Scolymus, is of trivial dignotion: whereof there are two special differences, the one simply so called, the other Spinose, and Spanish, which is a kind of Thistle; yea both indeed are depromed from that tribe, and by culture and Art have acquired a more specious form and gracious sapour. The leaves of Artichoak are long, broad, laciniated on both sides with profund incisures, and of a cineritious colour, whence it may be, it was called Cinara; its surcles are bicubital, whose summities produce a kind of fruit with three triangular, crass, hard, medullous leaves compacted like scales: this fruit cocted till it be soft, is most grateful meat, but it is not so inservient to venery, as many think; for it adds very little genital matter or flatulent spirits, but much melancholical succe to the body: (Gal. l. 6. de alim. facul.) its flowers conglomerated on slender and innumerable stalks are caeruleously purpureous: which withering turn into down; small long seeds like them of Carduus remaining therein: Wild Scolymus is very like the spinous Artichock; the slender Cauls of Cinara or Artichock condited with Sugar are grateful to eat, and much celebrated in opsonies. The juice of Artichock according to Galen is very brave, Vires. hot in the second degree, bilious and melancholical, moving urine; its root cocted and drunk in wine, takes away the graveolence of the whole body, depelling it through the bladder with urine. CHAP. LXVII. Of Phu, or Valerian. PHu, which some call wild Spikenard, and Pliny, Cretian Spikenard, is Valerian, by some called Marinella, whereof there are five sorts; the first is the male, the second the female, the third the small, the fourth the red, and the fifth the Grecian Valerian. The first, whereof Dioscorides alone makes mention by knowledge, hath a cubital cawl geniculated, concave, and articulated with tore intervals; its leaves are long, late, smooth, green, sinuated, very like wild Parsnip leaves, two whereof emerge out of each genicle of its surcles: its flowers are fair, small, umbellically collected on the tops of its branches, purpureous and odorate; its root is of a digital spissitude, transversly sected with many fibres, and adherent to the surface of the Earth. It is calefactive and alexiterial, Vires. whence some call it Theriacaria & herba Benedicta; it is mixed with Antidotes, and moves urine and flours. The rest of the Valerians which are seldom or never used, are at large described in herbals. CHAP. LXVIII. Of Fumitory. FUmitory is so called, because its succe immitted into the eyes cause tears like fume; It is an herb well known, growing either in Gardens or Fields, it is very like Coriander, it emits many red, and sometimes white flowers, acuminated on one side like the christ of a little bird they call the combed Lark; there are two sorts thereof, the first is vulgar, fruticating among segetives, and in a prique places; the other, which grows most in Gardens, is bulbous, subcineritious, variegated sometimes with white, sometimes with luteous or otherwise coloured flowers. All Fumitory is acrimonious and amare, Vires. it moves bilious urine, and cures the obstructions and imbecility of the Liver. It's juice stilled into one's eyes, wonderfully helps against caliginosity, and acuates the sight. The vulgar Fumitory is in frequent use, from which two Syrups are denominated; the one is the greater Syrup of Fumitory, the other the lesser. CHAP. LXIX. Of Eyebright. THis plant which is by some called Ophthalmica, and Ocular herb, is low, scarce exceeding a foot in height; it emits gracile and black Caulicles, from its slender and fibrous root, its leaves are small, and serrated like dwarf elder, flowers white, maculated with minute points: it grows in macilent, dry, and incultivated places near highways, and margins of fields, that are not umbrous: it flourishes about the beginning of Autumn, and should then be gathered and kept: or else its water distilled while it is fresh for their eyes, to which it very much conduces, and is thence by the Germans called Solamen oculorum: some call it Euphrosyne, because it exhilarates the mind; for which effect Bugglosse is sometimes so denominated. It calefies gently, Vires. siccates potently, and helps the eyes admirably; for when it is adhibited it takes away caliginosity, and ours all pituitous diseases therein; the wine wherein much Eyebright is macerated at Vintage time, doth with much efficacy adjuvate the Eyes, and expugn their affections. CHAP. LXX. Of the lesser Centory. THere are two differences of Centories, the one greater, the other less, which are very dissident each from other in form and faculties; for the greater hath bicubital Cauls', long leaves, cohaering together, and crenated in the margin, with heads turbinated on the tops of its branches, obduced with herbaceous scales like Lacea, out of which stamineous, caeruleous, and elegant flowers erupt, which greater is not of any great moment in medicine; though the ancients for its dignity have called it Ceutaurium, or Panax. But the lesser Centory is frequently used, which from its potency in captivating and expugning Fevers, is often called Febrifugium, and sometimes from its amaritude Fel terrae, and sometimes Limnision. It is a small plant assurging with a pedal, angulous Caul, vested with small leaves like Hypericum, two at each interval, coronated with small purpureous flowers, which in the daytime are explicated, in the night recluded; short Cod succeed these, wherein small grains are coarctated: it grows spontaneously in incultivated, herbous, macilent and aprique places; it is found in some places with a luteous, in others with a white flower. I have seen one with purpureous leaves in the middle, in other parts with white ones. The lesser Centory calefies potently, Vires. expurges and cures inveterate Ulcers, its decoction takes away the obstructions of the Liver, and helps against the induration of the milt; its succe in sod wine educes flours, and accelerates delivery; and emplasticated with honey, it takes away dimness and caliginosity from the Eyes. CHAP. LXXI. Of Rhaponticum. RHaponticum is not Rhubarb, nor the greater Centory, as many deceived with their affinity have credited: for † But now we have it plentifully growing in England. Rhaponticum, is a peregrine root, coming from the Regions beyond Bosphorus in Thracia, and Pontus in Euxinum; of the crassitude of the greater Radish, somewhat black and ruddy like the greater Centory, fragile, of a dark red colour within, and of a ferrugineous, subamare, astrictive, and inodorate sapour, void of all acrimony. There grows in many Gardens in France, especially in such as appertain to them that delight in rare simples, Rhaponticum that so well agrees with the antique, that it seems to be the very same, That root is best which admits no Worms, and which in manducation becomes pliant and clammy, without much astriction, and colours the spittle palely red, and Croceous. It cures the imbecility of the stomach, Vires. is good against the lienous, hepatical, coxendical and convulsive dolours, cures burstness, circuits of Fevers, and bitings of venenate animals; it is an useful ingredient, in Antidotes. CHAP. LXXII. Of Meum, or Spignell. MEu or Meum, Species. is twofold; the one most laudable, which is found in Macedonia, and copiously in Athamanthe, whence they call it Athamanticum: the other more vulgar, which grows in many places in France and Italy, which Herbalists call sometimes the wild Dill; sometimes tortuous Fennel; both of them have small, angust, and capillaceous leaves, gracile and cubital surcles, out of whose summities umbells with candid flowers emerge, to which angulous, long, odorate and acrimoniously amare seeds succeed, greater than Cumin seed; its roots are very slender and odorate. It calefies in the third, Vires. and siccates in the second degree, it incides, attenuates, expurges, removes obstructions, moves urine and flours, discusses, the flatuosity of the stomach, takes away the stopings of the Liver, and emends the vices of the reins. CHAP. LXXIII. Of Anethum, or Dill. BOth medics and women, make use of Anethum; the women in June, at which time it is coronated with flowers, and most fragrant, excerpe or cut it, dry it, keep it and reckoned it with their Linen to conciliate a pleasant odour to them; but the medics use its seed also to many things, as we shall hereafter declare. Now Anethum is of a bicubital procerity, with rotund and geniculated surcles, leaves dissected small like capillaries, luteous flowers on its muscary; plain, small, foliated and pallid seed, and a hard fibrous root; it is sown in Gardens, and annually revives from the deciduous seed; its odour is grave, and yet jucund and sweet. It calefies and siccates in the second degree, Vires. being introsumed it moves urine, allays gripe and flatuosity, abates singulture, evokes milk and augments it, it incides, attenuates and cocts humours. CHAP. LXXIIII. Of Macedonian Petroseline. PEtroseline is either vulgar, frequent in our Gardens, which Physicians call Garden Smallage; and the vulgarity, Parsley: which as a grateful Pot-herb is inservient to culinary uses; Or Macedonian, which is diversely depinged, by herbalists. For Lobelius contends that in cawl, leaves, umbells, and seed it is very like the vulgar or Garden Parsley, only, it grows in Praerupt and saxous places, whence it is called Petrapium and Petroseline: so that ours and the Garden is one; the wild and the Macedonian Parsley, the same also: yet Fuchsius saith it hath leaves like Pimpinella, and seeds like Ammi, Odorate, Acrmionious and Aromaolent. And this same description he received not only by tradition from Dioscorides, but saw and experienced; for when he had committed the seed of Macedonian Petroseline to the Earth, he found the Plant, thence produced to bear leaves respondent to Pimpinella, and seed conditionated as Dioscorides had described. It grows copiously in Macedonia, especially in rough and saxous places. It calefies and siccates notably, moves urine, educes flowers, Vires. eases the colicall dolour, mitigates gripe, cures the dolours of the sides, Reins, and Liver, discusses flatuosity, attenuates, incides and successfully ingredes the confecture of Antidotes. CHAP. LXXV. Of Coriander. THough Coriander be a tetrous and graveolent herb, yet is it sown and cultivated in Gardens; for its grains by frication depose their ingrateful odour, and become suaveolent; its surcle is very slender, round, cubitall, and ramous; its leaves are at first like them of Adiantum, laciniated and variously incidped, for the part next the cawl, is less sected, the remoter, more; its flowers are white on large umbells; its seed made round, firm, somewhat striated, and inane, which at first is green, then luteously white, its root short, hard and fibrous; the odour of its leaves is putrid and tetrous. It seed is commonly prepared with Vinegar, for the castigation of some inique quality, but desiccation effects as much, so that it may thenceforth be desumed without further preparation. Coriander is refrigerative according to Dioscorides and cures biles, pimples and inflammations, if taken in bread or pancakes. Vires. But Galen dissents from this tenent proveing it to be calid, and not to help biles or the like, but only small watery powks, for it calefies moderately, resiccates manifestly, and is somewhat astrictive. CHAP. LXXVI. Of Capers. THe Caper shrub grows spontaneously in many places, making much provent in dry and desert fields without the help of the Ploughman; it is a senticous shrub, low, and hamated with many a dark Prickles, whose aculeated branches are orbicularly spread on the ground, its leaves are circinated like them of Quince-Trees, out of whose wings erupt long pedicles, capitulated with round umbells, which dehisteing expand white flwers, whereunto long fruits full of Acinous seeds succeed. These rudments of flowers, or small heads, while they are yet nodose and not explicate, are by Pharmacopolists evelled, condited and brine, and kept for Capers, the lesser are better than the larger, this conditure makes them more suave and wholesome both for medicinal uses and esure, the root of this shrub is also praescinded, its bark separated siccated and text; Capers afford but small Aliment to their assumers because of the tenuity of their parts, and are therefore rather subserivent to mediniall uses, yet they mutuate a certain savour pergratefull to the stomach from this brine; that invites the ranseative to banquets and revotes the languishing appetite. Caper both fruit and root is calefactive extersive and purgative, Vires. it incides and digests, roborates helps and minuates the spleen, removes obstructions; and cures all diseases ariseing from the insariture imbecility of the spleen. CHAP. LXUXII. Of upright holy suckles or Woodbine. THis Plant the Romans call volucrum majus, sometimes Caprifolium scribonius largus calls it Matrisglua, and some the Lily among Thorns, it is a Surculons Lignous and Scansory shrub circumuoluring itself about the Vicine-Trees, and with its obsequious surcles, ascending their summities. 'tis leaves which are posited at distance, and two together at each Genicle are long, smooth, sofis, of a whitish green colour, more white one the lower side, its flowers white and sometimes flave, long, fistulous, gapeing in their extremities, many congested together Garland wise, and suaveolent, out of whose middle come some lusts, its fruit somewhat red, round racemously cohaerem, wherein a hard seed is contained its root is crass and lignous, and of no use in Pharmany. It grows in Woods and Hedges, so straightly amplexing trees sometimes, that it leaves thereon the impression of its circumvolutions. Some of these Woodbinds in amplexing the vicine trees, take their rounds from the Orient to the Occident; others from the occident to the orient; and that at all times and in all places. It calefies and siccates evidently, diminishes the Spleen, conduces to the orthopnoical, moves urine, adimates singultion, accelerates delivery in birth, deleates the pimples of the face, Vires. and by long use causes sterility both in man and woman. Xylosteron is very like this honeysuckle or woodbine, but that it needs no fulciments for its supporture; as this requires. CHAP. LXXVIII. Of Broom. THe very Maids know Broom, which they collect and colligate for Beesoms; ours grows in incultivated and dry places, and is wild; the Spanish Broom, which is our Garden Broom, is like the wild, but its branches, leaves; and flowers are larger. The flowers of the Spanish Broom, are more graveolent than its branches; the branches of the wild Broom more tetrous than its flowers. There is a low kind of Broom which we call Genistella, whose caulicles are each way extended into membranous wings instead of leaves, which is neglected as useless in medicine: Broom flourishes at the beginning of the spring, whose flowers not then perfectly explicated, are collected and condited with Vinegar and Salt, and kept for Winter-Acetaries like Capers. It calefies and siccates to the second degree; its flowers are chief commended to the expediating of the infarctures of the Spleen and Liver; one dram, or a dram and a half of its seed brayed and drunk in three ounces of sweet water, Vires. moveth and subduces the belly, opens the bladder, and cures Strangury. CHAP. LXXIX. Of Savine. THere are two sorts of Savine; the one bacciferous, the other devoid of all fruit; both low, like Juniper, and always green; Species. that which is not gravidated with Berries is more graveolent, rigid and rough with short pricles, its Come is always green, its odour molestfull, and its sapour fervid and acrimonious: this is always low, diffusing itself laterally, and sometimes assurging on high, if its boughs which circumdate its Caul be praescinded. The other is not so horrid, not aculeated with any prickles, very like Tamarisk, not so graveolent as the former; it bears subpuniceous and resinous Berries: this delights not in frigid soils, but grows copiously and spontaneously in hot places. Besides the two former, Belonius saith, that in Crete and Mysia he saw another sort which was arboreous, in magnitude and manner of an Almond-tree, whom I had rather believe, then go so far to see the truth. It is hot and dry in the third degree, Vires. it educes blood with urine, moves flowers, and taken in wine or adhibited, it excusses the young whether alive or dead. CHAP. LXXX. Of Rosemary. DIoscorides gives the name Libanotis to two very different Plants; Species. the first he calls foecund & frugiferous Libanotis, or Rosemary, whose leaves are like Fennel, spread along the ground, and suaveolent, whose Caul is cubital, or higher, concave and capitulated with umbells, wherein is contained long and acrimonious seed called Canchrys: Of this there are three varieties, one whereof is this described; the second is very like the former, only its seed is more broad, not so mordacious, nor acrimonious; the third bears neither flower nor seed. The other sort is Coronary, much dissimilar to the former, for it is a lignous shrub, having many slender, long cauls, circumvested with angust and hard leaves, whitish below, and green above, coronated on each side, with caeruleously candescent flowers; though its odour be grave, yet it is not ingrateful, but roborates the brain and nerves; it is planted in every garden, growing spontaneously in the hotter Regions of France; it flourishes twice a year in Spring and Autumn. It is calefactive, Vires. cures the Jaundice, if its decoction be drunk before exercise, and after exercise the diseased ingrede a bath and drink wine: it helps against the resolution of the Nerves, and stupour, and all diseases arising from the frigid humours in the brain. CHAP. LXXXI. Of Agnus Castus, or White Willow. THere grows a certain odorate shrub in hot Countries about the brinks of Rivers, torrent Channels, and rough places, which they call Agnus Castus, or white Willow, with leaves like Hemp, yet not serrated in their ambient, long, acuminated, and cohaering on one pedicle a piece; its boughs are long, lent, not fragile, its flowers are subpurpureous, verticulately circundating the summities of its surcles; its seed is rotund like Cardamome: it is called Agnus Castus, because its leaves and flowers strewed under one, conduces to their Chastity. It calefies and siccates notably, validly discussing all flatuosity; Vires. it auxiliates in venenate bitings, and affections of the Spleen; it moves flowers, cohibits the motion of sperm, and allays venereous fancies in the night as well as Rue seed, for which cause the Athenian Matrons in their Feasts to Ceres, the better to custodite their Chastity, strewed their beds with its leaves. CHAP. LXXXII. Of the Ash and Ashton Keys. THe Ash is a tall Tree, which the Greeks call Media and Milea, not only used in the fabrication of ligneous vessels, but also accommodated to medicinary uses; whose bark, wood, and fruit, afford many commodious medicaments: it assurges with a very crass and high Caul, involved in a slender and smooth bark, with long leaves consisting of many together, and adhering to one pedicle like Liquorice or Walnut leaves. Many Cod colligated together upon one pedicle, issue out of its slender boughs, without any praegession of conspicuous flowers which Cod resembling birds tongues, and their Medulla a lingel, are called Birds tongues; by the Greeks, Ornithoglossa. The Ancients have noted such an Antipathy betwixt Serpents, and this Tree, that they had rather run into the fire, then creep upon its leaves and boughs, if they were circundated with both. Its leaves and bark calefie moderately, and siccate efficaciously; Vires. and its seed which we call Ornithoglossum, is hot and dry in the second degree. Now if this Tree be so averse from Serpents, that its very shade abigates them, its leaves, succe, or other parts duly assumed or adhibited, must needs produce potent effects upon poisons; they are therefore useful for the curation of such affections as participate of any malign quality, and good ingredients to Antidotes: its seed is much celebrated for exciting of venery, it cures the dolours of the Liver and Spleen, proceeding from a cold cause, if it be taken in wine. CHAP. LXXXIII. Of Viscus Quercinus, or of Misselto of the Oak. THere are three sorts of Misselto, one whereof is (as they say) Collachrymated our of black Camelaeon Thistle, about the rising of the Dog Star, which according to Pliny; Scribonius, and Hesichius is venenate, and by them named Ixia; the second is Malacticall extracted from the berries, to take and hold Birds, which is made of Holly-bark elixated; sepulted in mud, putrified, brayed and washed in water, till the bark be separated, and the glue alone remain. The third sort is, as it were, one Plant growing upon another, no part of the same; the earth brings it not forth, nor yet is it produced by sature, but fruticates and grows upon an alien Plant, whose leafe-fades not, nor vigour fails: it grows not only on one Tree, but many very dissimilar, as Oaks, Appletrees whether domestic or wild, Willows, Poplar and many more. These very seldom exceed a cubit in height, but they extend themselves laterally, with many short, geniculated, ligneous and dilutely green boughs, with long, broad, striated and somewhat flave leaves; round, white and splended berries grow on their genicles; whereon Thrushes, Stock-Doves and the like, feed in Winter. They have no roots unless the fibres and boughs of the Viscigerous Trees be their roots. It is fabulous that this viscum will not grow, unless the seed, whereof they say it is produced, be intermitted through the belly of some Bird. And it is as ridiculous that Athenaeus writes, If, saith he, a Stock-Dove eat the seed of this viscum, it will grow upon what ever tree she exonerates her belly, for it springs neither from seed nor dung, but from the sudour of that Tree whereon it grows, but that is best that grows on Oakes. It calefies with some acritude and amarity; yet it is of that rank of simples which requires some time before it exerts its calefactive quality. Vires. After application it discusses, mollifyes, and attracts; mixed with Wax and Rosine it draws lumps, imposthumes, and other swell to maturity, and is very good against the Epilepsy. CHAP. LXXXIIII. Of Poplar. THe Poplar Tree is threefold, one is white, the second black, the third Lybian or tremulous, this last sort grows equally in dry and humid places; the other two are only delighted with wet soils: the first sort hath a crass, tall Caul, vested with a smooth white bark, its leaves are broad, incided, angulous, tremulous, like tussilage, smooth and green above, lanuginous and white beneath, adhering to a long pedicle. The black Poplar doth sooner erect itself on high, with a crass, smooth and white Caul; a round, long, hederaccous leaf appended on a long small pedicle; it emits long down, and a kind of a Cluster, whereon some grains like round Pepper adhaere, which drawing to maturity, fall off before they dehisce. The first buds this tree emits, which are the rudiments of future leaves, are long and acute, full of some fat, oleous, and resinous matter, which is subflave, and adheres to the fingers of the Tangents. Apothecaries call them oculus populi, which excerpe in the beginning of the Spring, bruise, and reckoned in a figuline vessel with swine's grease till June, for the confecture of the poplar Unguent: Bees collect a kind of Lachryma of its leaves, wherewith they make their propoly. The Lybian tremulous or mountain Poplar, varies little from the black in superficies, but its leaves are harder, lesser, more profoundly serrated and adherent to a longer pedicle; and therefore more obvious to motion by the wind, which by their collision make a noise; some think this is Ceris, but that seems by Theophrastus his description to be the same that we call Judas-tree. Black Poplar Gems or eyes, are only usurped for Pharmacy, Vires. and they are calefactive and siccative, by the tenuity of their parts inciding and mollifying: their Leaves participate of the same faculties, but in a more imbecile degree, brayed and illited with vinegar, they cure the podagrical dolour. Whether Poplars lachrymate into the river Paa●●, there making Amber by their coition, as Dioscorides and many of his followers believe, we shall hereafter determine it. SECT. V Of Refrigerative Simples. THe best Medicaments do not grow in every Region, but some in Hat, and others in cold: here Corn, and there Grapes; those Regions which look towards the Meridian, and the Aestuous Aspect of thy Heaven do bear Hot Simples: But these that are towards the North, Cold. And whilst those Physicians that inhabit Foreign Climates, viz. Asia and Africa, do Investigate or find out the Virtues of their Simples for their healths and safety; Let us view our Field of Plants which they want, which indeed are endowed with most admirable virtues. How many Simples have we, which will not grow in Egypt, or China, or in any other place under the Pole-antartick; Europe, besides those Calefactives, wherewith it is Luxuriant, produces many Refrigeratives. Amongst which, we shall only handle such as are mentioned in the Compositions in our Shop. CHAP. I. Of Mandrake. I Hitherto thought that all that I heard of Mandrakes were no more than old Wife's fables, yet I now find that these figments have been depromed from the writings of some of the ancients, who being too credulous have committed to press what the imperite somniated: for some of the Greeks named this root Circea because they Judged it some Philthrum conducing to love-matters. Phythagoras' called it Anthropomorphon because it in some wise represented man's Trunk and Members, and because its roots were frequently geminell, resembling two Legs, and two Buttocks; in allusion to which name the septentrional idiom calls it Mandragora, Man denoting a man, and Draghen in that Language man's form: but all these are fabulous and fictitious, whereby running circulatours deceive the incautious, circumducing a bisidous root, whereon they have insculpted a humane shape and discriminated members. Of which root they tell admirable and incredible stories, that they may extort money from idiots. Some call it the dog's Appletree, others the earth's Appletree, because it bears round luteous Apples like the yolks of hard eggs which are odorate, but venenate withal. There are two sorrs thereof, the one masculine or white, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, some Arsen, and others Hypoplomon; with great leaves like beat, large and smooth. The other feminine or black, which emitts more angust leaves like Lettuce but lesser, somewhat hirsute and procumbent; it bears Apples like the masculine, but lesser and lutrously pallescent: it hath often two or three roots, mutually convolved and intorted, which are black without, white within, carnose, long and crass. Mandrake is very impatient of solar heat, it fruticates best in umbrous and aprique places; whence many learned authors think its derive its nomenclature, because it delights in Mandris, that is, in Caves and Dens. In Dioscorides his time the succe of Mandrake was collected, which concreted by insolation was of much use, now we only use its Roots and Leaves, and them very seldom, and only in such affections as contemn more gentle stupefactives. An oil may be extracted out of its Apples by infusion, as we have showed in our officine; which prudently adhibited will take away any dolour and conciliate sleep. Mandrake is seldom assumed at the mouth; but some other soporiferous medicament, duly castigated, which would without danger consopite the senses, should be given in its stead to such as would be burned or cut in any part without sense of dolour: for Mandrake is not only impensely cold, Mala insana melongena. but also narcoticall, and therefore cannot be safely used without great care and prudence, for Aetius enumerates it amongst poisons, (C. 45. Lib. 4 Serm. 1). There is a Plant that hath some cognation with Mandrake which bears Apples of a caeruleous purple colour, about the magnitude of an egg, which some call insane Apples, others Melongena, and some love-Apples, they grow on a pedal surcle, amicted on both sides with leaves like Nightshade, from whose middle upwards, white flowers emerge, whereunto these Apples succeed which are carnose, succulent, and pregnant with small grains; some use them in acetaryes, not without danger to their sanity. CHAP. II. Of Nightshade. THere are many varieties of Nightshade, Species. the first according to Dioscorides is sative and domestic, which Theophrastus reposes amongst Potherbs; but now it is neither eaten nor sown, but grows and germinates spontaneously, against the Gardener's will; it bears black-berryes, Morella whence the french call it Morella, the shopmen Solatrum, and the Greeks Strychion. It is a pedal and racemous Plant, with leaves like oxymum, but greater; black berries, racemously coherent, which at first are green, after maturity, black; purpureous and elegant flowers precede these, out of whose middle erupts a luteous and specious tuft It is exceedingly refrigerative, and therefore cures the Wildfire and headaches from a hot cause; it helps a hot Stomach its berries are accessary to the unguent of Diapompholigos; its stillatious liquor cures the inflammation of the eyes and ardour of other parts, and being stupefactive conciliates sleep. There is another dormitory Nightshade which is exceedingly soporiferous, it is a ramous Plant, with hard fruit, many large leaves, somewhat hirsute, and effigiated like them of Quince-Trees its root is red without, and whitish when it is dry; its flower is large somewhat red, and of an ingrateful aspect, out of whose cavity, a round fruit, about the magnitude of a Cherry emerges, which presently kills its introsumers; it is more soporiferous than opium itself; it fruticates in many wild and incultivated places, especially in banks not fare distant from the sea, whence botanics call it marine Nightshade; shopmen, Solatrum. The third sort is the furious and lethal Nightshade, which some call Thryoron, others Perisson; it bears leaves like Rocket, but greater, acceding near them of Bearesfoot; its cawls are many, tall, and specious; its flowers, blackish: whereunto racemous, black, round fruits pregnant with ten or twelve stones succeed: it is thought to be the same that many call Daryon or Dorcynion. Some think there is no difference betwixt Nightshade that is only somniferous, and that, that is lethal; but perite Herbalists find much of discrimination. The fourth sort is arboreous and ligneous, called by some Dulcamare, which Vine-like climbs up shrubs and hedges, with leaves and surcles like Smilax, but harder and blacker; with purpureous, violaceous and inverted flowers; out of whose middle a luteous tuft emerges, to which small succulent and venenate berries succeed. Another Plant which some call Uva Lupina, others Aconitum, Pardalianches, and others the herb Paris, which Gesnerus calls Monococcorn, and Pena stinking Nightshade, is by the common suffrage of many writers justly referred to the number of Nightshade, none whereof are at any time used by medicks save the Garden Nightshade, and that but seldom; for that is an ill medicine which threatens more of danger then cure. There is yet another Plant which by its effigy and virtue challenges affinity with the Nightshades, some call it Stramonium or better Strychmonium, some Lycopersium, others Metel, and others Hyoscyamus, Peruvianus, and Baryococcalon; whereof there are two sorts; the one greater, which in procerity exceeds a man's height; the other lesser, which is bicubitall, both of them alike in effigies, both bearing great, white flowers like Smilax, crass spinous and echinated apples; the lesser bears rotund one's, the great acuminated, whose leaves and all other parts are greater than the other. There is yet another Plant which hath cognation with the Nightshades; which some call pomiferous Nightshade, Pomiferum some Lycopersicum, for it bears Apples of an aureous croceous colour, which Herbalists call the wonderful and the golden Apples; some would reduce Pliny's Ammonum to Nightshade; but the disparity of their effigies and natures, evidences the contrary. CHAP. III. Of Alkekengi, or Winter-Cherryes. THe second sort of Nightshade, is Dioscorides his Halicacabus, which Apothecaryes', following the Mauritanian word, call Alkekangi; whereof we treat distinctly, Solanum vesicarium because of its excellent uses. It is from the figure of its grains, which invested in a certain membraneous involucre resemble a bladder, called the vesicary Nightshade: it grows, and fruticates plenteously in squalid places as amongst Vines, emitting cubitall, slender, round subrubrous and geniculated caulicles; its leaves are like Nightshade, but something greater; its flowers are somewhat white, to which husks like bladders succeed, which at first are green, afterwards Phaeniceous; in whose continent, round grains of the magnitude effigies and colour of Cherries are included: which grains are carnous and turgid with plain, round and whitish seeds. These fruits are well known to very boys who call them Winter-Cherryes, who eat frequently, Vires. and innoxiously a great quantity thereof: they wonderfully conduce to the motion and protrusion of urine and sand out of the reins and bladder. CHAP. FOUR Of Henbane. HEnbane is by some called Herbasuilla, because Swine eating thereof are in a manner convelled; others call it Altercum and Apollo his herb, because such as are madded with Henbane, torment themselves with brawling and altercations, as if they were excited by Phoebus his fury. Matthiolus saw some boys, who by eating Henbane seed were so desipient, that many thought they were deluded by the Devil. There are three sorts of Henbane, the black, the white and the luteous, the black hath long hirsute and broad leaves like longwort, laciniated like bearesfoot; cubitall, crass, brachiated and ramous cawls, out of whose middle pallescent flowers do erupt; to which certain ventricose, long, round, and supernally aculeated cups do succeed, like small boxes or scales, dissepted with little fences, wherein small dusky and obscure seed is contained, its root is white, crass, easily eradicable, vivacious for a years space, very useful and anodynous, not so foetid as its leaves. The two other sorts of Henbane are rare, no where to be found save in Gardens; which are also as rarely used in medicine, whereas the usurpation of the black is quotidian: all of them refrigerate in the third degree, and all of them are narcoticall, but the white neither refrigerates nor stupefies so much as the other. CHAP. V Of Poppy. THere are two general kinds of Poppy, the one Hortensian, the other Sylvestrian, there are many varieties of the Hortensian desumed from the various colour, density and figure of their flowers, thus one is simple, another multiflorous, then both either white, or purpureous, or red: the sylvestrian also is variously discriminated, as the red the black, the spumous and the corniculated wild Poppy which is fourfold; one common and luteous, another violaceous, and other two Phaeniceous. The sative Poppy erects itself upon bicubitall surcles, Luteum. with long and pallid leaves circually serrated, and adhaerent too no pedicle, with either white or red flowers according to the variety of the Plant, with rotund and long heads: in whose cells black seed is contained, if the Plant be black; white, if it be white. The erratical or red Poppy is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or fluid, Erraticum. because its flower is so deciduous; its leaves are incided and sharp like Rocket leaves, its flower red, and seed yellow, it grows in fields amongst segetives. The spumeous was unknown to Matthiolus; Spumeum. the later writers take it for hedge Hyssop, and some for Sopewort. The corniculated Poppy hath subalbid leaves, Corniculatum. serrated about like the red Poppy, luteous flowers, a small fruit, or cod, inflected like a horn, like the cornicle of fennigreek. The multiflorous, fimbriated, patulous, and roseous Poppyes of various colours are studiously sown in cultivated and fat Gardens for the elegancy of their flowers. All of them are endued with a refrigerative faculty, the red most, so that none can use that alone, as they may do the sative, all of them also participate of an hypnoticall quality, but the black most, which is infested also with some malignant quality, so that he that uses it immoderately will become lethargical. Poppy vulnerated will emit a certain gummeous liquor, which the Ancients named 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which opium stupifies the senses, conciliates sleep, and appeases the immanity of any dolour, or at least deludes it, whereof such as followed the Turkish tents made use; that they might be more cheerful to battle, and like drunken men praecipitate themselves upon perils. It is not yet determined amongst medicks in what degree, Opii qualitates. Opium participates of the first qualities; for whereas excellent writers assent that it is cold above the third degree, its very amaritude and acrimony, wherewith it disturbs and vellicates the senses gustative, demonstrates the contrary, which detorted from others the confession of its calidity. CHAP. VI Of Sempervives or House-leeks. THe vulgarity call it Sedum Lombarda, the Greeks Aizoon, House-leek. the Romans Sempervivum, because it is always green, with eternal leaves, most patiented of cold, which withers not with the greatest Rigidity that Winter tempests bring upon the Earth. It grows in dry places exposed to the Sun, as on Walls, and the tops of your Cottages, with crass carnose and mucronated leaves like Artichock, succulent and green, denser near the root with a pedal cawl, vested to the top with leaves disposed like scales, when it is divided into wings, and coronated with green and subrubeous flowers. There are many varieties of Sempervives, all which I reduce to three general heads, the greater, the lesser, and the middle sort; if we have any respect to the name and effigies of the greater, we may refer the herb Aloes thereunto, whose condition challenges cognation with this family; to the middle sort we may refer Crassula or the Greeks Telephion, which Apothecaryes' call the inverted Bean, and the vulgarity Orpine; as also the military Aizoides and the water-leeke: for both of them are pervivacious, perpetually green, and relate very much to Houseleek: and this is the middle betwixt the greater sempervive, and all the other which we shall now describe; and this Sedum, Aizoon is rather the medium than any other hortensian teretifolious esculent, which is mixed in Acetaryes, some call it little-leeke, others middle-leeke, the vulgarity Triquemadame: from a small root it emitts many gracile branches, onusted with small, long, round, carnose, and mucronated leaves, and luteous and stellated flowers. There are very many lesser Sempervives, the least whereof the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the vulgarity Birds-bread, which many constitute the third sort of Small-leeke: it is a small and pleasant Plant, reptant with many branches, aureous and stellated flowers, it delights in walls, and saxous places; it is very hot to the gust, and exulcerative, whence the Germans call it Wall-Pepper. The second sort of the lesser Aizoon, is by some called the lesser Crassula, by the Italians Granellosa; by Apothecaryes' stone Crop and sometimes Wall-tayle; it is a small Plant, with round, long carnose leaves, mucronated like little Worms; all depending on exile and short branches, with pallid and sometimes white flowers which ingrede the composition of the martiate unguent, these two lesser Sempervives calefy and exulcerate notably. The third sort is a greater sort of Houseleek called summer-Leeke, which assurges with greater surcles, round and carnose leaves like Stone-Crop, but greater; it flourishes no where perpetually but withers at the beginning of Winter. Many other Plants which are perpetually folious and virid, do in effigies and faculties challenge cognation with Sempervives, and may justly be referred to their family as Aizoon Hematoides, Aizoon Scorpioides, a kind of Petrous, Montanous, and small Houseleek, another great and arboreous one, and another assurging like a shrub with small and rigid surcles. The greater Sempervive refrigerates in the third degree, and is thence adapted to the cure of St. Anthony's fire pimples and inflammations, some of the lesser refrigerate in a lesser degree, others efficaciously calefye and exulcerate, as Stone-Cropp, and so all Pepper. CHAP. VII. Of Cynoglosse, or Doggs-tongue. CYnoglosse hath molliceous, lent, & long leaves, it is somewhat lanuginous, but not sharp to the tact, caeruleously green, in effigies and softness aemulateing a Doggs-tongue. Its surcles are round, hoary, divided into wings, and cubitall, coronated with puniceous and purpureous flowers; four small, coherent seeds which cleave to men's like burrs succeed each flower; its root is crass, in magnitude and colour like walwort, in odour almost soporiferous, whose use is celebrated in sharp and thin fluxes, for it incrassates much, and refrigerates manifestly; Vires. whence women adhibite it to burn: it is cold and dry in the second degree, endued with a cohibiting and incrassating faculty; and therefore it is the basis of those pills which bear its denomination, and are effectually prescribed to all diseases which arise from the fluidity of humours. CHAP. VIII. Of Plantain. PLantain is either aquatical whereof there are three sorts, seldom or never used in Pharmacy; or terrestrial, whose usurpation in defending sanity, Species. and profligating diseases is frequent, whereof Dioscorides constitutes two differences, the greater and the lesser; the greater comprehends three varieties, the vulgar, the hoary, and the roseous Plantain. The vulgar hath crass, broad, and very green leaves like beat; its cawl is angulous, sometimes cubitall, sometimes shorter, spicated at the top and pregnant with small and copious seed, it grows in moist and lacunous places, and about highway-sides. The Roseous Plantain is so called, because it bears an herbid and patulous umbell compacted of many leaves, coherent like a rose, it is in other things very like the former. The lesser Plantain hath more angust, smaller, softer and more tenuious leaves, its caulicle is angulous, declined downwards; its flowers pallid, seeds small, which grow upon the summityes of its surcles, the Apothecaryes' call it Lanceolate, and lanceole because its leaves are acuminated lance-wise, from its five distinct fibres or nerves, which it hath in its sulcated leaves, it is sometimes called Quinquenerve; and Septinerve, when besides its five greater, two lesser nerves emike in its leaves; some have depraved it of quinq nerve, and made it centinerve; others call it Arnoglosse because its leaves resemble a Lamb's tongue, but such as bear rounder and lanuginous leaves are more specially designed with that name. Plantain is cold and dry in the second degree, it astringes, condensates, cohibites, absterges, and thence conduces to the cure of pimples, St. Anthony's fire, Vires. inflammations and all sanguine eruptions; it stays fluxes, cures the dysentery and all belly fluxes, exarceats putretude, and roborates all parts. CHAP. IX. Of Knotgrass or Polygonum. CEntinode or Knotgrass is so called from the frequency of its knots, Seminal or Polygonum, from the multitude of its seed, it is sometimes called Corrigiola, sometimes sanguinary from staying blood, and sometimes Proserpinaca, or rather Serpinaca from its reptility; it is a low reptant herb, with exile, copious, nodose and geniculated branches; leaves like Rue, but longer and softer under which much small seed lies with praevious and rubeously pallid flowers, it grows spontaneously in incultivated soils and paths, it dies not by calcitration. The masculine Polygonum is refrigerative, astrictive, and spissative, and thence it is praevalent against pimples, St. Authonyes' fire, Vires. and all inflammations. It's succe imbibed by the mouth, allays all red or bloody flovors and excrements; and stays the impense flux of the belly. It is also good against the ardour of the stomach, and the bitings of venenate animals. The other sort of Polygonum or feminine centinode assurges on one call like a slender reed, or rather the herb horsetail, with dense genicles, which are orbicularly circumvested with slender leaves like them of itch-Tree; it grows in watery places. There is also a marine Knotgrass, neither known nor used by medicks; some, deceived with the affinity of the words, take Polygonum for Poligonatum, and on the contrary; but they are very dissimilar in form; for Poligonatum, or Solomon's Seal, is a cubitall Plant with a rigid and crooked call; a crass nodose root. CHAP. X. Of Comfrey. THere are three greater Comfryes, Species. the first is Alum or the vulgar, which they call great Comfrey; the second, the Tuberous; the third the Maculous: there be also three middle ones, the Petraean, the Bugulous, and Prunella, but many small ones, as all the Bellides which the unlgarity calls Margarits, whereof there are many varieties, which are rather coronary then Medicinal. The greater Comfrey, which from the similitude of its leaves is called Asses ear, hath a cubitall call, ample, long, broad crass and hispid leaves like bugloss, but broader, more obscure and mucronated; out of the wings of its surcles erupt productions of Leaves, wherein white pallid or subrubeous flowers grow, which are disposed in an elegant order, whereunto black seeds like them of petty Mullein do succeed; its root is glutinous, black without, white within, whereof there is frequent use in Pharmacy. Comfrey refrigerates, Vires. contracts, astringes, and condenses, cohibits St. Anthony's fire, cures broken bones; stays the flux of blood, eases the dysentery; and is so efficacious in consolidating wounds, that if it be cocted with flesh, it conglutinates its parts together. The maculated Comfrey which most call Pulmonary or Lung-wort hath branches, leaves, and flowers like the praecedent, only its leaves are shorter, and maculated with white spots, it grows in woody, opaque, and umbrous places, and it is thought good against the vices of the Lungs. The Petraean Comfrey which is so called because it grows in Petrous and stony places, erects itself with small and slender branches like Origanum; with small Leaves, heads like Thyme; and a ruddy, long, and crass root, some think that this Sympythum is Bugle, but being lignous and odorated and capitulated like thyme, it differs much from Bugle. Bugle is a certain middle kind of Sympythum; of which the past age knew, and praedicate many and admirable things: the vulgarity yet persuading themselves, that they need neither Medick, nor Chirurgeon that have bugle, which they thence call Sanikle; its leaves are crass, long, small, mucronated, incided about, and subrubrous, its cawls quadrangular, and somewhat hirsute; its flowers caeruleous, and many even from the middle of the surcles upwards: some call it Morandola; some, Laurentina; and others, the middle Comfrey: it is a vulnerary, and is much commended to disrupted, broken, bruised and convelled members. Prunella or Brunella, which some add to the Tribe of Comfreys, is a low plant, with slender, quadrangular, hirsute and decumbent surcles; broad, mucronated, but short, somewhat hispid, obscurely virid, viscid and fat leaves; caeruleously purpureous flowers, erupting out of the summities of its surcles, in ears like Betony flowers, it is good for the same, that Bugle pollicitates; it deleates the blackness of the tongue contracted by Fevers, if the mouth be washed with its decoction. CHAP. XI. Of Sorrell. DIoscorides enumerates Sorrell amongst the sorts of Lapathum, not because their sapour seems to be similar, which is in Lapathum somewhat sweet or rather insipid, and in Sorrel acid, whence it is called Oxalis; but because its leaves are mucronated like them of Lapathum. Sorrel is sufficiently known to all; and it is of two sorts, Species. the one wild, which is least, and most acid; growing copiously in sabulous, macilent, and segetary places; which the Hollanders call Acetosa vervecina; other, Vineta. The other is greater, which delights in humid places, as in Meadows, and many Gardens, whereof there are two varieties, one always hortensian and reptant, very dissimilar to the rest in effigies; for its leaves are round, and its colour subcineritiously virid; its sapour indeed is acid like the rest, but more grateful to the palate: the other is well known, which is understood always when Sorrel is put absolutely; this is from its great and sacred effects called sometimes sacred or holy grass. Oxalis brings to my mind the herb Oxytriphilum, or sour trifoile, which the vulgarity calls Cuckow-bread; the Apothecaries, Alleluga; & Fracastorius, Lugula: it is a low plant growing in the beginning of the Spring in sylvous places, with slender and short Caulicles, on whose summities three, tenuious, virid, acid, and grateful leaves do inside; its flowers consisting of white leaves coherent, do depend on short pedicles; this little herb recreates the heart, exarceates putretude, and refrigerateth; its water distilled helps in continual and pestilent Fevers. CHAP. XII. Of Oxylapathum, or Sowerdock. LEst confusion should bring obscurity upon the dignotion of these Simples, I shall constitute the difference betwixt Lapathum, and Hippolapathum, Hydrolapathum, Oxylapathum, and sanguineous Lapathum. Lapathum simply so called, is a pot-herb, expetible for culinary matters, which the Cooks call Patience; the Herbalists, Parella. Hippolapathum is either latifolious, or rotundifolious; both cultivated, and called Monks Rhabarb, and sometimes Pseudo-Rhabarbe. Hydrolapathum is twofold, great and small, both like the precedent, which grow only in fenny and watery places. Oxylapathum grows copiously in incultivated places, with a long and crass root, flave within, and croceous without; a bicubitall and brachiated surcle; green and broad seed, depending on very minute pedicles and involved in thin membranes of a yellow colour. Some call Sanguineous or maculated Lapathum very inconsiderately Dragon's blood, as we shall show in its place. Sorrel is a kind of Lapathum, as also that herb, which some, upon what grounds I know not, call slow Henry, which I think is a spinaceous wild Pot-hearb. CHAP. XIII. Of Hepatica, Hepatorium, and Eupatorium, or Agrimony. PErite Herbalists do thus distinguish of Hepatica, Hepatorium, and Eupatorium. Hepatica, is liver-wort; Hepatorium, is the vulgar Eupatorium; and the true Eupatorium, is Agrimony: these three, being accommodated to the roboration and cure of the Liver, are frequently and rightly called Eupatoryes. Hepatica is often called Lichen either because it is the best remedy against Ring Worms, Liver-wort or else because it licks stones, its leaf is succulent and crass adhaering to a moist and umbrous Rock, under which little caulicles in form of pedicles emitt stellated heads, it is abstersive, refrigerative. Hepatorium doth from its root which is of a moderate magnitude exert bicubitall and ramous surcles, Hempe-like Agrimony. circumvested with long Canhabine leaves, serrated about; with small, muscous and ruddy flowers, which having coronated its fair umbell, whither and turn into pap or down. Eupatorium or Agrimony, is a fruticous plant very like Wild-tansey, but that its leaves are more virid, divided into more parts, and more serrated and hirsute; its call is slender, straight, cubitall and pilous; out of several parts whereof small luteous flowers emerge, whereunto small seeds sharp on one side, whereby they adheaere to , do succeed. Agrimony, was called Eupatorium from Eupator its inventor, it attenuates, expurges, and peculiarly helps the Liver and other bowels. Mesue (which I would not omit) usurps another herb which is cubitall and very amare, with leaves like the lesser Centory, sharp and serrated about, for Eupatorium; we call that Herb the Herb Julia, the Greeks call it Ageratum. CHAP. XIIII. Of Primrose. THe various denominations of this vulgar herb have obscured its dignotion; for I find it called, Primiveria, Primrose, St. Peter's herb, the Paralytical and arthritical herb, Phlomis; Brachula Caculi, Tusculane violer, white Betony, and petty Mullein, but let the inane investigation of the nomenclature be omitted seeing the thing itself is perspicuous. It is called primula veris, or Primrose, because it flourishs and germinates as soon as the very spring approaches: there are three general differences thereof, the hortensian, pratensian, and nemorall; the hortensian or garden Primrose is either simple, or multiflorous, both their flowers are either green or luteously pallid; they that grow in Meadows and Woods are alike as to leaves, dissimilar in flowers, for the pratensian flowers are croceous, small, and almost inodorate, the nemoralls pallid more patulous and odorate. Primrose is multifolious, whose leaves are rugose like Betony, but longer broader and more pallid, out of whose centre arise long and slender pillars, in whose summities three four or five subluteous and pensile flowers whose extremities are denticulated, do dehisce, sometimes one only flower grows upon an exile pedicle. I have noted six varieties differenced by the colour of their flowers, for some are herbaceous green and elegant, others white and vetust; some red; others aureous, and others subflave; besides some are only coronated with a simple flower, Paralysis. others are so prolifically multiflorous, that one flower seems to grow out of another, that which produces a simple and luteous flower, grows copiously and spontaneously, in many places in the lower Neustria, especially in the Vallonian field, where many rare Plants make their provent. It helps much in paralytical and arthritical dolours. Vires. The decoction of its root will expediate from the infarctures of the Reins, protrude Sand, and expel the stones of the bladder. CHAP. XV. Of Cabbage or Garden Colewort. CAbbage which the Greeks call Crambe; is so vulgar that it were supervacaneous with much labour to prosecute its designation; seeing it is sown, planted, and cultivated in every Nation and place for esure: yet all its kinds do not flourish in every Region, but some require this, others that soil, whence some are called Sabaudae, because they delight most in that Tract, which are patulous, not occluse, green without, and white within; others marine, because they grow spontaneously in maritimous soils; others Cauliflowers, and Italian Cabbages, which grow only in Italy, or spring from Italian seed; others vulgar which fruticate plenteously in all places; others Caulorape, which are turbinated from the middle of the call upwards, and Bulbous. Furthermore many varieties may be desumed from the conglomeration, incisure, plainness, laevity, asperity, whiteness, viridity, rubeding, and obscurity of their leaves; as also from their crisped, racemous, laciniated or sessile heads, which are rather for looks than Apothecaryes', except the Sea Cabbage which is altogether medicamental. Cabbage generates crass and melancholical succe, Vires. and is thought to inebriate the head, whence the Germans do so much desire it; the red one is pectoral, and praeferred before the rest in confecting ecclegmes. CHAP. XVI. Of Flebane. PSyllium is a pulicary herb so called from the effigies of its seed, it grows in fallow ground and ditches, with long angust and hirsute leaves like Crowfoot, its Corn gins at the middle of its call, with spicated heads cohaereing like scales, at the foot of the leaves, out of which small, pallid, and lanuginous flowers, erupt; whereunto small black and splendent seeds succeed, which clemently mollify and subduce the belly. It is refrigerative in the second degree, Vires. and symmetrical as to humectation and siccation according to Galen. Dioscorides and Pliny also affirm that it is thus refrigerative; so that I cannot but admire that Mesue should say that it is endued with a sharp ulcerative and poisonous quality, but I believe, he praecipitantly wrote this from the relation of some other man, or else excerped it out of some lying book, or rather that some changed what he wrote most truly: its quality and use is more safe than Mesue his writings do patifie. CHAP. XVII. Of Tussilage or Colts-foot. THe Romans call this Plant Tussilago, the Greeks Bechion, from that speedy help and utility it affords the Coughers and anhelant: Apothecaryes' call it Colts-foot, because its leaves do a little resemble a horses hoof; the inferior part whereof is tomentous and white, the superior green. It's call is so short, scarce aequalling a palm in length, that some thought it grew without a call; its flower is luteous, rudiated, and aureous like Sow thistles flowers which erupts in February or March before the egression of its leaves, which standing a few day's dehisces into dawn, its root is slender, white, and geniculated, delighting in moist places and River brinks. Vires. It's faculty hath respect unto cough and anhelations; it is also credited that its fume in a Tobacco-Pipe will break an imposthume in the breast. CHAP. XVIII. Of Hops. THere is a scansory Plant, which creeps up to the summityes of Trees, which we call Hop-Tree. It grows spontaneously in Hedges and Meadow sides with sharp leaves like Cucumber, or triangular like Briony; wherewith it encompasses shrubs; its flowers are subalbid, herbaceous, compacted of many folicles, scale-wise disposed, and racemously pendent, wherein a small seed is contained; the Belgians much estimate this fruit, for with this and their fruits they make up their drink, as we do our Beer: its tender branches, in the beginning of the spring cocted may be eaten with butter or oil and vinegar like Sperage or salads. It refrigerates moderately, moves Choler, Vires. diduces the passages, removes obstructions, moves urine, cures the Jaundice, exacts Phlegm and hydropical humours; and allays the heat of the Stomach. CHAP. XIX. Of Bistort. BIstort is so denominated from its intorted and convolved radicles; some take it for Dragon-wort, others for wild Betes; some say; but without ground or reason, that it is the Arabian Bean; others more tolerably call it Britannica; of whose family we constitute it; for it differs from it only in the colour of its root; for they are both very like in form and faculties. Britannica doth with a peculiar faculty respect, stomacate and sceletyrbe, which maladies much molest the Germans, and Septentrional incolists; the like whereof happened upon Caesar's Soldiers when they came beyond Rhine, who there finding a River, drunk of the water, which within two days caused their teeth to fall out, and resolved the joints of their knees, but the herb Britannica well help such as are thus infested. Bistort doth from its nodose, intorted & rubescent root, emit long, broad, acuminated and venous leaves, green above, and somewhat white beneath; round cubitall or shorter cawls, circumvested with little leaves from the middle upwards, and adorned with purpueous flowers, its seed is small and triangular like that of Sorrell. It's root is most used in Pharmacy; Vires. which is inodorate, refrigerative, and astrictive; it roborates the internals, exarceates putretude, resists poison, and cures pestilent diseases. CHAP. XX. Of the Strawberry-Bush. FRagaria is perpetually green, never devoid of leaves, it depends upon no Caule, only its radicles emit slender and lanuginous pedicles, some whereof bear only leaves, others flowers and fine leaves, others like fibres creep along the ground, and germinate; for where ever they touch ground, there they radicate, and ministrate a new Plant; there are three, oblong, broad, serrated leaves like them of Cinquefoil, on each pedicle, an herbaceous lump erupts after the occasion of the flowers, which augments by little and little, and becomes white, when it attains maturity it is red, like a Mulberry; it is candid, soft, medullous, vinose, humid, grateful and sweet to the gust, referted with minute grains, which we call Strawberries. It's root is fibrous, capillated and blackish; neither it nor the leaves of this Plant are much celebrated for Medicinal uses; though it accede the confection of the Martian unguent; for the commendable quality of this whole Plant, is in its fruit, as of Rosetrees in their flowers, Mulabathrum in its leaf, and Ginger in its root: it grows spontaneously in Woods and umbrous places but flourishes more in Gardens, and bears greater and sweeter berries. Strawberryes refrigerate, Vires. quench thirst, and nourish the body for a while, their water destilled, deleates the spots of the face, expurges it, and makes it fairer. CHAP. XXI. Of Cinquefoil. THis herb is so denominated from the number of its leaves; it emitts from one root many, pedal, festucaceous surcles, with luteous and fugaceous flowers on their summityes, like them of wild Tansy; each pedicle bears five oblong flowers crenated about like a Saw, the whole Plant is somewhat hirsute and whitish, its root long, blackish without and ruddy within; it grows spontaneously about the margins of fields. There is another sort of Cinquefoil, with great crenated leaves, green above, and white and lanuginous below; there is a third also which is reptile, whose branches are slender and imbecile; leaves smooth and green; flowers luteous; and roots fibrous and exile: another sort grows in stagnant places, in leaves and magnitude very like the first with double darkly red flowers, which grow upon an head referted with many seeds. Cinquefoil (whose root is most in use) allays the inflammation of the jaws and asper artery, Vires. it stays the belly flux and dysentery; in drink it cures the dolours of the hips and junctures, cures biles and scabs, discusses cowls on the neck, cohibites pimples, represses watery swell; the succe of its root while young and tender, is good against the affections of the Liver and Lungs. CHAP. XXII. Of Goosse-grasse or Cleavers. GOosegrasse hath either soft surcles and leaves, and is called Mellugo; or sharp ones, and is called Asperugo, or Spargula and Asperula; for the whole Plant adhaeres to the of such as pass by, through its tenacious asperity; whence the Greeks call it Philanthropon and Philadelphon, Pliny Lappago. Goosegrasse is a Plant growing besides hedges, ditches, and amongst thorns, adhaereing to vicine shrubs; with imbecile, obsequious, quadrangular surcles of many cubit's length; with angust leaves decussated like Stars, and orbicularly cohaereing to the genicles of its surcles, as in Ruby to which it is very like: its flower is small and white; its seed hard, white, round, concave, in form of a navel; whence some call it Omphalocarpon. Goosegrasse is moderately extersive and desiccative, the succe of the whole Plant drunk in Wine, auxiliates against the bitings of Spiders and Vipers; the Plant infused therein cures the ears aches, Vires. its leaves brayed and collected in Wine-Lees discuss swell in the neck. Gallion is very like Spargula, or Mollugo, which is often put into milk to co-agulate it. CHAP. XXIII. Of Scabiose. SInce this Plant is neither that which Dioscorides calls Scrobe, nor that which Aëtius calls Psora, we cannot learn from the ancients what it is; however it is a Plant which is now for its frequency and excellent effects very well known: it bears long, broad, hirsute, and laciniated leaves, incided like Rocket; its root is simple and long; it's Caule half a foot high, in whose summity grows a flower, made up of many leaves▪ whereof the circumambient are larger, the middle lesser, all of them with their pedicles are whitish, There is another Scabiose called the lesser Scabiose scarce a hand high, which in flower, leaves, and colour responds to the former; a third also of a middle magnitude called Ovilla, whose leaves are more broad, long, hirsute and crenated about; and a fourth not very unlike the first, whose Cawls are cubitall and folious, with caeruleously white flowers on their summityes. Scabiose, it is believed, will cure the Scab, it purges the Lungs, cures the Cough and other pectoral affections, as also pestilent diseases: some think it is cold, others temperate, and exuberant in no quality. CHAP. XXIIII. Of the Cotton-Tree or Plant. GOssipium or Xylon, vulgarly called Bombay, is a cubitall, ramous and brachiated Plant, with leaves like the Vinetree, but lesser; luteous flowers, which leave little Nuts behind them or rather small Apples of the magnitude of round Aristolochy; which drawing to maturity spontaneously dehisce, and give free passage, to a certain soft, white dawen conceived and kept within them, together with copious seed like that of Cubebs, turgid with white pitch within, and black without: this dawen is of much use to men; the seed is only Medicinal. Gossipium, which the Barbarians and Arabians call Gotum, grows in Sicily, and many moist places in Italy, and Germany, exposed to the Sun. The Cotton-seed helps the tussient, Vires. anhelant, and rabid; cureing many vices of the Lungs, Liver and Reins; its oil extracted by expression, deleates the pimples and pustuls of one's face. CHAP. XXV. Of Hispidula or Aeluropus, commonly called Catts-foot. MAny Plants mutuate their denominations from some parts of animals which they resemble, thus we have, Hares-foot, Crowfoot, Lyons-foot, Calfes-foot, or Aron, Colts-foot, and Cats-foot, which from its tomentitious dawen, is sometimes called Pilosella, sometimes Gnaphalium, and often Hispidula. It is a very small Plant, with slender branches, growing in Hills and dry places exposed to the Sun; it emitts pedal caulicles, with small leaves, pretty red, and sometimes white flowers; all are lanuginous: yea the whole Plant seems to the tact and sight nothing but dawen; especially its flower which by its tomentitious hair wherewith it is vested, resembles a Cat's foot, whence it got its denomination. It is reposed amongst those that refrigerate moderately, and astringe and agglutinate efficaciously, Vires. and therefore it is a good vulnerary: white is most used in ruptures and openings of vessels, and affections of Lungs, which are caused by imbecility or too much laxity, and impotency to contain blood, The more recent have made a syrup thereof, which they call syrup of Catts-foot, which they find and experience salubrious to pectoral vices, we have given its description in our Antidotary. CHAP. XXVI. Of Melilote. THere are many kinds of trifoiles, whereunto the whole family of Melilotes are referred; for all of them have leaves, disjoined by three divisures, all of them grow in one place, and participate of the same effigies; there are three sorts of Melilote, the first is the vulgar, which in France grows amongst segetives; the second more rare, which bears white flowers, with leaves and surcles like the former; the third most rare because peregrine, whose flowers are purpureous, sometimes caeruleous and elegant; it grows copiously in Syria. The vulgar, which it is probable the Romans mean by their Sertula, disperges many, pedal, and slender caulicles; leaves disterminated with three incisures like Trifoyle, or rather Faenugreeke somewhat fimbriated in their ambient, with luteous flowers like Pease-bloomes, coacted acervately in the form of a spike; after whose occase short, broad, and blackish cod do erupt, turgid with small and pallid seed; some call it odorate trifoyle, others Cotona regia, some Serta and Sertula Campana. Melilote seems to be indifferent, Vires. as to either refrigeration or calefaction, but it is manifestly astrictive; it allays all inflammations, especially those of the Womb and Fundament if it be decocted and sod-wine, and applied by way of lineament; it is peculiarly efficacious against a scald head, its succe instilled into the ear with sod wine cures its dolours, and allays headache, if it be applied with Rose-water. CHAP. XXVII. Of Line. LIne denotes both the Plant and its Seed; the Plant and its bark compose the texture of Linen-cloth, the seed and its medulla compose medicaments; It is a Plant with exile and cubitall caulicles; long and acute leaves; caeruleous, and specious flowers; after whose occase which is speedy, small heads, gravidated with yellow, long, smooth and splendent seed, do erupt; it is not enumerated amongst esculents in France, and those regions where it grows plenteously; though the rustics in Asia, brayed it, put honey to it, and fried it frequently for their repast: however it be praepared, it is neither pleasant nor salubre, for it is averse to the stomach; and therefore we sow it for vestments and medicaments, and not for Aliments. Line and Faenugreeke have the same Faculties; it discusses and alleys inflammations whether within or without, its decoction cures the erosion of the matrix, and moves the belly; the oil expressed out of its seed mitigates, mollifyes, deleates pimples, and emends the vices of the skin. CHAP. XXVIII. Of Faenugreeke. Faenugreeke is a siliquous Plant emerging at first with one only Caule, which is afterward brachiated into many boughs and wings, its Leaves are like them of the Meadow trifoile, but rounder, lesser, more green above and subcineritious underneath, its flowers are small and whitish, after which arise long Cod crooked like Cornicles, wherein flave and angulous seeds like small Pease are contained, Hypocrates calls this Plant Epicetus, Theophrastus, Buceras; and Dioscorides, telis. Faenugreek is emollitive and discussive, Vires. subacted with Vinegar and nitre it minuates the Spleen, mitigates heat with its lentour, made into a pultise with oxymel, it cures the podagry. Galen saith that it irritates fervent inflammations, but cures such as are less hit and more hard; its sapour and odour denunciate it calefactive though we refer it to that rank that is refrigerative or rather temperate. CHAP. XXIX. Of Red Cicers. MAny kinds of Pulse three are; some whereof are alimental, as Pease and Beanes; others medicamental as vetches, whereof there are many sorts, for some are sative, others wild; the sative seems to be the same with Arietinus, which Dioscorides describes only nominally; whereof there is great plenty in Italy, which they there use not only in medicine, but in meats also, it bears leaves like Pease leaves, but lesser, with purpureous flowers, round cod, pregnant with many grains: some places produce only white vetches which arewheseof if we look at much eaten; others only black, or darkly purpureous, which are the best and most celebrated in Pharmacy. There is another sort of vetches which are wild, Vires. which in seeds differ little from the sative, but in leaves much: both sorts open the passages of the Reins, expel flowers and birth; augment milk, exterge, cause flatuosity, and excite stiffness in the yard. CHAP. XXX. Of Orobus or the bitter-Vetch, THat which the Apothecaryes' call Orobus, the Greeks' call Ervum: it is a kind of pulse-like Vetches, growing in macilent places wherein it delights more than in fat soil, for there it is more speedily corrupted; there are two varieties thereof, the one is white, sweet and less vulgar; the other yellow, which may be had in any Pharmacopoly; both according to Dioscorides are well known to all, though many take wild Vetches, or Eruile which infested Corn, for the true Orobus. But the domestic Orobus is sown and cultivated, it assurges with a cubitall or longer culm, geniculated, incurvated, concave, and a little striated, with leaves and flowers like Vetches, round Cod grow upon its surcles, protuberant with three or four grains disjoined with no membrane. It desiccates manifestly, but calefies so gently, Vires. that it seems to be temperate, it incides, exterges, removes and resolves obstructions; it is seldom or never introsumed, frequently adhibited; for its seed ingredes salves very frequently. CHAP. XXXI. Of Lupins. LUpine seems to be a kind of Bean; for its Caule is straight, erect, Cave, somewhat tomentitious like a Beans culm, only it is round. It's singular and fibrous root emitts a Caule with branches alternately posited, with leaves qinquefariously dissected like them of Staves-acre, with white flowers thrice erupting betwixt the beginning of Summer and Autumn; after which; Cod lesser and plainer than Bean Cod's emerge, each of them containing five or six round, compressed, and amare grains, white without and subluteous within. Lupins are macerated for many day's space in water till they demitt their amaritude, and then cocted before they be eaten, if they be illited or eaten with honey, or drunk in Posca they kill Worms; their decoction cures Morpheus, scurfes, scabs, manginess, and malignant ulcers, partly by digesting, partly by exterging and drying them without mordacity; cocted in Vinegar they discuss biles in the Neck, and imposthumes distilling from the head to the eyes, and makes the colour of scars candid and white: though their amarity demonstrates that they are calid, nevertheless, they are justly reposed in this Section. CHAP. XXXII. Of Barley. AS Barley is of cereals most useful, so most notorious, whereof if we look at the time of its sature we have two sorts, one autumnal whose straw, spike, and grains are greater, the other vernal, which in all parts is less; the spike of each is circumvalled with beards and small leaves wherein is contained an oblong aequilaterall, and medullous grain. Both the sorts of Spelt are referred to the family of Bailie's, some call these segetives by the name soucrion vulgarly scourgeon which denotes its utility in succouring Nations; as also another kind of segetive which some call Zeopyrum, others bare Barley, which grows in Cappadocia: yea many reduce yet more cereals to this segetive, as Olyra, Typha, Brisa, Eteocrithon, and Oryza which they call distich Barley. India long ago produced a kind of Barley, grateful and salubre to man, but deletery to horses: for the same given to Alexander's Horses to eat, killed them at first; but mixing chaff with it, it became innoxious. Another sort grows in Thracia, about Gedropolis which beasts would not touch; the cause whereof Theophrastus' attributes to its ill odour, though a man cannot perceive it, when it is denudated of its shell; they call it Exasticum and Cantherinum. Common Barley refrigerates and exsiccates, Vires. being a little detersive, and hence Barley-bread stays not long in the belly, nor yet gives much of nutriment; its flatuosity is deposed by elixation, and therefore Hypocrates would have it done in a Ptisane, that it may be longer cocted. CHAP. XXXIII. Of Rhus or Sumack. RHus it both the Latin and Greek name of a shrub, and also of a fruit, whereunto Cooks add obsoniorum, because it was frequently used in Kitchins and obsonies for Salt of old; but now it is only dedicated to Pharmacy, the Mauritanians call it Sumach. It is an arbuscle growing & fruticating most copiously in petrous places, its Caule assurges three, four and sometimes five Cubits high, it is discriminated with many small boughs; its leaves, whose middle nerve or cost is red, cohaere in clusters like ashleafes, each whereof, is oblong, late, serrated about, whitish; it emitts candicant flowers in July, which are racemously congested like them of Lillax; its small fruit with the seed which is small and red like that of Lentils, is mature in autumn, it is called Rhus coriaria, because it hath an excellent faculty in condensing hides; as also another Plant, thence called Corinus coriaria, which may be enumerated amongst the species of Rhus. Sumach being very austere is astrictive and desiccative, it cohibites dysenteryes and fluxions, stays women's flowers, Vires. and allays the hemorrhoids, its leaves and fruit are exceedingly astrictive, they are dry in the third, and cold in the second degree. CHAP. XXXIIII. Of Myrtle. MYrtle is either silvestrian, which grows and fruticates spontaneously in many hot regions, and incultivated places, or domestic which requires culture, whereof there are two sorts, the one lesser like Box-Tree, only its leaves are more acute like broom leaves, its berries are black like Ivy; and it is gravidated with vineous succe, whence it is oft called black Myrtle, it is much celebrated for its gracious odour and perpetually florid colour, and diligently nourished in Gardens, and transplanted in figuline pots into houses windows, and there custodited for delight and ornament. There is a lesser sort called white Myrtle, which bears broader and longer leaves, than the former, whose colour is not so obscure, but whitish whence it is cognominated; by culture it sometimes assurges to the altitude of a moderate Tree, as we may see in some maritimous Gardens, both Myrtles emitt white and suaveolent flowers, out of which by due art a very fragrant stillatitious water may be extracted. There grows about the Caule of Myrtle an unaequall, concolorate lump, which like a hand amplects its boughs. Dioscorides calls it Myrtidanum, but it is of no use, and therefore neither bought not sold. There is also another small wild Myrtle, which delights in sylvous, dry, macilent, and a prique places, beareing black, edible, and sweet berries which many call Vaccinia, others give it fictitious names at will: in Normandy the vulgarity of Aethiopians that are called Mores, do from their blackness call them Morets. Myrtle consists of contrary substances, the frigid praevailing over the calid, but participating much of tenuious calour; therefore according to Galen it desiccates so efficaciously. Both its fruit and leaves may be successfully either assumed or adhibited; Vires. and it being astrictive, stays excretions of blood, and bridles other profluent humours; their decoction helps laxated members, and broken bones that cannot endure ferrumination; many more commodities doth Myrtle pollicitate, whereof see Dioscorides (C. 156. L. 1.) CHAP. XXXV. Of Millfoile or Yarrow. MAny Plants do from the multiplicity of their Leaves and their multifarious incisures assume the name of Millefoiles, as Achillea, Osiris, and water Strathiotes which is like Houseleek growing only in Egypt according to Pliny: as also Strathiotes, Chyliophyllum, and Myriophyllum, of which Dioscorides treats in two several Chapters. White leafed Milfoile hath a short caulicle, with leaves like the wings of young birds, in brevity and ruggedness like wild Cumin, small white flowers upon a dense umbell like Dill, it grows by highways in places not ploughed. It is very useful according to Dioscorides for inveterate and fresh ulcers, Vires. for issues of blood and fistulas: whence the rustics call it Carpentary or Carpenter's herb, some call it Soldiers herb. The sweet leafed Milfoile emits one slender Caule, out of one root, with innumerable, small, capillaceous leaves like fennel, its surcle is variously delineated as if it had been so wrought by art; it grows in meadowish, moist and fenny places. It is astrictive, exsiccatory and vulnerary; for it very much accelerates the cure and closure of wounds, drying, glutinating and vindicating them from inflammations; it is good also in cureing ulcers; it stenches blood specially. CHAP. XXXVI. Of Tamarisk. THey put an indignity upon Tamarisk that call it a shrub, seeing it assurges to a notable procerity, and acquires so much of crasstude, that cups and other vessels for the use of the spleenatick may be made of its trunk and boughs: yea, if we believe Columella, Troughs have been excavated out of its trunks and filled with water that Hogs might epote it, and so liberate themselves from the augmentation of the spleen, wherewith they frequently labour. Tamarisk emits very many boughs, which are vested with frequent, exile, tenuious, round leaves exasperated as it were in their superficies with transverse and obliqne lines, without incisures, its flowers are many mossy, tomentitious, white or somewhat purpureous occupying the summityes of its surcles, and at length evolating in dawen, its root is lignous and crass, as the Tamarisk is in age. Tamarisks are of two sorts, the one wild and sterile, which grows in many Woods, the other domestic, very like the former in effigies and faculties, which bears some seeds. It is abstersive and incisive without any manifest desiccation; it is also somewhat astrictive, Vires. yet it admirably and by a special property helps an inducated, obstructed, and imbecile spleen, tures all affections proceeding from crass and melancholical humours. SECT. VI Of Fruits. WE have sufficiently in a former Section treated of Stalks, Roots, Branches, Boughs, Woods, Barks, Leaves, and Flowers, or at least of so many as concur to be composition of Medicaments. It remains now that we treat of Fruits, both alimental, and medicamental, which an Apothecaryes' shop cannot be without, and in their enumeration, we shall first touch upon those that excel others in dignity, suavity, utility and magnitude; so that we shall take our exordium from Apples, by the Greeks' called Mela. CHAP. I. Of Apples. THere are so many varieties of Apples that they can scarce be named much less here enumerated: for besides those which the Earth produces, many are variously immuted by incision, miscellany, and mangony; for art cicurates the wild, allays the acerb, dulcescates the acid, incrassates the small, flavescates the red, and changes many more colours. And though Appletrees be pomigerous every where, yet in Normandy, they are more faecund, beareing better, more grateful, and salubrious Apples for the confection of Cider then elsewhere; whereof, as of Wine, there are many sorts, the best whereof is that that is made of Scarlet Grapes, which in sapour, suavity, and goodness aequalizes generous Wine. Apples are well known to all Nations, whose culinary uses are frequent, and officinary no less celebrous: for their succe ingredes the confecture of Alkernesse, and conditure of King Sapours syrup, as also their substance, the unguent Pomatum. Now we comprehend under this general name, all odorate fruits of an herbaceous green colour which have no lignous pills, as all curtipendulous Apples, rambures, and the like; on the contrary we call all them nuts, whose external shell is Lignous and hard as Pistacks, Nuts and Almonds. Quinces, Apricocks, and Peaches also come under the name of Apples; as also many other Fruits. Those are the best, sweetest and most fragrant which the vulgar Normans call Gulorogeria, Passipoma, Calvillea, Paradisiana, Rubelliana, Reneta, Curtipendula, and many more which for their salubrity, suaveolence and sweet sapour, are much used of such as live deliciously. The Septentrional incolists have yet incredible varieties of Apples; which being either amare, or acid, or austere, or dulcoacid or dulcoamare, are after they have attained their perfect magnitude congested in Storehouses that they may maturescate, and then they are contunded in a Trough, committed to a Press, and their copious succe expressed, and reconded in a hogshead, where it keeps long without corruption, and serves them for familiar drink, which from its Citrian colour they call Citre, corruptly Cider. Sweet Apples are temperate; acid ones colder, as also austere ones, amare ones hotter. All of them almost mollify the belly, Vires. especially the sweet ones, they contemperate bilious and melancholical humours. CHAP. II. Of Pears. THe Pyre or Peartree so called from its Pyramidal turbinated effigies, is well known to all; for all Gardens and Orchards luxuriate therewith, yet their fruit is very expetible; for Pears are so grateful to eat, that many praeferre them before all other edibles. Whereof there are so many varieties in colour, sapour, magnitude and form, that none are able to enumerate them: the Ancients cognominated some small and swift, which it is probable we now call suaveolent and Summer Pears, from their gracious sapour representing Musk, or Honey rather, which being the least of all, grow five, six, or more on a cluster, depending upon prolix pedicles, which come first to maturity. The Lutetians commend the rosea so called from their colour, the bicipita, sufficiently conspicuous by their magnitude, Callotia Sertelia, Dagobertina, Fusca, Bergamotia, and Donchristiana which are the sweetest of all, and are frequent in the Turonian and Metensian fields, as also in all France. Some are also commended and celebrated for their magnitude, as those they call Liberalia, and some other crass ones, which being first brought from Rhodes, are nominated Rhodensia; there are many more of firmer substance, which are eaten more frequently when cocted, then when crude, which are not ripe till the beginning of Winter. In the Country they exsiccate Pears in an Oven, and keep them till Lent, or coct them in new Wine, or stuff them with Cloves, and condite them in Sugar, and keep them for junkets and obsonyes. Pears are more or less astrictive, Vires. as their sapour is less or more sweet: as they are more grateful, so more salubrious after decoction, for being crude they load the Stomach. CHAP. III. Of Limmons, Citrons. CItrons are not so much called medical Apples from Medus, as from their medical qualities, for their odour, pill, flesh, pulp, succe, grains, and all are eximiously medicinal: here of, there are three differences, the first is called a Limmon which is turbinated with an oblong effigies, is colorated herbaceously, and turgid with a more acid acerb and frigid succe, corticated with a thinner pill, and not so amare as an Orange: the second is the more vulgar Citron, very like the former, but its colour is more luteous, its pill more crass, rugous and caperated, and itself more crass, odorate, medicative and convenient for antidotes: the third is greatest called Pom-Citron, orbiculated like a melon, with a thick carnous pill, sometimes aequalling a man's nail in crassitude, with a concolorated superficies, which we call Poncerium, Citroniatum, Assyrian Apple, and Adam's Apple, all which names seem to be deflected from the Tree, and as they are alike in Idea, so also in faculties. As them of the third sort which we call Ponoeria superate the rest in magnitude, so doth the first which we call Lina in parvity: for it scarce aequalises an egg in magnitude, yea most of that sort when they have attained their perfect growth, are no whit crasser than Apricocks, some whereof are oblong, others short and rotund, all suaveolent, vestited with a thin cortex, salurated with much succe, of a dulcoacid and grateful sapour; they are very copious and eximious in Italy, especially in the fields near Luca. The Trees from which they are collected, are perpetually virid, Laurifolious, and always pomiferous, for some are just erupting, others more adult, others almost mature, and other deciduous, at all times on the same Tree. All Limmons and Citrons refrigerate, arceate putretude, recreate the heart, and resist Poisons, which Athenaeus proves, by an admirable History of two sentenced offenders, who by the command of the Egyptian King, according to their Laws were to be exposed a prey to Asps; each of them in their journey received a Citron of an huckster, which condoled their condition; they are it, who thereupon felt no pain, when they were bit by those cruel Serpents: which the judge admired, and seeking the cause, found that each of them had eaten a Citron; the next day he commanded a Citron to be given to one of them, and not to the other, they were again lead to their punishment; he that had eaten the Citron felt no molestation, the other being all over livid with bitings died. CHAP. FOUR Of Oranges. AUrenges or aureous Apples so called from their colour, grow upon a Tree very like the Limmon-Tree in effigies, for their colours, odours, flowers and leaves are the same, only they differ a little in that part next the peduncle, which in the Orange is as it were pinnated and double, they are dilutely green, odorate and concolorate with the Limmon-Trees fruits: the Tree whereon they grow is tall, ramous, perpetually virid, and daily pomiferous, some growing, other falling, and others ripening, it bears flowers all the year, which are white, elegant, suaveolent and more fragrant in Summer, than other times; some whereof adhaere to a nodose pedicle and are faecund, others are enodous and sterile. Aqua Naphae so much celebrated for its suavity and fragrance is distilled from these, which Matrons and delicate Courtiers wash their faces, hair, and hands with. Great plenty of Oranges are carried from Spain, Italy, and France into other regions, some whereof are sweet, and ingrateful or at least not pleasant to the gust; others acid, jucund, cordial and grateful to the palate; all round, nitent of a Golden colour or very flave whence they are often called Golden Apples. The sweet ones are temperate, the acid ones refrigerate, arceate putretude, resist Poisons, and corroborate; Vires. their pills are acrimonious, amare and hot, which for their gracious odour are used in sauces condited in Sugar, it emends the breath of ones mouth. CHAP. V Of Pomegranates. THis Tree commonly called Granate, and its fruit Pomegranate derives its denomination either from the multitude of grains wherewith it is referted, or else from the region of Granata where it fruticates copiously; it delights in hot air and dry ground, its leaves are like myrtle leaves, which fall off annually, its flower is red, oblong, jucund of aspect, and resembles a cup in effigies, the vulgar call it Balaustium, though that name, in Dioscorides his opinion, may rather be deduced to the wild ones. There are two sorts of Pomegranate-Trees, the one wild, which is florigerous, but withal infrugiferous, the other domestical, whereof there are three differences, one bears acid Pomegranates, another sweet ones; and the third dulcoacid ones, all of them are angulous and crass, referted with many grains, demerged in much juice. It's cortex is called Malicore, and by some Sedion, it is viridly flave, like vitriol, whereof according to Alchemists it participates; its flower is oblong, purpureous and fait, which Pliny calls Balaustians. The whole Pomegranate is astrictive and refrigerative, but its succe is endued with the best faculties, which recreates the heart, allays the heat of the stomach, and cures the Choleric passion; sweet Pomegranates molest the stomach. CHAP. VI Of Quinces. QUinces grow upon a Tree, which they call Cotonea, or Catonea from M. Cato. but the Grecians long ago called it Cydonea from Cydon a Town in Crete, where it was first found: but I should rather believe that its name Colonea was given to it because of its tomentitious cortex resembling Cotten, for these Apples are vested with a certain dawen like Cotten dawen. The Tree from which they are excerped is commonly low, assurgeing like a shrub, vested with a sharp and gapeing Bark, producing things like scales; its boughs are many, short, tortuous and cineritious, its leaves subrotund, mucronated, green above white beneath, soft and lanuginous; its flowers albid, somewhat purpureous and quinquefolious; its fruits crass, very flave, tomentitious and odorate, emitting an odour jucund to some, ingrateful to others; its sapour is alike to all; flesh luteous, succe austere; its seed as in other Apples is included in membranes and reconded as it were in Caskets. The Quince-Tree is fruitful in every place, but most in hot regions, cultivated places and Garden sides, for then its fruits will be more, and aureous; some whereof are rounder, shorter, lesser and nearer the figure of vulgar Apples, which are called Quinces absolutely; others greater, crasser, longer, turbinated and more like Pears vulgarly called Coignacea, which are not so good as the former. Some also are more candid, others strutheous, all more luteous and almost aureous whence they are called Chrysomels' or Golden Apples, such as are more lanuginous, and by their fragrancy affect the heads of some men, make very many eustomachicall medicaments as conserveses, waters, and syrups of Quinces whereof there is much use both in health and sickness. Quinces can searce be eaten crude, when cocted they are more grateful to the palate; Vires. they roborate the ventricle, alloy vomiting repress the flowers of the belly, conduce to the dysenteriack and collicall, as also to such as either spit blood, or are infested with an immoderate flux of flowers or haemorrhoids. CHAP. VII. Of Meddlers. A Medler is a certain round Apple, at first green, and somewhat hispid; afterwards it is yellow, and soft: some call it Tigranum, and Galen calls it Tricoccum, because it contains three lapideous, or osseous grains instead of seeds, yet sometimes four and sometimes five are found in it, according to the number of its unguicles issuing out of its patulous boss or head: this fruit is so acerb before maturity, that one cannot taste of it, but when mature, it is grateful and wholesome for the last course. The Tree from which it is decerped is of two sorts, one wild and spinous growing spontaneously in Woods and Hedges, which bears small oblong Apples, very acerb before maturity, and not very grateful after; the other domestical, so made by culture and insition, whose Apples are more crass and full, though a little compressed, round, and gapeing on one side: both are tortuous and rigid, but this is less spinous. Dioscorides calls it Setania, Theophrastus Satanea. It assurges to the magnitude of a vulgar Appletree, with boughs that are hairy and circumgyred, promise, and not broad leaves; white and quinquefolious nowers; whereunto Apples succeed called Meddlers, which are of a moderate magnitude, with late heads, discreted with five unguicles or leaves, its substance is white, and sapour austere till maturity, and then it is yellow and sweet. Immature Meddlers are acerb and astrictive, yet their Powder according to Ant. Musa breaks and excludes stones in the Reins, Vires. to which effect, their officles or seeds brayed and assumed, are thought most conducible, they are commended for cohibiting belly flux, and roborating its parts. CHAP. VIII. Of Sorbe Apples. SOrbes are small Apples, in quality like Meddlers, in forms and magnitude very dissimilar; for both at first are green, hard, acerb, unfit to eat; by maturity yellow, soft, grateful to the palate, and turgid with a vinose succe. Pliny makes four sorts of Sorbe Apples, some common and turbinated like Pears which the rustics call Cormae; others rounder like Apples, some oblong like Olives, and others torminose; Dioscorides mentions only the pyroformious or vulgar Sorbe Apples which are decerped in Autumn. Vires. All Sorbe Apples are acerb and astrictive; and thence they conduce to the staying of the dysentery and other fluxes, Vires. the vulgar are most in use, which repress vomitings, stay the eruptions of blood, and roborate the partest: here is a kind of drink expressed out of these in a press, that is very like Perry, which the vulgarity much celebrate. CHAP. IX. Of the fruit of the cornel Tree. COrna are oblong fruits of the magnitude of Roman beans, yet not plain but round, red, pregnant with a white hard and offeous Kernel, of an austere sapour with some acidity. They grow on a Tree not very tall, vested with rigid bark; smooth, broad, mucronated, venenate leaves, like them of the Spine Tree, it flourishes first of all, bearing green fruits in Summer, and red in Autumn, it delights in Mountains and Valleys, and grows frequently without culture; but it is transplanted into many Gardens that its fruit may be in more readiness for medicine. There is another Thelycronius Cornell-Tree which Theophrastus calls the faemale dogg-Tree, Cornus faemin: which erects itself with a fungous Caule beareing ripe betryes in autumn, which are very acerb, insuave, and disgustful to all animals. All Cornell-Trees have two roots by internals, and alternately respondent, as in Vines; its bark is pallidly flave, the Wood of the male is so solid, that in hardness it aequalises horns; its berries are praegnantly turgid with red, austere, and acid succe. These fruits refrigerate, Vires. desiccate and astringe; and therefore they are prescribed to the immoderate flux of the belly, flowers, or haemorrhoides. CHAP. X. Of Prunes. I Have neither will nor power to prosecute all the varieties of Prunes, let herbalists and Carden-writers be sought, for their differences which are almost inexplicable and innumerable so made by art and mangony: for if we look at their colour, some are herbaceous, others white, others eburneous, some luteous, others flave, others purpureous, others black or violaceous, others variegated, and others rubeous. They are also differenced by their magnitude, figure, sapour, and place; for some are small, or great, or indifferent; others of a round, of an oval, or an oblong figure; others acid, sweet, austere, dulcoacid, or otherwise mixed: some are commended from their place, as Damascens, Brignalens, Rhemens', and Turovians: we have now in our markets the best, and sweetest of all, which they commonly call Pardigons, as also imperial plums, and red, black and violaceous Damascens which they call Datta, which nobilitate the most delicate tables; and every shops. They are collected of Plum-Trees, which are sufficiently known to all, especially the wild ones which grow spontaneously every where, which though they be very low, and bear fruit not very svave, yet they be so changed by culture and insertion; that they will assurge to an high-Tree, and yield sweet Plums annually: but it is vain to dilucidate what is already most notorious. Plums which the Greeks call Coccymela, the Siculians, Barbyla, Vires. humectate, refrigerate, mollify and lubricate the belly: a certain Pulp is elected out of black Damascens to the confection of Diaprunum; they are dried in an Oven and eaten with fish, or made into medicine, they are condited in sugar for a junket. CHAP. XI. Of Apricocks. APricocks by their grateful odour and sweet sapour do much arride, and nobilitate rich men's Tables, whether crude or condited; for their gracious halit and jucund suavity allure the fullest stomaches to taste of their delicacy: some would refer them to Plums, others to Peaches, but they seem to be a mean betwixt both; sedulity of late hath so acted that we have a kind of Plums in sapour, form and magnitude partly resembling Plums, partly Apricocks which they call Apricock Plums, the Ancients called them Armeniaca, Galen afterwards Precoccia, and the more recent now by the addition and mutation of some letters Abricoecia. They are gathered of a Tree, of a moderate magnitude, less than a Peartree, greater than a Peach-Tree, harder and more durable, it emitts a crass call, many boughs not so long as them of the Peach-Tree, but more crass, broad and mucronated leaves like them of Peartree, white flowers, which erupt at the beginning of the Spring, before the leaves; round, carnose, succulent and grateful fruit like Peaches, luteous both within and without. Apricocks are judged humid in the second degree, Vires. frigid in the first or rather temperate, as all sweet fruits; they lubricate the belly, and are soon corrupted in an infirm body, especially if they be immoderately ingested, they are celebrated for no use in medicine. CHAP. XII. Of Peaches. THe Peach-Tree is notorious and frequent in most places of France, for they beset their Vineyards therewith; it assurges to a moderate procerity, emitting long and fragile boughs, vested with rare leaves like Willows, serrated about, amare to the gust and aromatically redolent; its flowers are like them of Almonds, but more dilutely purpureous. Dioscorides saith that in Persia they found this Tree to be exitious, which by translation into Egypt changed its nature, and became innocuous, which also Galen affirms; but Matthiolus contradicts them upon such light conjectures, as he will never be able to infirmate or disprove the authority of such grave men withal. It bears abundance of Apples, which are obduced with white dawn, subluteous, succulent, carnous, and variegated within and without, with certain red strokes; they are sometimes all luteous, the colour of the external Cortex, shows the colour of the internal Pulp as red without, red within. These Apples are rotund, but they have a small depressure on one side like a rhyme: their succe according to Galen, is small as also their flesh, because they are soon corrupted: therefore the syrup made of their succe, which some celebrate much, is rather to be neglected then commended. Peaches are cold and moist in the second degree, their succe is very corruptible, Vires. and they no good last dish; they are better before other meats then after. Their Kernels are dry, they open, incide, exterge, and cure the infarctures of the Liver or Milt. Their amare Leaves, calefy, incide, liberate the entrails from obstructions, subduce the belly, and move choler. There is a good Hydragogall syrup, which also kills Worms, made of their flowers. CHAP. XIII. Of Cherries. THere are many varieties of them; for some are wild, and those small, and lougipendulous, which at first are green, afterwards red and last black, the French call them Merisia that is amare, others domestical which are much lesser; some whereof are red, others black, others white, and others albo-rubeous, wild Cherries are the most untimely, ungrateful and least; some whereof are plainly red, others black, next to these are other great, sugacious and tender ones, which are so soft after maturity, that they cannot tolerate carriage, some call them Guignea; some whereof are black, crass, and turbinated, which the ancients called Actia and Juliana; others obscurely, and others dilutely red. Those that some call Duracina, and the French Bigarella are sweetest, hardest and most grateful to the palate, they resemble a heart in form; those they call Aproniana superate the rest in salubrity, they are very red of colour, acid, and grateful to the gust. Some yet are very sweet and wholesome to eat, which being perfectly mature, are very crass, round and darkly red, they are called Agriota; some are acid, which are cognominated amar●na, others austere, Merona: all are very succulen, except heart Chertyes, black and darkly red ones are very tender, and infect the hands of the contrectants. Cherries suppeditate laudable succe to the body; they alloy the heat of the Stomach, subduce the belly, help such as are feverish, Vires. contemperate bilious humours, liberate the Liver from infarctures, but some work these effects more eximiously, others more slowly. CHAP. XIIII. Of Mulberry-Trees. THere are two sorts of Mulberry-Trees, the one black, which bears black-berryes, the other white, which bears white ones, both tall, with flave roots, crass trunks, rough barks, and long, broad, serrated leaves like them of Elder, whereon Silkworms feed: but they spin the finest silk, when they are fed with white Mulberry leaves, which are more grateful to them, and suppeditate more large and apt matter, for their Silke● threads. The fruits of black Mulberry, which the Apothecaryes' commonly call Mora Celsi, are sweet, and frequently nobilitate men's table out of whose succe both syrup and Rob is confected, but their use is not now very frequent. But the fruits of the white Mulberry-Trees are flatuous, ingrateful and unapt for nutriment; so that the excel ency of this Tree consists not so much in its fruits as leaves, whereon the aforesaid Worms feed and suppeditate excellent Silken Cotten. Mulberry-Trees germinate the latest of domestics, beginning only in May, when the rigidity of Winter is aboslutely over; they fructify in July and August, whose berries are oblong, compacted of grains, like them of the wild Mulberry-Tree, but longer crasser and greater, green at first, purpureous afterwards, and last of all black, and pregnant with red succe. Immature Mulberryes are cold and dry towards the third degree, they astringe potently, and allay the inflammations of the mouth and jaws; mature ones humectate and refrigerate but a little; they quench thirst, provoke appetite, and are not adverse to the ventricle, they nourish the body sparingly. CHAP. XV. Of Wild Mulberryes, and Rasberryes. RAsberry-bush is either wild, and spinous, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or domestic and cicurated, which growing more copiously in the Mount Ida is called the Idaean bush, of which, as of the sylvestrian there are two sorts, the one bears red, the other white fruit; both the wild ones bear fruit which at first is green, then red, and at last black. This bramble grows copiously in hedges, margins of fields and incultivated places; its surcles are prolix, lent, obsequious, green somewhat quadrangular, especially when inveterate, medullous with in, and aculeated without, with leaves, incided about, green above, white beneath, sharp and spinous so fare as its fibres go, with white flowers digested on the summityes of its surcles, whereunto fruits succeed, called black-berryes, The Idaean bramble stands alone; and assurges straight up to a man's procerity, with medullous surcles, exasperated with small not horrid spines; its leaves and flowers are like the wild ones, and its fruits also, only they are either rubeous or pallid and very grateful to the gust and olfact; we call them Framboesia; Isuppose from the fragrant odour they represent to the eaters mouth; that Wine is thought best that smells of Framboesia. Wild Rasberryes are astrictive, and very like the domestic Mulberryes in qualities; for they repress the inflammations of the mouth and jaws, and cohibite the flux of the belly: the Idaean also or white briar possess the same faculties, but more infirmely, and they are more accommodated to esure then medicinal uses. CHAP. XVI. Of Sebestens or Myxarias. SEbestens or Myxarias' are fruits growing in Syria and Egypt upon a tall Tree of the same name, like a Plum-Tree; the bark of its trunk is white, of its boughs green; they are vested with subrotund, firm and ample leaves, white flowers cobaereing racemously or rather on lax umbels, which falling off, fruits erupt very like Plums, which attaining maturity, are of a sad green colour, and contain an hard, osseous, and triangular Nut or Kernel. Myxaries or Sebestens are gathered when mature, insolated, contracted into wrinkles like Raisins or Prunes and kept, they were once very rare and peregrine in Italy, but now they grow there copiously. They mollify the belly like Plums, they alloy Fevers, Coughs, and asperity of the tongue, they cure stranguty and ardour, they quench thirst if duly assumed, Vires. and kill and expel Worms. CHAP. XVII. Of Jujubs. JUjubs which the Greeks, call Zizipha and Zinziphas, grow in Syria, and now in many places in Italy and Narbone, upon a small tree, like a Whin, with hard spinose and spolious surcles; mossy flowers, its call is contorted, rough and ramous; its boughs slender, long, obsequious, but hard and protended like the branches of Broome: its leaves hard, oblong, like them of Periwinkle, alternately disposed at long intervals; about which, small, mossy and pallid flowers do erupt, after whose occase oblong, carnose, tender berries of the magnitude of Cherries, vested with a membranous and hard cortex do accede, Galen calls them Serica. These luteous or luteously purpureous, sweet, carnose, vinous fruits, of the figure and magnitude of moderate Olives, turgid with a stone, yellow without, when they have attained maturity are gathered, dried, contracted into wrinkles and kept. We cannot learn from the Greeks and Arabians any thing of their qualities and salubrity; for Galen saith, they are ill for the stomach, they nourish little, and are hard of concoction; the Arabians accommodate and commend them to many uses, and though Fuchsius acerbly insult and speak against these, yet Actudrius, Graecus, Nic. Alexandrinus, and many more, much celebrate their use, having sufficiently experienced their salubrious effects. They cure the Cough, difficulty of breathing, and the asperity of the Artery, they concoct and expel humours, Vires. cure many vices in the Lungs and Breast, help the reins and allay the ardour of Urine, and dolour of the Bladder. CHAP. XVIII. Of Figgs. THe Figtree germinates every where, but in cold Countries it is either sterile, or bears only gross and useless, or small and insuave fruits; which never attain maturity; in hot, regions, it fruiticates copiously, fructifying twice annually in the Spring and Authmne; it is a Tree of a moderate magnitude, not assurging with a direct call, nor yet a smooth bark, but somewhat rough, especially when inveterate; its wood is white, soft and meoullous: its leaves ample, quinquefariously disterminated, quinqueangular, rough, hard and obscurely green: its fruits which are at first small and green, afterwards greater, and either white or red, with a turbinated figure, erupt about the exortion of its leaves without any praevious flowers: and as some Figgs are more forward and sweeter than others, so are some whiter, some redder, some blacker than others; all are soft, medullous and gravidated with small grains, while they are immature if they be vulnerated with the stalks or ends of leaves, they will emitt a lacteous acrimonious and amare humour. There is another low Figtree very like the former excepting procerity, which grows in a prique places, and sometimes in Septentrional regions. Another wild and infaecund one, responds to these in effigies, which is celebrated for no medicinal use. There is also an Indian Figtree which some think is that same that Pliny calls Opuntia, which is a Plant without boughs, without Cawls consisting only of leaves, which hath not yet been experienced in medicinal uses. The best Figs come from Massilia, which may be substituted in defect of Dactyls, Vires. they calefy moderately, nourish, lubricate the belly, but do not generate very laudable blood; they attenuate, leviate, maturefy, concoct and profit the asper artery, the reins, Lungs and Bladder; a dry Fig is called Carica; by the Greeks, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by which word Matthiolus designs Apias. Figtree leaves move baemorrhoids if the Fundament be rubbed therewith: the so much celebrated Antidote, Mythridate, is made of Figgs, Rue and Nuts, whose composition we have described in the History of Rue. Figgs are of much more utility, which for brevity sake I will not recenseate; See Dioscorides (C. 183. and 184. Lib. 1.) CHAP. XIX. Of Dactyls or Dates. DActyls are the fruits of Palms growing in Egypt, Crete, and Judaea, which attaining maturity are by Galen called Phaenicobalani; the best come from Judaea, they are great, flave, somewhat rugous, soft, but carnous, subdure within, white towards the Kernel, red towards the cortex, of a vinous sapour, they sound little or nothing when concussed; the flaccid hard and macilent are worse. Now there is no small difference in Palms, Galen himself being Judge, for some are dry and astrictive, as the Egyptian ones; others soft, humid and sweet, as those we call Chariotae; but the best grow in Syria, Palestine, and many Eastern regions, where they suppeditate both meat and drink to the incolists. The Trunk of a Palm is crass, round, and high, rough with dense and gradate notches, by the adjument of whose inaequality, the oriental incolists can easily ascend their summityes; its leaves are Arundinaceous, long and acuminated, many proceeding out of one exortion, according to the longitude of the boughs; it bears much fruit on its summity, as it were racemously cohaereing, but their pedicles are more prolix, whereof there are many sorts, but the sweet and succulent ones such as grow in Judaea, Syria, and Palestine are best: they are of a yellow or luteous colour, neither great nor yet small; the green, insuave, and juiceless are naught. Galen's judgement of the qualities of the Palm, and its fruits is this: All the parts of the Palm-tree, saith he, participate of an astrictive faculty; for the austere succe of its boughs, consists of an aqueous, tepid, terrene, and frigid substance. But it's sweet fruits have much of calidity: they profit the stomach and breast, Vires. suggest laudable nutriment, and are meat for many Nations. CHAP. XX. Of Olives. THat Olives, and their fat juice called oil, appertain to esculents, each one knows: for Olives nobilitate rich men's Tables to excite appetite, and their oil is usurped not only in confecting acetaryes, frying fishes, and praepareing other meats, but also in confecting unguents and salves. Now Olives are the fruit of a Tree of a moderate magnitude; which the French call Olivetum; the Latins Olea, which, especially the sative, assurges with a long Caule; for the wild one is lower, with many oblong boughs laterally diffused, hard and pallidly virid like willow boughs, with white racemous flowers, whereunto oblong, carnous, succulent berries called Olives, at first green, after black, with hard stones within, succeed: the fruit derives its name from the Tree, and the succe from the fruit. This Tree delights in dry places and hot regions, as in Spain, Italy, and France; for it willingly amplects a hot squalid air; it either grows not at all or else is sterile and tabid in the Septentrional regions. The Greeks call Olives drawing to maturity and blackness, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the French Drupae; when they are condited with salt the Greeks call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: oil simply so called is extracted from them when they are mature; Omphacinum, when immature, but let herbalists be sought for larger treatises hereabout. Immature Olives are astrictive, mature are temperate; when condited they recrate the palate, excite appetite, resiccate and roborate the too humid ventricle, nourish little, and yet not very laudable blood: we have else where treated largely of oil, and its faculties. CHAP. XXI. Of Acerb Grapes and Raisins. VIne is a name put upon many Plants, which agrees only properly to the viniferous ones, for they call Viburn, the blessed Virgin's sigil, and other tall Plants by this name; whereas the viniferous domestic is properly so denominated, whereof there are many differences desumed from their sapour, magnitude colour, and state of the Heavens. In a general acception all Vines are either white or black; but many are now variegated of a mixed colour, which are neither white nor black, but rather subrubrous, or flave, whose Wines are neither absolutely white, nor red, nor black, but mixed; flave, yellow and obscure according to the various colours of the Grapes from which they are expressed. And as all mature Grapes are sweet, so all immature ones are acerb and insuave, whence Omphacium may be had out of any immature Grapes, though it be most usually expressed out of such as are acid and more insuave when mature; whose branches are crasser and longer; which are deduced commonly to arbour, which bear crass and acerb Grapes, whose succe goes to the confection of Omphacium and syrup of Agresta. Raisins are the mature fruits of the viniferous Vine, so called because they have endured exsiccatory calour, they may also derive that name from their sweetness as well as calour. As passum vinum or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (i.e.) sweet, so all sorts of Raisins are sweet, except these of our Country, which dried in an Oven are dulcoacid. All of them are temperately hot in the first degree, and very astrictive if they be eaten with their stones; and so they help the dysenterian: acerb Grapes refrigerate and astringe. CHAP. XXII. Of the Curran-Bush, and Gooseberry-Tree. THe Curran-Tree is a fronticose Plant, scarce aculeated with any spines, emitting many tortuous not erect boughs, and leaves like Vine leaves, but much less; and fruits congested like Grapes small, round, red and acid. The Mauritarians call these red Currans Riben, whence our Apothecaryes' borrowed their Ribs. Botanics constitute two sorts of this shrub, the one bearing red fruit which is better; the other black, which is not celebrated for medicinal effects: there is also a third that bears white and grateful fruit, some of the later writers call the former Ribesium, and the other a species of the Gooseberry-Tree, so making the berries of the former red, of the later white: but they differ much in effigies, colour, sapour, and magnitude. For the Gooseberry-Tree is a spinous shrub, luxuriating with many slender white and aculeated boughs, broad crenated serrated leaves, whitish flowers, and fruits not racemously coherent, but depending on long pedicles like berries, they are at first green, afterwards white, and when mature flave. Ribs refrigerate, siccate, astringe moderately and roborate; they extinguish the heat of Fevers, repress choler, contemperate fervid blood, quench thirst, arceate putretude, help in malign Fevers, in the subvertion of the ventricle, and dysenteriall affections arising from heat: a syrup is made of their succe most efficacious and useful for all these ends. CHAP. XXIII. Of Berberryes. BErberryes grow upon spinous shrubs, assurging with hard branches of five or six cubit's height, their bark is smooth and whitish, their root flave, the matter of their wood luteous; their leaves numerous, rigid, acute, oblong, hard, dilutely green, crenated and somewhat rough, their flowers depending on long pedicles are luteous mossy and splendent, their fruits small, oblong, red and racemously coherent, this Plant and fruit are called Spina acida, or Oxyacantha, by the shopmen Berberryes, deduced from Avicenna his Amyrberis, as Dodonaeus judges, who calls this fruit Oxyacantha not Oxacanthum, which Amybreris is the fruit of the acute or white spin, it is red, sweet and rotund, they vulgarly call it Senella, and Berberryes' Spinivineta. Berberryes refrigerate and siccate moderately, Vires. astringe potently, cohibite the fluour of blood and other humours, alloy the heat of the bowels, stay vomiting and recreate the entrails. CHAP. XXIIII. Of filberts. NOthing is better known then these Nuts, the Greeks, call them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or small Nuts, Apothecaryes' filberts, or Abellines from the Town Abellinum in Campania: there they grow copiously, some call them Ponticae, because they come from Pontus; others Praenestinae, because the Praenestians useing these, tolerate hunger long. They are either domestical or wild, the domestical are either long and reconded in long and herbaceous husks fimbriated about; or rounder with a shorter and more patulous husk. Those of the long ones are best that are contained in a red membrane; the wild are smaller and less grateful, growing in Hedges and Woods. All of them are gathered of a low Tree called a Hast, whose boughs, if young, are straight enodose and obsequious, leaves broad acuminated and serrated about; bark, thin; root, crass; both fruit and Tree are well known. filberts ingrede the confecture of Lohoc de pineis, they are sometimes incrustated with Sugar, that they may serve instead of junkers, and eat more pleasantly, they are hard of concoction, they are somewhat bechical, and because of their pleasant sapour, may be admixed to pectoral medicaments. CHAP. XXV. Of Fisticle-Nuts. FIsticle-Nutts grow on a Tree like Terebinth, whose exterior tegument is very thin, and green; the second lignous, fragile and whitish like a Nucament; the Kernel is greenish, dulcoamare and jucund, Pliny saith that Vitellius first brought them out of Syria into Italy; and Flaccus Pompeius into Spain. Their Tree was heretofore exotic, but the sedulity of latter ages hath cicurated it, so that it now fruticates in many Septentrional coasts, but its fruit seldom or never attains maturity: the Shopmen call them Festici; Posidonius Bistacle Nuts; most Pistacle Nuts They are hot humid or temperate and salubre, Vires. they incrassate the tabid phlegm, coct and expurge the matter contained in the Lungs, liberate the bowels from infarctures, augment the spesperme excite to venery, and auxiliate such as have pain in their reins. CHAP. XXVI. Of Almonds. AN Almond is not so like a Quince-Tree, as many writ, for it is more frondose, taller, and more lasting; vested with a crasser bark, more angust, longer and crenated leaves; it seldom fruticates in the Northern regions, and seldomer fructisyes, though its flowers are very patiented of cold: for explicating themselves before Winter be ended, they tolerate frost innoxiously; and produce Almonds copiously in Autumn, which some cognominate Grecian and Thasian Nuts. Some of these are amare, hotter, and less esculent; others sweet, culinary and more delectable: both grow on a similar Tree. Oil is extracted out of both, out of the amare bitter oil which they say is good for pain in the ears; out of the sweet, sweet oil; which is temperate and most grateful to nature, for it may be given successfully to all ages and sexes as to very infants, it is a most familiar and secure medicament for such as cough, it cocts and expectorates humours delabeing upon the Stomach. Two memorable effects are praedicate of bitter Almonds to wit that they kill Wolves and arceate ebriety, whereof Plutarch tells a story; There was (saith he) a Physician with Drusius the Son of Tiberius Caesar, who being accustomed to eat bitter Almonds would superate all in drinking, and never be overtaken with temulency. The sweet ones being very pleasant afford many junkets, for they are decorticated and set upon the Table, or resiccated, or incrustated and condited with Sugar, or brayed and made into a sweet bread with Sugar and Rosewater called Macharones', Vires. or else made into a lacteous potion for puerperous women. Bitter Almonds are hot and detersive; sweet ones are pretty temperate, grateful to the Palate and Almonious. CHAP. XXVII. Of Wallnuts. THe Walnut is called Nux juglans, as if one should say Jovis Glans, or rather Juvans; for Carpenters seek to the Trunk of its Tree; Dyers to its bark; Boys to its fruit; Apothecaryes' quaeritate its Medicinal use, which Mithridates knew, who confected his Antidote of Nuts, and a few other additaments; as also Galen who made his Diacaryon, or Dianutum, of their succe, with as much honey as might dulcorateit; with which medicament he cured a gardener almost suffocated with swell, inflammations, and Kernels. This Nutt-Tree is very grand, with nervous leaves, in face and cohaerence like Ash leaves, but greater; it grows in fields by high ways in fat and restible ground, as also in Gardens, but because it affects and kills the vicine segetives and Plants with its odour, it is planted about Hedges and Margins of fields, according to that of the Poet. Me, satane laedam, nam satis laedere dicor, Jmus in extremo margine fundus habet. About Summer's solstice its green and tender Nuts are excorticated and infused in water till they demit their amaritude; then they are cocted, afterwards stuck with & Cinnamom Cloves, and then cocted in Sugar and kept, and so they will roborate the weak ventricle, and help concoction. These Nuts dry do calefie and siccate, their Oil which is extracted by contusion and expression, is calefactive; it digests, resolves, roborates the nerves, and discusses flatuosity, and therefore it is rightly mixed in Clysters against Colicall dolours, ariseing from flatuous and frigid humours. CHAP. XXVIII. Of Pine-Nuts. THe Pinetree, fir-tree, Pitch-Tree, Cedar, and Laring-Tree are all very tall, coniferous, resinifluous, and almost all alike, but some of them are exotic, not easily cicurable in our soil, as the Cedar of Palestina and Lebanon; others are indeed Venaculous, but altogether, wild and Sylvestrian, never planted in Gardens, save for spectacles, as the Fir-tree, Pitch-Tree, and wild- Pine: but the true Pine is more urbane and mansuet, which, when they have got a crass Caule, emitt many boughs out of every side, vested with slender and long leaves aculeated about. Its fruits are called Pine-Apples, which are compacted of many membranes like scales, crass, hard and lignous, in whose middles oblong, rotund, and sweet Kernels are involved in thin membranes which are sometimes called Pine-Nuts, sometimes Coccali and sometimes Pinei. This Nut is temperate, but rather acceding to calour, whence they inserve to venery; for they augment sperm and milk, nourish much, conduce in inveterate coughs, and help such as are tabid. Besides the true Pine there are many wild ones, as the three sorts of pitch Trees that delight in maritimous places, and some others that grow sponraneously in Rocky and montanous places, all of them as also the Fir-tree and Larinx-Tree are Lachrimous, and effuse either spontaneously or by vulneration, either more liquid or more spisse, whiter or blacker success, whereof we shall treat in the sequel section. CHAP. XXIX. Of Cypress Nuts. Cypress is perpetually frondous, its call is tall, round; crass, and erect; fastigiated with an orbicular summity, with leaves like them of Pine, but more carnous, shorter, obtuse and amare with many folious, angust, graveolent and rough but not pungent boughs. Its fruits are Cones or Nuts representing them in shape, which chinking or dehiscing with age and calour easily let fall their small seeds included in them; the matter of the wood is solid flave and odorate, very fit for ligneous vessels. There are two sorts of this Tree, the one masculine which is faecund, thrice annually bearing Nuts, in Jannuary, May and September; its effigies is very morose, it is graveolent, and not delighted in shades. The other is feminine, which is sterile, neither beareing Nuts nor seed, its boughs are more extended; in other things it is like the masculine, for both are perpetually frondous, the same colour, odour sapour virtue and effigies in both: the Cypress Tree is very patiented of cold, never startling at Winter's Frosts, yet the rigidity of the year 1608, killed all about Paris. Theophrastus tells us that Cypresses grow in Crect spontaneously, without seed, as also in Mount Ida and other Mountains; where he affirms that he found Cypresses amongst snow (which their summityes never want) though they will not grow else where, unless they find tepour; there exudes a certain Rosine out of Cypresses of the consistency with that of Larinx, and a very sharp sapour which is of rare use. The whole Cypress is calefactive, exsiccative and astrictive; Vires. but its leaves, buds, Nuts, and seeds are of most use, they roborate lax parts, cohibite dysenteriall and cholicall affections, and stay humours. CHAP. XXX. Of Bay-berryes, and its fruit. THe Bay-Tree, called by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which was consecrated to Apollo, who coronated himself with a branch thereof for a sign of divination, is a shrub perpetually frondous and green, erecting its head to the just procerity of a Tree, with many and crass boughs invested in green bark, with oblong, broad, mucronated, hard, green, and suaveolent leaves, white flowers crupting out of the boughs, whereunto fruits or berries succeed of an oval figure black and gravidated with a solid stone, suaveolent, and amare with some acrimony. This Tree germinates copiously all over France, I saw some in Normandy near the Sea of the magnitude of an indifferent Oak. but they grow more plenteously & largely in Italy & hot regions, for they do not tolerate such rigid Winters as the sepentrionall incolists feel, without harm; for the frost often kills their branches and leaves; however, these abscinded, new surcles arise in their stead. Many writ that this Tree is not only free from percussion with thunder, but also any house wherein a bough thereof is reposed: therefore Tiberius Caefar afrightned with the coruscations and fragour of Thunder, was crowned with bays. Bay-berryes calefye much, Vires. siccate, attenuate, and discuss flatuosity: they are mixed with medicaments that reficiate the lassitude of the nerves; and with unguents, which calefye and resolve; their oil expressed or elicited by decoction, deleats and cures scabs, blue places, weals, and many faedityes of the skin, and discusses effused humours. CHAP. XXXI. Of Juniper-Berryes. JUniper is a lignous, ramous shrub, aequalizing an indifferent Tree in magnitude, vested with a membranous and frequently disrumpent bark; bearing berries at first green, and by maturity black, of the magnitude of Pease: its wood is flave like the Citrian Santulum, its leaves are angust and acuminated, rather resembling spines then leaves, it grows spontaneously, and thrives best in dry and incultivated places, delighting more in montanous and squalid soils then in plain ones. This Tree alone prolongs its fruit for two years, which growing old will rather whither upon the Tree then decide. Juniper is very like Cedar, and by some called Oxycedrus, but ill: for though both have tortuous Cawls, acute leaves, always green, and small round berries, yet they differ much; for Oxycedrus is an Exotic Plant, with flave odorate and pleasant berries, its wood is red, it grows spontaneously in Asia, as Juniper in France. Bellonius