TRACTATUS De Simplicium Medicamentorum facultatibus. A TREATISE OF THE Nature and Qualities of such Simples as are most frequently used in MEDICINES, Both Purging, and others. Methodically handled, for the benefit of those that understand not the Latin Tongue. To which is added: Many Compound Medicines for most Diseases incident to Mankind: As also two Alphabetical Tables, very necessary for the Reader. Together with, The Explanation of all hard words or Terms of Art, whereby the Vulgar may the better understand it. By ROBERT PEMEL, Practitioner in Physic, at Cranebrooke in Kent. Turpis est calamitas Medicamento purgante dato hominem occidere. Hippoc. de med. purge. fol. 98 Licenced and Entered according to Order. LONDON: Printed by M. Simmons, for Philemon Stephens, at the guilded Lion in St Paul's Churchyard. 1652. REader, most, if not all the faults here mentioned, an intelligent Reader would amend without any direction: Those which are as easily mended as discerned, with literal faults, such as [doth, for both] [tumours for tumors] [small for smell] are omitted— as also. 2. or 3. mistakes in the Latin and Hebrew names, which as only the learned will discern, so their ingenuity will pardon. Chap. Line. Errata. Correction. 3 64 Diagnieium Diagredium. 16 4 Pine Syrup Pine-spurge. 39 86 Gum Elmne Gum elemne. 46 68 Storchadoes. Staechados. 50 45 Lorage Lovage. 66 2 Hepatoxium Hepatorium. 86 42 Potion. Lotion. 90 15 By Decoction The Decoction. 94 16 Purflow Purslane 95 15 Rhodes Nodes. 106 7 Outward use Inward use. Id. 16 Inward use Outward use, 115 6 Keep long Not keep long. 117 16 Heart of. Heat of. 119 29 Rhodes, Nodes. Id. 32 Oil of Sarin Oil of Savin. 124 13 Swimmings Swoon. Id. 23 A Candle A Caudle. 127 22 Into the cotton Into the ears with cotton. 131 18 Inflations Inflammations 137 13 Provoketh Profiteth. 146 21 The First See the 66 Chap. 156 29 Sage and Hyssop Sage & Hyssop water. Id. 50 Foin Allomo Some Allom. 157 6 Outward use Inward use. Cap. 24. last line, for seu, read see. Chap. 35. l. 73. before salt put out black. Chap. 136. The Title of it is mistaken, for Lavender r. Cammock. In the Table of Compound Medicines in B. Breast to clease r. Breast to cleanse. In the Table of hard words, for Orrosive Corrosive. Viscious Viscous. The word [Note] in the Preface should have followed these words, [many Diseases.] To the kind READER. COurteous Reader, as the knowledge of Diseases is most necessary and useful for such as take upon them the Noble art of Physic; so no less profitable is the knowledge of simple medicines and their nature: For it is most true; Medicus tantum bene curate, quantum recte cognoscat, he only cures well that rightly knows; he that rightly knows diseases and their causes, as also the virtue of simple Medicines, he cures best. Hippoc. Aph. sect. 4.3. Thus much witnesseth Hypocrates Si qualia oportet purgari, purgentur, confert, & facile ferunt. Contraria vero difficulter If those things be purged as should be, it doth good, and the Patient doth easily endure it: Medicamentorum purgantium res non ita se habet, quemedmodum vulgo putatur. Hip. de med. pur. fol. 98. but if otherwise it be done, the Patient doth endure it painfully. Now how shall we know when seasonably to purge the body, if we have not exact knowledge of those Medicines we give. Therefore we are to fit our Medicines according to the nature of the sick; And most certain is that of Hippoc. Oportet igitur biliofis dare quod bilem purgat. Hip. de med. purge. 16. Pituitosis quod pituitam. Hydropicis quod aquam. Atrabiliariis quod bilem atram. We ought to give to Choleric persons those things which purge Choler, to Phlegmatic bodies those things which purge Phlegm, to Hydropical that which purgeth water, and to Melancholy persons that which purgeth black Choler or Melancholy. I have here collected (for the benefit of such as are not expert in the Latin Tongue.) This Tract of the nature of simple Medicines, both purging and others that are most in use, and easy to be got; Also in most Chapters you have variety of compound medicines for many Diseases. [Note] I have not given particular examples in every Chapter of Decoctions, that being needless; for if it be an herb, you have an example thereof in the Chapter of Mugwort, as also in some other Chapters, by which you may make a Decoction of any other herb; if it be a root, you have an example thereof in the Chapter of Eringo-roots. Also Note that a scruple is twenty grains, a dram three scruples, an ounce eight drams. Now my hearty desire is that it may be useful unto all that shall read it. What I have done herein and how methodical, I have been, I leave to others to judge, for now it is Coram Judice, and surely not without error, Errare Aliquando accidit omnibur ante me hominibus, & procul dubio omnibus post me accidet. for humanum est errare, 'tis incident to the best to err; some have lapsed herein before me, and others will after me, however let my good will be accepted, which if I find, I shall be encouraged (God assisting me with life and strength) to publish some other Tracts useful for the vulgar capacity, as also for young Practitioners. Septemb. 16. 1651. Robert Pemel. Medicus. AUTHORS Made use of in this TREATISE. ACtuarius, printed 1556 Amatus Lusitanus, printed 1556 Constantius Affricanus, printed 1539 Jo: Carolus Rosenbergius, printed 1624. Ant: Benivenius Jo: Carolus Amatus, printed 1623. Joan: Rodulp. Camerarius, printed 1624. Dorstenius, printed 1540 Dioscorides. Dodonaeus, Doringius, printed 1620 Fernelius, printed 1610 Fragosus, printed 1600 Freitagius, Aur. med. printed 1630 Freitagius, de Opio, printed 1632 Galenus, printed 1549 Gartias ab Horto, printed 1574 Gorraeus, printed 1583 Gerrarde. Hartmannus, printed 1635 Grulingius, printed 1644 Heurnius, printed 1594 Hypocrates, printed 1546 Greg. Horstius, printed 1631 Joubertus, printed 1567. Lemnius, printed 1581. Massaria, printed 1634 Matthiolus, printed 1565 Melichius, printed 16●1 Monardus Anglice, printed 1596 Had. a Mynsicht, printed 1645 Oribasius, Parkinson, Pet. Paulus, printed 1587. Pliny, printed 1634 Piso, printed 1580 Ranzovius, printed 1585. Renodaeus, printed 1645 Riverius, printed 1649 Rondeletius, printed 1628. Sadlerus, printed 1637 Schroderus, printed 1644 Schyronius, printed 1623. Stocherus, printed 1634 Sennertus instit. printed 1628. Sennertus pract. med. printed 1632 Thonerus observat. printed 1649 Trallianus, printed 1560 Weckerus, printed 1576 Weikardus, printed 1628. Note, That Freitagius his Aurora Medicorum, is false printed in the pages, from pag. 104. to 494. so that you must mend them, and then you will find the quotations right. AN Alphabetical Table OF ALL THE SIMPLE MEDICINES IN THIS TREATISE. A AGarick Chap. 2 agrimony, see agrimony Alchoofe Chap. 112 Almonds Chap. 5 Aloes Chap. 3 Alum Chap. 70 Amber Chap. 62 Ambergris Chap. 72 Ammoniacum Chap. 4 Angelica Chap. 74 Aniseed Chap. 76 Antimony Chap. 75 Armen Stone Chap. 42 Aromatic Reed Chap. 84 Assa Fetida Chap. 7 Asarabacca Chap. 8 Azure Stone Chap. 42 B BAsill Chap. 133 Balm Chap. 124 Bastard Saffron Chap. 13 Beets Chap. 79 Betony Chap. 80 Bezoar Stone Chap. 81 Bdellium Chap. 9 Birthworth Chap. 6 Bistort Chap. 10 Bitter Vetch, see Orobus Bole Armoniac Chap. 82 Borrage Chap. 83 Brimstone Chap. 164 Broome Chap. 32 Bryonie Chap. 11 Burnet Chap. 142 C CAmbogia Chap. 35 Cammocke Chap. 136 Camomile Chap. 86 Camphor Chap. 12 Carrot wild, see Dancus Chap. 99 Cardamomes Chap. 89 Carduus Benedictus Chap. 90 Carthamus, see Bastard Saffron Chap. 13 Castor Chap. 92 Caslia lignea Chap. 14 Cassia Fistula Chap. 15 Centory Chap. 93 Ceterach Chap. 94 tree Chap. 67 China Root Chap. 95 Cinnamon Chap. 14 Cinke Foil Chap. 141 Cloves Chap. 91 Coloquintida Chap. 17 Comlrey Chap. 97 Coral Chap. 18 Coralline Chap. 98 Costus Chap. 20 D DAnewort Chap. 56 Dates Chap. 24 Daucus Chap. 99 Dill Chap. 73 Dittany Chap. 25 Dodder Chap. 27 E agrimony Chap. 66 Elaterium Chap. 26 Elecampane Chap. 101 Elder Chap. 56 Endive Chap. 100 Epithymum Chap. 27 Eringo Roots Chap. 102 Eupho●bium Chap. 28 Eye bright Chap. 103 F FEnnell Chap. 105 Fenugreeke Chap. 106 Figs Chap. 104 Fleawort Chap. 52 Flower de Luce Chap. 41 French Barley Chap. 113 Fumiterrie Chap. 29 G GAlbanum Chap. 31 Galingall Chap. 30 Garlick Chap. 69 Gentian Chap. 33 Germander Chap. 96 Ginger Chap. 170 Grapes Chap. 168 G●●e Chap. 109 G●omell Seed Chap. 126 Guajacum, see Pockwood Chap. 110 Gutta gummi, see Cambogia Chap. 35 H Hearts Horn Chap. 19 Herb of Grace, see Rue Chap. 153 Hedge Hyssop Chap. 34 Hellebor white Chap. 36 Hellebor black Chap. 36 Hermodactyles Chap. 37 Honey Chap. 122 Honey Suckle Chap. 88 Hore hound Chap. 146 I JAcap Chap. 40 Ivy Chap. 111 Ivory Chap. 19 Jujubes Chap. 115 Juniper Chap. 114 K KNee-Holme Chap. 152 L LAvender Chap. 118 Lettuce Chap. 117 Licoris Chap. 108 Lignum vitae, see Pockwood Chap. 110 Lungwort Chap. 147 Lupins Chap. 149 M MAce, see Nutmeg Chap. 132 Madder Chap. 54 Maidenhair Chap. 87 Mallows Chap. 121 Manna Chap. 44 Marjerome Chap. 120 Marigolds Chap. 85 Marsh Mallows Chap. 71 Mastich Chap. 45 Mechoacan Chap. 46 Melilot Chap. 123 Milk Chap. 116 Mints Chap. 125 Misselto Chap. 166 Mugwort Chap. 78 Mummy Chap. 128 Musk Chap. 127 Mustard Chap. 161 Myrrh Chap. 48 Myrobalans Chap. 47 N NEttles Chap. 167 Nigella, or Gith Chap. 130 Nitre Chap. 131 Nutmeg and Mace Chap. 132 O OLibanum Chap. 135 Opium Chap. 49 Opopanax Chap. 50 Organy Chap. 137 Orobus Chap. 138 Orris Chap. 41 P PArmasitty, or Sperma Ceti. Chap. 162 Pepper Chap. 143 Peony Chap. 140 Pine Spurge Chap. 16 Plantain Chap. 144 Pockwood Chap. 110 Polypodie Chap. 51 Purslane Chap. 145 Q QUicksilver Chap. 77 R Radish Chap. 148 Raisins Chap. 139 Rest Harrow, see Cammooke Chap. 136 Rosemary Chap. 151 Roses Chap. 150 Rhubarb Chap. 53 Rue, or Herb of Grace Chap. 153 S SAge Chap. 156 Saffron Chap. 21 Sagapenum Chap. 55 Salt Chap. 155 Sanders Chap. 57 Sarcoc●ll Chap. 58 Sarsaparilla Chap. 158 Sassafras Chap. 157 Scammony Chap. 59 Sea bind weed Chap. 61 Sea Moss, see Coralline Chap. 98 Sebestens Chap. 160 Seine Chap. 60 Setwall Chap. 169 Showbread Chap. 23 Spikenard Chap. 129 Saint john's wort Chap. 39 Spurge Garden, see Pine Spurge Chap. 16 Stechado Chap. 163 Strawberries Chap. 107 Sugar Chap. 154 T TAmarinds Chap. 63 Tormentill Chap. 64 Turbith Chap. 65 Turmerick Chap. 22 Turnips Chap. 149 U VAlerian Chap. 165 Vardigrease Chap. 68 W walwort Chap. 56 Water Germander Chap. 159 Water Lily Chap. 134 Wild Gourd, see Coloquintida Chap. 17 Wood Aloes Chap. 43 Wormwood Chap. 1 Z Zedoary, see Setwall Chap. 169 AN EXPLANATION OF All such hard Words, or Terms of Art, that are to be found in this Treatise of Simples used in MEDICINES, Whereby the Vulgar may the better understand it. A ABdomen, that part of the belly that covereth the Entrails or Bowels. Abortion, miscarrying of Women. Absterfive, cleansing or scouring Access, a fit either of an Ague, falling Sickness, or the like. acrimony, sharpness. Adjacent, near. Adstrictive, binding. Adulterate, corrupt, counterfeit. Adust, burnt. Agarick trochiscated. Agarick in Trosses, or small Cakes. Alacrity, cheerfulness. Alexipharmacall, against poison and venom. Animosity, courage, stoutness. Anthony's fire, wild fire, or the Shingles. Aromatical, smelling sweet, like Spice. Arthritick, Pains of the Joint. arthritical pains, Pains of the Joint. Asthma shortness of breath. Astringent, binding. Attenuate, to make thin. Attractive, drawing. B Bole, a lump or medicine given upon the point of a knife, to the quantity of a Nutmeg, till the whole be taken. C cachectical, of ill constitution. Cachochymie Such a body wherein there is abundance of ill humours. cacochymical Such a body wherein there is abundance of ill humours. Callous knots, hard bunches. Cardiack passion, the passion of the heart. cardiacal, proper for the heart. Catarrh, Rheum. chronical, of long continuance. Cicatrice, to heal up into a scar. Citrine, yellow. Coagulated, thickened like curd, or curdded. Colature, straining. Collyri●s, Medicines for the eyes in a liquid form, Condensed, thickened. Consolidate, to knit or unite, and to make sound again that which was broken or bruised. Contusions, bruises. Corroborate, to strengthen. Corroding, gnawing, eating. coronal futuro, the seam or future on the forepart of the head Corpulent, fat, gross. corrosive, fretting. Crude, raw. Crudities, rawness. D Decocting, Boiling. Decoction, Boiling. Debility, weakness, feebleness. Defluxions, flow down of humours. Dentifrice, a Medicine to make the teeth white by rubbing them. Detriment, hurt or damage. diaphoretical, provoking sweat. Discuss, to expel, dissolve, or break. Diuretical, provoking Urine. diuturnal, of long continuance. Dulcediny, sweetness. Dysentery, the Bloody Flux. E Ebullition, boiling bubbling. Emulsion, a Medicine like Milk. entrails, Bowels. Epitheme, a Medicine compounded of distilled waters, wine, vinegar, and powders, in which a cloth is dipped, and so applied to the Liver, Heart, etc. Evacuate, to empty or cleanse. Evaporate, to consume away in smoke, or like smoke. Excoriate, fretting, or going of the skin. Expectorate, to cause phlegm to be easily spit forth Expectoration, the same with the former. Eruginous, green like Vardigrease. Eruptions, break out. Extenuate, to make thin or diminish. F Film, a thin skin. Faecula, dregs. Fluent, flowing or abounding. Fomentation, when liquor is laid upon a part or member with a sponge or clout. Fragrant, smelling sweet. Friable, easy to be broken. Frigitidy, coldness. Fumigation, a perfume. G Gargoyle, to wash the mouth. Gargarism, a water to wash the mouth and throat. Genitals, the privy Members. Geniture, generation conception. Glutinous, thick like glue. Glutinative, glewing together. Gonorrhaea, running of the reins. H Hectic, Consuming Fever. hectical, Consuming Fever. hepatical, proper for the Liver. Hydromell, honeyed water, or water and honey mixed together. Hydropical, having the Dropsy. Hypochondriack wind, Melancholy wind. Hysterical fits, fits of the Mother. I Impinguating, faming, or making fat. Impurity, foulness. Incarn, to breed flesh in a Wound. Incorporate, to mix into a body. Inflammabilious, of a fiery, flaming, or burning nature. Infusion, a liquor wherein certain drugs are steeped for a time, without boiling. Injection, a casting in. Insolation, a setting in the Sun. Inspissated, thickened. Inveterate, old, of long continuance. L Lenify, to make smooth. Local, belong to a place, Lotion, a washing. Luxation, a bone out of Joint. M Macerate, to steep or infuse. Macerating, steeping. Maturity, ripeness. Menses, the courses of Women, because they come every month. Mesentery, a part in the middle of the bowels full of veins. Mollify, to soften. Mucilage, the seeds or roots of slimy plants laid a steep in water, boiled, and drawn through a Sieve. Mundify, to cleanse. N Nauseous, Inclining to vomit. Nauseousness, Inclining to vomit. Neph●●ticall, pains of the reins by reason of gravel or stone. Nodes, hard bunches on the Joints. Nuke, the hinder part of the neck. O Obnoxious, hurtful, dangerous. Obstructions, stops. Obstructed, stopped. Occult, hidden, secret. Orifice, the mouth of a wound, Fistula, or such like. Oxymel, a syrup made of honey, vinegar, and water. P Palpitation, beating of the heart or brain. Peccant, offensive or faulty. pectoral, good for the breast. Penetrate, to pierce. Pessary, a Medicine made like a finger, or suppository, to be put up into the secret parts of Women. Phlegmon, a hot swelling. Plethoric, full of blood and humours. Potently, strongly, powerfully. Pregnant women, women with Child. Primarily, chief, or in the first place. Ponderous, weighty. Porous substance, full of small holes. Putrid Fevers, rotten Fevers. R Ratify, to make thin. Rancid, stinking, rank, or mouldy. Recreate, to refresh. Remiss, slack, more easy. Remote, far off, far distant. Repress, to keep bacl, to keep down. Retentive, retaining, or having power to keep. Robustick, strong. S Scirrhus, a hard swelling. Serous humours, watery humours. Speci●ck remedy, a remedy that helps by its special and particular virtue. sperm, seed. Spermaticall Flux, Flux of seed. Spongious flesh proud flesh. stomachical belonging to the stomach. Strangulatory Medicine, a Medicine that doth soon strangle or choke one. Stupefaction, a making dull or senseless. Suffocation of the Mother, a rising or choking of the Mother. Strumous swelling, the King's Evil. Sulphureous, of the nature of Brimstone. Suppression, stopping staying. T Tabulat's, small Cakes made round or square. Tenuity, thinness. Terms, Courses of women. Torrifyed, dried. Tortions, gripe. Transparent, clear that one may see through. Tremulation, trembling or quaking. Trosses, round Cakes. tumors, swell. Tunicle, a skin. V Virulent, filthy, stinking, or poisonous. Viscerous parts, the bowels or inward parts. Viscid, Tough. Viscious, Tough. Unctuous, fatty, oily, Uritories, the passages of urine. Uterine parts, parts belonging to the womb. Vulnerary, good for wounds. The Books following are to be sold by Philemon Stephens at the Guilded Lion in Paul's Churchyard. TWo Treatises formerly published by Robert Pemel, the Author of the foregoing Book. Viz. 1. Of the chief internal Diseases of the Head. 2. Help for the Poor, A collection of Medicines to be easily obtained, with an Appendix concerning letting blood in the Small Pox. A seasonable Treatise written by Sir Hen. Spelman, Kt. deceased, wherein all Questions concerning Tithes, are learnedly discussed. An Exposition on four Psalms, Viz. 27.84.85. and 87. by that Faithful Servant of Christ, Mr Thomas Peirson, deceased. Milk for Babes, a Treatise expounding and applying the Principles of Religion, with three Sermons on these Texts, Psal. 119.12. Mark 3.45, 46. Psal. 81.5. Likewise four Sermons on these Texts, Judges 11.27. Matth. 7.12. 1 Tim. 1.19. A Dictionary in Latin and English, containing near ten thousand Primitive words, besides thrice that number derived from, or known by them; with an Interpretation of Scholastical words, often used in Sermons: by Tho. Willis, M. A. Wisdom's Conquest, exemplified in a Grammatical Translation of the 13th Book of Ovid's Metamorphosis, Containing the Curious and Rhetorical contest between Ajax, Ulysses, for Achilles' Armour, exhibiting The power of Valour, and prevalence of Eloquence, by Tho. Hall. The exemplary life and death of Mr Samuel Crook, late Pastor of Wrington in . A Treatise opening the Promises and Threaten of Scripture, by F. Bridges. A Grammar for Children, in English, being a Synopsis, containing the Rudiments of the Latin Tongue 12● The sum of three Sermons on Ephes. 1.22, 23. wherein 〈◊〉 shown that the Church is the proper subject of the New Covenant, together with several other Practical Propositions, necessary to be considered in reference to the debates now on foot, by W. Sambrooke, LL. B. Ox. Sabatto dominica, Four Propositions tending to reconcile the seeming difference between the letter of the Law, and Christian Liberty, in the Doctrine of the Sabboath, and the Lords Day. Mr Joseph Medes Exposition on the Revelation of Saint John, both in Latin and English. A Treatise to direct Christians for receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, with profit and comfort; whereunto is annexed Meditations fit to be used in the time of preparation, and others in the action of receiving, by John Downame, B. D. Directions for the private reading of the Scriptures, wherein the order and the drift of the whole Scripture is Methodically set down, with choice rules which show how to read with profit, first composed by Mr Nich. Bifield, deceased, enlarged by Mr John Gear, late Pastor of Saint Faith's, London, to which is added, Pithy directions to reconcile places of Scripture, seeming repugnant. An Examination of the chief points of Antinomianism, collated out of divers Sermons, and now drawn together into a body, and published for all that love the holy truth of God, with an Examination of the Pamphlet entitled, the Compassionate Samaritan, handling the Power of the Magistrate, in the Compulsion of Conscience, by Tho. Bedford, B. D. Arithmetic made easy in two Books. 1. A perfect Method for knowledge and practice of natural Arithmetic, according to the Vulgar way, without dependence upon any other Author for the grounds thereof. 2. A perfect Method for knowledge and practice of Artificial Arithmetic, performed by Logurithmes, resolving all Arithmetical Questions, by Addition and Substraction. Together with the use of the line of proportion, exhibiting the Logarithmes of any number under 100000. Also an Appendix resolving all questions concerning interest of money, valuation of Leases, and the like, by Edmond Wingale, Esquire. Two Tables of Logarithmes, the first containing the Logarithmes of all numbers from 1. to 100000. The other the Logarithmes of the right Signs and Tangents of all the degrees and Minutes of the Quadrant, each degree being divided into 100 Minutes, and the Logarithme of the Radim or Semidiamiter, being 10,00000,00000. with their admirable use for the resolution of Problems in Geometry, Astronomy, Geographie, and Nugation, by Edmond Wingale, Esquire. The Construction and use of the rule of Proportion, in Arithmetic, and Geomitry, Astronomy, Dialling, Geography, Navigation, Gauging of Vessels, Military Orders, Interests, and Annuities. A Discourse touching the true notion of the Lords Supper, also the union of Christ and the Church, in a shadow, by R. Cudworth, D. D. now Master of Clare-Hall in Cambridge. The Christian Conflict, showing the difficulties and duties of the Christian Warfare, with the Armour and graces of Christian Soldiers, partially applied to Magistrates and Ministers, Husbands and Wives. Together with the case of Usury, Depopulation, and the errors of Antinomonists, occasionally discussed by John Bentham. A Remonstrance of the holy life and happy death of John Bruen, Esquire, exhibiting vanity of memorials and exemplary passages, useful to all sorts of people, as a path and precedent of piety and charity, written by W. Hind, late of Bunbury in Cheshire. THE NATURE OF Simple Medicines. CHAP. I De Absynthio. Of Wormwood. COmmon Wormwood is so well known, that it needeth no description. The Names. It is called in Latin, Absynthium, because of its bitterness, Beasts will not feed on it, neither do most like the taste of it. The Temperament. It is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third, very bitter and cleansing, yet binding and strengthening. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The Inward Use. Wormwood draweth from the Tunicles of the Stomach, and Intestines, first choler, than phlegm, and also doth strengthen the Stomach like Alois. It purgeth choler likewise from the Reins and Liver, and purgeth by Urin. It doth much prevail in the Greensickness, Jaundice, and Dropsy. It helpeth such as have obstructed Livers and Stomaches, the Colic, and gripe in the Belly; cleanseth the womb and uterine parts, help Crudities, dryveth away the Hicket, stayeth vomiting, brings a good appetite, expelleth wind, and prevails in intermittent Agues, and obstructions of the entrails. It preserveth the blood from putrefaction, and is useful in the Pestilence. It prevents and resists Drunkenness, vomiting at Sea, and killeth worms. The Vinegar wherein Wormwood is boiled, helpeth a stinking breath that cometh from the teeth or gums, or from the corruption in the Stomach. It provokes the terms in women. The wine made hereof is good for all the forementioned purposes, except in such as have Fevers. The Seeds of Wormwood help the Bloody Flux, and other Fluxes of the Belly. Wormwood being steeped in Vinegar, and drunken, helpeth such as have taken Mushrooms, or To●d stools. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, in decoction, or the juice is taken by itself; it is also infused in wine. Against an Ague. Take of Wormwood in powder, two drams; Give it in White-wine or Posset-drink, one hour or two before the fit cometh. Against a Quartain Ague. Take of the juice of Wormwood, half an ounce, Venice Treacle, half a dram, Treacle water a spoonful, mingle them together. Give this before the fit cometh. Do this for three or four fits together, and it will prevail, especially at the beginning, the body being first well purged. A Decoction of Wormwood against Melancholy, wind in the Stomach, etc. Take Wormwood, Fumiterry, of each a handful, Raisins of the Sun, two ounces, make an infusion, and a gentle decoction in three Pints of Posset drink to two Pints, or two and a half; strain it, and drink every morning a good draught thereof. It is good against Melancholy, a cold Stomach, as also to expel wind, and to take away obstructions, or stopping. Wormwood-Wine. Take of dry Wormwood a handful, put it into a gallon of wine, stop the vessel close, and let it stand to infuse. This helpeth cold and crude stomaches, expelleth wind, easeth the Colic coming of wind, strengtheneth the stomach, avails in the Jandise, and killeth worms. Wormwood-Wine purging Water. Take Wormwood a handful and a half, Cardus one handful, Agrimony a handful, Spleenwort, vervain, of each half a handful, Oris-root, one ounce and a half, Fennell-root one ounce, Parsly-root half an ounce, Capar bark, Asarum, Polypodium, roots of Succory, of each half an ounce, or take one ounce and a half of Succory roots, Fennell-seed, Smallage-seed, Parsly-seed, and Aniseed, of each one dram, Calamus, Aromaticus, Cinnamon, of each two drams, Seen one ounce and a half, Soldanella, or Sea bind weed, three handfuls: Cut and bruise those things that are to be cut and bruised, then put to them sixteen or eighteen pints of White-wine, wherein Steel hath been quenched, let them stand together, after a week drink of it, a good draught in the morning, or about ten of the clock in the forenoon, every day or every second day. You may make but half the receipt. The juice of Wormwood is commended against Melancholy, if two or three drams thereof, be taken in a morning. Heurn. Meth. ad prax cap. 9 f. 200. Against the Jandise. Take the flowers of Wormwood, or the tops thereof, Rosemary and Blackthorn, of each a like quantity, of Saffron half so much; boil them gently in Rhenish-wine, let it be given after the body is prepared by purging. The external or outward Use. Wormwood being outwardly applied killeth worms in the belly or stomach; the juice with Honey helpeth dim eyes, and mingled with Niter, it helpeth the Quinsy, being anointed therewith. It taketh away black and blue spots in the skin, that come after falls or bruises, if it be mingled with Honey, and anointed. It helpeth soar and running ears, and ceaseth the pain of them, if the hot vapours of the decoction be taken in thereat, by a Funnel or otherwise: It easeth the toothache. Being bruised and applied with Rose-water to the stomach, it gives much ease and comfort to such as have been long sick. It avails against the hardness of the Spleen, or where there is a hot sharp water running between the flesh and the skin, if it be used with Figs, Vinegar, and M●ale of Darnell. A decoction thereof being made, and the Temples bathed therewith, it helpeth the pains of the head that come of a cold cause. Also being boiled in Vinegar, and the mouth washed therewith, it helpeth a stinking breath. Being put into Chests or Presses where are, it preserveth from worms & Moths. If the skin be rubbed with the juice or with the oil, it drives away Fleas or Gnats. If Children before they be three months old, be bathed with a decoction thereof, or their temples, feet, and hands be anointed with the juice thereof, and well rubbed in, they shall not be troubled nor molested with heat or cold all their life time. It is so commended being used as before, that the body shall not be infected with Scab, Leprosy, French Disease, Lice, or such like malady, Nisi Deus eos velit punire, except God will punish such for sin. Joan. Rudolp. Camerar. Memorabil. med. & mirab. Nat. arcan. cent. 3. partic. 70. fol. 189. Against the Worms. Take Wormwood, Horehound, and Lupins, of each a handful; boil them in water or honey, or, strong wine, apply it hot to the Navel. A Plaster against the Worms. Take of Mithridate two drams, Aloes in powder, a dram, with the juice of Wormwood, make a Plaster, and lay it to the belly. The hurtful Quality. The juice offends the Stomach, being too much used, and also offends the head by raising up vapours which cause drowsiness and sleepiness. Absinthium ingratum suum saporem deponit, si prius per ferventem aquam trahatur; radix ejus dulcis & penè insipida, cum exignâ quâdam salfedine. Camerarius in Horto. It is not safe to use it in the Consumption of the Lungs, Falling-sickness, Arthritick pains, Apoplexy, Lethargy, and continual Fevers. Where the Stomach is hot, forbear the use of it, especially being inflamed. Of such things as are made of Wormwood. There are many Medicines made of Wormwood; as, 1. Wormwood-water, both hot and cold. 2. Juice of Wormwood. 3. Spirit of Wormwood. 4. Wormwood-wine. 5. Extract of Wormwood. 6. Conserve of Wormwood. [This is excellent against the Dropsy, and Greensickness.] 7. Syrup of Wormwood. 8. Trosses of Wormwood. 9 Salt of Wormwood. [Good in malignant and Pestilent Fevers.] 10. Chemical Oil. 11. Oil of Wormwood, by infusion. The Dose. The powder is given from a dram and a half, to two drams, or three drams. The juice from two drams to half an ounce. The decoction from four ounces to six ounces, or more. CHAP. II. De Agarico. Of Agaricke. AGaricke is a Mushroom, or spungeous substance, growing in the Larir-tree. The Names. It is called in Latin, Agaricus, and Agaricum, either because it was first used in Agaria, or because the best cometh from thence. It is called by Democratus, and others, Medicamentum familiae, because it is useful and profitable in a Family. Massaria, fol. 479. Freitag. aur. med. c. 28. fol. 313. Renodaeus dispens. f. 355. The Temperament. Agaricke is hot in the first-degree, and dry in the second or third degree. The Kinds. There are two kinds of Agaricke; one called Male, the other Female: the Male is rejected, and the Female only in use. The best Agaricke is that which is very white, light, friable, or easy to be broken, very lose and spongy, in taste at the first, sweet, hard, and well compact: but that which is heavy, blackish, close, clammy, and containing in it little threads, as it were sinews, is counted venomous and deadly. The Duration. Agaricke will keep good three or four years. The Inward Use. Agaricke purgeth primarily Phlegm, and Viscuous humours from the breast, mesentery and stomach; and also from remote parts, as from the Brain, Nerves, Muscles, Purga● pitui●am tennem & aquosam, non autem viscosam & Lentam: sed exhaustis tenuioribus partibus hanc difficiliorem reddit. Heurn. prax. med. fol. 262. Liver, Spleen, Reins, Womb, and Joints. It provokes the courses in Women, killeth Worms, is profitable against the Jaundice, arthritical pains, Falling sickness, Quartain Ague, Stopping of the Urinal, and diuturnal, or long continued Agues, by purging away the offensive matter. It is good against venom, and all phlegmatic Diseases, and takes away the pale colour in women, caused by the staying of their courses. It helpeth to cure the Dropsy, Hipgout, Cough, Shortness of breath, and Consumption of the Lungs, Spitting of blood, the pains of the Mother; as also such as have fallen, or are bruised, and have Ruptures. Some commend it in the Colic, and pain of the belly, but it causeth gripe rather then easeth such. The manner of Administering it. It is in Potions, in Pills, in Bowls, in infusion and decoction, though by reason of its light substance, it will not endure any long decocting or boiling. It is rarely given by itself. A purging Potion that cleanseth the Breast. Take of Raisins of the Sun stoned, half an ounce; Figs, ten in number, Agarick cut in thin slices, two drams, Ginger bruised, half a scruple; boil them in fair water gently, strain it, and take thereof four ounces, hot, in which dissolve of the best Manna, one ounce, and as much syrup of Roses: make a Potion, and take it. Pills to purge Phlegm. Take Agaricke in powder, one dram, Salgem in powder, one scruple, Cinnamon half a scruple, with syrup of Roses, make Pills, and take them in a morning. A Bowl to purge Phlegm and Choler. Take of Cassia that is new drawn, one ounce, Trosses of Agaricke in powder, a dram and a half, mix them, and make a Bowl; take it in the morning. A Potion that purgeth Choler and Phlegm. Take of Manna, Honey of Roses Laxative, of each a dram and a half, Trosses of Agarick two drams, in powder; dissolve the Manna in two ounces of Succory-water, and make a Potion. Or thus: Take Trosses of Agarick one dram and a half, of Succory-water three ounces, infuse or steep it all night in the water, then add one ounce of syrup of Roses, and make a potion, adding thereto Diaphoenicon, two drams. Against shortness of Breath, and Worms. Take Trosses of Agaricke, two drams, Oxymel simplex, two ounces, mix them well together, and take it. Massaria observeth, that Agaricke being infused or steeped, doth little or nothing purge. Massar. fol. 479. The Externall Use. It is used outwardly against the blackness of the skin, Figs in the Fundament, and against Fistulaes', also against the biting of venomous beasts. which hurt with cold poison; A lie made thereof, and with other herbs cureth the dandruff, or Scurf, if the head be washed therewith, also boiled with herbs convenient, it comforteth the brain and memory, stays Rheums and Catarrhs. Against the Toothache. Take a piece of Agarick and wet it in Oil of Cloves, or Oil of Camphor, and put it into a hollow tooth; this will ease the pain thereof. Against the Fig in the Fundament. Take of Agaricke in powder, two drams, mix it with the juice of Showbread, and a little Oil; Apply it. Against Fistulaes'. Take of Salt burnt, Tartar, Agaricke, in powder, of each a like quantity, mix them with Honey, and apply it to Fistulaes'. The hurtful Quality, with the Correcting help. Agaricke is offensive to the Stomach, and many times causeth vomiting; therefore that it offend not the Stomach, the third part of Cloves, Nutmeg, Ginger, Hyssop, galangal, and Mastic, may be put to it: or that it may better purge, Salgem and Ginger may be mixed with it. It may also be given with Oxymell, Scilliticum, or Simplex. Agarick is not to be given without it be well corrected, except you give it to cause vomiting. In all Burning Fevers, and Inflammations Agaricke is very hurtful, as also in the Colic. The Compound Medicines made of Agaricke. 1. Syrup of Roses solutive with Agaricke. 2. Pills of Agaricke. 3. Pil. Hierae cum Agarico. 4. Trosses of Agaricke. 5. Extract of Agaricke. The Dose. The Dose in substance is from two scruples, to a dram and a half. In decoction from a dram to half an ounce. CHAP. III. De Aloe. Of Aloes. Or Aloe succotrina. ALoe is the juice of an Herb like the Sea Onion, which after it is pressed out, is dried, and kept for to use, as need requireth. The Names. It is called in Latin Aloes succotrina, in English Aloes, Herb Aloes, and Sea Housteeke. The Temperament. Alces is hot in the first or second degree, and dry in the third, and very bitter. The Kinds. Constantinus Affricanus mentioneth three kinds of Aloes; one radish, which groweth in an Island called Scheta; another sort which is black, and is found in Persia; a third kind yellow, which is found in Arabia. Constant. Africa. de grad. fol. 355. Schroderus saith there are four sorts in use now. First, A blackish sort, called Aloe caballina, because it is fit only for Horses. Secondly, Another sort more purer, in colour like the Liver, called Aloe Hepatica. Thirdly, A sort called Aloe succotrina, because the powder thereof is of a citrine, or yellow colour, or because there is great plenty of it in the Island Socotra. Fourthly, The fourth kind is the purest part of the juice, and is called Aloe lucida, because being held up against the beams of the Sun, it showeth very clear, like a kind of red glass. Schroder. Parmac. med. Chym. l. 4. fol. 240. The best is that which is most clear and transparent, of a reddish or yellow colour, being easy to break, and very bitter. The Duration. It will keep good nine or ten years, being kept dry, and from the wind and Sun. The Inward Use. Aloes purgeth first Choler, than Phlegm, not from all parts, but chief from the stomach and belly; therefore saith Galen, Est eustomachicum plus omnibus catharticis. Gal. Altar. de dinamid. fol. 76. It is more proper for the Stomach than all other purging Medicines. And by its adstrictive faculty, it strengtheneth the stomach. It much helpeth a crude, moist, and nauseous stomach. It is profitable in these Diseases, in the Headache, when vapours arise from the stomach, in the Nightmare, in the Scorbute, or Scurvy, in the Falling sickness, in Rheums: It resisteth putrefaction, killeth worms of all sorts, whether in the belly or stomach; nay it is a special Antidote against Worms. It preventeth arthritical pains, or pains of the Joints; it quickeneth the senses by purging obnoxious humours from the brain. It provoketh women's courses, and the Hemrods' or Piles. The use of Aloes doth preserve the body from many dangerous Diseases: it helpeth those that have a pale colour, and is used against the Jaundice: Aloe doth hardly draw humours from any part above the Liver. Fernel. Meth. medend. fol. 112. The manner of administering it, and the time. Aloes is given in powder, in the pap of an Apple, which is very frequent, or in pills. It is most convenient for Phlegmatic persons, and may be given before meat, or after meat, and in the morning fasting. It is better to give it before meat, then after meat. Aloe is the basis of most pills, for there are but few purgative pills which have it not as one chief ingredient. Pills excellent for the Stomach. Take of Aloes three ounces, of Rhubarb in powder, three drams, mix them, and infuse or steep them in a sufficient quantity of Endive-water, let it stand a night and a day, then strain it out, and boil away the crudity of it, and make a mass for Pills. The Dose is half a dram, or two scruples. Pills to purge Choler. Take of Rhubarb in powder, one scruple, Aloes and Mastic, of each half a scruple, Diagnieium six grains, Spikneard and Nutmeg of each three grains, with syrup of Roses, Laxative, make Pills and take them all in a morning fasting, with Physical observation that is fasting, and then to take some warm Broth, and to keep yourself warm, but you must fast two or three hours first. De Aloe Lota & Rosata. Aloes being washed looseth part of its purgative faculty, and doth more strengthen then purge. Galen saith it may be given in Fevers, so that the Fever be gentle, as in a Quotidian Fever. Gal. de compos. pharmac. fol. 710. Aloe Rosata is a Medicine very safe and gentle, it may be given to all sorts of persons, before or after meat. It purgeth the stomach of Choler and other offensive humours, openeth stops, is good in the Jaundice, and strengtheneth the stomach, and is thus made. Take of pure Aloes in powder four ounces, of the juice of Damuske Roses clarified, one pound, mix them together, and digest in the Sun, or in a Bath, till all the moisture be exhaled or taken away; then infuse it again in so much more of the juice, and evaporate away the juice again: do thus four times, then keep the mass or lump for your use. The 〈◊〉 ●all Use. Aloes being outwardly applied hath a consolidating faculty to heal green Wounds, and drieth, as also mundifieth or cleanseth, and takes away all putrefaction in Wounds. It healeth Wounds of the Testicles and Privities; it cures the redness of the eyes, and consumes spots growing therein. It is good in inflammations of the Eyes, and Apostumes of the Lips, Nose, and Eyes. It healeth Ulcers that are hardly brought to cicatrize and especially those in the Fundament and privy members. Being mixed with Oxe-Gall, or the juice of Wormwood, it killeth Worms. If it be dissolved with wine and used, it helpeth the falling or shedding of the hair. Being made in powder, and put on the Hemroids it stayeth the bleeding thereof: mixed with honey and used, it takes away blackness and spots. Aloes in powder being mixed with Myrrh and Dragon's blood, and cast into putrified Wounds or Ulcers, eateth out spongious flesh without pain. A Plaster for Worms. Take of Aloes in fine powder a dram and a half, of Mithridate three drams, Oil of Savin, or Oil of Wormwood, two or three drams, mix them together, make a Plaster, lay it on the Belly. The Hurtful Quality. The daily and too frequent use of Aloes, is much forbidden; for being much and often taken, it doth fret and excoriat the stomach and bowels. Constant. Africa. de grad. fol. 355. Aloes is hurtful to old men. Gal. de sanitat. tuend. fol. 365. Massaria, fol. 72. Freitag. aur. med. fol. 215. Fernel. meth. med. fol. 112. Aloe openeth the Orifices, or mouths of the Veins, therefore it is hurtful to such as have the Hemroids, or Piles, Flux of the Womb, Belly, or any other Bloody Flux; as also to Women with Child, to those that have the Hectic Fever, Burning Fever, and to all hot, and dry, and macerated, or lean bodies. It is very hurtful to those that have hot Livers, especially given in a large quantity; which though some deny, yet experience makes it good. And Scaliger Exercitat. 160. Sect. 3. saith, they which deny Aloe to offend the Liver, Experientiae scutica digni sunt, hoc per annos quadraginta compertum habemus. 'Tis not to be given often to Children, especially such as are of a hot and dry Constitution. When the season is extreme hot, or very cold, 'tis not so safe to give Aloes, for than it will cause one to void blood. Antonius Musa, saith, that after the taking of Aloes (in the depth of Winter) he was so troubled that he could not sit for the space of a week. A. Musa exam. simple: med. 4ᵒ. 355. Wecher. Antid. spec. 4ᵒ. 222. Cinnamon, Mace, Nutmeg, Cloves, Mastich, and Gum Tragacanth, are the best correctors of Aloes, and may be mixed with it. If Aloes be taken a little before supper, it doth so much the less hurt and offend the stomach. Whether the use of Aloes be profitable to preserve health? Galen doth much commend Aloes, and also Hiera pigra, and saith it is a very profitable Medicament, and grateful to the stomach; and many praise it, for that it takes away viscuous and corrupt humours that are contained in the Tunicles of the Stomach. Mesue counts it one of the best and wholesomest Medicaments, which hath a prerogative above all Medicines. For when other purging Medicines do weaken the stomach, and hurt the members or parts, the taking of Aloes doth not only not hurt, but doth much comfort the stomach; yea, he thinks if it be often taken, it makes all the parts and members sound. But Cardanus and others are of a contrary mind, and condemn Galen for that (De tuend. san. lib. 1. c. 45.) he saith, Aloes is a friend to the Stomach: Further, they say, being bitter and loathsome, it is offensive to the Stomach, because the Stomach is much delighted with sweet things: Moreover they say, Hierapigra, although it be corrected and sometimes not unprofitable to take it, yet it is hurtful to the Stomach, and prejudicial to the life. But I conceive that the use of Aloes doth much prevail to preserve health, seeing it doth not only purge away the excrements in the bowels, but also it purgeth crude humours, as also Phlegmatic and Choleric humours from the Stomach, and doth resist putrefaction, being also somewhat astringent: Only note, That it must be given but in a small quantity, and not too often; for if it be given often, and in a great quantity, so that it come to the Liver, it doth much hurt, especially to those that have dry bodies and hot Livers. Whether Aloes doth open the mouths of the veins, and provoke the Hemroids? There is some controversy among Physicians concerning this; Mesne, Serapio, and most of the Arabians conclude, Aloen ora venarum aperire atque sanguinem ciere, that Aloes doth open the mouths of the veins, and open the Hemroide veins, Manardus, Fuchsius, and others on the contrary, altogether refute this opinion of theirs, and by strong and firm reasons out of Galen, Diascorides, and Pliny demonstrate, Aloen potius ora venarum occludere, atque sanguinem undicunque fluentem sistere, That Aloes doth rather shut or close the mouths of the veins, and stop blood flowing from any part. But this controversy may be thus decided or reconciled; if we say that Aloes being outwardly applied doth shut the mouths of the veins, and so doth stay any Flux of the Blood; but being inwardly taken, so that it pierce or penetrate to the veins, it causeth blood to flow. For being outwardly applied it hath a certain binding, astringent, and glewing faculty: As for Diascorides and Pliny, they writ not of the Hemroids or Piles, but of spitting blood, which cometh when some vein or vessel is opened; now in such a case Aloes being taken inwardly, hath the same virtue of closing or shutting the veins, as it hath being outwardly applied to a bleeding wound. For this is most certain, if Aloes be taken inwardly it opens the Hemroid veins, and causeth blood to be evacuated, especially in those that are subject to the Hemroids or Piles, and in such as are subject to have their blood much heated. And this faculty it hath not from its acrimony, or sharpness, or bitterness, but ex quadam insita virtute, from some inherent or natural virtue. The Compound Medicines made of Aloes. These following are made of Aloes, 1. Aloe Depurata, or washed Aloes. 2. Aloe Violata. 3. Aloe Rosata. 4. Extractum Aloes, or Extracts of Aloes. 5. Pilulae de Aloes. 6. Pil. de Aloe Lota. 7. Hiera Picra. 8. Pil. de Hiera cum Agarico. The Dose. Aloes in substance is given from a dram to two drams; in infusion from a dram and a half to three drams. Aloes Rosata is given from half a dram to a dram and a half. The same Dose may be given of washed Aloes. CHAP. IU. De Ammoniaco. Of Gum Ammoniacum. GVm Ammoniacum is the juice of a Firula growing in Cyrene of Africa, nigh to the Oracle Jovis Ammomis, from whence (as some think) it took its name. Renodaeus dispens. med. fol. 547. The Names. It is called in Latin, Ammoniacum, Ammoniacum, and Gummi Armoniacum; in English, Gum Ammoniacum. The Temperament. Ammoniacum is hot in the second degree, and dry in the beginning of the same; or hot in the third degree, and dry in the second. The best kind. The best Ammoniacum is that which is of a good colour, yellow, without and within like the best Frankincense, pure, firm or close, without sticks, stones, or any other filth, of a bitter taste, and hath almost the savour of Castoreum. The inward Use. Ammoniacum purgeth thick Phlegm from the Head, Nerves, Stomach, mesentery, and also from the Joints. It much prevails in Asthma, and Orthropnaea, that is, in shortness of the breath, and in Diseases coming of Phlegm. It is good in old pains of the head, and against stops of the Liver: it provokes the terms in Women, and Urinal, and is good in any kind of Gout, whether Sciatica, or Joint- Gout, as also in the Falling Sickness. It killeth Worms called Ascarides, and is excellent against the hardness of the Liver or Spleen. It bringeth away the dead Child. The manner of administering it. Sometimes it is given with a pectoral decoction, and with Oxymel simplex, or Squilliticum; sometimes with other ingredients, in a Lohoch, or with an Egg. But most usually it is taken in Pills. Pills excellent in shortness of breath. Take of Gum Ammoniacum the purest, two drams, of Venice Turpentine seven drams, extract of Saffron, half a dram, Spicies Diahyssopi, Diambrae, of each ten grains, mix them together, and make a mass or lump for Pills. The Dose is a dram at a time, or more. Freitag. aur. med. fol. 300. Pills against the obstructions and hardness of the Liver, and Spleen. Take Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar of Squills, two drams; Trosses of Eupotorium, Trosses of Rhubarb, Trosses of Capers, of each a dram, Extract of Centary, the lesser, two scruples, Extract of Gentian, one scruple, Steel prepared, half an ounce, Species Diarxhodon Abbatis, a dram, Species Diambrae half a dram, with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Succory, with Rhubarb, make a mass for Pills. Pills against the Sciatica or Hipgout. Take of Ammoniacum thirty grains, of Sagapinum two scruples, or forty grains, Gutta gummi seven or eight grains; dissolve the Gums in the juice of Elecampane, or in the juice of Ivy, and make Pills thereof. If the body be strong you may give them all, but if weak then give but half of them. The external Use. Ammoniacum being outwardly applied is of a dissolving nature, it consumes spungeous or proud flesh, and breeds sound flesh, it softeneth Corns, and the hard swell of the Joints, which come by reason of the Gout, and draweth forth Thorns, Splinter, or the like, if it be dissolved with Vinegar; but it is more effectual if it be mixed with Honey, Birthworth, and Saffron. It consumes Strumas, or swell called the King's Evil, and ripeneth all kind of Imposthumes, being applied on Wool that is not greasy. Being applied to tumors of the Breast of Women, it dissolveth them, and brings them to maturity or ripeness; and mixed with Vinegar it decreaseth the Milk, and keepeth it from coagulating or curdling in the Breast, being thereunto applied. Being mixed with Honey, and applied to the Throat, it helpeth the Quinsy, and swelling in the Neck, or Throat. It taketh away spots of the eyes, being mixed with Woman's Milk, and it cleanseth the sight being mixed in Medicines for the eyes. Ammoniacum and Frankincense dissolved in Vinegar, and applied, helpeth Ringwormes. A Plaster for the hardness of the Spleen. Take of Gum Ammoniacum one ounce, Myrrh, Frankincense, Bdellium, of each half an ounce; dissolve them in Vinegar of Rue, and add thereunto of the flowers of Camomile in powder, a dram; make a Plaster thereof, and lay it warm to the Spleen. Weichardus, Thes. pharmacent. fol. 243. Or, Take Garden mints, Rue and Melilot in powder, of each half an ounce, Niter, Salgem, of each three drams, Ammoniacum dissolved in wine, one ounce, with a little Wax and Oil of Capers, make a Plaster. Or, Take of Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar, half an ounce, Vnguenium dialtheae compositum, or Ointment of Marshmallows, compound two ounces with a sufficient quantity of Wax, make a Plaster. Heurnius doth much commend this Plaster following, against hardness of the Spleen. Take of Hemlock four handfuls, of Ammoniacum half a pound; infuse them together eight days, adding thereto three or four ounces of strong Wine Vinegar, or more; the Hemlock also must be bruised. Then having stood eight days, dissolve the Gum by boiling it gently, strain it forth, boil the strained liquor again, till the moisture be well consumed, then with some Wax and Oil of sweet Almonds, make a Plaster or Ointment. A Cerot to dissolve all manner of hard knots and ganglious tumors. Take of Ammoniacum six ounces, Marsh mallow-roote, and white Bryonie-root in powder, of each an ounce, of Turbith mineral half an ounce, of fresh Butter one ounce and a half; dissolve the Gums in Vinegar, and mix them all together, and with one ounce of Wax make a Cerot. Against Worms. Take of Ammoniacum one ounce, dissolve it in Vinegar, and add of the juice of Wormwood half an ounce, boil them a little, and make a Plaster thereof: warm it, and lap it to the Navel. The hurtful quality. Ammoniacum may not safely be given to pregnant Women, or Women with Child, for it will cause them to miscarry: And though it provoke Urinal, yet if too great a quantity thereof be given, it will cause one to piss blood. These things following are made of Ammoniacum. 1. Pills of Ammoniacum. 2. Syrup of Ammoniacum. 3. Extract of Ammoniacum. 4. Chemical Oil of Ammoniacum. 5. A Plaster of Ammoniacum. 6. Emplast. ex cicuta cum Ammoniaco. 7. Ceratum ex Ammoniaco. The Dose. The Dose is from a dram to four scruples. CHAP. V. De Amygdalis. Of Almonds. ALmonds are of two sorts; bitter, and sweet: of sweet, some are bigger, called Jordan Almonds, others less, called Valence Almonds, and Barbary Almonds. The Names. The Almond-tree (saith Pliny) is the first that blossometh in the month of January, and by March the Almond is ripe. Pliny Nat. Hist. lib. 16. cap. 25. In Latin Amygdalum, and Amygdala. The Temperament. Sweet Almonds are hot and moist in the first degree, but the bitter are hot and dry in the second degree. The best sort. The best are such as are yellow, full and sound, not broken, nor rotten, but hard and dry, white within, of a good smell and taste. The Duration. They will keep good two or three years. The inward Use. The sweet Almonds are most pleasing to the taste, and they yield good and plentiful nourishment to the body, therefore they are good for weak and macerated persons, or such as are lean. They open and cleanse the breast, provoke spitting, and are good in the Pleurisy and shortness of breath; they open the passages of Urinal, cleanse the Kidneys, and provoke sleep. They increase geniture or seed both in men and women, open the stops of the Liver, and Spleen, and help the sight. Being blanched and dried that they may be made into powder, and so taken by itself, or with other things, stayeth the looseness of the belly. The Oil of sweet Almonds cleanseth the Reins, and is good for such as are troubled with the Stone, easeth the pain by opening and making slippery the passages thereof: it is good for Women that are newly delivered, for it helpeth throws and after pains. Being mingled with Sugar-candy, and taken, it helps the Cough and Hoarseness. If you give two or three drams of it to Children that are newly borne, that are troubled with Gripe, and mingle Sugar Pellets, or white candy therewith, it will much prevail. Bitter Almonds open the stops of the Liver, and Spleen, cleanse the Lungs from gross and tough phlegm, cleanse the Kidneys, and provoke Urine. They take away flatulent or windy humours in the body, and provoke the courses in Women. Being taken with Amylum, or Starch and Mints, they are good against spitting of blood, and taken with water, they are good for pains in the back, and the inflammation of the Lungs. They preserve from Drunkenness, if five or six be eaten in a morning fasting. The Oil of bitter Almonds being taken, killeth Worms, helpeth the pains, suffocations, and tortions of the womb. Being drunken with wine, it mittigateth the Cough, and brings away the stone or gravel in the Kidneys. It is reported, that if bitter Almonds be given to a Fox, he dieth thereof. The manner of administering them. Almonds are eaten alone, or made into milk or emulsion, lohoch, or March panes. An Emulsion for the Diseases of the Breast or Lungs. Take of sweet Almonds one ounce, of Pine-kernell half an ounce, of the seeds of citrul, Gourds, Melon, and Bombar-seed, or Cotten-tree, of each a dram; blanche the Almonds, and prepare the Seeds. Beat them in a Mortar, with a pound of the decoction of Jujubes, and Raisins of the Sun; beating them first, and putting the water in by degrees; then add four ounces of Sugar: make an emulsion for four or five Doses. Renodaeus, dispens. med. fol 226. An Emulsion to extinguish the heat of the Reins, and to help the sharpness of the Urinal. Take Gourd, citrul, Melon, and Cucumer-seeds, of each half an ounce; Lettuce, and white Poppy-seed, of each two drams. Beat them in a Mortar, with a pint of Violet-water, then add syrup of Water-lilies, three ounces; make an Emulsion for three Doses, or three times taking. Almond-Milk much in use by Practitioners, and others. Take of sweet Almonds blanched (which is soon done by casting them into warm water) two ounces, of Gourd, Cutrub, Cucumer, and Melon-seeds cleansed, of each two drams; Lettuce, and white Poppy-seed, of each a dram; make it according to art, into an Emulsion or milk, with a pint of Rose-water, or Barleywater. Heurnius, prax. med. fol. 21. A Marchpane against leanness, or also for the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs. Take of sweet Almonds blanched three drams, of Pine-kernels (steeped in Scabious water 9 or 10 hours) half an ounce, of Pistack-kernells (steeped in Scabious-water, a whole day) one ounce, Gum Tragacanth, and Arabic, of each half a dram, of white Starch in powder as much; the pulp of Dates, and Sebestens, of each half an ounce, of the whitest Sugar dissolved in Rose-water, so much as is sufficient to make it up into a Marchpane. Make it into small Cakes or Trosses, and eat of them at any time. Gorraeus, form. remed. cap. 15. fol. 445. For the Stone and Gravel. Take of Oil of sweet Almonds fresh, two ounces, syrup of Marsh mallows, one ounce, mingle them together. Give it in a morning fasting. The outward Use. The Oil both of bitter and sweet Almonds is good to cleanse the skin from roughness and spots, but the bitter is most effectual. Being mixed with Oil of Roses, and Oil of Capers, and the Spleen anointed therewith, it helpeth the hardness thereof. It cures deafness and noise in the ears, if it be dropped into the ears; and helpeth the skurfinesse of the head, and sores thereof. If the Temples be anointed therewith, it easeth the pains of the head, and brings rest; or boil bitter Almonds with Vinegar of Roses, and Rose-leaves, apply it to the Temples. Being bruised with Honey, they are good against the biting of a mad Dog. The powder of the Almond Cakes, after the Oil is pressed from them, doth cleanse the hands or skin in any place, far better than Soap; and to supple the parts, as also to make them smooth. If the Oil be mixed with Honey, powder of Licoris, Oil of Roses, and white Wax, and the eyes therewith anointed, it clears them, and helpeth dimness thereof. To cleanse the skin, and to beautify the Face. Take of Oil of Tartar, one ounce, Oil of sweet Almonds, and of bitter Almonds, one ounce and a half, mix them together, wash the face often therewith. The hurtful Quality. It is not safe to give them to those that have hot choleric stomaches, and that have hot choleric Fevers, lest they turn into heat and choler. They also cause headache, and fill the head with fumes and vapours. Of such things as are made of Almonds. 1. Confectio Amygdal. dole. 2. Oil of sweet Almonds. 3. Oil of bitter Almonds. 4. Lohoch de Papavere. 5. Lohoch de Pino. 6. Lohoch sanum & expertum. The Dose. The Oil of sweet Almonds is given from two drams to three ounces. The Almonds themselves are eaten ad libitum, or as men please, at any time. CHAP. VI De Aristolochia longa, & rotunda. Of long rooted Birth-wort, and round rooted Birth-wort. THese are long and round roots, whitish within, and rugged without, well known to those that are Artists. The Names. It is called in Latin, Aristolochia longa & rotunda. In English, Round rooted Birthwort, and Long rooted Birthwort, or Hartworth. The Temperament. These roots are hot in the second degree, and dry in the third degree: or they are hot in the third degree, and dry in the second. The round hath less earthly substance, and more tenuity of parts in it; the long hath less tenuity of parts in it. The round is most effectual in all Diseases. The Duration. It will keep good two or three years. The inward Use. Although all mention not the purging faculty that is in Aristolochia, or Birthwort, yet the Arabians and other Physicians say, they purge first Phlegm, and then Choler, and that without trouble or commotion to the body; and strengthen the inward parts, and are void of any malign quality: which is chief to be found in the round root. Now because it doth attenuate and purge phlegm, and discuss windiness, it avails in the affects of the Brain, Nerves, Breast, Stomach, intestine Spleen, and womb. It is good in the Falling Sickness, Cramp, Convulsion, Ruptures, shortness of Breath, pain of the Side, Hicket, gnawing of the Stomach, Colic, (and especially coming of Phlegm or wind) swelling of the Spleen. It brings down the Afterbirth, and provokes the courses, and helps the impurity of the Womb. It is used with profit in the Joint- Gout, against venom and poison, against cold Agues, and against stops and rebellious humours that are the cause of long Agues. It is excellent for Women that are near their time, or especially in Travel, for it causeth a speedy and easy delivery, and clears the uterine parts of what is offensive to nature; also it brings away the dead Child. It killeth Worms, and resisteth putrefaction. It is given with Oxymel or Hydromel, against the contusions of the Nerves, and Muscles. The long roots infused and taken, help to dry up Scab and Itch. The manner of Administering it. It is given in substance, or in decoction. A Powder against the Epilepsy, or Falling-sickness. Take of round Aristolochia, or Birthwort, six drams, of Piony-seed, two drams, make them in powder, and add one ounce of fine Sugar. The Dose is a dram at a time in Blackcherry-water. A Powder against the Joynt-Gout. Take Germander, Ground-pine, Centory, the lesser, Sage, Betony, Gentian, round Birth-wort, of each half an ounce, of the wood called Lignum vitae, or Guajacum, seven ounces, make them into powder. Give hereof a dram every day in water of Honey, for certain months together, if need require. Freitag. aur. med. fol. 286. A Potion against wind in the Stomach, and pain thereof. Take of round Birthwort half an ounce, Aniseed and Carraway-seed, of each five drams, Agaricke trochiscated two drams and a half, Camomile flowers, Centory the lesser, of each two handfuls, of Saffron ten grains; boil them in broth made with meat, and make a drink for divers Doses, taking a draught thereof morning and evening, adding a little Sugar thereunto. Or, Take of Treacle of Andromachus, two scruples, of Mithridate a scruple, of round Birth-wort half a dram: make the Birthwort in powder, and dissolve it with the rest in Sack, and give it. Pills having a cleansing and deterging faculty, good against the Falling-sickness, Palsy, Shortness of Breath, Old Cough, Hardness of the Liver beginning, and in the stopping of the Courses, bringing away the Birth, and Afterbirth: being most convenient in the winter season, for such as are of moist Constitutions, and to be used after the Body is purged. Take of round Birthwort one ounce, Gentian-root, Myrrh, of each three drams, Aloes and Cinnamon of each half an ounce; Ginger a dram, make them all into fine Powder, and with Oil of sweet Almonds make it into a mass or lump for Pills. The Dose is a dram and a half, taking Broth presently after them. Fervel. meth. med. lib. 7. fol. 192. Against pain of the side. Take of Birthwort root a dram, Myrrh in powder, ten grains, make the other in powder, and with water of Honey, or Carduus water, make a Potion, and give it. Against the swelling of the Spleen. Take of round Birthwort in powder, a dram, or of the Extract of round Birthwort, half a dram. Give it with Oxymel, Acoratum, or Carduus water, Against the impurity of the Womb, to provoke the courses, expel the Afterbirth, and to bring away the dead Child. Take of round Birthwort in powder, a dram, Myrrh in powder, twenty grains, white Pepper in powder, ten grains, mix them together, and give them in Savine water. In Decoction. Take of round Birthwort bruised, two drams, boil it in Posset-drink, and being strained give it. Against Botium gulae, or strumous swell about the Throat. Take round Birthwort, Radish-root, and stinking Gladwin, of each a dram, Pimpinell, or Burnet, Mouseare, Rue, of each two drams; Figwort, Droppewort, of each half an ounce; Anni seed two drams, Ginger a dram, Turbith and Seine, of each three drams; make them all into a fine powder, and add thereto of white Sugar, four ounces. The Dose is one spoonful every morning, in White-wine, or Broom-water. The outward Use. It is used in old rotten and malign Ulcers, and Fistulaes', especially being mixed with Oris powder, and Honey; for thus used, it cleanseth and incarneth. It cures Ulcers of the secret parts, if you wash them with the decoction thereof. The powder hereof doth cleanse the teeth, and make them white, being rubbed therewith. It easeth the Gout, being mingled with Honey and Salt, and applied. It draweth forth Thorns and Splinters of bones that are broken, being applied with Terpintine. It helpeth the biting of venomous Beasts, being boiled in Wine, and laid on; or let the powder thereof be mixed with the juice of Rue, and so applied to the Wound. Being mingled with the powder of Aloes, Lime, or Chalk and Honey, into an Ointment; adding a little Wine it cures the Cancer in the Nose, and Polypus, if tents be made thereof, and put up: and make an Ointment for the said purpose, with the powder of round Birthwort, Cypress, and Honey, and use it as the former. The powder thereof tempered with Honey, cures the Ulcers of the mouth and gums. A Pessary made hereof, and with Myrrh, provokes the terms in Women. It healeth all Wounds in the Head; the fume thereof, or the powder in a quilted Cap, stayeth all Fluxes, and distillations of thin Rheum from the head. An Ointment to procure flesh in Ulcers. Take the powder of round Birthwort and Oris, of each a dram; roots of Reeds and Peucedanum, or Hogs Fennel in powder, of each a dram and a half; Francumsence, Mastich, and Myrrh in powder, of each two drams; of the Ointment called Vnguentum Comitissae, three ounces, Honey of Roses so much as is sufficient; make all into an Ointment. An Oil useful in the Palsy, and Epilepsy, or Falling Sickness. Take of round Birthworth, two ounces, bruise it; Euphorbium and Castor, of each a dram and a half: boil these in Oil Olive, twelve ounces, strain it, and anoint the spina dorsi, from the Neck to the Buttocks, or shutting of the Hips; do thus for the space of a fortnight, or three weeks. The hurtful Quality. It is not to be given to Women with Child, because it brings Abortion, or causeth miscarrying. Of such things as are made of Birthwort, long and round. 1. The Distilled Water. [Useful against creeping Ulcers, and Pustules of the Genitals, both in men and women, being therewith washed, or linen cloaths dipped in the same, and laid on the place all night.] 2. Pills of Aristolochia Fernel. 3. Extract thereof. 4. Diatessaron, or Theriaca Diatessaron. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram. In decoction from a dram to two drams or three drams. CHAP. VII. De Assa Foetida. Of Assa Fetida. ASsa Fetida is a Gum coming from the Plant called Laser, or Sylphyum, growing in Media, Libya, and Syria; (and not of Laserpitium of Diascorides, the juice of which is unknown to Modern Writers) Johan. Schroder. pharmac. med. chym. lib. 4. fol. 180. Others will have it to come from Laserpitium. The Names. In Latin, Laser medicum, foetidum, and Assa Foetida, or Asa foetida. It is so ill scented, that the Germans call it Teuffelz drech, that is, Diaboli stercus, Devil's dirt, or dung. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree. The best sort. The best is that which is clear, smelling somewhat like Garlic, tough, and not dry or foul with sticks, in colour like the best Myrrh. The Duration. It will keep good many years. It is adulterated by mixing Meal, Bran, and the Gum Sagapenum together. The Inward use. It is profitable for Women that are troubled with the rising of the Mother, and Diseases of the Womb; It bringeth down the courses in Women, and expels the secundine, or Afterbirth, being taken with Pepper and Myrrh. It is useful in Diseases of the Breast, Nerves, and Brain; and being taken in an Egg that is soft, it helps Hoarseness, and given with Oxymel it helpeth the Cough, Jaundice, and Dropsy. Given with Vinegar of Squills or Mulsa, that is, Wine and Honey boiled together, it helps the Falling Sickness. Being given in Wine or Angelica water, it helpeth against Venom and Poison of venomous Beasts, where any are stung therewith. It cures the Quartain Ague, and Fevers of long continuance. Taken with Oxymel it dissolveth coagulated milk in the breast; it killeth Worms and expelleth wind: it is used also to take away the loathing of the stomach to meat by the Indians, and to strengthen the weakness of it also, and is much in use by them to provoke unto Venery. The manner of administering it. It is given in Pills, or in powder, but hardly made into powder, because of its moistness; or it is given in wine or other liquor, being first dissolved in the same. A powder against the Quartain Ague. Take Assa Fetida, Rue, long Pepper, of each two drams, make them into powder, and mix it with a little Honey. Give a dram, or a dram and a half of it in any convenient liquor before the fit cometh. Wecher. syntax. fol. 248. 348. Note here, that except the Assa Fetida be very dry, you cannot make it into powder; therefore you may dissolve it in honey or wine, and so take it. There is an Electuary made of Assa Fetida, Pepper, Ginger, Rue, Salniter, and Honey, which is commended against the Quartain Ague, and chronical Fevers, or Agues of long continuance. It is so much commended against wind, that Mr Parkinson in his Herbal, tells a Story (from Gartias) of a Portugal that tried it upon a Horse whom the King of Bisnager would have bought, but that he was over subject to break wind, but after the Portugal had cured him thereof, the King bought him, and ask how he cured him, he answered, with Assa Fetida given in his Provender: no marvel, said the King, if he were cured with the God's me●t; yea rather with the Devils, said the Portugal, but softly, and in his own language, for fear of being overheard. The outward use. If it be mingled with Rue, Salniter, and Honey, it breaketh Carbuncles, and Pestilential sores, being thereto applied; and in the same manner used, it helpeth Corns, and draweth them forth. Being applied with Garlic and the white of an egg, it helps Felons and white flaes of the fingers. It clears the fight, and helpeth suffusions or spots in the eyes, being mixed with Honey, and dropped in. It cures the stinging of venomous Beasts, being applied, and the swelling of the Spleen, being laid on as a Plaster. A perfume thereof is good for the rising of the Mother; also a fume thereof, and of Goat's horn, prevents or much mitigates the fit of the Falling-sickness, if the party hold his head over it, when he feels the fit come upon him. It helpeth the Toothache, being put into a hollow tooth. Pliny, lib. 22. cap. 23. forbiddeth it thus to be used, and saith, he knew one that tried it in the same manner, threw himself headlong from an high loft, and broke his neck: but surely this was by accident, the party having a cachectical or plethoric body, and so it stirred up the humours. The hurtful quality. Give it not to women with Child, nor to such as have very hot and dry bodies. These things following are made of Assa Fetida. 1. Pills of Assa Fetida. 2. Extract of Assa Fetida. The Dose. The Dose is from half a scruple to a dram. CHAP. VIII. De Asaro. Of Asarabacca. ASarum, or Asarabacca, is an herb that hath a round leaf like Ivy, but more round, and tenderer: the roots are many, small and slender, of a sweet and pleasing smell, and a little biting the tongue. It grows in many Gardens. The Names. It is called in Latin, Asarum, in English, Asarabacca, Asarobacca, and Folefoot. The temperament. Asarum is hot and dry in the second degree, or as some, in the third degree. The roots are hotter than the leaves. The duration. The roots will keep a year or two. The leaves are best green, which may be had almost all the year. The inward use. Asarum purgeth strongly by vomit, and sometimes by stool. It draweth away thick Phlegm, and Choler, both yellow and cruginous, or green. It is profitable for them that have the Dropsy, Jaundice, and that have Tertian and Quartain Agues, as also the Greensickness, Pain of the head, arising of vapours from the Stomach. It provokes sweat, the Courses in Women, and Urine; therefore it is good in the Strangury, and stopping of the Urine, and also in the Hipgout, and in Asthmatick persons, or such as are shortwinded. It helpeth stops of the Liver, Gall, and Spleen. The roots are effectual against the biting of Serpents, and therefore is put with other simples, both into Mithridate and Treacle, of Andromachus (saith Mr Parkinson in his Herbal) but I find it only put into Mithridate. It helpeth chronical, or long continued Agues, upon a double ground. First, Because it purgeth away thick Phlegm and Choler, of all sorts, from the Stomach, and parts adjacent, as also whatsoever is of long continuance in the viscerous parts, which is the cause of these diuturnal or long-continued Agues, now by vomit, the humours aforesaid are taken away. Secondly, Because it provoketh sweat, and so expelleth obnoxious humous from those parts, by the ports of the skin. The manner of administering it. The leaves and roots are given by infusion, decoction, and in substance. The green leaves are most effectual to provoke one to vomit; the roots more effectual to purge by siege, by Urine, and to provoke sweat. Neither the leaves nor roots will abide any long boiling, for thereby the chiefest strength thereof vanisheth, and is lost. If you give it in fine powder, it doth provoke vomit and Urine. If you give it in course powder, it purgeth downwards. Before the fit of an Ague. Take of the roots of Asarum, or Asarabacca in powder, a dram, of white-wine four ounces, mingle them together, and give it before the fit cometh. This taketh away the shaking fit, and causeth the hot fit to be more remiss or gentle. Or thus: Take of Asarabacca-root a dram, of Radish-root one ounce, of Orach-seed half an ounce, boil them in Hydromel, or water and honey; strain it, and give six ounces thereof as before. Or, Take of root of Asarabacca in powder, Broome-flowers, Broome-seeds, of each half a dram in powder; give it in Barleywater. Against the Greensickness, Dropsy, Jaundice, etc. Take of the green leaves of Asarabacca, five, six, or seven, bruise them, and steep them in Hydromel, or Posset-drink, all night, in the morning strain it, and give the clearest: when it works, take Posset-drink, and keep yourself warm. To provoke the terms or courses in Women. Take Myrrh, Cinnamon, of each a dram, Savin half a dram, Smalladge-seed, and Parsly-seed, spikenard, Asarum, Squinanth, or sweet Rush, of each a scruple; make all into powder, and give hereof a dram, in the juice of Sea-Holly, or in the juice of Rue. Freitag. ●ur. med. fol. 325. Against the Quartain Ague, and Agues of long continuance. Take of the distilled water of Asarabacca, three or four ounces, give it in a morning fasting, or before the fit cometh. This may be given divers times if need be. The external use. The leaves bruised and applied outwardly, cure creeping and cancerous Ulcers, as also the swelling thereof, and hinder their growth and increase. They cleanse Wounds and sores. If the head be washed with a lie made thereof, it strengtheneth the brain, being molested with cold, and quickeneth the memory. The juice and the water thereof with Pompholigos, helpeth the dimness of the sight. The leaves bruised, and applied to the forehead and temples, do ease the pain thereof, coming of cold. There is an Oil made thereof, with which if the ridge of the back be anointed, it provoketh sweat, and taketh away the shaking fits of Agues. The leaves also bruised and applied to women's Breasts, are good to dry up the milk; and is good to be laid to the Disease called the Wild fire, especially at the beginning. The hurtful Quality. It is not safe to give it to weak and tender bodies, nor to Women with Child; for though Fernelius saith in his Method. medend. l. 5. 