knew a greater kind of Juniper assurging to the altitude of a moderate Tree, which bears berries of the magnitude of filberts, or sometimes aequaliseing Galls, but ours is no whit less efficacious, but it is probable much better, and solely used in medicine. Juniper effuses a certain resinous Gum, which Serapio calls Sandarax, the Latins Vernix; in whose stead some have substituted Sandaracha being deceived with the affinity of the words; now Sandaracha is a kind of auripigmentum, and exitial poison, for there being three sorts of Arsenic, the croceous, by some called Risagalum, the red or Sandaracha, and the white or vulgar, and all of them deletery, Sandaracha must needs be exitious and not safely usurped for Juniper-Gum. Pliny also uses Sandaracha in a fare more different sense, to wit for that meat that Bees eat, while they make their Combs which he sometimes calls Erithate and Cerinthus. Juniper Berries calefy, help the Stomach, move Urine, Vires. expurge crass and viscid humours, are good against inflammations, gripe, bitings of Serpents, Cough, and pectoral vices, they are convenient antidotal ingredients. CHAP. XXXII. Of Galls. GAlls are certain rough spurious fruits, which grow upon glandiferous Trees besides their legitimate ones; they erupt commonly in the night, when the Sun is going out of Gemini; at which time, if the weather be fervid, they tabefy, & never attain their perfect magnitude; they grow plenteously in Bohemia and Spain, upon many Oaks, on whose trunks, and boughs they adhaere often without pedicles, There are many sorts of Galls, two whereof are especially accommodated to make up medicaments and condense hides, the one is called Omphacitis, which is small, rugous, nodose, solid and perviated with no holes; the other plain, light, flave, more lax within, larger, and perforated; out of whose holes comes a certain insect, or fly, or vermicle, or some such little animal for the most part. The best Galls emerge out of those Oaks we call Hemeris and Robur. Hemeris is that that some call Midion, its call is orbicularly contorted, bearing many Acorns on the wings of its branches, and many Galls. Robur is a Oak by Theophrastus called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, bearing Galls in great plenty, besides many Acorns and other small pills adhaereing to the middle of its leaves without any pedicle, as we see in our Oaks. Oaks do not only bear Acorns and natural branches, but misselto Galls, Apples, Whamps, and many more pseudo-fruits. Galls are cold in the second, dry in the third degree, they astringe potently, Vires. contract lax parts, roborate imbecile one's, cohibite fluxes, and are efficaciously usurped to astringe and siccate. SECT. VII. Of Gums. NOthing is more common than Comes, Rosines and Lacrhima's; yet nothing of greater controversy about their true knowledge and distinction amongst themselves: for scarce any Author that ever writ hereof, but have promiscuously and confusedly mingled them together, reckoning Amber, Ambergreese, Amoniacum, Sagapenum, Galbanum and Scammony amongst liquors. Weeker jumbles together, both Gums, Rosines, concreted Juices, and Liquors: others have described them with this and that Plant. We shall observe a better method, and distinguish Gums from Rosines, and both from Liquors. CHAP. I. Of the success and humours of Plants. AS Horns from Hearts, and feathers and hair from many animals do annually decide: so do leaves, dawen, flowers & fruits from Plants, who also have their flesh, their nerves bones, veins, and also blood and humour destinated for each parts nutriment, and not only these, but their flowers also, as women have, which in certain circulations of seasons, flow from them; as Tears from Vines, Gums from Cherry Almond and other Trees, Rosine from Lentisks, Pitch from Larch, and other liquors from other Trees, when they are molested with its quantity: for as blood swells and troubles animals, if it be too copious; so doth humours Plants, whereunto they give passage either spontaneously, or by art, that by their profluence they may find ease and incolumity. Now a Plants blood is its proper juice, which according to Aristotle is Figtrees like milk, in Vines like an humour, Sanguis plantarum varius. in some like liquid Pitch, in other like oil, in some like Gums, and the same Philosopher saith that some have succe like Rosine Myrrh, Frankincense and Storax; some also have veins, belly and parts analogous to them of an animal, contrary to Anaxagoras. This humour of Plants, which failing, the Plants begin to fail, and which being exsiccated, they tabefy, wants a common name according to Theophrastus, and so are denoted by the vulgar word succe, which some call tears, others liquor, others humours which according to their various coctions acquire various spissitudes and colours. If we look at the consistency of these humours, some are thin and aqueous, others crass and viscid, others harder, others such as may be condensed, and others such as cannot; and if we look at their sapour and quality, some be vincus as the succe of Vines, Appletrees, Mulberry-Trees, and Myrtle; others sat, as those of Olives, Nut-Trees, and Almond-Trees; others viscid and resinous, as those of the Fir-tree, Pine, and Larch; otherssweet as those of the Figtree, Palm, and Jujubs; others acrimonious as those of Origanum, Pepper, and Mustard Plant; and others amare, as those of Wormwood, earth Gall, and Coloquintida. CHAP. II. What Gum is and how it differs from Rosins and other concrete Liquors. THough the success of Plants being multifarious cannot according to Oribasius be easily comprehended, yet who so reduces them to certain heads and kinds, shall and may get certain knowledge of them. Now this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Quiasuccus or succe is that humour wherewith a Tree is nourished, and which cannot be spontaneously elicited, but by praecedent triture, expression, or other praeparation; and it is always thin unless it be exsiccated by calour, as we see in Rob, and other inspissated success. But Liquor is crasser, and such as will sometimes spontaneously, sometimes by vulneration delabe lachrimously, whence it is often called Tears: Liquor. if this Liquor be oleaginous and liquid, we call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Rosine; if more terrene, aqueous and concrete in the Trunks of Trees, Resina. Gummi. we call it Gum; if it be partly terrene and aqueous, partly oleaginous and fat, participating both of the nature of Gum and Rosine, than we call it Gummy Rosine. Now Gum that I may use the exotic Idiom Commi, Gummi quid. is a coagulated Lachryma or tear, concreted in the Trunks of those Trees that produce it, (Gal. C. 40. L. de simp.) whose substance is more aqueous, as that of Rosine is more oleaginous. Gums, therefore should be admixed most to aqueous, seldom to oleaginous medicaments Rosine in the contrary, easily takes flame; but Gum cracks in the fire; for though it come hit from stillation, yet is it presently coagulated in the air and becomes aqueous and hence Arostotle makes it to crack upon burning coals. But since it is of many kinds according to the different nature of the Trees that produce it, for some Gums are coagulated hard like a stone; others softer; some more pellucid or flave; others more obscure or pallid; some flowing from peregrine, others from indigenous Trees. I shall first treat of that which comes out of the spin Acacia, and is nominated Gum simply. CHAP. III. Of . GUmme is an Arabic word, and when it is put absolutely; it must be understood of , which Galen calls Theban, some Babylonian, and others Acanthine Gum. Nomina. Acacia Gummi. flua. It flows from a certain arbuscle, which Dioscorides calls Acacia, whereof he constitutes two sorts, the first assurging with a direct and lignous call, armed on every side with hard spines; vested with long leaves, which look as if they were constituted of many small leaves, cohaereing together; white flowers; short cod's, Species. like Lupins; a glabre and splendent seed; which Matthiolus depinges ill. The other Acacia grows in Cappadocia and Pontus, which is lesser, slenderer, and lower than the other, whose leaves are like Rue, and virgults aculeated, out of which a succe is educed which retains the name of its Arbuscle, Acacia; because of whose rarity we substitute the succe of the wild Plum-Tree; out of which, laudable Gum flows forth, at first pellucid as glass, sincere and contracted into the species of a vermicle, afterwards white, sordid, resinous, and useless. It is efficacious in spissating and refrigerating; Vires. it is commodiously mixed with ocular and arterial medicaments, it obstructs the pores of the skin, is represses prociduous eyes; that it may be more easily pulverated; it must be verberated in a hot mortar with a hot Pestle. CHAP. FOUR Of Gum Tragacanth. GUm-Tragacanth is pellucid, white, sweet, light and sincere; which flows from the vulnerated root of a certain Plant of the same name, this root adhaeres to the surface of the Earth, and emitts low and rigid surcles; whereon are many and slender leaves which cover white, strait, and firm spines: this arbuscle which the Greeks call Tragacantha, and the Latins Spina herci, grows in Crete and many places in Asia, which emitts its succe spontaneously, and without incisure, as Theophrastus' asserts contrary to Dioscorides, who saith that this Plant hath no need of vulneration, which though it be exotic and seldom seen by our herbalists, yet I saw it cicurated and florid in the Garden of Jo. Gonnerius that perite Physician; yet it's coagulated succe, which the Gentiles call Tragacanthum, and the Apothecaryes' Dragaganthum is sufficiently known to all: it cannot be easily laevigated unless the Mortar and pestle be hot. It's use is commended to ocular medicaments, in a lineament with Honey or Sugar; Vires. it emends the roughness of the artery, coughs, retusenesse of voice, and other defluxions. CHAP. V Of Gum Ammoniacum. THis Gum is called Ammoniack because it distils upon the Sands near Jupiter Ammon's Oracle; but from what Plant is uncertain. Pliny saith it flows from a Tree they call Metopion, Dioscorides says it emanates both from a shrub they call Agasyllis, and from a ferulaceous Plant; but the ferulaceous Plants can scarce be called fruticall. Galen asserts that it is the Tears of Ferula, from which is collected both a sincere dense Gum, conspurcated with no sordidity, and coacted into small glebes; as also an impure and inquinated one which Dioscorides call Phyrama, who calls the other Thrausma. That is good which is inquinated with no sandy, terrene, nor extraneous matter, effigiated like masculine frankincense, graveolent, and amare; the Apothecaryes' call it corruptly Gum Armoniac, it may be dissolved in Water, Vinegar, or White-Wine. It is so efficacious a mollitive, that it dissolves the stoney disease of the Junctures, and discusses other tubercles; it cures indurated Milts, Vires. and in drink liberates from obstructions, it moves urine and flowers, and extrudes stones. CHAP. VI Of Lacca and Cancamum. WHat Lacca, and what Cancamum are, whether they be both one or distinct, and what each of them is, doth not appear by the writings of Authors. Serapio, Paulus, and Matthiolus believe that Lacca is that which Dioscorides calls Cancamum. Brasavolus, Garcias ab horto, and Clusius think it is a distinct thing, who being desirous to find out the truth have lustrated various tracts of the world, and think that Lacca is not only distinct from Cancamum, but also unknown: for seeing it is only used for perfumes, and we have many more fragrant and suaveolent Thymiamata, it hath not been so diligently sought after; moreover being exotic, the Tree from which it delabes, growing, as it is thought, in Arabia, our Merchants have not deigned it worth the search and portage: however it is a kind of Gum, of a virous sapour, sweet odour, and rare use. Now Lacca is destitute of both these qualities frequently invented, neither the Arabian Chermes, nor the succe of Sorbe-Tree, nor Medlar-Tree; nor yet like Myrrh, as Avicenna writes, who it may be knew it not; but if Garcias de horto may be credited it is a kind of Favago, and concreted liquor, on the boughs of a vast Tree, coacted by the sucking and help of winged Ants. And this Tree grows not in Arabia, but in India, especially in the province of Pegu, where Lacca is called Trec, as also in Bengala and Malavar, where it is called Loc and Lac. Garcias endeavours to establish and confirm this opinion by reason and much History, striving also to prove out of Amatus Lusitanus, that Cancamum is an Aroma, otherwise called Anyme, whereof he constitutes two varieties, the one white, which also according to Brissotus a Physician of Paris, is Dioscorides his Cancamum; and the other somewhat black, which myrrh or rather Mynea or Amynea. Thus the obscurity of the thing, Vires. drives us to the affinity of names, there to investigate the truth: but if I may speak freely, I think that Anyme, or Amynea as some will have it, Myrrh and Cancamum are three distinct things: and that, that which the shopmen call Lacca is that same which the ancients called Cancanum, who being ignorant of some words depromed from the Barberians, believed such things as they heard though never so slackly, and so by calling Cancamum Lacca, left this liberty of discussing to the ensuing posterity. Some maintain this opinion, saying that there are three sorts of Lacca, one is Dioscorides his Cancamum, which scarce any ever saw, the second common Lacca, the third factitious, which Dyers use, whereof there are more differences, which for brevities sake I omit. The vulgar Lacca is hard, pellucid, and yellow like Myrrh, circularly involving the surcles of an exotic Tree, which is not I think, elicited, elaborated, and cohibited to the boughs of that Tree by the sucking and labour of Indian Aunts, as Garcias affirms; but exudes and concretes spontaneously, like other Gums and Tears, for these animals, labouring for victuals in Summer against Winter, do not expose their panifice, to the injuries of the air and Heavens, on boughs; but reckoned it in Caves and Holes, and few I hope will believe that Indian Aunts will labour in vain for Lacca, and not congest and coact it for meat, but desert it. That which is brought to us, circumvests the sticks of the Tree, is hard and pellucid, easily dissolvable in water; and this ingredes the trochisckes of Carabe and Dialacca, and not the factitious Lacca as some perperously imagine. It is not so much celebrated for medicinal as other mechanical uses, Vires. as to the making of sealing Wax, and infecting such tinctures as are put upon ligneous vessels, and adorning other colours, for it makes them shine elegantly. CHAP. VII. Of Dragons-Blood, THe pervestigation of Dragons-Blood hath exercised many wits: for some following the erroneous opinion of Pliny, think that it is the Blood of a Dragon animate, smitten by an Elephant, which error Solinus doth not only, embrace, but holds that Cinnabaris is that same which Apothecaryes' call Dragons-Blood. Serapio writes, that it is the succe of a certain Plant, which he calls Sydrichis and Egilos, which our Herbalists think is the fourth species of Wall-sage, some ignorant Apothecaryes' are imposed upon by circulators, and buy a kind of business tincted with red Earth, and the juice of Madder, and such things, convolved into lumps, for Dragons-Blood: Brassavolus foolishly constitutes three sorts of Dragons-Blood: the first factitious of pseudobole; the second the lacrymae of a certain Tree; the third Gum. But as the adulterate is no species of Dragons-Blood; so neither can there be two sorts, the one a Lacryma, the other a Gum of the same Tree, for all Gums lacrymously distilling from any Tree, are called generally lacrymae. Aloysius Cadamustus a noble Venetian, expresses its Original better; There is (saith he) in an Island called Pontus Sanctus, which is one of the canaries, Dragons-Blood, which is the Lachryma of a certain Tree; which at a certain season the incolists fauclate, out of which incisions the next year Gum will emanate, which they coct in kettles, and defaecate making thereof Dragons-Blood. That Tree bears fruits like Cherries in March, which are of an eximious sapour, and Venetian colour. Nic. Monardus seems to assent to this opinion, and asserts that Dragons-Blood is the lachryma of some Tree, and not the Gore of any animal; for (saith he) a few days ago, a Carthaginian Bishop brought hither, from the continent of the new World, some of the fruit of that Tree, which emitts that Lacryma we call Dragons-Blood. The fruit is very admirable; for the skin wherewith it is covered being taken away, a little Dragon appears of such artificial yet natural fabricature, that the most perite artist cannot better engrave it in Marble; it is conspicuous with an oblong neck, a gaping mouth, an aculeated backbone, a long tail and feet. From this fruit both the Tree and its Lacryma derived their names: that is best which is brought from Carthage, The Tree is tall, with a thin bark, and easily vulnerable, whose name being unknown to the ancients, they wrote no certainty of the nature and original of its Lacryma. Clusius saw the Tree and described it accurately. Dragons-Blood then, is the name both of an exotic Tree, and the hard purpureous Gum concreted on its boughs. It is collective and agglutinatory, and therefore fit to conjoin wounds, and astringe and roborate lax parts: Vires. it may easily be dissolved in water. CHAP. VIII. Of Asa foetida. MAny following the opinion of the ancients, constitute two sorts of Asa; one sweet and odorate, and the other and stinking: the later they say is the Arabian Altit, the former the Apothecaryes' Belzoni, and both come out of Laser or Laserpitium, but what sweet- Asa is, cannot yet be determined: Nay I think it is more ignore to this latter age, than Asa foetida was to the ancients, of which, they never make mention that I know of; but now it is so frequent in Pharmacopolyes, that it offends every youngsters nose, in grows on a ferulaceous Plant, as Belzoin doth of a tall one, which I never find called Asa. But as the sapour, odour and Original of each of them is different, so is their nomenclative. Now Asa foetida is the excrement, Asa quid. or Gum of Laser or Laserpitium, which Dioscorides calls Stilphion; Avicenna Altit, or Antit, the Indians Anjuden; and the Apothecaryes' Assa, but more properly Asa, as if they should say Laser, for Laser is a Lacryma; Laserpitium, a Plant out of which this Laser or Asa is elicited, not Assa; which according to Rhasis is an herb that some call Hyssop, others Thyme: Now Laserpitium is a serulaceous Plant with an annual Caule, which they call Maspetum; leaves like Apium, but flave broad and foliaceous seed; and a black, crass, long and cubitall root. Garcias indeed doth boldly pronounce Asa a Lacryma of Laserpitium, but exhibites a jejune description thereof, speaking only a little of its leaves which he saith are like Hasse leaves. This Plant doth peculiarly avoid all cultivated places; and therefore by culture absolutely deviates and degenerates, as naturally despiseing culture (according to Theophrastus) to whom ferocity is vernacular. I find each part of this Plant designed by a special nomenclature; for some call its root Magudaris; it's Caule Silphion; its leaves Mospetum; its seed Folium: for (saith Theophrastus') that folium is feed, but Magydaris differs from Laserpitium; now whether it be a part of the same Plant, or another Plant allied hereunto, it matters not; for Asa is the Lacryma or Gum of Laserpitium, which is either taken from its root or from its call Theophrastus calls that of the root, Radicarium; and the other, Scaparium. It grows in Armenia; Media, Lybia, and Syris; whence it is sometimes called the Lybian, sometimes the Median, and Syrian succe. They called it of old, the Cyrenian succe, because it grew copiously and well in the Cyrenian fields, but that name is now almost abrogated: for the Barbarians out of some hatred conceived against the Cyrenians, eradicated and extirpated all their Laserpitium, as Strabo denotes. The Syrian Laser is best after the Cyrenian, and the Median after the Syrian. There are two sorts of Asa, the one pure, sincere, and transparent; the other turbid and impure, wherewith bran or Sagapene is mixed, whole halite and stinking odour it well resembles. Hence the Germans call it the Devil's dung: both of them are very odorate, but graveolent, so that I cannot easily assent to their opinion who think that one sort of Asa is sweet; for neither the odour of the one nor of the other can be tolerated without loathsomeness, whence I admite that Garcias should say that no simple medicament in all India should be more in use then Asa foetida, both in medicines, and also in meats. The Indians are wont to mix it with their Potherbs in their pottage; having first rubbed their kettles therewith, useing no other condiment to any meat, but take it to recall their appetite when they nauseate any thing. If this be not a fable, Asa must either not stink in India, or the Indians must have brazen throats as the Proverb goes: this Asa is so ingrateful to us both in odour and sapour, that we can easily pardon Matthaeus Sylvaticus who reposed it amongst Poisons, yet Dioscorides commends it for meat. Who enumerated so many and so great faculties, Vires. wherewith it is endued that he was able to move loathsomeness. The more recent hold it very efficacious, but only to a few affections; who never use it save against the ascent, and aberration of the uterus, and some other diseases appertaining to women. CHAP. IX. Of Sagapene or Serapine. SAgapene by Apothecaryes', Serapinum, is a concrete liquor flowing out of the sauciated root of a ferulaceous Plant in Media whose description Dioscorides omitted because perhaps he had not so much knowledge of the Plant, as of the succe, which Plant I neither yet saw, nor read designed by any author; for being exotic it is either not cicurable, or if cicurated sterile, without sucee, and marcid. It's concrete succe, therefore, is only brought us, the best whereof is translucid, yellow, white within, acrimonious, graveolent, and crass in substance. Sagapene calefyes in the third degree, siccates in the second, purges crass Phlegm, and other viscid humours, as Mesue attests: yet its purgative faculty is in some very ignave, in others potent, for either drunk, or used by way of suppository it evokes flowers, kills the young; cures the dolour and praefocation of the uterus, resolves, attenuates, dissipates, moves, and solves. CHAP. X. Of Galbanum. GAlbanum is also the concrete succe of a Syrian Ferula copiously growing in the Mountain Amanus; which succe some call Metopium. Dioscorides knowing this Gummeous succe better then the Plant, left nothing in writing of its dignotion; but as the ferulae are well known, so also are their liquors and success, and that not only by their consistency, but colour, odour, sapour and faculties: for Galbanum in aspect repraesents Asa; in odour Opopanax. The best is cartilaginous, sincere, like Gum Ammoniack, not lignous, in which there is some ferula seed; graveolent, not very humid, nor squalid; this as all other Gums may be easily dissolved in water, Vinegar, or Wine. It is excalefactive extractive, & discussive: it accelerates flowers, deliverance in Childbearing, either by admotion, or suffumigation; dissolved with Vinegar and mixed with a little nitre it deleats pimples, it discusses boyles and lumps on the junctures; Vires. it is adverse to Poisons, and drives away Serpents. CHAP. XI. Of Opopanax. THat Opopanax is the succe of Panax, both its name demonstrates, and Dioscorides affirms; but seeing there are many sorts of Panax, it is not apparent, out of which of them it emerges. Mesue says it flows from the ferulaceous Panax; Dioscorides, from th● Heraclean; and some say, from the Chironian Panax. Dodoneus tells us that it distils from a peregrine Panax; to wit the Syrian Panax; which hath ample, sharp, hirsute, long and broad leaves, a geniculated and ferulaceous Caule, of three or four cubit's height, supernally disterminated into many boughs; with luteous flowers erupting out of ample umbells; after which, broad, plain and subflave seeds do emerge, its root is whitish, long succulent and odorate, a Gummeous succe flows out of its Caule vulnerated especially towards the root in summer; which Pliny and many more call Opopanax; which is laudable for many uses, as the nomenclature of the Plant from which it flows demonstrates: for Panax or Panaces denotes the abigation of all dolours, and the remedy of all diseases; hence many Pseudomedicks call some medicaments which are more perilous than the diseases, Panaceous remedies: thus did a lying drunken, vain, salacious Pseudomedick deceive many Country and credulous persons while he lived. Opopanax is a kind of Gum easily dissolvable by water, it excalefyes in the third degree, siccates in the second; mollifyes, digests, Vires. attenuates, dissipates flatuosity, leniates and expurges: that which is very amate, white within, or somewhat yellow, fat, tender, friable, easily liquestible and graveolent is good; the black and soft is not good. CHAP. XII. Of Sarcocolla. SArcocolla is both the name of a peregrine Plant, and a Gum flowing out of it; it grows in Persia, it is fruticous and spinose, with nodose boughs appressed to the Tree; which sauciated, and sometimes spontaneously, lacrymates a kind of Frankincense like Powder of a yellowish colour and amare sapour. It calefyes in the second degree, siccates not so much, it cocts deterges, carnifyes, and glutinates; whence it is called Sarcocolla, Vires. for it heals wounds wonderfully, for it doth by a proper faculty, expurge them from filth, replete them with flesh, and obduce them to a scar. The Arabians say, that Sarcocolla doth not only subduce the belly, but educe crass and viscid humours from places much dissited, as from the cavityes of the Articles; but reason, and their effects seem to refragate this: it doth indeed with much efficacy conglutinate wounds, inhibit the fluxions of the eyes, and digest but not so much as Galbanum; if it be five days macerated in Ass' milk, in a glasse-vessell, and the milk daily changed, it will exceedingly help such as have pearls, or dim and cloudy eyes. CHAP. XIII. Of Gum of Jvy. THe trunk of the greater Ivy vulnerated, and sometimes spontaneously, elacrymates a certain Gummeous succe of an aureous colour, graveolent and sharp to the gust, which they call Ivy-Gumme. Now Ivy is a Scansory Tree, which circumvests walls, and vicine Plants; which it kills with its multifarious convolutions and virour. Whereof there are two prime kinds: the one greater, which erects itself on high; the other lesser, which creeps along the ground with slender and obsequious branches, neither beareing flower nor fruit. There are three varieties of the greater Ivy; one is called white Ivy, because it bears white berries; another black that bears black ones; and the third barren that bears none, which some take for the lesser Ivy. The white bears white berries, and sometimes white leaves, emitting certain branches or capreols out of the midst of its leaves, wherewith it so strictly complects the Trees, that it kills them by sucking their humour from them; or so pertinaceously adhaere to walls that they can scarce be sejoined, for it emitts as many beginnings and rudiments of roots, as it doth branches, and remains so vivacious, that though intercised in many places, yet it tabefyes not. The black and more vulgar which they call Dionysia, creeps upon Walls and old aedifices, and amplects Trees with its radical fingers, its leaves are angulous; for at first they are triangular, afterwards more rotund, hard and nitent with perpetual viridity, its flowers are small berries, at first herbaceous, then black, adhaereing racemously upon oblong pedicles: other haederaceous matters are so notorious, as not to need further explication. All Ivies are hot and seldom used in medicine; except the leaves, which are adhibited by way of Sparadrappes, to the fonticles left by Caustics, that they may alliciate watery and serous humours to those parts; Vires. its Gum kills Nitts, which by its exceeding calour impresses a sense of adustion and denudates the head of hairs; for it is a good Psyloter. SECT. VIII. Of Rosines. CHAP. 1. What Rosine is, and of its Varieties. ROsine, by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is a lachryma or liquor, fat, Quid. and oleaginous, distilling from a tree, often spontaneously, and sometimes by vulneration: That which emergeth spontaneously, is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and by some 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. All Rosine consisting of an oleous substance, and tenuious parts, is more promptly dissoluble in oleous and affine liquors, and therein dissident from Gum; which consisting of a more aqueous substance, is more expeditely and accurately soluble in aqueous liquors. If we look to the consistency of Rosines, we shall find them of two sorts; the one liquid, by the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, humid or fluxile, as Turpentine; the other harder and drier, by the Greeks, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, broiled, or roasted; such as Colophonia, so denominated from Colophon, whence it was of old brought: which is most dry, and most flave; yet its powder is white. This is before the rest called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, confsed, because it's indurated into a mass, from many congested together: for, it often happens, that the primisluous Rosine by negligent collection, contracts and retains sand, stones, pieces of wood, or straws, or such sordidities; from which, that it may be purged, it must be melted, the extraneous rejected, and so it becomes purer, harder, and dryer. There is another kind of Rosine, concreting without the help of fire, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, dry; which participating of no pinguetude, is presently dry, and called by Galen, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a piceous germination. That which is sold in shops being hard, flave, and fryable, Vires. is indeed a certain confused Rosine; for it consists of the lacryma of Fir-tree, Pitch-tree, and Pinetree: which in accension makes a fume like Frankincense. Galen makes much mention of the Strobilian Rosine, which some say flows from the Pinetree, others from the Pitch-tree, others from Pine-nuts, which they call Strobili. This is the hottest of Rofines; Turpentine is most moderate in both qualities: for, all Rosines calify and siccate; the Strobilian most, Turpentine lest. That is the driest of all, which some call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, others Colophonian Rosine; all them also are dry, that are purged by fire, and made fryable. Fir-tree Rosine is moderate in both qualities, which some do ill call Colophonian Rosine, for it remains long liquid: it siccates little, and flows but in small quantity, and therefore more precious. Turpentine is preferred before all other Rosines, Mastic is next, than Fir-tree Rosine, than Pine-Rosine, and then Pitch. Rosines are of much use, not only in Pharmacy, but many other things; they mollify, calify, digest, and are good ingredients in salves and unguents, for the curation of wounds and ulcers. We have in the Section of Fruits, treated of the Pine, and other coniferous Trees. CHAP. 2. Of Pitch. THese words, Pix, Teda, Pissa, Palimpissa, Zopissa, Pissaphaltos, and Pix navalis, often occur in the narration and dilucidation of Rosines; but what they denote, every one knows not at first sight: Pix then or Pitch, is the flux of combust Rosine; or rather, a fat and rosinous liquor, colliquated and educed out of the middle of a Pinetree accended. Teda is not a tree, as Pliny falsely asserts, but a disease happening to the Pinetree by age; wherein it is as it were strangulated by its too much pinguetude: for the abundance of that rosinous matter, wherewith the whole Tree is referted, is its ruin; which going into a Teda, may by artificial sedulity be accended, and it will effuse Pitch; which the Greeks call Pissa. Palimpissa, is iterated or twice-boiled Pitch; that is, when by a second liquid coction and elaboration, it is made more crass, pure, harder, and dryer: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is dry Pitch. Zopissa, is Pitch deraded from off maritimous ships; which, because of its contracted saltness in the Sea, is more efficaciously exsiccative and discussive: Some call it Apochyma. Pix navalis, so called from pitching-ships, is that which is deraded from ships lately pitched, as Zopissa, of a longer continuance: when Pix navalis is put absolutely, Zopissa should be taken; and when Zopissa, this. Pissaphaltum, is Pitch mixed with Bitumen, which the Ancients used in conditing dead bodies. Yet Dioscorides thinks it is no artificial, but a natural commixture: for (saith he) that which we call Pissaphaltum, grows in the Apollinatarian field, near Epidaurus. But we will treat more largely hereof, in the Chapter of Mummy. Pitch differs from Rosine in this, that Pitch is educed by fire, and Rosine erupts spontaneously: They are both the product of the same Trees, but Pitch is as it were cocted Rosine. The eduction of Pitch, is effected after the manner that we make Charcoal; for the middles of the Pinetrees are cut into spears, and congested upon an artificial Pavement; then the boughs of Fir and pitch-tree superimposed; then all so covered with earth, clay, or such incombustible matter, that no chink be left anywhere, save on the top, or other more convenient place, whereat they may immit the fire, and at first emit the flame: but when the Tedae are accended, they occlude all very strictly and closely, lest the flame should erupt, and they be frustrated. If any chink dehisce, and admit any flame, or fume, they presently obstruct it: The Clusters of of the Pine thus aestuating by the heat of the fire, emits Pitch copiously into certain channels artificially struct, which carry it to troughs, and they to other vessels, set on purpose to receive the torrent. Now it acquires its Nigretude by the fume and heat, whence it is called Black Pitch: for, that which is flave, is rather Rosine then Pitch. That which extills first, is more fluid and humid, which the shop-men call Liquid Pitch: Pliny calls it Cedria; Dioscorides, Pisselaeon; which is rightly so had, by separating the aqueous humour, which saims upon the Pitch, as Cream upon Milk. Now it is best separeted, while the Pitch is cocting, by suspending a clean fleece of wool in the fume of the Pitch, which will become madid therewith; and that we call Pisselaeon may be expressed out of it: which is not properly a simple medicament, but rather a compound of Pitch and Oil. That which comes out second, is more crass and dry, and the last most crass, and hardest, and most efficaciously exsiccative. There is another kind of suaveolent liquid Pitch, which Seplasuries call Oleum Cadinum; sometimes Tar; which is most used upon Sheep and . Seeing all Pitch is either liquid, or more sicce; the sincere, light, and splendent in both kinds, is most laudable; the liquid mollisies, digests, abates dolour, cocts, moves snot, extricates the nails from scabrosity, emends Ringworms, Vires. discusses the hardness of the Matrix and Fundament: the dryer performs the same effects, but more imbecilly; but it siccates more potently, and is more accommodated to agglutinate wounds and ulcers. CHAP. 3. Of Turpentine. THe true Turpentine, is had from the Turpentine-tree, which the Greeks call Termintho; for it is a fat liquor, flowing from its boughs and trunk: The best is clear, pellucid, white, sharp, and odorate. That also which hath these qualities, and is somewhat flave, is good. That which comes from the Island Chios, and is thence called Chia, is most celebrated, for its antecellency in odour and gust: The next is the Lybian Turpentine, as Andromachus himself attests; the next is the Pontian Turpentine: The less celebrous are the Cyprian, Syrian, Indian, and Arabic Turpentines. The Turpentine-tree is concocted, fructious, and of a mean magnitude, with a crass cawl, many and oblong boughs, long leaves, like them of an Ash; many cohering to one pedicle, but crasser and fatter, each of them seeming like a Laurel leaf: its flowers are very small, mossy, and purpureous; its fruits small, racemously cohering, round, oblong, hard, fat, and rosmous, infecting the contrectants hand. It bears also certain oblong Cod, incurvated like Cornicks; wherein certain little Vernicles, like Gnats, are included; and sometimes a certain humour, as in the vescicles of Elms: The martyr of its wood is viscid, and not hard; its roots are valid, and deep. One sort of the Turpentine-tree is masculine, which is sterile; another foe minine, which is soecund: and this, for the various colour of its fruit, is twofold; the one hears red fruit, of the magnitude of Lentils; the other greater, pallid, and more fragrant. It grows copiously in hot Regions, and germinates most floridly there, where its liquor mutuates cognominations, as in Chies, Cyprus, Syria, about Ida, and Macedonia. Some there are that avouch, That hard, dry Turpentine, so concreted by the help of fire, is brought over and fold with us for Rosine. But I think, that none will coct Turpentine to lose by it, unless he be out of his senses: for Turpentine, be it how it will, is always in more esteem, and at a higher rate than Rosine, be it concreted with all the industry and helps that can be. There flows a certain humid Rosine out of Larch-tree, which being like Turpentine, is often sold to our Merchants in stead thereof: But Larigna is sharp in odour, gust, and faculties; and also of more tenusious parts, and more discussive than Turpentine. Turpentine is the Prince of Rosines, Mastic is the next, and then the Rosine of Fir and Pitch-tree; after which, we enumerate Pine-Rosine: yet Galen prefers Mastic before Turpentine. Turpentine is the mildest of Rosines, Vires. the most familiar Balsam for wounds; it califies moderately, mollifies, expurges, discusses, purges the reins, moves urine, and is an excellent praesidy for many uses. They know what eximious faculties it hath, who labour under a virulent flux of Sperm. CHAP. 4. Of Frankincense. FRankincense is the rofinous lachryma of a certain arbuscle in Arabia, which the Incolists call sometimes Conder, sometimes Lovan: whereof there are two forts; the one is Masculine Frankincense, which is somewhat flave, limpid, pellucid, fat and dry; in purity emulating the Cedar-Rosine; in Nitre, it's succe: it may be it is called Olibanum Thw, because it comes from the Mount of Lebanon, with the Greek article before it. The other is the Feminine Frankincense, which is more rosinous, soft, and liquestible, which yields in bonity to the former: They both flow out of a Plant, scarce known, save by some notes, because it is peregrine, growing in Arabia, with leaves like the Mastick-tree: whereof there are two forts; the one montanous, which fruticating only on rocky and rough Mountains, bears the best Frankincense; the other growing more copiously in plain places, emits Frankincense in much more abundance, but not so good: both of them are easily dissoluble in Oil. The bark of the Frankincense-tree, is crass, fat, odorate, light, smooth, and without membranes: it is endued with the same faculties, but more hot, astrictive, and of crasser parts then Frankincense. Manna thur is, is that same dust or powder which is elicited from Frankincense by Collision in carriage, or the like, as we have noted before. Frankincense is both introsumed, Vires. and applied extransecally with much success; for it is endued with innumerable exitious faculties, which to recenseate, would require too much of time and labour. It califies in the second degree, siccates in the third, and moveth Phlegm, but not very efficaciously. Manna thuris is astrictive, because of that portion of Frankincense that is mixed with it; from which it differs, in that it is not so potently astrictive, nor coctive. CHAP. 5. Of Belzoin. BElzoin is neither a species of the succe of Laserpitium, nor of Cyraniacum, nor yet of Myrrh, as some contend; nor yet the rosinous succe of Angelica, as Ruellius seems to intimate. For Laser, or Asa, comes from Syria, Cyrenene, and India, into other Regions; Belzo from Samatra, Sian, and other Regions, into India; which grows not on a ferulaceous plant, but a tall tree, whose cawl is crass, hard, brachiated with many boughs, very orderly disposed, and laterally extended; its leaves oblong and mucronated, like Lemmon-tree leaves, but not so green; for their averse part is whitish; its wood is hard and odorate. It grows spontaneously in many woods, both in Malaca and other Regions: whereunto, the frequency of Tigers hinders address. Where these fierce animals are more rare, the trees are vulnerated by the Incolists, which effuse copiously this odorate Rosine, which the Chineans call Cominhan, the Arabians Lovaniaoy; the Incolists of Guzarata and Decan, Udo. There are three sorts of Belzoin: Species. the one called Almond-Belzoin, because it is maculated like condited Almonds, which is most expetible: the other two sorts are very black; the one whereof is not very fragrant, and more vile; the other very fragrant, which exudes from new trees, and is by the Incolists of Samatra called, Benini de Boninas: the best, is that which is pellucid, referted with white spots, like Frankincense, and most fragrant. Belzoin roborates the heart, spirits, and all its faculties: it is a good ingredient in sweet Antidotes, Vires. and Medicaments composed for ornament. It is dissoluble, as other Rosines, in oleaginous liquors. CHAP. 6. Of Euphorbium. EUphorbium, derived its Name from Euphorbus King Juba's Doctor; which it retains till this day. Dioscorides saith, its tree is a kind of ferula pregnant with most sharp succe; whose extreme fervour the Incolists fearing, they circumligate the tree with sheepskins, and vulnerate its boughs with long spears; out of which wounds flows copious succe into the skins, which there concretes. But Dodoneus thinks it is not a tree, but rather an herb, with oblong, crass, and green leaves, rotundly angulous, armed with two sets of white pricks; which leaves sauciated, effund a most sharp and mordacious liquor, which is easily concreted: for, as Galen writes, it is caustical and vulnerative, and so califies and extenuates, that therein it exuperates all concrete liquors. It being thus acrimonious, and very tenuious, it cannot be pulverated without great molestation: wherefore Pharmacopolists commit it to rustics, and men of low degree, to bray; charging them to avert their heads from its halite: Yet they escape not its freity; for their brain and noses are moved by its dust and vapour, to sternutation, heat, heat and dolour. It's plant at first seems an herb, but by years grows to a tree. Besides its eximious heat and acrimony, it is somewhat purgative, Vires. educing not only phlegm, but water; yet it is never introsumed at the mouth alone, nor mixed with others, save in very small quantities. CHAP. 7. Of the Rosine of the Aethiopian Olive, improperly called Gum Elemni. THat fat liquor which shop-men call Gum Elemni, is no Gum, but a Rosine, which will easily take flame, and dissolve in oleaginous liquors. Dioscorides saith, it is like Scammony, but more flave; turgent with small stillicides, no whit vellicating the tongue, nor mordacious to the gust: whence, it is probable, he means of another lacryma, and not of this vulgar one, which the vulgar Pharmacopolists call Gumme-Elemi; it stills out of the Aethiopian Olive, and when it is concreted into lumps, is brought to us. It califies, mollifies, digests, resolves, cocts, draws to supperation, allays dolour, and is very good for permistion, with many unguents and salves. Our Olives, and whilde-Olives, eructate such a kind of lacryma, but neither so copious, nor commendable, yet is a good lineament for hebetude and whiteness in the eyes: and if it be assumed, it moors fluors, and extracts the young; but I would not have it introsumed, if it be poison, as Dioscorides makes it. There is a kind of Rosine brought out of New-Spain, which the Indians vernacularly call Tacamahaca, like Gumme-Elemi, Tacamahaca. so vulgarly nominated. The Indians use it very much, to coct, digest, resolve, and allay frigid humours. Nic. Monard, recenseates many of its faculties, (L. de Simpl.) There is another sort of fat, oleaginous, and tenacious Rosine, related to Tacamahaca, which the Indians call Laranna, Laranna. who use it in humours, and all kind of dolours. But seeing we determine not to treat of all Rosines, but only of such as are usurped in our Antidotary, we will put an end to this Section. SECT. IX. Of gummeous Rosines. ALL concrete liquors, erupting from ferulacious Plants, Fruits or Trees, that are to be washed with water, are denominated (and not without reason) Gums; because they have their original from a certain fubstance, that will easily admit of dissolution; and therefore they are enumerated in the regiment of Rosines; as, Mastic, Camphyr, and Storex, and many others: which sometimes are called Gums, and sometimes Rosines: Concerning which, we intent to speak in this following Section with much brevity. CHAP. 1. Of Mastic. MAstick is the best of gummeous Rosines; it exudes from the Lentisk: that which comes from Chios, and is odorate, candid, splendent, fryable, adulte, and scorched, is best; the green, and black, like Bitumen, are worse. Theophrastus saith, That the spin Ixina exuctates Mastic; but that of the Lentisk is best for medicinal uses (if there be any other.) The Lentisk is a very rall tree, by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, from whose root branches erupt like Hast sprigs, brachiated with tough and flexible boughs: its leaves cohere by eight together upon one pedicle, which are like them of Liquoris, but harder: its flowers are mossy, and many, adhering to long pedicles, whereunto berries of the magnitude of Vetches, succeed; which at first are green, by maturity black, of a fat substance, and turgent, with a black and hard Nut. There grow upon Lentisks, besides their flowers, leaves, and fruits, certain Utricles intorted like Cornicles, wherein a certain liquor is contained, which produces some infects like Gnats, as in Elms, vesicles. It's wood will make special toothpicks, which will not only purge, but roborate the teeth, constringe the gums, and conciliate sweetness of breath: its eximious faculties make it a good substitute for Xylobalsame. Lentisks will scarce fruticate in Lutetia; yet I saw two in Jo: Gonerius his Garden, but they could scarce tolerate the Winter's rigidity. Mastic is celebrated for many things, but especially for allaying the dolours and affections of the stomach and ventricle; which does either by assumption or admotion: it takes away all loathsomeness towards meat, roborates the retentive faculty, and helps coction: it cures such as spit blood, or are infested with an inveterate Cough: it emands the breath, if commanducated, and gently tracts phlegm from the brain: it should be sprinkled with a little Rose-water, that it may be pulverated; it will easily dissolve in aqueous and oleaginous liquors. CHAP. 2. Of Camphor. Camphor is neither Bitumen, nor Medulla, nor compound Medicament, as some believe; but a certain pellucid gummeous Rosine, unknown to Dioscorides and the ancient Greeks, flowing from a peregrine tree, which Garcias ab Horto saith, is like a Walnut-tree, but its leaves are more candicant: The matter of its wood is cinericious, or somewhat blacker; not light or fungous, but pretty dense and solid. This tree is tall, with boughs on every side, and of a fair aspect, which eructates lacrymae; no whit more copiously when it thunders and corruscates, then when the heaven is serene, as many think. This lacryma flows through the chinks of the tree, like other Gums: it needs no coction to concilitate candour; for if dust, filth, or the fragments of any stones or would be mixed with it, that happens through the oscitancy and error of the collectors: the sincere splendent and odorate is best. Hereof there are two sorts; the one, Camphor de burneo, which is best, and is seldom or never brought to us; the other, Species. Camphor of China: whence Pharmacopolists have it frequently: it is of much use in those Regions where it grows, so that they sometimes use it amongst their meats. Some assert, That it califies in the third degree; others affirm, That it is frigid: Many reasons might be brought for both, which for brevity sake I omit; and attest, That it is good both in hot and cold diseases: for it is of a mist quality, and seems by its odour and tenuity of its spirit to be calid, though its other qualities demonstrate its frigidity. Many think, that Camphor arceates the stimulations to venery, and hinders conception: Whereupon, Scaliger being not too credulous, made trial thereof, and found all to be false. Camphor may be easily pulverated, with the addition of a little water: it is eafrly dissolved in aqueous, oleaginous, and fat liquors. CHAP. 3. Of Storax. STorax is the gummeous and rosinous concrete and dry succe of a certa in Syrian tree, none whereof is liquid, humid, and fluxile, as some have judged, who constituted two sorts of Storax, to wit, the humid, and the sicce, both flowing from one tree: But the storacifluous tree distils only a coagulable lacryma, which presently concretes to a dense, fat, and rosinous lump: no portion turning into fluxile liquor, as the old and false opinion of the Arabians avers, whose defendants were deceived by the affinity of the word Storax and Stacte, which in consistency, odour, sapour, quality, original and nature, Stacte, Quid? are fare dissident: For Stacte is the pinguetude of new Myrrh, tunded and expressed with a little water, and reducted to the liquid form of an unguent; or rather, the fat creamy Gum of Myrrh, or the fat Oil of Myrrh tunded and expressed; or its succe educed by some tortive instrument. The Stacte which is oleous, is best; it participates not only of the calefactive quality, but many other faculties of Myrrh. As soon as Storax erupts out of the tree, it concretes into a hard, dense, solid, and rosinous lump, with some white spots in it, and very fragrant. That which comes from Pamphilia in reeds, and is fat, viscid, white with spots, and of a persevering odour, is best; the furfurous, hoary, and inodorate, is naught. There comes also very good to us from Cyprus, Sidon, and Pisidia. It eructates out of a tree, like a Quince-tree, but its leaves are lesser, less rigid, and hoary on the averse part: its flower is white, of the magnitude of an Orange-tree's flower, but not so in odour: small berries included in three ungles, and adhering to long pedicles, grow on its surcles. The concreted liquor of this tree, is much celebrated, which besides the aforesaid qualities, permanes very long suaveolent. Storax califies, Vires. mollifies, concocts, cures the Cough, heaviness, hoarseness; and whether introsumed or applied, opens the Matrix, and moves flowers: it is a good ingredient for cordial and laetificative Antidotes; it is adverse to such poisons, as hurt or kill by refrigeration. By way of lineament, it discusses swell in the neck, and knots of sinews. AN APPENDIX. Of gummeous Rosines improperly so called. There are certain concrete liquors, which fall within the verge of our Institutions, which do possess a medium between the nature of Gum and Rosines; neither are they so easily nor speedily dissolved with water, as some are; nor with oil, as others: but either they subside, or burn to the bottom, or else grow harder; and so thereby are more averse from commixion: Of which sort are Bdellium and Myrrh. CHAP. 4. Of Myrrh. Myrrh, which the Greeks call Smyrna, is the concreted gummeous succe of a certain tree, growing in many Regions in Arabia, as Sabe, Adramyta, Citibaena, and Mamali. This myrrhifluous tree is of a moderate magnitude, with a hard cawl contorted towards the earth; smooth back like Purslain, and aculeated leaves like an Elm. Dioscorides makes it like the Egyptian Spine; others like the Turpentine-tree: Diodorus assimilates it to the Lentisk; yet so, as it is more spinous and lower, for it is seldom above five Cubits light. It grows most frequently in saboulous, dry, and incultivated places, but most floridly in cultivated soils: They incide it from the root to its boughs, out of which wounds it emits Myrrh; but it spontaneously distils a kind of stillatitious dew before its back be opened, which they call Stacte, and many imperite Pharmacopolists, Liquid Storax; falsely asserting, That it distils from the same Tree. But we have before declared, that they flow from different trees, and that there is no liquid Storax, unless that we call Stacte, whic his no Storax. But I return to Myrrh, and the arbuscle from which it flows, which is exotical and prergrine, rough, spinous, with sharp and reuleated leaves, and in sapour like Juniper: It delights and fruticates copiously, in the same soil and region with Frankincensetrees: its wound elacrymates a coagulated Gum, of the same name with the tree. That which is fragile, smooth, concolorate in small lumps, amare, acrimonious, odorate, and hath veins candid, and smooth like nails, is best. That which is collected of the sative tree, is better than that of the sylvestrian: but that is preferred before all, which bears the name of the place where it is had, and is called Troglodytical Myrrh, which is somewhat green of colour, splendent, and mordacious. There is one sort they call Pediasimos, another Gaby; both which are good, and emit plenty of Stacte. There are two bad sorts, one they call Caucalis, which is black and torched; the other Ergasima, which is the worst, it is macilent and hoary: there is also another called Mynaea, as ill as can be. There is so much affinity betwixt Myrrh and Bdellium, that many think they do not differ: but the contrary shall be proved by and by; both of them may be dissolved in watery and oleous liquors, but neither accurately nor easily. Myrrh califies and siccates in the second degree, Vires. opens the occluded Matrix, moves flowers, and accelerates the deliverance of young: Commanducated, it emends the graveolence of the mouth. Stracte, which is much celebrated for its suavity and efficacy, may be substituted for Opobalsamum, but Stracte is more rare: it roborates the stomach and principal parts, arceates putretude, recreates the spirit, and cures many diseases from the Uterus and brain. CHAP. 5. Of Bdellium. THere is a tree in Bactria, which is black, of the magnitude of an Olive, with leaves like an Oak, and fruit like a Figtree, not insuave, whose lacryma some call Brochon, some Malathram, others Maldacon, and the Pharmacopolists Bdellium. That which is amare to the gust, translucid when broken, fat when rubbed and incended, odorate, liquestible, like Wax, or Bulls-glue, soft, and void of sordidity, is approved. Galen commends the Scythian, Pliny the Bactrian, Dioscorides the Saracenian Bdellium. The Indian, sordid, black Bdellium, convolved into gobbets, is the worst: some call it Adrobolon; that which grows in Media, called by Physicians, Parthian Bdellium. Furthermore, out of what tree Bdellium exudes, is not concluded of amongst grave and learned men; some say it flows from one like that which emits Myrrh; other affirm the contrary: Neither can I at present determine this doubtful cause. Perhaps they both come from plants much alike, one from a sative tree, the other from a wild one; as we see many Apples, Pears, and Plums, much different in odour, colour and sapour, which grow on trees very much agreeing. However, Bdellium is no whit rare, and we have it as good as ever the Ancients designed it. It califies, Vires. mollifies, resolves, it discusses hardness, and gurtural tumors, and humid burstings; it relaxates the spiracles of the Matrix, either by admotion or suffumigation; it extracts floors, young, and all humours. Being drank, it breaks the stone, and expels urine; it is excellent for mixture with a Pultess, against the hardness and knots of sinews. SECT. X. Of other humours and juices arising from Plants. THe humour of Plants (saith Theophrastus') by an usual Nomenclature, called Juice, is the proper blood of the Plant; which if the Plant wants, it withers and perishes, but if it abounds, it waxes young and flourisheth: but this succe or humour, is various, according to the variety of the Plant. For in some it is crass, liquid, viscid, glutinous, fryable, gummeous: In others, fat, oleous, odorate, rosinous: In some, melleous, lacteous, salsuginous, as we have declared before. Of gummeove, rosinous, and oleaginous Juices, we have spoken sufficiently before. It remains nor, that we treat of other Juices more gross and terrestrial. CHAP. 1. Of Opium. POppy is either sative or wild, of both which there are many species: the succe expressed and concreted from the satives, is called Meconium; Meconium. only the lacryma or succe of the black Poppy, whether spontaneously, or by vulneration, eructing from its heads, is for its dignity by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, by the Latins Opium. Whereof there are many varieties, respondent to the varieties of the Regions where it is collected. The Theban Opium, and that which is brought from Cairus, are whitish, and the best; those that come out of Syria, Alexandria, and other Regions, are black, and not so good: the latter Writers also assert, That the best Opium flows from white Poppy. That which comes from Cambaia, flows from the great Poppy, there called Carcax; each of whose heads equalizes in magnitude an Ostriches Egg: so that it is no wonder, that such plenty of succe should erupt from them when vulnerated. All agree not about the qualities of Opium: for Dioscorides, and many more, say, it is cold in the fourth degree; Its qualities. Matthiolus opposes them, from its odour and acrimony. I think, it is of a mist quality, participating of a light and fugacious calidity, but a more valid and contumacious frigidity. Besides its elementary qualities, it hath others also, which much commend it, if exhibited opportunely, and in a just dosis, and much discommend it, if unduly used; for it doth not only induce tremor and palsy, but leads to a perpetual sleep. Rightly prepared, and rightly administered, it helps much; for it cures perpetual watch, by conciliating sleep; it allays and deceives the fierceness of any dolour, by making the sense more stupid. It is much used in Mauritania and Asia, where they call it Amfium and Osium, as though Opium were the most admirable exhilarator of the mind, and erecter of the body: whereunto they have so accustomed themselves, that if they should totally abstain from it, they would periclitate their lives. The Turkish Soldiers used to eat it, that they might be more cheerful for battle, and like drunken or madmen, precipitate themselves carelessly into danger. Some think it stimulates to venery; but reason and experience refragate its use, rather arceating its heat, by making the motion of the flesh more ignave. CHAP. 2. Of Elaterium. ELaterium is numerated among mochlical Medicaments, which agitate the body by a turbulent motion; which though it be violent, yet Hypocrates used it (Sect. 2. Lib. de loc. in hom.) Now it is seldom usurped, except in a few Regions in Italy, where some take it, for the curation of such diseases as milder remedies will not profit. Elaterium, according to Theophrastus, is the inspissated succe of a wild cucumber, which by a special propriety will keep two hundred years; it is (saith he) the most diuturnal of all Medicaments; and that is best which is oldest: which to experience, a certain Medick having received some for a gift, very old, kept it till its two hundred years were expired. The cause why it endures so long, I think is its copious humour, whereby it extinguishes a Candle, if it be set near it, till fifty years be perfected. The manner of its extraction and inspissation is notorious; which he that knows not, may learn of Dioscorides. Wild cucumber, which we call anguine or ass' cucumber, is very like the sative, only its leaves are not so angulous, and more hoary: its fruits are lesser, palely green, and full of seeds and succe, which leap out at the first touch, like siliquous Arsmart, which they thence call Nolime tangere. The wild cucumber, Vires. and succe of its fruit, which they call Elaterium (saith Galen) are accommodated to Medicine: The succe is very amare, hot in the second degree; it moves flowers, kills young, and by moving the belly educes waters. CHAP. 3. Of Laudanum. Laudanum is a kind of liquor exuding out of the leaves of Cistus, growing in Cyprus, where it is called Ledon; which, if Dioscorides say true, is collected by the she-goats: for the Kids and Goats feeding upon the leaves of Cistus, whose innate pinguetude in the spring-time they deterge and receive with their beards, and carry it on their hairy legs, whereunto it adheres; which afterwards the Incolists comb off, and percolate, making it into lumps, and so keep it, calling it Laudanum. Some reject this manner of accepting Laudanum, as fabulous, and yet substitute not an easier way. It is indeed so tenacious and viscid, that it will easily follow contact, and may be excerped otherwise. The Cyprian, odorate, greenish, soft Laudanum, that hath not gathered sand and filth, is the best: The Arabian is more vile, and worse. It is calefactive, and mollifies, opens the orifices of the veins, Vires. mixed with black Wine, Myrrh, and Oil of Myrtle: it keeps on deciduous hair. It flows not from Cissus, that is, Ivy, as Pliny thought, but Cistus, a small, surculous, lignous shrub, emitting long and blackish leaves, glutinous to the tact, which in the Spring exude a certain fat, odorate, and rosinous matter, which collected by any Art, is called Laudanum: It bears small whitish flowers, like little Roses. CHAP. 4. Of Hypocistis. BEsides Ledon, or the Ladanigerous Cistus, there are two other varieties; the one Masculine, Cistus masc. out of whose roots springs Hypocistis, whose spurious branch is like to a Quince-tree: some call it Ludonorum, others Robethron, Fuschius fungus; its succe is extracted, as that of Acacia concreted and kept. The other Cistus is Feminine; which bears long, Cistus foem. and not angust leaves, white and small flowers, and small seed in a triangular hull: it is very like the Ladanigerous Cistus. The Masculine Cistus is a small shrub, greater than Thyme, with leaves like Basil, but rounder, rosaceous flowers, like them of the Feminine, but lesser, with a lignous and hard root, out of whose middle, Hypocistis pullulates, as viscum out of an Oak, and other trees. Hypocistis is very rare, in whose stead we use Acacia, Vires. whose saculties are analogous, though more imbecil: it is chief astrictive; it helps the Dysenterian, collical, and all fluxes of blood. It siccates also, and roborates, and is a very efficacious remedy in all fluxions. CHAP. 5. Of Tartar. AS the substance of Milk, part whereof is butyrous and ligher, part caseous and crasser, and part serous and moderate, is not homogeneous; so neither is the substance of Wine, part whereof is tenuious, and is called the flower of Wine; part somewhat heavier, occupying the middle of the Hogshead; and part more crass, which settles to the bottom, which some call Lees, and the more recent, Tartar; perhaps because this is the Empyricks Idol, as Tartac was the Hevaeans. But I rather think it so nominated, because it possesses the lowest place. And though Tartarum be but Lees of Wine, yet is it endued with many faculties: for as some excrements in an humane body are benign and useful, as Sperm, Milk, and other humours included in other parts for certain uses; so are these dregs useful: for as the Proverb goes, No Wine without Lees; for this excrement conserveses it longer from corruption, as ashes do fire from extinction. Tartarum included in a Cloth-bag, and suspended in a Wine-cellar, or other moist place, will exude an oleous humour, which they call Oil of Tartar: which delabes from the Canvas bag into the vessel subjected, as we have showed in our Officinary. It may be educed also by ascent; but the work will be more, and to less purpose. The ashes of burned Tartar is frequent at Paris, and very expetible to dealbate sails, which the vulgar call Gravellata. It is celebrated for many other uses: Vires. for Tartar, according to Cardanus, hath no equal in detersion, which purges sordid and hard lumps, and excrescencies of flesh, and shows the sound and living flesh. CHAP. 6. Of Liquorice Juice. THe succe of Liquorice is expetible for many uses; for it is eximiously bechical, being successfully assumed solarly for the affections of the lungs and breasts, and frequently with no less benefit mixed with other Medicaments. Galen extols that which comes from Crete. The Greeks call it Glycyrrhiza, the shop-men Liquorice, Celsus Sweet-root, the Batavians Sweet-wood; for its succe exhibits a sweet and grateful sapour, which is thus educed. The roots of Liquorice collected in July, while new and humid, are purged and brayed, then cocted in water, percolated and expressed; the succe expressed is siccated by evaporation by the fire, The way to juice of Liquorice. or Sun, and kept: That is best, which is sweetest, soft, new, pure, tenacious, blackest, and which is totally liquescible upon the tongue. That which comes from Spain, is much commended; where it is made both copiously and well. Liquorice is without of the colour of Box, within croceous: its wood is viscid, and not easily frangible; its sapour sweet, quenching thirst; whence it is called, adipsas. That which is white or black within, exucce, old, fragile, and which makes dust by its fracture, is not good. We have spoken hereof in the fourth Section of our first Book. CHAP. 7. Of Wax. Bees' are wonderful sagacious, industrious, and sedulous, in collecting and confecting Wax; which without their help, no part of the world can perform: for these little animals can solely act that which man cannot; these Infects solely do suppeditate both Aliments and Medicaments to man by their own opifice. And yet the commodities of Wax are so many, and so great, that they cannot be easily recenseated. The flave, odorate, moderately fat, pure, coacted Wax, which is void of all alien matter, eadnearest representing Honey, is best. In the second place, we take that which is candid, whether it be so naturally; as the Pontian Wax, or artificially by lotion, as the Tyrrhenian. Other colours are acquisititious; as green by Verdegrease, red by Vermilion, black by Ink, or burned paper: From which mixture it changes its qualities. New subflave Virgin-wax is best. It is in a mean betwixt heat and cold, humidity and siccity; yet it is somewhat crass and emplastical: Wherefore it is the matter both of calefactive and refrigerative Medicaments. All Wax mollifies, califies, according to Dioscorides; Cerae lotio & dealbatio and moderately expletes the body. It is good in broth for such as have the bloody flux. That it may be dealbated, it must be melted at the fire, then demerged in pure Fountain-water, where it must be stirred and expurged. Dioscorides describes another way to make it most candid; which see in his second Book, Chap. 105. CHAP. 8. Of certain other success more aptly described in another place. Success are kept either in a liquid consistency, as Vinegar, Wine, and Omphacium; or in a solid one, as Aloes and Scammony; or else in a middle consistency, as Rob and Sapa: of each whereof we have treated in order, partly in our Shop, partly in our first Book of Medicinal Matter. And since I am so fare from approving of things ten times repeated, that the second time offends me, I will not now return to the examination of what I have before delivered; for I could willingly wish this short Work had been contracted into a lesser bulk. As for Aloes and Scammony, they being Purgatives, we have treated sufficiently of them in the second Section of this Book: wherein we have accurately described the nature and faculties of all purgative Simples. As for the success of fruits, inspissated to the consistency of Rob and Honey, we have handled them in the fifth Section: and the first Section of the first Book, speaks copiously of liquid success. Opopanax hath its name from Panax, whose succe, or rather gummeous liquor it is, which when concrete and dry, is subflave without, candid within, graveolent, smooth, fat, fryable, and easily liquescible in water. Galen makes mention of other success, as Glacium and Licium: but because they grow obsolete, they are seldom or never kept in Pharmacopolies. Finis Libri Primi. THE SECOND BOOK OF Medicinal Matter. SECT. I. Of Minerals. THE PREFACE. THe matter of Medicaments is multifarious, not only because it arises from Plants, Minerals, and Animals, (of which we have treated before) but also desumed from the Universal Tribe of Plants. It remains now, that we treat of Minerals, which indeed do daily supply us with plentiful matter for Medicine; and that sometimes melioris defectu, of eximious qualities, whereby we oppugn and resist contumacious diseases of their malignity; but especially, I say, for outward uses, nothing more excellent; and very conducible to the health and sanity of inward parts: For there are certain Minerals, which by a roborative faculty do recreate the spirits; as, the Lemnian Earth, Oriental Bole, and Precious Stones: Of all which we intent briefly, but clearly, to treat in this our second Book. And although they are called Minerals or Fossiles, which are digged out of the bowels and hidden Caverns of the earth; as, all kinds and sorts of Earth's, Stones, and Metals: yet they carry a more ample signification, and do comprehend under them, all that is found in the Bosom and Belly of the Sea, in Gulfs, and on the Seashore; as all sorts of Salt and Bitumen. Therefore all Minerals are not only of the Earth, as Aristotle hath delivered, but some of the Sea; as Salt, Bitumen, and several kinds of Stones: of which we intent distinctly to Treat. But the method of our Institutions doth require us, that we handle them briefly; therefore we shall hasten to the examination of them, and Rank them into a Triple File, by dividing this our Book into three Sections: In the first, we shall dispute the Nature and Qualities of Earth's; in the second, of Stones; and in the third, of Metals. CHAP. 1. Of Terra-Lemnia. THe best of medicinal Earth's, is that, which coming from the Isle Lemnos, the shop-men call Lemnian Earth, and sometimes Sigillated Earth, from that seal that is impressed upon it. There are many varieties hereof; the best of which used to be form into Cakes, and signed by Diana's Priest with her Sigil, which represented a She-goat. But the true sigillated Earth, according to Dioscorides and Galen, is flave or yellow, as the hill is whence it is digged; on which hill, neither Tree, nor Herb, nor Plant fruticates, nor a stone to be seen, only this kind of Earth in abundance. Yet such Cakes are brought to Constantinople, of a cineritious colour, noted with the Sigil of the Turkish Emperor, which is effigiated with no Animal, only some various Characters; and these are bought and kept for true Lemnian Earth. Neither the Incolists that make these Pastils, nor the Institors that buy them, mix Goats blood therewith, as many grave men existimate. This Earth is so far, that one that holds it in his mouth, and grinds it with his teeth, would think it consisted of grease. It is Antidotive against the Pestilence, Vires. Contagions, and Diseases that participate of malignant qualities: yet I believe, That the vain Ceremonies and Superstitions of the barbarous Turkish Nation, have more nobilitated this Earth, than any excellency in its faculties: and I do avouch, That if any one that would might effode it, it would lose much of its celebrity. The variety of the Characters wherewith it is noted, arises from the variety of those Noblemen, who according to their custom, are present on the sixth of August, at its effosion and sigillation. Now all the Characters are contained in these two Arabic words, Tin Imachton, which denote Sigillated Earth. CHAP. 2. Of Bolarmoniack. THere is another kind of Earth of eximious faculties, which comes out of Armenia, near Cappadocia, which the medics call Bolearminack, or Oriental-Bole. It was, in Galens time, much used against that Pestilence he speaks of (Lib. 9 Simp. cap. 7.) It is in our pleasure (saith he) whether we will call it a Stone, as he did that first gave it me, or an Earth, as I do, because it may be rigated by humid things. It comes not solely from Armenia, but many other Regions: that is the best, which will be most promptly laevigated, either by a , or the affusion of some water or liquor, containing in it no sandy mixture, and which in manducation melts like butter, and is manifestly astrictive to the gust. It siccates, astringes, and roborates, stays blood, Vires. cohibits Catarrhs, profits the bloody flux, and Ulcers in the mouth. It is very prevalent against the Pestilence: Whoever (saith Galen) assumed this Medicament, were presently cured; but those that this did not cure, died all; for no other remedy was more prevalent. Whence we may gather, That it cured all that were not incurable: and that I may speak freely, Bolearminack is as efficacious as Lemnian Earth: And as we can easily be without the Turkish Tapestry and Hang; so shall we not much stand in need of their Lemnian Earth. CHAP. 3. Of some other Earth's less usual. THere are many other Earth's commended by the Ancients, for refrigerating and occluding passages, and much used by them in Medicine, which the later Age doth so despise, that they are totally excluded from Pharmacopolies, except some few, which for their candour, rubour, or other eximious colour, as flave, or the like, which are commended and bought by infectors, as Ochre, Rubric, Synope, Ceruse, and such like. Yet some of them are endued with eximious medicinal faculties, as the Melitean Earth; so called from the Isle Melita, Melitea. whence it comes; which is prevalent against the Pestilence and Poisons: Whence many usurp it for Lemnian Earth. The Samian Earth is a kind of fossil coming from Samos, Samia. which Dioscorides saith, is of two sorts; the one he calls Collyrium, which, I think, may be mixed in Collyries for eyes; the other Samius aster, because there are certain spots in it, which shine like stars; it is crustaceous and dense like a Wherstone, being withal somewhat viscous: This is burned and washed like white Earth, of whose faculties it participates, and thence cohibits the rejection of blood: the other, which he calls Collyrium, is soft, white, fryable, and adheres to the tongue: both of them refrigerate, and arceate fluxes. The Chian Earth, so called from the Isle Chios, Chia. hath affinity with the Samian in face and faculties; for it is white, soft, refrigerative, and astrictive: it cures burn, crugates the face, makes it splendid, and deleates scars. There is another kind of Earth called Selinusia, Selinusia. which Galen commends against swell beginning in the Paps, Testicles, and small Guts; which in colour, faculties, and consistency, is finitimous to the Chian: both are special Remedies against burn. Dioscorides makes mention of Fullers-earth, Cimolia. whereof he constitutes two sorts; the one white, the other purpureous: that is best, which seems fat and cold to the tact; both of them dissolved invinegar, discusse-pimples and tubercles, repress inflammations, and cure burn. The Eretrian Earth is, Eretria. according to Galen, a red Glebe; the best whereof, is without sand and stones. Dioscorides makes two sorts thereof; one white, and another cineritious; none red: that which is cineritious, is soft, and is the best. Eretria is a City in Euboia, near Calcis, in whose Territories this Earth is effoded, and thence nominated: it is astrictive, refrigerative, mollitive; it expletes cavities, and conglutinates wounds. Rubric, Rubrica. or vermilion, so called, because it is red, is called Synopica, from Synops a City of Cappadocia, whence it comes; and Fabrilis, because workmen often use it in drawing Lines, their cords being died therewith. Some Rubric is maculated, other unicolorate; some soft, other hard and spisse; some fat, other moderate. All of them are adapted to pictures; which, because they siccate and astringe, serve sometimes to medicinal uses, and may be mixed in vulnerary and siccative Emplasters. Ochre is a kind of flave Earth, Ochra. much commended in Attica, not lapideous, but fryable, luteous, and smooth: it astringes, erodes, discusses collections, and represses excrescencies. Aetius saith, That bruises, and blue places, may be cured by a Medicament made thereof. The Cretian Earth, or Chalk, is so called, from the Isle Crete, whence it comes, though it is copiously found in other Regions; whereof there are many varieties; one sort whereof is white, which exceeds all other Earth's therein, which Artificers use in protracting Lines; another green, celebrated for the same use, which we ordinarily call Theodosia; another is black, which workmen-Painters and Tailors use: All of them are abstersive; whence they are much used in cleansing Tin and Silver vessels. The green is more acrimonious than the white and black, and more abstersive then both. Other Earth's, as Pnigitis, Melia, and Ampelitis, are recorded in Dioscorides, and mentioned by Galen: But their virtue is so ignave, and effects so small, that the later Physicians do not celebrate them; who leaving Acorns, choose rather to eat Where. These therefore being useless, I will not describe. There is a certain subrulous Earth carried about Lutetia, which they call Alana and Tripoli, serving only to deterge brazen vessels: which here we will omit. Of certain Fossiles extracted either out of Sea or Land, which are referred either to Metals, Stones or Earth's: And first, CHAP. 4. Of Chrysocolle or Boras. THe Shop-men following the barbarous Mauritanian Idiom, call Chrysocolle, Boras: it is found in the golden, silver, and sometimes brazen Ours in Armenia, Macedonia, and Cyprus. The Armenian Boras, whose colour is green, and sapour nitrous, with some amaritude, is most laudable. Pliny thinks, That that which is effoded out of brazen Ours, whose substance is mud, concreted to the hardness of a Pumick-stone, is best; that which is collected out of Silver Mynes, next; and that which is had in Golden Ours, worst of the three. There is another sort, which is worst of all, found in Leaden Ours. Avincenna calls Boras, Auri capistrum; Dioscorides and Galen, Chrysocolle, or Gold-glue; others, Green Earth, because it equalizes segetives in colour. That which is now in Pharmacopolies, is not green, but white. There are two sorts hereof: one Native, which in Metalline Ours concretes to the hardness of a Pumick-stone, acquiring various colours, according to the variety of the Metals, out of whose Ours it is effoded: the green is most medicinal, and the flave best for ferruminating gold. The other Factitious, made of Boy's Urine, Factitia. agitated so long with a Brazen , in a Brass Morter in the hot Sun, till it acquire the consistency of honey, or an unguent; which either solely, or mixed with other Medicaments, cures sordid, cadaverous, and dangerous Ulcers. Dioscorides brayed and washed the native and fossil, till it looked pure and sincere; then he reconded, and kept it for use, after he had siccated it: it will be much more tenuious by ustion. Chrysocolle califies, cohibits excrescent flesh, Vires. and is somewhat mordacious: it perduces many Ulcers to sanity, but its assumption at the mouth is perilous. CHAP. 5. Of Vitriol, or Calchantum. THe Greeks call that Calchantum, which the Latins from its blackness call Sutory Ink, and from its splendent vitreous Nitre, Vitriol. Dioscorides reckons three sorts thereof; two native, and one Factitious: Species. one sort of the Natives is found concreted in the bowels of the earth, another is collected in form of water, out of some Mine, which put into a vessel, soon coagulates into Vitriol. The Factitious is made of a certain glebe of earth, maculated with rubiginous and atruginous: spots, madefied, transfunded, and fermented with water, cocted with the heat of the Sun; out of which a certain vitriolous humour is elicited, which is reduced either by the heat of the Sun, or of a fire, into Vitriol. Pliny (Chap. 13. Book 34.) teaches many more ways to confect it; as also many perite Metallists, which for brevity's sake I omit. Amongst the Factitious Vitriols, the Roman is the best; the Cyprian was most celebrated of old; the Germanian is worse: and it is commonly called Copparose, or Dyers Ink, which Infectors use in dying clothes. The Native, which is effoded out of the Cyprian Mountains, is called Stalacticum, that is, stillatitious; and pectum, that is, concrete: so that the natural, which is either coagulated before effosion, or coagulates quickly after extraction from that Mountain; and the factitious, which is elicited out of the earth of that Mountain, may be both called Cyprian Vitriol. The Native or Fossile Vitriol, participates of Calcitis, Misy, and Sorry; especially the Cyprian, which is concreted from green water, which continually delabes from that Mountain into a Cave, washing Calcitis, Misy, and Sorry, and spontaneously coagulating into Vitriol. Whence one of these doth easily transeate into another; for all of them do in time convene: yea, Galen asserts, That he saw Vitriol, which in tract of time became Calcitis. (Lib. 9 Simp.) The Native and white, is preferred in Medicinal uses, which the Metallicolous Alchemists say, is produced by their Sulphur and Mercury, as of Sperm, which they indiscriminately exhibit to all affections: out of which they elicit a certain acid liquor; a few drops whereof, mixed with syrup of Violets, acquire a most elegant red colour and sapour. Oil of Sulphur will do the same; and a few drops of both, or one of them, infused in the syrup of Roses, will make the whole liquor red, Tinctura Rosarum. which they call Tincture of Roses. There is a certain salve made, which Pharmacopolists call Diacalciteos, from Calcitis, and Diapalma; or Palmeous salve, from Palm; and it is alike related to both: for it neither admits of Calcitis, nor Palm, in its confection; but so it is called for its rarity: for Calcitis, Misy, Sorry, Melanteria, Diphryges', and many more, so much celebrated by the Ancients, are now unseen and unknown. Whence Galen substitutes Vitriol in stead of Calcitis, into whose nature age perduces it. And it may well be substituted in stead of Misy, Sorry, and Melanteria, for all these are of near affinity, being similar in qualities, but dissimilar in colour and consistency. Nature hath enriched Vitriol with eximious faculties, which perite Physicians have both experienced, and left described; as Dioscorides, Galen, Aelius, Paulus, Aegineta, and Oribasius, who have nobilitated it with much celebration: it califies, astringes, dries, kills broad worms in the belly, helps against toad-poyson, preserves moist flesh, and contracts humours by absumption, exarceates putretude, roborates the intimous parts; externally applied, it astringes, purges Ulcers, causes wrinkles like Alum, with whom it hath relation. The Wells of Spada being endued with a Vitrioline quality, do miraculously cure grievous and deplorable affections. Which excellent faculty, they borrow from Vitriol, by whose energy they pervade all the tracts and corners of all parts, everting what is hurtful, not hurting what is good; binding what is more lax, relaxing what is bound; and inciding, melting, attenuating, and expelling what is more crass. But besides these excellent commodities, Vitriol hath its incommodities also: for, it is ill for the stomach, acrimonious, erosive, and vomitory; and therefore many Monks and women give it sometimes in Wine, and sometimes in Rose-water, in uncertain weight, against quotidian and quartane Agues: and indeed the Fever is often, by the excitation of vehement vomiting, resolved. But this Medicament being imperitely exhibited, proves often more formidable than the disease. CHAP. 6. Of Alum. Alum (saith Pliny) is as it were the brine of the earth, whereof Dioscorides makes three sorts; the round, the liquid, and the jagged or scissile: the last is often called plumeous Alum; for they are so like in form, that they can scarce be distinguished; yet they differ both in nature and qualities: for the scissile is manifestly astrictive, and may be burned; but the plumeous is acrimonious, Scissile plumeum. and suffers not by fire. It seems to be the stone Amiantus, which, wood-like, consists of many incursant Lines, and is not burned by fire, which many take for that Amentus that ingredes the Citrian unguent. There is another sort, very vulgar and usual, lucid, spisse, and hard, like glass, which Physicians call Rock-Alome, Alumen rupeum. which should always be usurped, when Alum is designed absolutely. The manner of confecting this, is long and laborious, which Matthiolus describes accurately. There is black Alum in Cyprus, that Pliny makes mention of. Some say, that round Alum is the same with that they call Zucharinum, which is confected of crude Rock-Alome, white of Eggs, and Rose-water. Matthiolus saw, handled, and tasted liquid Alum: of which he attests, that he never found any thing more astrictive. Besides these, there are some factitious Alomes', as Catinum, which is made of the ashes of Kali, and vulgar Soda; as squamous Alum, which is made of a specular stone, pellucid like glass; as Lees-Alome, which is made of Wine-Lees burned and albified. I think it superfluous to describe the manner of confecting these Alomes', since they are now of no use. All Alum is of crass parts, Vires. binds much: whence it is called Stypterion, because it is styptical or astrictive: it califies moderately, cleanses, emends putrid Ulcers, dries humid ones, absumes excrescent flesh, takes away itching, cures the scab, and accedes usefully to many Medicaments made for Ulcers. CHAP. 7. Of Salt. AS nothing is more common, nothing more frequent; so nothing more known than Salt: without which, Beasts can, but we cannot subsist. Whereof there are many sorts; as Sea-salt, Fossile-salt, Lake-salt, and River-salt. Sea-salt is most common, and best, which is solely used in France. Fossile-salt, which shop-men call Gemme-salt, is broken and effoded out of Ours like stones; it is splendent like Crystal: This cast into the fire, doth not crack like the rest, but ignifies like Iron. There is also Indian-salt, which Mesue uses in the confection of Pills of Azure-stone: but this being wanting, we substitute gemmeous Salt. They mistake, that think, that Mesue means by Indian-salt, that Sugar which he calls Tabarzet; we, White: for the Indians have their Salt, which they effode from the Mount Oromenus, in great lumps; in whose stead, our gemmeous Salt will serve well, as in acuating the slower faculty of Agarick and Polypody. Ammoniack, or Armeniack-salt, being very ingrateful both in sapour and colour, and gifted with no eximious faculties, is judged incommodious: it concretes into broad plates under the Cyranium sands, with black veins extrinsecally; in colour it comes near Alum we call Schiston, as also the Salt we call Alkali and Catinum. Dioscorides commends Lake-salt, and Phrygian-salt; but we prefer our own. The flower of Salt, which flows upon Nilus, is neither seen of nor desired by us: it is as it were the Spawn of a certain River; as also the broth of Salt, and the flower of the spamous Sea in Dioscorides. There is another kind of Salt, they call Nitre, denoted with a double difference; the first is the light Nitre, of Dioscorides and the Ancients: its colour is roseous or white; it gapes with some holes like a sponge, it ceases now to be brought to us: the other is more vulgar, called Salnitre, or Saltpetre, which ingredes the confection of that powder, which is made of many nitrous waters in France for warlike Instruments. While it is laboured with much coction, it eructates Aphronitrum, or spume of Nitre, different from that which the Ancients mention, which is thought to be native, not artificial; as also a certain friable lanuginous matter, white and saltish, which adheres to many walls, which is thought to be the flower of Nitre. I shall not now speak of the confection of Nitre, because it appertains not to Apothecaries. The faculties of Salt are great, many, and very useful to man, but not so necessary in Pharmacy, as many think, who predicate many wonderful and vain things, of Salt educed by Chemical Art; for they mordaciously assert, that there is a purgative faculty in Medicaments because of Salt: and when they have got some extract from any Medicament, they aver they have got its Salt. However, Salt is very conservative; it astringes, absterges, purges, discusses, represses, extenuates, and vindicates from putretude; yet some Salt is better than other. Seeing Brine is its liquor, it exhibits the same effects: Vires. it is mixed with Glisters, to excite the expulsive faculty, which is flow in such as are infested with the Lethargy and Apoplexy. CHAP. 8. Of Bitumen. BItumen, which the Greeks call Asphaltos, is as it were the fatness of the earth swimming above the water; which cast upon the shore, condensates, concretes, and becomes hard, tenacious, and inflammable. As long as Bitumen swims on the water, it is soft; but when it is off, it becomes spisse and harder then, and resembles dry Pitch, yet easily liquescible at the fire. Many Lakes are bituminous, but especially one in Judaea, Sodomeus Lacus. thence called Asphalites, and The dead Sea, because of its vastity, and because its water remains almost immovable, not stormy, but heavy, fault, crass, and foetid; wherein neither Plants nor Animals breed; neither doth it nourish such as are injected, or admit them into its bowels. Some enumerate a kind of Fossile terrene matter, Carbo petrae which some call, but falsely, The Earth Ampelitis; others better, Stone-coal, which seems to be a kind of Jet, of which they make Beads and Images, which strangers wear in their Hats, amongst solid Bituments. All Bitumen is not solid and hard, but some there is, perpetually liquid and fluid, called Naphta, which is the colature of Babylonian Bitumen, white of colour, and most capacious of fire: for there is so much cognation betwixt this and fire, that it will presently leap into it, when near it. There is also black Bitumen. As the true and native Bitumen of Judaea and Sodom come not to us, in whose stead we use Pissaphaltus, or factitious Bitumen, made of Petreol, Pitch, and other things: so neither the true Naphta, in whose stead we assume a certain liquor, that falls from the fields near Modena, which they call Petreol, as if it were Oil educed out of a Rock; for both have the same cansistency, colour, and virtue: But Pissaphaltus is the commixion of Pitch and Bitumen, as its name designs, which some use for Mumy: of which hereafter. All Bitumen discusses, mollifies, glutinates, defends from inflammation, by obfaction, suffumigation, or imposition; emends the Proptosis and strangulation of the Uterus: but our Bitumen is seldom right. Naphta extenuates, incides, digests, penetrates, absumes frigid and crass humours in all parts of the body, and cures the resolution of the Nerves, Palsy, and diseases in the arteries from a cold cause. Some yet recenseate more bitumen, as that furfurous pinguetude which some call Whales-sperm, Sperma Caeti, quid. others White-Amber, and many, The flower of the Sea; for it is collected on the Sea, whose fat spume, or innatant flower it is. Many think it is Dioscorides his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. CHAP. 9 Of Sulphur. SUlphur is either native and fossil, called Brimstone and Quick-sulphur; or factitious: the native is naturally generated of a certain fat portion of earth; much whereof is in Lipara, Melos, and such places, where the factitious is made: the splendent, pellucid, and not saxous, is best; whose colour without is subcincritious, within subluteous. Many Mountains are very sulphureous, as Aetna, which eructates perpetual flames. The factitious is made of some fat Glebes, which are effoded out of sulphureous Ours. The manner of its confection, I leave to such Rustics as are exercised therein: the green and fat is best. Sulphur hath much cognation with fire; for if it be cast upon coals, it will burn, and not be extinguished, till all its oleous and fat substance be absumed. All Sulphur is not alike in colour; for some is green, some more luteous, some cineritious, and some pallid or lucid. Whence we may gather, That it is of more sorts than two. Pliny also enumerates four, some whereof are harder, others fatter, and others more inflammal. That Sulphur whereof Alchemists tell many vain and ridiculous stories, is not common Sulphur, yet it is mixed, though they assert, that it is a principle of mixture. But no more of that in this place. There is a certain fat liquor, very efficacious, Oleum Sulphuris. educed out of Sulphur, yet such, as may not be used imperitely, lest it do more harm then good. There is a powder also made of Sulphur, against the vices of the Lungs, whose event demonstrates its excellency. That Medicament which Mesue calls Diasulphur, is hence denominated. Sulphur califies, cocts, resolves, cures Coughs, Vires. and difficulty of breathing, taken in an Egg, or burned; and its smoke catched, moves spittle; mixed with butter or swines-grease, it mitigates and kills the itch, erupting on the whole body; and mixed with Turpentine, it cures Tetters, rough nails, and scabs. CHAP. 10. Of Ambergris. Ambergris, which was unknown to the Ancients, is neither the seed of Balena, nor excrement of any other Whale, nor yet the dung of any Birds educated in the Isle Maldina, with odoriferous herbs (which dung is by the sea washed of those Rocks, as some somniate;) nor yet any kind of maritimous Mushroom, eradicated by the Sea, as many have asserted: nor yet any thing made of Laudanum, Aloes wood, Storax, and Civer, as Fuschius credited; but a certain kind of Bitumen, by storms driven from the Fountains and Channels of the Sea to the shore; where exposed to the air, it speedily condenses; as many things do, which while they are in the water, are soft and tender; but eructed, become dry, and hard, as Amber. Perhaps, as it is storied, a great quantity of Ambergris hath been found in a Whale's belly; but whilst she was alive, she had got it, and ingested it in the Sea: for it is absurd to think, that Amber should be the Whale's excrement, when the best Amber devoured by a Whale, loses its bonity and suavity. Which Simeon Sethi smelled well enough, who asserting that Amber is a kind of Bitumen, flowing out of some Fountains, saith, That that which is devoured by fishes is the worst that can be. Garcias ab Horto seems to assert, That it is a kind of odorate earth; seeing there was not only a fragment of three thousand pounds weight of Amber found in the earth, but whole Islands of pure Amber: and he proves the probability hereof, from the infinite varieties of earth in colour and qualities: and seeing in this general acception, Bitumen may be called a kind of Earth, I do nor impugn the verisimilitude of his assertion, especially finding it called Precious Earth. Thus have I briefly related the whole history of Amber: for I will neither undertake, neither will my short annotations bear the discussion of such opinions as have been published about Amber. That Amber which is most odorate, devoid of filth, perforated with a needle, emits much fat succe; that which is cineritious, and not black, is good; that which is black, or very candid, is not good. It calefies, Vires. resolves, recreates the heart, brain and principal parts, refreshes the spirits, cureth swoundings, erects the strength, exhilarates the mind, and cures palpitation. CHAP. 11. Of yellow Amber, or Electrum. ORange-coloured Amber is variously denominated: the Greeks call it Electrum; the Persians and Mauritanians, Charabe, that is, catch-straw; the Germans, Glesum, that is Glass, because it is splendent; the Romans, Succinum, because it is the product of succe, or Sea-bitumen concreted; but not the succe of Pine or black Poplar, as many have asserted: for it is found in the deeps, and upon Seashores, concreted of the fat juice of the Sea and Earth. This matter, whilst lent, viscid, and fat, before it be obdurated and dried, catches and detains many Flies, Gnats, Aunts, and such like Infects; which dye, dry and odorate, together with the Amber. This Amber is either white or flave: the white, which is more odorate and lighter, is good: so also is the flave, if pellucid, and such as may be made by attrition, to smell like Rosemary, and attract chaff or straw. It's Powder given in convenient liquor, cohibits the flux of blood, roborates the bowels, and is good against the white fluor of the womb: one dragm thereof taken in a soft Egg, will stay the flux of Sperm, and will help such as are tabid, infested with hardness of intestines, difficulty of breathing, and long Coughs. CHAP. 12. Of Coral. COral is from its effigies, hardness, and native soil, frequently, and not improperly called Lithodendron, as if it were a Stone-tree, and sometimes a Sea-shrub: for Macer saith, it seems to be the bough of some arbuscle, for it grows in the Tyrrhenian and Sicilian Seas; assurging and emitting branches like a little Tree. Hence some repose it amongst shrubs, others amongst stones, and others amongst Bitumen: but it is really none of all these, but something of each. It is threefold; one sort is red, another white, and another black: the first, as it is of a more jucund aspect, so more medicinal, and more apt for Bracelets, and other Ornaments. The white, as it is more spongious, so more light and refrigerative: the black is most rarely seen, less medicinal and expetible; red is the best, which is always understood, when Coral is prescribed absolutely. There is another sort of Coral of a mixed colour, which is not so good: the red that is best, should be of a florid colour, odorate, like Alga, ramous, like a shrub, very frangible, not rough, nor hollow, or chanelled. All Coral refrigerates, dries, and binds: Vires. it cohibits the immoderate flux of fluors and blood, it cures the Dysentery, represses the flux of man's sperm, and the white fluors of a woman's Uterus. It helps such as are anhelant, infested with the Epilepsy, Spleenatick, and heart-dolours: for, it roborates the brain, diminishes the spleen, and exhilarates the heart. Alchemists extract a red oil out of Coral, which is very useful in staying blood, and roborating the members: of which elsewhere. CHAP. 13. Of Auripigmentum. AUripigment, Arrhenick, or Arsenic, Sandaracha, and Risagalum, differ not, save in name only: All are effoded out of the same pit; all are septical and acrimonious, with extreme calour; dissolving, destroying, and preying upon the principles of life. Some of the later Writers call three things Arsenic: for they denominate Auripigment, Yellow Arsenic; Sandarax, Red Arsenic; and Risagalum, White Arsenic. Auripigment and Sandarax, are of the same Metals, and seem only to differ in more or less coction; and therefore they are both often mixed in the same glebe. There are two sorts of Auripigment; one of a golden colour, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which Galen calls Crustosum; which may be clefted into scales, mixed with no matter: The other pale, effigiated like an acorn, which is affine to Sandaracha. Sandaracha hath not only affinity with Arsenic from its native soil, but nature also; for it is only Arsenic well cocted, for that by ustion will become Sandaracha, as Ceruse will Sandyx, which they call Painters-red. Pliny makes mention of another sort of Sandaracha, which he refers to ceraginous honey. They err shamefully, that deceived through the affinity of the words, take the Arabians Sandarax, which is Junipers' Gum, for Sandaracha which is a Mineral: for Sandarax and Sandaracha differ much, in nature, faculties, and original; for the one is pale, light, and grateful to nature; the other red, heavy, and deletery. Few things are spoken, and that but by few, concerning Risagalum; insomuch, that we can scarce from their dignments know what it is. Bern: Dessennius calls it factitious, white, and crystalline Arsenic. But perhaps the ancients did more wisely in its disquisition, not to detect such mortal lethal poison. Silvius saith, it is found in the same pits with Arsenic, which some call Auripigment. All Arsenic is erosive, Vires. malign, an enemy to all internal parts, and to the radical moisture, and innate heat; and therefore it is ill advice of Nic. Alexand. to describe it for an ingredient in the great Athanasia: for by permixion with other Medicaments, it doth not depose its freity. It is indeed sometimes mixed with extraneous Medicaments, but in very small quantity; and only then, when some superfluous flesh is to be eroded. For the spirit of Arsenic, which consists in salt, as the Alchemists speak, is very bad, and cannot either by its fixation, or extraction, be so deleated, as to be securely introsumed into the body. CHAP. 14. Of Cinnabaris, or vermilion. DIoscorides his Cinnabaris, which is the succe of a certain tree growing in Africa, which is usurped for Dragons-blood, differs much from the Cinnabaris, so called by later writers, which is a Mineral, whereof there are two sorts, the one native, the other artificial: The native is also twofold, the one whereof is effoded out of certain silver Mynes, as those in Hydria, which seems to be a purpureous glebe, referted with Quicksilver, out of which it frequently issues spontaneously; the other is found in the Veins of silver Mynes; and is the Minium secundum: of which hereafter. There is also an artificial Cinnabaris, made of Sulphur and Quicksilver coacted by the fire; which Brasavolus calls Cynaprium, to distinguish it from the native Cinnabaris, which, with Dioscorides, he holds to be the lacryma of an Aphrican-tree. But indeed Cinnabaris, Cynaprium, and Vermilion, or Red-Lead, are all one, especially with the later writers, who adducing them all to the test of reason, found them not to differ; and those that pertinaciously contend for their difference, exhibiting an accurate description of each, do at last conclude them one: for the variety of names do often so obscure the thing, that he may be excused who thinks Cinnabaris, Cynaprium, Milton, and Vermilion, to discrepate. Cinnabaris then is of four sorts; the first is Dioscorides his Cinnabaris, which is the succe of an Aphrican-tree, called Dragon; the second is a Mineral, shining with much rubour, and not very ponderous, which is found in silver Mynes; the third is factitious, of fulphur and quicksilver, ponderous, and intermixed with red and argenteous lines; the fourth is found in silver Mynes, and kept in shops in form of a powder very nitently red, which some call Cinnabaris, some Milton, some Minium; the shop-men Vermilion, and some Sandix. Now Sandix is burnt Ceruse, which for its eximious redness, Serapio calls Vermilion: from which opinion the later writers descent not. But that purpureous powder which Apothecaries keep for Vermilsion, is by Fliny called the second Minium, which is found in silver Mynes, acquiring that fair rubetude by artificial and reiterated washing; so that according to Pliny, one Minium is differenced from another, only by washing and art: yet the first Minium or Mineral Cinnabaris, which emits much quicksilver by the fire, needs no such washing; the second or vulgar, which is called Red-lead, is red in the fire, but eructates little or no quicksilver, and is seldom used in Medicine. Cinnabaris being referted with much Mercury, participates of the same saculties: which being notorious to the very Barbers, and purblind, is often by Circulators usurped to the cure of the French disease, who make such foolish attempts thereof, as they bring many into the Palsy, more to death. CHAP. 15. Of Quicksilver. MErcury or Quicksilver, is the prime idol of the Alchemists, which they pronounce the principle of things, and sperm of Metals; and indeed so true each, that nothing is more false: for if Metals have any sperm, it is within themselves, not elsewhere to be sought; nor will ever mixed bodies naturally resolve themselves into Salt, Sulphur and Mercury; though these Chemical Vulcan's do Hammer them out, as Dom. Riolanus hath learnedly proved against them. This Mercury or quicksilver, is as it were the Monster of Nature, which will not be subdued under Nature's Laws: it is whiter than any silver, more fluxile than water; more permeable than Vinegar; yet it never madefies, often refrigerates, often califies; sometimes curing only frigid affections, sometimes only calid ones: when it seems frigid, than it induces calid effects; when calid, frigid ones: it sometimes hurts in small quantity, always in great: it easily loses its proper form, and easily resumes it; and in this it is Miraculous, that it often profits being introsumed by the mouth; and often causes Palsy, trembling, and other brave effects, when extrinsecally applied. (Falop. Cap. 27, & 76. Lib. de lieu Vener.) Trajan saw some, who being anointed with a lineament made of Quicksilver before their deaths, in the junctures of whose arms he sound much Quicksilver, when he dissected their dead bodies. He saw another, who being only thrice anointed with Quicksilver, vomited many humours, wherewith much Quicksilver was confounded. It is also storied of one Antonius Gallus, that he being oft besmeared with Medicaments of quicksilver, and not voiding any by spittle, that much was mixed with his urine, wherewith gold might be so dealbated, that they would take it for silver. Yet Brasavolus would have it assumed at the mouth, to kill Maw-wormes; and Fracastorius avers, that certain women assumed each of them a pound of quicksilver to kill their young, which yet received no harm, they being frustrated in their design, and the young excluded duly and alive. Yet the same Author having afterwards approved, and disapproved of its use, confesses ingenuously, that he is ignorant of its qualities; but boldly asserts, that it will cure the French disease. One Jacobus Carpensis was the first that prescribed quicksilver to the cure of this disease, whose use was so successful, that he presently became very rich thereby: the neoterics following him, mix it both with internal and external remedies; for its use is deprehended both ways, as being endued with an alexiterial faculty, whereby it extinguishes the venereous poison in the French disease: for it is its antidote; though it be no way safe, unless it be well handled, duly castigated, and opportunely given: for we have known many, who taking quicksilver from the unskilful, have either perished, or fallen into a worse case than before: for this is a beast which can scarce be tamed by any art; and therefore Galen is excusable, who feared to use it, and durst not make trial of its faculty, having learned from Dioscorides, that it was deletory. Such as work Lead or other Metals wherein there is any portion of quicksilver, are apt to contract trembling, Palsy, and corrugation of Nerves. Those also that effode quicksilver out of Ours, though rustical and robust Men, yet do they scarce tolerate that labour for four years, but die miserably; for it is an untamed Medicament, whose active virtue and effect are both ancipitous; and though it be liquid, yet very ponderous Metals will swim upon it, as wood upon water; except Gold, which sinks therein. Now quicksilver is either natural or artificial: the natural distils drop by drop out of the glebes of many Ours, as of those in the Mount Hydria; or, fountain-like, flows copiously out of some vein in a Mine, smitten with a spade, or other Iron Instrument. The artifical is made, or rather extracted, out of Cinnabaris; of which we have spoken in the former Chapter: I cannot assent to Brassavolus, who, after Vitruvius, asserts, that Mercury may be made of Marble; unless that I could say with the Alchemists, that this Sulphur and Salt may be elicited out of all mixed bodies. Its qualities are as yet under debate; for some from its effects say, it is hot, others cold: Avicenna, Vires. whom Palmarius and many others follow, says it is cold and moist; Fracastorus, Tomitanus, and others, who attribute an erosive faculty to it, contend for its calidity: I, with Trajanus, think it of a mixed quality, participating of many other faculties, but consisting chief of subtle, and calefactive, crasser, and refrigerative parts: for it incides, attenuates, penetrates, melts, resolves, subduces the ventricle; and, what is most to be admired, partly by an attractive faculty, attracts humours from the superficies to the centre, that is, to the ventricle, and excludes them by stool; and partly by an impulsive faculty, propels them from the centre to the habit, and ejects them by salivation. It is used for both ends in the French disease: and it often works the fluor of the belly, when it is given for salivation; often salivation, when it is intended for the fluor of the belly. It is sometimes redacted to white and ponderous powder, of which we have treated elsewhere; which, without molestation, subduces the belly, but harms the bowels, wherein it leaves the malign impress both of itself and aqua fortis, in which it is immerged, as I have observed in many, who committed themselves to some Circulators. SECT. II. Of Medicinal and Precious Stones. THere is no corner of the earth, which doth not afford man either Food or Raiment; no angle in which there is not something found idoneous for man's use. Arabia is not only happy in this, but every remote and barbarous Region, doth afford us many precious things, with which we do not only ourselves gallantly, but use wholesomely. What plenty of rich and precious Gems is daily brought us from both the Indies, and other remote Regions, with abundance of eximious Plants! We call them Gems and Precious Stones, for their rarity, pulchritude, elegancy, and famous virtues. There is no doubt (faith the Poet) but there is a Divine Virtue placed in Gems. Hence, Kings and Princes do adorn their Crowns, every and illustrate their Fingers, beautify their Houses, expel Enchantments, ture Diseases, preserve Health, recreate the Eyes, exhilarate the Mind, and drive away sadness therewith. CHAP. 1. Of the smaragd or Emerald. AFter the Adamant, which is only famous for its hardness, being of no use in Pharmacy, the Emerald takes place, whose elegant viridity, eximious dignity, and efficacious virtue, prefer it before all Precious-stones; than which, nothing can be objected more pleasant, nothing more grateful to the Eyes: for the lenity of its colour refreshes fatigated Eyes, which the fulgour of others offend. The Arabians call it Zamarrut. Emeralds are found in many places, but the best amongst the Giants, called Cyclops, or Arismaspi, because they have only one round eye in the middle of their foreheads: for Arisma with them denotes one, and Spu, a Eye. This people hath continual war with griffons, that they may more freely effode Gold and Precious-stones, wherewith their Mountains abound, which many griffons, fierce and cruel Birds, inhabit, which dilacerate men; and like vigilant keepers, punishing the tomerity of great avarice, set upon each one they see, with their adunc Beaks and Claws. Pliny makes twelve sorts of Emeralds: whereof the Scythian, which are lucidly green, are the best; then the Bactrian, which are sometimes found in the junctures of Rocks; next, the Egyptian, which are got out of Hills and Rocks near a Theban Town called Copton; the rest are found in Brass Mynes: of which see Pliny, (Cap. 6. Lib. 37.) Our Merchants sell only three sorts, distinguished by reason of the minority or majority of their value; for they set a small estimate upon brass Emeralds, obscure variegated, not translucid, and all such as have either Jasper or Beryl, or other stones mixed with them. The best Emerald is of one colour, splendid, pellucid, liquidly green, and pleasant to the eye. The Emerald-stone is of such eximious faculties, that it is believed preservative from the falling-sickness, included in a Ring: it also roborates the Memory, loves Chastity, and is so averse to the sopperies of Venery, that when the King of Hungary went in to his wife, the Emerald in the Ring wherewith her finger was adorned, broke into three parts. And seeing its faculties are so eximious, Mesue's Interpreter did well, though besides his Author's meaning, to put an Emerald in the Electuary de Gemmis, in stead of Feruzegi, or rather Peruzegi, that is, Turchesa, or Eranus, which is of no virtue not use in Medicine, but Emerald of much; whose commendable colour and excellent faculties, Marbodaeus thus loftily warbles forth: Omne virens superat forma viridante Smaragdus; Collo suspensus dirum fugat hemitritaeum. Et sanare potest ipsa ratione Caducos. Fertur lascivos etiam campescere motus. CHAP. 2. Of the Sapphire. Saphire is a Gem of no very precious value, especially the waterish, so named from its colour: but the splendent, which is of an azure-colour, is of high esteem; of which the Poet thus comments: Saphyri species digitis aptissima regum. The watery, or as the Lapidaries term it, the white Sapphire, doth so much emulate the Adamant, that it hath deceived many: Both sorts are found in Calcutta, but the better are brought from Zeilan and Pegu. The virtues of Saphires are neither so many nor so great, as the superstition of many men have made them, Vires. and as the vulgar Lapidaries have described; for those things that Macer (Cap. 5. lib. 5.) writes of it, are vain, and merely false: who saith thus; Quem natura potens tanto ditavit honore; Ut sacer & merito gemmarum gemma vocetur. Nam corpus vegetum conservat, & integra membra, Et qui portat eum, nequit ulla fraude noceri: Invidiam superat, nullo terrore movetur. Hic lapis, ut perhibent, educit carcere vinctos. Obstructasque fores & vincula tecta resolvit. I will not further prosecute its Poetical description: For, Poets assuming authority for Lies, may not be credited. Yet I can easily assent to such as say, that Sapphire recreates the heart, allays venereous lusts, and makes him that carries it merry and pleasant: it resists poison in drink, purges Ulcers in the Intestines, and the corruption of the eyes, when adhibited thereunto. CHAP. 3. Of Rubies. THis Rubine, is from its flammeous colour called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a Carbuncle; but it shines not in the night, or burns like a candle, as many Idiots think: but its nitre, in respect of other stones, is as it were flammeous. Whence the Poet speaks thus: Ardentes gemmas superat carbunculus omnes. Nam velut ignitus radios jacet undique carbo. Nominis unde sui causam traxisse videtur. It hath the name of Carbuncle then from fire; whence the Grecians call them not only Anthraces, but Pyropi; or, as some will have it, Apyroti, because they are not altered by the fire, nor yet become warm. They are of so many different sorts, that they can scarcely be designed by peculiar names, or distinguished: those that come from Carthage are most excellent, elegant, fulgent, and precious: the Aethiopian are next; the Alabandian next; those that come from the Syrteses and India, next; those that are like other stones, are the worst and least elegant, for they are impure, and almost like Marble, obscure, flave, or whitish. Some think, that the Carchedonian Rubines borrow their dignity from Carthage, not from their pulchritude. Merchants sell only five sorts of Carbuncles: one sort whereof is very red and splendent, called Carbuncle absolutely, which is very rare, and fit for Princes; the other not so fulgent, which they call true Rubine, which is frequent enough. The third degree of dignity, they attribute to that which they corruptly call Bullaesium; the next to Rubith, which they call Spinel; the last to Granates: of which in the sequel Chapter. Many hold, that Carbuncles are of both sexes, to wit, Male, and those they say are such as shine more splendently; and Female, which shine more grossly and fatly. All Rubines are Cordial, and resist Poisons. Vires. CHAP. 4. Of Granates. A Granate is so called, because it is like the stone of a Pomegranate; and it is a kind of red Rubine, less elaborate by nature, and imperfected: it is indeed red, but obscure, as if it were a Rubine covered with a small cloud: whence some call it the blackish Rubine. It is of two sorts; the one of more lively colour, emulating a corruscant flame, with some intermixed obscurity; the other more obscure, which is of a lesser estimate: both come from Calcutta, and some places in Spain. A Granate suspended, or drunk up, doth much resist sadness, Vires. and recreate the heart: but being of an igneons nature, it hurts the brain, exagitates the blood, and excites anger. CHAP. 5. Of the Sardis-stone, or Carneol. THe Onyx, Sardonix, and Sarda, have much affinity with one another: yet Pliny rightly distinguishes them; for Onyx is a nitent and polite Gem, resembling a man's nail. Polycrates had a very fair one. (Plin. cap. 1. lib. 37.) Sarda is not pellucid, but ruddy in colour, resembling flesh: whence it is called Carneol, not Corneal, as some say; for it is not white like a horn. The Sardonix participates of both their colours; for it is like a man's nail imposed upon the flesh, and withal translucid. It is called Sarda, because the Sardians first found it: the best whereof is very red and perspicuous; the obscure and dilutely red, is not so good. This stone carried about one, recreates the mind, Vires. cohibits sad dreams, expels fear, preserves the carrier from Witches and harms, stays the bloody flux, and usefully ingredes the confection of the Electuary de Gemmis. CHAP. 6. Of the Hyacinth. THe Hyacinth is a Gem of no very great value, for it is copiously brought from many places of India, and Lusitania also, to us: in colour it resembles Amber, but it is more splendent, emitting an aureous fulgour. Some writ, That some Hyacinths are rubeous, others caeruleous: but many think, that such are rather Granates, Topazes, or such stones, then true Hyacinths. Some indeed are variegated, but the unicolourous are better, especially the Bactrian: the Arabian worst. Pliny frequently inculcates, that some Hyacinths are of an Orange-colour, some variegated with certain white veins; and such the Greeks call Leucochrysos. There is a kind of Amber, most flave, sincere, and fulgid, which the Greeks calls Chryselectrum, which some Idiots take for the true Hyacinth. Hyacinths participate of some faculties, for they are of a cold nature: they condense bodies, conciliate sleep, roborate, defend from the contagion of Pestilence, excite alacrity, and defend from Thunder and Ligntning. CHAP. 7. Of the Topaz-stone. GIgnit & hunc Arabum gemmis ditissima tellus; as Marbodaeus saith hereof: It was at first found in a cloudy Island of the same name in the Red-sea, by some Pirates, who by tempests and storms were cast upon that coast; where making a longer abode without victuals, they were forced to fly to the herbs and roots for succour: with which they effoded Topaz, so called from the native soil. Many Topazes are also found in another Island called Chitis, which are very splendent and expetible. There are two sorts hereof: the one is called Prazoides, or Chrysoprasius, which some say is the same with Chrysolite; the other Chrysopteron, so named from the nitent fulgour of its golden wings. The Chrysolite much resembles the greenness of Leek-juyce in colour, yet more aureously fulgent; whence it is so named. The Topaz-stone easily admits of a file; whereas other Gems are polished with a touchstone. It is a matter of admiration, Vires. that a Topaz-stone injected into boiling water, doth not only hinder its longer ebullition, but so temper its fervour, that one may forthwith put his naked hand into it without harm. It stays the flux of blood in all parts; it allays anger, either removes or abates sadness, hinders the frenzy, and delights the mind. CHAP. 8. Of the Azure-stone. THat which Mesue and the Arabians call Azul, the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latins Cyanum; sometimes, the radiant and caeruleous stone: The French by a certain Prerogative call it absolutely, The Stone, without any adjunct: Avincenna and Serapio call it Armenus, and Armeniacus. Yet Armenus and the Azure-stone differ; for the latter is nitent with aureous stars, and caeruleously flave beams: the former maculated with many green, caeruleous, and blackish spots, whence they call it Verdazure. However, their faculties are so conjoined in affinity, that the one may well be substituted in the others stead; yea, both are cructed out of one Mine, being found for the most part either in silver or gold veins: The Azure-stone is most commonly in the gold Mynes, from which it borrows its golden stars. Now as this is most fair, and good for bracelers and other ornaments; so most expetible for Medicaments. An Azure-stone carried about one, helps the sight, Vires. exhilarates the mind; prepared and assumed, it pollicitates many commodities: for brayed, and duly washed, it potently and innoxiously expurges Melancholic humours; burned and washed, it recreates me internals: yet some have writ too superstitiously of it; asserting, That he that carried it about him, should be gentle, rich, and happy. CHAP. 9 Of the Magnet, or Heraclean-stone. NAture hath created nothing in the Universe more admirable, than the Loadstone or Magnet, which S. Augustine calls, The wonderful raptor of Iron; which (saith he) when I first saw, I much wondered at, seeing an Iron-ring attracted by a stone; and then another attracted by the former, to which the Magnet had communicated its faculty; and so a third by the second; and afterwards a fourth, and so on, till a chain of Rings, not implicitly connected, but extrinsecally adherent, hung thereat: to which Pliny attests (Lib. 43. suae Hist. cap. 14.) Whose attractive faculty was at first found out by a certain Herdsman, who following his on the Mountain Ida, at length came to a place where there lay plenty of Loadstones; whose shoes being stuck with Iron nails, and the one end of his staff plated with the same Metal, were so fast retained by this hamous stone, that he must either leave his Iron, or tyre himself with pulling. Now this Pasture was called Magnes, whose name this stone retains to this day: it is also called the Heraclean-stone; not from Heraclius its inventor, as Taisnierius will have it, but from Heraclia a City in Lydia, where much good Magnetical stone is got. Some call it Syderites, because it draws and allures Iron: it is also sometimes called Shipstone, because it serves to much use in Ships. There are five sorts hereof: the first is called the Aethiopian Magnet, which comes from Aethiopia; the second the Magnesian, that comes from Magnesia; the third is found in Alexandria; the fourth in Echion of Boeetia; the fifth, which is worst, in Capo Verlichi Natoliae. This is light and spongious, like a Pumick-stone. The Aethiopian Magnets are judged best: all, of what sort soever, are so much better, by how much more caeruleous; such also as are more ponderous, and attract Iron more firmly, are very laudable. An Adamant hinders the attractive virtue, as also Garlic rubbed on the Magnet; for its attractive faculty is not so valid, but it may be easily deluded, obscured, and superated: and therefore Taisnierius his assertion is very ridiculous, to wit, That certain ships compacted with Iron Nails, sailing along the Aethiopian Sea, and driven by a tempest to the Promontories, should be by Magnets drawn to the bottom, or shivered to pieces, their Nails being by their potency extracted; for these are oldwives Fables, not worthy the Pen of an Author. The Magnet draws Iron as its similar, for its own conservation and alimony; for which purpose, they put its dust in bexes; and it respects the North as its Matrix: whence Mariners say, it tends to the Antarctick Pole. There is another stone called Theamedes, of an opposite quality, got in a certain Mountain in Aethiopia, which repels and respuates Iron. Some sell burnt Magnet for Hematites; but they are much different, as appears by their description. Dioscor. The Magnet besides its enumerated faculties, Vires. hath also some Medicinal qualities, for whose cause it ingredes the divine salve, and others Medicaments: some think that a small quantity of a Magnet assumed at the mouth, will preserve youth; and therefore King Zeilan commanded that all the dishes and vessels wherein his Meat was to be cocted, to be made of Magnets. CHAP. 10. Of some other Gems more seldom used in Medicine. THere are yet almost infinite Gems, both fair and elegant to see to, and endued with special faculties; whose use being very rare, I purpose not to treat of every of them in several Chapters: for, it satisfies mine Institution, if I accurately describe these that ingrede the confections we have delivered in our Shop; yet lest some Apothecaries should think there were no more Gems, in this one Chapter I shall comprehend and Epitomise a great many. The first that occurs is Eranus, which the French call Turchesa, Turchesa. the Arabians Peruzaa; Pliny, Callais, and Augites; whose colour seems to be confusedly, but elegantly mixed of an azure and green: it is had in India, especially about the Mountain Cokas. The Jasper stone is either totally or in a great part green and elegant; whose species to enumerate, would tire a man; Jaspis. for Macer saith, they are seventeen: it is very efficacious in staying blood. The Bloodstone took its Greek name Haematites, from blood also; Haematites. for whether it be carried or assumed, it cohibits the issue of blood: it is thought to be a kind of Jasper; for it is green, variegated, and as it were bespotted with drops of blood. Achates, is so called from the River Achate, where it is found: Achates. there are many varieties thereof, but the most vulgar are obscurely white, disterminated with veins either red or black. It is storied of King Pyrrhus, that he had a special one, wherein Nature had engraven the Nine Muses. Some Achates are red like Coral. The Amethyst is a stone brought from India, Amethystus. of a purpureous mixed with a violaceous colour, emitting some small flames; whereof there are five sorts, the more vulgar is violaceous, resembling the colour of red Wine, much diluted with water: it is said to hinder ebriety, but to excite dreams. As the whitely corruscant Adamant, the green Emerald, the flainmeous and red Carbuncle, the caeruleous Sapphire, and the golden Chrysolite, are the best of those kinds: so is the variegated Opalus, Opalus. in whose mixture is the micant fire of the Carbuncle, the purpureous fulgour of the Amethyst, the caeruleous viridity of the Emerald, and all nitent colours most elegantly contentned; then which, no aspect is more beautiful. Pliny calls this stone Paederos: it is got in the Island Zeilan, and in many parts of India, where it is called Argenon: it is also found in Egypt, where it is called Senites. There is another kind of Opalus, less elegant and nitent, which they call Pseudopalus, and Cats-eye; which, as it is not so fair, so not so expetible as the true Opalus. This is in probability the stone that Isidore calls Ophthalmius. There is another stone appertaining to the kind of Opalus, Panthera. which from its variegated colour, resembling the Panther, is called Panther; and it is thought to be endued with as many virtues as colours. The Selenite, Selenites. so called from the Moon, which it represents, ●is a stone of a shining, candid, and yellow colour, which increases and decreases as the Moon doth: some of this kind are greener, others paler. The Girasol, Girasola. which some call the Sun's stone, others Loucopetalos, is reposed among those Gems which are candidly nitent, and emit an aureous fulgor. There is a noble Gem called Dionysia; Dionysia. which brayed and assumed, though it resemble the sapour of Wine, yet it resists ebriety. The Poet thus describes it: Nigramicat rubris Dionysia consita guttis. Beryl is a Gem comprehending many under it of the same name; Beryllus. some whereof are caeruleous, others paler, others flave, and aureously fulgent, which are often called Chrysoprasi; others in colour resemble oil, and others other things, so as its species are nine: Beryl shines obscurely, unless it be brought to a Sexangular form. There hath been of late a stone mixed with a green and lacteous colour, Nephriticus lapis. brought from New-Spain, which they call the Reins-stone; which bound to one's arm, doth by a special propriety break and propel the stone. Aetites is as it were a pregnant stone, Aetites. sounding when shaken, which derives its name from Eagles, by whom, as it is storied, it is got, and posited in their Nests, to allay the heat of their Eggs, lest they calify too much during incubation; others think otherwise, and speak much falsely concerning it. However, it is a stone that will accelerate birth, if applied to the things; but retard it, if bound above the stomach, or carried betwixt the Paps: there are four sortsof it, which may be learned from Pliny. The Jewish stone, Lapis Judaicus. which is named from its native soil, is white, of an elegant form, of the magnitude of an Acorn, disterminated with lines so equally distant, as if they had been artificially fabricated: Brayed, levigated, and assumed, it breaks the stones in the Reins and Bladder. The Chrysolampe is pale on the day, Chrysolapis. but on the night splendent as fire; it is had in Aethiopia, but seldom brought to us. Pliny, and such as write of stones, recenfeate innumerably more: but they writ of such as they never either knew or saw; and they usurp many stones, conjoined by some affinity, for one and the same; and often constitute the same stone denoted by many names, as multifarious: for Pliny avers, That the names of stones are almost innumerable. There rest yet many stones of eximious virtue and high estimate; but because they are desumed from Animals, as Unions, or Margarites, the Bezaar-stone, and the like, we shall treat of them in our Book of Medicaments, desumed from Animals or their parts. CHAP. 11. Of certain Medicinal, but not Precious-stones: and first of Marble. MArble is a most notorious & hard kind of stone; of which there are as many differences, as places whence they are elicited: the noblest are these; the Pheugitical, Parian, Zeblical, Porphyritical, and Ophytical Marble; all are approved or disapproved from their colour, nitre, perspicuity, and durity. That which is green or variegated, and hard withal, is fairest and best; that also which is very candid and solid, is commendable; and such must be selected to the confection of the Citrian unguent. The Pheugitical Marble shines most, and represents Images. Nero bunt a Temple of this stone, to Fortune; which shined so within, that though the doors and windows were shut, yet was it clearly perceptible. The Parian is not all alike, for some is very white, which is very very frequent in Italy, others cincritious; some green, others ferreous: which last sort is so hard, that some make Anvils of it. The Zeblical is found in Misena: This is the softest, and is thought goed against Poison; which, if so, is the best of Marbles. The Porphyritical Marble is most-what variegated with red spots; it is brought out of Egypt: that which is beset with white spots, is called Leucasticon, whereof they make good and excellent Pestles and Modules. The Ophytical or Serpentine-Marble, is partly green, partly variegated with many other colours, like a Serpent's skin; whence it hath its name: the most spots in the vulgar are pale, with others very dissimilar. Some Marbles are also nobilitated from some Men, and some Regions; as Luculus his Black Marble; Augustus Tiberius his Marble; also Egyptian, Theban, Ephesian, and Lacedaemonian Marble. Alabaster is a kind of Marble, so called from Alabastrum, an Egyptian City: it is ordinarily white and perspicuous; whereof Images are carved, and vessels made to receive and keep unguents. CHAP. 12. Of Crystal. Crystal is not congealed water, Crystal, quid. as many think, but a Mineral stone, white, pellucid, and nitent, like clear water, consisting of an aqueous and pure humour; not concreted by cold, but as many say, by the virtue of some divine calour: neither is it made of ice, though it be thence denominated, and often sound in deep Snows, but of an humour of its own: for, ice warmed by the fire, melts easily; but Crystal hardly, though encompassed round with fire, and always agitated with flames and wind. Crystal is also found under the earth, amongst stones, in very hot Regions, where this Crystalline humour, both from the universal cause, and a certain terrestrial potency, lapidifies; no other than Amber and Coral, which at first are humours also, and afterwards concrete into a lapideous solidity; not by cold, but from the aptitude of the matter. The most pure, Usus. pellucid, and nitent Crystal is best: it is not only fit for the making of Cups, Vessels, Bracelets, and other elegant matters; but its powder ingredes the Citrian unguent, and is commended in dentifrices, and other Medicaments inservient to Ornament. CHAP. 13. Of Gypsum, a kind of Talkum or Lime. GYpsum is known to all, especially to the Lutetians, whose Walls, Houses, and Palaces, are generally cemented therewith; whose suburbane Mynes are wholly of this Limestone, whose cunicles contain not any flint or other stone. Now this Gypsum is a white and nitent stone, easily divisible into plates, and fit for Structures, Edifices, and Walls. Crude Gypsum is not usurped to the fabric of houses, but it is first burned, till it become tabid, white, and easily pulverable; then diluted with water, which afterwards concretes to a stony hardness: before it be hardened, it is agitated with a Spade, subacted, and wrought so as it may be soft and sequacious, more fit to agglutinate stones, or compact other works. It is best when newly cocted; for if it be long kept, it will be more humid, and will not concrete so solidly. There are two sorts hereof: the one more common, which is obscurely nitent; the other more rare, which is cloven into plates, and splendent, like specular stone: whence many call it Talkum, but improperly; for Talkum is more slender, squamous, white, and lucid: Some call it Selenite; some jugglers by their deceptive art, make an oil of Talkum, to wash, erugate, and dealbate old Wives faces withal; and so daily deceive silly women, that will not endure deformity, with their vain promises, whilst warily, yet not illicitely, they put their hands into the women's Purses (for it is no injury or deceit to beguile those that consent and are willing.) It hath an astringent faculty, and is good against Ruptures. Vires. CHAP. 14. Of Chalk. CHalk, Lime, and Gypsum, are agglutinative stones, used in compacting rich men's houses; for poor men's cottages are emented only with a little clay subacted. Now Lime, after it hath once drank water, bears it not again; but Chalk is nourished by water, and longer and better preserved therewith. When I name Chalk, I mean, that which is very white, pulverable, friable, and by infusion in water inflammeable. For crude Chalk is a hard ponderous stone, that will neither dissolve, nor wax white in water, and is more properly called Chalk-stone. In what parts Chalk is found, there is no Lime; and where Lime is found, there is no Chalk: that Chalk is best, which touched with water, makes a noise, ignifies, and is cineritious; for age makes it whiter, but more infirm; for the air is got into it, and its fire is abared. Dioscorides says, That Chalk may be made of the shells of Cockles, Mussles, or Oysters, so long burnt, till they be perfectly white. An eximious Psylother may be made of quick Chalk and Auripigment, which will easily depilate rough places: This also, with someother things, will make good Pyroticks, which will burn the part they are applied to. Chalk often washed with pluvial or fountain-water, may usefully be mixed to such unguents as cure cadaverous Ulcers. Chalk extinguished with water, and twice or thrice washed, if it be again cast into water, makes that water very convenient for the Ulcers in the Privities, and other running cadaverous and dangerous sores in other parts: for, by much washing, it deposes its mordacity, and ceases to be sharp; but yet it callfies and siccates manifestly, and ceases to be sharp; but yet it califies and siccates manifestly, and is therefore good to exsiccate Ulcers, and induce scars. CHAP. 15. Of stones found in Sponges. Sponges by nature accede nearer to Plants than Animals; for they have accrestion and augmentation, but no fensation, as many have credited. Dioscorides makes some of them male, which are full of smaller holes, the hardness whereof they call He-goats; and others female; which have larger holes. Aristotle makes four sons of Sponges: some spisse, which are softest; others tenuious, which are hardeft; others most spisse; and others most valid, which they call Achilleous Sponges. Those that grow on stones are harder; those that grow on the tranquil marine tracts, are softer. But we know only three sorts of Sponges: the first with rare and patent holes, which is softest and most vulgar, in magnitude and form resembling a man's Liver; the second perviated with lesser holes, which is denser, lesser, and harder; the third like Sea-spume, which is most dense, valid, and cineritious: they commonly call them all Sea-Mushromes. Pliny saith, Vires. That stones either grow in Sponges, or coming from other places, fall in, and are stabled there: both sorts are well known, for they are found in every Sponge; but those that grow in the Sponge, must be selected, as being more apt to break the stone: yet Galen is of opinion, that this stone is not so valid, as to break the stone in the bladder. CHAP. 6. Of Bricks. MEdicks do not only from Gems and Stones, but from broken and inveterate Bricks, worn Shoe-soles, and Clay, seek remedies for the sick: for nothing is void of all qualities; and nothing, but, used opportunely by a perite and approved Medick, will profit. There are many things which are efficacious while new, but by age lose their qualities and virtue, as common Medicaments: others, which are scarce Medicinal till they be old, as Bricks, which at first serve only for structures, but when old, are very Medicinal, and expetible, as will appear from the Oil extracted out of them for the cure of many diseases, as we have showed in our Shop. SECT. III. Of Metals. THat is properly called a Metal, which is of a Fossile body, hard, ductile with a hammer, and liqueable with fire; but as soon as it is melted, it doth return into its pristine form. The word is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is to say, to search, because the Metallists are wont to search the Veins of the Earth; for every Vein doth afford some Metal. But concerning the matter of them, there are divers Opinions: Aristotle in his third Book of Meteors, cap. ult. doth constitute a double matter of all Metals which are found in the Earth; viz. Halitus & Vapour: Of which all Fossiles are made in the bowels of the Earth. Those things that are digged out of the Earth, are either such that may be melted, or not melted: those that are incorporated with some humid matter, are easily melted, as Led and Tin; others are melted indeed, but with more difficulty, as Iron, etc. Matthiolus writes that to be an Elementary substance, which is the efficient cause of Metal. Scaliger, Exercit. 20. saith, That the substance of Metal is a watery Earth: The Chemists appropriate it to Mercury, and therefore call it the Sperm of the Earth; or, as some say, the Sulphur; which they allege out of Albertus, who saith, That the first matter of Metals, is a humid, unctuous, and subtle Body, which is incorporated with a subtle and terrestrial mixture. Now there are as many Metals as Planets, to wit, Seven, whose Names and Characters they appropriate to the Metals: for they call Gold Sol, Silver Luna, Led Saturn, Tin Jupiter, Iron Mars, Copper Venus, and Quicksilver Mercury; which is not properly a Metal; for it cannot be wrought, nor is it malleable; but after another manner, that is, in virtue, it may be called a Metal. But Scaliger, Exercit. 106. reprehends this nomination of Metals, and their affinity with the Planets, and calls it foolish and ridiculous: Neither is the Number of Metals to be comprehended in the number of Planets; for not only the Metals, but many other Fossiles, do strive to respond in Title and Character, and that more properly, to the Planets and Signs of the Zodiac; as Aspalatum to Taurus, Auripigmentum to Gemini, Sal Ammoniacum to Cancer, Red Arsenic to Virgo, Roman Vitriol to Libra, Sulphur to Scorpio, Roch-Alome to Sagittary, Scissile-Alome to Capricorn, Sal Nitre to Aquary: So that these three Arcana's, as they call them, are covered with many Enigmatical Riddles, not unlike so many madmen, spewing out a thousand boastings, which are more fit to be derided then confuted. But we will hasten to our intended purpose, and enter upon a definition of Sol, which we call Gold. CHAP. 1. Of Gold. Gold, the King of Metals, is of that kind most perfect and compact; which bearing the tincture of the Sun in its countenance, exercises solar Dominion over all Mortals: for all obey Gold, Aurum lex sequitur & auro venalia rura. Diphil. For nothing is more potent than pure Gold; to him men give adoration, for him men undergo great labour: and whoso wants it, may either like a Leper sejoyn himself from consort; or like a dead carcase walk amongst men. But seeing it is adiaphorous, and either good or bad, according to the intent of the user; if it be ill used, it is the worst of evils, for it is the ring-leading Captain of Contention, the plague of life, and the ruin of the Commonweal: Hence Raptures, hence Manslaughters, and hence Battles ensue: but if it be well used, it is thought to be not only the Subsidy of life, but the guarder of family, if introsumed. But I do not mean Chemical potable, or rather esculent Gold, which refects the recipient only with a lie, and vain expectations: for, grant we that the Alchemists can by their delusive Art extract a flave liquor, emulous of melted Gold; yet this is so far from curing Leprosy, inveterate Dropsies, and other deplorable diseases; or from retarding old age, and conserving youth florid and vegetive, as they boast, that it is plainly of no noted use in Medicine; seeing the nature of Gold is so dissident from our nature, that it cannot be to us restorative, as Scaliger well observes (Exercit. 272.) and there being many things more agreeable to our nature, they must needs be more conservative of it: and what is more absurd, then to say, that Gold nourishes, repairs our substance, and yet changes not into our nature? for thus he that eats Gold, will be a golden Fool like Midas. medics therefore do not labour to dissolve Gold, for that is all one, as if they should destroy its native bonity, and induce an alien quality, either useless or noxious; but they do better, by working it into thin leaf, dust, or atoms, that it may more easily insinuate into the parts of the body. Gold thus prepared, doth usefully ingrede Electuarium de Gemmis, Galens laetificative powder, and roborative Medicaments. I was wont successfully to prescribe to rich Wenches of ill colours, the filings of Gold, in stead of prepared Steel, with other fit Medicaments, sometimes in form of Pills, sometimes of Tabels. The Medicinal faculties of Gold are indeed many; Vires. yet neither so great nor so many, as Alchemists predicate: it is chief commended for exhilarating such as are melanchollical, or preternaturally sad. CHAP. 2. Of Silver. SIlver also is as very Soul and Blood to Mortals; for after Gold, it is the most noble of Metals, which age neither corrupts nor hurts, but always remains nitid, splendid, and sincere, easily ducible and liquescible: it is made in the bowels of the earth, of clean and candid Quicksilver, and pure, clear, firm, and white Sulphur, equally contempered, and so it evades candid and fulgent. Furthermore, the heat of well-claensed Sulphur, dealbates and makes it more subtle, and so exsiccates it, that it becomes tinalous, hard, and sonore. This alone of Metals seems to emit a translucid splendour; for its light in the Mine, doth in a manner represent the rudiments of stars in a dark place: But when it is more pure, and purged seven times in the fire, as the Psalmist sings, Psal. 11. then it is fare more splendent. The Alchemists compare it to the Moon, whose name they give it, but its qualities are not answerable. It is judged colder than Gold, Vires. whose virtues and dignity it in some degree participates of, being next to it in perfection and punity. By its natural complexion, it is temperately cold and moist: whence they say, it auxiliates the spiritual members, it stays the palpitation of the heart, for it roborates it, and helps sanguification, making the blood more laudable. The Alchemists extract an oylout of it, which they commend to many diseases in the Brain: but dogmatical and true medics, only use its powder or leaves in Medicaments, and they that do otherwise, work deceitfully. CHAP. 3. Of Tin. Tin is another kind of Metal, found in the Mine with Silver, which Pliny calls White-Lead, to distinguish it from Black-Lead, which is as it were the purgation of Silver and Tin left in the Furnace. Such as devote Tin holy to Jupiter, say, it is generated of pure and clear Quicksilver, and crass and immund Sulphur. There are many things common betwixt Lead and Tin; for neither of them contract rust, but rather some squalour or filth, whereunto Lead is more addicted than Tin; neither of them are sonore, nor very hard, only Tin is a little more sonore and hard then Led. Tin is either simple, pure, and defaecated; or impure, and compounded of other Metals, so made either by Nature or Art: whereof there are many differences, according to the nature of the ingredients, and proportion of the same; whose faculties respond to the mixion of those things whereof it consists. Tin is of much use to man, Usus. which though it be seldom used in Medicine, yet it affords vessels for their repose and preservation. The Alchemists make an Oil out of Tin, for the cure of Wounds and Ulcers; but I think such Medicaments as are easilier made, cheaper, and more efficacious, are better. CHAP. 4. Of Lead. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or Led, is, according to Alchemists, both dedicated to Saturn, and called Saturn; and in their opinion it is generated of impure and crass Quicksilver, and a little impure Sulphur: and it is thought, that not only under the earth, but in the open air also, it augments; and therefore Cardanus thinks it labefactates houses by its weight, who make four differences thereof, the vulgar, white, which many call Tin, Bisemutum, yet unknown, and that which is made of Stibium. Pliny acknowledges only two sorts; the vulgar or black, and the white: who gives a twofold original to the black; for (saith he) it is either generated in its own vein, which produces nought else, or it is conflated in many veins mixed with Silver. The first liquor which flows in furnaces, is called White-Lead, or Tin, the second Silver, and that which remains, the Latins call Plumbago, out of which Lead is elicited. It is extracted also out of a certain Plumbary, effoded out of Ours, which stone they call Molybdoides; and the Led thus secerned and melted, is poured into water, while hot, till it leave its dross. Mortars and Pestles for Medicinal uses, are made of Lead; as also round Pipes or Canes, for deep and internal Ulcers, which are as good as golden Pipes. There is also a Powder made of Lead, for the exsiccation of Ulcers: whereof we have elsewhere made mention. Galen saith, Vires. that Lead is refrigerative, and is either solarly, or mixed with other Medicament, conducible to malignant, cankerous, and putrid Ulcers; but its faculties are bettered by lotion or ustion. Dioscorides teaches the manner, qualities and effects of its ablution and ustion. Ceruse is made of plates of Lead: of which hereafter. CHAP. 5. Of Brass. BRass is dedicated to Venus, from her Island Cyprus, where it is copiously effoded; and it is either of a golden colour, and thence called Aurichalcum; or redder, and then it is called Brass absolutely. This was of more use amongst the Ancients, than either Gold, Silver, or Iron: for the first money was of Brass. And hence we have these occurrents, Aerarium Publicum, aes alienum, & questor erarius. Their bellatory arms also were not of steel, but brass, as also their Statues and Temple-doors. In Pharmacopolies we often meet with these terms, Aes ustum, fles aeris, squama aeris, & aerugo: but what every of these denotes, all our Pharmaceutical lections will scarcely teach us. Aes ustum, or burnt Brass (saith Dioscorides) is made of the nails of broken ships, imposed upon a crude earthen vessel, a little Sulphur, and as much Salt strewed under them: all of them being besprinkled herewith, and the vessels spirament daubed with a singular cement, it is set on a furnace till they be cocted. This aes ustum astringes, exsiccates, represses, extenuates, attracts, purges Ulcers, and brings them to a scar, and emends the vices of the eyes. Flos aeris, or the flower of Brass, is made, when the Brass melted in the furnace delabes into certain receptacles, through the necks of such fistuls as appertain thereunto; and when cold water is infunded upon the burning Brass, before it concrete into a hard mass: for then this flos aeris, in this sudden concretion and densation, will erupt in a vapour; which concreting also will fall down in small red grains like Millet, which we take for flos aeris. Squama aeris, or the scales of Brass, are made, when Brass is smitten with hammers; and those are the best which are excussed out of the same Brass that nails are made of; those the worst, which are made of vile and promiscuous, or white Brass. This squama eris astringes, extenuates, represses, erodes, stays arrels, and brings Ulcers to scars. CHAP. 6. Of Verdegrease. VErdegrease is not only of use to Painters, but to Physicians also, who mix it with many Medicaments for the cure of Ulcers; as that Medicament which Galen calls Light, and more he describes. This Verdegrease is not the flower of Brass, as some think, but a certain green rasure, which exudes out of its plates wet with vinegar. Dioscorides make two sorts hereof: one the vulgar or simple Verdegrease; the other, worm-rust: and that twofold; the one fossil, and the other factitious: both whereof are rare; for the one is either not sought, or not found; and the other not now made. But the vulgar is copious, and venale, which may be made many ways, but most usually thus: Some sharp Vinegar must be infused into a Hogshead, or other ample vessel; whereon a brazen vessel must be inversly superimposed; if it may be, a concamerated one; or if it be plain, it must be so obstructed, that there may not be any spiracle left: after ten days; let the cover be removed, and the Verdegrease thereon eraded. This way is also most usual: one or more plates of brass are so suspended in a Hoshead, containing Vinegar, that they may not touch the Vinegar, and the due days being expired, the Verdegrease is deraded. Moreover, the same plates macerated in Vinegar, will afford Verdegrease. It is sharp, Vires. digestive, and attractive: it discusses not only tender, but hard flesh; and it is not only mordacious to the gust, but to the very Ulcers. If you add a little of it to a large Cerecloth, the mixture will exterge without mordacity. Many err in ascribing a Sarcotical or Epulotical faculty to many Medicaments, when they of themselves are not, but become such by composition. Galen. CHAP. 7. Of Iron. NOthing is more common, nothing more useful, and nothing more nocent, than Iron: for, neither houses, stables nor ships, nor yet such things as respect man's vesture and aliment, can be had or made without Iron; seeing no labour is suscepted, no work absolved, without the adjument hereof: for all Artificers need some Iron Instrument to their work. All which I will not in special prosecute, seeing it is notorious to every Rustic. For, not only Ploughshares, Saws, Hatches, Sickles, Tongues, and Needles; but also Swords, Spears, Darts, Arrows, and Canon-bullets, which beat down whole Cities and Fortresses, killing men, and perpetrating a thousand slaughters, are made of Iron: which Pliny not enduring, cries out, we do not only use Iron at hand, but send it to do our mischief at distance; one while ejecting it out of Slings, anotherwhile of Crossbows, and sometimes making it fly with feathers; as though death were not swift enough, but we must accelerate his feet with wings, and arm him with Iron. What if Pliny had seen our Canons and bellical torments, wherewith we do not only overthrow Cities and Walls, but Rocks and Mounts! But Iron is not the cause of these mischiefs, but the wicked guiles of man's ingeny, which puts that to ill use, which in itself is good: for it makes also ways and passages, whereby putrid blood is educed out of the veins; corruption ejected out of the breast; fragments of bones, and other things that would molest the brain, drawn out of the seull; corrupt teeth evelled from the gums; the cadaverous flesh of Ulcers removed; a putrid member abscinded, left it should draw the rest into its consort. What needs more? We cannot live without Iron; for else we might effode Dens with our Nails, in stead of Houses, and car our Meat like Beasts. There are two sorts of Iron: one retains its name, the other being more defaecated, is called Steel. There are two differences of the former; the one may be melted and drawn, of which they make many rustical instruments; the other may be melted, but not drawn, being very fragil, whereof they make melted Pots, and other culinary instruments: After which use, Scaliger thinks it is not useless, but may be melted again; as also, that same which he elsewhere says only mollifies: for we see, that both sorts may be melted by ardent heat; yea, some at Lutetia seek and buy the fragments of Iron Pots, which they carry to the furnaces, and melt over again. Some say, that Steel is nothing but Iron accurately defaecated; and many boast, That they can work Iron into Steel: It hath its Latin name from Chalybo, a Town in Assyria; yet that of Damascus is most laudable, for a Sword of that Steel will cut Iron. There is a Powder made of Steel-dust, which Alchemists call Mars his Saffron: but Iron-dust duly prepared, is every whit as good. We have treated of both in our Shop. And as Brass hath its aerugo or Verdegrease, so hath Iron its ferrugo or rust; whereby it is eroded and absumed, in lieu of its fault, as it were, of effusion of blood: for Iron tincted with blood, presently contracts rust. There is a certain kind of execrement which eructates out of Iron, which they sometimes call its dross, sometimes its scales, sometimes its recrement, and sometimes its dung: but those are properly called Iron-scales, which break from it, while its beaten with hammers; and that its recrement or dung, which is elicited by ignition. Many assert, That Iron-rust will cure Ulcers; Vires. and that Telephus King of Mysia, wounded by Achilles, was thereby persanated: for this, as also its dross, astringe and siccate; whence they are mixed with Medicaments of a siccative faculty. All Iron is roborative; and thence some waters become Medicinal, which the Normans call Forgenses, borrowing eximious virtues from Iron. CHAP. 8. Of the seventh Metal. SOme say, This seventh Metal is Mercury, others Amber; but neither of these are more than in a potency to be Metals: but it seems rather to be Stibium, which is more truly called a Metal, which is another great Alchymistical Idol, and the sole Empyrical Cathartick, whereby they jactitate to cure all diseases; but they too anxiously perturb some men's Ventricles, by moving them both upward and downwards; others they miserably torment, by too vigorous purging; some they kill, and restore very few to sanity. One Corn: Gemma, a Physician of Lovanium, saith, That a Paracelsian English Medick, being himself and his wife detained by a Fever, took himself, and gave to his wife, that they call prepared Antimony; whereupon she fell quickly distracted, and changed her life, yet valid, with death: He, complaining of dreams, and continual watch, seven days after his dejection, began to dote and roave; from that he became Epileptical; from his Epilepsy he fell into a Lethargy, being therewithal somewhat Apoplectical; when he had been detained three days in that sopour, he fell again to his roving, and was so agitated with fury, that not long after, he expired, and passed from his conjugal bed, to his conjugal tomb. Yet this Antimony is by some so artificially prepared, Vires. that being opportunely given, it produces admirable effects: for an eximious sudatory, inferior to none, may be made of it. Neither is that Powder contemptible, which they call Flower of Stibium; for if it be prepared by perite, and exhibited by learned Artists, it profits much. Yet very good medics forbear to prepare or exhibit it, because they have much better Medicaments, whereby they may more securely cure any disease. CHAP. 9 Of Ceruse. AS Iron hath its rust, Cerusa, quid. and Brass its verdegrease; so hath Led its Ceruse, which some call the flower of Lead, and others, after Galen, Psymmithion. And although Ceruse erupt like Verdegrease, by the benefit of Vinegar, yet is not green, but very white: whence Painters, to whom it is of much use, call it White-lead; and it is made after this or the like manner: Sharp Vinegar is in the Summertime infunded into a pot with a broad orifice, a plate of Red-Lead is superimposed, and the vessel so occluded, as nothing can expire. When the plate of Lead is taken off, which is most commonly on the tenth day, that crasser matter that falls to the bottom of the vessel, is collected and siccated: afterwards it is grinded with a Hand-mill, and sifted, than coacted into a Mass or Pastils with a little Vinegar, and preserved. It may also be made of Lead-dust, immerged and resolved by the space of ten days in very sharp Vinegar. It is sometimes also made of the same Plates infused and deraded, and again macerated and deraded; the same again and again reiterated, till they be resolved; then their rasure must be collected, brayed, sifted, and coacted with Vinegar. Painters do not only seek after white Ceruse, but women also, to fucate their faces; yet by its undue use, the teeth become black and wormeaten, and the breath foetid. The best is that they call Rhodiaca, or that we now call Puteolis. Ceruse baked in a new earthen pot upon burning coals, will acquire by ustion a red colour, and so become Sandix, which is an artificial Vermilion, and not Sandaracha, as some think. Before Ceruse ingrede the composition of Salves, Unguents, and Collyries, it should be prepared, that is, washed, that it may desiccate and astringe moderately, without any mordacity; and that in some fit liquor, as in simple water, or Rose-water, thus: Let a convenient quantity of Ceruse be taken, and brayed in a stone-Morter with a wooden ; then let water be poured upon it; then let it stand till the Ceruse be quiet in the bottom of the Mortar; then abject the water: let more again be poured in; agitate it; then suffer it to reside, and eject the water as before: then again pour new water in; and so let the work be iterated, till the water poured in and agitated, appear clear and pure, without filth. These duly performed, let the Ceruse be laevigated on a red Marble stone; then dried, and again brayed, and then form into Pastils with Rosewater, and reposed for future uses. Some bray it with Vinegar, and subact it into a mass; others with another liquor accommodated to their intentions. Ceruse refrigerates, siccates, astringes, extenuates, expletes, Vires. represses excrescencies, and perduces to a scar: it cannot be assumed at the mouth without peril. CHAP. 10. Of Cadmia, both factitious and fossil. CAdmia, which the Arabians call Climia, is either fossil and native, which is the stone out of which Brass is drawn, and is called Brass-Ore, which Artificers use in making yellow Brass; which the shop-men call Aurichalcum, or Orichalcum; or else it is factitious. The native is often found in Metal-Mynes: it is a yellow stone, very hard; appearing of two colours when it is not accended, but all over luteous when accended: and it is probable, this is the stone which Albertus calls Didachos, or the Devils-stone. The rivulets and torrents of Cyprus sometimes afford such a stone, which, being of many colours, some call it, The Rainbow-gemme; of which we have before spoken: but indeed it is neither the Rainbow nor Didachos. Factitious Cadmia is a dense body, concreted of the smoke of Brass melted in a furnace, driven by the wind, and cleaving to the sides and roof of the furnace. Galen saith, it is no matter whether we call it an earth or a stone; out of which, some Brass, some Cadmia, and some Diphryges', is drawn: for the stone Pyrites burnt in a furnace, affords Cadmia. There are five sorts of factitious Cadmia: Vires. the first is called Capnitis, which is found in the very orifice of the furnace; which is so exust and tenuious, that it resembles Embers: the second is called Ostraticls, which for the most part is black, and looks like a potsherd, being more grave, and therefore it delabes to the bottom of the furnace; and it is the most sordid of all: Galen calls it Spodes or Spodium: the third and fourth are found in the middle of the furnace, and they are called Placitis and Botrytis: Placitis is crusty, and encompassed with segments, as with Zones; which is less ponderous, and adheres to the sides of the furnace; under which Onichitis is found. Botrytis is moderately heavy, in face and colour like Spodium; which when broken, is cineritious and aeruginous. The first is as it were the thinner smoke of the Brass, which adheres to the top of the furnace: of which hereafter. All Cadmia is well and frequently had in the furnaces of Cyprus, which they make of that stone, which in dignity they call Cadmia: They make whiter Cadmia of Silver, but it is not comparable to that of brass. Cadmia desiccates gently, Vires. absterges, and helps humid and putrid Ulcers, and draws them to scars. CHAP. 11. Of Spodium. NOthing is more frequently inculcated or heard in Pharmacopolies, and nothing less understood, than Spodium; which all the Apothecaries that I know, make of two sorts: one coming from Greece, and another from Arabia; being in name one, but in nature very different: but that I may speak plainly, there is no Arabian Spodium, but fictitious, as we said before, and shall declare hereafter. The Grecian Spodium, which is indeed the sole Spodium, is found in brass furnaces, with Pompholix, with which it hath much affinity: and it is then made, when micant sparks ascend from the Metal while it is cocting: and because of their gravity delabe down again upon the pavement; which as they refrigerate, mix themselves with filth: and hence this concreted heap of sparks is inquinated, which they call Grecian Spodium, which is of use only in external affections. The Spodium of Avicenna, and the rest of the Arabians, if any, is made of very dissimilar matter, to wit, of the roots of Canes; whereunto Avicenna attributes so many dowries, that I cannot but admire the man's credulity, or else simplicity, in writing; seeing it is contrary to reason, that that root by ustion, which they call Spodium, should recreate the heart, help against swooning, quench thirst, alloy the heat of the stomach, and cure the Palsy, Melancholy, and other diseases he enumerates. And grant we, that the Arabian Spodium can effect all these, yet we ought not to prescribe it, because it comes not at us. Apothecaries in its stead substitute burnt Ivory, calling it Spodium; whereas it is indeed rather Antispodium: as also that same they make of fig and Myrrhe-leaves burnt together, whereof Dioscorides speaks more at large. But as crude Ivory differs much both in nature and faculties from crude Canes, so burnt also: for crude Ivory is better than Ivory. Seeing then the Arabian Spodium cannot be had; or if it could be had, would not answer to those faculties Avicenna puts upon it, and we have no analogous substitute; it should be expurgen from Medicinal receipts: for there is only one; and that the Gaecian Spodium, which may not be assumed at the mouth. The interpreters of the Barbarians language err in translating the Arabian Tabaxir, or the Indians Traesir, Spodium; for Tabaxil, according to Garcias, is a Persian word, denoting a lacteous liquor, or sweet succe, which the Barbarians call Sacar Mamba; it is got in reeds, or rather trees, which are so great, that they can make many boats out of one; each whereof being excavated betwixt two knots, will hold two men, wherein the Indians sail swiftly, and desond themselves from Crocodiles. The succe of these trees is very black and cineritious, which they do not only denominate Spodium, though falsely, but call it burnt ashes by the same name; whereas Antispodium, according to Dioscorides, is made of ashes: for that the ashes of Canes may be called Antispodium, and be rightly substituted for defect of the Grecian Spodium, but not assumed at the mouth. Seeing now there is no Tabaxir of which they can make Spodium, but ridiculously burn Ivory for that purpose; we may admit of no Spodium but one, and that the Grecian, which is a kind of factitious Cadmial; as also Pompholix, whose disquisition we shall now look into. CHAP. 12. Of Pompholix. POmpholix is a small and volatile spark, which while Brass is trying in the furnace, flies on high, and adheres to its supernal part. At first when it is made, it goes into bubbles and lumps, which by touching, are disperged: for it is like white ashes, and so light, that it easily flies up, and like dust, adheres to the top of the furnace: and while this by its levity is elevated upward, another sort of sparks by their gravity delabe to the Pavement; which we call Spodium: so that both are made in one furnace, both have mutual cognation, and one may supply the defect of another. Pompholix is by some Seplasiaries called Nile, or Nihil; by other, The Cadmian Bubble; by the Mauritanians, Tuthia: whereof there are two varieties; one fat, which is of a brazen colour; the other very white and light, which is less laudable: for Dioscorides saith, That the Cyprian is best, which dipped in Vinegar, smells like Brass, of the colour of Pitch, and tasting as dung. But before it be used, it must be washed thus: The Pompholix must be bound in a pretty thin linen-cloth, and moved up and down in a vessel full of limpid, pluvial, or fountain-water, that its more useful and tenuious part may flow into the water, and the impurer and excrementitious remain in the cloth; than it must settle, and the water be effunded, and clean water affunded, and the cloth again agitated, till nothing that is useful be left therein. There are more ways of its ablution described by Dioscorides. Pompholix is almost the best of all those Medicaments which desiccate without mordacity, Vires. and therefore very efficacious in cankerous, and other malignant Ulcers, and for the running of the eyes. (Galen 9 Simpl.) CHAP. 13. Of lethargy. lethargy is as it were the spume of Metals, purged by fire, or the tenuious recrement of Silver, purged from its Ceruse, excussed and expelled by the help of bellows. And though its matter is multifarious, which some make Lead, others Silver, others Gold, and others Ceruse; yet it draws its origine chief from Lead, which mixed with the recrements of Silver, and melted and cocted in the fire, is afterwards separated; for all the recrements of Silver are easily separated by fire: which, if they be plumbeous or aereous, as they are ordinarily, they may by coction be turned into lethargy; which, when cold, is sometimes aureous, sometimes argenteous, according to the brevity or diuturnity of its coction. That which in colour resembles Gold, is sometimes called Chrysitis, sometimes Celauritis; that which represents Silver, Argyritis: not because this contains Silver in it, or the other Gold, but because they have been each more or less cocted than other, or have received more or less of the aereous or argenteous vapour. For lethargy is most-what made in those furnaces, wherein silver is purged from Lead, mixed with its recrements: whence it hath its name, rather from silver, than any other Metal; for lethargy portends as much as silver-stone. All Litharge then is the product of silver; and that which is flave like gold, is not made of gold, as some think, though it be thence cognominated Gold-Litharge: for degrees and intentions of heat, do not only change the colour but intent or remit the heat, and vary the name. Thus Diphryges' is named, as though it were twice cocted, which is the sibsident dross of perfect Brass, cohering to the bottom of the furnace, like the ashes of wood: when the Brass is taken away, after the the affusion of water; and it is as sharp as burnt Brass, siccates vehemently, cures rebellious Ulcers; and it may be made two other ways, according to Dioscorides and Pliny. Now besides these two sorts of lethargy, Vires. which Dioscorides makes one, he enumerates other two, to wit, Molybditis, which is made of sand in furnaces; and another of Leaden plates, which is the most useful and frequent. Yet Christis is preferred before all; which should be purged from its Lead and dross, before it ingrede the Composition of any Medicament: to which end Dioscorides says, it must be burnt, and washed like Cadmia; but now they only levigate it in a mortar, putting clear water upon it, and agitating it, than they cast it into another vessel, and pouring more water upon it, agitate it again; and when it is again troubled, cast it into the precedent vessel, and iterate its lotion, till the Lead and dross subside in the mortar, and all its tenuions substance be educed, which they make to acquiesce, till all the sincere and pure lethargy rest at the bottom; which when the water is effunded, they collect and levigate upon a Marble, that the tongue may not perceive any asperity therein. Litharge refrigerateth, Vires. astringes, represses, occludes, expletes cavities, exterges, draws to scars, and cures gallings by riding. Finis Libri Secundi. THE THIRD BOOK OF Medicinal Matter. TREATING Of Medicaments taken from Animals, either whole or in part. THE PREFACE. OUr Mother Nature hath produced nothing either imperfect, or in vain, but hath brought forth variety of Plants for the sake of Animals, and several species of Animals for Plants: Many of them are ordained for Food and Nutriment; some, for Medicament; and other for Vesture. One Animal is an enemy to another, but all are subservient to Man: For there is no Insect, how vile and base soever, which doth not afford some prosit to Man. For the most imperfect Creatures, usually afford the most perfect Remedies; as, from Claws, Horns, Excrements, Blood, Flesh, Marrow, Testicles, and Bones: Besides, those very wounds which are made by certain Animals, are cured by the Application of same part of the same Animal: Nay indeed, the whole Earth doth abound with innumerable Rendedies, for the variety of Maladies. What excellent Virtues do those Medicines afford, which are derived from humane Bodies! of which first here we intent to speak; viz. Of Mumy, and Man's Blood: whose faculties to emblazon, would require a larger Discourse, than this our intended brevity will permit. CHAP. 1. Of Man's Blood. Alchemists educe a certain Oil, and stillatitious water out of Man's Blood; the dogmatical only use it to burstness, in whose stead Hog's blood may rightly be substituted, as Galen advises, who saith (Lib. 3. de Alin.) that Swine's blood doth so nearly accede to Man's blood, that he that finds any thing in Man's blood useful for Medicine, shall find the same in Swine's blood. Blood is Nature's Treasury, generated by heat in the greater Veins of the Liver, which is the prime organ of sanguification, from the purer portion of Chyle; through which Veins it is carried as it were along tubes to the several parts of the body for their nutrition: and as long as it is herein contained, it is liquid and red; but when effunded, it presently concretes: only the blood of Hearts and Does wanting fibres, concretes not, but remains fluid like Milk: for Hypocrates avers, That blood concretes not, when the fibres are taken away. Now blood being the matter of the whole body, according to the Philosopher; the blood of man, who is the rule of other Animals, is fincere and thin, hot and moist, and the best of success: yet it is not a simple humour, but participates of Phlegm, and both the Biles: And therefore Hypocrates saith, That the four Humours are the matter of man's generation, as Galen attests (Lib. 2. de Temp.) Blood then is an humour generated in the Liver, of a temperate part of Chyle, moderate in substance and qualities, in colour red, in sapour sweet, and naturally contained in Veins and Arteries, whereby it is directed to all parts (Lib. 3. de Part. Animal.) for as water is from one fountain and original, deduced into many rivulets, others arising from these, till the humour pervade all Regions: so Nature hath directed blood through the whole body, it being the matter of the whole. The blood of a diseased or intemperate man, must not be collected and kept in shops, for the confection of any Emplaster; but from some temperate and sound man, if it may be had; as the blood of such as are beheaded: for their Veins and Arteries being cut together, their veinous and arterious blood is promiscuously collected. Yet neither the blood of this, or any other Animal, is of much value or virtue in the confecture of astrictive salves, because by siccation and asservation, it neither retains any of its native bonity, nor yet assumes any excellent acquisititious quality. CHAP. 2. Of Mumy. RHasis and Avicenna contend, That Mumy is an Arabic word, denoting Pissaphaltum; Isaac saith, It is a Persian word, signifying a certain liquor, found in Sepultures, where aromatized carcases had been long reconded: one fellow calls it Cerops; upon what ground I know not, unless because it hath the consistency of Wax; for Num with the Persians denotes Wax. It is found only in the Tombs of Egyptian Kings and Nobles, who hearing of a Resurrection, made their bodies be condited with Myrrh, Cinnamome, Aloes, and other Spices, that they might conserve them. But many years after, when the Soldiers in time of Wars devastated all places, everting Sepulchers, they found in some coffins a certain odorate and pleasant liquor, of the spissitude of honey; which, when the Egyptian medics and Philosophers judged upon good grounds to be endued with eximious faculties, they believed it might work the cure of some affections, and therefore they made trial of it, and found the event answerable to their opinions; they restoring many to sanity thereby. They then being emboldened by this experience, sought this conditure in other Nobleman's Sepulchers, which they inverted, and exhausted: yea, they so much envied the happiness of the dead men's bones, that they rob poor men's coffins of their corruption: which cadaverous liquor they called Mumy, and gave it to the sick. Nay, it was of so much fame presently, that they would insperge a little Salt and Alum on the carcases of such as died of the French disease, Leprosy, or Scab, and after a few months collect their putrid matter, and fell it for Mumy: and, what is more horrible, they would take the dead carcases of such as had been suffocated and dried in the sands of Arabia, and call them Mumy, and give them to the diseased, to be assumed at the mouth. Yea, many are in that error still, that Mumy is only the cadaverous and dry flesh of bodies corrupted and putrid. Yea, I remember I heard a man of much learning, but no great skill in Medicine, amongst a company of famous men, speaking of Mumy, and all contending, that now we had no true Mumy, but a little tabid, foetid, corrupt flesh, in respect of that which was found in the Egyptian Kings Sepulchers, which was both fragrant and virtuous, say, That Mumy was the flesh of dried bodies; and that he had seen it lately dried, while it was adherent to the ribs. Thus this impious opinion adheres to the minds of the eredulous, who collecting some filthy matter from man's flesh, a wicked custom indeed, introduced by wretched men, exhibit it to the sick. We are so fare from possessing the Mumy of the ancient Egyptians, Mumia antiquorum non amplius haberi. which was but small, and soon spent, that we cannot have Avicenna his Mumy, which was made of man's corruption, mixed with Pissaphaltum, but are content with the succe expressed out of putrid carcases, and inspissated, which is now kept in Pharmacopolies, to men's greatest peril; which perite and prudent men never use in Medicine: for it is absurd to think, that this Mumy should help such as are hurt by falling; nay, will it not rather harm them; and all that use it? for if we fear that any one's blood should clot by falling, have we not Posca and Oxymel, and other inciding Medicaments more conducible? But seeing not Compound in our Shop requires man's Fat, no more of that. CHAP. 3. Of Goats Blood. Goat's are either peregrine and cornuted, as the Aethiopian and Cretian; Goats; or vernacular: some whereof have horns, others not: The blood of either, duly prepared, as we have taught in our Shop, is very effectual in breaking the stone; and is the basis of that eximious Medicament we call Lithos Tripticos, to whose comment we have adjoined this Preparation. Now there are many varieties of peregrine Goats; amongst which, the Persian Goat, which they call, Pazan, is most commended, out of whose belly the Bezar-stone is taken, which is commended against the virulent bitings of Animals, Poisons, and many malignant Diseases, as we shall declare more at large by and by. The Cretian Goat, is so called from the Isle Crete, which nourishes no Wolves, no more than England: the French call it Boucestain: it is vested with short and flave hair, bearing two horns crooked backwards; it is so agile an Animal, that it will leap from one rock to another, though six paces distant. Bellonius. Amongst wilde-Goats, we enumerate Mountain-Goats, Rock-Goats, African-Goats, Bucks, and Roe-bucks; and yet these Animals differ much from one another, and all from our indigenous Goat, which alone of Animals patiently and willingly admits a companion in venery: whence by a Sarcasm we call him a Cornuto, Goat-like, that patiently tolerates it. Strepsicetoes is by some called a Goat; but I rather think it a Ram: it hath two horns striated, but like the Unicorns horns erect, never used in Medicine. Strepsiceros, brings me to think of Monoceros, which many douht is a mere Chimaera: for, if it have a being, it is so rare, that it never was seen; and because it is rare, because its nature is unknown; and because that such as write of it, descent amongst themselves, men doubt of its being. Yet that there is such a Beast, the holy Scriptures aver, and its horn, which is daily seen, and prescribed by medics against poisons and poisonous affections: Yet I set no less estimate upon Hearts or Rhinoceros his horn, than Monoceros his horn, of which many writ more than truth. What kind of Animal it is, of what nature, where it lives, and what virtues its horn is endued with, shall be hereafter more largely explicated. CHAP. 4. Of Hares Blood. BOth wise men assert, and experience proves, That Hare's blood roasted breaks the stone. This Animal is most notorious, most fearful, and swiftest; which alone, according to Aristotle, hath hair in its mouth, and under its feet. Some say they have seen white Hares; but it is certain, that they are not so, only they appear such in winter, while they are covered with snow, as with a white garment. One D. de Vitri, an eximious Nobleman, catched a cornuted Hare, whose horns he gave King James of England. It is fabulous, that Hares participate of both Sexes hermaphroditically, and that they can both beget, conceive, and bear. And the blood is not only so efficacious, but the whole Hare usted in an earthen pot well covered, and taken with some White-wine, water, or fit decoction, breaks and expels stones, and therefore rightly accedes to Lithontripticons confection. There is also the Sea-hare, so called, because generated in the Sea: it resembles our Land-hares; which is very much an enemy to the Lungs, and Women with Child: of which see Rondeletius. CHAP. 5. Of Fats; and first of Heart's Marrow. Marrow is in every Animal the aliment of its bones; it califies, allays dolour, resolves, mollifies hard tumors in any part; but especially Heart's Marrow; next to that is Calf's Marrow: the Marrow of other Animals is sharper, and more intemperate. A Hart is a well-known Animal, which superates all other cornigerous beasts, both in pulchritude of form, amplitude of horns, and variety of branches: But nature denied horns to Deer; and those that first erupt out of the Male, are erect without branches: whence the Bucks are called Subulones: afterwards their horns are bifidous, afterwards trifidous: they are at first vested with a skin, and soft Down; but after they are expofed a while to the Sun, they become rough, hard, and glabre. All cornigerous Animals, except the Hart, bear hollow horns; but his are all over solid, which fall off yearly; and then being disarmed, he hides himself daily, till new ones erupt; and these cornicles are as roborative, and as much resist venenate affections, as Monoceros his horn. Experience hath also proved, That a Heart's genitals are very efficacious in curing the Pleurisy, Colic, and Dysentery. There is a certain concreted liquor, Gumme-like, which we call Harts-tears, in the greater angle of an old Heart's eye, which by an admirable propriety moves sudour copiously, and oppugnes the venenate quality of the Pestilence, and other malign affections. Eutyceros and Platyceros are a kind of Hearts: But I leave the nature of them to be described by such as undertake the absolute History of Animals. CHAP. 6. Of Goats Suet. MArrow, Suet, Fat, and Grease, have much cognation each with other, which are only found in Animals endued with blood, but not all in all; for some are only proper to some beasts, as Suet to cornigerous Animals, Fat to some clovenfooted Animals, all Birds, and many fourfooted Beasts; which is that same which the French, when salted, call Vicil oing; when fresh, Saing doulx. Now Suet differs from Fat or Grease, in that it is fragile, and concretes by cold; whereas Grease is liquid, and may not be hardened: they differ also in place; for Fat is found betwixt the skin and flesh, Suet always in the pannicle about the Reins; and in the end is flesh. Those Animals whose blood is more corpulent, have more of Suet; for Suet, according to the Philosopher, is terrene; and hence it is coagulated like fibrous blood: wherefore, such cornigerous Animals as are not toothed on both sides, being by nature dry and terrene, are pregnant with Suet; but such as are not cornigerous, and yet toothed on both sides, have Fat in its stead, which being not terrene, is not coagulated. Therefore Suet being made more terrene than Fat, is therefore taken for the Confection of Unguenti Citrinum; if it be not the Fat of a Goat, or a Ram, or a Kid; for those are proper: Concerning which, to speak more words is in vain. CHAP. 7. Of Swine's Grease. AXungia, or Grease, is so denominated ab axibus unguendis, from greasing Axletrees, that the wheels may run more easily and smoothly: yet it is of much use in Medicine, especially Swine's grease, to the confection of certain unguents and salves; which is most liquid, flowing like Oil; yea, it mollifies, concocts, and resolves more than Oil; it is endued with a lenitive and anodynous quality: and thence it may be usefully adhibited, to mitigate the acrimony of humours, alloy dolours, temper inflammations, and resolve humours; or aptly mixed with Cataplasms, instituted to the same effects. The grease of hotter Animals, as of Lions, is more efficacious in resolving: for a Swine is not intemperate in the first qualities, and therefore it waxes so soon fat, and is so multiparous, being stimulated to venery, and exercising congress before the year end. It's Snout is repanded, its neck short and crafs, hispid with rigid bristles: the Males resticles, which are not long, hang behind, as in other fourfooted Animals: its teeth are long and bended; but the Female want such fangs, or at least they are not so perspicuous: both of them have intorted tails; as also a Boar, which is a wild Swine. CHAP. 8. Of Bear's Grease. bear's Grease, is hotter and drier than Swine's, but colder and moister than Lion's Grease: it is not only commended solely to Moulds in the heels, and falling of hair, but mixed with other resolvent unguents, to make them more efficacious. A Bear is an Animal of a horrid aspect and vociferation; for its voice is iracund, minacious, and full of terror: its mouth is very patulous, its teeth serrated, its nostrils wide, its ears decurtated, its whole body rough, with prolix hairs, and its tail so short, as it can scarce be perceived. The She-Bear is very venereous, often sollicitating the Male to congress, lying on her back, and amplecting him: her young is not without form till she lick them, as it is commonly credited: which error Scaliger disproves, (Exer. 15. contra Cardan.) CHAP. 9 Of Goose Grease. ALl Greases are somewhat ingrateful, subverting the ventricle, except Goose grease, which participating of some suavity, is more expetible in culinary matters; and it is much celebrated in Pharmacopolies: also being adhibited alone to the ear, against that noise that precedes hardness of hearing; and is also mixed with many other resolvent Medicaments. A Goose is both carnivorous, and frugivorous, conversant both in watery and plain places, both domestic and wild, changing its seat and solely at certain times; they fly by companies like Cranes. Some superstitiously believe, That Geese are as good keepers as Dogs, because one by chance saved the Capitol, awaking the Soldiers with its profound clamour; who seeing a few Frenchmen ascending the walls with Ladders, fell upon them with violence, and routed them. For which benefit, the Romans held Geese sacred a long time: But after a while, deposing this Superstition, they used Geese in their Banquets; they yielding very laudable alimony and odour when they are roasted, and grateful sapour when eaten: Some refer Swans, and the like, to this kind: but Cooks have more to do therewith then Apothecaries. CHAP. 10. Of Duck's Grease. Duck's Grease is also of use in Medicine, which we adhibit by itself to the dolour of the joints, and mixed with other Medicaments and Salves, to the cold distemper of the nerves; for it is mollitive, calefactive, resolvent, and anodynous. A Duck is of the kind of whole-footed Birds; which whether domestic or wild, equally delights in dry and in moist places. Some of the domestic Ducks are all white, others all black, others like Piets, partly white, partly black; and others subcineritious, as all wild ones are. Drakes, whether domestic or wild, are greater, and more variegated in colour, than Ducks; especially about their wings and necks, where their Plumes are mixed with a caeruleously green. The flesh of fat wilde-Ducks, though hard, is sweet, and gets good blood; but that of the domestic is more excrementitious and insuave, for they feed upon unwholesome edibles; as guts, and often Toads, which they sometimes swallow whole. Many think, that the Pontian Ducks feed upon poisons: whence Mithridates mixed their blood with Antidotes against poison: they live for the most part in Rivers, Lakes, and Fenny places. Many other Birds, as Teals, and the like, are referred to this kind. CHAP. 11. Of Capon's Grease. Capon's grease is of a middle nature, betwixt Swine's and Goose grease: when fresh, Vires. it is good against the affections of the Womb; it conduces also to the clefts in the lips, dolours of the ears, and swell of the paps: when it is old, it califies and resolves more potently. A Hen is of Birds most useful to man, and most foecund: for besides her flesh, which she gives to him for meat, she always exhilits most commodious soeture; for they daily either lay or sit on Eggs, or exclude Chickens; which, while very young, are desired by some; when more adult, pleasant to all palates; and when saginated and castorated, fit for Courtiers. For this kind of flesh, is of all most easy of concoction, of the best succe, and most idoneous for all natures and temperaments. I do not approve of their sentence, who rather prescribe the broth of an old Cock, which is always maculent, then of a young one sat and good, to their Patients. I prefer the broth of a Capon or fat Hen, before this; and if there be necessity of some nitrous quality, I would seek it elsewhere; for all Cocks are fleshless and succeless; but especially old ones, because they have spent all their laudable succe in venery. We have three sorts of men; one whereof superates the rest in magnitude, whose bills and feet are lureous, which lay greater Eggs, and are less foecund; as the Londunian Hens, which Varro calls Medical, because they were brought from Media. Others are smaller, with crisped feathers, which fall off more thence once in a year; so that they are sometimes implumeous in winter: others are the vulgar, which are continually vested with feathers; some whereof are black, which are thought the best; others white, the worst; and others variegated, which are thought to be in a mean. Some prescribe the interior tunicle of a Hens second ventricle, to such as have weak stomaches, to help the coctive faculty; but without answerable success: for its temper is vitiated by the Hen's death and desiccation, and its coctive quality perished; for it is certain, that there are many things in an Animal, when living, that perish by death. Besides, there are many more Country Hens, as the Water-Hen, and the Mountain-Hen, called Modcock, or Woodcock. There are also peregrine-Hens, as Turkey-Hens, and Phasians, and Meleagrian, or African-Hens, whose variegated colour gave a name to a certain Herb, bearing a variously maculated flower. And as the colour of many birds is various, so of their eggs also; as the eggs of Partridges, Pey-hens, Turkey-hens; but ours are always white, as also the eggs of our Geese, Ducks, and Stock-doves. We often use eggs in Medicine; for we solve yolks in Glisters, and we can scarce wash Turpentine with their adjument: we extract Oil out of them, when hardened; and we have an eximsous Electuary denominated from eggs, which is much commended against the Plague. But we use them most in Cibaries: for Hypocrates saith, They have something of strength in them, because they are the matter of Animals; they nourish, because they are the Milk of Chickens; and they increase, because they diffuse themselves much. Soft eggs are most nutritive; hard and fried eggs, bad: Hens, Phasians, and Partridges eggs, the best of the kind. Galen saith, An egg admits only of one pravity, and that comes by age, which you may eschew, if you take them while new. CHAP. 12. Of Butter. OUt of the more terrene part of the Milk, we have Cheese; and out of the fatter, which we call Cream, by much agitation in a Churn, comes Butter, which is had in delight by many Nations, because it affects the palate with its suavity; as Normanish Butter, which the Incolists condite with Salt in earthen Pots, and send into all parts of France, where it supplies the place of Oil; for it emends the sapour of many dishes, and makes them more expetible. It is usefully mixed to the Eclegm de Pineis, and many Medicaments instituted to lenify, humectate, mollify, and allay dolours: for, being hot and oleous, it helps the disease in the groins; and Impostnumes in the head: It cocts humours lodging in the breast, by way of lineament, and solves the ventricle; but especially the Butter of Cow's Milk, which is more copious, better, sweeter, and wholesomer: for some make Butter of Sheep and Goats-milk, but that we do not approve of. Now this vaccineous kind is distinguished by four degrees in age: the first is of Calves, the second of Heisers, the third of young Kine, and the fourth of old ones. The Herdsmen call a barren Cow Taura, and a pregnant one Horda, or Forda. change the habit of their bodies, colour of their hairs, and nature, according to the state and condition of the soil and heavens in several Regions. Hence Asiatical have one form, Epyrean another, and French another. , whether Male or Female, are cornigerous; yet in Mysia, and about Maeotis, they have no horns; and in India they have sometimes but one horn apiece, and others three horns. The Aonian Cow hath but one horn in the middle of its forehead, Unicornlike. There are more varieties of Oxen and Kine; which to discuss exactly, appertains not to us: for, it is enough if we say, That Milk and Butter, whereof we have some use in Pharmacy, comes of Kine; for Milk doth not only nourish, as it is white blood, but cure many affections of the Dysentery, Consumption, and vices of the Lungs; for which, Ass' Milk is best, next to Woman's. suppeditate so many and so great commodities to man, that they can scarce be enumerated: for, the Ox is not only his companion in his Labour and Agriculture while he lives, but when killed, his Table's ornament, and his own firm and laudable aliment. To this family we may refer Buffs, Bugles, wild Oxen, and Aethiopian Bulls: The description of whose nature, I leave to them that writ the perfect History of Animals. CHAP. 13. Of Fox's Lungs. MEsue commends Foxes Lungs to the vices of the Lungs, and from them denominates a certain Eclegme, which, he saith conduces to such as are in a Consumption; but, that I may speak freely, their ingrateful sapour, and stinking odour, cause very learned men to judge them less efficacious than they are thought. A Fox is a crafty Animal, with a bushy tail, and an osseous genital, apt to break and expel the stone: he lays wait for Hens, and other young birds, and Hares also; he makes himself a deep cave, with many turn and holes, much distant from each other, that he may better delude the hunters. His flesh is dry and digestive; the oil wherein he is elixated, Vires. is called Foxes Oil: it evokes humours to the external superficies of the body, and discusses them: whence it is convenient to the Gout. His fat melted, and poured into the ear diseased, allays its dolour. CHAP. 14. Of the Beaver's stones, called Castor-Cuds. CAstor Castorium, is apt and expetible for many Medicinal uses. Now a Castor is an amphibious Animal, whitely cineritious, and black on the back, living partly on the water, and partly on the earth, sucking meat from both places, like an Otter; to which it is very like, except in its tail; which is glabre, broad, and squamous, Fishlike; but the Otters is long, round, hispid, and yellow, as its whole body is also. There are many Castor's about the rivers in Pontus, and also in the since in Spain; but their stones have not the same faculty with them of Galatia. The Castor will by't horridly; for if it catch hold of a man, it will not let the part go, till it feel and hear the broken bones crack, and rub one against another: its testicles are chief Medicinal; which it doth not by't off with its own teeth, when pursued by hunters, as it is sabulously storied of it. The convex testicles must be choosed for Medicaments, which depend upon one string, pregnant with a watery humour, graveolent, and bitter to the gust. This Medicament is both famous and useful, according to Galen, insomuch as Archigenes wrote a whole book of the use of Beavers-stones. They calify manifestly, Vires. cure Serpent's poison, move fluors and delivery, help Lethargy, and sluggishness, and the affections of the Nerves. CHAP. 15. Of Animals Excrements; and first of Musk. SOme Animals are hunted and taken for meat, as Hearts, Hares, and Boars; others for Medicine, as Vipers; others for pleasure and odorament, as the Musk and Civet-Cat; the Beaver also and Badger, for Medicaments and vesture. Musk is the name of an excrement, and of the Animal whose excrement it is: the Animal is exotical, being in India in the Kingdom of Pegu, not much unlike a she-goat, with a praegrand body: they call it the Musk-Buck, the Musk-Roe, and the Muskgoat; out of whose inferior jaw, there erupts as many teeth, and as great as them of Hogs. When this beast is moved with venery, her umbilical region swells through the vehemency of her fury; and there much crass blood being congested, makes up an imposthume, and then the fierce Animal refuses all meat and drinks, convolving itself along the ground, and rubbing the part swelled against trees and stones with pleasure, till it breaks and opens its bladder; out of which, corrupt matter runs, which is true Musk; of all things, the most odorate and suaveolent, in bonity much superating all the varieties of Musk we see. This corruption left upon stones, and trunks of trees, is by the heat of the Sun, and influence of the heavens, cocted and elaborated; and it's foetid odour, if it had any, dissipated; and so it becomes most excellent Musk, which none but Kings and Noblemen obtain. But that which is ordinarily sold, is far inferior, being drawn from Animals catched by hunting. For when the hunters catch this beast, they abscind its hide, with some flesh; express, collect, exsiccate its blood, with its utricles and skin; whose dried blood, mixed with a small portion of its recrements, they sell for pure Musk. There is a kind of greater Weasel, which being Martial and pugnaceous, they call Martes (for it kills great Hens sometimes) whose excrements, as I have oft observed, smell like Musk. There are also some plants and fruits, which affect the nostrils and palate with this Musky suavity; as sweet-Storks bill, Musk-rose, and Pears, that savour of Musk. The faculties of Musk are eximious; for it roborates and exhilarates a cold and fearful heart, and conduces to all its affections; it also recreates the brain, and refreshes the spirits: it is hot in the secand, and dry in the third degree. CHAP. 16. Of Civet. THree Animals are suaveolent: the Panther; (which many say smells gratefully only to beasts, and not to men) the Muskgoat; and the Civet-Cat, which the Greeks call Zapetion; about whose nature the Ancients do not well agree. It is a wild Animal, with horrid teeth, not so like a Cat as many writ; for it is greater, exceeding in magnitude sometimes a Wolf: its head, neck, feet, and other parts, are very unlike a Cat's; its mouth is long; like a Badgers mouth; its body long; its inferior jaw white, as also its beard; its feet black; the lateral parts of its belly white; it's back obscurely cineritious, and somewhat maculated; its excrement is called Civet: which for its fragrancy rich men desire, and for its efficacy medics celebrate. Civet then is an odorament different from Musk, most sweet, fat, trasse, and blackish, desumed from an Animal, thence called Civet-Cat: for, it is the sudour of this beast, concreting about its testicles and privities; which men erade with a Spoon. It is an Indian Animal, now cicurated, and frequent in Europe, daily seen, and kept in many men's houses in Lutetia. Now that it may suggest more abundance of this recrement, it must be irritated, wearied, and provoked to anger; for than its genitals will emit much sudour, which they afterwards erade. At first when deraded, it is graveolent to some men; but when it is concreted, and exposed to the air, it deposes its virulency, and acquires a most grateful suavity. As its odour challenges affinity with Musk; so also doth its quality: Vires. but it most conduces to the strangulation of the Uterus, if a few of its grains be imposed into the cavity of the Navel. Both Patients and Physicians eschew the dung of Animals, because of its foetour and ingrateful sapour: and ingenuous men had rather seek, handle, and exhibit Medicaments, then putrid excrements. Yet Mouse-dung, with white-wine, is good to break and exclude the stone; Dogs-dung cures the Quinsy; Man's dung is much commended in swell: Nothing is so good a cure for the Epilepsy, which comes from the consent of the inferior parts, and ascent of the more tenuious matter to the head, as Peacocks-dung. But seeing such excrements ingrede not the composition of our Medicaments, we will not trouble ourselves with them. CHAP. 17. Of Isinglass. THere are many kinds of glewish substances in Apothecaries shops; one whereof is a Minefal, which is apt to conjoin Gold, and thence called Chrysocolla; another which glutinates wounds and flesh, and stays the fluxes of the eyes; which is a Gum of a certain Tree in Persia; this they call Sarcocolla: of these before: a third sort is made of Cattles hides, which they call Homglew, and from its use in conjoining wood, Wood-glew: there is also a glue made of the belly of a certain fish, called Ichthyocola, whose faculty being to fill up, siccate, and to mollify a little, it is rightly mixed with glutinative salves, and others, that take away spots, and erugate the face; the Arabians call it Alcanna. And as Taurocolla is not only made of Bulls hides, but of the ears and feet of all fourfooted beasts: so * Ichthyocolla. Fish-glew is not only made of the belly of one fish, but all viscid and glutinous ones; but especially of that fish which Rondeletius calls Boneless, others Molua. The Boneless fish is cetaceous, and cartilagineous; without scales, fins, and bones, except a very few. It's head is very crass and broad; its mouth large, out of whose upper-jaw proceed soft, long, and pendulous bones; its flesh is glutinous, and ingrateful, unless it be long condited in Salt before it be eaten. This Fish-glew is not only made of the skin, but also the intestines, ventricle, fins, and tail of this fish; after this manner: The said parts are cut small, Mow it is made. put in a new earthen pot, with a sufficient quantity of hot water, and so macerated a day or two; then cocted on a slow fire, till they acquire the consistency of Cream, or a Pultess; then they are taken from the fire, and, while warm, out into small pieces, lest they should be made into a great mass. CHAP. 18. Of Wools Grease. ISopus is the humid pinguetude of greasy Wool, Isopus, quid extracted by art and concreted, whereof Phyliagrus makes a salve called Oesyanun; which is commended to the dolours of the Spleen, the hardness of the Stomach and Liver, and Nodosities of other parts: for this grease expletes and mollifies, Vires. especially the Ulcers of the Fundament and Matrix, with honey and butter: it califies without excess, and allays dolour. And thus they confect this Isopus, the succulent wool of the necks: The foeminals and thighs of Sheep, The manner of making it. they take and macerate eight hours in hot water, agitating it with a rudicle or stick; then they fervefie it, till it leave all its pinguetude in the water. Then the wool being compressed and removed, that fat and fordid water is poured from on high, that it may cause much spume; which spume they agitate so long in the water, till none be left. This done, they collect the pinguetude, and wash it, agitating it with their hands in pure water, till it will neither astringe, nor by't the tongue much, and till it appear white; then they repose it in an earthen vessel: and all this should be done in the hot Sun. Some add Sea-water to the lotion; but this way is best. Sheep are known to all Nations, suppeditating infinite commodities to men; with whose wool they are vested, with whose flesh they are nourished, and with whose dung their fields become fat and foecund. Young sheep are called Lambs; the greater Rams, or Arietes, from Ara, or the Altar whereon they were frequently sacrificed; the gelded ones Wethers, which differ from Rams, as Geldings from Horses, Capons from Cocks: They call the leader Bell-wether. The Ram, which the French call Bellerium, from warring, as it is probable, is commendable when tall, with a promise belly, a long tail, a white and dense fleece, broad forehead, intorted and patulous horns, brown eyes, ample ears, ample breast, shoulders, and butocks also. Arabia produces two admirable kinds of Rams; the one with so long a tail, that it is no shorter than three cubits; another with a tall of a cubit's breadth: other sheep are well known. CHAP. 19 Of Medicinal Bones; and first of a Heart's heart-bone. IF Animals excrements, which are foetid, be endued with a commendititious faculty to the cure of some affections; as Dog's dung, which some Merry Blades call Album Graecum, to the Quinsy; then much more their integrant parts; as the Elks claws to the Epilepsy, Goats claws to such as piss their beds, and the bones of many fishes, birds and beasts, to other diseases. Man's bone is also Man's Medicine; for a man's Scull unburied, duly prepared, and exhibited, cures the Falling-sickness. Experience also shows, That a Heart's heart-bone, a Rhinocerots' horn, Elephants, Boars, and Pikes teeth, conduce to many diseases. A Hart much augments Medicinary Materials; for thereunto it suggests its Horns, Suet, Fat, Marrow, Lachryma, Yard, and that Ossicle which is found in the basis of its heart. A Hart is a most noble Animal, superating almost all others in pulchtitude, celerity, dignity, and utility; and hence Kings only, or their Servants, were wont to hunt them. Their flesh also adoms large banquets; and that which is inconvenient for Tables, locupletates Apothecaries Shops. But that Ossicle which adheres to the basis of an old Heart's heart, Vires. is most celebrated; which from its figure much resembling a cross, hunter's call the Heart's cross; which they by experience, and Apothecaries by reason, have found very conducible to the affections of the heart. Young Hearts have only a cartilege, no bone. In inveterate Hearts, there concretes a certain lachryma in the larger angle of their eyes, which admirably produces sudour, and conduces to venenate diseases, as we shown before; This heart's bone ingredes the confection of Diamoschum, that it may make it more cordial and officacious. CHAP. 20. Of Ivory. THe Elephant is of fourfooted beasts the greatest, and most obsequious to man; for it doth not only obey him, but his voice, taking and doing his commands: yea, some would answer their Masters commanding them, with ho, ho, that is, in the barbarous Idiom, I will, I will. Aelianus saw one writing Latin Letters, strait, and in order, upon a table; but his teacher's hand was underneath, directing the Animal to the figure and lineament: and when the Elephant wrote, its eyes were fixed, and dejected, Grammarian-like, on his Master. Oppianus saith, That it is an old Proverb, That Elephants talk with one another, but cannot be understood by any man, save their Tamer's. Elephants come so near man's ingeny, that they are judged more pradent than men in some places. They are obsequious, desirous of glory, mindful of benefits and injuries received, and desirous of retribution or revenge. That of Aelianus is known, how an Elephant seeing his Master take some of his due from him, and put it in his pot; when he was commanded by his Master, to take care that his corn should be reaped and prepared, stole a good part of his barley, putting little stones in in its stead, and so gave his Master his due measure and wont heap, and kept enough for himself: thus craftily vindicating himself for his former injury. He hath small eyes in reference to his great body; he hath a long Snout, in stead of a Nose, which he uses in stead of a hand, especially in assuming and ingesting meat and drink; he hath a very small tongue; four short and crass teeth on each jaw, wherewith he breaks and mollifies his aliment; and two very long and very crass ones, which are liker horns: these fall out at set times, and grow again. And the matter of these is Ivory, which is accommodated to infinite uses, especially Medicinal. And this is that which many Apothecaries burn, and erroneously conceit to be the Arabian factitious Spodium. And yet it cannot be rightly substituted for Spodium, neither when burnt, nor crude; for by ustion its virtue perishes: and when it is crude, it is no ways analogal to Spodium: for in proper locution, there is only one kind of Spodium, viz. the Grecian Spodium, which they call Pompholix. But the Arabian's falsely supposed Spodium, is Tabaxir, which agrees as much with Ivory, as Sugar with Rhabarbe: of which we have more largely disserted elsewhere. Crude Ivory hath many eximious faculties: for, Vires. it roborates all bowels, refrigerateth and astringes moderately, aligates the dolours of the stomach, cohibits vomiting, kills worms, liberates from diuturnal obstructions; and drunk, makes women more apt to conceive. CHAP. 21. Of the Unicorns-horn. IF any Animals naturally void of horns, be by chance seen cornuted, we think them monstrous, as the rustic Caenomanus, on whose front grew a crass horn of two palms length, incurvated towards the hinder part of his head; which we saw for a miracle in Paris, in the year 1600. I never heard of the like, save of one man, that Philippus Ingrassias makes mention of, who had a horn on his back. Yet there are many cornigerous Animals, especially of the male-kind, bicornuted, as the Ox, and Goat; others tricornuted, as some Indian Oxen; and some quadricornuted, as I have seen some Rams. Some also bear but one horn, as the Indian Ass; some Kine in Zeila of Aethiopia; the amphibious Animal Camphur, frequent in the Isles of Molucca; also some Aethiopian Birds, and some Fishes; as the Uletif, frequent in the Indian Sea. But that Animal celebrated not only in humane but divine Scriptures, which the Hebrews call Rem and Reem; Avicenna, Achercheden; the Arabian, Barkaran; the Greeks, Monoceros; the Latins, Unicornis; the Indians, Cartazontes; the French, Licornia; and we Unicorn, excels all these in dignity. Divers Authors have written variously of this Animal; some making it tall, others low; some wild and sylvestrian, others not only cicurated by art, but tamed by the sight of a Girl; sometimes lying to sleep beside her, as being delighted with her love and odour: some make its horn black, others yellow, and others white. Yet they who have lustrated the Newfound world, say, that an Unicorn is lower and slenderer than an Elephant, equalizing in magnitude an ordinary Horse; of a musteline or yellowish colour; and some say, subcineritous, with a Heart's head, no long neck, a short Mane, rare, and hanging on one side; a rough beard, but short; bifideous hooves, not thick legs, and a tail like a Boar. (Solin. Plin. Aelian.) It bears its horn, which is strait, crass, intorted, four or five foot long, according to its age; solid, hard, squamous, yet not clefted; yellowish without, eburneous within, but not undulated with any lines, and obvallated with a kind of crass skin, dirempted in circular line from other parts, which Merchants ineptly call its Lard. Seeing then that an Unicorn is an Animal both rare and wild, not cicurable, unless it be caught while very young, and its horns do not fall off annually, as Harts-horns do; it is no wonder if its horn be so rare and precious: yet there is one exceeding a man's procerity, kept as a rich treasure in St. Dionysius his Temple beside Paris, and many little pieces in every Parisian Pharmacopoly, that such may be helped as require its exhibition. It is much commended against poison, Vires. and to exhilarate and roborate the Noble parts; and therefore it is given to the pestilent, and such as are infected with contagious and venenate diseases: yet all patients being not equally rich, it is only exhibited to the richer; too others I prescribe Rhinoceros, and Hartshorn, with no less success. CHAP. 22. Of the Bezaar-stone. THe Bezaar-stone is either so called from an oriential Animal out of which it is had, which the Persians call Pasan, and sometimes Bazar, and the Indians Bezoar; or else from is Bezardical, that is, alexiterial faculty, wherein it is eximious against poison: and upon that account, a certain Metalline alexiterian stone, is by some Arabians called Bezardical, because they say the Bezaar-stone will expugn all poisons. But this Bezaar-stone now in frequent use, is not effoded out of Ours, but taken out of the belly and internals of a certain Animal, most frequent in Persia, Coraso, and the promontory of Comorim, near Chyma, which such as have have seen it call a Goat; the incolists call it a Mountain-Goat; for in form and magnitude it resembles an European Goat, but its hair is shorter; it is taller, equalizing a Hart in procerity: and it seems to be rightly denominated Hart-Goat, because it partly bears the nature of a Hart, partly of a Goat. It is a most agile, swift, and fierce Animal, easily leaping from rock to rock, and sometime turning upon the Indian hunters, and killing them; it hath bifidous ungles, like a Goat, slender legs, a prominent and short tail, a rough body Goat-like, but shorter hair, cineriously yellow, like a Hart; a Goat's head armed with two horns crooked backwards, and ending in an obtuse point, very black and hollow, in their crasser part, obsited with many tubercles: I saw two at Cowbertum in the Castle of Dom. de Virty. The aforesaid stone is generated in this Animals belly; whose magnitude, form and colour, are various, according to the nature and age of the Beast; for there are greater stones in the greater and elder beast, lesser in the lesser and younger; all are of an oval figure, but some rounder than others, and others more quadrate. Their colour is obscure and blackish, or yellow, and more pallid, according to the Animals temperature; whereof such as generate greater and crasser stones, are less agile, and less apt to run or leap, which live more sadly, and are at the first sight known by hunters. Perhaps these stones are offensive, and preternatural to these Animals, as the stone is to man. They are generated corticatery, from a small rudiment of coagmentated sand, which is by the apposition of some new humour agglutinated, assimilated, and wrought into certain crass plates like onions, according to the magnitude of the dust, and apposition of the appellent humour. This sand or dust in the centre of the stone, is of more efficacy than any other part of the stone; all whereof, whether internal or external, are smooth, polite, and splendent: which are not so in adulterate stones, wherein there is no dust or sand. The Persians are the best of Bezaar-stones, next the oriental; but especially those that are taken out of Animals living in the Persian Mountains; for those that live in plains and valleys, feed not upon so salutary plants, as those that inhabit excelse plants: and therefore their stones are not so efficacious. All of them are much commended against the bitings of venenate beasts: Vires. for their powder assumed or adhibited, cures wounds inflicted by Scorpions, Vipers, or other Serpents; and insperged on the same Animals, makes them torpid and innocuous. It is storied, that the King of Corduba was freed from a very pernicious poison, by the use of this stone; and therefore some think, Bezaar is rightly deduced from Bel in Hebrew, which signifies Lord; and Zaar, poison, calling it the Lord of Poisons. It conduces upon the same account to all venenate and contagious diseases; as the Pestilences, Morbils, small-Pox, and the like: it cures also swoundings, long sorrows, hysterical passions, and many other malign affections; of which see N. Monard. Christoph. a Costa, and Clusius. CHAP. 23. Of Margarites and Unions. MArgarites are taken out of certain Shell-fish, living in the Indian sea, very like Oysters; which if they be small, they keep the name Margarites; if greater, they are called Unions: for, they are found severally, in several Shell-fish: whence the Poet: Unde dictus ob hoc, quod ab uno nascitur unus, Nec duo vel pluris unquam simul inveniantur. Yet Aelianus contradicts this opinion; teaching from experience, that many Unions are generated and found in one Shellfish, according to the abundance of the fishes excrementitious matter, which is pure and lucid: they are not therefore called Unions, because one only is found in one Shellfish, but because two are never found conjoined in the same. Those that are white, round, ponderous, and smooth, such as Queens wear about their necks, are best. Many Shell-fish generate Margarites; but the best are exotical, which are found in the Persian Sea in the East: whence they are called Oriental Pearls; and in the tracts of China, and many parts of India, where the Incolists call these Margaritiferous Shell-fish, Berbert; and some Barbarians, Cheripe; others Chanquo; which is the Mother of Pearl. This great Shellfish is spiss, moderately hollow like a comb, but not toothed on both sides, but only on one; not striated without, but plain, and something flave, smooth, splendent, and argenteous within: it is generated in its flesh, as lumps in hog's flesh, stones in the bladder, or other places: for I saw a man who avoided many stones by stool, each one whereof in magnitude equalised a Chestnut or Acorn. Fernelius found three stones in the Liver of the dissected carcase of a Nobleman, who in his life-time spitted up some like Margarites. But to my purpose: these Shell-fish exposed to the air, or assayed with a knife, open, and the Margarites are found together with their flesh; which indeed are neither bones, nor part of the piscicle, but something excrementitious, splendent, and concrete, like the shells wherewith they are tected, which are outwardly scabre and impolite, but within smooth and fair: so that the true Mother of Pearls, is never naturally, but always artificially polished. Those Margarites are greater, which are taken from the greater Conchae, and in the deeper sea. They are so much sought after by women, that no one, though of mean fortune, thinks she is sufficiently adorned, till she carry Pearls about her neck. But their use is chief Medicinal; for all, both Ancients and latter writers, aver, That Margarites are very cordial, and exhilarate the heart: Alchemists dissolve them, and get thence liquor of Pearls, whereof they predicate many, but ridiculous things. I knew a very crafty Empyrical Chirurgeon in Paris, who required six Pieces for the adhibition of two Swallows to his Patient; Vires. and when all admired he should ask so unreasonably, I should (saith he) have demanded much more, because I fed these Animals a whole Month with the liquor of Pearls. You may read at large of Margarites, and the Fishes wherein they are generated, their nature, dignity, duration, and virtues, in Rondeletius, Lib. 1. de testaceis. Cap. 51. CHAP. 24. De Umbilicis Marinis: Of the Sea-Navel. THe Sea-Navel is either a whole piscicle, whereof Rondeletius makes mention, or a part, bone or regument of some greater fish: the former is a turbinated and small Shellfish, so like a Navel, that none that see it can choose but so name it. The other Umbilike is all osseous, which is either a shell, or the bone of another fish; for many fishes have certain bones given them by Nature, either for the insertion of their fins, whereby they defend their lives, or for the confirmation and motion of their bodies. Thus Sepia is founded upon its bone; thus the Slaits back is armed with many pricks, which by light cocture may be easily sojoyned from its body: whose officles if you take away, their prickles do well represent the Sea-Navel. We therefore suspect, with Beru. Dessennius, that Sea-Umbilikes are desumed from Sea-Animals, and cast on the shore with other stones; and yet they are not of the same kind with stones. Some call them Sea-Gems; but their faculties are not so eximious, as that they should be reposed among Gems. Their form is well known, their colour is in some white, in some red: they are frequently sold in France. CHAP. 25. Of the Dental. THe Dental is a certain small Shellfish, oblong, white, sharp without, very smooth within, hollow like a little tube, and acuminated on one side, like a Dog's tooth: whence it is called a Dental; for it is a shell like a tooth, wherein a vernicle is procreated; which is oblong, and slender, answerable to the cavity of the shell, which goes out of its domicil, sometimes to draw water, and seek victuals. Both it and its tube, grow as a restaceous Cane upon a Rock, or an old shell: It is endued with the same virtue with the Seas Umbilike, and other testaceous piscicles, and may as well ingrede the composition of the Citrian Unguent, as the former. CHAP. 26. Of the Antal. THere is another Sea Shellfish, called an Antal, whose use in Medicine is very frequent, if we make the Citrian unguent. It is a testaceous tube bred in the Sea, of a little finger's length, striated without, smooth and hollow within; out of whose cavity a small piscicle is educed. This seems to be the fish which Athenaeus calls Solen; for that is of the kind of long Shell-fish, with a double shell, smooth, slender, and hollow like a reed, and open at both ends. Pliny calls it a Dactyl, or a Digit, because it equalizes a finger in longitude; or as some say, resembles a man's nail. However, the Antal we use is very well known and vulgar; neither should we lose any precious Medicament, if it were absent; for we can substitute in its stead any shell that is white and striated, which strangers bring from the Sea, near that famous Mount which is sacred to St. Michael: for all of them are of an equal virtue, as to the confecture of the said unguent; whereunto also another accedes, not easily known by name; some call it Amentum; others Amiantus; for it is yet doubted, whether Amentum be that stone Amiantus, which is of a whitish green, and by many called Scissile-Alome; from which it differs much. For Scissile-Alome is manifestly astrictive; and being injected upon coals, burns; but plumeous Alum is acrimonious, safe from flame, and well termed Amiantus, or Amentum, or Amiantum, which the Citrian Unguent admits of: but I dare not assert this for certain, seeing Amentum is a barbarous word well understood by none, as it appears by the opinions of such Authors as have written of it: for Theophrastus will have it the name of a tree; Matthaeus Sylvaticus, burnt glass; Manlius burned lime; some Suet, or the fat of glass; others, Talkum, or the specular glass, which is indeed very convenient for this Unguent; as also plumbeous Alum, which Apothecaries by good reason use for Amentum, or Amiantus. There is also much mention in shops, of Bizantian Blatta, which is a cover very like that wherewith the Purple-fish is tected; yet this similitude is only as to their substance and faculties, and not as to their forms: for the tegument of the Purple-worm is round, according to Rondeletius; and this Blatta long and strict, found in nardiferous lakes, and thence suaveolent; for these worms eat Spikenard, and this Blatta is called the odorate Nail, for it smells somewhat like a Beaver. But I will not longer insist upon its description, because it ingredes no Medicament in our Shop. CHAP. 27. Of Tortoises. TOrtoises are either aquatical, living in the Sea, or sweet-watel; or amphibious, living partly on the land, and partly on the water: whence Pliny comprehending them all in a quaternal number, calls them either Marine, or Fluvial, Terrestrial, or Palustrian. A Tortoise is a candated Animal, with four feet, squamous, ingrateful to the sight, whose shell is of an oval form, long, broad, hollow within, and without extuberant like a Buckler, under which it sometimes hides its head, tail, feet, and all; and sometimes it puts them out even at pleasure. This alone of squamous Animals, according to Aristotle, hath Reins, and a Bladder: it lays Eggs with hard shells of two colours, which it reconds in a Ditch, excavated like a hogshead, and covers them with the earth; which it makes even, and so sits upon it, till its young ones be excluded. Solinus saith, That in the Indian Sea there are Tortoises of so great a magnitude, that their shells, open at the bottom, and joined at the top, make so large houses for the vulgar Indians, that a numerous family may dwell therein. Yea, some use them in stead of Boats, wherein they sail from one Isle to another in the Red-Sea. With the Troglodytes they are cornigerous, but less than the Indian. Tortoises are of much use, Vires. both in Cibaries and Medicine; for their decoction helps such as are consumed and attenuated: and therefore they usefully ingrede the confecture of the resumptive Syrup. Many delight in their flesh, but it is such a deformed Animal, in head, tail, feet, form, colour, and spots, resembling the Serpentine kind, that nature seems to note it as offensive and unwholesome: which they also confess who love it; but that its dressing and condiments make it less noxious, for else it were horrid. CHAP. 28. Of Frogs. MYropolists use whole Frogs, in the composition of Vigonius his salve, which the Author described for the cure of a disease proper to his own Nation. Silvius also saith, Their decoction will ease the , if the mouth be washed therewith: their ashes, with Pitch, according to Dioscorides, or rather with Honey, according to Pliny, will bring again fallen hairs. The Emplasters wherewith they are mixed, are thence siccative, and discussive, especially in the dolours of the junctures: They are Antidotal against Serpentine poisons, according to Dioscorides, if they be decocted, eaten with Salt and Oil, and their broth supped. But all Frogs are not edible; whereof there are many varieties: for some delight solely in water, and live there ordinarily; others on the dry soil: others also are amphibious, living equally on the water and earth. Some of the watery Frogs live in Fenny and muddy places, and are pernicious, acceding near the nature of Toads; others live in limpid and fountain water, and are wholesome, and reposed among Cibaries. Some of those that feed on dry soils, live amongst reeds, others amongst briars and thorns: the former, which are least of all, are called Calamitae, and the latter Rubetae, by the Latins; by the Greeks, Phrynoi; which are as pernicious as the Palustrian Frogs: those they call Dryophites, which climb up Oaks, and live in or about them; and the Diopetes, which fall with storms and warm showers out of the air, are no better than the rest. All of them are mute in winter, except the watery Frogs; which at the end of Winter, and beginning of the Spring, begin to croak, to wit, when Tadpoles are procreated in putrid waters, which some falsely call Frogs-sperm, or Frogs-egges. Arist. Hence many have derided the Medicament of a certain Alchemist, who prescribes the water of Frogs-sperm, to the Pimples and swell of the face, eyes, and the whole body; whereas he might hunt, exenterate, dissect, exhaust, and search the seminals of all the Frogs in France, and never get so much sperm as would wet the bottom of his Metal-pan. Experience also shows, and learned Rondeletius hath averred, That Tadpoles come of Mud, and turn not into Frogs. All Frogs, besides the watery ones, are pernicious and malign; as also, those of them also that are maculated with black spots, like Toads, of whose nature they participate: and those that use them for meat, are infected with a plumbeous colour. Wherefore they should not be taken save for Physic, for they putrify the body. Yet some put Palustrian Frogs, others Rubetae, to the confection of Jo. de Vigo his salve: but I think amphibious Frogs are better. For the Rubetae, which live among briars, thorns, and dry soils, being venenate and acrimonious, impart a certain quality to the Medicament, whereby it vellicates the skin, and raiseth lumps; and the water are not so efficacious: therefore those that live partly in water, and partly on the land, must be elected as best. CHAP. 29. Of Crab-fish. THere are innumerable varieties of shelled fishes; some whereof have long bodies, as Locusts and Lobsters; others round, as all the troop of Sea-Crabs, and freshwater Crabs: whereof there are fewer varieties. As some of Sea-Crabs are greater, as those we call Maeae, and Paguri; and others lesser, which we call Pinnophylaces: so some of the freshwater Crab-fish are great, broad-footed, like the Sea-Crabs, but greater; others little ones, which we use in Meats and Medicaments, as by Avicenna's counsel, to refresh such as labour in the Hectic Fever, and such as are bitten by mad Dogs; as also to ingrede some mundificative Unguents. Rondeletius hath largely described the whole kind of Crabs (Lib. 18. de Piscibus, & Lib. particulari de fluviatilibus) as also Matthiolus upon Dioscorides. For it is enough for us to mention these, and to treat more copiously of such things as do but sometimes accede to Medicine. CHAP. 30. Of Vipers. Viper's flesh siccates, Vires. and digests potently, and califies moderately: its faculty hastens it to the skin, propelling the excrements and poison of the body, if any, thither: whence we make it into Theriacal Trochisks, as we have showed in our Antidotary; and of them we make that famous Theriacal confection, so much commended against venenated affections. Now those are called Theriacal Medicaments, which cure the poisonous bitings of venenate Animals, or heal such as have received harm by the biting, breathing, licking, or touching of venenate Animals. They are also called Alexipharmacal Medicaments, which arceate peril by poison: but others will have them only so called which by introsumption at the mouth cure poisons. Now Theriacal comes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, from wild and venenate Animals, rather than from some certain sort of Serpents; though a Viper, whose Male is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Female 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, be sometimes by the Greeks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: for it being the most notorious of Serpents and wild Beasts, it vendicates this name, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: and the Medicament which admits of its flesh, is nevertheless denominated Theriacal, from its efficacy in curing the bites and poisons of wild beasts, and not because of that ingredient. A Viper is ordinarily of a cubit's length, and often longer; of a subflave colour, maculated with many round spots: the male is by the Greeks called Echis; its head is angust and acute; its neck crasser, and body slenderer than the Female; its tail, like that of other Serpents, grows more gracile by degrees, and not on a sudden, as that of the Female: it hath sharper scales at the end of its tail; which when moved, it erects, just as an angry Cock doth his Plumes in fight. He hath two Canine teeth; the Female more, according to that of the Poet: Huic geminy apparent dentes in carne, venenum Fundentes, verubus sed Foemina pluribus atrox. He also hath a passage in his tail, nearer his belly then that of the Females: he goes also more stoutly. The Female Vipers are of a yellowish colour, with an elated neck, reddish eyes, and lucent; of an inverecund and fierce aspect; their heads are broad, their tails short, macilent, squamous, and all a like gracile, not gradually so; their passages nearer their tails; their bellies more prominent, and their pace flower. The Latins call it Vipera, because Vi parit, that is, it is forced to bring forth; or else because Vivum parit, that is, it brings forth living young, contrary to the mode of other Serpents, which first lay eggs: and the Viper indeed procreates eggs, like them of fishes; but every egg hath a young living Viper involved only in a membrane. Yet it sometimes happens, that the last seeking egress before the first, and impatient of longer delay, erodes his Parent's belly and sides, and so it is produced a Matricide: but that as seldom happens, as, when the Male thrusts his head into the Females mouth in copulation, the Female, satiated with the sweetness of the pleasure, obtruncabes the Male: which I think is never. When other Serpents in winter run into caverns, Vipers only absoond themselves under stones, and depose their old age, like other Reptiles. Viper's are preferred before all other Serpents, in the confection of this Theriack, because when compounded of others, its virtue is more tabifical. (Gal: Cap. 10. Lib. de Theriaca.) The Heads and tails, which contain the most virulent poison, must be abscinded: for the Viper hath the most pernicious head of all venenate beasts. Dioscorides holds it ridiculous, that any set certain measure of the Head and tail should be prescinded. The internals, Spina Dorsi, and the belly, must likewise be abjected. There are both in Italy and France, very idoneous Vipers for this solemn confection, as in the Pictavian fields, whence many are brought to Paris; of whose flesh we make Pastils, and use their fat in Vigo his emplaster; whose extraction and preparation is easy: The fat must first be taken, with its skins, and washed in clear cold water, till it be sincere; then may the membranes be separated; then must the fat be melted in a double vessel, and continually agitated with a wooden stick; when it is melted, it must be percolated into cold water, which may be abjected, and the fat kept, and reposed in a convenient vessel: some wash it again, that it may depose all its poison. I can scarce assent to their opinion, who believe, that such live long as eat Viper's flesh; for it procreates very ill succe, and digests and siccates vehemently: so that they who eat it are grievously cruciated with thirst, and thence cognominated Dipsades. Galen saith, that some are of opinion, that such as are bitten by Vipers, cannot be cured by drinking, but will burst ere they can quench their thirst. Galen proves by many Histories, that Vipers conduce to the Leprous: There was (saith he) a Leper in Asia, who was foetid to look on, and graveolent; who at first was conversant, and did eat with his companions, till some of his company began to be inquinated, and he of such a horrid and detestable a form, as none could endure to look on him; then they bond him in a Cottage near the river, and gave him daily aliment. The next Summer, about the rising of the Dog-star, when a servant brought fragrant wine to the reapers, and set the pot by the riverside, when they came to drink, the Boy poured out the wine into a cup, and with the wine a dead Viper; the reapers being therewithal affrighted, quenched their thirst with water, and sent the wine to the Leper, pitying his condition, and judging it better for him to die therewith, then to live in that misery: but he, drinking thereof, was unexpectedly cured, his skin falling off like a shell from a locust. And another event, not much unlike this, happened in Mysia, not far from our City: There was a rich man, but Leprous, who was in love with his maid that was beautiful; but she hating so descormed a man, clandestinely kept other lover's company: the diseased, in hopes of recovery, betook himself to some Fountains of hot water, wherewith the vicine parts abounded, which were squalid and full of Vipers; one whereof crept into his wine pot: the wench perceiving that a Viper was there suffocated, was glad she had such an opportunity put into her hands; she than gives a cup of it to her Master, who drinking of it, was perfectly cured, as the precedent. Galen recenseates more stories, whereby he proves, that Vipers cure the Leprosy. We have showed in our Antidotary, how it must be prepared, before it ingrede the confection of the Theriack. CHAP. 31. Of Scinks. THe flesh of the Reins of this Beast, is a special Antidote against poison, very efficacious to excite lust in men; for it causes stiffness of the Yard: whence it justly ingredes the confection of Diasatyrium. It is a small fourfooted Animal, tected with small, frequent, and subluteous scales, with a long head, little thicker than its neck, a high belly, a round tail like a Lizard, but shorter, and crooked towards the end, with a grey line from its head, to the end of its tail. Dioscorides saith, It is the product either of Egypt, or India, or of the Red-sea, though it is seen in Lydia of Mauritania: Some do erroneously take it for the Salamander. Pliny calls it the Land-Crocodile, for it very much resembles the Crocodile of Nilus. But there is no proportion in their dimensions; for this is always small, scarce exceeding a cubit in length: whereas the Crocodile of Nilus attains two and twenty cubits, and yet no term of his concretion, though his original is from an Egg no bigger than a Goose's Egg: He lives both upon the land and water; his eyes are like Swine's eyes: his sight in the water is dull; but out, very quick. This Animal alone, except the Parrer, moves his upper jaw; he hath a small rongue adhering to his under-jaw; his legs come out of his side; his feet are small, in reference to his body; his claws strong; his skin squamous, crustaceous, and impenetrable, save under his belly, which is soft. This Animal lives sixty years, lays sixty Eggs in sixty days, sits upon its Eggs sixty days, before young ones be excluded; it hath sixty joints in its backbone; and as many teeth in its head, as it will lie days in winter in some Cavern without meat. The more curious Scrutator may have a fuller description of the Crocodile, in Aristotle, Pliny, and later Writers, who have lustrated Egypt, and the Oriental Coasts. CHAP. 32. Of Scorpions. THey make an Oil of dead Scorpions, infused in Oil, which they cognominate from the same, for many uses in Medicine: for, by way of lineament, it breaks and expels the stones in the Reins and Bladder, and moves Urine: it cures the bitings of Vipers, Serpents, and other venenate Beasts: if it be adhibited to the armholes and groins in time of Pestilence, it will either preserve the user from it, or cure him of it: it will also cure a wound inflicted by a Scorpion; and so will its own body, bruised and applied. A Scorpion is a terrestrial Animal, with a long and nodous tail, whose end is armed with a long and obliqne sting, perviated with a small hole, through which it effunds its poison into the part pricked: it hath arms and fore-cleyes bisulcated; its tail is always ready for a stroke; it never let's slip an opportunity: it strikes obliquely. The Masculine Scorpion is maculated on the belly, and forecleys; and its poison is more pernicious, the Females more mild; though some writ contrary. There are eight kinds of Scorpions: the first is white, which they say is not lethiferous; the second yellowish, whose stroke is seconded with vehement ardour, and an inextinguishable thirst; the third is blackish, whose stroke depraves the members of motion, and makes men mad, causing foolish laughter; the fourth is somewhat green, it hath seven knots in his tail; perpetual and great cold, though in the heat of Summer, follows upon its stroke; the fifth is pale and livid, and infects the percussed with tumors in his groins; the sixth is like a little Sea Crabfish; the seventh hath greater Cleys, and is very like the Crab we call Pagurus; the eighth is of a Honey-colour, it hath wings like a Locust, and the last knot of its tail is black. Winged Scorpions are very rare with us, but frequent and great in India and Aphrica, with seven knots in their tails. If we reckon the variety of Scorpions, by the variety of their colours, some are called flave Scorpions, some yellow, some cineritious, some green, some ferrugineous, some vinous, some white, and others fuliginous. The smitings of Scorpions are fare more perilous to women, than men; and especially to Virgins: for they are always lethal to such, unless they be presently helped: and such Scorpions as have seven knots in their tails, are judged most cruel. They procreate and sit upon Vernicles like Eggs, Vires. and they produce a progeny, which coming to perfection, drives them away; and thus Scorpions are said to be killed by their young ones. But these things respect not Pharmacy, and therefore not for my purpose. CHAP. 33. Of Worms. MAny small Animals are generated of Worms, and Worms of many great Animals: yea, this progeny springs from all altered and putrid matter, stones, bones, wood, fruit, cheese, flesh; and all things seem at first to turn into worms: for man's own flesh is absumed by worms, and his clothes by moths: And though cold things much resist putretude, yet worms are generated in the coldest snow; and some are procreated of salt: they are also generated in Animals daily, their body abounding with putrid humours; for there worms are generated, where putretude resides: for, Corruption is their Mother. I saw a worm of a palms length, come out with the blood of the vein of ones arm opened: They are still generated in the intestines, and other parts of man's body, and also in Heart's heads. Every Insect generates a worm, except the Butterfly, which is procreated of another dissimilar Insect: as the Poet; Et fio volucris, qui modo vermis eram. The family of Worms being thus ample, I shall only speak of Earthworms, which are used in Medicine: for these washed in white-wine, prepared, macerated in Oil, and duly elixated in a double vessel, afford us an Oil, very conducible in nervous affections. They are also assumed at the mouth, after due preparation, to wit, when they are washed, dried, levigated, and mixed with other Powders, to cure Virgins pale colours. Many call them the Earth's Intestines; others, Earthworms; others, Earth-lumbricks: they have a long round body, with neither bone, eye, nor ear: They go so, that the precedent part draws the consequent in their locomotion. They are procreated of the mud of the earth, and animated by the same cause that other Infects are. They are destitute of eyes, ears, feet, members, and are like oblong fibres, whose parts are not discriminated, save by some knots and denervations a little beyond their middles. Spring or Winter-showers, if not glacial, elicit them: they are neither liberally, nor copiously generated in the earth, much trodden upon, but frequently in fat and waste ground: Vires. These bruised and applied, conglutinate prescinded Nerves, and fresh wounds. CHAP. 34. Of Spanish-Flies, or Beetles. THese Flies have only a nominal affinity with Beetles, for they are often used in Medicine, Beetles never. Galen hath experienced them good against scabs and Leprosies; and Physicians find them to provoke Urine. Aristotle calls them Putrid Animals, because they are produced of putrid matter: They are procreated, nourished, and found in many shrubs, as the Bramble; and in many tall trees, as the Ash: shose that are found in Corn, are versicolorate, and have transverse lines in their wings, with an oblong body, and are very good. But they will be more fit for use, if they be injected into an earthen vessel, whose orifice is covered with a rare linen cloth, and turned downwards, that by the halite of sharp vinegar, they may be exanimated, then dried, reposed in wooden boxes, glass or earthen vessels, and kept for the space of two years. They are mixed but in small quantity, to Medicaments that provoke Urine, by Galens advise, who would have them injected whole; but the later Writers would have their legs and wings abscinded and abjected. When a Noble Matron of Paris was holden with a continual Fever, accompanied with the heat of the Reins, and other grievous symptoms, and had committed the care of her cure to Mr. Martin, a learned and perite Parisian Medick; by the persuasion of some, she called one Rivierius, a courtly Medick, who feeling her pulse, said, If she had called him a little sooner, he would have applied a dragm of French flies to the region most affected, and have presently restored her to sanity: so he left the Matron grieved, and her ordinary Medick astonished at his humour, manners, words, and actions; who was so far from adhibiting such a company of these flies, that he applied not one, and yet restored her to health: for this fly being most dry and light, it is credible, one weighing not above a grain; what were it less than carnifice to adhibite sixty of them, which weigh but a dragm, to the aesture of the Reins? But take this obiter, not because I am incensed against the man, but that I might show, that these flies are very noxious to the Bladder, Reins, and other parts, by inducing inflammations; yet very good mixed with other Medicaments in a small quantity. CHAP. 35. Of Ants. PHarmacopolies are not destitute of Aunts, which afford an oil commended to many received uses: for it califies the generative parts, being too frigid, and reduces them to a better state. Aunts are the most laborious and officious of infects, which exercise their labours not only on the day, but on the night also, in full Moon; always treading the same paths, bringing cibaries to their Cells, and reconding them for the ensuing year. They hunt not after smaller animals, like Cobs, but degust them when dead; congest grains, and bear their burdens in their mouths. Aunts are either winged, whose infusion yields the said oil; or wingless, which are frequently found in dry and incultivated places: sick Bears seek sanity from them, There is, in some regions in India where Gold is effoded, a kind of Aunts, equalizing Foxes in magnitude: I find also some equitant one's, and others that fly the light; but the Apothecary never uses such. CHAP. 36. Of the Silkworm. THat glory is now given to Silk, which was given to fine linen, wherewith the Ancient Kings were invested: and as we read in Luke 10. A certain rich man arrayed. This flax was a kind of tenuious line, next in dignity to Asbestinum, whereof most subtle vestments were made, with which women were most delighted; which, according to Pliny, grew near Elis in Achaia; according to Pollux, in India, and Egypt; and Pausanias, in Greece, on a tree not unlike our Poplar, with willowish leaves: but whether its plant be a tree or an herb, it is altogether unknown to us. It bears not only leaves, but line also, which the People of Seres, Scytia, and Asiatica, perite in spining, draw out into small threads, and make it into vestments for rich men; and that which the Serians work, is called Silk. Asbestus is either a certain stone of a ferreous colour, in the Mountains of Arcadia, which being once accended, can never be extinguished; or else flax, whereof Napkins are made, that will take flame, and not burn away; like plumbeous Lead. But we have no such by ssigerous plant, nor vestments made of their Down; but only Bombycina, which, as Byssina of old, is now called Silk; which is as good for dignity in the same uses, and besides accommodated to Medicinal exhibitions: for Apothecaries, following the Arabians dictate, have an opinion of Silk, Vires. that it will purge blood, roborate the vital faculties, recreate the heart, illustrate the spirits, refresh all faculties, and help all the spirits. These are the eximious Encomia, wherewith the Barbarians nobilitate the excrement of their virulent Insect. But seeing any one may Philosophise, and propose his opinion in the matter in hand, I profess, I think Silk is of small use in Medicine: for it is the dry, inodorate, exuicous recrement of an imperfect Animal, affine to Cobwebs, but inept and ineffectual in man's cure. It may be, that that Byssinum, which the latter writers call fine flax, is endued with eximious faculties; but no such being now found, nor brought to us, our Pharmacopolists cannot speak of it, unless they speak in their dreams. And I wonder, upon what reason they give crude Silk to the sick: when it is tincted with Scarlet, it is indeed virtuous, but it borrows that faculty from its infection; and therefore I had rather prescribe the dying grains alone, then frustraneously spend their succe in dying Silk. But let perite medics, who have only reason for their Law, be Judges in the case. These Silkworms are little Animals, excluded from small, round, and blackish seeds, called by some eggs, cherished with a moderate calour; animated, and at first form into Minute-worms, which educated on the leaves and boughs of the Mulberry-tree, after a while spin their slender webs, or Silken threads, whereof precious cloth is abundantly woven. When they are more adult, they make of themselves hoods and nulls for themselves; and there in a short time, they transmute themselves into white Butterflies, which produce seeds, or small eggs, whereof other worms of the same kind are generated. But these being known to Women and Children, need no further description. Some medics use the Galls of many Animals; the Liver and intestines of Wolves, the brains of Sparrows, the testicles of Cocks, and Asells which are found under water-vessels: but these not ingreding the compositions in our Shop, belong not to us. Thus I have in three Books, by God's auxiliation, briefly and clearly composed all Medicinal matter: to whom be Honour, Glory and Praise now and Ever. Finis Libri Tertii. THE Pharmaceutrical Shop, Divided into TWO PARTS. The first whereof Treats Of INTERNAL, and the second of EXTERNAL MEDICAMENTS. By the AUTHOR JOANNES RENODAEUS, Physician in PARIS. ENGLISHED By RICHARD TOMLINSON, APOTHECARY. LONDON: Printed by J. Streater, and J. Cottrel. 1657. To his Honoured, Learned, and Virtuous FRIEND, WILLIAM WITHEINGS Esq. Worthy Sir, THe manifold Testimonies of your real favours, calls for a perpetual Commemoration; and what requital can be returned, but a bare demonstration, where ability cannot correspond, or aspire to the dignity of that Desert, couched within the verge of that manifestation of affection so amply discovered? And to lie dormant under so much Courtesy, were to invelop myself within the Rounds of Ingratitude, and in stead of Coronating your deserved Worth (already bedubbed with the true Sparkling of never-fading Glory) I should Adumbrate the Lustre thereof, (which otherwise would necessarily dispel the thickest clouds) by the Satirical Screen of Fame-defacing-Oblivion. To enumerate the many discoveries and dawnings of your Virtues, were to comprehend a Catalogue of the Universal Genus of Atoms, within the narrow bounds of a Nutshell: Neither can the weak blandishments of a Quill, emblazon the least shadow of those Trophies, whose Glory is founded in the true Abyss of your merited Renown. Pardon this boldness, SIR, in presuming to lodge this Book within your Gates; and in making use of your Name without your consent. Let not a sinister construction, obstruct a gentle remission; nor a rigid apprehension, hinder the thought of a venial transgression. Doubtless, SIR, the Subject will not dishonour your Person, in Patronising it from suffering shipwreck in the tumultuous gulfs of Contradiction and Detraction; but rather conclude, That the rays of your Learning being dispa●●●ed upon the Imperfections necessarily accrueing in the Alteration of the Garb, will put a period to what may be objected by those, whose Medulla Scientiae, is nothing else, but the true pourtraicture of that Livid Viper Envy; whose virulency is Malevolent Censure. Let such endeavour its Overture, whilst your finger supports it by the Chin, till it arrives with the fresh gales of your Countenance, to its desired Haven, with its Top-gallant streaming out the true Characters of your Honour, maugre the carpings of Zoilus. What need it to fear the trivial Objections of certain Augurs, when its Patron is both strongly fenced with the Principles of Theory, and garnished with the Robes of Integrity? SIR, you are not one whom infant Effeminacy, youthful Delicacy, or voluptuous Liberty, could ever yet allure your intellect and knowledge from diving into Divine and Moral Arcana's. Altius surgentes, Innocentes licet, comitatur suspicio. Tacit. What greater Symbol of true Gentility, than Goodness! It is not the gaudy lustre of the Purple, but the inward virtue of the Person, that proclaims Greatness; having always observed you to entrain Humility and Integrity for your Retainers. Yet if any dare to calumniate Renodaeus, notwithstanding his Accomplishment at all assays, and his converse with the most acute Judgement, he will proclaim them viva voce, to be Vox & praeterea nihil. This only remains, That if I have drawn him in his proper Colours, he will merit your Patronage; but if mangled, it is in your power, Sir, rather to impute the fault to the Pen, than the intention of the person, whose Ambition was ever to be accounted, SIR, Your most humble Servant, Rich. Tomlinson. Septemb. 