117. it be free from any malignant quality, and therefore may safely be given to women with Child, especially if it be not given in fine powder: yet Theodor. Dorstenius. Botanic. fol. 14. saith, that both the decoction and water thereof, driveth forth the Child, living or dead, and therefore may not safely be given to Women great with Child. Of such things as are made of Asarabacca. These following are made of Asarum. 1. Diasarum Fernelij. 2. Extract of Asarum, or Coagulum Asari. 3. Distilled Water of Asarum, both of the leaves and roots. 4. Oil of Asarum. The Dose. The Dose in substance is from half a dram to two scruples, or a dram: in infusion from two drams to half an ounce. Brassica Marina, see Soldanella, or Sea bind weed. CHAP. IX. De Bdellio. Of Gum Bdellium. BDellium is a Gum flowing from a tree growing in Arabia, in India, and Media, but it chief groweth in Arabia. The Names. It is called in Latin, Bdellium. The Temperament. Bdellium is hot in the second degree, and moist in the first; of a mollifying and discussing nature. The best kind. The best (say Authors) is clear like glue, fat on the inside, easily melting or dissolving, pure or clear from dross, sweet in the burning, and bitter in taste; but that we have is not to be found so, for we find little bitterness in any, and less sweetness in the burning of it, but strong and unpleasant rather, neither is it easy to be dissolved without warmth; and ours is of a sad brown colour, somewhat like Glue, and much like unto Myrrh, in colour; insomuch, that some erroneously judge the purer part of this Gum to be Bdellium, and the grosser to be Myrrh. The Duration. It will keep good ten or twelve years. The inward Use. It provokes Urine, and the courses in Women, breaks the Stone: it is good for those that have the Cough, and are bitten by Serpents, or venomous Beasts. It helpeth to discuss the windiness of the Spleen, and pains of the side: it helpeth Ruptures, mollifieth the hardness of the Mother, and drieth up the moisture thereof, and draweth forth the dead Child. It provokes sweat, stoppeth the overflowing of the menses or courses in Women, and also of the womb, as some affirm, which if it do both, surely 'tis by its Arcanum, or hidden property. It is given against a super-purgation, after the taking of a sharp Medicine, that is, when a Purge worketh more than is meet. The manner of administering it. It is chief used in Pills, but it may be dissolved in wine, or any other liquor, and so taken. Pills of Bdellium, that are good against the Hemroids, or Piles, and the overflowing of the courses. Take of Bdellium one ounce and a half, Myrobalans, Chebuls, Black Myrobalans, Bellericks, and Emblicks, Concha, Venerea burned, (which is a Sea-shell) of each two drams and a half; Ammios-seed, three drams, Amber two drams and a half; make those things in powder that are to be powdered, then macerate and dissolve the Bdellium in juice of Leeks, and with a sufficient quantity of syrup made of the juice of Leeks, make it into a mass or lump for Pills. The Dose is from half a dram to four scruples. Pills against the Hemroids. Take of the former Pills, two drams, of Seine, Rhubarb, Agarick trochiscated in powder, of each a dram, with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Roses, make a mass for Pills, of which take a dram at a time, in the morning for divers days together, if need require. Riverius observat. med. cent. 3. fol. 236. The Externall Use. It is outwardly used against Convulsions and Ruptures, against swell of the Throat; it dissolveth hard tumors and nodes of the Joints, it openeth obstructions of the Womb, mollifieth the hardness thereof, and drieth up its moistness, either applied or a fume thereof received: the same is good against swell, and apostumes of the genitals, or privy members. A Plaster dissolving hard tumors. Take of Bdellium one ounce, of Sagapenum four ounces, of Ammoniacum, three ounces, Galbanum, Euphorbium, of each two drams. Dissolve the Gums in Sack, then add thereto Oil of white Lilies, and Oil of sweet Almonds, of each an ounce, Propolis (which is found in Bee hives) four ounces and a half: make them into a Plaster. A Plaster against Nodes, and glandulous tumors. Take of Bdellium and Lupins, of each two drams, of Cowdung two ounces, of Colewort-root, Capar bark, Sea Onion, pulp of Figs, of each half an ounce: make those in powder that are to be powdered, dissolve the Bdellium in Wine, and with a sufficient quantity of Honey, Vinegar, Hogs-greace, and Old Oil, make a Plaster: apply it as need requireth. The Hurtful Quality. It is not to be given to Women with Child. The Dose. The Dose is from a dram to two drams. These following are made of Bdellium. 1. Pills of Bdellium. 2. Ointment of Bdellium. 3. Vnguentum Apostolorum. CHAP. X. De Bistorta. Of Bistort-root. BIstort is a thick short knobbed root, blackish without, and somewhat reddish within, a little crooked or turned together, of a harsh or binding taste, with divers blackish fibres, or hairy threads growing thereat, and hath leaves like Dock's but smaller. The Names. It is called in Latin, Bistorta, because the root is writhed in the likeness of a Serpent, in English, Bistort, or Snake-weede. The Temperament. It doth cool and dry in the third degree, and is very astringent, or binding. The Duration. It will keep good a year or two. The inward Use. Bistort-root is excellent to resist all poison and venom: A dram of it in powder, taken in Wine or Angelica-water, expelleth the venom of the Plague or Pestilence, the Small Pox, Measles, Purples, or any other infectious Disease; the same in powder, or the decoction in Wine, being drunk, stayeth all manner of inward bleeding, or spitting of blood; as also any Fluxes of the body, and moreover, such as are troubled with vomiting. The powder or the decoction being drunk, helpeth Ruptures, and is available against all bruises or falls, and dissolveth the congealed blood, and easeth the pains that happen thereupon: the same helpeth the Jaundice, and hindereth Abortion, or miscarrying in Women, killeth Worms, and is profitable for such as cannot hold their water, especially if the juice of Plantain be added thereto. A dram of the powder taken in the water thereof, wherein some Iron or Steel being red hot hath been quenched, is an admirable help in the Gonorrhaea, or running of the Reins, so that the body be first purged. It is very useful in decoctions for Wounds, being taken into the body: the same stayeth the flowing of the courses in Women. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, in electuary, and in decoction. An Electuary against women's Flux, or the overflowing of their Courses. Take of old Conserve of red Roses, one ounce and a half; Bowl Armenick in powder, two scruples; red Coral in powder, a scruple; Bistort root in powder, a dram, with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Myrtles, or syrup of Quinces, make an Electuary. Take often of it, especially a little before meat, the quantity of a Nutmeg, and after meat, as much. An Electuary against the Pestilence. Take of LONDON Treacle, half an ounce, Mithridate 3. drams, Angelica root, and Bistort root, in powder, of each half a scruple; Cardamons five grains, Camphor four grains, Cinnamon in powder, half a scruple: Let the Camphor be dissolved in a little syrup of Lemons, and the rest being in powder, make it into an Electuary. The Dose is a dram or more, morning and evening by itself; or in Carduus-water. In Decoction. Take of Bistort root bruised, two drams, boil it in half a pint of Posset-drink, till about half be consumed, strain it, and give the clearest in a morning, against the Diseases forementioned. The outward Use. Being used in Fumigations, it drieth up Rheums, and stayeth women's Fluxes, or the bleeding of Wounds: the fibres or fungous' substance of the root, doth wonderfully stop the bleeding of Wounds, or bleeding of the Nose. A decoction thereof helpeth sore mouths, and inflammations of the Almonds and Throat, if they be washed therewith: the decoction of the roots in water, whereunto some Pomegranet pills, or flowers are added, serveth for an injection into the matrice, as well to stay the access or flowing of humours, and to cure Ulcers thereof, as also to bring it to the place being fallen down, and to help stay the abundance of their courses. The water distilled from both leaves and roots, is a good remedy to wash any place bitten or stung by any venomous creature; and is very good to wash any running sores or Ulcers, as also Cancers in the Nose, and Polypus (which is a Disease in the Nose) if the powder of the root be applied afterwards. A decoction of the root fasteneth the lose teeth, and helpeth the soreness of the Gums, being washed therewith. The powder of the root, strewed upon any cut, or bleeding Wound, stayeth the bleeding thereof. The powder mixed with a little Oil of Roses, and Wax, helpeth the running of the Reins, if the back be anointed therewith. An Ointment to hinder Abortion, or miscarrying of Women. Take Oil of Roses, Oil of Quinces, of each three ounces, Ceruse washed in Rose-water, half an ounce, Bistort root, and red Coral, of each two drams, Barbery-seeds, a dram, of white Wax a sufficient quantity: powder those things that are to be powdered, and make hereof an Ointment, with which anoint the back warm, morning and evening, laying a warm cloth thereon. Rondelet. meth. cur. morb. cap. 63. fol. 168. Against the Toothache. Take Bistort root in powder, Pellitory of Spain, Alum in powder, of each two drams, make it into a payest with Honey: Put a little piece thereof into a hollow Tooth, or between the Teeth, and it will ease the pain thereof, and draw away much offensive matter, from the head and parts adjacent. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram; in decoction, from a dram to two drams, or three drams. Of such things as are made of Bistort. 1. The distilled water thereof. 2. Diascordium. 3. Emplastrum Coe saris. 4. Emp. Hystericum. Nic. CHAP. XI. De Bryonia alba. Of White bryony. WHite bryony is somewhat like unto the common Vine in his leaves and branches, but something rougher, and whiter: The root is sometimes very great, long, and bitter. The Names. In Latin, Vitis alba, Bryonia, and Bryonia alba: in English, Brionie, and Tetterberries. The Temperament. Briony is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third. The Duration. The Root will keep good a year or more, if it be gathered in a dry season and carefully dried. The inward use. The root of White Briony purgeth strongly, Choler, Phlegm, and Water from the Brain, Nerves, Womb, and Joints; it openeth obstructions or stops of the Liver, Spleen, and Womb, therefore it avails much in Hysterical fits, or fits of the Mother, in the Falling Sickness, Palsy, Apoplexy, and Vertigo, or swimming of the head, as also in the Gout, or Shortness of breath. It provokes the courses in Women, and cleanseth the Womb, provokes Urine, and is excellent in the Dropsy, for it draweth away water abundantly, both by vomit and stool. It dissolveth congealed blood in the body, by reason of falls or bruises. The root is good against the biting of Vipers, or Adders, and killeth Worms in the body. It is good in the King's Evil, the juice being taken with equal parts of Wine and Honey. The foecula, or dregs thereof, are used for the aforesaid Diseases; you may give five or ten grains of it. The manner of administering it. The root of White bryony is given in powder, in juice, in decoction, in syrup, and in electuary, though every way not pleasing to the palate. An Electuary of white bryony purging the body. Take of White bryony root, four ounces, Turbith three ounces, Agaricke cut in thin slices, one ounce; Ginger in powder, Mastic, Lonage seed bruised, of each three drams; macerate or steep them three days in two pints of Aquavitae, then boil them to the consumption of one pint; strain it, to which add clarified Honey, the pulp of Prunes, of each a pound, Sugar a pound and a half. Boil them to the thickness of Honey, then being cold, let these things following be put in; Gum Gutta in powder, one ounce, Diagredium six drams, Aniseed, Fennell-seed in powder, of each two drams, Cloves in powder, half an ounce, mix them well together, and make an Electuary. The Dose is from half an ounce to six drams, in white Wine, or Posset drink. This Electuary is excellent in the Dropsy, and Gout. Syrup of bryony simple. Take of the juice of White Brionie-root in May, a pound, of pure Honey clarified, two pound; boil them gently to the thickness of a syrup, by often scumming it. The Compound Syrup of bryony. Take of the juice of White Brionie-root, five ounces, Vinegar of Squills, a pound, of the decoction made with Origanum, dry Hyssop, Lonage, Seseleos, Cardamomes, Stoechados half a pound, of good Honey, two pound; boil them gently to the thickness of a syrup. Freitag. aur. med. fol. 355, 356. Both these foregoing syrupes are good in the Falling-sickness, Swimming of the Head, and for Shortness of breath. An Electuary for an old Cough, and shortness of breath. Take of White bryony root in powder, a dram, of clarified Honey three ounces, of the Lohoch or Electuary of Fox-Lungs, half an ounce, Spirit of Sulphur eight drops, make all into an Electuary. Take of it chief in the morning and evening, as much as a small Nutmeg. Against the Pestilence. Take of White Brionie-root in powder, a dram, Diagredium one grain, take it in the juice of Celandine, and let the party sweat upon it. Theod. Dorsten. Botanic. fol. 52. For such as have broken a Bone. Take of the juice of White Brionie-root, two drams, or three drams, of Comfry-water, three ounces, mingle them together, and give it. Continue it for a weeks space, if need require. The external Use. A decoction of the root, or the juice thereof, taketh away Freckles, or Sun-burning, and all kind of Spots and Scars. So doth the Oil wherein the roots of bryony hath been boiled. It dissolveth black Blood, and blue Marks, by reason of bruises, or falls, and dissolveth new swell. It bringeth to maturity, and breaks old Imposthumes. It draweth forth splinters, and broken bones, and helpeth filthy Ulcers and white Flaes that grow up about the roots of the Nails. The leaves, fruit, and roots, do cleanse old and filthy sores, and are good against fretting and running Cankers, Gangrenes, and Tetters; therefore the berries are usually called by the Countrypeople, Tetterberries, may with good success be applied to them. The root cleanseth the skin from the Morphew, Leprosy, all running Scabs and manginess, if a Bath be made thereof, or the juice applied thereunto. A Pessary made of the root, bringeth down the courses in Women, and bringeth forth the Afterbirth and dead Child. A Bath made hereof, cleanseth the Womb from filthiness and uncleanness. The root hung about the Neck is good against the Falling Sickness, and Convulsion. The root bruised and boiled in Vinegar, being applied to the swollen Genitals of men, helpeth the same. A decoction of the leaves or roots mingled with Honey, and the mouth and throat washed therewith, cureth Ulcers, and soreness thereof. The distilled water of the root worketh the same effect, but more weakly, yet the water is used for freckles and spots in the face. Against hardness and stopping of the Spleen. Take what quantity you will of the green root of bryony, bruise it with Figs, and apply it to the Spleen, adding thereunto a little Oil of Capers. Or, Take Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar, Ointment Dialtheae, or of Marsh-mallows, Plaster of Melilot, of each half an ounce, Brionie root, and Orris in powder, of each half an ounce; Ducks-grease, Goose grease, and Hens-grease, of each three drams, Bdellium and Galbanum, of each a dram and a half; Oil of Orris-root, one ounce and a half, of the Mussilage of linseed, and Fenugreeke, a sufficient quantity of each; dissolve the gums, and boil them gently together, and add thereto of Wax four ounces, of Turpentine and Rosin, of each one ounce and a half: make all into a Cerat, according to art. Against corrupt and fretting sores in the Legs. Take the leaves or root of White bryony, bruise them with Salt and Vinegar, and apply it. Against the Gout and Sciatica. Take of Brionie-root, green, bruise it, and apply it with Hogs-grease. The hurtful Quality, with the correcting means. The root of White bryony doth much trouble the Stomach, head, and other parts: therefore it must not be given to delicate bodies, nor where the spirits are low: for though it have a specific virtue for the Diseases of the Brain before mentioned, yet it offends the weak. The hurtful Quality hereof is taken away in part by adding to it Ginger, Cinnamon, Quince, or such like. The same is also very dangerous for Women with Child, however it be given, for it causeth Abortion, or miscarrying. These things are made of bryony. 1. The Extract thereof. 2. Faeces vel Faculae Brioniae. 3. Water of Brionie. 4. Ointment of bryony. 5. Vnguentum Agrippae. The Dose. The Dose of the root in substance, is from a scruple to a dram; in infusion, from two drams to half an ounce. The juice of the root is given from a dram to two drams, or more, in strong bodies. The faeces, or dregs thereof, are given from five grains to twenty. Cambogia, see Gutta Gummi. CHAP. XII. De Camphora. Of Camphor, or Camphor. CAmphor is a Gum or liquor of a Tree growing in India, and other places, partly distilling forth of its own accord, but chief by incision, and cometh forth clear and white, without any spot therein; of a very strong sent, and of thin parts, so that being but a while exposed to the air, both sent and substance vanisheth away. The Names. It is called in Latin Camphora, & Caphura; in English, Camphire, Camfire, Camphor, and Camphor. The temperament. Some will have it to be cold and dry in the third degree, others esteem it to be hot; but of this more hereafter. The best kind. The best is white, shining, clear as Crystal, not full of spots, easy to be broken, and brittle; also being set on fire, it burneth, and is not easily quenched, and hath also a strong sent. The Duration. It will keep good many years, some say forty years; but it must be kept from the air, and in Flax-seed, or Fleawort-seed, otherwise it will evaporate, and consume to nothing. The inward Use. It resisteth putrefaction, and venom, therefore it is frequently used in the Pestilence, contagious diseases, and in Fevers. It extinguisheth venery or the lust of the body, Camphora venenis strenuè resistit, & cardiacon est. Joubert de peste f. 72 Vide, Thoner. observat. l. 3. observat. 8. fol. 187. and is good for the running of the Reins, as also against the Whites in Women, and for the rising of the Mother, being dissolved in Balm-water, and so taken. It cools the heat of the Liver, Back, and all hot inflammations in the body. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Electuaries, in Powders, Potions, etc. An Electuary against the Pestilence. Take Myrrh, Saffron, the bone of a Stag's heart, or Hartshorn, in powder, of each two scruples and a half, of Dittany in powder, two drams, of white Ginger in powder, half an ounce, of Zedorie in powder, two drams and a half, of Tormentill-roots in powder a dram, of Camphor in powder, or dissolved in Aqua vitae, two drams, Mithridate, and London Treacle, of each three ounces; with a little Aqua vitae, make an Electuary. Take thereof morning and evening as much as a small Nut. A powder for the Pestilence. Take of Zedoary, White Dittany root, Gentian-root, Scordium, Carduus, Sorrell, of each two drams, make them into powder. The Dose is a dram in a morning in Carduus-water, or in the winter let it be given in White-wine. This is a good preservative in times of infection. Or, Take of white Sugar-Candy, a dram, white Ginger two scruples, Camphor half a scruple; make them in powder, and give it in two or three ounces of Scabious-water, or Angelica-water. Or, Take Angelica-root, Bay-berries, of each half an ounce, round Aristolochia, or Birthwort, two drams, Gentian-root, Nutmeg, of each a dram, Camphor half a scruple; make all into powder. The Dose is a dram or more in Carduus-water. A Potion against the Pestilence. Take of Treacle called Diatessaron, a dram, Angelica-root, in powder half a dram, or a dram, of Rose-vinegar, a dram, Camphor three grains, Carduus-water, two ounces. Dissolve the Camphor, and the rest that is to be dissolved, in the water, and make a potion; give it, and let the party sweat after it. This may be given divers times, if need be. Note, That Camphor will not be made into powder alone, without a blanched Almond, or some other such like unctuous thing, which hereby will be brought into fine powder: neither will it easily dissolve in cold water, but by warmth it will, or with any syrup it will soon dissolve. The outward Use. It helpeth pain of the head, and heat thereof, if it be mixed with yellow , and red Rose-water, and the Temples and Forehead bathed therewith. It stoppeth blood that floweth out of the nostrils, if it be smelled to, and refresheth the brain. It is used against Phlegmous and Erysipelas, or Wildfire, also against heat or inflammations of the eyes; it is good in Wounds and Ulcers, to abate the heat thereof, and is of much use among Women to beautify their face: therefore it is much used against heat, and pimpels of the face. It extinguisheth Venery being applied to the Reins or Testicles, with the juice of Nightshade. Being put into a hollow Tooth that acheth, it easeth the pain thereof; also put into a piece of fine Linen or Taffeta, and hanged about the neck, it cures Agues, especially in Children, and that by a specific virtue. Also it is good to smell to, for such as have lost their smelling, and to preserve from infection in times of contagion. Against redness of the eyes, and to cool and dry. Take of Sumach bruised, two drams, steep it in two ounces of red Rose-water, strain it, and add to the liquor of Camphor, four grains, dissolve the Camphor, and keep it for your use. Against Ophthalmia, or inflammation of the eyes, in its declination. Take of Tutia or Tutty in powder, half an ounce; Lapis Calaminaris (quenched often in White-wine, and in powder) a dram; Cloves in number (powdered) five, of Honey, one ounce, White-wine two ounces, red Rose-water, four ounces, Camphor dissolved in the Rose-water, a dram. Mix them together, shake it often, and wash the eyes therewith. Against redness and running of the eyes. Take of Tutty in powder, an ounce, of Aloes succotrine, powdered, half an ounce, Camphor a dram, Rose-water one pound and a half, of White-wine (wherein some Pomegranate pill hath been infused or steeped four and twenty hours) half a pint, mix them together, and let them be boiled very gently, or rather warm it in a Kettle of hot water, strain it, and reserve it to use. Against spots in the eyes. Take of Camphor a dram, dissolve it in the juice of Fennel, and add some Rose water to it; drop some of it into the eyes. Against the heat of the Liver. Take of Camphor half an ounce; dissolve it in the juice of Nightshade, dip linen therein, and lay them to the region of the Liver. The hurtful Quality. It is not safe to give it to such as have weak heads, or infirm Stomaches, or to such as abhor the smell thereof: for in great pains of the head and stomach it is dangerous to use it, for it exciteth watchfulness, and causeth head ache: neither is it safe to give it in choleric Diseases. Dan. Sennert. med. pract. l. 1. c. 1. fol. 12. & f. 66. Rudolph. Camerar. memor. med. cent. 4. fol. 254. The Dose. The Dose (according to some) is from half a scruple to a scruple; but I conceive if it be given alone, 'tis not safe to give above five or six grains at the most, except it be in the Pestilence, or such like Diseases. Of such things as are made with Camphor. 1. Essence of Camphor. 2. Oil of Camphor. [Excellent in the Toothache.] 3. Tross●s of Camphor. 4. Vnguentum Camphoratum album. Whether Camphor be cold or hot, and whether it extinguish Venery or lust? There is some controversy among Physicians, about the nature of Camphor, most agree that Camphor is cold, and that without doubt, because it is used in external heats and inflammations, that cometh by being in the Sun too long; and because it helpeth pain of the head, and cureth inflammations of the eyes, as also extinguisheth Venery. Others especially, late Writers say, Camphor is hot, and that upon these grounds. First, Because of its inflamability, for it doth not only burn easily, but being set on fire, and cast into the water it will burn there: But this Argument Scaliger exercit: 104. sect. 8. doth reject and deride, but without just cause. For nothing doth thus burn, except it be of a sulphurous and butuminous nature, as some conceive: Now all inflamabilious things, or such as are of burning and fiery nature are hot, from whence it appears that Camphor is hot; although on the contrary we may not conclude, that all things that are hot, are of a burning nature. Secondly, Camphor seems to be hot by its taste, being bitter, how we say, quod amarum calidum, that which is bitter is hot. Thirdly, the strong smell or sent thereof doth demonstrate it to be hot. Fourthly, the tenuity or thinness of parts, and it's great penetrating faculty doth manifest it to be hot; for such properties are not to be found in cold things. Now that Camphor doth extinguish heat, heals inflammations, and mitigates pain of the head, proceeding from a hot cause, this it doth by accident, in drawing hot vapours and humours away, and so discussing them in the same manner as linseed-oil, Vernix and such like doth cure burning. Others would reconcile the difference thus; by saying, Camphor doth consist of a double faculty or substance, as is in Veniger, Rhubarb, etc. one hot which causeth the penetrating, sharp and burning faculty, the other cold, which extinguisheth lust, and helps inflammations of the eyes: But surely Camphor is altogether hot; for though it be affirmed to be cold, yet 'tis not easily proved: Neither can the double substance, in Camphor be separated, as in Rhubarb and Roses, for the whole substance thereof is hot, and of a fiery nature, and nothing at all cold; for though it do cool, yet it is not per se, of its proper nature, but by accident, as it is before showed. Now concerning its faculty in extinguishing Venery, 'tis denied by Scaliger, exercit. 104. sect. 8. For he thus writes, extingui venerem ea non esse verum, pro certo habemus. We have certain experience that Camphor doth not extinguish Venery, for saith he, a young man did the feat strongly, although he had a piece thereof in his hand: Also he tried it upon a proud Bitch, by giving it inwardly, and using it outward, but all in vain; Coivit, concepit, peperit. But this experience is not sufficient; for when it is said, Camphor doth extinguish Lust, it is not so to be understood, as if by one act, or by using it outwardly once or twice, it should prevail, but if it be often used doth inwardly and outwardly. Dan. Sennert. de morb. mulier. lib. 4. part 2. sect. 3. c. 6. fol. 250. & Paralipom. fol. 156, 157, 158. Schroder. Pharm. med. chym. l. 4. f. 185. Pet. Paul de cur. morb. l. 1. c. 30. f. 87. Fragos. med. ind. histor. c. 7. f. 106. Greg. Host. Epistol. med. lib. 2. sect. 9 f. 491, 492, etc. CHAP. XIII. De Carthami semine, Of seed of Bastard Saffron. Carthamus' seed is a white and long cornered seed, somewhat like French-barley, but a little bigger, and more picked at the one end then at the other. The Names. It is called in Latin Knicus, Knecus, and Knecum, also Carthamus, and the seed semen Carthami, in English, Bastard- Saffron. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree, although Galen saith it is hot and dry in the third degree, which might be in respect of the region or place where it did grow. The best sort. The best is the whitest, and cornered, with a light and hard skin or bark, full of Pulp unctuous, and fatty not ranced: being put into water if it swim it is to be cast away. The Duration. The seeds will keep good three years. The inward use. The seeds purge Phlegm and watery humours by vomit and siege: It is a specific remedy against the Colic; It helpeth also the diseases of the breast and hypoconders, openeth the obstructions of the viscerous parts, and avails in the Dropsy and Jaundice: Being made into a Loloch or licking Electuary, with Sugar and Honey, a few Almonds, and Pine Kernels, it cleanseth the lungs of Phlegm, sticking therein wonderfully, causing it to be easily spit forth, it also cleareth the voice, and increaseth sperm by the often use of it. With Honey it is excellent against the Cough. Being bruised and strained into Milk it makes it to curdle, and is useful to open and loosen the belly. Parrots do eat of this seed, yet it doth not loosen them at all. The manner of administering it. It is given in Emulsions, in Tabulats, in Electuaries in Pulp, etc. An Emulsion or milk purging safely and gently. Take of Mechoaehan, white Turbith, of each one ounce, Aniseed, Fennel-seed, Cinnamon, of each a dram, bruise them, and make a Decoction thereof. Take of this Decoction eleven ounces, of sweet Almonds blanched half an ounce, of Cinamon-water half an ounce, or five drams; make it into an Emulsion, or milky substance. Tabulats purging, or square Cakes. Take of Diagredium, Turbith, of each one ounce, of the Pulp of Carthamus-seed half a dram, Cinnamon, Ginger, species of Diatragacanthum frigidum, of each two drams, Citron Pill, the Pulp of preserved Quinces, of each a dram; of Sugar nine ounces, of white Sugar-candy one ounce. Powder what is to be powdered, and make Tabulats, or Cakes thereof, and dry them. The Dose is from a dram and a half to three drams. Freitag. Aur. med. fol. 282. Against the Jaundice. Take of the Pulp of Carthamus' seeds a dram, Syrup of Wormwood an ounce, of Succory water an ounce, mix them together and give it. For the same. Take of the flowers of Carthamus in powder a dram, give it in Hydromel, or Water and Honey, or in Barley water. The outward use. The water of Carthamus is commended against wildfire, if clouts be dipped therein and applied. The hurtful quality. There are two hurtful properties in Carthamus, the one, that it offends the stomach, and provokes to vomit; to help this it must be given with Aniseed, Fennel-seed, Galingal, Cinnamon, Ginger, Mastic or such like. The other is that it works but slowly, and stirreth up the humours; to help this it may be given with Cardamons, Salgem and such like. The Dose. The Dose of the Pulp is from a dram to two drams (though it be rarely given by itself, because of its viscosity, or sliminess.) In infusion from three drams to six drams or more. Of those Medicines that are made of Carthamus. First, extract of Carthamus, 2 Syrup of Carthamus, 3 Electuary Diacarthamum, 4 Species of Carthamus, 5 The distilled water, 6 Olium e enico expressum [which being taken with Muskadel is excellent against the Colic] 7 Oil of the seed of Carthamus [three drams of which being taken with powder of Aniseed and Cinnamon doth purge phlegm as saith Brassarolus.] CHAP. XIV. De Cassia lignea, & Cinamomo. Of Cassia Lignea and Cinnamon. BEcause these are so little differing from each other, I shall join them together, yet speak severally of their virtues: They are both barks of trees brought to us from the East-Indies. The Names. Cinnamon is called in Latin Cinnamomum & Cinamomum, in English, Cinnamome and Cinnamon. I know no other names (in use) for the other but Cassia Lignea. The Temperament. Cinnamon is hot and dry in the third degree, or hot in the third-degree and dry in the second. Cassia lignea is hot and dry in the third degree. The best sort. The best Cinnamon is that which is of a reddish colour, smelling fragrantly, and of a sharp and biting taste; usually the thin barks or rinds are the best. The difference between Cassia lignea and Cinnamon. The Cinnamon rind is much bigger, the Cassia lignea is in very small rinds or barks: besides there is a manifest difference in the taste, for the Cinnamon hath a rough taste, but the Cassia lignea is very slippery upon the tongue. The Duration. They will keep good eight or ten years, as some report, which I somewhat doubt of, especially of Cinnamon. The inward Use. Cinnamon is of subtle parts, and very Aromatical, it comforteth the heart and vital parts, corroborateth and strengtheneth the stomach, brain, nerves, and other cold parts of the body: it easeth the pains of the Wind Colic, provokes the Courses and Urine, hasteneth the birth: it preventeth and correcteth putrefaction of humours, resisteth poison, stayeth vomiting, and helpeth nauseousness of the stomach: it is frequently used in Cardiack passions, or passions of the heart, faintings of the spirits, and in trembling of the heart; it causeth sweetness of the breath, and brings a good colour in the face; it strengtheneth the retentive faculty of all the parts by drying up and consuming the moisture thereof. It is used in the Dropsy and Cough proceeding from moisture. In brief, it avails in all cold diseases of the head, stomach and womb, and is most convenient for cold and moist bodies, and is much used in Lasks, or Looseness of the body. Note, That Cinnamon is most fragrant about the full of the Moon, and hath the best taste, and is then fittest for any medicine, especially for oil. Cassia lignea comforteth the Stomach, Liver, and all the principal parts, openeth obstructions or stops, disperseth gross humour, repelleth wind, provokes urine, brings down the menses or terms in women, and doth much facilitate or hasten the birth. The Use of Oil and Water of Cinnamon. There is a Chemical Oil drawn from Cinnamon, which is most excellent for these Diseases. It comforteth the Stomach, Brain, Heart, and all the principal parts; it helpeth a stinking Breath, resisteth putrefaction, provokes the menses, and helpeth Women in hard labours, easeth the Cough arising from cold, and all cold pains of the head: it is a singular help in fainting of the spirits, and stayeth too much vomiting after the taking of Antimony, if two or three drops thereof be taken in Mint-water. Good Cinamon-water hath the same virtues. The manner of administering them. They are given in Powder, in Potions, Electuaries, and in Pills. A Powder to hasten the Birth. Take of Cinnamon a dram, Saffron half a dram, Cassia lignea, two scruples, make them all in powder. Or, Take Cinnamon, Saffron, of each a scruple, of Borax four scruples, make them in powder, and give it in a little Mugwort-water. A Potion to hasten the Birth. Take of Cassia lignea, in powder, a dram, Saffron in powder, a scruple, syrup of Mugwort half an ounce, Savin-water three ounces, mingle them together, and give it. Pills to hasten the Birth. Take of Cassia lignea, or Cinnamon a dram, Castor six grains, Storax calamita, half a scruple, Myrrh ten grains; make them into powder (adding of Savin in powder a dram and a half) and with a little Honey, make a mass or lump for Pills. Give them as need requireth. An Electuary against Fluxes of the Belly. Take of Cinnamon in powder, two drams, old conserve of red Roses two ounces, red Coral in powder, two scruples, with syrup of Quinces, make an Electuary, of which take morning, evening, and before dinner, the quantity of a small Nut. Note, That it is best to make Cinnamon in powder, only when you use it, and not to keep it powdered. The outward Use. Cinnamon being mixed in Collyries (that is, Medicines for the eyes) quickens the sight, and drieth up the moisture thereof; mingled with Honey and Vinegar, and the place anointed therewith, it helpeth Ringworms, or Tetters, and taketh away spots or freckles. The powder is commended against clefts of the lips, and other sores being put therein. Oil of Cinnamon is commended for all green Wounds and Ulcers, if it be dropped therein, and doth much corroborate and warm cold parts of the body, being anointed therewith, and mixed with Honey, it takes away spots from the face, being therewith anointed. Cassia lignea being cast on coals, and the smoke taken at the Nose, drieth up Rheums and Catarrhs, that proceed from cold and moist humours. Also a Suffumigation thereof, helpeth the pain of the Womb, and the stops thereof. Being mixed with Honey, and applied, it dissolveth swell and hard tumors. A decoction of Cassia lignea, made with White-wine and Rose-water, is commended against the stinking of the Arm holes, if the place be bathed therewith, and the same is good to wash soar mouths and Gums. The hurtful quality. Cinnamon is hurtful to those that have hot and choleric bodies, for in such it inflames the Liver, and blood, and the inward parts: neither may such as have Fevers be too busy with it, nor Women with Child. The same cautions are to be used in taking of Cassia lignea. These best agree with cold and moist bodies, and weak stomaches; and is more useful in Winter then in Summer. The Dose. The Dose in powder of either, is from a dram to a dram and a half. The Dose of the Chemical Oil, is two, three, or four drops, in any convenient liquor. The Dose of the Cinamon-water is half a spoonful, or one spoonful at a time, in Beer or such like. Of those Medicines that are made of Cinnamon. 1. Cinnamon Water. 2. Tincture or Extract. 3. Elixir of Cinnamon. 4. Oil of Cinnamon. 5. Salt of Cinnamon. 6. Balsam of Cinnamon. 7. Syrup of Cinnamon. 8. Magister of Cinnamon 9 Species Diacinamomu. Whether Cinnamon be rightly used to stay women's Fluxes, or the Menstru s in Women? It is very common among many, that when Women are troubled with the overflowing of the Menses or Courses, or any other Flux of the body, then to prescribe Cinnamon; and they think it a great binder of the body. They usually burn Claret Wine with Cinnamon, and give them Cinnamon in powder with Milk. Now in that Flux of the body called Diarrhaea, and other Fluxes; I deny not but it may be used, and that with good success, for it strengtheneth the stomach and entrails, the imbecility or weakness whereof, is the cause of such Fluxes: but to give it to Women to stay their Courses, is contrary to reason and experience, for it will rather bring them down, and cause them more to flow, as is before manifested. Therefore I would advise Women to leave this inveterate custom. CHAP. XV. De Cassia Fistula, Of Cassia in Canes. CAssia Fistula is a black Cane, having a black substance therein, with seeds like Peony-seeds. It was unknown to former Writers, or not regarded and esteemed by them. The Names. It is called in Latin, Cassia solutiva, Cassia, or Cassia Fistula: now it is called Cassia as some think, from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Quod coriaceum vocant, because the Cod or Canes are like Leather; or as others conceive, from the sweetness of the flowers, like unto Cassia aromatica, or Odorata. In English 'tis called Pudding-pipe, because the Cod is like a Pudding. The temperament. Cassia is hot and moist in the first degree. The best kind. The best sort of Cassia is that which is taken out of the most heavy Canes, and that are fullest, and shine without; but such Canes as are light, and make a sound or rattle, are not to be chosen, but to be rejected. The Duration. It will keep good in the Canes two or three years. The inward use. Cassia purgeth first choler, then Phlegmatic humours. It is profitable for such as are troubled with hot Fevers, Pleurisy, Jaundice, or heat of the Liver, mixed with convenient liquours. It is good for the heat of the Reins and Kidneys; it bringeth forth Gravel and the Stone; and is a good preservative against the Stone, taken with a decoction of Licoris, or Parsley roots. It profiteth in inflammations of the Lungs, Breast, and Trachea artery, or rough artery, easing those parts very much. It tempers the heat of the blood, and takes away the acrimony or sharpness of the blood and choler; and quencheth thirst in Fevers. It profits in the Quinsy, and in the running of the Reins, with Licoris, Rhubarb, and Aniseed, as also in sharp Rheums and distillations. It is a safe Medicine, and may be given to Women with Child, and that at any time, either in the morning, before dinner, supper, Non diu ante cibum exhibere debet, aliâs in nutrimentum ea abutitur natura. Sennert. instit. f. 953. or at night. The manner of administering it. It is given in Bowls, or in Potions, but the best way to take it is in a Bole. A Bole. Take of Cassia newly drawn, ten drams, Aniseed, or Fennel-seed, in powder, half a dram, with a little Sugar, make a Bole. Or, Take of Cassia newly drawn, one ounce, of the species of Hiera picra, a dram, or two drams, mix them together, and make a Bole. Take it in the morning, and within an hour after, take a mess of Broth, or some Posset-drink. A Bowl to purge Choler. Take of the pulp of new Cassia, one ounce, of the pulp of Tamarinds, half an ounce, mix them together, and take it as before. A Bole purging Choler from the head. Take of the pulp of Cassia new drawn, seven drams, of Electuary of the juice of Roses, two drams, mix them together, and make a Bole. A Bole purging Phlegm from the head. Take of Agarick trochiscated, a dram and a half, Stoechadoes in powder, a scruple, of Cassia newly drawn, an ounce, mix them together for a Bole. A Potion. Take of Cassia newly drawn, ten drams, of the decoction of Succory, and Aniseed three ounces, dissolve the Cassia, and make a Potion. Or, Take of Tamarinds one ounce and a half, or two ounces; infuse or steep it eight or ten hours in Whey or Posset-drink, then strain it, and add to it of Cassia newly drawn, seven drams. The outward Use. Cassia being outwardly applied to those that have the Gout, easeth the pains thereof: Also 'tis good to gargoyle with Cassia, to assuage and mitigate the tumors and swell of the Throat. It is used in Plasters, or Ointments, against hot pimpels, and other eruptions, or break out of the skin, and to take away the roughness of the skin. A Lineament against the Gout, and arthritical pains of Joynt-Gout. Take of new Cassia two ounces, Ointment called Populeon, one ounce, with a little Plantaine-water, make a Lineament, or thin Ointment. This is good in a hot Gout. The hurtful quality, with the correcting means. Cassia is not to be given to such as have weak stomaches, nor windy bodies, nor to such as are lose in their bodies: Therefore 'tis not safe to give it to those that have their Hypochonders much troubled, or their Spleen swollen; nor to such as have Iliack, and colic passion, nor to such as have Ulcers in their Kidneys or Bladder. It is also forbidden in the Palsy, because of its moistness, and in the Gout. If the Belly be lose it may be given with a little Rhubarb, or Myrobalanes. In weakness of the stomach mingle with it Cinnamon or Mastic. In flatulent or windy bodies, give it with Aniseed, or sweet Fennel-seed. If the body be bound, you may give it with Oil of sweet Almonds. The best and safest way to give it, is with some of the foregoing correctors, or the like, and not alone by itself. These things following are made of Cassia Fistula. 1. Cassiae flos, or the pulp of Cassia, or Cassia extracted. 2. Cassia extracted for Glisters. 3. Cassia extracted with Sene. 4. Cassia extracted without Sene. 5. Dia Cassia with Manna. 6. Extract of Cassia. 7. Diacatholicon. 8. Electuary Lenitive. The Dose. The Dose is from one ounce to an ounce and a half. Whether Cassia be convenient in hot Fevers. There are some that condemn the use of Cassia in Fevers, especially in Burning Fevers, as in Tertians, and also in Malignant Fevers, and that by reason of its dulcedinie and moisture, it may soon turn into Choler, and also increase putrefaction: But seeing that most Authors Writ, that it purgeth Choler, and hot humours, I see no reason to condemn the use of it in hot Fevers, nor in Malignant Fevers, for it is not given to alter, but to evacuate humours, and especially if Tamarinds (or the like) be given with it. Cinnamon, see Cassia lignea. CHAP. XVI. De Cataputia minore, & de esula minore, seu Tithymalo pineo. Of Garden-Spurge, and of Pine-Spurge, or Small esula. GArden Spurge hath one hollow whitish stalk as big as a finger; the leaves be long and narrow, like the leaves of Willow, yielding milk, the Flowers are of a pale yellow colour. Pine syrup, or Small esula, hath weak and tender stalks, half a yard long, whereon grow many small, long and narrow pointed leaves, very like the leaves of Tode-flax; at the top of the stalks grow yellow flowers. The Names. Pine spurge is called in Latin, Tithymalus pineus, esula, ezula and esula minor. Garden spurge is called in Latin, Cataputia minor. The Temperament. They are hot and dry in the third degree. The Duration. The Bark will keep a year or two, though it be best to have it fresh every year. The inward use. The liquor or juice, the leaves, seeds, and roots, or barks, are in use. All sorts of Spurge are of a hot, biting, and inflaming nature; the strongest kind of Tithymale, or Spurge, is that of the Sea, for the least drop of it being taken into the mouth, will so burn, heat, and inflame, that without present remedy, it will endanger death. The milky juice of them is the strongest worker; the seeds and leaves are next in quality thereto, and the roots or barks are of most, of the same operation, but not so strong. The juice of any Tithymale is a strong Medicine to purge the belly, and to cause vomiting, and bringeth away tough phlegm, and choleric humours. The root is good for the Dropsy, being rightly prepared. The seeds of Garden spurge are most in use. If you give five, seven, nine, or ten grains thereof, at a time, they purge by stool and vomit, tough Phlegm, Choler, Melancholy, and water; and is useful in the Jaundice, Iliack-passion, Palsy, and Quotidian-Ague: And usually they swallow the seeds whole without breaking either husk or kernel, for than they wo●k the more gently and weakly; but if the husk be broken, and the kernels swallowed down whole, or chewed, or bruised, and mixed with drink or Broth, they work more violently. The Milk hereof is more violent than the Seeds or Kernels. The leaves being boiled in fat Broth, work more safely, and somewhat more weakly: Three or four of the leaves may be taken, being boiled in broth. Small Esula purgeth strongly downward, both Choler and Phlegm, and easeth the hardness and pains of the belly, and swell of the Breast. The seed and root prepared helpeth the Dropsy, being carefully taken, and with good advice. The leaves steeped a while in Vinegar, and afterwards dried and made into powder (which is the preparation of them) may be given to the weight of three drams, saith Diascorides, which is thought too much. The root (prepared as aforesaid) is given likewise to the weight of two drams, saith Diascorides, in Mead, or Honeyed-water: but one dram must not be given without caution. The seeds (saith the former Author) may be taken to the weight of a dram, but seeing nine or ten seeds of the Garden spurge, is a sufficient strong Medicine, 'tis not safe to give so many of these: And of the juice or Milk, Diascorides appointeth a spoonful, being made into pills with flower, which is the strongest of them all. The extract hereof purgeth more safely. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, Pills, Electuary, etc. A Powder against the Dropsy. Take of Esula prepared, as above written, five scruples; Cinnamon, Fennel-seed, Aniseed, Mastic, of each six grains; make them into powder, and give it, as need requireth. Pills against the Dropsy. Take of the bark of Ezula prepared as before, Myrobalan● citrine, or yellow, of each four parts, of Aloes five parts, make them in powder, or with the juice of Fennell, or Endive, make a mass or lump for pills. The Dose is from a dram to two drams and a half. Freitag. Aur med. fol. 413. A Potion against the Dropsy. Take of the essence of Esula, fifteen grains, Oil of Aniseed, Oil of Citron-pill, Oil of Cinnamon, of each one drop, of syrup of Citron-pill, and Mint-water, of each half an ounce: mix them together, and make a Potion. Or, Take of the bark of Pine spurge, prepared, and in powder, half a dram; of the juice of Fennell well clarified, one ounce, or two ounces, of White-wine, or Posset-drink, three ounces; add a little Sugar, and make a Potion. The external Use. Esula minor, or small tithymal, hath a virtue to heal the bitings or stingings of venomous Beasts, and Serpents. The milky juice taketh away Warts, Corns, and Callous knobs in the flesh, (being first pared and cut away, and then applied,) it is used also in running Scabs, and Sores, and to blemished scars, and spots of the skin. The same mixed with Honey, causeth the hair to fall away, being applied, but it must not lie on long; and when you thus use it, 'tis good to mix some Oil with it, for hereby it doth less burn and heat: being put into a hollow Tooth it takes away the pain thereof, but take heed it touch not any other of the Teeth or Gums; 'tis not amiss to cover the parts about with Wax to keep them from the said juice. It helpeth Fistulaes', and corrupt and fretting Ulcers, and is good against hot swell and Carbuncles, and taketh away the Disease in the Fundament, called a Fig, being a fleshy substance growing there. The milk made up into Trosses or little Balls, with the Meal of Beans or Pease, and kept dry, doth serve all the year to use (as occasion is offered) for the purposes aforesaid. It killeth Fish if it be mixed with such things as they will eat: but the seeds and milk being rightly used in Baits, only amazeth Fishes, so that you may take them with your hands; and so doth the leaves of broad leaved Spurge, being cast into the water, causeth the Fish therein to rise up to the top thereof, where lying a while as half dead, may be taken with one's hand. The Water of Garden spurge taketh away Corns on the Feet, being often washed therewith; but first let them be cut, then dip linen in the same, and wash the place three or four times in a day: the same doth cleanse the skin from Freckles, Morphew, or any other discolouring, either used by itself, or mixed with water of Bean-flowers, and Bastard Dittany: it helpeth the Itch being gently washed therewith, and also foul Ulcers and sores. The hurtful quality and correction. All sorts of Spurges are heating and burning, being but outwardly used or applied, they exulcerate the skin, and inwardly taken, they are excoriating purgers, and very offensive to the heart, Liver, and stomach; they break the Veins, excoriate the Guts, and inflame the whole body, whereby many times Fevers are caused. To help that the heart and stomach be not hurt with the same, we are to use therewith such things as are cordial, and comfort the stomach; as Spikenard, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Mastich. To help the burning quality thereof, we are to mix therewith such things as are of a glutinous nature, as Gum Tragacanth, Bdellium, juice of Purslane, and the muccilage of the seeds of Fleawort. To prevent inflaming of the Guts, and that it cause not Fevers, we are to mix with it such things as are cold and moist, as the juice of Sowthistle, Nightshade, Endive, Purslane, or seeds of Quince, infused and boiled gently in Vinegar. These are not to be given but in very strong and rustic bodies, and with good caution; 'tis safer to use them only outwardly, and not to give them into the body, especially seeing we have so many other good and safe Medicines. The lesser or smaller Esula is the best to use, but bad is the best, as you have heard. In the gathering of the juice, great care must be taken, that they touch not their face nor eyes with their hands. The Dose. The milky juice is given (being well prepared) from three grains to six or eight: the root or bark from five grains to ten, or twenty, in a strong body. These things following are made of Esula. First Extract of Esula, 2 Pills of Esula 3. The distilled water thereof. CHAP. XVII. De Colocynthide, Of Coloquintida Apple. COloquintida is the fruit of wild gourd, round like an apple, and white having white seeds within. The Names. It is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pekaynim,, or Pekaim, and Pakkunoth. Therefore in the 2 Kings 4.39. 'tis said And he found 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gephen, vitem agri, a wild Vine, and he gathered thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pakkugnoth, i. e. Coloquintidas. It is called in Arabic, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Handal, Handaal, and Chandel; from whence we have Trochisci Alhandal, quasi ex Colocynthide. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alvum●novet. In Latin, Colocynthis, Coloquintida, Cucurbita Sylvestris, a cucumber ob affinitatem tum in forma, tum in qualitate; Also Fel terrae; & mors plantarum, because it imbitters all herbs growing near it, or killeth them. In English, Apple of Coloquintida, and the bitter Gourd. The Temperament. Coloquintida is hot and dry in the third degree. The best sort. The best Apples are white and full ripe, well compacted, very bitter and light, yea the lighter the better. The Duration. The Apples of Coloquintida may be kept four or five years. The inward Use. Coloquintida purgeth first Phlegm and viscous humours, than Choler both green and yellow, as also yellow-water, and that with great violence from remote parts, as from the brain, and the membranes thereof, from the nerves, musles, joints, lungs and breast: therefore it is profitable for any kind of headache, whether Cephalalgia, Cephalaea or Hemicrania, in the Epilepsy or Falling-sickness, Apoplexy, Swimming of the head, and in Fluxes of Rheum flowing to the Eyes; Also in the Sciatica or Hipgout, and in other diseases of the Nerves and Joints. Also in Asthma and Dispnaea, a shortness of breath, and old Coughs. Moreover it is much commended in the Colic, whether it proceed from Phlegm or Wind, as also in the Dropsy, and killeth worms. The seeds may be used in the Yellow-Jaundies. The inner white, soft, spongy substance, under the outward shell or rind, is that only without any seed which is used. The manner of administering it. It is given chief in Pills and Trosses, rarely by decoction or infusion, yet it is usual with the Vulgar to buy a ball of Coloquint (as they call it) and boil it in Beer or Water, and brag how good a purge they can make for themselves or friends, and that for the value of two pence or three pence, but how dear they pay for it in the end daily experience doth manifest. Pills. Take of species Hiera simplex a dram, Trosses Alhandal twelve grains, with a little Syrup of Roses, make seven Pills, and take them in a morning fasting. Pills against the Iliack passion. Take of Coloquintida, Sagapenum of each ten drams, Scamony three drams, dissolve the gums, and make the other in powder, then make them into a mass or lump; if need require you may take a little honey to make them up. An extract of the seeds of Coloquintida. Take of the seeds of Coloquintida bruised, four ounces, Aquavitae a pint, Aloes two ounces Scammony one ounce: Macerate or steep the seeds in the Aquavitae three days, and strain it hard, and set it on the fire to evaporate, which being done, add the rest in powder, stirring them well together, till it become a fit mass for pills. The Dose is from ten grains to fifteen. Freitag. Aur. Med. f. 337. The external use. A decoction of Coloquintida, made with Veniger, easeth the pain of the Teeth, if they be washed therewith. The powder thereof with Honey applied to the Navel, killeth worms. Being infused in Vinegar it cureth the Morphew, Leprosy, Elephansie, dry scurf and scabs, if the places be often rubbed therewith. A bath made of Coloquintida,, and the feet and other parts fomented therewith bringeth down the Courses in Women. The juice boiled with Hogs-greese and applied to the hip easeth the Sciatica. An oil made of Coloquintida and dropped into the ear, takes away the noise and singing thereof, and is good against baldness and falling of the hair. Coloquintida is used in Glisters and Suppositories. A Glister. Take of the Pulp of Coloquintida, two drams, Camomel flowers a handful, Aniseed, Cuminseed, of each half an ounce: Make a decoction in fair water, strain it, and in a pint of the decoction desolve honey of Roses oil of Camomel, of each three or four ounces, and make a Glister. A Suppository. Take of Coloquintida in powder, a scruple species Hiera simplex half a dram, Salgem half a scruple, with a sufficient quantity of Honey, make a Suppository. A Ball made of Coloquintida, which purgeth only by smelling to it. Take of Colocynthis and Esula, or pine spurge in powder, Aloes and Myrrh in powder, of each a dram, with the juice of Coriander make two balls, to hold in each hand one, and being warmed therewith, smell often to them. The hurtful quality with the correcting means. Coloquintida hurts the heart, liver and stomach by its strong operation: it opens the mouths of the veins, whereby many times after the taking of it, blood is voided both upward and downward; It also excoriats the bowels and passages of the Urine, and bringeth great gripe and tearing pains. Therefore it must not be given to women with child (for being but applied to the womb, it killeth the child) nor to children, aged persons, or such as are weak, neither to any that have the Pleurisy, Hectich Fever, or any inflammation. It is not safe to give it alone, but being well corrected it may be given to strong and rustic bodies. It is corrected with hepatical, cardiacal, stomachical, and other gentle means, as Tragacanth, oil of sweet Almonds, Ginger or Mastich: Some add Bdellium, and other astringent things. But surely those things that bind make the operation of the Medicine, afterwards more strong; for though the binding faculty of such things may hinder the operation for a time, yet it will at length bring forth and work more violently. Sagapenum is counted a good corrector of Coloquintida, because of its clammy faculty, whereby it preserves the bowels from gripe The Doses. The Dose in powder is from five grains to ten, or fifteen. These things following are made of Coloquintida. First Pills of Coloquintida. 2 Pilulae Alhandal. 3 Extract of Coloquintida 4 Trosses of Alhandal. 5 Chemical oil of Coloquintida. 6 Oil (by infusion) of Coloquintida. 7 Wine and Vinegar of Coloquintida. CHAP. XVIII. De Corallio Rubro, Of red Coral. Read Coral is a hard stony substance, growing on the Rocks in the Sea. The Names. Coral is called in Latin, Corallium, Coralium, and Coralium, this Corallium rubrum, in English, Red Coral. The temperament. Red Coral is cold and dry in the second degree. The best kind. The best is that which is smooth, clear and red, for the redder it is, the better it is. The Duration. It will keep good ten or twenty years. The inward Use. Red Coral doth dry, cool and bind, it strengtheneth the heart, stomach and liver, purifieth the blood, and is therefore very useful in the Pestilence, against venom, and all pestilent Fevers, and malignant diseases, it cheers the heart, and is good against Melancholy, helpeth such as spit blood, or that bleed at the mouth or the nose, as also stoppeth the Flux of blood in man or woman, and being taken in wine or other liquor frequently, it taketh away the hardness and stopping of the Spleen: it stayeth the Gonorrhaea, or running of the reins in men, and the whites in women, helpeth conception by its binding faculty, and is good for the stopping of of the Urine, and pains of the Stone in the bladder, if the powder (when it is burnt) be taken in Whitewine or Posset drink: the powder taken in Wine, o● distilled Water brings rest to such as have an Ague, and is good for such as have Cramps. It is much commended in the falling sickness, or to prevent it, if a Child so soon as it is borne, take ten grains thereof in black-Cherry-water, or in the Mother's mi●ke. Some affirm that it causeth an easy delivery of the birth; which fit do, it is by a specific virtue, for experience doth manifest it to be of a binding nature. The Chemical oil of Coral is commended against the Falling-sickness in children and others, as also in all Fluxes of the belly, and spitting of blood. The manner of administering it. It is given in Electuary powder, etc. An Electuary against the Flux of the belly. Take of red Coral in powder, three drams of Marme●●●de of Quinces two ounces and a half, species Diamargariton frigidum two drams, with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Quinces, make an Electuary, take of it a little before meat. An Electuary against vomiting of blood, by reason of a bruise or fall. Take of red Coral in powder a dram, conserve of red Roses, conserve of Comfry, of each one ounce, B●le Armoniac washed in Rose water and in powder, Blood stone in powder, of each a dram, Acacia, Myrtleberries, of each a dram, Sugar Pellets half an ounce, with an ounce of Sugar dissolved in Rose-water, make an Electuary. The Dose is three drams, or half an ounce, with red Wine in the morning and before meat. A Powder against Ruptures. Take of Myrtleberries, Cinnamon and Nutmeg, of each two drams, of Knotgrass dry, half an ounce, seeds of Plantain and Purslane, of each three drams, and the seeds of Garden Cresses, a dram, of red Coral a dram and a half; make all into powder, adding so much Sugar as will make it sweet. The Dose is from half a dram to a dram in red Wine, every morning or, second morning for a Month's space if need require. A Powder against the Flux of the belly. Take of red Coral a scruple, roots of Tormentil two scruples, Myrrh a scruple, Gum Tragacanth a dram, Plantaine-seeds half a dram, Dragon's blood a dram, trosses of Spodium a dram, Bowl Armoniac and Hartshorn burnt, of each a dram; make them into powder. The Dose is a dram in Plantaine-water. The outward Use. It helpeth sore Gums and Ulcers in the mouth, and healeth up soul hollow Ulcers in other parts, and filleth with flesh, and is used in medicines for the eyes, to stay the Flux of Rheum, and takes away the heat and redness thereof, by cooling and drying up the moisture thereof: it fasteneth lose teeth, and maketh them white, and helps to breed teeth in Children, the gums being rubbed therewith, and some hang it about their neck of such as have the Falling-sickness. A Powder to white the Teeth. Take red Coral, Brick, of each half an ounce, make them into powder, and take some of it, lay it on a course linen cloth, and rub your teeth therewith. For bleeding at the Nose. Take of red Coral in powder half an ounce of Bole Arminick, in powder an ounce; with the juice of Sheapherds' purse and lint or tow make Tents, and put them up into the nostrils. The hurtful quality. It must not be given too often, where the body is very costive or hound. Of those things that are made of red Coral. First, Estence, of Tincture of Coral, 2 Chemical oil or liquor of Coral. 3 Flores Coralliorum. 4 Olium Coralliorum succinatum [good in the Falling-sickness and Apoplexy, if three or four drops be given in any convenient liquor.] 5 Syrup of Coral simple and compound. 6 Magister of Coral. 7. Salt of Coral. 8 Diacorallion. The Dose. The Dose is from a scruple to a dram. CHAP. XIX. De Cornu cervin, et Ebore, Of Hartshorn and Ivory. THese being of some affinity, I shall speak of them in one Chapter. Ivory is the Elephant's tooth, & Hartshorn is generally known. The Names. Hartshorn is called in Latin Cornu-eervi, or Cornucervinum. Ivory is called in Latin, Ebor & Ebur. The Temperament. They are cold and dry in the first degree. The best kind. The best sort is the whitest. The Duration. They will keep good many years. The inward use. Hartshorn resisteth putrefaction, provoketh sweat, and is very cordial; It is chief used in the small Pox, Measles, putrid and Malignant Fevers, and in such like diseases where sweeting is needful. It is good in Fluxes of the belly, spitting of blood, Jaundice and pain of the bladder, taken with Gum Tragacanth, it stayeth the flowing of the womb. Hartshorn killeth worms, resisteth putrefaction, helpeth the Colic, stoppeth the Flux of the belly, and provoketh sweat. Ivory doth strengthen the vicerous parts, stayeth the Whites in Women, is useful in the Jaundice, driveth away Worms, easeth pains of the Stomach, and doth wonderfully open obstructions or stops. Some commend it against barrenness, and say it maketh Women fruitful, but it rather hinders fecundity and conception than helps it. The manner of administering them, They are given in Powder, in Electuary, in Decoction, etc. A Powder against the Jaundice. Take Parsley-seed, Nettle-seed, Nutmeg, shave of Ivory, Hartshorn burnt, of each half a dram, make all into powder. Give half a dram of it at a time, in White-wine, or Posset drink, for a week or more if need be. A Powder to expel worms. Take of Wormseed an ounce, Lupins half an ounce, Wormwood dry, two drams, Heart's horn burnt, a dram and a half. Make them into powder, and give it from a Scruple to a dram. Take of Purslane-seed, and Lettuce-seed, of each two drams, Seen three drams and a half, Heart's horn burnt, half an ounce of Dittany five drams, make a powder thereof. The Dose is from half a dram to a dram. Note that the Seine is to be infused in strong Wine Vinegar, one night, and afterwards to be dried. An Electuary against the Flux of the Belly. Take of conserve of red Roses, two ounces, species of Aromaticum Rosatum, a dram, Bowl Armonack in powder, and red Coral in powder, of each a dram, Heart's horn burnt in powder, two scruples, with syrup of Quinces, make an Electuary; Give of it as much as a small Nut, in the morning, before dinner, and at night. An Electuary against the Pestilence. Take shave of Hartshorn, Bowl Armoniacke, Sorrell-seeds of each two drams; yellow half a dram, Saffron in powder, a scruple; Conserve of red Roses, Conserve of wood-sorrel of each two ounces, Conserve of Borage and Sage-flowers, of each six drams, with Syrup of wood-sorrel, make a moist Electuary, and take so much as a Chestnut at a time, once or twice a day, if need be. A Jelly to strengthen such as are weak. Take Hartshorn and Ivory, of each one ounce, boil them in a quart of water, till it come to a jelly (which you may soon know by setting some to cool) then strain it, and add Sugar, Rose-water, and a little juice of Lemons, and boil it gently a while, then keep it for your use. Take often seven or eight spoonfuls of it warm. The outward use. Hartshorn burnt, and mixed in Plantain water, is a good Medicine for Ulcers of the eyes, and to stay defluxions thereof. It makes the Teeth white, being rubbed therewith. The shave of Hartshorn, being burnt, the smell thereof driveth away Serpents, and venomous Creatures. Being made warm in Vinegar, and the Gums washed therewith, it easeth Children that breed Teeth. The ashes of Hartshorn burnt, applied to the head with Wine, is good against the Scurf and Dandruff of the head, among the hairs, as Pliny saith, Nat. hist. lib. 28. fol. 324. The shave of Ivory in powder, being mixed with Honey, taketh away the duskish spots that appear in the Visage, if the face be therewith anointed. Also the dust thereof which the File or Saw doth make, in Filing or Sawing, doth cure the white Flaws or Impostumations breeding at the root of the Nails. Plin. Nat. Hist. fol. 130 The Dose. Hartshorn is given from five grain● to twenty; Magister of Hartshorn is given from half a scruple in any convenient liquor. Ivory is given from half a scruple to a scruple, or to a scruple and a half. Of such things as are made of them. Of Hartshorn are made, 1. Magister. [Which is an excellent Diaphoretic, for it expelleth all obnoxious and filthy humours, by the pores, Grulingius. Florileg. fol. 209. and is useful in Fevers, Pestilence, Scab, dysentery, or Bloody Flux, Dropsy, and Stone.] 2. Distilled Water. 3. Liquor, or Spirit. 4. Oil. 5. Salt. 6. Hartshorn. 7. Extract thereof. Of Ivory. 1. Ivory Burnt. 2. Magister of Ivory. CHAP. XX. De Costo. Of Costus-root. COstus is a root brought from India and Arabia, as Authors say, of a brownish colour, having a rind on the outside. The Names. It is called in Latin, Costus, and in English Costus. The temperament. Costus is hot and dry in the third degree. The Kind's. Some make three sorts, others two sorts, bitter and sweet, but we have but one sort that I have seen of late. The best sort. The best is that which hath a good sent, whitish, light, bitter, and aromatic, having a rind like Cinnamon, but thicker, not old, nor wormeaten. The Duration. It will keep good five or six years. The inward Use. It hea●s the body potently, expelleth wind, helpeth slow concoction hinders corruption of the meat, easeth the Colic coming of Wind and Phlegm, killeth broad Worms of the belly, provoketh the Courses, and Urine, helps to cleanse the womb from impurity, and helpeth conception. It is good against the pain of the breast, healeth Ruptures, cures Convulsions, and pains of the side, stirreth up Venery, taken with Wine and Honey, cures venom, and the stinging of venomous Beasts, therefore 'tis used in Antidotes. It is good in the Dropsy, Gout, Palsy, and taketh away the stops of the Liver and Spleen. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, Electuary, Trosses, Pills, etc. Trosses against the Hickop. Take of Costus, Saffron, Roses, Mastich, Spikenard, in powder, of each half an ounce, Asarum in powder, two drams, Aloes and Opium of each a dram; with the juice of Fleawort, make little Trosses. Take a dram at a time. Stocher. prax. cap. 32. fol. 166. The outward use. It is used with Oil to anoint the body, before the cold fit of Agues, to warm it, as also against the coldness and weakness of the finews, and the Sciatica, or Hipgout. Used with Water and Honey, it amendeth the discolouring or blemishes of the skin; it helpeth the Mother, and cold Diseases of the Womb, as well by bathing as suming. Being made into powder, and cast into moist Wounds and Sores, it drieth up the moisture thereof. The hurtful quality. Hot and dry bodies must not be too busy with Costus, for that is proper only for cold and moist bodies. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a dram to a dram and a hal●e. Compounds made of Costus. 1. Electuary Caryo ●ostinum. 2. Pilu●●e Mato costinae. 3. Oil if Costus. CHAP. XXI. De Croco. Of Saffron. SAffron is a Drug so common, that 'tis needless to describe it. The Names. It is called in Latin, Crocus, and Crocum, in English Saffron. The Temperament. Saffron is hot in the second degree, and dry in the first. The best kind. The best is that which is new, well coloured, and hath the tops of it a little white in the very end; long, tough, not soon brayed, of a most fragrant smell, which being moistened dyeth the hand, and being tasted, it coloureth the spittle, and staineth the teeth. The Duration. It will keep good (saith Platearius) five years, if it be kept in a bag of Leather, but Pliny saith, it is best to keep it in a box of horn. Plin. Nut. lib. 21. cap. 20. The inward use. Saffron is profitable for the Head, Stomach, Heart, Liver, Spleen, Bladder, Womb, Animal, Vital, and Natural spirits. It is useful in cold Diseases of the Brain and Nerves, quickens the memory and senses, doth much comfort the heart, and recreateth the spirits, and makes them cheerful that use it; therefore 'tis called Corhominis, the heart of man; and when we see a man over-merry, we have a Proverb, Dormivit in sacco croci, he hath slept in a bag of Saffron. It expels venomous vapours from the heart, and therefore is very useful in the Plague, Pestilence, and Small Pox, strengtheneth the stomach, preserveth the entrails, helpeth concoction, and natural heat; it is very profitable for the Lungs and Phthifis, or consumption of the Lungs and shortness of the breath, therefore by some it is called Anima pulmonum, the soul of the Lungs. It is good in the Pleurisy, openeth the stops of the Liver and Gall, therefore is useful in the Jaundice, and against Melancholy, provoketh Urine and Venus, hasteneth Childbirth: is procures a good colour to them that use it, and drives away drunkenness, as Authors say; but I rather believe it hasteneth drunkenness, by fuming up to the Brain; for 'tis apparent that it provokes sleep and drowsiness. It is profitable in fits of the Mother, especially the tincture thereof. It is best for old persons, such as are phlegmatic, and melancholic, and that in the winter season. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, Potions, etc. A Powder to bring away the Birth or Afterbirth. Take Saffron, Cinnamon, of each a dram, make them in Powder, and give it in Posset-drink. Or, Take of Saffron a scruple, of Cassia lignea, a dram, make them into Powder, and give it as before. A Potion for the same. Take of Saffron in powder, a dram, of Mithridate two scruples, or a dram, dissolve them in sweet Wine, and give it. Against shortness of breath. Take of Saffron in powder, a scruple, of Musk in powder, a grain; give them in Wine. Against a Rheum that is ready to suffocate; and shortness of Breath. Take of the juice of Ocymum, or Basill, half an ounce; of Saffron in powder, a scruple; Musk a grain, mix them together, and take it. To expel the Small Pox, or Measells. Take of Saffron in powder, five grains, ten grains, or more, give it in Posset-drink. The outward Use. It is outwardly used against the Gout, to ease the pain thereof, being mixed with the yelk of an Egg, and Oil of Roses, and applied. A Cataplasm, or Pultis, made of Saffron, Milk, and the crumbs of Bread, being applied, mollifieth tumors and Aposthumes. It easeth soar eyes, and blood-shotten, being used with red Roses, and the white of an Egg. Being mixed with red Rose-water, and Woman's milk, it preserveth the eyes from the Small Pox, and Measles; it is used against Erysipelas, or Wildfire, and inflammations: it helpeth deafness if it be mixed with Oil of bitter Almonds, and put into the ear warm; or dip black Wool in some of it, and put it into the ears. It killeth the Itch, and is used in Pultisses, for the Matrix and Fundament, to ease the pain thereof, and also for old Swell, and Aches. Against a vehement pain of the head. Take Saffron, Gum Arabic, Euphorbium, Myrrh, and Nutmeg, in powder, of each two drams, mix them with the white of an Egg, and apply it to the Forehead and Temples. A colliery for the pains of the eyes, and to stay defluxion of humours. Take of Saffron two drams, red Roses half an ounce, Gum Arabic three drams, Opium and Spikenard, of each a dram, Rose-water, or Plantaine-water, half a pint, or more; make a colliery, and wash the eyes often with it. An Ointment against the Piles, and the Disease called a Fig in the Fundament. Take the yelk of an Egg, and an ounce of Oil of Roses, beat them well together, then add white Sugar, and white Sugar-Candy in powder, half an ounce, Saffron in powder, two scruples. Apply it to the Fundament, and if the pain be more inward, dip a piece of linen cloth in it, and put it up. The hurtful quality. Saffron causeth headache, offendeth the brain and senses, brings drowsiness, and hurts the fight: it causeth a loathing of the stomach, and takes away the appetite, and provokes laughter, especially being taken in too great a quantity. Vid. Rudolph. Camerar. syllog. memorab. med. cent. 3. cap. 44. fol. 167. Some writ, that if two or three drams thereof be taken; it brings death. It is not safe to give it to women with Child. The Dose. The Dose is from a scruple to a scruple and a half, but for Children the Dose must be less. Of such Medicines as are made of Saffron. 