8. THE PREFACE TO THE READER. ALL things in general, which the whole Mass of the Earth doth expose to sight and view, or include within her bowels, the greatest portion thereof doth either serve man for Medicament or Aliment; which indeed ought not at all times to be gathered, whilst the necessity of man calls for them; or the bowels of the Earth rob thereof in vain, till the Physician appoint them for the Relief of Man's body, which is the subject for the which they were created: Except it be such Exoticks, which upon all occasions in Pharmacopolies ought to be kept, both for present and future use. Concerning which, Pliny, cap. 1. lib. 28. Hippoc. Epist. ad Abdent. Herophil. hath treated of at large. For whereas Medicine is the gift of God, and Medicament the hand of God, it must needs follow then, that an Apothecary, of all Professions, must needs be the most excellent, though not always (it may be) in the greatness of estate, yet in the Bays of Honour. What is his Shop, but a Magazine of the Globes Treasure, a Storehouse of Natures Arcana's? whatsoever is comprehended under the Cope of Heaven, there in the Mass is contained. What can the main Sea produce, or the depth of the great Abyss? What can the four Elements discover, that is not of use in our Shops? Alas, is not the Body of Man the receptacle of innumerable Diseases? else, whither tend these Myriads of Remedies? What Disease can be found in rerum natura, that hath not either an Antidote to defend, or a Corrosive to destroy? What can now be objected, or produced as an Aenigma to the Physician? Are not those great Giants, which were veiled in obscurity to the Ancients, now laid level? Who is there that professes himself the Son of Aesculapius, that knows not now how to encounter a Solutio Continui, Phlegmon, Pterygium, Polypus, Hepatitis, Lienteria, Enterocle, Aedema, Schyrrhus', Podagra, with many others, which formerly puzzled so many Grandees in knowledge? What place now, wherein there is not a Sanctuary for Remedy to fly unto, where a salubrious Medicine for every Malady is publicly to be had? What a gallant spectacle is it, to behold an Apothecary's thecaries' Shop well stored of all things necessary, Instruments for the preparing of Medicines, and Vessels to repose the same in, etc. But alas! how is this Art now abused! what a company of illiterate Ignoramus's have intruded themselves therein, whose knowledge is exercised in nothing else, but in setting men's lives at sale; who out of secular ends, to enhance the Traffic into their hand, by felling cheap, have, and do to this day, (and I am sorry that I have no other Tense to speak in) huddle up a Medicine after any manner, taking one thing for another; insomuch that the Medicament neither can effect what might be expected otherwise from it, nor doth it the Patiented any good, but rather operate contrary to the Physicians expectations? These are the Vipers that poison and infect a Commonwealth, the disgrace of the Profession, and the ruin of Mankind. I dare avouch, and shall maintain, that more are killed by the ill-compounded, succidaneous Medicaments of many Apothecaries here in this City, then by the malignity of any distemper whatsoever. And hence it is, that the Physician comes to be undervalved, our Profession despised and the whole Commonwealth abused; and if a speedy Remedy be not taken for these abominable Practices, what will follow? Are these men fit for the society of Christians? or are they to be allowed, to act in a business of such concernment, where a man's Life runs the hazard of Ruin? It is the shame of London, that amongst so many learned and able Artists, those Piperly-Dizzards should not be found out and detected. But we shall detain the Reader no longer in the Porch, but open the Shop-doors, for every one to enter in; where Knowledge shall be sold at a cheap rate: Only take notice, That there is intended for the Press, a Treatise discovering the true and infallible Marks of every Medicine, whereby it may be quickly discerned, whether it be rightly compounded or no: Together with the lowest Price thereof. With many other things, which, God willing, shall be made public, for the information of the Ignorant. Farewell. The Apothecary's Shop. PART I. CHAP. 1. Of the House and Shop of an Apothecary. AT the beginning and nonage of the world, Men used fruits for bread, and water for wine; and it is probable, both Horses and Beasts had the same aliment, (Hip. lib. de vet. Med.) but when the fruits which grew spontaneously, would not suffice for their nutrition and sanity, our forefathers made a bread, or rather a pultess, of Wheat macerated, shelled, and bruised; whereupon the Romans lived a long time, after Ausonius. But their stomaches nauseating to be always served with the same meat, and they not content with bread alone, begun at length to taste of Birds, and then to hunt after beasts and fishes. Their desires thus breaking out by little and little, invented culture, and a Thousand gulous provocations: whereas Ausonius saith, that before that time, the Acorn was man's and beasts common meat, and a trees shade their common house. For in that first age, caves were their houses, the tectures of wood their cottages, rocks and saxous places their Cities: and a long time after, the Dardanians made them sordid houses in mud, the Balearians in hollowed rocks; as many Indians at this day in Oysters and Tortoises shells; and others wove themselves houses of reeds and fenny herbs, (Alex. ab Alex. C. 24. Li. 5.) But as men's manners are now more polite, their dishes more dainty; so are their houses more artificially struct: some building themselves edifices in the middle of some river; others on the top of a hill; others at the Sea side; as each man's fancy leads him. But an Apothecary's house, should be built in none of these places; but rather in a City, then in a Town; in an apprique and lucid place, rather than in an opaque and umbrous; and in a nited street, rather than in one inquinated with filth and putretude. It must be ample, and high, that such simples as should be kept dry, may be reposed in its highest room; and such as should be moist, in its cellar. There should be many, at least one cubicle betwixt these two, to which the Apothecary may betake himself; under which he must have an ample, quadrate, and lucid Shop: yet neither so much exposed to the Sun, as it may calify, melt, or too much dry his Medicaments; nor so much to the wind, as to molest them. In it there should be two doors; the one an outward door towards the street, the other postical or inward, into his kitchen, or inner chamber; wherein he may not only eat his victuals, but prudently observe through some lattice-window, what is done in the Shop, what given, and what received; and so mind his Apprentices, whether they spend their time idly, faithfully and accurately execute their office, or do all for his good, and effect his work. In the other angle of the kitchen, near the Chimney, must be an Aestuary or Hypocauste, wherein he may repose his Sugar-junkets and solid confections more safely: and if the place be large enough, there may in the next place be made a Tabern, wherein he may reckoned many seeds, fruits, and other simples, which he buys in great quantity; as Prunes, Almonds, Honey, Seeds, Roots, and much of Woods. In his Shop he must repose only compounds, and such simples as are either rare and precious, or are of diuturnal and frequent use; as Tamarinds, Raisins, Liquorice, Polypody, Senny, etc. And that his Medicaments may be duly disposed in his Pharmacopoly, many shelves must be classically collocated therein, from the bottom upwards, upon wooden and iron nails fastened in the walls, and the partition betwixt the kitchen and the Shop, so that some of their rows may include lesser, some greater boxes; some, Earthen-pots; some, Glasses; some, Tinne-vessels; and some, Wood-vessels: so diligently and discreetly collocated, that those that are of more frequent use, may not be in the same row with those that are more rarely exhibited; but that the one sort may be nearer at hand, and the other remote. The names also of the Medicaments, must be inscribed upon every vessel, and bag, wherein they are included; that the Medicament to be exhibited, may soon be seen, and not mistaken for another. CHAP. 2. Of Instruments necessary for the Shop. THe Shops supellectuals, all which are either useful, or necessary, are almost innumerable: Those are useful, but more profitable, which are more expetible for their ornament, and greater splendour, than their inservience; as many Silver vessels, which take much with the vulgar; and the Apothecaries may by this external show, acquire that glory, which by their learning and skill they cannot reach; and they are blamed by Hypocrates, who think this curious stuff either odious or illiberal. That same supellex is necessary, which serves either to repose Medicaments in, as many: Earthen, Glassy, Argenteous, Stanneous, Plumbeous, Cupreous, and Brasen-vessels; for Syrupes, Sapes, Eclegms, Electuaries, Powders, Oils, Salves, and Unguents: of which hereafter: or to prepare them; as, Marbles, Mortars, Pestles, of Wood, Stone, and Metals; Rudicles, Pots, Kettles, Basins, Dishes, Pottengers, Frying-pans, Frixories, Polishers, Files, Sieves, Stainers, Presses, Gauntlers, Weights, Tongues, Knives, Marble rabbles, manifold Alembics, Refrigerative Channels, called Scrpentine Lakes, in Fundibles, and many more, which it may be the Apothecary will not use once in a year. Chemists have yet besides these, some peculiar supellectils, which a witty fellow calls, The Instruments of Fallacy, and not of Pharmacy: but this I would speak of their abuse, and not of their use. The appellation and form of many Pharmaceutrical instruments, are sooner known then their special uses; for every one knows Saws, Files, Hammers and Knives; but the Apothecaries use for these, is to scrape Boars-teeths, Ivory, Guaiacum; to attenuate them into dust, and levigate all such things, as cannot by attrition be pulverated: but other artificers use them in the works of their Arts; as the Goldsmith, in making Rings, Bracelets, and vessels of Gold or Silver; the Blacksmith in making Nails; and all use Hammers, Anvils, and Tongues, to their peculiar works. The Knives necessary for Pharmacopolies, must not be of one sort only, but some greater than others, some oblong, others short, and others otherwise form. The long and mucronated Knives, are much in use to scrape and purge roots; to divide and cleave the minute-boughs of wood, and caulicles of herbs: the shorter, which are not acuminated, but obtuse, whose backs are very crass, serve to cut Sugar into lumps; some whereof are very short, but broad, of a Lunar shape, like those wherewith Shoemakers cut their hides; wherewith some oleaginous seeds, and condited barks, which cannot be pulverated by a , may be cut small. They serve also to divide Liquorice into small pieces, that it may ingrede the confection of common junkets. There is also another Knife longer than the rest, whose point is reflected like a hook, which fastened upon another hook set in the table, will with much ease divide Wood and Roots, while its haft is pressed. Yet all these varieties of Knives are not absolutely necessary in each Shop; for the same Knife which in the Kitchen cuts bread, may in the Shop divide Wax, and scrape Roots. CHAP. 3. Of Mortars and Pestles. NO one Instrument is either so necessary, or so frequently used in a Pharmacopoly, as a Mortar: for nothing almost can either be made up, or brought to that pass, without the help of the Mortar. For seeing all Medicinal materials are ordinarily rude, and indigested, and nothing almost exhibited, as it comes out of the bosom of our Grandmother Nature; most things must by triture be divided, agitated, levigated, and subacted into composition, in a Mortar. And seeing that matter is multifarious, and requires various preparations, not only from the industry of the Apothecary, but the adjument of the Instruments; wherein it acquires not only a convenient form, and a due magnitude, but a fit matter, from which the Medicament may mutuate something: and therefore Piles or Mortars are made of various Materials; as of Marble, Achates, Alabaster, or other stone; and of Tin, Led, Iron, Brass, Copper; as also of Glass, and Ivory; and of Silver and Gold, more for ostentation, then pure necessity. One of Lead, or Glass, or Stone, is enough; but many of Brass, one whereof must be very ample, for such things as are hard or large; another small, for Musk, Amber, Civet, Bezaar-stone, and such Aromaticks. Betwixt both, many of several magnitudes; some whereof may serve for Potions, others for Glisters or Electuaries. They must have as many Pestles as Mortars, made also of the like matter; for a plumbeous best fits a plumbeous Mortar; a brazen one, a brazen Mortar; but an Iron fits all Metals, and a wooden all stony Mortars, and all such as new herbs are brayed in. When dry things must be pulverated, the Mortar must be covered with Paper or Leather, lest the small Powder fly out and perish, or trouble the brayers nose and eyes. Marble tables and Purple stones are also requisite for the smaller levigation of some things; as Margarites and Precious stones, which may be levigated very small, with a little Rose-water, or other liquor, for the medics scope. CHAP. 4. Of Spatulaes' and Spoons. Spatulaes' and Spoons, are as it were the Apothecaries second hands, wherewith he agitates Medicaments, while they are tunded in Mortars, or cocted in Dishes, that the pulveration and coction of each part may be equal; and with these he records the Medicaments in idoneous vessels, and with these takes them out for uses. Now Spatulaes' are broad at one end, like the blade of a bone, which the Barbarians call Spatulae. The figure of these Spatulaes' is all one, to wit, triangular and oblong, but their matter divers; for some are made of Silver, as those little ones which Chirurgeous use; others of Wood, as thatrudicle, wherewith they agitate the palmeous Emplaster while it is cocting, which is made of a Palm-bough; others of Iron, as almost all the rest, whether great or small, wherewith Apothecaries work their soft Medicaments, as Honey, Winter-oyl, liquid Electuaries, and the like confections. The Shop-spoons are made of Iron and Copper; the Table-spoons of Silver, and of Wood for the Rustic and poorer people; they make little ones of Ivory and Horn, which serve for measuring all Powders, and putting them into the scales. Many also of these materials are used in Kitchins, to despumate decoctions: Wood and Silver Spoons are also used in Shops, but not Glass ones, because they are so easily frangible; nor Iron ones, because they contract rust, as Brazen ones also: but they may use any of them, so the servants have a care to keep them clean, and absterge them as soon as they are inquinated. CHAP. 5. Of their Caldrons, and other Metalline Vessels. MAny take Ahenum and Cacabum for the same; but in proper locution, Ahenum is a brazen vessel, profund and operculated, with a handle on the one side, whereby it may be holden in one's hand, and shut at ones pleasure: it serves especially for elixating of water in, which must either be drunk alone, or mixed with some Wine. Rich men for sanity, or rather vanities sake, have such vessels of Silver, that the cocted water may not smell of Copper. A Dish is another brazen vessel, much broader and larger, wherein Simples are cocted, Compounds made, and Fruits condited: it hath two ears or handles, on each side one, that it may be set on, or taken off the fire more easily: it is set on the fire upon a threefooted Iron Instrument, with hot coals under it, that the liquor therein contained may boil. A Pottenger is another aeneous, small, but patulous vessel; whereunto a long start, and a ferreous handle is suffixed, that it may be more commodiously set on the fire, and holden in either hand. Such Medicaments as are given in small quantity, are cocted herein; as one dosis of a Medicament, a small Electuary, a Rosaceous Julip, and the like. A Frying-pan is another kind of dish, very patulous, with a long start, which they use in Kitchens to fry flesh, in shops to fry seeds in; as Coriander with Vinegar, to castigate some quality in it, Millet-seed with Wine, or some other liquor, fit for some part. A Cauldron is another brazen vessel, which suspended on a Chimney-hook, hangs over the fire, that whatsoever is contained in its cavity may be cocted. But seeing this, and more of the vessels are culinary ones, I shall not need to stand any longer upon their description; especially seeing the Apothecary knows them well, who uses them often to prepare the decoctions of Simples, and to the preparation of Syrupes, Unguents, and other Confections. CHAP. 6. Of Torculars and Presses. PHarmacopolists have also their little Torculars, wherewith they express success and oils by pressure; and this sort of Press is made of two short pieces of wood, alike in form and magnitude; each whereof have two holes so cunningly excavated, that within they seem to be two carved circles, not recurring one against another; wherein two iron Rods are introduced, which by turning extrinsecally, abduce the beams, and open the Press; but by prying intrinsically, adduce and shut it, pressing the interposed matter, and expressing its watery or oleous succe. There should be two Presses in each Pharmacopoly; one to express aqueous success out of green fruits and herbs; and another, oleous out of Olives. Such things as are to be pressed, should by coction or triture be prepared for the press: by coction, thus; flesh must be prepared, whose expressed succe is given to such as are tabid and lean, by long diseases: by triture, as some oleaginous Woods, Fruits, and Seeds: which last, lest they should leap and fly away, must be included in a bag, or a strong cloth, that they may be better compressed, and the tenuious substance more easily separated from the crass one. Thus Oil of Almonds is educed; thus the juice of Lentisks, Dates, Nuts, Line-seed, and the like, is expressed, as we shall hereafter show. CHAP. 7. Of Sieves and Incernicles. PHarmacopolists have now got a custom, to call those Instruments which separate the purer portion of the Medicament from the crasser, Sieves: but this rustic enunciation is too licentious and abusive; since rustics Sieves, not Apothecaries Instruments, are made of skins perviated with many, but small holes, to purge Corn with. There are also other Sieves made of Horses hairs, intertexed like a web, to segregate the Bran from flower; which Aromataries sometimes use in dividing their Powders, and purging their Prunes, and Cassia-Fistula, from their stones and seed, which by them are called seraceous subcirnicles, and sometimes excussive incernicles, because agitated betwixt their hands they excuss the small Powder. They are sometimes made of Wood, as when Teile-bark is discerpted into long and small fibres, and lattice-wise connexed, for the cribration of crasser Powders. There are many common Sieves, but one peculiar to Aromataries; which being contexed with more artifice, they call Tamis: it is sometimes made of Horse's hair, often of fine linen, and oftest of silk, operculated above and below with a Ram's skin upon a bending Wood, that the Powder received in the one casket, may by cribration pass into the other, without any loss by prosilition. Some of these are less than others, which are more idoneous, for suparating precious Powders, which are only softly holden in ones hard, and the Powder delabes without violence; others do not transmit the tenuious Powder without much percussion. There is yet another kind of sieve, in form of a great box, much in use; in whose middle a certain web is intended, through which the Powders superimposed, fall into the inferior part of the box: The trajection of the Powder will be more easy and quick, if a Tin or Silver weight be superposed together with the Powder, that by its motion and gravity may impel the excussive sieve against some solid body. All sieves and incernicles serving to segregate dry things, must be moved, agitated, and impelled; but for moist things, they must remain quiet and immote; yet the trajection of the things to be separated, may be helped by a Spoon or Manipulus; as the pulpes of Tamarinds, Cassia, or Prunes; as also Roots and herbs first cocted to putrelage, then transmitted by this adjument, for the confection of Cataplasms. CHAP. 8. Of Colatories or Strainers. NEither can Pharmacopolies be without colatories of silk, linen, Canvas, and woollen; some whereof are rare, others dense, and others indifferent; and some again, are new, others almost worn; and yet the newest are most used, because the whole succe of the thing to be strained, may by more valid compressure be educed, without the fracture of the cloth. But sometimes these, sometimes the weaker are taken, according to the consistency of the success: those that are of themselves tenuious, need a denser strainer, lest the tenuious part be not only transmitted, but some gross matter with it. Those that are crass and viscid, must he trajected through a rare strainer; those of a middle consistency, through a cloth of a middle density. Crass and viscid success require three things; strong percolation, more ample dilution, and a rarer colatory or strainer: they must also be calified before collation; for so their density will be more rarified, and they more easily transmeate; yea, many will not percolate at all, unless they be very hot, others when cold, and some only warm: some need only one colature, others two, and others more; the first colature must be in a rare strainer, the second in a dense one, and the third in a more compact one, that passage may be obstructed to all filth: those that are of a liquid consistency, if they be to be purcolated twice or thrice, it may be done in the same strainer. There are certain Woollen Strainers, of a long and pyramidal figure, numerated amongst these colatories, which they call Hypocrates his sleeves, wherein the Hippocratical Wine is twice or thrice strained, till it be clear. These serve also for straining Melicras, congealing salves, and many decoctions, that all extraneous matters may be separated from them, and they remain sincere, as we have showed in our Institutions. CHAP. 9 Of Furnaces. SOme Furnaces serve only for decoctions, and receive Kettles, Dishes, Caldrons, and other vessels; wherein simples are cocted, prepared and compounded: others for distillations, and receive Cucurbites, Retorts, Bladders, Pots, and other vessels, accommodated to Distillations; made either by Ascent, or Descent. Those that serve for decocting Medicaments, are not of one sort; for some are portatile and rotund, made of molten or beaten Iron; which as their inferior parts stand upon three valid legs, so doth their superior emit three oblong auricles, more prominent than the Furnaces lips, whereon the Vessels to be calified are superimposed. Their supreme part is patulous, like some gaping Mortar; into which coals are immitted; a Gridiron, or ferreous trabicles, being supposited, which may give way to the falling ashes, which are afterwards extracted out of the posternal door, struct for that purpose: others are made of Clay, and Bricks; which are almost quadrate, fixed, and , standing upon no feet, but within like the other. Those which serve for distillations, whether we look at the matter whereof, or form wherein, they are made, are multifarious; for some are made of Iron, others of Copper, others of Potter's earth, others of common clay, Bricks, and other businesses requisite to structure; furthermore, some are round, as the Metalline Furnaces, which have ears on both sides, that they may be carried by others; Quadrilaterous, Pentagonous, Multifarious, fixed, and ; wherein three Prothecaries are made; the Inferior, the Superior, and the Middle. The inferior receives the ashes, and is thence called the Cirerist, or by the usual Chemical term, Conistery; whereinto a door opens, by which the burning coals are ventilated by the wind, the Pabulum suppeditated to the fire, and the ashes extracted: the middle Region of the Furnace, wherein the fire is, which is divided from the Conistery by a certain craticle, is called Focus by the latter age; for in it is the fomentation of the calour, which califies the superimposed, in the superior Chamber of the Furnace; which is variously form, according to the various magnitude and figure of the vessel imposed near that part where the Funary tube is, are certain previations for the smoke to evade by. But we have tradited the most usual description of a Furnace, in our Institutions: (C. 31. Book 2.) And as structure of the distillative Furnaces is various, so is it in many elegant: for some are built like a Tower, like a Tortoise, and Simple, which only contain one vessel; others are struct with very much artifice, and are manifold, assurging with five or more turricles, each one whereof contains a peculiar vessel; thus one vessel may be full of hot water, to distil by a bath; another of ashes; another of sand; another of another matter, according to the various scope of the Operator: but I would have a Pharmacopoly filled with thus many Furnaces, seeing it is made for Medicaments, rather than Instruments. CHAP. 10. Of Alembics and Cucurbites. AN Alembick in its larger acception, complects Cucurbites, Retorts, Glass-pots, and a certain Instrument of Copper, with three feet and three partitions; in the lowest whereof ashes have their place; in the middle burning coals; and in the highest a vessel covered with a rostrated capitel, in form of a Cone, and sometimes round, with a refrigeratory, form like a small cup, that it may hold more water; which when it is hot, may be effunded through a cock; posited in its decline, and other cold water affunded into it again. But it's more angust signification, denotes only a certain beaked distillatory vessel, joined to another vessel, contained in the superior part of the furnace; and such are our Alembics, of Lead, Glass, or Potters-clay, whether uniform, or acuminated above, broad below, like a bell, whence they are so called: yet some are capitated and round, and often obvallated with a certain refrigerative vessel, which they sometimes call a Capitel, sometimes a Hat; because as the Head is covered with a Hat, so is that receptacle or vessel, which contains the stillatitious matter; whose various form altars its denomination, covered with an Alembick. It is sometimes called a Cucurbite; sometimes a Bladder; sometimes Boccia, Matratium, a Pot, and other names. But the Bell, whether it be alone, or set on the receptacle, is called an Alembick; whereof there are two main differences, the one is beaked, which emits a long channel, propendent like the snout of an Elephant, through which condensed vapours delabe into the supposited vessel; the other wants this tube, and is called a blind Alembick: this is proper to the Chemists, who use it in sublimation, as the beaked one in distillation: some of these have such a long tube, that they can traject it through the middle of a hogshead, full of cold water; which concretes, and contemperates the delabing water better. Many have a beak deflected like a Serpent or Worm, which name it holds; and is most accommodate to distil Aqua vitae, which the Chemists call Elixir vitae. The magnitude also, and figure of the receptacles, are various; for some are very ample, and bellied; others so small, that they exceed not the magnitude of a Walnut; and these are destinated to Chemical operations: others are moderate in capacity, some whereof are strait, as Vials, Urinals, Pots, Cucurbites, whether greater or less, and Separatories; others inflicted, as Retorts, a crooked Boccia, called Cornumuse. Those things are distilled in strait Cucurbites, which are easily sublevated on high; as Roots, Seeds, Leaves, Flowers, and Atomatas; those in obliqne ones, which are not so easily elevated, as Rosins, Lachrymae, Fats and Gums. CHAP. 11. Of Tables and Counters necessary in Pharmacopolies. NO Householdstuff so small, no cottage so mean, but it contains a Table, or some thing to eat at, and use; for the Table doth not always serve for meat, but many more works; as in a Pharmacopoly, to receive simples while they be selected, separated, prepared, measured, orderly disposed, and put into composition. Therefore when some solemn and great composition is to be made, as the Treacle, Mithridate, Aurea Alexandria, or the like, the Apothecary must make use of a long Table, not in the shop, but in some more retired cubicle, where he may more liberally select, accurately ponderate, safely keep, and exactly mix and compound his Medicaments. And a Money-Counter, or two, must needs be had, in every Pharmacopoly; for all that are bought, or sold almost, are laid thereupon; this receives all that are measured, trutinated, brayed in small Mortars divided with Knives, or integrally exhibited. It's form should be quadrilateral, and it should have many exemptile boxes in its antic part, which might hold many seeds, and keep other necessaries: in the other side, next the seat where the Apothecary sits, should be some larger boxes locked up, wherein some precious Medicaments may be contained. On the top there should be a chink, or scissure, whereinto the Money received, and gained, must be dimitted. Over the counter there should hang a certain Instrument, fastened to the beams with nails, not unlike a I inverted; in the inseriour part whereof, wooden or iron nails should be fastened, whereon Scales of divers magnitudes, Tongues, Spatula's, and other instruments should be suspended, which being at hand, might not be to seek. Besides the wooden ones, they should have some Tables of Marble or Purple-stone, with a Brayer of the same matter, wherewith Precious-stones may be levigated. They must have also a strait Log, which for ornament may be engraven with soeveral images, to under-set their greatest Mortar. CHAP. 12. Of little Chests, Boxes, and other officinary Vessels. ALl the vessels in a Pharmacopoly, serve either for preparation of Medicaments, whereof I have already treated; or for their reposition, of which now: and they are Bottles, Pots for Ointments, Pots, Capruncles, Pitchers, Chests, and Boxes. Bottles are well known, and they are either of Glass or Clay, serving for the repositure of distilled waters, which should occupy the lowest part of the Pharmacopoly; these waters being heavier, and in greater quantity than other Medicaments: and when frost comes, these Bottles should be reposed in a cellar, that their waters may not be concreted, till the rigour of the cold be over. Oyl-pots, which serve for keeping Oils, are sometimes of Potter's clay; but more frequently of Tin, and obduced with a cover, that they may be operculated or opened with speed: Oils educed by infusion, should be reposed herein. There are great store of Pots in a Pharmacopoly; the greatest part whereof are of Tin, some of Earth, and a few of Lead: Unguents are kept and reposed herein. Capruncles are all of Potters-clay, white and smooth within, with a handle on one side, a tube on the other, through which the liquor may be effunded; and a very patulous orifice above, that the liquor may more easily be affunded: they are adorned with various colours and shapes: Syrupes are reposed herein. Besides these vessels, there should be small ones, like little Pitchers, of Glass or Clay, wherein cordial Powders may be kept; and they have a peculiar place, adorned with more artifice, to stand in. There should be also other small vessels of Tin, wherein several Masses for Pills are reconded; each one in a peculiar skin wrapped. There must be also certain ligneous vessels, for the reposition of Medicaments; as Baskets, Chests, and Boxes. Baskets are contexed of vimineous boughs or rushes, wherein many fruits are reposed: and they are ordinarily set in the posterior tabern, or other angle of the shop; but if they be small ones, they may be suspended in the shop. Chests are quadrilateral, consisting of five short boards artificially conjoined, besides a lid; wherein Barks, Wood, Mushrooms, Flowers, Tables, Bones, Horns, Cleyes, and the dry parts of Animals are reposed. Boxes are round and profund; either made with a throw, or composed of a thin broad chip, brought to a round form; wherein dry success, Lachrymae, Gums, Minerals, and some dry Roots, are reposed. The forepart of Boxes and Chests which stand before the shopsdoor, should be adorned with certain Pictures; only a space should be left, wherein the Name of the contained might be inscribed in golden or other letters. Dry Plants are kept sometimes in Chests, sometimes in Bags; as also many small roots; great roots are trajected on a thread suspended, and so dried and kept. Thus I think I have briefly described all the Officinary supellectils; which if any, because of the tenuity of his fortune, cannot purchase all, he must get the more necessary. CHAP. 13. Of the Conservation of whole or parts of Simples in a Pharmacopoly. THe number of Simples which a Pharmacopolist stands in need of, is indefinitive: for seeing all things sown or produced, all things on which man conculcates, or which he can handle, are dirigible to his subsidy; He that would in a short Catalogue complect all Medicinal Materials, undertakes no less, than he that would depinge in a very small Table, the vastity of the Universe. Nic. Praepositus indeed, in the beginning of his Antidotary, in many Chapters recenseates many Simples, wherewith the Apothecary should be furnished: but without doubt he hath not mentioned the hundredth part of all that serve to Medicinal uses: for every land brings not forth every Medicament; but that which Nic. knew, some; this that he never saw, others whereof he never made trial nor heard: out of India, and other Foreign Countries, some Simples are brought, never before seen, nor known to us, and that daily. And however, though to recenseate all Simples, and describe the name and form of such as are of diuturnal use, be burdensome and superfluous, seeing special Physicians undertaking this task, have not so satisfied the minds of young men, but many of them will say, That they have either forgotten many, or spoken of many superfluously: But let such Sycophants withhold, whom Jupiter himself cannot please: we will prosecute our purpose, and recenseate the chief Simples which should be conserved in Pharmacopolies. And these Simples of use, are either green or dry; the green are partly suppeditated by the vicine Country, partly by Gardens; which may be depromed from each, when need requires; as Hortensian Plants from Gardens, and Sylvestrian from Woods, and other rural and incultivated places. Wherefore it were needless to deduce all green Plants, whereof the Apothecary hath diuturnal use, into his Pharmacopoly, and so superfluous for him to be furnished and surrounded with these; when it is enough for him to have a few of them at opportune seasons, when exigence requires. For a heap of green Simples, by long asservation, putrefy, and both their quality and quantity are worsted. Therefore the Apothecary's act prudently, who collect or buy green herbs only for a half or a whole week; for it were folly for a man to onerate his shop with Mallows, Violets, Mercury, Brankurfine, Pelletory of the wall, Fumatory, Endive, Sowthistle, Purslane, borage, Henbane, and innumerable such others, which are used only green, and collected in small quantity. Wherefore it were ridiculous to include these in bags, or repose them in boxes, when he may easily, when exigence calls for them, deprome them out of gardens or country; or if their season be past, by the Physician's advice substitute some other. Dry ones therefore are only necessary to be kept; as of Roots, the five apertives, and many other alteratives and purgatives; as the Roots of Cypress, Angelica, Enula-campana, Grass, Liquorice, the greater Madder, Tormentil, Bistort, Oinone, Gentian, Paeony, Orris-grass, Acorus, Galingal, Ginger, Sweet-cane, both Berthworts, Asarum, Showbread, Bartram, Dittany, Avens, both the Ferns, Water-betony, Sea-Holly, Ragwort, Bugloss, Sorrel, China, Sarsaparilla, Marshmallows, the sea-Onyon, Garlic, the greater Comfrey, Bryony, Mechoacam, Turbith, Polypody, Rhaponticum, Meadow-saffron, Rhabarb, Walwort, both the Hellebores, and others less usual; besides those that are usurped green. Of cauls and leaves, these are especially to be preserved: both the Wormwood's, Mint, Balsamite, Southernwood, Germander, Groundpine, Hyssop, Calamint, Nep, Horehound, Penyroyal, Wintersavery, Thyme, Origanum, Dill, Rue, Lavender, Marjoran, Basil, mother of Thyme, Clary, Scordium, Chamomile, Melilot, Centory, Cetrach, Dittany, Dodder, S. Johns-wort, Knotgrass, Betony, Balm, Rosemary, Travellers-joy, Fluellen, Vervine, Marshmallows, yellow Henbane, Mullen, Stoechas, Tamarisk, Mother-wort, Polium, Senna, Laureol, and Bays. Some Flowers also must be kept, because their faculties soon perish, but especially the three cordial Flowers, and also the Flowers of Roses, Pomegranates, Sage, Rosemary, Violets, Chamomile, Melilot, Broom, Orange, Walflowers, Jasmine, Gillyflowers, Betony, S. Johns-wort, Water-lillies, and Saffron. Seeds necessary to be kept, are the four greater Refrigeratives, the four lesser Refrigeratives, and the seed of Marshmallows, Arach, Radish, Barberies, Plantain, Quinces, Fleabit, Line, Foenugreek, Cumin, Dill, Aniseed, Fennel, Coriander, Agnus Castus, Lady's Rose, Burdock, Bastard-saffron, Dwarf, Elder, Petroseline, Smallage, Ruscus, Asparagrasos, Gromwel-gith, Poppy, Basil, Purslain, Carrot, Angelico, Mustard, Brooklime, Treacle, mustard, Hartwort of Candy, Lovage, Rocket, Winter-cherry, Bays, Ground-Ivy, Juniper, Cardamomes, and all the Peppers, with many more. Many Fruits also must be kept in Pharmacopolies; as, both sweet and bitter Almonds, all sorts of Nuts, Oranges, Citrons, odoriferous Apples, Russetins, Coloquintido, Sorb-apples, the fruit of the Cornel-tree, Prunes, Dates, Mulberries, Figs, Quinces, Jujubees, Galls, Olives, Capers, Cypress-Nuts, Acorns, Tamarinds, Myrobalans, Cherries, * Anacardium. the Beans of Malaca, etc. Barks and Cores are either peeled off the Roots of Plants, as the bark of the Root of the Capers shrub, or of the trunk of Plants, as Cinnamon; or of their Fruits, as of Oranges, Lemons, Pomegranates, and the like: few whereof need be preserved, because when exigence calls for them, they may be taken of the Fruits and Roots. Many Gums are necessary; as Ammoniacum, Galbanum, Sagapenum, Bdellium, Opoponax, Assa-foetida, Rosin, clarified Rosin, Tragacanth, Storax, Gumme-Elemni, Cedri, of the Cherrytree, Ivy, Prune, Juniper, Arabic, Mastic, Gumme-Lacc. Myrrh, and Frankincense, with many more. Other success are kept, either liquid, and in bottles, with a little Oil above them, as the juice of Lemons, Gooseberries, and Barberries; or dried, as Liquorice-juyce, as Opium, Acacia, Elaterium, Aloes, and Scammony. More distilled Waters also must be preserved then Nic. recenseates: for, who can enumerate, how many and how various, both Simples, and compound Waters, are now distilled in shops, not only out of Plants, but also out of integral Animals, or their parts? But the use of cordial Waters is most frequent, and celebrated, as of the Waters of Scabiose, Devilsbit, Goatsbeard, Bugloss, borage, Roses, Marigolds, Woodsorrel, Scordium: and of cooling Waters, these; Endive, Succory, Water-lilly, Purslain, Plantain, Nightshade, Lettuce, and many other waters, which respect the Head, Lungs, or other parts of the Body; as of Betony, Balm, Eyebright, Fluellen, Coltsfoot, Liverwort, Egrimony, Ground-pine, Tamaris, Pimpinel, Radish, Saxifrage, Pellitory, Hyssop, Mugwort, etc. CHAP. 14. Of Minerals and Metals to be kept in Pharmacopolies. THey err equally, who ablegate all Minerals from the number of Medicament, and who usurp them only in expugning diseases: for, as they do not conduce in all diseases; so it is certain, that they profit in some cases: for Minerals afford us every kind of Medicament, to wit, Alterative, Roborative, Cathartical: Chalk, Litharge, and Vitriol, alterate; the Hyacinth, Terra-Lemnia, and Emerald, roborate; Lapis-Cyaneus, Stibium, and Mercury, purge. The effect also, besides the Testimony of perite men, shows, that there are eximious faculties in Metals; for Gold beaten into thin leaves, and taken with other idoneous Medicaments, cures many affections: Avicenna prescribes it chief to such as are Melancholical, and to such as should have their faculties roborated, or spirits exhilarated; and hence its dust is exhibited by the richer, either in cordial confections, which receive of its leaves, as Aurea Alexandrina, the confection of Alkermes, and Electuarium de Gemmis. Gold is Chieftain amongst Metals, next Silver, than Brass, Tin, Led, and Iron: some add a seventh, to wit, Mercury, which is a Metal rather potentially, then actually; but there are almost innumerable Minerals, as all the sorts of earths, amongst which Lemnia holds the chief seat; then, Bole-Oriental, then Erethrian, Setenusian, Samian, and Synopical earth, with Ochre, and such Minerals as are effoded out of the bowels of the Earth; as fossil Salts, Lime, Talkum, Misy, Sorry, Red-Lead, Chalk, Vitriol, Chrysocolla, Auripigmentum, Alom, Sulphur, Crystal, Stibium; and such as cleave to Metals, or are collected out of Furnaces wherein Metals are melted, as the flower of Brass, Cadmia, Ceruse, Brass-Scales, Lead-Ocre, Pompholix, Spodium, lethargy, and the dross of Brass. Many stones also are much celebrated amongst Minerals, which for their eximious virtues, and pulchritude, are called precious stones; as the Saphyr, Ruby, Carbuncle, Emerald, Hyacinth, Granatus, Topaz, Beril, Achates, Sarda, Carchedony, Haematites, Jasper, Selenite, Magner, Pumic, and Alum: whereunto we may add those those that are elicited out of the Sea and waters; as odorate Amber, Sea-Salt, Whales-spume, Bitumen, Coral, Amber, Jet, Antal, Dental, Coralin, Sponges, and some others, which being endued with a more imbecile faculty in Medicine, are omitted. CHAP. 15. Of Animals, or parts thereof, which are to be kept in Pharmacopolies. ANimals both nourish us while well, ture us while sick, and vest us always; or by some other means, whether they be living, or intemperate, tend to our emolument: as when we use them wholly, or some part or excrement of them, to the curation of our diseases, nutrication of our bodies, or instauration of our strength: for Musk and Givet, though excrements, wonderfully roborate the heart and spirits. Infects are integrally usurped, such as be Spanish-Flyes, Asels, Worms, Lizards, Aunts, Vipers, Scorpions, Frogs, Crabs, Swallows, and some littles Birds. The Medicinal parts of Animals are many, as a man's scull unburied, a Heart's heart-bone, Sparrows and Hares brains, Boars and Elephants teeth, Frogs hearts, Foxes Lungs, Goats Livers, Wolves intestines, Beavers and Cocks testicles, Hogs bladders, Hearts genitals, Serpents skins; Man's, Hogs, Goose's, Sheep's, Ducks, Badgers, Coneys, Goats, Snakes, and Land-Snakes fat; Hearts, Calves, and Goat's marrow; Man's, Stock-Doves, and Goat's blood; all Milk, and all that comes of it, as Whey, Cheese, and Butter; Hens, Partridges, and Aunts eggs; Honey, Wax, Propolis; Harts, Does, and Unicorns horns; Elkes, Ox's, and Goats Cleyes; Oysters, Margarites, and many fishes shells. And seeing excrements have their Medicinal virtues, Pharmacopolists must also have them in keeping; as Goats, Dogs, Storks, Peacocks, and Stock-Doves dung; Sheep's grease, Silk, Musk, Civet, and the hairs of some Animals. And that I may briefly complect all, all the simple Medicaments we have described in our three Books of Medicinal matter, are necessary for a Pharmacopolist. CHAP. 35. Of Compound Medicaments, to be kept in Pharmacopolies. When the Pharmaceutrical Art was not yet reducted to an Art, nor any Medicaments, save a few, described or digested into order; then, what compounds should be retained, and what rejected, was not determinable. Nicolaus Praepositus indeed described many Medicaments; some whereof he himself disapproves of, others he transcribed not faithfully, and others he depraved, by changing something in them: so that from his writings, we cannot conjecture what to keep, or what not. Nic. Alexandrinus heaps up such a mole of Medicaments, that they would rather puzzle, then help an Apothecary. Actuarius also, Aetius, and Oribasius, describe many; which consisting of unknown, and rare Simples, are found either inept, or neglected, as endued with no eximious qualities. Amongst the latter Writers, Ferneleus, Silvius, and Rondeletius, have diligently examined the Medicaments invented by the Ancients, and have rejected some as inconcinnate, others they have proved, illustrated, and commended, as invented by riper Judgements, and endued with Nobler faculties. I have diligently selected the most excellent from learned men, and the most approved from old and expert men; and of them extracted my Pharmaceutrical shop, or Antidotary, orderly composed into six books; wherein all the approved troop of Alterative, Purgative, and Roborative Medicaments, are described; which being used either by intrinsecal assumption, or adhibition, I have exhibited those to be introsumed, if Alteratives, in form either of syrupes, or sapes, or conserveses, or eclegms; if Purgatives, either in the form of a liquid Electuary, or a solid one, or Trochisks, or Pills; if Roboratives, either in form of a powder, or an opiate confection, or of Pastils: those to be extraneously adhibited, either in form of an Oil, or an Unguent, or a salve. All which receipts and forms of Medicaments we have exhibited in distinct Books and Chapters, described in a good method; wherein all the Medicaments are contained, wherewith Pharmacopolies should be furnished and guarded. He shall require no more, neither can he be well furnished with fewer, who desires well to cure the several affections of man's body. The Apothecary's Shop, OR, ANTIDOTARY. THE FIRST BOOK. Of Alterative and Preparative Medicaments, Distinguished into eight SECTIONS. The first whereof describes only Syrupes selected and approved by long use. THE PREFACE. HOw necessary a Method is in delivering of Disciplines, I think is well known to any moderately-learned man: For without a method, there is no certain rule, neither for Learner or Teacher to walk by: but with this, Arts are more firmly established, their Theorems more optably read, and easily learned. Yet you shall scarce find two, who in writing Antidotaries, have kept in one road, or disposed their Compounds in one order. Some preposterously propose Nic. Praepositus for their example; who himself imitating one Nic. Alexandrinus, out of whose Works he excerpted those his Works, he calls [Joan. Agricol. Ammonius, and M. Tatius Alpin.] went on Alphabetically, treating first of those Medicaments which begun with the letter (A) then with the letter (B) and so he spoke promiscuously of the Antidotes Acetum Scylliticum and Amylum. Silvius, Fernelius, and Joubertus, of the later Writers, have assayed by certain Laws and Rules, to establish an orderly and duly-disposed method; yet they much descent among themselves; and what one of them approves, another disapproves: yet all think that order is best, which curation prescribes: for a series of words only demonstrate. We have observed this method in our Shop, wherein are contained all Medicaments, for the expugnation of all diseases; not confusedly described, but such as must be introsumed, are digested in the former part of the Antidotary, such as must be extrinsecally adhibited in the latter part thereof. The first part is distributed into three Books; the first whereof treats of Alterative and Preparative Medicaments; the second of Purgatives; and the third of Cordials, or Roboratives. Each Book is disterminated into many Sections, and they subdivided into many Chapters; the first whereof treats of Syrupes; and first of such as are made of the first and Spring-flowers, as Syrup of Violets, Syrup of Coltsfoot, and of the flowers of Peach-trees. CHAP. 1. Syrupus Violarum; or Syrup of Violets. ℞ of Violet flowers fresh, and picked 2 lb. Infuse them eight hours in 5 pints of hot scalding water, in a close * An Insusionpot. The Author appoints an equal quantity of sugar to the infusion. pot well glazed: afterwards press them out; and the same Infusion made hot again, add to it the same quantity as before of fresh Violets, Infusing them 8 hours more, and so sive times repeated: add to the Colature 10 lb. ℥ x. of Loaf-sugar, and so make it into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Nature alone confects no Syrups, but they acquire their mixtion, coction, and consistence, by Art: yet that which is made of Violets, Water, and Sugar only, is called a simple Syrup, in reference to the more compound; which besides these, admit of the seeds of Quinces, Mallows, Jujubs, Sebesten, and the water of Gourds; whose Author they make Mesue: but, that I know of, I never found it thus confected in him. That which we call the Simple Syrup is made in every Pharmacopoly, but not alike simply confected: for it is sometimes made of the succe of Violets and Sugar, sometimes of the same, infused and expressed twice, thrice or oftener; for many infuse and macerate new Violets seven times, others eight, and some nine. But Fernelius thinks that so oft iterated infusion is needless: They in vain (saith he) reiterate the maceration of Violets nine times, for Syrup of Violets; seeing after the third or fourth infusion, the Syrup will be as efficacious as after more: But I think that better which is confected by many infusions. Some put the expressed succe of Violets, others the conserve of Violets, in this syrup, incrassated by coction, to make it more Violaceous: others make it of pure succe of Violets, and white sugar; others coct their sugar first, to the consistence of an Electuary, and afterwards, with the said succe of Violets, into the crassitude of a syrup. Many put a difference betwixt the syrup of Violets, and the Violaceous syrup; calling that the syrup of Violets, which is made of purged flowers, and that violaceous, which is made of integral and not purged one's: and this indeed hath less of Violets faculties in it, but it is more solutive; for the herbaceous part is emollitive, as well as its leaves: some put only four pounds of sugar to five of succe, and coct it into the consistence of a syrup. Syrup of Violets breaks the acrimony of Choler, tempers the heat of the bowels, subduces the belly, Qualitates. and conduces to the vices of the breast. It is a special auxiliatory in pectoral and lateral inflammations, and against the roughness of the Aspera arteria: and is very good against the heat of Fevers, choleric and acute diseases, the ardour of the entrails, and will quench thirst. CHAP. 2. Syrupus Tusilaginis; or, Syrup of Coltsfoot. ℞ of Coltsfoot fresh m. vj. Maidenhair m. ij. Hyssop m.j. Liquorice ℥ ij. boil them in four pints of water, till the fourth part be consumed: let the Colature be clarified, and add thereunto of the finest sugar lb iij. boil it up to a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. This syrup is denominated from Tussilage, as from its basis, which ingredes it in greater quantity: Its author is uncertain, and thence its preparation various. But we have exhibited the best description, appointing the four prescribed simples, to be cocted in four pounds of water, but lightly. Those that make this syrup in the beginning of the spring, take only the flowers of Tussilage; those that make it in summer, add as much of the green leaves, as they take of its green flowers. Some make it in the middle of summer, only of the succe of its leaves depurated, and sugar: it may be very well made of the decoction of the flowers and sugar, and be called simple syrup, in reference to the former more compound, which admits of the true Maidens-hair; in stead whereof, Polytrichum may be substituted. It helps shortness and difficulty of breathing, the asperity of the windpipe; it cocts, moves, and expectorates spittle: but it must be licked like an Eclegm, that it may stick longer in the Osophage, and reach the amplitude of the asper artery. CHAP. 3. Syrupus florum Persicorum; Or, Syrup of the flowers of Peaches Tree. ℞ of Peach flowers fresh lb j Infuse them in three pints of warm Water, for xij hours; afterwards Boyl them a little, and express them; and let the like quantity of flowers be again infused in the same Colature, and this repeated five times; and to the Colature add lb iij. of sugar, which Boyl into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. This syrup is either made of the fruits, or the flowers of the Peach-tree: that which is made of its fruits is seldom in use, as Christophorus, Mesues commentator, confesses; and it is made in the beginning of Autumn, as that of the flowers in the beginning of the Spring. Three things require that this syrup be made of fewer infusions; to wit, the loss, penury and amaritude of the flowers: the loss of the flowers, which can be regained by no Art; for the flowers being evelled, new ones grow not again that year, and the tree remains fruitless: the Penury of them; for this tree is sative only, and without culture bears no fruit: their Amaritude, which will be more intolerable, by how much the infusions are more. This syrup educes water and choler, Vires. kills worms, frees the Mesentery from infarctures; for it opens the passages, incides and educes the humours. CHAP. 4. Syrupus de Lupulo; Or, Syrup of Hops. ℞ of the clarified juice of Hops lb iiij. the juice of Fumatory lb ij. white sugar lb vj. Boyl them according to Art, and make it into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. All do not describe this syrup alike: for some make it only of the succe of Hops and Sugar; others add the succe of Fumatory; to whose judgement I rather incline, for thus its faculties are bettered: it must not be made, till the season in the Spring be pretty hot; for till then, the Fumatory, whose succe is required, appears not; otherwise it must only be made of the succe of Hops depurated, and Sugar cocted to legitimate spissitude. It allays the heat of the entrails, Vires. attenuates cold and crass humours, educes hot ones; it conduces to the Jaundice, Leprosy, and all diseases caused by obstructions. CHAP. 5. Syrupus Rosarum Pallid: or, Syrup of Damask Roses. ℞ of Damask Roses fresh, lb vj. infuse them eight hours in a close vessel in lb xv. of warm Water; afterwards express the flowers, and let the same quantity be again infused, and this repeated nine times; and to the Colature add an equal weight of Sugar to the infusion, and so Boyl it into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Some put not so much sugar to it, but coct it longer, till it grow thick; and than it is more purgative, but less grateful to the palate: many following Mesues advice, keep the first, though twice-iterated infusion in a glass well operculated, putting Oil upon it, and insolating it forty days; and they call this maceration of Roses, not expressed, but infused Mucharum Rosarum. But lest some should judge us unmindeful of our purpose, because promising to treat here only of Alterative and Preparative Medicaments, we have adjoined syrup of Roses, which is absolutely Purgative; we Answer, that we describe the most usual syrupes, in the same order that the season of the year gives them; not remitting the Purgative, which are very few, till we treat of such Medicaments: besides, these that do purge, they do it so ignavely, that they are rather Preparatives than Purgatives. It is alterative and Hydragogous; for it tempers hotter humours, Vires. educes watery ones from very remote parts: if it be taken in great quantity, when it is new made, it is more Purgative; when older, less: it may safely be given to old men and children. CHAP. 6. Syrup of Hispidula, or Aelurope, vulgarly called Cats-foot. ℞ of the tops of the flowers of Cats-foot lb j infuse them a whole night and day in warm water lb v. afterwards Boyl them gently upon a small fire, till lb iiij. of the Colature remains; to which add Sugar lb iij. and so boil it into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. It is sure enough, that this syrup hath been but of late use, for they of our age invented it; and, being emboldened by much experience, approved of it. Joannes Gonerius, a Parisian Apothecary, and perite Medick, first made it at Paris; who seeing the Plant whereof it was made, coming from the Turenian fields, sought and found great plenty of it in fields near Paris, and of them he made his syrup annually, not borrowing elsewhere. It is variously called, to wit, Hispudula, Guaphilium, Coronario, Aelurope, or Cats-foot; and improperly Hartsfoot. This syrup is multifariously made; and yet none hath hitherto published its confections: some only take the summities of the Plant, or its Down, and macerate them in water; others take its flowers and leaves; to whom I easily assent: for thus it becomes more astrictive, and more convenient to stay fluxes; others add to its decoction, Liquorice, Jujubs, Raisins, Barley, and other bechical matters. But this description we have exhibited, is most usual; whereunto, if we add half a pound of rosaceous sugar, its quality will be more bechical and cordial, and its sapour more gracious. The manner of its preparation is so easy, that it needs no further dilucidation, then that which is in its perspicuous description: if no Plant but the dry one can be got, than its quantity must be less, and the waters greater. This syrup is eximious against many affections of the Lungs: for, Vires. Aelurope or Hispudula, being a vulnerary Plant, and astrictive, it doth not only cure wounds, and hinder Ulcers, but heal many other vices. It is most convenient for such as have fluxes descending into their breast, or have their Lungs infarciated with much pituitous humours: for it cohibits the violence of the falling humour, cocts the flux, roborates the part affected, and moves expectoration. CHAP. 7. Syrupus Papaveris simp. or, The Simple Syrup of Poppy. Mes. ℞ of the heads of white and black Poppy, of each ℥ xij. ss. macerate them a whole day in lb iiij. of Rain-water; and to lb j of the Colature, add Sugar and Penidees, of each ℥ vj. or lb ss. and so boil them into the consistency of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Mesue calls this syrup Simple, in reference to the more compound, whose confection hath many lenitives; as the seeds of Lettuce, Mallows, Quinces, Jujubs; Maidens-hair also and Liquorice ingrede: whereunto, if need be, Fernelius would have syrup of Violets, or Jujubs, to make up this simple syrup: he advises also to add less of black Poppy, because its use is not safe, and augment the quantity of the white: To which assertion, Joubertus assents against Rondeletius, and prescribes forty dragms of the black, to eighty of the white. Vulgar Apothecaries call this Syrup Diacodium, but imperitely; for Diacodium is reposed among the Opiates: yet one may supply the defect of the other, when sleep should be conciliated. Poppies heads, by Galens advice, must be so long cocted after maceration, till they be flaccid and marcid, and not till the third or fourth part of the water be left; for we cannot express their succe, but when they are marcid: and therefore it is in vain to coct them longer. Rain-water is the best; in defect whereof, we may use fountain-water, if it be limpid, insipid, and void of qualities; and therefore the water conducted in leaden pipes, must not be accepted, because there is mud in them: and hence, he that drinks the dregs of such water, will be overtaken with the Dysentery, though in other cases they be wholesome. The Ancients Diacodium was made in form of an Opiate, and very ungrateful; for it admitted of no sugar, but many insuave, and it is probable, useless things: it is not now made, but in its stead, this syrup made of the decoction of Poppies heads and sugar, which many call improperly Diacodium. Syrup of Poppy conciliates sleep, Vires. mitigates the temper of the choleric humour, and allays the Cough: it becomes more bechical, by the access of Penidia, which the Arabians call Alphenicum, because of its whiteness: for it is a most white confection of sugar, so long cocted in the decoction of Barley, till it acquires a ductile consistence, and may be handled, ducted, and form with ones hands into Pastils and Rowls intorted like ropes. CHAP. 8. Syrupus Papaveris Erratici; or, Syrup of Red-Poppy. ℞ of the infusion of Red-Poppies twice or thrice reiterated lb ij. Sugar lb j ss. Sugar of Roses ℥ iiij. boil it into a Syrup according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Some contend, that this syrup should be made of more infusions; but two or three are sufficient: for in so poriferous Medicaments, no intenseness of faculties are requisite: moreover, so many infusions will make the colour and sapour of the syrup more ingrateful. The proportion of water to the sugar, is the same in this, with that in syrup of Roses. None of the Ancients spoke of this syrup of Poppy; but the later age found it good against the Pleurisy, at the beginning thereof: for it is astrictive, roborative, bechical, and hypnotical; it cohibits the humours falling down from the head upon the lungs: and, that it may better effect this, some sugar of Roses must be added: it may be safely given from half an ounce, to an ounce and a half, and to two ounces to the more valid; especially if the Pleurisy be but beginning, or not fare gone: for it will either stay the former flux, or hinder the rising of another. CHAP. 9 Syrupus Nympheae; or, Syrup of Water-lilies. ℞ of Water-lilies lb ij. infuse them six or seven hours in hot boiling water lb iij. afterwards boil them a little; and to the Colature, add again the same quantity of fresh flowers, and let this be repeated three times; and to the Colature, add an equal quantity of Sugar, to boil it up into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Some make this syrup only of one infusion; but that is more efficacious, which is confected of two or three: the green, herbaceous, and flave part also of the flower, should be rejected, and only the white retained. This is simple, in reference to one more compound, described by Franciscus-Pedomontanus; which is seldom used, because the Simple one is more easy of preparation, and no less efficacious. Moreover, the description of the Compound is by some disallowed of, by some changed; by some the quantity of its ingredients is augmented, by others diminished: its description is well known. This syrup refrigerates much, Vires. cohibits venereous dreams, restrains the immoderate flux of the sperm, conciliates sleep, allays the heat of the bowels, and abates the ardour of Fevers. CHAP. 10. Syrupus Capil. vener. Com. or, Syrup of common Maidenhair. ℞ of the true Maidenhair, of the common Maidenhair, wall-Rue, Spleen-wort, Salvia vita, of each m.j. Liquorice bruised ℥ ij. infuse them twelve hours in a sufficient quantity of water; afterwards boil them gently, till it comes to lb v. add to the Colature White Sugar lb iiij. and so make it into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. This is the most usual description of this syrup; whereunto some add Raisins and Liquorice, others Jujubs; but none of these please Fernelius, who thinks, that the syrup is made more ignave and weak, by the admistion hereof: but Liquorice may be added; for besides its sweetness, it hath a quality like the capillaries; yet some reject it, because it makes the syrup more flave: but the quality and virtue must be more looked after, than the colour. The Parisian Apothecaries make it accurately, according to the description here given, and it is most eximiously Medicinal: they that do otherwise, mixing but a small quantity of capillaries, and macerating them lightly, make indeed a pellucid syrup, but both in colour and virtue aqueous, and so defraud the Patient of his expectation, and the Physician of his scope. This is the most celebrated of Preparative syrupes: Vires. for it is very useful to oppugn all affections of the breast, liver, spleen, reins, uterus, and to tenuate and prepare humours: for it tempers and cocts choler, incides phlegm, makes the melancholical humour easy to be expurged, yea often subduces the belly by much use; it moves expectoration, incides and cocts the humours contained in the Lungs, and educes them by a second purge. CHAP. 11. Syrupus capel. Vener. Monspelie. or, Syrup of Monspelian Maidens-hair. ℞ of Maidenhair fresh and cut m.ij infuse it twelve hours in a sufficient quantity of water; afterwards boil it a little; clarify the Colature, and to lb v. thereof, add lb iiij. of Sugar, to boil it up into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. This syrup is most frequently and simply compounded in the City Montpessier, being only made of the light decoction of true Maidens-hair clarified, and sugar cocted to the consistence of a syrup. For thus it is most grateful, both in colour and sapour; and yet that is more grateful to the palate, which admits of Rose-water; which is adjected by the Court-Apothecaries, that they may by guile, rather than science, gain their Princes and Nobles grace, and get their money by subtlety. It is of affine qualities, but more imbecile then that which admits of all the Capillaries and Liquorice; for it is more ignave, in inciding and attenuating the humours, and opening the passages: and that is most imbecile, which admits of Rose-water; Vires. for its faculty being somewhat astrictive, reluctates with those of the Capillaries. CHAP. 12. Syrupus de quinta radicibus; or, Syrup of the five opening roots. ℞ of the root of Smallage, Fennel, Parsly, Butcher's broom, Asparagrass, of each ℥ iiij. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, till it comes to lb iiij. add thereunto as much Sugar as will make it up into a Syrup, according to art. The COMMENTARY. The roots must be first cleansed, then washed, cut in pieces; their middle cut out and rejected; then brayed and cocted: some would have the coction made in eight pounds of water cocted to five; whereunto, when strained and clarified, they add four pound of Sugar: which manner and proportion I approve of. Some would have some Vinegar added to the decoction, that its incisive faculty may be augmented; but when use calls for it, it may be diluted in some attenuating, opening, or other fit liquor, as the medics scope requires. Some make it only of two roots, to wit, Petroseline, and Fennel roots: but seeing it is less efficacious, and the other roots easily attainable, it is better to make it with five roots, and then they shall not need that which is made of two: But if one more studious of curiosity than necessity, would rather have it of two, let him take of Petroseline and Fennel-roots each four ounces; coct them in a sufficient quantity of water, and add to two pounds of the colature, two pounds of Sugar, and make a syrup. It incides and attenuates crass and glutinous humours, Vires. diduces the passages, removes obstructions, expels Urine, moves fluors, ejects sand, and emends the foetid colour of Virgins, and the Jaundice. CHAP. 13. Syrupus de Althaea; or, Syrup of Marshmallows. Des. Fer. ℞ of the roots of Marshmallows ℥ ij. red Licers ℥ i. of the roots of Grass, Asparagrass, Liquorice, Raisins stoned, of each ℥ ss. the tops of Marshmallows, Mallows, Pellitory, Pimpinel, Plantain, both the Maidenhairs, of each m j of the four greater and lesser cool seeds, of eachʒ iij. boil them in lb vj. of water, till four remain, and with lb iij. of Sugar make it up into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. The use of this syrup is much celebrated in Paris, both for its eximious faculties, and its Author's dignity; to whom posterity is much engaged, for his illustration of the Medicinal Art, and for those many Medicaments wherewith he hath furnished Apothecaries shops. Syrup of Althaea is most useful to sanative medics: its preparation is thus; The roots must first be purged and washed, then cocted; afterwards, the Liquorice must be cocted, for by long coction it grows bitter; then the herbs, and afterwards the seeds: be made in water, to the dissipation of its third part; Why liquorice must not be long boiled. for longer coction makes the decoction more viscid: all the Simples whereof it consists, are dilucidly explicated in the first Book of Medicinal Matter. This syrup expurges crass and pituitous matters, Qualitates. takes away obstructions, impels the sand in the Reins, and abates the heat of Urine. CHAP. 14. Syrupus de Cichor. comp. cum Rhaeo; or, Syrup of Succory compounded with Rhabarb. Des. Nic. Florent. ℞ of the roots of Smallage, Fennel, Asparagrass, Barley whole, of each ℥ ij. The herbs of Succory, Dandilyon, Endive, smooth Sowthistle, of each ℥ ij. both the Lettuces, Liverwort, Fumatory, Hops, an. m.j. both the Maidenhairs, Wall-rue, Ceterach, Liquorice, Winter-cherries, the seeds of Dodder, of eachʒ vj. Boyl these in lb xij. of water, or a sufficient quantity, till a third part be consumed: to the Colature add lb vj. of Sugar, which boil up to a Syrup; and in the boiling, to every pound of the Syrup, add of Rhabarb ℥ ss. and Spikenard ℈ iiij. tied up in a rag, and hung in the Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Nicolaus Praepositus, whom most Apothecaries have as precedent, doubles the quantity of Rhabarb prescribed eight times, and adds four ounces of Rhabarb to every pound of syrup; so that for every ounce of syrup, there are four dragms of Rhabarb: and thus it is made all over Paris. That it may be exhibited when use calls for it without delay, some only quadruplicate or triplicate the quantity. This so ample quantity of Rhabarb, displeases Fernelius, Joubertus, and others, as being of no utility, but much loss; who think that it were more profitable, when use calls for it, to infuse some Rhabarb in a convenient decoction, and mix it with the syrup, because its purgative faculty perishes by coction and asservation. Yet they act prudently, that make it with eight times as much Rhabarb: though its faculties be more imbecile, yet it hath other qualities thereby bettered. The syrup of Succory, compounded with Rhabarb, is alliotical, Qualitates. roborative, and purgative: it allays the heat of the entrails, demulceates the acrimony of choler, opens the veins, takes away obstructions, roborates the ●●●r, gently purges the stomach, and upper region of the body, educes hot and pituitous humours: if it be assumed in great quantity, it helps in all bilious diseases, and it may be given safely to all ages and sexes. That which is made without Rhabarb, is called Simple syrup, though it admit of all the described Simples, except Rhabarb and Spikenard. But there is one fare more Simple, made only of the succe of Succory depurated, and Sugar cocted to a legitimate spissitude. Both of them are good for such as have hot livers, stomaches, and fevers; and such as labour under the ardour of bowels and obstructions. CHAP. 15. Syrupus de Endivia simplex; or, the Simple Syrup of Endive. ℞ of the Juice of Endive clarified lb viij. of white Sugar lb v. boil them into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Some conceive, that this syrup should be made of the succe of wild Succory and Sugar; others will rather have it of Endive, because it is more refrigerative, and not so bitter: in other qualities they agree. But seeing Intubus is the genus to all the differences of sative Succory, as Endive and Broadleaf; The syrup may be made of each succe, without discrepance, and yet be called the Simple syrup of Endive or Intubus: nay, some in a larger acceptation, call it Syrup of Succory; there being so much affinity both in form and faculty, betwixt the sorts of Succory and Intubus, that each may be used for other, without any manifest error. It mitigates the ardour of the Liver, Vires. extinguishes the heat of Fevers, and obtunds Choler. CHAP. 16. Syrupus de Fumar. simple. or, The Simple Syrup of Fumatory. ℞ of the juice of Fumatory clarified lb ij. ss. Sugar lb ij. boil it into a Syrup, according to Art. The COMMENTARY. There are two descriptions of the syrup of Fumatory; the one more compound, consisting of more ingredients; the other less, consisting only of the succe of Fumatory and Sugar: The first being hard to make, they often put to young Apprentices at Paris, to try their ingeny; and a syrup prepared of those Simples, which are described in its form, is very insuave in odour and sapour, and black of colour: and therefore it cannot be an Alterative Medicament, because ingrateful and ignave; nor yet Purgative, because inefficacious: it is better therefore to keep the Simple syrup in Pharmacopolies. Now that it may be rightly made, the succe of the Fumatory must be depurated in the sun; when clarified, mixed with an equal weight of sugar, if the syrup must be sweet; if not, less: But when the Fumatory's amaritude would be ingrateful, it must be dulcorated with more sugar. Now Fumatory is a vulgar Plant, whereof there are two sorts; the one Hortensian and bulbous, which is seldom used in Medicine; the other equally growing in cultivated and incultivated fields: of whose succe this syrup is made. It frees the Hypochondria from obstructions, mitigates choler, Vires. prepares Melancholy succe, and cures such Fevers as arise from the hot distemper of the Liver. CHAP. 17. Syrupus de Fumaria major; or, The greater Syrup of Fumatory. D. Mes. ℞ Mirobalan. Citreor. Chebul. of each ℥ ij. ss. of the flowers of Bugloss, borage, Violets, the leaves of Wormwood, Dodder, of each ℥ j Liquorice, Rose-leaves, of each ℥ ss. Epithymus, Polypody of the Oak, of eachʒ seven. Prunes a hundred, Raisins stoned lb ss. Tamarinds, Pulp Cassia, of each ℥ ij. Boyl them a little in water, from lb x. till lb iij. remains: to the Colature of which, add of the Juice of Fumatory clarified, and white sugar, of each lb iij. make it into a syrup, according to Art. The COMMENTARY. But that I have seen this syrup in many shops, I should willingly have omitted it: for many will reject it, and think it not worth the description, because of its sapour and colour. Besides, its description prescribes no order for its composition; but it gins sometimes with Mirobolambs, sometimes with Flowers, sometimes with Plants leaves, and sometimes with Roots and Fruits. But that this composition may be rightly peracted, first, Polypody must be contunded and elixated; whereunto, when moderately cocted, Prunes, Raisins, Wormwood, Epithymum, Bindeweed, Roses, and Liquorice must be added; then all must boil together, till seven pounds of the water be absumed; only the flowers must be added a little before. Sugar must be added to the Colature, and all cocted to the consistency of a syrup: in the cocting, the expressions of Cassia, Tamarinds, and Mirobolambs must be added, and so the syrup, besides its other faculties, will be Purgative. It gently subduces the belly, opens the passages, Vires. removes obstructions, takes away all affections and vices of the skin, arising from salt or adust humours. CHAP. 4. Syrupus Buglossi; Or, Syrup of Bugloss. ℞ of the Juice of Bugloss clarified lb vj. of the flowers of the same lb j boil them a little; and to the Colature ad lb iiij. of sugar, boil it up into the consistency of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. This syrup being easy to make, and of eximious faculties, may not be omitted. That it may be duly made, the brayed Bugloss must lie in a moist and cold place a whole night, or a day; than it must be calified and expressed; for its succe being viscid, will not otherwise be easily educed: when it is expressed, it must stand, to subside. Some contund the flowers of Bugloss, and coct them a little in that succe, when clarified; others coct them in water, and affund the colature with sugar upon the succe: all which they coct to the consistence of a syrup. Some take only the leaves, others the roots of Bugloss; but I hold the whole Bugloss more convenient. Syrup of Borrages succe, is made after the same manner, and works the same effects; so that he that hath the one, needs not the other. It is good for such as are marcid with long grief and sadness, Vires. labour under the Hypochondriacal melancholy, or splenatick affections. CHAP. 19 Syrupus de succo Acetosae; or, Syrup of the Juice of Sorrel. D. Mes. ℞ of the Juice of Sorrel depurated in the sun lb iij. white sugar lb ij. Boyl them together, and make it up into a syrup. The COMMENTARY. This is the most Simple of syrupes; some make it after the same manner with the former; others coct sugar to the consistence of a solid Electuary, whereunto they afterwards add the depurated and percolated succe; then fervefie the mixture, till it attain the consistence of a syrup. But more frequently, they coct, purge, and percolate the succe, and mix it with clarified sugar, which they coct to a syrup; but then its faculties are more imbecile. This syrup, Vires. according to Mesue its Author, abates bilious and pestilent fevers, extinguishes the flammeous ardour of the heart and ventricles, and contemperates the aestuating bowels. CHAP. 20. Syrupus Acetatus simplex; or, The simple of Syrup of Vinegar, or Oxysacharum. D. Mes. ℞ of the purest Sugar lb v. Fountain-water lb iiij. boil them together, till half the water be consumed; then add white-wine Vinegar lb ij. or 3 or 4 lb. according to the accidity required, and so boil it up into the consistency of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Though this syrup may be made at any time, yet we subjoin it to the former, because they have much affinity betwixt their faculties: it is called Oxysacharum, for the Vinegar and Sugar whereof it consists. That it may be rightly made, Mesue would have it cocted in Earthen, Tin, or a Stone-vessel; not Brass or Copper, as some do: some would have distilled Vinegar; but its quality being very sharp, it hurts the ventricle and nerves: the common Vinegar is better, and more accommodate, whose various proportions the Author may prescribe, as the Medick would have it sharper, or less sharp. It refrigerates hot humours, incides crass and viscid ones, Qualitates. attenuates and prepares them for expulsion; it arceates putretude, quenches thirst, and allays the inflammation of the bowels. Myrepsus exhibits another simple syrup of Vinegar, whose use I approve of; and it is thus described: ℞ Vinegar ℥ iiij. Juice of Pomegranates ℥ viij. sugar lb j boil it up to a fit consistency. It is made as the former; and both of them are called Simple syrupes, in distinction to another more compound, whose description Nic. Praepositus gives: But seeing it is of rare or no use, we shall omit it. This incides crass humours, moves and impels them, if inherent; Vires. allays calid humours, refrigerates the heat of the ventricle and liver, and emends the corruption of the humours: or any syrup of Vinegar kills worms, whether in the Intestines or in the Veins; as I saw in one of Paris, in whose basilical Vein was a worm of a palms length. CHAP. 21. Syrupus de Byzant. simp. & comp. or, The Syrup of Dynari, or the Byzantian. Syrup both Simple and Compound. ℞ of the Juice of Endive, Smallage, of each lb ij. Hops, Bugloss, borage, of each lb j boil them a little, and clarify them; and to lb iiij. of the Colature, add lb ij. ss. of sugar, to make it up into a Syrup. The Compound you may thus confect: ℞ of the aforesaid Juices rightly clarified lb iiij. in which boil Rose-leaves ℥ ij. Liquorice ℥ ss. the seeds of Annis, Fennel, and Smallage, of eachʒ iij. spikenardʒ iij. strain it, and add Vinegar lb ij. the whitest sugar lb ij. ss. or lb iij. boil them according to Art, to the consistency of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Both the syrupes are usually made; but he may omit the Simple one, that makes the Compound; as also the Compound syrup of Vinegar, for it will supply the want of both. The Arabians call it Dynari, because it purges the Ureters; not from Denarium, a piece of Money, as some think: neither can I credit Bern: Dessennius, who saith, That this Name was invented by an inept and covetous fellow, who by Dynari portended some sum of Money. It is called the Byzantian syrup, from Byzantium, or Constantinople, where it is very frequent, or was invented; or else because Mesue had its description from some Byzantian Medick. This syrup opens, Vires. incides, and attenuates: it frees the Liver from obstructions, as also the Spleen and Mesentery: it helps the Jaundice, moves fluors, and cures Fevers, which arise from viscid humours. CHAP. 22. Syrupus de Moris comp. or, The compounded Syrup of Mulberries. ℞ of the Juice of Mulberries not altogether ripe lb ss. of the Juice of red Black- * Before they be ripe. berries, honey despumed, of each lb j ⸪ Wine boiled to a good consistence sapa. ℥ iiij. boil these according to Art, to the consistency of a syrup. The COMMENTARY. As in stead of Diacodium, which was made in form of an Opiate, we use now the simple syrup of Poppies: so in stead of Diamorum, the syrup of Mulberries; to whose confection, some now add the succe of Rassberries, and of Strawberries, thus confecting it of three kinds of Berries; others leave both out, and sape also: the success must be cocted with honey, to the consistence of a syrup, which is more dilute than Diamorum, or Rob of Mulberries, which is now seldom made, most using this compound syrup in its stead. The simple syrup of Mulberries also is very good, which is made of their succe and sugar; whereunto, if you add a little Rose-water, it will be more grateful, and efficacious in roborating, and staying fluxes. The compound syrup cures the eroding Ulcers of the mouth, Vires. the affections of the teeth and gums, the relaxation of the uvula or flesh in the orifice of the throat, and all vices of the mouth. It may be taken alone out of a spoon, or diluted in some convenient decoction, in form of a Gargarism. CHAP. 23. Syrupus Ribs & Berberis; or, Syrup of Red-Currans or Berberries. ℞ of the Juice of Red-Currans or Berberries lb iiij. sugar lb ij. ss. boil them according to Art, to the consistence of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. The vulgar French call this Grossula rubra, the Moors Riben, and the shop-men Ribs: they are small, round, red fruits, racemously coherent, pregnant with much succe and small stones, which tunded and pressed, emit a succe; which, after clarification and collation, must be mixed with sugar: but the sugar must be added in less quantity to this, than other cold success; because this succe will keep long without corruption; and because; by too much sugar, its pergrateful acidity will be obtunded, and the syrup weakened. Berberries succe must also be so extracted, and so cocted with sugar into a syrup. Berberries is a word deduced from Avicenna's Amyrberis, which Dodoneus makes Oxyacantha. Syrup of Ribs or Berberries, stays bilious vomiting, Vires. cures hot Fevers, and Heart-aches, quenches thirst, and cohibits the immoderate Belly-flux. CHAP. 24. Syr. de Agresta, seu de Omphacio; or, The Syrup of sour Grapes. ℞ of the Juice of sour Grapes depurated by residence lb v. white sugar lb iij. boil them together to a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Mesue makes it as the syrup of the succe of Citrons; therefore he confects it of Omphacium and a Julep, which is of water and sugar, in a Tin or Potters-vessel, not in a brazen or copper one; the Omphacium must first be cocted to the thirds, than the sugar must be added, which must first be cocted in thrice as much water, and clarified; then the mixture must be fervefied into the consistence of a fyrupe. Some (saith Mesue) add Cloves; but they are better left out. Their custom is commendable, who first coct sugar to the consistence of an Electuary: whereunto, they then add the succe, and coct them lightly into a syrup; whereinto, they inject the succe of immature Grapes, that it may be more acid. This syrup benefits the heart, Vires. stays vomitings, and the bilious flux of the Belly; quenches thirst, allays the heat of the Bowels, recreates the stomach loaden with hot humours, cures bilious Fevers, and is good against poisons. Mesue. CHAP. 25. Syrupus Limonum & Granat. or, Syrup of Lemons and Pomegranates. ℞ the Juice of Lemons or Pomegranates, depurated in the sun, and trajected thorough a woollen strainer lb v. white sugar lb iij. boil them gently to the consistency of a syrup. The COMMENTARY. These two Syrupes are jointly described, because their Preparations are one, the proportion of sugar to their success the same, and their faculties similar and affine. Some coct the sugar to the consistence of a solid Electuary: whereupon, they affund their limpid succe, agitate it with a Spatula, and by gentle coction reduce it to a Syrup. And this preparation is good: for thus the faculty of the success is not obtunded by the fire, but preserved whole and entire: others elixate the success to the consumption of their third part, and thereupon affund a simple Julep, and coct them into a Syrup. Some take the success, and dilute them in twice as much sugar, and withal calify them together, that they may better become a Syrup: and the Syrup thus confected, will keep best, and hath a very idoneous consistence. So the success be acid enough, it may also be made by insolation, without fire, by the addition of more sugar: But the method prescribed, is the easiest, shortest, and best way of making it, and most in use. Syrup of Oranges, and many other fruits, may also be thus confected. The syrup of Lemmons assuages continual, pestilent, Vires. and contagious Fevers, and all diseases accompanied with great ardour: it emends also the corruption of humours, heart-ach, and other heart-affections. The syrup of Pomegranates also recreates the heart, arceates putretude, cures the diseases and vomitings of choler, and stays Belly-fluxes. CHAP. 26. Syrupus Citoniorum simplex; or, The simple Syrup of Quinces. ℞ of the Juice of Quinces lb x. boil it, till half be consumed; let it stand two days to settle; afterwards strain it, and add to it sugar lb iij. boil it up into a syrup. The COMMENTARY. The manner of confecting this syrup, is various; for some add Wine, others Vinegar, others both, and many, Aromatas; and so make it a compound syrup. Some would have it more simple, and make it without cocture, purging its succe by residence and insolation; then having clarified it with sugar, percolate and coct it: some dilute the sugar in water, and coct it well, and then adject the succe, and elixate them a little into a syrup; others make it otherwise: but the description we have given, is most usual, easy, and best. This syrup roborates the ventricle, stays vomiting, Vires. represses belly-fluxes, helps such as labour under the Dysentery, Colic, bloodyflux, immoderate flux of fluors, or Haemorrhoids, and stays distillations falling from the head, to the breast and inferior parts. CHAP. 27. Syrupus de Pomis simplex; or, the simple Syrup of Apples. ℞ of the Juice of sweet-Apples, the Juice of sower-Apples, of each lb v. boil them till half be consumed; then let it stand that it may settle; afterwards strain it, and with lb iij. of sugar, make it into a syrup. The COMMENTARY. Some to the confection of this syrup, select the succe of Redolent, others of Russetins; to whom I willingly assent: though Rondeletius refragate, who disproves the succe of Russetins upon very infirm grounds, because their flesh is hard: the succe of those they call Apples of Paradise, is also very laudable. Some immerge silk newly tincted with scarlet in the succe, either before, or after depuration, till it be red, and receive the virtue of the tincture, and so become more excellent; others put Orange-juyce to it: but the description tradited is best, according to Mesue. Such Apples must be selected, as are not only fragrant with their suavity, to recreate the heart; but also subacid, to exhilarate the parts appertaining to the heart's Oeconomy, arceate putretude, and contemperate Melancholical humours. This syrup of Apple-juyce incides and diminishes Melancholical humours, Vires. moves sudour, abates the heart's palpitation, helps its trembling and debility; and, according to Mesue, prohibits swooning: so that it is of perpetual use. CHAP. 28. Syrupus Regis Saboris; or, King Sabor's syrup. D. Mes. ℞ of the Juice of sweet-smelling Apples lb iij. the clarified Juice of Bugloss and Borage, Let the Saffron be hung in a Nodule whilst the syrup is a boiling. of each lb ij. the Leaves of Senna picked from its stalksʒ iiij. Amseed, ℥ ss. Saffronʒ ij. sugar lb iiij. boil these according to Art, to the consistency of a syrup. The COMMENTARY. No Pharmacopoly should be without this eximious syrup; to whose confection, Senny must first be a little brayed, then macerated a whole natural day, with Anise, in the success described; afterwards, once or twice fervefied and strained: the expression strained and clarified, must be cocted into a syrup: Saffron bound in a linen cloth may be cocted in it: it took its name from Sabor King of the Medes; for the conservation of whose sanity, it was invented and instituted. It recreates the vital spirits, Vires. exhilarates the mind, contemperates and purges melancholic humours, attenuates crass and viscid humours, discusses flatuosity, gently subduces the belly, and purifies the blood. CHAP. 29. Syrupus Myrtinus, comp. or, the compound Syrup of Myrtle. ℞ of the berries of the Myrtle-tree ℥ ij. ss. white Sanders, * Rhois Culinariae. red Sumach, pomegranate flowers, Berberies, red Roses, of each ℥ j ss. Medlars lb ss. let these be bruised, and boiled in lb viij. of water, till it come to lb iiij. add thereunto of the Juice of Quinces and Pomegranates, of each lb ij. Sugar lb v. boil it to a syrup. The COMMENTARY. This syrup holds its old composition, wherein many astrictives are mixed together, to supply the defect of Myrtleberries, which are very rare; whereof, if there were any plenty, it were better to make the syrup only of their succe, and Sugar. Valerius Cordus mixes it with the succe of wild Apples; Fernelius, of acid Pomegranates; which I like not. It roborates the ventricle and bowels, Vires. abates the antiquate belly-flux, prohibits the eruption of blood, and the deflux of all humours from the head to the inferior parts. CHAP. 30. Syrupus Menthae simp. & comp. or, the simple and compound Syrup of Mint. D. Mes. ℞ of the Juices of Mint clarified, sweet Pomegranates and sour, of each lb j Sugar and Honey, as much as will make it into a syrup. The Compound is thus made. ℞ of the Juices of sweet and dulcoacid Quinces, of acid and dulcoacid Pomegranates, of each lb j ss. Muzorum. Acido-dulcium. macerate in these for 24 hours dried Mint lb j ss. red Roses ℥ ij. boil them till half be consumed: to the Colature add lb ij. of sugar, and in the boiling hang in a ragʒ ij. of Gallia Moschata. The COMMENTARY. These syrupes, by the consent of the Author, may be made either with Honey or Sugar: but that is better, and more suave, which admits of Sugar; whereof Fernelius adds twice the quantity to the succe: but the more usual way of confecting the compound, admits of only two pounds of Sugar; as Mesue hints, who in his own idiom, calls Dulcoacid and Semi-mature fruits, Muzae, that is, pleasant; for than their sapour arrides the stomach. He that hath the compound, needs not the simple. But if the Mint be dry, its quantity is greater; for it is enough that one pound ten ounces be cocted in the success, and as much Sugar added to this Colature; for it will be very insuave, if made as Mesue describes it. It roborates the ventricle, hinders heart-aches, vomiting, Vires. sighing and belly-flux: but the more compounded is better. SECT. II. Of Syrupes which may be made at any time. IN the first Section, we described in order such Syrupes as should be confected in the Spring, Summer, and Autumn: for the end of the precedent season, being one with the beginning of the consequent, those Syrupes which are made in the end of the Spring, may as well be made in the beginning of Summer: so that I would not disterminate the former Thirty Syrupes into exact Sections; yet we have given their description in such order, as the collection of the Simples required; placing those first, which are made of the first flowers of the Spring; those last, which are made of fruits in Autumn; and those in the middle, which are made of flowers, roots, success, and decoctions in Summer: But in this Section, we shall only exhibit such as are or may be made in Winter, or other seasons. CHAP. 1. Syr. Rosar. siccan. or, Syrup of dry Roses. D. Fernel. ℞ of dried * Red Roses. Roses Roses. lb j Infuse them 24 hours in hot boiling water lb iiij. in the expression, mix of the finest sugar lb ij. boil it up to the corsistency of a syrup. The COMMENTARY. Every one confects this syrup after his own arbitration; one while augmenting, another while lessening the quantity of Roses; sometimes iterating their maceration twice, and sometimes oftener: But no description can be more exact, than this of Fernelius; wherein is observed, a due proportion of Roses to the water, and of both, to sugar: and this syrup, confected with one maceration, is all out as efficacious as any: but red Roses must be selected, not white or pale ones. It stays the belly-flux, Vires. roborates the internal parts, gently deterges and agglutinates Ulcers, assuages vomiting, and cohibits Rheumatism. CHAP. 2. Syrupus Reg. sive Alexand. etc. or, The Princely or Alexandrian Syrup, of old called, The Julep of Roses. ℞ of Damask Rose-water lb iij. Loaf-sugar lb ij. boil it gently to a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. He that considers this syrupe's perspicuity, would, with Mesue, call it a Julep; its consistence, a Syrup; and its suavity, a syrup for Alexander, or some Prince: for, both Kings and delicate persons delight to use it. It is easy to make, and may be made at any time; and no Pharmacopoly can well be without it; though our Ancestors knew not of it, being not of skill to elicit Rhodostagme or Rose-water. Mesue describes another Julep of Roses, made of their infusion; after which manner, two syrupes may be made; one of pale Roses, which is purgative; and another of dry ones: but neither of them are justly called Juleps. This syrup is cordial, bechical, roborative, and alterative; Vires. helping the breast, liver, ventricle, thirst, and all ardour. CHAP. 3. Syrupus de Absinthio; or, Syrup of Wormwood. D. Mes. ℞ of dried Roman Wormwood lb ss. Roses ℥ ij. Spikenardʒ iij. old white-wine, Juice of Quinces, of each lb ij. ss. macerate them a whole day upon hot embers; afterwards boil them, till half be consumed: and to the Colature, add clarified honey lb ij. to make it into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Dry Pontian or Roman Wormwood, must be taken, and minutely incided, that it may be infunded with Roses and Spikenard in generous Wine, as Muskadine, or the like, in an Earthen vessel leaded, 24 hours, upon the hot ashes; that done, they must be fervefied once or twice; afterwards, honey, or rather sugar, must be added: some make two sorts; one, of honey and vulgar wormwood; the other, of sugar and lesser wormwood. Some make this syrup of one half pound of green wormwood, in three pounds of water cocted to the third; adding to the colature, clear, generous, and ancient white-wine, and the best white honey, of each one pound, and coct them to the consistence of a syrup. Which-ever of these ways it is made, it is very ingrateful; and thence many rightly diminish the quantity of the wormwood, and augment the sugar: for those things that would roborate the ventricle, if ingrateful, subvert it. This syrup roborates the stomach, Vires. helps concoction, excites appetite, discusses flatuosity, opens the veins, and moves urine. CHAP. 4. Syrupus de Stoechade; or, Syrup of Stoecados. D. Fernel. ℞ of the flowers of Stoecados ℥ iiij. Thyme, Calamint, Origanum, of each ℥ j ss. Sage, Betony, the flowers of Rosemary, of each ℥ j ss. the seeds of Rue, Peony and Fennel, of eachʒ iij. boil them in lb x. of water till half be consumed: and to the Colature, add sugar and heney, of each lb ij. make it into a syrup, aromatize it with Cinemon, Ginger, sweet-Cane, of each ʒ ij. tied up in a linen rag. The COMMENTARY. Mesue gives two descriptions of this syrup: in both which, he puts Pepper and Bartram; which being hotter, are rejected by Fernelius: and he adds certain cephalical Medicaments; to wit, Sage, Betony, Paeony, and Rosemary, that it may acquire the effect the Author intends. This syrup is cognominated from its Basis, to wit, Staecados; whereunto the rest are adjoined, to acquire more cephalical and noble faculties. Silvius permits it to be made with sugar, and not honey, for the more delicate. It conduces to many affections of the brain, Vires. as Mesue attests; to which it would nothing confer, if it were made after his description: for Stoechas, which he puts for its Basis, is more hepatical or splenical, then cephalical: therefore Fernelius adds many cephalicals, which make his syrup conduce to the Epilepsy, Cramp, Trembling, and all cold affections of the brain. CHAP. 5. Syrupus de Glycyrrhiza; or, Syrup of Liquorice. D. Mes. ℞ of Liquorice scraped and bruised ℥ ij. white Maidenhair ℥ j dried Hyssop ℥ ss. macerate them a whole day in lb iiij. of rain-water, then boil them till half be consumed: to the Colature, add of the best honey, penidees and sugar, of each lb ss. Rose-water ℥ vj. and so boil them into a syrup. The COMMENTARY. Many do right, in not cocting dry Liquorice long, lest it grow bitter, but put it in in the end of the coction; they clarify the Colature with Penidia, Sugar, and Honey, then coct it to a syrup, adding thereunto some Rose-water, before it be perfectly cocted; which some disallow of, because the syrup is confected for purgation, and the Rose-water is astrictive; to whose opinion Joubertus subscribing, substitutes the water of the infusion of Roses as less astrictive; but this water is therefore commixed, that the syrup may thereby participate of an astrictive quality, and assumed in the beginnings of diseases, stay the fluent humours, and coct such as have delabed. The infusion may be desumed for want of the water, but not as less astrictive. This syrup consists not only of simple, but compound Medicaments; to wit, of Penidees, which are made of Barley, Water and Sugar, cocted in such proportion and Art, that a very solid mass arises thence, so tractable, that it adheres not to ones fingers, but may be drawn into small, long, crass, short or intorted threads, always white: and hence its name is Alphenicum. It stays the humours flowing from the brain, Vires. cocts such as are fallen, helps the cough, and causes the expectoration of cocted humours. CHAP. 6. Syrupus Jujubinar. or, Syrup of Jujubees. D.M. ℞ of Jujubees n. lx. Violets, the feeds of Mallows, of eachʒ v. Liquorice scraped and bruised, Maidenhair, Barley, of each ℥ j the seeds of Quinces, white Poppies, Melons, Lettuce, Gum Thraganth, of eachʒ iij. boil them in lb iiij. of Fountain-water: to the Colature add of sugar lb ij. to bring it into the consistency of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. In confecting this syrup, the cleansed Barley must first be cocted, than the Jujubs added, than the Liquorice, afterwards Maidens-hair, and the seeds of Melons, Lettuce, and Poppy; at length, Violet-flowers; and Tragacanthum in the end, lest by longer coction it become fume. It should be included with Mallows and Quinces-seed in a linen cloth, and then cocted with the rest in four or five pounds of water, to the absumption of the third part, and elixated with the said quantity of sugar, into the consistency of a syrup: the coction should not be to the half, unless the weight of sugar be abated. It conduces to hoarseness, cough, pleurisy; it cocts, Vires. moves and educes spittle, and that of Violets, and is a mean betwixt the syrup of Poppy; it cohibits all fluxions, and cocts the defluxed humours. CHAP. 7. Syrupus de Hyssopo; or, Syrup of Hyssop. D. Mes. ℞ of dried Hyssop, the roots of Smallage, Fennel, Liquorice, of eachʒ x. Barley ℥ ss. the seeds of Mallows and Quinces, Gum Thraganth, of eachʒ iij. Maiden-hairʒ vj. Jujubees, Sebestens, of each n. xxx. Raisins stoned ℥ j ss. dried Figs, fat Dates, of each n. x. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, to lb iiij. to the Colature, add Penidees lb ij. make it up into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. This syrup is cognominated from Hyssop, its Basis; in the confection whereof, its Author Mesue is so far from defining a quantity of water, that he mentions no water at all; but, they should take eight pounds, wherein they should coct the Barley half an hour; then inject the incided roots to be elixated a quarter of an hour; then all the fruits; at length the seeds bound in a linen cloth with Tragacanthum, and at last pretty dry Hyssop, true Maidens-hair, or in its stead vulgar Maidens-hair: Penidees made without starch must be added to the Colature; by coction reducted to three pounds, and clarified: some had rather put in sincere sugar; others, the water of sape and sugar: but it is best to confect it according to Mesue's description. The same Author describes more preparations of this same syrup; but this we have transcribed is the most usual and best. This syrup conduces much to difficulty of breathing, Vires. pectoral dolours from a cold cause; it takes away obstructions, moves flours, and deterges sand from the reins and bladder. CHAP. 8. Syrupus de Aretemisia; or, Syrup of Mugwort. D. Fern. ℞ the leaves of Mugwort m. ij. the roots of Orris, Enula-campane, Madder, Peony, Lovage, Fennel, of each ℥ ss. the leaves of Penyroyal, Origanum, Calamint, Nep, Balm, Basil, Carrots, Savin, Marjoran, Hyssop, Horehound, Germander, Groundpine, St. Johns-wort, Feverfew, and Betony, of each m. j the seeds of Anis, Petroseline, Fennel, Rue, Gith, of eachʒ iij. bruise those that are to be bruised, and macerate them 24 hours in Hydromel lb viij. boil them to lb v. and with lb v. of Sugar coct it into a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. This syrup of Mugwort first described by Matthaeus, containing a mass of Medicaments perperously congested, was rightly castigated by Fernelius; who substracting such things as were not known, inconvenient and supervacancous, left only such as were usesul, as Plantius well observed: for when it is in vain to add more, where the thing may be better done by fewer; what need had we of so much cost and time, in seeking and congesting many Simples, when much fewer were better? yet, no cost or pains must be spared, when the sanity of a man lies at the stake; so that the labour be not lost, nor cost frustraneous. A great and solemn composition, whose bonity many ages have found, and experience sufficiently proved, must neither admit of mutation nor mutilation; but such as are described without ground or reason, must be either omitted or castigated. This syrup is denominated from Mugwort, which is its Basis: its preparation is clear enough in the description. Yet it may be more Simply, easily, and as efficaciously made, thus: ℞ of the roots of Restharrow Madder, Grass, Butchers-Broom, of eachʒ vj. the seeds of Carrot, and Roman-Gith, of eachʒ j Syr. de Artemisia simpliciter. Mugwort m. ij. Savin, Marjoran, Nep, Hyssop, of each m. ss. boil them in lb v. of water: to the Colature add lb i. ss. of sugar and lb ss. of Honey, to bring it into the consistence of a syrup. This syrup potently moves suppressed or staying fluors, Vires. and allays the strangulation and subversion of the Uterus. CHAP. 9 Syrupus resumptivus; or, The resumptive Syrup. ℞ of the flesh of Snails ℥ iiij. Barley whole ℥ ij. the pulp of Dates ℥ j Raisins, Kiquorce; of eachʒ vj. Sebestens, Jujubees, of each n. xij. Cotton-seed, Melon, Cucumer, and Gourd-seeds, of each ℥ ss. The seeds of Lettuce and * White Uagula Calalinae. Poppy, of each ʒ ij. Coltsfoot, Lungwort, of each m.j. the flowers of Violets and white Lilies, of each ℥ ss. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water to lb iiij. of Colature; to which ad de lb ij. of the whitest Sugar, Sugar of Roses, and Diatraganthum frigidum, of each lb ss. coct it to a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. The resumptive syrupes, in a general acception, may be referred to all analeptical and restorative ones; wherein medics adhibit Snails flesh, after the example of that, whereof Joannes Tornamyra is Author by assent; though I could neither see it in him, nor any other Antidotariographer in my life: and that which is now made by medics, is made after as many different manners, as there are different Shops wherein it is made; yea all the descriptions that I have seen of it, (and they were no few) differ among themselves; some admitting too many attenuatives; others, too viscid ingredients; others, useless ones; and others in such a confused form, as if they could scarce be prepared as described. All of them require nemoral Snails, which yet, if there be any such, are worse, as Rubetae amongst Frogs, because their succe is sharper and more fervid, but less nutritive, and apt to resarciate: therefore I judge the vulgar more wholesome, which live partly on the water, partly on the land. And Rondeletius said true, that Snails could not always live without water: whence these terrestrial Snails, must be such as live in muddy and fenny places, partly on limpid water, and partly on dry land. But they must be duly prepared, before they accede the confection of this syrup; their necks, tails, and members, must be first abscinded, their shells divided or separated, that all the flesh may be extracted, which must be purged from all filth, cut into pieces, and cocted together with the Simples enumerated; and those in such order, as they that require longer coction, may be sooner injected; those that require shorter, later. And so it were better to coct the simples severally from the flesh, and the flesh first, or last, as the Medick will. Sugar and Penidees must be added to the Colature. It is good for such as resurge from long diseases, Vires. or are marcid, tabid, or consumed, or labour under some brave affection of the lungs. CHAP. 10. Syrupus exhilarans; or, The exhilarative Syrup. D. Dom. Laurent. ℞ of the Juices of borage and Bugloss lb j ss. of the Juice of sweet smelling Apples lb j of the Juice of Balm ℥ ss. of Kermes-berriesʒ iij. Saffronʒ ss. Spec. diamarg. frigid. ʒ ss. Diambrae ℈ iiij. Loaf-sugar lb ij. coct it into Syrup according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Doctor Laurentius, the King of France's chief Physician, gives this description, in a certain learned piece of his, about conservation of the Sight, Melancholy, Catarrhs, and old Age; and he confesses, that his Kinsman Castellanus, the King of France's chief Chirurgeon, was its Author: and it is thus confected: The grains of Kermes must be infused a whole night in the depurated success, upon hot ashes; the sugar diluted in its strong expression; then all cocted into a syrup; in whose middle, a little bundle must be suspended, wherein the powders and Saffron are contained: its dosis may be from one ounce to two ounces, in the morning before meat, or at night before sleep. It is cognominated exhilarative, because it hath an eximious faculty in recreating the heart and vitals, erecting the saculties, abigating sorrow, and tempering the malign quality of melancholy. This syrup may be substituted, in stead of that that is made of Kermes, in such parts where the Illex is coccigerous: of which consection we were not unmindeful; but being easy to make, we omitted it, and left to such, whom Nature hath enriched with its eximious succe. There are innumerable more descriptions of syrupes in divers Authors; but some of them being disapproved of, others scarce proved, we will not onerate, or rather inquinate our Antidotary therewith. For the acid syrup of Manna, the syrup of sweet Pomegranates, of Persian Apples, of acid Prunes, of Pears, of deansed Grapes, of Thyme, and many more, which Mesue describes, are out of use. I hear of the syrupes of the greater Centaury, of St. Johns-wort, of Ivy, of Tobacco, of Fennel, and some others, not yet proved by use; of which, if the Famous College at Paris approve, I shall approve also. Myrepsus his syrup, the syrup of Diasireos, the syrupes of Lily, of Acorus, of Madder, of , of Turbith, of Grapes, of Myrobalambs, and others, which Jacobus de Manliis, Andernacus, Wekerus, and some of the later rank describe, are now wholly neglected. SECT. III. Of Syrupes dulcorated with Honey. THere rest yet some Syrupes, which we shall describe in this Section, that are not dulcorated with Sugar, but with Honey, nor made like the rest of the decoctions of Roots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds, and Fruits, but only of limpid and aqueous success: whereunto, we may well refer that Hydromel, which is called the vinous Hydromel; for in sapour, faculties and consistence, it responds to a Syrup. CHAP. 1. Oxymel, seu Acetum mulsum, etc. Oxymel or sweet Vinegar: Secanjabin in Arabic. ℞ of the best Honey lb ij. of Fountain-water lb iiij. white-wine Vinegar lb j boil them together in a fit vessel, to the consistency of a liquid Syrup. The COMMENTARY. The Honey must first be cocted in water, and despumed; then must the Vinegar be by little and little adjected; then all cocted together, till they acquire the consistence of a liquid syrup: But the Ancients have not definitely described the quantity of Vinegar; for seeing Honey, according to Galen, is hot, and in hot natures turns soon into bile; so much Vinegar must be added, by Oribasius his advice, as will correct that bilefying faculty; and so it may be made into Oxymel, convenient and useful for all ages and sexes: for it is as sweet, as acid, and as mean, and should be made variously according to the gust of the assumer, so that it may not hurt: for things very sharp, abrade the intestines, and hinder expectoration; but that which is moderately acrimonious, is very useful to the affections of the breast and lungs; for it educes spittle, and facilitates spiration; for it incides and attenuates crass humours, expurges the bowels without molestation, and attenuates man's meat. It's preparation than is various, and the proportion of Honey to Vinegar, and of Vinegar to water, is various; for though the a queous be better to most, yet it agrees not to all. Oribasius would have twice as much Honey, and four times as much water, as Vinegar; and would have them all cocted to the thirds; which is the same with that that Mesue gives: whereunto, Serapius assents, though he elsewhere makes them of equal parts; but that is too sour. Now the middle betwixt both, may be of one part and a half of Vinegar, to two of the best Honey, which emits not much spume: for all Honey that emits more spume, is not so good, but must be cocted, and despumed longer, and so its greatest part dissipated in coction: for it must be cocted till it effer no more spume. Thus the quantity of the Vinegar must be augmented and diminished according to the will of the user, to whom it is more convenient as he more desires is, and so it should be made according to every disposition: yet that which is kept in shops, is usually prepared as Mesue hath described; and is made more sweet, or more sour, as the assumer desires it, and the exigency calls for it. Oxymel incides, Vires. attenuates and prepares crass and viscid humours for expurgation, conduces equally to hot and cold affections, and effects what we have before mentioned. CHAP. 2. Oxymel Stilliticum; or, Oxymel of Squills. ℞ of Honey despumed lb iij. Vinegar of Squills lb ij. boil them in an earthen pipkin, to the consistency of a liquid Syrup. The COMMENTARY. The Medick Marcellus makes it after another manner, by superadding water. For he takes of Squils' lb j Fountain-water lb iiij. loyl them to a pint and half, and so let it stand a whole day, close covered; afterwards press it out, and to the expression, add as much Vinegar, with lb iij. of the best Honey; let it be again gently boiled to a fit consistency. Mervardus also, and Bern. Dissennius, think it cannot be made without water; to which opinion, some assent, who mix twice as much water with this, as with the Simple Oxymel: But Silvius saith this is needless, seeing the Honey is first cocted and despumed in water, and the Vinegar legitimately prepared with Scylla, and the Acetum is thus made: one pound of the segments of Scylla, trajected on a thread, and dried in a shade, is macerated in eight pounds of white-Wine; the mixture is insolated in either a Glass-vessel, or an earthen one, well glazed, with an angust orifice, by the space of forty days in the hot Sun; than it is strained; and the segments being ejected, and the Liquorice preserved, which was of more use heretofore then now. There are many and various ways of making it; but the description we have given is most usual, and agrees with that which Paulus Aegineta gives of it. There are also many ways of making Oxymel Scilliticum; but Democrates, Julian, and the rest, make it more compound: but these are neglected, and no where made, therefore omitted by us. It incides crass humours, Vires. takes away obstructions caused by crass humours impacted on the lungs, and cures the Epilepsy, Vertigo, Cephalalgia, and Hemitrania. CHAP. 3. Oxymel Compositum; or, Compounded Oxymel. ℞ of the roots of Smallage, Fennel, Parsly, Butchers-broom, Asperagrass, of each ℥ ij. the seeds of Smallage and Fennel, of each ℥ j boil them all in lb xij. of water: in the clarified Colature, mix of the best Honey lb iiij. white-wine Vinegar lb j coct it into a liquid Syrup. The COMMENTARY. The compounded Oxymel, is made like the simple Oxymel Stilliticum; one simple and usual Vinegar is here substituted in stead of the other. Praepositus makes a certain compounded aromatical Oxymel, and another potently diuretical, mixing with the one many Aromatas, with the other Grass-Orris and Radish-roots: but these may be added when use calls for it, and no other composititious Oxymel kept in shops. The quantity of Honey is not determined by Authors, because it is sometimes to be made more acrimonious, at other times sweeter. But if we should define the quantity, we would make it in a mean, betwixt acritude and sweetness. It incides, Vires. attenuates, and absterges viscid and pituitous humours; frees the liver, spleen, and bowels from obstructions; expels the sand of the reins and bladder, and moves urine. CHAP. 4. Hydromel vinosum simplex; or, Simple vinous Hydromel. ℞ of the best Honey lb x. pluvial or fluvial water lb lx. boil them together, till an egg will swim at top; then insolate it, and preserve it. The COMMENTARY. If this Receipt like not any one, he may take water, and coct it to the absumption of its third part, accurately absterging and abjecting the spume: for thus the more dissipable part of the water being vanished, the remnant will have a consistence like a liquid Syrup; its sapour will be sweet, and the coction fit for conservation. Many Medicaments mutuate their basis and appellations from Honey, as Mulsam, or Mede, Hydromel both aqueous and vinous, Oxymel, and many other Medicinal Honeys; of the success of Plants, as Rhodomel; or Honey of Roses, Honey of Violets, Mercury, Raisins, Rosemary, and Anacardium. Mede consists only of Water and Honey, mixed in a different proportion; and that is called dilute Mede, that admits but of little Honey, How to make Mede. and very much water; For we make Mede, saith Oribasius, when we mix much water with Honey, and coct them till they cease to emit spume; for then the spume must be taken off: But the quantity of Honey must be augmented for pituious humours, both to alter the peccant humour, and to conciliate a more grateful gust. Oribasius was out, when he thought that Mede should be made of Wine and Honey, and Melicrass of Honey and Water: for they are both one. Though Mesue calls Melicrass, Oxymel, and gives two descriptions thereof; the one consists of Wine and Honey; the other, besides these two, admits of many Aromatas; as Cloves, Cinamome, sweet-Cane, Mace, and the like; which by some (he assenting thereto) is called a Condite. But this kind of Potion, which consists of Wine and Honey, is called Oinomel; Oinomel. it is sometimes confected of two parts of old Wine, and one of Honey; and sometimes of five parts of new Wine, and one of Honey: which when cold, is reposed into Hogsheads, (Oribasius C. 25. L. 5. Collectorum.) Simple and vulgar Hydromel is prepared just as Melicratum; so that they differ only in name, not in substance: yet Galen saith, Melicratum or Mede should be made of rain-water, and Hydromel of fountain-water. Apomeli is made also after the like manner; for according to Galen, it may be made of rain or any water, so it be pure, and Honey expressed from the comb; which must be so long cocted together till spume cease to exurge; which must be taken off, as soon as it emerges; for so it will depose its acrimony. The Ancients called it syrup of Honey-combs. Philagrius gives a better description, to a better Apomelie, thus: Let some Combs, full of the best Honey, be strongly pressed betwixt ones hands; and let a portion of the honey expressed, be injected into four times as much pure water, and let the Honey-Combs be also immerged and washed in the water, that they may depose all their Honey; then let the water be strained, then cocted over a luculent fire, and well despumed; let it then be taken off, and frigefie, and let swims upon, be abjected; then boil it again, and despume it; which iterate thrice: and when it is at last frigefied and purged from its excrements, inject this Apomeli into an Earthen or Wooden Vessel. Aqueous Hydromel is scarce ever preserved in shops, but presently made, when use calls for it; but the vinous is often confected by the medics advice, and kept in Citizens houses, as some Nectar, more precious than Malmsey: for it potently cocts frigid humours, moves expectoration, roborates the stomach, hinders crudities, helps concoction, moves appetite, discusses flatuosity, mitigates cholical dolours, moves urine, and very much profits cold constitutions. The English were wont to make a more composititious vinous Hydromel, which they called Metegla; Metegla. which received less of Honey, but more Aromata and Leaven: which is thus confected. ℞ of the best and most refined Honey lb x. of the clearest spring-water lb lx. boil them together, till a third part be consumed, Metheaglen casting away the spume as it rises; and when it gins to grow cold, put it into a convenient vessel: in which hang a nodule of Leaven ℥ iij. adding Cinnamon, Grains, Pepper, Ginger, Cloves bruised, of eachʒ j set it in a place where the sun may * For 40 days. come, then preserve it in a Wine-Cellar for future use. This kind of potion is most pleasant; it will often keep two years in sapour and faculties: it responds to Malmsey. SECT. iv Of Success dulcorated with Honey. PHarmacopolies preserve some Honeys, made of the infusions of Plants, or of their success compounded with Honey, which from their confistence and Honey, some call Syrupes of Honey; but we rather from their success, which ingrede their confecture, and Honey, call them Melleous success: for whether the extracted success of Plants be adjoined to Honey, or the Plants themselves be macerated in Honey, their success are always mixed with Honey; whence the whole mixture is rightly called, A Melleous succe. CHAP. 1. Mel Rosatum, Lat. Rhodomeli, Graec. Geleniabin, Arab. or, Honey of Roses. ℞ Red Roses a little dried in the shade lb ij. Honey, neither too old nor too new lb vj. mingle them, and boil them upon a gentle fire in a Pipkin to a good consistence, and so preserve it for future use. The COMMENTARY. All do not prepare honey of Roses alike; but many, despising the descriptions of Mesue and Nic. Praepositus, one while make it with fire only, another while by insolation, another while by both; and sometimes by none of them, but only by maceration: some inject the whole Roses into the honey; others bray them first: some use only the succe; others both the succe, and other Roses: the most usual preparation, is after the manner we have tradited; wherein the Roses, a little dried, must be macerated in honey, than elixated a little, afterwards exposed to the Sun, and moved every third day, that they may be hot on every side: Whilst they are thus made, and not strained, they are called, Honey of Rose-leaves; if they be calified, and strained, as they are usually, before they be used, they are then called Honey of strained Roses; and especially that that results from brayed Roses and Honey. That which is made of two parts of the succe of exungated Roses, and one of Honey, cocted together to the absumption of the fourth part, whose spume must be diligently extracted in boiling, is called, The liquid distrained Honey of Roses. Honey of Roses cohibits hot fluxes, Vires. whether assumed or applied: it helps, deterges, and roborates the stomach. CHAP. 2. Mel Violatum; or, Honey of Violets. ℞ of the fresh flowers of Violets lb j the best Honey lb iij. mingle them in a convenient vessel with a narrow orifice: insolate it, and keep it for use. The COMMENTARY. Some to the confection of this honey, bray the Violets; others mix them whole, being small flowers, with hot honey, in an carthen glazened pot; then they expose the pot to the Sun for fifteen days, each other day agitating the mixture with a rudicle: then they repose it; and when use calls for it, mix it with a little water, elixate it a little, strain it; and thus they get special honey of Violets: others do otherwise; and, in Mesue's opinion, it may be made like honey of Roses well: but the Violets should be a little dried, or at least deprived of all acquisititious humidity, and the honey should be used neither too new, nor too old. Honey of Violets is commended to pectoral affections; it mitigates, absterges, refrigerates and roborates; and therefore it is usefully mixed with many Glisters and Gargarisms, and adhibited to deterge Ulcers. CHAP. 3. Mel Anthosatum; or, Honey of Rosemary. ℞ of the flowers of Rosemary lb j Honey well despumed lb iij. mingle them in a Jarre-glass, and set it in the Sun; which after a convenient insolation, preserve for future use. The COMMENTARY. This of Rosemary, is made like them of Violets and Roses. Some commend the oldest honey, but I like the honey of a middle age, because it is neither too dilute, nor too crass. This is called Mel Anthosatum, because the flowers of Rosemary are for their dignity and praecellence called Anthos, or flowers. And seeing Rosemary flourishes twice in a year, once in the Spring, and once in Autumn, honey of Rosemary-flowers may also be confected twice annually, at the aforesaid times, when its flower is fresh and fragrant: for when it is dry, it is almost inodorate and useless. It is cephalical and nerval; Vires. it is a special ingredient in Glisters prescribed to the Lethargy, Apoplexy, and affections of the head: it corrects the parts distempered by cold with its calour, and dissipates flatuosity. CHAP. 4. Mel Mercuriale; or, Honey of Mercury. ℞ of the Juice of Mercury lb iij. the best honey lb iiij. mingle them, and after elixation, despume them, and so preserve them for use. The COMMENTARY. They measure not honey all in the same quantity, some adding more of the succe, and less of honey; others on the contrary; and many a like weight of both. We judge the honey to be more praepotent, when it is made of the succe, and of leaves or flowers macerated, though its quantity exceed the success. It is sometimes made only of the decoction of the leaves; but this way I cannot approve of. It may be equally confected of the succe of the Male as the Female Mercury; for both have affine faculties, and convenient for this confection. To the male Mercury they refer Dogs Colewort; but this honey may not be confected thereof: it should be made betwixt the middle of the Spring, and end of Summer; for then Plants are more succulent, and their qualities more efficacious. Honey of Mercury serves scarce to any other use, Vires. save to ingrede Glisters, to make them more absterfive and purgative. CHAP. 5. Mel Passulatum; or, Honey of Raisins. ℞ of Raisins purged from the stones lb ij. infuse them 24 hours in lb. vj. of hot water, either fountain or pluvial; afterwards boil them, till half be consumed; strain it with a strong expression; and to lb iij. of the aforesaid Colature, add lb ij. of the best honey, which boil up to a liquid Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Some have described two Receipts, the one with, the other without honey; for it may admit of honey, though its Inventor Matthaeus describes it without the intervent of honey: Whether way soever it be made, it is very grateful to the palate, and bechical, and therefore justly ingredes the composition of some Eclegms. There are other Medicinal honeys; as, the honey of Myrtle, of Squills, of Anacardium, and that of Myrobolambs; but they being of rare or no use in Medicine, are seldom made. We have omitted the honey of Anacardium, for many causes: First, because the fruits whereof it is confected, are exotical, and very seldom brought to us: Secondly, because they are endued with a deletery faculty, or intemperate excessively: Thirdly, because of the ambiguity of Authors about its preparation; for some only fervefie the decoction of Anacardia with honey, till it acquire a just spissitude; others bray them, and macerate them seven days in Vinegar, then coct them to the half, and afterwards coct them with honey into a Syrup: others only bray and boil the fruits in water till it be red; collecting the innatant spume like Mellago, which they keep for honey of Anacardium. Lastly, I would not have honey of Anacardium confected, because its faculties are either noxious or useless, and inconvenient either to preserve or resarciate sanity. SECT. V Of Rob or Sape, or Robub. THe success of Plants are conserved for future uses, either by the admixtion of something; as Honey or Sugar, in confecting Syrupes; or by some change wrought in them by Artifice; as Rob, that is, Sape, or cocted Wine; or Robub, that is, the succe of any Plant incrassated by the beat of the Sun, or of fire. Rob simply, by a certain Antonomasia, denotes Sape, or sweet new Wine, inspissated by coction; but in conjunction with another word, it signifies the Sape of that same, as Rob of Berberries. CHAP. 1. Rob, seu Sapa; or, Rob, or Sape. ℞ of Wine newly pressed from white Grapes lb xij. boil it upon a gentle fire, till only four pints remain, or so long till it attains to the consistency of honey, which preserve in a convenient vessel. The COMMENTARY. Sape is made three ways: for women make Sape of all kinds of Grapes injected into their Kettles, and cocted without water, and expressed and inspissated into the consistence of honey; and they call it Resinetum, as if they would say, Racematum, that is, condited of bunches of Grapes. Apothecary's also have their way of confecting it, but better; for they take new Wine, expressed out of white, mature, and selected Grapes, and coct it to the absumption of two of its parts; the third that remains, hath the spissitude of honey, which is the Pharmacopolists Rob, or Sape; but is now seldom kept, being now seldom used. Cooks also have their Sape, made of new sweet Wine, cocted to the consistence of honey, which they use to sauces: they use also cocted wine, called Defrutum, which being elixated only to the thirds, and despumed, remains still liquid. Sape is chiefly commended to the diseases of the Mouth: Vires. for it doth not only astringe, roborate, and cohibit the motion of the fluent matter; but also absterge and digest it, when delabed. But we have treated of Sapes more largely in our Institutions (Cap. 6. Lib. 3. CHAP. 2. Rob Ribs; or, Rob of Currans. ℞ of the Juice of Red-Currans lb ix. boil it till the third part be consumed; then let it settle, and when 'tis clear, pour it off; which boy upon a gentle fire, to the consistency of Honey. The COMMENTARY. This is the simple Sape of Ribs, in reference to the more compound; whereunto, half as much sugar accedes: but it is most usually confected according to the prescribed form. It should be made in June, for then all the Ribs are red ripe, and succulent; and they then brayed, and expressed, emit much succe. Rob of Ribs is endued with many qualities; Vires. for it refrigerates, astringes, roborates, and recreates the heart: therefore it is very fit to alter a hot distemper, to roborate imbecile parts, to propugn heart-aches, and help such as vomit: for by its clement astringence, and delectable acidity, it helps and delights all parts it attinges. Rob of Berberries may be made after the same manner; or thus: CHAP. 3. Rob Berberis; or, Rob of Berberries. ℞ of the Juice of Berberries well strained lb viij. boil it in an earthen Pan, upon a gentle fire, till it acquires the consistency of honey. The COMMENTARY. Rob of Berberry may be very well made after the same manner with Rob of Ribs; for as the fruits are affine in colour, magnitude and faculties; so also are their success alike confected. It refrigerates, astringes, Vires. quenches thirst either arising from the heat of the ventricle, and other entrails, or a dry distemper: it helps such as labour under the disease of Choler, or consumption of the Liver, or the Dysentery, or the frequent proritation of the Belly. CHAP. 4. Rob de Cornis; or, Rob of the fruit of the Cornel-tree. ℞ of the Juice of Cornel-berries purged from its settlements lb ix. boil it upon a gentle fire, till six pints be consumed; and what remains, repose in a glass or pot for future use. The COMMENTARY. Some add Sugar to it, and make it Gelatina; but it is less efficacious, by how much more suave: and it is better to make simple Sape, and not to condite it with Sugar, that its faculties may not be broken, but whole. But seeing we have many astrictive and refrigerative syrupes, as syrupes of dry Roses, Quinces, Myrtle, and the like, we seldom use this Rob, which is most commended for its astrictive faculty; and thence was wont to be prescribed to stay the Belly-flux, Dysentery, and the Colic, Choler, and Vomitings. CHAP. 5. Rob Citoniorum; or, Rob of Quinces. ℞ of the Juice of Quinces clarified lb ix. boil it till two parts of it be consumed, or so long till it acquires the spissitude of Honey. The COMMENTARY. That their succe may be well depurated, it should first be calified; then resided, that it may be clear; than it should be cocted on a slow fire, for so it will acquire an idoneous spissitude. Rob of Quinces is astrictive and roborative: Vires. whence it stays the liquid Belly, roborates the stomach, conduces to the choleric disease, retains the Haemorrhoids, and all Belly-fluxes. The Ancients made their Robub of many other fruits, which they often used; but the later Age had rather make Syrupes and Conserves thereof. SECT. VI Of Conserves. THe parts of many Plants are condited, for their better conservation and delightful use; and hence by Pharmacopolists called Conserves: whereof we purpose briefly (as our Method leads us) to treat in this Section; and he that knows how to condite the fruits and flowers of any Plant with Honey or Sugar, or both, he may by the same Art condite the fruits and flowers of all Plants, except some few, which require longer coction, or else shorter than ordinary. But every young Artist knows how to intent or remit calour, to give shorter or longer coction, as the nature of the thing to be condited requires. CHAP. 1. Conserva Violarum; or, Conserve of Violets. ℞ of the flowers of Violets picked clean, and in a stone-Morter beaten very fine lb j of the whitest Sugar lb ij. which beat together, till it becomes a perfect paste, which preserve in a pot. The COMMENTARY. Mesue would have the Violets a little dried; but they had better keep their native humidity: for therein is their virtue posited; which being vanished, the flowers cannot easily be purged from their cauls and herbaceous parts, but they will be much diminished: and yet the cleansed flower should be only assumed for this confection, both that its faculties may be better, and its colour more violaceous. The Violets should be brayed very small, that no asperity may be found therein; then twice their quantity of Sugar must be added to them; then they must be again contunded together, till the mass be soft, and fit to be conserved in an idoneous vessel. Mesue adds thrice their quantity of Sugar; and then the Conserve is sweeter, but not so valid. Conserve of Violets allays the heat of Choler, Vires. extinguishes the ardour of other humours, quenches thirst, subduces the Belly, dilates and levifies the jaws and asper artery, and cures all pectoral affections. CHAP. 2. Conserva Rosarum; or, Conserve of Roses. ℞ of red Rosebuds purged from their whites lb j beat them with a wooden , in a stone Morter, till they become a paste; then add of the best Sugar lb iij. which beat, with the Roses, till they are perfectly mingled; and after a little insolation, put it up for future use. The COMMENTARY. Mesue calls that the Sugar, which we call the Conserve of Roses; and he takes red, white, and all Roses dried in a shade, without difference, with thrice as much Sugar, whereof he makes his Sugar of Roses; which after three month's space he exposes to the Sun: we take only red Roses, not dried, but brayed, and mixed with thrice as much Sugar: some put only twice as much Sugar to it, and so make the Conserve less suave, but more efficacious. We call that Sugar of Rose-water, which some call