1. Tincture or Essence of Saffron. 2. Extract of Saffron. 3. Chemical Oil. 4. Trosses of Saffron. 5. Crocomagma. 6. Species Diacrocuma. 7. Elect. de Ovo. 8. Oleum crocinum. 9 Emplastrum Oxycroceum. CHAP. XXII. De Curcuma. Of Turmeric. TVrmerick is a root like Ginger, but yellow like Saffron, within and without, and not so flat as Ginger, but rounder, hot in the taste, and bitterish, but nothing so bitter, being fresh by reason of the moisture in it, as when it is dry. The Names. It is called in Latin, Cyperus Indicus, Crocus Indicus, and Curcuma, in English, Turmerick. The temperament. Turmeric is hot and dry in the second degree, or (as some say) in the third degree. The best sort. The best roots are those that are yellowest and soundest, not wormeaten. The duration. It will keep good many years. The inward Use. It is very effectual to open the stops of the Stomach, Liver, Gall, Bladder, and Womb, it is much used against the yellow Jaundice, and is very good in the Dropsy, and Greensickness, for it openeth obstructions very much, and helpeth to bring down the menses, or women's courses. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, Pills, Decoction, etc. The outward use. It is outwardly used to take away the hair, and is put into those Medicines that are made for the eyes, and for the Itch, and Scab, if some juice of Oranges, and the Oil of the Cocar, or Indian Nut, be mixed with it, as Gartias saith. Gart. ab horto, Aromat. hist. l. 1. cap, 39 It is much used to colour wooden dishes, cups, and such like, in stead of Saffron. The Indians use it much both to colour and season their meats and broths, because it is cheaper than Saffron. The hurtful quality. It must not be given to hot and dry bodies. The Dose. In powder, the Dose is from a scruple to a dram, in decoction, from a dram to two drams, or more. Cuscutha, see Epithymum; CHAP. XXIII. De Cyclamine. Of Showbread. CYclamen or common Showbread is an herb that hath leaves like Ivy, or Asarabacco, only the upper part of the leaves have here and there white spots, and that side of the leaf which is next the ground, is of a purple colour; the root is round like Turnip, black without, and white within, with many small threads or strings. The Names. It is called in Latin, Cyclaminus, Cyclamen, Arthanita, and Panis porcinus, in English Showbread. The temperament. Showbread is hot and dry in the third degree. The duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. Showbread purgeth tough phlegm and water, and is effectual to take away obstructions or stops of all the inward parts, helps the Colic coming of thick phlegm. It is useful in any Headache, and in cold Diseases of the Brain and Nerves: 'tis profitable in shortness of breath, in the Jaundice, and expels choler by sweat, openeth stopping of the Liver, Spleen, Reins, Bladder, and Womb, also cleanseth the impurity thereof, brings down the courses violently, provokes Urine, openeth the mouths of the vessels, and provokes the Hemroids, helpeth the Dropsy, and any hard swelling of the Spleen or Liver. Being drunk with wine it expelleth poison and venom. The wine wherein Cyclamen hath been boiled, doth help the stopping of the Spleen. The root (saith Pliny) if it be put into a cup of wine, it makes as many drunk as drink thereof. Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 25. cap. 9 fol. 229. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, in powder, and in juice. The outward use. The root boiled in Oil of bitter Almonds, or Oil of Camomile, and dropped into the ears, cures Deafness, and Noise in the ears: or the root bruised with Peach-kernells, & bitter Almonds, and infused two or three days in a little Aqua vitae, then press out the juice or creamy substance, and drop some of it into the ears. It cures foul Ulcers and Fistulaes', and takes away the hardness thereof, consumes proud flesh, dissolveth all cold swell, and scrofulous tumors. The juice put up with wool openeth the Hemroids, and moveth to the stool strongly. The same helpeth the Pin and Web in the eye, being infused with Honey, and put in: the juice snuffed up purgeth the brain from offensive humours; but be not too busy with it, because it is a sharp Medicine. If the belly be bathed with the juice, it will provoke to stool, and that strongly, and also killeth Worms. The root being applied provokes the courses: it cleanseth all deformities of the skin, as freckles, and spots, and the marks of the Small Pox, and Measles. The juice or the decoction thereof with Vinegar, taketh away the falling of the hair, if the place be bathed therewith. Applied to the region of the Spleen, it easeth the hardness thereof: the juice mixed with Honey, or Plantaine-water, helpeth all manner of fores in the Mouth, or Throat, or the Toothache, being washed therewith. A decoction thereof healeth Wounds, the running sores in the head, bones, or members, out of joint, Kibes or Chilblains, and the Gout: the root bruised and applied with Honey, draweth forth splinters, thorns, and pieces of lose bones: the root in powder, mingled with Honey, helpeth the fleshiness that groweth in the Nose, if it be therewith anointed; but 'tis best to mix other things with it, because of its sharpness. Bruised and applied to the biting of any venomous Beast, it helpeth the same. Being burnt, and the ashes mixed with Vinegar, and applied to the Hip, it helpeth the Hipgout. The leaves laid to the Navel, and secret parts, doth much help Women in Travel, or the root hanged about them in their Travel. The distilled water from the root (saith Matthiolus) snuffed up into the Nostrils, stayeth the bleeding thereof wonderfully; and if you give six ounces of the water to drink with an ounce of Sugar, it will stop the blood that cometh from the breast, stomach, or liver, or if any vein be broken in them. Matthiol. in lib. 2. Diascor. 159. fol. 407. The juice mingled with Vinegar helpeth the falling down of the fundament, if it be anointed therewith. The juice of Showbread, and the juice of Plantain (of each a like quantity) mixed together, and Aloes, Myrrh and Olibanum added thereto, stoppeth the bleeding of the nose, if it be applied to the nostrils and forehead. An Errhine to purge the Head. Take of the root of Showbread a dram, of Elaterium a Scruple, macerate or steep them in four ounces of Water and Honey one night. Put up Tents (dipped in the same) into the Nose, but beware of too frequent use thereof. The dry powder is not safe to snuff up, without it be mingled with some other things. The hurtful quality and correction. Showbread by reasons of its acrimony and biting faculty, hurts the Liver, and brings gnawing pains to the stomach, neither must it be used inwardly without much caution. It is dangerous for pregnant women, or women with child to meddle with this herb, lest they miscarry, for it destroyeth the birth; but not so dangerous (as some Authors fabulously report) for Women to stride over, or but to touch it. It is not to be given without correcting help. Now the correcting means are Mel Passulatum, or Honey of Raisins, Manna, Mastic, Syrup of Quinces, or with species Diarrhodon Abbatis, or with Oxymel and Hydromel; or in powder it may be given with Chicken broth, or Veal broth. The Dose. The Dose in substance is from a dram to a dram and a half. The juice is given from a dram to two drams or three drams. Of such Medicines as are made of Showbread. First, Vnguentum de Arthanita majus. 2Vng. de Arthanita minus. CHAP. XXIV. De Dactylis, Of Dates. DAtes are long and round fruits growing in the East and West Indies, and in other places, from whence we have them: They abound in Indiae, Syria, Egypt, Arabia, and such hot places. The Names. They are called in English Dates The best are called Cariotae, and Phaenicobalanis, which were also called Regiae, because they were fittest for the diet of Kings. The Temperament. Dates are hot and dry almost in the second degree, and astringent, or binding, especially when they are not through ripe; being through ripe they are hot and moist in the second degree, some say hot and moist in the first degree. The best sort. The best Dates are such as are Yellowish in colour, sweet, ripe within, new, uncorrupt, not worm-eaten, and having their caps on, therefore called Cap Dates, for if the Caps fall off they soon decay. The Duration. Dates will not keep good long, especially in the Summer time, some will keep half a year, or longer. The inward Use. Dates yield a gross and clammy and fatty, or impingnating nourishment, therefore they are used against Consumptions, and wasting of the body: they help the hoarseness and roughness of the throat, the sharp Cough by reason of sharp rheum falling on the breast and lungs. The decoction of them taken allayeth the force of hot Agues, and stayeth spitting of blood, the pain in the stomach and bowels by reason of a Flux; and boiled in water and honey, and taken doth refresh the spirits: they somewhat provoke to Venery: the decoction helpeth the weakness and pains in the back and bladder; they strengthen the weakness of the Liver and Spleen, being mixed with other convenient medicines: They are used in broth's against Consumptions, and pining diseases, and are counted restorative, especially the sweet ones. Dry Dates being eaten do stop the belly, and stay vomiting of women with child, and help against miscarrying: they stay women's courses, and the bleeding and falling down of the Fundament and Piles, being taken in red Wine. The manner of administering them. They are given in broths, Decoctions, and Electuaries. A decoction against the Cough, shortness of breath, and the Pleurisy. Take of Dates, six in number, Figs four, French Barley an ounce, Raisins of the Sun stoned, an ounce, Sebesten and Jujubes of each fifteen, Licoris half an ounce, Maidenhair, Hyssop, Scabious, Colts-foot, of each half a handful: Cut the herbs and fruits, and bruise the Licoris, then boil them in three pints of spring water to a quart, strain it, and drink of the clearest, morning and evening, seven or eight spoonfuls warm. The outward Use. Dates made into a Poultis alone, or with other things, and applied to the stomach and belly, stayeth the vomiting of Women with child: The Decoction of Dates, or the leaves of the Date-tree maketh the haireblack, being often used, and stayeth fretting Ulcers. Being mixed with Wax and Saffron, they help the black and blue marks remaining after stripes or blows, and reduceth the skin to its natural colour. Date stones being burnt and washed serve instead of Spodium to bind and restrain the fluent humours into the eyes, and to consume the Pin and Web in them, and to dry up Pushes, being used with Spikenard, it it stayeth the falling of the hair from the eye brows, being mingled with wine, and used it helpeth any Excressences of the flesh, as Wens and such like, and bringeth foul Ulcers to Cicatrising, and stayeth the spreading of Ulcers. A Poultis made of them and applied helpeth any luxation or joints out of place, and they are used in astringent, Cataplasms, or Poultices. The hurtful quality. They breed ill and gross humours, and thick blood in the body, and are hard of concoction (especially in such as are of a hot constitution) bring the headache, obstruct the Liver, and breed wind, therefore they are not to be used by such as are troubled with the headache, Colic or hot Livers. These Medicines following are made of Dates. First, the Electuary Diaphoenicon mesuae. 2 Diaphoenicon solidum. 3 Electuarium resumptivum. 4 Lohoch e Pino. 5 Lohoch sanum & experium. Diagredium seu Scammonium. CHAP. XXV. De Dictamno Cretico, Of Dittany of Crete or Candy. DIttany of Crete is an herb much like unto , but hath greater leaves and hoary, covered over with a soft down, and white woollen Cotten, growing in Candy. The Names. It is called in Latin Dictamum and Dictamus, or Dictamnum creticum, also Dictamnus creticus, and it is so called a dicte promontorio Cretae, because plenty of it grows there in that mount, in English, Dittanie and Dittanie of Candy. The temperament. Dittany is hot and dry in the third degree, of a biting nature, especially being green. The best kind. The best is that which is newest, white, and not too full of strings. The Duration. It will keep a year or longer. The inward Use. Dittany provokes the Courses, hasteneth the birth, and bringeth away the dead child and after birth. It profits those that have the Dropsy & Spleen swollen. The juice drunken with wine is a present remedy for those that are bitten or stung by any venomous creature; nay the herb is so effectual against the poison of all beasts that are venomous, that the very smell drives them away, or if they do but touch the herb. The powder being mixed with honey and taken, easeth the Cough an killeth Worms, and a decoction thereof taken, is profitable in the Jaundice. The distilled water is commended against the Pestilence, if three ounces be drank morning and evening, and six ounces thereof against Venom: also three ounces thereof taken in a morning is profitable against the Stone. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder Electuary, etc. Powder to bring away the dead Child. Take of Dittany of Crete a dram, of Saffron five grains, make them in powder, and give it in wine. An Electuary against Venom. Take Dittany of Candy, round Birthworth in powder, of each half an ounce, with six ounces of honey, make an Electuary. The Dose is from a scruple to a dram in wine, or Carduus water. The outward Use. A pessary made of the juice and the powder bringeth away the dead child, and after birth, being applied. A Bath or decoction made thereof and used all over, cures the Jaundice. The juice mixed with the powder help's the Wula fallen, being anointed therewith, also the juice mixed with woman's milk taketh away the pain of the ears being put therein. The root of Dittany and Acorus root in powder, being snuffed up into the nostrils purgeth the brain; The powder of Ditanie and Castor mixed with the juice of Rue, and put up into the nose is good for those that have the falling-sickness. If a weak member be rubbed with the juice thereof, it strengtheneth the same. It draweth forth thorns or splintes out of the feet or other parts being applied. It is reported that the wild Goats in Candy being wounded by the hunters with arrows, do by eating this herb drive them forth. The juice is a present remedy for all wounds made with iron, being put therein, it doth mundify and cleanse the same, especially 'tis commended for wounds made with venomous weapons. The juice hath a purging faculty being anointed or applied with Barley meal. The hurtful quality. Beware of giving it to Women with child, for it will soon cause them to miscarry; 'tis not for hot choleric and dry bodies, nor to be much used in hot seasons. The Dose. The powder is given from a scruple to a dram. Of such things as are made of Dittanie. First, Distilled water of Dittanie. 2. Diadictamnum. Ebor seu cornu cervinum. Ebulus, seu Sambucus. CHAP. XXVI. De Elaterio, Of Elaterium or the juice of wild. Cucumber. ELaterium is the juice of wild Cucumber dried. The Names. It is called in Latin Elaterium and Elacterium. The Temperament. Elaterium is hot and dry in the second degree, or (as some hold) in the third. The best kind. The best Elaterium is that which is whitish 〈◊〉 grey, light and bitter in taste. The Duration. Threophrastus. lib. 9 cap. 14. saith, that a Physician kept some Elaterium that was two hundred years old, which notwithstanding was of much virtue. I have kept some seven years, and longer; and I conceive that (if it be well prepared and kept close from the air,) it may keep ten years. The inward use. Elaterium purgeth Phlegm, Choler, but chief water from the Abdomen, or belly, from the brain, joints, nerves and veins. It is profitable therefore in the Dropsy, Greensickness, and joint- Gout, in the headache, whether Hemicrania or Cephalaea, in the Falling-sickness, Gout, Shortness of breath, Jaundice, obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, stops of the Courses and Hemrods', as also in the Palsy and Quinsey. The manner of administering it. It is given in Pills, Powder, in Bowls, and in Potions. Pills against the Dropsy. Take of Pills called Alephanginae a scruple, Elaterium three grains, or four in a very strong body. Mix them together and make Pills; Give them with Physical observation. Massaria, fol. 481. Or, Take of Pills of Rhubarb two scruples, Pills Aggregative a scruple and a half, Elaterium three grains, with the juice of Ireos make pills. Or, Take Pills of Rhubarb Agarick trochiscated, and in powder of each a scruple, Rhubarb in powder half a scruple, Elaterium three grains, with the juice of Wormwood, make Pills, and take them as before. Pills purging water and phlegm from the joints. Take Pills Alephanginae half a scruple, Pills Aggregative, and Pills of Hermodactyls of each a scruple, of Elaterium two or three grains, with a little extract of Wormwood make pills thereof, give these only to strong bodies. A Powder against the Dropsy. Take of Mechoachan in powder two scruples and a half, speci● of Diaturbith 〈◊〉 rhubarb half a scruple, Elaterium two or three grains, A●●●●●● five grains, Mastic three grains, make a Powder hereof. Or, Take of Elaterium 6 grains, of Soldanella or Sea-bindweed, Ginger of each a scruple, Galangal, Cloves and Cinnamon, of each ten grains, make a powder hereof for two Doses, give it in any convenient liquor. A Bole. Take of Elaterium two grains, Diagredium two grains, with a little conserve of Roses make a Bole. A Potion. Take of Seine two drams, Polypodium of the Oak three drams, Damaask Prunes fix, Aniseed, sweet Fennel-seed, Licoris bruised, of each a dram; bruise the Polypodium, and make an infusion in strong Beer, strain it, and add of Syrup of Roses laxative one one ounce of Elaterium two gains, make a Potion. The external use. Elaterium boiled with Barley-meal and the yolk of an Egg or Eggs, being applied to Imposthumes, ripeneth them and bringeth them to maturity, and applied with Terpentine it breaks them. Also being mingled with Honey and Goat's dung, it dissolveth white swell, struma'es and other hard tumors, if it be applied thereunto. Being mingled with Beane-flower and the juice of Fumitory, it takes away spots and freckles of the face. Elaterium boiled with the oil of Lilies and linseed-oil cureth the Hemorrhoides that are much swollen. An oil made thereof is profitable for the nerves, Palsy, and trembling of the hands, and being put into the ears, it cures deafness. It bringeth down women's Courses that are stayed, and killeth th' the birth if it be applied to the secret parts. A Plaster against the Dropsy. Take of the root of wild Cucumbers bruised a pound, macerate, or steep it in a sufficient quantity of Vinegar of Squils for the space of four and twenty hours, then add of Honey clarified two pound, boil them to the thickness of a Cerote, then add of Cummin-seed in fine powder, four ounces, make a Plaster, and apply it to the belly warm. An Ointment for the Dropsy. Take of the juice of wild Cucumber, and of the juice of Walwort, of each three ounces, oil of Sesanum seeds, oil of Orris, of each two ounces, Wax an ounce and two drams, make an ointment, according to art, with which anoint the belly morning and evening warm. The hurtful quality with the correcting means Elaterium hurts the inward parts, provokes to vomit, opens the mouths of the veins, brings great gripe and torments in the belly, killeth the birth, though but outwardly applied to the secret parts; therefore it must not be given to women with child, weak persons, nor to such as have any inward inflammation, or Ulcer in the bowels. The best correctors of it are things that mitigate and allay the sharpness and acrimony of it, and not such as are astringent; but such as are a little cooling and moistening, as Gum iragacanth, Amylum, and water of Honey, sweet milk or Cream, or conserve of Roses, Violets, juice of Licoris, and with posset drink, or with some cordial spices. It is not fafe to give it alone, nor to any but such as have very strong and able bodies. Of such things as are made of the juice of wild Cucumber. First an extract thereof. 2 Syrup of the root of wild Cucumber, [Freitag. aur. med. f. 343.] 3 Oil. 4 Vnguentum Agrippae. 5. Vnguentum Aregon. The Dose. The Dose is from two grains to four grains, or five at the most. CHAP. XXVII. De Epithimo & Cuscutha, Of Dodder of Time, and Dodder. EPithymum and Dodder are plants like unto threads, very much snarled, or wrapped together, confusedly winding themselves about herbs, the one growing upon Time, the other upon Flax or Line. The Names. Epithymum is called Time, or laced Time. Cuscutha is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Latin Cuscutha Cussutha, Cassutha, and Cassytha, in English Dodder. The Temperament. Epithymum is hot and dry in the third degree. Dodder is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second. The best. The best is that which is fresh and new, not too old; the tops and flowers are most effectual. The best is that which comes from Crete. The Duration. They will keep good a year. The inward Use. Epithymum purgeth Melancholy and adust Choler, as also Phlegm from the brain, heart, spleen and hypochonders; It avails against Melancholy, old and inveterate pains of the head, swimming of the head, madness, falling-sickness, faintings, Quartain Ague, Hypochondriack passions, Scirrhues, or hardness of the Spleen, and windiness thereof, stops of the Kidneys, and is very useful in the Scab and Itch, Leprosy, Elephansie, malignant Ulcers and Cancers, as also the French-Pox: It cleanseth the blood very much, from Melancholy and adust humours. Avicen commends it against the Cramp: It is profitable in the Jaundice, in opening stops of the Gall. It hath also a strengthening property besides its purging quality, as in Rhubarb, and a very safe Medicine for the stops as well of the Liver, as Spleen, purging the Veins of phlegmatic and choleric humours, and helpeth children's Agues, if a little Wormseed be put to it. Taken with Lapis lazul, it cures the Quartain Ague. Note, That it will not endure any long decocting or boiling. Cuscuthe, or Dodder, is very profitable in stops of the Liver, Gall, and Spleen, cleanseth the blood from Melancholy, and is useful in the Jaundice, provokes Urine, and cleanseth the Veins of Choleric and Phlegmatic humours. Being taken with Wormwood it purgeth Choler. If half a pint or less of the decoction be taken, with half an ounce of Sugar, it cures Children of Agues. Moreover, it hath the same virtues as Epithymum hath, though not so fully, only some will have Cuscutha more proper for the Liver, and Epithymum for the Spleen. But the Cuscutha is more or less effectual, according to the virtues of those herbs on which it groweth. For that which groweth on Nettles and Broom, provokes Urine, that which grows on Tares (which is the most common) is not so good, for Tares are of hard digestion, and bind the belly, and breed thick and Melancholy blood. The seeds drunk with Wine, and Sage, ease the Hipgout. The distilled water of Cuscutha taken, helps the effects of the Liver and Lungs, by cleansing and strengthening; also cures the Jaundice, expels the stone of the Bladder, and easeth gripe in the belly, helps to bring down the Courses in Women, and swell about the Navel, and cures Agues in Children. The Dose is three or four ounces morning and evening; to Children give less. The manner of administering them. They are chief given in Potions and Powders. A Potion against Melancholy. Take of Epithymum half an ounce, of Seine one ounce and a half, Aniseed two drams, Licoris a dram, Damask Prunes ten or twelve; Bruise the Licoris and Aniseed, and cut the Prunes, then infuse them on hot embers five or six hours, with half a pint of Posset-drink; strain it, and give the clearest. Or, Take the flowers of Balm, Rosemary, borage, and bugloss, of each half a handful, of the outside of yellow Myrobalans, half an ounce, Epithymum, Time, Seine, Polypodium, of each two drams, or half an ounce; boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, till about half be consumed, strain it, and add syrup of Roses an ounce; make a Potion, and give it. Or, Take Epithymum, Cuscutha, Seine, Origanum, or Wild Marjoram, of each two drams, of red Ciches a dram, make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water, strain it, and in the clearest, infuse or steep of Agarick trochiscated, a dram, of Cinnamon half a dram, let them stand one night; then strain it, and to the strained liquor add Confectio Hamech, two drams, or half an ounce, and make all into a Potion. The external use. The distilled water of Cuscutha, or Dodder, clears the fight, if it be dropped into the eyes; the leaves made into a Pultis, and applied to the Spleen, doth ease the pain thereof; also boiled with Oil and Wine, and applied to the Flanks, helpeth the Strangury. The hurtful quality. They are not convenient for hot and dry bodies, neither is the use of them so safe in Summer, as in Winter. The too frequent use of them offends the stomach, and causeth dry'th: And because they are weak in operation, use them with Salgem, Ginger, or black Hellebor, and to mitigate the dryness of them, give them with Posset-Ale, or with a decoction of Raisins, Violets, and Borrage. The Dose. The Dose in substance is from two drams to three drams, or half an ounce; in infusion or decoction, from an ounce to an ounce and a half, or two ounces; and let this be in the winter time, for in hot weather you must give less in quantity. Of such things as are made of them. 1. The distilled water of Epithymum and Dodder. 2. Syrup of Epithymum. 3. Decoction of Epithymum. 4. Syrup of Apples Magistral. Esula minor, or tithymal; see Cataputia minor. CHAP. XXVIII. De Euphorbio, Of Gum Euphorbium. EVphorbium is a Gum of a brown yellowish colour, in small grains like Mastic, and comes from a certain plant growing in Lybia, and in Barbary. The Names. It is called in Latin, Euphorbium, from a famous Physician, whose name was Euphorbius, (Brother to Antonius Musa) who was also Physician to Juba King of the Mauritanians, or Moors, and first found out the virtue of this Gum. In English 'tis called also Gum Euforbium, or the Gum Thistle; or the Gum of the burning thorny plant. The temperament. Euphorbium is hot and dry in the fourth degree. The best kind. The best is the clearest, of a brown yellowish colour, but whiter within, and without filth. That which is pale is to be rejected. The Duration. It will keep good four or five years. Some affirm, that it will keep its virtue forty years. The inward use. Euphorbium purgeth thick and tough phlegm, but chief and more strongly watery humours from the Joints, and remote parts of the body: Therefore it helpeth the Dropsy, and any kind of Gout. It purgeth phlegm and water from the Brain and Nervous parts, and also thick phlegm from the stomach. It is profitable in the Apoplexy, Palsly, Lethargy, and in all soporiferous or sleepy Diseases, and cold Diseases of the Brain, and resolution of the Nerves, in Convulsions and tremble. And because it draweth tough and thick humours from the Joints, it is used in the French Pox; and by some it is counted available in the Pestilence. Also it is esteemed a present help against Apostumes, and painful Nodes or Bunches of the Joints. It speedily helps the Colic proceeding from tough and glassy phlegm, especially when the tunicles of the stomach and bowels have much tough phlegm cleaving to them. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, in Pills, and Electuary. Pills against the Colic. Take of the Powder called Diagalanga, Aromaticum rosatum, of each two drams, Castor in powder, half a dram, Euphorbium in powder, ten grains, Opium dissolved in Muscadel, thirty grains of Pepper, Saffron, and Myrrh in powder, of each half a scruple; make all into a mass or lump for pills. Of a dram make ten pills, and give of them four or five, if the pain cease not give nine or ten. Rondel. meth. cur. morb. c. 25. fol. 481. But I conceive half a dram will be a sufficient Dose, and must be given with caution. An Electuary against the Colic. Take of Opium two drams, Castor, Euphorbium, Storax, Myrrh, Pepper, long and black, a scruple, of Parsly-seed, and Smallage-seed, Cummin-seed, Cinnamon, of each two scruples, with a sufficient quantity of clarified Honey make an Opiate Electuary. It must be kept six months before you use it. Rondelet. de med. intern. fol. 1005. The external use. It is outwardly used in all cold Diseases of the Nerves, as in Convulsions, Tremble, Palsies, and in pains of the Joints, in the Sciatica, as also in the French Pox, in sleepy Diseases of the Brain, if it be mixed with Oil of Spike, and the neck anointed therewith, it availeth much. Collyries made thereof may be used in suffusions of the eyes, as also to take away the films thereof: But in the use of it about the eyes, I advise Practitioners to be very careful and wary, because of its burning faculty. In wounds and contusions of the Nerves, it doth much profit. Mingled with Oil of Bay, Bears grease, Wolves grease, or such like, it cures the Foxmange, and Scurf of the head. The Nape of the Neck being anointed with the Oil of Euphorbium, recovereth the speech of those that have lost it by reason of the Apoplexy, or any other casualty, and takes away the Noise and pain of the ears, being put into them. Euphorbium mingled with Vinegar, and applied, takes away the marks and scars of Wounds, and all other foul spots and blemishes of the skin. It helpeth to scale bones that are lose, and that suddenly. It is used with other means to provoke sneezing, as also to draw Blisters. An Ointment for the Headache, proceeding from a cold cause. Take Oil of Dill, Oil of Camomile Oil of Marjerome, Oil of walflowers, of each half an ounce; Oil of Nutmeg, two drams, Cloves in powder, half a dram, white Pepper in powder, half a dram; Euphorbium powdered, ten grains, with a little Wax make an Ointment, with which anoint the Temples, and the forepart of the head, morning and evening warm. Weichard. thes. pharm. fol. 18. Or, Take Oil of Dill, Oil of Orris, of each half an ounce; white Pepper, wild Time, of each a scuple and a half; Castor a scruple, Euphorbium half a scruple; powder what is to be powdered, and with a little Wax make an Ointment, and use it as the former. Piso de morb. cognosc. & curar. l. 1. c. 8. f. 29. A Lineament for the Palsy. Take of common Oil two pound, of Camomile flowers a handful and a half; Sage, Betony, Rosemary, of each a handful, Castor half an ounce, Euphorbium two drams, Myrrh, Bdellium, Gum Hedera, of each two drams, white Pepper, Mustardseed, of each a dram, wine of Castor a pint, make those things (that are to be powdered) into a gross powder, and boil them together with Cinnamon, Mastic, Elecampane, and Acorus root, of each a dram, till the Wine be consumed, then strain it, and add of Oil of Turpentine, three drams; make a Lineament, with which anoint the Neck. Johan. Sadler. prax. med. f. 149. The hurtful quality with the corrective means. Euphorbium is of such a hot burning nature, that if it be taken alone it inflames the mouth, and throat, as also the stomach, bowels, Liver, and all the body, therefore with some it is counted among the venomous-Plants, rather than among Medicines. It brings cold sweats, and causeth many times faintings. It is very dangerous to give it to Women with Child, to Children or weak persons, or to any that have inward inflammations. Nunqun datur per os, nec cum alijs, nisi raro & pa●ia quantitate. Renodaeus. dispensat. fol 566. It is safest to give it only to strong persons, and such as have cold, windy, and temperate bodies, and not to those that have hot and dry bodies. Till it be a year old you may not use it. It is ●ever used alone without some good corrective. There are divers ways and means prescribed to correct the malignity of Euphorbium. Some conceive it the best way to make it into gross powder, and not into fine powder, and so to give it, for hereby it doth not cleave to the bowels and inward parts. Others make it into a past with Oil of sweet Almonds, and drying it in an Oven keep it for their use. Others dissolve the same in Vinegar, and so strain it. Others take Euphorbium, Mastich, Tragacanth, of each a like quantity, with which they make a payest, and dry it as before, and so make pills thereof. Others infuse it in spirit of wine, and so make a kind of extract thereof, which is to add fire to fire. Surely the best means to correct it, are such things as do allay the heat and acrimony thereof, and such as are lubricious or slippery, viz. Oil of Roses, Oil of sweet Almonds. We must not forget the Anteuphorbium, which is an herb that grows near the Euphorbium, and is somewhat like Purslane, the juice whereof doth so temper the heat of Euphorbium, that being mixed therewith and given, it seldom or never fails to give ease: But because this is a stranger with us, why may not the payest above mentioned be infused or steeped in the juice of Purslane, and then boiled to a sufficient height, and Trosses or small round Cakes made thereof? Or else you may mix Euphorbium with the juice of Purslane, and so give it. Freitagius saith, he hath known it given unprepared with Barleywater, and Syrup of Violets, or with Broth, and that with good success; and that he hath known a scruple (in robustick bodies) hath been given, and that without any danger. This I believe, for being old it looseth much of its burning and operative faculty. I have kept some, ten or twelve years, and for aught I know it had as much age before I had it, yet it hath operated well, and also been useful outwardly to draw Blisters, etc. The Dose. The Dose is from four grains to ten. The Compounds following are made of Euphorbium. 1. Extract of Euphorbium. 2. Pills of Euphorbium. 3. Species Hierae logadij. 4. Philonium persicum & Romanum. 5. Emplast●●m de Ranis vigonis. 6. Oil of Euphorbium simple and compound. 7. Chemical Oil of Euphorbium. CHAP. XXIX. De Fumaria. Of Fumiterrie. FVmitterry is an Herb so well known, that I need not describe it. The Names. In Latin 'tis called Fumaria, and Fumus terrae; in English, Fumittery. The temperament. It is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second, and not cold as the Vulgar conceive, for its bitterness showeth it to be hot. The duration. The Herb will keep good a year, and the juice may be kept a year with Oil of Olives poured on it. The inward use. Fumiterry purgeth gently Melancholy and salt humours; it is opening, cleansing, and strengthening, it purgeth the impurity of the blood, and is useful in obstructions and stops of the Liver, Spleen, and Entrails, and doth corrobate or strengthen those parts: It purgeth Choleric humours by Urine, and avails in the Itch, Scab, Leprosy, Cancer, Fistulaes', and foul Diseases of the skin, arising from adust humours; as also in the French Disease. It is profitable in Fevers (arising from choler both yellow and black) in the Jaundice, Quartain Ague, Scorbute, or Scurvy, killeth Worms, and prevails in chronical Diseases arising from stops of the viscerous parts, and in affects of the Hypochonders. The powder (saith Brasavola) of the dried Herb given for some time together, hath cured a Melancholy person. The distilled water cures the yellow Jaundice, if three or four ounces be drunk morning and evening, for certain days together, and avails against the Scab, Itch, and such like Diseases; and being constantly taken it preserveth from the Leprosy. Being taken with London Treacle, and Bole Armoniac, it is good in the Pestilence, as a dram or two of Treacle, and a scruple of Bole Armoniac mixed in two ounces of the water, and so taken. Also it dissolveth congealed blood and tumors, and provoketh the Terms or Courses in Women. The manner of administering it. It is given in Potion, Decoction, in juice, and in Powder. A Potion against Melancholy and Choler. Take of Seine two drams, Fumiterry and Wormwood of each as much as you can hold between two or three fingers; of Cinnamon bruised, a dram; infuse them in Succory-water, and a little Wine, for a night, strain it, and in the strained liquor infuse or steep of Rhubarb (cut in thin slices) half a dram, or a dram, five or six hours, then strain it again, and add to it of the Electuary called Diacatholicon, half an ounce; make a Potion. A Potion against Melancholy. Take of Fumiterry, tops of Hops of each half a handful, Raisins of the sun stoned, half an ounce, Polypodium of the Oak, green, bruised, half an ounce, Dodder, Epithymum, of each three drams, Aniseed and Licoris bruised, of each half a dram. Make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water, strain it, and infuse or steep therein, of Seine two or three drams, strain it, and dissolve in it Diacatholicon an ounce, and as much syrup of Violets. A Potion against the Dropsy. Take of the juice of Fumiterry two or three ounces, of the powder of the root of Esula prepared, eight or ten grains; Elder-water▪ an ounce, with a little Sugar make a Potion. A delicate Potion to purge the blood. Take of the decoction of Fumiterry, made with Whey or Posset-drink, five ounces, steep therein (on hot embers a whole night) of Seine half an ounce, Rhubarb a dram, strain it, and dissolve in it of syrup of Roses, Laxative, or of Manna an ounce, make a Potion. Against the Scorbute or Scurvy. Take the juice of Fumiterry, and Scurvygrasse, of each two ounces; give it (in the Spring time) in Goat's Whey. A decoction of Fumiterry made with Posset-drink, and four or five ounces thereof taken morning and evening, in the Spring time, doth much purify and cleanse the blood. Against the Jaundice. Take Fumiterry, Wormwood, of each a handful, boil it in Posset-drink, or Whey, and being strained, drink of it, four ounces, morning and evening. Or, Take two or three ounces of the juice of Fumiterry, and give it in two ounces of Ceterach-water. Against the Joynt-Gout. Take of the juice of Fumiterry, three ounces, of Hermodactilles in powder, two scruples, mingle them together, and give it in a morning fasting. Against the Scab, Itch, and Leprosy. Take of the juice of Fumiterry, two ounces and a half, or three ounces, warm it over the fire, and scum it; then add a little sugar, and half a dram of Fennellseed to it, and give it in a morning. The outward use. The juice dropped into the eyes, doth clear the eyes, and quicken the sight; but at the first it will cause the eyes to water: the juice also mingled with Gum Arabic, and applied to the lids, will cause that the hair (that hath once been pulled off) shall not grow again. A decoction thereof made, and the feet bathed therewith, cures the Gout; or boiled in Wine, and so applied, doth the like: the juice mixed with the juice of Docks, and Oxymel, or Vinegar, cureth the Morphew, being anointed therewith. Also a Bath made of the same, with Mallows, Violets, and Dock roots, with Barley Bran, and Nep, cureth the Scab, and Itch. The juice mingled with Oil of Nuts, and Vinegar, cures malign Scabs, and the Leprosy, being anointed therewith. The distilled water helpeth sores and Ulcers of the mouth, being therewith washed and gargled, especially if you take four ounces of the water, adding thereto one ounce of honey of Roses, and wash the mouth therewith. The hurtful quality. It is somewhat flatulent or windy, therefore 'tis good to mix with the juice or decoction, some Aniseed or Fennelseed, and infused in Whey, or given with infusion of Seine, it doth work the better. The Dose. The juice is given from half an ounce, to two or three ounces. The Powder from two drams to four drams. The decoction from three ounces, to five or six ounces. Of such things as are made thereof. The Water. The Juice. The Conserve. The Syrup, both simple and compound. Pills of Fumiterry, and the Oil distilled from the dry herb. CHAP. XXX. De Galanga, Of galangal. GAlingale is a small root of a reddish colour, both within and without, and smelleth somewhat sweet, and groweth in China. The Names. It is called in Latin, Galanga, in English galangal. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the second or third degree. The sorts or kinds. There are two sorts, the greater, and the lesser, but the lesser is most in use. The best kind. The best is that which is of a reddish colour, or brownish within and without, heavy and aromatical, or smelling sweet, especially being bruised, of a hot taste; and full of small holes. The Duration. It will keep good three or four years. The inward Use. Galingal is profitable in all cold diseases of the stomach, brain and womb, help's concoction, expels wind and crudities, and strengthens the stomach, being boiled in wine, and taken morning and evening. It strengtheneth especially a moist brain, helps the Vertigo, or swimming of the head, and avails against the palpitation or beating of the heart, and is very useful in the gnawing of the stomach, and easeth the Colic, which proceedeth of wind, and in the diseases of the Mother, and stops of the Urine, and hath a speedy operation to cleanse the Uritories, or passages of Urine from slimy phlegm and stones gathered therein, or the passages in the neck of the yard, & also to waste and consume any fleshly excrescence in the neck of the bladder or yard. Galingal conduceth to Venery, and help conception, and is profitable for them that have cold reins, and excellent for them that have cold and windy affects of the womb. It helpeth a stinking breath, being boiled in wine and so taken. It is chief good for cold and moist diseases. The manner of administering them. They are given chief in powder and decoction. Against weakness and faintness of the heart. Take the powder of Galingal, two scruples; of the juice of borage one ounce and a half, mix them together, and give it with a little Sugar in the morning fasting, or any other time. Against a weak stomach, and wind. Take Galingal, Pepper, and Parsley-seed in powder, of each half an ounce, of Honey four or five ounces, mix them together, and add two ounces also of conserve of Red Roses; Take the quantity of a Nut thereof morning and evening. Or, Take an ounce of Galingal and bruise it, of White-wine a pint and a half, or a quart, boil it till about half a pint be consumed, strain it, and drink a draught morning and evening. The outward use. It helpeth a stinking breath, being often chewed in the mouth, and also a cold, moist brain, being snuffed up into the nose in powder, or chewed in the mouth. The hurtful quality. It must not be given in hot diseases, nor to hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given in powder, from a scruple to a dram, in decoction from a dram to two drams or three. Of such Medicines as are made of Galingall. The chiefest species made thereof is Diagalangal which helps the cold effects of the stomach and liver, and helps concoction, drives away sour belching, expels wind and flatulent humours, and also helps a stinking breath. There are many other species made thereof. CHAP. XXXI. De Galbano, Of Gum-Galbanum. GAlbanum is a Gum taken from one kind of Ferula, or Fennel-giant, of a very strong and stinking savour. The Names. It is called in Latin Galbanum, in English Gum Galbanum. The Temperament. Galbanum is hot and dry in the second degree, or hot in the beginning of the third degree, and dry in the second, or in the beginning of the second. The best kind. The best is clear, a little yellowish with white pieces amongst it, without filth or sticks, neither too dry, nor too moist, of a strong savour, dissolving chief with wine and vinegar. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward Use. Galbanum is profitable for all cold diseases of the womb, for the rising or falling of the Mother, and all stops thereof, it helps to bring away the birth and dead child, and provokes the Courses in Women: 'tis useful in Convulsions and Cramps, Falling-sickness, inward Ruptures, in pains and tumors of the Spleen and Sirrhus, in shortness of breath Cough, in the pains of the side, and in torments of the bowels: It resisteth poison, killeth worms, and is an Antidote against Venom, and all venomous Beasts, for saith Pliny no Serpents will come near to them that are besmeared with Galbanum. Being taken in wine with Myrrh, it brings away the dead child out of the womb and Mola, or false conception: it is excellent in the Colic dissolved in wine, and taken with oil of sweet-Almonds, and a little Saffron, and also for the stopping of the Urine. The manner of administering it. It is given chief in Pills. Pills against the suffocation of the Mother. Take of Galbanum two scruples, Sagapenum a scruple, Assa fetida a scruple, oil of Amber four drops, make Pills thereof and give them. Against the pain and swelling of the Spleen and Sirrhus. Take a dram of Galbanum, and dissolve it in a little Vinegar of Squils', or Oxymel of Squils', and give it. Against Worms. Take a dram of Galbanum, dissolve it in a little Sack or Muskadel, give it with Sugar Pellets. The Outward Use. It mollifieth, softeneth, and dissolveth the hard tumors and swelling, as Scirrhus, Kings-evil, Aposthumes, hardness of the Spleen, hard nodes of the joints and Biles, also easeth pains in the side, especially being mixed with oils, ointments and plasters for the same purpose. It taketh away freckles and spots in the face, or skin, being mixed with Vinegar and Niter, and so applied. It takes away the pain of the ears, being used with the oil of Roses, oil of Nardus, or such like. It cures the Toothache, if the hollow-tooth be stopped therewith: it draweth forth thorns, splinters and broken bones, being spread on Leather, and applied, especially if you mix Terpintine with it. It avails in the fits of the Mother or Falling-sickness, being but smelled to, or a perfume thereof on Coals; also a Pessary hereof used brings away the birth and dead child, and also provokes the Courses, it cures the bitings of Scorpions, or other venomous beast being applied thereto: It helps the Sciatica if a plaster thereof be applied. It cleanseth wounds and ulcers, cures rifts of the feet and ankles, especially being mixed with Gum-Tragacanth, Dears su●t and oil of Violets. It cures scaled heads being dissolved with honey and so applied. Against fits of the Mother. Make a Plaster of Galbanum on Leather about the bigness of the Palm of your hand, and lay it to your navel. The hurtful quality. It is dangerous to give it to pregnant women, or women with child, lest they miscarry therewith: neither must it be given in hot diseases. Pliny saith, 'tis not good in difficulty of Urine, but Diascorides, and others say the contrary. The Dose. The Dose is from a scruple to a dram, or a dram and a half. Of such things as are made of Galbanum. Oil Chemical of Galbanum, Galbanetum, i. e. Balsamum Galbanetum, seu spiritus Terebinthinae Galbanetus'. Cerot of Galbanum, or Ceratum matricale. CHAP. XXXII. De Genista. Of Broom. BRoom is better known for its sweeping help, then for its Physical use, therefore I shall give you the virtues thereof. The Names. It is called in Latin Genista and Genesta, and that because it helps the pains of the knees, or quod facile generet, speciemque propagat. The Temperament. Broom is hot and dry in the second or beginning of the third degree. The Duration. The flowers and seeds will keep a year. The inward use. The flowers, seeds, stalks and roots are in use, but chief the seeds and the flowers, they draw forth thick Phlegm and Choler, as also water by vomit and stool, and that somewhat strongly in many bodies, The seeds and flowers are Spleneticall, nephritical and hepatical, that is, good for the Spleen, Stone and Liver. and draweth from the joints Phlegmatic and Waterish humours, whereby it helpeth those that are troubled with the Dropsy, Gout, Sciatica, and pains in the joints, helpeth the pains in the sides, and swell of the Spleen, cleanseth also the reins, kidneys and bladder of the gravel and stone engendered therein, and hindereth the matter from growing and increasing to be a stone again, and provokes Urine abundantly. The constant use of the powder of the leaves and seeds doth cure the black Jaundice, being taken in Wine. The seeds purgelike Hellebor, say the ancient, but sure it is meant of Spartium of Diascorides, or of Spanish-broom, for our ordinary Broom doth not work so, nay, we pickle the flowers and seeds in Vinegar, calling them Broom-Capers, and eat them with meat, finding no ill quality in them, but are excellent to stir up appetite to meat, and help obstructions of the Spleen, and to provoke Urine, as also opens the Uritory parts. The seeds and flowers being any way taken do much preserve from the Gout and Stone. The flowers being made into a conserve, or preserve with Honey or Sugar, and eaten off, do much consume the King's evil. The distilled water of the flowers is profitable for the aforesaid purposes, and helpeth Surfeits, also altereth the fits of Agues, being taken before the fit with some Centory water. It is most excellent for to help the King's evil if one ounce of the water be taken morning and evening for a month's space or longer if need require. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder and decoction, etc. Against the Gout, and arthritical pains. Take of Broom-seeds a dram and a half, of Mastic, Roses and Cinnamon, of each a scruple, make them into powder, and take it in broth: this will draw phlegmatic humours from remote parts, and cause them to be voided both up and down. Or, Take of Broom-seeds three drams, Roses and Mastich of each a scruple, make them into powder, and give a dram thereof in broth, or in Water and Honey. The outward Use. The tops or flowers of Broome bruised and mixed with Hogs-grease, cure the ache or pains of the knee, as also the Gout, or bruise, or any swelling by reason of humours falling down. The flowers also bruised and mixed with Honey and Roses, or the white of an Egg beaten together and applied, consume the hard swelling of the King's evil. The juice of the young branches made into an ointment with Hogs-grease, and anointed: or the young branches bruised, or flowers, and heated in oil or Swines-grease, and laid to the sides that are pained, either by the wind, as in stitches and the like, or in the Spleen, easeth them in once or twice using it. The same boiled in oil is a safe and sure medicine to kill Lice, and other vermin breeding in the head or body. The juice boiled with oil and applied helpeth the Sciatica or Hipgout. The juice alone, or mixed with Honey and applied, cures green wounds and putrified Ulcers. The flowers and tops being bruised and applied, help the biting of Serpents and venomous creatures. The Oil distilled from the root and seeds, is very useful to take away spots, freckles and deformities of the skin, being applied. A decoction of the tops of Broom, easeth the Toothache being washed therewith. Note that the flowers will not endure any long decocting or boiling. The hurtful quality, and corrective means. Because it doth offend the stomach and heart, let it be given with Roses, Mastich, Aniseed, Fennel-seed, or with Honey of Roses. The Dose. The seeds are given from a dram to a dram and a half, or two drams. The juice of the flowers, from a dram to two drams, or three drams. The powder of the dry flowers, from a dram to two drams. The powder of the dry root from two drams to half an ounce, in broth or such like. The juice of the root from a dram to half an ounce, with Hydromel, or water and honey. Of those things that are made of Broom. The distilled water of the branches and flowers Conserve of the flowers, Salt of Broom, The flowers preserved with Sugar. CHAP. 33. De Gentianae radice, of Gentian Root. GEntian hath leaves like with ribs like Plantain, but bigger and more like the leaves of white Hellebore, the stalks are full of joints and hollow, the leaves grow by couples at every joint, the flowers are yellow, the root is long and thick, of the colour of earth without, and yellowish within. The names. It is called in Latin Gentiana, and 'tis so called from Gentius King of the Illyrians, who brought it first into use and credit, in English 'tis called Gentian and Felwort. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, or hot in the third degree, and dry in the second. The best sort. The best is that which is yellow within, sound without holes, bitter, and not easy to be broken. The best (saith Pliny) is that which is found in Illyricum or Sclavonia. The duration. It will keep good a year or two. The inward use. The root is chief in use. It is alexipharmacal, opening and attenuating, and avails in the Pestilence and contageous diseases, against the stinging of venomous beasts, and against the biting of mad dogs, and preserves from putrefaction, also in stops of the liver and spleen, or for such as are livergrown as they call it, in the Dropsy and suffocation of the Mother, and against Convulsions, Falling Sickness, Ruptures, pains of the side, bruises, Worms, and debility or weakness of the stomach, dissolveth congealed blood, and provokes the courses. It brings away the birth, afterbirth, and dead child: it is useful in the cough, shortness of breath, and gripe of the stomach and belly. Being steeped in wine and drunk, it refresheth those that are over wearied with travel, and are by cold and ill lodging abroad, grown lame in their joints. It is good against all Agues, a decoction thereof being taken, or the powder thereof: also the decoction thereof helpeth the Stone and stopping of Urine It repelleth wind very much in the body, and is profitable in all cold diseases; for could we but like this and other bitter things it would effect very much in curing of many desperate diseases. The Italians (not undeservedly) do call the Croswort, Gentian. Petimborsa quasi mettere in bursa, put it in your purse, either as Matthiolus saith, that it was to be gathered wheresoever it was found, and fit to be kept in our purse as ready to be used upon all occasions, or that it did by curing of diseases, get store of crowns to be put into the purse. The distilled water of the leaves, flowers and roots hath near the same virtue, and is excellent to cure Agues that proceed from obstructions of humours, or blood, and killeth Worms, consumes all viscuous humours in the stomach, provokes the courses in women, and helpeth a stinking breath: you may give two or three spoonfuls of the water morning and evening; but before the fit of an Ague, you may give two or three ounces thereof. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, powder, etc. Against the biting of a mad Dog. Take of Gentian root bruised a dram, or two drams, boil it in about half a pint of water and honey, till near half be consumed, strain it, and add of Myrrh in powder two scruples or a dram, of Crabs-eyes burnt, and in powder two drams, mix them together, and give it at four times morning and evening; wash also the wound with vinegar and salt water, and apply Cupping-glasses thereto, to draw out the venom. Or Take of the root in powder two scruples, or a dram, give it in Carduus water. Or Take of Gentian in powder thirty grains, of Rue in powder a scruple, of Pepper powdered five grains, give it in Angelica-water. The external use. The juice or powder of the root healeth fresh wounds, and is very effectual for all sorts of foul, putrid, or rotten ulcers wheresoever, yea though hollow or fistulous, cancrous, fretting or running, for it doth very much cleanse, dry and heal up: also the same applied to ulcers, knots or kernels of the neck or throat which is called the King's evil, healeth them safely and speedily, as also the painful swell of the hemorrhoidal veins called the Piles, when they are fallen down, and grow ulcerous or sore. The juice being put into the eyes, takes away inflammations, and redness therein, and clears them from skins and films growing upon them. The root is in use among Surgeons to enlarge the orifice of any wound or sore. The fresh root or the dried made into a Pessary, and put into the Matrix, expelleth the dead child and afterbirth, for it throughly worketh upon those parts. The juice, root, or herb, or decoction thereof is given to to drink, to free them from Bottes and Worms, and many other diseases as also when they begin to swell, being poisoned by any venomous worm or tick, which they often lick up with the grass as also when they are bitten or stung by the udders or other tender places, which presently thereupon swell, and put the to much pain, making them forbear their meat, which being perceived, the Countrypeople presently bruise the leaves of any kind of Gentian, and take the juice thereof, and struck the udder or bitten place, which doth soon help them. The distilled water of Gentian, cleanseth the face from freckles, morphew, or other spots, and discolourings of the skin, being often lightly washed therewith. Against Bruises. Take of Gentian root in powder an ounce, mix with it a little Oil-olive, and apply it warm. The hurtful quality. It must not be given to women with child, for it will cause them to miscarry, neither is it to be used in hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given in powder from a scruple to a dram, in decoction from a dram to three drams. Of those things that are made of Gentian. The distilled water of the leaves and root; The extract of Gentian; The thickened juice [a dram whereof is excellent against intermittent Agues, being taken before the fit] Diatessaron. CHAP. 34. De Gratiola, of Hedge-Hyssope. GRatiola is an herb that hath leaves like common Hyssop, but a little shorter and broader. The names. It is called in Latin Gratiola, & Gratia Dei, in English Hedge-Hyssope. Now it is called Gratiola per Antiphrasin, because it is in no wise grateful and pleasant to those that take it, for it is very bitter and of violent operation. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree, or in the end of the second, in taste very bitter, and somewhat astringent. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. It purgeth choler and phlegm, but especially waterish humours; Therefore it is profitable in the Dropsy, Greensickness, obstructions of the liver and spleen, in the Hip-gowt, quartane Agues, and long continued Fevers, as also in quotidian Agues. It prevails much against putrefaction, and killeth Worms. It worketh both by vomit and stool. Some commend it in the French Pox, Scorbute, or Scurvy, and against the pestilence. The manner of administering it. It is given in Potions, Powders, Pills, etc. A Potion. Take of Hedge Hyssop half a handful, Seen half an ounce, Raisins of the Sun six drams, Anise-seed & Cinnamon bruised, of each half a dram; boil them in a pint of Rhenish wine to half a pint, then strain it, and being sweetened with sugar, give it to drink in a morning fasting with physical observation. A Powder. Take of Hedge Hyssop in powder two drams, Cinnamon, Anise-seed in powder, of each a scruple, of pure Sugar half an ounce, mix them well together: Give a dram, or a dram and a half hereof in broth. Pills excellent in the Dropsy. Take extract of Hedge Hyssop, extract of Mechoacan, of each a scruple, Salt of Hedge Hyssop six grains, mix them together, and make Pills thereof. Jo. Hartmanus pract. Chym. f. 246. Melichius mentions Saccharum Gratiolae magistrale in his Dispensatory, which is not made with the flowers, but of the leaves with Sugar, not by boiling it, but by setting it in the Sun and often stirring it together. The Dose is from six drams to an ounce in strong bodies; He saith, that it worketh without any trouble, Melich. Dispensat. f. 119. He doth not mention what quantity is to be taken, but I conceive at least as much Sugar as leaves, or as much more. The external use. The powder of the herb, or the juice thereof cureth green wounds, and cleanseth old and rotten sores. It may be put into Oils and Ointments that are made to cleanse and heal wounds and old ulcers. The hurtful quality, and the correcting help. It worketh churlishly, and troubleth the stomach, therefore it must be given with Cinnamon, Anise-seed, Liquorish, Sugar, Honey, decoction of Cicers, or in posset-drink. Some macerate or steep it in vinegar, then dry it, afterwards they infuse or steep it in milk, and dry it again, than they give it in powder. The Dose. It is given in powder to a scruple, in decoction from half an ounce to an ounce: but the extract thereof is more commodious than either the Dose, of which is from a scruple to half a dram. These compounds following are made of Gratiola, or Hedge Hyssop. The extract Salt of Hedge Hyssop, Conserve of Hedge Hyssop. CHAP. 35. De Gutta gummi, of Gum gutta, or Cambogia. GUtta gummi, or Cambogia is a concreted or hardened juice, rather than a gum, made up into hard rolls, yellow both within and without, and being moistened it gives a yellow colour: What it is made of none hath yet certainly determined; some conceive it to be the juice of Spurge, condensed or dried, and mixed with a little Saffron or Turmerick; others judge it to be made of Scammony and Tithymal: others judge it to be made of Rhubarb; others of Euphorbium; others think it to be made of one kind of Aloes. But sure they are deceived that judge it to be made up of Aloes, and that because it is not bitter as Aloes is; moreover, it purgeth rather water than choler. Neither can it be made of Euphorbium, for than it would burn and heat more in the mouth than it doth; nor is it likely to be made of Rhubarb, for it hath neither the taste nor qualities of Rhubarb; besides, Rhubarb is a stranger in those places from whence this is brought. There are many other opinions about it, which I will not trouble the Reader with. It is brought unto us here in England from the East-Indies, and some say from China. The names. Among all simples, minerals, or vegetables, I have not observed many to have more names given it then this. It is called, Cambochia, Cambogia, Cambugio, Gummi de Goa, Gummi gutta, Gummi Gith, & Gemon, Gummi Indicum, Gummi ad Podagram, Gummi Peruanum, Gutta Geman, Gemu, Gutta Gamandra, Gutta Munda, Chattajemon, Ghittajemon, Ghittajaman, Catta Ganma, Succus Gambici, Succus Crambici, crocuspurgans. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the first degree, The best kind. The best sort is that which looks yellow, being pure without any filth or mixture, and being wet with water or spittle looks of a yellow colour, and makes the water or spittle very yellow. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It purgeth chief water and ferous humours, and that without any great violence, therefore it is useful in the Dropsy and any kind of Gout, as also in the yellow Jaundice, and obstructions of the liver and spleen. Many time it provokes to vomit, sometimes it works up and down. It is used also against scab, itch and such like. The manner of administering it. It is given in divers forms, as in Pills, Potions, Powders, Bowls, etc. Pills. Take of Gutta Gummi fifteen grains, Species Diambrae three grains, oil of Fennell three drops, with a little Syrup of Roses, make six or seven Pills. Pills against the Jaundice. Take of the best Rhubarb in powder a dram, of Cambogia six grains, with syrup of Succory, make Pills. A Potion against the tertian Ague. Take of Cambogia eight grains, syrup of Roses solutive one ounce and a half, Endive-water two or three ounces, make a Potion, and give it before the third fit with physical observation. A Powder against arthritical pains. Take of cream of Tartar two scruples and a half, or a dram, Gutta Gummi four grains, galangal and Cinnamon, of each four grains, make all into powder, and give it in any convenient liquor. A Bowl useful in the Yellow Jaundice. Take of Gutta gummi ten or twelve grains, Conserve of Red Roses two drams, make a Bowl and give it in a morning fasting, drinking a draught of posset-drink after it. This I have used with good success. Tabulats, or Rolls. Take of Gutta gummi seven grains, Trosses Ahandale four grains, Oil of Aniseeds two drops, with Sugar dissolved in Cynamon-water, make Rolls or little Cakes. It may be given in broth, or other convenient liquor. As Take of Cambogia twelve or sixteen grains, Cream of Tartar a scruple; give it in broth with a little Sugar. Against shortness of Breath in a Child. Take of Gutta gummi three or four grains, Oxymel of Squils' half an ounce, or an ounce, mingle them together, and give it. If you mix it with salt of Wormwood, or with black salt of Ash, and give it in the Dropsy, you will find it to work effectually. The external use. It was in use with Painters and Picture-drawers before Physicians used it. It is useful in Ointments and lineament for the Dropsy. The hurtful qualities, with the means to help it. It worketh many times very churlishly, and doth much trouble the stomach; therefore it is given with Oil of Mace Chemical, or with Oil of Cinnamon, with species Diambrae, with Conserve of Roses, etc. Also you may give it with Cream of Tartar, or Tartar vitriolated in broth, as is declared above. It must be given with caution in hot and choleric bodies. These things are made of Gutta gummi. Extract, or Magister of gum Gutta, Ghitta Jemu corrected by spirit of Vitriol, or Tartar Minderi. The Dose. The Dose is from five grains to twelve, or to a scruple. CHAP. 36. De Helleboro albo, of white Hellebore. WHite Hellebore hath broad leaves with ribs or sinews like unto great Plantain leaves, or Gentian, the root being dry is black without, and white within, some as long as ones finger, and some shorter. The Names. It is called in Arabic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charic, from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Charac, rupit, corrupit, and well it may, for it is a tearing Medicine, and soon breaks the veins in a man's body. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Copan, quòd esu perimat: In Latin Helleborus albus, Helleborum, & veratrum album, now it is called veratrum à verando, unde veratores & veraculi: and because such Prophets were counted mad, and out of their wits, therefore it was so called, for that it cureth such; or quòd mentem vertat, Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 25. c. 5. f. 218, In English, 'tis called white Hellebore, or Neesewort. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree. The best kind. The best is the whitest, not too hot and biting in taste, nor provoking spittle, for such doth sooner suffocate, and being broken, it seems to smoke or send dust from it: the best part is that which is towards the nether end, for the uppermost part of the root which is thickest and bulbous like to an Onion-head is good only for Dogs. The duration. It will keep good many years, some say thirty years. The inward use. The roots are only in use. They are useful against madness and melancholy, also against the swimming of the head, Falling Sickness, Leprosy, Cancer, Elephancie and foul diseases of the skin, as also the quartan Ague. It brings down the courses, and kills the child in the womb: it helps the old Cough, Dropsy, Sciatica, Gout, Cramp, pains of the joints and sinews. It killeth Mice or Rats being boiled in milk, or mingled with flower and Honey, or Butter. or boiled in milk, and set where Flies, Wasps, Gnats, etc. do much resort, it kills as many as touch it. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, in infusion, and in substance; take one example in substance. Take of white Hellebore in powder a scruple, give it in broth, milk, or Gruel, but you were better let it alone. Heurnius mentions an Electuary made of white Hellebore, which you may find in his Praxis Medicine. f. 242. The outward use. It is used to provoke sneesing, being put into the nostrils, and purgeth the head of superfluous humours, and is good in the Lethargy, and such like sleepy diseases, especially if Margerum be put to it, and made in powder, and so snuffed up into the nose: it cures the Leprosy, Scab, Itch, and such like foul diseases of the skin, being used with Hogs-grease, or mixed in ointments. The juice of the root dropped into the ears, helps the noise and singing thereof, and the root mixed with other things helps the dimness of the sight. Being boiled in lie, and the head washed therewith, it killeth Lice, and helpeth the running scabs and sores thereof. Boiled in vinegar, and the mouth washed therewith, easeth the toothache; the same decoction helpeth also itch and scab in the hands, and cleanseth foul sores and ulcers in the legs and other parts, & put into Fistulaes', it taketh away the hardness of them. A Pessary made thereof and put up, brings down the Courses and dead child. The hurtful quality. White Hellebore is a vehement and strangulatory medicine, and induceth most terrible symptoms: and causeth strong vomiting, bringeth Convulsion, Cramp, Hicop, and fainting of the spirits, and ofttimes suddenly suffocateth the party; therefore I advise the vulgar not to meddle with it, but to leave it as a dangerous and deadly medicine. But if any will venture to give it, let it be with good advice, and in very strong bodies. Give it with Mead or honeyed water and sal-niter The safest way is to give it by infusion, or decoction and not in substance: let it be infused in juice of Quinces, or given with the syrup of Quinces, or give the decoction with Anise-seed and Cinnamon, adding a little Sugar thereto. Pliny adviseth not to give it in close weather, or upon a dark and cloudy day. It must not be given to such as have long necks, or are crooked and short-breathed, or to women with child, old persons, or such as have any vein broken in their breast, or lungs, or spit blood, or to such as have any ulcer in their lungs. If any desire to read more of white Hellebore, let them consult with these following Authors; Hippocrat. Epist. lib. de veratri usu f. 532. Oribas. lib. 8. c. 2. c. 4 c. 5, 6. etc. Matthiolus Com. in lib. Diascor. 146. fol. 754, 755. Paul. Aeginet. lib. 7. c. 10. f. 433. Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 25 cap. 5. fol. 217, 218, 219. Pet. Salius divers. de affect. partic. de Rabie, c. 19 f. 370, 371, 372, 373. Heurn Prax. med. l. 2. f. 240, 241, 242. Valleriol. Observat. Med. lib. 3. Observat. 9 f. 107, 108, 109. Marold. Pract. Med. f. 378. Forced. de Venenis l. XXX. Observat. 9 Antonius Benivenius de abditis morb. causis cap. 51, 52. relates of two that died after the taking of white Hellebore, the one had a quartane Ague, and took it, who died within six hours after he was called to the party; the other who was troubled with a pain of his stomach two years, and could not be cured thereof by any Medicines, at length white Hellebore was given him, which cured him of all diseases, for he died within a short time after the taking of it. The Dose. It is given in substance from ten grains to a scruple or more, in decoction, or infusion from a dram to two drams. Of such things as are made of white Hellebore. There are made thereof Oxymel Helleboratum, Vomitorium Heurnii. CHAP. 37. De Helleboro nigro, of black Hellebore. TRue black Hellebore hath sundry fair green leaves rising from the root, each of them standing on a thick round stiff green stalk about an hand-breadth high from the ground, divided into seven, eight, or nine parts, or leaves, and each of them dented from the middle of the leaf to the pointward, on both sides, abiding green all the Winter, etc. The roots are a number of brownish black strings, which run down deep into the ground, and are fastened to a thick head, of the bigness of ones finger. There are other bastard kinds that are used in stead thereof, The names. It is called in Latin Helleborus niger, veratrum nigrum, also Melampodium, and that because it was found by Melampos a Shepherd, or Soothsayer, who was first thought to bring it in use, and cured the daughters of Praetus therewith, which were mad and foolish, but by the use of this were brought to their right senses again. In English 'tis called Black Hellebore and Christmasse-Flower, because it flourisheth about that time, especially when the Winter is mild. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree. The best sort. The best is that which is not too new, nor too old, Heurnius will have it to be laid in leaven twenty days before it be used. The duration. It will keep good two or three years. The inward use. The roots are most in use, especially the bark. Black Hellebore purgeth Melancholy and choler, as also thick and viscuous phlegm, from the blood (whereby that is infected) and entrails, and from remote parts; therefore it is very useful in pains of the head, swimming & giddiness thereof, in the Apoplexy, in Melancholy, Madness, Falling Sickness, Hypochondriack affects, hardness of the spleen, quartane Ague, and erratic fevers, also against the Dropsy, Scab, Leprosy, Cancer, scald Head or scurf, Elephancie and such like foul diseases of the skin. It is profitable against pain & noise of the ears, and against stubborn and contumacious diseases. It is counted as an Antidote against the Leprosy, Scab, Tetter, etc. hardness and swelling of the Spleen, old quartane Agues, pains of the joints, Aposthumes and the Kings Evil. It quickeneth the brain and senses, provokes urine, and brings down the Courses in women. It hath an excellent faculty to draw away whatsoever is mixed with the blood, and causeth it to corrupt, and is profitable in a long continued Jaundice. Some say it will cause the Devil to be cast out, being taken by such as are possessed. Thus we may say, that although the Devil cannot be cast out by humane art or physical means, yet by taking black Hellebore, the melancholy humour is drawn away (which is Balneum & sedes Diaboli, the bath and seat of the Devil, and so the Devil is more easily cast out, from whence it may rightly (say some) be called, fuga Daemonum. But I think the white Hellebore, rather deserves this name then the black. It is useful in pains of the belly, in the Gout, Sciatica, Cramp, or Convulsion, pains and aches of the joints or sinews. It killeth Worms, especially the leaves of the bastard kind called Bearesfoot. Some commend it in Consumptions of the Lungs and of the whole body. The extract of black Hellebore is very safe for the Diseases before mentioned. The distilled water of the root (saith Dorstenius) purgeth Melancholy and glutinous humours out of the body, if a dram thereof be given with three ounces of white wine; and if half an ounce or one ounce of the water of the leaves be taken in a morning fasting, it stayeth the flux of the body. Dorsten. Botanic. fol. 111. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, in infusion, or in substance. In decoction: Take of the bark of black Hellebore bruised two drams, Anise-seed, Fennell-seed, of each a dram, make a decoction in water; strain it, of which take four ounces, of syrup of Roses an ounce, make a Potion. In infusion. Take of the bark of black Hellebore two drams, Anise-seed, Fennell-seed, of each a dram, Cinnamon, Cloves, of each three grains, make an infusion in water or white wine, according to art; of which (being strained) give three ounces. In substance. Take of black Hellebore-root prepared, and in powder; give it in Oxymel. Or Take a dram of black Hellebore-root, of Anise-seed, Fennell-seed, Cinnamon, Mastic, of each ten grain, make them into powder, and give it in broth. The external use. It is outwardly used against the Leprosy, Morphew, Scab, Itch, Warts, and Pushes of the skin, being boiled with vinegar, and bathed therewith. The powder put into Fistulaes', or hollow Ulcers; doth soon heal them, and if there be callons, or hard flesh grown in the Fistula, the root left in it for two or three days, will consume it quite, and put into a wound where dead or spongious flesh is, it consumes it, and preserves the flesh from putrefaction. A decoction thereof helpeth the toothache, and the sores of the mouth, being gargled; and being put into the ears, it helpeth the noise thereof. A Pessary made of the root, and put up, prevails wonderfully to bring down the terms or courses in women. A Cataplasm or Poultis made of the root, with Barley-meal, and wine, is good to be applied to the bellies of such as have the Dropsy. In time of the Pestilence it is usefully applied to, or in any sores, either in the groin, or under the arm; or an issue made, and a piece of the root put in to keep it open, doth much avail to draw forth corrupt humours out of the body. The root is in use to rowell withal, and to help them of the cough. Being put upon the swollen Hemorrhoides, it cleanseth them. Against the Gout. Boil the herb or root in salt water, and bathe with it; also lay the herb or root boiled to the affected part. For worms in the ears. Take of the powder of black Hellebore-root half an ounce, of the juice of Rue, or Assmart four ounces, mix them together, and put thereof into the ears. For the scurf of the head. Boyl the roots of Lupins in vinegar, and add to it powder of black Hellebore, and anoint with it, wash the head after with warm water. The hurtful quality, with its corrective help. The ancient Writers counted it very dangerous, though not so dangerous as the white; yet that it worketh not without trouble and difficulty; therefore it is not to be given but to robustick and strong bodies, because it bringeth convulsions, which happily may be spoken concerning Hellebore in substance, of such as did grow in hotter climates than ours is, or of some other kind than we now use: for we do not find any such great danger in any of that which is now in use with us; yet 'tis not safe to give it to children, women with child, or weak persons. It is corrected with Mastic, Cinnamon, Anise-seed, Origanum, etc. to a dram of Hellebore add half a scruple of any of these. It is given more safely in decoction or in infusion then in substance. The Ancients did infuse the root a day and night in vinegar, and then used it. Macerate or steep the bark (casting away the middle) three days in Quince-wine, or Muskadel, dry it, and keep it for your use. It may be given also in broth with some seeds as before mentioned. Also you may give it in wine of Raisins, Oxymel, syrup of Quinces, or with juice of Quinces. Some give it with Scammony to quicken its virtue. Note that all preparations of Hellebore which are made by sharp and acute liquours, such as are spirit of wine, Anise-seed-water, or spirit of Anise-seed, Aromatickes, or oil of such, also the putting Hellebore into Radish-root, and so to take it, (except you desire a vomiting or turbatory medicine to be made of white or black Hellebore) are to be rejected. The Dose. The dose in substance is from a scruple to two scruples, in infusion or decoction from a dram to two drams, or more. Such Medicines as are made of black Hellebore. The distilled water of black Hellebore both of the leaves and roots. The extract thereof Syrup of Roses solutive with Hellebore, Oxymel Helleboratum. CHAP. 38. De Hermodactylis, of Hermodactiles. HErmodactyles, are whitish roots about the bigness of a Chestnut, smooth, flattish, and sharp at the one end, but somewhat fuller at the other, growing upon I know not what plant, coming from I know not what place, and truly may be called, opprobrium medicorum, the shame or disgrace of Physicians. The names. This root is called in Latin Hermodactylus, in English Hermodactyle, and Hermodactyles. The temperament. They are hot and dry in the second degree. The best kind. The best are such as are white both within and without, of some good bigness, which being lightly bruised and made in powder, look like wheat-flower, and of a pleasant and sweet taste. Such as are wormeaten are to be rejected. The duration. They will keep good three or four years. The inward use. They purge chief thick and tough phlegm from the joints, therefore they profit in any kind of Gout, yea, they are so available in the Gout, that this root is called Theriaca Arthritidis, Treacle for the Gout. It is used also in the French Pox The manner of administering. They are given in potions, drinks, Pills, etc. A Potion. Take of Hermodactyles, cut in thin slices, or bruised Seine, Epithymum, of each two drams, Raisins of the Sun stoned half an ounce, liquorish bruised a dram, Ginger bruised half a dram; make an infusion in a sufficient quantity of water upon hot embers all night, strain it, to which add of syrup of Roses one ounce. A purging Drink against watery humours. Take of Hermodactyles, of Lignum vitae, of each three ounces, Mechoacan four ounces, Ginger two drams, Sarsaparilla, Liquorish, of each two ounces, of Nutmegs two drams, of Seabind-weed one ounce & a half: cut and bruise those those things that are to be cut & bruised; put them all in a vessel with three gallons of new Beer (in a bag) adding thereto of Seve an ounce. After six days take a draught of it in the morning, and before supper D. Sadlerus Prax. Med. f. 205, The external use. They are outerwardly used in the Gout, to ease pain: they are also good to cleanse wounds, and to consume proud flesh therein, as also to heal old wounds and Ulcers. A Poultes to ease the Gout. Take of new milk a quart, Barley-meal a pint or more, Harmodactyles in powder three ounces, the yolks of four Eggs, Saffron in powder two drams, crumbs of bread so much as is sufficient to make a poultes, apply it warm. Or Take new Cowdung a pound and a half, Hogs-grease half a pound, or twelve ounces, Hermodactyles in powder two ounces and a half, make a poultes and apply it. The hurtful quality, and the corrective means. There are two things in the use of Hermodactyles to be minded. First, that the hurtful quality may be taken away; for it troubleth the stomach, and causeth windiness; now to help this, let it be mixed with Cummin-seed, Mastic, Ginger, Long-pepper, Mint, Cinnamon, Cloves, or Mace. Secondly, that means be used to quicken its slow operation, and (for of itself it works but slowly) by sharp means. Mesue commends Sea-onion for this purpose, if Trosses be made of the juice thereof with the powder of Hermodactyle., Ginger, and Sal gem. Neither is it unprofitable to this purpose, if you make Trosses or little cakes thereof with Ginger, and the juice of Radish. In purging from the joints, it will be proper to mix with it a little Eupherbium well corrected. Also if the essence thereof be drawn forth with spirit of wine or the like, it will be very useful for the forenamed diseases. They are rarely given alone, but by decoction, infusion, or mixed with something to correct the noxious, or hurtful quality thereof. These compounds are made of Hermodactyles. Pills of Hermodactyles, Pills arthritical, Electuary Caryocostinum, Electuary benedicta laxativa, extract thereof, Pulvis Arthriticus. The Dose. They are given in substance from two scruples to a dram and a half, in infusion or decoction from two drams to three drams. CHAP. 39 De Hyperico, of Saint Johns-wort. SAint Johnswort is an herb that hath brownish, upright, hard, round stalks, two foot high, having two small leaves set one against another at every place, which are of a deep green colour, somewhat like the leaves of lesser Centory, but narrower, and full of small holes in every leaf, which are easily perceived being held up against the light, the flowers are yellow, which being bruised yield a reddish juice, the root is hard and woody, with divers strings, & of a brownish colour. The names. It is called in Latin Hypericon, and Hypericum, also of some, Fuga Demonum, quia Daemon inde fugere creditur, because they superstitiously imagine that it drove away the Devil. Some call it Perforata, because of the small holes in the leaves that seem to be bored through. In English it is called Saint Johns-wort, and Saint Johns-grasse. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, and of subtle parts. The duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. It is diuretical and vulnerary. A dram of the seeds being taken, doth purge choler, causeth the stone to come away, kills Worms, resists venom, and helpeth the biting of venomous creatures, also provokes urine, and the courses in Women, and helps the Falling sickness, Palsy, and Sciatica, being drunk forty days together. A decoction thereof cures tertian and quartane Agues: it is most excellent for all inward wounds in any place, and for congealed blood, or spitting of blood, or vomiting blood, by reason of a vein broken in any place; it is very useful in all vulnerary potions, for it resolves, opens, consolidates, and is of a glutinous nature, and truly I know not a better wound herb. Being made into powder and taken in Wine, it cureth the Gout, and is much commended against the Jaundice. The Salt of S. Johns-Wort helpeth the Plurisey, and expelleth the Stone, you may give a dram- thereof in any convenient liquor. The distilled water of S. john's Wort profiteth such as have the Falling sickness, (especially taken with the root, or seeds of Pyony) as also the Apoplexy and Palsy; the dose is two or three ounces every day. It also stayeth the Flux of the belly being taken with Red Wine, and cureth inward wounds. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction or in powder. Against the Jaundice. Take of the herb and flowers of St. Johns-wort two handfuls, boil them in a pint and a half of Wine or water, strain it, and give of it with Sugar for divers mornings together; This ●to●herus doth much commend, and further adviseth to put the herb in your Shoes, bosom, and to wear it about your head. Stocher. prax. aur. f. 185. Against spitting or vomiting of blood. Take of the seeds of ●t. Johns-wort in powder half a dram, or a dram, of the juice of Knotgrass one ounce, or of Plantaine-water two ounces, of syrup of Quinces half an ounce, mix them together, and take it. The outward use. The leaves cure all green wounds, (except such as are in the head) as also burns and scalds. The herb dried and made into powder is effectual to cure wounds and sores, and rotten festered Ulcers, being strewed thereon. The distilled water cures also wounds being washed therewith. The Oil of St. Johns-wort either simple or compound is good for all green wounds, and old sores and Ulcers in the legs, or else where that are hard to be cured, and is effectual for all Cramps and aches in the joints, and pains in the Reins, but the compound Oil is much better. The simple Oil is made thus. Take four ounces of the flowers of St. Johns-wort, infuse them in a pint of Sallet-Oile, and three ounces of white Wine, set them in the Sun for ten or twelve days, then boil them in a Balneo, or Kettle of seething water, strain it, and put in new flowers, and let it stand so long again, then strain it as before, and renew it a third time, and strain it again, which being hot, put two ounces of pure Turpentine to it, and keep it for green wounds, or sinews that are pricked, or any wound made with a venomous weapon. Gerard hath a compound Oil made thus. Take white Wine two pints, oile-Olive four pounds, oil of Turpentine two pounds, the leaves, flowers and seeds of St. John's wort two great handfuls, gently bruised, put them altogether into a great double Glass, and set it in the Sun 8 or 10 days, then boil them in the same Glass, per balneum Mariae, that is in a kettle of water with some straw in the bottom, wherein the Glass must stand to boil: which done, strain the liquor from the herbs, and do as you did before, putting in the like quantity of herbs, flowers, and seeds, but not any more Wine. Another Oil of St. Johns-wort excellent against wounds. Take of Sallet-Oile two pound, of earth wormes washed and flit five ounces, of the flowers and tops of St. Johns-wort half a pound, of small Centory-flowers, and of the tops of sweet Trefoil, of each two drams, Gum Elmne one ounce; let them stand in the Sun certain days, then strain it, and keep it for your use, you may add some Turpentine if you will. The Dose. The seeds are given from a dram to two drams. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled water, Salt, Tincture thereof, Oil. CHAP. 40. De Jalapio, of Jalap. JAlap is a root like Mechoacan, but covered with a black bark, and grayish within, being put to the fire a gumminess will arise, and sometimes flame. It is brought to us in thin slices, some bigger, some lesser. In taste it is pleasant, but gummy, whereby it sticks to the teeth being chewed. The Names. It is called Bryonia mechoacan nigricans, Chelopa, Celopa, Celapa, Gelapum, Gelapo, Jalapium, Jalapa, Jalappa, Jalappium, Gialapa, Mechoacanna nigra, Salapa, Xalapa, Zaqualtipan, Rhabarbarum nigrum; In English 'tis called, Black Mechoacan, or Jalap. The temperament. It seemeth to be like Mechoacan in quality. The best sort. The best is that which is hard and solid, not too old. The duration. It will keep good two or three years. The inward use. It purgeth Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Melancholic humours, but chief watery humours: Therefore it is profitable in the Dropsy and cachectical diseases, that is, such as are subject to the Green sickness. It strengtheneth the Liver, Spleen and stomach. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, in Pills, in Bowls, and in Potions. In Powder. Take of Jalap in powder two scruples, or a dram, cream of Tartar a scruple, Oil of Cinnamon and Anise-seed, of each a drop, mix them together, and give it in Succorie-water. Or Take Jalap and Cream, of Tartar, of each two scruples, make them in powder, and give it as before. In Pills. Take of Jalap in powder two scruples, of Scammony three or four grains, Oil of Cinnamon a drop, with syrup of Roses, make Pills and give them. In a Bowl or lump. Take of Jalap in powder two scruples, Cream of Tartar in powder a scruple, Oil of Anise-seed two drops, Conserve of Roses half an ounce, make a Bowl, and give it. In a Potion. Take Seine, Polipodium of the Oak bruised, of each two drams, Jalap cut in thin slices a dram and a half, Anise-seed and Fennell-seed bruised, of each a dram, make an infusion in half a pint of strong beer, upon Embers all night, then strain it, and add to the clear of the electuary Diaphoenicon two drams, syrup of Roses half an ounce; make a Potion and give it. The hurtful quality. It many times troubleth the stomach, and causeth a nauseousness thereof, or inclination to vomit; therefore the safest way is to give it with some Oil of Anise-seed, Cinnamon, Mint, or with Anise-seed and Ginger. It works well in white Wine. To quicken it, you may mix therewith a few grains of Scammony, or the extract of Scammony. Of those compounds made of Jalap. There are made thereof, extract of Jalap, Magister of Jalap. The Dose. The dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram; in infusion from a dram and a half to two drams and a half. CHAP. 41. De Jride, of Flower de Luce, or Orris. IRis is a root long and knobbie, with many strings hanging at the end; but being dry it is without them and white. The names. It is called in Latin Jris & Jreos, now it is called Jris à Coelestis arcûs similitudine, from the Rainbow, whose various colours the flower thereof doth represent; In English 'tis called, Flower de Luce. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, but the root being green is hotter, than when 'tis dry, and hot in the mouth and Throat. The duration. The roots dry will keep good a year or two. The inward Use. The fresh jucie of the root of Flower de Luce ' purgeth Choler, Phlegm, and watery humours, and worketh both upward and downward. It is chief useful in the Dropsey, Jaundice and quotidian Agues. Being boiled in water and vinegar, and drunken, it helpeth the stinging and biting of venomous creatures. If it be boiled in Wine and drunk, it provoketh urine, helpeth the Colic, and bringeth down the courses in women. It is much commended in the Cough and shortness of breath, and to help expectoration, or spitting. It helpeth the diseases of the Liver and Spleen the worms in the belly, and easeth gripe and stitches of the side, as also the shake of Agues: it is good in Cramps and convulsions that arise from cold humours, for it warmeth and comforteth the parts. Some say it helpeth those whose sperm passeth from them unawares; others conceive it consumes and wastes the sperm. The manner of administering it It is given in Potions, in Pills, etc. But the fresh juice is most in use. Take the juice of Ireos' three drams or half an ounce syrup of Roses, Solutive an ounce, Cinnamon in powder a scruple, mix them together: make a potion, and give it. Or Take of the juice of Ireos' three drams, Elaterium six grains (or rather but three) mingle them together and take it in the morning fasting. D. Sadler. prax. mea. f. 203. The external use. The juice being put up into the nostrils, provoketh sneezing, and thereby purgeth the head of phlegm. It gives ease to such as have the Piles; and easeth the pain of the head, and procures rest if it be applied with Rosecake and vinegar, it cleanseth spots in the eyes, and helpeth watery eyes by cleansing them. It helpeth the pain and swelling of the Cod's being thus used. Take of the roots in powder half an ounce, Cinnamon, and Dill, of each two drams, Saffron a scruple, mix them well together, lay them on a scarlet-cloth, moistened in white Wine, and apply it warm to the Cod. The roots are effectual to warm and comfort all cold joints and sinews, as also to ease the Gout and Sciatica, and mollifieth, dissolveth and consumeth all scrofulous rumours and swell, especially made into an Oil called Oleum Irinum, which Oil also helpeth the Cramp and Convulsion, the rheum that is cold and distilling from the head, and being anointed on the breast, it helpeth to extenuate, or make thin tough and cold phlegm, making it more easy to spit out: it he p the stench of the nostrils, the pain and noise in the ears, and much easeth the painful Piles. The root itself green or in powder doth cleanse, heal, and incarnate wounds, and covers with flesh the naked bones that Ulcers have made bare, and is also good to cleanse and hea●e up Fistulaes' and Cancers that are hard to be cured. The green roots bruised and applied to black and blue marks in the skin, taketh them away and all other discolourings of the skin, whether morphew or the like; but it is better to apply it with red-Rose-water, and a little Lin-seed-oile, or oil of Parmacity (as the vulgar call it) in manner of a poultes. A decoction of the roo●s gargled in the mouth, easeth the Tooth ach, and helpeth a strong or stinking breath. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. Jreos offendeth the stomach, and causeth blood to be voided, if given in too great a dose, and to weak persons. It is not safe to give it to women with child, because it bringeth down the courses, yea, a Pessary made of the juice with Honey, and put up into the body, bringeth away the birth; therefore it is not safe to give it alone, but with good correctives. In gripe of the bowels give it with Mastic: in the joynt-gowt with Castor: in the Dropsy give it with Honey of Roses. That it offend not the Liver, give it with Rhubarb, juice of Agrimony, Species Diarrhodon, etc. It may be given with a little Wine and Cinnamon, adding thereto a little Manna, or Honey of Roses, or the juice may be given with a decoction of Raisins of the Sun, or with Posset-drink. The juice may be boiled (for by boiling it loseth of its strong operation) and given with Sugar, syrup of Violets, or in an Egg to sup up, but let the pure juice only be given, after it hath stood a while to clear. The Dose. The juice of the root is given from six drams to an ounce and a half, or two ounces. The powder of the root is given from a dram to two drams, Note that the roots of Ireos do not all work alike, for in some climate they work stronger than in another. These following are made with Ireos. An extract, A wine, Species Diaireos' simple. Diaireos' Solomonis, Trechisci bechisi albi, Oil of Orris. CHAP. 42. De Lapide Lazuli, & Armeno of Azure-stone, or Lazul-stone, and of Armene-stone. LApis Lazuli, or Azure-stone, is a stone of a sky colour, with certain veins of gold or silver in it. Armene-stone differs little from the other, only having some greenish spots in it. They are both found in the same place, or digged out of the same Mine, only the Lapis Lazuli is found more frequently in the Golden Mines, and Lapis Armenus in the Silver Mines, also the Lapis Lazuli hath more maturity than the other. The names. Azure-stone is called in Latin Lapis caeruleus, Lapis Lazuli, Lapis Cyaneus, in English Azure-stone, and Lazul-stone. The other is called in Latin, Lapis Armenius & Armenus, because it was brought from Armenia, but now it is found in Germany; in English Armeniack, and Armene-stone. The Temperament. Lapis Lazuli is hot and dry in the third degree, or hot in the second degree, and dry in the third. Lapis Armenus is hot and dry in the beginning of the first degree, or hot in the first degree, and dry in the second. The difference between them. Lapis Armenus is more sky-coloured, and hath green spots, as also sometimes black spots in it, and is more brittle, and sooner dissolveth. Lapis Lazuli is sometimes with Golden and sometimes with Silver veins, and is not easily broken. The duration. They will keep good many years without any corruption. The inward use. Lapis Armenius purgeth black Choler effectually from the brain, and is useful in melancholy diseases, as against madness, melancholy, giddiness of the head, pains of the head, Falling sickness, Nightmare; against diseases arising from fear and grief, etc. against the Leprosy, Obstructions of the Spleen, Cancer, black Morphew, and all melancholy diseases; being twelve times washed, or oftener; it pureth only downwards, for otherwise it worketh upwards by vomit. Lapis Lazuli is of a hot burning nature. It hath a double or twofold formal specific virtue, for by the one it purgeth melancholy, and by the other it strengtheneth the heart wonderfully, and recreates or cheereth the spirits. It avails in melancholy diseases, stops of the Spleen, quartane Ague, and the Piles, being taken with a decoction of Seine and Fennel-seed. It cleanseth the veins and blood from corruption, and is profitable for diseases arising from fear, grief and sadness, whereby the heart is oppressed, it purgeth the breast and lungs, by which means it helps such as are shortbreathed and stopped with phlegm, it drives away melancholy Fevers, and preserveth from the Leprosy. It brings down the courses in Women. See Trallianus de Melancholia, cap. 16. f. 127. Editione 1560. These are much of one nature, only some hold that Lapis Armenus is the stronger in operation, others say that Lapis Lazuli is the stronger in working. The manner of administering them. They are chief given in Pills and Confections. Pills against Melancholy. Take of Hiera picra, and Epithymum, of each four scrupls, Agarick and Lapis Armenus, of each four scruples, Scammony two scruples or a dram, Cloves twenty; with the juice of Citrons make a mass for Pills. The Dose is two scruples or a dram. Against faintness of the heart, and sadness. Take of Lapis Lazuli prepared two scruples, of the juice of borage, or bugloss half an ounce, of the bone of a Stag's heart ten grains in powder, mix them together, and give it. The external use. Lapis Lazuli being hung about the neck as an Amulet, keeps children from fearfulness, sharpens the sight, prevents faintings in women with child, and hinders miscarrying; but near the time of their delivery it must be taken away, lest it hinder the birth from coming forth. It is used in medicines for to clear the eyes, and to take away the hairs of the eyelids. The hurtful quality These being taken unprepared cause vomiting, and offend the stomach. They are prepared by washing and by burning. By washing thus, bruise them, and make them in fine powder, wash them in fair water, till the water become clear after washing. Others do thus, after they are thus washed they dry them in the Sun, or hot place, and wash them again, and so a third time or oftener if need be; and last of all, they wash them with borage, bugloss, or Rose-water, or infuse them in the juice of either, and being dry keep them to use, and when they use them, they add thereto Cloves, Hiera picra, Sal-niter, etc. By burning thus, take Lapis Lazuli what quantity you will, burn it in a crucible, then make it into powder, and wash it first in common water, then wash it in Rose-water, or Borrage-water, dry it and wash it once or twice more, or oftener till the water look clear, then dry it and keep it for your use. Note, that being burned or washed they only work downwards. The Dose. The Dose (being washed) is from half a dram to a dram. These things are made of them. Lapis Lazuli washed or prepared. Pills of Lapis Lazuli essence, or extract of Magister. Oil or liquor. CHAP. 43. De Ligno Aloe, of Wood-Aloes. LIgnum Aloës is a wood somewhat blackish on the outside, and more grey and discoloured within, brought from India. The names. It is called in Latin Xylaloës, Yyloaloës, Agallochum, and lignum Aloës, in English Wood-Aloës, or Wood of the Aloe-tree. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, astringent, and a little bitter, and of subtle parts. The best kind. The best is that which is knobbed, or in uneven pieces, very brittle and breaking short, somewhat black on the outside, and more grey and discoloured within, of a small sent, until it be burned, and then it yields a most fragrant odour, or small, also being put to the fire, it will sweat out an oily moisture, and that with small bubbles, which soon vanish away, and being put into water it will swim. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It strengtheneth all the inward parts, but especially the brain, which it doth wonderfully corroborate and dry, therefore it is useful in the Apoplexy, Palsy, Lethargy, and loss of memory, also against faintings of the spirits and cold diseases of the heart and stomach, for it doth much conduce to weak livers and fainting spirits, helpeth the Dysenteries, or Lasks and Pleurisies. It drieth up defluxions of rheumatic humours, flowing from the brain, and hinders sweeting. It doth strengthen a weak and languishing stomach, taketh away putrefaction, drieth up humidity, and expelleth wind. By reason of its bitterness it killeth worms, and is put into divers cordials and Antidotes. It helpeth also the cold diseases of the womb. The extract thereof is good for the diseases. The manner of administering it. It is used chief in powder and electuaries. A powder against a moist and cold brain. Take of lignum Aloës in powder a dram, of pure Sugar six drams, mix them well together, and take thereof every morning as much as will lie on six pence dry, or in broth. An Electuary for the same. Take of wood- Aloës in powder two scruples, species Aromaticum rosatum a dram, conserve of Betony, conserve of Rosemary, of each an ounce and a half, spirit of Marjoram two or three drops, make an Electuary, and take morning and evening thereof as much as a small Nut. The external use. It is used outwardly in fumigations to dry up rheum, and in quilts for the same purpose. A fumigation thereof (say some) provoketh the flowers in women. The hurtful quality. It must not be given to hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The Dose is from ten grains to twenty or thirty. Medicines made thereof. Extract thereof. Species Diaxylaloës. CHAP. 44. De Manna, of Manna. MAnna is a condensed dew, falling from the air somewhat like carved Honey, but in small grains like Mastaick. Some will have it to be a kind of Gum-issuing from trees, but the former is more probable. The Names. It is called in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Man, quasi praeparatus cibus; from the Hebrew root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Manah, paravit, constituit, for it was food prepared by God for the Israelites, or Manna may come from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mah, quid, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Na, quaeso, What is it? quia nesciebant quid esset. For when that dew fell about their tents, every one asked each other what it was. In Caldee 'tis called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Manna: in Syriac 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in Arabic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Man, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Alman, in Persian 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tarnagabin, in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aërium mel. The Septuagint translate it according to the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Man, Exodus 16.31, 33. but in the New Testament 'tis called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, John 6.31. Heb. 9.4. In Latin Manna, Mel aërium, Mel roris, seu roscidum, Mel sylvestre, Manna purgatoria. It is called also Tereniabin, Thereniabin, & Trungibin, Teringibil, in English Manna. The Temperament. Manna is hot and moist in the first degree. The kinds. There are three kinds of Manna. First, that which is found on leaves, and is called, Manna de folio, this is most perfect and good. Secondly, that which is gathered from boughs and trunks of trees, and is called Manna ligni, vel trunci, but is not so good as the former. Thirdly, that which falls on the earth; or on stones and sticks, and is called Manna terrae. Or Manna is of two sorts, one called Manna liquida, which is liquid and thin, like some kind of Honey; the other is called Tereniabin, which is Manna coagulated, and is hard being in greater or lesser pieces. Ant. Musa exam. suc. praedent. f. 341. Tragos. aromat. fruct. etc. histor. f. 108. The best kind. The best is that which is white, grained like Mastic, being sweet and pleasant in taste The best is called Manna Calabrensis. How Manna is adulterated. Manna is adulterated with Sugar-pellets, and the green leaves of Seine rolled up with them: or with Amylum Seine, etc. but this deceit is soon discerned by the taste. See Levinus Lemnius herb. bibl. explicat. cap. 3. f. 12. The duration. It will keep good a year. The time of gathering Manna. Manna is gathered in April and May. The inward use. Manna purgeth choler gently and hot humours, therefore it is profitable in burning Fevers and Frenzies: it lenifieth the hoarseness of the throat, quencheth thirst, and easeth the cough, and is convenient in the Pleurisy, and inflammation of the lungs. It may be given to such as are troubled with the stopping of their urine, and to such as have weak Kidneys, and also to such as have Ulcers therein. Women with child, and children may safely take it. The manner of administering it. It is given in Potions. A Potion. Take of Manna two ounces, or two ounces and a half, dissolve it in four ounces of clean broth or posset-drink, strain it and give it. Or Take of Manna two ounces, Pulp of Tamarinds one ounce and a half, dissolve first the Manna in four ounces of Posset-drink, and then the Tamarids, make a Potion. A Bole Take of Manna half an ounce, of Cassia newly drawn one ounce, with Sugar make a Bole. Tabulates, or Cakes. Take of Manna one ounce, Cream of Tartar in powder a dram, make Tabulates or Cakes thereof, and give them as need requireth. Schroder. Pharm med. Chym l. 4. f. 249. Against the Colic. Take an ounce of Manna, and two ounces of the Oil of sweet Almonds; dissolve the Manna in the Oil and give it. Note, that Manna is not to be boiled (for then it doth more hurt than good) but only dissolved, and so strained through a clean cloth, casting the dross away. The hurtful quality. Manna doth not profit in intermittent Fevers, nor is it safe to give it in cold diseases, for in such it will more hurt than help. The Dose. The Dose is (in children) from three drams to an ounce. For persons of years the Dose is from an ounce and a half to two ounces, or three ounces. Here note that these Doses are to be given only in broth or posset-drink, for if it be given in the infusion of Seine or such like, than the Dose is to be less. These Medicines are made of Manna. Electuary Diacassia with Manna. Electuary Lenitive of Manna Vide Spirit of Manna. Schroder. Pharm. Med. Chym. l 4. f. 249. Water of Manna, Syrup of Manna. Vide Tretag. aur. Med. f. 423. Whether Manna be more convenient in hot, or in cold diseases? Heurnius, Massaria, Platearius, Sennertus, and some others deny the use of Manna in hot burning fevers, and commend the use of it in cold diseases, and in old persons: now the reason they forbidden the use of Manna in burning fevers, is from a place in Galon de aliment. facult. l. 1. c. ●8 f. 120. and de sanit. tuend l. 4. where he saith that Honey and all sweet things are not convenient in hot diseases and hot seasons, because they are apt to turn into choler. But others do approve of Manna in burning fevers, and daily experience doth witness how useful it is in hot diseases; For my own part I have known the use of it above twenty years in Frenzies, burning fevers, etc. and that with good success; but the best and safest way is to give it with infusion of Seine, with cream of Tartar, or with a decoction of prunes and Tamarinds, etc. Actuarius meth. med. f. 340. Wecher. antid. spec. f. 222. Theod. Dorstenius de herb. caet. simple. med. f. 285. Constantinus Afric. de gradibus f. 347. Fernel. meth. med. l. 5. f 112. Tragos. hist. Ind. med. f. 110. Matthiol. Comment. in lib. 1. Diascor f. 85. Whether the Manna now in use among Physicians be such as the children of Israel had in the. wilderness? To which I answer in the negative, and that for these reasons. First, because that Manna which the Israelites had, was miraculous, and but for a time, Joshua 5.11, 12. Nehemiah 9.20, 21. now that it was miraculous appears plainly by that place in Exod. 16.18. And when they did meet it with an Omer, he that gathered much, had nothing over, and he that gathered little, had no lack. But our Manna has continued many years. Secondly, the heat of the Sun melted that, but the heat of the Sun or fire condenses, or hardens ours. Thirdly, that putrefied in one night, when it was kept contrary to God's command, Exod. 16.20. ours doth not so, but is durable, and will keep good many months. Fourthly, that was hard to be ground in a Mill, or beat in a Mortar, Numb. 8.11. ours not so, but soft, and being put on the tongue it melts. Fifthly, that was nourishing, ours purging. Sixthly, that fell all the year, except on the Sabbath ours is gathered in the Summer. CHAP. 45. De Mastiche,, of Mastich. MAstick is a gum, or a gummy rosin in small whitish grains, flowing from the Lentisk-tree. It is called in Latin Mastiche and Mastix, in English Mastic, or Mastic. The temperament. Mastic is hot and dry in the third degree. The best kind. The best is that which is clear, splendent, white and brittle, and is brought from the Isle of Chio. The duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. Mastic is excellent for the stomach, and doth much strengthen the same, stayeth vomiting and nauseous subversions thereof, and helps the retaining virtue of the stomach, and brings good concoction and digestion. It stoppeth the flux of the belly, and profits those that spit blood, and that have coughs, being taken with syrup of Colts-foot or the like, it stayeth the acrimony, or sharpness of strong purging medicines, and is a good corrector of them: it stayeth thin distillations falling from the brain, and thikneth them, especially in Fevers, and preventeth the Falling-sickness and giddiness of the head arising from vapours if a few grains thereof be taken after meat, and helpeth also the stinking of the breath. If three or four grains thereof be taken at night when you go to bed, it easeth all pains in the stomach, and prevents the like for the future. The powder of Mastic with Amber and Venice-Turpentine is good against the running of the reins, and for both whites and reds in women. Pliny saith, it provoketh urine Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 24. c. 7. f. 184. Oil of Mastic chemical is useful for the forenamed diseases. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, in electuary, in powder, etc. In decoction. Take of mastic half an ounce, boil it in three or four pints of water; Give of the decoction often to drink of. It is profitable in looseness and fluxes of the belly .. Schroder. Pharm. med. chym. l. 4. f. 194. Mastic must not be too much boiled for fear of losing its virtue. An electuary for the cough proceeding from thin rheum, and against spitting of blood. Take of mastic and Olibanum in powder, of each two scruples, Conserve of red Roses two ounces, Diacodion half an ounce, mix them together, and take thereof morning and evening as much as a small nutmeg. The outward use. Mastic being infused, or steeped in Rose-water, is good to wash the mouth withal to fasten lose teeth, and to strengthen the gums, or mastic heated in wine, and the Gums, mouth, and teeth washed therewith cleanseth the corruption thereof, and fasteneth the looseness both of Gums and Teeth. It is used in ointments and plasters to mundify and heal ulcers and sores, to stay the freeting fluxes of humours to them, to dry them up, and to fill up the hollowness. It strengtheneth and bindeth also the parts whereunto 'tis applied, and comforteth the aching joints and sinews very much; it is used also in plasters and ointments to strengthen and comfort the stomach. Mastic dissolved in milk, and dropped into the eyes, takes away the dimness thereof. The teeth being rubbed with the powder thereof, it whitens them. Being held in the mouth and chewed upon, it doth dry and comfort the brain, draweth phlegm from the brain, and stayeth the falling down of humours, and also causeth a sweet breath. It is used to lay the hairs of the eyelids even. The same spread on Velvet or Plush and laid upon the temples, stayeth the Rheum from falling down, and easeth the toothache. It knitteth broken bones. The oil of Mastic made by infusion and ebullition, or boiling, is mollifying, comforting and binding, very useful in diseases of the Mother, against all pains in the belly and stomach, the hardness of tumors, and pains of the joints and sinews; it also comforteth the brain, and strengtheneth the liver and heart. Against pain of the temples proceeding from vapours ascending up to the brain. Take of Mastic and Olibanum in powder, of each half an ounce, Bowl Armoniac in powder two drams, with the white of an Egg, and a little Vinegar, make a poultesse, and apply it (on lint or tow) to the temples. Against chaps of the hands and lips. Take of Mastic in powder half an ounce, Deers-suet an ounce, Oil of Roses four ounces, make an Ointment, by meking the Deers-suet with the Oil, and keeping it stirred, when it is almost cold put in the Mastic, and keep it for your use. The hurtful quality. Mastic causeth belchings in the stomach, against which you may eat Carraway or Anise-seed-Comfits. The Dose. The Dose is from five grains to ten, or twelve, but give not too much of it. Of such Medicines as are made of Mastic. Pills of Mastic, spirit of Mastic, Oil Chemical of Mastic. Aqua Mastichina, Oil by infusion and boiling, Ointment of Mastic. CHAP. 46. De Mechoacana, of Mechoacan. MEchoacan is a whitish root cut in thin slices, brought to us from beyond the Sea, somewhat like white Brionie-root. The names. It is called in Latin Mechoacanna, Mechoacana, Mechoaca, Mechoaca Peruviana, Mechoacanum Indicum, Rhabarbarum album, & Rhabarbarum Mechoacanum; in English 'tis called Mechoacan, Mechoaca, and Indian bryony. Now it is called Mechoacan, because it is brought from a place in the Province of New Spain, called Mechoacan, near the City Mexico. The temperament Mechoacan is hot in the first degree and dry in the second, consisting of an airy substance and subtle parts, as also of an earthy quality, or somewhat binding. The best kind. The best Mechoacan is that which is new, whitish, in taste like meal, or insipid, not old or wormeaten. The duration. It will keep good two or three years. The root is kept good and much preserved if it be kept in wax, saith Tragosus Med. Ind. hist. c. 35. f. 81. Monardus giveth counsel to roll it up in Cerecloth. Monard. f. 26. The inward use. Mechoacan purgeth chief thick phlegm, water, and serous humours, and that from the head, stomach, belly, reins, nerves and joints; therefore it is profitable in a long continued headache, and lethargy, in pains of the joints, reins and womb, in the Falling sickness, Catarrh, Rheum, diseases of the breast, in old Coughs; shortness of breath, Jaundice, stops of the Liver and Spleen. It is very useful in the Dropsy; for it draweth away water and phlegm, and also strengtheneth the Liver, and inward parts; It is commended in the French Pox, King's Evil, Scurvy, and Gout, and causeth one to make water, easeth the Colic, and expelleth wind wonderfully. It helpeth inveterate Agues, whether Quotidian, or Tertian. It doth much conduce to the purging of crude and viscous, or tough humours in the stomach and breasts of children. It worketh without any hurtful quality, molestation, nauseousness, or gripping, and is void of any hurtful quality; for having done its work, it leaveth the inward parts strengthened, without debility and weakness, contrary to most purgative Medicines. Old-men, children, women with child, and weak persons may safely take this inoffensive Medicine. The manner of administering it It is given in Powder, Pills, Bowls, Tabulates, or Roulets, and Potions. But the best way is to give it in white Wine, for so it works best: It may be given with a little Cinnamon in broth, or with Mastic, Anise-seed, or Fennel-seed. Note that the powder given by itself, or with Wine doth work better, then mixed with Syrups or other things. A Powder against the Dropsy. Take of Seine and Mechoacan of each two drams, Ginger, and species Diagalanga, of each three grains, Diagredium two grains, make a powder and give it in broth. Pills. Take of Mechoacan in powder a scruple, Gum Gutta six or eight grains, with syrup of Roses make Pills, and give them with Physical observation. A Potion. Take of Mechocan in powder a dram, or a dram and a half, white Wine or Fennel-water four ounces; let them stand all night, or all one day shaking them two or three times together, then put to them of syrup of Roses laxative an ounce mix them together, and make a Potion. Or you may give it only with the white-Wine. Tabulates. Take of Mechoacan in fine powder a dram and a half, of Diagredium three grains with Sugar dissolved in a little Rose-water, make cakes, dry them gently, and give them for a Dose. A Bele. Take of Mechoacan in powder a dram, of the Electuary called Diacarthamum two drams, with syrup of Storchadoes make a bowl or lump, and eat it in a morning fasting. Note two errors of Monardus, the one is in that he saith, hac radice purgatos esse fortiores, quàm antè; the other that after the taking of a little broth, or food, it ceaseth to work any more, which is contrary to daily experience. Tragos. Med. Ind. Hist. f. 82. The hurtful quality, Although it work without any hurtful quality; yet in hot diseases, and pure tertian Fevers, and also in hot and dry bodies, and in such as are subject to be bound, 'tis not safe to give it. The Dose. The Dose to a child is a scruple or a scruple and a half, to persons of years, in substance from a dram to two drams: in infusion from two drams to half an ounce. Medicines made of Mechoacan. Pills of Mechoacan, extract of Mechoacan, both simple and compound. Vide Schroder. Pharm. Med Chym. l. 4. f. 232. CHAP. 47. De Myrobalanis. of Myrobalans, or purging Indian Plums. Myrobalans' are fruits brought us from the East- Indies. The names, and kinds. There are five kinds of Myrobalanes. First, the yellow Myrobalane, or purging Indian Plum, as big as a reasonable Plum, somewhat long and not round, of a yellower colour than the rest, called in Latin Myrobalanus Citrina. The second is the Chebule, or purple Myrobalane, called in Latin Myrobalanus Chebula, and is the greatest and longest of all the five sorts, of a blackish purple colour on the outside, while it is fresh and also dry, being five square as the former, of the thickest substance, and more fleshy than any other, and with the smallest stone in the middle, not fully so hard to break as the former, but with the smallest kernel therein. The third sort is the Bellerick, or round Myrobalane, yet being as it were three square in many, of a pale russetish colour when they are fresh, but of a dark or dusty whitish colour on the outside being dry, of the thinnest substance, or least fleshy of any of them: the stone whereof is thick and greater than any other, proportionable to the fruit, very hard to break, with a kernel within of a reasonable bigness, and is called in Latin Myrobalanus Bellerica. The fourth sort is the six square Myrobalane, or beaded, called in Latin Myrobalanus Emblica, they are round in show, and brought unto us broken into small pieces, without any stones, the kernels within being separated into three several divisions, having each of them two cauls, wherein the parts of the kernel lie almost three square. The fift sort is the black or Indick Myrobalane, called in Latin Myrobalanus Indica, and are eight square (as Gartias saith) which may be when they are fresh, but they cannot be so plainly discerned in those that are brought over to us dry; they are the smallest of all the rest, somewhat long, altogether fleshy, without any stone in the middle, and the blackest of any. In Arabic they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dulegi or delegi. The temperament. They are cold in in the first degree, and dry in the second. The best sort. The best are such as are new and not too old, fleshy, thick, and heavy or ponderous, and gummy within. The duration. They will keep good two or three years. The inward use. All the sorts of Myrobalans do purge gently, some more, some less than others, some also purging choler, some phlegm, and some melancholy: but they have in them also an astringent faculty much more than is in Rhubarb: they are excellent in fluxes of the belly. The Citrine or yellow Myrobalans do purge choler, strengthen the stomach, heart and liver, profit such as have the Hemorrhoides, and are proper for such as are of a temperate heat, they are good in tertian fevers, cause a good colour, and hinder old age, being often used. The Chebule do purge phlegm, quicken the brain, and sharpen the sight, strengthen the stomach after purging, they are profitable for such as have the Dropsy, and are troubled with long continued Agues. The Emblick and Bellerick purge the stomach from rotten phlegm lying therein, and strengtheneth the brain and joints, heart and liver, and bind all other lose or fluent humours in the parts of the body, and are very effectual for the trembling of the heart, and to stir up the appetite, stay vomiting, and restraineth the fury and belching of choler, qualifieth the great heat of the inward parts, and allayeth thirst, giveth ease to those that are troubled with the Hemorrhoides or Piles, by restraining the fierceness of choler flowing into them, and for this last effect the Citrine are most used. The Indies or black Myrobalans do purge Melancholy and black or a dust choler, and therefore are available for the quartane Ague, the lepry and all Paralytical diseases, and they cause a good colour of the face. They are brought over unto us preserved, especially the Chebules and Emblicks, whereof the Chebules are more used physically, for such purposes as are before set down, than the Emblicks are. Note that the rind is to be used when you find them in any receipt, and not the stone. The manner of administering them. They are given in decoction, in infusion, and in powder, but the decoction or infusion doth purge better than any way else, yet so gently that they bind and strengthen the stomach, liver and heart, but given in powder they bind more than they purge. A Potion against the dysentery flux. Take of red Roses, of Plantain, of each two drams, of Licoris bruised half an ounce, Raisins of the Sun stoned, and Tamarinds of each six drams, of yellow Myrobalans' half an ounce: boil them gently in a sufficient quantity of water and Honey, strain it, in which steep or infuse of Rhubarb four scruples, of Spicknard half a scruple; let them stand five or six hours, strain it and add syrup of Quinces, or syrup of red Roses an ounce; make a Potion and give it. Against a looseness of the body. Take and burn a pint of Claret wine with a little Rosemary and Sugar, in which put to steep all night a dram of Rhubarb a little dried at the fire, and half a dram of Chebule Myrobalanes, which standing by the fire all night, and strained forth in the morning, is to be taken at two several times, a draught in the morning fasting, which if it help not sufficiently the first time, being renewed and taken two days more, will certainly stay the laske wholly, if the malignity and sharpness of the humours be not too strong, that scarce any medicine will cure it. Parkinson in his Herbal, folio 248. The outward use. The Citrine are used in Collyries, or medicines for the eyes, with the juice of Fennell or Rose-water, and against the inflammations; and flowing of humours to the eyes: the powder thereof with Mastic or Rose-water is used in Ulcers to heal them and dry them. The powder of the kernels is used against dimness of the eyes, or to take away the web therein, or the powder thereof infused in Rose-water, and dried, and then infused two or three times more, and dry them, then make it in powder and use it. The Bellerick stay the flowing of the Hemorrhoides, and help the falling of the hair, the affected place being bathed with the decoction thereof, and the powder strewed on afterwards, and it makes the hair become blacker. The hurtful quality with the corrective help. Although these may be given without any danger or detriment, yet they are not to be used in obstructions, or stops of the inward parts, nor where the body is much bound, nor in fevers. They are profitably infused in Whey, or Posset-drink, or in the juice of Fumitory, or juice of Wormwood, adding a little Spikenard, or Honey thereto. That they offend not the stomach being stopped, they may be infused in Oil of sweet Almonds, and rubbed with ones hands, and then dried. Some give them in fat broth, as with the pulp of Raisins, or with Honey and Raisins of the Sun boiled together. Others give them with Manna, Cassia, Conserve, or syrup of Violets. Others mix a little Scammony with them to quicken their slow operation. They may be given also with infusion of Seine, Hydromel or water and Honey, or with opening and diuretical things, or such things as provoke urine. Note that the infusion of Myrobalanes doth only purge, and little or nothing bind the body; the decoction there of doth both purge and bind, the powder of them doth also purge and bind, but more bind then purge, and being dried and so given, they only constringe, or bind the body. The Dose. The dose of them in infusion and decoction is from three drams to six drams, or to an ounce, in substance the dose is from half a dram to two drams, or more. Of the compounds made of Myrobalanes. Pills of Myrobalans' extract of Myrobalans, Syrup of the five kinds, Myrobalanes preserved. CHAP. 48. De Myrrah, of Myrrh. Myrrh is a gum, or concreted gummy juice of a certain tree growing in Arabia, Aethiopia, and other places, of a reddish colour. Stacte is the purer part of Myrrh, or liquid Myrrh, sweeting out from the tree of its own accord before the tree be cut. The names. It is called in Latin Myrrah, in English Myrrh. The temperament. Myrrh is hot and dry in the third degree. The best kind. The best is that which is pinguous or fatty, reddish and clear, having some whitish veins in it, very bitter and light. That which is heavy and black is to be rejected. The difference between Bdellium and Myrrh. Bdellium in sight is somewhat like to Myrrh, but may be distinguished thus; Myrrh is extreme bitter, so is not Bdellium; again Myrrh is easier to be broken, and of a more quick sharp sent. The duration. Myrrh will keep good many years; Platearius saith it will keep good a hundred years. The inward use. Myrrh is opening, discussing, glutinative, and drying: it resisteth putrefaction, and is useful in stops of the womb, brings down the courses, and expels the child living or dead, being taken with a decoction of Lupins ane the juice of Rue. It helpeth stops of the Breast and Lungs, and hoarseness, as also the cough, and is useful in the Quinsey, Pleurisy, or pains of the side, in the Colic, in fluxes of the belly, and killeth worms. It mollifieth the hardness of the Matrix, and is good against rheumatic distillations It taketh away the shivering fits of Agues, being taken an hour or two before the fit cometh, especially of Quartane Agues, as if a dram or less be taken in Muscadine warm two or three times before the fit come, and sweat after it: this cured Matthiolus of a quartane Ague. Mathiol. Com. in lib. Diascor. Cap. 68 f. 78. Pills made thereof with Treacle and Birth-wort-root, are effectual for the same purpose, to take one or two at a time as big as a Pease, an hour before the fits, for many days together: it is also a great preservative in the Plague or pestilence, and against the venom, or poison of Serpents and venomous creatures, therefore it is put into Antidotes and Counterpoisons: it is a singular remedy, for a stinking breath. It doth conduce much to women to help Conception, especially by removing obstructions, or stops from the uterine parts The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, in Pills, in electuary and Trosses, though it be rarely given alone by reason of its bitterness. To hasten the birth. Take of Myrrh in powder two scruples: Give it in a little Posset-drink, or make four or five Pills thereof with a little Honey, and give them, drinking a draught of posset-drink after them. The outward use. It healeth wounds of the head, and helpeth to cover bones that are bare, and incarneth good flesh in deep wounds. It helpeth a stinking breath if the mouth be washed with the decoction thereof; and helpeth rotten gums, and fasteneth lose teeth, being dissolved in wine and washed therewith, it cleanseth also the filthiness of the Ears. Being used with Laudanum and Wine of Myrtles, it stayeth the falling or shedding of the hair: it helpeth watering eyes, and taketh away the skin that beginneth to grow therein and darken the sight, and helpeth ulcers of the eyes. It is commended to beautify the face, and to make it smooth and youthful, to be made into an oil, or rather liquor of Myrrh, which is made with Eggs boiled hard, cut in the middle, the yolkes taken forth, and filled up with the powder of Myrrh, then put into a Glass and set in a Wine-cellar, or moist place, and with this liquor to wash the face. A fumigation hereof comforts the brain, and drieth up superfluous humours. It openeth, and mollifieth the hardness of the matrix, and a fumigation thereof helpeth conception; and it bringeth down the courses if a pessary be made thereof and used. It doth facilitate or hasten the birth being used to the genitals or privities with oil of white Lilies. Being used with Vinegar it helpeth Tetters and Ringworms, and freckles, or used with Cassia and Honey it helpeth the Gangrene and wild fire, the stinking, or chafing of the armholes, used with oil of ●ox it doth extend and mollify the nerves that are stiff with cold. It helps Tenasmus (or a desire often to go to stool) from a cold cause. A Powder for wounds in the head. Take of myrrh half an ounce of Madder-seed, of Cypresse-root, of Orris-root, of Sarcocole, of each three drams, make a powder, and us it as need requireth. The hurtful quality. It must not be given to women with child, for it causeth them to miscarry, nor to such as have very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples. Of such things as are made of Myrrh. Trosses of Myrrh, Myrrh depurated, or cleansed, Extract of Myrrh, Oil of Myrrh. CHAP. 49. De Opio, of Opium. OPium is the juice of black Poppie-heads, being cut after they are full ripe. Meconium is the juice of the heads and leaves of white or black Poppy, pressed forth. The names. It is called in Latin Opium, and in English also. The Temperament. Most of the Ancient writers say Opium is cold in the fourth degree, others will have it partly cold and partly hot; but some of the new Writers will have it to be altogether hot, as Sennertus, Doringius, Schroderus, etc. Now the reasons given that it is hot are these. 1. Because it is bitter, now that which is bitter is hot, but Opium is bitter, therefore hot. 2. It is sharp and biting, that being put upon the tongue it bites and blisters the same and palate. 3. Causeth dryness. 4. It is of a very strong smell and savour. 5. It doth soon burn and flame being set on fire; for the true Opium (saith Pliny) will burn like a Candle; From whence we reason thus, Omne quod citò inflammatur, est calidum: Opium citò inflammatur: Ergo calidum. That which doth soon burn and flame is hot, but Opium doth soon burn and phlegm, therefore it is hot. 6. It troubleth the mind, and brings a kind of madness or dotage to such as take it. 7. It stirs up and provokes Venery. 8. It stirs up and provokes the Itch. 9 It provokes sweat. 10. It softeneth hardness, and discusseth, or dissolveth swell, all which are effects of heat. Now though Opium be narcoticall, or stupefactive, or make dull and senseless; yet this doth not proceed from its frigidity, or coldness, but this it doth by an occult, or hidden quality. They that desire to know more concerning the nature of Opium, let them read that excellent Tract of Doringius de Opio printed 1620, and Freitagius de Opio, & Med. Opiate. printed 1632. Also Sennertus Paralipomena fol. 347, printed 1644, and Mercurialis de morb. venenosis, & venenis lib. 2. cap. 7. fol 59, 60, 61. printed 1624. The best Opium. The best is that which is heavy, not too thick in substance, nor too thin, in colour like Aloes, very bitter in taste, and burning, of a stinking smell, soporiferous like Poppy; if dissolved it be yellow like Saffron, 'tis adulterate, for it ought to be of a brownish yellowness, colour being dissolved. The best is called Opium Thebaicum, because it comes from Thebes. I much question whether we have the true Opium of the Ancient, for that which we use is either adulterate, or meconium. It is adulterated with Glaucium, which is the juice of an herb, with leaves like to horned Poppy. The Duration. It may be kept good many years, some say nine or ten years, others say twenty years. The inward use. Opium is given to provoke sleep, to ease the pain of the Iliack and Colic, as also to mitigate the pain of the stone in the bladder or kidneys, and to ease pain of the Gout; It cooleth inflammations, agues, or frenzies, and stayeth defluxions which cause a cough, or consumption: It is given in great pains of the head, and to stop fluxes of the belly, and women's courses. It is put into Mithridate, Treacle, and other medicines that procure rest, and ease pain. The manner of administering it. It is given in Pills, Potions, Bowls, Electuaries, etc. An Electuary against fits of the mother, and pains of the womb, either with an ulcer, or without an ulcer. Take of the species Diamoschu amari, and Diambra, of each two drams, Castor in powder a scruple, Opium half a dram; with syrup of Mugwort make an Electuary. The dose is a dram. The outward use. It is used outwardly to ease the pain of the Gout, or any other pain, to cause sleep, and to cool inflammations: being put into a hollow tooth, it easeth the pain thereof. Some commend it in medicines for the ears and eyes; but I think it rather dulleth the sight then otherwise. An ointment to cause sleep. Take of Vnguentum Populeum one ounce, powder of Mandrake-root or leaves a scruple, oil of Nutmeg (by expression) a dram, oil of Violets half an ounce, Opium a scruple, make an ointment, and at night anoint the temples therewith. Against the Toothache. Take Pellitory of Spain a dram and a half, Henbane-seed a scruple, Opium five and twenty grains, make all into fine powder, and with the Mussilage of gum Traga●anth (made in spirit of wine) make up little balls, and put on● into a hollow tooth, there to remain an hour. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. Opium by all is counted a dangerous medicine, and the frequent use thereof bringeth Palsies, Lethargies, trembling of the joints, cold sweats, This you must understand of the true Opium, for that which is now in use (being well prepared) is not so dangerous. shortness of breath, and great sleepiness: it doth much stupefy the senses, and understanding, and often brings death. It is dangerous to give it to children, women, or delicate bodies. Opium is corrected with Castor, Euphorbium, juice of Garlic or Onions, also with spirit of wine, vinegar, and sharp juices, as with juice of Lemon, or Citron; others correct it with Breast-milk, Almond-milk, Butter, and oil of Almonds. Note, that in pains of the head, it is not to be used with Saffron, because it offends the head, but with Nutmeg. The Dose. The dose is from a grain to two or three, but it is rarely given by itself. I have known it given (to ease the pain of the stone) from five grains to fifteen, and all in a short time; for at the first five grains gave ease, and that for some reasonable time, then seven or eight, so that the dose was increased still. Opium is much in use in Asia and Africa, so that if they abstain from it they think their life is in danger thereby, which wants not admiration as Gartias ab horto saith, especially being so narcoticall and stupefactive, for such as use it much are still sleepy and drowsy. The dose among them there, is from a scruple to fifty grains. The Turks and Persians take it to two or three drams, and they think thereby they are more apt to perform any business, and especially they are fit for war, Verery, and animosity Also Hollerius writes of a Spaniard, that in the hot weather did eat half an ounce of it at one time, and that without any hurt to the party: Holler. de morb intern. lib. 1. cap. 6. fol. 54. But wonderful is that of Gartias ab horto Aromat. lib. 1. cap. 4. fol 23. who relates of one that for divers days together did eat three slices of Opium, which did weigh ten drams and upward, and although he was sleepy and stupid, yet very ready to dispute of any thing. Opium hath killed many, therefore my advice is to let it alone, and not to meddle with it, or else to look that it be well prepared. Pet. Forestus in his observations mentionss a woman, that took Opium one day, and was found dead the next day. I shall relate what I have heard of an empirical practitioner, who (being ill and not taking rest) sent to one (either Physician or Apothecary) for some Opium, when the messenger had it, the party he had it of said, There is too much for once, but I hope your Master knows that the messenger brought it home, and this empiric (it seems) took it all, and wrote to this effect in a piece of paper, I shall sleep so many hours and then wake, but forgot to give any notice thereof: after he had took it, he fell into such a sleep, that he was given over for dead, laid forth and buried; so soon as he was buried, his wife (thinking to find some money) looking in his chamber found this writing before mentioned, whereupon she sent and had the grave digged up, and the coffin opened, where they saw he had turned himself when he waked. Of such things as are made of Opium. Extract of Opium, Laudanum Opiatum, Nepenthes Opiatum. CHAP. 50. De Opopanace, of Opopanax. OPopanax is a Gum of a plant called Panax, very brown on the outside, and yellow within. It is taken chief from the roots of Panax, and not from the stalks. The names. It is called in Latin and in English Opopanax, and Gum Opopanax. The temperament. Opopanax is hot and dry in the third degree, or hot in the third degree, and dry in the second. The best kind. The best is brown without, and white or yellow within, bitter and of a sowerish sent and somewhat strong, which being dissolved with Wine or Vinegar, will make it look yellow, and not mixed with sticks or dross, but clean Gum. The duration. It will keep good five or six years. The inward use. Opopanax purgeth thick and tough phlegm from remote parts, as from the brain, nerves, sensitive parts, joints, and breasts; therefore it is profitable for any cold disease incident to any of those parts, as in the Palsy, in debility, or weakness of the sight, old cough, shortness of breath, Sciatica, and in other kinds of Gout. It is good for Convulsions and Cramgs, as also against wind in the belly, Stitches in the side, hardness of the Spleen, Strangury, and difficulty in making urine. It likewise discusseth the Windiness, Hardness, and Suffocations of the Mother, and bringeth down the courses, and brings away also the mola or lump of flesh bred in the Womb. Being drunk with Water and Honey, or Wine it helpeth the Itchings and inward sores of the Bladder. It expelleth Worms, helpeth the biting of a mad Dog, and is good against poisons of other venomous creatures. Dissolved in Wine and given, it helps the Dropsy; and taken in Vinegar one hour before the fit cometh, it takes away the cold fit of an Ague, and especially if you dissolve some of it with the juice of Smallage and Oil of Dill, and anoint the ridge of the back therewith. It is good after falls and bruises to dissolve any congealed blood, especially in cold bodies, and where no Fever is. It is commended against the Falling Sickness, and it dissolveth Milk coagulated, or curdled in the stomach. The manner of administering it. It is given with Wine, Honey, or any convenient juice, but chief in Pills. Pills against the Palsy and Convulsion. Take of Opopanax, Rue, Serapinum, Pepper, of the juice or extract of Lorage, Myrrh, of each a dram: Powder what is to be powdered, and with the juice of Cowslip, make a mass, or lump, of which frame Pills. The dose is a dram, every second, or third night, so long as need requireth. The external use. Opopanax being dissolved with Vinegar, and the juice of Smallage and applied, it softeneth the hardness of the spleen, and a plaster made thereof dissolveth the King's evil, and hard nodes of the joints, as also any plague-sore, botch, or bile, especially if you dissolve it in Vinegar, and mix it with a little Leaven, and so apply it. Being dissolved in a little Vinegar, and applied with the pulp of Raisins of the sun, it easeth any kind of Gout. It dissolveth hard tumors of the womb: if the mouth be washed with a decoction of Vinegar, made with Opopanax, it easeth the pain of the Teeth; or if it be a hollow tooth, let it be stopped with a piece of Opopanax. Some commend it against the dimness of the sight, being mixed with other things. Opopanax doth much help to the curing of old ulcers, and Fistulaes', breeds good flesh, and especially where the bones are bare and naked, and that by a peculiar virtue. It is with profit applied to the biting of any venomous creature. The hurtful Quality. It must not be given to Women with child (for it destroys the birth) nor to such as have hot diseases: It is corrected with spikenard, Mastic, etc. The Dose. The Dose is from half a dram to a dram, or a dram and a half. Of such compounds as are made of Opopanax. Extract of Opopanax, Pills of Opopanax, Oil of Opopanax. CHAP. 51. De Polypodio, of Polypodie. POlipodium is a root generally known, growing on the roots of Trees, chief on Okes, sometimes upon houses and old walls. The names. It is called in Latin Polipodium, also ●ilicula, quasi parva filix; because the leaves are like Ferne. In English Polipodie, and Okeferne. The temperament. Polypodie is hot and dry in the second degree. The best kind. The best roots are those that are fairest, or biggest, and full of nodes, which groweth on Okes, and is therefore called Polypodium quercinum. The duration. These roots will keep good a year or two. Note, that the hotter the Region is where it grows, the better it is. The inward use. Polypodie purgeth adust choler, or melancholy, and phlegm, though but gently. Therefore it is commended against melancholy, as in affects of the Hypochonders, quartane Ague, also in stops of the Liver and Spleen, Jaundice, Scurvy, or Scorbute, and in any kind of Gout, in the Leprosy, Scab, and foul diseases of the skin. It doth much prevail in the Colic, arising from a cold cause, and that by a specific virtue. The distilled water both of roots and leaves is much commended against the quartane Ague, being taken many days together, as also against melancholy, troublesome sleep and fearful dreams: And taken with some Sugar-Candy dissolved therein, it is good against all the ill affects, or diseases of the Lungs. Also this water helps the pale colour of the face, and purgeth the blood. The Salt and Oil of Polypodie are used in the Pleurisy, and pains of the side. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, broth, or infusions, for it can hardly be made into powder alone. By infusion. Take of Sene. Raisins of the sun stoned, of each half an ounce Maidenhair, Polypodie, white Tartar, of each three drams, of Fumitorie-water, Carduus water, Buglosse-water, of each two ounces: let them infuse one night, in the morning boil them gently, then strain it, and to four ounces of the clearest add Honey of Roses Solutive, or Manna two drams or half an ounce, mix them together, and give it; it purgeth gently. Freitag. aur. med. f. 256. Against hardness of the spleen and melancholy wind, it may be given with Epithymum and Salindum, or the decoction of an old Cock (with Polypodie, Seine, Epithymum, Thyme, Dodder, black Hellebore, bugloss, Cream of Tartar, Anise-seed, Fennell-seed, Raisins of the sun, and such like) is much commended. In diseases of the breast use Polypodie with Figs, Raisins of the sun, Elecampane, Hyssop, maidenhair, horehound, etc. In the Colic boil it with Anise-seed, Fennell-seed, etc. In the scab arising from choler, boil it in Posset-drink, or Whey. The outward use. The juice of the green root, or the powder of the root snuffed up into the nose, cureth the disease called Polypus. A plaster made of the roots and Honey, helpeth luxations or bones out of joint, Ruptures, chaps of the fingers, and the Piles. If the root be steeped in Wine four and twenty hours (made sharp with a little spirit of sulphur, and then dried) it may be used for a Dentifrice, or medicine to make the teeth white and clean, being rubbed therewith. The hurtful quality. It is judged by many to be windy and to offend the stomach, but daily experience doth manifest the contrary, and that it is a safe and gentle medicine, fit for all sorts of persons, and may be given in any season. It is given with Anise-seed, Fennel-seed, Ginger, etc. Not because it offends the stomach, or hurteth the other inward parts, but to help its energy or force. Let the Polypodium you use be new; for if it be too old, it binds the body. Heurn. prax. med f. 271. The Dose. It is given in decoction, or infusion from half an ounce to two ounces, or more. Compounds made of Polypodie. Salt of Polypodium, Extract of Polypodium, Syrup of Polypodium, Oil of Polypodium. CHAP. 52. De Psyllio, of Flea-wort. FLea-wort is an herb that riseth up with a stalk two foot high or more, full of joints and branches on every side up to the top, and at every joint two small long and narrow whitish green leaves somewhat hairy: the seeds are small and black, l●ke to Fleas in bigness and colour. The names. It is called in Latin Psyllium, Pulicaria harba, and ●ulicaria, because it is like unto Fleas, and not because it driveth away Fleas; for that it will not do. In English Flea-wort, not Flea-bane. The temperament. The seeds are cold and moist in the second degree. The best seeds. The best are the biggest and the fairest, heavy, that being put into the water they sink. The duration. They will keep good a year or two in the seeds. The inward use. The seeds are chief in use, the missilage, or infusion whereof being made with Rose-water, or Barleywater, and taken with syrups of Violets, syrup of Roses, or Sugar, purgeth choler and thick phlegm, and is useful in hot burning Fevers, in great thirst, and helps to netifie the dryness of the mouth and throat; it helpeth also the hoarseness of the voice, and diseases of the breast and lungs caused by heat, as the Pleurisy and such like. It helpeth all inflammations of the head, and all hot pains of the joints. The muccilage of the seed made into an Electuary with Marmalade of Quinces, with Popie-seed, and Sugar-pellets, or Sugar-Candy, and so taken, doth temper the heat and roughness of the throat, and tongue, and stayeth hot fluxions, or rheums flowing down. In hot burning Agues, it quencheth thirst, and abates heat, being taken with syrup of Violets, or Barleywater, and purgeth also choler gently. The seeds torrified or dried, and taken with Plantaine-water stayeth the flux of the belly, and helpeth the corrosions, or gripe of the belly that come by reason of hot, choleric, sharp and malignant humours, or by the super-purgation, or over-working of any violent medicine, such as cammonie or the like. The seeds being kept on the tongue, easeth the cough, and helpeth the dryness thereof proceeding from heat. It dothnso wonderfully cool that (saith Fernelius) being cast into hot boiling water, it presently cooleth it. Fernel. meth. med. lib. 6. cap. 1. fol. 143. The outward use. The seeds bruised or the herb, and mixed with the juice of Houseleek or Nightshade, easeth the hot Gout and hot Apostumes, being thereunto applied; mingled with Oil of Roses and Vinegar, it cures hot swell in the joints, and Apostumes behind the Ear; with Vinegar, or Oil of Violets, it helpeth the pain of the head, if it be applied to the forehead and Temples. The same laid to with Vinegar is good against the going out of the Navel, and burstings of young Children. The water wherein the seeds have been steeped is good against St. Anthony's fire, or Wildfire. The juice with Honey put into the Ears killeth worms, and stayeth the running thereof. It helpeth hot swell, or eruptions of the skin, as blains, weals and such like; as also pains of the joints, and places out of joint, and the Hip-gowt. The same is applied to women's nipples, and sore breasts, and that with good success, laying it often thereon. Being mixed with Hogs-grease, and applied to foul corrupt and filthy Ulcers and sores, cleanseth and healeth them, by cooling the heat and repressing the sharpness of the humours flowing unto them. The Muccilage of the seed made in Plantaine-water, whereunto the yolk of an Egg or two, and a little of the oint meant called Populeon is put, is a most safe and sure remedy to ease the sharpness, prickings and pains of the Hemorrhoides, or Piles, if it be laid on a cloth, and bound thereunto. It stayeth the bleeding of the Nose applied with the juice of Shepherds-purse and Bole. The herb boiled, or the seeds with the root, and the fundament bathed therewith, or to sit over the hot liquor, easeth the Tenesmus, a disease when one is often provoked to stool. It taketh away the burning and acrimony of Lime, Euphorbium and Cautharides. It taketh away the roughness of the hair being bathed with the mussilage thereof. Flea-wort-seed keepeth Camphor very well, and that by its coldness and moisture. The hurtful quality, and correction thereof. Some have judged it to be dangerous to take it inwardly, & that it is hurtful to the nature of man, and causeth stiffness, and coldness of the body; which is to be no otherwise understood then of all cold herbs such as Nightshade, Houseleek and such like, being not taken with discretion. 