Sugar of Roses, solved in equal measure, and cocted to the consistence of a solid Electuary: of which in its place. But our Conserves of Roses are not always alike; but, some are more liquid and soft, which are made as we before described them, of new flowers brayed and mixed with Sugar; others more solid, which are made of the powder of dry Roses, with eight or ten times as much Sugar, diluted in Rose-water, and cocted to the consistence of a solid Electuary: wherewithal, a little succe of Sorrel or Lemmons is mixed, which is made into red paste; out of which, oblong morsels, small at each end, and crasser in the middle, are form. The Conserves thus confected, at Agendicum, a City in the Province of Brya, are much commended. Conserve of Roses is cephalical and cordial: for, Vires. it roborates the head and entrails, allays their heat, and cohibits fluxions. CHAP. 3. Conserva Buglossi; or, Conserve of Bugloss. ℞ of the picked flowers of Bugloss lb j beat them in a Marble Morter very well; to which, add of the finest Sugar, lb ij. beat them well together: which, after a convenient insolation, repose in a fit vessel. The COMMENTARY. I can scarce assent to their opinion, who would have Buglosses flowers, whose virtue is superficial, and easily dissipable, dried before triture and mixtion; for they are better, by how much they are newer, and more humid: but if they lose their native humidity, they lose their efficacy; for they are no whit more humid, than exigence requires. Moreover, the more aqueous and excrementitious part of newly confected Conserve, is dissipated by insolation; but if they be wet with dew or rain, they should be dried in a shade, rather than in the Sun, before their confecture. Conserve of Bugloss exhilarates the vital parts, Vires. recreates the heart, helps the Melancholical, conduces to such as labour in the Palsy and Cough. CHAP. 4. Conserva Borraginis; or, Conserve of borage. ℞ of the fresh flowers of borage well picked lb ss. of the whitest Sugar lb j ss. beat them in a stone-Morter, with a Box-Pestel, till it comes to a perfect Conserve. The COMMENTARY. First the flowers must be brayed by themselves, till they be levigated; then the Sugar: then must they be mixed in triture, and made into a soft mass, which reconded in an idoneous vessel, must be insolated, and preserved. The Arabians call it Zuccarum alchibil, that is, Sugar of Borrages; the later age calls it, Conserve of Borrageflowers. It is given to the same affections with Conserve of Bugloss, Vires. for both recreate the heart and vital spirits, conduce to melancholical passions: and this, by a peculiar faculty, moves women's fluors, according to Holerius. CHAP. 5. Conserva Nenupharis; or, Conserve of Water-lilies. ℞ of the flowers of Water-lilies purged from their herbaceous parts, and dried a whole day in the shade lb ss. beat them very well with lb j ss. of white Sugar, till they come to a perfect Conserve. The COMMENTARY. The flowers of Water-lilies being more crass and humid, may be a little aerified; then contunded, that they may be levigated; afterwards the sugar must be added, brayed, subacted, and concorporated with the tunded flowers: which mass well subacted, must be reposed in a potter's vessel; white flowers must be selected, whose herbaceous, green, and flave part also, which is in the middle of the flower, should be abjected. The luteous Water-Lilly neither ingredes this Conserve, nor the Syrup before-described, because the white one is better, and more frequent: they should likewise grow in limpid and clear water; others are worse. Conserve of Water-Lilly allays the heat of the entrails, Vires. quenches thirst, refrigerates the brain, conciliates sleep, and is good for such as are severish. CHAP. 6. Conserva Anthos; or, Conserve of Rosemary-flowers. ℞ of the finest flowers of Rosemary very small beaten lb ss. of the whitest Sugar lb j ss. mix them well together, with a Box , till they become a fine paste, which keep in a Galley-pot well luted. The COMMENTARY. The Rosemary-flower being of itself dry, should not be exposed to the Sun before triture, nor dried: but this, and all calid and drier flowers, require more of sugar, not for their conservation, but more suavity; and they need not so much insolation. This Conserve is of much use in Medicine: Vires. for it is very cephalical and nerval, roborates the brain, and propugns all its affections: it successfully helps or cures the Epilepsy, Apoplexy, Lethargy, Palsy, and Trembling. CHAP. 7. Conserva Betonicae; or, Conserve of Betony. ℞ of the flowers of Betony fresh, and finely picked lb j white Sugar lb iij. beat them according to Art into a Conserve. The COMMENTARY. All do not make this Conserve after the same manner; for some confect it according to the form prescribed; others coct Sugar in the water of Betony, to the consistence of a solid Electuary; then mix it with brayed flowers, and make a Conserve of most laudable sapour and faculties: it may well be made either way. Conserve of Betony, whether assumed or adhibited, Vires. roborates the head, benefits the ventricle, obtunds poisons, and propugns all affections of the brain. CHAP. 8. Conserva Salviae, Melissa, Stoechados; or, Conserve of Sage, Balm, and Stoechados. ℞ of the flowers of Sage, or Balm, or Stoechadoes lb ss. white Sugar lb s first beat the flowers very small, afterwards the Sugar, beating them well together, till it becomes a soft mass. The COMMENTARY. The plenty of Medicinal flowers, causes plenty of Conserves; but Stoechadoes being very rare, and Balm emitting patulous flowers, few Conserves, if any, are confected of them: but Sage is so frequent, and endowed with so many eximious qualities, that a most commendable Conserve, Vires Salviae. for many uses, is made thereof; for by a special faculty, it roborates the Brain and Nerves, conduces much to trembling, stupour, palsy, and affections of the Brain. That which is made of Balm, gently helps the Memory: That which is made of the flowers called Stoechadoes, frees the Liver from obstructions, and recreates the Brain. Many Pharmacopolists, it may be, have more Conserves condited of flowers, and many fewer; and if any one be not content with these, he hath liberty to make Conserves of Paeony, Tamarisks, Primrose, and Succory, Some make Conserve of Mallows flowers, which much conduces to the Stone, and vices in the Reins; for it leniates, allays heat, diduces the passages, and expels sand from the Kidneys. SECT. VII. Of Fruits and other parts of Plants Condited. FRuits to be condited, must not undergo triture, like flowers, but are condited either whole, if small, as Ribs and Berberries; or somewhat greater, as Cherries; or else cut into slices, as Quinces. Roots also purged and sliced, are condited: Of all which Conditures we shall briefly dissert in this Section. CHAP. 3. Cerasa condita; or, Condited Cherries. ℞ of Cherries ripe, and purged from their pedicles lb ij. white Sugar lb j boil them first upon a clear, then upon a gentle fire (casting off the scum as it arises) till their Juice and the Sugar becomes a perfect Syrup. The COMMENTARY. There are many kinds of Cherries, whereof those only are selected for conditure, which are very red, dulcoacid, very succulent, and inhaere upon a short pedicle; as also, such as are obscurely red. Now that they may be rightly condited, a little water must be put to them, for so the Sugar will more easily liquefie, and the Cherries be sooner cocted. Now they are perfectly cocted, when a drop of their Syrup effunded upon a Marble, diffuses not; and then they should be removed from the fire; and when they grow cold, be reposed in idoneous vessels for preservation. Condite Cherries, because of their suavity and salubrity, Vires. are exhibited to the sick of any disease, and at any time. CHAP. 2. Ribs & Berberis condita; or, Condited Ribs and Berberries. ℞ of red Currans, or Berberries lb j ss. Sugar lb j boil them according to Art with a little water, till their humidity have acquired the consistency of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Of the succe of these fruits, inspissated by heat, we have a Sape; of the same, and sugar duly cocted, a Syrup also: Both which are eximious, in restoring sanity to the diseased, as we have above hinted. These same fruits are also used for Junkets; and to that end integrally condited, that they may be kept while winter, and exhibited to the diseased, to whom they are not only pleasant, but conducible. They usually mix some water to their conditure; but their own succe would do better in its stead: for so the conditure would be more acid, and sweet also, if an equal weight of fruits and sugar were conjoined. CHAP. 3. Pyra condita; or, Condited Pears. ℞ of Pears decocticated, and of the whitest Sugar, of each lb ij. boil them upon a gentle fire, till the Pears become soft, and the liquor of the consistency of a Syrup. The COMMENTARY. Other Pears may be so condited, as those they call Rousselets, and others whose flesh is solid. Some stick them with Cloves, that they may be more grateful to the palate: for so they attain an aromatical odour and sapour with sweetness. Apples having a sorter substance, which by coction would be like a Pultess, are not condited whole, but cut into slices; and artificially cocted with Sugar, are made into a certain Paste, which sected into morsels, is studiously dried and kept. CHAP. 4. Nuces condita; or, Condited Nuts. ℞ of Nuts both young and green, n.l. purged from their outward Cortex, infuse them nine or ten days in warm water daily changed; then boil them, till they grow soft, which spread one by one upon a cloth that they may dry, aromatize them with Cloves and Cinnamon, and afterwards with an equal quantity of Sugar, to the weight of the Nuts, boiling them gently (adding thereunto a little water) to a just consistence. The COMMENTARY. Many care not for condite Nuts, because they grow black: which ingrateful colour, that it may be hindered, let the Nuts be first cocted, then sticked with Aromata, and reconded in a vessel; upon which superfuse Syrup perfectly cocted, while it is hot: if on the following days the Syrup grow crude again, coct it again, and superfuse it; and if yet it appear too fluid, recoct it, that it may acquire a legitimate consistence, for so the condite Nuts will be whiter. They roborate the ventricle, Vires. disspate flatuosity, cure the colic, and help coction. CHAP. 5. Pruna condita; or, Condited Plums. ℞ of Plums not perfectly ripe, of Loaf-sugar, of each lb j clear water lb ss. boil them, till the liquor becomes a perfect Syrup. The COMMENTARY. There is great plenty and variety of Plums, whereof Damascens, white, black, red, and violaceous ones, are very expetible: but most of all, the Imperial Plums; which, when mature, are most grateful. And these also, like other fruits, are condited for better preservation: and first they are decorticated, and presently cast into water, lest they should grow flave or black; and then they are cocted, till the syrup of their succe, mixed with sugar, be of a legitimate consistence. Thus may Peaches and ripe Apples be condited. The Pills of Oranges and Lemons, partly because of their hardness, and partly of their insuavity, are once or twice macerated in warm water before conditure; into which water at the first time, some inject a little bundle of ashes; at the second time, they are cocted in simple water, with an equal weight of sugar, and so conserved in their syrup perfectly cocted. But for such as delight only in dry confectures, they may be thus made: The Pills thus condited, must be taken; their syrup wherewith they are madid, either gently deterged with a cloth, or lightly washed off with water. The Pills thus wiped and exsiccated, must be immerged in other sugar, cocted to the consistence of a solid Electuary, and again cocted therein a little; then amoved, and exsiccated in the sun, Hypocauste, or other hot place, and then kept. But this curious Art of conditing Fruits, appertains rather to Confectioners than Apothecaries. CHAP. 6. Citonia condita; or, Condited Quinces. ℞ of Quinces decorticated, cut in five or six parts, purged from their membranes and seeds, n.x. or xij. of Sugar the like weight: boil them with a little water according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Quinces, because of their solidity, endure much coction; and therefore they require more water. They should be cocted, not only till they be soft, but till their Syrup be crasser; wherein they must be kept whole, and not discepted, nor reducted to a Pultess. Quinces may be condited another way; to wit, cocted with Sugar: and in cocting agitated, that they may acquire the consistence of a Pultess; and then they must be removed, and reposed in ligneous Boxes: if the weight of these Quinces and Sugar be equal, the conditure will be more suave, but less astrictive. There is yet another conditure more red and lucid, made only of the decoction of the Pills and seeds of Quinces, with an equal weight of Sugar, cocted to the consistence of a Syrup, and kept in Boxes of Pine-wood: if in cocting, the vessel be shut and covered which contains them, the conditure will be more red; which colour is most expetible in all conditures of Quinces. Some add the succe of Quinces thereto, and call it clear Cidoniat. There is also a Conserve made of Quinces, but after another manner: for their succe is elicited, cocted and strained, and twice as much sugar added to the colature, and cocted to the consistence of an Electuary; the succe is in equal weight mixed with sugar, and so the Conserve made of a red colour, grateful sapour, and eximious faculties. The Conditure of Leaves. CHAP. 7. Folia Adianti condita; or, The condite Leaves of Venus-hair. ℞ of white Maidenhair picked from its stalks lb j good Sugar lb ij. beat them severally, afterwards together, till they become a perfect Conserve. The COMMENTARY. Leaves are seldom condited, seeing, when dry, we can take their decoctions, and make Syrupes of them, endued with their faculties; or keep them dry, some for a whole year without damage: yet some are so volatile, that they scarce retain any thing of their genuine quality when dried; as true Maidens-hair, which for its eximious faculties, is sought by exotical Merchants, and carried in form of a Conserve, made as before; after which manner, other dry leaves may be condited: but humid ones thus: CHAP. 8. Folia Tussilaginis condita; or, The condite Leaves of Collsfoot. ℞ of the Juice of the leaves of Coltsfoot lb j Sugar lb ij. boil then to the consistency of an Electuary; to which, whilst hot, add of green Coltsfoot finely beaten, as much as you see good, and make thereof a Conserve. The COMMENTARY. In the confecture of this Conserve, the quantity of the leaves to be brayed, is not defined; some taking more, others less; a third part, or at most half as much sugar, is enough. But Conserves thus made, should be long insolated, and frequently agitated with a Rudicle, that they may calify all over, and their aqueous humidity be quite dissipated, wherewith they abound. The conditures of other leaves may be thus confected. The conditure of these leaves help the Cough, Vires. Lungs, and hinder the frequent delapse of humours from the Brain, to the breast and vitals. The Conditure of Stalks. CHAP. 9 Cawls Lactucae conditae; or, The condite Stalks of Lettuces. ℞ of the stalks of Lettuces purged from the exterior skin or cortex lb j Boyl them in water till they wax soft; afterwards dry them upon a cloth; then take the like weight of Sugar, and with a sufficient quantity of water, boil them, till the liquor become a crass Syrup: which repose in a sit vessel. If you desire them of a drier form, let them be wiped and dried; and then in Sugar boiled to the height of an Electuary, let them a little fervesie; afterwards taken out and dried. The COMMENTARY. Very few Plants Cauls are condited, either because of their hardness, or insuavity, or other useless qualities: But such as have crassitude, sweetness, tenerity, and excellency of faculties, may rightly be condited; as the cauls of Lettuce and Artichock: Of both which cauls, Confectioners used to make dry confectures, after the manner prescribed. They quench thirst, alloy the heat of the stomach and liver. Vires. CHAP. 10. Cawls Cynarae conditi; or, The condited Stalks of Artichokes. ℞ of the stalks of Artichokes, the exterior pellicle taken off, and purged from its fibres lb j boil them in water, till they grow soft; afterwards let them be dried upon a cloth; then with the like weight of Sugar, and a sufficient quantity of water, boiled to the body of a crass Syrup: repose the confecture in a fit vessel; which if required more dry, prepare them as afore-described. The COMMENTARY. The white stalks of Artichokes should be desumed, before they erupt out of the earth: they are used all winter in Paris, where they much abound; which some, upon no grounds, use, to stimulate Venery: for they afford little of genital matter, or flatulent spirits to the body, but much Melancholical succe. The cauls of the vulgar, not of the Spanish Artichock, should be selected, for that is a kind of Carduus; as both of them seem to be depromed from that stock; only one of them hath by culture attained a more fair aspect, and gracious sapour. They are more celebrated for Junkets for the whole, then Diet for the sick. Condited Roots. CHAP. 11. Radix Poeoniae condita; or, The condited Root of Paeony. ℞ of the Roots of Paeony washed and purged lb ij. boil them in water, till they grow soft; then repose them to dry in a shade, that their humidity may be evaporated: then boil them again with the like weight of Sugar, with a little portion of the aforesaid decoction, to the body of an Electuary; which take from the fire, and repose in a vessel for use. The COMMENTARY. Some Roots should be condited only in the Spring, before their succe be immitted into their branches, boughs and leaves; others in Autumn, when Plants demit their leaves; for then much of the Plants virtue goes into the Roots, and then the humour is more throughly cocted, then at other times: others may be condited, both in the Spring, Summer, and Autumn, being always succulent, whose cauls are either not erupted, or grown up, or else dried: They must then be collected in that feason, wherein their virtue is most prealent; as the Roots of Ragwort and Rainbow in the Spring; the Root of Paeony in August, according to Silvius, or rather in March; the Roots of Enula, Bryony, and Maidens-grass, in Autumn: as we have showed at large in our Institutions (Cap. 13. Lib. 1.) Some of them are amare, sharp, and insuave; which before their conditure, should be often macerated in water: others are grateful; which being one day infused in warm water, may in the same or another be cocted forthwith; as the Roots of Paeony, which may be well condited, according to this prescribed form; or some other of the like sort when they are cocted, and the Sugar cocted like a soft Electuary affunded upon them: if they become crude, the liquor must be again cocted, and that again repeated, till they cease from their crudity. These condited, are of great potency to arceate and cure the Epilepsy, if they be moderately taken in the morning fasting, and at the hour of sleep. CHAP. 12. Radices Eryngiorum conditae; or, The condited Roots of Sea-holly. ℞ of the Roots of Sea-holly cut sloping, and purged from its inward pith lb j boil them in water, till they become soft: dry them in a shade: Sic Radices Buglossi condiuntur. then let Sugar be dissolved in the same decoction, and boiled to the spissitude of an Electuary: to which add the Roots, and again gently cocted, that their aqueous humidity may be dissipated: repose them afterward in a Galley pot, and preserved. The COMMENTARY. The Roots of Sea-holly being sweet, needs undergo but one materation before conditure; and then be cocted in the same water, till they be soft; then condited with Sugar, as the form shows. Mesue adds some Aromatas, as Cinnamon, and Ginger, wherewith be would have the Roots stuck; and he boils them with a portion of Honey and Sugar; or else Honey only, thrice the quantity of the Roots. But the form I have exhibited, is more usual, and better. We everywhere in the Aarabian writings, meet with Secacul, which is hitherto taken for Sea-holly: But its description given by Avicenna and Serapio, show, that it is another Plant, dissimilar in face, if not faculties: It grows in India; and is there condited, and is kept, and given for venereous matters; as also our Sea-holly, which some do perperously call Secacul, though their virtues be affine: for both of them are hot and moist, in the end of the first, and beginning of the second degree: They move Venery. Therefore they do right, who for defect of the Indian Secacul, substiture our Sea-holly: and let such cease to be angry at this substitution, who must have something of that nature, and cannot get the true Secacul. Sea-holly is of the kind of aculeated Plants, whose leaves are tender, not spinous and rigid, and fit for cibaries. Dioscorides saith, they are broad asperated about their ambient, aromatical to the gust, and when perfectly grown aculeated with many horrid spines. Its heads also are circumvalled with aoute spines; its roots long, black without white within, tender, sweet, and grateful to the gust. It is more largely described in our first Book of Medicinal Matter. It's Root condited, nourishes, augments seed, Vires. excites venery moves urine, and expels the sand of the Reins and Bladder. CHAP. 13. Radices Symphiti condita; or, The condite Roots of Comfrey. ℞ of the roots of the greater Comfrer slieed lb j macerate and boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, till they become soft; dry them in a shade for a whole day: Let them Sugar be put to the decoction, and boiled to the spissitude of an Electuary; to which add the roots, and again let them be boiled, till the aqueous superfluity be evaporated; and when they begin to be condited, repose them in a vessel for use. The COMMENTARY. The roots of Comfrey, as also many other, which by cocture become easily soft, are rightly condited after this prescript: yet some had rather prepare and condite them thus; First they coct the washed and cleansed roots; then they bray them; then they transmit them through a fieve; then put twice their quantity of Sugar to them, and coct them to the consistence of an Electuary; then they recalifie them, and reckoned the conditure in Boxes. And thus they do with all other crasser roots: for thus they may be better purged from their fibres, and more perfectly confected in every part. They stay the running of blood from any part, Vires. cohibit the delapse of humours, and agglutinate wounds in the internals. CHAP. 14. Radices Enulae conditae; or, The condited roots of Enula-campane. ℞ of the roots of Enula-campane washed, purged and sliced lb ij. infuse them in warm water for the space of four days, the water being daily changed; then boil them, till they grow tender; then dry them in a shade: afterwards take the like weight of Sugar, which dissolve in the aforesaid decoction, and boil it up to the consistency of an Electuary; then add the aforesaid roots, and coct them together gently: which afterwards repose in boxes. The COMMENTARY. The roots of Enula must be macerated more or less, as their insuavity requires: and if it may be emended by two or three macerations, they need no longer immersion, lest their whole virtue be deposed in the water. They roborate the stomach, Viret. recreate the heart, discuss flatulency, help concoction, resist poisons, and pestilent virulent diseases. CHAP. 15. Radices Satyrii conditae; or, The condite roots of Satyrion. ℞ of Satyrion roots washed and picked lb j boil them in water, till they become tender; then let them be dried in the shade, covering them with a cloth: when they are dried, ningle them with the like proportion of Sugar, dissolved in the abovesaid decoction, and boiled to a good consistence; which coct a little, that the humidity of the water may be dissipated. The COMMENTARY. The whole roots of Satyrion should be condited: for their mole hinders not, but that sugar may pervade their whole substance. We have adjoined no Aromatas, that they may be more safely exhibited to such as labour under Hectic Fevers: they are endued with like faculties with Diasatyrium, but more imbecilely, as we shall show in its due place. Many other roots are condited after the same manner with these; which for brevity's sake I omit. We have no fresh Ginger, but it comes all condited to us from Bengala, a country in India. SECT. VIII. Of Eclegms that must be preserved in Pharmacopolies. EClegms do by good right challenge place amongst the Preparative Medicaments; for they prepare the humours contained in the breast for expulsion, by vomit, or impact them into another place for eduction, by stool. For seeing they are either acid, or sweet, they incide viscid humours, and make them easy to be separated from the parts whereunto they adhere. The sweet ones concoct the same, and make them sit for exclusion by spittle: If they be of a mixed sapour, and dulcoacid, they both attenuate and concoct: But those that the Ancients kept in their Shops, are now almost out of use. And now when some brave affection of the highest region of the Breast, or Asper Artery, requires a Lohoch or Eclegm, they are quickly made for present use, being both for virtue and sapour at the best. So that the Ancients Eclegms, as they are less grateful, so they seem to be less useful. Yet lest our Shop should be quite void of them, we shall select a few, of more easy confecture and particular use: As, CHAP. 1. Eclegma Scilliticum; or, Eclegm of Squills. D. Mes. ℞ of the Juice of Squills, Honey despumed, of each lb ij. boil them together according to Art, to the consistency of Honey. The COMMENTARY. This Eclegm is most easy to confect, and most simple, consisting only of the same things, that make up Honey of Squills; only they differ in preparation and proportion: For in Honey of Squills, the leaves are confusedly insolated with the Honey in a fit vessel, and strained when use calls for it: But in the Eclegm of Squills, only their succe is cocted with Honey, above the consistence of a Syrup. Eclegms of Squills potently incide and prepare for expulsion, Vires. crass and viscid humours, impacted in the spirators. They very much help such as breath with difficulty, or have much of viscid Phlegm in their Lungs, or highest region of the Breast. CHAP. 2. Eclegma de Caulibus; or, Eclegm of Colewort. D. Gord. ℞ of the Juice of Coleworts lb j boil it a little, and scum it; afterwards add Saffronʒ iij. Sugar and Honey, of each lb ss. boil them according to Art, to the consistence of a Linctus. The COMMENTARY. The succe of Garden-Cauls must first be educed, then depurated by the Sun or fire; then Honey or Sugar added to it, and they perfectly cocted; then must well-pulverated Saffron be mixed therewith; or, as Gordianus, its Author would have it, injected thereinto, while cocting, because he will have it tend to its spissitude: but it is credible, he means by his Electuary, a Lohoch, for the cure of difficulty of breathing. But the leaves of red Cauls should be selected, when the diseases of the highest part of the Breast are respected, or the Belly to be moved. Lonoch of cauls cures difficulty of breathing, Vires. inveterate coughs; cocts, moves, and excludes spittle. CHAP. 3. Eclegma de Pulmone Vulpis; or, Eclegm of Fox's Lungs. D. Mes. ℞ of Fox Lungs prepared and dried, of the Juice of Liquorice, white Maidenhair, sweet Fennel-seeds, Aniseeds, of each equal parts: make it into a Lohoch, with Syrup of Red-roses or Myrtles. The COMMENTARY. Some confect it with simple Hydrosa charum, that is, water and sugar; others with sugar solved, and cocted in Saxifrage water; and some that would have it more roborative, with Rob, or inspissated succe of Myrtle, as Mesue advises. We confect it with syrup of Roses, or Alexander's syrup; for so it is more grateful, than those with Rob of Myrtle, and Hydrosacharum: yea, its faculty roborates in a mean betwixt them. But if it be kept for a Roborative, it may be rightly confected with syrup of Myrtle: but Pharmacopolists do not now preserve it. Fox's Lungs should, if possible, be only taken by such as are young, sound, and given to hunting: they must be washed in water, incided, according to the vessels whereto they adhere, and wherein they are suspended; their blood must be expressed; then moderately washed in white-wine, imposed in a pot, dried in an Oven pretty hot, and kept. When use calls for them, a portion of them must be levigated very small, and mixed with some idoneous liquor, as in this Eclegm, with the said Syrup, and other pulverated Medicaments. Mesue describes this Lonoch of Fox's Lungs to difficult breathers; Vires. but some would rather bray the Lung, and exhibit it mixed with Julep of Roses; others, upon good grounds, prefer the Lungs of other wholesome Animals, as Hogs, Rams, or Calf's Lungs, for the easure of such as are troubled with difficulty of breathing: for the diseased may eat these with more delight and salubrity, to the quantity of two or more ounces; and so better consult the sanity of his Lungs, then if he uses an ounce of this Eclegm, wherein there is scarce a scruple of Fox's Lungs. Yet this should be kept in Pharmacopolies, because it is very bechical, and may be successfully used by such as are tabid. CHAP. 4. Eclegma sanum & expertum; or, A sound and experienced Lohoch. D. Mes. ℞ of Raisins stoned, Figs, Dates, of each n. xij. Jujubees, Sebestens, of each xxx. Foenugreek-seedʒ v. Linseed, Anise-seed, sweet Fennel-seed, dried Hyssop, Calamint, the roots of Orris, Liquorice, Cinnamon, of each ℥ ss. Maidenhair m.j. boil them all in four pints of water, till half be consumed: to the Calature, add Penidees lb ij. boil it again to the crassitude of Honey; then add these following powders, and pastes, Pine-kernelsʒ v. blanched Almonds, Starch, of eachʒ iij. Liquorice, Gumme-Thraganth, Arabic, of each ℥ ij. ss. Orris ℥ ss. Let all these be exactly mingled, and beaten into a Lohoch. The COMMENTARY. That this Eclegm may be well confected, the root of Orris should be cut into short pieces, and be first cocted in limpid water by half a quarter of an hour; then must the seeds be injected; then the fruits and leaves; last the Liquorice and Cinnamon: the powders being levigated, a part must be confusedly mixed, and conjected into the colature, duly cocted with Penidees; that of these united and agitated with a , may arise an Eclegm, which from its effect is called Sound and Expert: for it contains many fruits, seeds, leaves, and some gums, which commonstrate its eximious faculties; whereunto they add Amylum, to make it more viscid. Now Amylum may be made of many cereals; but the best is that, that is made of Wheat five times madefied with water, till it be soft: which done, the water is effused without agitation, lest something that is useful, flow out with it: when it is very soft, and the water effused, it should be calcated with ones feet, and so broken; then should water be again superfused upon it, and it again calcated, and the enatant bran received into a sieve, and the rest dried in a Basket, and forthwith baked in the sun, and kept. For thus it is grinded without a Mill, and thence called Amylum. It leniates exasperated parts, stays the fluxions of the eyes, and rejections of Blood. This Eclegm cures the cough, Vires. and hoarseness contracted by a cold distemper: it incides, attenuates, and deterges much, and concocts cold humours. CHAP. 5. Eclegma de Pineis; or, Eclegm of Pine-kernels. D. Mes. ℞ of Pine-kernels cleansed from their skinsʒ xxx. sweet Almonds, Hazelnuts, Gumme-Thraganth, Arabic, Liquorice, Juice of Liquorice, white Starch, white Maidenhair, Orris-root, of each ℥ ss. the Pulp of Datesʒ xxxv. bitter Almonds, Honey of Raisins, fresh Butter, white Sugar, of each ℥ iiij. Honey, as much as will suffice to make it up according to Art into an Eclegm. The COMMENTARY. That this Eclegm may be rightly made, the dry roots must first be brayed apart; then the Maidens-hair, than the fruits, than the gums and Amylum: but such as may better be incided, as Almonds and Filberts, may be cut with a knife. When all are well levigated, Rob or Honey of Raisins must be added; then butter; then an idoneous quantity of the whitest and best Honey, that the Eclegm may be of a legitimate consistence. It cures inveterate coughs, Vires. difficulty of breathing; moves viscid spittle: helps the asperity of the voice, helps coction and expectoration of humours, and cures such affections of the Lungs and Breast, as arise from the plenty or noxious quality of humours. Finis Libri Primi. The Apothecary's Shop, OR, ANTIDOTARY. THE SECOND BOOK. Of most selected and approved Purgative Medicaments. THE PREFACE. THe multitude of Compounded Purgatives are almost innumerable, their forms multifarious, and their preparations various. We shall here exhibit the most select, best, and approved; and those either in form of a liquid or solid Electuary, as Opiates or Hierae; or in form of Pills and Trochisks: For Pharmacopolists seldom keep Purgatives in form of Powders or Potions. We shall add the manner and reason of their confecting, and the quality of the Confection: But we shall withal omit many Purges described by the Ancients, because their use is not salubre, nor a due order observed in their Composition, as admitting of many noxious, useless, and unknown Medicaments. We shall also neglect many described and invented by late men; who, being covetous of vainglory, cognominated some after their own Titles, and from a fictitious effect. We shall (I say) relinquish such, and give only the more select, approved, and useful. We dissect this Treatise into four Sections: In the first whereof we speak of liquid Electuaries; in the third, of solid ones; in the fourth, of Pills; and in the second, of bitter Confections, which medics call Hierae. CHAP. 1. Diacassia. D. N. Praepos. ℞ of the flowers and leaves of Violets, Mallows, Beets, Pellitory, Roman Wormwood, of each m. ss. boil in lb iiij. of water, till half be consumed: to the Colature add of Honey lb j boil it to the consistence of a liquid Electuary; then mingle with it Gassia lb j and so make it into an Electuary, and repose it in a fit vessel. The COMMENTARY. All do not make Diacassia alike: for some coct the success of Plants with honeys to a fit crassitude, and then adject the Cassia; others elixate the Plants, and in the colature dilute Cassia and Honey; and then fervefie the whole mixture, to the consistence of a liquid Electuary. But that manner wherein the Cassia is so long cocted, is disapproveable; but the other, whereby the Canes wherein the Cassia is contained, are washed in the strained decoction, and afterwards a pound of honey added, and they cocted to a legitimate spissitude, that by the adjection of a pound of Cassia, they may become an Electuary, is very good. Some, in stead of honey, mix sugar therewith; others, both: some add Manna; others, Senny; others, other Medicaments: and so confect various Electuaries of Cassia, whereunto I assent not. For it is enough, that we have Diacassia made according to the prescript for Glisters; and if the pith of Cassia must be assumed at the mouth, it may be extracted fresh, and taken alone, or mixed with other Medicaments, as the Medick requires. But Egyptian or Oriental Cassia should be selected, which is without redly black, and within full of a fat, medullous, and black matter; which is of force to contemperate heat, wash the Belly, and gently purge the Body; and may thence be securely given to Boys, Old-men, and pregnant Women: for it subduces the Belly without molestation; but it is thought procurative of flatulency, and therefore many educe its pith in the vapour of cocted Anise or Fennel; others mix some Cinnamon with it: and Coraeus gives it with some grains of Berberries, to such as have weak Intestines. I hear of a new kind of Cassia brought from Brasile; a half ounce whereof doth more move the Belly, and copiously educe humours, than a whole ounce of the vulgar and oriental. Diacassia is a benign Medicament, and purges clemently: it allays the heat of the Mesentery, gently moves the Belly, humectates its siccity, and by lubrication and detersion, deposes the excrements by stool. CHAP. 2. Electuarium lenitivum; or, The lenitive Electuary. ℞ of Polypody of the Oak, Senny picked, Raisins stoned, of each ℥ ij. Mercury m. j.ss. Barley, Maidenhair, Violets, of each m. ss. Jujubees, Sebestens, of each num. xx. Prunes stoned, Tamarinds, of eachʒ vj. Liquoriceʒ ss. boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, till a third part be consumed: to the Colature, add Pulp of Cassia-Fistula, Tamarinds, Prunes, Loaf-sugar, and Sugar of Violets, of each ℥ vj. Senny powdered ℥ iij. ss. make it into an Electuary according to Art. The COMMENTARY. The Raisins which ingrede this confection, should be purged from their stones: if white Adiantum, or true Maidens-hair cannot be had, Polytrichum may be substituted in its stead. Conserve of Violets, or Sugar of Violets, may be mixed at pleasure. He that judge's Conserves inept in Electuaries, may add Anise or sweet Fennel-seed, or a little Cinnamon: yet this Electuary hath hitherto been confected without any of them, and the users have not found any molestation from flatulency. The fruits whose pulps must be educed, must be humectated in a part of the prepared decoction; another part thereof with sugar must be made into a Syrup, and the pulps with sugar of Violets, mixed with it while hot: then must an ounce and an half, or at least an ounce and three dragms of well-levigated Senny, be added to every pound of the Composition; whereof they say Rhasis is Author. This lenitive Electuary, thus cognominated from its effect, Vires. levifies, mollifies, and subduces the Belly; educes all obvious, but especially pituitous and melancholical humours, without molestation: it helps against the Pleurisy, and other pectoral affections. The Florentine medics describe another, by the name of the Magisterial Electuary; which admits of Turpentine, Ginger, and Scammony; which our Shop may well be without. CHAP. 3. Electuarium Catholicum; or, The Catholical Electuary. ℞ of Polypody of the Oak well bruised lb j pure water lb ix. boil them together, till a third part be consumed; and in two parts of the decocoction, let there be boiled Sugar lb viij. to which add pulp of Cassia and Tamarinds, madefied with the other part of the decoction, of the leaves of Senny, of each ℥ viij. of the best Rhabarb, Polypody, sweet Fennel-seeds, Violets, of each ℥ iiij. of the four greater cool seeds, of each ℥ j Liquorice, Penidees, Sugar-Candy, of each ℥ ss. make into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. That this universal Antidote may be duly confected, many things must be brayed, and prepared apart; and first of all, Polypody, which being twice assumed, must be bifariously prepared. In the first course it must be brayed only pretty grossly; in the second, it must be levigated very small: that which is only contunded, must be long cocted in the prescribed, or sufficient quantity of water; and a Syrup must be made of two parts of its colature and sugar. The Tamarinds and Cassia must be humectated with the rest, that their pulps may be more easily separated and secerned. The Rhabarb must be brayed alone; the Senny, Liquorice, Fennel, and Violets, both alone and together; twice as much of the Syrup of Violets, may be mixed in stead of the Violets: the four cold seeds must be excorticated, and minutely cut with a Penknife; then must the Penidia and Sugar be pulverated; then must all be put together, and agitated with a ligneous or Rudicle, till they become an Electuary of a legitimate consistence. And the composition of this solemn Medicament is not only various, but there are also various opinions concerning its Author: for Silvius seems to ascribe the invention thereof to Galen; Joubertus, to Nicolaus Myrepsicus; Bauderonius, to Nicolaus Salernitanus; Adolphus Occon, to Nicolaus Praepositus; Valer. Cordus, to Nicolaus Alexandrinus; who indeed hath described it, but not as it is vulgarly made. But none know certainly, to which of these to attribute its invention: but all call it Nicolaus his Catholicum, not adding his Surname. Now this Medicament is called Catholical, or Universal, either because it expurges all humours, or because it draws them from all parts of the Body. That which is made according to this prescript, is called Simple Catholicum, in reference to the more compound; which receives twice as much Rhabarb and Senny; yet neither of them substantially, or in powder, ingrede that same, as they do this simple Catholicum: but the Senny is cocted, and the Rhabarb infused, and its expression joined with the mixture; which form into an Electuary, is called Catholicum Duplicatum. Many coct Anise and Fennel, and others Coriander-seed, with Polypody, to discuss its flatuosity: but there is Fennel enough in the description, to effect this; so that there is no need to congest so many Medicaments of the same faculty together. If any like not Anise, he may in its stead substitute sweet Fennel or Coriander, or an equal weight of each: yea, any may add some Cinnamon, to make it more grateful, and it will be of good consequence. The rest I leave to the old description, which most medics approve of, and prefer before many purges: which to pervert, as Rondeletius hath done, were a piece of a piacle. Some keep a certain Catholicum in their shops for Glisters, different from the common one, only in this, that it admits of only old and worse Rhabarb, and is confected with Honey in stead of Sugar. That which is very purgative, wherein Apothecaries put Turpentine, Coloquintida, and Hermodactyls, is not good. I hear of some that make a more liquid Catholicon, only of Syrup, and the infusion of some pulps: but its faculties being very imbecile, and not respondent to the scope of the Author, whoever first made it, I think it is not now kept or prepared. Fernelius gives more descriptions of Catholicum: one whereof, amongst other things, receives Hellecampane, Hyssop, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Honey; another amongst Purgatives, Agarick, Turpentine, and Diacridium: which compositions, made by a perite artificer, are good; but they are seldom kept in shops. Let that then which we have, according to the Ancients mind here described, be continually kept for the true Catholicum in each Pharmacopoly. It clemently and gently purges all humours, cures Fevers, Vires. and acute diseases, especially such as proceed from the brave disposition of the Spleen and Liver. CHAP. 4. Diaprunum, seu Diadamascenum simplex; or, Simple Diaprunum, or Diadamascenum. D.N.Myr. ℞ of fresh and ripe Damask-Prunes, n. 100 boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, till they grow soft; then let them be pulped through a hair-sieve: In the percolated Colature, boil the flowers of Violets ℥ j In the Colature, dissolve Sugar lb ij. boil them into a Syrup; to which add the pulp of the aforesaid Prunes, inspissated by itself lb j of the pith of Cassia and Tamarinds, of each ℥ j then sprinkle in these following Powders; viz. White Sanders, red Sanders, Rhabarb, of eachʒ iij. Roses, Violets, the seeds of Purslain, Endive, Berberries, Juice of Liquorice, Thraganth, of eachʒ ij. of the four greater cool seeds, of eachʒ j make it into an Electuary according to Art. The COMMENTARY. The description of this Electuary, shows the manner of its confection, which indeed is the best: though some make it otherwise, who wash and elixate not only the pulps of Plums and Tamarinds, but of Cassia also, to the consistence of Honey with a Syrup: whereunto they afterwards add the Powders, that, together with its desired faculty, it may acquire its legitimate consistence. But all agree not about the quantity of Violets: for some, according to Nic. Myrepsus his decree, take only half an ounce, others an ounce and a half: we, aiming at the mean, take one ounce, to be a little cocted in the strained decoction of the Plums. Some, besides the Author's intention, add Cinnamon; but we think it unfit for a lenitive and refrigerative Medicament. And we judge no otherwise of Berberries-seeds, though we know that they are roborative: for Diaprunum may easily be without their help, seeing it admits of Rhabarb and Roses, which are fare more roborative, and seeing its main faculty should rather be lenitive than roborative. But that they call Spodium, is not once to be thought of in this confection, because the Grecian Spodium is noxious, and the Arabian cannot be had, and is withal inconvenient; as also Antispodium, which being nothing but Ivory, hath no affinity with the Roots of Cane, which Avicenna calls Spodium: as we have showed in our third Book of Medicinal Matter, Chap. 11. CHAP. 5. Diaprunum compositum seu laxativum; or, The Compound or laxative Diaprunum. D.N.Myr. ℞ of the simple Diaprunum afore-prescribed lb j Scammony prepared ℥ ss. mingle them, and make them into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Both the sorts of Diaprunum are compounded and laxative, but the simple not admitting of Diacridium, subduces the Belly easily, scarce moving the first region of the Body: the other, which admitting of Diagridium, moves the Belly potently, and deduces humours from all parts, is called the more compound. Only one ounce of Diacridium, is added to each pound of the simple Diaprunum: so that one ounce of the Electuary, contains but one scruple of the same. Nic. Salernitanus doth perversely augment the weight of the Diacridium, mixing seven dragms thereof, with each pound of the Electuary: for so its purgative faculty becomes more efferous, and its use more unsafe. Diacridium must be levigated very small, and put to the Electuary while hot. This Diaprunum, Vires. besides those qualities it hath common with the other, purges potently, and yet without molestation: it is successfully used in the diseases of the Reins and Bladder, in Fevers, and all calid affections. CHAP. 6. Diaphoenicum, seu Confectio de Dactylis; or, Diaphoenicum, or Confection of Dates. D. Mes. ℞ of Dates not perfectly ripe, macerated three days in Vinegarʒ 100 Penideesʒ l. of the best Turbithʒ xxx. Diagridiumʒ xij. Ginger, Long Pepper, Rue dried, Cinnamon, Mace, Lignum Aloes, the seeds of Anise, Fennel, Carret, Galangal, of eachʒ ij. Honey despumed lb ss. or as much as will suffice to bring it into the consistency of a solid Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Seeing Dates of a perfect magnitude, and not absolutely mature, are somewhat flave, there is no need of this word Kirron in the prescript, which vulgar Apothecaries usually add: for if they derive it from the Greeks, it signifies flave; if from the Barbarians, who writ it Kheyron, it signifies immature; or rather, as it is most credible, Chayrum, a Town or Field where best Dates grow: which one Saladinus, a Triobolar writer, seems to avouch, when he saith, that Keiron is a Province of the Saracens. Seeing there is no need to seek immature Dates for this confection, when mature ones will make it astrictive enough, and castigate Scammony: yet I think, That neither absolutely immature, nor yet mature ones, but indifferent betwixt both, are best. But before they ingrede the composition, they should be purged from their pills and stones, cut into pieces, and macerated in a small quantity of Vinegar, only a day, if they be soft; if not, two or three, and that in an earthen pot; then must they be brayed in a Marble-Morter; then trajected through a cernicle, and afterwards elixated with despumed honey, till their vinegar be dissipated. Some macerate Dates in Hydromel, others in white-wine; but they are fit to the temper of Aromatas, and attenuate Phlegm, which are macerated in vinegar. The Penidia must be of Barley, which are made of Sugar and Barleywater, cocted to an idoneous crassitude. Turbith, Wood-Aloes, Galangal, Ginger, and other Simples, must be pulverated. Almorids must first be incided small with a knife, and then levigated with Penidees; then all the Powders may be mixed together, except Scammony, which must be brayed apart, and last of all mixed with them; not to thrice as much Honey, as Cordus holds, but to half a pound. For thus much honey, suffices the Dates, Penidia and Almonds being all sweet; whose weight in all, is one pound, nine ounces and three dragms; the weight of the other Powders, eight ounces and six dragms: which put together, make two pounds and an half; which, with half a pound of despumed honey, constitutes three pounds, or thirty six ounces: so that for each ounce of the compound, there is a scruple of Diacridium. Perhaps this quantity of honey, may not to some seem copious enough to receive the Powders, nor just to bring the Electuary to a legitimate consistence; especially seeing Bauderonius, most perite in Pharmacy, takes thirteen ounces and an half of honey; Bern. Dissennius, two pounds; Joan. Costa, two pounds and eight ounces; and Rondeletius, six pounds: But Dates, Penidia, and Almonds, supplying Honey's office, the quantity we have defined may be enough, which by augmentation makes the virtue of the compound more imbecile. Some weigh the Dates after they are macerated in vinegar; others take (and that better) their weight according to Mesu's definition, before their maceration; and then infuse, then bray and prepare them, as we have declared. This Medicament is denominated from them, as from its basis: which yet some call Diaturbith, because Turbith is most prepotent amongst the Purgatives, which ingrede its composition; because of which, this Medicament is Phlegmagogous. Diaphoenicum, Vires. or confection of Dates, doth clemently and safely purge phlegm and choler, cures Belly-ach, colic, and all diseases from crude and pituitous humours, diuturnal also, and pituitous Fevers. He that hath this Medicament, may well be without both the Indoes. CHAP. 9 Electuarium de Psyllo; or, Electuary of Fleawort. D.M. ℞ of the depurated Juices of Bugloss, borage, Endive, and Smallage, of each lb ij. the Juice of Fumatory ℥ iij. mingle them, and macerate in them a whole day, of the leaves of Senny ℥ j Anise-seed, Dodder, Asarabacca, of each ℥ ss. Maidenhair, m.j. Spikenardʒ ij. Let all these be fervefied together; to which add, of Violets ℥ iij. * Epithimum. Dodder of Thyme. ℥ ij. Boyl them a little, afterwards let them be strained; and infuse in the Colature for 24 hours, of the whole seeds of Fleabit ℥ iij. Let them be agitated well in the mixture, afterwards strained, and to lb iiij. of the Colature, add of white Sugar lb ij. ss. Boyl it to a little above the consistence of a Syrup; and while it is hot, mingle of Diagridium sinely sifted ℥ iij. Trochisks of Diarrhodon Abbatis, de Antispodio, and of Rhabarb, of each ℥ j Troches of Berberries, Conserve of Violets, of each ℥ ss. and so make it into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Many commend this Medicament, when congested and compounded; but few celebrate the Simples whereof it consists; scarce two amongst a hundred keep to one proportion, or make it after one manner: for, some augment, some detract, and many change the weight; but we, in the apparation of this Medicament, hold the words of no Authors for Oracles, but according to the dictate of Reason, change somewhat of that our Author prescribed: For in stead of the succe of wild Bugloss, we substitute the succe of Garden Bugloss, or rather Borrage, as better; in stead of half an ounce of Senny, which could be of no remarkable potency, we put a whole ounce; in stead of three ounces and an half of Scammony, we only admit of three, that each scruple thereof, might respond to each ounce of the composition: For we judge, that its purgative faculty will thus be valid enough. We do not institute cocted Diacridium, to be recocted in a Quince, lest its virtue be obtunded. We have added Conserve of Violets, that it might be more lenitive: we admit of only half an ounce of Asarabacca, in stead of Mesue's four. But it may be that weight was changed by the Printer, mistaking ʒ iiij. for ℥ iiij. Polytrichum may be substituted in defect of Maidens-hair: the manner of preparation is apparent enough in the description. Now if any admire why Mesue, designing a venenate quality to Fleawort, should put it in so great quantity in this Medicament, whereof it is the Basis: I answer, That that might happen to him, which many grave men have not avoided, to wit, to speak something precipitantly, which better thoughts, and further knowledge, might castigate and change: But however he thought, Fleawort is not deletery, and therefore accedes this Electuary, which is of much use. This Electuary doth not only temper, but purge choler, Vires. helps in acute Fevers, and all hot and dangerous diseases, cures the Vertigo, and all such capital affections as proceed from the ascent or congestion of hot humours, and helps the hot or obstructed Liver, and other affections flowing from that fountain. CHAP. 8. Benedicta laxativa; or, The blessed laxative. D.N. Salern. ℞ of Turbith, Radix, Esulae prepared, of eachʒ x. Diagridium, Hermodactyls, Rose-leaves, of eachʒ v. Ginger, Galangal, Cloves, Cardamomes, Amomus, or in its defect Acorus, Long-Pepper, Mace, Spikenard, Saffron, the seeds of Smallage, Caraway, Fennel, Saxafrage, Gromwell, Asparagrass, Butchers-broom, Sal Gem, of eachʒ j of despumed honey lb j and ℥ viij. ss. to make it up into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Before the root of Esula be brayed, and used as it should, it must be macerated four and twenty hours in Vinegar; then exsiccated, and pulverated with Turbith, Spikenard cut small, Ginger, the lesser Galangal, and Hermodactyle: when these are half brayed, the Aromatas must be mixed with them, and all of them levigated together: only Salt, Saffron, Sugar, and Scammony, must be prepared apart. The weight of the Powders, without Salt and Sugar, is ʒ lij. and thrice as much despumed honey must be put thereto, that the confection may be of a legitimate consistence; which benignly subduces the Belly. Their opinion must be rejected, who think that Diagridium must either be lessened in quantity, or quite substracted, lest the Medicament become too Cholagogous: for there concurring three Phlegmagogous Purgatives, this quantity is well defined, both to excite the slow faculty of Turbith, and to purge some choler with the phlegm. It doth not only draw these humours from the first region of the Body, Vires. but from the Reins also, and remoter parts. It absolves obstructions, expels all viscid humours, and moves phlegm from the articles. CHAP. 9 Electuarium, seu confectio Hamech. Des. Fernel. ℞ of the barks of Citrian, Myrobolans ℥ ij. Chebulans, Indian, of each ℥ j ss. of Violets, Coloquintida, Polypody, of each ℥ j ss. of Wormwood, Thyme, of each ℥ ss. of the seeds of Anise, Fennel, Rose-leaves, of eachʒ iij. after they are well bruised, let them be macerated a whole day in lb ij. of Whey; afterwards boiled to lb j then make a strong expression: and to the Colature, add of the Juice of Fumatory, pulp of Prunes, and Raisins stoned, of each lb ss. of white Sugar, and of Honey despumed, of each lb j boil them to the consistency of Honey; then sprinkle in these powders: of Agarick, and Senny, of each ℥ ij. of Rhabarb ℥ j ss. Epithimus ℥ j Diagridiumʒ vj. Cinnamon ℥ ss. Gingerʒ ij. the seeds of Fumatory and Anise, Spikenard, of eachʒ j make it into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Fernelius hath well castigated and changed this Electuary, preserving its virtue entire, and reducing its description into an easier form: for, as Plantius saith, Myrobolambs twice decocted, and then brayed and imposed, are frustraneous. Rhabarbs faculty perishes by coction; Cassia, Manna, and Tamarinds, by coction corrupt: Diagridium also, when cocted, is without virtue, nor easily commiscible: and yet by Mesue's ancient description, these were all thus prepared, and confusedly mixed, without art or order. Wherefore we have extracted this description from Fernelius, as being much better when made, and much casier to make, without which, no Pharmacopoly should be once found: And notwithstanding this same Rhythmical admonition of a certain Versificator: Non eris illusus, teneas si quod tenet usus. When the use is brave, it must be changed; and that mutation is good, which is from good to better. Mesue requires to this confection, the Whey of Goats-milk, but defines not how much: yet we may assume the Whey of Ass' milk in its stead; and if that be wanting, of Cows-milk: in two pounds whereof, the Simples must be macerated and cocted, and they will depose their faculties therein. The pulps of Raisins and Plums must be dissolved in the colature; the Honey, Sugar and succe of Fumatory, must be all cocted therein, above the consistence of a Syrup: the rest must be added as the description shows; it is easy enough. This confection purges both the Biles, and salt phlegm; Vires. and thence conduces to the Canker, Leprosy, Raving, Melancholy, Tetter, Itch, Scab, and such cutaneous affections. Barber-Chirurgeons use this, to purge all such as are infected with the French disease; as though all had one temper, and but one humour peccant in all men. But such of them as boast more glotiously, and are by conference with medics something more prudent, acknowledge the matter peccant in this disease, to be various, according to the various natures of the diseased. CHAP. 10. Tryphera solutiva. ℞ of Diagridiumʒ x. of the best Turbith ℥ j of the lesser Cardamomes, Cloves, Cinnamon, Mace, of cachʒ iij. yellow , Liquorice, and sweet Fennel-seed, of each ℥ ss. * Winterflag. Acorus, Squinant, of each ʒ j the bark of Citron condited, Rose-leaves, of eachʒ iij. of Violetsʒ ij. of Penidees ℥ iiij. Loaf-sugar lb ss. the whitest Honey despumed in the Juice of Apples lb j with which make it into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. The acception of the word Tryphera, seems to be contrarily taken by Mesue; whose Trypherae, as he describes them, are not delicate, as the word denotes, but grateful in colour and sapour, and incommendable in faculties, I exhibit one endued with all these dowries; for its sapour is very grateful, its colour pleasant, and its faculties eximious, and easily tolerable, by such as need them. We leave out Ginger, which was wont to be added to Turbith, because we have accumulated many Aromatas, to castigate its serity, which are more sweet and cordial; which also abate of the fury of Diagridium, especially Roses, Violets, and Santals', which alloy also the heat of the Aromatas: Penidia are added for mitigation, Sugar for suavity, and Honey for conservation. Anton. Landaeus, an Apothecary of Paris, made it after this form faithfully as I have described it, and exhibited it by my advice to many sick people, who without any insuavity to the mouth, subversion to the stomach, or torsion to the Belly, were thereby successfully purged, and securely liberated from their diseases. It is most commodious to such who abound with many bilious and pituitous excrements, and can take no purgative Medicaments, but grateful ones: for this confection is not insuave, and yet it potently subduces the Belly, removes obstructions, purges crass and viseid humours, helps compounded Fevers, and all such diseases as arise from phlegm and bile: But it is not so good in the heat of Summer, unless it be drunk in some validly-refrigerative decoction, or other such liquor. CHAP. 11. Diabalzemer; seu Electuarium Sennatum. ℞ of the roots of Succory, Bugloss, Polypody of the Oak, the bark of the roots of Capers, Grass-roots, Liquorice, Currans, of eachʒ vj. Maden-hair, Mules-fern, Ceterach, Dodder, Mugwort, Fumatory, Egrimony, Betony, Balm, the flowers of Broom and Violets, of each m. ss. Boyl them in a sufficient quantity of water, till lb iij. of the Colature remains; in which infuse and boil, of the leaves of Senny, the seeds of Carrot and Coriander, of eachʒ j ss. black Hellebore, Turbith, of each ℥ j ss. Clovesʒ ij. boil these, till a third part of the Liquor be consumed: to the Colature, add lb j ss. of the Sugar; which again boil, till it comes to above the consistency of a Syrup: to which add the infusion of ℥ ss. of choice of Rhabarb in Steel-water, strongly expressed forth; then add of the Powders of Senny ℥ ij. of Lapis Lazuli prepared, Cinnamon, of each ℥ ss. Sassafras, ℥ j Pyony-roots, Tamaris, Epithimus, the middle bark of Ash, of eachʒ ij. Sem. Agni Casti, Roman Gith, Spikenard, of eachʒ ij. Rosemary, Stoechados, of eachʒ ij. Make it into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Each disease hath its praesidy, but every Dispensatory suppeditates not a Salve for every sore: We shall endeavour now to add something, wherein many have been defective, and afford an auxiliary for the Hypochondriacal; who, as yet, have been either overlooked, or taken for desperate. This Medicament is concinnated for the affections of the Hypochondriacal, Histerical, Melancholical, and such as venery hath proclaimed Frenchmen. It is named Dialalzemer, from Senny its Basis, which the Arabians call Albazemer; than which, no Medicament is more melanagogous, nor purge more tolerable. This we mix partly in Powder, partly in infusion, with such things as discuss flatulency, attenuate humours, remove infarctures, roborate the spleen, liver, and bowels, recreate the faculties, respect the Uterus, obtund some malign quality, and securely propel humours long since congested; not only melancholical and contumacious ones, but viscid and pituitous also, which sometimes put on the habit of Melancholy, and some adust bilious humours: and therefore we add Rhabarb and Turbith, that we may with the Melancholical Captain-humour, educe the Pituitous, his companion inseparable, and also the Bilious, which is pedissequous. And because this Medicament most respects melancholy, we have selected black Hellebore for this black humour; rejecting the white, as more convenient for Phlegm. The manner of its preparation is easy, and sufficiently demonstrated in the description. But before all be congested into the composition, the Azure-stone calls for some preparation; as thus: A sufficient quantity thereof must be taken, brayed in a Metalline Mortar, washed with common water, dried in the Sun or hot ashes; then again washed and dried; and so again, and again, till the water remain limpid; then must it be dried, and that not ten, but, if need be, twenty times; then let it be washed four, five, or more times in cordial waters; then let it be dried, and kept for use. For thus its malign quality perishes, and its purgative evades conqueror. In the confection of Alkermes it is burnt, and its purgative faculty exhaled, its cordial only then remaining, whereof there is use. Diabalzemer doth miraculoussy help the Splenical, Vires. Melancholical, Hypochondriacal, Maniacal, Epileptical, Histerical, and Elephantical: This frees Widows from their foetid colours for want of concourse; and venereous Indians from their scarlet Noses, contracted by contract. CHAP. 12. Hydragogum Eximium. ℞ of the roots of Orris, Reed, Grass, the barks of the roots of Capers, Asarabacca, Caraway, of eachʒ vj. Pimpinel, * Polytricus Maidenhair, Egrimony, Ceterach, Mugwort, of each m.j. of the flowers of the Peach-tree m. ss. Boyl them in a sufficient quantity of water: In the Colature infuse and boil a little, of the leaves of Senny ℥ ij. of the seeds of Carret ℥ ij. boil the decoction, till it comes to a pint; to which add Juice of Damask-Roses lb ss. Sugar lb ss. Honey despumed in the decoction ℥ x. boil them to a Syrup: to which add these following powders, Manna ℥ ij. Turbith, * Esula. Milkwort prepared, of each ℥ j ss. Gingerʒ j Water-flag, Calamus, Aromaticus, of eachʒ j Mechoacan ℥ ij. the seeds of Dwarf-eldern ℥ ss. and of Sea-Colewortsʒ iij. Cinamonʒ ij. make it up into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Many descriptions we have, which smell more of confusion, than composition, whose effects show their brangling Authors; and therefore we reject many liquid Electuaries, as either unaccommodated for cure, by their ill composure; or obsolete, for want of custom; picking out such as are better described, and more approved by their sanative effects: As, besides the two former which we have added, this also, which for its excellence is called, The eximious Hydragogal Electuary, which we desire may be always in Pharmacopolies, that it may be ready to open the sluice when the river is stopped, and the banks almost overrun; lest the hydroptical be without praesidy, and drown his vitals in his watty Belly. And because we would have this Medicament perfect, we have added such things as will emend the distemper, remove the obstructions, and roborate the whole of the Spleen and Liver, from which the hydroptical get much of his evil. We have also added some, to discuss flatuosity, and awaken the native calour; Besides many more, which duly prepared, become hydragogous. The form demonstrates the manner of their preparation. This may be safely given to such as labour under the Dropsy; Vires. for it educes watery humours without violence; and is a most accommodate Purgative for all diseases arising from thence. The Parisian common people used to flock to a woman-Pharmacopolist, who gave them a certain Powder, to purge the hydroptical of their watery and serous humours; but few or none recovered. SECT. II. Of Hierae. SOme Purgative Compounds were for their excellent effects, by the Greeks called Hierae, that is, Holy, and Great; for they are endued with great virtues, and cure great diseases: but they are most vulgarly denominated from some famous Author; as, CHAP. 1. Hiera Picra, seu Dialoe Galeni. lb of Cinnamon, Mace, Asarum, Spikenard, Saffron, Mastic, Squinant, of eachʒ vj. Aloes not washedʒ 100 or lb j and ℥ ss. the best Honey despumed, the triple quantity, or lb iiij. make it into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. This Hiera is, by Galen its Author, called Picra, that is, amare, because of the Aloes, which is its Basis; from which it mutuates its Purgative faculty. We retain the old composition, save that in stead of Xylobalsum, which is scarce to be had, we, by Fernelius his advice, substitute Mace; and for the flowers of the sweet Rush, which are not brought to us, the Rush itself: and so we keep to the quantity which Galen, or rather Andromachus, prescribed to be mixed with the Aloes. This Hiera Picra was most usual at Rome; besides other two, which Galen sometimes used; in which he detracted, changed, or at pleasure added what exigence called for. But now they are obsolete. But this yet remains entire, except it be for the wood of Balm, which some take out, and substitute nothing; others the surcles of Lentisks; and others, the fruit of Balm: which is equally rare, therefore no good substitute. But Mace or Sweet-cane may well succeed in its room, and the Hiera no whit less efficacious. Galen is perhibited its Author, rather because he celebrated it, than invented it. It is easy to make: the Mastic, Aloes and Saffron must first be brayed a part, than the rest; and afterwards the ingredients must all be mixed in despumed honey, that they may acquire the spissitude of an Electuary. It califies, incides, attenuates, dries, deterges, Vires. removes obstructions, expurges bilious, pituitous, crass, and viscid humours: it conduces miraculously, helps the affections of the Ventricle, Mesentery, Liver, Head, and Junctures: to each ounce of the compound, put ℈ ij. and g. i. ss. and of the Powder of the rest, g.xu. CHAP. 2. Hiera Picra with Agarick. ℞ of the species of Hierae without Aloes, Agarick trochiscated, of each ℥ ss. Aloes not washed ℥ j Honey despumed a triple quantity, or ℥ vj. make it into an Electuary according to Art. The COMMENTARY. This Hierae consists of two benign purgative Medicaments; the one Aloes, which is Cholagogous; the other Agaric, which is Phlegmagogous: For two humours might be too hard for one Medicament; therefore to a mixed distemper, we prescribe a mixed cure, or a compound of mixed qualities. And because Galens Hiera Picra is often given to the affections of the Ventricle and Brain, wherein much of crass phlegm lodges, as well as Bile, we have described this Hiera with Agarick, that it may expurge all at once. It is made as the precedent, whose powder is often kept in Pharmacopolies, and when use requires, mixed with Aloes and Honey, or with Aloes, Honey, and Agarick, as the medics scope requires. But that which admits of Agarick, Vires. is useful to many things: for it educes all, but chief crass and viscid phlegm, and putrid Bile; it incides humours, takes away infarctures, exonerates the Mesentery, purges the ventricle, resarciates the appetite, helps coction, educes noxious humours from the brain, and cures the Epilepsy, Vertigo and Viligance. CHAP. 3. Hiera Pachii; or, Pacchius his Hiera. D. Scribon. ℞ of Stoechados, Horehound, Germander, Agarick, Coloquintida, of eachʒ x. Opoponax, Sagapenum, Parsley seeds, long Birthwort, white Pepper, of eachʒ v. Cinnamon, Spikenard, Myrrh, Indian leaf, Saffron, of each ℥ ss. Honey despumed a triple quantity, or lb iij. mingle them according to Art into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. Oribasius attributes this Hiera to Ruffius; Paulus, to Archigenus; Scribonius Largus, to Pacchius: yet he was not the first Author, but a prudent celebrator thereof, who getting much lucre thereby, kept it to himself as a hidden Secret, till his death: When he was dead, its description, as it is here given, was brought to Tiberius Caesar; from whom Scribonius got it, who before that time was by no art able to extort it. Aetius calls it sometimes the Hiera of Archigenus, sometimes of Antiochus; and we call it Pacchius his Hierae: and it is thus made: Sarpagenum, Opopanax, and Myrrh, must be macerated a whole night in Hydromel or Wine, rather than Vinegar; then trajected through a strong strainer, that all their impurer parts may be secerned, afterwards mixed with despumed honey, together with other pulverated simples: but Saffron, Agarick, and Coloquintida, must be brayed apart; and in the pulveration of Coloquintida, a drop or two of Oil put to it, that its virtue may not exhale, and that its pulveration may be more facile: yet its pulp must only be assumed, and white Horehound rather than black. Pacchius his Hiera is efficacious to many things: Vires. for it cures the Epileptical, the furious, vertiginous, cephalalgicous, suspirious, anhelant, comatous, and such as are obnoxious to the Incubus, and other affections of the eyes, ears, and head. It purges also the stomach, emends the affections of the Liver, takes away the sand in the spleen, and diminishes its hardness; auxiliates the diseases of the intestines, discusses or opens imposthumes, either already made there, or in making; and moves fluors in such women as can hardly be purged. CHAP. 4. Hiera Diacolocynthidos' magist. or, The Magisterial Hiera of Diacolocynthis. ℞ of pulp of Coloquintida ℥ j Agarick, black Hellebore, of each ℥ ss. Aloesʒ x. Diagridium, Polypody, Mastic, Opoponax, Bdellium, Sagapenum, of eachʒ ij. of the roots of Enula-campane, Cyprus, Angelica, Cloves, Cinnamon, Mace, Bay-berries, Juniper-berries, Cardamomes, Majoran, Stoechados, Saffron, Spikenard, of eachʒ j Rose-leavesʒ iij. Honey despumed lb j ss. mingle them according to Art. The COMMENTARY. In the Apothecary's Dispensatories, nothing is more confounded, than the descriptions of Hierae, which every one arbitrarily either changes, or denominates wrong. Hence we see the same Hiera designed by three names; as that same which is sometimes called the Hiera of Pacchius, sometimes the Hiera of Archigenus, sometimes of Ruffius, and sometimes also of Diacolocynthis: and three different Hieras designed by one name; as this of Diacolocynthis, which Mesue describes one way, Nic. Myrepsus another, and Fernelius another. But we prefer the Hiera of Pacchius before them all, which we call Magisterial, because of the excellency of its Basis and faculties. He that hath this, may easily be without all the Hieras which admit of Coloquintida; and it is thus made: Opoponax, Bdellium, and Sagapenum, must be macerated a whole night, or else a day, in Vinegar, rather than in Wine, because of the heat of those simples which ingrede its composition: then they must be well strained, and the Vinegar resolved upon ashes; the Purgatives must be brayed apart, and a little Oil of Almonds put to the Coloquintida, lest it molest the Brayer; then the other simples, the hardest first, the Aromata next, all must be mixed with despumed honey to a legitimate spissitude. It is of eximious power, Vires. in curing the affections of the head, ventricle, and abdomen; which proceed from crude, pituitous, crass, or melancholical humours; but especially sanative of the Apoplexy, Drowziness, Lethargy, Palsy, Epilepsy, Incubus, difficulty of Breathing, Colic, Hypochondriacal Melancholy, and all affections of the Belly arising from vitreous and crass phlegm, and all such as stupefy the senses, or hebescate motion, or both. SECT. III. Of solid Electuaries, and Purgative Trochisks. THose that compose, or rather transcribe Antidotaries or Dispensatories, think they demerit much praise, if without Art or Reason they do congest a heap of Medicaments, depromed from certain Authors. But we have not only selected all, but picked out of the most select, such as long Use and Reason have best approved of. Whereunto we have added, and from which we have detracted what Reason assured us was useless, or Experience told us was rare and unknown: And this not only in the descriptions of the Ancients, but of the more Recents also; for it often happens, that grave men both write and speak from others relations, and so hold and defend for truth, what they have miss-heard, or not known. And I therefore describe fewer Medicaments in this Shop, because I would be able to give the legitimate Composition, the true manner and reason of it, the illustration and faculties upon good grounds and experience. CHAP. 1. Electuarium Diacarthami; or, The Electuary of Diacarthamum, or Diacnic. Des. Arnal. Villain. ℞ of the pith of the seeds of Bastard-saffron, Hermodactyls, Pull Diatrag. frigid. of each ℥ ss. Turbithʒ vj. Ginger, Manna Granata, of eachʒ ij. Diagridiumʒ iij. Sugar-Candy, the Medulla of Quinces condited, Honey of Roses, of each ℥ j white Sugar ℥ iij. ss. make it according to Art into a solid Electuary tabulated. The COMMENTARY. The description of Diacarthamum is as much controverted, as it is used; which you shall scarce find alike in two Authors. Joubertus describes it three manner of ways; but Use and Reason assure us, that one of them is more certain safe, which we have borrowed from Nic. Praepositus, which is somewhat changed from that which its Author Arnaldus Villanovinus gave of it. It takes its name from Carthamus, which is its Basis; though Turbith in plenty and faculties exceed it: Both their qualities are intended by the adjection of Ginger. Diagridium and Hermodactyls do not only draw phlegm, but bile also from the articles; their efferous quality is castigated by condited Quinces flesh: Manna, Diatragacanthum and Sugar, are put to leniate and temper, to deterge and move phlegm, and Honey to conserve. Diacarthamum must be thus prepared: The seed of Carthamus must first be decorticated, then brayed; afterwards Ginger, Turbith, and Hermodactyls must be pulverated; then Diagridium, and Candid Sugar, and Quinces, the Honey, Manna, and Cidoniatum must be then mixed with the Sugar, cocted to the consistence of a Syrup whilst hot, and afterwards the powders, that they make a solid Electuary, to be discinded into tabels. It is of frequent use, Vires. and is kept ready almost in all Pharmacopolies: it purges pituitous humours potently, not only from the ventricle and Mesentery, but also from more remote parts: if it be assumed in greater quantity, it detracts also something of Bile: wherefore it helps not only in quotidian, and merely pituitous Fevers, but in complicated also; which arise from the mixture of divers humours. CHAP. 2. Elect. de succo Rosar. or, An Electuary of the succe of Roses. ℞ of the depurated Juice of red Roses lb j Sugar lb j ss. boil them into a solid Electuary; to which add of the three , of each ℥ ss. Mastickʒ ij. ℈ ij. dry Citron-pillʒ j Camphyr ℈ j make of these a hard and solid Electuary, which roll out upon a board, and last into Tallets, every one to weighʒ j ss. orʒ ij. at least. The COMMENTARY. I am not he, who for ostentation would change the old, and promulgate new sentences, but to pass my judgement on such things as are spoken or written without reason: and here I challenge liberty to Philosophise. And now I seeing this Electuary described by Myrepsus, discerpted from Salernitanus, variously patched, and ill concinnated by the more recent; I feared not to diminish the too heavy weight, augment the too light, and change the inept things: All which I did with consultation, not precipitantly; I seeing no reason that the succe of Roses should be of equal weight with the Sugar, I diminish the quantity of the succe, and augment the Sugar; well knowing, that a pound of Sugar will sooner and better be cocted to the consistence of a Syrup, or an Electuary, in half a pound of Roses succe, then in a whole one; and its faculties will not be much more imbecile, but roborative enough. Something also I have detracted from the weight of the Santals', and have substituted a little of the Pill of Oranges in its stead; partly to conciliate more suavity, and partly to arceate putretude, and recreate the vitals. Some leave out Camphor, because of its strong sent: but I approve of it; for its halite quality makes the Electuary more grateful, and its permeative quality more efficacious. I have, in stead of Spodium, which cannot be had, Antispodium, which being only burnt Ivory, is not proper, substituted Mastic, to roborate the Ventricle, and castigate Scammony. Ivory is foolishly and ineptly called Spodium, and substituted for the fictitious Arabian Spodium: for, let Apothecaries believe as they will, there is but one true Spodium, and that is the Grecian Pompholix, which should never be introsumed. The Arabian Interpreters are also miserably out, in rendering Tabaxir Spodium, and Spodium Burnt Ivory: for Tabaxir is the succe or concreted liquor of certain Trees, or very crass and tall Reeds, which by the agitation of the wind, and their mutual collision, sometimes conflagrate; from which burning, Avicenna mendicated his Spodium, or rather Tabaxir, which his infidous Interpreter Clusius calls his Spodium. But we get not this Tabaxir from India, nor the ashes of these Canes from Arabia; neither would they be of much use in Medicine, if we had them: nor yet doth burnt Ivory respond to them as a substitute; therefore they must either be quite expunged, or some other congruous Medicament placed in their stead. In the vulgar description, there are ℈ xxxuj. of Diagridium, for each ounce of the composition: But in our emendation, there accedes only half a dragm of Diagridium, to each ounce of the compound; and yet it is so valid and potent, that it may well retain its old name, The spur of Purgatives; for, in a small mole, it hath much of efficacy. The manner of its preparation, is the same with Diacarthamum, and that is apparent enough, by the description of the form: some take only the distilled succe of Roses, wherein they macerate their Tragacanthum, and extract a Mucago for the comprehension of the Powders, and the concinnation of their solid Electuary. But I had rather inspissate the succe in S. Mary's Bath, to the spissitude of a Rob, that so it might better concorporate the Powders. If any will use unprepared Scammony for Diagridium, he may upon good grounds leave the wont quantity of Roses succe. This Electuary is merely cholagogous, Vires. and by educing choler potently, cures such affections as proceed from that humour. CHAP. 3. Electuarium de Citro solutivum. ℞ of the bark of Citron-Pill condited, of the Conserve of Violets, of the Conserve of Bugloss-flowers, Pull Diatrag. frigid. of each ℥ ss. Turbithʒ v. Ginger, ʒ ss. Sennyʒ j sweet Fennel-seedʒ j white Sugar dissolved in Rose-water, and cocted according to Art ℥ x. make it into a solid Electuary. If this our restituted description arride not any one so well, as that antic one of Stephanus Arnaldus, or Guidon Cauliacus, he may here take it: ℞ of the Conserve of Violets, of borage, of eachʒ ij. the roots of Bugloss, Citron-Pill condited, of eachʒ j Gingerʒ ss. Pull Diatrag. frigid. ʒ ij. Diagridiumʒ iij. Turbith ℥ ss. Sennyʒ v. Sugar ℥ x. Let this Electuary be made into Tablets, every one weighing ℥ ss. which is the just dose. The COMMENTARY. This laxative Electuary of Oranges, is a Catholical, or Universal Cathartick: for it draws both the Biles and Phlegm potently, and without molestation; especially that which we described first: wherein every Purgative hath its castigator, as Senny, Fennel, Turbith, Ginger, Diagridium, condite Orange-Pill, Conserves, and Rose-water, wherein the Sugar is cocted: All which roborate the heart and faculties, and mitigate the said Purgatives. The Powder of Diatragacanthum is put in to leniate, the Sugar to deterge, leniate, and conserve. We have also added four times the quantity of Orange-Pill, both because it is its basis, and because it recreates the principal parts of the body. We also thought good to augment the quantity of Diagridium, to bear some proportion with the rest: otherwise, its Purgative faculty being already imbecile, would be made more impotent by the increment of the Conserves: the Basis then of the Medicament, the roboratives, purgatives, and castigatories being by us rightly described, the whole, as amended, may be of most safe, easy, and approved use. The Sugar should be cocted a little below the consistence of a solid Electuary, because of the quantity of powders. It is of very much use: for it much conduces in tertian and semitertain Agues; purges the stomach, expels the brave humours abiding in the Hypochondria; takes away loathsomeness towards meat, emends the ill disposition of the body, roborates the heart and ventricle, and absumes the excrementitious humidity of the bowels. We purpose in our next book, to treat of Trochisks, which are all roborative, or alliotical, or alterative; save some few, which are purgative: of which, our method leads us to treat briefly in this Section. CHAP. 4. Trochisci de Rhabarbaro; or, Trochisks of Rhabarb. ℞ of the best Rhabarbʒ x. of the Juice of Egrimony, bitter Almonds, of each ℥ ss. Rose-leavesʒ iiij. Spikenard, Anise-seed, Madder-roots, Wormwood, * The Roots. Asarabacca, Smallage-seed, of each ʒ j Let them be form according to Art into Troches, every one weightingʒ j The COMMENTARY. Few such Pastils are kept in Pharmacopolies, seeing when use calls for them, medics can take some Rhabarb, and mix it with simples fit for their purpose: but prudent Apothecaries, who are not given to avarice, will not want such; whose use is salutary, and description good. But that they may be duly made, the Rhabarb and Folesfoot must first be brayed small, that they may better pervade the Liver, the infractures of the Mesentery, and the passages of the Uterus and Reins: The rest must also be pulverated very small, and made into a mass, with a sufficient quantity of the succe of Egrimony, whereof Trochisks of any figure may be form. If the definite quantity of Egrimonies succe be not sufficient for the receipt of the powders, it may be augmented, that all may be better subacted; and the Trochisks, when concinnated, must be dried and kept. Trochisks of Rhabarb are good against the cold and bilious affections, Vires. the obstructions, dolours, tumors, and depraved actions of the Liver: they help also the present or the imminent Dropsy, and the Jaundice. CHAP. 5. Trochisci de Agarico; or, Trochisks of Agarick. D.Gal. ℞ of the whitest Agarick grated small ℥ ij. or as much as thou pleasest: macerate it in white-wine, in which there hath been Ginger infused, and thereof make a soft mass, and of it, Troches; which when dry, let them be again pulverated, and with the same wine, again redacted to a paste; of which form Troches for future use. The COMMENTARY. Agarick is variously prepared by Mesue, with sweet Wine, with Oxymel of Squills, with gemmeous Salt, with Whey of Milk, with Carrots, and other simples. Galen forms it into Trochisks, with lesser, easier, and more commodious Preparation; which being of much use in Pharmacy, we have here described, and approve of these as best: some mix gemmeous Salt with them, that with its weight it may compel the Agaric to the bottom of the Ventricle, that by its abstersive faculty it may help purgation, and excite its slow faculty: But Ginger and Wine do not only serve to promote its vomitory quality, but also stimulate its purgative faculty; attenuate viscid and crass humours, and attract them from remoter parts. Ginger also, by the tenuity of its parts, causes perviation; for the Agaric, by its heat, helps purgation, and by its aromaticity, recreates the Ventricle, heart, and noble parts; as Wine also, which by its ponderous substance cohibits the levity of the Agaric: by reason whereof, it delabes slowly to the bottom of the Ventricle; and the supernatant is sometimes solely excluded with humours. Trochisks of Agarick purge pituitous humours, Vires. not only from the first region of the Body, but from remote parts also, if taken in larger quantity. CHAP. 6. Trochisci Alhandal; or, Trochisks of Coloquintida. D. Mes. ℞ of the pulp of Coloquintida purged from its seeds ℥ x. let it be cut small, and rubbed with ℥ j of Oil of Roses, Gumme-Arabick, Thraganth, Bdellium, of eachʒ vj. macerate them three or four days in Rose-water, or so long till they be perfectly dissolved; then with the aforesaid pulp, and part of this mussilage, make it into Trochisks; which dry in the shade, and keep. The COMMENTARY. Trochisks of Coloquintida or Alhandal, as the Arabians have, may be with success injected into all compositions which receive Coloquintida; for this cannot be assumed simply, and uncastigated, without molestation; but form into Trochisks, and concinnated with others, with safety: for thus prepared, it ingredes the compofition of other Medicaments, whose faculties it acuates, and makes them educe phlegm, and other crass and viscid humours more potently. But that these Trochisks may be right made, the whitest and light pulp of Coloquintida must be selected, and not only incided, but pulverated small: being crass, and introsumed, it moves the Dysentery, and abrades the intestines from such portions as are contained in its gires and anfractures. Mesue in his old Book prescribes only ʒ x. of the pulp of Coloquintida; but the place is suspected for erroneous, and ʒ x. put for ℥ x. for otherwise the quantity of Bdellium, and other Gums, of each whereof he hath put ʒ ij. must be lessened; which is no more than sufficient for ten ounces. These Trochisks potently purge viscid phlegm, Vires. and other glutinous humours; and therefore conduce much to the cholical dolour arising from vitreous and viscid phlegm; they cure the Apoplexy, Vertigo, Epilepsy, difficulty of breathing, and cold and arthritical Diseases, not yielding to common Medicaments. We shall in the sequent Book treat of other alterative and toborative Trochisks, and solid Purgatives, as Pills. SECT. iv Of Pills. WE have in the former Sections given liquid and solid Electuaries, accommodated to all diseases and morbifical causes. Now our Method leads us to treat of Pills, which many prefer before all other Medicaments. And here we shall begin with such as receive nothing that is Purgative, but Aloes; then pass to such as admit Aloes and Agarick; then to such as receive Rhabarb, than Senny, than Turbith, Diagridium, Coloquintida, or some more potent Cathartick. We begin with Aloes, because it is the Basis of all or most Pills; and because it recreates the bowels and noble parts, and can scarce be otherwise introsumed: for being very bitter and ingrateful, it can scarce be assumed in a liquid potion, but is given in form of Pills, that it may be more easily devoured; as we have shown in Chap. 14. Book 3. of our Institutions. CHAP. 1. Pilulae stomachicae; Stomachical, or Pills before Meat. D. Mes. ℞ of the best Aloesʒ vj. Mastic, Roses, of eachʒ ij. with Syrup of Roses, or Wormwood, make it into a solid mass. The COMMENTARY. All Pills which receive of Purgatives only Aloes, or Aloes and Rhabarb, being clement, and drawing humours only from the first region, and helping the stomach, are called Stomachical, or Pills before meat; because they may at any time, a little before meat, be safely taken: of which sort are those Aloes in the succe of Roses, coacted into a mass with Wine; as also those of Scaliger, Ruffus, and Pills of Hiera. But these we have given, being most usual, and easy to make, may serve for a rule, for all stomachical Pills that should be kept in Pharmacopolies: but they should be made only in small quantity, that they may be always new and fresh; for by long keeping they become too dry, and their faculties duller. The mass must be involved in a piece of Leather well oiled, and then reposed in a Tin-pot well shut. All Pills and other Purges should be given on an empty stomach, especially such as should draw noxious humours from remoter parts, which may be assumed long before or after meat, as after the first sleep; but stomachical Pills not so: for it is enough that they be taken one hour before breakfast, or other meals, that the Belly may be gently subduced, and phlegm, or other brave humours, contained in the Ventricle, or other vicine parts, be educed, Vires. which all stomachical Pills effect, roborating the stomach, resarciating the appetite, and exciting it to rest. CHAP. 2. Pilulae Ruffi; commonly called Pestilential. ℞ of the best Aloes ℥ ij. Myrrh ℥ j Saffron ℥ ss. and with the best * Honey & Wine. Oinomel, make it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. There is scarce any Medicament, but it is by some changed from that it was by its Author at first made. These Pills are compounded by few, but variously changed by many: for some add a third part of Myrrh, others a fourth, and some only an eighth: some mix Saffron and Myrrh in equal weight; others take only half as much Saffron as Myrrh, and half as much Myrrh as Aloes: according to which opinion, most famous medics prescribe, and we have form our description. Rondeletius denies, that Ruffus was the Inventor of these Pills; for he tradited a Potion, rather than Pills, as Paulus Aegineta evidences. He indeed described a certain Medicament of Aloes, Myrrh, and Ammoniacum Storax, brayed in odorate Wine, which he calls a Potion: yet he exhibits it in the magnitude of a Bean, which concord's not with potulent measures, but an usual expression for the quantity of solid things. And hence the later age, upon good grounds, pronounces Ruffus the Author of these Pills. We substitute generous Oinomel, in stead of aromatical Wine, for the reception of the Powders, which is more convenient; for if they should be subacted only with Wine, the mass would acquire a stony hardness. Syrup of Wormwood is also a fit recipient for them. Ruffus' his Pills are called Pestilential, Vires. because they conduce rather to the prevention, than curation of the Pestilence; for Aloes frees the Body from excrements, Myrrh vindicates it from putretude, and Saffron recreates the heart and vital faculties: but they very little profit when the Pestilence is begun; for then more cordial, potent, and alexipharmacal Medicaments are required. CHAP. 3. Pills of Mastic. ℞ of Mastic ℥ ss. Aloesʒ x. Agarickʒ iij. mix these with vinous Hydromel into a solid mass. The COMMENTARY. Mesue calls all the Pills that receive Mastic, Stomachical, whereof he gives not only various descriptions: But his Commentators, and such as wrote of the same Subject, and promulgated Antidotaries also, one while augmenting the Aloes, another time the Agaric, sometimes the Mastic, or else diminishing or adjecting. The description we have here given, is more usual and safe; whereunto, if you add a little Diamoschum, they will be Pills of Aloes, according to the vulgar edition: But the Agarick should be first brayed; as also the Aloes and Mastic, and subacted with Hydromel, rather than with Wine, both for efficacy and conservation. It is thought, that Petrus de Abano was their Author, who would not denominate them from their exuberant Aloes, lest many Pills of the same name should be confounded. They purge the stomach gently, roborate excellently, Vires. detract and expel all excrementitious humours from the Abdomen without molestation; cure the dolour of the head, and many affections of the Uterus. CHAP. 4. Pilulae de tribus Solutivis; or, Pills of the three Solutives. ℞ of Rhabarb, Aloes, Agarick, of eachʒ iij. after they are beaten fine, take Syrup of Roses solutives, as much as will suffice to bring it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. These are called the Pills of the three Solutives, because they consist only of three Purgative Simples, and Syrup of Roses, which indeed is purgative, but not simple. They are indeed more validly stomachical than the former, because of the Agaric; which, if it be first made into Trochisks, as it should be, will be more incisive and attenuative, but less vomitory: The manner of their preparation is easier, then that it should need explication. They purge bilious, pituitous, Vires. crass and viscid humours from the Ventricle, cavities of the Liver and Spleen, and from the Mesentery; they roborate the stomach, and revoke appetite: and let this serve for more that might be said of them. CHAP. 5. Pilulae Imperiales D. Fern. or, Fernelius his Imperial Catholical Pills. ℞ of the best Aloes ℥ ij. choice Rhabarb ℥ j ss. Agarick trochiscated, Senny picked, of each ℥ j Cinamonʒ iij. Gingerʒ ij. Nutmegs, Cloves, Spikenard, Mastic, of eachʒ j and with Syrup of Violets, let them be subacted into a mass. The COMMENTARY. The Author did not without reason give this egregious denomination to these Pills, which from the multiplicity of their faculties, and their benignity in acting, merit a more noble title. They may also be called Catholical Pills, because they universally expurge all humours from all parts, as the Liver, Spleen, Ventricle, Brain; and if in greater quantity, from parts farther dissited. Nic. Praepositus describes more of the same name, which are seldom made, because they consist of more things, and are less efficacious. These Imperial Pills of Fernelius, Vires. purge, roborate, and liberate all the bowels from infarctures, educe all noxious and obvious humours, and help the oeconomy of all nutritive parts. CHAP. 6. Pilulae de Eupatorio majores; or, The greater Pills of Egrimony. ℞ of yellow Myrabolans, the Juices of Egrimony and Wormwood, of eachʒ iij. Rhabarbʒ iij. ss. Mastickʒ j Saffronʒ ss. Aloesʒ v. of the Juice, or rather Syrup of Endive, as much as will suffice to bring it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. Mesue describes two forms of these Pills; the former which we have here inserted, he calls the greater, the other the lesser; which are seldom (as both indeed) prepared. But these being very commendable for the Jaundice, and all obstructions of the Liver, should be kept in Pharmacopolies, that it might go better with the diseased. They should rather be denominated from Rhabarb, which is the Basis in the composition: But Authors put names upon the compounds they invent, rather according to their own wills, then valid reason. For the due making of them, the succe of true Egrimony and Wormwood should by evaporation be inspissated, exsiccated, and afterwards pulverated; then mixed with other Medicaments, brayed apart; then all subacted into a fit mass, with Syrup of Endive or Succory. They act perperously, who following Mesue's advice, put the Powders into water of Endive, and so coact them into a mass. These greater Pills of Egrimony do not only cure the Jaundice, Vires. but periodical and circularly-reiterated Fevers also. CHAP. 7. Pilulae sine quibus esse nolo; or, Pills without which I would not be. D. Nic. Praepos. ℞ of the best Aloesʒ fourteen. the five sorts of Myrobalans, Rhabarb, Senny, Agarick trochiscated, Mastic, Wormwood, Dodder, Rose-leaves, Violets, of eachʒ j Diagridiumʒ vj. ss. Honey despumed with the Juice of Fennel, as much as suffices to bring it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. These are also Universal, as well as the Imperial; but more cholagogous and valid, because of their Diagridium. Their denomination being noted by a certain circumlocution, show the efficacy and necessity of their use, which no man, or Master of a Family, that minds his sanity, should be without. Their ingredients are such as deduce humours from all principal parts of the Body, and roborate those parts. Rheubarb is their Basis, if we respect their better part; Scammony, if their more valid and exuperant; and Myrabolambs, if the weight of fruits. That they may be duly made, Scammony, Aloes, Agarick, and Mastic should be pulverated apart; the rest partly alone, and partly together. They must not be subacted with the water or succe of Fennel, as the Author would; but with Honey, that they may not too soon become dry and marcid. These Pills educe Phlegm, and both the Biles, from all parts, Vires. but especially from the head, eyes, and senses: and thence they lessen the suffusions of the eyes, conserve sight, and cure the pain and noise in the ears. CHAP. 30. Pilulae Aureae; or, Golden Pills. D.N.Myr. ℞ of the best Aloes and Diagridium, of eachʒ v. of red Roses and Smallage-seed, of eachʒ ij. ss. the seeds of Anise and sweet Fennel, of eachʒ j ss. Powder of Coloquintida, Saffron, and Mastic, of eachʒ j and with Gumme-Thraganth dissolved in Rose-water, or rather with Honey of Roses; make it up into a mass of a legitimate consistence. The COMMENTARY. Nic. Praepositus doth justly insult over Nic. Myrepsus, the Author of these Pills, That he described so great a quantity of Diagridium, insomuch that the place is suspected of Error; where I believe he would have said ℈ v. not ʒ v. which may be gathered from his very words, in the end of this 107 Chapter, where defining the dosis of these Pills, he thus writes: Let them be made like a Pease, with the water of the infusion of Tragacantha, and nine or eleven of them taken at night with Mulse or Wine: for this quantity is at least ʒ j ss. or ʒ ij. which admits of almost ʒ ss. of Diagridium. However, use hath so prevailed, that they are made according to the manner described: yet with this rule, That they be exhibited in a just and idoneous weight, according to the medics prudence, and diseased's strength; to whom, if four or five grains of Diagridium would purge him, so much of these Pills must be given, as receives just so much Diagridium. Nic. Praepositus did well in the adjection of Mastic, for the roboration of the Ventricle, against the attact of such violent Purgatives. Tragacanthum is also justly commixed, to mitigate the freity of Scammony: but the Trochisks of Alhandal were safer, than Coloquintida uncastigated; all must be pulverated small, and coacted into a mass of a legitimate consistence, with Honey of Roses: for so it will be softer, then if it had been subacted with the dissolved Gum of Tragacantha. They are called Golden Pills, rather from their croceous colour, than their excellent effect: for all Medicaments which potently subduce the Belly, and validly expurge humours, are not presently denominated aureous or eximious, but such only as with facility, and without molestation, extract noxious ones. Golden Pills are very cholagogous; Vires. for they potently draw Bile and Phlegm also, not only from the inferior, but also superior Ventricle, and the head; and thence they purge the senses, and acuate the eyesight. CHAP. 9 Pilulaede Agarico; or, Pills of Agarick. D. Avic. ℞ of Agarickʒ iij. Orris-root, Horehound, of eachʒ j Turbith, Hierae Picrae, of eachʒ iiij. Coloquintida, Sarcocollae, of eachʒ ij. Myrrheʒ j mingle it with as much Sape as will suffice to make it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. Nic. Praepositus adds Mastic to these Pills; the Commentators upon Mesue like not of it: Fernelius approves of its use, and transcribes their description out of Praepositus. Joubertus disapproves of it, but gives no reason. I think it is neither hurtful, nor greatly profitable: for if it be exploded, the Ventricle cannot want roboratives, as long as Hiera, Myrrh, Sape, and Orris, ingrede the compound: if it be admitted, it will neither obtund the faculties of the other, nor much better them. Their first Author was Avicenna, who described them with Myrrh; which Mesue omits, as Bauderonius observes in his Book, where he describes Agarick and Coloquintida, without any express preparation: But it is best to take them both, when made into Trochisks, and so bray and mix them. The Powder of Galens Hierae Sacra must be taken with Honey, white Horehound selected, and the Root of that Orris, whose flower is caeruleous, which Avicenna calls the Celestial Lilly. The Purgatives must be pulverated apart; the rest partly so, partly together; and then all mixed together with Sape. Pills of Agarick purgeth phlegm potently from all parts, Vires. conduces to the head and breast; and thence cures the sleepy Disease, Catarrhs, Vertigo, and such affections as proceed from cold humours, but especially difficult breathing; for which end Avicenna invented them. CHAP. 10. Pilulae Cochiae, D. Rhasis. ℞ of the Powder of simple Hieraeʒ x. Coloquintidaʒ iij. ℈ j Scammony preparedʒ ij. ss. Turbith, Stoechados, of eachʒ v. and with Syrup of Staechadoes make it up into a mass. The COMMENTARY. The Pills of Cochia, are not so called simply from the grain which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but because they are round and small like Pepper-corns; after which manner, all Pills were wont to be made: and though they be now greater, yet we give them the same name, as well as the same description. Some think them excessively purgative, because of the greater quantity of Diagridium. And seeing Pharmacopolists should have gentle purges for such as are delicate, and valid ones for the stronger; I would have made them as Rhasis hath described them; for they may be given in such small quantity, that they will not over-purge the Belly, but educe only noxious humours. Some doubt in their mixtion, whether Galens Hiera Picra should be taken, or some other made: We, for many reasons, which for brevity's sake we omit, judge no other Hiera more convenient, valid, or better: but it is safer to admit the Trochisks of Alhandal, than Coloquintida, unprepared; and if Syrup of Stoechas be not in readiness, which indeed few keep; then the Powders may be subacted in Honey, with the decoction of Stoechas despumed, and cocted to the consumption of its a queous humidity. They are made as the precedents. These Pills purge partly bilious, Vires. partly pituitous humours; not only from the head, because of Stoechas, which is more hepatical than cephalical; but also from other parts, wherein such humours are contained, for they potently educe them from any part. CHAP. 11. Pilulae de Hermodactylis majore; or, The greater Pills of Hermodactyls. D. Mes. ℞ of Hermodacts, Aloes, yellow Myrabolans, Turbith, Coloquintida, Bdellium, Sagapenum, of eachʒ vj. Castor, Sarcocolla, Euphorbium, Opoponax, the seeds of Rue and Smallage, of eachʒ iij. Saffronʒ j ss. with the Juice of Coleworts make them into a mass. The COMMENTARY. These Pills, which take their names from Hermodactyls, are very usual, and only sufficient for the inveterate dolours of the arteries, and more efficacious therein, than those we call arthetical Pills: yea, they are more securely sanative, than such as are denominated from Sagapenum, Opoponax, or Sarcocolly; so that we shall not need to describe these. For their due preparation, Sagapenum and Opoponax must be melted in the succe of Coleworts; then transmitted through a linen cloth, and then a little cocted; then must the Powders of other simples be mixed in the succe cocted with Honey; and all brayed, subacted, and handled by hands anointed with oil together, till they acquire a due consistence: They may also be rightly subacted with the Eclegm of Cauls'. Pills of Hermodactyls potently evil crass and serous humours from all extreme parts, Vires. but especially from the articles; and conduce to the cold diseases of the head, nerves, and junctures. CHAP. 12. Pilulae Agregativae, seu Polychrestae; Agregative, or Pills of much use. D. Mes. ℞ of Aloes, Turbith, of eachʒ vj. of Diagridiumʒ v. of Rhabarb, and yellow Myrabolans, of eachʒ iiij. of the whitest Agarick, Troch. Alhandal, Polypody, Chebulan, and Indian Myrabolans, of eachʒ ij. Mastic, Rose-leaves, Dodder of Thyme, Anise-seed, Ginger, Sal Gem, of eachʒʒ j Juice of Egrimony and Wormwood, of eachʒ ij. with the Syrup of the Juice of Damask-Roses, make it up into a mass to keep. The COMMENTARY. We hold to the ancient description of Mesue, and change only the order of the Simples, and substitute the Syrup of Roses, for the subaction of the composition, in stead of the Electuary of Roses. Mesue gives three descriptions of Pills of this name; the first whereof is most usual, and prepared almost in all Shops; the other two, both greater and lesser agregatives, are omitted. They are called agregative Pills, because of the agregation of many faculties; as also Polychrestae, and Catholical, because they are of much use, and expurge all humours. The manner of their mixtion is manifest; the roots must be first brayed, than the fruits, and afterwards the seeds; only Rhabarb and Agarick must be prepared apart, the Trochisks whereof are better than the simple. The succe of Egrimony and Wormwood dried and brayed, must be added thereunto; then all being duly pulverated, must be subacted into a mass, with the Syrup of pale Roses, which must be involved in leather madefied with Oil of Almonds. And it is not unreasonable, that the Powders should be received in the Syrup of pale Roses; partly, because it accedes nearest the mind of the Author, for nothing is liker Roses than Roses; and partly, because that Electuary of Roses, which Mesue mentions, is not now made in shops, seeing its composition is inept, and of no use. Agregative Pills are not only conducible to many affections of the head, but also of the Ventricle and Liver: Vires. for from these parts they detract and purge pituity, Bile, and Melancholical succe; and therefore help in complex and inveterate Fevers, and complicated diseases. He may be without the Pills of eight things, and five kinds of Myrabolambs, that hath agregative ones. CHAP. 13. Pilulae de Fumaria; or, Pills of Fumatory. D. Avic. ℞ of Citrian, Chebulan, and Indian Myrabolans, Scammony preparedʒ v. Aloesʒ seven. and with the Juice of Fumatory, make it into a mass; which when dried, let it be again beaten up with the same Juice, and the third time with the Syrup of Fumatory. The COMMENTARY. These Pills are denominated from Fumatory, in whose succe their Powders must be twice or thrice imbuted, and then dried as oft, according to their Author's prescript; and at length received, not into the same succe, as many ignorantly conjecture, but into honey, wherein this succe hath been by longer coction dissipated, or rather into the Syrup of Fumatory, which is better, and more agreeable to the Author's mind: For unless the mass be subacted in the one of these, or such a like liquor, the powders will soon arefie. The manner of their preparation is easy, and apparent enough by the description. Pills of Fumatory purge bilious and sharp humours, Vires. salt phlegm, and other adust and melancholical humours, from which many vices of the skin, as Scab, Itch, Tetters, and the like, arise. CHAP. 14. Pilulae de Lapide Lazuli; or, Pills of the Azure-stone. D. Mes. ℞ of Lapis Lazuli preparedʒ vj. Polypody, Dodder of Thyme, Agarick, of each ℥ j black Hellebore, Scammony, Sal Gem. of eachʒ ij. ss. Cloves, Aniseeds, of each ℥ ss. Hierae Picrae ℥ xv. and with Syrupo Regis Saboris, make it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. That every humour might have its peculiar Cathartick, we have exhibited these Pills described by Mesue, to educe the melancholical humour. They are denominated from the Azure-stone, which is their Basis; which participating of some alien and vomitory quality, needs some antecedent preparation: but it must not be burned, as in the confection of Alkermes, lest its purgative faculty perish, but pulverated very small, and ten or twelve times washed, first in common water, then in the water of Bugloss, or the like: after each lotion, it must be dried, and these courses iterated, till it depose its vomitory quality, and retain only its dejective and roborative. It's manner of preparation, is all one with the former; we substitute gemmeous, in stead of Indian salt, which we want; and King Sabors Syrup, in stead of the water of Endive: for hereby the powders will be more commodiously subacted, and the mass hence concinnated, more safely kept, of a better consistence, more excellent faculties, and more apt to educe Melancholical humours. These Pills help the Leprosy, Canker, quartane Fever, Vires. and all diseases that arise from Melancholical humours, or adust Bile; their faculties are the same, but better than the Pills of Indies have, which such may want as keep these. CHAP. 15. Pilulae Asajeret. D. Avic. ℞ of Mastic, yellow Myrabolans, of each ℥ ss. Hierae Picrae ℥ j of the best Aloes ℥ ij. and with Syrup of Stoechadoes, make it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. These Pills are also desumed from Avicenna, who calls them sometimes Asahajaret, sometimes Sejar; and prescribes them partly to the head, partly to the ventricle: but they draw little from parts more remote, seeing they admit not of such things as potently deduce cold humours. The powder of Galens Hiera Picra must be desumed to their confection, and not Hiera in form of an Electuary: The Myrabolambs may be purged from their stones, and brayed apart; than Chian Mastic, than the Aloes; all must be received in the Syrup of Stoechas, and made into a mass. These Pills are indeed chalagogous, and much profit the impure and languid ventricle; and by consequence, benefit the head, and cure such affections as arise from some sympathy with the stomach, and lowest ventricle. Pills of Hiera being almost of the same faculties, Vires. and easy to be made of the powder of Hiera (which is kept in all Pharmacopolies) by the addition of the Honey of Roses, or the like, in a sufficient quantity, need no particular description; nor those also which take both their name and matter from Benedicta, which are seldom or never used; for they are only nominally eximious, as many Chemical confections, as Aqua Benedicta, Spiritus Aureus, Elixir Vitae, etc. CHAP. 16. Pilulae Alephanginae; or, Aromatical or sweet Pills. ℞ Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamomes, Nutmegs, Mace, Calamus Aromaticus; Galangal, yellow Sanders, Squinant, Rose-leaves, of each ℥ ss. These must be brayed pretty crassly, and macerated twelve hours in four pounds of water; then boiled on a slow fire, till the third part be absumed: one pound of Aloes must be dissolved in the colature; and when the aqueous humidity is spent by hot ashes, Sun, or an Hypocauste, add Myrrh, Mastic, of each ℥ ss. Saffron ℥ ij. Syrup of Wormwood, as much as will suffice to make it into a mass. The COMMENTARY. We retain a great part of the materials of sweet Pills described by Mesue: but we have added Galangal, as most convenient, and detracted the most rare and dear ingredients, as Carpobalsamum, Xyloaloes, Cubebs, and the useless ones, as Asarum. We do not allow of Aloes washed in rain-water, because it makes it imbecile: neither do we approve of the quantity of Aromatas and water, wherein they should be cocted, as defined by Mesue: for seeing Aromatas endure not coction, without the loss of their virtues; what need is there of cocting them in twelve pounds of water, to the absumption of seven pounds thereof? This is useless and noxious labour: but if they must be only lightly cocted, to what end is so much water? and if the third part of the water will serve, why not the third part of the Aromatas also? In this our description, we have the faculties and virtues of the third part of the Aromatas, better than we should have them out of the whole designed by Mesue, and confected after his rite, who with the absumption of the water, absumes more of the Aromatas faculties: We have in stead of Wormwood, substituted its Syrup, for the better coalition of the mass, lest it grow too dry, or contract chinks and marcour. Thus we have castigated Mesue's sweet Pills, or rather exhibited our own, which are easier to make, better, and of lesser charges: to which, if the maker shall put a little of the liquor of Balm, they shall exceed all Pills in roborating the stomach. Sweet Pills are most customachical, Vires. and roborate the nervous parts best: for they at once purge crass, putrid, pituitous, and bilious humours from the ventricle and vicine parts, and recreate the same; preserve native heat, help coction, discuss flatulency, dispel crudities, resarciate appetite, help cholical dolours, and conduce to old and frigid men at all times, to bilious and young men only in winter. CHAP. 17. Pilulae de Nitro; or, Pills of Nitre. D. Alex. Tral. ℞ of Aloes, Coloquintida, Scammony prepared, black Hellebore, Bdellium, Gum Arabic, of eachʒ ij. Euphorbium, Nitre, of eachʒ j and with Juice of Coleworts or Rhodomel, make it up into a mass. The COMMENTARY. The later age retains the old description of Tralian's Pills, but not the name: for one calls them Pills of Coloquintida, another of Nitre; and this puts more of Nitre in them, the other more of Coloquintida. But seeing reason and use have better approved of the weight of simples described by the more Recent, we shall follow the Ancients in the materials, but the Recents in the proportion and weight of these materials. Now for their confection, prepared Coloquintida, that is, Trochisks of Alhandal, must be taken. Bdellium must be dissolved, percolated, and cocted in the calified succe of Brassica, till the succe be consumed; then must the rest be mixed, and a sufficient quantity of the Honey of Roses mixed with them: Euphorbium must not, by the advice of many, be added to the mixture, till thus prepared. Some quantity of Euphorbium must be taken, pulverated small, with a little Oil of Almonds rubbed on a stone; like many Collyries; then collected and included in a Quince excavated, and obvolved with paste; then cocted in a furnace like Scammony: and thus cocted and repared, preposed for use. Pills of Nitre move frigid, crass, and viscid humours, Vires. from parts more remote: whence they conduce in nervous affections, and help the had loaden with contumacious diseases; as also the Epilepsy, Palsy, Vertigo, and affections of the articles, because they educe both flave and black Bile: some believe they are good against the Indian disease, and thence too licentiously call them Indian Pills. CHAP. 18. Piluae Mechoacanae. ℞ of Mechoacan ℥ ss. Turbithʒ iij. Spurge-olive macerated in vinegar and dried, the seeds of Dwarf-Elder, Agarick trochiskized, of eachʒ ij. the roots of * Esula. Milwort prepared, Mastic, of each ʒ j ss. Cinnamon, and Sal Gem, of each ℈ ij. Let them all be made into powder, that same subacted into a mass with white-wine; then let that be dried and brayed, and again coagulated with the succe of the celestial Orris, which dry, and bray again; and then make into paste with the Syrup of Damask-Roses, and repose it for use. The COMMENTARY. Practical medics seek out of Dispensatories, as out of a foecund and fertile Garden, all kinds of Medicaments, for the deletion of all diseases; but they find a great part of them described without Art or Reason, and only convenient for few diseases: yea, sometimes ten Medicaments endued with the same faculties, and discriminated only by divers names. But we have, according to the diversities of diseases and humours, tradited divers Medicaments, desumed not only out of vulgar Dispensatories, but out of the Writings of many grave men: besides which, we do also exhibit some, proved salutiferous by Reason, Experience, and successful Event; as these Pills prescribed for the Dropsy, which having Mechoacan for their Basis, from thence mutuate their denomination, which is of Simples most praepollent, for educing water by stool. Besides which, there are five more Hydragogous Ingredients, which being all united together, with some cordial and stomachical ones, potently educe serous and watery humours, without laesion of the ventricle, not only from the Belly, but all parts of the Body. I shall not need to add the seeds of Keruy, or Palma Christi, and Soldanella, seeing these are enough; nor yet subjoin the manner of their preparation, seeing it is very easy. These Pills educing potently aqueous and serous humours, Vires. cure the Dropsy, and all diseases arising from watery phlegm. CHAP. 19 Pilulae Foetidae. D. Mes. ℞ of Sagapenum Ammoniacum, Opoponax, Bdellium, Coloquintida, Rue-seed, Aloes, * Epithimus Dodder of Thyme, of each ʒ v. Turbith ℥ ss. Scammonyʒ iij. () Esula. Milkwort, or Seaspurge prepared, Hermodacts, of eachʒ ij. Gingerʒ j ss. Cinnamon, Spikenard, Saffron, Castoreum, of eachʒ j Euphorbium ℈ ij. Dissolve the gums in the Juice of Leeks, and with it make the powders into a mass. The COMMENTARY. They are called foetid Pills, not because they educe foetid humours, as some think, but because they consist of foetid Medicaments; as Beavers-stones, wild Rue, Sagapene, Opoponax, and the like. Rhasis, and other Arabians, give other descriptions of them; but we retain this only as the best, which Mesue calls the greater, in reference to a lesser description, which we omitted; as less efficacious. None, I believe, doubt, whether the seed of wild Rue, or of Hemlock, should rather ingrede the composition of foetid Pills: for doubtless, Hemlock-seed is poison; though one Constantinus interprets the Arabian words Harmeli, or Harmela, Hemlock-seed, when all others say they are wild Rue-seed; in whose stead, vulgar Ruesseed may be well substituted. The Hermodactyls should be exotical, whose roots are tubeous and crass, not rugose; which by small contusion might be reduced to farinaceous powder. They act perperously, who take Ephemerian, or Colchian, or our Hermodactyls, whose roots are flaccid; for their qualities are not commendable, but noxious, killing by small and short suffocation: whence they are called Strangulatories. The best Hermodactyl comes from Syria, and is thence called the Syrian Hermodactyl. Esula should be prepared as we have taught before; the Gums must be melted, percolated, and cocted in the succe of Leeks; and the Powders must be adjected, mixed, and subacted with these, which must be handled with hands madefied with Oil of Almonds, involved in Leather, and reposed in a Tin-box for use. Foetid Pills are of much use, for they evacuate frigid, pituitous, Vires. crude, and also bilious humours; and thence cure such affections as arise from thence; as the diseases of the Junctures, Podagry, Gonagry, Dolours in the Backbone, Leprosy, Morphews, Itch, cutaneous infections, and cholical affections. CHAP. 20. Pilulae de Hydragyro; or, Pills of Quicksilver. ℞ of Quicksilver first killed in Juice of Lemons, and afterwards nourished in the Juice of Sageʒ vj. of the best Aloesʒ v. Rhabarbʒ iij. Scammony preparedʒ ij. Agarickʒ j Storax the best, Cinnamon, Mace, yellow Sanders, Sarsaperilla, Sassafras, Mosch, of eachʒ ss. Honey despumed in the decoction of Guaiacum, and boiled to the exolution of the aqueous humidity, as much as will suffice to make it into a mass, anointing it with a little Oil of Turpentine, and wrapping it in a little Bladder for future use. The COMMENTARY. That our Antidotary might not be defective, we have not only elicited Medicaments out of the Monuments of the Ancients, but out of the Writings and Notes of Neotericks, selected and culled what reason and successful event have celebrated; as these Pills of Quicksilver, which the neoterics usurp, to the expugnation of a new disease: For it is just, that new diseases should have new remedies invented by Reason, and prepared by Art; especially if the inventions of the Ancients fail and prove useless. Now none, I think, will deny, that the French disease is new, seeing it was never heard of in Europe, before the year 1493. but then brought by Christophorus Columbus, and his associates, from India to Italy, and there communicated to the Italian women; who bringing victuals to the French Soldiers in the Neapolitan siege, with their bodies communicated their disease to the men; which the men retaining after conquest, gave also to other Italian women: from whom their returning husbands, persolving the debt of Matrimony, catched it of their own wives, who had got it of the Frenchmen, the French of Italian women, and they of Columbus his Soldiers. Hence the Italians were wroth with the French, and in revenge call their disease, The French Pox; and ridiculously make their Books-fronts proclaim Ultion, by denoting the husband's Ignorance, and the wife's Whoredom: their Ignorance, in that they knew not the venereous Pox; the women's Whoredom, in that they had concourse with the French. Brassavolus, as it should seem, mindful of this injury done to his Parents, wrote a certain book of this disease, which he calls The French-Pox; wherein he assigns 234 differences thereof: certainly either the honest man there played the Babbler, or else so many of his acquaintance and kinswomen were compressed by the French soldiers, who left these Hieroglyphical characters, as eternal signs of their new and acquaint marriages. But to my purpose. There are various preparations of the pills of Quicksilver; for each Confectioner and Chirurgeon almost, have their peculiar descriptions, which they keep for hidden Secrets; some whereof will only by reiteration, move salivation; others frequently usurped, will a little subduce the Belly: but all of them often iterated, move sputation, hurt the nerves, and sometimes cause strangulation. Their use therefore is not safe, unless the Quicksilver be well prepared and castigated, by the admistion of other Medicaments, as Turpentine-Oyl, or such things as we have in this prescript described: The manner of whose preparation is apparent enough by the form; but there are other compounds that admit of Quicksilver: of which hereafter. These Pills are Catholical, Vires. and Alexiterial, seeing they expurge all humours at once, and evince the malign quality of the French-Pox, and radically evil its Vestigia impressed on the parts affected. CHAP. 21. What Pills a Pharmacopoly may be without. AS in Civil Law, many old Laws are obsolete, and of no use and vigour to a Magistrate: so in Medicine, many ancient Medicaments are either neglected, or quite disapproved of, as noxious, or at least useless. Some are omitted, because there are others of the same, or like efficacy and virtue, whereof the best is selected; for it were a sign of folly in a man, if he should prepare and keep all the Medicaments Myrepsus hath designed, who absolving his Work in 1100 Chapters, hath conjoined two or three descriptions in one Chapter. Yea, neither medics desire, nor Diseases require, that any Apothecary should make and keep all the Medicaments that Aetius, Actuarius, or Praepositus, and others, describe, but only the more secure, selected, and approved. Thus in our Antidotary we give only eximious ones; which if Author's suppeditate not, as they do not for all diseases, we compensate by our own labour and industry, suggesting the most approved. We expunge those out of the number of Pills, which they call the greater and lesser Pills of Light, because they consist of much and unapt matter: And because Pills, sine quibus, are of efficacy enough for the affections of the eyes; we have omitted the ancient description of the Imperials, of the five kinds of Myrobalambs, of the eight Ingredients, and the Arabians Pills, because the agregative are better, and useful for all such things as the aforesaid are prescribed for. We have neglected the Indian Pills, and them of the stone Armentum, because them of the Azure-stone are affine to them, and more efficacious. We weigh not the Pills of Rhabarb, because ignave, but give them of Egrimony, as more efficacious; with whom they have affinity. Pills of Hermodactyls exclude the arthretical Pills; and the foetid Pills exclude those that are denominated from Sagapene, Euphorbium, and Sarcocolla. Pills of Mechoacan make them void, which consists of Esula and Mezereon. Benedict Pills, and Hiera, may be made at any time, seeing powders are or should be always in readiness in shops: whereof either Electuaries or Pills may be confected at pleasure. Pills of Bdellium are quite neglected, because they are scarce purgative: in stead, other better, and more roborative Medicaments, easier to be made, may be confected for present use. I pretermit many more, as unworthy to be named or used; for many men describe many Medicaments, not so much that they consult others sanity, as the augmenting of their Dispensatories grand bulk. Cathartical Powders being ingrateful, are usually coagmented into liquid or solid Electuaries, or else Pills: yet Empirics give the powder of Stibium only in a little Wine, or other liquor; as also the powder of Mercury, wherewith a veneficous Circulator at Lutetia promised the cure of all diseases, openly professing himself a Prophet: but the wretch went about many Cities, to see whom he might devour: he is not worthy to be named. At last he ran away. All prepare not Quicksilver or Mercury alike: for some include it with Aqua fortis in a Matracy, and exhale the water by sublimation, calling that which remains in the bottom, Powder of Mercury: It is of a yellowish red colour, and rather caustical then cathartical. Others prepare it otherwise, but better, thus: They immerge Quicksilver in Aqua fortis, whereinto they inject Brine; then they let the Quicksilver reside, and the water is ejected by inclination; and the crassament that remains, which is whitish, is called Powder of Mercury. But in what proportion it should be mixed, how it may be perfectly dealbated, and with what virtue it is endued, I need not recenseate, lest Empirics and Pseudopharmacopoeans abuse it: but if it be made as P. Pijardus, a learned Parisian Medick taught, its virtues are eximious and efficacious in curing some Diseases, which will not yield to vulgar Medicaments. An APPENDIX. Of some Pills not Solutive. EAch Medicament is by singular dexterity and ingenuity, effinged into a form proper for the diseased. Thus some Purgatives are liquid, others solid, and others in a mean: some Medicaments only purge, others only roborate, and others altar, and some perform all: but Pills are for the most part purgative; for all of them, except a few, subduce the Belly, and are exhibited especially when supervacaneous success are to be educed from remote parts: for in such a form and consistence, they abide longer in the ventricle, and their virtue is more easily carried to the parts diseased, and oppressed with excrementitious humours. When therefore we would have a Medicament stay longer in the ventricle, we give it in a solid form; and such are not only the prescribed purgative Pills, but the Hypnotical and Arterial ones that follow. CHAP. 22. Pilulae de Cynoglosso; or, Pills of Dogs-tongue. ℞ of Myrrheʒ vj. Olibanumʒ v. the root of Hounds-tongue, Henbane-seed, Opium, of eachʒ iij. Saffron, Castoreum, of eachʒ j ss. and with Syrup of Stoechadoes, make it up into a mass, which let be conveniently reposed for use. The COMMENTARY. The neoterics have retained the old description, but not the name of these Pills: for Mesue their Author calls them from their effect, Pills for all diseases; but these call them Pills of Cynogloss, which is neither for quantity nor quality prepollent therein: perhaps they mistake Cynogloss for Arnogloss, which might more properly give them denomination; for seeing Mesue described them for astriction, Arnogloss being of an astrictive quality, was more convenient; but we, with Fernelius, admit of the new name, and add Castorium for the castigation of Opium: But we think, that Rhodostagm or Rose-water, is altogether inconvenient for the receipt of the powders, if we would have the mass of a legitimate consistence, or fit to be kept; and we substitute in its stead Syrup of Stcechadoes, by whose quality the head will be roborated, and armed against the nocuments of Opium, and by its lentour the powders will be coacted into a more idoneous mass: as for its confection, the root of Cynogloss must first be brayed with the seed of Henbane, and then the other simples apart; the brayed Opium must be first subacted by the Syrup, than the other powders must be mixed, and coacted into a mass. They conciliate sleep, stay Catarrhs, distillations of the head, Vires. the Cough, and such succedent affections: for they cohibit all distillations, whether upon the Breast and Lungs, or Teeth, or elsewhere. CHAP. 23. Of Laudanum. NOt many years ago, there arose a company of Pseudomedicks, who in stead of the usual Pills of Cynogloss, exhibited a certain confection, which they called Laudanum; whereby they promised not only to conciliate sleep, but abigate all diseases. I than saw a Circulator, who boasted by his Laudanum, to revoke men almost exanimated or half dead, and man the Encomium of this Medicine so won upon men, that no Empirick so stupid, no Medicaster so dull, nor Tonsor so plebeious, but he was a Laudanister, or else not worth flaming. I wooed some with prayers, some with price, to tell me this Medicament; but found amongst twenty of its descriptions, not one like another: yea, he that was most ignorant, would profess he had the best. But I heard some Mountebanks exhibit Pills of Cynogloss for Laudanum, extorting for each Pill the weight of half a scruple in gold. And thus were the credulous Plebeians, drawn with new names, and unusual words, circumvented by the subtlety of these rafrous Jugglers. The descriptions of Laudanum given by more perite Alchemists, are seldom and hardly made; for they consist of the best of Gems, Hyacinths, and Corals; of the essence of Saffron and Opium; of the Oils of Cinnamon, Cloves; Liquor of Margarites, Powder of Unicorns-horn, of the Bezar-stone, Ambergris, and other precious stones: and doubtless a confection of these materials must needs be eximious: and I approve of the learned rich Alchemists acts, who make, keep, and exhibit this to the diseased: but alas! the improbous do so impose upon us, that we can scarce give the honest and good. I saw a certain Laudanum exhibited by a learned Princely Medick, which wrought happy effects. This sequel one is eximious, and easy to be made. ℞ of the extract of the Pills of Hounds-tongueʒ ij. Laudanum. Androm. the extract of the Roman Philonium, and Treacle, of each ℥ j Amber, Mosch, of each ℈ ss. Bezoar-stone, Monoceros born, of each gr. vj. Saffron ℈ j and with oy of Cloves make it up into Laudanum. There might be innumerable descriptions thereof given: for every one, though meanly learned, strives to add or detract at pleasure; either for the fame, or imitation of other opiate Medicaments, as of Philonium, by which name Crato designed Laudanum, which he held to be nothing but a certain Philonium, which many Alchemists take for the basis of their Laudanum; and by adding magisteries, essences, and tinctures, make an hypnotical Medicament, more commendable than the vulgar Philonium. But I admire most, that every one changes the form of his Medicament, and that none can know which is the genuine, true, and best description thereof: which some take from Paracelsus, others from Keckius; some from Andernacus, others from Brunerius; and others from others: and always change something, that they may be thought the first Authors. I could here adduce many descriptions, but it would be useless labour. The Chemists call it Laudanum, as though it were the most laudable Medicament; which they sometimes call also Nepenthe. Of bechical Pills. CHAP. 24. Pill. Bechicae Nigrae; or, black Bechical Pills. D. Mes. ℞ of the jayce of Liquorice, white Sugar, of eachʒ vj. Starch, Tragacanth, sweet Almonds, blanched and beaten, of eachʒ iij. and with the the musilidge of Quince seeds made in Rose water, make thereof a mass. The COMMENTARY. This mass is not kept whole, after the manner of other pills, but divided into particles, of a whole or half scruples weight; which are after form at pleasure, one while into triangular or multifatious Trochisks; another while into round lumps or Pills: whence some refer them to Pastils, others to Pills. But seeing they should be holden under the tongue, a spherical form is most convenient for them, for so they may be abvolved all over, and liquefie in all the parts of the mouth. For which use, other Trochisks may be made, as we have showed in the twentieth Chapter, first Section and fifth Book of our Institutions. The manner of their confection is easy. Decorticated Almonds must first be minutely incided with a Knife, then levigated on a Marble: then Amylum and Sugar must be taken: afterwards the succe of Liquorice must be brayed in a pretty hot metalline mortar; then Tragacanthum: let all then be made with the Mucago, into some paste, whereof plain Pills may be made, dried and kept. Black Bechical Pills, cure dry coughs, Vires. arising from sharp and calid matter, as also asperity, and hoarseness, and hard excretion of the bear't, as Mesue shows (cap. de tussil. in sua praxi.) CHAP. 25. Pil. Bechicaealbae; or, white Bechical Pills. ℞ of the powder of Florentine, Orris, Starch, of each ℥ j ss. Sugar candy, Pennidees, of each ℥ iiij. white Sugar lb j and with the Musilidge of Gum Thraganth extracted in Rose water, make a mass, which form into rolls and Troches. The COMMENTARY. Seeing the Author of these Pills is uncertain, every one doth at will change their description, by adding or detracting something. But we have exhibited the most usual form whereby Pills that are Bechical, grateful and white may be made: the manner whereof is well known to all. They are much commended for leniating the asperity of the jaws, Vires. outing cough and hoarseness, and moving spittle. Thus I think I have sufficiently described, not only all forms of purgative Medicaments, but purgative necessary in a Pharmacopoly. It now remains that in the sequent Book I describe Roboratives and Alteratives. Finis Libri Secundi. The Apothecary's Shop, OR, ANTIDOTARY. THE THIRD BOOK. Of ROBORATIVE MEDICAMENTS, Distinct in three SECTIONS. The first whereof Treats of more select Cordial Powders. THE PREFACE. SCarce any Medicament is of a solitary faculty, but it either purges or roborates, and altars withal; but the denomination is desumed from the prepollent faculty: and that which roborater more, and altars less, is called a Roborative; that which altars more, and roborates less, an Alterative, We shall treat of both, not only in the same confection, consisting of both qualities but apart, and in divers Chapters, in this Third Book; because there is much affinity betwixt these Medicaments, both in qualities, consistence, and manner of preparation. The Roman Philoniom, and the confection of Hyacinth, have the same preparation and consistence, and are both described amongst Roboratives; yet the former is called an Alterative. Now that we may in just order describe all the Roboratives, we shall begin with the most select Cordial Powders; partly, at they are described by famous medics; partly, as established by our invention, and approved by long experience. Of what use aromatical and other Powders are in Medicinal assumptions, applications, or compositions, we have at large showed, in Chap. 9 Sect. 1. and Book 3. of our Institutions. CHAP. 1. Diamargaritum frigidum. D. Platearii. ℞ of pellucid Pearlsʒ iij. the four greater cool seeds picked, the seeds of Purslain, and white Poppy, white and yellow , Lignum Aloes, Ginger, red Roses, the flowers of Water-lillies, borage, Myrtleberries, of eachʒ j white and red Coral, of eachʒ ss. make of all these a fine powder, which let be kept in a glass with a narrow orifice. The COMMENTARY. Aromatical or Cordial Powders, are either kept alone in a fit vessel well operculated, that their faculties may not expire; or with Honey solved into a liquid Electuary; or with Sugar cocted into a solid Electuary or Tabels. They are kept alone in shops, that a part of them, when use requires, may be dissolved into applicative Medicaments, or mixed with introsumptive ones. This powder, which is denominated from Pearl, is so variously described, that its Author is not known, but every one changes it variously at will: This though, which we have exhibited out of Platerius, is by most learned Writings attested the most genuine. And it is called frigid Diamargaritum, to difference it from another, which is hotter, but made of few of none: it is also called the compounded Diamargaritum, in reference to Manus Christi, which consists only of the Sugar of Roses, and of Pearls. There is yet another compounded one, which admits of many precious Stones, Amber, and Musk; but differing from the Electuary of Gems, only in that it refrigerates more. It is seldom made. The preparation of Diamargaritum is most in triture, whereof we have largely treated in our Institutions. Pearls are oriental and pellucid, which are proved by their candour, rotundity, smoothness, weight, and magnitude. Those that are ponderous and crass, are called vinous: which because of their rarity and value, seldom ingrede Medicinal Compositions; they should, like Coral, be ducted, and levigated upon a Purple-stone: The four cold seeds must be minutely incided, and pulverated very small; then the rest, and all confusedly mixed at last. Diamargaritum is most efficacious to resartiate strength, Vires. take away swoundings, to help difficult breathers, to coct the cough, to refresh the tabid, to recreate the languisher, and to recuperate one's former state. CHAP. 2. Electuarium de Gemmis; or, The Electuary of Gems. D. Mes. ℞ of pellucid Pearlsʒ ij. of the fragments of the Saphyr, Hyacinth, Sardis, Granate, Smaragdi, of eachʒ j ss. of Setwell, and Aaron's roots, Citron Pills, Mace, Basil-seeds, of eachʒ ij. red Coral, Amber, the shave of Ivory, of each ℈ ij. both the Beans, Cloves, Ginger, Long-Pepper, Spikenard, Indian Leaf, Saffron, Cardamomes, of eachʒ j Troch. Diarrhodon, Aloes wood, of eachʒ v. Cinnamon, Galangal, of eachʒ j ss. the leaves of Gold and Silver, of each ℈ ij. Moschʒ ss. make of these a very fine powder. The COMMENTARY. This composition is kept either in form of a powder, or of an Electuary; and that either soft, consisting of an equal quantity of powders, and of honey of Roses; or solid, consisting of the same, and Sugar of Roses: but it is most commodious, to keep its powder well occluded in fit vessels for future uses. It takes its name from the Gems or precious stones, of which it is made, with the vulgar, and others rare and unknown cordials, whose faculties cannot be well learned from the Ancients or neoterics, as appears by the examination we had of Been: in whose stead, we substitute Enula-Campana's roots, both roots being pastinacious, cordial, and hotter than Bugloss or borage, which some take for both the Beens: the root also of Tormentil may be substituted in stead of each Been. But I do not fancy their humours, who in composition of this solemn Electuary, usurp those exotic roots designed by the name of the two Beens; for either Tormentil alone, or Enula alone, or an equal quantity of each, may be much better assumed for both Beens: and if any one would rather have Angelica's root, then that of Enula, he may. The preparation of this powder, consists in idoneus triture; the Gems and Corals must be levigated on a purple stone; the roots, woods, and fruits brayed in a mortar, and all at length commixed. The Electuary of Gems is most efficacious for the cold affections of the brain, heart, ventricle, liver, and uterus, according to Mesue: for it helps the melancholical, sad, solitary, and fearful; it cures the palpitation of the heart, hinders swooning, roborates the languid ventricle, and recreates all the entrails: but Apothecaries seldom make it, because of the rarity and dearness of the simples that ingrede its composition. CHAP. 3. Diambra Dom. Mes. ℞ of Cinnamon, supposed Wolfs-bane, Cloves, Mace, Nutmegs, Indian leaf, Galangal, of eachʒ iij. Long Pepper, yellow Sanders, Aloes wood, of eachʒ ij. Gingerʒ j ss. both the Cardamomes, Spikenard, Amber of eachʒ j Moschʒ ss. make of all these a fine powder, and so kept for use. The COMMENTARY. This compound is very aromatical and sweet, both because of the Amber, from which it is denominated, and of the Musk, and other Aromatas that ingrede it. It is kept either in form of a powder, or of a solid Electuary, or of Honey: if it be required of a hard consistence, as that of Tabels, its powder must be received into Sugar of Roses perfectly cocted; if soft, like that of Opiates, its powders must be received into the Julep of Roses, or Alexandrian Syrup. It's preparation is only pulveration; which must be effected as we have demonstrated in the 9 and 10 Chap. and 2 Book of our Institutions. Diambra doth most efficaciously roborate the bowels, Vires. especially if their imbecility be from a cold cause: for by calefaction it refects the spirits, and foments the native heat; it helps the affections of the Uterus, and is very convenient for old men and women. CHAP. 4. Pilvis Diamoschi. ℞ of Moschʒ ss. the bone of the heart of a Hart, pellucid Pearl, shave of Ivory, white and red Coral, white and yellow , Aloes wood, Cinnamon, Mace, and Cloves, of eachʒ j Rose-leaves, Water-lilies, of eachʒ j ss. Citron-pill, Bugloss-flowers, Spikenard, of eachʒ ss. Camphyr gr. ij. make of these a fine powder according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Vulgar Pharmacopolitan Dispensatories abound with many cordial, but intensely calefactive Powders, and very few refrigeratives, consisting only of all kinds of hot Aromatas, promiscuously and confusedly agregated without choice or care: Of which sort, the two last descriptions (as tradited by the Ancients) were, and many more, which occur in each Antidotary, are: for, Diacyminum, Dianisum, Diazinziber, Diatrium Pipereon, Diamargaritum calidum, Diamoschum; both sweet and amare, produce all the same effects, having all the same faculties, as compounded all of hot Aromatas. Wherefore I have not only castigated, but neglected the antique description of Diamoschum, and substituted another, which well refers the reason of its name and composition, conducing to imbecility wrought by a hot cause: for it seemed to me superfluous, to retain the ancient description of Diamoschum, when Diambra, and the Electuary of Gems pollicitate the same effects: Therefore I have exhibited another most fragrant Diamoschum, very efficacious in curing hot distempers, and easily preparable. Sweet Diamoschum, Vires. consisting of many Cordials, exhilarates the noble parts, especially the heart and vital faculties, made languid or imbecile from any, but mainly a hot cause: It conduces also to many affections of the Uterus. CHAP. 5. Pulvis Electuarii Triasantali; or, The species for the Electuary of the three . ℞ of the three , Rose-leaves, Fleabit-seed, of eachʒ ij. Rhabarb, shave of Ivory, Juice of Liquorice, Purslain-seed, of eachʒ j ss. Starch, Gum Thraganth, Arabic, the four greater cool seeds, Endive seed, of eachʒ j Camphyr ℈ ss. make of these according to Art a Powder. The COMMENTARY. Amongst twenty descriptions of this composition, I have not found two alike: for some in stead of Zuccaria, put Hemlock-seed, as Joubertus; others the seeds of Psyllium, as Foefius; others omit both, as Cordus; others will have Sugar-candy; and others Violets, as Euchsius. There is the same diffidence about Rhabarb, Amylum, and Camphyr; which some reject, others add. I have with the consent also of learned Authors, described this form, and added Psyllium as very convenient: but I have expunged Amylum as unapt; for its viscidity obstructs: Camphyr I admit, that by its tenuity it may introduce the crasser Medicaments: but I have detracted from its quantity, lest by its graveolence, it should obtund or deleate the suavity of the Aromatas, which are but few. I also allow of Tragacanthum and Arabic, which should be alittle assated before commixtion, that they may depose their viscidity, and become more convenient for the Author's intention, who, whatever he was, aimed this Medicament partly to roborate, and partly to resolve obstructions. It's preparation is like the former's, depending on due triture. It mirificously conduces to the freeing the liver from obstructions: Vires. it helps such as have the jaundice, or are tabid, or troubled with immoderate heat in their bowels; it allays also the heat of the ventricle, frees the first region of the body from infarctures, and vindicates the humours from putretude. CHAP. 6. Aromat. Rosatum; or, an Aromatical composition of Roses. D. Gabriel. ℞ of Rose-leavesʒ xv. Liquoriceʒ seven. choice Cinamonʒ v. Aloes-wood, * Machazari and Citrini. yellow Sanders, of each ʒ iij. Gum Arabic, Thraganth, of eachʒ ij. and ℈ ij. Cloves and Mace, of eachʒ ij. ss. Spikenardʒ ij. Nutmegs, Cardamomes the greater, Galangal the lesser, of eachʒ j Amber ℈ ij. Mosch ℈ j make of these a Powder. The COMMENTARY. Mesue describes many cordial and suaveolent Electuaries, but more especially six, which he calls aromatical; out of which I have selected this one: and he that hath this, may easily be without the rest. It is called Aromaticum, from the Aromatas whereof it consists, and Rosatum, from its Roses, which are therein prepollent both in quantity and quality: It is cognominated from one Gabriel, it is probable its Author, or Mesue's friend. But however, the description is good, and its use salutary. It is kept in form of a Powder, which is easily made; or of a soft Electuary, which is effected, by admitting it to an equal quantity of the Syrup of Roses, and of Orange-pill. But it is most usually had in form of a tabellated Electuary, the Powders being cocted in Sugar. It roborates the brain, heart, ventricle, and the inferior Belly; Vires. dissipating the excrementitious humidity of their parts: it corrects all putretude, excites appetite, helps coction, abates loathsomeness and vomiting, and is very good for such as are weak, and newly recovered from a disease. CHAP. 7. Diarrhodon Abbatis. D. N. Salern. ℞ of Rose-leaves, Sugar-candy, of eachʒ iij. white and yellow , of eachʒ ij. ss. Gum Thraganth, Arabic, shave of Ivory, of each ℈ ij. Mace, Lavender, Mastic, Cardamomes, Saffron, Aloes-wood, Cloves, Gallia Moschata, Cinnamon, * I wonder what that doth there. Rhabarb, Juice of Liquorice, the seeds of Anise, Fennel, Basil, Berberries, Endive, Purslain, white Poppies, the greater cool seeds, of each ℈ j the bone in the heart of a Hart, the best Pearl, of each ℈ ss. Mosch gr. iiij. Campyr gr. ij. make of these a Powder. The COMMENTARY. This solemn composition hath also undergone castigation; for from its first description tradited, Nic. Myrepsus, Nic. Salernitanus hath detracted Coral, Lettuce, and Mandrake-seeds: Nic. Praepositus following the castigation of Salernitanus, neither mentions the Corrector nor the Author. Nic. Myrepsus attributes the invention thereof to one Abbas, a Precedent of a certain College: and seeing no famous Medicament goes through many hands without mutation, no wonder if Abbas his Diarrhodum be not always described alike; in whose composition, Silvius admits not of Musk, nor Rondeletius of Rhabarb, nor I of Asarum, because it is vomitory, and an enemy to the stomach; in whose stead I have substituted Mace. Some admit only the grains of Berberries-seeds; others, and better, the whole seeds: the four frigid seeds being easily corruptible, should not be commixed till the time of use; if it be required in form of a solid Electuary, the powders must be excepted in Sugar of Roses perfectly cocted. Diarrhodon roborates the Ventricle and Liver, Vires. helps coction, excites appetite, discusses flatulency, cohibits belching, makes the breath sweet, allays the heat of the bowels, and emends all vices in the body arising from heat. CHAP. 8. Pulvis laetificans; or, A laetificant Powder of an uncertain Author. ℞ of Basil-seed, Saffron, Setwel, yellow Sanders, Cloves, Citron-pill, Galangal, Mace, Nutmegs, Storax, of eachʒ ij. ss. shave of Ivory, Anise-seed, Dodder of Thyme, Thyme, of eachʒ j Amber, Mosch, Pearl, the bone in the heart of a Hart, of eachʒ ss. Leaves of Gold and Silver, of each ℈ ss. make of them all a Powder according to Art. The COMMENTARY. There are two descriptions of this name; one given by Rhasis, which is seldom made; the other by an uncertain Author, which we have transcribed out of Praepositus as better. They err, that attribute this confection to Galen; for it is not contained in his Works, neither did he know many of its ingredients, as Musk, Camphyr, Amber, and Pearls. It is alled the laetificant, or Powder of gladness, from its effect; for it laetificates the heart and spirits: we have expunged Balm-wood out of its confection, being very precious and rare, and in its stead substituted Citrian Santal: Lentisks, and Aloes-wood are also good substitutes for Balm-wood; as also for the Hats heart-bone, its Horn: The rest being always in readiness, need no substitutes. The preparation is the same with the precedents. The laetificant Electuary denotes its eximious faculties by its name; it laetificates the heart, and all the vital parts and faculties, Vires. recreates the bowels, absumes excrementitious humours, dissipates flatulency, and roborates the ventricle. CHAP. 9 Pulvis Dianthos. D.N. Myr. ℞ of the flowers of Rosemary ℥ j of Rose-leaves, Violets, and Liquorice, of eachʒ vj. Cloves, Lavender, Nutmegs, Galangal, Cinnamon, Ginger, Setwel, Mace, Aloes-wood, Cardamomes, Anise-seed, and Dill-seed, of each ℈ iiij. make of these a very fine Powder according to Art. The COMMENTARY. The description of this Powder is desumed from Nic. Myrepsue, who put many simples in less quantity, besides Rosemary; which Actuarius augmented, adding Wormseed. It desumes its name from the flowers of Rosemary, which are its Basis, which by a certain Antonomasia are called Anthos, that is, the flower; whence the Electuary is called Dianthos; whose preparation is without difficulty: Pharmacopolists keep it usually in form of a Powder; and if it be required in form of a soft Electuary, they put the Powders in Honey; if of a solid one, they put them in the Sugar of Roses perfectly cocted, and make Pastils thereof. It is cordial, helping the Epilepsy, and Swoundings; Vires. it universally auxiliates all imbecility of Body, but especially the affections of the head. CHAP. 10. Pulvis Dianisi; or, The compound Powder of Anise-seed. ℞ of the seeds of Aniseʒ x. Liquorice, Mastic, of each ℥ ss. the seeds of Caraway and Fennel, Mace, Galangal, Ginger, Cinnamon, of eachʒ ij. ss. the three Peppers, Cassia Lignea, Sermountain-seed, Mountain-Calamint, of eachʒ j the greater Cardamomes, Cloves, Cubebs, Spikenard, Saffron, of each ℈ ij. and gr. v. Sugar-candyʒ ij. make of these a Powder. The COMMENTARY. This Powder is both usual and useful; whose description, as tradited by Mesue, we retain; only expunging Bartram, and substituting Libistica and Sugar-candy, for common Sugar: for Bartram being hot and sharp, and not aromatical, may well be omitted; and Sugar-candy is more idoneous than common Sugar, for the asservation of the Powders. Cubebs are small round fruits, adhering to long pedicles, racemously congested; which some say are Galen's Carpesia, others Dioscorides his wild Myrtles, and others the grains of a Willow-tree: but they are none of these, and their description differs much from any such. In Jaoa this fruit is called Cumuc, which the Incolists there so much estimate, that they boil it before they sell it out, lest it should be sown, and germinate elsewhere, as we have showed, Chap. 14. Sect. 3. Book 4. of our Medicinal Materials. Dianison cures the cold distemper of the ventricle, Vires. caused by crude phlegm or flatulency: it cures diuturnal coughs, proceeding from cold humours, and frees the bowels from obstructions. CHAP. 11. Diacinnamomum; or, The compound Powder of Cinnamon. D. Mes. ℞ of small Cinamonʒ xv. Cassia-wood, the root of Enula-campane, of eachʒ iiij. Galangalʒ seven. Cloves, Long-pepper, both the Cardamomes, Ginger, Mace, Nutmegs, Aloes-wood, of eachʒ iij. Saffronʒ j Sugarʒ v. Mosch ℈ ij. make of these a Powder according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Of the Aromatas which this Powder admits, Cinnamon is most prepollent: which is of two sorts; the one more tenuious and fragrant, which the Arabians call Darcheni; the other more crass, and less odorate, which we call vulgar or ligneous Cinnamon. We have depinged both their Histories, in Chap. 9 Sect. 3. and Book 1. of our Medicinal Matter. The neoterics, for more suavities sake, prepare Diacinnamomum with Musk. Its preparation is no more but pulveration, and the confused union of the Powders. Diacinnamomum consisting wholly of hot and aromatical ingredients, Vires. doth miraculously resartiate strength, exhilarate the spirits, and cure all affections proceeding from cold causes. CHAP. 12. Lithontripticon; or, A Powder to break the Stone. ℞ of the blood of a Buck-goat prepared ℥ j the blood of a Hare burnt ℥ ss. the roots of Sea-holly, Showbread, Madder, Cyprus, Orris the Florentine, the seeds of Gromwel and Saxafrage, Winter-cherries, of eachʒ ij. Lapis Spongiae, Eggshells burnt, the inward tunicle of the ventricle of a Hen, Juniper-berries, Cardamomes, Cinnamon, Mace, of each ʒ j ss. the seeds of Smallage, Petroseline, Bishopweed, Asparagrass, Caraway, Carret, Hartwort, Coriander, Citron, Mallows, Melon, Pepon, and Pimpinel, of eachʒ j the Gum of the Cherry-treeʒ ij. let them be all beaten, and made into a fine Powder. The COMMENTARY. We have rejected the old description of this Powder, which vulgar Apothecaries call Lithontribon, because it receives many astrictives, and some things that hinder its efficacy in breaking the stone, and extracting the sand of the Reins; and others that are too rare and precious, or can never be had sincere: in whose stead we give another Lithontripticon, most aptly composed, to break the stone, expel sand, and cure other affections of the Reins and Bladder. But before Goats-blood ingrede its composition, it should be thus prepared: First, a Goat of four years old, or thereabouts, should be selected and jugulated; the blood which comes out in the middle, must be put in an earthen pot, for that which flows out first is too tenuious, the last too crass; then the pot must be covered with a rare linen cloth, and exposed to the Sun, that the blood may coagulate; the watery must be rejected, and the more crass concreted blood dried, brayed, and kept in a glass vessel: they are too superstitious, who will not kill the Goat, till the Sun be entering into Cancer, and he have been nourished a long time with Saxifrage, Pimpinella, Smallage, and the like; nor collect any, save the arterial blood: for though this preparation be not useless, yet it is not necessary; nay, there can scarce be such plenty of those plants they require got, as will nourish a Goat a long time: and besides, his blood, whose pabulum is not changed, is as efficacious for breaking the stone. The Hares-blood newly extracted, must be so assated, that it turn not to ashes, but may be pulverated. There is nothing besides in this preparation, either difficult or operous. This Powder taken in a little white-wine, Vires. or water of Pellitory of the wall, or such convenient liquor, will expel stones and sand from the Reins, Bladder, and Ureters, and potently move Urine. CHAP. 13. Pulvis Diacalaminthes; or, The compound Powder of Mint. D. N. Myr. ℞ Mountain-Calamint, Penyroyal, black Pepper, the seeds of Massilian * Seseleos. Hartwort, and Parsley, of each ʒ iij. andʒ ij. the seeds of Sermountain, () Ameos. Bishopweed, Dill, tops of Thyme, Cinnamon, Ginger, of each ℈ ij. Smallage-seed ℈ j make of these a fine Powder, and keep it in a glass with a narrow orifice. The COMMENTARY. There are various descriptions given of this Powder; but all practical medics take and approve of this of Myrepsus as best. Galen exhibits the like; but he makes it too hot and sharp, by too much Ginger and Pepper: we have put Dill for Anise; yet with this reserve, That any one may without difference or damage to the compound, substitute which he pleases. This is prepared as the precedents. Diacalamin the extenuates crass and viscid humours, Vires. discusses flatulency, moves urine and fluors, cures the cough from cold humours, helps the distribution of the aliment to the Liver, roborates the ventricle, augments appetite: it may be given in form of a soft Electuary, if it be mixed with Honey; a solid one, if with Sugar. CHAP. 14. Pulvis contra Pestem, seu Bezoardicus; or, A Powder against the Plague, or Bezoar-Powder. ℞ of the roots of Tormentil, Angelico, Enula-campane, Gentian, Pyony, Aloes-wood, yellow Sanders, Hartshorn, Ivory, the bone in the heart of a Hart, Juniper-berries, Cardamomes, the seeds of Sorrel and Carduus, Cloves, Mace, Cinnamon, of eachʒ j ss. the rinds of Citron and Orange, Diptamus, Scordeum, Squinant, the aromatic Reed, Rose-leaves, Saffron, of eachʒ j Bole-armeniack washed in Rose-water, and Lemnian-Earth, of eachʒ ij. Camphyr gr. viij. Ambergris, Leaf-gold, of each ℈ j make of these a very fine and small Powder, and repose it in a glass; which sign, Pulvis Bezoardicus. The COMMENTARY. Medicaments which oppugn the Plague, expugn Poisons, evert their harm, and defend life, are by the Greeks called Antidota, by the Arabians Bezaardica; of which sort there are some simples, as the Bezar-stone, Zerumbet, and Precious-stones; some compounds, as Cordials, and Theriacals, which consist of many things that roborate the heart, spirits, and vital parts, extinguishing poisons and venenate qualities: therefore they are said to be in a mean, participating both of our nature and poisonous qualities; as Mithridate, whose frequent use is not safe, where there is no suspicion of a venenate quality; for if it find no object on which it may act, it leaves the vestigia of its inimick quality impressed on the parts, accending the humours, and preying upon the native calour. But such compound Medicaments as consist only of cordial and roborative ingredients, and by some special faculty oppugning poison, are at all seasons convenient for all temperatures and diseases; as this Powder we have described, whose faculties are eximious in expugning malign affections, and defending the noble parts. And it is given in water, or some cordial decoction, or idoneous conserve; or else it is excepted in the Syrup of Kermes, or Lemons, or concinnated into the form of an Opiate: it may also with Honey despumed in some cordial water, be coagmentated into the form of a liquid Electuary, and kept in shops like other confections. Its faculties will be more eximious, if Precious-stones, Unicorns-horn, and Bezar-stone, be added to it. The Powder is easy to be made, and the ingredients may be had. It is miraculously efficacious in expugning venenate, contagious, Vires. and pestilent diseases, and in recreating and defending the principal parts. CHAP. 15. Pulvis Antilyssos, seu contra Rabiem; or, A Powder against the biting of a mad Dog. D. J. Pal. ℞ of the leaves of Rue, Vervine, Sage, Plantain, Polypody, common Wormwood, Mint, Mugwort, Balm, Betony, S. Johns-wort, the lesser Centaury, of each m.j. let them be dried, and at last reducated into a fine Powder. The COMMENTARY. This alexiterial Powder I desumed from the famous Jul. Palmarius, who wrote seven Books of contagious Diseases: the eximious faculties, and admirable effects of this Medicament, not only he, but Dominus de Pyrou, hath frequently and successfully experienced upon many; from whom he confesses he had its first description: for as many as were bitten with mad Dogs, and used this, were presently freed from imminent and incipient Hydrophoby, if no part of the head above the teeth, or cold member, were abluted; for then there were small hopes of remedy. We call this Powder ANtilyssum, because in arceating madness, it is inferior to none: it cures wounds inflicted by mad Dogs, and impedes that terrible symptom, whereby those wretches are fearful of water. The preparation of this famous Antidote is easy; wherein these three things are chief observable: First, that the Simples be then collected, when they are most virtuous, to wit, in the beginning or end of the Spring; That they be not dried either by the scorching Sun, or in a moist place; That when they are dry, they be kept, with this reserve, that they be renovated annually. There is no need, that any great quantity of this eximious Powder be kept in Pharmacopolies: for it is enough, if half a pound thereof be reconded in a fit vessel for present use: But its materials or simples should be kept in abundance, artificially dried, enclosed in chartaceous bags, and securely reposed, that Flies may not consparcate them, nor Mice erode them; and when exigence calls for them, an equal weight of each should be pulverated, and a whole or half dragm thereof given in the morning before meat, in a spoon, with twice as much Sugar; or else in pottage, or other convenient liquor, as Wine, Cider; or else in Honey, like an Opiate. And although one or two dragms be a dosis sufficient for a very robust man; yet three or four may sometimes be exhibited, by such especially, who have been bitten long before, or are already begun to fear water. This Powder is indeed very eximious; but it would be more efficacious, if the Powder of Pimpinel and burned River-Crabfishes were mixed with it: Its name Alyssum shows, that it is justly preferred before all other of that sort; for Galen and Dioscorides call it so, because it cures madness, and extinguishes its poison. But this plant is rare, and known only to few: it is in aspect like Horehound, but each genicle emits only two crisped, hoary, and almost inodorate leaves; spinous cups do verticularly circumvest its Caulicles: I have often seen it in the Colledge-Garden in Paris. There is another kind in Germany, called Echioides, like Tizil in form; but it is inferior to that of Galens: yet he that wants the one, may substitute the other. CHAP. 16. Crocus Martis; or, Mars his Saffron. THis Medicament is so denominated, partly from its matter, as it is the filings of Steel, or Iron, dedicated to Mars; and partly from its colour, which resembles Saffron: Its preparation is multifarious; for every one prepares it after his own Model, in which every one dissents from another: whence some have neglected, or disapproved of its preparation, as useless; and Rivierius exhibits the bare limature of Iron, for true Saffron of Mars, without ustion or ablution; professing it to be safer, and more efficacious in curing the foetid colours of Virgins: but he that will follow the method of so rash a Periclitator, shall be more formidable than the very diseases. I find two preparations of this Saffron, more usual than the rest: the first is vulgar, and well known to Pharmacopolists, who burn the filings of Steel twice, or more, in a crucible, and wash it as oft, partly in Vinegar, partly in Rose-water, or other fit liquor; then dry it, and make a subruse ponderous Powder, which they call prepared Steel. The second is used by the Chemists, who make this ponderous Powder volarile; whose preparation they thus effect: sometimes they assume the limature of Steel, sometimes of Iron, or of both, for the qualities are similar; they burn it a day or two in their fire, than they inject it into water, and assume and keep what swims above; and, abjecting the water, take what is in the bottom, and inject it again into the reverberatory fire, where they burn it as before, and again dimit it into water: what swims above, they again take and keep; what sinks to the bottom, they again burn, till it subside not, but remain upon the superficies of the water; which they collect, dry, and keep for special Chemical Martical Saffron. Some make it thus: They put the limature of Iron on a dish in a very hot fire, and permit it to be red hot: when it is cold, they bray it laboriously in an Iron-Morter; then wash it, that the more sublime part may be separated with the water: the crasser is again burned, and brayed as before; which they iterate seven or more times, till all the limature become croceous. Some wash the limature of Iron in Brine, before they calcinate it; and afterwards in Vinegar: some macerate it in Urine, others put Salt to it, and others Tartar: some burn it with Sulphur, others turn it into Rubigo: but as these preparations are too curious, so are they needless; and it is better to hold to one good way, then hover doubtful amongst so many. But the dust of Iron must be filled very small for this purpose, that it may be better calcinated by the fire; than it must be brayed, afterwards demerged, and much agitated in water, and the supernatant part collected, dried with moderate heat, and kept without further calcination: the crasser part must be again immitted into the fire, till the whole become volatile, and then it is true Martial Saffron. Alchemists make it also of other Metals; for they have Saffron of Tin, Saffron of Venus: but by how much they seem more perite Artificers, by so much they are more imperite medics. They say, that Mars his Saffron roborates the liver and spleen, Vires. takes away the obstructions of the bowels, and therefore cures the foetid colour of Virgins. Of this and other Cordial Powders, prudent medics make a Confection in form of a soft Electuary or Tabels, called Diastomoma, most efficacious in removing obstructions, wherewith they mix the Powder of Worms: But I had rather make it thus: ℞ of Steel well preparedʒ ij. Cinamonʒ ss. the species for the Electuary of the three , and de Gemmis, of each ℈ j the Powder of Dictamus ℈ ss. with Sugar dissolved in Balm-water ℥ iiij. of which make Tablets ofʒ iij. weight, or ℥ ss. one whereof take in the morning fasting. They used to put more Sugar to Cordial Tabels, but then they are less efficacious. THE SECOND PART. Of Powders necessary to be had in Shops. IN the former part of this Section, we have tradited only most select Cordial Powders; omitting only such, whose qualities were affine and similar, whose descriptions were ungrounded, and use disapproved. Now in this second part we shall treat of such, as, being more frigid and sweeter, are not as the former, Aromatical, but Bechical and Thoracical; for they are convenient for the Cough of the Lungs, and all Thoracical affections. CHAP. 17. Pulvis Diaireos simplex. ℞ of Florentine Orris ℥ ss. Sugar-candy, Pul. Diatrag. frigid. of eachʒ ij. make of them all a Powder to be kept for use. The COMMENTARY. The Author of this Powder is most uncertain, but its use most frequent: it should be conveniently excepted in Sugar, duly cocted in the white of an Egg, clarified with Coltsfoot-water, and concinnated into Tabels or Lozenges: Each ounce of Powder must have a pound of Sugar; yea, they sometimes put two ounces of Sugar to one dragm of Powder: and the Electuary thus made, is more grateful, but less efficacious; as on the contrary, when each dragm of Powder receives an ounce of Sugar. The manner of its preparation is so easy, that it needs no further description. It stays the distillation of the Jaws, Vires. attenuates, cocts, and expectorates crass humours. There is another composition of Diaireos, denoted by Solomon's name; which being harder to make, more insuave, and no whit more efficacious, is seldom made. CHAP. 18. Pulvis Diatragacanthi frigidi; or, The Powder of cold Diatragacanthum. D. Myrep. ℞ of Penidees ℥ iij. Gum Thraganth ℥ j Gum Arabickʒ x. Starch ℥ ss. the seeds of white Poppyʒ iij. of the four greater cool seeds, Liquorice, of eachʒ ij. Camphyr ℈ ss. make of these a Powder. The COMMENTARY. This Powder hath its name and basis from Tragacanthum, which in its composition is most prepollent. It receives many Bechical, viscid, refrigerative, and lenitive simples, whereunto Myrepsus its Author adds Nettle-seed, as very accommodate for the attenuation and expurgation of crass humours: which, because it makes the compound both in colour and sapour ingrateful, is by Neotericks omitted, others supplying its faculty better. It is kept either in form of a Powder, as the rest; or of a tabulated Electuary; each ounce of Powder admitting of a pound of Sugar. It helps all hot affections of the lungs and breast, Vires. conduces much to such as are macilent or consumed; it cures the Pleurisy, asperity of the tongue and jaws, and cocts and expectorates spittle. CHAP. 19 Pulvis Diapendit sine speciebus; or, The Powder of Penidees without species. D.N. Myreps. ℞ of Penidees ℥ ij. Pine-nuts, sweet Almonds decorticated, white Poppy-seed, of eachʒ iij. the Juice of Liquorice, Gum Thraganth, Arabic, the four greater cool seeds, Starch, of eachʒ j ss. Camphyr gr. viij. make of them all a Powder. The COMMENTARY. Diapenidion is made either without species, as in this form, or with them: when Cinnamon, Cloves, and Ginger, are added thereto, as Myrepsus its Author describes it, and the said species, Almonds, Poppy-seed, and Liquorice-juyce are put in equal weight. It is kept either in form of a Powder, or of a solid Electuary; which, by the Author's advice, may be thus made: Three ounces of Violers must be macerated and cocted in a pound of water, till the water be of a violaceous colour; one pound of Sugar must be cocted in the colature, to the consistence of a solid Electuary; wherewith, whilst hot, the Penidees, and other levigated simples, must be so mixed and subacted, that the mass may acquire a solid form, whereof tabels or Rhombodies may be concinnated and reposed for use. All with one consent confect Penidees thus, but few agree in the proportion of the simples; for each one changes their weight: this we have delivered is the most usual form. This Powder conduces very much to those that are infested with a cough, Vires. pleurisy, difficulty of breathing, asperity of jaws, hoarseness, and many vices of the lungs. If it be made with the species, besides the enumerated effects, it also incides, attenuates, and cocts viscid, crass, and cold humours, preparing them for expectoration. CHAP. 20. Confectio de Rebecha. ℞ of the Powder of Diaireos, cold Diatraganth. of eachʒ ij. Powder of Liquorice ℥ ss. Sugar-candyʒ iij. and with Gum Thraganth dissolved in Rose-water make a Paste, of which Rolls. The COMMENTARY. Though this confection be of an unknown Author, yet it is most usual, grateful for sapour, and commendable for effects. The Powders whereof it consists, are indeed kept severally, till they be mixed with Tragacanthum, solved in Rose-water, or other convenient liquor; or else coacted with Sugar, cocted in some idoneous humour into a mass, whereof pastils or Bacills may be form. We anumerate it amongst Bechical Powders, because it is of the same use and consistence. Some think this consection is called Rebecha, from Bechia, for it is Bechical, some ignorant fellow reading Rebechi, for ℞ Bechi, in some ancient medics receipt, gave the name to this Confection, which is now called Rebecha. It cures such as cough, Vires. breathe difficultly, spit corrupt blood, are infested with the Peurisie, asperity of the tongue and jaws, and hoarseness. CHAP. 21. Of Penidees. PEnidees are much commended amongst bechical and arteriacal Medicaments, which consist but of a few ingredients; for they are made of Sugar and Barleywater, mixed in such proportion, and so cocted, that a mass expurges thence, of such solidity, that it is tractable, not adhering to one's fingers, but easily ducible into long or short, crass or small threads: which, that it may be duly effected, the mass, while hot, is adduced, reduced, and drawn upon a ferreous hook affixed to the Beam, till it be dealbated, and several figures made out of those threads. Bulcasis, the Author of this Compound, made it of pure water, Sugar, and Honey, mixed with as much Oil of bitter Almonds: But now we take Barleywater, omit Honey, and only anoint the hands of the subacter, and the Marble on which it is projected, with Oil. The shop-men call this Medicament Alphenicum, from the whiteness it contracts by subaction and duction. It cures the cough, hoarseness, and asperity of the artery; moves, Vires. cocts, and excludes spittle, and helps all affections of the Lungs and Breast. SECT. II. Of liquid Antidotes. THere are of the Powders described, and other Cordial and Alexiterial ones, diluted in some idoneous liquor, certain soft confections made, which we sometimes call Liquid Antidotes, sometimes Opiates, and sometimes Cordial Confections. Now some of them are only Cordial, recreating the spirits and vital parts; others Alliotical and Hypnotical, altering and conciliating sleep; and others Theriacal, working the same effects, and withal oppugning and expugning poison, if they meet with any. We will begin with the true Cordials. CHAP. I. Confectio Alkermes; or, The Confection of Alkermes. D.M. ℞ of the Juice of fragrant Apples, of the best Damask Rosewater, of each lb j ss. infuse in them for the space of a whole day, the husks or Cod of * Sericum crudum. Silkworms lb j make a strong expression; to which add the best Juice of Kermes-berries lb j Sugar lb ij. boil them till they come almost to the body or consistence of Honey; to which, whilst hot, add ⸪ It is better to grind the Amber with the Powders, and so to mix it. crude Amber small cutʒ ij. and when 'tis dissolved, cast in these Powders, of Cinnamon, Aloes-wood, of eachʒ vj. the Azure-stone burnt and washed, Pearl, of eachʒ ij. Leaf Goldʒ j Mosch ℈ j make thereof a foft Electuary. The COMMENTARY. The greater part of Pharmacopolists infuse silk died in the succe of tinctured grains, or Kermes newly tincted in Rose-water: But Joubertus, to whom I assent, would rather infuse crude silk in the said liquor, and then add the succe of Kermes to the expression; for so there is less loss; and the virtue of the silk, if it have any, may be easily elicited before tincture, by infusion: And though its first Author Mesue instituted it otherwise, yet it is no piacle to discede either from him, or any other Author, if the thing may be made either better, or more useful thereby. I rather assent therefore to such as infuse crude silk in Rose-water, and succe of Apples, and afterwards add Kermes to the expression. It is prudently provided in the Roman Antidotary, that only four ounces of silk be macerated, seeing it may not be totally omitted with loss to the Medicament: for, as I would not be refractory, so would not I be too credulous, nor suffer every thing that is spoken or written, too precipitantly to inhere in my mind. And that I may speak freely, Sericum being the excrement of a certain sordid Insect, I can scarce persuade myself, that it is endued with so great virtue as the Ancients put upon it. I know indeed that Clay is not destitute of faculties, and that the qualities of Animals Hair, Cleys, and very dung, are not contemptible; but, if not cordial, yet efficacious, by their sharp and troublesome quality. But more of silk in its proper place. I now return to our confection, wherein the Azure-stone is put; yet not so prepared, as in the confection of those Pills, which are denominated from it: for therein it is exhibited crude, that its purgative faculty may remain entire; but here burnt, that it may perish; in both pulverated, and frequently washed, that it may depose its vomitory, and keep its cordial and roborative faculty. It must be burned in a crucible or small earthen pot, then brayed, and often washed, first in common water, then in cordial, as Rose-water, or such convenient liquor, and dried, till the water after lotion remain limpid. This is a precious, but not so operous a compound, as the Augustane Dispensatory portends: it is prepared as other Confections. The sole dissent about its composition, is in the tincture of the silk, and the weight of Musk, which some augment, others minuate: if Aloes-wood cannot be had, Citrian Santals' may be substituted. It is very efficacious for many things; Vires. for it cures the palpitation of the heart, swoundings, doting, and sadness without a manifest cause; and much helps such as are languid, wearied with long sickness, and newly recovered. CHAP. 2. Confectio de Hyacintho; or, The confection of Hyacinth. ℞ of Hyacinths, red Coral, Lemnian-Earth, Bole-Armeniack, of each ℥ ss. Kermes-berries, Tormentil-root, Dittany, Citron-seed, Saffron, Myrrh, red Roses, all the sorts of , the bone in the heart of a Hart, Harts-bone burnt, shave of Ivory, the seeds of Sorrel and Purslain, of eachʒ j Saphyr, Smaragd, Topaz, Pearl, crude Silk, filings of Gold and Silver, of each ℈ ij. Camphyr. Mosch, Ambergrise, of each gr. v. with Syrup of Lemons make it up into a Confection. The COMMENTARY. Neotericks' invented this Confection, which the Mompelian medics, who were first seen to usurp it, had in much use. It agrees only nominally with that in the first Section of the greater Luminary, which is denominated of Hyacinth, under the authority of its Inventor Galen. But whoever was the Author of this, he hath selected the best Medicaments, congested them in the best Method and Order; and therefore I judge nothing changeable herein, unless it be Ivory, which I think were better crude then burnt; and Silk, which I would willingly detract, or tinct it in Kermes before composition. Some require a greater weight of simples, who may by my permission either augment or lessen the quantity, if they detract not from the virtue and efficacy of the mixture; for a little change is none. It much helps the heart and noble parts in their affections; Vires. it cures the Syncope, exhilarates the heart, emends palpitation, dulcorates the breath, takes away melancholy, and her sister sadness, without a manifest cause: it cures venenate and contagious diseases, and produces the same effects with the confection of Scarlet grains. CHAP. 3. Rosata novella; or, A new invented Opiate of Roses. D. N. Myrep. ℞ of Rose-leaves, Sugar, Liquorice, of eachʒ ix. Cinamonʒ ij. Cloves, Spikenard, Ginger, Galangal, Nutmegs, Setwel, Storax, Cardamomes, Smallage-seed, of each ℈ ij. make of all these a Powder, adding thereunto despumed Honey, as much as will suffice to make it an Opiate. The COMMENTARY. This confection admits of Roses for its Basis and Nomenclature, and of many Aromatas, both to attenuate and concoct crass and frigid humours, and to recreate the spirits, and roborate the native heat; and of some Bechical ingredients also, to move and promote spittle. It is sometimes kept in form of a Powder, but more frequently of a soft Electuary, or Opiate. We have omitted some scruples and grains, added, its probable, upon small grounds, to the greater weights; which he that will, may superadd: for the detriment will be none, and the utility as much. It roborates the imbecile ventricle, Vires. takes away loathsomeness, discusses flatulency, excites appetite, helps concoction, incides viscid humours, cures cholical dolours, stays vomiting, and helps the imbecility of the heart and stomach, (Myrep. cap. 2 14. Sect. 1.) CHAP. 4. Confectio de Baccis Lauri; or, The confection of Bay-berries. ℞ of dried Rueʒ x. Sagapenumʒ iiij. Opoponaxʒ iij. Bay-berries, the seeds of Bishopweed, Cucumer, Lovage, Roman Gith, Carret, Caraway, Long-Pepper, black Pepper, true Acorus, bitter Almonds, Origanum, Horsemint, Castoreum, of eachʒ ij. Honey despumed, as much as will suffice to make it up into an Opiate. The COMMENTARY. In this confection, Bay-berries, (which give the name) the leaves of Rue, Origanum, and wild Mint, make up a Basis: it admits of many hot and inciding seeds, to attenuate viscid humours, calify frigid humours, and dissipate flatulency; of Gums, to deterge and discuss; and of Honey, to receive and conserve the Powders, and to make the compound more efficacious and pleasant. The Gums being few, and prescribed in small quantity, need not be solved in any liquor, but minutely incided, and pulverated with the rest; then all received together in despumed Honey, whilst yet hot, and coacted into the form of an Opiate. It cures the cholical dolour arising from crude humours and flatulency, Vires. the tympany, turbulence in the guts, belching; and helps cold natures. CHAP. 5. Antidote Diasatyri●on; or, An Antidote exciting Venery. ℞ of Satyrion roots fresh and succulent ℥ ij. the roots of Garden-Carret, and Sea-holly, Indian Nuts, of each ℥ j Pine-kernels, Pistaches, of each ℥ j ss. Cloves, Ginger, Anise-seed, Rocket-seed, Birds-tongue, commonly called Ashton-keyes, of eachʒ v. the loins of Scinci, the seed of Bulbus, or Nettle, of eachʒ ij. ss. Mosch gr. seven. Honey despumed in the decoction of the aforesaid roots lb iij. make it into an Opiate. The COMMENTARY. There are many descriptions hereof, of which this is the best, most usual, and useful; but there being many kinds of Satyrion, that which hath but one testicle must be selected, and that in the beginning of the Spring, when it is most succulent. Some rather take Parsnips-root, then that of Eryngium; but I much matter not which, for their faculties are affine: and I do not so much esteem them, as labouring Rustics, who almost daily feed upon them both, and yet are no more salacious than before. Rocket indeed I value more, for that will excite the most slow to Venery; though Land-Crocodiles or Scinci do most potently excite thereto, the flesh of whose Loins I prefer before their Tayl. There is some dubitation about Onyon-seed: seeing no Medick hath explicitly determined, of what sort, among so many varieties of Onions, the seed must be; therefore I substitute Nettle-seed, which is most congruent to that purpose, in its stead. And it is thus made: First the roots must be boiled in sufficient water, till they be tabid; then they must be baked, and transmitted through a hair-sieve; then mixed with despumed and cocted Honey, and then again fervefied on a slow fire, till the aqueous humidity be absumed; afterwards the Pine-kernels and Pistack-nuts must be taken, and minutely cut, and then levigated like the rest; the Musk must be brayed apart, and last of all confusedly mixed with the Cinnamon. The old description hath an equal weight of Pistack-nuts and Satyrion; whereas the Pistack being insuave, and more unapt for the end, should be taken in much less quantity. Diasatyrion augments the seed, stimulates venery, Vires. erects the Yard, excites the languid and drowsy to venery, roborates the imbecility of the reins and bladder, and augments strength. CHAP. 6. Antidote Analeptica D.F. or, The roborative Antidote of D. Fern. ℞ of Rose-leaves, Liquorice, of eachʒ ij. gr. v. Gum Arabic, Thraganth, of eachʒ ij. and ℈ ij. white and red , of each ℈ iiij. Juice of Liquorice, Starch, the seeds of white Poppy, Purslain, Lettuce, and Endive, ofʒ iij. the four greater cool seeds, the seeds of Quinces, Mallows, Cotton, Violets, Pistaches, Pine-kernels, sweet Almonds, Pulp of Sebestens', Storax, Cloves, Cinnamon, shave of Ivory, of eachʒ ij. Saffron gr. v. Penidees ℥ ss. when they are all beaten, take the triple quantity of syrup of Violets, to make it into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. This Analeptical Antidote or restaurative Electuary, as Praepositus calls it, is much celebrated by Fernelius; in whose description he found nothing to be changed, but only the order of the simples, and the grains of Berberries; in whose stead he reposed Pistacks: But he omitted Storax, which is most commendable and useful in this confection, whose manner of preparation is so easy, as that it needs not any more declaration. It restores lost strength, Vires. hinders swoundings and syncope, resarciates the habit of the body, extenuated by long fluxes, or other immoderate vacuations. It helps and benefits the macilent and consumed, by humectating, nourishing, and roborating them. CHAP. 7. Antidotum Asyncritum; or, The incomparable Antidote of Actuar. ℞ Myrrheʒ ij. and ℈ ij. Opiumʒ vj. black Pepper, the seeds of Smallage, Parsley, and Mustard, of each ℥ ss. Squinantʒ ss. Amomus, the best Storax, of eachʒ ij. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hedychroi Magnatis. ʒ j and ℈ ij. Cassia-Lignea, white Pepper, the seed of Hartwort, of eachʒ j and ℈ j Honey despumed, as much as will suffice. The COMMENTARY. Actuarius calls this the Asyncrital, that is, the incomparable Antidote, because it hath no equal in excellency. Now that it may be made to the Author's mind, the Opium must be macerated in sweet Sape, till it be of the consistence of Honey: the Storax must be deduced in honey, wherewith some dry Powders may be commixed. We have upon good grounds, and much consent, substituted vulgar ligneous Cassia, or Cane, in stead of the Author's Egyptian Cassia; and not Cassia Fistula, or the purgative Cane, which Actuarius all along calls Black Cassia, which is no convenient ingredient in an Antidote. This Antidote cures old headaches, Vires. mitigates vertiginous and comitial affections, takes away too much vigilancy, and restrains fury and frenzy: it indulges the dolours of the eyes by defluxion, helps the toothache, difficulty of breathing, old coughs, the inflammation of the sides, both dry and humid: it exhausts all the humidity from off the lungs, condenses thin spittle, and makes it more fit for excretion. It is of present help for the stomach, astringing its humid laxity; it takes away loathsomeness and sighing, hinders vomitings, and so stays the meat newly ingested, solves all inflations of the stomach and belly into ructures, cures the Jaundice, conduces to melancholy, abrogating its sad symptoms, removes the gravity of the spleen, restores colour to the face, dispels obstructions, moves urine, deturbates sand, cures the calamities of the Uterus, and cholical dolours, and many other affections, if what Actuarius hath published of this Opiate be true. CHAP. 8. Philonium magnum seu Romanum; or, The great or Roman Philonium. ℞ of white Pepper, Cassia Lignea, Cinnamon, of eachʒ ij. Saffron, Euphorbium, Pellitory, of each ℥ ss. Setwel, Spikenard, of each ℈ ij. Henbane-seed ℥ ss. Opiumʒ ij. ss. Castoreum, Myrrh, of eachʒ j ss. the seeds of Smallage, Fennel, Carret, Parsley, of eachʒ j Honey despumed, as much as will suffice to make it into an Opiate. The COMMENTARY. No Medicament is so doubtful and various, as Philonius the Philosopher's Antidote; to which it happens, as it doth to wine which is poured out of one vessel into another, which cannot be without loss: for as many as have written of Pharmacy, have retained its name, but nothing more. Galen alone approves of it; but withal he saith, he subscribes many under it more famous and better. Myrepsus gave four Antidotes of that name; one whereof admits of Opium; one dimits it: the other are scarce like these, and very incongruent to the true Philonium. Praepositus detracted a few things from the former description, and added many more: some have added Castorium, others Poppy-seed: We approve of Praepositus his description, in stead of Costum, substituting Castorium, the true castigator of Opium. We have otherwise disposed the order of the Simples, and lessened the quantity of Pepper, Euphorbium, and Bartram; for so we have made it more secure, without fear of inflammation: For we have seen some complaining of great ardour in the bottom of the belly, and the strait intestine, by the injection of a clyster, wherein half a dragm of Philonium had been dissolved; which is no wonder, seeing it consists of seventeen Simples, all hot, besides Opium, which some say is hot also, and Henbane: yea, it can scarce be swallowed, but it offends the jaws with its ardour and acrimony. But as it is by us emended, it may be safely assumed at the mouth, without any offence to the ventricle, gale or jaws. It is called Roman Philonium, because it was much used at Rome. It is prescribed to the Pleurisy and Colic; whence some call it the Cholical Antidote; and to all internal dolours. Vires. It conciliates sleep, stays blood issuing from the internals, takes away loathsomeness, allays the dolours of the belly, spleen, liver and reins, arising from a cold distemper, flatulency, or crude humours, and stays sighing. It must be assumed at the mouth only in small quantity, as the bigness of a Pease, or little more, according to the age and strength of the assument; and it must be variously dissolved, for various purposes; sometimes in the decoctions of Plants; sometimes in wine: Actuarius gave it to the sick in the stomach, in the succe of the sprigs of Cistus, and a little wine. But it is most frequently injected into the belly by the fundament in a decoction of Glisters; which are prescribed for the cure of the most grievous cholical dolours: whereunto, this much conduces. CHAP. 9 Opiata Solomonis; or, Solomon 's Opiate. D. Joubert. ℞ Citron-pill condited lb ss. conserve of old Roses, and Sorrel, of each ℥ j ss. conserve of Enula-campane, and Bugloss, Mithridate, of eachʒ vj. conserve of Rosemary-flowers ℥ ss. Wormseed, Citron-seed, of eachʒ iij. Cinamonʒ ij. Clovesʒ j the root of white Dittany, Carduus Benedictus, dried Citron-pill, of eachʒ ij. gr. v. Aloes-woodʒ j Cardamomes, Mace, of each ℈ ij. and gr. xv. Gentian-rootsʒ ss. the bone in the heart of a Hart ℈ j Juniper-berries infused a whole night in Vinegar of Squills n.xxu. Sugar lb ss. Syrup of Citrons, as much as will suffice to make it into an Opiate. The COMMENTARY. Joubertus describes this Opiate from one Solomon, a man of no note in Medicine, and commends it for many uses. He saith its Author was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or uncertain, he only receiving it at the hands of women, no little depraved; as it happens to such things as are committed to writing, and not to print: Therefore I should rather call Joubertus its castigator, the Author of it, than these women, or one Solomon, of whom I have not otherwise heard. But if any one will, for more ostentation, or Encomium to the Opiate, design it by the name of that great King, who ruled God's people, I shall suffragate with him, seeing many fictitious names are without any better grounds imposed upon other Medicaments. It is easy to make: for want of Aloes-wood, Citrian Santal may be taken; and for the roots of Carduus and Dittany, their leaves and seeds: The rest are vulgar, and easy to be had. It cures pestilent and contagious diseases, Vires. roborates the principal parts, arceates putretude, kills worms, stays vomitings, and helps the languid and weak, from what cause soever. CHAP. 10. Electuarium de Ovo; or, The Electuary of an Egg. ℞ of Saffronʒ j ss. orʒ ij. Let them be included with the yolk of an Egg in an Eggshell, open only at one end, where the white hath had its passage out; and shut it up with another Eggshell, or with Paste, and bake it in an oven: Let the matter be taken out, and pulverated small; whereunto, add Dittany, Tormentil, of eachʒ ij. Hartshorn, Nux vomica, of eachʒ j Angelica, Setwel, Juniper-berries, Enula-campane, of eachʒ ij. ss. Cinnamon, Mace, of eachʒ j ss. Camphyrʒ j Treacle ℥ ij. and so mix all together: contund them well, and put as much Syrup of Lemons to them, as will make them into an Electuary. The COMMENTARY. The description of this Electuary is as uncertain, as the former's Author's name; for neither are known: Yet there is no Seplasiary so rude, but he will boast, That he hath its best description. I have seen many, but never two alike: that is best, which is divulged by the Augustane medics; yet some things therein are not tolerable: for though its ingredients be few, and described in small quantity, yet there is half an ounce of Camphyr, and as much Mustard as may equalise both the Saffron and Egg yolk there prescribed: whereas neither of them may be so admitted; the Mustard being very hot, and not cordial; the Camphyr cordial, but not suaveolent, save in small quantity. Besides, those grave men command the Powders and the Theriack to be mixed together, without the intervent of Honey, or a Syrup: and so it cannot be an Opiate, but a Paste, more solid than any mass for Pills. But we have detracted Mustard from it as noxious, and Pimpinella as useless; adding thereto Enula, Mace, and Cinnamon, as cordial and bezoardical; we have instituted a just dosis of Camphyr, an idoneous quantity of Theriack, and a fit Syrup for their receipt and subaction. It should be a new Hens-egge, of a moderate magnitude, through whose perforated head, the White should be educed, and the Yolk left: what is empty, should be filled with Oriental, not pulverisatous Saffron; and the hole stopped with Paste, or another shell, that nothing might expire; then the included being cocted in a furnace or oven, by a slow fire, must be pulverated, the shells being abjected. Some disallow of the vomitory Nut, because it is deletery to Dogs and Cats, and subverts Man's ventricle. But we have oft satisfied to this dubitation, for the nature of Man differs from that of Brutes; for that is often poison to men, which to beasts is meat. Thus Starlings feed on Hemlock, which is death to man; Aloes and bitter Almonds kill Foxes, which man safely uses. Furthermore, the vomitory Nut being alexiterial, and provoking vomit, is very convenient; for vomits conduce much in contagious diseases, especially to such, whose first region abounds with brave humours: for the chief parts being thereby purged from their corruption, their faculties are more operative, and apt to oppugn poison. The use of this Electuary hath been rare in France hitherto; but I hope when our emendation is better known, it will be more frequent: for thus described, it is most efficacious for the cure of the Pestilence; for it is a certain small Theriack, which later sedulity hath invented. It is very commendable, Vires. both for the prevention and curation of the Plague, and all pestilent diseases: it is either given alone, or with some conserve, water, or cordial decoction. CHAP. 12. Mithridatium Damocrat is; or, Damocrates his Mithridate, out of Galen. lb of the best Myrrh, Saffron, Agarick, Ginger, Cinnamon, Spikenard, Olibanum, Treacle, Mustardseed, of eachʒ x. Massilian Hartwort, Opobalsamum, or Oil of Nutmegs, Squinant, Arabian Stoechadoes, the best Costus, Galbanum, Turpentine, Long-Pepper, Castoreum, Juice of Cistus, Storax, Opoponax, Indian-leaf, of each ℥ j Cassia-lignea, Mountain-polian, white Pepper, Scordeum, Cretian Carret-seed, Carpobalsamum, or in its place Cubebs, Troches of Cypheos, Bdellium, of eachʒ seven. Celticknard, Macedonian Parsley-seed, Gum Arabic, Opium, the lesser Cardamomes, sweet Fennel-seed, Gentian-root, red Rose-leaves, Cretian Dittany, of eachʒ v. Anise-seed, round Birthwort, Acorus, Orris of Florence, Valerian, Sagapenum, of eachʒ iij. Cyprian Spignel, Acacia, the tops of S. Johns-wort, the bellies of Scinci (a certain Crocodile in Nilus) of eachʒ ij. ss. Malago or generous wine lb j or as much as will suffice to dissolve the Gums, Liquors and Juices; Honey despumed, a triple quantity, or lb ix. and ℥ viij. make it into an Opiate. The COMMENTARY. This solemn Antidote is cognominated from its Inventor Mithridates' King of Pontus and Bythinia; for he was a most generous and most learned Monarch, who understanding the Languages of twenty two Nations, and having much skill in Medicine, made this noble Antidote against Poison, whereof he was most afraid: by the use whereof, he lived long free from all virulent and deletery qualities; for being vanquished by Pompey, and fearing he would lead him alive in triumph to Rome, he assumed Poison, from which he received not the least trouble: but becoming weary of longer life, called one Bituitus a Soldier to him, desiring him to kill him; whose slow and detracting trembling hand, he himself forced to his own slaughter, and so was said to have trajected himself, as Appianus hath it. Amongst his treasuries and spoils, there was a Roll of Medicinal Commentations found, which the King had laid up most safely, as the most curious of Secrets. Pompey brought these to Rome, and gave them to the Roman Physicians, as Damocrates and Andromachus, who approved of all the remedies, but especially of the Mithridate, whose description Damocrates rendered in Latin Verses, that it might not be changed: and though he was not its author, but transcriber, yet is it cognominated from him, Damocrates his Mithridate. Galen also delivers another description from Andromachus, not much unlike this; but it is not so orderly disposed, but somewhat depraved: for it hath an uncertain dosis of the Indian Leaf, of Gentian, Meum, and Cardamome, and Spikenard twice iterated under two appellatiors, signifying the same thing. There are furthermore, many simples most convenient for this Antidote, left out, as the fruit of Balm, and its fit succedany, Dittany, white Pepper, and Bdellium. It is probable, Andromachus changed the former description, either to get some glory, or to vindicate it to himself; or else because he found some such an one amongst the Secrets of Mithridates; or else received it from Pompey: But however, that of Damocrates is more frequently prepared, and more celebrated. Neither was Nic. Praepositus less desirous of vainglory, who described a Pseudo-Mithridate out of Myrepsus, congested of a great heap of Simples, which he, for the most part, described in the barbarous Idiom, mixed confusedly, and disposed in undue order and proportion. In brief, that Antidote hath much difficulty in its preparation, and little utility in its exhibition: and therefore we leave it to such as will swear to he saith; and, like blind men, will follow their blinking Author whithersoever he leads them. The chief difficulty in its preparation, is the pervestigation and selection of the simples which we often want, especially such of them as are exotical; in whose stead, we are forced to substitute succedaneous ones; as, for the Oil of Balm, the Oil of Cloves or Nutmeg; for the fruit of Balm, Cubebs, or Lentisks-seed; for Falernian wine, other generous wine; for Attic Honey, indigenous Honey: we have added to this out of the Roman Antidote, the root of Florentine-Orris; and for Arum, which some admit, and others omit, we use round Birth-wort; all the Gums, Lachrymae, and Success, save , and Olibanum, which should be brayed, must be macerated in wine: in the mean while, the roots must be brayed, and the rest in their order, as we have often denoted. When the Gums are macerated, they must be a little fervefied, that the wine may be absumed; then both these and the Powders must be levigated, and transmitted through a sieve, and mixed with despumed Honey; and so an Opiate must be made, reposed in a fit vessel, and agitated once a day, for the first month, with a rudicle; in the second month, twice a week; in the third, once a week; in the fourth, thrice of all: and so left, till the sixth month, and then once again agitated. Vires. It is the most safe praesidy against Poison, and contagious Diseases: it hath more faculties; but they are so well known, that I shall not need to recenseate them. CHAP. 12. Theriaca Androm. jurioris, ex Gal. etc. or, Andromachus junior his Theriack out of Galen, who calls it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly known now by the name of Venice-Treacle. ℞ of the Troches of Squillsʒ xlviij. of the Troches of Vipers, Magnatis Hedychroi, Long-Pepper, Opium, of eachʒ twenty-four. dried Roses, Sclavonian Orris, Juice of Liquorice, sweet Navew-seed, Scordium, Opobalsamum, Cinnamon, Agarick, of eachʒ xij. Myrrh, sweet-smelling Costus, Corycius Saffron, Cassia-Lignea, Spikenard, * Juncus odoratus. Squinant, Olibanum, ⸪ Aglia. white Pepper, black Pepper, flowers of Dittany, fresh Horehound, Pontic Rhabarb, Staechas (or Arabian Lavender) Macedonian Parsley-seed, Mountain-Calamint, Chian Turpentine, the roots of Cinqfoil, and Ginger, of each ʒ vj. Polium from Crete, Ground-pine, Storax, Spignel of Athamas, Celtitk Nard, Amomum, Pontic Valerian, the seed of Cretian Germander, Indian leaf, () Chalcytidis. Vitriol, burnt Lemnian Earth, Gentian root, Anise-seed, the Juice of Cystus, Carpobalsamum, , sweet Fennel-seed, Idaean Cardamomes, the seeds of Hartwort, Treacle, Mustard, and Bishopweed, S. Johns-wort tops, Acacia, Sagapenum, of each ℥ ss. Castoreum, small Birth-wort-root, Cretian Carret-seed, Judaean Bitumen, Tops of the lesser Centaury, Opoponax, Galbanum, of eachʒ ij. generous Wine, as much as will suffice to dissolve the Liquors and Gums, Narbonian Honey, or any other sort that's good, a triple quantity, or lb fourteen. ss. or as much as will suffice: Make it up according to Art into an Opiate, which keep in an idoneous vessel well covered. The COMMENTARY. It is not without ground, that they call Mithridate the Father, and Theriack the Mother of Medicaments; seeing in dignity and excellency they fare exceed all others, and comprehend all others faculties; for there is scarce any preternatural affection, whereunto the one of these duly prepared doth not conduce. Mithridates is justly made the Author of both; for he invented and congested the matter whereof they both consist: Andromachus and Damocrates disposed it only more orderly, and added some few things. Thus Theriack had its original from Mithridate, which Criton first so called from a Viper, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, whose flesh duly prepared, as we shall hereafter show, Andromachus, Nero's chief Physician, added to Mithridate, and made its faculty, which before was void and imbecile, as to wild beasts and venenate Serpents stings, now most efficacious. And thus of Mithridate is made a Theriack, the most present Remedy against Poison; from which, all Medicaments that extinguish any poison, are called Theriacal. Andromachus his sedulity was very commendable, who digested and adorned these two Antidotes with good order and form, which were before without order and form: in imitation whereof, the later age hath described many Compositions and Theriacks, wherewith some Pharmacopolies are rather onerated then adorned. All Theriacks tradited by Rhasis, Avicenna, Mesue, Serapio, Paulus, Oribasius, Aetius, Myrepsus, and Neotericks, do not only descent from one another, but all from the ancient one delivered by Andromachus; and therefore they are seldom made, but neglected as useless. And although the Theriack of Andromachus signior be described in Verses, and so may not be perverted; yet that which his Son gives in Prose, is more celebrated; which we here exhibit. However, there is no difference of moment betwixt them. Many things accede to this confection, which cannot be always had; in whose stead, others must be substituted a like in first or second qualities, though not in kind; as when we make one herb succedaneous to another, one seed to another, and one metal to another. But we usurp such substitutes as are endued with like qualities, though we have not the best of that kind. Thus Galen substitutes Wormwood for bitter Almonds; Doves-dung for Euphorbium; Ginger for Pepper: But now adays the Parisian Apothecaries spare no cost, in acquiring the most precious and rare Medicaments and Simples; and many of them, that scarce know their seconds, have all the kinds of Aromatas, Precious-stones, and rarest Simples in their Pharmacopolies: yea, they scorn to let any Simple be unknown, that ingredes the composition of Medicaments. But if any one, as it often falls out, can neither by Art, Labour, nor Price, acquire some things necessary for confecting this Theriack, he may, in stead of Opobalsamum, which is most rare, subrogate Oil of Cloves, or of Nutmeg; in stead of Costus, Setwel; in stead of Schoenantum, sweet Cane; for Cretian Dittany, indigenous; for Amome, Acorus; for Carpobalsamum, Cubebs, or seeds of Lentisks; for Falernian, other generous wine. But nothing must be substituted for Pastils, whose preparation we shall give in the next Section. For want of small Aristolochy, the long may be used; for the Illyrian Orris, the Florentine; for Calcithis, Vitriol: which many think may be omitted, as conducing nothing to the virtue, but only to the colour of the Theriack: yet if a Theriack should be without that colour, its Confector would be derided for his pains. Others on the contrary hold, that it is upon good grounds admitted, because by its styplicity, it roborates the entrails, and by its siccity arceates putretude: Moreover, it is mixed in small quantity, and half burnt, or else Vitriol in its stead, which is burnt totally, and thence participates of little acrimony. Of old it was otherwise prepared: but the true manner of its confection, is that which we have given to Mithridate. And as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comprehends all venenate and wild Animals in general, and by a more peculiar signification denotes a Viper, whose Male is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Female 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. so Theriack complects all Antidotes, which either by assumption or admotion tranquillitate diseases: Galen calls it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; for it is most expertly alexiterial against all evils: Vires. and it cures not only venenate diseases, but many common ones; for assumed in sweet wine, it cures diuturnal headaches, the Vertigo, heaviness of hearing, hebetude of eyes, Epilepsy, and difficulty of breathing: it emends the vices of the stomach, difficult coction, and imbecility of the ventricle: it cures the inflations, cholical and ileous dolours of the intestines; it kills all kinds of worms, cures swoundings and imbecility: exhibited with the water of Radish-roots, or Pellitory of the wall, it breaks the stone, and helps against the hard mixtion in the reins and bladder: it is of approved use in the inclining to, or beginning of Fevers, especially quartane Agues: it dissipates flatulency, absumes putrid humours in the bowels and ventricle, removes obstructions, emends the colour, helps the palpitation of the heart; moves women's fluors, ejects the dead birth; and given opportunely, cures Hydrophoby, and the bitings of mad Dogs. CHAP. 13. Opiata Neapolitana; or, The Neapolitan Opiate. ℞ of Senny ℥ j ss. Hermodacts, Turbith, of eachʒ vj. the shaving of the * Pali sancti. Holywood, Sarsaperilla, Sassafras, of each ℥ ss. of the best Honey despumed in the decoction of Chinaroot, and cocted to the absumption of the aqueous humidity lb j make it into an Opiate. The COMMENTARY. There is no Pharmacoean novelist so ignorant, but he can boast of some secret Remedy he hath, for the virulent flux of sperm, or any venereous Ulcer; concerning which affections, and their cures, Empirics are most busy: whereunto, the vulgarity of Apothecaries frequently run, not without peril; for this kind of people, being greedy of novelties, and too credulous, will amplect any error, though capital, so it smell but of Medicine; and take from deceivers their most deletery Medicaments. It is indeed miserable, that such as are unwilling to die, should yet thrust themselves willingly into the hands of the killer. I would exhort all worthy Apothecaries, to move, induce, and valiantly infer war upon such nefarious wretches, and use only such remedies as are delivered and approved by most perite and learned Authors. We describe this Opiate, for the help of such Youngsters as Venery hath caught: it is Invented by much Reason, described by much Art, and proved by much Experience; for given when and where it should, it successfully cures the Indian Pox, which they call the Neapolitan Disease: whence it is justly cognominated the Neapolitan Opiate. We have often seen another of the same name, in the Parisian Surgeons hands; which being ill described at first, was daily changed by every freshman: for some only make it of Guaiacum, Senny, Honey, and Aquavitae; others add Bayberries: some take away Guaiacum, and substitute Sarsaperilla; some approve of Hermodactyls, others Turbith, others both, and some neither. We exhibit it according to the prescript established and proved by Reason and Effect. Some add Aquavitae; but I think Cinamon-water is more conducible: but neither, to hot waters; either, to cold ones. It cures the Venereous Disease: it is given every other day, and oftentimes every morning fasting, from ʒ ij. to ℥ ss. It is most convenient for such, as for business cannot lie long, and stay much in their Cubicles. We have omitted many other Antidotes, described by Mesue, Actuarius, Myrepsus, and Praepositus; whose composition is not probable, nor use laudable: before which, we prefer these we have transcribed. For Zazenea, Atanasia, both the Requies of Nicholaus, Diasulphur, Acaristum, Adrianum, and the confection of Storax, are seldom or never prepared, because Asyncritum, both in facility in preparation, and faculty in operation, is much before them all: For their chief virtue consisting in conciliating sleep, it is enough that we have one or two Medicaments, as Pills of Dogs-tongue, and the Roman Philonium, that can with felicity effect this end. And we judge the same of Alfessera, of Esdra, and of the Hamagogous' Antidote; and other almost innumerable Confections, collected by Authors, or rather Transcriptors, which would make a man nauseate their number. SECT. III. Of Alterative and Roborative Trochisks. WE have hitherto exhibited Roboratives in form of Powders, soft Electuaries, and Opiates. It now rests, before we put an end to this Book, that we explicate all Trochisks of consimilar virtues, and all necessary for Pharmacopolies; as well those which are compounded, that they may ingrede the confection of other Medicaments, as those that are given alone, and serve to the benefit of no others. And lest we should have confusedly congested Roborative and Purgative Trochisks together, as many do, and that perperously; we have adjoined all the Cathartical, as Trochisks of Rhabarb, of Agarick, and of Alhandal, to the end of the third Section of our second Book. And now acceding to the explication of Roborative and Alterative Trochisks, we shall begin with those that constitute parts of Mithridate and Treacle. CHAP. 1. Trochisci de Vipera; or, Trochisks of Vipers. ℞ of the flesh of Viper's boiled in water with Dill and Salt lb ss. the Medulla of the whitest Bread, dried and powdered ℥ ij. beat them well together; and with hands anointed with Opobalsamum, or its succidency, make little Troches, every one to weighʒ j dry them to keep. The COMMENTARY. These are called Viperine or Theriacal Pastils; for whose confection, the Vipers must be taken about the end of the Spring, or beginning of Summer, when they have been recreated with their wont meat and air: The Female should be rather selected then the Male, but not while pregnant; but agile, with a long neck, a fiery aspect, rutilous and red eyes, a broad compressed head, a snout reflected upwards, an ample belly, a tail not involved, growing more gracile by little and little, void of flesh, a firm, but slow pace. The Males tail grows sensibly more gracile, and is not destitute of flesh; the trunk of its body is smaller, its neck thicker, its head more angust, with only two canine teeth; the Female hath four. Such as inhabit salt and maritimous places, are not selegible; those that are taken new, are better than the old. But that they may be rightly prepared, they should be killed with Rods; for their anger being thereby incensed, they will spit out their poison. Their head and tail must be abscinded from them when beaten, each of them to the measure of four fingers, which is enough in greater Vipers: those, which after this amputation, move no longer, nor effuse any more blood, but lie still, and are exanguous, must be rejected as useless: The useful must be excoriated, eviscerated, and purged from all their fatness, washed well three or four times in clear water, and then cocted in a fit pot, with sufficient of water, with a little Salt, and more or less of green Dill, as the number of the Vipers is, in the prudent Apothecary's judgement; as, one handful and a half, or two, for four or five Vipers: which number will make up three ounces of Trochisks, requisite for the confection of the Theriack. They must be cocted on a luculent, but not a violent fire, without smoke, that their flesh may be easily detracted from their spina; then the separated flesh must be brayed in a stone-Morter, with a wooden-Pestel, exactly: whereunto, in pulveration, a third or fourth part of dry pulverated white-bread must be adjected, that six dragms, or one ounce of bread, may respond to four ounces of flesh. He that adds more bread, makes the Pastils more imbecile; and he that adds less, more efficacious. The flesh and bread thus mixed by triture, and subacted into Paste, must be made into Pastils or Orbicles. They act perperously, who inject any of the broth, wherein this flesh was decocted, into the triture; for so it becomes too humid, the Trochisks thereof too rancid, contracting filth, and not easy to be exsiccated: they must be small, and composed with hands anointed with the Oil of Balm, Cloves, or Nutmeg; they must be reposed, dried, and kept daily in a dry, but not an aprique place. They are endued with much virtue against the bitings of venenate Animals: Vires. from them the Theriack mutuates its so profitable a faculty, and all other things that help the Leprosy, and bitings of mad Dogs. CHAP. 2. Trochisci Hedychroi; or, Sweet-smelling Trochisks. D. Androm. out of Galen. ℞ Aloes-wood, Asarabacca-root, the herb Mastic, and sweet-Marjoran, of eachʒ ij. Calamus aromaticus, Squinant, Costus, Pontic Valerian, Opobalsamum, Xylobalsamum, of eachʒ iij. Indian Leaf, Spikenard, Cassia-Lignea, Myrrh, Saffron, of eachʒ vj. Amomiʒ xij. Mastickʒ j all which, with generous Wine, bring into a mass, which form into Pastils. The COMMENTARY. Andromachus did prudently, to write this description in Verses; for if he had done otherwise, it would have retained little or nothing of its pristine integrity, seeing Galen is found in the description, and in the defining the dosis of the Simples. Rhasis and Avicenna are not excusable, who rather for novelties or vanities sake, then want of Simples, changed the Trochisks: The European medics do not subvert, but substitute in such compounds as are rationally and legitimately described. And it is more easy to get the descriptions of the Arabian and Grecian Medicaments, than the Simples whereof they consist; though they must be very rare, if our Parisian Apothecaries compass them not. He that hath not all opportunely in readiness, may for Asphalathum repose Citrian Santal; for Marum, true Majoran, or Dittany; for Amaracum, Motherwort; for Costum, Angelica; for Xylobalsamum, Wood of Aloes or Lentisks; for Cassia, Cinnamon; for Amomum, Acorus. Rhasis and Avicenna add the bark of the root of Darsihahan; but what Plant that is, is neither apparent by its name, form, nor faculties. They call these Trochisci Andaracari; but Andromachus and Galen, Hedychroi; some, Idiocry, from the author Idiocrius and Idiocrytus, that first composed it: for its confection, first the roots must be prepared, than the Aromatas, afterwards the rest; but Saffron, Mastic, and Myrrh, which is last, must be prepated apart, and first mixed with wine; then the other Powders; at length, the Oil of Balm, or for want thereof, of Cloves: these all brayed and subacted, will make a mass, whereof Trochisks must be made, and dried in a shade. But these are not made, save when Theriack calls for them; therefore they are only dispensed in small quantity, Vires. yet consisting of many efficacious Simples: they may be given alone, for the cure of many evils; as Aetius noted in a certain rich man, who desired an odorate Medicine for the cure of his Ozena; to whom he gave these Pastils, subacted with old odorate fragrant wine: and, saith he, it was strange to see how soon his affection was cured. CHAP. 3. Trochisci Stillitici; or, Trochisks of Squills. D. Androm. ℞ of baked Squills lb j the flower of Orobs ℥ viij. beat them in a Mortar, and make thereof a Paste; of which, form Troches, and dry them in a shade. The COMMENTARY. These Pastils of Squills are also made for Theriacks sake, which should, by Galen's advice, be made after this manner: Squills must be collected in the middle of June, their exterior bark deraded, the inferior parts, whereby they adhere to their fibrous Rudicles, must be cut off, separated, and abjected; they must be involved in Barley Paste well subacted, not in Clay; and then cocted in hot ashes, or rather in a furnace or oven, till the Paste be hard, and the Squills soft; then their exterior crust, and interior pith, must be taken, washed, and brayed in a Mortar: whereunto, a third part of the cribrated flower of white Orobs must be adjected, as eight ounces of Orobs, to one pound of Squills; all which, well subacted, make a mass, whereof Trochisks may be form, which must be dried in the shade. The true and best Squills must be selected, as the Spanish Squills; they should be evelled in July or August, or a little sooner or later, when their whole stalk and leaves are crupted. White Ervy or Orobs also must be chosen, not yellowish; which are not so amare, and yet more alexiterial: some take the root of white Dittany, in stead of white Ervy; but Ervy being frequent, it is better, with Andromachus and Galen, to admit of the genuine description, then substitute any thing without necessity, and defraud the Author of his mind. Trochisks of Squills incide viscid and crass humours, Vires. take away infarctures, hinder putretude, cure the Epilepsy, and venenate discases. CHAP. 4. Trochisci Cypheos. D. Androm. ℞ of the pulp of Raisins, well cleansed from their stones and skins, pure Turpentine, of eachʒ twenty-four. Myrrh, Squinant, of each ℥ j ss. Cinnamon ℥ ss. Bdellium, Spikenard, Cassia-Lignea, Cyprus-root, Juniper-berries, of eachʒ iij. Calamus Aromaticusʒ ix. Aloes-woodʒ ij. ss. Saffronʒ j of the best Honey, as much as will suffice, with a little wine, to make them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. Cyphi is an ancient word, denoting Perfumes and Odoraments, from whence Mithridates cognominates these Trochisks, which Damocrates afterwards described in Verse: they consist of many odorate simples, which give a convenient name, and commendable effect to the confection; which the King of Pontus well knew, when he mixed them with his Antidote, which he would denominate after his own name. The preparation is neither difficult, nor laborious; the Myrrh and Bdellium must first be deduced in generous wine: whereunto, Turpentine must be first added; then the pulp of cleansed Raisins, and then the Powders: all must be received, and subacted in despumed Honey into a mass; whereof Trochisks may be form, which must be dried in a shade, and reposed and kept in a glass or earthen pot. They are not only used in perfecting Mithridate, Vires. but are given alone to Ulcers, and many affections of the Lungs and Liver. CHAP. 5. Trochisci Galliae Moschatae. D. Mes. ℞ of the best Aloes-woodʒ ij. ss. Amberʒ j Moschʒ ss. Gum-Thraganth dissolved in Rose-water, as much as will suffice to make it into Troches. The COMMENTARY. The word Gallia no little troubled Jac. Manlius, in seeking to accommodate the reason of that name to these Trochisks: one while he refers it to an odoriferous Herb; another while to some Province in France: but that Herb is fictitious, and Mesue never dreamt of France in his life: Neither is it probable did he design this Composition by the name of Gallia; for aromatical Confections are by the Arabians called Alephanginae, as consisting of hotter Aromatas; and sometimes by Rhasis, Ramich; and more specially Such, when they are compounded of Musk, Amber, Civet, and such suaveolent things. But these may rather be called the sweet Trochisks of Aloes-wood, then of Gallia. Yet I do not yield to change the name, which a whole age hath received and approved: neither will I labour in the pervestigation of the name, where I know the thing. For their preparation, each must be brayed apart; and first Aloes-wood, than Amber, last Musk; then all must be received in Tragacanthum diluted in Rose-water, and made into Trochisks, which will emit a pleasant halite: but Pharmacopolists keep them more for sanity then for suavity. There is much mention of them in many Medicaments which they ingrede. They recreate the heart, Vires. brain, and spirits, commend the odour of the body, roborate the imbecility and vomitory distemper of children's ventricles, and resartiate lost strength. CHAP. 6. Trochisci Aliptae Moschatae. D.N.Sal. ℞ Laudanum ℥ iij. Storax ℥ ij. ss. Aloes-woodʒ ij. Amberʒ j Camphyr ℈ ss. Mosch ℈ j and with Rose-water, let them be form into Troches. The COMMENTARY. These Trochisks are seldomer made than the former, although in halite, suavity and odour, they are very affine: they are laboriously made, after Salernitanus his description; but easily thus: Laudanum must be brayed in a hot Copper-Morter, with a hot Iron-Pestel, in Rose-water, till by much duction and agitation, it become like a smooth Unguent, without the least asperity; then must the Storax be added, and much deduced with the ; afterwards Xyloaloes, Camphyr, Musk, and Amber, washed apart in a little Rose-water in another vessel, all brayed, confusedly mixed, and subacted into a mass, may be made into Trochisks, dried in a shade, and reposed in pots. They most efficaciously corroborate the brain, heart, liver, Vires. ventricle, and all nutritive parts, and refresh the spirits. CHAP. 7. Pastilli Nerae. D.N. ℞ of the best Amber ℥ j Aloes-woodʒ iij. Mosch ℈ ss. Camphyr gr. ij. and with musilidge of Gum-Thraganth, or liquid Amber, form them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. The Trochisks of Nera, so called, as it is credited, from the Inventor, are very precious, and very rarely confected, save for Princes and Kings: neither should they be prepared in great quantity, & kept in shops, but be forthwith confected, when use calls for them: they differ from those of Gallia, only in the dosis of the Simples, and superaddition of Camphyr. That they may be duly confected, the Amber must be mollified in a hot Mortar, with a hot , and Aloes-wood, very small pulverated, added to it; then the Musk must be brayed alone, and last of all the Camphyr: all must be well agitated, subacted, and mollified, and a little Oil, liquid Amber, or Opobalsamum superadded, that they may be coacted into a more convenient mass; whereof Pastils may be form. They have the same faculties with Trochisks of Gallia, but more efficacious: Noblemen oftener use them for Perfumes. CHAP. 8. Trochisci de Caphura; or, Trochisks of Camphyr. D.Myr. ℞ of Camphyrʒ ss. Saffronʒ ij. Storaxʒ iij. red Roses, , Thraganth, shave of Ivory, of eachʒ ss. the seeds of cucumber and Purslain, Liquorice beaten, of each ℥ j and with musilidge of Fleabit-seed, made in Rose-water, make them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. Of the various sorts of Trochisks of Camphyr described by the Ancients, that is only made, which Mesue prescribes for hot Fevers, the ardour of Bile, and of the Liver, Blood and Ventricle, and thirst inextinguishable; but it consisting of many hot Simples, as Spikenard, Xyloaloes, Saffron, and Cardamome, I cannot easily conjecture, how it can effect these things. I exhibit others of the same name, much better, more efficacious for those ends, and more easy to make, out of Myrepsus; in whose description, I find nothing mutable, but the order of the Simples: only in stead of Spodium, if there be any such thing besides Pompholix, or the Grecian, I would rather exhibit crude Ivory then burnt, for many reason's before-urged. The preparation is neither troublesome nor laborious: the powder or scrape of Ivory must be levigated apart, and also the other simples, Saffron, Camphyr, Amylum, Roses and Liquorice; the Gums must be brayed in a hot Mortar, Cucumers-seed must be decorticated, then minutely cut and levigated; then must they all be received in the musilidge of Fleabane, and made into a Paste for Trochisks. They mitigate the heat of the liver and other bowels, Vires. temperate the acrimony of Bile, and stay the fluor of humours delabing upon the Lungs. CHAP. 9 Trochisci Diarrhodon. D. Mes. ℞ of red Roses ℥ j Liquorice ℥ ss. Spikenard, Aloes-wood, of eachʒ ij. and ℈ ij. Mastickʒ ij. Ivory ℈ iiij. Saffron ℈ ij. make them into Troches with white-wine. The COMMENTARY. Various Authors give various descriptions of these Pastils: for every one at his pleasure adds, detracts, perverts, changes, and oftentimes designs the same Medicament with divers names, calling two or three by one word of the same acceptation. Besides this of the Trochisks of Diarrhodon, or of Roses, Mesue describes others, whose significations include others. Their reasons are futilous, who endeavour to prove the diversity of these, from the diversity of names: But if I may, with an approved Author, speak my mind, I will call these the Trochisks of Diarrhodon, and not of Roses; whose preparation further to declare, were superfluous, seeing it bears nothing of difficulty in it. In stead of Spodium, we put the vulgar Antispodium, which is burnt Ivory. They cure pituitous, Vires. inveterate, and implicit Fevers; they alloy the dolours of the ventricle, and deterge the humours adherent thereunto: they are mixed in many great compounds described by Mesue. There are other Troches of Diarrhodon described by Myrepsus, which are made after this manner: ℞ of red Rosesʒ iij. Spodiumʒ ij. red Sandersʒ j ss. gr. seven. white Sandersʒ j gr. xij. Saffron ℈ ij. ss. Camphyr ℈ ss. which with Rose-water form into Troches. CHAP. 10. Trochisci de Carabe; or, Troches of Amber. D. Mes. ℞ Amber ℥ j Hartshorn burnt, burnt, Thraganth, Coral burnt, Acacia, Juice of Cystus, Balaustians, Mastic, black Poppy-seed, of eachʒ ij. and ℈ ij. Olibanum, Saffron, Opium, of eachʒ ij. and with the mufilidge of Fleabane-seed, form them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. I have selected these Pastils of Mesue, as most efficacious amongst fifteen of that name, described by as many Authors: a great part whereof are only nominally like these. They are denominated from Amber, which the Arabians call Karabe; and the Grecians Electrum; which is very good to roborate the bowels, cohibit bloody flux, and stay the Rheumatism of the Uterus. It's incrassative faculty is augmented by the interjection of Gum and Opium; its astrictive faculty by the shrubs of Cistus and Acacia; Opium is castigated by Saffron; the ventricle is roborated by Mastic; all are comprehended in the musilidge of Fleabane, and the asperity of their parts levigated. Mesue commands many things to be burned for their preparation; but if they be admitted crude, the Medicament will be no worse: for if Hartshorn or Coral have any eximious virtue in them, it is probable they have it while crude, and not by ustion. I am not ignorant, what ustion conduces to Medicaments, what it takes from them, or what it adds to them; only some are so weak, that they will not endure such preparation without much loss: But let those burn them that will, so they retain their faculties with their ashes. Acacia and Hypocistis should be first minutely cut, then pulverated with Pomegranate-flowers, and then the rest: Trochisks may be made of all of them, brayed in order, and by art, with the musilidge of Fleabane. They are roborative and astrictive: Vires. one dragm of them taken in Plantain or Rose-water, stay all flux of blood, especially from the upper region of the body, the Lungs, Liver, Reins, Uterus and Haemorrhoids; they cure the Dysentery, whether assumed at the mouth, or injected at the Fundament. CHAP. 11. Trochisci de Antispodio; or, Trochisks of Antispodium. D. Mes. ℞ of red Rosesʒ seven. Antispodium, or burnt Ivory ℥ ss. Purslain-seed, Juice of Liquorice, of eachʒ ij. and with the musilidge of Fleabane-seed, make them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. If we may babble with others, we shall call these Pastils, the Trochisks of Spodium, though unwillingly; for Spodium is not Basis, but rather Antispodium, which vulgar Apothecaries usurp for the roots of Tabaxir: But let that Pseudospodium, and the Arabian Spodium be gone, these Trochisks are made and denominated from Antispodium, so called by us, with the addition of Roses, Purslain-seed, and Liquorice-juyce, complected in the succe of Fleabane. And thus made, Vires. they do not only ingrede the composition of the Electuary of Psyllam, but are given alone in acute Fevers, inflammations of the Liver, and venement thirstings. Mesue gives others more compound, admitting of Sorrel-feed, the pulp of Sumach, Amylunr, Coriander, Pomegranate-flowers, Berberries, and Gumme-Arabick excepted in the succe of Omphacium: But they are less usual, and agree not with the said Electuary. CHAP. 12. Trochisci de Berberis; or, Trochisks of Berberries. ℞ of the berries of Berberries with their Juice, of the Juice of Liquorice, the seeds of Purslain, Ivory, of eachʒ iij. red Rosesʒ vj. Spikenard, Saffron, Starch, Thraganth, of eachʒ j Camphyrʒ ss. and with Manna dissolved in the Juice of Berberries, make them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. Mesue hath another description of the same name, but now obsolete. Serapio, Avicenna, and others that writ Antidotaries, have many also; but this, as best, may serve in stead of all: which must be thus prepared: The Spikenard, Purslain-seed, and Liquorice-juyce, must first be incided, then brayed with Roses; but Spodium, Amylum, Camphyr, and Tragacamhum, apart: when all are brayed, they must with Manna be excepted in the melted succe of Berberries, and made into a mass for Trochisks. They are commended in hot Fevers, Vires. and the hot distemper of the Liver and Ventricle; as also in inextinguishable thirst, and flux of the Belly: they also accede the composition of the Electuary of Sea-leeks, according to Mesue's description; who, according to his Interpreters traduction, calls them Trochisks of Oxyacantha: but they ingrede not the Electuary of Roses delivered by Mesue, as Foesius thinks. They are made in small quantity, because they serve most for other compositions. CHAP. 13. Trochisci Gordonii. ℞ of the four greater cool seeds picked, of the seeds of white Poppy, Mallows, Cotton, Purslain, Quinces, Myrtles, , Thraganth, Pine-kernels, Pistacks, Sugar-candy, Penidees, Liquorice, Barley, the musilidge of Fleabane, sweet Almonds excorticated, of eachʒ ij. Bole-Armeniack, Dragons-blood, Spodium, Rose-leaves, Myrrh, of each ℥ ss. and with Hydromel make them into Troches; let every one weighʒ j The COMMENTARY. These Pastils are by Bauderonius faithfully, by Joubertus depravedly described; for he changed not only the weight of the Simples, but adjoined others too precious, and not necessary. Their composition is manifold, for they consist of refrigeratives, detersives, astrictives, roboratives, lenitives, and some apertives: some of them are prepared by vulgar triture, pulverated solely by the percussion of a ; as the roots, woods, harder seeds, gums, Bole-armeniack, and Myrrh: yet these two last should not be pulverated confusedly, but apart. Some must first be cut small, then brayed, and mixed with others; when they are all well brayed, they must be confusedly mixed with the succe of Sea-onyons and Hydromel, and so coacted for Trochisks. Now for Dragons-blood, we must neither take Dioscorides his Cinnabris, nor with Pliny, the blood of a Serpent, or other Animal; nor yet any thing made of Cynople, Bole-armeniack, or Sorbes and Bricks brayed and subacted; but the Lachryma of a certain exotical tree called Draco, as we have taught in our Book of Simples. Gordonius prescribes them to the Ulcers of the Reins; Vires. and they are also good for the Ulcers of other internal parts; for they leniate, deterge, alloy acrimony, and roborate: One dragm exhibited in Milk, much helps internal Ulcers; which, if they be in the Bladder, it must be distempered with Milk, and projected by a pipe. CHAP. 14. Trochisci de Capparibus; or, Troches of Capers. ℞ of the bark of the roots of Capers, Vineseed, of eachʒ vj. Gumme-Ammoniacum ℥ ss. Gith, Calamint, Acorus, bitter Almonds, Cress-seeds, Rue, round Birthwort, Juice of Egrimony, boiled up to a good consistence, of eachʒ j which after triture, with Ammoniacum dissolved, form them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. We have admitted of Mesue's old description, without any immutation, as performing what it pollicitates; for these, of all incisive and reserative Trochisks, are the most efficacious, consisting of many things, which attenuate and incide crass, melancholical, and terrene humours, take away infarctures, and mollify hardness. Whereunto, if any will add of the Gum of Lacca and Madder, an. ʒ j he shall make them much more efficacious; and he shall not need Trochisks of Lacca, because the Trochisks of Capers are enough, according to Plantius, for the obstructions of the Spleen, and old affections. Both these and the superior are made alike. Ammoniack must be dissolved in Vinegar, cocted to the consistence of Honey, and therein the Powders subacted for Trochisks. They are much commended against all obstructions, Vires. hardness, inflations, and preternatural tumors in the Spleen and Liver: they help in the Kings-Evil, and the beginning Dropsy; they take away infarctures, and discuss flatulency: their dosis is one dragm with tenuious wine, or the water of the decoction of Capers-roots, ashes, or Tamarisks-bark. Mesue saith, some make them more valid, by duplicating the Ammoniack. CHAP. 15. Trochisci de Myrrah; or, Trochisks of Myrrh. D. Rhas. ℞ of Myrrheʒ iij. Lupinesʒ v. Rue, Horsemint, Penyroyal, Cumin, Madder, Assafoetida, Opoponax, of eachʒ ij. and with the Juice of Mugwort, make them into Troches, every one weighingʒ ij. The COMMENTARY. These Trochisks described by Rhasis, denominated from Myrrh, and used by all medics, must in no wise be omitted; to whose composition, many things accede, which liberate the Mesentery from obstructions, diduce the passages, take away infarctures, and potently deturb such humours as either with their abundance aggravate, or quality offend. That they may be duly confected, the Gums must be melted in the hot decoction or succe of Mugwort; then trajected through a linen cloth, to dissipate their aqueous humidity, that they may be of the consistence of Honey. Hereunto must the other simples, when pulverated very small, be added: for such things as remove obstructions, open passages, and protrude any matter forth, should be levigated very small: for Asarum, and many simples redacted to most subtle dust by triture, move urine copiously, which when brayed more crassly, stay longer, and work more dully. These Pastils are frequently used, when fluors retard their course, when secunds are retained, and lochia suppressed: they are given from ʒ j to ʒ ij. ss. and sometimes to ʒ iij. with water, or a fit decoction. CHAP. 16. Trochisci Alexiterii; or, Alexiterial, or Trochisks against the Plague. ℞ of the roots of Gentian, Tormentil, Florentine-Orris, Setwel, of eachʒ ij. Cinnamon, Cloves, Mace, of eachʒ ss. Gingerʒ j Angelicarootʒ ij. Coriander prepared, Rose-leaves, of eachʒ j Citron-pill dryedʒ ij. make of these a Powder, and with the Juice of Liquorice ℥ vj. make it into a soft Paste; of which form either Troches or Rolls. The COMMENTARY. These Trochisks are very convenient for the prevention of the Plague; for a little of them detained in one's mouth, leaves a grateful sapour, and an odour which arceates and emends the malign quality of the inquinated air, hindering it from infecting the spirits: for such things as are insipid and inodorate, as Unicorns-horn, Bezaar-stone, Margarites, Precious-stones, and many more obsistents to poison, exert their faculties, only when ingested into the body, or some way infused; which are almost inefficacious, if only contained in the mouth, emitting no sapour or halite, whereby the freity of the air may be tamed. But these Trochisks, whether they be only detained in the mouth, or ingested into the ventricle, they are of eximious faculties, and most efficacious in evincing pestilent poison. That they may be duly made, the Liquorice juice, wherein the powders must be excepted, must be mollified in St. Mary's Bath, till it be ducible, and may be concorporated with the whole quantity of powders; which, to the perite, will be but easy, though to the inexpert it seems too operous: who may add thereto a little Hippocras, or such convenient liquor, that he may have the Paste soft for Pastils. What Hippocras is, is well known; it is made of lb ij. of blackish Wine, lb ss. of Sugar, and ℥ ss. of Cinnamon: some add ʒ ss. of Ginger, and ℈ j of Cloves. CHAP. 17. Trochisci Hysterici; or, Hysterical Troches. ℞ Assafoetida, Galbanum, of eachʒ ij. ss. Myrrheʒ ij. Castoreumʒ j ss. Asarabacca, Savine, Birthwort, Nep, Motherwort, of eachʒ j Dittanyʒ ss. and either with the Juice, or the decoction of Rue, make them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. We call these our Pastils Hysterical, because they cure the aberration of the Uterus, and other hysterical affections; for being assumed, they compel, stay, and hinder the Uterus, or vapours from thence ascending upwards, and those most grievous symptoms which follow thereupon: For the Uterns delighting in odorate things, though not under the species of odour, is resisted by these foetid Trochisks from its ascent: and further, by opening the passages, and losing obstructions, they protrude the brave humours that are in woman's continents. They are easily made, if the pulverables be pulverated small, and be comprehended in the Gums macerated in the decoction or succe of Rue strained, and elixated to the consistence of Honey. They cure the foetid colours of Virgins and Widows, Vires. and help all those symptoms which proceed from the filthy vapours of the sperm, or of corrupt menstruous blood, or of the Uterus ascending to the Midriff. CHAP. 18. Trochisci ad Gonorrhaeam; or, Trochisks for the flux of Sperm. ℞ of the seeds of the white Vine, and Lettuce, Roses, Pomegranate-flowers, of eachʒ j shave of Ivory, Amber, of eachʒ j ss. Bole-armeniack washed in Knotgrass-waterʒ ij. Plantain-seed ℈ iiij. Sassafras ℈ ij. and with the musilidge of Quince-seeds, extracted in the water of Water-lilies, make them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. The flux of Sperm is either voluntary, as in copulation; or involuntary, as when it flows without venery: and that flux is either simple, participating of no malign quality, proceeding either from the plenitude and quality of the seed, or from labour, running, equitation, and too much use of hot peppered things; or else it is virulent, which is contracted by impure congress, together with the French Pox; wherein white poison, or greenly flave, falls from the seminals, without sense, whether waking or sleeping. This disease is often as ill in women as men, especially when it is so strong, as it can creep over, and affect all the parts of the body. Our Pastils are good for both; Vires. for the simple, if the body be before blooded; and for the virulent, while incipient, and not inveterate, if the body be once or twice purged before, and the blood diminished: they are given with the decoction of the seeds of Poppy and Melons, or with Rose-water. Their dosis is from ʒ j to ʒ ij. ss. or ʒ iij. at the most. These, as also the precedents, are easy to make. Of two sorts of Trochisks which are extrinsecally adhibited. CHAP. 19 Trochisci Narcotici; or, Narcotical Trochisks. D.Fern. ℞ Gums of Arabic and Thraganth, Starch, of each ℥ ss. Ceruse washed in Rose-waterʒ vj. Storax, Myrrh, Castoreum, Opium dissolved in Sape, of each ℈ iiij. Saffronʒ ss. let all these be beaten, and with the musilidge of Fleabane-seed, form them into Troches. The COMMENTARY. There are yet two usual sorts of Pastils only adhibited extrinsecally, which we rather here adjoin, then defer to the second Part of our Shop, though it treat of Medicaments extrinsecally adhibited: the former of them Fernelius calls Narcotical Trochisks, because when applied, they drown the sense, by stupefying the part. The composition of these is apt, their use necessary, and none of like efficacy have been known. For their preparation, all their ingredients must be brayed apart, and then mixed confusedly, and excepted in the succe of the seed of Fleabane, and coacted for Trochisks. These Pastils duly applied, Vires. drown the dolours of head and tooth-aches: they procure sleep in the ardour of Fevers; they extinguish St. Anthony's fire, and inflammations; they alloy the dolours of all external parts. CHAP. 20. Trochisci Albi; or, White Trochisks. D. Rhas. ℞ Ceruse washed in Rose-waterʒ x. clear Sarcocollaʒ x. Starchʒ ij. Gumme-Arabick, Thraganth, of eachʒ j Camphyrʒ ss. and with woman's Milk, make them into little Troches. The COMMENTARY. The Arabians enumerate these Trochisks amongst Sief or Collyries. The neoterics have very much changed their old description; for some have added Gumme-Arabick, others Amylum; some reject Opium, and substitute Camphyr: for thus the Pastils are whiter, and more efficacious and useful in ocular affections; but in bitter dolours, Opium should be added, or they should be prepared after two manners, as Joubertus saith, with or without Opium, as the exigence requires; or a little Opium may be added when use calls for them. The preparation is so easy, as it needs no further explication. They are very conducible to many ocular affections: Vires. for they allay their dolours, mitigate their inflammations, stay their fluxions, deterge, exsiccate and digest the matter, and roborate the part. Now I think I have recenseated the most usual and principal Pastils which should be kept in Pharmacopolies: for others, which occur in vulgar Antidotaries, are either of none use, or disapproved; or else they may be easily comprehended under these, and supplied by them. Finis Libri Tertii. THE SECOND PART OF The Apothecary's Shop, OR, ANTIDOTARY. Of EXTERNALL MEDICAMENTS, Distinct into three BOOKS. In the first whereof we shall treat of all kinds of Oils; and add thereunto an Appendix of Balsams. THE PREFACE. TOpical Medicaments are many, as Fomentations; Epithems, Liniments, Collyries, Lotions, Frontals, Cataplasms, Synapisms, Dropax, Vesiccatories, Bucklers, Bags, Coifs, and many more, which are made for present use, and will not keep long without corruption; whereof we have treated at large in the fifth Book of our Institutions: Others may be kept a whole year or two without damage, for future uses; as Oils, Cerates, Unguents, and Salves; whereof we have purposed to treat in this second Part of our Shop: whose use is both more grateful and tolerable, than those that are ingested at the mouth; for such, by oppugning diseases, subvert the Ventricle, take away Appetite, excite Torments, and disturb the whole oeconomy of Nature. Whence Cornelius Celsus would have Medicaments and Potions seldom used; for seeing they can scarce be exhibited in a just dosis, or when exhibited, do their office, seeing they often move, but move not throughly, or propel laudable humours, deserting the malign, or leaving the internals distempered: They are sometimes perilous; for Aetius knew an imperite MEdick, who by the undue exhibition of a Medicament, killed a man: But Topical Medicaments are safe, and may be usurped, not only to external, but internal vices. For as we seeing Extuberancies appear without, use purges to coerceate the exuperant humours: So when we are infested with something within, we often apply Unguents, Oils, and Liniments without. For whether the Stomach or Liver, Reins, or other interior bowel be pained, much help may be administered by due external applications: For all the Medicaments of old were external, which the Ancients, following their Captain Nature, used, without experience; and Countrymen yet hurt with a blow, a fall, cut, or knock, without choice assume the first occurrent Plant, and apply it to the part affected; and it often falls out, that a noxious Medicament, upon strong natures, produce successful effects. Now we shall in these three Books, show what Medicaments Topical are best, which should be kept in Pharmacopolies, and how they are made. And as we have methodically proceeded in the three former; First, describing the most liquid, as Syrupes; then the more crass, as Eclegms; then the most crass, as Electuaries; and last, the most solid, as Pills and Trochisks: So now, in the three later Books we shall begin with Oils first; then pass to the more spisse, as Unguents; and then to the most crass, as Emplasters. Taking then our rise from Oils, whereof Cerates, Unguents, and Emplasters matuate much of their parts; we shall first treat of such as are made by impression or infusion; then fly to such as are made by expression; and at last to such as are elicited by ascent or descent. The Apothecary's Shop, OR, ANTIDOTARY. THE FOURTH BOOK. Of Topical or External Medicaments. AND FIRST, Of Medicinal Oils made by infusion. Oils, whereof there is frequent use in Medicine, are either simple, or compound: Those are simple, which have nothing from Art, but their eduction; admitting of no mixture, but educed by expression; as Oil, simply so called, expressed from mature, and Omphacinum, from immature Olives; as also the Oil of Almonds, the Oil of Walnuts, and many more, expressed out of fruits and seeds, which mutuate their various qualities from the variety of seeds whence they are educed; as hot Oils from hot; cold, from cold seeds, etc. Oil absolutely so termed, is meant of that only which is extracted from mature Olives; whose expression appertains no more to Apothecaries, than the expression of Wine, or confection of Bread, as to their manners how: which laborious work and business is duly committed to Rustics, and diuturnal labourers. Seeing all these are aliments, and fit for Tables than Shops, therefore an Apothecary should not solicit himself about the expression of common Oil, but about such as are elicited merely by Art: Of all which we shall treat in this Book. In whose former Section, we shall examine all such as are made by impression or infusion of Medicaments, beginning with the Oil of Violets, which are the first flowers of the Spring. CHAP. 1. Oleum Violatum; or, Oil of Violets. ℞ of washed Oil lb v. of the flowers of Violets fresh and bruised, of the Juice or water of the infusion of Violets lb ij. Insolate them together for a whole week; then take out the Violets by a strong expression, and new ones put in, afterwards boil it till the water be consumed. The COMMENTARY. All the Students in Pharmacy, with one consent, follow the dictates of Mesue their Captain, whom they extol with praises, and adore with admiration: Yet his Laws and Precepts in compounding Medicaments, cannot by duration challenge to themselves infallibility; for we see many of them improved, and many disproved: and it is no imprudence to recede from him, or any old Author, though they merit most of praise, when one sees by long use and experience, a better and more compendious way. And thus we have something detracted from, or something added to the composition of some Medicaments, or their method changed. Thus they descent in Medicinal Oils, made by infusion and maceration; as in this Oil of Violets, to whose confection Mesue commands the Oil of mature Olives, and of Almonds or Sesame to be taken and washed; then the flowers to be macerated seven days therein, insolated and expressed; afterwards to be cocted three hours in a double vessel; and this to be interated thrice, the expressed flowers being always abjected, and fresh ones immitted; and then to be cocted on a slow fire, till the watery humidity be dissipated, and then they reposed in a fit vessel. Many Apothecaries follow this prescript; others will not swear to his words, but follow the dictate of their own Reasons, and change some things ever and anon: for it is easy to add, when a thing is invented, or detract something that is superfluous, or castigate what is ill disposed. But the Oil of Violets is now made , almost, after this manner: First, a certain quantity of sincere common Oil is assumed, verberated, and washed in Fountain-water, and imposed in a glass, or earthen vessel well glazened; new Violet flowers are infused therein, and so macerated a whole week, and if the season permit, insolated; then they are boiled a little on a slow fire, that they may be expressed; afterwards, new flowers are immitted, as before, and expressed; which is thrice iterated: then the flowers, after the last infusion, are abjected, the Oil cocted on a flow fire, till its aqueous humidity be dissipated; and than it is reposed and kept in a fit vessel. The Oil of Violets extinguishes inflammations, Vires. helps the Pleurisy, leniates the asperity of the Artery and Lungs, allays hot imposthumes, remits all inflammations, and mitigates dolours. CHAP. 2. Oleum Keirinum; or, Oil of Wall-flowers. D. Mes. ℞ of Wall-flowers ℥ seven. of the best Oil lb j ss. of the water of the decoction of the flowers ℥ iij. ss. mingle them, and after insolation, express the flowers, adding the same three times over; boil the water away, and preserve the Oil. The COMMENTARY. The copious Wall-flowers occur next, which the Arabians call Keiri; out of which, Mesue educes Oil by impression, as he doth out of Chamomile and Roses; that is, by three infusions, insolated and expressed, with a little of the succe or decoction of the same flowers, which after the last maceration, he absumes by gentle coction; and having expressed and strained the Oil, he reposes it in a fit vessel, and keeps it. But it is now commonly made by one or two infusions, without any commixtion of any succe or decoction; the flowers being left a whole month confusedly immerged in the Oil before colature: but this manner is not good; for hereby the Oil is more turbid, and its faculties weaker. Being duly made, it calefies moderately, attenuates, allays, Vires. digests, mitigates dolours from flatulency, cold, or pituitous matter; it benefits such as are gouty or paralytical, and cures the dolours of the nerves and junctures. CHAP. 3. Oleum Irinum; or, Oil of Orris. ℞ of the roots of Orris lb j the flowers of the same lb ij. macerate them in a sufficient quantity of the decoction of the same root, adding sweet Oil, or Oil of the Pulse Sesamum lb v. Boyl them in an idoneous vessel, strain out the roots and flowers, adding a fresh quantity three times over; and the Oil which is last pressed out, keep for future use. The COMMENTARY. There are many sorts of Orris, which we have enumerated in our book of Simples: the best whereof, is the Celestial Orris; next, the white or Florentine. Oil is made by infusion out of both, but especially the former, their roots and flowers being macerated and expressed, as is declared: some take only the roots a little brayed, and their flowers tunded, and coct them with the succe of other roots, and then pour Oil upon them, and elixate them again, till all the water be absumed; and the Oil thus made, is very odorate and efficacious: yet it would be more efficacious, if this were twice or thrice iterated, as of old. There is no dissension amongst Authors about the proportion of the flowers to the roots, seeing all give twice as much flowers as roots: but they agree not about the other roots, which must be elixated in the water, and about the water itself; nor yet about the Oil wherein it must be infused. But leaving, for brevity's sake, the variety of opinions about this matter, we say, That one pound of roots must be taken, and cocted in four or five pounds of water at the most, till half be absumed. Some add to this definite weight of roots, flowers, and water, only two pounds of Oil; others, seven pounds and a half; and others, eight pounds: I mix five pounds, and coct them all on a slow fire, till the watery humidity be dissolved. It calefies, Vires. mollifies, tenuates, digests, resolves, concocts, penetrates, opens, ripens, takes away the founding in the ears, discusses biles and other hard tumors, emends the cramp and native foetour, and alleys dolours from cold matter. CHAP. 4. Oleum Rosatum completum; or, complete Oil of Roses. D. Mes. ℞ of common Oil washed lb iiij. fresh Rose-leaves lb j ss. infusion of Roses lb j put them into a close vessel well covered; insolate them for seven days; then boil them in a strong vessel upon a gentle fire for half an hour: afterwards let the flowers be expressed, new put in; and this repeated three times; at last, what Oil is pressed out, preserve for use. The COMMENTARY. Mesue calls this the complete Oil of Roses, because it is made of Oil of mature Olives, frequently washed, and the leaves of red Roses perfectly explicited, insolated a whole week, and thrice changed, as it is in the description, wherein we have given a just definite weight of each out of Mesue, who left all to every man's judgement & will, except the water of the infusion of the Roses, which he equalised with the Oil: we believe a third or fourth part will be sufficient for the Oil; for when it is put in more quantity, it is not easily resolved by infusion; and Oil, by longer coction, acquires alien calour, and loses much of its native suavity. The other three descriptions given by Mesue, we omit. The ablution of Oil is multifarious; for it is either put in some pot or fit vessel with some water, and long verberated, so that it may be easily separated when the water is settled; or in a glass vial, whose bottom is perforated, where it is long agitated, having both its orifice and inferior foramen occluded; then let it stand an hour, and the inferior foramen being opened, the water that did subside will flow out; the same being shut, the Oil will remain in the vial: whereunto sometimes more water is affunded. But we have abundantly disserted about the preparation of Medicaments, in our Institutions. The Oil of complete Roses extinguishes inflammations, roborates, Vires. cocts, densates, tempers the hot ventricle, and recreates it; allays the ardour of the reins, cures headache from a hot cause, stays fluxions, and cohibits the force of humours. CHAP. 5. Oleum Rosatum Omphacinum, vulgo dicitur incompletum; or, the Oil of incomplete Roses. ℞ of the washed Oil of unripe Olives lb iiij. of Rosebuds lb j mingle them in a fit vessel, and insolate them for seven days; repeat the same three times over, and make thereof an Oil. The COMMENTARY. This is called incomplete Oil, because it is made of Roses not completely expanded, and of Oil expressed from immature Olives, which is called Omotribes, crude, green, and Omphacian-Oyl; which is extracted solely for Medicinal uses: in whose want, we substitute common Oil washed in Omphacium, that it may acquire acidity, and a refrigerative faculty. The Roses must be red, new, and not perfectly explicated; which must be purged from their white parts, brayed in a stone-morter with a wooden-pestel, macerated in Oil, insolated a whole week, and then expressed: these Roses being abjected, other fresh ones must be immitted, insolated, and expressed, and the Oil extracted kept for use. This Oil refrigerates and roborates much, Vires. and therefore helps such diseases as proceed from a hot cause; extinguishes St. Anthony's fire, alleys ardours, cohibits the flux of humours, and mitigates the heat of the ventricle and bowels. CHAP. 6. Oleum Rosatum simplex, ac vulgar; or, simple and vulgar Oil of Roses. ℞ of common Oil washed lb ij. ss. Roses cut from their whites and bruised lb j mingle them, infolate them forty days, then boil them, till the evaporation of the excrementitious humidity; afterwards make a strong expression, and the Oil expressed, keep for use. The COMMENTARY. This description of Oil of Roses, being the most simple and easy to make, is most usual: but they consult their own ease, more than the diseased's sanity, who will not make up any Medicament, that hath to do with Art and Reason, though it be never so easy. And thus Apothecaries now adays do, who take any new Roses, though but reddish, and not exungulated, and macerate them forthwith in Oil, exposing them to the Sun in a glass, or figuline vessel, by the space of two months or more; afterwards, when use calls for them, they coct them with a little of the decoction or succe of Roses, and express them, and so repose the expression. Simple Oil of Roses hath like faculties with Omphacium, Vires. but weaker: yet the greatest part of Apothecaries use it both alone, and with other Medicaments; and when a Medick for an inflammation prescribes an Oxyrrhodinum, they take three parts of this Oil, and add a fourth of Vinegar, and so confect their Oxyrrhodinum, or Vinegar of Roses. CHAP. 7. Oleum Liliorum simplex; or, Simple Oil of Lilies. D. Mes. ℞ of mature Oil lb ij. of the flowers of Lilies detracted from their yellow filaments lb ss. or ℥ seven. ss. macerate, and insolate them; and by iterating maceration and insolation, let the Oil be made as before described. The COMMENTARY. Mesue gives two descriptions of this Oil: the one whereof is simple, which we here exhibit, as better and more useful; the other more composititious, which we omit as useless. All do not make this alike; for some, contenting themselves with the most simple preparation, infuse, insolate, and express the flowers only once, others iterate all these thrice, and add a fourth part of the water of the decoction of Lilies, to the Oil, which by slow coction they exhale: and the Oil thus made, is most efficacious, and fit to be reposed for use; for by its ternal maceration, insolation, and expression, it acquires more virtue. It calefies moderately, Vires. resolves, alleys dolours, from what cause soever; mitigates all acrimony, and tempers all the ardours and dolours of the Breast, Ventricle, Reins, Uterus, and Bladder. CHAP. 8. Oleum Nenupharinum; or, Oil of Water-lilies. ℞ washed Oil lb v. the flowers of Water-lilies purged from their herbaceous part without, their filaments within lb ij. of the decoction of the same flowers lb j and ℥ iiij. let these be reposed in a fit vessel, insolated, and expressed; and this reiterated three times, as before described. The COMMENTARY. This Oil is made after the same manner with that of Violets: The Oil, whether mature or immature, must be first washed; for Mesue gives neither definitively: However, the immature is more convenient and accommodate then the other; in which, the flowers of the white, not luteous Water-Lilly, must be macerated, and infused for a Senate; then must the whole be a little fervefied, and expressed; having before received one pound and three ounces of the water of the decoction of white Water-Lilly-flowers: when all this is again iterated, and the aqueous humidity exhaled by a slow fire, the Oil expressed is duly made, and may be reposed for use. But that the decoction which should be mixed therewith, may be rightly taken, four ounces of the flowers of white Water-lilies must be cocted in a pound and an half of Fountain-water, till three or four ounces thereof be dissipated; and the colature hereof must be mixed to the maceration. It refrigerates more than Oil of Violets: it conciliates sleep, Vires. allays the heat of the Liver, Reins, and Bowels; obtunds Venery, hinders stiffness of the Yard, and cures headaches from a hot cause. CHAP. 9 Oleum de Mentha; or, Oil of Mint. ℞ of Oil lb ij. ss. Garden-Mint lb j of the Juice of the same ℥ seven. ss. mingle them; exhibit them to the Sun seven days, afterwards pressed out, and three times fresh Mint put in, and the Oil expressed, preserved. The COMMENTARY. Some assume Omphacium to the confection of this Oil, that it may by its stypticity roborate the ventricle; others take mature and complete Oil, that it may calify more, and help concoction: whence some call it Eustomachical Oil. Sative Mint should be selected crisp and green, whose leaves should be tunded and macerated in Oil, and thrice changed, according to the prescript. Oil of Mint calefies the cold, Vires. and roborates the imbecile ventricle: it helps concoction, stays vomiting, revokes appetite, helps the nauseative stomach, and discusses flatulency. CHAP. 10. Oleum de Absynthio; or, Oil of Wormwood. ℞ of common Oil lb v. Tops of Wormwood lb ij. Juice of the same lb j and ℥ iiij. mingle them, and macerate them, as before prescribed. The COMMENTARY. This Oil is of an uncertain Author: and though it be described by many, yet the proportion of the Wormwood to the Oil, is always divers; some adding a very small quantity thereof; others, a very great one: We, following the excellent method of the Parisian Pharmacopoeans, add five parts of Oil to two of Wormwood, and a fourth part of its succe in proportion to the Oil. Some, to make it more roborative, would have Roses added to its confection: but we think it better as described; for Wormwood participates of stypticity, especially the Pontian and vulgar. If any would have it more astrictive, he may, when use calls for it, mix a little Oil of Myrtle or Roses with it. It calefies and roborates, Vires. especially the ventricle: it moves appetite, cocts crude humours, dissipates flatulency, kills worms, and takes away obstructions from a cold cause. CHAP. 11. Oleum Anethinum & Chamaemelinum; or, Oil of Dill and Chamomile. ℞ of common Oil lb ij. flowers of Chamomile, or tops of Dill lb j of the decoction of the same lb ss. mingle them, and insolate them for seven days, and boil them till the watery part be evaporated; let this be repeated three or four times, and afterwards kept for use. The COMMENTARY. As these two Oils have the same faculties, so the same manner of confection: some dry the flowers of Chamomile a whole day, in a place not exposed to the Sun; neither defining the dosis of them, nor of the Oil. Many take an equal weight of flowers, and of their decoction, and as much Oil as will serve for their due maceration. Some immerge only one pound of flowers in five pounds of Oil, and insolate them about half a month in the Dog-days; then express them, and repose the expression. But if the judication of the good or ill mixtion and preparation be despumed from the power or imbecility of the Medicament, these Oils will be most efficacious, if confected after this description. Oil of Chamomile calefies and resolves moderately, allays dolours sprung from a cold cause, and roborates the nerves. The Oil of Anethum resolves, calefies, discusses flatulency, roborates the Nerves, takes away laffitude, mitigates the dolours of the articles, relaxates the spiracles of the veins, and helps in convulsive fits. The Oil of Rue is and aught to be made after the same manner: Indeed Nic. Alexandrinus describes a more composititious one, which, besides the tuned leaves of Rue, admits of sweet Marjoram and Cumin. But it is seldom made for keeping; for that which Mesue gives, will potently enough effect what this pollicitates. It calefies, attenuates, digests, allays the dolours of the Uterus, proceeding from a cold cause, discusses flatulency, and is, according to Actuarius, accommodate to all dolours, in all parts that require calefaction. The Oil of sweet Marjoram is either simple, which Mesue confects of its leaves and succe, or of its decoction and Oil; or else more compound: which, besides these, admits of Myrtle-leaves, of wild Betony, Southernwood, Watermint, and ligneous Cassia: but this is scarce ever made, the former seldom, save to the confection of Melilote: and, according to Mesue, the former is made like Oil of Myrtle; this, like Oil of Melons or of Quinces; that is, the leaves and succe of sweet Marjoram are confusedly macerated, insolated, expressed, and thrice changed in Oil. What Sampsuchus is, and if it differs from Marjoram, we have showed in our Book of Simples. It calefies and roborates the head, and all kind of Nerves. Oil of Jasmin should, by the decree of all medics, be kept in Pharmacopolies: for it hath most efficacious faculties, both in allaying dolours from a cold cause, and in digesting and resolving. But it is most commendable for Belly-aches, which much molest children: it must be confected, as the complete Oil of Roses, or of Wall-flowers, are made. CHAP. 12. Oleum Hypericonis simplex; or, The simple Oil of S. Johns-wort. ℞ of the tops of S. Johns-wort not altogether ripe lb j common Oil lb ij. of the decoction of the flowers and leaves of the same lb ss. mingle them, and insolate them for a whole week; then boil them, and afterwards express them, and repeat this three times. Oleum Hyperici magis composit. or, The more compound Oil of S. Johns-wort. D. Jac. de Manl. ℞ of the tops of S. Johns-wortʒ iij. infuse them for two or three days in ℥ x. of Wine; then boil them to ℥ iij. which press out, adding a few more, which macerate, boil, and strain; to which add, Oil ℥ vj. Turpentine ℥ iij. Saffron ℈ j boil them till the wine be consumed; then press out the Ingredients, keep the Oil. The COMMENTARY. There are three sorts of Oils made of S. Johns-wort; the most simple and usual, is made of its leaves and flowers, with Oil; the more compound admits of Turpentine, Wine, and Saffron, besides these. The third and most compound, admits of other Oils, Lachrymae, Success, Roots, Leaves, and Earthworms. The first is kept in Apothecaries shops; the second in Surgeon's taberns; and the third sometimes in one, sometimes in another, as the medics design. The more simple Oil is better, if it be made of the flowers alone macerated thrice in Oil, insolated, and expressed. Some take the Summities only of the flowers, with its little leaves and grains; to the confection of this Oil: which way soever it be made, it is very red, and as it were bloody; of a kind of middle consistence, betwixt an Oil and an Unguent. It roborates the Nerves very much, deleates red spots, digests and resolves humours, mitigates dolours, and recreates the junctures. That which Manlius describes, seems rather to be some Balsam or Unguent for agglutinating wounds, than an Oil; yet being eximious, we will not omit it. If the wine first affunded, be exhaled by the first ebullition, more must be affunded, that it may be dissipated by the last. It calefies and siccates, conduces very much to pricks or wounds in the Nerves: it cures burn, helps him that hath the Sciatica, and is successfully usurped in all dolours contracted by cold. The Cyprian or Lygustrian Oil, which the Arabians call Oil of Alcanna, is made like that of Rue, but it is seldom kept; nor yet the Oil of Enula, of Melilote, of Carthamus, Citrian Santal, and many more, which Authors describe rather out of ostentation, than necessity. CHAP. 13. Oleum de Pomis Mandragorae; or, Oil of Mandrake-Apples. ℞ of the Juice of ripe Mandrake-Apples, Oil of Jasmin, or common Oil, of each equal parts, boil them till the Juice be evaporated; afterwards add again as much succe, which evaporate as before; and this repeat three times. The COMMENTARY. There are two descriptions of this Oil; one tradited by Mesue, which we here exhibit, as being easier and safer; another by Praepositus; which is too stupefactive and narcotical: for it admits not only of the succe of Mandrake, but also of Henbane, Poppy and Hemlock, with Opium also. And seeing benign Narcoticks, unless they be duly prepared, and rightly exhibited, consopite the senses, extinguish innate heat; we need not congest so many Medicaments of contrary qualities into one. Moreover, we do not in the use of Narcotical Medicaments, so much desire the stupefaction of the senses, as the mitigation of the inflammation and dolour. If you have not Apples enough in this confection, you may help out the quantity with the succe of the roots thereof; for no substitute is so affine to any part of Mandrake, as another part of the same. The preparation is apparent enough by the description. It extinguishes all inflammations, alleys dolours, Vires. stupefies the senses, helps the headache and frenzy; and by way of lineament, moderates the ardour of the reins. CHAP. 14. Oleum Myrtinum; or, Oil of Myrtles. D. Mes. ℞ of the leaves of green Myrtle ℥ v. Oil of unripe Olives lb j mingle them, and insolate them eight days; boil them in a bath, take out the leaves, and let fresh be immerged, and that three times reiterated; the Oil expressed preserve. Oleum Myrtillorum; or, Oil of Myrtleberries. ℞ of Myrtleberries lb j Oil of unripe Olives lb ij. ss. of the water of the decoction of the leaves and berries ℥ seven. macerate, and boil them till the absumption of the water, then eject the berries, and fresh ones added, which must be macerated and boiled till they grow soft; which must be repeated three times, if the efficacy of the Oil requires it. The COMMENTARY. That is called Oil of Myrtles, which is made of Myrtle leaves macerated and expressed; that of Myrtles, which is made of Myrtleberries: both are usual and eximious. But for want of berries, the other is more frequently kept in shops. He that hath only dry berries, and would make Oil thereof, must immerge them in odorate wine till they be swelled; then mix them with Oil, and coct and express them, and repose the expression for use. They sometimes make the Oil of Myrtles, only of the succe of their leaves and Oil with a little Laudanum; but the way we have described is more usual, and better. Born of them refrigerate, Vires. condense, astringe, roborate the brain, nerves and ventricle, retain hairs, stay them from falling off, cure the gums and teeth-ach, confirm lose members, and emend biles or lumps erumping by way of lineament. CHAP. 15. Oleum Cydoniorum; or, Oil of Quinces. D. Mes. ℞ of the Medulla or flesh of Quinces, and of the Juice of the same, of each lb ss. Oil of unripe Olives lb j and ℥ iij. let them be insolated in a glass for fifteen days, afterwards boiled to the consumption of the Juice; and after the Oil is expressed, add thereunto fresh Quinces; and let this be repeated three or four times, keeping the last expression. The COMMENTARY. This Oil, which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is made in Autumn, when the Quinces have attained their perfect magnitude, before maturity. They must be plucked, not depelled, purged from their Down, then rasped, or deraded, with an instrument, exasperated with some segments; afterwards an equal weight of their succe, and flesh, not brayed, but deraded, and not expressed, must be taken, confusedly mixed with the Oil, thrice insolated, cocted and expressed, as in the prescript. Silvius saith, that the succe of Quinces will so crack and move while it is cocted in Oil, as that it will excuss all the Oil out of the vessel; therefore (saith he) this Oil should be cocted in a double vessel, lest by this impression on the Oil, the Quinces faculties evade more imbecile. It refrigerates, Vires. astringes, roborates the retentive faculty of the ventricle and intestines, helps concoction, stays vomiting; and thence conduces to the disease of Choler, Lientery, and Dysentery, confirming and roborating each lose and imbecile part. CHAP. 16. Myrelaeum, seu Oleum Pigmentatum; or, Oil of the Oak of Jerusalem. ℞ the tops of the Oak of Jerusalem, or of the herb so called m. iij. the berries or seed of the same ℥ viij. white-wine lb ss. good Oil lb j ss. mingle them, and insolate them for seven days; afterwards put them in a bath, till the wine be evaporated, and the expressed Oil keep. The COMMENTARY. This Oil should be made about the beginning of Autumn: we call it Myreol, or Unguent of Pigment, because both the Plants whereof it consists, are called by the French Pigmentum; as if they should say, Pigment; and by some Ambrosia: for by the fragrance of its halite, it exhilarates; and by its aromatical lentour, inviscates the fingers of the contrectants. When Don Claudius Gonerius, a man of much learning and integrity, of whom we have oft made mention in our Books of Medicinal Matter, had accurately sought into the nature of these Plants; whose diligence in finding the varieties and faculties of Simples, hath been very great; He was moved, that medics should not celebrate and usurp such eximious Plants, which Nature itself had designed excellent by their odour, sapour, and pinguetude. But it may be these Plants are contemptible, because of their frequency: the herb indeed grows most commonly in cultivated Gardens; but the shrub fruticates spontaneously in all places about Paris; much whereof, in the beginning of September, is brought into the City, and bought by women, to conciliate fragrance and suavity to their vestments. When I had long explored their faculties, and found them efficacious, I made this Oil of them, which responds in faculties to many Balsams: for it conduces much to the Palsy, Vires. trembling and imbecility of the Nerves; it cures the cold dolours of the articles, digests watery humours, takes away dolours sprung from phlegm, cocts and resolves crude tumors, roborates the Brain and Nerves, and with a little Turpentine, draws dysepulotical Ulcers to sanity. SECT. II. Of such Oils as may be confected at any time. IN the former Section of this Book, we have comprehended all Oils more usual and necessary for Pharmacopolists, which should be made in the Spring, Summer, or Autumn, by infusion; those seasons suppeditating fresh and eximious Medicaments in great plenty. Now it rests, that we describe such as Art may elicit at any time. CHAP. 1. Oleum Mastichinum; or, Oil of Mastic. D. Mes. ℞ Mastic ℥ iij. Oil of Roses ℥ xij. generous Wine ℥ iiij. boil them till the consumption of the wine; then strain it, and let the Oil be reposed in a pot for use. The COMMENTARY. Mesue gives two descriptions of the Oil of Mastic; one, consisting of the Oil of Sesamum and Mastic; the other, of Wine, Mastic, and the Oil of Roses, which is frequently used. Praepositus propounds a third, which all reject. Myrepsus, besides the former, gives two other, scarce at all used: This description then that we give out of Avicenna and Mesue, is solely admitted; for whose confection, the Mastic must be tunded pretty crassly, then cocted and agitated in a double vessel, together with Oil of Roses and red Wine, till the Wine be exhaled. It roborates the brain, Vires. nerves, ventricle, liver, and articles: it mollifies hard tumors, and alleys dolours. CHAP. 2. Oleum Nardinum simplex; or, Simple Oil of Spikenard. D. Mes. ℞ Spikenard ℥ iij. Wine and Water, of each ℥ ij. ss. Oil of the Pulse Sesamum lb j ss. boil them upon a gentle fire, till the water be consumed; stirring of them, lest they burn The COMMENTARY. Mesue is too much occupied in varying the same Oil: for he gives four sorts of the Oil of Roses, three of Spikenard; amongst which, those only that are first described, are usurped, the rest seldom or never; as other two which Myrepsus gives, so sumptuous, that they rather seem Balsams or Unguents, than Oils. For the confection of this simple Oil of Spikenard, in defect of Oil of Sesamum, sweet Oil may be substituted, without much error: for Mesue sometimes prescribes that of Sesamum or sweet Oil at pleasure. The Spikenard must be minutely cut, and macerated three or four hours in a glass or fictile pot, in Wine, Water and Oil; then all cocted, till the water and wine be dissipated. Some macerate it only in water and wine for a whole day; but so its faculties are worsted: they had better infuse it for a short space in Oil, water and wine, calefied a little upon the ashes. Now half a pound of Oil seeming too little for three ounces of Spikenard, much whereof is very light, the Roman medics have added to it a pound more; so that it is lb j ss. This Oil is called Benedict, for its eximious virtues: it calefies, Vires. attenuates, digests, and astringes moderately; and thence conduces much to all cold flatulent affections of the Brain, Ventricle, Liver, Spleen, and Uterus, and emends the odour and colour of the body. CHAP. 3. Oleum Croci; or, Oil of Saffron. D. Mes. ℞ of Saffron, Calamus Aromaticus, of each ℥ j Myrrh ℥ ss. macerate them five days in Vinegar; Cordumeni, i. Carui, in ejus loco Cardamomi. then infuse for a whole day Cardamomes ʒ ix. afterwards boil them upon a gentle fire, till the Vinegar be consumed, with lb j ss. of the best Oil; let the Colature be put in a fit vessel. The COMMENTARY. There is scarce a disease more frequent, than the Neapolitan, or a Medicament more usual to it, than the Emplaster of Frogs, described by Jo. Vigonius; for there is not an Oppidane Barber so stupid, but he hath made both trial and gain of this Medicament: to whose confection, Oil of Saffron acceding, it should be kept in Pharmacopolies; otherwise, the Medicament will be ill confected: yet I think Mesue invented it not for that end; for it is credible, he never heard of the Venereous Pox, else he would not have been silent in that point: but he made it to roborate the Uterus and Nerves, alloy their dolours, mollify and discuss hardness, and conciliate colour. What Cordumeni is, we have showed in our Book of Simples. CHAP. 4. Oleum de Capparibus; or, Oil of Capers. ℞ of the bark of the roots of Capersʒ j the middle bark of Tamarisk, Tamarisk-leaves, the seeds of white Willow, Spleen-wort, Cypress-root, of eachʒ ij. Rueʒ j Vinegar, generous White-wine, of each ℥ ij. mature Oil lb j boil them, till the Vinegar and the Wine be consumed, and let percolated Oil be reposed idoneously for future use. The COMMENTARY. The invention of this Oil is attributed to the neoterics: for none of the Ancients, that I know of, speak of it. It's Author is uncertain; but whoever he was, he described this Oil, which is eximiously Medicinal, both legitimately and methodically: Which is therefore always almost made after the description we have exhibited; save by Brassavolus, who studying novelties, changed it: who, I think, is one of them that had rather be seen then estimated. But that it may be duly confected, the roots of Cypress must first be minutely incided, then brayed with the barks of Capers and Tamarisks; the other simples also, as Tamarisks, Scolopendrium, or Ceterach and Rue, must be tunded together; only the seed of Agnus Castus apart; then all must be mixed together, macerated fifteen days in Wine, Vinegar, and Oil; then cocted in a double vessel, till the wine and vinegar be dissipated; and then the Oil strained and kept. It much helps the affections of the Spleen, Vires. for it cures its hardness, swelling, obstructions, and dolours: it opens the spiracles and pores of the skin, resolves humours, and discusses flatulency. CHAP. 5. Oleum ex Euphorbio; or, Oil of Euphorbium. D. Mes. ℞ Euphorbium ℥ ss. Oil of Wall-flowers, odoriferous Wine, of each ℥ v. boil them together, till the consumption of the wine. The COMMENTARY. As water may by Art be made more cold, or more hot; so may Oil, according to Galen, which may be made very refrigerative, if Sedum or Sempervive be macerated therein; refrigerative and stupefactive, if Mandrake; and hot, if Pepper or Euphorbium be macerated in it. From all which legitimately adhibited, Oils may be by impression elicited, most accommodate for Medicinal uses: for though Euphorbium be exceeding hot and sharp, yet Galen commends it for many uses; as mixed with wax, for the affections of the Hips; melted with Oil, to the Hemicrany from a cold cause: from the lection whereof, Mesue being made more learned and bold, brought this Oil, which he invented, amongst those other he describes; adding another out of Avicenna, whereunto he adjects some few things; but that is of no use, obselete: but for the confection of the former, white and new Euphorbium should be selected; in defect whereof, by Galens advice, twice as much old must be usurped: it must be levigated into small powder, and a little wine, or Oil of Keyri superfused, lest it should offend the nose and brain of the tunder; when it is brayed, it must be mixed with Oil of wine, and moved always with a rudicle, then cocted slowly, till all the wine be exhaled, and then the distrained Oil must be reposed. It much helps the cold affections of the brain and nerves, Vires. the Cephalalgie, Hemicrany, and Lethargy, being immitted up the nostrils: it also helps the cold dolours of the junctures, liver and spleen. CHAP. 6. Oleum Moschellinum; or, A sweet smelling Oil. ℞ of Nutmegs num. ij. Moschʒ ss. Indian leaf, Spikenard, Costus, Mastic, of eachʒ vj. Storax, * Xylo-Cassia. Cassia-Lignea, Myrrh, Saffron, Cloves, Cubebs, Bdellium, of each ʒ ij. pure Oil lb iij. generous Wine ℥ iij. let them be bruised that are to be bruised, and mingled together, boiling of them till the Wine be consumed: let the strained Oil be preserved for use. The COMMENTARY. Most dissent about the Author, Description, Name of this Oil, and the dosis of its simples: for all that have spoken of it, either adding or detracting something, have obscured its origine, and changed its antique description; which Joubertus finding shamefully depraved, castigated, and reduced to a better form; which here we have exhibited, under the name of Musk-Oyl: for it having two bases, both eximious, and yet affine in faculty, it may be denominated from either: for whether we call it Muscellinum, from Musk, or Moscatellinum, from Nutmeg, it may legitimately bear the name. But it is foolishly, by some, called Oil of Balanus, which is an odorate simple, as though it were elicited out of the brayed Unguentary Acorn. That it may be duly made, all its ingredients must be brayed apart, and put together into Oil and Wine, to be there macerated in an obturated vessel, upon hot ashes, for a day or two, except Storax and Musk; then they must be all cocted in a double vessel, till the wine be evaperated; then the Oil must be percolated, and the pulverated Storax added to the hot colature; which must be again servefied on a slow fire, and at length the Musk added, and the mixture kept. Some add ʒ ij. of Musk; others ʒ iij. which, if it please rich men, let them take it; but poor men may not compass it. Alexandrinus assumes Oleum Pumicum, which some interpret pure Oil, others Carthaginean Oil: we, with Joubertus, take sweet and sincere Oil; for water, wine; for Neregil, that is, the Indian Nut, Nutmegs: for Costum, if it may not be had, Angelica's root; for Xylo-Cassia, crass Cinnamon; for Carpobalsamum, Cubebs, or the seed of Lentisks, or Turpentine-tree: the rest are frequent. It is good for all corporal frigidity, Vires. especially for the cold of the ventricle, which it roborates: it calefies and helps concoction; it cures Strangury, Colic, and almost all nervous affections. SECT. III. Of such Oils as are confected of whole Animals, or of their parts. MEdicinary Oils are neither all, nor always elicited out of Plants, but confected of whole or parts of Animals, by infusion or expression: for seeing all living Creatures were made for Man's use; some he hath for Meat, others for Clothing; some for Service, and others for Medicine: for Sheep nourish him, the Silk-fly clothes him, the Horse works for him, and Worms cure him. But more serve for man's Medicament, than his Aliment; whose Medicinal faculties are diversely extracted, prepared, and exhibited by perite medics, whereof they most frequently confect Medicinal Oils: As, CHAP. 1. Oleum Lumbricorum; or, Oil of Earthworms. ℞ Earthworms washed in White-wine, of Red-wine, and generous Wine, of each lb ss. clear and old Oil lb ij. boil them till the absumption of the Wines; let the percolated Oil be kept for use. The COMMENTARY. Those descriptions which are founded on the testimony of no famous man, never pass through many hands without some maims, seeing any may freely change them, without fear of rebuke. Yet this Oil, though of an uncertain Author, is alike described of all; wherein there is no difference, but only in the dosis of wine and worms, which are in some exemplars equal, in others not: Some describe less wine than will suffice for the coction of the worms; others, so much as will require longer coction. We have given a a legitimate proportion of each to other. For its preparation, the Earthworms must be often washed in change of waters, and then in white-wine, where they may subside an hour; the lotion being finished, and the wine abjected, the worms must be put into a double vessel, the Oil with red or white wine affunded, and all cocted, till the wine be evaporated; then may the Oil, trajected through a Canvas strainer, be reposed for use. Some bray the worms, mix them with Oil in form of an Unguent: but such are of rare use. It allays the dolours of the articles, Vires. roborates the imbecility of the nerves from a cold cause, and recreates all the nerves by way of lineament. CHAP. 2. Oleum de Scorpionibus simp. or, Simple Oil of Scorpions. D. Mes. ℞ of Scorpions nu. xx. or more or less, according to their magnitude, Oil of bitter Almonds lb ij. macerate them in a glass with a narrow mouth well stopped, for thirty days, in the heat of the Sun: and then let the Oil be strained, and kept. Oleum de Scorpionibus comp. or, Compound Oil of Scorpions. D. Mes. ℞ of the roots of round Birthwort, Gentian, and Cypress of the bark of the roots of Capers, of each ℥ j Oil of bitter Almonds lb j ss. insolate them together in a vessel well covered for twenty days; then add Scorpions from ten to fifteen, according to their bigness, which insolate for a month; afterwards let it be strained, and kept. The COMMENTARY. Nature takes man for her Son, whom she nourishes, defends, and liberates from diseases; which she abigates either by the opposition of contraries, or by the similarity or dissimilarity of Alexiterials. Thus the Theriack, which is in a mean betwixt the nature of man and of poison, cures malign, contagious, and pestilent diseases. Thus Scorpions, always to us offensive, do not only cure the wounds themselves inflicted, but also other venenate diseases, by evoking the malign quality; out of which, by infusion and expression, Mesue makes a simple Oil, consisting only of Scorpions and bitter Almonds, and another more composititious, besides these admitting of Cypress, Aristolochy, Gentian, and the bark of the root of Capers. If any one, following Monardus his advice, mix Scorpions with more Antidotes, it shall be work worth his labour; for it is of eximious virtue against all poison and pestilence. I have omitted the description of such more composititious Alexipharmacal Oils, because the frequent description of the same Medicament, would make a man nauseate it. Mesue took the compound Oil we have transcribed from Rhasis; which should rather be confected then the simple, because more Medicinal and efficacious: for whose confection, the root of Cypress, as also Aristolochy, Gentian, and the root of Capers, must be minutely incided & contunded, then macerated in Oil, insolated and acted as the prescript shows. Silvius understands by one Kissed of oil, one Sextary; but we have put one pound and a half for a more certain dosis. By way of lineament, it helps venenate diseases, Vires. breaks the stones of the Reins and Bladder, diduces the passages, mitigates dolours, and expels sand; which it doth more effectually, if the affected be therewith anointed after he comes out of a Bath. Both of these Oils have like faculties, but the compound hotter and better. CHAP. 3. Oleum de Castorio; or, Oil of beaver's stones. ℞ of beaver's stones cleansed from their membranes ℥ j white-wine ℥ iij. Oil lb j let all be boiled together to the exhalation of the wine; afterwards strained, and kept. The COMMENTARY. Praepositus is not unjustly accused of latrociny; for he stole the description of the Ancients, not detecting their Authors, that he might draw to himself their glory: as it appears by that mole of Medicaments which he hath transcribed; amongst which, if there be any of his own invention, they are not like the genuine offspring of a perite Medick, or dexterous Apothecary: which thing, his description of the Oil of beaver's stones sufficiently evinces; for whose confection, he prescribes ℥ j of beaver's stone, to be decocted in lb j of Oil, till the third be dissipated, without the intervent of any wine, water, or fit decoction; which the youngest Apprentice would find to be imprudence: for who knows not, that Oil will endure a whole day's coction without sensible jacture, unless it burn? such things therefore as are cocted in Oil, mollify not, but become hard. This Oil may indeed be made without any liquor, if it be only macerated, insolated, and left; for it was of old kept without percolation. Fernelius adjects ℥ j of Aquavitae; but this so small a portion cannot long endure fire. Manlius gives another more composititious description; which being harder to make, and more sumptuous, is seldom used: we shall therefore hold to Praepositus his description, with some castigation, which shall effect as much as that of Manlius' pollicitates. For it conduces to trembling, Vires. to the dolours of the nerves and articles, to convulsious Fits, and Palsy. Mesue makes an Oil of whole black Vipers, cocted on a slow fire in an earthen vessel well leaded, with a narrow orifice, till their flesh be dissolved, for the Itch, Tetters, and other cutaneous vices. Fallopius assumes two Vipers of any colour, cuts them in pieces, immerges them in Oil, exposes them to the Sun about the canicular days, in a vessel with a straight orifice; afterwards expresses and keeps them: which expression he prescribes as most conducible in curing the Ulcers of the French Pox. CHAP. 4. Oleum Vulpinum; or, Oil of Foxes. ℞ a Fox at his full growth, and fat, his entrails taken out, and his skin pulled off, and cut into small pieces; of common Salt ℥ iij. tops of Dill, Thyme, Germander, of each m. j boil them together in an equal quantity of water and white-wine, till the flesh be separated from the bones; and to lb ij. of the Colature, add lb iiij. of Oil, Sage, Rosemary, of each m. j boil them together, till the water be consumed; then let the Oil be strained, and kept. The COMMENTARY. It is not enough that we select the best simples, but also rightly prepare, rationally describe, duly mix, and exactly unite them into compounds, that no useful part thereof be lost. But how ill doth the old description of Fox's Oil accord with these Laws, let its form speak: for Mesue commands, that a Fox should be exenterated, and then cocted integrally, both body, skin, hairs, feet and all, in Fountain and Sea-water, Oil and Salt, till the members be dissolved; and a little Hyssop and Anise injected into the coction, and some more water affunded; whereas there was a pound of each sort before. And thus you should have a pot of hairs, bones, flesh, and plants, cocted to putretude, whose expressed pinguetude is Mesue's Fox's Oil. Paulus would have a Fox exenterated, and yet cocted alive, till his bones were separated: but I cannot conjecture, how an eviscerated Fox should be cocted alive. Rondeletius would have one boiled with his skin and guts, and only the excrements of the belly abjected: but it is passed my skill, to eject the recrements, and leave the intestines in the carcase. His Colleague Joubertus, would rather have the skin abjected, than the bowels, who would have the intrail washed, and elixated with the flesh. We reject both skin, tail, and entrails, as useless; afterwards, we cut the members and trunk, and coct them in wine and fault, with nerval and digestive herbs. We add to the colature, Oil, Sage, and Rosemary, and so coct it again, till the aqueous and vinous humidity be dissipated. The Oil thus made is very eximious, Vires. and most efficacious in what Mesue promises: for it potently digests and resolves, roborates the nerves, defends them from cold injuries, and cures the difeases of the articles. CHAP. 5. Oleum Formicarum; or, Aunt's Oil. ℞ of Antinous with wings ℥ ij. mature Oil lb ss. macerate them for the space of forty days in a vessel well covered, exposing it to the heat of the Sun; afterwards let the Oil be expressed, and kept. The COMMENTARY. This Oil is seldom made, being only expetible for calefying the colder genitals, and exciting venery: yet in that it may be confected with ease and small cost, and desired by such as are of a cold constitution, I would not have our Shop quite destitute of it. SECT. iv Of Oils educed by Expression. THere are four kinds of Oils; the first absolutely and properly so called, which is educed from mature Olives; the second not so properly so called, which consists of the said Oil, wherein some parts of Animals have been infused and insolated, or cocted; the third is cognominated from the adjunct whereof it is made, as Oil of Almonds, the Oil of Laurel-berries; the fourth is proper to Alchemists, which is elicited by ascent. The extraction of the first being sufficiently notorious, but withal operous, is committed to Rustics; of the second, we have treated at large in the former Sections. It now remains, that we treat of the rest: and first, of such as are extracted from oleaginous seeds brayed and expressed; and first of the Oil of sweet Almonds. CHAP. 1. Oleum Amygdalarum dulcium; or, The Oil of sweet Almonds. ℞ of sweet Almonds, dry, not rancid, blanched from their cortex, as many as you please; beat them in a stone-Morter very small, involve them in a bag, and with a press, extract the Oil. The COMMENTARY. Almonds are either sweet or bitter: Oil is expressed out of both; sometimes brayed and expressed with, sometimes without their membranous Pill; sometimes with, and sometimes without the adjument of fire or external heat: That which is elicited without fire, is best. The Pharmacopolists therefore are to blame, that had rather be idle, then occupied in preparing Simples duly. Whence it is no wonder, that the diseased complain of the rancour, acrimony, and insuavity of the Oil of Almonds. Now that it may be rightly confected, the Almonds to be assumed, must be new and dry, purged from both their skins, that the Oil may be more sincere and pure; they must be long tunded in a stone-Morter, that their oleous internal humidity may come out; they must be put in a bag of Horsehair, and then excepted in a Torcular or common Press, such as Stationer's use, when they cut their Books that are bound. It should be expressed by little and little, that it may be more pure, pellucid, and sweet: for that which is hastily extracted, is turbid and feculent. It will flow more readily, if the Almonds before expression be calefied by the fire or Sun; for so its oleaginous humidity is attenuated, melted, and made more fluxile: it erupts more easily, readily, and copiously; yea, by so much more readily, by how much the Almonds are hotter, if they be not burnt: but that which should be introsumed at the mouth, should be elicited without fire. Almonds are purged two ways: First, they must be macerated long in warm water, and then compressed with one's fingers, that the cortex may cleft: Secondly, they may be put in some Frying-pan, with a small quantity of flower, and agitated with ones hand over a slow fire, till the Involucrum disrupt, which will afterwards come easily off by rubbing; which second way is better than the first: for macerated Almonds, unless they be well dried before their triture, will effund aqueous Oil. One pound of Almonds will emit six ounces of Oil; and a brayed Magma, irrigated with water, and calefied upon the ashes, till the water be dissipated, and then pressed, will emit as much: but this will be more feculent, and fit only for Liniments, Unguents, and External Medicaments. Oil of Almonds is commended to many uses: Vires. for it conduces to the tabid and consumed, refecting the macilent body, with humid, viscid, fat, and aereous aliment: it leniates the asperity of the throat, of the lungs, and other parts; if injected, it allays the heat of the Uterus, and of the Bladder; if it be applied as an Unguent, is perduces rough places to equality, erugates the skin, mollifies hard lumps, and emends the siccity of all the Junctures, and other parts. CHAP. 2. Oleum Amagdalarum amarum; or, The Oil of bitter Almonds. THe Oil of bitter Almonds is educed also by expression, though Alexandrinus makes it by infusion: for he macerates two pounds of purged brayed Almonds three days in five pounds of Oil, and afterwards cocts them to the half, and expresseth the Oil. But neither the Oil, nor the manner of its confection, is good: For Alexandrinus errs, in thinking that Oil can be cocted to the half; for it will rather burn, then dissipate like water. Besides, the Oil thus drawn by infusion, is not half of it Oil of Almonds; it is not so ingrateful, nor yet so eximious as by expression. It is therefore better to draw pure and sincere bitter Oil out of bitter Almonds, by triture and expression: which Oil is much commended; for it solves obstructions, dissipates flatulency, allays the dolours of the nerves, mollifies hardness, deleates the Pimples of the face, and cures the tinkling of the ears. For it calefies, incides, digests, and deterges potently: Vires. wherefore it helps such as have the Stone, Strangury, breathe difficultly, and are Splenatick: it cures many vices of the skin, kills worms; being assumed, it helps the coldness of the Uterus; being applied, it cures difficulty of breathing, and hardness and dolour in the nerves from a cold cause. The Oil of Peach-stones is educed after the same manner; which having the same or like faculties, is not made. CHAP. 3. Oleum Nucum; or, Oil of Nuts. SUch things as are only Medicinal, and serve only to prevent or cure diseases, should be tractated by Pharmacopolists alone: but such things as besides these, are accommodated to esure, or other uses, are seldom by Apothecaries, but frequently by perite Rustics, confected in great quantity. Thus Wine is left to Vintners, and Bread to Bakers: Thus also common Oil, Oil of Walnuts, and Sesamum, are left to servants to express, who used in Hand-mills or fit Presses, to grind seeds, and express plenty of Oil for nutriment to bodies, or to lamps, for the custody of sanity, or cure of diseases. These Oils therefore are seldom made in Pharmacopolies. But because the Oil extracted from Walnuts by Rustics, is insuave and turbid, it were better that Apothecaries would extract that which they use; for so it would be more limpid, suave, and efficacious. It is of much use: for it resolves crass humours, Vires. dissipates tumors, cures the Colic, whether from flatulency, or cold humours: by its digestive and siccative faculty, it cures the punctures and sores of the nerves. It heals burn by a special propriety; it is endued with the same virtue that Oil of Acorus hath; for by the tenuity of its substance, its resolvative faculty and heat, it resolves flatulent matter. He than that hath Oil of Walnuts, needs not Oil of Acorus. If it be extracted from new and tender Walnuts, Vires. it will hinder the eruption of Pimples, if children's faces be anointed therewith. CHAP. 4. Some Oils that are seldom made; and their faculties. AS all men follow not one Law and Rule in Life; so neither are all taken with one course of Medicaments: for as the old Verse hath it; Utitur ingenio patria quaeque suo: Some admit of a Medicament, others reject it; some approve of none but new inventions, others of none but old ones: and though both this and that troop be my friends, yet Reason is my nearest friend, which I have in writing and acting made my Rule. I adore Mesue in most things; yet in some I leave him to those he wrote to, leaving some of his Medicaments to such as he left them to, as appears by the Catalogue of Medicaments contained in this our Shop. He describes some Oils which are not used; yet he will not omit them, because their faculties are above contempt: whereof we shall treat in brief. Mesue saith, that the Oil of filberts allays the dolours of the nerves and articles: it is made as the Oil of Almonds. A filbert is a small Nut, in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, sometimes called the Pontian or Praenestine Nut, from the places where the Plant grows copiously, whose oleous humidity is adonynous, discusses humours, and is thence fit for the said affections. The Oil of Apricot-stones mitigates the dolour of the fundament, and the Haemorrhoids, and digests the tumors of those parts, and Ulcers. It is made after the same manner with the former. These stones are taken out of some Apples, which from the place where they are, are called Armeniacks; from their colour, Golden Apples; and from their speedy maturity, Praecocks: Their carnosity is very sapid and sweet, but their kernels sharp, bitter, and ingrateful. The Oil of Peaches kills worms, removes obstructions, allays the dolours of the ears, benefits the tumid and dolorous Haemorrhoids. Furthermore, it calefies, attenuates, resolves, and effects the same with Oil of bitter Almonds: for the stones of Peaches, whereof it is made, are bitter, calefactive, and diaphoretical. The Oil of Kerva or great Spurge discusses crass flatulency, attenuates viscid phlegm, cures the dolours of the belly and intestines, proceeding from that humour, and helps the Hydroptical, whether it be assumed or applied. Avicenna recenseates more of its utilities; but it is very seldom made. The Oil of wild Saffron, incides and deterges, thence it cures the Jaundice, the dolour of the breast, lungs and ventricle, from a cold cause. But this is not oft made. The Oil of Pistack-Nuts, and Pine-Apples, leniates the asperity of the throat, mitigates the dolour of the breast, cures the Cough, fattens the macilent and tabid, and augments Sperm: but they are better for esure. And that I may in brief speak of many things, Oils may at any time be confected of Cherry-stones, Unguentary Acorn, Orange, and Lemmon-seeds, and the four cold seeds, and the like, which will have the same faculties that their fruits, seeds and stones, whereof they are confected, have. CHAP. 5. Oleum de nuce Moschata; or, The Oil of Nutmeg. THe Oil of Nutmeg is stomachical, aromatical, and sweet; for it roborates the weak stomach, cherishes its faint heat, moves appetite, helps coction, cocts cold humours, resolves hot ones, dissipates flatulency: it is made of Nutmegs brayed, calefied, and pressed; which emit Oil, which at first is liquid, and concretes afterwards into the solidity of an Unguent. But because Nutmegs are very precious, and their Oil is better new then old; it should be confected but in small quantity, and as exigence calls for it, iterated. This simple Oil differs much from that Moschatelline Oil, confected of many simples by maceration, which hath Musk and Nutmeg for its Basis. CHAP. 6. Oleum Ovorum; or, Oil of Eggs. THe Oil of Eggs is made of their Yolks, indurated by coction, which broken in one's hands, are fried in a Frying-pan, continually moved with a spoon, or the like, till they exude some pinguetude; which, while they are hot, must be involved in a Canvas bag, and committed to the press, that their Oil may be expressed and kept. There may also an Oil be extracted from these, by coction, triture, and expression, without frixion, like that of Almonds, and so the Oil will be more pure, sweet, and less ruddy; but in less quantity, and not so efficacious in deleating cutaneous vices, whereunto it is prescribed, about twenty or thirty new Eggs should be taken, their Whites separated from their Yolks, which by pressure will emit Oil. It takes away the foedity of the skin, deleates scars, or at least lessens them, cures burn and Tetters, helps all cutaneous affections, and very much benefits the malign Ulcers of the feet, fundament, and hands. CHAP. 7. Oleum Laurinum; or, Oil of Bays. FOr the confection of this Oil, new and mature Laurel-berries must be selected, brayed in a Mortar, cocted in a Kettle without water, and expressed out of a hollow, not plain Press, into a subdititious vessel, wherein the Oil that swims above the water, may be collected. The mass may be again brayed, and moistened with water, and pressed in a hollow Torcular, that more oleous fatness may be elicited. Dioscorides confects it a little otherwise; for he elixates the mature berries in water, which exude their fatness through their skins, which he subacts with his hands, and puts in a shell: but the former way is more usual; yet Apothecaries make it not, but buy it thus ready made, of such, as congesting a great quantity of berries together, make it their work to elicit Oil. Some bray the fresh and mature berries without other mistion, and express their Oil out of them in a Torcular. Oils may be thus extracted out of the berries of Lentisks, Turpentine-trees, Ivy, Junipers, and the like, which bear odorate berries. The Oil of Laurel-berries is calefactive, mollitive, apertive, and discussive: and hence it cures all cold distempers, whether simple, or mixed with phlegm and flatulency; as also the cholical dolour arising hence, if it be injected into the intestines with some convenient decoction: it presently cures all cold affections of the brain, nerves, articles, and loins: it takes away lassitude, opens the spiracles of the veins, cures the Palsy and Trembling, if the Backbone be anointed therewith. CHAP. 8. Oleum Balfami; or, The Oil of Balm. THe next of this kind is Oil of Balm, which flows from a peregrine Tree, which is low of stature, and not elegant; of a subcineritious colour, with a luteous flower, like Jasmins; its leaves fall off about the end of Autumn, and grow again in Spring. It fruticates copiously in the Arabian, Egyptian, and the Babylonish tract, it is scarcely cicurable in colder Regions. They sometimes cut off its tender succles, whereunto they annex Canes oblited with wax, that their fat succe may flow into them: Sometimes they vulnerate its crasser boughs; out of which wounds, that precious Lachryma which is so much celebrated, distils. Some drops of this Oil exhibited on a jejune stomach, help difficulty of breathing, take away the obstructions of the Liver, move fluours, alloy stomachical dolours, help the tabid and consumed, and excite appetite. CHAP. 9 Liquid Amber. LIquid Amber is a certain oleous Rosine, flowing from the incisures of a Praegrand and Venust tree, of a vast magnitude, whose leaves are hederaceous, cortex, crass and cineritious; which being vulnerated, emits this Oil, called from its suaveolence, Liquid Amber, or Oil of Amber. The Trees from which it flows, are so fragrant, that they send a sweet odour from the place where they grow, into vicine Regions. This Liquor is of much use in Medicine; for it calefies, roborates, resolves, mollifies all tumors, removes obstructions, moves fluors, cures the suffocation of the Uterus, and other diseases of women. CHAP. 10. Petreolaeum; or, Oil of Peter. PEtreol is the work and effect of Nature's hand, not of the Apothecaries; for he only collects it, or buys, keeps and uses it when collected: for Nature confects it in the bowels of the Earth, and it eructates out of the clefts of Rocks; whence it is called Petreol, or Rock-Oyl. It is to be had in those Regions where Bitumen is, whereunto it is related: for Bitumen is either dense or liquid; the dense, is as it were the fatness of the earth, which swims upon the water, and by agitation of the winds, is cast upon the shore, and there concretes, and becomes tenacious and dense. The legitimate Bitumen is Judaical, by some called, Bitumen of Sodom, because it is found on the banks of Sodom. It is very rare in Europe. The liquid, which the Greeks call Naphta, is very white of colour, and rapacious of fire; insomuch, that fire will leap to it from distance, as also to all dense Bitumen. Besides this Naphta, there is another sort yet more fluxile, like Oil, which distils from Rocks and Stones; as that which abounds in the Mutinian fields on the Mount Gibion. There is also a fossil and terrene Bitumen, and that of two sorts; the one too hard and frangible, which they commonly call Stone-coal; the other very dense, and intensely black with nitre, called Gagates: of which we have treated in our Book of Simples. Some, and that upon good grounds, affirm, that Amber is a kind of hard Bitumen. Bitumen then is of large comprehension: to whose family, many refer Pissaphaltus and Mumy. However, Pissaphaltos is a kind of mixture made of Pitch and Asphaltos, or dense Bitumen, which is used in maritimous towns, to Pitch Ships withal. The Arabians call Pissaphaltus, Mumy, which in their Language denotes Balm: in stead whereof, the Syrians and Arabians of meaner fortune, used Pissaphaltos, in embalming their dead carcases. And thus they take Pissaphaltus for Balm, and Balm for Mumy, which agree not so much as in name: for natural Balsam or Balm, is Opobalsamum; artificial, consists of many Aromatas, used in conditing Kings bodies. Pissaphaltos, is a certain mixture of Pitch and Asphaltos: Mumy is a thing arising from one or both of them, and the putretude of a carcase: whose illicite use now to prosecute and disprove, appertains not to our purpose; whereunto, I shall now return. Petreol is not to be rejected by Apothecaries; for its faculties are of much use: Vires. It calefies, siccates, by the tenuity of its substance opens, penetrates, digests, resolves all excrementitious matter, helps many diseases of the brain and nerves, as the Epilepsy, Lethargy, and Palsy. SECT. V Of Oils extracted by Distillation: and first of such as are elicited by descent. BEsides these ways of confecting Oils, Mesue subjoins many more; all which, he saith, are made by Resolution. Education by descent and ascent, is a Chemical term; of whose Oils, opportune occasion now gives leave to treat, Mesue also leading the way. Of which I shall only subjoin a few words, both because laborious work, long time, and great cost, are necessarily requisite to this education of Oils; and also because they are now adays made by some base, imperite, and ignorant Circulators, who defraud the Commonalty with their vain promises, and spend their time in seeking secret Fopperies, and confecting Magisterial Babbles. I do not now speak of men of approved skill, learning, and knowledge; who, given to the study of abstruser Sciences, seek the more secret Closets of Nature, and find the more miraculous virtues of Creatures: who make Medicaments after several manners, change them into several forms, and by divers preparations, give them divers qualities, sejoyning what is useless, and retaining what is expetible; and so coacting them, that in small quantity they have much virtue. But such Medicaments should not be exhibited, but by the perite; for else they are perilous, and precipitate men into open danger: Yet skilful medics and Apothecaries following Mesue their Chieftain, may after a Chemical manner educe certain Oils by distillation; and that either by descent, whereunto descension by transudation or by draining, is referred; or else by ascent, whereunto distillation by Inclination is also referred. Education of Oil by descent, is, when the elicited humour distils downwards, without any elevation, into a subdititious vessel, which hath no way for ascent; the liquefied humour, which is elicited in form of a vapour, being coacted, and then falling downwards. Now Oils are elicited by descent, not only out of such things as are aqueous, but out of Woods, Rosines, and such things as are destroyed by the ascending calour. And the Oils thus educed being crass and black, are of an ingrateful odour and sapour, and only usurpable to external affections: Yet if they can be introsumed at the mouth, they promise eximious effects. Many may be made after the example of one or two. CHAP. I. Oleum Guaiaci; or, The Oil of Guaiacum. THe Guaiacum must be brayed, put in a Cucurbite of glass or earth, with a straight orifice, which must be obduced with a plate of Tin full of holes, and thrust into the more patent orifice of another Cucurbite, and both well joined and circumlited with tenacious argil, paste or clay; then must the empty vessel be dimitted into a hole, and buried in the earth, so that the earth may touch the middle of the Cucurbite, which contains the wood of Guaiacum; and then a fire must be accended all about it, and Oil will distil from the superior into the inferior. Thus are the Oils of Juniper, Ivy, Ash, and many more woods, berries and rosines, educed. This Oil of Guaiacum is truly alexiterial to the French Pox: Vires. for a few drops thereof taken in a morning on a jejune stomach, with water, or some fit decoction, deleate the venereous Pustuls, alloy the night-tormenting dolours, accelerate the Ulcers sanity, and extinguish the malignant quality of this affection. CHAP. 2. Oleum Tamarisci; or, Oil of Tamarisks. A Boccia must be filled with the tunded wood and barks of Tamarisks, its orifice must be occluded with a foraminous plate, and itself so placed in the superior part of the furnace, that its belly looking upwards, may be with clay well conjoined to the top of the furnace; and its orifice tending downwards, and trajecting itself through the upper room of the furnace, may be committed to the orifice of the inferior Boccia, that so Boccia may be set against Boccia; then the inferior one must be settled on a Trivet, that it may stand ; the fire must be built, and accended about the superior Boccia, that the matter within it may calefie, and exude its Oil into the inferior, which is recipient. This way is like the former; only the inferior Boccia is not buried in the earth, but placed on an Iron; and the superior is as it were suspended, its orifice protending itself below the chamber of the furnace, and its belly looking up; out of which, the Oil liquefied by the fire, wherewith it is circumcinged, delabes into the inferior receptacle. Wekerus, in the third Book of his General Antidotary, gives an effigies hereof; after which, others may be form. The Oil of Tamarisks conduces much to Splenatick affections; Vires. for it respects and roborates that part by a special propriety; it prepares melancholical humours for ejection; it mitigates its quality, it opens, attenuates, dissolves, removes obstructions, and discusses flatulency. Many more may be educed thus; as Oil of Junipers, which is most easily affected after the sequel mode. CHAP. 3. Oleum Juniperi; or, Oil of Juniper. AN idoneous quantity of Juniper-berries must be put into a figuline vessel, with a foraminous bottom; whereunto, the orifice of another vessel must be adjoined, and glued with tenacious argil, or glutinous paste: they must be so disposed, that the empty one may be put in some hole, and covered with earth; the other, which contains the Juniper, must be above the earth: which when the fire is accended all about it, will demit its oleaginous pinguetude into the pot underneath it. Oil may by this Art be deduced out of the wood of Juniper, as also out of agates stone; and some Rosines. Oil of Juniper is much commended for cutaneous affections: Vires. it cures the Morpheous Tetter, and other more profound vices: it conduces also to the diseases of the reins: it helps the colder Uterus, and makes it more prompt for conception. As it is laborious, so were it superfluous to enumerate more Oils educed after the like manner: We shall therefore now subjoin some few, which are elicited by transudation or deliquium in a moist place. CHAP. 4. Oleum Tartari; or, Oil of Tartar. THe Tartar must be put in a fictile pot, and calcinated in a furnace till it be white; than it must be brayed; then it must be imposed in Hypocrates his Sleeve, or some such Pyramidal receptacle, and suspended in a moist place; and an idoneous vessel set under it, to receive the liquor that will distillatively delabe. Tartar is some Wine-dregs, adhering to the sides of the Hogshead; which, in generous wine, whether it be white or red, is always good: out of which, a certain Oil, or rather salsugineous liquor, is educed, put in a fit vessel, and burned till it be white; which being refrigefied, and brayed, is received into a Hempenbag, or linen cloth, and suspended three or four days in the moist air in a Wine-cellar: for thus the contained matter tabefying, emits a certain liquor or sudour into the subdititious receptacle. This Tartar is often called Petra Vini. Some macerate their Tartar in Vinegar, then coct and burn it under hot ashes, till it be black; then they bray it, and keep it in a declining vessel for eight or more days, till it be resolved into an aqueous Oil: but it is better to calcinate the Tartar till it be white, repose it in a bag, and suspend it in a moist place, till its liquor or Oil exude into the subjected vessel. This Oil erugates the skin, cures the scab, Vires. and the running Ulcers of the head: it conduces also to the cure of the Pustuls of the French disease; it solves obstructions, moves fluors, and opens the passages, if it be desumed in water, or some fit decoction. This same Tartareous liquor may also be extracted by ascent: of which by and by. CHAP. 5. Oleum Myrrhae; or, Oil of Myrrh. LEt some new Eggs be cocted till they be hard, then cut in the middle, either long way or broad way; let the Yolks be taken out, the cavities be filled with fat, and brayed Myrrh; then let the incided parts of the Whites be conjoined, and a little constringed with a thread; then let them be collocated upon a foraminous plate betwixt two Platters, and let these be placed in some subterraneous and humid cell, for then the liquefied humour of the Myrrh will delabe distillatively into the lower Platter. Some use sticks in stead of plates, which they adaptate Lattice-wise unto the inferior Platter, on which they lay their hard whites, gravidated with brayed Myrrh: whose cavities must not be so strictly bound, as to deny entrance to the liquor; for unless it get some chink, out of which it may delabe, it will not distil into the inseriour Platter. These sticks are sometimes adapted to a Frying-pan, or the like vessel; and the Myrrh containing Eggs, superposited thereon, and the vessel suspended in a well, a foot or two above the water, and there left a day or two, that the liquor may exude out of the Myrrh into the subjected vessel. This Oil may be also educed by ascent. Which way soever it be educed, Vires. it is commendable for many uses; and specially efficacious in curing cutaneous affections. They err, that take either of them for Stax, as we have showed in our Book of Simples. CHAP. 6. Of Oils extracted by ascent. THe prolectation of oleous liquors, is either by descent, of which we have briefly treated; or by ascent, of which as briefly as we may. Now this eduction is effected two ways; either by an Alembick, or by Inclination: which later way is, in proper speaking, neither by ascent nor descent, but participates of both. To the distillation made by an Alembick, a strait Cucurbite is required, whereon the rostrated Alembick may reside: the Alembick sometimes in stead of a beak, portends out of its head a certain Pipe, long and crooked, with turning gires like a Serpent: whence it is called an Intort or Worm. The neck of the Alembick should be long and gracile, if the matter to be distilled be small and tenuious; but short, and more patent, if the matter be crasser: and seeing it must be often changed and renovated, an Urinal will be apt than a Cucurbite. Sometimes Sand, Salt, or the like, is added to the matter to be distilled, when it fervefies and ascends easily. The vessel containing the matter, should be so fitted, that the heat might be put under it, and that there may be a way above for the spirits, which may pass through the beak, whereunto the long tube is appended; which tending downwards, and trajecting itself through the Refrigeratory, carries the delabing matter into its receptacle. Now distillation is either dry or moist: the dry distillation is made in a furnace, sometimes by the intervent of Coals, sometimes of Sand, and sometimes of hot ashes; the humid is made in St. Mary's Bath. Now there are as many varieties of Baths and Furnaces, as there are different ways of distillation; so that they can scarce be complected: But now we shall briefly explicate, how the most usual Oils are elicited. CHAP. 7. Oleum de Lateribus; or, Oil of Bricks. LEt inveterate Bricks, broken into small pieces, be burned on accended coals, till they be red-hot; then inject and dimit them into clear and old Oil, till they be filled therewith; then beat them into powder, and put the powder in a vitreous Cucurbite: on which impose a rostrated Alembick, and place it in a furnace duly struct: accend the fire underneath it, and keep the Oil that flows from it. The Bricks that are made of old earth, should be selected as best; which should be broken into crasser pieces, of the weight of ʒ vj. or ℥ j which after ignition, must be extinguished in clear antique Oil, or Oil of Rosemary, if it may be spared, and pulverated very small, then injected into a vitreous Cucurbite, well adapted to the furnace, and bedaubed with clay, that the powder may therein calefie by the fire under it, and exude this Oil; which is diversely denominated: for some medics call it rightly Oil of Bricks, others improperly, Artificial Petreol, in opposition to the Natural, which distils spontaneously out of Rocks; others, by a more special Nomenclature, call it, The Holy, Divine, and Blessed Oil. The Alchemists do more arrogantly call it, The Oil of Magisteries, and the Philosopher's Oil; whom therefore Silvius derides, because they only call themselves Philosophers, in their daily speech and writings, affirming themselves the sole Philosophers; seeking that nominally, which they cannot attain really. This Oil extenuates, penetrates, digests, Vires. and absumes all excrementitious matter; conduces to the cold affections of the Spleen, Reins, Bladder, Nerves, Uterus, and Articles; it cures also the Lethargy, Palsy, and Epilepsy. It is hot in the third degree, and by so much more efficacious, by how much more antique. CHAP. 8. Oleum Vitrioli; or, Oil of Vitriol. TEn or twelve pounds of Vitriol may be injected into a vitreous vessel, obduced with clay, and set on the fire, till its phlegm be extilled; than it should be taken off and brayed, and purged from its phlegm; which should be again iterated, till no phlegm would emanate, but the spirits leap out; then should it be taken off the fire, and its red calx taken, pulverated, and imposed in a crooked, or rather strait Cucurbite: whereunto, an ample Recipient should be adapted, and diligently conjoined with clay, and the Oil distilled by a luculent fire, continuing both night and day: when all is cold, the whole Liquor exempted, and imposed in a vitreous vial; first the insipid water, than the acid, which they call Oil, may be segregated from the sediment. If this Oil be often imbrued in its phlegm, or the circulation of the spirit of wine, it will be sweet: for Alchemists mix an equal quantity of this, and this Oil; then they digest and evoke them out of a singular Vial, till the Alum being separated from the Sulphur of the Chalcantum, the Oil remain sweet. Vitriol affords many several Medicinal Remedies; as, Spirits, Oil, both acid and sweet, Salt, Colchotar, and a certain thing the Chemists call Balsam. The Spirit of Vitriol differs from its Oil, in its preparation, tenuity, and active virtue: for it is the more subtle liquor of Vitriol; or, that I may speak in their own language, the quintessence thereof; which is made after many manners, as thus: The Vitriol is agitated very much with the vehement heat of the fire, within its strait Vial, so that that which distils upon the pulverated earth (which they call Colchotar) is always resunded, and at length, by the vehemency of the fire, propelled through the crooked glass: and this is the most efficacious Spirit. Some distil water and Oil together out of the best Vitriol, which are crasser Spirits; which they purge from their dregs, till they be attenuated into subtler Spirits. But they are better elicited, while they are driven through a new Alembick, by affunding the extillatitious liquor always upon the dead head, and then circulating it a whole week. The common Oil of Vitriol, is educed after this vulgar manner: A certain quantity of natural and good Cyprian Vitriol is taken, calcinated in a vessel of Copper, till it be quite red, and its phlegm dissipated; then it is brayed and included in a Cucurbite, obduced with clay, irrigated with Aquavitae, and so left for a day; than it is collocated, and settled in a furnace duly struct, and at first a modorate, than a vehement fire accended under it, that all its liquor may extil: which after refrigeration, is put in a small Cucurbite coarctated with a capitel; and so its aqueous liquor stills in S. Mary's Bath, and its pure Oil remains in the bottom of the vessel: which is again put into another Cucurbite, circumcinged with accended fire, that it may be better and more throughly purged. It's colour is more or less red or white, as its efficacy and calour is more or less moderate. ℥ iij. of Oil may be elicited out of lb j of rubefied Vitriol. All the qualities of the Oil of Vitriol are so intense, Vires. that it cannot be assumed alone, but mixed with some water, decoction, or fit conserve: and though it be exceeding hot, yet a few drops thereof mixed with much water, become acid, and both grateful and useful to the Feverish. It penetrates by its tenuity, carries the water to remote parts, removeth obstructions, arceates putretude, recreates the bowels, and conduces much to the Pestilence, Epilepsy, Palsy, and Strangury. It doth not infect the simple decoction of Roses, but the Syrup of Violets, with a purpureous and elegant acid sapour; for a few drops thereof cast into an ounce of the said Syrup, will make it from violaceous, purpureous. CHAP. 9 Oleum Sulphuris; or, Oil of Sulphur. LEt a broad dish be so supposited to a suspended Campana, that their brims may be distant about three fingers; and let a vessel containing Sulphur, which hath not yet suffered fire, be put in the bottom of the dish, and accended and agitated with a red-hot Iron; when that is absumed, let more be set on, and ignited as before, that out of its copious vapour erected into the Campana, a concrete oleous liquor may delabe into the dish. Some take an equal quantity of Sulphur and Pumice or Flintstone brayed, and putting the mixture into a crooked Cucurbite, adhibit it to a moderate fire, and educe most excellent Oil thence. Oil of Sulphur is educed many more ways: for some add Spirit of Wine, to pulverated Sulphur, and accend them; when the water is absumed, they bray the Sulphur, and mix sand with it, including them in a Vial, and eliciting Oil by a slow fire. Some add Calx, others Tartar, and others Salt: but that is best, which is educed out of Sulphur solely; and that next, which is educed without these things. The Oil of Sulphur is not only profitable for external applications, as to deablate the teeth, deleate cutaneous foedities, Vires. and cure venereous Ulcers; but is also introsumed for the expulsion of such diseases as arise from flatulency, or frigid, crass, and putrid matter: it also much conduces in the Pestilence, Epilepsy, difficulty of breathing, and many other affections of the Lungs, if it be taken in water, or some fit decoction: it cures the toothache, if the dolorous tooth be but touched therewith. It infects the infusion of Roses with its praetubrous colour, if a few drops of it be injected thereinto. CHAP. 10. Oleum Mellis; or, Oil of Honey. LEt a fit quantity of good Honey be injected into a Boccia with a third or fourth part of Sand; then let a rostrated capitel be fitted on it, and fire accended below it, or else hot ashes or sand set about it, that Oil may be elicited. Sand, or brayed Flint-stones, are mixed with the Honey in the eduction of its Oil, because else the whole Honey would ascend by the heat of the fire, which should be luculent: therefore the Cucurbite and Recipient vessel should be incrustated with clay, and the rostrated capitel ever and anon covered with cold wet clothes. The liquor that flows first, is not the same with that that flows next: for the first is as it were white water, the second somewhat red and oleous: they are sometimes kept a part for several uses; but if they be mixed together, the bath will segregate them, by extilling the more aqueous, and retaining the more oleous part. It cures the Podagry and Wounds; Vires. it causes hair to grow well and thick, and infects it with a red colour. CHAP. 11. Oleum Cerae; or, Oil of Wax. LEt some quantity of odorate Virgin-wax be melted, and mixed with a third part of brayed Flint-stones, or sand purged from filth. When the mixture is cold, let it be put into a strait Ampulla, covered with a rostrated capitel; let its fire be at first slow, afterwards more luculent, that the Oil may be educed. We have selected this as the shortest and easiest of all those ways by which this efficacious Oil is educed; yet if any would make it otherwise, let him project the odorate liquefied wax into water eight or ten times, always agitating it with his hands; and then put it in the Retort, and educe its Oil by fire, or hot ashes. Now if you would not have it so spisse (for it is of the spissitude of Butter) iterate its distillation twice or thrice, and it will be liquid and fluxile. An Oil may be after the same manner educed out of the Gum Elemni, most accommodate for the cure of Wounds; yea, Oil may after the same manner be educed out of Fats, by the addition of brayed Flint, Sand, or broken Bricks. CHAP. 12. Oleum Terebinthinae; or, Oil of Turpentine. THe Oil of Turpentine may be drawn either in a strait or crooked Cucurbite, with Sand purged from dust, and a fire accended under it, at first slow, afterwards more valid. The Oil that comes first out, is clear and tenuious; the second more crass and aureous: each should be reposed by itself. Some add to three pounds of Turpentine, one handful of Salt, and a little Aquavitae; these confusedly mixed and included in a Boccia, emit Oil by the help of fire. The Oil of Turpentine is introsumed to cure Asthma, Vires. Empyema, difficulty of breathing, the Stone, cholical dolour, and frigid and flatulent affections. It is externally adhibited to cure Nerves that are sautiated, or labour under any distemper; and to fill wounds with flesh, agglutinate them, and draw them to scars. It extinguishes Quicksilver, which is then good for the French Disease. CHAP. 13. Oleum Caryophyllorum; or, Oil of Cloves. LEt a fit quantity of Cloves be macerated twelve hours, or a whole day in Rain-water, in a strait or retorted Boccia well occurated, that nothing may expire; then let the capitel be set on it, and it moved with hot ashes, to extil Oil, which may afterwards be sejoined from the water. This Oil may also be easily educed by an Alembick of Copper artificially struct; as also by descent, like the Oil of Guaiacum: some add a part of stillatitious wine to the Cloves. It's excellent faculties make it a good substitute for Opobalsamum: for being introsumed, it recreates the principal parts and spirits, arceates putretude, dissipates flatulency, opens the passages, digests cold humours, and dissipates melancholical succe: extrinsecally adhibited, it cures new wounds and old Ulcers; it emends the corruption of bones, and allays Toothache, arising from a cold cause. Oil of Mace may be extilled after the same manner: it calefies and digests frigid humours, roborates the ventricle, helps concoction, moves appetite, and much more benefits the user. The Oil of cinnamon is educed with more labour and cost: for one pound thereof extils not above ʒ j of Oil; but its excellency equalizes it with natural Opobalsamum almost. The Oil of Nutmeg is extilled as that of Mace, and exhibited to and for the same uses; as also the Oil of Nutmegs by expression. CHAP. 14. Oleum Anisi; or, Oil of Anise-seed. LEt a pound, or more or less of Anise-seed, be contunded and macerated some hours in eight or ten times as much water; then let it be put in a Copper Alembick, with a vicine Refrigeratory; then let it be distilled, first with a moderate, afterwards a more valid fire; then segregate the Oil from the water. When the Water and Oil thus ascend and descend together into the Receptacle, they must be sejoined; which may be done by a certain instrument like a Tunnel, whereinto the whole liquor must be injected; which must be so collocated, that the acuminated and angust part thereof, which should be obturated with wax, may hang downwards; and so the water will occupy the lowest, and the Oil the highest place: the wax then being rubbed off, and the hole opened, the water will run out, and the Oil stay. It cures the cholical dolour arising from flatulency and cold; Vires. it conduces also to the Tympany, inflation of the belly, crudities, acid belching, and rumbling of the Guts. Oils may by this Art be educed out of the seeds of Petroseline, Fennel, Dauces, and Cumin; which coming from affine Plants, have affine qualities. CHAP. 15. Oleum de Spica; or, Oil of Spike. LEt the greater Spike, or latifolious Lavender, be macerated in white odorate wine, distilled through an Alembick, and then its oleous liquor segregated from its watery, and kept. This Oil is seldom used alone, but often mixed with other, especially Topical Medicaments; as the Vigonian salve; and is adhibited to many more uses, besides Medicinal ones. The Oil of Thyme is educed by the same artifice: whether it be intrinsically or extrinsecally adhibited, it conduces to cold effects. There may be a certain Liquor extracted from Pearls, brayed, macerated in Lemmon-juyce, or distilled vinegar, solved, pulverated, madefied with Rain-water, and artificially distilled: But the work and cost exceeding its worth, we judge it not necessary for Shops. CHAP. 16. Olea Metallorum; or, Oils of Metals. Alchemists do not only out of Plants and Minerals, but of Metals also, exhibit certain Oils, by much art, labour, and mixtion; yet they are not so eximious as they would make them: for no Metals almost, except Gold and Silver, are affine to our nature; and the Oils of these do little good. But grant we, that the tincture, or else some Liquor educed or acquired from Salnitre, distilled Vinegar, Spirit of Wine, Aquafortis, or any, or all of these, as also from the succe of Lemmons, should bring any help to other Medicaments; yet in themselves they are not eximious: But whatever they be, they may not be introsumed without damage, neither are their effects more than ancipitous, when extrinsecally adhibited; which Hieronymus Rubeus seems to confess, who was a most perite Alchemist: They may (saith he) being extrinsecally applied by a perite Medick, profit; but I dare not prove their virtue by introsumption, because they are drawn from acute waters, and the force of the fire hath invested them with a quality very pernicious to the bowels: upon which account, I much suspect many Remedies that Paracelsus extols: and many writ, That all those that introsumed his Metalline Remedies, though they found some help at first thereby, died within a years space. A prudent Apothecary than should not spend his time, nor waste his substance in reducing Metals to Powder, macerating them in vinegar, solving them, elaborating them with the Salt of Tartar, Nitre, or other artificial mixture, seeing those Medicaments they usually keep in their shops, are sufficient for Pharmacy. Here I will not disprove the use of certain Oils educed by distillation, for the abigations of such diseases as yield not to ordinary Medicaments. For seeing an ill knot must have a hard wedge, if the accustomed remedy will not end the fault, we may, without a Piacle, betake out selves to more artificial extractions: we have therefore here given the description of certain useful and moderate Oils, which the prudent Medick may sometimes use. And as we have neglected many more educed by distillation; so we have also omitted many elicited by expression and impression, as superfluous, and seldom used; as, the Oil of Costus, the Indian Nut, of Frogs, Pepper, and the like, which were rather invented for ostentation, than necessity. An Appendix to the Oils. Of Balsams. BAlsam, in a general signification, denotes the Wood, Succe and Fruit of a certain peregrine Tree; in it's more special signification, only the Succe thereof, which the Greeks call Opobalsamum. The Alchemists do wrongfully wrest the name of Balsams to their Tinctures, Oils, Liquors, Quintessences, and Extractions. medics also too licentiously, though not improperly, name some crass and red Liquors, confected with much art and mixture, and endued with eximious faculties, Balsams: but they should be rather called Antibalsams, or Balsameols; which name they mutuate for Turpentine, which is as it were the Basis from which all Aromatical and Rosinous Mixtures, which are analogous to Balsams, have their odours, colours and faculties. They are most commonly made by inclinative Distillation, in a Retort, wherein the aqueous liquor is at first extolled, and then it delabes laterally through the neck of the Retort, into the Receptacle; the oleous comes next; the third is crass like Honey. Some Balsams are made without distillation, they including some Medicaments a month or two in a fit Ampulla, in horse-dung, which they call the Belly, or other place, till they be macerated, diluted and purified. Thus the water that is collectedof Elm-leaves, when the worms within are abjected, Turpentine, Oil of S. Johns-wort, and a little Gumme-Elemni included in an Ampulla, concorporated and insolated, or otherwise fomented, become a Balsam most efficacious, and accommodate for many uses: for it cures Ulcers, though Dysepulotical and Malign, and all Wounds quickly. Balsamum primum D. Mes. or, The first Balsam of D. Mes. falsely attributed to Guidon. ℞ choice Myrrh, Hepatick Aloes, Spikenard, Dragon's blood, Frankincense, Mumy, Opoponax, Bdellium, Carpobalsamum, Ammoniacum, Sarcocolla, Saffron, Mastic, Gumme-Arabick, liquid Storax, of eachʒ ij. Laudanum, Castoreum, of eachʒ ij ss. Moschʒ ss. Turpentine the weight of them all. Let the dry ingredients be brayed, macerated in wine, and percolated; then let all be mixed together with Turpentine; the whole mixture put in an Alembick: out of which, the fire will at first force a tenuious liquor, and then a crass and flave one, which is the best Balsam. The description of this Balsam, is desumed from its Author Mesue, who recenseates its faculties to admiration: It is good (saith he) for all things; and if a dead body be anointed therewith, it putrefies not: it strengthens the Soul and Nature. It roborates the Nerves, removes cold distempers, excites and foments native heat, conciliates strength to the Members. If the backbone be anointed therewith, it miraculously cures the Palsy and Stupour: in such affections as hinder speech, a little of it immitted into the ears and nose, or holden under the tongue of the speechless, will quickly help him. Petrus Apponensis calls this Balsam, The Medicament of Medicaments, for the speedy roboration of the heart, and restitution of strength. Balsamum 2. D. Hollerii; or, The second Balsam. D. Holler. ℞ Olibanum, Mastic, of each ℥ ij. Aloes-wood ℥ j Cloves, Galangal, Cinnamon, Setwel, Nutmeg, Cubebs, of eachʒ vj. Myrrh, Aloes, Laudanum, Sarcocolla, Castoreum, of each ℥ ss. Bayberries, Pine-nuts, of eachʒ vj. Orris, round Birthwort, Dittany, the greater Comfrey, of each ℥ j Gumme-Elemni, Opoponax, Benzoin, of each ℥ ij. Juice of Ground-pine and Cowslips, of each ℥ ij. Turpentine the weight of them all. Concorporate and distil all in an Alembick, water will first extil, then that which is more oleous, and last the crassest. The Author saith, This Balsam roborates the Nerves, cures Stupour and Palsy; it helps all frigid distempers, and excites native heat. Balsamum 3. vulnerarium; or, The third Balsam which is vulnerary. ℞ of Venetian and Cyprian Turpentine, of each ℥ iij. Gum-Elemni, Olibanum, of each ℥ ij. Aloes, Myrrh, Mastic, Benzoin, Bole-armeniack, Dragons-blood, of each ℥ ss. Aquavitae ℥ iiij. These confusedly mixed, and included in a Retort, extil a Balsam which yields to none in agglutinating wounds, and filling them with flesh: it also roborates the Nerves, foments the innate heat of the part, makes the scar not nodous, and emends distempers. Balsamum 4. D. Fallopii; or, The fourth Balsam of D. Fallop, which is also vulnerary. ℞ of clear Turpentine lb ij. Linseed Oil lb j Rosine of the Pinetree ℥ vj. Frankincense, Myrrh, Aloes, Mastic, Sarcocolla, of each ℥ ij. Mace, Saffron, Lignum Aloes, of each ℥ ij. Put all into a Retort; let your fire be at first moderate, and it will educe clear water; then incend it, and you will have rubicund Oil; keep each apart: They are special Medicaments for the cure of wounds. Balsamum 5. Med. Florent. or, the fifth Balsam by the medics of Florence. ℞ of Turpentine lb j old Oil ℥ vj. Oil of Bayes ℥ iiij. Cinnamon, Spikenard, of each ℥ ij. new Tiles well boiled ℥ viij. Bray such as are to be brayed, and distil them in an Alembick. It moves Urine, breaks stones, kills worms, helps the hissing of the ears, the Palsy, Cramp, Gout, and all dolours of the Junctures, either by way of Potion or Unguent: a small quantity thereof in a water fit for the affection, may be drunk. Balsamum 6. Euonymi; or, The sixth Balsam D. Euonym. which is yet vulnerary. ℞ of Turpentine ℥ ss. Olibanum ℥ vj. Aloes, Mastic, Galangal, Cinnamon, Saffron, Nutmegs, Cloves, Cubebs, of each ℥ j Gum of Ivy ℥ ij. Pulverate and mix them with Turpentine; then put them in a glass Alembick, and add to them Camphyr, and Ambergris, of eachʒ ij. Distil them with a slow fire: the first water will be white and clear, and is called the Wine of Balsam; the second is flave, called Oil; the third croceous, and that is the surest Balsam. This Balsam is much commended for its excellent faculties: for it is the most speedy collective of wounds, sarcotical to hollow Ulcers, and epulotical to all: it is a sure help for the Palsy, and imbecility of the Nerves. Balsamum 7. & vulgar; or, The seventh and vulgar Turpentine. ℞ of Venetian Turpentine lb j Gum-Elemni ℥ v. common Rosine ℥ iij. let these be melted together, adding thereunto the powder of long Birthwort ℥ ij. Dragons-bloodʒ iij. repose it in a vessel to cool. This Balsam is inferior to none, in perducing old or new Ulcers to sanity: it especially cures the external diseases of the head: it is easy to make. Balsamum 8. & admirabile; or, The eighth and admirable Balsam. ℞ of the leaves and stowers of Tutsan, or the grains; of the leaves, flowers or tops of S. Johns-wort, the tops of both the Oaks of Jerusalem, of the leaves of Ground-Ivy, of each m. ss. of both sorts of Sage, and of Ground-pine, of each m. ss. Macerate them two days in lb ij. of white and generous wine; add lb ij. ss. of old Oil: Boyl them on a slow fire, till the wine be dissipated: add to the colature of Turpentine lb j Olibanum ℥ iiij. Myrrh ℥ iij. Mastic, Dragons-blood, of each ℥ ij. Storax ℥ j Boyl them a little on a slow fire; then repose them seven days in the Sun, and repose them in an earthen or glass vessel for use. This Balsam is not causelessly called, The Wonderful one; for many affections which contemn other Praesidies, are miraculously cured by the adjument of this. It presently cures any new Wound or Ulcer: it heals also inveterate and dyepulotical ones; it roborates the nerves, cures trembling and palsy; conduces to all external affections of the head, especially cold ones: it foments innate heat, allays frigid dolours, and roborates the parts. I could describe more, but they are needless, if these be in readiness. Finis Libri Quarti. The Apothecary's Shop, OR, ANTIDOTARY. Of EXTERNAL MEDICAMENTS. THE FIFTH BOOK. Of Unguents and Cerecloths. THE PREFACE. UNguents were of old in such use and fame, that he that handled or sold them solely, or them and other Medicaments, was called an Unguentary and Myropolist. The Arabians often call Cerecloths and Salves, Unguents: as Dioscorides doth many odorate Oils; according to that of Hypocrates, A Medick should be Unguented, that is, Perfumed, that by the fragrant halite of his vesture, he may purchase glory amongst the vulgar. But now Unguents are in a more angust acceptance, taken only for those Medicaments which adhibited and illited only on external parts, are thought to auxiliate them, when other Medicaments would either through their gravity burden them, or through their humidity hurt them; and are olaginous, of a middle consistence, betwixt a Cerecloth and a Lineament, as a Cerecloth is betwixt an Unguent and a Salve. Now the proportion of Oil in the confection of an Unguent, is such, that one ounce thereof responds to each dragm of Powder, and two dragms of Wax: So that there is four times as much Oil as Wax, and eight times as much Oil as Powder. And seeing heat makes the consistence of an Unguent softer, and cold harder, Myropolists used to mix more Oil in Winter, and less in Summer, with their ingredients. Now seeing there is much conformity betwixt a Cerecloth and an Unguent, both consisting of the same Materials, only differing in proportion; the Unguent receiving more Oil and less Wax, that it may be of a middle consistence betwixt a Lineament and a Cerecloth, more spisse than the one, and more liquid than the other: We have determined to treat of them both in this Book: In whose first Section we shall describe the most approved and usual Unguents; in the second, Cerecloths. Now Unguents are either made with fire, as those that admit Wax, Rosines, and decoctions of Simples; or without fire, as such as need only nutrition and subaction, as the crude Unguent, and the Unguent of Quicksilver; of which we shall in particular treat in this Book, beginning with the Refrigerative: The first whereof that occurs, is the Unguent of Roses. CHAP. 1. Unguentum Rosatum; or, The Unguent of Roses. D. Mes. ℞ Hogs-suet nine times washed in hot and cold water, fresh red Roses, of each lb iij. mingle them, and let them be macerated seven days; afterwards boil them upon a gentle fire, and let them be strained; afterwards fresh Roses put in, macerated, boiled, and strained, as before; afterwards pour upon it, of the Juice of red Roses lb j ss. Oil of sweet Almonds lb ss. boil them upon a gentle fire, till the Juice be consumed; and if in boiling you add a little Opium, it will be excellent to procure sleep. The COMMENTARY. That this Unguent may be duly confected, the Hogs-grease should be accurately purged from its membranes, nine times washed in warm water, and nine times in cold, that it may depose all its odour; for so it will be more apt to receive any odour, and easily admit of the fragrance of Roses. Now the maceration of the Roses should be iterated, that they may be more efficacious: half as much of their succe, and the sixth part of as much of the Oil of Almonds, as there is of grease, should ingrede the colature, according to Mesue. But to three pounds of Hogs-grease, we put a pound and an half of the succe of Roses, and half a pound of the Oil of Almonds. Some, in stead of the Oil of Almonds, put the Oil of Roses or Omphacinum; but then the Unguent will not open the pores of the skin, nor permeate so quickly. It may be made without any Oil, seeing it is liquid enough of itself: and thus, almost, all Myropolists make it. But it is better to have it too liquid with the Oil of Almonds, than too crass without it: And as it is against the Rules of Art, that all the quantity of Oil which Mesue prescribes, should be taken; sois it contrary to right Reason, that all should be refused. Some, to acquire a greater redness, and more elegant colour, whereof Aromataries are most studious, mix Alcanet-root with the coction: but it were much better to mutuate that colour from Roses, than other irrequisite simples. Mesue would have Opium diluted in Rose-water, accede its confection, that it might withal conciliate sleep to the interruptly vigilant: whereunto I willingly assent, and wish, that Apothecaries would confect, if not all, yet part of this Unguent with Opium. It extinguishes immoderate heat, inflammations, pimples, and S. Anthony's fires: it allays the dolours of the head from a hot cause: it mitigates the ardour of the Ventricle, Reins, and Liver: that which admits Opium, effects all these more validly; and besides conciliating of sleep, cures Frenzy, and refects strength. Unguents of Violets, Water-lilies, and other flowers, of all qualities, may be confected after the same manner. CHAP. 2. Unguentum Album Rhasis; or, Rhasis his white Unguent. ℞ Oil of Roses ℥ ix. Ceruse washed in Rose-water ℥ iij. white Wax ℥ ij. make it into an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. This Unguent consists of few things, and is described alike by few Authors. We conjecture, that the variety of its descriptions arises from this, That Rhasis its author gave not the dosis of the simples definitely, and therefore every one augments, diminishes, and changes them at his own will. Some, rather desiring the grace of odour themvertue, adject Camphyr; others the succe of Tragacanthum: some lethargy; others the whites of Eggs: so that its description is nowhere certain, but at Paris, where all the Apothecaries make it after this; who so rub the Ceruse on the setaceous sieve, that it will go thorough; then they wash it often in common water, afterwards in Rose-water; then they dry it, and after siccation, rub it to powder, which they mix with wax melted in the Oil of Roses, and by agitation with a Spatle, reduce it into an Unguent of a white colour, and legitimate consistence, which is endued with much virtue; for it cures the Itch, Scab, Adustion, Galling, Vires. Ulcers, the eruption of Pimples, Tetters, the hot distemper of Ulcers, and many other cutaneous vices. CHAP. 3. Unguentum Populeon; or, The Unguent of Poplar. D.N.Myr. ℞ of the buds of the black Poplar-tree lb j ss. of the leaves of black Poppy, Mandrake, the tender tops of Bramble, Henbane, Nightshade, Lettuce, small Stonecrop, the greater and lesser House-leek, Violet-leaves, * Cotyledon Kidney-wort, of each ℥ iij. fresh Hogs-suet lb iij. make it into an Unguent according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Salernitanus borrowed this description of Myrepsus, and Praepositus of Salernitanus; but neither of them gave due honour to its Author, both covering his Name. Now it is called the Populean Unguent, from its Basis, the tender eyes or buds of the black Poplar, which erupt out of its summities in the beginning of the Spring, and are collected in March, before they be perfectly explicated: whereunto, many Refrigeratory and Hypnotical Medicaments are adjoined, as the leaves of Mandrake, Poppy, Henbane, Lettuce, and Nightshade, and of both the House-leeks, and Stone-crop: but that Vermicular should be selected, which bears white flowers, and affects not the tongue with any acrimony. The leaves also of Kidney-wort, which perite Herbalists call sometimes Cymbal, sometimes Coral, and sometimes Venus her Navel, must be added hereunto; and it is thus made: The fresh buds of the Poplar must be contunded, and mixed with the grease purged from its membranes, and put into a figuline vessel well operculated, and reposed in moderate heat, till May or June, or till the other expetible Plants may be had; which must then be collected, purged, brayed in a Mortar, and concorporated with the former fermentated mixture; which must then again be reposed in a warmer place for a week or longer; then put in a Cauldron with one pound of Wine, or Vinegar, which many think more convenient: but wine in so small a quantity will not harm the Refrigeratives; whereas some would add Burre-dock, which is hotter; some take Nightshades succe to it, that the colour may be greener. It conciliates sleep, Vires. helps such as labour under hot Fevers or headaches from hot causes, if their foreheads and temples, their feetplants or hands-palms be anointed therewith. CHAP. 4. Ungaentum Natritum, seu crudum; or, The crude or Triapharmacal Unguent of lethargy. D. Mes. ℞ of Oil of Roses lb j Litharge finely beaten lb ss. Vinegar ℥ iiij. beat these together in a Mortar, till they acquire the consistency of an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. This is one of those Unguents which are depraved by each Artist, because of the indefinite dosis of the simples whereof it consists: for Mesue prescribes only to this preparation, That sometimes Oil, sometimes Vinegar and lethargy, accede, which should be well laboured in a Mortar: yea, many to this day neither limit the quantity of Oil nor of Vinegar, butonely describe as much as will suffice; others take equal parts of both, and as much lethargy; others, and that better, take one pound of Oil, half a pound of lethargy, and three ounces of Vinegar: We have given a due proportion of each; yet if the Myropolist in its agitation find one thing too little or too much, he may at his judgement change it. Now this Unguent should be continually agitated with a , till it acquire a fit spissitude. Much of Oil or Vinegar must not at first be affunded on the lethargy, lest it be submerged, and never be able to attain an Unguentary consistence. Some agitate it in a plumbeous Mortar, with a plumbeous , that it may be more desiccative: but this obscurer tincture many like not in Unguents; others wash Lithargic in Rose-water: some add the succe of Nightshade with Ceruse; but it is best to prepare it after the form given, which the Parisian-Apothecaries follow: yet all need not at all times to take Oil of Roses, but, without error, sometimes common Oil. It is called the crude Unguent, because it is made without fire; the nutritum, because with much nutrition it acquires an Unguentary form; sometimes the Triapharmacal, from the union of the three simples whereof it consists: of which, duly cocted, may be made a salve, that should be kept in all shops, as most usual. It represses, desiccates, generates flesh in hollow Ulcers, Vires. and heals them. CHAP. 5. Unguentum de Bolo; or, The Unguent of Bole. ℞ Bole-armeniack lb ss. of the Juices of Nightshade and Plantain, of each ℥ iij. Vinegar ℥ ij. Oil of Roses lb j Mingle them, and stir them together in a Mortar, till they come to the consistency of an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. Guido Cauliacus gives the same or like description, which, they say, he discerped from the ninth Book of Galens simples: but I evolving that Book, find no such thing. But whoever was its Author, it is a Medicament very expetible by Surgeons. The preparation of this and of the precedent, is one; and both being made without fire, may be called Crude Unguents. It is refrigerative, astrictive, and roborative; very convenient for the beginnings of fluxions, and therefore hinders the eruption of Pimples, Inflammations, and the like. CHAP. 9 Unguentum ad Pruritum; or, An Unguent for the Itch. ℞ Hogs-suet often washed in the Juice of Scabious, sour Dock-roots boiled to Pultess, and pulped; Brimstone washed in Juice of Lemons, of each ℥ j ss. Unguenti Populeon nourished in the Juice of Enula-campane ℥ ss. mix them well together in a Mortar. The COMMENTARY. Whilst I was writing these things, there came a Rustic to sinplore my help for a Kinsman of his, who being continually pestered with a pastulous Itch, and had been forced to buy a Remedy of a Barber-Surgeon; the Barber sold him a familiar Unguent made of Mercury, Sulphur, and Swines-grease, wherewith he anointed his body once or twice: but the Unguent did so violently move the Colluvies of his whole body towards his neck and throat, that by violent suptation, the man was almost suffocated. I will recenseate no more such stories: for hence it sufficiently appears, what error the imperite are hurried into, while they unhappily prescribe a Lineament confected of Quicksilver and Fat, or Butter and Sulphur. But lest they again run into the like folly, or for want of others, prescribe such dangerous ones, we give this Unguent, which is easy to make, and most efficacious in curing the Itch; for it mitigates bilious humours, and sharp and salted phlegm: it moderates all calid humours, and cures the itchy Scab. CHAP. 10. Unguentum Ophthalmicum; or, The Ophthalmical Unguent. ℞ Bole-armeniack washed in Rose-water ℥ j Lapis Caliminaris washed in Eyebright-water, Tutty prepared, of eachʒ ij. Pearl finely beatenʒ ss. Camphyr ℈ ss. Opium gr. v. fresh Butter often washed in Plantain-water ℥ v. make it into an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. It can scarce be credited, to how many and great diseases and symptoms the eye is obnoxious: for the oppugning whereof, many kinds of Medicaments are profitable; but the forms of all are not idoneous; for the eyes will not tolerate any, save Collyries and Unguents: for Cataplasms, Salves, and the like, may sometimes profit, when applied to the Eyelids; but immitted into the Eye, they would blind it. This Ophthalmical Unguent, so called from its effect, arceates the fluxions of humours, temperates their heat, mitigates their acrimony, stays and dries away tears, allays dolour, takes away redness, and roborates the Eye, if after its universal remedies, purgation and phlebotomy, it be adhibited to the Angles of the Eyes and Eyelids. CHAP. 11. Unguentum de Minio; or, The Unguent of Red-Lead, or the red Camphyrated Unguent. ℞ of sifted Red-Lead ℥ iij. lethargy ℥ ij. Ceruse ℥ j ss. Tuttyʒ iij. Camphyrʒ ij. Oil of Roses lb j ss. make it into an Unguent according to Art. The COMMENTARY. There are two descriptions of this Unguent; one more simple, which is made without; the other more composititious, which is made with Camphyr. It is called the red Unguent, from its colour, and its Basis Red-Lead: it conduces to ill and inveterate Ulcers, which scarce admit of integral curation, and perduces them to scars. Of hot Unguents. CHAP. 12. Unguentum Resumptivum; or, The Resumptive Unguent. D. Praep. ℞ yellow Wax lb ss. Hogs-suet quart. j Goose, Duck, and Capons-grease, Oil of Almonds, Dill, and Chamomile, of each ℥ ij. the musilidge of Marshmallow-roots and Linseed, of each ℥ j ss. the * Oesypum. Grease that proceeds from the necks of sheep ℥ ss. make it into an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. Rondeletius finding this Unguent in Praepositus his Antidotary, in many things reprehensible; some things he detracted, others he substituted; others he disallowed of, as inaccommodate to that purpose; and the whole Composition he much changed: for in stead of white wax, he puts flave; in stead of Oil of Violets, the Oil of Almonds: but he expunges the succe of Tragacanthum, , and Quinces-grains, as inconvenient by their astrictive virtue to digest humours. But if in resolving the principles of Diseases, some Roboratives be requisite; when use calls for this Unguent, a little Oil of Quinces, or Omphacium, or the like, as occasion requires, may soon be mixed therewith. Now that it may be more digestive, the succe of Foenugreek is added thereto, though in small quantity, because its odour is insuave. If the Marrow of Calves-bones be adjected, it will be more emollitive and laxative, according to Fernelius. That it may be duly made, the wax first cut into pieces, must be melted with the Oil; then the Butter and Greases: when all are melted, Oesypus must be added to them, and all agitated with a rudicle; then they may be taken from the fire, and the success extracted first in common, or, as some say is better, in Rose-water, must be mixed with them, and all moved with a stick, till they acquire a due spissitude. This Unguent leniates the dolours of the Breast, cocts the humours that cause coughing, moves spittle, helps the pleurisy, resolves the useless and noxious humours that adhere to the Muscles of the Breast, and relaxates, leniates, and mollifies the parts. CHAP. 13. Unguentum de Althaea; or, The Ointment of Marshmallows. D. Myreps. ℞ of Marshmallow-roots, Linseed, and Foenugreek, of each lb ss. Squills ℥ iij. let them be washed, and macerated for three days in lb v. of water; then boil them, till they grow thick: to a pound of this musilidge, add lb ij. of Oil; boil them, till the musilidge be dissipated; then add Wax lb ss. clarified Rosine, common Rosine, of each ℥ iij. Turpentine, Gum-Thraganth, Gum of Ivy, of eachʒ j Let all these be melted in a Kettle, stirred, and so removed from the fire, till it grows cold, and becomes into the consistence of an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. Fernelius gives a far more simple description of this Unguent, omitting Squills, Scammony, Galbanum, and Ivy Gum, because they make the Unguent too sordid: and lest these should impair its digestive faculty by their absence, he adds some simples to make it efficacious. Yet I think these so necessarily requisite, that he that expunges them, expunges much of the odour and virtue of the Medicament. If Ivy Gum cannot be had, its succe may be substituted. The quantity of water, which was three pounds, being too little to elicit and coct the success in, is augmented to five pounds. The rest are easy; the manner of its confection, and the description, plain. It calefies, Vires. mollifies, mitigates, humectates, and digests: thence it removes the cold distemper, and cures the hardness of the nerves; it emends too much siccity, and cures the Pleurisy, and other affections arising from crude humours adhering to the Muscles. CHAP. 14. Tetrapharmacum; or, The lesser Basilicon. D. Mes. ℞ yellow Wax, Rosine, black Pitch, of each ℥ ij. ss. sweet Oil lb j make it into an Unguent according to Art. Basilicum majus; or, The greater Basilicon. ℞ Wax, clarified Rosine, Heifers-suet, Ship-Pitch, Frankincense, Myrrh, of each ℥ j Oil lb j make it into an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. This Medicament is from its prepollent faculty in cocting and suppurating humours, called the Basilical or Regal Unguent: which, when it consists only of four Simples, is called Tetrapharmacum, or lesser Basilicum; when of more, the greater Basilicum: both of them are Diapyetical, or suppurative; but the simple one is more imbecile, and less calid, than the more composititious: wherefore, being temperate, it is more idoneous for cocting and suppurating humours. For the temperate Medicament is truly pepastical and maturative, having more cognation with our native calour: whence Galen saith, It rather acts by quantity then quality; whereas Resolvatives, being more valid, work more by quality then by quantity, not absuming superfluous humours. Seeing then that this Tetrapharmacum is as it were symmetral, it must needs be the best suppuratory; and by cocting humours, rightly convert them into slimy matter, just as the temperate palm of a man's hand, moved long on any part abounding with brave humours. Rosine and black Pitch, which hath not yet been used in pitching ships, must be melted with Oil, and when cold, agitated with a into the consistence of an Unguent. The Tetrapharmacal or Basilical Unguent, mitigates dolours, Vires. cocts noxious humours impacted on the part, alloy their acrimony, and fill Ulcers with flesh. CHAP. 15. Mundificatum expertum; or, The expert Mundificative. ℞ of Wormwood, the lesser Centaury, Egrimony, Speedwell, Clary, Plantain, of each m.j. macerate them in lb xij. of water, and boil them upon a gentle fire; and in lb ss. of the colature, dissolve common Honey lb ss. boil them again, till the water be almost consumed; to which, add Oil of Roses lb j wax melted in the same ℥ iij. powder of Crabsʒ iij. flower of Lupins, and powder of Gentian, of eachʒ ij. Myrrh, Aloes, of eachʒ j ss. Orris, Verdigrease, of each ℥ j make these into an Unguent according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Seeing vulgar Dispensatories afford no eximious Mundificative, responsible to Surgeons minds in deterging Ulcers, we have for their sakes concinnated this rhyptical or extersive Medicament, endued with such faculties, as Galen requires, Reason calls for, and Use approves of to that end: For seeing such a Medicament should by the tenuity of its substance, and its exsiccative faculty, exterge the Ulcer, and separate the filth from the part whereunto it is adhibited; one that is emplastical and viscid, aggesting and cohibiting the excrements and filth within the Ulcer, is much distant from such. But the vulgar Mundificatives, being for the most part made of Sarcocolla, Frankincense, and Mastic; and sometimes of Rosine, Comfrey, and House-leek, are so fare from cleansing Ulcers, that they much defile them. Let then this our rhyptical Unguent, which will effect what it pollicitates, be kept in shops, and the rest ejected. It receives burnt River-crabfishes, which are eximious in exterging and exsiccating: The River-crabfishes should be selected; but in defect thereof, Sea-crabs may be assumed. They must be burned on a red-hot Platter, till they may be easily levigated; their powder must be mixed with the powders of the other simples brayed apart; then must all be incorporated, agitated, and united into an Unguent of just crassitude. It absumes the watery, Vires. separates the crasser, and exterges all humours from the Ulcer: yet such as are conspurcated with crasser corruption, and cadaverous flesh, require a more valid and catharetical Detersive. However, this by a peculiar and eximious faculty, cures wounds inflicted by mad Dogs, extinguishes their virulency by a specifical propriety, and exterging, siccating, and absuming their infected humours. CHAP. 16. Unguentum Aureum; or, The golden Unguent. D. Mes. ℞ of Oil lb ij. yellow Wax lb ss. clear Turpentine ℥ ij. Rosine, clarified Rosine, of each ℥ j ss. Olibanum, Mastic, of each ℥ j Saffronʒ j make it into an Unguent according to Art. The COMMENTARY. This Unguent is called Aureous, from its colour; and Regal, from its virtue: for it is flave as Gold, and so eximious, as it is fit for a Prince: it is scarce ever exhibited without success, and yet so easy to make, that the youngest Apprentice cannot err therein. They act perperously, who for Parsimonies sake, abstract Saffron and Mastic from it; for so they rob it of its aureous colour, and regal virtue. If rightly made, it agglutinates wounds with sanity, fills hollow and cleansed Ulcers with flesh, mitigates dolour, if there be any, and quickly perduces them to scars. The Fusk Unguent, which is made of a pound and an half of Oil, four ounces of new wax, black Pitch and Sagapene, of each two ounces, Mastic, Galbanum, Frankincense, and Turpentine, of each one ounce, is endued with the same or like faculties; for both are sarcotical, filling Ulcers with flesh, and perducing them to sanity. CHAP. 17. Unguentum Enulatum cum Mercurio; or, The Ointment of Enula with Mercury. ℞ of the root of Enula boiled in Vinegar, and pulped lb j Hogs-suet ℥ iij. new Wax ℥ j Quicksilver killed, clear Turpentine, of each ℥ ij. common Salt ℥ ss. make it into an Unguent of a just consistence. The COMMENTARY. Praepositus discerpted this description from Myrepsus, who hath such an Unguent in the end of his third Section; who, that he might seem the first Author, added Oil, Wax, Salt, and Turpentine, and made it more efficacious: yet before this adjection, Myrepsus, because of its admirable faculties, called it, The wonderful Unguent. Pharmacopolists make it most usually after the greater description, as more secure than the simple one; though both of them are averse to Nature, because of the Quicksilver: yet its extinction by spittle, or the succe of Lemmons, may excuss all fear from their minds. Moreover, Turpentine and Swines-grease are added thereto; which would obscure its freity, if any remained. Some put Sulphur in stead of Quicksilver; others the succe of Fumatory, or Lemons: some, to the confection of this Unguent, only bray the root of Enula in Vinegar, and traject it through a sieve; but it is better to coct it to putrelage, in two pounds of Vinegar, and two pounds of water, rather than in Vinegar only, for so it is too acrimonious. Let the grease therefore be added to the wax, melted in Oil, and afterwards add the pulp of Enula, than the Quicksilver, Salt, and Turpentine; which mix together, agitate, and subact into an Unguent. It is very efficacious in curing the dry and moist Scab from what cause soever, and other foedities of the skin. Vires. CHAP. 18. Unguentum ad Vermes; or, An Unguent against Worms. ℞ of the lesser Centaury, Wormwood, flower of Lupins, of eachʒ j Pulp of Coloquintida macerated in Vinegar and dried ℈ ij. Oil of bitter Almonds lb ss. Wax ℥ j ss. make it into an Unguent of a just consistence. The COMMENTARY. Worms are generated in many parts of the body, especially in such, where there is any corrupt excrementitious matter; as in the Intestines; out of which, three kinds of Worms are rejected: out of the superior Intestines, round and long ones; out of the Colon, broad ones; and out of the strait gut, ascarides, or short grubs: all are killed by sharp, salt, acid, and amare Medicaments introsumed, as by Aloes, Southernwood, and Rhabarb; or externally adhibited, as by the Unguent we have here described: for whose preparation, Coloquintida must be first brayed, and macerated in Vinegar; then dried by insolation, or the heat of ashes; afterwards it must be mixed with wax, melted in Oil, with the other simples redacted to powder; then all must be agitated, and accurately united into an Unguent. It kills Worms, Vires. if the umbilical region be anointed therewith, or the whole belly; or if a part thereof be injected into the belly like a clyster up the Fundament. CHAP. 19 Unguentum ad Achoras, vulgo Tineam; or, An Ointment against Moth. D. Gordian. ℞ of white and black Hellebore, living Brimstone, Auripigmentum, lethargy, Limestone not quenched, Alum, Galls, Soot, of each ℥ ss. Quicksilver killed, Verdigrease, of eachʒ ij. make of these a Powder, which boil upon a gentle fire in the Juices of borage, Scabious, Fumatory, Sorrel, and Vinegar, of each ℥ iij. and when the Juices are consumed, add old Oil lb j liquid Pitch ℥ ss. Wax a little, to make it up into an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. Gordonius is perhibited the first Author of this Unguent, though Johannes de Concoregio mentions one, who dissents from the dosis of the Hellebores limited by him; as also Guido Cauliacus, who detracts much from the quantity of Quicksilver and Verdigrease; whose castigation we follow. The Quicksilver may be extinguished after many manners; but the most usual way is by jejune spittle, or succe of Lemmons, or sometimes of Henbane: the rest are easy to prepare, and the form is plain. Gordonius saith, that this Unguent is of such eximious virtue, that it will, without doubt, after purgation of the body, cure all infections curable by humane knowledge; as the Moth, Scab, Vires. Malid Mortuum, Morphews, and all other infections: wherefore (as he saith) it should be had in much honour and reverence. CHAP. 20. Unguentum Apostolorum; or, The Ointment of the Apostles. D. Avic. ℞ of common Oil lb ij. Wax, Turpentine, Rosine, Ammoniacum, of eachʒ fourteen. lethargy of Goldʒ ix. round Birthwort, Olibanum, Bdellium, of eachʒ vj. Myrrh, Galbanum, of each ℥ ss. Opoponax, Verdigrease, of eachʒ ij. make it into an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. They say Avicenna both invented and denominated this Unguent; and yet he neither knew the number of the Apostles, nor worshipped God in that way: for such as follow God's Laws, and know him truly, know thus much for certain, that the Apostles cured the diseased by words, and the very shadow of their vestures, and not by Unguents. Whence I easily believe, that the Interpreters of the Arabian Tongue erred, in rendering this Unguent, which Avicenna calls Alhavarim, The Apostles Unguent. But whoever imposed this Nomenclature, I will not disallow of it; for it designs a Compound of so many Simples as there were Apostles: which is thus made: First the Gums are macerated twelve hours in Vinegar; then strained, and cocted on a slow fire, to the spissitude of Honey; wherein, whilst hot, Turpentine should be diluted: in the meanwhile, the lethargy should be levigated in Oil, and nutrited on a slow fire; in which, the Wax and Rosine must be melted: with which, after ablation from the fire, the Gums duly prepared must be injected; then Aristolochy, Myrrh, and Frankincense; and at length Rust; whose dofis many imperitely augment, that they may make the Unguent more green: but it acquires more vehement acrimony, together with its colour, and thence becomes too mordacious and noxious. It expurges wounds and contumacious Ulcers by detersion, absumes dead flesh, and accelerates the restitution of new flesh. The Unguent of Chalk seven or ten times washed in common water, and then in Rosewater, and excepted into a sufficient quantity of Oil, and redacted to the crassitude of an Unguent, doth very much agree with this in quality; for it efficaciously exterges corruption from Ulcers, absumes humidity, and heals them. There is another more composititious Unguent of this sort made, whereunto they add Ceruse, Pompholyx, lethargy, Calves-fat, and the Unguent of Roses; but it is seldom in use. CHAP. 21. Unguentum Aegyptiacum; or, The Egyptian Unguent. ℞ Verdigrease ℥ v. Honey ℥ fourteen. strong Vinegar ℥ seven. boil them upon a fire, till they be brought into the form of an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. That all Egyptians were medics, is now a Proverb; and that the first Laws of curing, and many Medicaments, were deduced from them, their ancient Writings and Monuments attest. But the Greeks, always covetous of glory, have so craftily changed what they borrowed from them, that they are now thought the first Authors: yet there are yet some Oils and Unguents from them denominated, as this now described, which was at first divulged by an Egyptian. For it is probable, that it rather derived its name from this cause, then from its dusky colour, like that of the Egyptians. Many call it the Melleous Unguent, from its Basis, which is Honey; but use must sometimes be preferred before reason: We, with Myropolists, call it the Egyptian Unguent. It is thus made: The Honey must be cocted with Vinegar, and pulverated Verdigrease, in an earthen vessel, on a slow fire, till the Vinegar be dissipated, the tincture of the Verdigrease changed, and all brought to the consistence of an Unguent. Mesue calls it the great Unguent, that is, the eximious; not in difference of any lesser. It is of most use for inveterate and fistulous Ulcers; for it deterges them, arceates putretude, absumes corruption, eats up excrescent and dead flesh, but not without sense of dolour: if masculine Frankincense be added to it, whereunto Mesue seems to assent, it will be somewhat milder, and not so sarcotical. CHAP. 22. Unguentum Agrippae. D. Myr. ℞ Bryony-root lb ij. wild cucumber lb j, Squills lb ss. Orris ℥ iij. Fern, Ebony, Water-Caltrop, of each ℥ ij. old Oil lb iiij. yellow Wax ℥ xv. make it into an Unguent according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Myrepsus calls this Unguent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Latines de Agrippa, referring it, by what reason I know not, to King Agrippa. But perhaps it is so called, because it is made of the success of wild simples left by maceration in Oil, for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is wild succe, whence its Nomenclature is detorted. But I mean not to dissert about the reason of the name, seeing the thing is well known. Salernitanus changed a little this description given by Myrepsus, taking in stead of the root of wild Althaea, the root of Asinine cucumber, as more convenient for his purpose, in educing watery humours, and more accommodated to the cure of the Dropsy, for which Myrepsus institutes it. It's preparation is of this sort: First fresh roots must be selected, washed, diligently purged from their filth, and brayed; then they must be macerated in Oil five or six days in a Potter's vessel upon hot ashes; then cocted till they be tabid, and their aqueous humidity be exhaled, then strained; the colature must again be adhibited to the fire: whereinto, when it is ready to boil, the wax must be injected, and so an Unguent made by Art; Vires. wherewith the Hydropticals belly may be anointed for benefit, and the Splenaticks left Hypochondrium. It subduces the belly, though it be but extrinsecally applied, but especially children's and weaker men's bellies: it is endued with many more qualities, which for brevity's sake I omit. CHAP. 23. Unguentum Aregon. D. Myreps. ℞ of Laurel ℥ ix. Calamint lb ss. the roots of wild cucumber, and Orris, Margerum, tops of Rosemary, Mother of Thyme, Rue, of each ℥ iiij. ss. Bays, Sage, Savin, of each ℥ iij. Ginger, Pepper, of each ℥ ss. Pellitory, Euphorbium, Oil of Peter, of each ℥ j Mastic, Frankincense, of eachʒ vj. Oil of Nutmegs ℥ ss. Bays, Bears-grease, of each ℥ iij. pure Wax ℥ xv. common Oil lb v. Let the herbs and the roots be macerated in Wine, boiled with the Oil, strained, and then the Fats and Powders added, and so make it into an Unguent according to Art. The COMMENTARY. They that will evolve the Commentaries of medics about the preparation of this Unguent, shall find as many varieties as Authors in its descriptions: for Salernitanus adds the roots of Bryony, Asinine cucumber, and the leaves of both Fleabanes; Fernelius admits of this addition, and omits the roots of Orris, and changes the dosis; others either add or detract other things. We follow Joubertus, who more faithfully adheres to the Author; and we exhibit the description he redacted into due order. It preparation is the imperite, we shall thus interpret: By sweet Amiantum or Amentum, we mean scissile Alum, or plumeous, not cocted Target, as Manlius suggests; by Sea-navels, Sea-shels, representing a Man's Navel; by Antalium, a marine Tube of a finger's length, striated without, of the number of shells; by Dentalium, a small, long, round, white shell, smooth within, crooked, and acuminated on one side, wherein a certain Sea-worm lives. Now Antalium and Dentalium being Conchiles, Sea-welks, and Cockles, may be substituted in their stead. By Gersa, we understand a certain Ceruse or Foecula, made of the root of the herb Dragon; or in defect thereof, of the root of Jairy, and Rose-water; which is thus prepared: The roots of the greater herb Dragon must be collected in the Spring, washed, purged and dried; then pulverated very small in a Stone-Morter, and put in an earthen or glass vessel with Rose-water; then covered with a linen cloth, and dried in the Sun; afterwards brayed, madefied with Rose-water, and dried by insolation, which must be iterated three or four days; then the powder madefied with odorate wine, coacted into Pastils, dried in a shade, reposed for use, and usurped for Garsa. The Unguents preparation is after this manner: The greases must all be melted together in an earthen pot, wherein two Citrons or Oranges cut into pieces, must be macerated a whole night; the next morning cocted and percolated; the Marble, Crystal, Coral, Navels, Antals', and Dentals, must be pulverated very small, as also the rest, but all of them apart, especially Camphyr, Amylum, Frankincense, Amiantum, and Boras: but Gersa being friable, may be levigated, by light motion, on an inverted sieve. When all are duly levigated, they must be mixed and agitated together with the melted, strained, and hot fats, that they may concrete to an Unguent. But the quantity of Fats seems too little for the Powders, which therefore must either be augmented, or they lessened: for Apothecaries require for one pound of Powders, seven or eight of Fat; but the Powders may be saved, and when use calls for them, mixed with a sufficient quantity of Fats. It represses Pimples arising from bile or salt phlegm in the skin, Vires. but especially in the face. It exterges Tetters, black and blue places, deleates foetid scars, takes away the redness of the eyes, and cures cutaneous affections. CHAP. 26. Unguentum Spleniticum; or, An Ointment for the Spleen. ℞ Oil of Capers, of Jasmine, of each ℥ ix. fresh Butter lb ss. Juice of Bryony, and Showbread, of each lb ss. Gum-Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar ℥ ij. of the Powder of the bark of Tamarisk, Ashton-keyes, Ceterach, white Willowseed, of each ℥ j Cumin-seedʒ ij. new Wax, as much as will suffice to body it into an Unguent. The COMMENTARY. Many are infested with the tumour of their Spleen; others with its induration, without any great tumour; and others with both: all of them have gravity and gripe in their Hypochondria, tumors in their left sides, difficulty of breathing, and brave and plumbeous colours, black and turgid veins towards their Spleens, inflation of feet; and lying on the left side is grievous to them. This Unguent adhibited to the regions of their Spleens, after general Praesidies will much profit; for it is malactical, or mollitive, resolvative, apertive, roborative, and splenetical; whence it hath that name. It should not therefore be omitted; but seeing its use is salubrious, should be kept in Pharmacopolies. For its preparation, let the Oils and Butter boil on a slow fire with the success, till the success be dissipated; then mix dissolved Ammoniack with them, than the Powders, afterwards the Wax, and make an Unguent: whereunto, add some Oil of Spike, which by its tenuity will cause better permeation for the rest, and emend the Unguents odour. CHAP. 27. Unguentum Neapolitanum; or, The Neapolitan Unguent. ℞ of Hogs-suet washed in the Juice of Sage lb j Quicksilver killed ℥ iiij. Oil of Bays, Chamomile, and Worms, of each ℥ ij. of Spike ℥ j ss. Aquavitae ℥ j yellow Wax ℥ ij. Turpentine washed in the Juice of Enula-campane ℥ iij. Powder of Ground-pine and Sage, of each ℈ ij. mingle them. The COMMENTARY. I wish, that medics would speak of the venereous disease and its cure, without injury to any Nation: For many, ignorant of its original, cause and nature, refer it to such, from whom they received it, whether justly or injustly. Hence some call it the Spanish, others the Italian, and others the French disease. But the French, being men that will not put up an injury, hearing the disease imposed on them, which they had rightly called the Indian, or Venereous Pox; they called both the disease and its remedy, Italian, because the Italians had wronged them first; and sometimes the Indian: for the Spaniards brought it first out of India into Italy; whence the French, taking Neapolis, brought home this Neapolitan fruit. But to my purpose. This Indian Unguent may serve in stead of very many of that name, which are unduly confected of Swines-fat, and Quicksilver, and sometimes a few simples unduly united, and kept in many Pharmacopolies; whereby the diseased, in stead of help, gets the Palsy, Stupour, and Trembling: But this we have described, consists of many things that hinder such affections, that roborate the Nerves, extinguish the malign and peccant quality of the humours, and resolve the humours, propelling many by sputation. Some add Petreol and Euphorbium, which being exceeding hot and tenuious, may help cold natures; but they much harm the bilious and temperate. Some also add Mithridate and the Theriack; but we omit them, as not alexiterial to this disease: but Quicksilver is very efficacious, if duly prepared, as we have elsewhere demonstrated. For the preparation of this Unguent, the wax must first be melted on a moderate fire with the Oils; then Aquavitae added to them, which must be agitated and calefied till the water be exhaled; then incorporate them with Quicksilver, Fat, and Turpentine; whereunto add the Powders, and subact all into an Unguent. That the Quicksilver may be duly prepared, it should first be trajected through a woollen cloth, that its plumbago may be segregated; then extinguished with jejune and sound spittle: for being thus tamed, it is fit for this confection, then when extinct in the succe of Henbane and Lemons, though the Grease and Turpentine take away much of its freity. It's malign quality may be very well castigated in the Oil of Turpentine duly prepared. It cures the flux of the mouth, or the exputation of virulent humours through the mouth, if after purgation, the parts be twice or thrice anointed therewith. We have neglected many Unguents described in vulgar Antidotaries, because their use is either not approved of, or disallowed of, or their faculties respondent to, and contained in these we have described. For he that hath the Styptical Unguent, or Aregon of Fernelius, needs not the Unguent of Comitissa and Arthanita. SECT. II. Of Cerecloths. AS Cerecloths are in the middle betwixt Unguents and Salves; so we describe them in the middle. They are called Cerata, because they admit of Wax; as also Ceronea: which are now made of such solidity, that they differ not from Salves, but are taken indiscriminately by Surgeons, who call such as repose broken or disjointed bones, Ceroneous Salves. But Cerata, in a more angust acceptation, denote an external Medicament aggregated of Oil, Wax, the parts of Plants, Animals, Metals, and Minerals, to a middle consistence, betwixt Unguents and Salves: for they admit of more Wax than Unguents, and less than Salves. Now the proportion of Wax to Oil in Unguents, is of two dragms and an half to one ounce; in Cerata, of two dragms and a half to an ounce; in Salves, twice, thrice, or four times as much Wax as Oil: which proportion varies, according to the different mixtion of other Ingredients, and the season they are confected in; for where there is required much of Powders, there must be more; where little, there less Oil: in Summer also less Oil is requisite, then in Winter; so that it is in the perite Artists power to change, augment, or lessen the quantity of Wax and Oil: and as Cerone is used for an Emplaster; so is Ceratum for an Unguent: for their preparation, commixtion, and spissitude, are almost one; yea, a Ceratum is sometimes more liquid than an Unguent. CHAP. 1. Ceratum refrigerans Gal. or, The cooling Cerate of Galen. ℞ of white Wax ℥ j Oil of Roses ℥ iiij. melt them together, and pour on a little coldwater, keeping it continually stirring; at the last, adding Vinegar ℥ ss. make it into a Cerate. The COMMENTARY. There is not amongst all compound and euporistical Medicaments, one more frequent or simple, than this described and celebrated by Galen; which some call an Unguent, some Ceratum Album, and some Ceratum refrigerans Galeni. You may thus make it: Divide the wax into pieces, melt it in the Oil of Roses not perfectly explicated; take it from the fire, and transfuse it into another vessel; and when it is cold, and moderately concreted, affund cold water upon it, and agitate it; which iterate, till the mixture will take no more: whereunto, if you add a little thin white-wine Vinegar, it will be more humectative and refrigerative. Galen advises, when it should be made very refrigerative, to put the success of Lettuce, Nightshade, Sempervive, and such refrigerants to it. But this needs not be done, but when the time of use calls for it, these may be added; for it is better to have it made in the shops after the most simple form. It cures Inflammations, S. Anthony's fires, Pimples, Carbuncles, Vires. red Swell, and all hot distempers. It also much helps the Feverish, if it be put upon their Hypochondria. CHAP. 2. Ceratum Santalinum; or, The Cerate of Sanders. D. Mes. ℞ of Rose-leavesʒ xij. red Sandersʒ x. white and yellow, of each ℥ vj. Bole-armeniackʒ seven. white Wax washedʒ xxx. Ivoryʒ seven. Camphyrʒ ij. Oil of Roses lb j make into a Cerate. The COMMENTARY. The Pharmacopolist that wants Sugar, is not so derisible, as he that wants this Ceratum; whose continual and happy use, sufficiently nobilitate it. It is from Wax called Ceratum; from Santals', Santalinum. You may make it thus: First pulverate all the Santals' together; the Roses, Bole-armeniack, Ivory, and Camphyr apart; then mix the Wax with the Oil, that they may be liquefied on a slow fire; when they are confusedly melted, and a little cold, wash them thrice or more in Rose-water; whereunto adject the said powders, yet in such method, that the Camphyr be last put in; then agitate, subact, and unite all into the consistence of a Ceratum. We have put crude, not burnt Ivory, for Spodium: and why we have so done, hath been frequently showed. It allays the inflammations, exustions, and hot distempers of the Ventricle, Liver, and other parts, with much efficacy. CHAP. 3. Ceratum Stomachicum; or, A Cerate for the Stomach taken out of Mes. ℞ Roses, Mastic, of eachʒ x. dried Wormwoodʒ seven. ss. Spikenardʒ v. Wax ℥ ij. Oil of Roses ℥ ix. make it according to Art into a Cerate. The COMMENTARY. This Ceratum of Mesue's being more efficacious than those two which Galen describes, it is more usual and frequent in shops. For its preparation, melt the Wax and Oil; when cold, wash them oft in Rose-water; melt them again, and wash them in equal portions of the succe of Quinces and of black austere wine, with a little Vinegar (which may be well omitted.) In the meanwhile, pulverate the Roses and Wormwood together, Mastic and Spikenard apart; then confusedly mix all the powders with the wax and Oil duly washed, and subact them into a legitimate spissitude. Galen, to whom Mesue attributes its description, gives it otherwise; therefore the invention of the description, or at least of the better description, is due to Mesue. It it called Stomachical, because it conduces to that part; for it foments the heat of the stomach, and of the whole Ventricle, helps concoction, dissipates flatulency, cocts crude humours, moves appetite, and stays vomiting: but it should and must be extended all over the region of the stomach, and sometimes the whole Ventricle; for it roborates that also, and makes it more prompt and apt to perform its office. CHAP. 4. Ceratum Oesypatum, Gal. tributum, D. Mes. ℞ Oesypi ℥ x. Oil of Camomile, Orris, of each lb ss. Wax ℥ iiij. Mastic, Turpentine, of each ℥ j Rosine ℥ ss. Spikenardʒ ij. ss. Saffronʒ j ss. Ammoniacum ℥ j Storax ℥ ss. make it into a Cerate according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Mesue describes three Ceratas, whereof we select this one, attributed to Galen, as most efficacious and usual: which yet Rondeletius, by the addition of Ammoniack and Storax, hath made more effectual: for thus confected, it performs those effects which the descriptions of Pilagrius and Paulus pollicitate. Wherefore he that hath this, may be without the others. It is called Oesypatum, from its Basis Oesypum; which you may thus extract: Take a fit quantity of wool evelled from the necks, bellies and privities of sheep; macerate it eight hours in hot water, agitate it all the while with a stick; then servefie it on the fire, till it depose its fatness into the water: extract, and violently express the wool; and then transfuse the water from one vessel to another with much force, that it may eructate much spume; which collect, and repose in a vessel apart: iterate the transfusion in the hot Sun, till all the fat spume be collected; which wash, and agitate in pure water, till its filth be segregated, and the last water remain limpid, and the fatness leave no acrimony on the tongue; then put it in a dense earthen pot, and keep it in a cold place. It is emollitive, resolvative, calefactive and anodynous. The Ceratum you may thus confect: first pulverate the Saffron, Mastic, Spikenard and Storax apart; then mix their powders together; macerate Ammoniack in Vinegar, melt it, and coct it to the consistence of Honey; then liquefie the wax in Oil; take them from the fire, and put therein Oesypum, dissolved Ammoniack, and Turpentine together, then agitate and subact all the powders together, that they may acquire due spissitude. It mollifies, resolves, digests, and alleys dolours; and thence conduces to the hard tumors of the Liver, Spleen, Uterus, Nerves, Articles, and other parts. Authors describe other external Medicaments, under the name of Cerata; which being of a harder consistence, we shall prosecute in our next Book of Salves. Mesue describes some softer than these, which are seldom or never made. Finis Libri Quinti. The Apothecary's Shop, OR, ANTIDOTARY. Of EXTERNAL MEDICAMENTS. THE SIXTH BOOK. Of Emplasters. THE PREFACE. BOth the Matter and Virtue of Unguents and Salves are one, their consistence different; which in the one is soft and liquid, in the other crass and solid: which are therefore made into Rolls and Bacils of a finger's length and crassitude, and sometimes much more; and not reposed in vessels like Unguents, but involved in papers, and so kept in Pharmacopolies. That they may acquire that crassitude, they admit of more Wax, and less Oil than Unguents; as twice, thrice, and sometimes four times as much Wax as Oil: which quantity of Wax must be augmented or lessened, according to the quantity of Rosines and concrete success; as also the quantity of Oil, as the dosis of Fats, Grease and Marrow may ingrede the confection. Now Salves are confected of the parts of Plants and Animals, of Minerals and Metals; some whereof give only the body and consistence, without any great virtue, as Wax, common Oil, Quicksilver, and some Rosines; others with matter, give also virtue and efficacy, as Minerals, Plants, and the other Ingredients. All Salves do not admit of Wax and Rosines, but receive Laudanum, Frankincense, and other things for their matter: Some also are made without Wax and fire, whose materials are Honey, viscid Success, Cream, and the like, concreted to a due spissitude; as the Salve of Bread-Crusts and Bayberries, and the like. This order must be observed in confecting Salves: first the Wax must be melted in Oil; then the liquors, success, and Mucagines mixed therewith, and cocted on a slow fire, till the aqueous humidity be exhaled; then must the Fats and Rosines be added; as also all kinds of Gums: Some whereof are mixed sincere, others diluted, colated, and cocted in Wine, Vinegar, or other liquor: if Turpentine be required, it may be added when the Salve is percocted, and abstracted from the fire; then must the hard Powders be cast and sprinkled, agitated, subacted, and concreted into a mass neither soft nor hard, but moderate and viscid, which will not inquinate the contractants hands. If liquid success, as Wine, Vinegar, Medicinal Waters or Decoctions, ingrede a Salves confection, they must be cocted till their aqueous humidity be dissipated. New and spiss Success must be dissolved in some liquor, which must also be dissipated by coction; dry and friable ones must be pulverated and mixed therewith. And as it is of great moment, which must be first put in the dispensation, and which last: so also, which must be longer, which less cocted. For the light coction of lethargy makes the Medicament white; the longer, black. Verdigrease makes it sometimes citreous, sometimes green, and sometimes fusk, according to the various heat of the fire: And the mutation of colour, often argues the mutation of qualities; for lethargy, by longer coction, makes the Salve both blacker and more exsiccative. And though the consistence and faculties be the most looked after in Salves; yet their colour and odour make them more commendable. But seeing we have abundantly treated of general Precepts in confecting Salves, in our Institutions (Chap. 4. Book 3.) it now only rests, that we discuss the particular preparation and confection of each of them. CHAP. 1. Diachylon simplex. D. Mes. ℞ old Oil lb j lethargy finely beaten lb j ss. Our London- Apothecaries usually add as much water as Oil, to boil it with. of the musilidge of Marshmallow-roots, Linseed, and Foenugreek, of each ℥ iiij. make it into a Plaster of a legitimate consistency. The COMMENTARY. The denomination of this Salve is multifarious: for from the mucagineous success, which it admits in great plenty, it is called Diachylon; from its colour, Album; from its usual frequency, Commune; and from the five Simples that ingrede its Confection, Pentapharmacum; and often, Simple Diachylon, in reference to another more composititious. The whole Family of Myropolists acknowledge Mesue its Author, though Serapio and Avicenna gave descriptions thereof before him: and all exhibit it according to the superior form, wherein Oil and lethargy suppeditate matter and corpulency, and Success efficacy; which mixed in divers proportions, and after divers preparations, make up this Emplaster. For more dilucidation, prepare it thus: Purge the lethargy from its Lead, dross, and filth; then levigate it small, agitate, and subact it twelve hours in a Metalline-Morter with Oil; then coct it on a slow fire, always stirring it, till the lethargy incrassate to a melleous consistence, and adheres not to the bottom of the Kettle; then take it off the fire, that it may cool; then fervefie the success extracted in water aparr, till their more aqueous parts be exhaled; then mix about a third part thereof accurately with the lethargy, and coct them again, till the lethargy incrassate as before; then put the rest to it, and agitate them, letting them fervefie on a slow fire, till they be all united, and concorporated into a Salve of a legitimate consistence; and if you put an ounce of the powder of Orris, to each pound of this Salve, than you have Diachylon Ireatum. It is a sign the Salve is perfectly cocted, when a part thereof adheres not to a Marble, nor inquinates the contrectants hands: yet it should be sequacious and viscid, that Rolls may be form thereof, involved in paper, and kept. It is the best Mollitive: for it mollifies the hard tumors, and cocts the humours of the Liver, Spleen, Ventricle, and other parts: that which admits of Orris, attracts, incides, and resolves more. CHAP. 2. Diachylon Magnum. D. Mes. ℞ of lethargy of Gold finely powdered lb j Oils of Orris, Dill, and Camomile, of each lb ss. musilidge of Marshmallow-roots, Figs, Linseed, Foenugreek, Isinglass, Juices of Orris, Squills, Oesypi, of eachʒ xij. ss. Turpentine ℥ iij. Rosine, Wax, of each ℥ ij. make it into a Plaster according to Art. Diachylon Magnum cum Gummis. ℞ Bdellium, Sagapenum, Ammoniacum, of each ℥ ij. dissolve them in wine, and boil them to the crassitude of Honey; adding the mass of Diachylon Magnum, and make it into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. As the Simple and Ireatum were, so the great and Gummatum Diachylon are conjoined, and described all in one order, because in name and faculties they have much affinity. Paul. Aegin. dissents much from Mesue, in the description and confection of the greater. Oribasius dissents from Paulus; and the usual method accommodated to Mesue, from both: which we now follow, only neglecting Raisins; in whose stead we, by Guido's advice, substitute Althea's-root: and you may thus confect it: Agitate and move lethargy, already brayed and purged in a Mortar of Copper with Oil very long; then coct it on a slow fire, always stirring it, till it incrassate; then add the musilidges, and coct them, till their watery humidity be absumed; afterwards put Fish-glue diluted in the succe of Orris and Squills, into the confection, and coct them till the success be spent: in stead of Alkanach, you may put Alkam, or Birdlime, which is more convenient for this Emplaster: The Wax and Rosine must be put into these, whilst they are on the fire; the Turpentine and Oesypus may be added, when they are abstracted from the fire: all the mass must be continually agitated, that its consistence may be idoneous. Some, by industrious sedulity, mix a small quantity of the Mucagines, at first, with the Oils and lethargy, that they may hinder its subsidence to the bottom of the vessel, and make the Salve whiter. Its faculties effect the same with the former, but more efficaciously: for it mollifies, cocts, and digests better: The Gummatum Diachylon attracts, mollifies, and resolves potently. CHAP. 3. Emplastrum de Mucaginibus, seu Diachylon compositum; or, The Plaster of Musilidges, or Diachylon compound. ℞ of the Musilidge of the seeds of Marshmallows, Lin, Foenugreek, the middle bark of Elm, of each ℥ iiij. Oil of Camomile, Lilies, and Dill, of each ℥ j Ammoniacum, Galbanum, Opoponax, Sagapenum, of each ℥ ss. new Wax ℥ xx. Turpentine ℥ ij. Saffronʒ ij. make it into a Plaster according to Art. The COMMENTARY. Though this Salve be of an uncertain Author, yet all Pharmacopolists make it after this description which we exhibit from Fernelius its Transcriber: for whose confection, first extract the Chyles in water; then coct them with Oils on a slow fire, till their a queous humidity be dissipated; cut the wax into pieces, and melt it herein, agitating it with a spatle: add the Gums diluted first in Vinegar, strained and cocted to the absumption of the Vinegar; then take them off the fire, and add Turpentine and Saffron to them, still agitating the mass, till it acquire a due consistence: whereof form Rolls of half or a whole ounce weight. It partly mollifies, partly cocts and maturates, and therefore conduces to the cure of humours preternaturally indurated. It is enumerated amongst the mollitive and suppurative Salves, and frequent in use. CHAP. 4. Emplastrum de Meliloto; or, Melilot Plaster. D. Mes. ℞ of Melilot ℥ vj. Camomile-flowers, tops of Wormwood, wild Marjoram, Foenugreek, Bayberries, Marshmallow-roots, of eachʒ iij. the seeds of Smallage, Bishopweed, Cardamomes, Orris, Cypress, Lavender, Cassia-Lignea, of eachʒ j ss. Ammoniacumʒ x. Storax, of each ʒ iij. Orris, round Birthwort, of eachʒ vj. white Wax, Turpentine, of each lb ss. * Gum-Olei Aethiopiae. Gum-Elemni ℥ ij. Rosine of the Pinetree ℥ vj. Oil of the Fir-tree, white-wine, of each as much as will suffice to make it into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. Seeing there are many capital Diseases, which besides the help of Surgeons, require Topical Medicaments; and few of them only can be helped by the Emplaster de Janua: Andernacus did well, to describe this of Betony, which is more efficacious, perfectly curing more preternatural affections of the head. You may thus prepare it: Contund the herbs well in a Mortar, macerate them a whole week in white-wine, agitate and coct them, express and strain the wine, and coct it, till the third part be absumed; then put Oil of Fir to it, then melted wax, afterwards Gums and Rosines, and last of all Turpentine: when these are pretty cold, add to them the rest that are pulverated or concreted, always agitating them till the whole humour be exorbed; last of all put Goats-milk or Cows-milk to them, and make Rolls. It unites fractures, Vires. covers bones with flesh, detracts the splinters of bones; and evokes such as are deeply sunk: it restores lost and hard flesh; it absterges, digests, and ficcates notably. CHAP. 8. Emplastrum de Baccis Lauri; or, The Plaster of Bayberries. D. Mes. ℞ of Bayberries ℥ ij. Olibanum, Mastich, Myrrh, of each ℥ j Cypress, Costus, of each ℥ ss. Honey despumed, as much as will suffice to make it into an Emplaster. The COMMENTARY. Mesue neither adds Oil, nor Wax, nor Fat, to this confection; only an indefinite quantity of Honey to receive the rest: whose dosis he leaves to the Artificers judgement; who think, that one and a half, or two ounces, are sufficient for the comprehension of the powders, which give a legitimate consistence to this Emplaster, which Mesue describes as most efficacious in curing the Dropsy, if the quantity of Cypress be triplicitated, and as much Goats or Cows-dung as the weight of the whole amounts to, added. But it is better to confect it more simple, or else only to triplicitate the Cypress; or, when use calls for it, to add the dungs of both or one. For its confection, pulverate all apart but Honey, and add Cypress and Costus to the Honey, while hot, despumed, but not cocted: when it is cold, put Frankincense, Myrrh, and Mastic to it, and make Rolls of it; but because they will soon dry, some repose them close in earthen pots, and so they keep longer without damage. It allays the dolours of the Ventricle, Intestines, Liver, Reins, Vires. Uterus, and Bladder, sprung from flatulency, or a cold cause: it conduces to the dry Hydroptical person, by discussing the more tenuious and flatulent matter. CHAP. 9 Emplastrum Tonsoris; or, The Barber's Plaster. D. Aetii. ℞ of dry Pitch lb ij. Wax lb j Rosine of the Pinetree lb ss. the flower of Foenugreek, the flower of the root of the black Chamaeleon-Thistle, of each ℥ iiij. Cuminseed powdered ℥ ij. make it into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. medics do daily prescribe Medicaments for present use, better than the vulgar Dispensatories suppeditate; which Pharmacopolists have described and kept, after they have noted their effects; and thus women keep some Receipts in their Closets, from which they once found ease: And thus a Bythinian Barber had a Salve from some of his coaetaneous medics, which being often successfully used, is since always called, The Barber's Salve. Thus also a Weaver of Paris got a black Unguent, like the vulgar Basilicon, which he exhibited to all Sores; and when he was dead, his Son made, and gave the like: Insomuch, that one could scarce live half a week in Paris, but he would see and try the Weavers Unguent. And although medics often disapprove of such as the ignorant approve of; yet Aetius much commends this Barber's Salve, for the cure of the Spleen, Dropsy, and Sciatica: for, saith he, it hath freed many from the dolour of the Hips; for it attracts, digests, and resolves watery humours; which it effects more facilely, if it be confected with Oil of Orris, or some Fat: nay, it can scarce be made without Fats; therefore I think half a pound of Oil should be adjected. If Chamaeleons-root cannot be had, an equal weight of the root of vulgar Bryony, commonly called White-vine, may be added in its stead; especially when it is required for the cure of the Spleen and Dropsy. But the root of the other Bryony, which they call The blessed Virgin's Seal, is a more convenient substitute for the cure of the Sciatica, or any arthritical dolour. Which wild Bryony is a kind of soft Ivy, so delighting in arundincous and watery places, that it always seeks water-banks; insomuch, that wherever Botanics find this Plant, they conclude there is water underneath. Arnoldus Villonavanus calls it, The Celestial Sigil; and saith, that it cures the Gowry dolours; in these words, The heavenly Sigil will cure Podagry for ever. CHAP. 10. Emplastrum Palmeum, seu Diachalciteos. ℞ of old Oil, If water be not added, you may stir till Doomsday before it will be white. lethargy of Gold, of each lb iij. Hogs-suet lb ij. white Vitriol ℥ iiij. boil it upon a gentle fire, continually stirring it with a Spatula, till it comes to a white Plaster. The COMMENTARY. Myropolists and Surgeons do rather from Custom then Reason retain this Name of Diapalma, which was given to this Salve, because it is in cocting, agitated, moved, and subacted with a rudicle of Palm-wood: some, mutuating its name from its Basis, call it more rightly, The Emplaster of Diachalcitis; but such as put a difference betwixt Vitriol and Chalcitis, say, that this is made of Chalcitis, Diapalma of Vitriol, and in all things the they are alike. However, many make them not alike: for in the confection of this of Diachalcitis, they put only three ounces of Chalcitis, injecting into its coction, by Galen's advice, some branches of the Palm minutely incided: but they make the palmeous Emplaster after the form prescribed, agitating it always with a palmeous spatle; and first of all they coct the lethargy minutely pulverated on a slow fire, with Oil and Fat, always agitating it with a rudicle of the Palm, or some other astrictive Tree, as the Oak or Medlar, newly cut from the Tree. And that the Salve may communicate more of its Medicamental faculty, they prescind its extremities, and abrade it to the very radical moisture. When the mixture is cocted and incrassated, they subtract it from the fire, and put Roman or white Vitriol in it; and in defect of the true Chalcitis, inject the pulverated one, and subact it: and so they have a mass of a just consistence, whereof they make Rolls. Many would have the Vitriol cocted with the other Ingredients, that it might depose part of its acrimony: in which there is reason. It cures green wounds, pestilent tumors and exitures; as also Ulcers, Bruises, and divelled parts. CHAP. 11. Emplastrum gratia Dei; or, A Plaster by the grace of God. ℞ of Rosine lb j Turpentine lb ss. white Wax ℥ iiij. Mastic ℥ j Vervain, Betony, Pimpinel, of each m. j after they are bruised, let them be boiled in white-wine; and in the decoction, let the other Simples be boiled, till the liquor be consumed; and so make it into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. This Salve is one of them which is endued with a specious name for ostentations sake; as that Isotheos' Antidote in Aetius, that Emplastrum Isis in Paulus, and that other which Aetius mentions, that is called Man, consisting only of Sandyx and Oil: for by such a name not only Rustics, but those of the Citizens, that think themselves wiser, are incited to buy such a Medicament. We will therefore, with the troop of Aromatories, call this Medicament Emplastrum de gratia Dei, and confect it thus: We take green herbs newly gathered, cut them small, bray them well in a stone-Morter, macerate them a whole day in a sufficient quantity of generous wine; then coct them, till half the wine be absumed; then we express the herbs, and abject them, breaking or cutting the wax into the percolated liquor, there to be melted and cocted, continually agitating it till the liquor be absumed; then we bray, commix, and melt therein the Rosines; and taking it off the fire, unite the Turpentine therewith: when it is almost cold, we adject the Mastic, and so we acquire a Salve of a legitimate consistence. It purges and closes wounds and Ulcers, Vires. roborates the parts to which it is adhibited: all which it would do more efficaciously, if it were made with red wine. CHAP. 12. Emplastrum Divinum; or, The Divine Plaster. ℞ of the Loadstone ℥ iiij. Ammoniacum ℥ iij. andʒ ij. Bdellium ℥ ij. Galbanum, Myrrh, of each ℥ j andʒ ij. Olibanum ℥ j ʒ j Opoponax, Mastic, long Birthwort, Verdigrease, of each ℥ j lethargy of Gold, common Oil, of each lb ss. new Wax lb ss. mingle them to a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. Whilst I read or hear these specious Names, I cannot but think of the eximious Remedies of the Alchemists, who seeing their Elixir-vitae grow threadbare, called it The Angelical Potion: but the name is tolerable, where the faculties are responsible; as in this Emplaster, which being very efficacious, though not Divine, we shall by authority call Divine. You may thus confect it: Agitate, move, and stir well-pulverated lethargy for twelve hours' space with Oil; and always moving it, coct it to the crassitude of Honey; then cut the wax in pieces, mix it with the Oil, and melt it: in the mean time, macerate, dissolve, and strain the Gums in Vinegar, or tenuious white-wine, and coct them till the aqueous humidity be discussed and evaporated; then mix Turpentine therewith, and inject and incorporate them all with the lethargy, united with Oil and Wax: to all these, add the Powders of Myrrh, Mastic, Frankincense, Aristolochy, and the Magnet brayed apart; then mix Verdigrease brayed, but not cocted too long, lest it make the Salve red: These well united, and commixed, will be a Salve of a due spissitude. Some, in stead of the Powder of Amyentis, take the Powder of sweet Amentum, that is, the fat of Glass: but it is better confected with the Magnet. It mollifies the parts whereunto it is adhibited; it allays dolours, attracts, digests, and resolves humours. CHAP. 13. Emplastrum de Cerusa; or, The Plaster of Ceruse. ℞ Oil of Roses lb ij. Ceruse lb j ss. white Wax ℥ iiij. boil them together, and make them into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. The Author indeed of this Emplaster is uncertain; but the description, dosis of its simples, and the manner of its preparation, are fare more uncertain: for some confect it in form of an Unguent, as Praepositus; others in form of an Emplaster: to whose composition, some assume lethargy, Amylum, and the Whites of Eggs, as Paulus and Myrepsus; others make it of Wax, Ceruse, and Oil: Some again assume twice as much Oil as Ceruse; others, a like quantity of both: Some take more Wax, others more Oil. The description we give is most usual, the confection we teach is most easy, and the composition we approve of most efficacious; wherein we rather assume two pounds of Oil of Roses and Omphacinum, then of common Oil, a pound and an half of Ceruse, and only four ounces of Wax. Now before Ceruse ingrede the confection, it should be often washed in common or Rose-water, than agitated in a Marble-Morter with a ligneous ; than it should reside; and when it is settled, the water be effused, and more again affunded, with which it must be agitated; which must be iterated, till the water appear pure and limpid; which then may be ejected, and Trochisks form out of the remaining white Ceruse, which must be dried in the Sun, and reposed for use: whereof the described quantity must be taken, and levigated very small, for the confection of this Salve: But after levigation, it must be first cocted in the radiant Sun over a slow fire, and agitated continually with a spatle; then must the wax be melted, and stirred with it, that all may acquire a due spissitude. It is of much use, not only in drying cutaneous vices, and superficial Exulcerations, but also in coagulating greater Ulcers, allaying Inflammations, and curing Clefts and Kins: it also heals burn. CHAP. 14. Emplastrum pro Stomacho; or, A Plaster for the stomach. ℞ of Wormwood, Mint, Marjoram, Roses, Pomegranate-flowers, Cypress-Nuts, of eachʒ iij. Ginger, Nutmegs, Cloves, the seeds of Dill and Carret, of eachʒ ij. Benzoin, Storax, of each ℥ ss. Oil of Mastic and Quinces, of each ℥ iij. yellow Wax lb ss. make it into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. What Medicaments soever are extrinsecally imposed upon the stomach, they are too licentiously called by Asclepiades and Andromachus, Malagms; Galen calls them better, Stomachicals, because they roborate the stomach, as those they call Splenicals do the Spleen; for they mutuate their names from the places whereunto they agree most, not from such as they may by consequence profit: whence they are well called Stomachical Emplasters, which roborate the stomach, and resarciate its imbeciler faculties; as also many Simples, which recreate it by calefaction, and from a certain affinity respect its help; of which we have selected some, and concinnated this Emplaster: for we do not approve of that Chaos of Simples, whereof vulgar Stomachicals are confected; wherein the Pharmacopoean Apothecary undergoes much of labour, cost, and unnecessary burden. This Emplaster than shall consist of fewer, but more Eustomachical Ingredients: for whose confection, first melt and agitate the Wax with Oil; then mix together brayed Storax and Benzoin, and then the rest duly levigated, moving and subacting all into a legitimate crassitude. CHAP. 15. Emplaistrum de Mastiche; or, The Plaster of Mastic. ℞ of Mastic ℥ iij. Bole-armeniack washed in black Wine ℥ j ss. Rosesʒ vj. shave of Ivory, Red Coral, of each ℥ ss. Turpentine ℥ ij. yellow Wax lb ss. Oil of Myrtleberries ℥ iij. or as much as suffices to make it into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. This Emplastic is also Stomachical, but not so hot as the former: for seeing all imbecility of stomach arises not from cold causes; as subsersion, which frequently happens without a cold distemper; and proneness to vomit, which follows upon any distemper, without vicious humours, it is not equal that its roborative Medicament should be always hot; but Reason commands, that it should be varied and changed, according to the variety of the peccant cause: for it is impossible to find out a Medicament that is best for all affections, but it will more efficaciously help one, and another more imbecilely; and it often falls out, that a hot Emplaster may profit the stomach, and offend the hot Liver. Hence the Proverb: Stomachicum juvat, & occidit Hepaticum. This Emplaster than may safely be adhibited to the hotter imbecile Ventricle: For whose preparation, all must be pulverated and brayed apart; then the wax must be melted with the Oil, and the Turpentine added when it is substracted from the fire; then must Bole, Ivory, Roses and Coral, after just levigation, be commixed therewith; then must all be accurately subacted with the Mastic into a just crassitude. It roborates the whole Ventricle, contemperates its heat, cohibits supinity, and subversion, stays vomiting, and removes imbecility. CHAP. 16. Emplastrum pro Matrice; or, A Plaster for the Fits of the Mother. D. Praep. ℞ of Bistort-roots lb ss. Aloes-wood, sweet-smelling Sanders, Nutmegs, Berberries, Rose-seeds, of each ℥ ss. Cinnamon, Cloves, Squinant, Camomile-flowers, of eachʒ ij. Frankincense, Mastic, Aliptae Moschatae, Galliae Moschatae, red Storax, of eachʒ ss. Mosch gr. v. yellow Waxʒ ix. Turpentine ℥ iij. Laudanum lb ij. Ship-pitch lb j ss. Oil of the Musk-wood, Crowfoot ℥ ij. make it into a Plaster according to Art. The COMMENTARY. The Matrix or Uterus doth not only abound with Diseases, but is the very Spring and Continent of most Muliebral Affections: for when that suffers, the whole Body is illaffected; when that is recreated, the whole Body recruits. And hence medics have prescribed many Medicaments for its solace, as Priapiscota, Fomentations, little Baths, Liniments, Unguents, and Salves, wherein suaveolent and aromatical Ingredients are admitted; with whose fragrancy, whether interiously immitted, or exteriously adhibited, it is much delighted, though not under species of odour, as we have noted in our Institutions. It's most usual Topical Medicament is this Emplaster, thence denominated: for whose confection, you must take wax and Laudanum cut into pieces, and melt and agitate them with Oil: when they are thus melted, remove them from the fire; and while they are hot, put Turpentine and Storax to them: when these are thus untied and refrigerated, mix the rest of the powders with them, always agitating and subacting them, till they acquire due spissitude. Praepositus adds neither Fat nor Oil: but it cannot be well made without the one of these; we have therefore adjoined Moschatelline Oil, as most convenient for the scope and part. We may hence gather, how inept a Writer Praepositus was, who speaks so barbarously; and how imperite a Pharmacopoean, who knows not the legitimate Composition, nor the manner of due preparation, nor the idoneous consistence of Medicaments. I admire that this later Age will tolerate the Name of so foolish an Author, and precipitantly evolve his leaves, and not expunge each line for folly. But this by the way: I will not carp at the dead; Though such dead men by't those that receive their perilous Medicaments. But to my purpose. Some think, that the Oil of Jet, or some such foetid stuff, should be adjected hereto, that it may better agree to the strangulation of the Uterus: but such ratiocination smells of no skill; for no imposition of foetid Medicaments to the region of the Uterus, can hinder its suffocation. But such must be adhibited to the Nostrils, if they be taken for benefit. And though we should grant, that some graveolents might profit the Uterus, yet they should not surely be mixed with Musk, Citrian Santal, and such aromatical Materials. Here note, That by Antera, we understand the inferior part of Roses, accompanied with capillaments and grains; not Anthera, that is, florid, which was an ancient Medicament described for the vices of the mouth, but now obsolete. CHAP. 17. Emplastrum Herniam; or, A Plaster against Rupture. D. N. Praep. ℞ Ship-pitch, Aloes, of each ℥ iij. lethargy, white Wax, clarified Rosine, Galbanum, Ammoniacum, of each ℥ ij. Missletoe of the Oak ℥ vj. long and round Birthwort, * A species of Talkum. Gypsum, of each ℥ iiij. Myrrh, Frankincense, of each ℥ vj. Turpentine ℥ ij. ⸪ Ysculorum. Earthworms, Galls, the greater and lesser Comfrey, Bole-armeniack, of each ℥ iiij. Man's Blood lb j Oil of Mastic and Quinces, of each lb ss. of the Broth of the skin of a Ram, as much as will suffice to body it into a Plaster. The COMMENTARY. It is easy to know those Medicaments which Praepositus transcribed, from those he described and invented: for those he invented are either defective or excessive; or peccant in the dosis of the Simples, or in the manner of their preparation; or else ineptly described, as this very Emplaster, which, if made after the Author's mind, would in consistence resemble a hard Paste, no Salve; for it would be presently dry, hard, and pulverable: therefore I thought good to add some Oils, with other Simples accommodated to the scope, and convenient for the colligation of the Powders. That you may duly confect it, cut the skin of a young Ram newly detracted, into pieces, and coct it, and the wool on it, twelve hours, or a whole day, if need be, that it may dissolve; then express the decoction, and abject the wool; in one pound of the colature, coct the berries of the Missletoe of the Oak, or of some other tree, of like quantity, till their aqueous humidity be absumed; then strain them: in the mean while, wash Earthworms in wine, cocting them, till they be dissolved, and then strain them; mix Oil with the colature, and set it again on the fire, till its watery humour be discussed; then mix the two colatures together, and therein melt the Wax, Colophony, and Pitch, exactly agitating them, that they burn not; mix Galbanum and Ammoniack, which must first be dissolved, strained, and cocted to a melleous spissitude, with the liquor almost consumed by cocture: subtract all from the fire, and put Turpentine to them; and then add the powders artificially levigated: and all these duly prepared, mixed, united and subacted, will be an Emplaster of a legitimate consistence. In defect of the berries of the Missletoe of the Oak, Joubertus substitutes a Succedanium, adding many more astrictives, that the Salve may be more agglutinative. Arnaldus foolishly postulates the blood of a red Man; as though the blood of another sound and sanguineous Man were not better: but Swine's blood is all out as convenient. Praepositus requires red wax, that is, new wax, which is so flave, that it seems subrubeous; but white wax is more accommodate. He would also have the Marble whereon the mass is injected, madefied with Oil of Violets: we choose the Oil of Mastic for that purpose. It most efficaciously constringes and roborates lax parts, cohibits fluxions: it coarctates the dilatation of the Peritonaeum, through which the Intestines delabe: whence it cures bursting, and is by some Pharmacopolists called the Emplaster for bursting; and by others, The Emplaster of the Rams-skin. CHAP. 18. Emplastrum Catagmaticum; or, A Plaster for Fracturated Bones. ℞ the root of the greater Comfrey, Marshmallow-root, Missletoe, of each ℥ ij. Plantain, Ground-pine, S. Johns-wort, of each m.j. Boyl them in equal parts of black Wine and Bean-water, till half he consumed: to the colature, add of the Musilidge of Quince-seeds, extracted in the decoction of Tripes, Oil of Mastic, and Roses, of each ℥ iiij. Virgins Wax lb j lethargy of Gold ℥ ij. Turpentine ℥ iij. Pomegranate-flowers, Roses, Myrtles, Acacia, of each ℥ ss. Mumy, Grains of Tutsan, clarified Rosine, Mastic, Amber, of eachʒ vj. Ship-Pitch ℥ j ss. Bole-armeniack, Volatile flour, Frankincense, of each ℥ j ss. Dragons-blood ℥ ij. Make them into a Plaster according to Art. The COMMENTARY. As the parts of the Body are dissimilar in form, temper, and actions: so must their Medicaments, whereby each part is conserved or cured, be dissimilar; for the Eyes call for one, the Lungs another, the Uterus another, and the Bones another: yea, the same part oft requires divers Medicaments, according to the diversity of the affection wherewith it is pestered. For those Medicaments that conduce to the rottenness and wormeatenness of the Bones, are not used in their Fractures: for the curing whereof, most Surgeons perperously adhibit only astrictives; some exhibiting only Oxycroceum; others, Emplastrum de pelle Arietina, or Contra Rupturam; others, The vulgar Ceroneum: whence, perhaps, the Nomenclature of that Emplaster is decocted, which is so much celebrated at Paris, which they give indiscriminately to all that crave help, and adhibit promiscuously to all diseases and parts. And hence many, by the occlusion of their passages, and retention of their excrementitious humours, are loaden with dolours, infested with the Itch, or beset with Ulcers. Apothecary's therefore should have peculiar skull-Plaisters, which may not be only astrictive and roborative, but withal conservative, accelerating generation and increase; as this we now exhibit, whose preparation we shall a little open for Apprentices sakes: First then the roots must be cleansed, and cut into pieces; the herbs cut small, and cocted in an equal portion of black wine, and steel-water, till half thereof be dissipated; the success must be injected into the strained liquor, and boiled there, till the aqueous humidity be exhaled; then must the Oils be commixed, afterwards the Wax, and then the lethargy: when they are taken off the fire, percolated, and united by agitation, the Turpentine must be added, and then the Powders; and all must be well mixed, agitated, and subacted, that they may make up an Emplaster of a due consistence. If Tutsan cannot be had, the seed or summities of S. Johns-wort may be substituted in its stead. By Virgins-wax, we mean that which is flave, citrian, and newly segregated from the Honey, which is more apt and useful in roborating the Nerves. This Salve hath an excellent faculty in curing the fractures of Bones: for it helps and accelerates their coalition, when they are coagulated, increases their brawniness, foments the innate calour of the part, and stays the fluxions of humours. I could wish all Surgeons to make this Emplaster, and not to suffer some ignorant fellows so freely; who with one Ceroneum (as they call it) unduly prepared (it is probable) promise the cure of all Sores. CHAP. 19 Emplastrum Vigonium de Ranis; or, Vigo 's Salve of Frogs. ℞ Oil of Camomile, Dill, Spike, and of Lilies, of each ℥ ij. Oil of Bayesʒ j Oil of Saffron ℥ j Calves fat lb ss. Euphorbiumʒ v. Frankincenseʒ x. Vipers fat ℥ ij. ss. Living Frogs num. vj. Worms washed in Wine ℥ iiij. ss. the Juices of the roots of Dwarf-elder and Enula-campane, of each ℥ ij. Squinant, Stotchas, Motherwort, of each m.j. odoriferous Wine lb ij. boil them to the consumption of the Wine: and to the Colature add lethargy lb j clear Turpentine ℥ ij. White or yellow Wax, as much as will suffice, Liquid Storax ℥ j ss. after it is removed from the fire, add ℥ iiij. of Quicksilver killed with fasting spittle, stirring it with a Spatula. The COMMENTARY. As India, by the institution of Nature, first produced both the Venereous Pox and its Remedy: so Italy, which first infected Europe with this Disease, refects the same with the best Medicament: for Joannes de Vigo, an Italian, consulting his own (it may be) and Countries good, composed this Emplaster, of eximious virtue, for the cure of the Italian, which they ineptly call the French disease: whose description is good, though the manner of preparation which he prescribes, be ill enough; for he would have all confusedly cocted together, till he come at lethargy. But Neotericks do thus better instruct. First wash the Earthworms in wine, and coct them and living great Water-frogs together, in the Fats of a Swine and a Calf, and wine, till the third part of the wine be absumed; then add Motherwort, Stoechados, and Schoenantum; and then boil them again, till the wine be exhaled; and then add the success and Oils, and a little after, the Fat of a Viper, or, for want thereof, of a Snake; then coct them, till the aqueous humour be absumed; and afterwards express them strongly: in the Colature, coct the lethargy duly levigated, agitating and stirring it into the form of an Unguent; then add the wax, and melt it; then take it off the fire, and conject brayed Frankincense and Euphorbium into it; afterwards Turpentine and Storax: when you have duly mixed, agitated, united, and refrigerated these, traject the Quicksilver through a dense cloth, after its extinction by jejune spittle, and mix it with the rest: which subact and reduce into the idoneous form of an Emplaster, whereof form Rolls for use. This is the best form for the composition of this Emplaster, which the most Apothecaries follow; some whereof duplicate, others triplicate the quantity of Quicksilver, that the Medicament may be more efficacious in expugning the Indian Pox. Some like not its extinction by jejune spittle, but had rather have it done with a little Turpentine, or Hogs-grease; and it may indeed be very well extinguished by any of these ways: but I had rather have it done with Sage; for the Quicksilver so castigated will not hurt the Nerves. Some desire to know what Oil they must take, of the many varieties of them of Spike: I answer, That Vigo means that Oil which is educed by distillation from the greater latifolious Lavandula, and not the other that is educed by infusion out of the Indian Spike, which the same Author, and Mesue, always call Oil of Spikenard, calling the other Oil of Spike simply. Neither do all consent about Frogs: for some say Water-frogs, others Wood-frogs, and others Palustrian-frogs: I always prefer the Water-frogs before the other, which are often venenate; but any, in defect thereof, may well enough supply the place: and any one may at liberty choose these or the other, seeing they all agree equally almost to this external Medicament. The faculties of this Medicament, which some make in form of a Ceratum or an Unguent, are well known, not only to medics and Surgeons, but all such as have been harmed by Venery. CHAP. 20. Tela Galteri; commonly called Saradrap. ℞ Oil of Roses lb ss. Rams fat ℥ iiij. Wax ℥ x. lethargy, Rosine of the Pinetree, Frankincense, Mastic, of each ℥ ij. Bole-armeniack, Volatile flower, of each ℥ j make it into an Emplaster according to Art; and while it is hot, immerge a cloth, that it may be salved. The COMMENTARY. To the number of Emplasters, they refer a certain cloth Emplastical on both sides, which Neotericks call Sparadrappa; whereof there are as many sorts, as a Cloth may be infected with Salves: for some are vulnerary, others catagmatical; the one used in agglutinating wounds, the other bones: but no diseases call for Sparadraps so frequently, as inveterate Ulcers, and holes left by Pyroticks; whereunto this we have described is most useful. For whose confection, first melt the fat and wax with Oil, mix the brayed lethargy with the liquament; wherein, agitate, stir, and coct it: afterwards, add the other Powders, always stirring, mixing, and uniting them into a legitimate Emplaster; wherein, a cloth somewhat worn must be demerged, and incalcated while it is hot, till it be all over infected, inquinated, and incrustated: which then extract, expose to the air that it may dry, and repose for use. This Cloth is partly Sarcotical, partly Collective and Epulotical; that is, it generates flesh, agglutinates, siccates, and heals wounds and Ulcers: it stays fluxions, and roborates the parts whereunto it is adhibited. He that would have more descriptions of Sparadrappes, may read the last Chapter of the second Section of our fifth Book of Institutions. There may as many Sparadrappes be made by Art, as Emplasters. We have omitted some few Salves; as such as we could either not approve of, or disallow of; or else such as were more than supplied in those we have described. For the use of the Salves of Barbary and Diaphoenician, is quite decayed; the Apostolical Salve is seldom made; and he that hath the Divinum, may well be without it; as he that hath Oxycroecum, without Ceroneum. We have given the best and most useful, not only of Salves, but also of other Medicaments, for internal assumption, and external adhibition: All which, if an Apothecary will make, and keep in his Shop, he shall not want any thing for the expugnation of Diseases. Finis Libri Sexti. AN APPENDIX. Of some Medicinal Waters made by Art. BEsides simple distilled Waters, some others are kept in Pharmacopolies, more compositious, whose use is commendable in many things; and that not only in external adhibitions, but internal assumptions; also to correct distempers, roborate the parts, and erect the faculties: Of which sort, these are the most usual and eximious; which, lest any thing necessary should be wanting, we have here subjoined, beginning with such as are introsumed. Aqua Theriacalis; or, A Theriacal Water. ℞ of the roots of Enula-campane, Tormentil, Angelica, Masterwort, of each ℥ j Cypress, Orris, of eachʒ vj. Setwel, the Pills of Citron, and Orange, Cinnamon, Cloves, the seeds of Carduus, Ivy-berries, and Juniper, of each ℥ ss. Dittany, Scordium, Balm, Marigolds, of each m. ss. Macerate them a whole day upon hot embers in a vessel well covered, with lb vj. of white-wine; the next day add of the decoction of Goatsbeard, Betony, and Water-lillies lb ij. afterwards boil them a little upon a gentle fire: In which dissolve Treacle ℥ iiij. afterwards put them into an Alembick, and distil it in a Bath. There is no Theriacal and Alexiterial Water better, Vires. or more efficacious, than this; for it doth not only recreate the faculties, but oppugn and extinguish all pestilent and venenate qualities. It cures the Syncope, Palpitation, Swooning, Vertigo, Lethargy, Epilepsy, Apoplexy, and Palsy. Aqua Theriacalis alia; or, Another Theriacal Water, more easy to make. ℞ of the roots of Enula-campane, Angelica, of each ℥ iiij. Carduusseed, Cloves, Juniper-berries, of each ℥ j Scordium, Viper's Bugloss, Goatheard, Margerum, Balm, Betony, of each m.j. boil them in water to lb iiij. in which, infuse for a whole day and half Mithridate and Treacle, of each ℥ ij. put them into an Alembick, and distil of the water according to Art. Its faculties are affine to, but more imbecile then those of the former: not only Pharmacopolists, but also any one may make it; for it consists but of a few things, and they easily compassable. Aqua Cinamomi; or, Cinamon-Water. ℞ of the best Cinnamon bruised lb ss. of the best Rose-water, and generous white-wine, of each lb j mingle them, letting them stand in a fit vessel for two days well covered; afterwards distilled off according to Art, and let the Water be preserved. All do not consent about the proportion of Cinnamon to Wine and Rose-water; for some put twice as much wine, and four times as much Rose-water as Cinnamon; others put water and wine in equal quantity: wherein they macerate Cinnamon, and distil the whole; which is the most usual and best way. This water accelerates Birth, expels Secunds, moves fluors, recreates the faculties, and discusses flatulency. Aqua vulgo Clareta dicitur; or, The Water commonly called, A Claret. ℞ of Mace, Cloves, Cinnamon, of each ℥ j Galangal ℥ ss. Cardamomes, Squinant, of eachʒ ij. Gingerʒ ss. infuse them in Aquavitae lb j in a Bath for 24 hours, the waters of Wormwood and Roses, of each lb ss. Sugar ℥ viij. let them be trajected three or four times thorough Hypocrates his Sleeve, and make thereof a Claret, which keep in a fit Bottle. It roborates the stomach, helps coction, discusses flatulency, corrects the cold distemper of the nutritive parts, restitutes the hearts strength, and erects the faculties. Claretc alia; or, Another Claret. ℞ of the roots of both Pyonies, Missletoe, of each ℥ ij. the wood of Bays, and Lentisk, of each ℥ ss. the flowers of Betony, Sage, and Rosemary, of each p. ij. macerate them a whole day in lb j ss. of white-wine, and lb ss. of Balm-water, and afterwards distilled; and in the distilledwater, macerate Cinnamon ℥ j Sugar-Candy ℥ v. which strain and keep. This doth most admirably help for the cure of the Epilepsy, Lethargy, Palsy, Apoplexy, and other cold affections of the Brain and Nerves. Clareta alia; or, Yet another Claret. ℞ of the Waters of Balm and Coltsfoot, Put the sugar in a bladder, and hang the bladder in water, and it will dissolve it. of each lb ss. infuse therein a whole night Enula-campane ℈ ij. Orrisʒ j Cinnamon ℈ iiij. make an expression, and filtrate it, adding dissolved or liquid Sugar-Candy ℥ iij. which after a little insolation, put up. It hath an excellent faculty in curing difficulty of breathing, coughs from a cold cause, and expectoration; for it incides, attenuates, cocts, and moves spittle. The ardent Syrup is made of Sugar diluted in Aquavitae accended: for after its conflagration, the liquor that is left is oleous, and of the spissitude of a Syrup. Clareta vulgaris; or The vulgar Claret. ℞ of the best Aquavitae lb ss. of red Rose-water ℥ iiij. Sugar ℥ iij. Cinnamon ℥ j traject them three or four times through Hypocrates his Sleeve, and make thereof a Claret. This Claret is most grateful, recreating the heart and principal parts, fomenting innate calour, and discussing flatulency. Aqua contra Calculum; or, A Water against the Stone. ℞ of the roots of Smallage, Restharrow, Sea-holly, Radish cut in slices, of each ℥ ij. Bean-cods ℥ iij. all the Saxifrages, Sea-Rattlegrass, Pimpinel, Bishopweed, tops of Marshmallows, of each m. ij. Winter-cherries, Red Cicers, the seed of Grumwel, of each ℥ ij. Citrons cut orbicularly num. iij. macerate them a whole day in a sufficient quantity of white-wine; afterwards distil it, and put to the distilled water, a little Oil of Vitriol, to make it more acid to the gust. This water is eximious in breaking and expelling the Stone, moving Urine and Fluors, accelerating Birth, attenuating viscid humours, and removing obstructions: two spoonfuls, or thereabouts, according to the age and strength of the assument, should be taken in the morning fasting, or long after meat. Aqua ad Gonorrheam; or, A Water for the flux of Sperm. ℞ of Bears-breech, Garden-dock cut small, tops of Marshmallows, of each m.ij the flowers of Water-lilies m.i j Linseed, Hawthornseed, of each ℥ j ss. the four greater cool seeds, of each ℥ j macerated a whole day in Asses or Heifers Milk, afterwards distilled in a Bath. It leniates, takes away acrimony, purges the Reins, Ureters, and Seminaries from filth, and emends their distempers. Of Topical Waters, or such as are externally adhibited. Aqua Ophthalmica; or, A Water for the Eyes. ℞ of the Juices of Salendine, Fennel, Rue, Smallage, and Clary, of of each lb ss. Honey ℥ iij. Goats-Gall ℥ j the Galls of Cocks and Capons, of each ℥ ss. Aleesʒ vj. Cloves, Nutmegs Sarcocolla, of eachʒ ij. put them into an Alembick, and distil of the Water according to Art. This cures many ocular affections; as hebetude, dulness, and debility of fight. Aqua Communitatis; or, The Water of Community. ℞ Eyebright m.ij Salendine, Vervine, Betony, Groundpine, Dill, tops of Clary, Redflowered. Pimpinel, Bishopsweed, Avens, of each m.j. Rosemary m. ss. Long-Pepper ʒ ij. Macerate them in white-wine for a whole day, and then distil of the Water. It is called the Water of Community, because it is common, and should not be wanting in any house. It cures imbecility of sight, deterges the eyes from filth, takes away spots or Pearls, cures Ulcers, hinders suffusion of blood, augments the clarity of the eye, and roborates it. Aqua ad Epiphoram, & oculorum ruborem; or, A Water for the dropping and redness of the Eyes. ℞ White-wine, Rose-water, of each lb ss. Tutty prepared ℥ j Powder of Mace ℥ ss. Let these be mingled in a Vial well stopped, and insolated for three weeks. It deleates the redness of the eyes, exsiccates tears, roborates the Tunicles, and cures its Ulcers. Aqua Calcis; or, Water of Lime. THe Water wherein Chalk or Lime hath been often extinguished, is thence called Aqua Calcis: it is very eximious in curing many Cankerous and Dysepulotical Ulcers; which seeing it may easily be made at any time, needs no farther description. Aqua Fortis. AQua Fortis appertains rather to Goldsmiths than Apothecaries; which they use in separating Silver from Gold; and thence called, The Separatory Water; in French, Eau de departed: for it melts the Silver, and moves not the Gold. Now that same which they have once used, and that hath admitted of a portion of water, or is become ignave, and of an azure colour, is commonly called Aqua secunda; which all Surgeons keep for the Praesidy of such as have got the Plague of Venery. It is made of Vitriol and Saltpetre, included and closely shut in a Mortar, or other fit vessel well bedawbed; into which, Spirits are forced by the fire. Another sort is made of Auripigment, Salnitre, the flour of Brass, and Rock-Alome, which I leave to such as use it. De Aquis Comptoriis, seu Fucatoriis; or, Of Comptory or Ornatory Waters. I Cannot think that pulchritude or deformity of Body, conduce any thing to the probity or improbity of manners: for many more deformed than Thersites, have been famous; and many more beautiful than Adonis, infamous. I have also known many deformed women, impious to purpose: But I purpose not to exhibit Paints to these, nor Comptory Waters to toothless old Hags, to erugate or emend their Faces; herein following the prudence of Galen, though a Pagan, who disallows of not only the Painting of Faces, but the Tinctures of Hair; professing, that he never exhibited any thing of that nature, to such as took more delight in Ornaments then Health. Our Antidotary then shall want these nefarious Medicaments, wherewith Harlots incite and deceive Youngsters: for this Fucatory Art, we see, is exercised by none but some Jugglers, and vafrous Knaves, who seeking secretly to pick a Whore's Purse, promise her Oil of Talkum, which they never saw, wherewith she may not only erugate her Face, but restore herself to Youth again; and then exhibit two Unguents, the one Red, and the other White, both Spanish, and participating of a malign quality. For that which they call album Hispanum, admits Sublimatum in its confecture: which though it consists of equal parts of Quicksilver, Vitriol, and common Salt, rather than of Amoniack; which are not lethal apart in themselves, but are duly mixed in a Glass sublimatory vessel, whereunto fire is added gradually for the space of twelve hours: They make a Powder so caustical and deletery, as can scarce be cicurated by any art. And hence it is, that women who use these Sublimatas, have black Teeth wormeaten, corrugated Faces, and praevious old Age. The Colour therefore which Nature's Pencil draws is best: whose Works, whilst we admire, let us give Eternal Glory and Praise to the Creator. FINIS. A Table of the Matters and Words of principal note, in this Work contained. A. ACacia. pag. 77 The kinds thereof. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. Achates what. pag. 419 Acetabulum. pag. 137 Acetum Mulsum. pag. 325 Acopa. pag. 123 Acorus. pag. 273 How it differs from Calamus Aromaticus. Ibid. Acutella. pag. 302 Adrobolon. pag. 388 Aeluropus. pag. 363 Aetites. pag. 420 Its virtues. Ibid. Aethiopidis Herba, its force and virtue. pag. 7 Aeschylus would never per Verses, till toxicated with Wine. pag. 219 Agallochum, what it is. pag. 286 Why so rare. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. Ageratum. pag. 357 Agat. pag. 419 Agnus Castus, its description. pag. 340 Its virtues. Ibid. Agarick. pag. 258 Which is best. Ibid. Where it grows. pag. 259 Its virtues. Ibid. Agrimony. pag. 356 Its virtues. Ibid. Agripalma. pag. 372 Ajuga. pag. 326 Aizoon. pag. 351 Alabaster. pag. 421 Alana. pag. 398 Alcea. pag. 230 Alembeck. pag. 89, 487 Its manifold acceptation. pag. 113, 487 A crooked one. Ibid. A blind one. Ibid. Aliment what it is. pag. 6 An inexplicable Faculty therein. pag. 13 Medicinal Aliment. Ibid. Alioticks. pag. 28 Almonds. pag. 387 Their virtues. Ibid. Plutarch 's story of them. Ibid. How they are to be blanched. pag. 55 Alcanna. pag. 452 Alcool. pag. 107 Aloes, its description. pag. 256 Cabalina. Ibid. Succotrina. Ibid. Where most of it grows. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. It's faculty. pag. 10 How to know the best. pag. 256 How to wash and nourish it. pag. 58 It shuts the veins. pag. 256 Aloes-wood its description, and how to know it. pag. 286 Its virtues. Ibid. Alum what it is. pag. 401 The several sorts of it. Ibid. Catinum, pag. 401, 402 Foecum, pag. 401, 402 Liquid, pag. 401, 402 Pulmbeous, pag. 401, 402 Round, pag. 401, 402 Rock, pag. 401, 402 Scissile, pag. 401, 402 Synamose, pag. 401, 402 The way to burn it. pag. 68 Alphenicum. pag. 615 Alterative Medicaments are of three sorts. pag. 10 Their kinds. Ibid. Altercum. pag. 349 Amber what it is. pag. 406 How to know the best. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. Ambergris what it is pag. 405 How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 Its virtues. pag. 405 Liquid Amber, what it is. pag. 673 Its virtues. Ibid. How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 Amethystus. pag. 419 Amigdalates, how made. pag. 163 A description of such as are commonly used at Lutetia. Ibid. Amomum, what it is. pag. 247 Its virtues. Ibid. Amphora. pag. 137 Annulets are of two sorts. pag. 20 Ana what it signifies. pag. 136 Anachardian honey, how it is made. pag. 78 Anagalidis. pag. 319 Andromachus, who he was pag. 626 What his praise was. pag. 627 Androsaemum. pag. 328 Anemone. pag. 309 Angelica. pag. 298 Its virtues. Ibid. Annis. pag. 244 Animals, which have fat, and which have grease. pag. 443 Parts of Animals, are commodious for many things. pag. 9 Anodynous. pag. 29 Antals', what they are. pag. 461 St. Anthony's Fire, how it is to be cured. pag. 7 Anthropomorphon. pag. 344 Antidote analepticus, or a roborative antidote. pag. 619 Antidote Diasatyrion, or an antidote to excite venery. pag. 618 Antidotum asyneritum. pag. 620 Antidote of Mithridates of what it consists. pag. 323 Antimony. pag. 437 A story of it. Ibid. Ants. pag. 470 Their description. Ibid. Apples. pag. 370 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. pag. 29 Apomel. pag. 529 Its best description. pag. 101 Apophlegmatismes. pag. 166 Their matter and profit. Ibid. Apothecary, what he ought to be. pag. 4 Who may be adjudged dangerous. Ibid. What his conversation should be. Ibid. What his duty. pag. 5 What things he ought to know. pag. 32 How his house should stand, and his Shop be built. pag. 471 Apozeme, what it is. pag. 159 Whence it received its denomination. Ibid. It's matter and effects. Ibid. How it differs from a Syrup. Ibid. The Apozeme of the Ancients. pag. 159 An opening Apozeme. pag. 160 An Apozeme to allay the heat of a Fever. pag. 160 How they are made. Ibid. Apricocks. pag. 375 Aqua Aluminosa, or Alum water. pag. 198 Aqua Aluminosa magist, or the magisterial water of Alum. Ibid. Aq. Calcis, or water of Lime. pag. 737 Aq. contra Canculum, or water against the Stone. pag. 735 Aq. Cephalicae, or waters for the bead: what they are, and how many. pag. 151 Aq. Cordialis, or Cordial waters: what they are, and how many. pag. 150 Aq. Cinamoni, or Cinnamon water. pag. 734 Aq. Clareta, or Claret-water. pag. 734 Aq. Communitatis, or the water of Community. pag. 736 Aq. ad Epiphorum, or a water for the redness of the eyes. pag. 736 Aq. ad Gonorrheam, or a water for the flux of Sperm. pag. 735 Aq. Fortis. pag. 737 Aq. Ophthalmica, or a water for the eyes. pag. 736 Aq. Theriacalis, or Treacle-water. pag. 532 Arach its description and kinds. pag. 232 Arabic. pag. 305 Arborescens. pag. 229 Archangel. pag. 298 Arcana's of the Medicinal Art, are not to be disclosed. pag. 137 Areolum. pag. 135 Armenian Apples. pag. 370 Aromaticks, how they are to be kept. pag. 147 Aromaticum Rosatum, whence called, and why. pag. 603 Aromatization, what it is. pag. 85 Arnabo what. pag. 271 Arsenic what it is. pag. 407 Its affinity with Sandarack Ibid. Arsen. pag. 344 Artichoak. pag. 333 How to preserve the Stalks. pag. 545 Asa how it differs from Assa. pag. 400 Ascyrum. pag. 308 Ash and Ashton keys. pag. 341 Asparagras. pag. 239 Asps skin dried, for what. pag. 17 Aspica. pag. 286 Asphaltus, what it is. pag. 673 Assafoetida, the kinds thereof. pag. 399 Asarabacca. pag. 325 Assation, what it is, the manner thereof, its use. pag. 66 Asselli domestici. pag. 204 Attrition, what it is. pag. 62 Auripigmentum. pag. 407 The way to burn it. pag. 69 Axungia, what it is. pag. 445 Azure-Stone. pag. 417 Its virtues. Ibid. B. BAara. pag. 7 Baggs. pag. 210 Balnea Mariae. pag. 88 Balneum Roris. Ibid. Balm. pag. 317 Balsam Tree, its description and virtues. pag. 282 Balsam de Peru, de Tollu. pag. 283 How to know the best. pag. 282 Balsam, what it signifies. pag. 685 Balsam of Eronimus. pag. 687 Of Falopius. Ibid. Of Hollerius. pag. 687 Of the Florentine medics. pag. 687 Of Mesue. pag. 686 A Balsam that is easy to be made. pag. 688 A strange and wonderful Balsam. Ibid. A vulnerary Balsam. pag. 687 Barberies. pag. 386 To preserve them. pag. 541, 420 Barks that are to be kept in shops. pag. 492 Barley. pag. 366 Barley cream. pag. 163 Barleywater, how it is made. pag. 164 Bary graccalon. pag. 364 Basil, why so called; its virtues. pag. 313 A story of it. Ibid. Baths, their threefold use. pag. 185 Their profit. pag. 186 Cost in their structure. pag. 185 A Bath of the decoction of herbs. pag. 186 For the Morphew. pag. 186 The various forms of Baths. pag. 89 A dry Bath. Ibid. Bdellium the best. pag. 388 Bears grease. pag. 445 Beets their difference. pag. 232 Been its kinds. pag. 275 Its succidany. Ibid. Belzoin. pag. 381 How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 Benedict Laxativum. pag. 561 Beryllus. pag. 420 Bees. pag. 135 Betony. pag. 318 Bezoar, whence it hath its name. pag. 457 How 'tis generated. Ibid. A true sign to know it. pag. 458 Birthwort. pag. 324 Why called the apple of the earth. pag. 325 Biscake, how made. pag. 171 Bishopweed, its sorts and virtues. pag. 246, 247 Bistort. pag. 359 Bitumen, what it is. pag. 403 How it may be adulterated. pag. 58 The Bitumen of Sodom. pag. 403 Blatta Bizant. pag. 460 Blood of Plants. pag. 393 Boccia. pag. 88 Bolus what it is. pag. 167 Its matter. Ibid. They have not Cassia always for their Basis. Ibid. Bole-Armeniack. pag. 396, 397 A cooling Bolus. pag. 167 Boars-tooth, its virtue. pag. 16 Borax. pag. 399 How to burn it. pag. 69 Borage, how it differs from Bugloss. pag. 228 'Tis always green. Ibid. Boxes to be had in an Apothecary's shop. pag. 489 Brass, whence it is. pag. 429 How to burn it, Ibid. It's Flower, Ibid. Its Fleaks. Ibid. Broom. pag. 339 Bricks. pag. 424 Bryony, how it differs from Mechoachan. pag. 258 Bugloss, its virtues. pag. 228 Bulbus. pag. 306 Burning of Med. pag. 67 What things require burn. Ibid. The kinds thereof. Ibid. Why Sulphur and Nitre must be added. pag. 69 Burnet. pag. 325 Butchers-Broom. pag. 240 Its virtues. Ibid. Butter. pag. 448 C. CAbage, its description and virtues. pag. 318 Cadmia. pag. 433 Factitious, pag. 434 Fossile. pag. 434 How it is washed and prepared. pag. 53, 69 Calamint. pag. 315 Calaminaris. pag. 433 How to wash it. pag. 53 Calamus Aromaticus. pag. 273 Calchanthum, what it is. pag. 399 Caldrons that are to be used in shops, what, and how many. pag. 483 Calefaction, what it is. pag. 71 Cambyses his Present to the King of Egypt. pag. 2 Champhor. pag. 385 How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 How to powder it with ease. pag. 57 How to preserve it. pag. 147 Cancannum, what it is. pag. 397 Its virtues. Ibid. How to candy seeds. pag. 106 Cantharideses, how they move Urine. pag. 470 For what use they are. pag. 469 How to prepare them. pag. 470 Capers. pag. 338 Capillary Herbs, whence they have their name. pag. 233 Their difference. Ibid. Capons, their difference. pag. 447 Capons-grease, its virtues. Ibid. Caps, how they are quilted. pag. 209 Caranna. pag. 383 Caraway. pag. 246 Carbo Petrae. pag. 403 Cardamomes. pag. 280 Cardiaca. pag. 332 Cardiobotanum. Ibid. Cardutellum. pag. 333 Carduus Benedictus. pag. 331 Black Carduus. Ibid. Carot. pag. 248 Carneol. pag. 415 Carpesium. pag. 281 Carpobalsamum. pag. 282 Carthamus. pag. 261 Cassia Fistula how to extract it. pag. 81 Cassia and Cinnamon are the same. pag. 253 Cassidony. pag. 320 Castor what it is. pag. 450 His Cod. Ibid. The biting of a Castor is terrible. Ibid. Which Cod are to be taken. Ibid. Cataplasmes, what they are, their use and matter. pag. 200 A Cataplasm to assuage pain, and mollify hardness. pag. 200 To open and discuss Flatuosity. Ibid. Catapasmes, what. pag. 201 Catapotia, why so called. pag. 114 Cathartick, what properly it is, and what it signifies. pag. 10, 28 cathartics, purging by pag. 15 Attraction, pag. 15 Compression, pag. 15 Lubrication, pag. 15 How to infuse them. pag. 56 A Liquid Cathartick purges sooner than any other. pag. 264 Their variety of doses. pag. 163 Cautery, how it differs from a vesicatory; its matter and manner of making. pag. 206 Centory greater and lesser. pag. 335 Cephalicks. pag. 18 Cerate, what it is. pag. 123 Why so called. pag. 710 Cerecloth. Ibid. The method to be observed in the making of a Cerecloth. Ibid. Ceratum Oesypatum, or the Cerate of wools grease. pag. 713 Cerat. refrig. Galeni: or Galen 's cooling Cerate. pag. 711 Cerat. Santalinum, or the Cerate of Saunders. Ibid. Cerat. Stomachicum, or a Cerate for the Stomach. pag. 712 The form of a Cerecloth must be according to the part affected. pag. 123 Cerus, what it is. pag. 432 How to make it. Ibid. It's preparation. pag. 433 Its Lotion. pag. 53 Its burning. pag. 68 Ceterach, its description and virtues. pag. 235 Chalk. pag. 423 Chalcus. pag. 135 Chamelaea. pag. 267 Chamaeleon thistle. pag. 333 Characters of Paracelsus, are the Medicines of the Devil. pag. 159 Cheme. pag. 136 Cherries. pag. 378 How to preserve them. pag. 540 Chemical Extracts. pag. 79 Chemists Opinion of the purging faculty. pag. 14 Chemists Philosophical month. pag. 72 Their menstruum. Ibid. China root. pag. 289 Its virtues. pag. 290 Crystal. pag. 422 Chrysocolla. pag. 399 How to burn it. pag. 69 Chrysolapis. pag. 420 Cicers. pag. 365 Cinaberis. pag. 408 Cinnamon, its kinds. pag. 277 Cinnamon water. pag. 734 How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 Cinkfoil. pag. 361 Circulation. pag. 92 Cistern-waters why unwholesome. pag. 218 Cistus, its description. pag. 391 Citrons. pag. 373 How to candy their peels. pag. 543 Citruls. pag. 241 Civet. pag. 451 Claret. pag. 734 Against the Stone. pag. 735 Clarification how many ways it is made. pag. 84, 85 Clary, its description and virtues. pag. 32 Cleavers. pag. 361 Cloves. pag. 280 How they may be adulterated. pag. 158 Cochlearium. pag. 136 Coccus Baphicus. pag. 284 Coxcomb roasted, for what. pag. 16 Coction, what it is. pag. 64 The order and time. pag. 65 Cohobation. pag. 92 Colchicum, how it differs from Hermodacts. pag. 262 Collation. pag. 82 Collocation. pag. 86 How many ways it may be acquired. Ibid. Colyries, their difference. Dry Colyries. Ibid. Their matter. Ibid. A Colyry for the Scab of the Eyelid. pag. 196 To quicken sight. pag. 195 To cool the Eye. pag. 196 To dry the Rheum. Ibid. A Colyry of Lead. Ibid. Of Lanfrancus. Ibid. Colophony. pag. 377 Coloquintida. pag. 266 How it may easily be powdered. pag. 57 Colwort. pag. 358 Coltsfoot. pag. 359 How to preserve the leaves. pag. 544 Common Grass. pag. 304 Comfrey. pag. 350 How to candy the roots. pag. 547 Composition of Medicaments why. pag. 97 The end thereof. pag. 94 Compounds, why termed simples. pag. 76 Concha. pag. 137 Condites, their matter. pag. 169 Conditures. pag. 87 A cordial Condite. pag. 169 How it differs from regal paste. Ibid. Why made. pag. 169 Condites in general. pag. 106 Liquid Condites. Ibid. Congius. pag. 137 Confectio Alkermes. pag. 615 Its virtue. pag. 616 Conf. de baccis Lauri, or the Confection of Bayberries. pag. 618 Conf. de Dactylis, or the Confection of Dates. pag. 559 Conf. Hamech. pag. 562 Conf. de Hyacintho, or the Confection of the Hyacinth. pag. 656 Conf. de Rebecha. pag. 614 Conserves, why to be infolated. pag. 71 Their difference. pag. 104 Conserve of Balm. pag. 539 Of Betony. Ibid. Of Borage. pag. 538 Of Bugloss. pag. 537 Of the Flowers of Mallows. pag. 537 Of water-Lillies. pag. 538 Of Rosemary-Flowers. pag. 539 Of Roses. pag. 536 How it is to be made. pag. 105 How to be made red. Ibid. Of dried Roses. pag. 536 Of dried Roses. pag. 536 Of Sage. pag. 539 Of Staechadoes. Ibid. Of Violets. pag. 536 Contemptible things procure health. pag. 2 One contrary is opposed to another. pag. 8 Copper. pag. 427 Coral. pag. 406, 407 Cordial waters, what they are, and how many. pag. 150 Cordial flowers, what they are, their virtues. pag. 227 Coriander. pag. 337 How to prepare the Seed. pag. 66 Cornel Tree. pag. 376 Cowslips. pag. 357 Costus, bitter, sweet. pag. 274 Its succidany. Ibid. Crabs. pag. 464 How to burn them. pag. 68 The propriety of their ashes. pag. 12 Cranes Bill. pag. 329 Cribration. pag. 81 Its use. Ibid. Crocus Martis. pag. 610 Whence it hath its name. Ibid. The divers preparations of it. pag. 611 Crude Unguent, of what it consists. pag. 87 Various Opinions about it. Ibid. Cubebs. pag. 281 Cucumber. pag. 241 Wild Cucumber. pag. 266 Culeus. pag. 137 Cumin. pag. 245 Curands. pag. 386 How to candy them. pag. 541 Custom of lecherous courtiers. pag. 86 Cyathus. pag. 137 Cyperus. pag. 297 Cypress Nuts. pag. 389 Paracelsus his Opinion of them. Ibid. D. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. pag. 79 Damask Powder, various descriptions thereof. pag. 122, 213 Damasens. pag. 377 Dandilyon. pag. 243 Darius his esteem of Medicine. pag. 2 Dates, which are the best. pag. 382 How long they are to be macerated. pag. 59 Decoctions that are to be drunk, are not to be ungrateful. pag. 161 Their frequent use. Ibid. What water is required to a Decoction. pag. 162 What Decoctions are most usual. pag. 161 A pectoral Decoction. pag. 163 Common Decoction for Glisters. pag. 183 A common Medicinal Decoction. pag. 162 Defrutum, what it is, how made. pag. 104 Every degree hath three parts. pag. 153 When that in the fourth degree may be taken in such a quantity, as it may only calefie in the third. pag. 152 Denarius. pag. 104 Dentals, whence they have their name. pag. 460 Dentifrices, their various forms. pag. 211 Distillation, what it is. pag. 88 Why so called. pag. 89 The variety thereof. pag. 90 Sometimes made without heat. pag. 91 Some require a retort. pag. 92 Distillation by descent. pag. 90 In dung. pag. 91 Distillations of Oil by descent. Ibid. By Transudation. Ibid. By Inclination. pag. 92 By the heat of the Sun. pag. 91 How distilled waters are to be insolated. pag. 90 A distilled Restorative. pag. 168 Devils, how they come to be invocated by men. pag. 21 Devils Milk. pag. 261 How to prepare it. pag. 562 Diabalzemer. pag. 564 Diacalaminthes. pag. 607 Diacalcitheos'. pag. 722 Diacartbamum. pag. 571 Diacassia. pag. 554 Diacatholicon simplex. pag. 555 Diacatholicon comp. pag. 556 Diacatholicon for Glisters. pag. 557 Diacatholic. fern. Ibid. Diacinamonum. pag. 606 Diacodium. pag. 503 Its virtues. Ibid. Diachrydium. pag. 265 Diaireos. pag. 512 Dialoe Galeni. pag. 567 Diamarg. frig. pag. 599 Diambra. pag. 601 Diamoschum. Ibid. Dianisi. pag. 605 Diapasm, what it is. pag. 201 Diapenideon, with species. pag. 513 Diaphaenicum. pag. 555 Diaphoreticks. pag. 29 Diapneticon. Ibid. Diaprunum simp. pag. 557 Comp. pag. 558 Diarrhodon Abbatis. pag. 603 Diasatyrion. pag. 618 Diastomona. pag. 611 Diasulphur. pag. 405 Diaturbith. pag. 560 Diatraganth frig. pag. 613 Diatrionsantalon. pag. 602 Didachos. pag. 534 Digestion. pag. 59, 92 Dionysia. pag. 420 Diphryges'. pag. 434 Dissolution. pag. 73 It's manifold use. Ibid. It cannot be made but in an humour. pag. 74 Dittany. pag. 319 Dodder, how it differs from Epithimus. pag. 237 Dogs Stones. pag. 306 Dogs Dung. pag. 454 Doronicum. pag. 330 Dose, what it is. pag. 163 The Dose of Alteratives. pag. 141 Of Roboratives. pag. 143 Of Purgatives. Ibid. The Dose of Medicines is to be changed according to the nature of the climate. pag. 165 The Dose of such as are hot in the fourth degree. pag. 153 Draghen. pag. 344 Sea-Dragon is both aliment and poison. pag. 26 Dragon's blood. pag. 398 Dragma. pag. 134 Dropax, what it is. pag. 203 Its difference. Ibid. For what it is convenient. Ibid. Its effects. Ibid. Dropax the greater. Ibid. Drunkenness, how to care it. pag. 17 Ducks-grease. pag. 464 Duration. pag. 75 Dwarf-Elder. pag. 261 E. Earth's, their variety. pag. 396 Chian, pag. 397 Lemnian, pag. 397 Samian. pag. 397 Ebulus. pag. 261 Eccoproticon. pag. 28 Ecclegms, their use. pag. 109 An Ecclegm to cut Phlegm. pag. 165 To stay a Catarrh. Ibid. An Ecclegm good for fluxions and other vices of the Lungs. pag. 165 Ecclegm of Cassia. pag. 110 Ecclegm for Glisters. Ibid. Eccleg. de Caulibus, or Lohoc of Colworts. pag. 550 Eccleg. de Pineis, or Lohoc of Pine-Kernels. pag. 552 Eccleg. de Pulmone Vulpis, or Lohoc of Fox's Lungs, pag. 550 Eccleg. de scillitibus, or Lohoc of squills. pag. 549 Ecphracticon. pag. 20 Eduction of Oils by descent. pag. 91 Variety of effects in the same plant. pag. 17 Egrimony. pag. 356 Elaterium, what it is. pag. 390 Its virtues. Ibid. How prepared. pag. 78 Elder. pag. 261 Elatine. pag. 319 Electrum. pag. 406 Elelore. pag. 265 Elecampane, its description and virtue. pag. 297 How to candy their Roots. pag. 548 Election of Medicaments, how made. pag. 32 From the first and second qualities. pag. 33, 34 How many ways made. pag. 35 What Election may be made from the place of growth. pag. 43 What from the faculty. pag. 45 Liquid Electuaries, how made. pag. 110 Dry ones, how made. pag. 111 Their Preparation. Ibid. What proportion of Sugar and Honey must go to an Electuary. Ibid. Electuarium de Citro Soluti, or the solutive Electuary of Citron. pag. 573 El. Diacartham, or the Electuary of bastard Saffron. pag. 571 El. de Gemmis, or the Electuary of Gems. pag. 600 El. Justinum. pag. 143, 144 El. de Ovo, or the Electuary of an Eg. pag. 622 El. de speciei Diapenid. pag. 613 El. Lenitivum, or the lenitive Electuary. pag. 555 El. de Psillio, or the Electuary of Fleabane. pag. 560 El. Regium, or the Princely Electuary. pag. 170 El. esucco Rosarium, or the Electuary of the Juice of Roses. pag. 571 El. senatum, or the compound Electuary of Senna. pag. 564 El. triasantal, or the Electuary of three Saunders. pag. 602 Elephant hath spoken. pag. 455 Their Ingeny to be admired. Ibid. Elixation, what it is. pag. 64 It's manifold Preparations. pag. 65 The order thereof, to be observed in the preparing of Medicaments. Ibid. Emerald. pag. 412 Emetics. pag. 28 Embroch for a Lethargy pag. 192 Emollitives, what they are pag. 229 Empassives, what. pag. 204 Emphracticon. pag. 30 Emplasticon. pag. 28 Emplastrum eccatharticon. pag. 125 Emp. de baccis Lauri, or the Plaster of Bay-berries pag. 72 Emp. de Betonica, or the Plaster of Betony. pag. 719 Emp. de Catagmaticon, or the Plaster for fractured bones pag. 728 Emp. de Cerussa, or the Plaster of Ceruse. pag. 724 Emp. Diachylon mag. pag. 716 Cum Gummis. Ibid. Diachylon comp. pag. 717 Emp. Diacalcitheos'. pag. 722 Emp. Divinum, or the divine Plaster. pag. 723 Emp. gratia Dei. pag. 722 Emp. contra Herniam, or a Plaster for a rapture pag. 726 Emp. Homo Dictum. pag. 723 Emp. de Janua. pag. 719 Emp. de Mastic, or Plaster of Mastic. pag. 725 Emp. pro Matrice, or Plaster for the Mother. pag. 726 Emp. Meliloti, or the Plaster of Melilot. pag. 717 Emp. Mucaginibus, or the Plaster of Musiledges. Ibid. Emp. Oxicroceum, or a compound Plaster of Saffron. pag. 718 Emp. Palmeum. pag. 722 Emp. de Ranis, or the Plaster of Frogs. pag. 730 Emp. pro stomacho, or a Plaster for the stomach. pag. 725 Emp. Tonsoris, or the Barber's Plaster. pag. 724 Emp. Triapharmacum. pag. 718 Emp. Vigonium, or Vigo's Plaster. pag. 730 Emulsions their various use. pag. 161, 162 An Emulsion for the vices of the Lungs. pag. 162 For the Inflammation of the Reins. Ibid. For a virulent Gonorrhaea. Ibid. Epithemes, how they differ from Foments. pag. 190 Their matter. Ibid. An Epitheme to cool the Liver, and comfort the Heart. Ibid. Epithimus how it differs from Dodder. pag. 237 Epispastics. pag. 29 Eringium. pag. 303 Errhines, their matter. pag. 178 A liquid Errhine in the form of an Unguent. Ibid. A solid Errhine, to stop the Hemorrhoides. pag. 179 Eringo. pag. 303 How their Roots are to be condited. pag. 547 Esula. pag. 261 Evaporation. pag. 92 Exaltation. Ibid. Exhalation. Ibid. Expression. pag. 71 Extinction, what. pag. 70 Extinction of Gold in water. Ibid. Extracts how prepared. pag. 80 Extract of Pills. Ibid. Extract of Rhabarb. Ibid. Etraction. pag. 78 To clear the eyesight. pag. 17 F. FAculty of Medicaments what it is. pag. 10, 33 Inexplicable Faculty. pag. 12 The Faculties of a purging Medicament, whence they proceed, how they operate, their due denomination. pag. 14 The several Faculties of Medicaments. pag. 11 The first and second faculties of a Med. Ibid. The third faculty. pag. 12 Its extent. Ibid. Farture. pag. 87 Fats, how they are to be washed. pag. 54 Their difference from suet. pag. 443 Feaverfew. pag. 327 Fennel. pag. 239 Fenugreek. pag. 364 Ficaria, its virtue. pag. 7 What Fire ought to be in Distillations. pag. 89 Figs, their kinds and virtues. pag. 381, 382 filberts. pag. 386 Fission. pag. 63 Fleabane. pag. 358 Flowers, how they are to be kept. pag. 146 Flowers, how to infuse them. pag. 57 Cordial Flowers, what. pag. 150 Flower of Salt. pag. 402 Flower of Nitre. pag. 403 Flower of the Sea. pag. 402 Flower de Luce. pag. 196 Folium. pag. 285 Foments their profit. pag. 189 A Foment to strengthen the Stomach. pag. 189 For the Spleen. Ibid. For the Pleurisy. pag. 190 For the Gravel in the Kidneys. Ibid. How they differ from Epithemes. Ibid. Dry Foments. Ibid. Fox's lungs. pag. 449 Frankincense. pag. 381 Frogs. pag. 462, 463 Frontals. pag. 198 Their various forms. pag. 199 Fruits, how to keep them. pag. 146 A Frontal mitigating pain, and conciliating sleep. pag. 119 Fumatory. pag. 334 Furnace, how to be built. pag. 89 Their various use. Ibid. G. GAlls. pag. 392 Galanga. pag. 272 Galbanum. pag. 401 Galens father had bitter honey. pag. 101 His opinion concerning the purgative faculty. pag. 12 Gargarisms what they are. pag. 161 A Gargarism to purge phlegm from the brain. Ibid. A cleansing Gargarism. Ib. For Venereous ulcers in the throat. Ibid. When they are to be used. Ibid. Gems. pag. 419 Genitals of a Hart. pag. 454 Gentian. pag. 300 Germander. pag. 326 Ginger, its description: where the best grows: its virtues. pag. 270 Girasola. pag. 420 Gith. pag. 328 Glisters, their use pag. 183 Glyster-decoction, how long it may be kept. Ibid. Who was their first inventor. Ibid. Those that have no fats, purge stronger. pag. 184 A carminative clyster. Ib. A clyster for the Apoplexy. pag. 184 For the Dysentery. Ibid. Goat's suet. pag. 444 Goats hoof. pag. 161 Goats blood, its preparation. pag. 442 Gourds their difference. pag. 241 Gold is good and evil. pag. 426 Its virtues. pag. 427 Gold glue. pag. 399 Goose-grease. pag. 446 A superstitious opinion about it. Ibid. Goosegrass. pag. 361 Goose-berry-tree. pag. 386 Gossipium pag. 362 Gradation. pag. 92 Grain, what it is. pag. 135 Granate. pag. 415 Grass, its kinds. pag. 303 Virtues. pag. 304 Knotgrass. pag. 349 Grief, what it is. pag. 113 Its effects. Ibid. Gromel. pag. 323 Grapes. pag. 385 Ground-pine. pag. 326 Guaiacum, its differences and virtues. pag. 288 How long it should be macerated. pag. 59 Gum, what it is. pag. 394 How gums are to be infused. pag. 56 . pag. 395 Traganth. pag. 396 Elemni. pag. 383 Ivy. pag. 403 Gypsum, what it is. pag. 422 H. HAEmatites pag. 419 Hare burnt is good for the Stone. pag. 67 A Hare that had Horns. pag. 443 Sea-Hare. Ibid. Hares Blood. Ibid. Harts-pizle dried, its virtues. pag. 16 Harts-flesh burnt expels stones. Ibid. Heart's tears. pag. 454 Hearts heart-bone. Ibid. Heart's marrow. pag. 443 Hartwort. pag. 299 Its varieties & virtues pag. 300 Hemina. pag. 137 Haxagion. pag. 135 Hartichoak. pag. 333 How to preserve their stalks pag. 345 Hellebore, its kinds. pag. 265 Virtues. Ibid. Hemionitis. pag. 236 Henbane, its kinds and virtues. pag. 349 Hepaticks. pag. 19 Hepatiorum. pag. 356 Hepatica. Ibid. Herbs, where they are to be kept. pag. 145 Capillary Herbs. pag. 150 Whence they have their name. Ibid. Emollitive Herbs. pag. 151 How Herbs are to be dried. pag. 145 Hermodactyls used in the Shops. pag. 262 How they differ from Ephemerus and Colchicus. Ibid. Hiera Picra, whence it hath its name. pag. 111 Why Galen called it so. pag. 112 The variety of descriptions thereof. pag. 113 Hiera Picra Galeni, or Galens Hiera. pag. 567 Hiera Picra cum Agarico, or Hiera with Agarick. pag. 568 Hiera Pachij. Ibid. Hiera Diacolocynthidos. pag. 569 Hieracia. pag. 243 Hipocistus. pag. 391 Hypocrates Wine. pag. 56 Hypolapathum. pag. 253, 356 Hispidula. pag. 363 Honey. pag. 224 The first inventor of it pag. 100 How the best may be known. pag. 225 When it is to be despumed by itself. pag. 84 What bodies it will preserve pag. 99 Honey of Fruits. pag. 225 Bitter Honey. pag. 100 Anacardian Honey, how it is made. pag. 78 Honey of Rosemary. pag. 531 Of Mercury. pag. 532 Of Raisins. pag. 102 Of Roses. pag. 530 Of Violets. pag. 531 Hog's grease. pag. 445 Hoglice. pag. 204 Honeysuckles. pag. 338 Hops. pag. 359 Hordeat, what it is. pag. 164 Horehound. pag. 318 Hounds-tongue. pag. 348 Housleek. pag. 351 Humectation is a kin to Infusion. pag. 57 For what Med. it is useful. Ibid. Humour that is cold and gross will be but slowly purged. pag. 141 Hyachinthus. pag. 415 Hydragogous. pag. 28 Hydragoge Eximium. pag. 565 Hydrolapathum. pag. 356 Hydromel, what is to be understood by its name. pag. 100 What proportion of Honey to water in Hydromel. Ibid. Hydromel. Melicratum, and Mulsum, are the same Ibid. Hydromel of the country man's. Ibid. Hydromel vinosum simp. or simple vinose. pag. 528 Hydromel. Ibid. Hypercatharticks. pag. 28 Hypnoticks. pag. 29 Hypocaust, what it is. pag. 188 What must be done before going into it. Ibid. Hypoplomon. pag. 344 Hyssop. pag. 329 I. JAsper. pag. 419 Imbution, what it is. pag. 53 Indian Leaf. pag. 285 Induration, what. pag. 75 Infection. pag. 59 Infusion, how it is made. pag. 56 Its use. Ibid. Insess, its materials and use. pag. 186, 187 An Insess to assuage the pain of the reins. Ibid. To allay the Colic. pag. 187 Insipid. pag. 39 Insolation, what. pag. 71 Intinct Green. pag. 77 Intybolachanum. pag. 243 Intybum. Ibid. Joseph had Pharmacy in great esteem. pag. 3 Irrigation, what. pag. 192 Irrigation provoking sleep, Ibid. It may be reduced to Humectation. pag. 57 Iron, the kinds thereof. pag. 430 It is not evil in itself. pag. 431 Its rust. Ibid. Isinglass, how it is made pag. 452 Judaicus Lapis. pag. 420 Juice, what it is. pag. 394 How it may be kept long without putrefaction. pag. 78 How to repose them. pag. 146 Juice of Liquorish. pag. 392 How it is made. pag. 393 Juices mixed with Honey pag. 102 Jujubees. pag. 381 Julep, what it is. pag. 166 Its dose. pag. 167 How it differs from a Syrup and Apozeme. Ibid. A Julep conciliating sleep. pag. 167 Julepus Ziziphorum. pag. 166 Juniper Berries. pag. 391 Ivory. pag. 454 Gum of Ivy. pag. 403 K. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. pag. 31 Kathareiticon. Ibid. Keiri. pag. 309 Kermes Berries what. pag. 283 Their virtues. Ibid. Their Juice. pag. 284 Kings ancient care of the health of their Armies pag. 2 Kings in time past did prepare Med. Ibid. Knotgrass. pag. 349 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. pag. 31 L. LAcca, what it is. pag. 393 Lacryma of the Ethiopian Olive. pag. 383 Laddanum, what it is. pag. 391 Ladies Rose. pag. 247 Lake of Sodom. pag. 403 Lapis Bezoardicus; whence it hath its name, where it is generated, how to know it. pag. 457 Lapis Caliminaris. pag. 433 Lapis Heraclius. pag. 417 Lapis Judaicus. pag. 420 Lapis Lazuli. pag. 417 The difference between it and Lapis Armenij. Ibid. Lapis Nephriticus. pag. 420 Lapis Etites. Ibid. Lapis Selenites. Ibid. Laranna. pag. 383 Larix. pag. 258 Laserpitium. pag. 399, 400 Laudanum. pag. 595 Lavender greater. pag. 286 Led, its sorts and virtues. pag. 428 How to wash it. pag. 54 How to powder it. pag. 62 How to burn it. pag. 69 Leeks. pag. 307 Leopard's bane. pag. 330 Lemond. pag. 370 How to candy their peels. pag. 543 Lentisk. pag. 384 Lettuce. pag. 241 Why so called, its differences and virtues. Ibid. It may be both aliment and poison. pag. 5 How to preserve their stalks. pag. 545 Libisticum. pag. 299 Liccorish. pag. 392 Its Juice. pag. 393 Lice, the principle of it is fire and water. pag. 217 Ligula. pag. 136 Lilies. pag. 250 Lilly Convalli. Ibid. Limation. pag. 63 Lime, how washed. pag. 54 Lime water. pag. 737 Line. pag. 364 Lineament, what it is. pag. 193 A Lineament for the Pleurisy. Ibid. To allay pain. Ibid. For a cold distemper. Ibid. Liquation. pag. 74 Liquid Amber, what it is. pag. 673 Liquor, what. pag. 394 Litharidge. pag. 437 Lithontripticon. pag. 606 Liverwort. pag. 356 Loadstone. pag. 417 Lohocs, their use. pag. 165 Lohoc of Cassia. pag. 110 Lohoc e Pulmone Vulpis, or Lohoc of Fox's Lungs. pag. 550 A Lohoc for Glisters. Ibid. A Lohoc inciding Phlegm. pag. 165 A Lohoc concocting Phlegm. Ibid. To stay a Catarrh. Ibid. Lohoc sanum. pag. 551 Lotion, what it is. pag. 191 To kill Lice. Ibid. To pull off Hair. Ibid. To cause sleep. Ibid. Lotion of Medicament, what it is. pag. 52, 53 Licopertium. pag. 346 M. MAce, what it is. pag. 278 Macedonian Parsley. pag. 337 Macer. pag. 278 Maceration. pag. 59 Mackrooms. pag. 170 Macropiper. pag. 279 Madder, its description and virtues. pag. 302 Magnete. pag. 417 Who it was that first found out its virtue. Ibid. How it attracts Iron. Ibid. Maidenhair true and common, with other differences. pag. 233, 234 How its Leaves may be condited. pag. 544 Malabathrum. pag. 285 Malacticon. pag. 30 Mallows, why so called. Man is obnoxious to many Diseases. pag. 5 Man's Skull, its faculty. pag. 9 Man's blood. pag. 440 Man's flesh. pag. 441 Mandrake. pag. 344 Manipulus, what it is. pag. 135 Manna, what it is clearly demonstrated. pag. 226 Its qualities. Ibid. Calabriensis. Ibid. Briansonensis. Ibid. Larigna. Ibid. Mastichina. pag. 227 Manna Thuris. pag. 226 Manna de folio. Ibid. How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 Its virtues. pag. 227 Manus Christi, with pearl. pag. 174 Murble the kinds thereof. pag. 421 Alabastrites, Ibid. Ophites, Ibid. Parium, Ibid. Pleugiticum, Ibid. Porphrites, Ibid. Zebblicum, Ibid. Marchpanes, of what they consist. pag. 170 Marchpanes, to dicuss wind. pag. 171 Margarites and Unions, how they differ. pag. 458, 459 Marjoram. pag. 311 Marks of several Weights used in Physic. pag. 135, 136 Marmalade. pag. 171 Marrow in general, its virtues. pag. 443 How it is to be wasced. pag. 54 Marsh-mallows. pag. 229 Mastic, what it is. pag. 384 Its virtues. pag. 385 How to powder it. pag. 57 Masticatories. pag. 166 Matter of Medicine is large and ample. pag. 1 Maturation. pag. 92 Mazapane. pag. 106 Measures used in Physic. pag. 136 Mechoachan, how it differs from Bryony. pag. 258 Meconium. pag. 389 Mede how to make it. pag. 528 Medicinal matter, whence it is taken. pag. 9 Medicament, what it is. pag. 5 It is a medium between Aliment and Poison. Ibid. Medicament as to its faculty is threefold. pag. 10 Alterative Med. what it is Ibid. Purgative and roborative, what. Ibid. Gentle Med. what it is. pag. 142 A strong Med. what it is. Ibid. An ingrateful Med. Ibid. In what quantity a Med. is to be administered. pag. 143 Compound Medicaments, why called simple. pag. 7 What the Essence of a Med. is. pag. 33 Its faculties and subject. Ibid. It's temperament. Ibid. Med. taken from Plants, Minerals and Animals. pag. 8, 9 What election or choice of Med. may be made from the place, etc. pag. 43 Med. that may be selected from an disposition. pag. 34 How long Med. will retain their virtue. pag. 41 The force of a Medicament is at sometimes more valid then at another. pag. 42 The fresher sometimes the better. Ibid. When they may be said to be good, though old. Ibid. And when in a mean between both. Ibid. Why the smell of a Cathartick Med. subduces the belly. pag. 10 One Med. sometimes hath many basis. pag. 730 The forms or Receipts of Med. require a due order pag. 131 The Rules that are to be observed in the penning of Receipts, demonstrated. Ibid. Why Med. are compounded. pag. 94 Who it was that laid the Foundation-Stone of the Medicinal Art. Ibid. The use of compound Med. pag. 4 Why so necessary. Ibid. The reasons why they should be compounded. pag. 97, 129 Why they are to be prescribed in a platform. pag. 132 Who requires strong, and who weak Med. pag. 141 What the election of a Med. is. pag. 33 What a benign. pag. 32 What a malign. Ibid. What election may be made from the odor, etc. pag. 34 The Dose of Med. is varions. pag. 139 Med. sometimes are to be changed. pag. 128 What Med. require a cautelous prescription. pag. 140, 142 What they are that must be exhibited in a small Dose. pag. 142, 143 The too costly composition of a Med. is vain and frivolous. pag. 133 The end of their compounding. pag. 134 Why Med. are aromatized, and how many general Preparations of Med. there be. pag. 50 The first quality of a Med. pag. 11 The second. Ibid. The extent of the third. pag. 12 Why Med. are dried. pag. 66, 67 Why dried in the Sun. Ibid. Some Med. are hard to be powdered, some not, etc. pag. 61 What order must be observed in the powdering of Med. pag. 62 What Med. require Humectations. pag. 57 Med. taken from poisonous Animals. pag. 26 The reason why Med. are to be prepared. pag. 49 The general preparations of Med. pag. 50 Somniferous Med. must be taken in small quantity. pag. 114 The basis of a Med. ought chief to be regarded. pag. 130 The quantities of those Med. that are to be exhibited. pag. 138 One and the same Med. taken in the same quantity, hath not always the same effect. Ibid. Succidaneous Medicaments described. pag. 151 What Med. in particular may be substituted in the want of other. pag. 154 How much Seeds, Herbs, Flowers, and Roots a compound Med. requires. pag. 143 A description of such comp. Med. as are to be kept in Shops. pag. 494, 495 Medlars. pag. 375 Mel. Rosatum, or honey of Roses. pag. 530 Mel Violatum, or honey of Violets. pag. 531 Mel Anthosatum, or honey of Rosemary. Ibid. Mel Mercuriale, or honey of Mercury. pag. 532 Melangogous Med. pag. 28 Melancholy, what things deduce it. pag. 165 Melicratu, the same with Hydromel. pag. 101 Melilot. pag. 363 Melons. pag. 241 Mercury, the kinds thereof. pag. 231 Its virtues. Ibid. Mercury is stronger in act then any other Metal. pag. 409 Mercury is not the Sperm or original of Metals, as the Chemist's fancy. Ibid. A strange story of it. pag. 410 Who he was that first used it for venereal distempers. pag. 410 The pernicious force of it. Ibid. The species and qualities of it. pag. 411 The powder of it. Ibid. Metals, whence they have their name. pag. 425 The matter of them. Ibid. How many there be. Ibid. Their names according to the Chemists. Ibid. Seventh Metal. pag. 432 When to be washed. pag. 53 How to be easily melted. pag. 75 Metheaglin, how it is made, pag. 529 Metal. pag. 346 Metretes. pag. 137 Meum. pag. 336 Mezereon. pag. 267 Milk its property. pag. 448 Virgins Milk. pag. 197 Minerals and Metals that are to be kept in shops pag. 493 Mint, its kinds and virtues pag. 314 Milfoil. pag. 368 Myrrh. pag. 387 Myrtle. pag. 367 Misletoe of the Oak, what it is. pag. 342 Mithridates, how he freed himself from poison. pag. 2 Mithridate, of what it consists. pag. 322 Mithridate of pag. 624 Androm. pag. 624 Of Nicholaus, pag. 624 Of Democrit. pag. 624 molition. pag. 75 Monoceros, the various Opinions about him. pag. 456 The virtues of his horn. pag. 16 Moonefearn, its various denominations. pag. 236 Morella. pag. 345 Motion is the Soul of water. pag. 217 Mother of Thime. pag. 310 Mugwort. pag. 317 Mulsa, what it is. pag. 101 Mulberry-Tree. pag. 379 Mumy pag. 441 A foolish opinion of it. Ibid. The Mumy of the Ancients is not to be had. Ibid. Mucilidge, its use, pag. 194 A Mucilidge for an Inflammation. Ibid. For the pain in the eyes. Ibid. Musk, what it is. pag. 450 How to know the best Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. How it may be adulterated. pag. 157 Mustard. pag. 292 The differences. Ibid. Its virtues. pag. 293 Treacle-Mustard. Ibid. Where it grows. pag. 294 Myrobolans. pag. 255 How they are to be nourished. pag. 58 Mystum. pag. 136 Mixaries. pag. 380 N. NAphia Babylonica. pag. 403 Narcotical. pag. 113 Celtic Nard. pag. 286 Sea-Navel. pag. 460 Nep. pag. 315 Nephritick Stone. pag. 240 Nervals. pag. 19 Nettles, their kinds and virtues. pag. 295, 296 Nettle-seed, for what it is good. pag. 56 Nightshade. pag. 345 The species thereof. pag. 346 Nitre its flour. pag. 403 Noli me tangere. pag. 390 Nuts, their several differences and virtues. pag. 386 How to candy them. pag. 542 Nutmegs. pag. 278 Pine-Nuts. pag. 388 Cypress-Nuts. pag. 789 Walnuts. pag. 387 Fisticle Nuts. pag. 386 Nutrition is a kin to Humectation. pag. 58 O. Ochre. pag. 398 Odonticks. pag. 19 Odour, what it is. pag. 38 Ill Odours are ungrateful, and have noxious qualities. pag. 212 Odoraments. pag. 212, 213 Oesypus, what it is. pag. 253 The manner how it is made Ibid. Oinomel. pag. 101-528 Oleum Acopum pag. 59 Ol. Absynthti, or the oil of Wormwood. pag. 654 Oil Amigd. dulc. & amar. or, oil of sweet and bitter Almonds. pag. 667, 668 Ol. Anethi, or oil of Dyll. pag. 654 Ol. Anisi, or the oil of Aniseeds. pag. 683 Ol. Balsamum, or the oil of Balm. pag. 672 Ol. de Caparibus, or the oil of Capers. pag. 661 Ol. Cartham. or the oil of Meadow-Saffron. pag. 666 Ol. Cariophylorum, or the oil of Cloves. pag. 683 Ol. Castoreum, or the oil of Beaver-stones. pag. 665 Ol. Cerae, or the oil of Wax. pag. 662 Ol. Chamom. or the oil of Chamomile. pag. 654 Ol. Cynamoni, or the oil of Cinnamon. pag. 683 Ol. Croci, or the oil of Saffron. pag. 661 Ol. Cidoniorum, or the oil Quinces. pag. 658 Ol. Enula, or the oil of Enulacampane. pag. 656 Ol. Euphorbeum. pag. 662 Ol. Formicarum, or the oil Ants. pag. 667 Ol. Guaiacum. pag. 675 Ol. Hyperic. comp. simp. or the simple and compound oil of St. John's wort. pag. 659 Ol. Irinum, or the oil of Orris. pag. 649 Ol. Juniperi, or the oil of Juniper-berries. pag. 676 Ol. Ketrinum, or the oil of Wall-flowers. pag. 649 Ol. de Lateribus, or the oil of Bricks. pag. 679 Ol. Laurinum, or the oil of Bays. pag. 672 Ol. Liliorum, or the oil of Lilies. pag. 652 Ol. Mandrag. or the oil of Mandrake. pag. 656 Ol. Mastichi. or the oil of Mastich. pag. 660 Ol. Meliloti, or the oil of Melilot. pag. 656 Ol. Mellis, or the oil of Honey. pag. 681 Ol. Menthae, or the oil of Mint. pag. 653 Ol. Metallorum, or the oil of Metals. pag. 684 Ol. Moschelinum, or sweet smelling oil. pag. 663 Ol. Myrrhae, or the oil of Myrrh. pag. 676 Ol. Myrtillor. or the oil of Myrtles. pag. 657 Ol. Myrthinum, or the oil of Myrtleberries. Ibid. Ol. Nucum, or the oil of Nuts. pag. 669 Ol. Nucis Moschat. or the oil of Nutmegs. pag. 671, 683 Ol. Omotribes, or the Oil of ripe Olives. pag. 119 Ol. Omphacinum, or the Oil of unripe Olives. Ibid. Ol. Ovorum, or the Oil of Egs. pag. 119, 671 Ol. Persicorum, or Oil of Peaches, its virtues. pag. 670 Ol. Pigmentorum, or the Oil of the Oak of Jerusalem. pag. 658 Ol. Petreoli, or the Oil of Peter. pag. 673 Ol. de Pineis, or the Oil of Pine-Apples. pag. 671 Ol. Rosatum complete. or the complete Oil of Roses. pag. 650 Ol. incompletum Rosatum, or the incomplete Oil of Roses. pag. 561 Ol. Rosarum simp. or the simple Oil of Roses. Ibid. Ol. de Santalis, or the Oil of Saunders. pag. 656 Ol. de Scorpion simp. comp. or the simple & compound Oil of Scorpions. pag. 665 Ol. Spicae, or the Oil of Spike. pag. 684 Ol. Sulphuris, or the Oil of Sulphur. pag. 681 Ol. Tamaris, or the Oil of Tamarisk. pag. 676 Ol. Tartari, or the Oil of Tartar. pag. 677 Ol. Terebinthina, or the Oil of Turpentine. pag. 682 Ol. de Verm. or the Oil of Worms. pag. 664 Ol. de Viperis, or the Oil of Vipers. pag. 665 Ol. Violarum, or the Oil of Violets. pag. 648 Ol. vitriol, or the Oil of Vitriol. pag. 679 The usual manner of drawing it. pag. 680 Ol. Vulpinum, or the Oil of Foxes. pag. 666 The best way of preparing it. Olibanum. pag. 381 Olives. pag. 383 Omphacium, what it is. pag. 119 Omphacy. pag. 222 Opalus. pag. 419 Ophiogenes. pag. 25 Ophthalmicks. pag. 19 Opium, the varieties thereof, and qualities. pag. 386 How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 Opiates, their large denomination. pag. 113 why invented. Ibid. Their use and matter. pag. 168 An Opiate very cordial. Ibid. Opiate. Neapolitan, or the Neapolitan Opiate. pag. 628 Opiate. Solomonis, or Solomon's Opiate. pag. 622 Opobalsamum. pag. 282 Opoponax. pag. 394 Orabus. pag. 365 Oranges. pag. 373 How to candy their Peels. pag. 543 Orange-Flower-Water. pag. 373 Orange-Flowers. Ibid. Origanum. pag. 313 Orris, its description, with the varieties thereof. pag. 196 Oxylapathum. pag. 356 Oxymel. pag. 101, 325 Its qualities. pag. 101 Its preparation. pag. 102 Oxymel. comp. or the compound Oxymel. pag. 527 Oxymel Scilliticam, or the Oxymel of Squills. pag. 526 Oil is Aliment and Medicament. pag. 118 The varieties of it. Ibid. It's Inventor. Ibid. How to keep Oils. pag. 120 Oil is not to be boiled without some other Liquor. Ibid. How to wash it. pag. 54 Oils extracted by ascent. pag. 678 By ascent and descent. pag. 119 Oils were named by the Ancients, Unguents. pag. 120 The proportion of Oil in the making of Plasters. pag. 126 Ointments, what they are. pag. 121 The difference between an Ointment and Cerate. Ibid. Their varieties. pag. 122 The four hot and cold Ointments. pag. 151 A sweet smelling Ointment pag. 213 An Ointment for Moth. pag. 702 The Egyptian Ointment. pag. 704 What quantity of Oil Ointments require. pag. 689 In what vessels they ought to be kept. pag. 122 The varieties of Ointments. Ibid. White Ointment. pag. 691 Golden Ointment. pag. 705 Yellow Ointment. pag. 707 Crude Ointment. pag. 87, 122 Neapolitan. pag. 708 Ointment for the eyes. pag. 696 Ointment for the Itch. Ibid. Ointment of Roses. pag. 690 P. PAin, what it is. pag. 113 Its effects. Ibid. Palimpissa. pag. 378 Palma Christi. pag. 269 Pandalaea's. pag. 172 Panax. pag. 394 Panthera. pag. 240 Paracelsus degraded for his impiety. pag. 159 Parigorical. pag. 113 Parsley of Macedonia. pag. 337 Pasta Regalis, how it differs from Condites. pag. 170 A Paste to lose phlegm. Ibid. Pastils of Neraeus. pag. 635 Peaches. pag. 378 Pears. pag. 371 How to condite them. pag. 541 Pearl. pag. 458, 459 Mother of Pearl. Ibid. Pellitory, its description. pag. 231 Its virtues. pag. 232 Pellitory Spain, its description and virtues. pag. 291 Penicils, what they are, and how to be made. pag. 181 Penicils to allay the pain in the fundament. pag. 181 To cleanse an ulcer. Ibid. To dry it. Ibid. Peniroyal, why so called. pag. 312 Penidees, how made. pag. 614 Peppers, their kinds and virtues. pag. 279 Perfumos, their matter. pag. 212 Pessaries, their form. pag. 179 A Pessary to bring down the Terms. pag. 180 To stay the immoderate flux thereof. Ibid. Peter's wort. pag. 328 Petreolum. pag. 673 Petrooel artificial. pag. 404 Petroseline. pag. 238 Pharmacy, what it is. pag. 1 In what it consists. Ibid. The knowledge thereof is difficult to attain. Ibid. How it ought to be esteemed. pag. 2 Its dignity and antiquity drawn from Scripture. Ibid. Philonum Romanum. pag. 621 Its virtues. Ibid. Physicians not without due merit called Dii tutelarii, i.e. protecting Deities. pag. 2 They are the sons of God. Ibid. They were our first Schoolmasters in teaching us to make bread. pag. 49 Their epidemical error. pag. 110 Phoenigms, what. pag. 202 Pication, how made. pag. 203 For what distempers it is most convenient. Ibid. Pilewort, its property. pag. 7 Pills, why so called. pag. 114 Why called Catapotia. Ibid. The form of Pills, to what end. Ibid. What Pills a shop may be without. pag. 593 The ingrateful gust of Pills. pag. 115 How the composition of Pills may be rightly made. Ibid. When strong Pills are to be taken. pag. 116 When gentle ones. Ibid. The dose of Pills. Ibid. The Verdict of Reason for the suppressing the numberless number of Pills. pag. 593 Pil. de Agarico, or pills of Agarick. pag. 582 Pil. Aggregativae, or pills of much use. pag. 585 Pil. Aleophanginae, or Aromatical pills. pag. 587 Pil. de Aloe lota, or of washed Aloes. pag. 577 Pil. de Aromatibus, or of sweet things. pag. 587 Pil. Asaiaret, or Chalagogous pills. Ibid. Pil. Aur. or golden pills. pag. 581 Pil. Bechicae albae, or white Bechical pills. pag. 597 Bechicae nigrae, or black Bechical pills. pag. 596 Pil. Ben. or blessed Pills. pag. 587 Pil. Coch. or round pills. pag. 583 Pil. de Cynoglosso, or pills of Dogs-tongue. pag. 594 Pil. Eupatoriae, or pills of Egrimony. pag. 580 Pil. foetidae, or strong-sented pills. pag. 590 Pil. Fumariae, or pills compounded of Fumatory. pag. 586 Pil. Hermodact. major, or the greater pills of Herm. pag. 584 Pil. Hierae, or pills of Hiera. pag. 587 Pil. de Hydrag. or the Alexit. pills of Quicksilver. pag. 591 Pil. Imp. or the Catholical & Imperial pills. pag. 580 Pil. de lap. Lazuli, or pills of the Azure stone. pag. 586 Pill. Mastichinae, or pills of Mastic. pag. 578 Pil. Mechoachanae, or pills of white Jalap. pag. 589 Pil. de Nitro, or pills of Saltpetre. pag. 589 Pil. Ruffi, or Rufus his pestilential pills. pag. 578 Pil. sine quibus, etc. or pills without which I would not be. pag. 581 Pil. de tribus solut. or pills of three solutives. pag. 579 Pil. non solutivis, or pills not solutive. pag. 594 Pil. Stomachicae, or Stomachical pills. pag. 577 Pimpinel. pag. 325 Pine-nuts. pag. 388 Piniolates. pag. 171 Pignolates. Ibid. Pissaphaltos. pag. 404 Pistaches. pag. 386 Pitch and Rosine, how they differ. pag. 378 The manner of making it. Ibid. Why it is black. Ibid. Liquid Cedrian. Ibid. How to wash it. pag. 54 Plasters. pag. 124 Their composition and qualities are various. Ibid. Two general scopes in compounding of Plasters. pag. 125 The method that is to be observed in the making of plasters. pag. 125, 126 The quantity of Oil that is to be allowed to the consistency of a plaster. Ibid. A plaster to solidate and roborate the bones. pag. 127 Another to draw ulcers to a Cicatrice. Ibid. Plantain. pag. 348 Plants, their wonderful and strange nature. pag. 7 The blood of plants. pag. 393 Saccariferous plant. pag. 223 Plums, how to candy. pag. 542 Polychrestum. pag. 28 Polytriche. pag. 235 Polium, whence it hath its name. pag. 212 Pomanders, how to make them. pag. 213 Pomegranates. pag. 373 Pompholix, what it is. pag. 436 Poplar, the kinds thereof, with its virtues. pag. 342 Poppy, the differences thereof, with the virtues. pag. 348 Powders. pag. 174 Powders that are finely beaten, quickly pass thorough the body. pag. 133 Cordial powders. pag. 175 How to be sifted. pag. 81 Powders for quilted caps pag. 209 A powder to make white the teeth. pag. 211 A sweet smelling powder pag. 213 A cordial powder. pag. 177 Mercury powder. pag. 592 A vulnerary powder. pag. 107 Why Medicaments are made into powders. Ibid. A powder to break wind pag. 174 An Epulotical powder. pag. 107 Damask-powder. pag. 213 A powder to suffumigate the brain. pag. 214 Powder of Lead. pag. 62 A powder to stay the flux of humours. pag. 214 The frequent use of powders in Chirurgery. pag. 107 French Pox their orig. pag. 592 Who brought them first into these parts. Ibid. Poison attracts poison. pag. 27 Much poison is taken from Minerals. Ibid. Compound poisons disproved Ibid. Poison sometimes is generated in man's body. pag. 25 Of what things it is taken. Ibid. Poisons sometimes are Medicaments. pag. 26 Poisonous simples convenient for many distempers pag. 25 Primrose. pag. 357 Propomates, what they are pag. 99 Prunes. pag. 376 Psylothers, what. pag. 204 The Psyloth. of Rondoletius. Ibid. Another to take off hair. Ib. Ptisan, what it is. pag. 164 The Ptisan of the Ancients. Ibid. Pulvis Antilyssus, or a powder against the biting of a mad dog. pag. 609 Pulu. Bezoardicus, or the compound powder of Bezoar. pag. 609 Pulu. Diaireos, or the comp. powder of Orris. pag. 612 Pulu. Epuloticus, or a powder to close a wound. pag. 107 Pulu. digestivue, or a digestive powder. pag. 174 Pulu. laetificans, or a heart-chearing powder. pag. 604 Pulu. Mercurii, or the powder of Mercury. pag. 592 Pulu. Dianisi, or the comp. powder of Aniseed. pag. 605 Pulu. contra pestem, or a powder against the plague. pag. 608 Pulu. Diastomoniae, or a powder removing obstructions. pag. 611 Pulmoniacks. pag. 19 Pulverization what it is. pag. 60 Three scopes of it. Ibid. The various manner of it. Ibid. Pumicestone, how to burn it. pag. 69 Purges, why most convenient in form of potions. pag. 164 The dose of purges. pag. 143 The dose of a purging potition should not exceed three ounces. pag. 164 Queasy stomaches are averse to purges. pag. 10 Purging Medicines are of two sorts. pag. 45 When gentle purges are not to be exhibited. pag. 32 When malign Purges are to be used. Ibid. Purges too strong aught to be avoided. pag. 139 What things purge by Attraction, pag. 15 What things purge by Compression pag. 15 What things purge by Lubrication pag. 15 A purging Potion to educe choler. pag. 165 To educe phlegm. Ibid. To purge melancholy. Ibid. Purslain, its seed and virtues. pag. 242 Putrefaction. pag. 72 Peony, its kinds. pag. 301 Its virtues. Ibid. How to candy the roots pag. 546 Pyroticks, why so called. pag. 206 How they differ from Vesicatories. Ibid. Their matter. Ibid. Manner of making. Ibid. Q. THe inexplicable Quality of Aliment. pag. 2 The several Qualities of Medicaments. pag. 11 The first and second Qualities of a Med. Ibid. The third, or occult Quality, together with its extent. pag. 12 The Qualities of purging Medicaments; whence they proceed, and how they operate. pag. 14 Their several denominations. Ibid. Quartarius. pag. 137 Quick silver the monster of Nature. pag. 409 How to kill it. pag. 410 Quid pro quo. pag. 153 Quinces. pag. 374 How to preserve them. pag. 543 Quilted Caps. pag. 209 How they are to be prepared. Ibid. Their matter. pag. 209 R. Ram's, why so called pag. 453 Rape, the kinds thereof. pag. 308 Raisins, why so called. pag. 385 Rasion. pag. 63 Refrigeration, what. pag. 72 Regal paste. pag. 170 How it differs from an Opiate. Ibid. Chemical Remedies ought not to be neglected. pag. 51 What Chemical Remedies should be used. Ibid. Resberries. pag. 380 Restharrow. pag. 302 The differences of it. Ibid. Its virtues. pag. 303 Retort. pag. 90 When it is to be used in Distillations. Ibid. Rhabarb. pag. 252 Our common Rhabarb is not Rhapontick. Ibid. Where the best grows. pag. 253 Extract of Rhabarb. pag. 80 Rhadish. pag. 308 Rhapontick. pag. 335 It is not the greater Centotory. Ibid. Rhodomel. pag. 102 Rhus. pag. 367 Risagalum. pag. 407 Rob, what it is. pag. 533 Rob of Berberries. Ibid. Rob of Quinces. pag. 535 Rob of red Currans. pag. 533 Rob of Cornel-berries. pag. 535 Rocket, the differences thereof. What roots may be gathered at any time of the year. pag. 41 Where they are to be kept. pag. 146 How they are to be cleansed. pag. 55 The greater and lesser opening roots. pag. 150 The way to prepare the five opening roots. pag. 56 Rosemary. pag. 340 Roses. pag. 248 Vinegar of Roses. pag. 72 Rosine, what it is. pag. 377 The varieties thereof. Ibid. How to wash it. pag. 54 Rosata novella, or a new-invented Opiate. pag. 617 Rue. pag. 322 Rubetae, what they are. pag. 463 Rusma of the Turks. pag. 205 S. SAcculus, what it is. pag. 210 A Sacculus for the Colic. Ibid. To comfort the heart. Ibid. For the Lethargy and Apoplexy. Ibid. Saffron of Mars. pag. 610 Saffron, where the best grows. pag. 251 Sagapenum, what it is. pag. 401 Its virtues. Ibid. Sage, its virtues. pag. 321 St. John's wort. pag. 327 Salt. pag. 402 It savours all things. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. It's flower and spume. pag. 403 Sal. Alkali. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Amoniaci. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Fosselis. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Gemmeus. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Indus. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Lacustris. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Marinus. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Nitrum. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Petrae. pag. 402, 403 Sal. Phrygius. pag. 402, 403 Salt, how it must be burned. pag. 68 Saliture. pag. 87 Salvia vitae. pag. 236 Sampsuchum. pag. 311 Sandarack and Arsenic are near akin. pag. 68, 407 Sandrax. Ibid. Sandyx. pag. 409 Sapa, what it is. pag. 103, 533 Simple and compound. pag. 104 Sapphire. pag. 413 Sarcocolla. pag. 403 How it is nourished. pag. 58 Saradrap. pag. 731 Sarcotick the best. pag. 129 Sarda, what it is. pag. 415 Sardis. Ibid. Sarsaperilla, what it is. pag. 289 How it differs from Smilax; with its virtues. Ibid. Sassafrax. pag. 287 Satyrium. pag. 306 How to know the best. Ibid. How to candy the roots. pag. 548 Savine, the kinds thereof, with their virtues. pag. 339, 340 Saunders, the varieties thereof, with their qualities. pag. 287 Which is best. Ibid. Saxafrage. pag. 324 Scabious. pag. 362 Scammony plant. pag. 264 How its juice is to be drawn out. Ibid. That of Antioch is the best. Ibid. By what signatures the best may be known. Ibid. It virtues and correction. Ibid. Why called Diacridium. pag. 265 Scariola. pag. 243 Scechachul. what it is. pag. 276 Its succidany. Ibid. Scincus marinus. pag. 467 Scolymus. pag. 333 Scordium. pag. 322 Scorpions, what kind of animals they are. pag. 467 Many kinds of scorpions. pag. 468 Scum or spume, how it is to be detracted. pag. 83 Scutum, what it is for. pag. 208 Two descriptions of it. Ibid. Sea-bull. pag. 306 Sea-navel. pag. 460 Sea-bindweed. pag. 269 Sea-colwort. Ibid. Sea-crabs, their property. pag. 8 Sebestens. pag. 380 Section, what it is. pag. 63 Seeds, which ought to be kept in Apothecaries shops. pag. 492 Where they are to be placed. pag. 146 What quantity of seed is to be taken in the compounding of a Medicament. pag. 144 The small and great hot seeds. pag. 150 The small and great cool seeds. pag. 241, 242 Sieves, how many are requisite for an Apothecary's shop. pag. 81 Sifting, its use, and manner how. pag. 81, 82 Selenites. pag. 420 Senna. pag. 257 Serapine. pag. 401 Sericum must not be burned. pag. 61 What it is. pag. 471 Serris. pag. 243 Setwal. pag. 272 Sharp things, why by burning lose their acrimony. pag. 67 Shop-instruments, what they are, and how many they be. pag. 472 Sicilicus. pag. 135 Sidar, how it is made. pag. 77 Sief, what it is. pag. 107 Siliqua, what it is. pag. 135 Silkworms. pag. 471 Silver, how it's made. pag. 427 'Tis the soul and blood of mortals. Ibid. What simples ought to be kept in Apothecaries shops. pag. 490, 491 The ancient use of simples. pag. 6 Sinapisms, how they are made. pag. 202 How they differ from Vesicatories. Ibid. Solanum vesicarium. pag. 349 Soldanella. pag. 269 Smaladge. pag. 237, 238 Smaragd. pag. 412 Where the best is found. Ibid. Its virtues. pag. 413 A story of it. Ibid. Snapdragon pag. 319 Sopor, what it is. pag. 34 Sorb-apples. pag. 375 Sorrel. pag. 353 Soul called salt of the body. pag. 88 Sowthistle. pag. 243 Sour Dock. pag. 556 Spanish spurge. pag. 319 Spanish flies pag. 469 Sparadraps. pag. 127 Sparrows brains excite to venery, or carnal copulation. pag. 66 Spatula's, why so called. pag. 482 Speedwell. pag. 319 Spec. Antilyssos. pag. 609 Spec. Aromat. Rosat. pag. 603 Spec. Bezoardicus. pag. 608 Spec. Diacalaminthes. pag. 607 Spec. Diacinamomum pag. 606 Spec. Diaireos' simp. pag. 612 Spec. Diambrae. pag. 601 Spec. Diamarg. frig. pag. 599 Spec. Diamoschi. pag. 601 Spec. Dianisi. pag. 605 Spec. Dianthos. Ibid. Spec. Diarrhodon Abbatis. pag. 603 Spec. Diapenidii. pag. 613 Spec. Diatraganth frigid. Ibid. Spec. De Gemmis. pag. 600 Spec. Laetificans. pag. 604 Spec. Lithontripticon. pag. 606 Spec. Triasantal. pag. 602 Sperage. pag. 239 Sperma ceti, what it is. pag. 404 Spica Celtica. pag. 282 Spikenard. pag. 285 Spignel. pag. 336 Splenicks. pag. 19 Spodium is but of one sort. pag. 434 The Arabian is fictitious. pag. 435 How it is made. Ibid. The Grecian, where and how made. Ibid. Sponges, their differences. pag. 424 The efficient cause thereof. pag. 84 Stones found in sponges. pag. 424 Spurge olive, its virtues. pag. 267 Spurge flax, its virtues. pag. 268 Spanish spurge. pag. 319 Squama eris, what it is. pag. 429 Squinant. pag. 284 Squills. pag. 305 How to be prepared. pag. 71 Stact, what it is. pag. 386 Steel, what it is. pag. 431 Why so called. Ibid. How to wash it, and prepare it. pag. 53 The Chemical preparation of it. Ibid. Stibium flour not to be neglected or despised. pag. 432 Stincus marinus, what it is, and what kind of animal. pag. 467 Stoechados. pag. 320 Stomachicks. pag. 19 Stones, how to be burnt. pag. 68 Stone-crop. pag. 324 Storax, what it is. pag. 386 From whence the best comes. Ibid. A story worth taking notice of. pag. 13 A story of a Spaniard that hated fish. Ibid. A story of a girl fed with poison. pag. 25 A story of a country-fellow that found out an herb that drew blood. pag. 46 A story of Galen's worth: a serious observation. pag. 129 Stramonium. pag. 346 Strawberry-bush. pag. 360 Sublimation. pag. 92 Sublimate, what it is. pag. 737 Sublingues, how made. pag. 173 What substitutes ought not to be allowed of. pag. 133 Succidaneous Medicaments ought not to be thrust into a Composition without a Doctor's advice. pag. 107 Succory, and other succaraceous plants. pag. 243, 244 Sufful. pag. 107 Suffumigations, their differences. pag. 213 A suffumigation to preserve health. pag. 214 For what affections they are convenient. Ibid. To roborate and dry the brain. Ibid. A suffumigation to stay the flux of humours from distilling to the lungs. Ibid. To corroborate the heart. Ibid. To provoke the terms. pag. 215 A suffumigation for the Pox. Ibid. Sugar-plant. pag. 223 Sugar that is red. Ibid. How it is made white. pag. 224 How sugar-candy is made. Ibid. Its virtues and qualities. Ibid. Sugar of roses. pag. 537 Sumach. pag. 367 Suppositories, their use and form. pag. 181 Their basis. Ibid. A suppository for the worms. pag. 182 Syncomestum. pag. 201 Syrup, what it is. pag. 98 Its matter. pag. 98, 99 The etymology of the name Ibid. It's difference from a Julep and Apozeme. Ibid. Syrupus Absynthii, or the syrup of Wormwood. pag. 519 Syr. Acetosae simp. or the simple syrup of sorrel. pag. 511 Syr. of the juice of sorrel. pag. 510 Syr. de Agrest. or the syrup of Grapes. pag. 513 Syr. Alexandrin. or the Alexandrian syrup. pag. 167 Syr. Altheae, or the syrup of Marsh-mallows. pag. 506 Syr. Arthemisiae, or syrup of Mugwort. pag. 522 Syr. e succo Borag. or syrup of the juice of Borage. pag. 510 Syr. e succo Buglossae, or the syrup of the juice of Bugloss. Ibid. Syr. Dynarii, etc. or the Byzantian syrup simple & compound. pag. 512 Syr. Capillor. vener. come. or the common syrup of Maidenhair. pag. 504 Syr. capil. vener. Montpeliensis; or, the syrup of Montpelier— Maidenhair. pag. 505 Syr. de Cichorec comp. or, the compound syrup of Succory. pag. 507 De Cichoreo simp. or the simple syrup of Succory. pag. 508 Syr. Citoniorum simp. or the simple syrup of Quinces. pag. 515 Syr. Endiviae simp. or the simple syrup of Endive. pag. 508 Syr. exhilarans, or the heart-chearing syrup. pag. 524 Syr. flor. Persicorum, or the syrup of Peach-flowers. pag. 500 Why it is not made of many infusions. pag. 501 Syr. Fumariae simp. or the simple syrup of Fumatory. pag. 508 De Fumaria comp. or the compound syrup of Fumatory. pag. 509 Syr. Granatorum, or the syrup of Pomegranates. pag. 514 Syr. Glycirrhizae, or the syrup of Liquorish. pag. 520 Syr. de Eluropo, or the syrup of Catsfoot. pag. 501 Syr. de Hyssopae, or the syrup of Hyssop. pag. 522 Syr. Jujubarum, or the syrup of Jujubees. pag. 521 Syr. Limonum, or the syrup of Lemons. pag. 501 Syr. de Lupulo, or the syrup of Hops. pag. 734 Syr. de Moris' comp. & simp. the compound and simple syrup of Mulberries. pag. 512, 513 Syr. de Mentha simp. & comp. or the compound and simple syrup of Mint. pag. 417 Syr. Myrthinus comp. or the compound syrup of Myrtleberries. pag. 516 Syr. de Nymphaea, or the syrup of Water-lilies. pag. 504 What part of the flowers are to be taken for it. Ibid. Syr. de Papaver simp. or the simple syrup of Poppies. pag. 502 Syr. Papaver errat. or the syrup of red Poppies. pag. 503 Why in this syrup many infusions are required. pag. 504 Syr. de Pomis simp. or the simple syrup of Apples. pag. 515 Syr. de quinque Radicibus, or the syrup of the five opening roots. pag. 505 Syr. de duabus Radicib. or of two roots. Ibid. Syr. Regius, or the Julep of Roses. pag. 519 Syr. Ribs & Berberries, or the syrup of red Currants and Berberries. pag. 513 Syr. Resumptivus. pag. 523 Syr. Rosatus, or the Julep of Roses. pag. 167 Syr. Rosatus Rondel. or the syrup of Roses of Rondeletius. Ibid. Syr. Rosarum Palidarum, or the syrup of Damask-roses pag. 501 Syr. Rosarium siccarum, or the syrup of dried Roses. pag. 518 Syr. Regis Sabor. or King Sabor 's syrup. pag. 516 Syr. simplex, or simple syrup. pag. 166 Syr. de Stoechade, or syrup of French Lavender. pag. 520 Syr. de Fusilagine, or the syrup of Coltsfoot. pag. 499 Syr. Violatus, or the syrup of Violets. pag. 498 The difference between Violatus and Violaceus. Ibid. T. TAblets, how much Sugar they require to their consistency. pag. 173 Purging Tablets, how much they require. Ibid. Tablets to roborate. pag. 174 Tables of Marble. pag. 489 Taccamahacca. pag. 383 How it may be adulterated. pag. 158 Talkum, what it is. pag. 422 Tamarinds. pag. 254 Tamaris. pag. 369 Taraxacum. pag. 243 Tartar, what it is. pag. 392 Its Oil. Ibid. How to be burnt. pag. 68 Tastes, their several differences. pag. 36 Sharp taste, what it is. Ibid. Sour, bitter, austere, sweet, etc. pag. 37, 38 Sweet tastes are grateful. Ibid. Tears of a Hart. pag. 454 Tela Galterii. pag. 127 Temperaments, how many there be. pag. 33 Teathrio. pag. 312 Terra Lemnia. pag. 396 How to know it to be good. Ibid. Ter. Mellitaea. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Samia. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Chia. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Selinusia. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Cimolia. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Eretria. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Rubrica. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Ochra. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Alana. pag. 397, 398 Ter. Tripoli. pag. 397, 398 Theamides. pag. 418 Therion signifies all poisonous animals. pag. 464 Thymelaea. pag. 268 Thyme, its description and virtues. pag. 310 Tincture of Roses. pag. 72 Tincture, what it is. pag. 59 Tin, how made. pag. 427 Topaz stone. pag. 416 Tormentil. pag. 301 Tortoises, what they are. pag. 462 Transmarina. pag. 230 Treacle-Mustard. pag. 293 Treacle, why so called. pag. 464 Treacle-water, of what it is compounded. pag. 733 Triapharmacum, what it is. pag. 58 Triasantalum. pag. 602 Triture, what it is. pag. 60 What things require much triture. Ibid. What moderate, what little. pag. 62 Troches, what they are under a general notion. pag. 116 Their matter. Ibid. Such as are Roborative, Purgative and Alterative. pag. 117 Trochisci de Agarico, or the troches of Agarick. pag. 575 Troch. albi Rhasis, or Rhasis his white troches. pag. 643 Troch. Alexiterii, or troches against infection. pag. 641 Troch. Alhandal. or troches of Coloquintida. pag. 575 Troch. de Antispodio, or troches of Ivory. pag. 637 Troch. de Berberis, or troches of Berberries. pag. 638 Troch. de Caphura, or the troches of Camphor. pag. 635 Troch. de Caparibus, or the troches of Capers. pag. 639 Troch. de Carabe, or the troches of Amber. pag. 637 Troch. Cypheos', or Aromatical troches. pag. 633 Troch. Galliae Moschatae, or troches compounded of Aloes wood. pag. 634 Troch. Aliptae Moschatae, or the odoriferous troches of Musk. Ibid. Troch. Diarrhodon, or the Aromatical troches of Roses. pag. 636 Troch. Gordonii, or Dr. Gordonius his troches. pag. 639 Troch. ad Gonorrhaeam, or troches for the flux of Sperm. pag. 642 Troch. Hedicroi, or sweet smelling troches. pag. 631 Troch. Hysterici, or Hysterical troches. pag. 641 Troch. Myrrhae, or troches of Myrrh. pag. 640 Troch. Narcotici Fernel. or the stupefying troches of Fernelius. pag. 643 Troch. de Rhabarbero, or the troches of Rhabarb. pag. 574 Troch. Scillitici Androm. or the troch of Squills prescribed by Andromachus. pag. 632 Troch. de Spodio cum semine, or the troches of Spodium with Sorrel-seed. pag. 638 Troch. de Viperis, or the troches of Vipers. pag. 630 Tryphera solutiva. pag. 563 Turchesa. pag. 419 Turbith, its description. pag. 263 Various opinions about it. Ibid. How to know the best. Ibid. How to prepare it. pag. 56 Turpentine. pag. 379 Masculine, pag. 380 Feminine. pag. 380 Tutty, what it is. pag. 436 How to prepare it. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. How to wash it. pag. 53 V. VAlerian. pag. 333 Vaporary, its constitution and use. pag. 187 A Vaporary to bring down the Terms, and move the Hemorrhoids. pag. 187 To stay them both. pag. 188 To allay the pain thereof. Ibid. Vegetables which by a certain Antinomasia, are to be preferred before others. pag. 149 Venice-Treacle. pag. 626 Verdigrease, what it is. pag. 429 Its species and qualities. pag. 430 How to burn it. pag. 69 Vermilago. pag. 332 Vermilion. pag. 408 Vesicatory, how it differs from a Sinapism. pag. 205 Its utility. Ibid. The Countryman's Vesicatory. Ibid. Vinegar. pag. 221 Its qualities. pag. 101, 221 Which is best. Ibid. Vinegar of Roses, how to be made. pag. 72 Vinegar of Squills. Ibid. Vine. pag. 219 Vinous Hydromel, how made. pag. 71 Vinum Hippocraticum, what it is. pag. 56 Vinum ex Herbis. pag. 77 Vipers, what they are. pag. 764 Why so called. Ibid. Their differences. Ibid. Why their heads and tails in their preparation must be cut off. pag. 465 How to burn them. pag. 67 The manner of preparing their Axungia. pag. 466 When they are to be taken for the composition of Treacle. Ibid. The powder of their skins will cause hair to grow. pag. 16 Virgins milk, why so called. pag. 197 How it is made. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. Vitriol. pag. 399 Which may be called the best. Ibid. How to burn it. pag. 68 How to burn Red Vitriol. pag. 69 Ulcers in the eyes are cured by washed Cadmia. pag. 53 Unguent, what it is. pag. 121 The difference of an Unguent and Cerate. Ibid. Their varieties. pag. 122 What quantity of Oil Unguents require. pag. 121 In what vessels they must be kept. Ibid. The four hot and cold Unguents, what they are. pag. 151 A sweet smelling Ung. pag. 213 Unguentum ad Achorus vulgo Tineam; or, an Unguent for Moths, etc. pag. 702 Unguentum Adjutorium, or the Adjutory Unguent. pag. 706 Ung. Egyptiacum, or the Egyptian Ointment. pag. 704 Ung. Crudum, or the Crude Ointment. pag. 87, 122 Ung. Agrippae, or the Ointment of the juice of wild simples. pag. 704 Ung. Apostolorum, or the Ointment of the Apostles. pag. 703 Ung. album Rhasis, or Rhasis white Ointment. pag. 705 Ung. Altheae, or the Ointment of Marshmallows. pag. 698 Ung. Aregon, or the helping Ointment. pag. 705 Ung. Aureum, or the Golden Ointment. pag. 700 Ung. Basilicum, or the Princely Ointment. pag. 699 Ung. de Bolo, or the Ointment of Bole. pag. 693 Ung. Caphuratum, or an Ointment with Camphor. pag. 697 Ung. Citrinum, or the Ointment of Citrons. pag. 707 Ung. de Siccativum rubrum, or the red drying Ointment. pag. 694 Ung. Diapompholigos, or the Ointment of Pompholix. pag. 695 Ung. Enulatum cum Merc. or the Ointment of Enulacampane with Mercury pag. 701 Ung. Fuscum, or the Agglutiating Ointment. Ibid. Ung. de Lythargyro, or the Ointment of Litharidge. pag. 692 Ung. magnum, or the eximious Ointment. pag. 704 Ung. Martiatum, or Martiatons Unguent. pag. 706 Ung. Melleum, or the honey Ointment. pag. 704 Ung. de Minio, or the Ointment of Red-lead. pag. 697 Ung. Mundificativum expert. or the Experienced cleansing Ointment. pag. 699 Ung. Neapolitanum, or an Ointment for the Venerean disease. pag. 709 Ung. nutritum, or the nourished Ointment. pag. 692 Ung. Ophthalmicum, or an Ointment for the eyes. pag. 696 Ung. Populeon, or the Ointment of Poplar. pag. 691 Ung. ad Pruritem scabiosem, or an Ointment for the Itch. pag. 696 Ung. Resumptivum, or the Resumptive Ointment. pag. 697 Ung. Rosatum, or the Ointment of Roses. pag. 690 Ung. Sanctum, or a Sacred Ointment. pag. 3 Ung. Spleniticum, or an Ointment for the Spleen. pag. 708 Ung. Stipticum, or the Astringent Ointment. pag. 694 Ung. Tetrapharmacum, or an Ointment of four things. pag. 699 Ung. Triapharmacum, or an Ointment of three similar things. pag. 692 Ung. ad Vermis, or an Ointment for the Worms. pag. 702 Unicorn and his horn. pag. 456 Its description and virtues. Ibid. Unions, how they differ from Margarites. pag. 459 Whence they have their name. pag. 458 Vomits, which should especially be made choice of. pag. 45, 46 Ureticks, what they are. pag. 29 Urna, what it is. pag. 137 Ustion, what it is. pag. 67 The various modes thereof. Ibid. When it may be said to be finished. pag. 68 Why by Ustion sharp Medicaments lose their acrimony. pag. 67 It is cousin german to Assation. pag. 69 Utensils for an Apothecary's shop, what they are. pag. 472 A catalogue thereof. pag. 473, etc. Vulnerary powder. pag. 107 W. WAll-flower. pag. 309 Walnuts. pag. 387 Wallwort. pag. 261 Water and fire the principles of life. pag. 217 What the soul of Water is. pag. 218 How the goodness of Water may be known. Ibid. The differences thereof. Ibid. Which may be called the best. Ibid. What the levity of Water is. pag. 218 The quantity of Water to be put in a Decoction. pag. 162 The quantity of Water to be used for a dose. Ibid. Why Cistern-waters are unwholesome. pag. 218 Why running-Water is the best. pag. 99 Waters after Distillation are to be insolated. pag. 90 A Water of the extinction of Gold. pag. 70 A Water for a Gonorrhaea. pag. 735 A Water of Community. pag. 736 A Water for the redness of the eyes. Ibid. A Water against the Stone. pag. 735 Alome-Water. pag. 77, 198 Cinamon-Water. pag. 734 Cephalical Waters, how many they are. pag. 151 Cordial Waters, what they be. pag. 150 Claret-Water. pag. 734 Treacle-Water. pag. 733 Water-flag. pag. 273 Water-lilies. pag. 249 The juice thereof, what virtue it hath. pag. 7 Wax, which is best. pag. 393 Virgins Wax. Ibid. It's washing and making white. Ibid. Weights, their several denominations. pag. 134 Their Arabian names. pag. 135 What things are diligently to be weighed. pag. 142, 143 Widow-wail. pag. 267 Willow white. pag. 340 Windeflower. pag. 309 Wine, who first mixed water with it. pag. 220 Wine, its utility, with the differences thereof. pag. 219, 220 It excites the spirits. Ibid. Wine of Herbs. pag. 77 Hypocrates Wine. pag. 56 Winter-Cherries. pag. 349 An extreme cold Winter. pag. 145 Woodbine. pag. 338 Wolf's liver, how it is to be prepared. pag. 54 How to be washed. Ibid. Wolf's intestines, their preparation. Ibid. Wolf's grease, how made. pag. 453 Words, their force, according to the Hebrews. pag. 21 Worms generated of salt and snow. pag. 469 Silkworms, what kind of animals they are. pag. 471 Earthworms their virtue. pag. 469 Wormwood, its species and virtues. pag. 316 Roman Wormwood. Ibid. X. XAntonian. pag. 316 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. pag. 377 Xylobalsamum pag. 282 Xylocolla. pag. 452 Xylon. pag. 362 Y. YArrow. pag. 368 Z. ZAdar. pag. 272 Zadura. Ibid. Zamarat. pag. 412 Zapeticon. pag. 451 Zea. pag. 366 Zedoaria. pag. 271 Zeduar. pag. 272 Zeopyrum. pag. 366 Zerumbet. pag. 271 How it differs from Ginger. Ibid. Its virtues. Ibid. Zinzipha. pag. 381 Zizipha. Ibid. Zopissa. pag. 378 FINIS.