'Tis not amiss to give it with Cinnamon or Mace. It is not safe for cold and moist bodies, neither may it be given to such as have narraw entrails, or narrow passages within. The Dose. The seeds of Fleabane (which are to be given in infusion rather than in substance) are taken from a dram to three drams, or half an ounce. Of such things as are made of Flea-wort. Electuary of Psyllium. [the Doses of which is from half an ounce to an ounce] the distilled water of Flea-wort. CHAP. 53. De Rhabarbaro, of Rhubarb. RVbarbe is a root of a yellow colour, brought chief from China, in the East- Indies. The names. It is called in Latin Rhabarbarum, in English Rhubarb and rhubarb. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree, of a mixed substance, partly airy, thin and purging, whereby it openeth the stops of the Liver, Gall, and viscerous parts, and also draweth away choler: partly gross and earthy, whereby it binds and constringeth the body, and doth wonderfully strengthen the stomach and entrails, or inward parts. The kinds. There are three kinds of Rhubarb mentioned by Authors. First, Rhabarbarum Indicum, and that is brought from China. Secondly, Rhabarbarum Barbarum, which comes from Barbary. Thirdly, Rhabarum Turcicum, which comes from Pontus and Bosphorus; for the Turkish Merchants bring it from thence. The best kind. The best Rhubarb is brought from China, and is of a light purplish red, or yellowish colour: being chewed in the mouth, it is somewhat clammy, and in colour like Saffron, which being rubbed on paper showeth the colour more plainly; in taste it is somewhat bitter, but of a pleasing smell. The duration. It will keep good two or three years if it be kept close from the air. The usual way to keep it is to wrap it up in cotton-wool. The inward use. Rhubarb purgeth choler, phlegm and watery humours; and is therefore useful in diseases of the Liver, as in choleric and long continued Fevers, in the Jaundice, Greensickness, Dropsy, Stops of the Liver, as also against the hardness thereof, or intemperate coldness. It is so effectual for the Liver, that 'tis called the life, soul, heart, and the Treacle of the Liver. It cleanseth the blood gently, and is profitable against tumors of the Spleen, putrid, or rotten Fevers, and in all fluxes of the belly, whether bloody or not, as also in spitting of blood, and in bruises or falls. The powder of Rhubarb given with Cassia and Venice Turpentine washed, cleanseth the reins, and strengtheneth them afterwards, and is very effectual in Gonorrhaea, or running of the Reins. It killeth Worms, helpeth the Hickcock, and may be given to weak persons, old-men, children, women with child; and that without any danger. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, in infusion, in Pills, Bowls, etc. A Powder. Take of Rhubarb two drams, Spicknard a scruple, make them into powder, and give it. A Potion. Take of Rhubarb cut in thin slices two drams, Spicknard five grains, Goats-Whey, or Posset-drink four ounces; steep them all night, and strain it, then add syrup of Roses solutive one ounce and a half, make a potion. Pills. Take of Rhubarb in powder five scruples, of Spicknard in powder five grains, with syrup of Roses make pills, and give them. A Bowl to cleanse the reins. Take of Cassia newly drawn an ounce, of Rhubarb in powder four scruples, mix them together and make a Bowl, or lump. Now seeing Rhubarb is of a mixed substance, as before is showed; if you desire to open Obstructions, then give the infusion thereof; if you desire to bind and strengthen, give it in substance. And when you would give it more to purge then to bind, make but a gentle straining thereof; but if you would bind the body more than purge, strain it hard, that so more of the earthy substance may come forth. Rhubarb by boiling loseth its purgative faculty. Note, that there is a kind of contrariety, or Antipathy between Rhubarb and Diagredium, for being put together in one Medicine they work very churlishly; yet I have observed that when Diagredium is put to an infusion of Rhubarb (being lightly strained) it worketh better than when Diagredium is given with the substance of Rhubarb. This (I conceive) may be the cause why Confectio Hamech worketh so churlishly upon the stomach, for if you leave out the Rhubarb, and put in the more of Seine, you shall find it to work better. And so in other compositions where the substance of Rhubarb is put to Diagredium, you shall find them to work churlishly. Rhubarb may be cut into thin slices or pieces, and so taken with Raisins of the Sun, as Massaria gives counsel, f. 478 The outward use. Rhubarb healeth those Ulcers that come in the eyes, or eyelids, being steeped in white Wine, or any other convenient liquor. Being boiled in Wine and applied, it taketh away the black and blue spots that come by bruises or falls, or oil wherein Rhubarb hath been boiled, taketh away black and blue spots. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. Rhubarb is hurtful to those that have very hot and dry bodies, as also to such as are hectical, or troubled with the Strangury. It is corrected with Spicknard, Squinanthum, or Cinnamon, especially where you desire more to strengthen then to purge. If you give it to purge and open obstructions, or stops, give it in Whey, Posset-drink, Endive or Succory-water, or in White Wine, being first infused therein. The Dose. The Dose in substance is from a dram to two drams, in infusion from two drams to half an ounce. The compounds made of Rhubarb. Extract of Rhubarb. Trosses of Rhubarb. Pills of Rhubarb. Syrup of Succory with Rhubarb. Syrupus Augustanus, vel de Rhabarbaro. Syrupus Diasereos. Rhabarbarum conditum. Syrupus Magistralis ad Melancholiam. Oil of Rhubarb. Whether Rhubarb (being dried or burnt) may be used in the dysentery, or Bloudyflux? Although many learned Physicians give counsel to dry or burn Rhubarb, and so to give it in the Bloudyflux, and the greater the Flux is the more to dry, or rather to burn it, because hereby it binds the more: yet surely Rhubarb being much torrified or burnt, hath a sharp and biting qualiity, whereby it doth rather increase the Flux then stop it. Massaria, f. 478 Rondel. Meth. cur. Morb. f. 457. Amatus lucit. cur. Med. Cent. 2. f. 176. Schroderus Pharm. Med. Chym. lib. 4. f. 235. If you would use Rhubarb to bind chief, it is best to cast away the first decoction, or infusion, then to boil it gently, and to make a strong expression, or straining thereof, and so to give it. CHAP. 54. De Rubia tinctorum, of Madder. MAdder hath many long foursquare reddish stalks trailing on the ground, rough or hairy, and full of joints: at every joint come forth long and somewhat narrow leaves, standing like a star, or the rowel of a spur about the stalks, rough and hairy: towards the tops whereof come forth many small pale yellow flowers, the root is very long and red. The names. It is called also Rubia tinctorum, and all from the colour, because it dieth Wool or Cloth into a red colour. The temperament Madder-roots are hot in the second degree, and dry in the third, and have an opening quality, and also an astringent property. The best. The best are the reddest and fairest roots, not too old. The duration. The roots will keep good two or three years. The inward use. Madder bringeth down the courses in women, and provoketh urine, bringeth away the birth and afterbirth, cureth the Jaundice, openeth the stops of the Speen, Liver and Gall, and diminisheth the Melancholy humour. Some have reported that it provokes urine so much, that it causeth blood to come forth with it, but this is only the colour of the root, which being taken into the body doth cause the urine to look like blood, as Rhubarb doth make it look yellow. The same taken in decoction or powder, dissolveth congealed blood in the body, and is good for such as have fall'n, or are bruised, and is much used in vulnerary or wound-drinks. It is good for such as have the Dropsy, Palsy, Sciatica, or Hip-gowt. The seeds of Madder taken with Vinegar and Honey, helpeth the swelling and hardness of the Spleen. It is used also to amend, or help the ill colour of the face, and it helpeth Ulcers of the mouth, if to the decoction be added a little Alum and Honey of Roses. The juice of the root or decoction thereof is given to such as are hurt with venomous beasts, and preserveth the body from putrefaction. It is very good for such as have the Itch or Scab. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, and in powder. A decoction to provoke the Courses. Take of Madder-roots bruised two ounces, of Licoris bruised an ounce, of Mugwort two handfuls, of Rue half a handful; boil these in three pints of White Wine, till a pint or more be consumed, then strain it, and sweeten it with Sugar. Give a good draught thereof warm, morning and evening. A powder against falls or bruises. Take of Madder-roots two drams, Mum a dram, Rhubarb half an ounce; make them into powder, and give a dram (for a Dose) in Wine. The outward use. Madder-roots bruised (especially green) and applied to any part that is discoloured with Freckles, Morphew, the White-scurfe, or such like deformities of the skin, cleanseth them throughly, and taketh them away, especially if Vinegar be mixed therewith, or the powder of the root mixed with a little juice of Garlic, Oil, and a little Honey, cureth any Itch, Scab, or foulness of the skin, being anointed therewith. The juice of the root dropped into the ears, mitigates the pain thereof. The roots applied as a Pessary, or the powder of the root made up with Oil of Savin, and applied brings away the birth and afterbirth. The leaves of Madder have a special property to colour the hair of the head. Dyers use it much, saith Pliny (Nat. Hist. lib. 24. c. 11. fol. 192.) to colour their Wool, and Woollen-cloth, so do Curriers about their skins and Leathers. The hurtful qualities. It must not be given to Women with child, nor often to such as have hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples, or more, in decoction, from two drams to half an ounce. CHAP. 55. De Sagapeno, of Gum Sagapenum. THe Gum Sagapenum is the juice of a kind of Ferula, growing in Media. The names. It is called in Latin Sagapenum, and Serapinum. The temperament. It is hot in the third degree, and dry in the second. The best kind. The best is that which doth smell like Garlic, or between Laser and Galbanum, bright and clear of a yellowish colour without, but white within, and will soon dissolve in water, or Vinegar, also sharp in taste. The duration. It will keep good four or five years. The inward use. Sagapenum purgeth thick, gross and tough humours, as also watery from the stomach, belly, womb, reins, brain, nerves, joints, and lungs. Therefore it is profitable in the Dropsy, old cough, shortness of breath, pain of the head, as in the Megrim, Falling-sickness, Palsy, Cramp, or Convulsion, trembling of the joints, in stops and tumors of the Spleen, in the quartane Ague, Colic, in the stopping of the Urine, and in suppression of the Courses in Women. It is useful in suffocation or rising of the Mother, and against the stinging of venomous beasts, or poison taken into the body. The manner of administering it. It is chief given in Pills. Pills against the Dropsy. Take of Sagapenum, (moistened or dissolved in the juice of Elecampane) two scruples, Trosses of Alhandal a scruple, Diagredium five grains, with syrup of Roses make a mass or lump for two Doses. The external use. Being dissolved in Wine and applied, it easeth pains of the side, the cough and shortness of breath, and is commended against the Pleurisy, but I question whether it be not too hot, except in a bastard Pleurisy. If it be dissolved in Vinegar and the juice of Rue, and applied, it helpeth Contusions and bruises, and used with Oil of Rue to the back, it driveth away cold pains thereof. Being dissolved with Vinegar of Squills, and applied, it dissolveth the hardness of the spleen, as also the King's evil, or Scrophulaes' bred under the ears and near the throat, and those hard nodes that arise in the joints after the Gout; with the juice of Rue or Fennell, it cleareth the sight, and takes away all spots therein. Dissolved with Oil, and applied, it strengtheneth those members that are out of joint, or the strained members, and joints. It draweth forth Thorns or splinters, and breaketh any Botch or Boil. Being put into Glisters it easeth the Colic; and a Pessary made thereof and put up, bringeth down the afterbirth, and the courses A fumigation thereof with the horn of a Goat is commended against the Lethargy. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. It hurts the Liver and Stomach, therefore it is corrected with the third part of Mastic, Cinnamon, Ginger, Spicknard, etc. It must not be given to women with Child, for it kills the birth. The best way to prepare it for the diseases of the brain, nerves, breast, joints, and cold diseases of the Womb, is to dissolve it in Wine, and with Aqualangii, etc. to draw forth its virtue in the manner of an extract. The dose. The dose is from half a dram to a dram. The compounds made of Sagapenum. Pills of Sagapenum, extract of Sagapenum, oil thereof. CHAP. 56. De Sambuco & Ebulo, of Elder and Wallwort, or Dane-wort. THe Elder and Dane-wort, being of such affinity, I shall join him together in this Chapter. The Dane-wort is very like Elder, but much lower in growth. The names. Elder is called in Latin Sambucus from Sambix the first finder of it. Dane-wort is called Low-Elder, in Latin Ebulus, in English Wallwort, Dane-wort, or Dwarfe-Elder. The temperament. They are hot and dry in the second, or third degree, and the Wallwort is somewhat hotter than Elder. The duration. They will keep good a year. The inward use. There is in use the flowers, leaves, inward bark or rind, the Seeds, Berries, and the spongy substance. They are profitable in the Dropsy, joynt-Gowt, Agues, stopping and swell of the spleen, stone of the Kidneys, affects of the Womb, and St. Anthony's fire. They purge tough phlegm, water and thin choler chief from the belly and joints. They are good in the Scorbute or Scurvy, and kill worms in the stomach or belly. The first shoots, or young leaves of the Elder boiled in Broth or Posset-drink, draweth forth strongly choler and tough phlegm; the tender leaves eaten with Oil and Salt do the same. The inner bark boiled in water and given to drink, worketh much more violently; and the berries also green or dry expel the same humour, and is often given with good success to help the Dropsy, by evacuating great plenty of waterish humours: the bark of the root also boiled in Wine, or the juice thereof drunk, worketh the same effect, but more effectually than either leaves or fruit do; the juice of the root taken, provoketh vomit mightily, and purgeth the watery humours of the Dropsy. The decoction of the root cureth the biting of the Adder, as also of a mad Dog, and bringeth down the courses of women. The decoction of the Berries in Wine being drunk provoketh Urine. The powder of the seeds first prepared in Vinegar, and then taken in Wine, half a dram at a time for certain days together, is a means to abate and consume the fat flesh of a corpulent body, and to keep it lean. The Berries so prepared, and as much with Tartar, and a few Aniseeds put to them, a dram of this powder given in Wine, cureth the Dropsy by purging very gently The dry flowers are often used in decoction for Glisters to expel wind, and easeth the Colic; for they lose their purging quality which they have being green, and retain an attenuating. The flowers in Ale or Beer are very good for such as have the Dropsy, being put into a bag. The flowers of both provoke sweat. The Vinegar made of the flowers of Elder, by Majesty's ceration and setting in the Sun is much more used in France then any where else, and is grateful to the stomach, and effectual to quicken the appetite, and helpeth to cut gross and tough phlegm in the breast. The distilled water of the inner bark of the Tree, or of the root, is very powerful to purge the watery humours of the Dropsy, or Tympany, taking it fasting and two hours before supper: The dose is two ounces in the morning, and as much before supper, or take four ounces in the morning. The water of the flowers also is good in the Dropsy, and openeth the stops of the Liver, Spleen and Reins: it driveth away the tertian Ague, and is good against melancholy, and strengtheneth the stomach. The dose is three or four ounces fasting. The Mushrooms of the Elder called Jewes-eares, are much used (being dried and boiled with Ale or milk with Columbine-leaves) for sore throats, and with a little Pepper and Pellitory of Spain in powder to put up the Uuula or palate of the mouth when it is fallen down. The young and tender branches of Dane-wort and leaves thereof taken with Wine, helpeth those that are troubled with the stone and gravel. The juice of the root is a strong purger of watery humours, and excellent for the Dropsy. The leaves boiled in water and given to drink, helpeth the dry Cough and the Quinsy. The dried Berries or Seeds beaten to powder and taken in Wine fasting, worketh the same effect as the juice of the root doth. The powder of the seeds taken in the decoction of Ground-pine, and a little Cinnamon to the quantity of a dram at a time, is an approved remedy both for the Gout, joint-aches and Sciatica, as also for the French disease, for it easeth the pains by withdrawing the humours from the places affected, and by drawing forth those humours that are fluent, peccant and offensive: the powder of the root worketh the same effect. The root steeped in Wine all night, and a draught thereof given before the fit of an Ague, doth much prevail to abate the fit, or to take it quite away, especially taken the second or third time if need be. In a word, what hath been said of Elder may be said of Dane-wort, only Dane-wort is more forceable or powerful then Elder. The manner of administering them. They are given in powder, Boles, and decoction. A Powder against the Hip-gowt, and joynt-gowt. Take Dane-wort-seed, Turbith, Hermodactyles, Seine, Tartar, of each a dram, of Cinnamon two drams, make all into fine powder. The dose is four scruples, in any convenient liquor. A bowl purging phlegm, and useful in the Dropsy. Take of the juice of Elder berries half an ounce, powder of Seabinde-weed a dram, Oil of Cinnamon four drops, make a bowl or lump, roll it up in Sugar, and take it in a morning, drinking some Posset-drink after it. A decoction against the Quartane Ague and Quotidian. Take of Elder-bark, with the root, of each an ounce, of Asarum three drams, Cinnamon a dram and a half, boil them in milk, and give half of it. This will work upward and downward. Take it before the fit cometh, once or twice if need be. Vide Blochwitius, Anotomiâ Sambuci. The outward use. A decoction of the roots of either, mollifieth the hardness of the womb, if women do sit therein, and openeth the veins, and bringeth down the courses. The leaves boiled and laid hot upon any hot and painful Apostumes, especially in the more remote and sinewy parts doth both cool the heat and inflammation of them, and ease the pains. The juice of the leaves snuffed up into the Nostrils, purgeth the tunicles of the brain. The juice of the green leaves applied to hot inflammations of the eyes, assuageth them. The juice of the berries boiled with a little Honey, and dropped into the ears, easeth the pains of them. A decoction of the root maketh the hair black if it be washed therewith: the leaves boiled till they be tender, then beaten and mixed with Barley-meal, and applied to hot inflammations, assuageth them, and helpeth places that are burnt either by fire or water, cureth Fistulous Ulcers being laid thereupon; and easeth the pains of the Gout being beaten and boiled with tallow of a Bull, or Goat, and laid warm thereon. The young buds and leaves of the Elder, and as much of the roots of Plantain beaten together, and boiled in Hogs-grease, this being laid warm upon the place pained with the Gout doth give present ease thereto: the leaves also burnt, and the powder of them put up into the Nostrils stayeth the bleeding once or twice used. The leaves of Elders boiled tender, and applied warm to the fundament, easeth the pains of the Piles, if they be once or twice renewed growing cold. The pitch in the middle of the Elder stalks, being dried and put into the cavernous, or hollow holes of Fistulous Ulcers that are ready to close, openeth and dilateth the Orifices, whereby injections may be used, and other remedies applied for the cure of them. The Mushrooms called Jewes-eares, helpeth the inflammation of the eyes being macerated or steeped in Rose-water, or Plantaine-water, and the eyes washed therewith. The dried Jewes-eares steeped in Rose-water and applied to the Temples and forehead, do ease the pains of the head or headache. The distilled water of the flowers of Elder, is of much use to clear the skin from Sun-burning, Freckles, Morphew or the like: and both the forepart and hinder-part of the head being bathed therewith, it taketh away all manner of headache that cometh of a cold cause. The same water taketh away the heat and inflammation of the eyes, and helpeth them when they are blood-shotten. The hands being washed morning and evening with the same water of the flower doth much help and ease them that have the Palsy in them, and cannot keep them from shaking. The foul inflamed or old Ulcers and sores of the legs, being often washed with the water of the leaves or of the flowers distilled in the middle of the month of Maey doth heal them in a short space. The water also helpeth the pain of the side, if a linen cloth be wet therein, and the side bathed therewith warm. Oil of Elder-flowers doth assuage pain, cleanse and mundify the skin, profiteth in stops of the Liver and spleen, and is good for the pains of the joints and nerves, and is very useful in burning and wildfire. An ointment made of the green leaves of Danwort & May butter made in the Month of May, is accounted with many a sovereign remedy for all outward pains, aches and cramps in the joints, nerves or sinews, for starcknesse and lameness by cold and other casualties, and generally to warm, comfort, and strengthen all the outward parts illaffected, as also to mollify the hardness, and to open the obstructions of the spleen, the grieved parts anointed therewith. Against burning by Fire or Water. Take one pound of the inner bark of Elder, bruise it or cut it small, and put it into two pound of pure Sallet-Oile, or Oile-Olive, that hath been first washed oftentimes with the distilled water of Elder-flowers, let them boil gently a good while together, and afterwards strain forth the Oil, pressing it very hard; set this Oil on the fire again, and put thereto four ounces of the juice of the young branches and leaves of the Elder-tree, and as much new Wax, let them boil to the Consumption of the juice, after which being taken from the fire, put presently thereto two ounces of liquid Varnish (such as Joiner's use to varnish Bedsteads, Cubboards, etc.) and afterwards of Olibanum in fine powder four ounces, and the whites of two Eggs being first well beaten by themselves, all these being well stirred and mixed together, put it up into a clean pot, and keep it for to use when occasion serveth. Parkinson Treatise of plants, fol. 210, 211. taken out of Matthiolus. Against the Toothache. Take of the root of Elder cut in thin slices, two ounces and a half, Vinegar of Elder, or White Wine half a pint: boil them together, then wash the mouth and teeth therewith. Or Take of the middle rind of Elder, and flowers thereof, of each a handful, of Jewes-eares one or two, boil them in a sufficient quantity of Vinegar and Wine, use it as the former. An Ointment against the hardness or scirrhus of the Spleen. Take Oil of Elder an ounce, Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar, of Elders two drams: boil them to the Consumption of the watery substance, then add a little wax, and make an ointment. Two or three drams of Wax will be sufficient. With this Ointment anoint the spleen morning and evening warm, laying a warm cloth on. A Cataplasm or pultis against bruises. Take of Elder-flowers in powder two ounces, Camomile and Wormwood in powder, of each half an ounce, mix them with a sufficient quantity of Oil of Elder, and apply it warm to the bruised parts. For the Piles or Hemorrhoides. Take a handful or two of Elder-leaves, and boil them in water till they be tender, take them out of the water and mix a little Linseed-Oile therewith, then apply it warm (upon a red cloth, or a piece of Scarlet) to the Piles, there letting it lie till it be almost cold, then apply fresh, do thus for the space of an hour or two if need require, and let it be bound up, having the party to his warm bed. This saith Gerard hath not failed at the first dressing to cure the said disease. Ger. Herbal. fol. 1423. The hurtful quality. Both Elder and Dane-wort offend the head, are hurtful to the stomach and liver that is hot, as also bringeth gripe, & weakeneth the body, let them be given with Anise-seed, Carraway-seed, Cinnamon, Mace, etc. Walwort is not to be given but to such as have strong bodies. The dose. The juice of the leaves or rind is given from half an ounce to an ounce or two ounces. The juice of the berries from two drams to six drams. The seeds from half a dram to a dram. The distilled water from two ounces to four ounces. The powder of the bark or rind from half a dram to a dram. Of such things as are made of them. From the flowers of Elder are made these following. The distilled water both of the flowers and leaves. Spirit of Elder-flowers. Wine of Elder-flowers. Syrupus acetosus Sambucinus. Honey of Elder. Conserve of Elder. Oil both by infusion and distillation. From the berries, Rob-Sambuci, or Pulp of the berries. Tincture, Extract, Wine, Spirit, water distilled. Oil. From the tender branches. Conserve. From the leaves, middle rind, roots and Jewes-eares. Distilled water. Syrup. Oil. From Dane-wort are made: the distilled water; the spirit: from the flowers. Rob-Ebuli, or the pulp of the berries. Tincture or essence. CHAP. 57 De Santalis, of Sanders. THese are woods that are brought to us from the Indies. The names and kinds. There are three sorts of , white, red and yellow. The white is called in Latin Santalum and Sandalum album, the red Santalum rubrum, the yellow Santalum citrinum or flavum. Difference between Brasill-wood and red . They differ thus. 1 They grow fare one from the other. 2 Sanders is neither sweet in taste, nor giveth any dye as the Brasil doth. 3 Red-Sanders is more ponderous and weighty than Brasil, and will sink in water. 4 It is a harder and shorter grained wood, and more brittle in breaking short. The temperament. They are cold and dry in the second or third degree. Some say they are hot, the red is more cooling and binding. The yellow is the best, the next is the white, the red is least of use. The duration. They will keep good three or four years, or longer. The inward use. They are cephalical, hepatical, and cardiacal, that is good for the Head, Liver and Heart, to open the obstructions of the Liver, and to cool the heat thereof, and to ease the pain of the head, especially the white and the yellow. They are good for faintings of the heart and palpitation o beating thereof, also for weak and faint stomaches which comes through heat; good against melancholy, and procureth mirth and alacrity. They are used to stay and bind the spermaticall flux in men and women, for which purpose either the powder taken in a rear Egg, or mixed with other things for the purpose, or steeped in red Wine, and kept in a hot Balneo, or in hot Embers close stopped all night, and strained forth and drunk in the morning and evening, both stay the Gonorrhoea, or running of the Reins in men, and the whites in women. They are good in hot diseases, as in burning Fevers, inflammations of the Liver, and such like. The Indians (saith Gerarde) do use the decoction made in water against hot burning Agues, and the overflowing of the courses, Erisipelas, the Gout, and all inflammations, especially if it be mixed with the juice of Nightshade, House-leek, or Purslane. They are put in Collises and Jellies, and all delicate meats, which are good to strengthen and revive the spirits. The red have an astrictive and strengthening faculty, but are not cordial as the other two: they are used in divers Medicines and meats both for their faculty and pleasing red colour, which they give to them, as in sauces, Pies, etc. The red is often used to stay defluxions of thin rheum from the head, and to cool hot inflammations, hot Gouts, and to temper the heat of hot Agues. The manner of administering them. They are given in Powder, Electuary, and Pills. A powder against the Pestilence. Take of the three , of each two drams, Cloves and Cinnamon, of each a dram, Hartshorn two drams, make them into a fine powder, and take thereof morning and evening half a dram in Carduus-Water. An Electuary against the Whites in Women. Take of old Conserve of Red-Roses four ounces White and Red- in powder a dram and a half, with syrup of Water-lillies make an Electuary, and take of it morning and evening as much as a Nutmeg. The outward use. It is used outwardly in Catarrhs, or Rheums, pains of the head, against vomiting, and in Epithemes and Fomentations against the intemperate heat of the Liver. They are used against the Gout and hot inflammations with the juice of Purslane and Plantain, or Housleek. Applied with Rose-water to the temples, it giveth ease to the headache, and keepeth back the flowing of humours to the eyes. Being applied to the breasts of Maids, or Women mixed with the juice of Purslane, abateth their greatness, and hindereth their overmuch growing. The Dose. The Dose is from a scruple to two scruples. Of such things as are made of Sanders. Extractum gummosum. Species Diatrion santalon. Trosses of Sanders. Ointment of Sanders. Cerote of Sanders. CHAP. 58. De Sarcocolla, of sarcocol. SArcocolla is a Gum of a plant growing in Persia, bitter in taste, and in very small pieces and powder, like the small pieces of Frankincense, and little bigger than Poppy-seed. The names. In Latin Sarcocolla, in English sarcocol. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the first degree, or hot in the second degree, and dry almost in the same. The best kind. The best is that which is new, inclining to white (for being old it waxeth reddish) or of a pale colour, bitter in taste, of a porous substance, viscous and easy to be dissolved in water, The duration. It will keep good five or six years. The inward use. It purgeth phlegm both crude and tough, chief from the brain, eyes, nerves, joints, breast and lungs; therefore it profits and avails in coughs, and shortness of breath, especially in old persons that are phlegmatic; also in all pains of the joints. It is thought by some to fatten the body, and to increase sperm or seed. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or in pills. The external use. It is used outwardly against inflammations of the eyes, with milk and the white of an Egg, and to stay Rheums and Catarrhs, Defluxions, and Redness thereof, also against all spots in the Eyes. It cleanseth corrupt Ulcers, and incarnateth, or breedeth good flesh, also closeth up Wounds and Ulcers. A fume made thereof is profitable against Tenesmus, a disease when one is often provoked to go to stool. Being mixed with Saffron and Honey it heals Scrophulaes', or hard swell called the King's Evil in the neck, after they are sufficiently drawn. It is used against bleeding of the Nose, or to stay the bleeding of Wounds, and healeth Ulcers in the Ears, being mixed with Hydromel, or Water and Honey, and instilled therein. A powder for Wounds in the head. Take of Myrrh half an ounce, Madder-seeds, Cypress, Orris, sarcocol, of each three drams: make them into powder, and use it where need is. A Powder to incarnate, or breed good flesh. Take sarcocol, Aloës, Olibanum, Dragons-blood, and Orris, of each two drams, make them into powder. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. Sarcocolla must not be given to hot and dry bodies, or choleric stomaches, for it doth much trouble and offend such. The often use of it causeth young men to wax old, and to become bald. It is corrected as Sagapenum. The Dose. The Dose is from a dram to two drams. Of such medicines as are made of sarcocol. There are made Pills of sarcocol, Trochisi albi, Rasis. CHAP. 59 De Scammonio, of Scammony. Scammony is the juice of a root, being full of milky juice, of a grayish colour. The names. It is called in Arabic 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mahmûda, in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i. e. sodiendo, & cavenda radice, saith Minsheu in his guide into the Tongues, fol. 647. ●n Latin it is called Scammonium, Scammoneum, and may be derived from the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shamen, i. e. pinguis, because of its unctuous quality, or Shamen, per Metaphoram, signifieth robustus, for Scammony is of strong operation, and fit only for robustious bodies Scammony being prepared, (that is, baked in a Quince in embers, or baked in an oven) is called Diagredium, Diagrydium, Diacrydium, & Diadredium. In Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i. e. Lachrymula, a little tear. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree. The best kind. The best is of a dark grayish colour, somewhat light, and not ponderous, a little spongy also, or with some holes in it, somewhat clear, and not muddy or drossy, of a strong taste, brittle or easy to break, being wet with the tongue, it shows like milk, but not burning in the mouth or throat; for that is a sign of adulteration, and that it is mixed with Spurge. The best comes from Antioch. The duration It will keep good two or three years, some say twenty. The time of gathering and p eparing it. The time to gather it and to prepare it, is in June. The inward use. Scammony purgeth primarily and chief choler and watery humours▪ and that both strongly and speedily from remote parts: afterward (say some) it purgeth phlegmatic humours. The manner of administering it. It is given in Pills, Potions, Bowls, &c, and is the Basis or chief ingredient of most purging electuaries and pills. Pills. Take Pills Aggregative, and Cochiae, of each two scruples, Diagredium three grains, make Pills thereof, A Potion. Take of Polypodie, Seine, of each two drams, Anise-seed, and Licoris bruised, of each a dram: bruise the Polypodie: and make an infusion in a quarter of a pint or strong Beer or Ale all night on embers, then strain it, and add of Diagredium eight grains, syrup of Roses laxative an ounce, make a Potion. A bowl. Take of Conserve of Roses half an ounce of Diagredium eight or ten grains, mix them together, and make a Bole. The external use. Scammony being mixed with Honey and Oxgall, and rubbed on pimples or weals taketh them away, and boiled in vinegar and anointed, taketh away the Leprosy, and spreading scabs. If it be mixed with oil of Roses and vinegar, and applied to the head, it easeth old pains thereof. Being applied with Honey and oil, it dissolveth cold swell. A Pessary made thereof, and put up, bringeth down the Hours, and expelleth the Secondine or afterbirth. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. There are these hurtful qualities found in Scammony. First, it engenders sharp and gnawing winds in the stomach, insomuch that it provokes to vomit: to help this, it must be baked in a Quince with Fennell-seed, Daucus-seed or galangal. Secondly, it inflames the spirits, especially in those that have obstructions, or stops, and have putrid humours, whereby burning fevers are procured. This is helped by putting into your decoctions, those things which do cool and extinguish the heat thereof, as Flea-wort-seed, pulp of Prunes, juice of Roses or Violets, or with Rose-water, or Violet-water, or with the juice of a sour sweet Quince, and mix with it a little Sumach or Spodium: or before boiling of the same, (that is, the Scammony) steep it in oil of Roses or Violets. Thirdly, it hath a strong opening and drawing faculty, whereby it brings immoderate fluxes of the belly, by opening the mouth of the veins exceedingly: This is helped by mixing binding and astringent things therewith, as Mastic, the juice of Quince, or of yellow Myrobalanes. Fourthly, it raseth or shaveth (by its acrimony) the entrails and guts, and thereby brings pains and torments thereof, and procureth the dysentery, and Tenesmus, or Bloodyflux, and often provoking to stool. This hurt is taken away by using fat, moist and slippery medicines, as Gum Tragacanth, or Bdellium, oil of sweet Almonds, oil of Roses, or pulp of Prunes with Sugar, with the mussilage of Fleawort-seed, Mastic and Quinces taken afterwards, and warm water last of all: All which causeth it to pass the sooner from the stomach and bowels, and keepeth it from doing hurt. From hence the wise are taught to give Barley-broth (sweetened with sugar) to those that have taken thereof. Fiftly, it hurts the heart, liver, and stomach totius substantiae proprietate, through the property or essence of its whole substance. This hurt is taken away, if cold medicines as well as hot being mixed together and given, thereby to yield help to the heart, liver, and stomach. It may also be taken with Cassia, Manna, the pulp of Raisins, and Sebesteus. It is dangerous to give it in Fevers, or to give it to old and weak persons, children, or women with child, or to such as have hot and dry bodies, or to persons that have great obstructions. It is seldom given alone, but mixed with some other medicine. Heurnius adviseth to give Barley-broth after the taking of it: Heurn. prax. med. f. 259. The Dose. The Dose is from six grains to twelve. The compound medicines made of Scammony. Extract of Scammony, Extractum Diagredii aromati satum, Elixir Scammonii, sive Pill, Scammonii Crollii, Scammonium sulphuratum. Infusion of Scammony, or purging spirit. Diacydonium lucidum Scammoniatum, Gelatina Cidoniorum cum Turbith. with many others which you may find in Schroderus pharm med chym. lib. 4. f. 247, 248, 249. CHAP. 60. De Sena, of Sene. Seen is a leaf of a plant like unto Licoris, and was not known to the ancient Writers. The names. It is called in Latin Senna, & Sena, in English Sene. The temperament. It is hot in the second degree, and dry in the first. The best kind. The best is the greenest leaves, and that which is new, not brown, nor too old. The best is said to come from Alexandria, and is called Sena Alexandrina. The duration. It will keep two or three years; but the newer it is the better it work. Some say it will keep good ten years. The inward use. Seine purgeth chief and primarily melancholy, afterward thick phlegm and other humours, from the spleen, mesentery and entrails, also from the brain, lungs, liver and heart. It is very profitable in obstructions of the spleen and Hypochonders, and against hard swell thereof, as also in chronical Agues, whether quartain or quotidian. It is a singular remedy against melancholy; the Falling-sickness, and foul diseases of the skin, as in scab, itch, leprosy, elephansie, etc. It quickens the senses both of seeing and hearing, takes away the cause of sadness and melancholy, and is useful in madness, in the frenzy, etc. It causeth a fresh, quick, and lively habit of the body, and cleanseth and purifieth the blood. It is given also in all headaches and palsies. Seine is a very safe medicine, and may be given to old men, women with child, delicate bodies, and children. The manner of administering it. It is given in substance, in decoction, or by infusion, which last is the best way. In substance. Take of Seine of Alexandria a dram, or a dram and a half, make it in powder and give it in posset-drink, or mace-drink. In Decoction. Take of Seine one ounce, Anise-seed, Carraway-seed, Ginger, of each a dram, Licoris two drams, Currents and Raisins of the Sun, of each an ounce, make a gentle decoction hereof in a sufficient quantity of water, and strain it. The Dose is from two ounces to four ounces. In infusion. Take of Seine an ounce, Raisins of the Sun half an ounce, Anise-seed, Citron-seed, of each a dram, make an infusion on hot embers in Fennel water, for the space of five or six hours, then strain it, and give the clearest. Or Take of the infusion four ounces, Confectio Hamech two drams and a half, syrup of Roses one ounce, make a Potion, and give it against melancholy. Or thus for the poorer sort. Take of Seine half an ounce, Borrageflowers, and Rose-leaves, of each half a dram, Ginger half a dram: let them be macerated or steeped in Whey or Posset-drink, for the space of six or seven hours, then strain it, and being sweetened with Sugar give it to drink. If you add three or four grains of Diagredium to the same, it will be the more effectual. Weichard. de Med. nunnul praepar f. 92. Note, that e'en doth better purge the body when it is infused, then when it is decocted or boiled; for this is certain, that Seine (being boiled) doth much bind the body after the taking of it: and Seine will not endure any long boiling. The outward use. The Lie wherein Seine and Cammomile-flowers are boiled, is commended for weak brains, to comfort and strengthen them, as also for the sight and hearing, if the head be washed therewith; the same Lie is very profitable for the sinews that are stiff with cold, or shrunk with Cramps: it helpeth also the Itch in the body and hands, if they be washed therewith. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. Because Seine is judged (by many) to be windy, and to offend the stomach; therefore it is corrected with Ginger, Cloves, Galingall, Anise-seed, or Cinnamon. It is excellent to infuse it in Whey or Posset-drink. Also it may be given with fat broth of a Cock, with the decoction of Prunes, Jujubes, Raisins, Marsh-mallows, or with Manna and Cassia, or Polypodium, Violet-flowers, borage, etc. In hot Diseases in●use it in Whey, or Posset-drink; in cold diseases infuse it in Water of Fumitory, or Wine; for being steeped in Wine it doth not offend the stomach Schyronius saith, that Seine ●s hurtful to the bladder and Womb, especially if there be any Ulcer there. Schyron. Meth ●ed. f. 107, 116. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a dram to two drams, in decoction from three drams to six drams, in infusion from half an ounce to an ounce. The compound Medicines made of Sene. Pulvis Senae Montagnan. Syrup of the leaves of Sene. Syrupus de Pomis Reg. Saboris Electuarium Diabalsemer, seu Elect. Senatum R. n●d. Passulae laxativa. Extract of Sene. Elect. de Sena Nicolas. Confectio Hamech. Whether Seine offend the stomach, and be a griping and windy medicine? Although some hold that Seine doth offend the stomach, especially being weak; yet in regard that it is somewhat bitter, and partaking of heat and dryness, it doth rather strengthen and profit the stomuch, then weaken and offend it. Now that after the taking of Seine in some bodies, (especially in Women and phlegmatic persons) gripe do follow, is not denied, but this comes not from the flatulency or windiness of the Seine, but by accident in drawing gross and phlegmatic humours to the bowels, and there causeth these gripe, especially where the passages are much stopped. Fernel. Meth. l. 5. f. 115. freitag. Aur. Med. f. 264. Sennert. Instit. f. 959. Matthiol. Comment. in lib. 3. Diascor. f. 521. CHAP. 61. De Soldanella, of Seabinde-weed. SEabinde-weed is an herb growing near the Sea, having many small branches somewhat red, trailing or lying upon the ground beset with small and round leaves, not much unlike Asarabacca, but smaller: the flowers come forth like a bell, of a bright red incarnate colour: the seed is black, and groweth in round cod: the root is small and long. The names. In Latin, Soldana, Soldanella, & Convolvulus marinus, in English Seabinde-weed, Seacawl, Sea-coal, Sea-with-winde, because the branches wind themselves, and the flowers are so like the small kind of Bindeweed, & that it grows naturally near the Seacoasts. It is called also Sea-be●ls, for the likeness of the flowers, and some call it Sea-fole-foot, for the resemblance of the leaves and Scottish scurvygrasse. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. Bindeweed purgeth chief water, and phlegm also, therefore it is very useful and profitable in the Dropsy, and openeth the obstructions, or stops of the liver, and killeth worms. It hath two excellent properties, the one is that it wonderfully draweth away watery humours, the other that it corroborates or strengtheneth the liver. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, Decoction, Pills, etc. A Powder against the Dropsy. Take of Sea-bindeweed a scruple, Hermodactyles half a scruple, Turbith and Diagredium, of each seven grains, Ginger and Cinnamon, of each four grains, make a powder hereof, and add oil of Fennell and oil of Anise-seed, of each two drops, mix them together, and give it in Posset-drink. A Potion against the Dropsy. Take of Sea-bindeweed a handful, Raisins of the Sun stoned an ounce, Anise-seed a dram; make a decoction in the broth of a cock, strain it, and add syrup of Pumitarie an ounce, of the electuary Diaturbith two drams, make a potion, and give it. The outward use. The powder of the dried herb is used to bring or raise up flesh in deep and hollow Ulcers, helping also to heal them. The juice also not pressed, but issuing forth of its own accord when it is broken, gathered and dried, and afterwards relented or made soft, and laid as a plaster to the bottom of the belly, draweth forth watery humours by siege. The hurtful quality, and the corrective means. Diascorides and some of the Ancient writ that it is an enemy to the stomach, and sharp in taste, and therefore adviseth that it be boiled in broth of fat meat, to hinder the strength of its working, and they say it must be given only to strong bodies. And happily it might operate so with them by reason of the climate where it did grow. But that which we use now is a most safe medicine, and may be given to children and weak persons as daily experience doth manifest. It may be given with Cinnamon, Ginger, Anise-seed, Mastic, or Sugar, also with Rhubarb and Cubebs, for Rhubarb is counted an excellent consort for it. In decoction it is given with Raisins and Anise-seed. The Dose. In powder it is given from half a dram to a dram and a half, or two drams. In decoction from half an ounce to an ounce and a half. The juice is given from two drams to half an ounce. Of such things as are made thereof. Extract of Seabinde-weed. Succus inspissatus. CHAP. 62. De Succino, of Amber. PLinie saith, Amber issueth forth from trees like as Gum in Cherrie-trees, and Rosin in Pines, Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 37. Cap. 3. f. 607. But it is generally taken for a kind of liquid Butimen, whose springs and fountains are in the German Seas, and running into pieces, some greater and lesser than others, and is taken up with Iron-hooks, being soft under water, but hardening in the Air like Coral. The names. In Latin Electrum, Chrysolectrum, Glessum, Resina terrae; but the usual Latin names are Succum, Carabe, Charabe and Karabe in English 'tis called Amber. The temperament. Amber is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second. The best kind. Although Authors mention three sorts, yet there are but two sorts in shops, the white and the yellow: the best is the whitest, and that which is most clear, and being rubbed will draw straws unto it, and gives a sent like Bitumen. The duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. Amber strengtheneth the heart and stomach, stayeth vomiting, drieth up moist humours in the stomach, and hinders the breeding thereof, and stayeth the flux of the belly. It is useful in cardiack passions, and palpitations, or beat of the heart. It recreates, or refresheth the brain, and is profitable in Rheums, or Catarrhs, in the Falling Sickness, Apoplexy, Lethargy, Swimming of the head, suffocation, and inflation or windiness of the Mother. It stayeth the flowing of blood and seed, provokes the terms in women, and causeth a speedy delivery. It helpeth women that have the whites, and men that have the running of the Reins; for it stoppeth the flux, and strengtheneth the parts very much. Being taken in Saxifrage-water, it is a sure remedy for such as have their urine stopped. It is very good for old coughs, and those that are falling into a Consumption, being mixed with conserve of Red Roses, and so taken morning and evening; and is profitable for join-ache, and the running Gout, if it be taken with two or three ounces of the decoction of Lignum vitae. The chemical oil of Amber taken inwardly availeth against the Pestilence and contagious air, if three or four drops be taken for divers mornings together, in Carduus or Angelica-water. It helpeth the biting of a mad Dog, and is excellent to preserve from the Apoplexy, Falling Sickness, swimming of the head, and Nightmare, taken in Piony-water, Betony-water, Lavender, Rosemary, black-cherry-water, or in Lily Convally-water, or Sage-water, or taken in Wine, especially if it be taken about the new of the Moon, in the morning fasting: for this oil is a singular secret to comfort the animal, vital, and natural spirits. If five or six drops be taken in Sage-water it restoreth the speech lost. It drieth up Rheums and sharpeneth the sight, being taken in Fennel-water, or Eye-bright-water. It helpeth trembling of the heart and faintings of the spirits, shortness of breath taken with Horehound-water, and the Pleurisy with water of Sage of Jerusalem. It helpeth spitting of blood taken with Tornentill-water. It helpeth a cold stomach and vomiting being taken with Mint-water. It helpeth the intemperate frigidity or coldness of the Liver and Spleen, taken in Spleenwort-water or Wormwood-water, and helpeth such as are melancholy if it be taken in borage or Buglosse-water. Given in Endive-water, or a few drops thereof taken in the pap of a roasted Apple, with a leaf of Gold cureth the Jaundice. It doth wonderfully ease the stone and urine stopped in the Kidneys or Bladder, if a few drops be given in Saxifrage, or Parsley-water. It stirs up to Venery taken with Diasatyrion in Wine. It helpeth the Running of the Reins taken with water or syrup of Purslan. It easeth the Colic taken with Cynamon-water or Aquavitae. It cureth the Dysentery, or bloody Flux taken in Tormentil-water. It killeth Worms taken in Tansey-water. It helpeth the joynt-Gowt and Sciatica or Hip-Gowt taken with the decoction or Lignum sanctum, as also trembling and the cramp. It much helpeth the affects of the womb, as the suffocation and precipitation or ●a●ling down thereof, as also barrenness, taken in Minch or Penny-royall-water, or Anise-seed-water, and easeth pains in travel, bringeth away the child and afterbirth, provoketh the terms, and bringeth away the dead child, given in Savin-water, especially if five or six drops thereof be given, and then as much more within half an hour if need require. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, in Electuaries, etc. A powder to hasten the birth. Take of Cinnamon half a dram, or a dram, Cassia lignea, two scruples, Saffron half 〈◊〉 dram, of white Amber a scruple, make all into powder, and g●e● in Savin-water. An Electuary against the pain and heat of the stomach, etc. Take of conserve of red Roses two ounces, Marmelate of Quinces an ounce, Mastic in powder two drams, red Coral in powder a dram & a half, oil of Amber a scruple; with syrup of Quinces make an Electuary. Take of it morning and evening before meat and after meat. It is excellent also to stay vomiting and the flux of the belly. Doring. de ol. succiniis viribus f. 73. The outward use. Amber being burned on hot coals, and the fume thereof received to the head, doth help moist distillations thereof falling on the eyes, teeth, nose or stomach. The fume thereof (saith Doringius) cured an old man of the Apoplexy, that was judged to be certainly dead. Doring. de ol. Succinii viribus, f. 71. Being worn about the neck, it cures Agues, and helpeth swell of the throat and almonds, and is good in times of infection, especially used with salt, and hinders defluxions. A fume thereof doth much help to cure the Falling Sickness, and is good in the Pestilence, made into powder, and mixed with Honey and Oil of Roses, it is good for the infirmities of the ears, and mixed only with Honey, it clears the dim sight. It is a present remedy against burning or scalding, if it be boiled with Linseed-oile, and the parts anointed with the same, or wet clouts therein, and lay them on. It is commended against the cliffs or chaps of the hands, if the powder be strewed thereon, for it closeth them up and drieth. The Chemical Oil of Amber is good for cold and moist diseases of the brain, if the temples or nape of the neck be anointed with a few drops thereof: it discusseth, or expelleth wind in the ears and head, and strengtheneth the memory. It is commended in the curing of Wounds, Ulcers, and Fistulous tumors being applied with other ingredients. It helps the Cramp being anointed therewith, and deafness if a few drops be put into the ears with cotton-wool. It helpeth the stinking of the breath, if it be mixed with Plantain-water, or Rose-water, and the mouth washed therewith, and easeth also the pain of the teeth coming from a cold cause; it cleanseth black teeth, and maketh them white, and helpeth the putrefaction of the gums and teeth. It is useful in the relaxation or swelling of the Uuula, or palate of the mouth. It stayeth the bleeding of the nose if the nostrils be anointed therewith, especially if a cloth wet in Plantain-water be applied to the temples. A Plaster against the heat of Ulcers. Take of white Amber in powder an ounce, of Honey a pound, of common Salt in powder two ounces, mix them together and apply it. This draweth out the heat, easeth the pain, and healeth it Doring de Ol. Succin. virib. f. 183. The hurtful quality. It is not to be given in very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. Amber in powder is given from a scruple to a dram, or four scruples. The Chemical Oil from three drops to ten. Of such things as are made of Amber. Oil of Amber, Magister of Amber, Tincture of Amber, Pills of Amber, Balsam of Amber. CHAP. 63. De Tamarindis, of Tamarinds. TAmarinds are the fruit of a tree growing in India, Gart. ab Horto, aromat. histor. cum annotatione car. clus. f. 119. Others say they are strangers in India, and grow in Arabia, being brought from thence into the Indies. Renodaeus de Mat. Med l. 1. sect. 1. f. 349. The names. They are called in Latin Tamarindi, from the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tamar, i. e. Palma, and Indus. In Greek they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Palmulae acidae, in English Tamarinds. The temperament. They are cold and dry in the second degree, or in the beginning of the third The best kind. The best are of a blackish, or reddish colour, fresh and moist, of a sharp taste, with many threads (as it were) among them. They are adulterated with Prunes, but that is easily known by the colour and taste. The duratisn. They will keep good (being kept close) two or three years. The inward use. They purge choler and adust humours; therefore are used in acute Fevers, in the Frenzy & madness, they stay vomiting, cool inflammations both of the Liver and stomach, as also of the reins and back, and help the running of the Reins; they also stay Rheums and Distillations. They open obstructions, or stops both of the Liver and Spleen, and are profitable against all eruptions or break forth of the skin, which arise from the heat of the blood, or from sharp or salted water running between the flesh and the Skin, or Scab, Itch, Leprosy, and such like. They quench thirst wonderfully, and are good against the Jaundice; as also most excellent in Erysipelas, or Wildfire, bleeding of the nose, (arising from choler) and women's fluxes. The manner of administering them. They are given in Bowls, in Potions and Decoctions. A Bole. Take of the pulp of Tamarinds an ounce and a half, species Diarrhodon Abbatis, two scruples, mix them together and make a Bole. A Powder. Take of the pulp of Tamarinds half an ounce, Manna two ounces, Succory-water four ounces; dissolve them in water and make a Potion. Or Take of Prunes, Sebestens of each ten in number, Tamarinds an ounce, of the four greater coldseeds, viz. Gourds, Cutruls, Cucumbers and Melons, of each a dram, of borage, bugloss, Rosemary and Violet-flowers a dram; make a gentle decoction in about a pint of Endive or Violet-water, then strain it, and add thereto syrup of Roses one ounce and a half, syrup of Violets half an ounce, Oil of Vitriol five drops, mix them together, and give it. This is excellent in burning Fevers arising of choler. They may be given in Posset-drink or Whey, also in Succory-water, or Goats-Whey. Against the small Pox, boil them with Dates, Figs and Jujubes, and give them in broth made with lentils: But note, that they must not be much boiled, for they will not endure any long boiling. They are most convenient in hot and acute Fevers, in hot seasons, and in hot bodies. The external use. They are applied outwardly against all inflammations of the skin, as Wheals, Pimples, and such like. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. There are two inconveniences in Tamarinds, First, they offend and hurt a cold stomach; therefore to help it, give them with Mastic, Cinnamon, Anise-seed, Mace, or such like. Secondly, they are very astringent and binding, therefore in the beginning of putrid Fevers abstain from them, and be very cautious in giving them, except it be in a small quantity, and with Manna, Cassia, or the like. The Dose. The Dose of the pulp is from one ounce to two ounces. In decoction or infusion it is given from two ounces to three or four ounces. The compound Medicines made of Tamarinds. Pulp of Tamarinds, Electuary lenitive, Electuary Diacatholicon, etc. CHAP. 64. De Tormentilla, of tormentil. TOrmentill is an herb so like Cinquefoil that many mistake it. Common Tormentil hath many slender weak branches rising from the root, leaning as it were upon the ground, with many short leaves that stand closer to the stalks then the other Cinquefoiles do, with the foot-stalks encompassing the branches at several places: the leaves be small, five or most commonly seven growing upon a stem much like the leaves of Cinquefoil or five-leafed grass, but somewhat longer and lesser dented about the edges many of them: the flowers be yellow, much like Cinquefoil, but smaller: the root is black without, but reddish within, and sometimes a little crooked. The names. It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 septem, et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, folium, that is, seven leaves. In Latin Tormentilla, quia valet adversus tormenta intestinorum. In English Tormentill and Setfoile. The temperament. It is dry in the third degree without any manifest heat, binding, and of subtle or thin parts. The duration. The herb will keep a year, and the root two years. The inward use. Tormentill is diaphoretical and alexipharmacal, and vulnerary, that is, it provokes sweat, expels poison, and is good to cure wounds. The herb, root and water are in use. It is much used in the pestilence, and other malignant diseases, as small pox, measles, spotted fevers and purples, driving forth by sweat any contagion, especially if a flux of the belly be joined with these diseases. It is useful in Catarrhs (to dry up rheums) and in the French disease. It cureth the bloody flux, and all other fluxes of the belly, and stoppeth the spitting of blood, pissing of blood, vomiting, and the overflowing of women's courses. The powder of the root or the decoction thereof is very available against Ruptures, bruises or falls, and dissolveth congealed blood, and easeth the pains that happen thereupon. It helpeth also the stops and hurts of the lungs and liver, and is good against the Jaundice, and cureth the tertian Ague. The decoction of the root in wine being drunk, hindereth abortion, or miscarrying in women with child, the leaves killeth worms in children, and it is a great help to such as cannot keep their water, if they put thereto some juice of Plantain. A dram of the root in powder taken in water wherein red hot iron or steel hath been quenched, is a good remedy for such as have the running of the reins, especially the body being first well purged. The leaves, seeds, or roots are good to put in decoctions for wound-drinks. In a word, it is most excellent in ●he time of the plague or pestilence. The distilled water of Tormentill taken in a morning fasting, is lent against venom or any contagion, and is a good preservative in times of infection. The dose is two or three ounces The same taken morning and evening, cures all inward ulcers in the body, stayeth the flux of the belly, especially the Dysentery or bloody flix. It doth comfort the brain, heart, stomach, liver and spleen; as also the whole body, and cureth most Agues. The best way to still the water is to steep the herb all night in wine, and then distil it Balneo Mariae. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, Electuary Potions, and Decoctions. A powder against the Pestilence. Take Tormentil root, Dyttany, of each a dram, Sorrel and Citron-seed of each a dram and a half, Ginger, Cinnamon, Saffron, white and red , of each half a scruple, Bowl Armoniac and terra sigillata, or sealed earth, of each four scruples. Make all into powder, and give half a dram thereof or more, in Carduus-water, and let them sweat after it. An Electuary against the Pestilence. Take of Tormentil-root in powder two drams, of the three kinds of in powder of each a scruple, Wood-Aloes in powder half of a scruple, Angelica-root in powder a dram, conserve of Red Roses and of Rosemary, of each two ounces and a half, with syrup of Gillowflowers make an Electuary. Give of it morning and evening about a dram. A Potion against Infection. Take of Tormentil-root in powder half a dram, London-Treacle a Dram, Carduus-water an ounce and a half, mix them together, and give it warm, let the party sweat after it. The outward use. The decoction of the root is good to cleanse sores and wounds, and to dry them up: the root or the juice may be put into ointments for Wounds and Ulcers. The root of Tormentil and Pellitory of Spain and burned Allome, of each a like quantity, made up into a paste, and put into a hollow tooth, doth not only assuage the pain, but stayeth the flux of humours which was the cause thereof. The decoction thereof helpeth rotten Sores and Ulcers of the mouth, or secret parts. It dissolveth all Knots, Kernels, and Hardness about the Ears, Throat, Jaws, and the King's Evil, if the leaves and roots be bruised and laid thereunto. The same also easeth the pains of the Hip-gowt, by restraining the sharp humours that flow thereunto. The juice of the leaves and roots used with a little vinegar, is a special remedy against the running sores in the head, or other parts, scabs also, and the itch, or any such eruptions in the skin, proceeding of salt and sharp humours: the same is effectual for the Hemorrhoides or Piles, if they be washed and bathed therewith, or with the distilled water of the herb and roots. It drieth up sharp Rheums that fall from the head to the eyes, and cause redness, pain, and watering, itchings or the like, if a little prepared Tutia, or white Amber, be used with the distilled water hereof. The powder of the root doth wonderfully stay the bleeding of the nose or any wound, or vomiting. The same mixed with Vinegar, Oil of Roses, and a little Wax being made into a plaster, and laid to the back, doth prevent Abortion in Women, or miscarrying. If women sit over the decoction thereof, it is a good help to prevent miscarrying, especially if after the use thereof they make a plaster with the powder and Honey, laying it to the navel and back. The distilled water being injected doth much help to cure the Whites or Reds in Women. The powder of the root mixed with Oil of Camomile easeth the pains of the joints. The distilled water doth cleanse Wounds, Fistulaes', Cankers and Sores being washed therewith, and doth much help to the speedy cure of them, and the water also alone doth clear the sight, and stay the flux of Rheum being washed therewith. A Plaster to prevent miscarrying in Women. Take of the plaster called Emplastrum contra rupturam, two ounces, the root of tormentil in powder two drams, Oil of Roses, or Quinces half an ounce, make a plaster thereof, and lay it to the back warm. The hurtful quality. It must not be given in very dry bodies, nor to such as are much bound in their bodies. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to a dram, in decoction from a dram to three drams. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled Water. Dioscor●ium, etc. CHAP. 65. De Turpetho, of Turbith. TVrbith is the root of a certain plant, brought us from beyond the Sea, neither have any set down certainly what it is. The names. It is called in Latin Turpethum, Turpetum, Turbitum, Turbith, in English also Turbith, quasi turbatorium, because it troubleth the stomach. The temperament. It is hot in the third degree, and dry in the second: or hot and dry in the second degree. The best kind. The best is that which is white within and hollow, like a Cane or Reed, Gummy, with an ashcoloured bark or outside, smooth and not rugged, easy to be broken, fresh, not wormeaten, and not very great, or thick, which is not so good. The duration. It will keep good three or four years. The inward use. Turbith purgeth thick, viscid and phlegmatic humours from the stomach, veins, joints, nerves, and breast; moreover, it draweth away water in the Dropsy. It is profitable in the Gout, in long continued Agues coming from gross and tough humours, and in all diseases arising of thick phlegm. Some say it purgeth first and primarily phlegm, and then somewhat adust humours, therefore it is used in the French pox, Elephansie, Leprosy, Morphew, and also in madness. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, or in substance. In decoction. Take of Betony a handful, Turbith three drams, Citron-seed, Long-Pepper, of each half a dram; make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water, strain it, and add thereunto Honey of Roses solutive one ounce and a half, make a potion. Massar. f. 481. In substance. Take of Turbith in powder a dram and a half, mix it with posset-drink (wherein hath been boiled Betony, Ivy, Anise-seed, etc.) and give it. It may be given in broth wherein hath been boiled Raisins and Figs. It will endure boiling indifferent well, but especially if it be first infused it is better. The external use. The powder of Turbith being mingled with honey, and applied, eateth and consumeth dead flesh in ulcers and wounds, and is profitable in Gangrenes. The hurtful quality, with the corrective means. Turbith hath three hurtful qualities; first, it is slow and weak in operation, so that except it be quickened with something it oftentimes draweth away thin phlegm, and leaves the thick behind. Secondly, it offends and troubleth the stomach, bringing a nauseousness thereof, and many times causeth vomiting, according to the verse. Nolo damnosum Turbith mea viscera turbet. Thirdly, it macerates or consumes the body, and brings leanness and Consumption. It is corrected with Ginger, Cinnamon, Anise-seed, Mastic, and the like. Also oil of sweet Almonds is a good corrective for it, especially in lean bodies: it is not safe to give it to women that are with child, old, and weak persons, or to children. After the use of Turbith the eating of fish is forbidden, and also you must avoid the south-wind. Heurn. Prax. Med. fol. 266. Tretag. Auror. Med. fol. 322. Sennert. Instit. fol. 857. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a dram to two drams, in decoction two drams to half an ounce. The compound Medicines made of Turbith Extract of Twrbith, Species Diaturbith with Rhubarb, Pills of Turbith, Vinegar of Turbith. Deo soli gloria. CHAP. 66. De Agrimonia, of agrimony. The names. IT is called in Latin Eupatorium, from Eapator the first finder of it, and Agrimonia; some also call it Hepatoxium, because it is a good help to the Liver: In English, agrimony and agrimony. The Temperament. It is hot and doth moderately bind, and is of a temperate dryness, it cutteth and scoureth, and is of subtle parts. The Duration. It will keep good a year, being well dried. The inward use. It openeth the stops of the Liver, and cleanseth it; it helpeth the Jaundice, and strengtheneth the inward parts, and is good for the Bowels, and healeth their inward wound, and bruises or hurts, and qualifieth all inward distempers that grow therein: A decoction of the herb made with wine, and drunk, is good against the sting and biting of Serpents, and helpeth them that have foul, or troubled, and Bloody Waters, and is useful in long continued Fluxes of the Liver, especially in old people; It is good for the Strangury, and helpeth also the Colic, it helpeth the Cough, and cleanseth the Breast: It is good help to rid a Quartain or Tertian Ague, if a draught of the Decoction be taken warm before the fit; the leaves and seeds stop the the Bloody flux, being taken in wine. The roots or leaves boiled in wine, and drunk, helpeth such as have the Palsy. It is accounted a good herb against the Spleen being stopped, as also against the Pestilence, and the biting of a mad Dog. The distilled water helpeth the Jaundice, Cough, and killeth worms, if two ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening; and it is esteemed a secret experiment against the Quartain Ague, if four ounces thereof be taken Morning and Evening for many days together, but I rather approve of the Decoction. The leaves or roots are good in the Dropsey and Greensickness. The manner of administering it. It is chief given in Decoction. A Decoction against the Jaundes. Take of horehound two handfuls, Elecampane root, bugloss, and Agrimony, of each a dram and a half, of Rhubarb, and wood Aloes, of each a dram; Bruise the wood Aloes and the roots, boil them in three pints of White-wine to a quart. Note that the Rhubarb must not be put in, till the rest be almost boiled. Take of this two ounces Morning and Evening. If there be a fever boil it in Water. The outward use. It helpeth old Sores, Cankers, and Ulcers that are of hard Curation, being stamped with old Swine's grease and applied, for it cleanseth and afterwards healeth them: in the same manner also applied, it draweth forth thorns or splinters of wood, Nails, or such like that is gotten into the flesh, and helpeth to strengthen Members that be out of joint: it helpeth also foul impostumed ears, being bruised and applied; or the juice dropped into them: The leaves bruised and applied, to the biting of a mad Dog, helpeth the same, and the juice mingled with Vinegar taketh away warts being laid thereon. The distilled water of the herb is good for all the purposes aforesaid, and to cure Ulcers and sores of the mouth and throat being gargled or washed therewith. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. These following are made of agrimony, Syrup of agrimony. Pills of agrimony. Trosses of agrimony. Water of agrimony. The Dose. The leaves are given in Powder, from a scruple to a dram. CHAP. 67. De Agno Casto, of the chaste Tree. The Names. IT is called Castus, that is, chaste, because the Athenian matrons, in their Thesmophoria did use these leaves as Sheets to lie upon, thereby to preserve their chastity: In Latin it is called Agnus castus and vitex, also Salix Marina, or Salix Amerina, in English tree. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, and of a very thin essence or substance, sharp also and binding. The Duration. It will keep good a year, the seed will keep longer. The inward use. It is a singular good remedy for all such as desire to live chaste, for withstandeth all filthy desires to Venery or Lust, and drieth up the seed of generation, in any manner used and taken. The seeds being drunk, resisteth the bitings of venomous Beasts, Spiders, or the like, and helpeth the Dropsy and those that are troubled with the Spleen: it also procureth milk in women's Breasts, it procureth their courses and urine stopped, and helpeth the windiness of the Stomach and Belly, and is useful in the stops of the Liver. A dram of the seed given in Powder causeth sleep. The decoction of the herb and seeds is good for women troubled with the pains of the Mother, or inflammation thereof, and is said to help an Ague if a draught thereof be taken before the fit. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Decoction powder electuary. Trosses, etc. An Electuary to cool and abate Lust. Take conserve of Water Lillyes, and conserve of mints of each one ounce, of Lettuce stalks candyed, six drams; of the seeds of Agnus Castus a dram and a half, of Rue seed half a dram, of Coral a dram, of Crystal half a dram, of Camphor a scruple; make those things in powder, that are to be powdered, and with syrup of Purslane make an electuary; Take often of it as much as a nut. The outward use. It helpeth hardness, stops, Apostumations and Ulcers of the Matrix, if women sit in the Decoction thereof, or receive the hot fume thereof. The leaves with butter dissolve the swelling of the Cod's being applied: applied to the head it easeth the pain thereof, and is good in the Lethargy, being boiled in salt water with Sage and Smallage, and the hinder part of the head washed therewith: the same used to the limbs, taketh away weariness upon travail or labour: the leaves are good for wounds. The seeds used with Barley meal doth mollify hard swell and break Impostumes: and with Niter and Vinegar it helpeth freckles of the face; used with Honey it helpeth the sores in the mouth and throat. With Vinegar and Oil it is good for the Frenzy and Lethargy. The Leaves used in a fume, and also strewed, drive away Serpents; and being laid on cure their bitings: Also strewed in the bed or carried about near the skin, it causeth chasteness: The seeds laid on with water doth heal the cliffs of the fundament. The hurtful quality. It troubleth the head and bringeth pain thereof, especially when it is green. The Dose. The seed is given from a scruple to a dram. Medicines made thereof. Syrup of Agnus Castus, Trosses of Agnus Castus. CHAP. 68 De Erugine, of Verdigrease. VErdigrease is the rust of Copper or Brass, of a green colour. The Names. It is called in Latin, Aerugo, Aes viride, and Flos aeris; in English, Verdigrease. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the fourth degree. The best kind. The best is that which is greenest, and clean from dross. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The outward use. It is of a sharp corroding quality, stoppeth freting & spreading soars, taketh away superfluous flesh in any Ulcer or Fistula, and eateth out the callous or hard flesh thereof, and is good in Ulcers & sores of the Eyes: mixed with Hony and used, it consumes the fleshiness in the nose called Polypus, and helps the Disease in the fundament called a Fig. It cures Cankers and sores in the mouth being used with Hony and Plantain water for a Gargarism. It is thought Achilles first used this Medicine in the cure of Telephus: and therefore Achilles is commonly painted, scraping off the rust of his Sphere head, with his Sword, into the wound of the said Telephus. It is a drying astringent, and corrosive Medicine. It cures Kibes in cattles, being mixed with Soap or Hogs-greace. Pliny. Nat. Hist. lib. 25. cap. 5. fo. 216. A water against Ulcers of the Privities. Take of Rain water four pints, of white Candy half a pound; Boil them a little, then add of Verdy-grease in powder two ounces, and keep it to use. An Ointment for the same. Take of white Camphor ointment four ounces, of Aloes an ounce, Alum a dram and a half, Verdigrease a dram, Oil of Roses one ounce, Tutty three drams, Camphon six grains; let those things that are to be powdered be made in powder, and make all into an Ointment. The hurtful quality. It is a sharp, corroding and burning Medicine, therefore there must be care in the use of it. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Vnguentum viride. Vnguentum Apostolorum. Vnguentum Aegyptiacum Greene Treat. Tinctura viridis, etc. CHAP. 69. De Allio, of Garlic. The Names. IT is called in Latin Allium, in Egnlish Garlic, and poor man's Treacle. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the fourth degree, and raiseth Blisters being applied to the Skin. The Duration. It will keep a year, or longer, being taken up dry. The inward use. Garlick being eaten, heateth the Body, maketh thin thick and gross humours; cutteth such as are tough and clammy, digesteth and consumeth them; also openeth obstructions or stops, and is an enemy to cold poisons, and to the biting of venomous Beasts, and therefore is by Galen and others rightly called, The Countryman's Treacle. It taketh away the roughness of the throat, helpeth an old Chugh, provoketh Urine, killeth Worms, expelleth Wind, helpeth the Colic, cures the Dropsy proceeding from a cold cause, provoketh the courses in women, and stirreth up Venus or Lust, but drieth the seed of Generation, and is most excellent for a cold and moist stomach and to stir up natural heat; Zacutus Lucitanus, de Prax. Med. Admire. lib. 2. Obser. 11. relates of an old man, who in the winter season, lying in the cold some time, had the innate or natural heat of his stomach almost gone, and his appetite even lost and decayed, who after many hot Medicines used, yet all in vain, at length he was cured with Garlic and Hony. It is a good Preservative against the contagious and pestilent air. A Decoction thereof made with Origan and Wine, being drunk, killeth Worms, Lice, and Nits. It is profitable against the biting of a mad Dog, and for such as are inclined to the Palsy, for shortness of breath, and to dry up Rheum, and also for the cold Headache. It is commended against the Consumption of the Lungs, pissing of blood, and for such as cannot hold their water: The distilled water is good for the same Diseases, and for the Quinsey. The milk wherein Garlic hath been boiled, is good for worms in Children. Give two ounces of the water Morning and Evening for a week if need be. The outward use. The Decoction thereof used for a Bath or Fume to sit over, brings down the flowers, and afterbirth. It cureth the bitings of mad Dogs, or the biting of any other venomous creature, being bruised with Rue and applied. It taketh away the Morphew, Tetters, and cures scabbed heads in Children, dandruff and Scurf, tempered with Hony, and the parts anointed therewith. The juice killeth Lice and Nits if the head be anointed therewith. The ashes of Garlic being strewed in Ulcers cureth them. The smell of Garlic driveth away venomous creatures, and applied with Figs and Cummin it cures the bitings of the Mouse called a Shrew. A clove of Garlic put into a hollow tooth that acheth easeth the pain thereof, or stamp it with Safforn and Pepper, and hold it between the teeth; being bruised and applied to the throat, it helpeth the Quinsy and swelling thereof: it helpeth the Gout being stamped with Houseleek and applied: The juice mixed with Safforn and Goose-grease cures the noise of the ears, being put therein. Garlic burned and the ashes mingled with Hony, and laid to black and blue marks, after bruises, taketh them away, and helpeth wild fire and Scabs, being bruised and applied. They usually cure the Pip in poultry with Garlic. Against the Cough in Children. Take one ounce of Hog's grease, and half an ounce of Garlic, bruise it, and mix them together, lay it to the soles of the feet at night warm. The hurtful quality. Garlic (especially eaten raw) maketh the eyes dim, offendeth the head, hurteth the stomach over liberally taken, causeth thirst, hurteth the Kidneys, heateth and burneth the blood, yieldeth no nourishment to the body, and is hurtful to Young men, and to such as are hot and choleric, and in hot seasons; and hurteth Women with Child and such as give suck, it is only good for such as are cold and moist, and abound with Phlegmatic, gross and tough humours, for old persons and in cold seasons. The best way is to boil it throughly, and to eat it with Oil, Vinegar, or such like. Of such things as are made thereoof. The distilled water of Garlic. The electuary of Garlic which is made thus, Take of Garlic four or five cloves, bruise it well with two or three drams of Honey, and as much Mithridate, then add of Parmacitty, Juniper berries of each a scruple, Castor two scruples, Pellitory of the wall in powder a scruple, with Oximell Squillitick make in Electuary, and give of it Morning and Evening as much as a Nut. It is excellent in the Colic and against wind. Whether Garlic and Onions be convenient in the Pestilence? Concerning Garlic and Onions, there is some question whether they be convenient and profitable in the Pestilence? Galen. 1. de Differ. Feb. cap. 1. among food of ill juice and nourishment doth mention Garlick and Onions, and many other Physicians do forbid the use of them, because they increase hot humours, whereby a Fever is soon bred. But Galen also saith that Garlic is the Countryman's Treacle, and doth commend it against the biting of a mad Dog, and other venomous creatures. But this may soon be decided thus, If we say that Garlic and Onions are profitable and useful, not as aliment or food, but as a Medicine; For as it is certain that it yields no good nourishment, so it is as certain that it is excellent against Venom and Poison, being used in a small quantity (as before is showed) and very useful in the Pestilence. CHAP. 70. De Allumine, of Alum. The Names and kinds. IT is called in Latin, Allumen, or Salfugo Terrae, Antonius Musa mentions four sorts of Alum, Exam. Terrarum, Fol. 459. Schroderus writes of five sorts, Schroder. Pharm. Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 24. fol. 143. But we have but two sorts ordinarily among us, Roch Alum, and common Alum; true Roch Alum is rare and hard to be got. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third or fourth degree. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The best kind. The best is that which is clearest, white and pure, and is brought out of Egypt. The inward use. Pliny saith, it is taken in Pills, for the stops and hardness of the Spleen, driveth away the Itch, and bringeth forth corrupt blood by urine. The vulgar use to make Possets of it, as thus, to take a pint of milk, and a piece of Alum as big as a Walnut, and boil it; then take off the curd, and drink of the clearest a good draught, before the fit of an Ague. The outward use. It is astringent or binding, yet cleansing, and is good in putrified Ulcers, takes away proud flesh, cureth the Itch, and Scab, cleareth the Sight, and is useful in lotions for the mouth, throat, or elsewhere; mixed with a little Vinegar it cleanseth the Gums, rotten Teeth, and fasteneth lose Teeth, being washed therewith. It stauncheth blood, and used with Vinegar into any place where the hair hath been plucked up, it causeth that which cometh again to be but soft and in manner of a down. With the juice of Pomegranate it is good for the infirmities of the ears, and amends the fleshiness growing about the Nails, and helpeth Kibes. Mixed with the juice of Beets it cleanseth the Leprosy. Boiled in water and used, it kills Nits, Lice, and such venom breeding in the head, and cures the dandruff. In a Glister it is very good for the Bloody-flix. Alum in Powder is chief used, to take away spongious Flesh, to dry up Ulcers, and to procure a Cicatrize. A Water against filthy eating Ulcers. Take of Plantain and red Rose water of each half a pound, Alum two ounces, Sugar one ounce; boil them together to the melting of the Sugar and Alum, then reserve it to use. A Water against the ill smell of the Armholes and Feet. Take of Alum one pound; Boil it in about a gallon of Water, and wash the parts therewith. Of such things as are made thereof. Alum. Spirit of Alum. Magister of Alum, etc. Alum water Magistral. CHAP. 71. De Althaea, of Marshmallows. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Althaeae, & Bismalra, because it is twice as good in effect, as the other sorts are, in English Marsh-Mallow, Morish-Mallow, and White- Mallow, from the colour of the leaves. The Temperament. It is moderately hot, but drier than the other Mallows; and of a mollifying and softening Nature: the roots and seeds are more dry and of thinner parts. The Duration. The leaves will keep a year, the roots longer. The inward use. The roots are in the most use; A decoction thereof doth ease the gripe of the Belly, bringeth away Gravel and the Stone, easeth such as are short wound, and is good in all diseases of the Breast and Lungs, as Coughs, hoarseness of the Throat and Voice, Pleurisy and such like: The roots and seeds boiled in wine or water, is useful for them that have any Excorations or frettings in the guts, or Bloudy-flix, and this it doth by qualifying the sharp Choleric humours that are cause thereof, and by the sliminess easing the pains and healing the soreness, and in some sort stayeth the further eruption of blood. It: it profitably taken of them that are troubled with Ruptures, Sciatica, Cramps, or Convulsion of the Sinews. The dried roots boiled in milk and drunk, are good for the chincough. The roots boiled in wine are good for such as have fallen and bruised themselves, and for those that have any bone or member out of joint, and for such as have any swelling, pain or Ache in the Muscles, Sinews, or Arteries of the Body, and cures such as are stung with Bees or the like. The distilled water is good for the aforesaid purposes. The syrup of Marsh-Mallow is chief used for the Colic, Stone or Gravel, in Blader or Kidneys; the Dose is a spoonful or two in Posset drink, or with Wine, in a morning. The manner of Administering it. Both leaves, seeds and roots, are used in decoction. A decoction provoking urine. Take of Marsh-Mallow root half an ounce, Liquorish two drams, Fennell root, and Parsely root, and Kneeholme of each one ounce, Parsely seed, and Gromell seed, of each two drams; Bruise them all and boil them in a sufficient quantity of Water or Posset drink, strain it, and add Sugar to it; Drink a good draught thereof Morning and Evening warm. The outward use. The leaves or roots are effectual in decoctions for Glisters, to ease pain and griping of the Belly, whereby the Stone may descend out of the Kidneys or Bladder more easily; boiled in Wine and applied, they help Impostumes of the Throat, the King's Evil, and those Kernels behind the Ears, as also inflammations, or swelling in women's breasts. The muccilage of the roots, and of linseed and Fenegreek put together, is much used in Poultices, Ointments and Plasters, that serve to mollify and digest all hard tumors and inflammations, and to ease pains in any part of the body: the seeds green or dry, mixed with Vinegar cleanseth the Skin of the Morphew, and all other discoloring thereof what ever. The root boiled in Vinegar, easeth the Toothache, being holden in the mouth. The leaves laid to with Oil, help burn and scaldings, and are good against the bitings of men and Dogs, and against the stinging of Bees and Wasps. Ointment of Marsh mallows doth mollify, heat and moisten, and is very useful in the Pleurisy, in pains of the breast and side. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled Water. The Muccilage. Syrup of Marshmallows. Ointment of Marshmallows, simple and compound. CHAP. 72. De Ambare griseo, of Ambergrise. THere are divers opinions concerning Ambergrise, but the most likely and probable opinion is, that it is a kind of Butumen, whose springs are in the Rocks of the Sea condensate, or thickened into the form and substance usually observed, having that oiliness which is in it from its own Original, and being light is carried by the Waves of the Sea, unto the shores of sundry Countries and Climates. Renod. Dispens. lib. 2. Sect. 1. c. 10. fol. 559. Fragos. Hist. Med. Ind. de gum. Concrete. cap. 2. fol. 89. Gruling. Flrorileg. fol. 289. The Names. It is in Latin called Ambra, Ambragrisea, and Ambergrysea; in English, Ambergrese, and Ambergrise. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The best kind. The best is not very white, but dry, and grayish more or less, sometimes with spots or veins, and sometimes without. Oily, especially being pricked with a pin or needle, not ponderous but light, and of a good sent. The black is to be rejected, so is that which is very white. The Duration. It will keep good many years being kept close: The outward use. It warmeth, resolveth, and strengtheneth, what way soever it be taken. It comforteth the brain, warmeth and resolveth the cold defluxions of humours thereon, and on the nerves: it doth likewise comfort and strengthen the memory, revive the heart and spirits, helpeth barrenness proceeding from a cold cause: It is effectual against all weakness of the body and joints, helpeth weakness of the stomach and loathing of meat. It doth most conveniently agree with aged persons and moist bodies, to warm, comfort, and strengthen their cold decayed spirits, adding rigour and lustiness to them, and is accounted helpful to stir up Venus or Lust. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in Powder, Electuary, or Pills, The outward use. It easeth the pain of the head, being dissolved in a warm mortar, and mixed with a little Ointment of Orange flowers, the Temples and forehead being anointed therewith. It helpeth fits of the Mother, being applied to the place, and abateth the fits of the Falling-sickness, being often smelled to, and also recreates the Heart, and both Vital and Animal spirits being held often to the Nostrils. The hurtful quality. It is not safe for women to smell to it, that have fits of the Mother, or have weak brains, nor is it good for very hot and dry Bodies. The Dose. The Dose is from two grains, to four or five in any convenient Liquor. Of such things as are made thereof. Species Diambrae. Essence of Amber. Poma Ambrae. CHAP. 73. De Anetho, of Dill. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Anethum, and Anetum, in English, Dill and Anet. The Temperament. It is hot in the third degree, and dry in the second, especial being green, but being dried, it is hot and dry in the third degree. The Duration. It will keep good a year, the seed longer. The inward use. The decoction of the herb and seeds provoketh urine, expelleth wind, easeth pains and swell in the body, stayeth vomiting and the Hickops extinguisheth Venery or Lust, for it mightily expelleth wind, and drieth up the natural sperm, and is very effectual in the Colic, and griping pains. It is accounted by most writers good to breed milk, but truly I rather think it drieth up the milk in women's breasts. The seeds are good to digest raw, and viscous, or tough humours in the Body. If two drams of the seeds be boiled in White-wine and drunk, it comforts the womb, helps the windiness of the Mother, provokes the courses, and expels the afterbirth. The seeds are most in use. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in Decoction. A Decoction against wind in the Belly or Stomach. Take Stachados, Camomile flowers, Rue and Melilot flowers of each half a handful, aniseed, Carraway-seede, Fennell-seede, Dill-seede, and Bay-berries of each three drams; Bruise the seeds and make a Decoction in four pints or less, boil it to the Consumption of about half, strain it, and give thereof a good draught, Morning and Evening with Sugar. The outward use. It stayeth the Hickocks, being boiled in Wine, and but smelled unto, tied in a cloth. The Decoction helpeth the rising of the Mother, if women sit therein, or receive the fume thereof. The seed being toasted or fried, and used in Oils or Plasters, dissolveth the Apostumes in the fundament, and drieth up all the moist Ulcers especially in the secret parts. Oil wherein Dill seed, or Dill hath been boiled procureth sleep; and is effectual to warm, to resolve humours and Impostumes, or hard Tumours, and to ease pain. The hurtful quality. It dulleth the sight being often taken, and extinguisheth Venery or Lust, and is hurtful for hot and dry bodies. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled water. Oil of Dill seed Chemical: Oil by insolation, or infusion, and setting in the Sun. CHAP. 74. De Angelica, of Angelica. The Names. IT is called in Latin Angelica, from the Angellick properties thereof, in English also Angelica. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second or third degree. The Duration. It will keep pood a year, the root and seeds will keep longer. The inward use. The roots and leaves are most excellent against Poison and Venom, and against the infection of the Plague and Pestilence, by defending the Heart, the blood and Spirits, and giveth heat and comfort to them. If half a dram of the root in Powder be given in Carduus water, and the party laid to sweat thereupon in their bed, it is effectual as aforesaid and provoketh sweat. The stalks or roots Candid and eaten fasting, are good helps also in times of infection, and at other times to be warm and comfort a cold stomach. The decoction thereof being drunk before the fit of an Ague, so that they sweat before the fit come, will in twice or thrice taking rid it quite away: it helpeth also digestion in the Stomach, and is a good remedy for a Surfeit: It helpeth the Colic, the Strangury, and stops of the Urine, procureth women's courses, and expelleth the afterbirth, easeth and discusseth all inward tumors and windiness: it openeth the stops of the Liver and Spleen, cureth the bitings of mad Dogs, and all other venomous creatures. The root taken dry or in any other drink, will abate the rage of Lust in young p●rsons. The root being used green, helpeth such as be short breathed, and be troubled with stuff in their Stomach. The root also steeped in Vinegar, and a little of the same taken fasting, is a good preservative in time of contagion. The decoction taken helpeth inward bruises and congealed blood, and strengtheneth the Stomach, and is effectual for the suffocation of the Mother. The distilled water is good for the aforesaid Diseases, especially if the roots and leaves be steeped in wine, and distilled in a glass: The Dose is two or three spoonfuls at a time, and doth much ease cold or gripe that come of cold or wind, so as the body be not bound: The said water taken, with a scruple of the root in powder, helpeth the Pleurisy being taken at the beginning, as also all other diseases of the Lungs and breast, as Coughs, shortness of the breath and such like. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Decoction, in powder Electuary, Potion, etc. In Decoction. Take of the leaves of Angelica a handful, of Angelica roots two drams; boil them in a pint and a half of water, or Posset drink, to a pint, strain it, and give a good draught thereof, Morning and Evening. A Potion against the Pestilence. Take of Angellica root in powder, of London Treacle of each a dram, Angellica water three ounces, wine Vinegar half an ounce, mix them together, take it and sweat upon it. A Potion against faintness of the heart. Take of Angellica root in powder thirty grains, Angelica water one ounce, Cinnamon water a spoonful, mix them together, and give it divers times, if need require. The outward use. The juice or the water dropped into the eyes cleareth them, & takes away films or skins therein, and helpeth deafness if dropped into the ears: the juice put into hollow teeth easeth the pain. The roots in powder made up with a little Pitch into a Plaster, and laid on the biting of a mad Dog, or any other venomous creature, doth wonderfully help them: the juice or the water dropped, or tents wet therein, and put into old and filthy deep ulcers, or the powder of the root in want of the other, doth cleanse them and cause them to heal quickly by covering the naked bones with flesh: The distilled water applied to places pained with the Gout or Sciatica, doth give a great deal of ease. The root smelled to or held in the Mouth, is a good preservative in the times of contagion. The Dose. The root or leaves are given in powder from half a dram to a dram. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled water. The juice. The extract thereof. The Stalks and roots candied. Oil. Balsam of Angelica. CHAP. 75. De Antimonio, of Antimony or Stibium. The Names. IT is called in Latin Antimonium, Antimonium Hyacinthinum, vitrem Antimonii, Stibium, and Sti●●mi; in English, Antimony and glass of Antimony. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree. The best kind. The best is the clearest glass, without dross or earthy substance, and of a red colour and brittle, or easy to break. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. Antimony is a strong Medicine and worketh strongly both by Vomit and Stool; It is profitable in old pains of the head, Catarrhs or R●umes, pains of the Stomach arising from Malignant humours, in the Dropsey, Greensickness, shortness of breath, Palsy, Falling-sickness, in the Tertian or Quartain Ague, in the French-pox, Melancholy and madness, in stops of the Liver and Spleen, in the Leprosy, Elephansy, Scab, Itch, and foul Diseases of the skin; It is most excellent in the Pestilence especially at the beginning. The manner of administering it. It is given in Substance or by Infusion. In Substance. Take of Stibium or glass of Antimony in fine powder three or four grains, of Sugar in powder two drams or half an ounce, mix them together and take it in a Morning fasting with Physical observation. Or thus, Take of Stibium in fine powder three grains, Sugar of Roses two drams, or as much conserve of red Roses, mix them togther and take it as before. A Bowl good in the Dropsey. Take of Antimony in very fine Powder three grains, London Treacle a dram, conserve of red Roses two drams, being well mixed take it as before. In Pills. Take of Antimony in Powder three grains, Pilula Alephanginae a scruple, make Pills, and cover them with leaf Gold; Sed fraus honesta latet. By Infusion. Take of Stibium in powder three or four grains, white wine four ounces, let them stand all night, in the Morning pour off the clearest, and give it. The outward use. Stibium is used in Medicines to clear the sight, and against Ulcers & Festulas thereof, or also to take away proud flesh in sores, and procureth a cicatrice in Ulcers. Being mixed with soap & used, it helpeth to cure Cankers and the fleshiness growing in the Nostrils. Pliny saith, t stoppeth the bleeding of any fresh wound being strewed therein, and singular to heal the bitings of Dogs; but this I conceive is spoken of crude Antimony. Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. A water to take away spots in the eyes, and to dry up superfluous moisture. Take of clear Antimony in powder ten grains, red Rose water three ounces, mix them together, and let them stand four and twenty hours, then drop four or five drops of the clearest into the eyes, twice in a day. The hurtful quality. Stibium is a strong and violent Medicine, and brings Convulsions, Cramps, Faintings of the Spirits, and many times sudden death, therefore take these cautions. Cautions in the use of Antimony. Give it only to strong and able bodies. Let it not be given where the body is much bound, till a glister hath been administered. Give it not to women with child, nor to weak persons, nor to any that are in a Consumption, or to such as spit blood or have bad Lungs. Give it not to any immediately before or presently after bleeding. When any do take it let them keep their beds while it works, and take warm Posset drink, having a care they take no cold. Fabricius mentions two Matrons, that after the taking of Antimony, the one lost her hearing, and the other became foolish. Cent. 5. Obser. 12. If an● desire to know more of the nature of Antimony, let them read these following Authors, Matthiol. in lib. 5. Diascor. cap. 59 f. 837. 838. Massar. lib. 7. de Med. Purg. cap. 30. fol. 485. 486. Schroder. Pharmacop., Med. Chym. lib. 3. cap. 17. fol. 42. 43. 44. etc. Freitag. Aur. Med. lib. 4. cap. 15. fol. 616. 617. 618. etc. Basil. Antimon. Ham. Poppii Printed, 1618. Crol. Basil. Chym. Printed, 1631. fol. 211. 212. 313. etc. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Hepar Antimonii, or Liver of Antimony. Flowers of Antimony. Antimony diaphoretic, Regulus Antimonii. Oil of Antimony. L quor of Antimony. Tinctura. Salt. Spirit of Antimony, with many others. The Dose. The Dose is from three grains to five or six. CHAP. 76. De Aniso, of Anise-seed. The names. IT is called in Latin, Anisum, in English, Anise and Anise-seed. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree, or hot in the second degree and dry in the first. The Duration. It will keep good two or three years, but the newer it is, the better operation it hath. The inward use. The seed often taken, helpeth a stinking breath, and to break wind in any part of the body, be it the Head, Stomach, Spleen, Bowels or Mother, and to provoke Urine and sleep to them that want it: they help Nurses to store of milk for their Children, to eat the seeds comfited, or Anise-seed comfits fasting and last at night, and is very good for teeming women, or with child: they help those that are short wound, or have a Consumption, to take the Decoction of them with Figs, Liquorish, etc. They help to expectorat phlegm in them that have a Cough, or straightness in the breasts, and is very conducible to the Stomach, and being boiled in wine and taken, it helpeth the stops of the Liver, and the Dropsey that cometh thereby. The same stayeth the Hickock and helpeth Digestion. It stirreth up bodily Lust, and boiled in wine it is good against all poison, and biting of all venomous beasts. It avails in Children that have the Falling-sickness, being taken. The chemical Oil taken in broth or wine three or four drops at a time, doth help the giddiness of the Head, the straightness and pains in the breast and stomach, or the crudities and belchings therein, the much desire to cast, and the rising of the Mother, as also all other griefs and pains inwardly that rise of cold or wind. The Quintessence gives ease to those that are Frantic, or distempered in their brains, and for such as are troubled with the Falling-sickness, or have the Cramp or Convulsion. A Decoction of Aniseed is excellent in the Colic, and easeth the Cough. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder in decoction, or the seeds are eaten whole. A Decoction against the Colic, and wind in the Belly or Stomach. Take of Anisse four ounces, Liquorish two ounces, boil them in three or four pints of water, strain it and drink thereof a good draught at any time. The outward use. If Anise either green or dry be beaten and laid to their Eyes, that have any hurtful thing fallen into them, it will soon draw it forth, and likewise take away the venom of any hurt by the biting of venomous creatures, and healeth them quickly: the seeds boiled in Oil of Roses, and dropped warm into the Ears, easeth the pain and noise in them: the seeds bruised and mixed with Storax, and the fumes thereof taken, being cast on quick coals, will soon ease the continual Headache. Being boiled with Hyssop, and a little Vinegar and Honey added thereto, it helpeth the Quinsey, if the throat be gargled therewith. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water of the herb and seed. Confections of Anisseede, Laxative, both simple and compound. Anisseede comfits. Oil of Annisseed and Quintessence thereof. Salt of Anisseede. Species Dranisu. Anisseede water hot. CHAP. 77. De Argento vivo, of Quicksilver. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Argentum vivum, from its agility and moving nature, also Hydrargyrum, that is, watery Silver, in English, Quicksilver, or Life-silver, but Pliny saith, it might be called Death-silver, because it is the death of so many. Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 33. cap. 6. fol. 473. The Temperament. Some will have it hot and moist in the fourth degree, others say its cold and moist, others say it is of a mixed quality, partly hot and partly cold. The Duration. It will keep many years. The inward use. Some commend this to be given inwardly for worms and against the Colic, for by the weight thereof the gut is unfolded, and the Excrements and worms are brought away. Paraus relates of a Gentleman that when he could not be freed from the pain of the Colic by any means prscribed by a learned Physician, at length by the Counsel of a certain German his friend, drank three ounces of Oil of sweet Almonds drawn without fire, and mixed with some White-wine, and Pellitory water, and swallowed a leaden bullet besmeared with Quicksilver, and that bullet coming presently out by his fundament, he was wholly freed from his Colic. Par. l. 17. cap 58. fol. 441. But this must be only done in desperate cases, and in strong Bodies, for the outward use is dangerous, and must be done with great caution. Others give it to women against hard labours, and to facilitate or hasten the birth, and to bring away the secundine or afterbirth,; Paraeus Book 21. Chap. 38. and Doctor Primrose in his poular errors, Book 4. Chap. 29. Translated lately into English by Doctor Witty. But this must be only used in desperate cases as is before showed. The outward use. It is chief in use outwardly against the Frence-pox, Itch, Scab, and kills Lice and Nits, dissolves hard nodes or bunches of the joints, and swelling behind the ears; cures also malign Ulcers, penetrateth and Purgeth, for it draws from the centre to the circumference, that is, from the inward parts to the outward. An Ointment against the Itch. Take Quicksilver killed with oil of Bays one ounce, Hog's grease twelve ounces, oil of Turpentine one ounce, red Bowl in powder half an ounce, the yolkes of four Egs. Let the yolkes of Eggs be roasted very hard, and beaten well with the oil of Turpentine, then add the rest, and make an Ointment. Let the Body be anointed with it f o divers nights together. Or, Take of Quicksilver killed with Fasting spittle half an ounce, of Stavesacre in powder as much, of Butter or Hog's grease six ounces, or half a pound; beat them well together, and use it as before; this will kill Lice, and cure the Itch. The hurtful quality. Quicksilver is counted by most writers a dangerous Medicine to be given inwardly, because it brings dangerous symptoms, as Cramps, and Convulsions, Lethargy, Apoplexy, Falling-sickness, Tremulations, Stupefaction, Torments in the bowels, and pain of the whole body; suppresseth urine, causeth the body to swell, hurts the Stomach and Belly, causeth vomiting, and brings faintness of the heart: Petrus Forestus de venenis Observat. 8. in Scholia, mentions an Apothecary who in stead of a glass of water (being dry) to quench his thirst, he took a glass of Quicksilver and drunk it up, and died thereof, and being opened, his heart was found congealed, as also his blood about his throat was congealed and frozen. The like happened to an Ape that had Quicksilver given him in beer. Others say it is a safe Medicine, & may be taken inwardly without any danger. In a word, 'tis good, 'tis bad, it cures, it kills, according as 'tis used; therefore I advise the vulgar not to meddle too much with it, for it hath mastered mighty Giants, and fooled the best Artists. See Fabric. Observat. Chin. Cent. 5. Observat. 13. Revodaum de Mat. Med. lib. 2. cap. 15. fol 606. 607. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Vnguentum Neapolitanum. Vnguentum Enulatum cum mercurio. Vnguentum Catapsoras, etc. CHAP. 78. De Artemisia, of Mugwort. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Artemisia, from the Queen Artemisia, the wife of Mansolus' King of Caria, being good for women's Diseases; in English, Mugwort. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. The leaves are most in use; The decoction whereof made with water or wine, and drunk, provoketh the courses, bringeth away the birth and afterbirth, and helpeth the inflammation and stops of the Mother, as also the stopping of the urine, and is a good help against barrenness in women. It helpeth the stops of the Liver and Spleen from a cold cause, and against the Jaundice, being boiled with centory and taken. Two or three drams of the leaves in powder taken in wine, helps the Sciatica. The juice taken helpeth the bitings of a mad Dog. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Powder or Decoction. In Decoction. Take a handful of Mugwort and boil it in a pint and a half of water, or White-wine to a pint, Strain it, add Sugar thereto, and drink a quarter of a pint of it Morning and Evening warm. The outward use. A Decoction thereof being set over, doth bring down the courses, expel the birth and afterbirth, helps pains and stops of the Mother: the juice thereof made up with myrrh, and put under as a Pessary, worketh the same effect, and so doth the root also; being made up with Hog's grease into an ointment, it taketh away Wens, and hard knots, and kernels that grow about the Neck and Throat, as also to ease the pains about the neck, and that with more effect if some field Daisies be put with it: The herb or the juice taken is a good remedy upon the overmuch taking of Opium. A decoction thereof made with Camomile, Agrimony and Sage, and the place bathe therewith warm, taketh away the pains of the Sinews and Cramp. A Fomentation against the arthritical Gout. Take of Get, or Nigella, and Mugwort, of each four handfuls, boil them in Sea water to tenderness, and let the parts affected be bathed therewith warm. The hurtful quality. It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given from half a dram to two drams, in powder. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Syrup of Mugwort [excellent to bring down the courses if a spoonful thereof be taken Morning and Evening.] The distilled water. Salt of Mugwort. CHAP. 79. De Betis, of Beets. The Names and kinds. THere are divers kinds of Beets, and but two sorts are more generally known, the white and red Beete, the white is called Beta alba, and the red Beta rubra. The Temperament. The white are temperate in heat and moisture, but the others are dry and abstersive: they have also a nitrous quality whereby they provoke to stool. The inward use. The white being boiled in broth doth loosen the belly and provoketh to stool, but nourisheth little or nothing. The juice of the white Beets cleanseth and provoketh urine, openeth the stopping of the Liver and Spleen, and is good for the Headache, the swimming therein, and is effectual against all venomous creatures. The red stayeth the Bloody-flixe, women's courses, and the whites, and helps the yellow Jaundice. The manner of Administering it. It is chief boiled in broth or in decoction. The outward use. The decoction of Beets is used in Glisters to loosen the belly. The juice put up into the Nostrils, doth draw forth phlegm, purgeth the head and helpeth the noise in the Ears: the same applied upon the Temples stayeth the inflammation in the Eyes, and helpeth burning being used with Salad Oil, and if a little Alum be put into it, it is good for Wild fire: the same is good for all Weals, Pushes, and other Blisters and Blanes in the Skin: the herb boiled and laid upon Chilblains on the hands, or Kibes on the heels, helpeth them: it healeth the Itch if the place be bathed with the decoction of the herb in water and some Vinegar; the same doth cleanse the head also of dandruff, Scurf and dry Scabs, and doth much good for fretting and running sores, Ulcers, Cankers in the head, legs or other parts. It is much commended against baldness and shedding of the hair. The root anointed with Oil, and put up as a Suppositary into the fundament, doth provoke to stool, and soften the Belly. The juice of Beete killeth Lice if the place be rubbed therewith. The hurtful quality. Beets offend the Stomach, and breed ill humours in the body. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled water. The juice. CHAP. 80. De Betonica, of Betony. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Betonica, and Vetonica, from people in Spain called Vettones, as Pliny saith: in English Betony and wood Betony. Pliny Nat. Hist. lib. 24. cap. 8. fol. 224. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. It is singular against all pains of the head proceeding from cold, helpeth those that have weak Stomaches, and loath their meat, as also the Jaundes, Falling-sickness, Palsy, Convulsions or Cramps, the Gout, and those that are inclining to the Dropsey: the powder mixed with pure Honey avails for Coughs or colds, wheesing and shortness of breath, distillations of thin Rheum from the Lungs, which causeth Consumptions. The decoction made with Mede and a little pennyroyal, is good for those that are troubled with rotten Agues of any kind arising from the Stomach; and to draw down and evacuate the blood and humours that by falling into the eyes do hinder the sight: the decoction thereof made in wine and taken, killeth worms in the Belly, is good to open stops of the Liver and Spleen, and for stitches or other pains in the sides or back, the gripe of the bowels, and the wind Colic, and with Honey helpeth to purge the belly: the same helpeth to bring down women's courses, and is useful for those that are troubled with the falling down and pains of the Mother, & to cause an easy & speedy delivery for those that are in travail, and helpeth to break and expel the Stone in the Kidneys or Bladder, it is commended against biting of venomous Serpents, and mad Dogs, and hinders drunkenness being taken before hand, and quickly expels it afterwards: it helps such as piss Blood or are bruised by falls, and those that are bursten, and have a Rupture, as also for those that have the Sciatica, and have any inward wounds. The Roots have not the same virtue, but provoke vomit being taken. The manner of administering it. It is given in Powder, Electuary, or Decoction. A Decoction thereof is made, as is before showed in the Chapter of Mugwort. The outward use. The Decoction with Wine Gargled easeth the Toothache. The green Herb bruised, or the Juice applied to any green wound in the Head or Body will soon heal it, and close it up, as also to any V●ines or Sinews that are cut, and will also draw forth any broken Bone, or any Splinter, Thorn or such like gotten into the Flesh: it is no less profitable for old filthy Sores and Ulcers, yea though they be Fistulous and hollow; but some do advise to put a little Salt thereto for this purpose: being applied with a little Hogs-lard, it helpeth a Plague Sore, and other Biles, and Pushes: the Fumes of the Decoction while it is warm received by a Funnel into the Ears easeth the pains of them, destroyeth Worms, and cureth the running Sores in them: the juice dropped into them doth the same likewise. The Leaves bruised and applied cureth the bitings of mad-dogs and of venomous Creatures, and stoppeth bleeding at the Mouth or Nose. A cerot against wounds of the Head. Take of Betony in powder an Ounce, Turpentine, Rosin, yellow wax of each half an Ounce, Mastic and Francumsence of each half an Ounce, Mummy three drams, make all into a cerot, and keep it for your use. The hurtful quality. It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies, the roots provoke to vomit, and causeth loathing and belchings of the stomach. The Dose. The leaves in powder are given from half a dram to a dram. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water. Conserve of the flowers. Syrup of Betony, both simple and compound. Plaster of Betony. Salt of Betony. CHAP. 81. De lapide Bezaar, of the Bezoar Stone. The Names and Kinds. BEzar-stone is taken out of a Beast like a Hart or Goat. It is called Bezoar. from Paser, which signifieth a Goat. Or it is called Belzaar, from B●l, dominus, a Lord, and zaar, venenum, Poison, the Lord of poison, as being good against venom and poison. There are two sorts, the E●st and th● West, the East is called Bezoar orientalis, and the West Bezoar occidentalis: the East is most in use. The best kind. There is much written by Authors concerning the best choice of these stones, bu● I shall only say thus much, that the best is that which you fi●de, by experience, to be most eff ctuall, for I dare say there is scarce one good stone among forty to be found. The temperament. They are hot in the first or second degree, some say temperate, others cold. The duration. These stones will keep many years. The inward use. It is useful in the swimming of the Head, Falling sickness, Jaundes, Colic, Dis●ntery or Flux of the Belly; also against Worms, the Stone, the Courses stopped, and hard labours of Women; but especially it is used against poison and venom, the P stilence and P stilentiall Fevers, in the small Pox and M●asells, and in many other Diseases, to provoke Sweat, and thereby to expel ill vapours from the Heart and vital spirits, and for Swooning, and against Melancholy also, and the Diseases that arise from thence, and to preserve strength and youth. Monardus doth commend it in the Pleurisy, and saith it doth much profit such as have taken Arsenic▪ or such like corrasives. Thonerus in lib. 3. obscurat. 5. f. 186. 187. he cured a Maid forty years old, of the Mother fits, by giving her six grains of Bezoar in Balme-water. It doth not always provoke Sweat. The manner of Administering it. It is chief given in powder. The outward Use. The powder put on the place that is bitten by any venomous Creature doth free them from danger of death, and likewise put into a Plaguesore that is opened it doth the like. The Dose. I conceive there are two chief causes, why Bezar-stone doth not work and effect, according to expectation; the one is because we seldom get the right B zar; the other is, because people take too small a Dose thereof, for the ordinary Dose of the E●st B zar is not above five or six Grains at the most, nay the vulgar rarely give above two or three Grains thereof. Whereas we may safely give of it from three grains to ten or twelve, yea to twenty. Zacutus Lucitanus de pr. med ad mir lib. 3. obs. 86. relates of a Woman that fell into a malignant F●ver with dangerous symptoms, who in three days brought upwards three score and two Worms, having B●zar given her in a small quantity; but after the taking of a dram of B●zar at once she soon recovered, although before sh●e was very dangerous. If any desire to read more of the B●zar-stone, let them read Monardus in English of the Bezar-stone, and the Herb Escuerconera, printed, 1580. Also Doctor Primrose of errors, troth slated by D ctor Witty into Engl●sh lately. And Paeraeus in English, book 21. Chapter 38. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Pulvis Beroardicus. Pulvis è ch lis cancrorum compositus, or Gascons powder. Pulvis cardiacus magistralis. CHAP. 82. De bolo Armenio, of Bolarmoniacke. The Names and temperature. IT is called in Latin Bolus Armenius, and Bolus Armenia, and that because the best comes from Armenia: in English Bolearmoniack, and Bole-armeny, or red Bole. It is cold and dry in the first degree. The best sort. The best is firm and close, without gravel or stone, heavy, and for the most part wholly of one colour. without discolouring parts, and being put to the tongue it cleaveth very fast. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It is drying astringent and strengthening; therefore it is useful in any Flux of the belly, in women's Fluxes, whether white or red, in Rheums and Catarrhs, in spitting of blood, bleeding of the nose or any inward bleeding: it thickneth humours, resisteth putrefaction, and is excellent in all contagious diseases of the Pestilence, Smallpox, Measells, and against poison and venom. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder, or in Electuary. The outward use. It stoppeth the bleeding of the nose, or the bleeding of any wound, helpeth Ulcers of the mouth, consolidateth broken bones, and is much used in binding Poultices and astringent powders. Against bleeding of the nose. Take Bole Armoniac in powder an ounce, red Rosewater four ounces, Vinegar of Roses one ounce and a half, mix them well together, and wet clothes therein and apply it cold into the forehead. The Dose. The dose is from half a dram to a dram in Plantain water, or such like. Of Medicines made thereof. Bole Armony washed or prepared. Vnguentum Ophthalmicum. Vnguentum rubrum siccativum, etc. CHAP. 83. De Borragine, of borage. The Names. IT is called in Latin Borrago, and Borago, in English, borage and Borage. The Temperament. It is hot and moist in the first degree. The inward use. The Leaves, Flowers, and Seeds, all of them, or any of them are very cordial and help to expel sadness and melancholy, arising without manifest cause whereof came the saying, Ego Borrago gaudia semper ago; I Borrage bring always Courage. It is good in Pestilential Fevers, and to resist any venom and poison, as also to clarify the blood and to mitigate the heat in Fevers. The Flowers or Seeds breed and increase milk in Nurses. The syrup prevaileth for all the purposes aforesaid, and is put with other cooling, opening and cleansing herbs, to open stops, and to help the yellow Jaundice, to cool and cleanse the blood, and temper the heat and sharpness thereof, especially with Fumitry, and thereby to help the Itch, Ringwormes, or other spreading Scabs or Sores that arise from a dust and sharp humours. The conserve is used to comfort the heart and Spirits, and for such as are weak and in a Consumption. The distilled water is good for the aforesaid Diseases. borage must be used while it is green, for it will not keep dry. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in decoction, juice and syrup. The outward use. The leaves or ashes boiled in water and honey is available against Inflammations and Ulcers in the mouth or throat. The distilled water being applied with a linen cloth dipped therein, helpeth the venom of a Spider or Wasp. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. borage water. Conserve. Syrup of borage. The juice. CHAP. 84. De Calamo Aromatico, of Aromatical reed. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Calamus Aromaticus, and Acorus: in English, Aromatical reed and the sweet smelling flag. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree, and of thin parts. The Duration. Is will keep good two or three years. The inward use. A decoction of this root avails to provoke urine, to ease the pain of the side, to bring down women's courses, to open the stops of the Liver, and Spleen, and Breast; and helpeth Convulsions, gripe, burstings, bruises, and such as piss by drops: It prevails in the Dropsy and against Poison, and is put into Electuaries for such as have raw, and cold humours in their Lungs or chest. Half a scruple thereof in powder, taken in a little beer, doth help the Colic and expel wind. It helpeth the Palsy and swimming of the head. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Decoction, Electuary, and in powder. The outward use. The juice mixed with a little Honey and used, helpeth dryness. The root boiled in wine stamped and applied into the Cod, abates the swelling thereof, and helpeth all hardness and collections of humours in any place. The fume thereof used provokes the courses. The fume thereof also taken by the mouth in a pipe, alone or with dried Turpentine, helpeth Coughs. It maketh a sweet breath being chewed in the Mouth, and is used in perfumes. The Dose. The Dose in powder is half a dram to a dram, in decoction, from a dram to three drams. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distelled water of the root steeped first in wine. The root preserved. The Extract. [A scruple of which being taken helpeth the Colic] El. Diacorum O● e. CHAP. 85. De Calendula, of Marigolds. The Names. IT is called in Latin Calendula, Caliha, Chrysanthemum, and that from the golden Colour of the flowers: in English Marigolds. The Temperament. The flowers are hot in the second degree. The Duration. The flowers will keep good (being dry) a year or two. The inward use. The flowers comfort and strengthen the heart, provoke sweat and the courses, and expelleth the afterbirth, withstandeth poison, and venery, good in Pestilent and contagious Fevers, as also in the Jaundice. The conserve made of the flowers taken Morning and Evening, helpeth the trembling of the heart, and is useful in time of the Plague, or Pestilence and corruption of the air. The distilled water is good for the aforesaid purposes. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in decoction. As, Take a small handful of Marigold flowers, and boil them in a pint and a half of clear Posset drink to a pint, strain it and drink off the clearest. The outward use. The juice helpeth the Toothache being washed therewith, and if warts be rubbed therewith it taketh them away. A fume of the decoction used hot helpeth to expel the secondine or afterbirth. The juice dropped into the ears killeth worms. The water helpeth red and watery eyes, being washed therewith. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled water. Vinegar of the flowers conserve. CHAP. 86. De Chamomilla, of Camomile. The Names. IT is called in Latin Chamomilla, Camomilla, and Chamaemelum, in English, Camomile and Camomile, and that because the flowers have the smell of an Apple or Quince. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the first or second degree, and is of thin parts. The Duration. The herb will keep good a year, and the flowers longer. The inward use. The decoction of Camomile made and drunk, helpeth all pains and Stiches in the side, the Colic, Stone and wind in the Belly or Stomach, and expelleth tough and clammy phlegm, as also cold humours, provoketh sw●at, brings down the courses in women, and provokes urine. It is very profitable for Agues that come of phlegm or melancholy, or from an inflammation of the bowels, and for the Hypochonders; that is, the sides, and that part where the Liver and Spleen lie. It moderately comforteth all parts that have need of warmth, and digesteth and dissolveth whatsoever hath need thereof by a wonderful speedy property. The flowers boiled in Posset drink, provoketh sweat, and helpeth to expel cold Aches, and pains wheresoever. A syrup made of the juice with the flowers, and White-wine, is a good remedy against the Jaundes, and Dropsy, that comets by the evil disposition of the Spleen. A decoction made with White-wine and taken, expelleth the dead Child, and brings away the afterbirth speedily, and cleanseth those parts. The manner of administering it. It is used chief in decoctions. The outward use. It is used in decoctions for Glisters against wind and the Colic. A decoction thereof being used, taketh away weariness and easeth the pains to what part of the body soever it be applied, and comforteth the sinews that are overstrained, mollifieth all swell, and those that are not over hard, and rarefieth or maketh thin those that are bound together. The flowers boiled in lie is good to wash the head, and to comfort both it and the brain. It helpeth pains in the side and Stiches, as also the Colic being applied, and wasteth away raw and undigested humours. The Oil made of the flowers is used against all hard swell, and pains or aches, shrinking of the sinews, or Cramps, or pains in the joints or any other part of the body; and helpeth to dissolve wind and pains in the belly, used in Glisters for that purpose, anointed also, it helpeth Stitches and pains in the side. A Potion to procure rest and sleep. Take Camomile and Marshmallowes of each three handfuls, boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, & let the Patient's Thighs, Legs and Feet be washed therewith, for a quarter of an hour before the time orest. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water. Oil both by distillation and by infusion. Salt. CHAP. 87. De Capillo veneris, of Common Maidenhair. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Capillaris, and Capillus Veneris; in English, Maidenhair and common Maidenhair. The Temperament. It is temperate in heat and coldness, opening and cleansing. The Duration. It will keep good (being dry) a year or longer. The inward use. It is of singular use against the Diseases of the Breast, the Liver and Reins especially: the decoction thereof drunk, helpeth the Cough, shortness of breath, the yellow Jaundice, stops of the Liver and Spleen, and urine, helpeth to break the Stone, provoketh the courses, and stayeth both bleedings and Fluxes of the Stomach and belly, especially when the herb is dry, for being green by the thinness of the parts it looseneth the belly, & causeth choler & fleagm to be voided both from the Stomach and Liver, and by freeing the Stomach by spitting it out wonderfully cleanseth the Lungs, and by rectifying the Liver and Blood causeth a good colour to the whole body: it is said also to resist and to cure the bitings of venomous creatures, and to cure Ruptures. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Decoction, or in powder. The outward use. The herb boiled in Oil of Camomile dissolveth knots, allayeth swell, and drieth up moist Ulcers, the lie made thereof is singular good to cleanse the head from Scurf, and either dry or running sores, stayeth the falling of the hair, and causeth them to grow thick, fair and well coloured, for which purpose some boil it in wine, putting some Smallage seed thereto, and afterwards some Oil. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from half a dram to a dram. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water, Syrup of Maidenhair, both simple and compound. CHAP. 88 De Caprifolio, of Hony Succles. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Caprifolium, and Periclymenum, in English, woodbind and Honysuccle. The Temperament. It is hot and attenuating, or making thin, and not cold. The inward use. It is of a cleansing, resolving, consuming and digesting quality, as Hyssop, Origanum and such like; therefore used in decoctions with Figs and Liquorish, they expectorat phlegm from the Lungs and Chest wherewith they are filled. The flowers and leaves are of more use than the seeds, which is said to consume the Spleen, and to procure a woman's speedy delivery, helpeth shortness of breath, and cureth the Hicket: they also cause barrenness in women, and make men unable to generation. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in decoction, as in the Chapter of Mugwort. The outward use. The leaves or flowers in powder, or the distilled water of them, is commended to dry up foul and moist Ulcers, and to cleanse the face and skin from Morphew, Sunburne, Freckles, and other discolourings of the skin. The Oil wherein the flowers have been infused and sunned, is good against Cramps, convulsions of the Sinews, and Palsies, and any other benumbing cold grief. A water for wounds. Take Honysuccle, Sage, Celandine, of each a handful, boil them in eight pints of running water to a half, then add to the strained Liquor a pound of Honey, set them on the fire, and take off the scum so long as any will rise, then add thereto of Roch Alum in powder four ounces, grains of Paradise bruised one ounce; boil them a little, than strain and reserve it. The hurtful quality. The Decoction thereof being drunk six days together, will make the urine as blood; although at the first they will but provoke urine only; neither are they good for inflammations of the mouth and throat, but hurtful therein, as the burning heat of the leaf doth manifest. The Dose. The seeds are given from half a dram to a dram. Of such things that are made thereof. The distilled water. Syrup of the flowers. CHAP. 89. De Cardamomis, of Cardamomes. The Names and kinds. THere are chief two sorts of Cardamons, the greater called in Latin, Cardamomum majus, and the lesser called Cardamomum minus. The Temperament. They are hot and dry in the third degree. The Duration. They will keep good two or three years, some say ten years. The inward use. Cardamomes break the Stone, provoke urine when it is stopped, or passeth with pain, resisteth poison and the sting of Scorpions and other venomous creatures: They are good against the Falling-sickness, the Cough; the broad worms, and the gripe of the bowels, and expelleth wind powerfully both from the Stomach and entrails, easeth those that by falls or beat are bruised and broken, those that have lose and weak sinews, and the pain of the Sciatica or Hip gout. It doth wonderfully strengthen the Stomach and help Concoction. They are put in many of our compositions, Cordials, Antidotes and such like. The manner of Administering it. They are given in powder, Electuary. and Decoction. The outward use. Being boiled in Vinegar, or steeped therein and used, it is good against Scabs and Tetters. A fume thereof used killeth the birth. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful in very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. They are given in powder from a scruple to two scruples. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Oil of Cardamomes. A confection of Cardamons. CHAP. 90. De Carduo benedicto, of the blessed Thistle. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Carduus, and Carduus Benedictus, in English Blessed Thistle. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree, and also cleansing and opening. The Duration. It will keep good a year or longer. The inward use. A Decoction of Carduus being taken helpeth the swimming of the head, strengtheneth the memory, and is a good remedy against deafness, killeth worms provoketh urine, and the courses, and driveth out gravel, cleanseth the Stomach, and helpeth the pains of the side. It is most excellent in Pestilent Fevers, and all contagious Diseases, for it expelleth out by sweat all noxious, or ill humours: It is very good in any kind of Ague, either by Decoction thereof taken, or half a dram of the powder taken in Posset drink before the fit cometh for divers fits if need require, and sweat after it. It is very available against all venom and poison. The distilled water is useful for the aforesaid Diseases, but the Decoction is far better. The extract thereof is good against the French-pox, and the Quartain-Ague. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Powder, or in Decoction, as in the Chapter of Mugwort. The outward use. The green herb bruised and applied, is good against hot swell, as Wildfire, Plague-sores, Botches, and it is good also to be laid upon the bitings of mad Dogs, Serpents, Spiders, Bees, or Wasps, or any other venomous creature. The powder stoppeth blood at the nose being applied. The juice thereof cleareth the sight, being put in, and taketh away the redness thereof, so doth the water. Being bruised with a little Hog's grease, and a little wheat flower mixed therewith. It cures stubborn and rebellious Ulcers if it be applied thereto. It is used against the Gangrene also. The Dose. It is given in powder from half a dram to a dram. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Carduus water. Spirit. Extract. Syrup. Oil, and Conserve. CHAP. 91. De Caryophyllis, of Cloves. The Names. THey are called in Latin Caryophylli, and Garyophylli, in English, Cloves. The Temperament. They are hot and dry in the second or third degree. The Duration. They will keep good many years. The inward use. Cloves comfort the Head, Heart, Stomach and Liver; help the Memory, the eye sight, and concoction, and strengthen nature: they break wind, provoke urine, and if half a dram thereof be taken in milk, they stir up Venery or bodily Lust. They are good against fainting, sounding, as also against the Plague, and any infectious Disease; against all Fluxes of the belly, proceeding of cold humours, strengthen the retentive faculty, and make the breath sweet, they stay also vomiting. They are much used in the Kitchen, both for sauces, and sticking of meat. The chemical Oil of Cloves is good in a Quartain Ague, in long weakness and debility of the Stomach, (for it doth take away crudity and expel wind) in Fluxes of the belly, and very useful for the aforesaid Diseases, if two or three drops be given in beer or wine. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder, and in Electuary. The outward use. Cloves in powder being put into the Eyes, taketh away the web therein, and cleareth the sight, so doth the chemical Oil, and also cleanseth filthy Ulcers, especially such as are moist, being put therein. A few drops thereof put into a hollow Tooth that acheth with a little Lint, doth ease the pain thereof. They are used in sweet powders and sweet waters, etc. The hurtful quality. They are hurtful for young people and choleric complexions: they are profitable for old persons, and phlegmatic, and such as are rheumetick, and that in the winter season. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Oil of Cloves. Extract. Salt. Aromaticum Caryophyllatum. CHAP. 92. De Castorio, Of Castor. The Names. IT is called in Latin Castorium, and Castoreum, in English Castor, and Bever-cod. The temperament. It is hot in the third degree and dry in the second. The duration. It will keep good two or three years. The inward Use. It openeth, discusseth wind, strengtheneth the Head and Nervous parts, quickeneth the animal spirits, resisteth poison, and provoketh the Courses in Women. It is most excellent in the Lethargy, Apoplexy, Falling Sickness, Palsy, Swimming of the Head, in trembling of the joints, and in defluxions of the humours to the joints, in fits of the Mother, and in the Colic. It helps to bring away the birth and afterbirth. The spirit of Castor is good for the aforesaid Diseases. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder, or Electuary. The outward use. Being smelled to it avails in the fits of the Mother, and put up into the Nostrils, it provokes sneesing, and helps the cold effects thereof. If a piece be put into a hollow, aching Tooth, it easeth the pain thereof, and helpeth deafness or Noise in the Ears, coming from cold, being mixed with a little Oil of bitter Almonds and put therein. Oil of Castor helps all cold effects of the Brains and Nerves, as the Palsy, Cramps, Convulsions, Lethargy and such like. It prevents the strong shaking of Agues, if the spin of the back be therewith anointed before the fit come. A Pessary to provoke the Courses. Take of Castor in powder half a dram, Sage in powder two drams, Myrrh and Nigella Seed in powder, of each three drams, with the juice of Mercury, or a little Honey, make a Pessary. The hurtful quality. It must not be used to very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given from half a scruple to a scruple. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Spirit of Castor, Oil by Distillation, Extract, Electuary of Castor. CHAP. 93. De Centaurio, of Centory. The Names and Kinds. THere are two sorts of Centory chief in use, the great and the small: the great is called in Latin Centaurium magnum, and Centaurium majus vulgar, in English great Centory: the small is called Centaurium parvum, and Centaurium minus, in English small Centory, little, or common Centaury. The Temperament. The great Centory is hot and dry in the third degree; the lesser is hot and dry in the second degree, and very bitter. The Duration. They will keep good a year. The inward use. The lesser Centory purgeth Phlegm and Choler, and provokes sweat. It is useful in the Sciatica, in Agues, for it openeth the stops of the Liver, Gall, and Spleen, helping the Jaundice and easing the pains in the side: making thin both the blood and humours, by the cleansing and bitter qualities therein: it helpeth those that have the Dropsy, or Green-sickness. It killeth Worms, and drieth up rheums: A Decoction thereof also is good against the Colic, and to bring down women's Courses, helpeth to avoid the dead Birth, and easeth the pains of the Mother, and is very effectual in all pains of the joints, as the Gout, Cramp, or Convulsions. A dram of the powder taken in Wine is a good help against the biting or poison of Adder, or Viper. The tops of the stalks with the flowers are most in use. The great Centory roots, being steeped in Wine, or the powder thereof given in Wine, is good for such as have the Dropsy or Jaundes, or are troubled with the stops of the Liver: two drams of the root (in powder) taken in Wine, or water, helpeth those that spit Blood, or that bleed much at the mouth: It is also used for Ruptures, Cramps, and Pleurises, and for an old Cough, shortness of Breath, Gripe in the belly and pains of the Mother. It helpeth the Strangury and Stone. The manner of Administering them. They are given in Decoction, or in powder. The outward use. The Juice of the lesser Centory mixed with a little Honey is good to clear the Eyes from dimness, mists, or clouds, that hinder the sight, and is singular good for green, or fresh wounds, and also for old Ulcers and Sores, to close up the one, and cleanse the other, and perfectly to cure them both, although they be Fistulous and Hollow, the green herb especially being bruised, and laid to: the Decoction dropped into the Ears, cleanseth them from Worms, cleanseth the foul Ulcers, and spreading Scabs of the head, and taketh away all Freckles, Spots and marks in the Skin being washed therewith. The Decoction of great Centory, taketh away the pain and danger of the bitings or stingings of venomous Creatures: it helpeth to sharpen the Eye sight, if it be steeped in water and dropped in to them: the whole plant as well herb as root is very available in all sorts of wounds or Ulcers, to dry, Sodder, cleanse and heal them, and should be a principal ingredient in all wound drinks and injections. It helpeth the Strangury and Stone if the juice be injected. A Decoction against Arthritcall pains, or the Joint Gout. Take Centory the lesser, two handfuls, root of Assarum two Ounces, spring water ten pints. Boil them to half. The Dose is about half a pint in bed, for divers mornings together. An injection against Worms in the Ears. Take of Centory the lesser, Wormwood, Harehound and Calamint, of each an Ounce; Boil them in a sufficient quantity of water, to half, add unto a pint of the straining, half a pound of Honey, or less, and keep it for your use. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from half a dram to a dram and a half. The juice to half an Ounce. Of such things as are made thereof. Centory-water. Extract of Centory. Salt of Centory. CHAP. 94. De Ceterach, of Ceterach. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Ceterach, Asplenum, and Splenium, because it helps the Spleen, also Scolopendrium and Scolopendria, from the likeness of a Worm so called, in the English Spleen wort, Milt-wast and Scaleferne. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the first degree, or second, of subtle parts and somewhat drying. The Duration. It will keep a year or two. The inward use. It is generally used for the infirmity of the Spleen, and some report the Swine in Candy by feeding on it are found without spleens. It helpeth the Strangury and Stone in the Bladder, the yellow Jandes and the Hicket. Matthiolus saith, that if a dram of the dust that is on the back of the Leaves be mixed with half a dram of Amber in powder, and taken with the juice of Pursl●w or Plantine it will help the running of the reins speedily, and that the herb and root being boiled and taken, helpeth all melancholy Diseases, and those also which rise from the French disease. The distilled water is good against the Stone both in the Reins and Bladder, and the Lie made of the ashes thereof being drunk for some time together helpeth Splenetic persons. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, and in Decoction, but it must not be boiled long, for then the strength doth evaporate. The outward use. It is used in outward remedies for the same purpose, as is before mentioned. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for Women that desire Children, for it hindereth conception. The Dose. It is given in powder from half a dram, to a dram; in Decoction from two drams to half an Ounce. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Syrup of Ceterach. The distilled water. CHAP. 95. De Chinae radice, of China Root. The Names. IT is called in Latin China, China radix, and Chinaea radix, in English China Root, and Chine. The Temperament. It is moderately hot and dry. The Duration. This Root will keep good many years. The inward Use. It is much commended for the French Disease, and is profitable in Agues, whether quotidian, or intermittent, or pestilential, and also Hectickes and Consumptions, to rectify the evil disposition of the Liver, the inveterate pains in the Head and Stomach, and strengtheneth it, and to dry up rheums, to help the Jandise and Ruptures in children or others, by drying up the humours which is the cause thereof. It helpeth also the Palsy and all other diseases of the Joints and Bladder, the Gout, Sciatica, and the Rhodes also, and Ulcers of the Yard, Scabs and Leprosy, Scirrous and watery tumors, and is good in all cold and melancholy griefs, and very useful in the Dropsy and Greensickness. Some say it provokes lust. The manner of administering it. It is given in Decoction, and some boil it in broth with a chicken tied up (in thin slices) in a Linen-cloth. A decoction of China Root. Take of China Root cut in thin slices, one Ounce and a half, put it into a gallon of fair water, and let it stand covered a night and day, then boil it gently till about half the water be consumed, strain it, and give about four Ounces thereof in bed for divers mornings together if need be. The hurtful quality. It is not to be used in very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The Dose in broth is from two drams to four drams, according to the quantity of water you provide. CHAP. 96. De Chamedry, of Germander. The Names. IT is called in Latin Chamaedries, that is, a small or low Oak, from the likeness of the Leaves thereof, though lesser: therefore some call it Aevercula minor, in English, Germander, or English Treacle. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, and of thin parts. The duration. It will keep good (being dry) a year, The inward Use. Some say it purgeth choler. It is good for coughs taken with Hony, for those whose spleen is become hard, for those that can hardly make water, and helpeth those that are falling into a Dropsey, in the beginning of the disease, especially if a decoction be made thereof, when it is green and drunk. It brings down the terms, helps to expel the dead child, and taken with Vinegar doth waste or consume the Spleen; It is effectual against any poison, pains of the side, and cureth both Quartain and Tertian Ague, as also the Cramp, if the Decoction thereof be taken, for some days together, it is good against the Diseases of the Brain, as pains of the Head, Falling-sickness, Melancholy, Lethargy, Palsy, Gout, and for those that are Sottish through the dulness of the spirits: a dram of the seed taken in powder, doth purge Choler by Urine, and is thereby good for the yellow Jaundice, and killeth worms, so will the tops of them when they are in flower, steeped a day and a night in a draught of White-wine, and drunk in the morning. It is commended against the Plague and Pestilence. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder and Decoction, you may make the Decoction as of Mugwort. The outward use. It is good against venom and stinging of venomous Creatures being bruised and applied: used with Honey it cleanseth old and foul Ulcers; and the juice mixed with Hony and put into the eyes, taketh their dimness and moistness, the juice also dropped into the ears killeth worms therein. The decoction thereof stayeth the whites in women, if they sit therein while it is warm, and likewise easeth the passions of the Mother: being boiled in Vinegar and applied to the Stomach with a little Leaven, stayeth vomitings, that rise not from hot causes; the leaves and the seed of Nigella, quilted in a Cap, stayeth Rheum: being boiled in lie with Lupins, and the head washed therewith, taketh away the dandruff; or Scurf thereof. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The Leaves and seeds are given from half a dram to a dram. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water. Conserve, and Syrup. CHAP. 97. De Consolida majore, of great Comfrey. The Names. IT is called Consolida major, and Symphytum majus; in English, Comfrey, and great Comfrey. The Temperament. Comfrey is cold, drying and binding in great measure. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. Comfrey helpeth those that spit blood, or that bleed at the mouth, or that make a bloody urine, as also for all inward hurts, bruises and wounds, and helpeth the Ulcers of the Lungs, the root being boiled in water or wine; the same also drunk stayeth the flowing down of Rheum from the head upon the Lungs, the fluxes of humours, or blood, by the belly, the reds and whites in women, and the running of the Reins, happening by what cause soever. The Syrup made hereof is very effectual for all those inward griefs, so is the distilled water. A Decoction of the roots is most effectual: Two ounces of the juice drunk, doth much good in the Lethargy, saith Camerarius. The manner of Administering it. It is chief given in Decoction. The outward use. The roots being outwardly applied, helpeth fresh wounds or cuts immediately, being bruised and laid thereto, by gluing together their Lips, and is especial good for Ruptures and broken bones: it is good to be applied to women's breasts, that grow sore by much milk coming into them; as also to stop the overmuch bleeding of the Hemorrhoides, to cool the inflammation of the parts thereabouts, and to ease pain: the fresh root bruised, and spread upon the Leather, and laid to any place troubled with the Gout, doth give present ease of the pains; and applied in the same manner, giveth ease to pained joints, and profiteth very much for running and moist Ulcers, Gangrenes, mortifications and the like. The distilled water helpeth outward wounds or Sores in the fleshy or sinewy parts of the body. A mouth water against Ulcers in the mouths of Children. Take Comfrey great and small, of each a handful; boil them in half a pint of White-wine or more, then add to the strained Liquor, Sal gem two drams, Honey of Roses two ounces, mix them together and reserve it. The hurtful quality. It must not be used too frequently in such persons as are much ●ound in their body. Of such things as are made thereof. Comfrey water. Conserve. The root Candyed. Extract of Comfrey-Oyle, made of the dry root. CHAP. 98. De Corallina, of Coralline, or Sea-mosse. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Muscus Marinus, and Corallina; in English, Coralline, and Sea-mosse. The Temperament. It is cold and dry, and astringent, or binding. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It is used altogether to kill worms in Children, or Elder persons, but by what quality it worketh this effect, is not yet declared by any that I have seen; happily it doth it by a specific virtue. It may be used against hot Gouts, and inflammations. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in powder. A Powder against worms. Take Coralline, Harts horn burnt, and wormeseede of each two drams, make them in powder The Dose is a scruple or half a dram, according to age, in Beer, or Muscadine. The outward use. It may be put into ointments against worms. The Dose. The Dose is from a scruple to a dram. CHAP. 99 De Dauco, of Wild Carrot. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Pastinaca sylvestris, and Daucus; in English, wild Carrot, and Birds nest. The temperament. The root and seeds are hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. The seeds will keep good a year or two. The inward use. It expelleth wine, and easeth Stiches in the sides, it provoketh urine and women's courses, and helpeth to break and expel the Stone: the seed also worketh the like effects, and is good for the Dropsy, and those whose bellies are swollen with wind, helpeth the Colic and Stone in the Kidneys, the rising of the Mother, provoke Lust, and helpeth Conception, being taken in wine, or boiled in wine and taken. It is good against the stinging of venomous creatures. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Powder, or in Decoction. The outward Use. The leaves being applied with Honey to running Ulcers or Sores doth cleanse them. The Dose. The seeds are given in Powder, from half a dram to a dram. CHAP. 100 De Endivia, of Endive. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Intibus, Intubus, or Intubuus, and Scariola; in English, Endive. The Temperament. It is cold and dry in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep a year being well dried. The inward use. It doth cool the heat in the Liver and Stomach, and is good in hot fits of Agues, and all other inflammations in any part of the body, to use the decoction of the leaves, or the juice, or distilled water: the same also helpeth to cool the heat and sharpness in the urine: the seed is of the same property, or rather more powerful, and besides is available for the faintings and passions of the heart, opens stops and provoketh urine. It is hurtful for the Palsy and trembling, as also for cold Stomaches. The manner of Administering it. It is given chief in Decoction. The outward use. Being outwarly applied it doth temper the sharp humours of fretting Ulcers, hot tumors and swell, and Pestilential Sores, and helpeth wonderfully the redness of the eyes, and dimness of the fight: it is also used to allay the pains of the Gout. The Dose. The seeds are given to a dram or more. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Endive water. Syrup of Endive, both simple and compound. Syr. Bizantinus simple and compound. Salt of Endive. CHAP. 101. De Enula, of Elecampane. The Names. IT is called in Latin Enula, and Enula Campana, also Helenin●, and that because Helen first found it available against the bitings and stinging of venomous beasts, or from Helena an Island, where the best was found to grow; in English, Elecampane. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, especially being dry. The Duration. It will keep a year or two, I mean the root. The inward use. It is good against phlegm, tough and clammy humours, which stick in the Chest and Lungs, against the Cough and shortness of breath, provoketh Urine, comforteth the Stomach and helpeth Digestion. A decoction of the root is good against poison and bitings of Serpents, for such as have Ruptures, Cramps or Convulsions, or have any Member out of joint, and for the Hip Gout: the same, or the juice taken, killeth all manner of worms in the belly or Stomach, and is good for them that spit blood or have inward bruises. The roots candied, or the conserve taken doth warm a cold and windy stomach, and helpeth the pricking and stitches therein, or in the sides, caused by the Spleen, and to help the Cough, shortness of breath, and wheesing in the Lungs: the dried roots made into powder, mixed with Sugar and taken, serve to the same purposes, and is also good for those that are troubled with the Mother, and in the Plague and putrified Fevers very useful▪ The roots and leaves bruised, and put into Ale or Beer, and daily drunk, cleareth, strengtheneth and quickeneth the sight of the eyes wonderfully. In the root lieth the chief virtue. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or decoction. A Decoction against Aches in the joints. Take Elecampane root, and Avers, of each a handful; Boil them in a pint, or a pint and a half of sweet wine; when it is near boiled, put in half a dram of Safforn, and boil it again gently; strain it and add Honey and Sugar of each four ounces, warm it on the fire, or gently boil it; the Dose is four ounces in a Morning, and to sweat after it. The outward use. The root bruised and applied, helpeth Gouts, Cramps, or Convulsions, looseness and pains in the joints, or those Members that are out of joint, by cold or moisture happening to them. The roots boiled well in Vinegar, beat afterwards and made into an ointment with Hog's grease, and a little Salt with powder and Vinegar added thereto, is an excellent remedy for Scabs or Itch in young or old. Se● my help for the poor, Pag. 21. The place also bathed or washed in the Decoction doth the some, and helpeth all sorts of old, putrid, or filthy Sores or Cankers wheresoever. The hurtful quality. It must not be given to hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The root in powder may be given from twenty grains to thirty. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Water from the root and leaves. Conserve of the root. The root Candyed. Extract from the root. Wine of Elecampane. CHAP. 102. De Eryngi●, of Sea h●lly. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Eringus, Eryngium, and Iringus▪ in English, Sea Holly, and Sea Hulver. The Temperament. It is temperate in heat, somewhat drying and cleansing. The Duration. The root will keep good (being dry) a year or two. The inward use. The decoctirn of the root in wine being drunk, is very effectual to open the stops of the Liver and Spleen, and helpeth the yellow Jaundice, the Dropsy, and the pains in the Loins, and Wind-colic in the Bowels, provoketh Urine, expelleth the Stone, and procureth women's courses. It is usually taken to stir Lust, and to help venerous actions, especially the root Candied, as also against the biting of any venomous Creatures, or any poisonous herbs, and is good against the French Disease and the King's evil. The continued use of the decoction for fifteen days taken fasting, and next to bedwards, doth help the Strangury, the stopping of the Urine and the Stone, and all defects of the Reins and Kidneys, and if the same be continued longer, it is said perfectly to cure them that are troubled with the Stone. The distilled water of the young Leaves and Stalks being drunk, is profitable for all the purposes aforesaid, and doth help melancholy, the Quartain and Quotidian Ague, and the Cramp of the neck. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Powder, or in Decoction. In Decoction. Take of Eringo roots dry, one ounce, or an ounce and a half, bruise them, and boil them in a pint and a half of White wine, to the wasting of the third part, strain it, and drink a good draught thereof Morning and Evening. The outward use. The roors bruised and applied, helpeth the King's Evil, and also the Sting or biting of any Serpent: Applied also with old Hog's grease, or salted Lard (being first bruised and boiled therein) to broken bones, thorns, etc. remaining in the flesh, doth not only draw them forth, but healeth up the place again gathering new flesh where it was consumed, or almost fallen away: the juice of the leaves dropped into the ears helpeth Apostumes therein. The Dose. The root in Powder, is given from half a dram to a dram. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water. The roots Candied. CHAP. 103. De Euphrasia, of Eye-bright. The Names. IT is called in Latin Euphrasia, Eufragia, and Eufrasia; in English, Eye-bright. The Temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep good (being dry) a year. The inward use. It is chief used for all diseases of the eyes that cause dimness of the sight, for either the green herb or the dry, the juice or the distilled water is very effectual for the said purpose, to be taken in wine or broth; so is the conserve made of the flowers being taken Morning and Evening. It helpeth also a weak brain or m mory, and restoreth them being decayed, in a short time. Wine or Ale made with Eye-bright and taken, is very good for the same purpose. The powder of the dried herb mixed with Mace and Fennell seed is good for the weak sight and memory, being drunk, or eaten in broth. The manner of Administering it. It is chief given in Powder. A powder to preserve the sight. Take Eye-bright, Betony, of each a handful, Mace and Fennell seed of each two drams, make them into powder, and give half a dram thereof Morning and Evening in Broth or Beer. The outward use. The juice of the Eye-bright▪ or the water dropped into the eyes, cleareth the sight, and taketh away the dimness thereof. The Dose. It is given in powder from half a dram to a dram, in the water thereof, or any other convenient L quor. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Water of Eye-bright. Conserve of the flowers. Wine of Eye-bright. A water to clear the sight. Take Rosewater. Eye bright water, Celandine water of each one ounce, of Tutia, or Tutty in powder a dram, m xe them together and keep it to wash the eyes with. CHAP. 104. De Ficubus, of Figgs. The Names. IN Latin it is called Ficus, and Carica; in English, Figs. The Temperament. Figs are hot and moist, especially being green, but dry, they are hot and dry in the second, or almost in the third degree. The Duration. They will keep good half a year. The inward use. A decoction of Figs is good for the Cough, Lungs and throat, as also against shortness of breath, especially if they be boiled in Hyssop and Liquorish. They are good for the reins and bladder, and to regain a good colour to them that by long sickness have lost it, and useful also in the Dropsy, Falling Sickness, Quinsy, and for the infirmities of the womb, where cleansing is required: they expel also superfluous humours from the inward parts to the circumference; useful therefore to expel Pox, Measells and such like venomous matter to the skin. Figs stamped with Salt, Rue, and the kernels of Nuts withstand all poison and corruption of the air. They are best fasting or when the stomach is empty. Toasted Figs are good for women to facillitate or hasten the birth. The manner of Administering them. They are eaten as they come to us, or toasted and so eaten, but chief they are used in D●coctions. The outward use. F gs bruised and applied with Barley-meal, and the powder of Fen●ugreeke seed, do● mollify the hard tumors and kernels under the Throat and Ears, and elsewhere▪ as also the hardness of the Mother, and if some Leaven and Salt be put to them, it breaketh Plague sores: They are mixed also with Copperas against old sores of the Legs, and all other foul running Ulcers: being boiled in wine with Wormwood, and then applied w●th Barley-meal, are very profitably applied to the belly of those that have a Dropsy: and beaten with Salt and applied, taketh away the Itch and Scab, and the Ashes also made up into a salve and applied, healeth Kibes and Chilblains. F●gs bru●sed and mixed with Fennegreeke Vinegar, easeth the hot Gout of the feet. A Figges●t and toasted doth often times ease the tooth ach, being applied. The hurtful quality. They engender crude and windy humours in the body, and soon corrupt in the Stomach, whereby they cause the Itch, Scab, and breed Lice also. They hurt such as have the Colic, and windy diseases, and that have hot Livers and choleric Stomaches; they are best for old Phlegmatic persons, and in cold and moist seasons. CHAP. 105. De Foeniculo, of Fennell. The Names. IT is called in Latin Foeniculum, in English, Fennell. The Temperament. The seed is hot and dry in the third degree; the herb not so hot. The Duration. The seeds will keep good a year or two, the herb is rarely dried but used green. The inward use. It breaketh wind, provoketh Urine, easeth the pains of the Stone, and helpeth to break it: the leaves or seeds boiled in Barleywater and drunk, is good for Nurses to increase their milk, and to make it the more wholesome for their children to take: the leaves boiled in water▪ but especially the seeds stayeth the Hicket, and taketh away the loathing of the Stomach, & a layeth the heat thereof. The seed boiled in wine, is good for them that are bitten by Serpents, or have eaten poisonful herbs or Mushrooms: the seed & roots help to open the stops of the Liver, Spleen, and Gall, and thereby much conduceth to all the diseases arising from them, as the painful and windy swelling of the Spleens, and the yellow Jaundes, as also the Gout and Cramps: the seed is of good use in pectoral medicines, and those that help the shortness of breath, and wheesing by stops of the Lungs: it helpeth also to bring down the courses, and to cleanse the parts after delivery: the roots are in most use for drinks and broths that are taken to cleanse the blood, to open stops of the Liver, and to provoke urine, and to amend the evil colour in the face after long sickness. Both leaves, seeds or roots are much used in drinks or broths, for those that are grown fat to abate the same, and to make them more gaunt and lank, the distilled water of the whole herb is good for the same purposes. The seed taken in powder doth quicken the eye sight, and are often used to correct purging Medicines. The manner of Administering it. It is chief given in decoction, but the seeds may be taken in powder. The outward use. It is chief used outwardly to clear the sight, as the juice or water being dropped into the eyes to clear them and to help their dimness. See my help for the Poor, in Pag. 41. and 43. The hurtful quality. It is bad for hot and dry bodies. The Dos●. The seed in powder is taken in broth or the like, from one scruple to two scruples. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water. A Chymmicall Oil. Salt of Fennell. Fennell-seed Comfits. CHAP. 106. De Faenugraeco, of Fenugreeke. The Names. IT is called in Latin Foenum gracum, and Foenugraecum, in English Fenugreeke, and Fenegreeke. The temperament. It is hot in the second degree, and dry in the first. The duration. It will keep good many years. The outward use. The powder of the seed taken with Hony driveth forth noisome humours out of the body, mollifieth inward Impostumes and Ulcers of the Lungs and breast, easeth the griping pains of the entrails, and killeth Worms. The manner of administering it. It may be given in powder, or in Decoction, but it is not usual to take it inwardly; yet many give it in powder with Oats to Horses, for it doth fatten them, and killeth Worms in their Maw. The inward Use. The meal or powder thereof heated with Vinegar and applied to the Region of the Spleen, doth mollify and waste the hardness thereof, as also other hard tumors and swell: the Decoction thereof softeneth likewise the hardness of the Mother, and easeth the pains thereof, if they sit therein as in a Bath, or receive the hot fumes by sitting over it: the Decoction thereof cleanseth the head from scurf, dandruff, and the running sores thereof; it helpeth the Disease called Tenasmus, that is, a often desire to the stool without doing any thing, as also the Bloody Flux, when the excrements smell strong. A Pultis made with the meal thereof and linseed, and the Decoction of Mallows▪ and a little Oil, or Hog's grease put thereto, assuageth the swelling and pains of the Cod, or privy-parts of Women, and generally all other swell and tumors: the same also helpeth the Gout and other joynt-Aches that come of cold: the Decoction, or muccilage applied to the forehead with clothes dipped therein stayeth the Flux of humours to the Eyes, and easeth the pains in them, used also in Clysters it is good in the Stone by opening and mollifying the inward parts. A Pultis for the swelling behind the Ears. Take of the muccilage of Fenugreeke ten Ounces, Ceruse in powder two Ounces, Camphor half an Ounce, make all into a Pultis and apply it. The hurtful quality. Fenugreek taken inwardly doth overturn and breed a loathing in some stomaches, especially if they be weak, therefore only to be used in strong bodies. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Syrup of Fenugreek. Muccilage of Fenugreeke. CHAP. 147. De Fragaria, of Strawberries. The Names. THe P an't is called in Latin Fragaria, and the berries Fragra, from the Fragrancy of the smell, and taste, in English Strawberries. The temperament. The Leaves are cold in the first degree (some say hot) and drying in the second, the root is more drying and binding, the Berries while they are green are cold and dry, but being ripe they are cold and mo●st. The inward use. The Berries are good to cool the Liver, the blood and Spleen, or an hot choleric stomach, to refresh and comfort the fainting spirits, and to quench thirst, they are good also for other inflammations: The leaves and roots boiled in Wine and Water and drunk, do likewise cool the Liver and blood, and assuage all inflammations in the reins and bladder, provoketh urine, and allaieth the heat and sharpness thereof; the same also stayeth the bloody Flux and women's courses▪ and helpeth the swelling of the Spleen: The water of the Berries carefully distilled is good in the panting or beating of the heart, and good for the overflowing of the Gall, the yellow Jand●es. The manner of Administering them. The Leaves and Roots are used in Decoctions. The outward Use. The juice dropped in to foul Ulcers, or they washed therewith, or with the decoction of the herb and root, doth wonderfully cleanse them, and help to cure them the Leaves are good to be put into Lotions that are made for so●●outhes or Ulceers therein, or in the privy parts, or elsewhere, and also to fasten lose Teeth, and to heal foul gums, and to stay flowing of rheum into the Mouth, Throat, Teeth or Eyes: the juice or water is excellent for hot and red Eyes, being dropped therein▪ and also for all weals, or other eruptions or hot and sharp humours into the Face or Hands, or other parts of the body, to bathe them therewith, and taketh away redness in the Face, and spots or other deformities of the skin. The hurtful quality. Strawberries are hurtful to cold watery and phlegmatic stomaches, and too many eaten soon putrify in the stomach. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water, or the Leaves and fruit. Syrup. Spirit, and Tincture of Strawberries. CHAP. 108. De Glycyrrhiza, of Licoris. The Names. IT is called in Latin Glycyrrhiza, Glyzirrhiza, Liquiritia, and Dulcis radix, in English Licoris and Licorice. The temperament. It is temperate in heat and moisture. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward Use. Licoris is good against the roughness and hoarseness of the throat, and is helpful for Ulcers in the bladder, and by its moisture it quencheth thirst, and is excellent for any dry cough to digest phlegm and to cause it to be easily spit up, to help shortness of breath, and all other griefs of the Breast and Lungs, the Tiffick, or Consumptions caused by the distillations of Salt humours on them: it is good also in pains of the Rains, Strangury & heat of the Urine, especially boiled with Maidenhair and Figs. The juice of Licoris is as effectual in all the Diseases of the Breast and Lungs, the Reins and bladder, as the decoction. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder, in juice, and in Decoction. The outward use. The fine powder of Licoris blown through a quill into the Eyes that have a Pin and Wed, or rheumatic distillations into them, doth cleanse them and help them. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Juice of Licoris. Syrup of Licoris. CHAP. 109. De Gramine, of Grass. The Names. IT is called in Latin Gramen, in Enlish Grass. The temperament. The roots are moderately cold and dry, a little biting and of thin parts, the herb cold in the first degree. The inward Use. The Meadow Grasse and couch Grasse, or quick Grass are most in use, and open obstructions or stops of the Liver, and Gall, and the stops of the Urine, being boiled in white Wine, and to ease the gripe of the Belly, and inflammations, and wasteth the matter of the Stone in the Bladder, and the Ulcers thereof: the seed doth more powerfully expel Urine, and stayeth the laske, and casting, or vomiting: The distilled water, or the Decoction alone being taken, killeth Worms in Children, especially if some Wormseed be added to it. The juice of the whole plant being taken helpeth spitting of Blood. The manner of Administering it. The roots and seeds are given in Decoction. The outward use. The roots bruised and applied, healeth wounds that are fresh, or green, and ease pains of the head, as also in inflammations and defluxions of the Eyes. Of those things that are made thereof. The distilled water. CHAP. 110. De Guajaco, of Guajacum, or Pockwood. The Names. IT is called in Latin Guajacum, Lignum Indicum, Lignum Sanctum, and Lignum-vitae, in English Pockwood and Indiall Pockwood. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree, and hath a cleansing faculty. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. The chief use of this Wood is against the French Disease, for it provoketh Sweat, resisteth contagion and putrefaction, and cleanseth the Blood: It is good also in the Dropsy, Falling Sickness, Shortness of breath, in Catarrhs, Rheums and cold distillations of the Lungs, or other parts, Coughs and Consumptions, the Gout and all other joyntaches, and for cold phlegmatic humours, for the Diseases of the Bladder and Reins, and for all long and lingering Diseases proceeding from cold and moist causes; it openeth the stops of the Liver and Spleen, warms and comforts the stomach and entrails, and is good in Scabs, Itch, etc. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in Decoction. A Decoction of Lignum vitae. Take of Lignum Vitae, or Pock-wood a pound, of the bark thereof two Ounces, steep them in twelve or fourteen Pints of spring water four and twenty hours, then boil them to seven or eight pints, strain it, and give thereof a good draught morning and Evening, and let the party sweat upon it. If you add two Ounces of Licoris, or more, and some Anisseede, it will be much more pleasant to take. The bark may be given in powder from half a dram to a dram. The outward use. The decoction thereof doth make the Teeth white and firm being washed therewith. The hurtful quality. It must not be used in hot and dry Bodies too frequently. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Extract. Chemical Oil. Spirit, and Salt of Guajacum. CHAP. 111. De Hedera, of Ivy. The Names. IT is called in Latin Hedera, and Hedera arborea, in English Ivy. The temperament. Ivy is of divers qualities, some sharp and hot, and some moist, others cold, dry and astringent. The inward Use. A dram of the flowers drunk twice a day in red Wine, helpeth the Laske and bloody Flix. The yellow berries are good against the Jandise, and to keep from Drunkenness, and helpeth those that spit blood: the white berries being taken killeth worms. The juice of the root is good to be taken against the biting of the Phalangium, or deadly Spider: the berries are held by many to be good against the Plague or Pestilence, being made in powder and taken in wine: they being taken in wine do help to break the Stone, provoke Urine and Woman's courses, and brings away the birth and afterbirth. The manner of Administering it. The berries and flowers are given in decoction, or in powder. The outward Use. A Bath made of the Leaves and Berries, doth bring down the Courses, and bring away the dead birth, and afterbirth, being set in, or a Pessary made and used doth the like, but this must be done only upon necessity. The Leaves boiled in Vinegar and applied warm to the side, helps the Spleen, Ache or Stitch in the sides: the same applied with Rose-water and Oil of Roses to the forehead and Temples▪ doth ease the Headache although of long continuance: the fresh Leaves boiled in wine and used doth cleanse old filthy Sores and Ulcers, and is effectual for green wounds to heal them quickly, and fodder up the Lps thereof: the same healeth scaldings of water, and burn by Fire, or blisterings in the body. The juice of the Leaves or berries snuffed up into the Nose purgeth the Head and Brain of thin rheum, and cureth the Ulcers and stench therein; and dropped into the Ears doth help the old and running Sores of them: the Berries or Leaves used causeth the Hair to grow black. The green Leaves are commonly used to be laid upon Issues, in the Arms, Legs, or elsewhere. The gum of Ivy is used being dissolved to take away superfluous hair in any place, and to destroy Nits and Lice in any place: the same dissolved in Vinegar, and put into hollow aching Teeth doth ease the same, and being often used will cause them to fall out: Some use it as a bait with other things to Kill F●sh: The fume of Ivy branches being burned driveth away Gnats, Bats, and all other hurtful and noisome creatures. The hurtful quality. It bringeth barrenness in Man or Woman, being too often used, and brings weakness to the brain and senses: It is an enemy to the nerves and sinews being taken inwardly, but helpful to them applied outwardly. The Dose. The flowers and berries are given from half a dram to two scruples. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water Oil of the berries, good against all cold infirmities of the joints; provokes the terms, breaks and expels the Stone in the Reins, cleanseth and health foul Ulcers. CHAP. 112. De Hedera terrestri, of ground-ivy, or Alehoofe. The Names. IT is called in Latin Hedera terrestris, and Corona terrae, because it spreadeth and is like a Garland upon the ground, in English Alehoofe, Ground Ivy, Gill creep by the ground, Cats-foote, Haymaids, and Tunnehoof, because the Country people use it much in their Ale. The Temperament. It is hot and dry, sharp and bitter in taste, it openeth also, cleanseth and rarefieth, or maketh thin. The inward use. It is a good wound herb for all inward wounds, as also for Ulcerated lungs, o● other parts, either by itself or with other the like herbs boiled together, and being drunk by them that have any griping pains of windy or choleric humours in the Stomach, Spleen or Belly, doth ease them in a short space: it helpeth likewise the yellow Jaundes by opening the stops of the Gall, Liver and Spleen; it expelleth venom or poison, and the Plague also: it provoketh urine and women's courses, but doth not stay them as some have thought; but the Decoction of the herb in wine being drunk for some time together helpeth them that have the Sciatica, or Hipgout, as also the Gout in the Hands, Knees, or Feet, helpeth to dissolve & disperse the peccant humours, and to procure ease. The syrup of Alehoofe is useful in Ulcers of the Lungs and Consumptions, as also in rheums flowing down to the Stomach. Boiled in broth and taken, it provoketh sleep, and expelleth ill humours out of the body. Being steeped in Aquavitee, and taken, it doth bring away the gravel and Stone. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in Decoction. See the Decoction of Mugwort. The outward use. A decoction thereof is good to gargoyle any sore throat or mouth, putting thereto some Honey and a little Alum, as also to wash, the Sores and Ulcers of the privy parts in man or woman; it speedily healeth green wounds being bound thereto: and the juice boiled with a little Honey and Vardigrease, doth wonderfully cleanse Fistulas and hollow Ulcers, and stayeth the malignity of spreading and eating Cankers and Ulcers: it helpeth also the Itch, Scabs, Weals, and other break forth in the skin in any part of the Body: the juice of Celandine, field Daisies, and ground Ivy clarified, and a little fine Sugar dissolved therein, dropped into the eyes, is a sovereign remedy for all the pains, redness and watering of the eyes, the Pin and Web, skins or Films growing over the sight, or whatsoever might offend them: the same helpeth beasts as well as men: the juice droped into the ears doth help the noise and singing of them, and helpeth also deafness. The leaves are used in Baths and Glisters to dissolve the Stone. An ointment to heal burn. Take ground Ivy, four handfuls, Plantain leaves a handful, Burnet half a handful; Bruise all these together, and let them stand eight days; then add to them a handful of Goose dung and one ounce of wax; boil them together till the herbs have almost lost their colour, than strain and reserve it. Or you may boil them presently after they are bruised. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled Water. Conserve of the flowers. Syrup both simple and compound. CHAP. 113. De Hordeo Gallico, of French barley. The Temperament. IT is cold and dry in the first degree, or cold and moist, of a cleansing faculty. The inward use. It is much used in pectoral diseases, or diseases of the breast, helpeth the sharpness of the throat and increaseth milk, especially boiled with Fennell. It provoketh urine, and is very profitable in choleric Fevers. The manner of Administering it. It is used only in Decoction. As thus▪ Take two ounces of Frenchbarly, boil it in two fresh waters, then boil it again in a quart of water (adding half an ounce of Liquorish, and a handful of Violet leaves, and as many strawberry leaves) to a pint or a pint and a half, strain it and put thereto of syrup of Violets two ounces, or for the poorer sort you may sweeten it with a little Sugar. This is good in a burning Fever. The outward use. It is used outwardly to soften hard swell, and is good for inflammations and soreness of the throat, being boiled alone or with other fitting Herbs, and the mouth and throat washed therewith. A bath good against the Scab, Itch, etc. Take Mallows, Violet, Beets, black Hellebor, Fumitory of each three handfuls, of French barley six handfuls, boil them in a sufficient quantity of water for a bath. The hurtful quality. It is bad for cold and windy bodies. We have had of late years a Barley called Pearled Barley, and is much in use for the forementioned Diseases. CHAP. 114. De Junipero, of the juniper-tree. The Names. THe Juniper tree is called in Latin, Juniperus, the berries are called Grana Juniperi, or Baccae Juniperi: the Gum that runneth from the tree being cut is call●d Lachrima Juniperi, vernix, or vernia, quasi veris ros, issuing forth in the spring, as also Sandaracha and Sandarax of the Arabians, but not of the Greeks. Yet some will have Vernix to be made of Amber and Linseed Oil. The Temperament. The Juniper both leaves and wood are hot and dry in the third degrees, the berries hot in the third degree and dry in the first; the Gum hot and dry in the first degree. The Duration. The Berries will keep good a year, the wood longer. The inward use. The leaves & young tender branches of the Juniper tree, or the juice of them or of the berries, or the berries themselves taken in wine, are very eff ctuall against the biting of a Vipers or Adders, as also against the Plague or Pestilence, or any other infection or poison: the same also is profitable against the Strangury and stopping of the Urine, and so powerful against the Dropsy, that as Matthiolus saith, he hath known divers to avoid so much water by urine, by taking four or five ounces at a time of the lie made of Juniper Ashes, that they have been helped thereby: it doth also provoke the courses, and help the rising of the Mother, and other pains thereof: the berries are good for the Cough and shortness of breath, and other diseases of the Chest an Lungs, and to ease the griping pains in the Belly; they are prevalent also to help Ruptures, Convulsions and Cramps, to procure a safe and easy delivery unto women with Child: The berries are very comfortable to the brain, & strengthen the memory and sight, and all the senses, and the heart also, being either drunk in wine, or the decoction of them in wine taken: the same also is good against the Quartain, and dissolveth the wind in the Belly or Stomach, and in general is effectual for all diseases proceeding from any cold cause, if they take of the berries two or three times a week, three, four or more at a time in wine. The Salt made of the Ashes of the Juniper wood is a singular remedy for the scurvy, the putrified and foul Gums, and generally resisting all putrefaction. The chemical oil drawn from the berries while they are green, is as effectual if not more to all the purposes aforesaid: and the oil drawn from the Juniper wood is good against the Colic, rising of the Mother, Gout, Worms, Headache, etc. if four or five drops thereof be taken in a Morning in Broth, or in B●ere. The Gum of Juniper in powder taken in wine doth stay vomitings, inward bleedings and spitting of blood, women's courses also, and all other fluxes of the belly, and the Piles, also killeth worms in children. The manner of Administering it. The berries and wood are given in powder, or in Decoction. The outward use. The smoke of the Juniper wood being burned, besides that it yields a good sent to perfume any house, it is of good use in time of infection, and driveth away all noisome Serpents, Flies, Wasps, etc. the Ashes of the wood or bark made into a lie with water doth cure all Itches, Scabs, Pustules, or other eruptions in the skin, yea and the Lepry also if the places be bathed therewith. The Gum is used to stay cold distillations & Catarrhs that fall upon the eyes or Lungs etc. the fume thereof upon the burning on coals being taken into a Cap (the head also holden in the mean time over the said fumes) at night, & to lie covered therewith: or the powder thereof with other things fit for the purpose, strewed upon flax and to be quilted into a Cap to be worn in the night chief, and in the day also as need shall require: the powder thereof mixed with some oil of Roses and Myrtles healeth the chaps of the fundament, Kibes also and Chilblains on the hands and feet: the powder also mixed with the white of an Egg, and applied to the forehead stayeth the bleeding at the nose: the same also burned upon coals, and the fumes thereof taken through a Funnel upon an aching tooth taketh away the pain: it is effectual in most Ulcers and Fistulaes', and weeping running sores to dry up their moisture: The Liquid Varnish is an especial remedy against scaldings with water, or burn with fire, and to help the painful and bleeding Piles, and Palsy, Cramps, Convulsions of the nerves and sinews. The chymecall oil of the wood is good against the Toothache and for the Gout, Sciatica, and resolution of the nerves coming of cold. A bath against the Hipgout. Take Camomile flowers and Juniper berries of each ten handfuls, boil them in a sufficient quantity of water for a Bath. A quilt or bag for the same. Take of Juniper berries what quantity you will, bruise them and make two large quilts for the hip; wet them with strong Aquavitee, make them very hot and apply them one after another unto the place affected. The hurtful quality. They must not be used in hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The berries are given in powder from six to twenty. Of such things as are made thereof. Spirit of Juniper. Oil Chemical both of the berries and wood. Salt. Extract. Elixir juniperinum. Rob. juniperinum, etc. CHAP. 115. De jujubis, of jujubes. The Names. THey are called in Latin, jujubae, Ziziphae, and Ziziphi; in English, Jujubes. The Temperament. They are temperate in heat and moisture. The Duration. They will keep long, but soon dry away. The inward use. Being green or dry (say some) they open the body, and purge collar gently, and cleanse the blood, others deny any purging faculty in them. All Authors agree that they cool the heat and sharpness of the blood, and therefore good in hot Agues, and help them that have a Cough to bring away tough phlegm, and good for other Diseases of the Chest and Lungs, as shortness of breath, hot rheums and distillations proceeding from hot humours: they are also to good purpose used to cleanse the reins and bladder from gravel, in making the passages slippery; they also stay vomitings procured by sharp humours. The manner of Administering them. They are chief used in Decoctions. See an Example of a Decoction of them in my first part in the Chapter of Dates. The hurtful quality. They are hard of digestion, nourish very little, and do not easily pass out of the Stomach, they are therefore always used in decoctions with other fitting ingredients. Of those things that are made thereof. Syrup of Jujubes, simple and compound, good against the Cough, shortness of breath, thin rheums and hot humours falling upon the Lungs, etc. CHAP. 116. De Lacte, of Milk. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin, La●▪ in English, Milk, and is cold and moist. The best Milk. The best milk aught to be white in colour, of equal consistence, which being dropped on the nail standeth round and firm without flowing abroad. And a black or brown Cow's milk is by most esteemed the best. In the spring time, milk is thinnest: and at the fall of the leaf thickest and best, according to that old saying: When Fearne waxeth red, then is milk good with bread. The inward use. Milk doth nourish the body well, breeds good blood, and is very useful in Consumptions and Ulcers of the Lungs, yea no remedy is found like it for the same: it is excellent in the bloody flux, or any other flux of the body, where there is no Fever, nor choler abounding. It mundifieth and cleanseth, taketh away pains of the Breast, Lungs, Reins, Bladder, and Entrails, and very profitable in Ulcers of the bladder. It is good for temperate bodies, whose stomaches are free from choleric and phlegmatic humours, for in such it is well digested and engendereth good blood, and maketh the countenance fair: it assuageth heat and scalding of the urine, furthereth Venus, and is very good in times of infection. The outward use. It is used in Glisters against fluxes of the belly, in the Gout to assuage pain, and to soften swell, etc. A clyster against the Bloodyflux. Take a pint and a half of new milk, and add theteto Barley a handful, Comfrey root and linseed of each an ounce; Boil them therein to about a pint, and being strained, dissolve in it of brown Sugar an ounce, the yolks of two Eggs, and make a clyster. The hurtful quality. Milk is hurtful for those that are troubled with the Headache, or Fevers, or Hypochondriacke wind, or thirst, or that avoid choleric excrements downwards, or have had some plentiful evacuation of blood, as Hypocrates witnesseth. It is also bad for cold windy and weak stomaches. Gouty persons, such as have the Stone and Livers stopped, as also for the Palsy and Cramps, for sore eyes and distillations of rheum; hurteth the teeth and Gums, and is unprofitable for old persons, and such as have the Colic. Some boil it and put thereto Salt, Sugar or Hony, others put in Mints. In fluxes of the Belly let it be boiled, or pieces of Steel, quenched therein before it be taken, and you may put some Cinnamon therein, or Sugar rosat. Cautions to be observed in taking milk. After the taking of milk the party is to rest, lest by the motion of the body, the heat be drawn from the Centre, to the circumference of outward parts. After the taking of milk do not sleep lest headache, heaviness and drowsin sse follow: only very weak persons are permitted to sl●epe after milk. Let milk be taken fasting, and take nothing after till it be concocted in the stomach. Drink no Wine after the taking of milk, neither mingle any sharp or sour things with it, nor eat Fish with or after the taking of Milk. Wash your Teeth and Gums well (after the taking of Milk) with Beer or Wine. Of those things that are made of Milk. Cream, Butter, Cheese and Cured, Whey, etc. CHAP. 117. De Lactuca, of Lettuce. The Names and temperament. IT is called Lactuca, à Lacteo succo, from the milky juice which issueth forth from the wounded stalks, and Leaves, in English Lettuce and Lettuce. It is cold and moist in the second or third degree. The Duration. It is rarely dried, for it will not keep long, but is used green. The inward Use. Lettuce is good for a hot stomach, and yields good nourishment to the body. Ant. Musa did by Lettuce ease Augustus of the violence of his disease. It procureth rest and sleep: being taken raw or boiled it helpeth to loosen the belly, and the boiled more than the raw, which eaten last performeth it the better, and was generally so in ancient days. It helpeth digestion, quencheth thirst, increaseth milk in Nurses, and easeth all griping pains of the stomach or bowels that come of choler: it abateth bodily lust, and tempereth the Heat of Urine: the seeds and distilled water are good for the virulent running of the Reins, and for the heart of the Urine, as also for the aforesaid purposes. It was formerly eaten at the latter end of meals, but now 'tis eaten at the beginning. The manner of Administering it. It is given only in decoction, as Take a handful of Lettuce and boil it in a pint and a half of Posset drink to a pint, strain it and drink a good draught at night thereof. The outward use. The juice of Lettuce mixed or boiled with Oil of Roses and applied to the forehead, and temples, procureth rest and sleep, and easeth the headache of any hot cause: applied with camphor to the Cod it abateth the heat of lust: or applied in the same manner to the region of the Heart▪ Liver or Reins, or by bathing the said place with the juice or distilled water, wherein some white and red Roses are put, doth abate the heat and inflammations therein, as also comfort and strengthen those parts. A Fomentation good in the Frenzy. Take Lettuce, Violets, Plantain, Nightshade, Houseleek, Purslane, of each a handful, Violet-flowers, Water-lilies and red Roses of each a pugil, that is as many as you can hold in three fingers, or a small handful, of Myrtle flowers half a pugil; make a decoction, and bathe the forepart of the head therewith. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful to phlegmatic and melancholic bodies, dimmeth the sight, quencheth natural heat, causeth barrenness, maketh the body sluggish, and weakeneth the stomach, being too much eaten; and is bad also for those that are shortwinded, or have any imperfection in their Lungs, or do use to spit blood, and hurts the Teeth. It is good to eat Mints therewith, or to boil it, and to eat Vinegar and Pepper with it. Of such things as are made thereof. The distilled water. Lettice-stalkes candied. Syrup of Lettuce. Lapis Bezoar, see Bezoar. CHAP. 118. De Lavendula, of Lavender. The Names and temperament. IT is called Lavendula and Lavandula, and of some Lavanda, because it was much used in washings. It is hot and dry in the third degree, and of thin substance. The duration. It will keep good a year, being dry. The inward use. It is of especial good use for all the griefs and pains of the head and brains, that proceed from a cold cause; as the Apoplexy, Falling-sickness, Lethargy, Cramps, Convulsions and Palsies, as also those that are given to faint often. It strengtheneth the stomach, and freeth the Liver and Spleen from stops, provoketh women's Courses, and expelleth the dead Child, and afterbirth. Two spoonfuls of the distilled water of the flowers taken, doth help those that have lost their Speech or Voice, restoring it them again. It helpeth also the tremble and passions of the Heart, and the swoon and faintings thereof. The Chemical Oil is excellent for the Diseases before mentioned, if a few drops thereof be taken in Beer, or the like; So is the Conserve made of the flowers and Sugar. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in Decoction, as Mugwort. The outward Use. The flowers of Lavender steeped in Wine, helpeth them to make water that are stopped; as also that are troubled with the wind-colic, if the places be bathed therewith. It is good to gargoyle the mouth with the Decoction of the flowers, against the pain of the teeth. The fume or smoke thereof driveth away Lice. A Lotion to strengthen the senses and Nerves. Take of Seine one Ounce, red Roses and Lavender flowers a handful; Boil them in water, and make a Lotion for the head. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for hot and dry complexions, and where the body is replete, or aboundeth with blood and humours. Of those things that are made thereof. The distilled water. Conserve of the flowers, Chemical Oil. Lignum Vitae, see Guajacum. CHAP. 119. De Lupinis, of Lupins. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Lupinum and Lupinus, in English Lupins, o● flat Beane. It is hot and dry, and very bitter. The Duration. They will keep good a year or two, or longer. The inward use. By reason of their bitterness they open, digest, dissolve and cleanse: being steeped in water, and afterwards dried, beaten and taken with some Vinegar, taketh away the loathing of the stomach to Meat and provoketh the appetite: the Decoction or Infusion of Lupins taken with Hony and Vinegar killeth Worms in the belly, but if you mix Rue and Pepper thereto, it will the more effectual; the Meal or Powder taken with Honey and Vinegar, or in Drink doth the same: the said Decoction taken openeth the stops of the Liver and Spleen, provoketh Urine and women's Courses: If it be taken with Myrrh it expelleth the dead Child. The manner of administering it. It is used in Decoction, or in powder. The outward use. A Decoction or Lie made of Lupins with Wormwood, Centory and bay-salt added thereto, stayeth the running and spreading of a Gangrene, being applied thereto very hot, with stupes of Cloth or Tow; A Decoction of them cleanseth all Scabs, Morphew, Cancers, Tetters and creeping or running Ulcers and Sores, and boiled in Lie it cleanseth the head from Ulcers, Scurf, etc. breeding therein: it also cleanseth the Face and taketh away the marks that the Pox does leave after their healing, and all other marks, and black and blue spots in the skin: the meal thereof being boiled in Vinegar and applied taketh away Pimples, and scattereth the Rhodes or Kernels that rise in the body, and breaketh Carbuncles and Impostumes: the burning of the husks driveth away Gnats, Flies, etc. whatsoever. The powder mixed with Oil of Sarin, and applied to the belly killeth Worms. The hurtful quality. Being steeped some days in water, until they have lost their bitterness they may be eaten, but they breed gross and crude humours, are very hard to digest, and slowly pass through the body. Mace, see Nutmeg. CHAP. 120. De Majorana, of Marjerome. IT is called in Latin Majorana, Amaracus, Sampsuchum, and Sampsuchus; in English Marjerome and sweet Marjerome. It is hot and dry in the second, or as some, in the third degree, and of thin parts. The Duration. It will keep good a Year. The inward use. Sweet Marjerome is comfortable in cold Diseases of the Head, Stomach, Sinews, and other parts: it digesteth, attenuateth, openeth and strengtheneth: the Decoction thereof, being drunk helpeth all the Diseases of the chest, which hinder the freeness of breathing: it is likewise profitable for the stops of the Liver & Spleen, for it not only cleareth them of those humours that did stuff them, but strengtheneth the inward parts: it helpeth the cold griefs of the Womb, and the windiness thereof, or in any other inward part: the Decoction thereof, helpeth such as entering into the Dropsy, and such as cannot make water, and provoketh the Courses in Women. The Leaves in powder mingled with Honey and taken dissolveth congealed blood in the body after falls or bruises: it is used also against poison. A Decoction thereof made with Pelletory of Spain and long Pepper, or with Origanum or Acorus, being taken, helpeth the loss of speech by the resolution of the Tongue. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Decoction, or in powder. The outward use. The powder of the Leaves snuffed up into the nostrils provoketh sneesing, draweth forth phlegm, and is very useful in the Apoplexy, Palsy and cold diseases of the brain: it easeth the toothache being chewed in the mouth, the powder mixed with Honey and applied, taketh away the black marks of blows or bruises: It is much used in sweet waters, powders, etc. It is put into Ointments and Salves that are made to warm, and comfort the outward parts or members, the joints also and sinews. The Oil made thereof is good against Cramps, Convulsions and all aches proceeding from a cold cause. A Lineament that easeth the Headache, caused by a Bruise. Take the juice of Marjerome and the juice of Sage of each half an Ounce, of Sack three drams; make all into a Lineament with the yolk of an Egg, and apply it to the part affected. The hurtful quality. It must not be used in hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given in powder from a half a dram to a dram. Of those Medicines that are made thereof. The distilled water. Oil chemical [excellent in the Apoplexy, Falling sickness, loss of speech, etc.] Oil by infusion and boiling. Conserve, Balsam. CHAP. 121. De Malvis, of Mallows. The Names and temperament. THe wild or common Mallow is called in Latin Malva, and that quasi molva, because it softeneth the belly, in English Mallow. They are temperate in heat and moisture, of a digestive and softening Nature. The inward Use. The Leaves and the Roots boiled in Wine, or in Water, or in broth with Parsley or Fennell-roots, doth help to open the Body, and is good in hot Agues and other distemperatures of the body; for by the mollifying quality, it not only voideth hot choleric and other offensive humours, but easeth the pains and torments that come by stops of the belly: the same used by Nurses increaseth Milk in their Breasts: the Decoction of the Seeds made in Wine, Milk or Posset drink, doth marvellously help all the Diseases of the Chest and Lungs that proceeds of hot causes, as Excorations, P●isicke, Pleurisy, and the like, if it be continued for some time together, the Leaves and the Roots work the same effects: they help much also in the frettings of the Guts, and harness of the Mother, and in all hot and sharp Diseases thereof: the juice drunk in Wine, or the Decoction made in Wine doth help Women to a speedy and easy delivery. They are counted also good against poison or venom, so as the poison be presently voided by vomit. The manner of administering it. It is used chief in Decoction. The outward Use. Mallows are often used in mollifying Glisters. The Leaves bruised and laid to the Eyes with a little Honey, taketh away the impostumations of them: the Leaves bruised or rubbed upon any place stung with Bees, Wasps or the like, taketh away the pains, redness and swelling thereof. A Pultis made of the Leaves of Mallows, boiled and bruised, whereunto some Bean or Barly-flower, and Oil of Roses is put, is an especial remedy against all hard tumors, and inflammations of impostumes and swell of the Cod and other parts, and easeth the pains of them, as also against the hardness of the Spleen or Liver, to be applied to the places: the juice of Mallows boiled in old Oil and applied, taketh away all roughness of the Skin, as also the falling of the Hair, the Scurf, Dandruff, or dry Scabs, in the Head or other parts, if they be anointed therewith, or washed with the Decoction: the same also is effectual against Scaldings or Burn, and to help wild fire and all other hot, red and painful Swell in any part of the Body. The flowers boiled in water and a little Honey added is a good Gargoyle for any sore mouth or throat: If the feet be bathed with the Decoction of the Leaves, Roots, and flowers, it helpeth the flowing down of rheum from the Head, which risen out of the stomach: the green Leaves beaten with niter and applied draweth out thorns or pricks in the flesh. A Fomentation against wind. Take of the Leaves and roots of mallows a handful, of Camomile and Melilot flowers a handful, linseed one Ounce, aniseed half an Ounce, Figs in number forty. Boil them in water, and fill a bladder with the hot Decoction; apply it Once or twice to the side or part affected. Of those things that are made thereof. The distilled water. The conserve of the flowers. CHAP. 122. De Melle, of Honey. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Mel, in English Honey, and is hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep good two or three years. The best Kind. The best Honey is very sweet, pleasant in smell, of a clear yellowish colour, indifferent firm and stiff, yielding but little scum on the top when it is boiled. The inward Use. Honey is profitable in many Diseases of the breast, as Cough, Shortness of Breath, Pleurisy, Cold, Rheums, and doth cleanse the Breast and Lungs of phlegmatic and Rheumatic humours; it helpeth such as are costine or bound, openeth the stops of the Liver and Spleen, strengtheneth weak Parts, helpeth the Bladder and Reins, and is good in the Dropsey, It resisteth putrefaction, and (as Pliny saith) suffereth no dead Bodies to putrify, and is very profitable for old Age, and phlegmatic persons. The Roman Pollio being asked by Augustus the Emperor, by what means he had prolonged his Life to an hundred Years? Answered, that he had used Honey within, and Oil without. It is better boiled then Raw. Pliny Nat. Hist. Lib. 22. Cap. 24. The manner of Administering it. It is chief used in manner of an Electuary, or mixed with other things. An Electuary for the Cough. Take of pure Honey four Ounces, o● Elecampane in Powder two Drams, of Licoris in Powder a Dram, mix them together, and take often of it especially Morning and Evening. The outward use. It is good in the Quinsy, Sore Mouths and Throats, being used in Mouth-water or otherwise, but if choler abound, forbear the use of it. It cures Burn and Scaldings without Scarre, and healeth Ulcers of the Ears, and good also to cleanse and heal other filthy Ulcers. Being dropped into the Eyes it helpeth the Dimness of them, and cureth Corns in the Feet. If it be mixed with a little Camphor, and used, it taketh away Spots or Pimples in the Face. It is used in Supposittories'. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for hot stomaches, choleric Bodies, and young persons, for it inflames the Blood, increaseth Choler, and hurteth such as have hot Livers. And though it be of a cleansing and opening Faculty, yet being too much used, it stoppeth the Body, puffeth up the Stomach, taketh away the appetite to Meat, and must not be used in very windy Bodies. Of such Medicines as are made of Honey. Oxymel simple and compound. Water of Honey. Essence of Honey. Tincture of Honey. Hydromel, that is Water and Honey boiled together. Meade, Methegline, and many others. CHAP. 123. De Meliloto, of Melilot. The Names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Melilotus, in English Melilot, Kings Claver, and Hearts Claver, because if it grow where Stags and Dear resort, they will greedily feed thereon: Now it is called Melilot from a Lotus that smelleth sweet like Honey. It is Hot and Dry in the first Degree, and hath a binding Quality, besides a Wasting, and Ripening Faculty. The duration. The Herb and flowers will keep good a Year. The inward use. The Herb boiled in Wine, and taken, provoketh Urine, breaketh the Stone, and assuageth the pain of the Kidneys, Bladder and Belly, and ripeneth phlegm. The manner of administering it. It is given in Decoction. The outward use. It mollifieth hard tumors, and Inflammations that happen in the Eyes or other parts of the Body, as the Seat or Fundament, and the privy Parts of Man or Woman, being boiled in Wine and laid to the place, and sometimes the Yolk of a roasted Egg, or the powder of Fenigreeke, or linseed, or fine flower, or Poppy-seede, or Endive is added unto it. It easeth the pain of the Side or Stomach, applied either fresh, or boiled with any other of the aforenamed things. The juice dropped in the eyes cleareth the sight, and taketh away the Web, Pearl, or spots therein: it helpeth also the pains of the ears being dropped into them, and steeped in Vinegar or Rose-water it easeth the Headache, the flowers of Melilot and Camomile are much used in Glisters to expel wind and to ease pains, as also in Poultices that are made for the same purpose, and to assuage swell or tumors that happen in the Spleen or other parts. It helpeth Wens being applied after it is boiled in water, and also running Ulcers of the head if it be applied with Chalk, Wine and Galls: The plaster of Melilot dissolveth hard tumors and swell of the Spleen, and cureth green wounds. A quilt or bag to ease the pain of the side. Take Melilot flowers, Camomile, Rosemary, and Elder flowers, of each half a handful, of Bran a handful, of Anisseed, Fennell-seed, and Carawey seed bruised of each two ounces; make a quilted bag for the side, sprinkle it with wine, and being made hot apply it. Of those things that are made thereof. The distilled Water. Plaster of Melilot, both simple and compound. CHAP. 124. De Melissa, of Balm, or balm. The Names. IT is called in Latin, Milissophillum, and Melissa, because Bees delight much in it, and of the effect being good for Bees; in English balm, and Balm, from the singular effects therein, in imitation of the true natural Balm. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. It is excellent against the Diseases of the Brain, Stomach, Heart, Womb, as in Melancholy, troublesome sleep, Palsy, Apoplexy, Falling sickness, Swimming of the head, and to revive the fainting heart, falling into swimmings: It is good for a cold stomach and to help digestion, as also among other things for the Plague or Pestilence, and the water thereof is used for the same purposes. It provoketh the courses, helpeth a stinking breath, and good for the rising of the Mother. A decoction of balm made in wine and drunk, is good against venom and poison, helpeth the griping pains of the belly, and is good for them that cannot take their breath, unless they hold their necks upright, being taken in a lohock or licking electuary. The syrup of balm is a good cordial, & strengtheneth the heart and stomach, resisteth Melancholy, and is very profitable in burning and contagious Fevers. A Candle made with Eggs and the juice thereof while it is young, putting some Sugar and Rosewater to it, is often given to womin in Childbed, when the afterbirth is not throughly avoided, and for their faintings upon or after their sore travels. The manner of Administering it. It is used chief in Decoction; See the Chapter of Mugwort. The outward use. The herb bruised and boiled in a little wine and oil, and laid warm on a Bile will ripen and break it: used with salt it taketh away Wens, Kernels or hard swell in the flesh or throat; it cleanseth foul sores and easeth the pains of the Gout: the juice thereof used with a little Honey is a good remedy for the dimness of the sight, and to take away the mistiness of the eyes. It is used in Baths among other warm herbs, to comfort the joints and sinews. It is a good remedy against the sting of Scorpions, or other venomous creatures, and against the stinging of Bees, as also against the bitings of Dogs: The decoction thereof is good for women to bath or sit in to procure their courses, and for those that have the bloody Flix, as also to wash the teeth therewith when they are full of pain. It is very often put into oils or salves to heal green wounds. A quilt or bag against the beating of the heart. Take of balm dry four handfuls, of Roses, Violet, borage and Rosemary flowers of each half a small handful, make them in gross powder, and add of Camphor two scruples, then with red Silk and Bombace make a quilted bag and apply it to the region of the heart. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful in hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given in powder from a scruple to two scruples. Of those Medicines that are made thereof. The distilled water. Extract, Conserve of the flowers; Syrup both simple and compound. CHAP. 125. De Menthis, of Garden or Spearemints. The Names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Mentha, Mentha hortensis, and Mentha acuta. It is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree, of thin parts, bitter and binding. The Duration. It will keep good a year being dry. The inward use. Spearemints are good against vomiting, weakness and rawness of the Stomach, the Hickop, and allayeth choler, expelleth wind, easeth gripe of the belly, helpeth stops of the Liver, and is good in any cold pain or giddiness of the head, being taken in powder or a decoction thereof made and taken. The juice taken with Vinegar stayeth bleeding. Mints stir up Venery or bodily lust, killeth worms, stayeth the courses in women, and helpeth the whites, keepeth the milk from curdling in the breasts, as also in the stomach. It is profitable against the poison of venomous creatures. It is good for women in their hard and sore travails in Childbearing, and against the gravel and Stone in the Kidneys and Strangury, and helpeth a stinking breath. The distilled water is much used against vomitings, gripe in the belly, etc. It warmeth and strengtheneth the stomach, and drieth up moist humours therein, and causeth good Digestion. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder or in Decoction. The outward use. Being outwardly applied, it stayeth vomiting, and easeth gripe of the Stomach and belly: it dissolveth Impostumes being laid to with Barley meal; it is good to repress the milk in women's breasts when they are swollen therewith, and keepeth them from growing great; applied with salt it helpeth the biting of a mad Dog, with Water and Hony it easeth the pains of the Ears. Applied to the Forehead or Temples it easeth the pains thereof, and it is good also to wash the heads of young Children therewith against all manner of breaking out therein, whether Sores or Scabs: and healeth the chaps of the fundament. It helpeth the stinging of Bees or Wasps being applied. A quilt against weakness and pains of the Stomach. Take Wormwood and Mints dry of each two drams, of Citron pill dry, an ounce, of galangal, Cyperus root and Cloves of each half an ounce, of red Roses two drams; make them all into powder, and let a quilt be made for the Stomach. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for hot and dry bodies, and for choleric persons. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from half a scruple to two scruples. Of those Medicines that are made thereof. The distilled water. Syrup. Conserve. Chemical Oil. Oil by infusion. Balsam. Salt. CHAP. 126. De Mili osolis, of Gromell. The Names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Milium solis, and Lithospermum, from the hardness of the seed; in English, Gromell and Pearl plant: It is hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. The seeds will keep good a year or two, some say ten years. The inward use. The seeds are counted singular good to break the Stone and gravel in the Reins or Bladder, as also to provoke Urine, to expel Wind and to help the Colic. The same taken is effectual to procure a speedy delivery to women in travail. The seeds being taken in Posset-drinke before divers fits cureth the Quartain Ague. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder or in decoction, The outward use. The decoction or bath thereof, being sit in, helpeth the Stone and Strangury, the Colic and wind, etc. The hurtful quality. It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The seed is given from a dram to two drams. Of those things that are made thereof. The distilled water of the leaves. Holland powder, etc. CHAP. 127. De Moscho, of Musk. The Names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Moschus, and Moscus, in English, Musk. It is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third. The best Musk. The best Musk is very odoriferous or sweet, of a dark liver colour, or yellowish. The Duration. It will keep good a year or two being kept close. The inward use. It comforteth the heart and fainting spirits, and taketh away the passions and trembling thereof, maketh it merry and joyful, and helpeth to expel sadness; it comforteth, warmeth and refresheth the brain and senses, quickening the dulness thereof, and is a help unto Venery. It is put in many cordial powders. It is commended in the Colic, and maketh the breath sweet. The manner of Administering it. It is given chief in powder. The outward use. It helpeth moist and rheumatic eyes, and ease cold pains of the head being mixed with Populean ointment, and the temples therewith anointed. It is much used for all sorts of perfumes and fits of the Mother to the lower parts. It helpeth deafness being put into the Cotten wool. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful to weak brains and hot Livers, for the often use thereof burneth up the blood, and maketh the face pale; it is counted bad for such as have fits of the Mother, yet Horstius doth commend it in such fits if it be taken in a small quantity. Greg. Horst. Observat. lib. 1. part. 2. Observat. 24. fol. 49, 50. The Dose. The Dose is from two grains to five or six, in any convenient Liquor. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Species Diamoschu dulcis, & amari. Oleum Moschellinum. Musk powder. CHAP. 128. De Mumia, of Mummy. The Names and Temperament. MVmmie is the body of a man or woman embalmed, and brought chief from Egypt or Syria adjoining. It is called in Latin, Mumia, in English, Mummy. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It easeth the pain of the head coming of cold and moisture, and is good in Palsy and Cramp, Falling sickness, swimming of the head: it is cordial for the heart and preventeth the danger of poison, or the venom of the Scorpion and other Serpents, dissolveth wind both in the Stomach, spleen and bowels, stayeth the Hickop and inward Bleedings, or Fluxes of Blood, dissolveth the congealed Blood of bruises by falls or otherwise, and helpeth the Ulcers of the Bladder, and stopping of Urine, being taken in Goat's Milk, and is good against the Cough. The manner of Administering it. It is given chief in powder. A Powder against Bruises or Falls. Take Bole Armoniac, or sealed Earth, Dragon's blood and Mumme of each two Drams, of Parmacitty a Dram, Rhubarb half a Dram, make them in powder, and give half a Dram or more thereof. The outward use: It stayeth Bleeding of the Nose, or the Bleeding of Wounds, and is good to consolidate or close up Wounds: it is used also against Cramps and Distentions of the Mouth, the hardness and shrinking of the Sinews, and Lameness in the Feet through cold and wet. The Dose. It is given from a Dram to two Drams. Of those Medicines that are made of Mumme. Tincture, or extract of Mumme. Powder against Bruises. Sympathetic Ointment. CHAP. 129. De Nardo, of Spikenard. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin, Nardus Indica, Spica Indica, and Spica Nardi, in English Spicknard. It is hot in the first degree, and dry in the second. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward Use. It provoketh Urine and brings down the Courses, as some say, other will have it to stop all Fluxes both of Men and Women, and to stay the looseness of the Belly, and thin watery humours: being Drunk with cold Water, it is profitable to those that have a loathing of their Meat, or having swell or gnawings at their Stomaches, as also for them that are Liver-growne, that have the Yellow Jandise, or the Stone in the Kidneys: it drieth up the Flux of humours both in the Head and Breast, and is put into Antidotes against venom and poison. It is very convenient for the Liver and Stomach. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder, or in Decoction. The outward use. It stayeth any Flux of the Belly being applied, and helpeth Watering Eyes by staying the humours, and thickening it also. The Decoction used as a Bath for Women to sit in, or over it, taketh away the inflammation of the Mother. It is good to cause Hair to grow on the Eyelids of such as want it, and drieth up superfluous moisture in any part of the Body being strewed thereon. Oil made thereof is good for all Cold Griefs and Windiness of the Head, Stomach, Liver, Spleen, Reins and Bladder, and of the Mother. The hurtful quality. It causeth vomitings, and therefore is left out in many cordial Medicines; it is hurtful for hot and dry Bodies, and must not be given to Women with Child without great caution, because it procureth them much disquiet, and may force their Courses beyond either their time or conveniency. The Dose. The Dose is from a Scruple to thirty Grains. Medicines made thereof. Oil of Nardus, Simple and Compound. CHAP. 130. De Nigella, of Gith, or Nigella. The Names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Melanthium and Nigella, from the black colour of the Seed, in English Gith, Nigella, and Fennell-flower. The Seeds are hot and dry in the third degree. The Duration. The Seeds will keep good a year or two. The inward use. The Seed drunken with Wine is a good remedy against Shortness of Breath, expelleth Wind, provoketh Urine, and the Terms in Women, increaseth Milk in the Breasts of Nurses, killeth Worms, and is very good against poison, and the biting of venomous Beasts, as also against the Quartain and Quotian Ague if a Dram thereof be taken in Wine or Posset before the fit. It is an excellent remedy where there is need of cleansing, drying, and heating. The manner of Administering it. Is is given in powder, or in Decoction. The outward use. It Killeth Worms being laid to the Navel with the juice of Wormwood. Being dried and put into Linen or Sarfenet, and so quilted in and laid to the Head, it cureth Catarrhs or Rheims, drieth the Brain, and restoreth the smelling being lost. It taketh away Freckles, Scurf and Hard Swell being mixed with Vinegar and applied. The Smoke or Fume thereof driveth away venomous Creatures, and Killeth Flies, Bees and Wasps. The same mingled with Oil of Ireos, and laid to the forehead, cureth the Headache coming from cold. The hurtful quality. If too much thereof be taken, 'tis dangerous, and bringeth Death. The Dose. The Dose is from half a Dram to a Dram. Medicines made thereof. The distilied water. Oil thereof. CHAP 131. De Nitro, of Nitre. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Nitrum, and Sal nitri, in English Niter and Salt of Niter. It is hot of temperature, saith Pliny, in Nat. Hist. Book 310. Chap. 10. and doth extenuate, or make thin, others say it is cold. The duration. It will keep good many years, being kept dry. The inward use. It is profitable in burning Fevers, as also in putried and malignant Fevers, in the Calenture at Sea, for it resisteth putrefaction, and cooleth the boiling of the blood; it is useful also in the Pleurisy, inflammation of the Lungs, in the Stone of the Kidneys and Bladder, in the stops of the Liver and entrails. It stayeth the bleeding of a Vein, or of the Nose. The manner of Administering it. It is chief dissolved in some convenient Liquor, and so given, as if to stop bleeding, give it in Plantain water. The outward Use. It is used in Lotions against the inflations of the mouth and throat, in the Quinsy, against the Gout, and in burn and scaldings, as also against spots in the Eyes, being mixed with Honey, and put therein. Being boiled with Wine and Pepper, and the Mouth washed therewith, it easeth the Toothache, and cleanseth the Gums. The powder thereof (being burnt) maketh the Teeth white, being rubbled therewith. It is of excellent use to kill the Itch, Scab, Morphew, or any foul Diseases of the Skin, if it be mixed with Fuller's Earth and Vinegar, and the Skin anointed therewith. A Lotion for Tetters, or Ringwormes. Take of Nitre three Drams, of common Salt a Dram, of the distilled water of Dockes four Ounces, Vinegar of Squills one Ounce, dissolve and mix them together; moisten a Cloth or Sponge therein (being warm) and rub the places affected. Or against the Itch dissolve Niter, and Alum with distilled Vinegar, or with Water of Scabions, and therewith wash and rub the places affected. The hurtful quality. Where the Body is lose, it must not be given in any great quantity. The Dose. The Dose is from a Dram to a Dram and an half. Medicines made thereof. Spirit of Nitre. Tincture of Nitre, etc. CHAP. 132. De Nuce Moscata, & Maci. Of Nutmeg and Mace. The names and temperament. THe Nutmeg is called in Latin Nux moschata, and Nux myristica, in English Nutmeg. The Mace is called in Latin Macis, in English Mace. They are hot and dry in the second degree, and somewhat astringent. The best kind. The best Nutmegs are the heaviest, fastest, and such as are fullest of juice, which being pricked with a pin or needle yields an oily juice. The largest Mace is the best. The Duration. They will keep good many years. The inward Use. The Nutmegs are used in all cold Diseases of the Head, for Palsies, shrinking of Sinews, and the Diseases of the Mother, they stay the Laske, cause a sweet breath, expel wind in the stomach or belly, help to quicken the sight, stay vomiting, comfort the spirits and strengthen the stomach. They are profitable for the Liver and Spleen, cause such as are lean to grow fat, help venery and increase sperm: they help to procure sleep being applied to the Temples. Being mixed with Venice Terpintine washed and taken, it helpeth the running of the Reins. They provoke Urine, say some. The Nutmeg being green is preserved in the Indies, and brought over: the which is not so hot and dry as our dry Nutmegs; and therefore very comfortable for the Head and Stomach, eaten Morning and Evening, or after meals. Mace hath the same property, but somewhat more warming and comforting, and is good against Vomiting, Fluxes and Spitting of blood. The chemical Oil of either is excellent for the cold Diseases of the Head and Stomach, but must be cautelously and sparingly used. The manner of Administering them. They are given in powder, Electuary, etc. The outward Use. They are used outwardly to stop fluxes, to stay vomiting and to make the breath sweet. The thick Oil that is drawn both from Mace and Nutmegs are good for the Cough, vomiting, to warm a cold stomach, and to dry up Rheum and cold raw humours therein. A Cap or Quilt against the pain of the Head arising from superfluous moisture. Take Galingall, Calamus Odoratus and Cyperus Root, of each three Drams, Nutmeg and Cloves of each two Drams, Betony, and Marjerome of each an Ounce, Rosemary-Flowers, and Stoechadoes of each half an Ounce. Powder them, and make a Cap. The hurtful quality. They are hurtful to hot and dry Bodies, and to melancholy persons. The Dose. The Dose is from a Scruple to two Scruples. Of those Medicines that are made thereof. Oil chemical, and oil by expression of either. Salt of Nutmegs. Balsam of Nutmegs, and Mace. Nimphaea, see the 69. Chapter. CHAP. 133. De Ocimo, of Bassill. The names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Ocimum and Basilicum, in English Basill and Bassill. It is hot in the second degree. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. It is good for those that are short wound, provoketh Urine, and the Terms in Women, and brings a speedy deliverance to them in travile. The seeds are used to help the trembling of the Heart, and to comfort the same, as also to expel melancholy, or sadness. A Decoction of the herb made and taken is good against poison, and the sting of Scorpions, and helpful for those that are given to swoon, and it provokes venery or lust. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Decoction, or in powder. The outward Use. Used with Oil of Roses, or Myrtles, and Vinegar, it is good against the pains of the Head, and it is pofitably applied to those that are troubled with the Lethargy, the Jandise and Dropsey. It is good to be put into the Ears of young Children with a little Goose-Grease, to help them of pains thereof: the juice, or seed bruised put into the Nostrils procureth sneezing. Mixed with Honey and used, it taketh away the spots in the Face. The juice put into the Eyes taketh away the dimness thereof, and drieth up humours that fall into them. Hollerius relates of a certain Italian that by often smelling to Basil, had a Scorpion bred in his Brain, who after vehement and long pains Died thereof. Hollerius Lib. 1. Cap. 1. Fol. 3. The hurtful quality. It dulleth the sight, troubleth a weak brain, and causetth headache. The Dose. It is given from a Scruple to thirty or forty grains. Medicines made thereof. The distilled Water. CHAP. 134. De Nymphaea, of Water Lilly. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Nymphaea and Nenuphar, in English Water-Lilly. The Leaves and Flowers are cold and moist, but the root and seed cold and dry. The duration. The dried Flowers will keep a year. The inward use. The Flowers boiled and taken, cool inflammations, and all inward heats of Agues. The Seeds and Roots are effectual to stay Fluxes of Blood, and Seed both in Man and Woman, as also the running of the Reins, and the involuntary passage of sperm in sleep, and is so powerful that the frequent use thereof extinguisheth lustful or venereous actions; the Root likewise is very good for those whose Urine is hot and sharp, to be boiled in Wine or Water, and the Decoction drunk. The Syrup of Water Lilly or Conserve, helpeth much to procure rest, and to settle the Brains of Frantic Persons, for it wonderfully helpeth the distemperature of the Head arising from heat. The distilled Water of the flowers is effectual for the Diseases aforesaid. The manner of Administering it. It is used in Decoction. The outward Use. The Leaves and Flowers are used in Lotions, and Baths against Heat and Inflammations, as in the Frensey and Fevers. The green Leaves bruised, and applied to the Back helpeth the running of the Reins. The Distilled Water used taketh away Freckles, Spots, Sunne-burning and Morphew from the Skin in the Face, or any other part of the Body. The Oil made of the flowers, as oil of Roses is made doth cool hot tumors, and the inflammations of Ulcers, and wounds, ease the pains, and help to heal the sores. Of Medicines made thereof. The distilled water. Syrup, both simple and compound. Conserve. Oil and ointment. CHAP. 135. De Olibano, of Olibanum. The Names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Olibanum, and Thus Masculum, in English, also Olibanum or white Frankumcense. It is hot in the second degree and dry in the first, and binding withal. The Duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It restraineth bleedings, stoppeth the Laske and running of the Reins, helpeth the memory, sadness and melancholy, and comforteth the heart, mixed with other things for that purpose: it is also very pectoral and good for the Cough, for thin rheums and distillatious, and the Pleurisy also, mixed with conserve of Roses and taken fasting. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder electuary, or taken whole in the pap of a roasted Apple. The outward use. The fumes thereof when it is burned, being taken at the mouth and nose (the head being covered) is very available both for the Cough of the Lungs, and those thin distillations thereon causing it: the fumes thereof taken beneath, or the application of it in ointment, helpeth the Piles, and the Tenasmus, which is a disease provoking no often to the stool without doing any thing. It is a singular good medicine for the redness and pains in the eyes, or in the ears. Myrrh and Olibanum mixed with the white of an Egg, being beaten and laid to Temples, helpeth the Megro●es and pains in the head: it stoppeth bleeding of the nose or wounds, and is of especial use and account in Balms, Salves, Plasters and Ointments for Wounds and Ulcers, after their cleansing to incarnate, or breed flesh, and heal them speedily, and in Fractures of the Skull most effectually, so that the Pia mater (which is thin Skin that compasseth the Brain) be not perished. It helpeth the falling of the Fundament being strewed thereon, and the Fume on Coals sit over. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful to hot and dry Bodies, and to such as are Frantic. The Dose. The Dose is from half a Scruple to a Scruple. Medicines made thereof. Electuary Diaolibanum. ung. Basilicon, etc. CHAP. 136. De Lavendula, of Lavender. The Names. IT is called in Latin Onomis and Anomis, also Aresta Bovis, Resta Bovis, and Remorum aratri, because the roots are so tough that the Plough cannot easily cut them, but cause the Oxen to be at a stand for a time; in English 'tis called Rest Harrow, Cammock and Petty whin. The temperament. The root is hot and dry in the third degree, having some cleansing and cutting faculty therein also. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. The Bark, or Root itself in Powder, taken in Wine, provoketh Urine, breaketh the Stone, and driveth it forth. The Powder taken in Wine for many Days together Cures the fleshy Rupture, for it consumeth it by little and little. The Decoction thereof is effectual to open the stops of the Liver and Spleen, and other parts, and to help the Jandise, as also to cure the Blind Hemorrhoides or Piles. The tender sprigs or stalks hereof before they come prickly, are pickled up to be eaten as a sauce, or alone, and are commended against a stinking breath, and to take away the smell of wine in them that have drunk too much. Boiled in Oxymell to the Consumption of the one half it is a singular drink for the Falling-sickness. Plini. Nat. Hist. Book 27. Chap. 4. The manner of Administering it. It is given in powder, or in Decoction. The outward use. A Decoction thereof made with Vinegar and gargled in the mouth easeth the Toothache, especially when it cometh of rheum. the powder of the roots strewed upon the hard callous brims of Ulcers, or the said powder mixed with any other convenient thing and applied, doth consume the hardness, and cause them to heal the better. The hurtful quality. Hot and dry bodies must not be too busy with it. The Dose. It is given from a scruple to two scruples. Med cines made thereof. The distilled water from the whole plant. CHAP. 137. De Origano, of Organy, or bastard Marjerome. The Names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Origanum, in English Organy, or bastard Marjerom. It is hot and dry in the third degree. The Duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. The decoction of Organy with wine, is good for those that are bitten with Serpents, or venomous beasts, and to be taken with sodden wine, for such as have taken Hemlock or Opium. It is given with Figs to those that are bursten, or have a rapture, Convulsions or Cramps, or have the Dropsey. The dried herb, or juice taken in honeyed water, purgeth downwards choler and melancholy humours. It provoketh the courses, and taken with Honey it helpeth those that have a Cough. It provoketh those that have an Itch, or are Scabbed and Mangy, and those that have the Jandes, are much helped by a Decoction thereof taken, when they are in a bath. The Decoction thereof with a few Cloves and Sugar, helpeth those that have the Hickop exceedingly, it helpeth the stops of the Liver, Spleen or womb, and all other stops, provoketh Urine, and is good for such as have sour belchings, and Squamish Stomaches. The manner of Administering it. It is given in Decoction or in powder. The outward use. It healeth the Scab and Itch being used in a Bath, and taketh away the yellow colour of the Jandise. The juice of the green herb healeth the swell of the Almonds of the throat, and the Ulcers of the mouth; it draweth forth phlegm by the nostrils, if it be infused in the oil of Flowers-de-luce. It easeth the pains of the ears, being used with Milk. The powder thereof mixed with a little Saltpetre and Hony, made into the manner of a thin electuary, and therewith the teeth being rubbed often, will make them white and firmer. The hurtful quality. It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. The Dose is from half a dram to a dram. Of those Medicines that are made thereof. The distilled water. Oil. Salt. CHAP. 138. De Orobo, of bitter Vetch. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Orobus, because Oxen are fat therewith, and Ervum, in English, Orobus, and bitter Vetch. It is hot in the first degree and dry in the second, and by the bitterness cutteth cleanseth and openeth stops. The inward use. The meal or powder of Orobus mixed with Hony and taken is a good Medicine to cleanse the breast and Lungs of thick humours that offered them; the manner of the ancients preparation of the meal hereof was in this manner: being steeped in water a good while, they after fried or parched them until the rinds broke, which then being ground and passed through a boulter, they keep this meal as of great use, both to move the belly downwards and to provoke urine, and to cause them that use it to be of a good colour. If it be taken divers Mornings together fasting, it consumes the Spleen, and taken in Wine or Vinegar, it helpeth the bitings of Serpents and mad Dogs, and Men, and taken with Vinegar, it helpeth the Strangury, and that disease when one doth oft desire to go to stool but can do nothing: The said meal mixed with Hony and taken, helpeth those that relish not their meat, and are ready to fall into a Consumption. The manner of Administering it. It is given chief in powder, with Honey, or any Conserve. The outward use. The Meal hereof mixed with Hony cleanseth foul Ulcers, and take away the spots, freckles, and other discolourings of the face or other parts of the body: it suffereth no Cankers, Gangrenes, or spreading eating sores to breed in the body; it mollifieth the hardness of the breasts: The decoction thereof helpeth the Itch and Kibes being bathed therewith, and made into a Plaster with wine; it will break Carbunkles if it be laid thereon. The hurtful quality. If too much thereof be taken, it causeth headache and pains in the belly, and causeth bloody urines. The Dose. The Dose is from a scruple to two scruples. Medicines made thereof. The Meal of Orobus. CHAP. 139. De Passulis, of Raisins. The Names and temperament. THey are called in Latin Passulae, & Wae passae, in English Raisins and Raisins. They are hot in the first degree, and moist in the second. The best kind. The best are those we call Raisins of the sun. The duration. They will keep good a year. The inward use. They are much used in decoctions and drinks, to help coughs, hoarseness of the throat, shortness of wind, toughness of phlegm, causing it to be more easily spit out, and do lenify sharp and nauseous humours that offend the mouth of the stomach: they open the stops of the liver, spleen, and bladder, and taken by themselves, they nourish much by reason of their thick, sweet and temperate substance, whereby also they stay not long, nor putrefy in the stomach. The manner of administering them. They are used only in decoction. The outward use. Being bruised and applied (the stones taken out) with Rue in manner of a Poultis, it helpeth Warts, Carbuncles, Corns in the feet, the Gangrene and the Gout. They take away lose nails being applied. Being mixed with a little Cummin-seed in powder and Oil of white Lilies, it assuageth the swelling of the Cod. The hurtful quality. Hot and choleric persons must not eat too largely of them, lest for their sweet meat, they have sour sauce. Medicines made thereof. Lohoch de Passulis. Mel passulatum. CHAP. 140. De Poeonia, of Peony. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Poeonia and Pionia, from Poeon that famous Physician, in English Peony; or Peony. It is hot and dry in the second degree, and of thin parts. The duration. The root or seeds will keep good a year or two. The inward use. Peony procureth women's courses if it be taken in honeyed Wine, and it is good to open the stops of the Liver and Kidneys, helpeth the Jaundice and Stone: the root also made into powder and taken helpeth the Falling Sickness, the body being first well purged and prepared: it is effectual for Women that are not sufficiently cleansed after childbirth, and for such as are troubled with the Mother, for which likewise the black seeds being beaten to powder is given in Wine, the red seeds being taken for Fluxes, especially if they be boiled in red Wine, and the same drunk; the black also taken before bedtime, and in the morning also is very effectual for the Nightmare: it is also good for melancholy dreams, and restoreth speech to those that have lost it, if thirty grains husked be made into powder and given in Wine. It is good against the bitings of Serpents, and helpeth Convulsions in children. The root of the male is to be chosen, and to be taken before and after a full Moon. The distilled Water and Syrup are used for the same Diseases. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or in decoction. The outward use. It is usually hung about the neck of children or others against the Falling Sickness, either the root green or the seeds. A Cap or Quilt against the Falling Sickness. Take Orris, Cypress and Peony-root, of each two drams, Peony-seed, and the skull of a dead man, of each a dram, Mace and Nutmeg, of each a scruple, of Camomile-flowers as much: Powder them all, make a cap, and let it be worn continually. The Dose. The root is given from half a scruple to a scruple and a half, and seeds from ten grains to thirty. Of Medicines made thereof. The distilled water of the flowers. Syrup both simple and compound. Extract of Peony, conserve of Peony, Salt, Oil. CHAP. 141. De Pentaphyllo, of Cinquefoil. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Pentaphyllum and Quinquefolium, from the number of leaves being five, in English Cinquefoil, Cinquefield, and five-finger-grasse, or five-leaved grass. It is moderately hot, but dry in the third degree. The duration. It may be kept a year. The inward use. It is used in diseases proceeding from Rheum, in the Palsy, consumption of the lungs, joynt-gowt, and to correct the moistness of the Womb, against spitting of blood, or any flux of blood, bleeding of the Piles, or bleeding at the Nose, and any looseness of the body: It is profitable in the cough, jaundice, stops of the liver & spleen, where sharp choler doth abound. It is good against venom and poison in all inflammations and Fevers, whether infectious or not, to cool and temper the blood and humours in the body: the juice hereof drunk about four ounces at a time for certain days together, cureth the Quinsy and yellow Jaundice, and to be taken for thirty days together cureth the Falling Sickness and all Fluxes; the roots boiled in milk, and drunk is held most effectual of any other remedy, and is good also against ruptures, and bruises or falls: the juice or the decoction is good to help the hoarseness of the throat, taken with a little Honey. A decoction of the root or leaves in Mead or honeyed water, being taken before divers fits cureth the quartane Ague. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or decoction. The outward use. It is used in lotions, gargles and injections for sore mouths, ulcers, cankers, sistulaes, and other corrupt and foul or running sores: the roots boiled in vinegar, and the decoction held in the mouth, easeth the toothache. The root boiled in vinegar helpeth all Knots, Kernels, hard Swell and lumps growing in the flesh in any part applied thereunto; as also all inflammations and Saint Anthony's fire, all Impostumes and painful sores, with heat and putrefaction, the Shingles also, and all other sores of running and foul Scabs, Sores and Itches: the same also boiled in Wine and applied helpeth any joints full of pain and ache, the Gout of the hands or feet, as also the Sciatica. The juice dropped into the eyes helpeth the inflammation thereof. The root or leaves applied to the Nose stoppeth the bleeding thereof, as also of any Wound that bleedeth. A Water to kill an Itch. Take Cinquefoil and Plantain, of each half a handful, Roch-Allome half an ounce; boil them in a quarter of a pint of strong Wine Vinegar, to the wasting of half, then add to the strained liquor a spoonful of Honey, and two drams of white Mercury, boil them a little and reserve it. The Dose. The Dose is from half a dram to two scruples. Medicines made thereof. The distilled water. Extract of Cinquefoil. CHAP. 142. De Pimpinella, of Burnet. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Pimpinella and Sanguisorba, in English Burnet, & Pimpinell. It is hot and dry in the second degree say some, others will have it to be cold in the second degree, and dry in the third. The duration. It will keep good a year, being dry. The inward use. It is a friend to the Heart, Liver and other principal parts, two or three of the stalks with leaves put into a cup of Wine especially Claret (as all know) give a wonderful fine relish to it, and besides do quicken the spirits, refresh the heart, and make it merry, driving away melancholy: it is a special help to defend the heart from noisome vapours, and from the infection of the Plague or Pestilence, and all other contagious diseases, for which purpose 'tis of great effect, the juice thereof being taken in some drink, and they either laid to sweat thereupon, or wrapped and kept very warm. It is available in all manner of fluxes of blood or humours, to staunch inward bleedings, laskes or scour, the bloody flux, Woman's too abundant courses, and the Whites also, and choleric belchings, and castings of the stomach, and is singular good for inward Wounds. The powder of the herb taken in Comfrey-water, is excellent for such as have fall'n or are bruised. The Water hath the same effects, being taken. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, in powder, or in Electuary, An Electuary against the Consumption of the Lungs. Take of Burnet in fine powder two ounces, fine Sugar an ounce, with a sufficient quantity of Pimpinel-water make an Electuary, of which take morning and evening the quantity of a Nutmeg. The outward use. It is an excellent herb for all sorts of Wounds, both of the head and body, for all old Ulcers or running Cancers, and moist sores which are of hard curation, either the juice, of decoction of the herb, or the powder of the herb used, or else made into Oil or Ointment by itself, or with other things to be kept. The seed drieth up moist sores being put therein in powder. The distilled Water maketh the face and hands fair being washed therewith. An ointment to dry over moist Wounds. Take four good handfuls of Burnet, of May-butter or fresh Butter a pound, cut the Burnet, and boil them gently at the fire until the herb wax black, than strain and reserve it. The Dose. Take half a dram of the herb or root at a time. Of those Medicines that are made thereof. The distilled water, conserve made of the seed, the root candied, Oil, Salt of Burnet. CHAP. 143. De Pipere, of Pepper. The Names and sorts. THere are three sorts of Pepper chief in use, white Pepper, called Piper album, long Pepper, called Piper longum, and black Pepper, called Piper nigrum, and this last is most in use. The temperament. It is hot and dry in the third degree, or near the fourth degree, of a heating and resolving quality. The duration. They will keep good many years. ●he inward use. The black pepper is most in use for sauce and meats. They are all used to warm cold stomaches, and to stir up an appetite, and to consume ●rude and moist humours therein, or distilling from the head: they also help to break and dissolve wind in the stomach, or bowels, to provoke urine, to help the cough and other diseases of the breast, and are effectual against the bitings of Serpents, and other poisons, & are therefore put into the great Antidotes. They are given before the fits of Agues, to abate the rigour and shaking thereof, and are used in the Quinsy with Honey. They strongly heat the sinews and muscles, and all cold parts. Pepper must not be too small beaten for fear of inflaming the blood, and other profitable humours of the body. ●hey help the dimness of the sight, and stir up Venery. If five or six grains of black or white Pepper be taken for certain days together, it doth help a cold and raw stomach, and such as are subject to the Colic. The chemical oil of Pepper is good for the aforesaid diseases, and especially against a tertian Ague if three drops thereof be taken with a scruple of Myrrh two hours before the fit cometh. Pepper is best for cold, moist and gross meats, for cold and moist seasons, for the aged and phlegmatic, for such as have cold, weak, and windy stomaches, and that are subject to distillations. The manner of administering them. They are given in powder or in Electuary. An Electuary against wind in the stomach and belly. Take black, white and long Pepper, of each a dram and a half, of Ginger, Amse-seed and Thyme, of each half a dram, make them into a gross powder, and with six ounces of Honey, or conserve of red Roses make an Electuary, and take often of it as much as a Nutmeg. The outward use. It is used outwardly against Agues mixed with Honey and laid to the Wrists, and against the Quinsy, and disperseth the kernels as well in the throat as in any other part of the body: it easeth the toothache being put into a clout, tied up and chewed on, and snuffed up into the nostrils, it provoketh sneezing. A Medicine to help the toothache. Take of Mastic an ounce, Pepper, Pellitory of Spain, of each a dram and a half, make them in powder, and with Honey make a paste, of which take about the bigness of a small Bean, and hold in the mouth by the space of half an hour fasting. The hurtful quality. Pepper is hurtful to hot choleric and dry bodies, in hot weather, and hot Countries; consumeth the seed and burneth the blood, if it be immoderately used. The Dose. It is given from half a scruple to thirty grains. Medicines made thereof. Species Diatrion pipereon. Chemical Oil. Oil by decoction. CHAP. 144. De Plantagine, of Plantain. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Plantage, in English Plantain. It is cold and dry in the second degree. The duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. The juice of Plantain clarified, and drunk for divers days together, either of itself, or in other drink, prevaileth wonderfully against all torments and frettings in the guts, helpeth the distillations of Rheum from the head, and stayeth all manner of fluxes in man or woman, even the courses also in Women: it is good to stay spitting of blood, and all other bleedings at the mouth, by having a vein broken in the stomach, and that maketh bloody or foul water by any Ulcer in the Reins or Bladder; it is held also an especial remedy for those that have the consumption of the Lungs, or Ulcers in the Lungs; or have coughs that come of heat. The greatest Plantain is counted by some the best. The decoction or powder of the roots or seed, is much more binding, for all the purposes aforesaid than the herb, and helpeth Agues. The seed made into powder and mixed with the yolk of an Egg and some wheat-flower, and made into a cake and baked, doth stay any flux of the stomach and vomiting. It is a singular good wound-herb. The herb, but especially the seed (which is of more subtle parts) is likewise held to be profitable against the Dropsy, Falling Sickness, yellow Jaundice, and the stops of the Liver or Reins: the powder of the dried leaves taken in drink, killeth the Worms in the belly. It must be eaten warm for certain days together. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, or in powder. The outward use. The juice, or the herb stayeth the bleeding of the Nose, or the bleeding of Wounds: the clarified juice or the water thereof dropped into the eyes cooleth the heat thereof, as also cureth the Pin and Web therein, & dropped into the ears easeth the pains thereof, & helpeth deafness: the same also is very profitably applied, with juice of Housleek against all inflammations & break out in the skin, & against burn or scaldings by fire or water: the juice or the decoction is good for old or hollow ulcers, for Cancers & sores in the mouth, or privy parts of man or woman, and helpeth also the pains of the Piles and Fundament: the juice mixed with Oil of Roses, and the temples and forehead anointed therewith, easeth the pains of the head, proceeding from heat, and helpeth frantic and lunatic persons very much, as also the bitings of Serpents, or of a mad Dog; the same also is profitably applied to all hot Gouts in the hands or feet, especially in the beginning, to cool the heat; and repress the humours; it is also good to be applied where any bone is out of joint, to hinder inflammations, swell, and pains, that presently rise thereupon. A decoction of the leaves killeth Worms that breed in old and foul Ulcers. The roots of Plantain and Pellitory of Spain, beaten together and put into hollow teeth taketh away the pains therein: one part of Plantaine-water, and two parts of the brine of powdered beef boiled together and clarified, is a most sure remedy to heal all spreading scabs and Itch in the head or body, all manner of Tetters or Ringworms, the Shingles, and all other running and fretting sores. The leaves are very good to heal fresh or old Wounds and Sores, as also to make a water or lotion for a sore mouth or throat, or for sores of the privy parts of Man or Woman. A Pultis to ease the pains of the Hemorrhoides. Take a handful or two of green Plantain-leaves, bruise them well, and with Linseed-oile make a pultis, and apply it. An ointment against Burn, or Scaldings with fire, Water, Led, Tin, etc. Take of the juice of Plantain, Housleeck and Comfrey the lesser, of each four ounces, sheep's dung (dessolved in the foresaid juices) two ounces, sheep's suet a pound. Boil them together at a gentle fire into due height, than strain and reserve it. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for cold constitutions. The Dose. The leaves, roots and seeds are given from half a dram to a dram. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled Water. Syrup of the juice. CHAP. 145. De Portulaca, of Purslane. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Portulaca, in English Purslane and Porcelain. It is cold in the third degree, and moist in the second. The duration, It is rarely dried, but used green. The inward use. It is good to cool any heat in the Liver, Blood, Reins and Stomach, and in hot Agues nothing better: it stayeth also hot and choleric fluxes of the belly, as also of women's courses, the Whites, and Running of the Reins, the distillations from the head, and the pains therein proceeding of heat, want of rest, or the Frenzy: the seed is more effectual than the herb, and singular good to cool the heat and sharpness of urine, and the outrageous lust of the body, venereous dreams and the like: the seed bruised and boiled in Wine, and given to children that have the Worms expelleth them, the juice of the herb is held as effectual for all the purposes aforesaid, as also to stay vomitings, and taken with some Sugar, or Honey helpeth an old and dry cough, shortness of breath and the Phthisic, and to stay an immoderate thirst taken upon extreme heat. The distilled water of the herb is used with Sugar, and worketh to the same effect. The herb is generally used in Salads, in the heat of the year, to cool and temper the blood, and hot and fainting stomaches, and is good for them to use that have the Falling Sickness, and also for those that have their teeth on edge by eating sour Apples or the like. The juice helpeth spitting of blood. The syrup of Purslane is good for the aforesaid disease. The juice made into pills with the powder of Gum Tragacanth and Arabic, and taken, prevaileth much to help those that make a bloody water. The manner of administering it. It is given in juice, or the feeds in powder, or in decoction. The outward use. The juice is singular good in the inflammations and ulcers of the secret parts in man or woman, and for the Piles being applied thereto. The herb bruised and applied to the forehead and temples, allayeth excessive heat therein, causing want of rest and sleep, and applied to the eyes, taketh away the redness and inflammations in them, and those other parts where Pushes, Wheals, Pimples, Saint Anthony's fire, and the like break forth, especially if a little Vinegar be put to it; and being laid to the neck with as much of Galls and Lindseed together, taketh away the pains herein, and the crick in the neck; the juice also is used with Oil of Roses for the said causes, or for Blast by Lightning, and for burn by Gunpowder, or otherwise, as also for women's sore breasts upon the like hot causes, and to allay the heat in all other sores or hurts: it is said also to stay the spreading of venomous Serpent's bitings, and to draw forth the poison: Applied also to the navel of children that stick forth it helpeth them; it is good also for sore mouths and sore Gums when they are swollen, to fasten lose teeth. The distilled Water (saith Cameraius) used by some took away the pain of their teeth, when all other remedies failed. The herb bruised and applied, easeth the hot Gout: the juice put up into the fundament with a Glister-pipe, helpeth the ulcerations and flux of the guts. It taketh away Warts being bruised and applied. The hurtful quality. The over-frequent use of Purslane extinguisheth the heat and virtue of natural procreation, weakeneth the stomach, and hurteth the sight: it is hurtful also to aged persons, and to cold and phlegmatic persons. The Dose. The seed is given from half a dram, to a dram. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water, syrup both simple and compound. CHAP. 146. De Prassio, of Horehound. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Prassium & Marrubium, in English Horehound. It is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third. The duration. It will keep good a year, being dried. The inward use. A decoction of the dried herb with the seed, or the juice of the green herb taken with Honey, is a remedy for those that are pursy and shortwinded, for those that have a Cough, and for such as, by long sickness, or thin distillations of Rheum upon the Lungs are wasted and fallen into a Consumption: it helpeth to bring away tough phlegm from the chest, being taken with the dried root of Orris. It is given to women to bring down their courses, and to expel the afterbirth, as also to them that have sore and long travels; and is good also against poison, or stinging of venomous beasts; it helpeth the pains of the side, openeth the stops both of Liver and Spleen, kills Worms, and is good for such as have the Itch, Scab, or running sores. The syrup of Horehound is used for old Coughs, to bring away tough phlegm, as also for old men and others, whose Lungs are oppressed with thin and cold Rheum, and for those that are shortwinded. The manner of administering it. It is chief given in decoction; see the first Chapter. The outward use. The leaves used with Honey do purge foul ulcers, stay running sores, and the growing of the flesh over the nails: the juice thereof with Wine and Honey helpeth to clear the eyesight, and snuffed up into the nostrils helpeth to purge away the yellow Jaundice; and either of itself, or with a little Oil of Roses being dropped into the ears, easeth the pains of them: the green leaves bruised and boiled with old Hog's Lard into an ointment, healeth the bitings of Dogs, abateth the swell of women's breasts, and taketh away the swelling and pains that come by any pricking of thorns, or any such like thing. Used with Vinegar it cleanseth and healeth Tetters: the decoction thereof is a singular help for women that are troubled with the Whites, if they sit over it while it is warm: the same also healeth any Scabs, whether dry or moist, if the places be bathed therewith. The hurtful quality. It hurteth the Bladder and the Reins, and must not be used in hot and dry bodies; if Raisins and Liquorish be used therewith, it is less hurtful. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to thirty grains. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled Water thereof. Syrup of Horehound▪ Species Diaprassii. CHAP. 147. De Pulmonaria, of Lung-wort. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Pulmonaria, of the likeness of the form which it hath with Lungs or Lights, and also Lichen arborum, in English Lung-wort, and Wood- Liver-wort. It is cold and dry. The inward use. It is used against the diseases of the Lungs, & for Coughs, Wheesing, and shortness of breath, & also against spitting of blood and pissing of blood: it stayeth the Reds in Women, and stoppeth the fluxes of the belly, and stayeth vomiting. The shepherds do give it to their sheep (with Salt) that be troubled with the Cough, and be broken-winded, and they give it also to other for the same purpose. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or in decoction. The outward use. It is commended for bloody and green wounds, and is very profitably put into Lotions that are made to stay the moist humours that flow to Ulcers, and hinder their healing, as also to wash all other Ulcers in the secret parts of man or woman. The Dose. The Dose of the powder is from half a dram to a dram. CHAP. 148. De Raphano, of Radish. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Raphanus, in English Radish and Reddish. Garden- Radish is hot in the third degree, and dry in the second: the Horse- Radish is hot and dry in the third degree. The duration. Radish-roots (especially Horse- Radish) may be kept a year or two. The inward use. The Garden and horseradish are in use, but chief the latter, and is excellent against the pains of the Reins, Bladder and Stone, provoketh much Urine, and helpeth to separate the gravel from the stone, and to expel it, being boiled with Honey and Vinegar into an electuary: it is also a good remedy in strong bodies, both for the Cough, the Phthisic and other diseases of the Lungs, as also to provoke women's courses. The same steeped in Oxymel three days, causeth vomit, and is commended against the quarta ne Ague: the juice given in drink is held to be very effectual for the Scurvy: it killeth Worms, helpeth the Colic and Jaundice, and bringeth away the afterbirth. The distilled water of the herb and roots is often taken with a little Sugar for all the purposes aforesaid. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction or in powder. The outward use. The roots bruised and applied to the belly of Children killeth worms: the same also laid to the place grieved with the Sciatica, join-ache, or the hard swell of the Spleen and Liver, doth wonderfully help them all: the root stamped with the meal of Darnell and a little White Wine-Vineger, taketh away all blue and black spots of the face, being thereto applied. The hurtful quality. Radish hurteth the Brain, causeth sharp and sour belchings, oppresseth the stomach, engenders raw humours and much wind, raiseth up noisome fumes which are hurtful to the Eyes and head. Being often eaten it wasteth the teeth. The dose. The root in powder is given from a scruple to thirty grains. Medicines made thereof. The distilled water, Syrup of Radish. CHAP. 149. De Rapis, of Turnips. The names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Rapum & Rapa, in English Turnip and Rape. They are hot in the second degree, and moist in the first. The inward use. Turnips well boiled and eaten moderately, nourish meetly well, increase milk in women's breasts, and natural seed, provoke Urine, and sharpen the sight. A decoction of Turnips being taken, is good against the Cough, Consumption and hoarseness, being taken morning and evening with Sugar, or clarified Honey; but especially if the liquor be made into a syrup and so taken morning and evening. The seeds of Turnip resisteth poison, (therefore are used in Antidotes) provoke Venery and expel out the malignity of the small Pox and Measles. The oil of the seeds is given to women against their after-paines, and to children against the worms. The manner of administering them. They are used in decoction, Syrup, or eaten with Butter and Vinegar. The outward use. Oil of Roses put into a Turnip made hollow for the purpose and then roasted in Embers, healeth the kibed-heels, being thereto applied: the decoction also of Turnips is good for the same purpose. Being boiled in milk, it easeth the Gout being laid thereto. A decoction thereof helpeth the Leprosy and Malignant scab, as also the Palsy, if the parts affected be bathed therewith. The Oil of the seed is used against the ruggedness of the skin. The hurtful quality. Turnips breed wind, trouble a weak stomach, being hard of digestion, cause stopping in the Veins and pores, and annoy the sinews, and are hurtful for those that have the Colic. The Dose. The seeds are given from a scruple to thirty grains. Medicines made thereof. The distilled water. Syrup of Turnips. CHAP. 150. De Rosis, of Roses. The names and kinds. THere are chief three sorts of Roses in use, the Red, Damask and White, the two first being principally used, the Red Rose is called in Latin Rosarubra, the Damask, Rosa Damascena, and the white Rosa alba. The temperament. Roses are counted by most cold in the first degree, and dry in the second, or cold and dry in the second degree, others say they are partly cold and partly hot; others again will have them hot because of their bitterness, fragrancy, and purging faculty. See Sennert. Paralipomen. fol. 158, 159. The Damask Roses have more airy and spiritual parts in them, the Red Roses are more earthy and binding. The duration. The leaves being dry will keep good a year. The inward use. Red Roses do strengthen the heart, Stomach, Liver, and the retentive faculties; they mitigate the pains that arise of heat; assuage inflammations, procure rest and sleep, stay women's courses both White and Red, the running of the Reins, and the Fluxes of the Belly: the juice of them doth purge and cleanse the body from choler and phlegm. The conserve of Red Roses is binding and cordial, good for those that have rheum falling from the Brain to the Nose or Lungs, comforteth a weak stomach and a fainting heart; being taken morning and evening. The yellow threads in the middle of the Red Rose being powdered and taken in the distilled water of Quinces stayeth the abundance of women's courses. If it be mixed with the powder of Mastic & taken, it is very good for running of the Reins and other looseness of humours in the body. ●he Syrup of red Roses strengtheneth a weak stomach given to casting, cooleth an overheated Liver, and the blood in Agues, comforteth the heart and resisteth putrefaction and infection, and helpeth to stay fluxes of the belly. Sugar of Roses is a good cordial to strengthen the heart and spirits, to dry up rheum, and to help the Hectic Fever. The heads with seed being used in powder or in decoction stayeth the lask and spitting of blood. The Damask Rose is more purging, the juice of which doth gently and safely purge choler and hot humours; the syrup of Roses laxative doth also purge choler and phlegm gently and loosen the belly, taken from one ounce to three or four; but the syrup of Roses with Agarick openeth the body more than the former, and purgeth as much phlegm as choler; if you take one ounce of it or two at the most: the compound syrup is more forceable in working on melancholy humours, and available against the Lepry, Itch, Scab, Tetters, etc. The conserve hereof doth also gently loosen the body: the distilled water of the syrup of Damask Roses being taken doth bind the belly; yet Costaeus saith, that if ten ounces of Damask Rose-water be drunk in the morning, it doth open and purge the belly. The manner of administering them. They are given in powder, in decoction, in juice, in electuary, etc. An Electuary to comfort the stomach, and to dry up rheum. Take of Conserve of Red Roses two ounces, of the species called Aromaticum rosatum a dram, mix them together, and take often of it. The outward use. The decoction of Red Roses made with Wine and used, is very good for the headache and pains in the Eyes, Ears, Throat and Gums, the fundament also and lower bowels and the Matrix, being bathed or put into them: the same decoction with the Roses remaining in them is profitably applied to the region of the heart to ease the inflammation therein, as also Saint Anthony's fire, and all other diseases of the stomach. Red Roses are used with other things for sore Eyes, and to dry up rheum: the husks of the Red Roses with the beards and the nails of the Roses are binding and cooling, and the distilled water of either of them is good for the heat and redness of the Eyes, to stay and dry up the rheums and watering of them, so is the water of the leaves if the Eyes be washed therewith, Vinegar of Roses is of good use against pain and heat of the head, as also to procure rest and sleep, if some thereof and Rose-water together be used to smell unto, or the nose and temples moistened therewith, but more usually to moisten a piece of Red Rosecake, cut fit for the purpose, and heated between a double-folded cloth with a little beaten Nutmeg and Poppy-seed, strewed on that side that shall lie next to the forehead and temples, and so bound thereto for all night: the ointment of Roses is much used against heat and inflammations in the head to anoint the forehead and temples, and being mixed with some Populeon ointment to procure rest, as also it is used for the heat of the Liver, of the back and reins, and to cool and heal Pushes, weals and other red pimples rising in the face and other parts. Oil of Roses is not only used by itself to cool any hot swell or inflammations, and to bind and stay fluxes of humours unto sores, but is put also into many other compositions both ointments and plasters, that are cooling and binding and restraining the flux of humours. Rose-leaves and Mints heated and applied outwardly to the stomach, stayeth castings and strengtheneth a weak stomach very much, and applied as a fomentation to the region of the Liver and Heart, doth much cool and temper the distemperature of them. The distilled water of Damask Roses, and the distilled oil or spirit are much used for outward perfumes; and the leaves are used also in sweet powders. Honey of red Roses is used for sore mouths and throats either alone or with White Wine. A Quilt or Bag to strengthen and comfort the stomach. Take of red Roses dried two drams, of Mastic and red Coral, of each half an ounce, Anise-seed and Fennell-seed, of each a dram, Cloves and Nutmeg, of each a dram and a half, Wormwood and Mints, of each a handful Make them all into a gross powder, and make a quilted bag according to art, to be laid to the stomach. A Pultis against the bleeding of the Nose. Take of the seeds of red Roses an ounce, Dragons-blood, Sealed earth, & , of each a dram: make them into powder, and with the white of an Eglantine and the hairs of an Hare make a Pultis and lay it to the temples and nod of the neck; also make some of it stiff, and put up into the Nose. The hurtful quality. It is not safe to give the juice of Damask Roses to women with child, because it provokes their courses, and the water also thereof is hurtful to such as are troubled with the headache. The dose. The leaves and seeds are given from a scruple to two scruples. The juice is given from one ounce to two ounces. Syrup of Roses laxative is given from one ounce to 3. or 4 ounces. The electuary of the juice of Roses is given from two drams to six drams. Of those Medicines that are made of Roses. The distilled water of Damask, red and white Roses. Conserve both of Damask, and red Roses. Sugar of Roses, or Sugar-roset. Oil chemical, and spirit of Roses. Species Aromaticum Rosatum. Diarrhodon Abbatis. Rosata novella. Syrup of Roses solutive. Syrup of the juice of Roses. Syrup of Roses with Agarick. Syrup of Roses solutive with Hellebore. Syrup of Roses solutive with Sene. Syrup of red Roses dry. Honey of Roses. Tincture of Roses. Oil of Roses by infusion, Ointment of Roses. Vinegar of Roses. Balsam, etc. CHAP. 151. De Rosmarino, of Rosemary. The names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Rosmarinus, & Rosmarinum, quasi Rosa marina, English Rosemary. It is hot and dry in the second degree, and also of an astringent or binding quality, yet of subtle or thin parts: it is best for cold and moist seasons, for the age phlegmatic and rheumatic. The duration. It will keep good a year or two being dried. The inward use. It helpeth all cold diseases of the head, stomach, Liver, belly and womb; A decoction thereof in Wine helpeth the cold distillations of the brain into the eyes, and the giddiness or swimming of the brain, drowsiness, or dulness of the mind and senses like a stupidness, the dumb Palsy, or loss of speech, the Lethargy, Apoplexy, and Falling Sickness: it helpeth the pains in the Gums and teeth by rheum falling into them, or by putrefaction causing an evil smell from them, or a stinking breath: it helpeth a weak memory by heating and drying up the cold moistures of the brain, and quikening the senses: It is a good remedy for windiness in the stomach or bowels, as also the Hypochondriack passion, and wind in the spleen: It helpeth those that are Liver-growne, by opening the stops thereof, by warming the coldness, & making thin the grossness, and afterwards binding and strengthening the weakness thereof: it helpeth dim Eyes, and to quicken the sight, as also the yellow Jandise, and the whites in women, and the rising of the Mother, if the flowers or leaves be daily taken, in decoction or in powder. The dried leaves shred small and taken in a Pipe as Tobacco is taken; help the Cough or Phthisic, and Consumption, by warming and drying the thin rheum, which causeth those diseases. The Chemical oil is good for the aforesaid diseases, if two or three drops thereof be taken in Beer, or other Liquor. The flowers and the conserve made thereof doth comfort the brain and heart, and is good to expel the contagion of the pestilence. If you steep or infuse a few Cloves, Mace and Anise-seed in the distilled water of the flowers for certain days, and take morning and evening thereof, it helpeth a stinking breath and mouth. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, or in powder. The outward use. It helpeth the cold diseases of the head, if a decoction thereof be made, and the temples and neck bathed therewith. The leaves are much used in bathe; and made into Ointments or Oils is singular good to help cold benumbed joints, sinews or members: the herb burned in houses and chambers in time of infection, is good to correct the air in them. The Herb is much used in powders and quilts, to dry up rheum, and to strengthen the womb. The Chemical oil is good for the cold diseases of the brains, if the temples, nostrils, and nape of the neck be anointed therewith. An Epitheme for the cold headache. Take Rosemary, Sage, Camomile, Melilot, Betony and Bryonie-root, of each a handful; Boil them in water, and with a spnge, or soft linen clothes, made wet therein, apply it hot to the forehead. The hurtful quality. It must not be used in very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given in powder from a scruple to two scruples. Of such Medi ines as are made thereof. The distilled water. Chemical Oil. Conserve of the flowers. Species Dianthos. Balsam. CHAP. 152. De Rusco, of Knee-holme. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Ruscus, Ruscum, and Bruscus, in English Butchers Broom and Knee-holme. It is hot in the second degree, and dry in the first with some tenuity or thinness of parts. It is one of the five opening roots. The duration The roots will keep good a year or two. The inward use. A decoction of the roots made in Wine, and taken, openeth stops, provoketh urine, and amendeth the strong smell thereof, helpeth to expel gravel and the Stone, Strangury and women's courses: the same also helpeth the yellow Jaundice, and the Headache, and with some Sugar or Honey put thereunto helpeth to bring away phlegm, and to cleanse the chest of much clammy humours gathered therein. The juice of the leaves taken with Sugar helpeth spitting of blood, and cleanseth the womb. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, or in powder. A Powder against Wind, and gripe of the belly. Take the roots of Knee-holme, Anise-seed and Fennel-seed, of each half an ounce, make them in powder, and mix therewith half an ounce of Sugar; take every morning thereof as much as will lie on a shilling in White Wine, or Posset-drink. The outward use. The juice thereof taketh away the stink of the mouth, and Gums being washed therewith, and the powder of the root cleanseth Wounds, and preventeth a Gangrene being strewed therein. The Dose. It may be given from half a dram to a dram. CHAP. 153. De Ruta, of Rue. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Ruta, and Ruta hortensis, in English Rue, and Herbgrace, or Herb of Grace; it is hot and dry in the third degree. The duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. Rue provoketh urine and women's courses, expelleth all venom and poison, and is most excellent in time of the Plague or sickness: the seed also taken in Wine is an Antidote or Counterpoison against all dangerous Medicines, or deadly poisons. A decoction made thereof with some dried Dil-leaves and flowers, easeth all pains and gripeings in the body. The same being drunk helpeth the pains both of the chest and sides, as also Coughs, hardness, or difficulty of breathing, the inflammations of the Lungs, as also the shaking of Agues, to take a draught before the fit come. It killeth Worms being boiled in Wine and Honey, and taken. The juice taken with Wine, purgeth women after their deliverance, bringeth away the dead child and afterbirth. It drieth up the milk, and the natural seed of generation, and quickeneth the sight. The leaves of Rue first boiled & then laid in pickle, is by some eaten as sauce, for the dimness of sight, and to warm a cold stomach. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, in decoction, and electuary. Mithridates' his Antidote against Poison. Take twenty leaves of Rue, a little Salt, a couple of Wal-nuts, and a couple of Figs; beat them together into a mass. This is for every day. The outward use. It helpeth swelling of the cod, if it be boiled with Bay-leaves, and they bathed therewith. The juice mixed with Honey, and the juice of Fennel, helpeth dim eyes being dropped therein: being boiled or infused in Oil, it is good to help the wind-colic, or the swelling hardness, or windiness of the Mother, and freeth women from the strangling or suffocation of the Mother, if the shares and parts thereabouts be anointed therewith: It helpeth the Gout or pains in the joints of hands, feet, or knees, and also the Sciatica applied thereunto: the same with Figs helpeth the Dropsy. It cureth the Morphew, and taketh away all sorts of Warts on the Hands, Face, Nose, or any other parts, if it be boiled in Wine with some Pepper and Nitre, and the places rubbed therewith: and with Allome and Honey, helpeth the dry Scab, or any Tetter. The juice dropped into the ears, easeth the pains thereof. It is good against the bitings of venomous beasts, and to be laid to Carbuncles. A fomentation against the running Sores of children's heads. Take of green Copperas two ounces, of Rue and Sage of each a handful; boil them in a quart of water to half, and wash the head therewith. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for women with child, and destroyeth the ability of getting children. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple, to thirty grains. Medicines made thereof. The distilled water, Chemical Oil, Oil by infusion, Salt, Vinegar of Rue, and Balsam. CHAP. 154. De Saccharo, of Sugar. The Names and temperament. IT is called Saccharum, Sacchar, Succharum, Mel Arundinaceum, & Mel Cannae, it is Honey of the Cane, because it grows in Canes, in English Sugar. It is hot and moist in the first degree, or temperately hot and moist, and is abstersive or cleansing. The best sort. Some commend the coarsest, or brownest Sugar before the other; but sure the whitest refined Sugar being made up without adulteration or deceit, is the best, and most wholesome for nourishment. The duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. Sugar is good for the diseases of the breast, cleanseth and strengtheneth the Lungs, is convenient for the stomach, helpeth the roughness and dryness of the mouth and throat, also thirst and drought in Fevers, especially being mixed with water, and so taken, and it is very profitable for the Reins and Bladder. The outward use. Sugar, or white Candy being put into the eye, taketh away the dimness thereof, and the blood shotten therein; and strewed into foul sores it cleanseth them. A Water against an Ulcer in the Bladder. Take of the water of Milk distilled half a pound, of white Sugar five ounces: mix them at the fire, and inject it hot with a Syringe. A Water against redness of the Eyes. Take of white Sugar and Aloes, of each five drams, Tutia, or Tutty in powder half a scruple, White Wine, Rose-water, and Fennel-water, of each half an ounce. Put them together in a glass vessel, and let them infuse six or seven hours, then use it as need requires. The hurtful quality. Sugar soon turns to choler, causeth thirst, and is hurtful to hot constitutions; being overmuch used, it produceth dangerous effects in the body; for it heateth the blood, breedeth the Jaundice, Stops, the Greensickness and Consumptions, rotteth the teeth, and maketh them black withal, causing also many times a loathsome stinking breath. And therefore let young persons especially beware how they meddle too much with it, lest they have for their sweet meat sour sauce. I knew a young maiden whose mother was so indulgent over her, that she gave her all the sweet meats she desired, and that for many years together, till at length her teeth were so corrupt, and her breath so stanck that she was loathsome to company; then followed Apostumation of her teeth and gums, the King's Evil, and so continued a long time. Of such things as are made thereof. White Sugar-Candy▪ Red Sugar-Candy, or Brown Sugar-Candy. Sugar-Pellets. Sugar of Roses. Sugar of Violets. Oil and Salt of Sugar. CHAP. 155. De Sale, of Salt. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Sal, in English Salt, it is hot in the second degree, and dry in the third: it is of a cleansing, digesting, attenuating, drying, consuming, and somewhat also of an astringent faculty. The duration and kinds. Salt will keep good many years. There are two sorts in use, White and Bay Salt. The inward use. Salt may most justly be called Condimentum condimentorum, Sauce of sauces, as being necessary for seasoning and preserving of meats, that we cannot well live without it. For it is a custom among us to set it first at the table, and to take it away last. It maketh thin, gross, and clammy humours, resisteth venom, preventeth and correcteth putrefaction, by drying and consuming all crude and moist superfluities, stirreth up Venery, strengtheneth weak and lose parts, helpeth digestion especially in a cold and moist stomach, consumeth all corrupt humours, and is very profitable in stops of the urine and belly, as also in the Colic. The manner of administering it. It is used chief in powder. A powder to help concoction. Take of common Salt one ounce and a half, Pepper six drams, Cummin-seed half an ounce, Caraway-seed, Cinnamon, Zedoary, of each three drams, Ginger and Mace, of each two drams and a half: make all into a fine powder, and let it be eaten with meat. The outward use. It is used in rotten and putrid Ulcers, as also in creeping Ulcers and simple tumors, in the Itch, Scab, Tetters, or ringworm, in the Gout, cold Aches, pain of the Teeth, Headache, Colic, and to take away the skin growing over the Eye. It is good also in Gangrenes, and in Burn to draw out the heat. A Lotion against the Gout. Take of common Salt three or four handfuls; boil it in water to the consumption of half, with which bathe the parts affected warm. Against pains of the Ears. Take Salt and dry it, make it in powder, and being put into a bag, apply it warm to the ears. A Suppository gently to provoke siege. Take of Honey half an ounce, of common Salt a dram; boil it gently to a due light and form, and being cold anoint it with Oil or Butter, and put it up. The hurtful quality. Salt used too much, drieth up the humours of the body, wasteth seed, burneth the Liver and Blood, engenders sharp and biting humours, causeth Itch and Scabs, annoyeth the stomach, dimmeth the sight, destroyeth the radical moisture, corrupteth and spoileth the habit of the whole body, making persons soon look old and wrinkled, as may be seen in young maidens that eat much thereof. It is very hurtful for lean, dry, and choleric persons. Of such things as are made thereof. Oil of Salt, or Spirit. Tincture of Salt. Flowers of Salt. CHAP. 156. De Salvia, of Sage. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Salvia, because it maketh men safe and sound in health, in English Sage. It is hot and dry in the second or beginning of the third degree. The duration. It will keep good a year. The inward use. A decoction of Sage made and drunk provoketh urine, bringeth down the courses, easeth pains of the head that proceed from cold and rheumatic humours, as also all pains of the joints, and therefore helpeth such as have the Falling Sickness, the Lethargy or Drowsy Evil, such as are dull and heavy of spirit, and those that have the Palsy, and is in much use in all distillations of thin rheum from the head, and for the diseases of the breast. The juice of Sage is much commended for women that have moist and slippery wombs, and not able to conceive by reason thereof, if they take a quantity of the juice with a little Salt, for four days before they company with their Husbands, and it is good to prevent miscarrying in women. If three spoonfuls of the juice be taken fasting with a little Honey, it doth stay the spitting, or casting up of blood. It stoppeth the whites and reds in women. It is of excellent good use to help the memory by warming and quickening the senses, and the Conserve made of the flowers is used to the same purpose, as also for all the former recited diseases. It is of good use in the time of the Plague, and good also against the Cough, hoarseness, pains of the side, and Dropsy. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, in powder, in Pills, Potions, etc. A Potion against arthritical pains. Take of Sage and Hyssop, of each two ounces, infuse thereein (for a night's space) of Agarick trochiscated two drams, Rhubarb four scruples, Cinnamon half a dram; then strain it, and dissolve therein of the Electuary Diacarthamum two drams, Syrup of Sto●chodas half an ounce, make a Potion. Pills against a Consumption. Take of Spicknard and Ginger, of each two drams, of the seed of Sage a little dried at the fire one ounce, Long pepper twelve drams, all these being made into fine powder, make it up into a mass with the juice of Sage; the dose is a dram every morning and evening. The outward use. A decoction of Sage taketh away the itching of the Cod if they be bathed therewith: it stayeth the bleeding of wounds, and cleanseth foul ulcers or sores: The leaves of Sage and Nettles bruised together and laid upon the Impostume that riseth behind the Ears, doth assuage and help it much. The leaves boiled in Wine, and the place bathed therewith, helpeth the Palsy, Cramp, cold joints, pains in the side coming of wind, if the grieved place be bathed warm therewith▪ and the Herb after the boiling be laid warm also thereto. Gargles for mouth-waters are made with Sage, Rosemary, Honey-sackles, and Plaintane boiled in water or Wine, with foin Allom put thereto, to wash Cankers, sore mouths and throats, or the secret part of man or woman as need requireth. It is also commended against the biting of Serpents. The often chewing of Sage in the mouth, is profitable for the Teeth, and sinews, for it strengtheneth the one, and preserveth the other from putrefaction. The hurtful quality. The frequent use of Sage is hurtful to lean and dry bodies, and in hot and dry seasons. The dose. The dose in powder is from a scruple to thirty grains. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. The distilled water. Chemical Oil. Conserve, and Salt of Sage. CHAP. 157. De Sassafras, of Sassafras. The names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Sassafras, in English also Sassafras, and Ague-tree, of his virtue in healing Agues: It is hot and dry in the beginning of the third degree. The duration. It will keep good many years. The outward use. The decoction of Sassafras is given in all cold diseases, and stops of the Liver and Spleen, as also in cold Rheums that fall on the teeth, eyes, or lungs, warming and drying up the moisture, and strengthening the parts afterwards, and therefore is available in Coughs and other cold diseases of the breast, stomach and lungs, and restraineth castings and helpeth digestion, breaketh and expelleth wind, the gravel and stone in the Kidneys, and provoketh urine, and women's courses; it also warmeth, heateth and drieth up the moisture of women's Wombs, which is the cause of barrenness, and causeth them to be more apt to conceive: it is of good use in tertian and quotidian Agues, that are of long continuance. It is generally used in all diseases that come of cold and raw, thin, and corrupt humours, the French Disease, and other of the like foul nature. The manner of administering it. It is given chief in decoction as thus. Take of Sassafras four ounces, steep it in a gallon and a half of water four and twenty hours, then boil it close covered, till it be near half consumed, then being strained, give a good draught thereof morning and evening for the diseases before mentioned. The outward use. It is thought to be good in the time of the Pestilence, to wear some thereof continually about them, that the smell of it may expel the corrupt and evil vapours of the Pestilence. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful to very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given in powder from a scruple to two scruples. Medicines made thereof. Extract of Sassafras. Chemical Oil. CHAP. 158. De Sarsaparilla, of Sarsaparilla. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Sarsaparilla, Salsaparilla and Zarzaparilla: it is hot and dry in the first or second degree, of thin parts, and provoketh sweat. The duration. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It is chief used in the French Pox, in Rheums, Gouts, cold diseases of the head and stomach, expelleth wind both from the stomach and mother. It helpeth all manner of aches in the sinews and joints, all running sores in the legs, all cold Swell, Tetters or Ringworms, and all manner of spots and foulness of the skin. The hurtful quality. It is bad for hot Livers and choleric persons. The manner of administering it. It is given chief in decoction; see the fore-goin Chapter. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from half a dram to a dram. CHAP. 159. De Scordio, of Water-Germander. The names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Scordium, because it smells like Garlic, in English Water-Germander, and Garlick-Germander. It is hot and dry in the second degree, bitter in taste, harsh and sharp. The duration. It will keep good a year, or two. The inward use. It is effectual to provoke urine, and women's courses, killeth Worms in the belly or stomach, is also a safe and sure remedy for falls and bruises, and for such as are bursten, either the decoction, or the leaves in powder being taken. It is excellent good against all poisons and infections, either of the Plague or Pestilence, or other epidemical diseases, as the small Pox, Measles, faint Purples, or spotted Fever, and also against the gnawing pain of the stomach, and pains of the side, that come either of cold or stops, and for the bloody flux also; it is good against an old Cough, and to bring away rotten phlegm in the breast, and good for the Cramp, and for the stops of the Liver and Spleen. It is a good cordial to comfort and strengthen the heart, and cures the quotidian Ague, by an occult quality. The Electuary Diascordium is of the same nature. The manner of administering it. It is used in decoction, or in powder. The outward use. The dried herb being used with a little Honey cleanseth foul ulcers, and bringeth them to cicatrizing, as also closeth fresh Wounds: the dried herb made into a Poultis, and applied to Wens and such like, helpeth both to constrain the matter from further breeding of them, as also to discuss and disperse them being grown It being used with Vinegar or Water and applied to the Gout, easeth the pain thereof. The green herb laid or bound to any Wound (first bruised) healeth it, be it never so great. A Lineament against Worms. Take of Scordium, or Water-Germander and Aloës in powder, of each a dram, of the juice of Wormwood and Southernwood, of each two drams, of common Oil one ounce, Wax two drams; make a Lineament, and anoint the belly and stomach therewith warm, morning and evening. The hurtful quality. It is not safe to use it in hot, dry and choleric bodies. The Dose. It is given from half a dram to a dram and a half. Of those Medicines that are made thereof. The distilled Water. Syrup, both simple and compound. Conserve. Salt. Diascordium. CHAP. 160. De Sebesten, of Sebesten. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Myra, Myraria, Sebesten, and Sebestena, in English Sebesten, or Assyrian Plum. They are temperately cold and moist, and have a thick clammy substance. The duration. They will not keep long, but soon grow dry. The inward use. They open the body as Prunes do, especially being green. They serve to cool any intemperate heat of the stomach or Liver, and are good in hot Agues, and to purge choler whereof they come: they are very effectual also to lenify the hoarseness and roughness of the throat: they help the Cough and Wheesing of the Lungs, and distillations upon them, by making smooth the passages, and causing much phlegm to be avoided: they also give ease to them that are troubled with pains in their sides, and marvellously help them that are troubled with the sharpness of their urine, proceeding from choler or salt phlegm; they also drive forth the long Worms of the belly. The manner of administering them. They are given in decoction, or in pulp; see Jujubes. The hurtful quality. They stop the entrails, and stuff up the narrow passages, and breed inflammations. The Dose. The pulp is given from half an ounce to ten drams. Medicines made thereof. Electuary of Sebestens. Pulp of Sebestens. CHAP. 161. De Sinapi, of Mustard. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Sinapi, and Sinapis, in English Mustard. The common seed is hot & dry in the fourth degree, but the white seed, and the other small sorts are not so hot. The duration. It will keep good a year, or two. The inward use. A decoction of the seed made in wine, and drunk, provoketh urine, resisteth the force of poisons, the malignity of Mushrooms, and the venom of the Scorpion, or other venomous creatures, abateth the fits of Agues, and doth mightily prevail to stir up bodily lust: it helpeth the spleen and pains in the sides; and gnawings in the bowels, shortness of breath, and provoketh the terms. Mustard made with strong Vinegar, is good to bring down women's courses, and for fits of the Mother, for the Falling Sickness, Lethargy, or Drowsiness of the brain; for by the sharpness thereof it pierceth to the Brain, and purgeth it by sneesing and drawing down rheum and other tough humours which by their residence do much offend, or by their distillation upon the Lungs and Chest procure coughing. It doth much help concoction in a cold stomach, and drieth up the superfluous moisture thereof, and is good for the Palsy. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, in powder, in Electuary, etc. The outward use. It helpeth the uvula or palate of the mouth, when it is fallen down, and fasteneth it, being used as a Gargoyle; and also dissolveth tumors and Kernels about the throat being applied, and helpeth the toothache being chewed in the mouth. It easeth the Sciatica and other Gouts, pains in the side or loins, the shoulders or other parts of the body, upon the applying thereof to raise blisters, and by drawing the pains to the place from the inward or more remote, cureth the disease, or diverteth it to those outward places where local Medicines may help. It helpeth the falling of the hair, and mixed with Honey and applied, it taketh away the black and blue marks that come of bruisings, the roughness of the skin in any place, as also the Leprosy, Lousy Evil, and Crick in the neck. Applied with Figs to the head (first shaved) it avails against the Lethargy, and Falling Sickness. The powder of the seeds put into the nostrils, causeth sneesing, and raiseth women sick of the Mother out of their fits. A Cataplasm against Rheum. Take Mustardseed and Olibanum, of each half an ounce, Nigella-seed dried one ounce, Mastic two drams, of Pigeons dung and Barley-meal of each an ounce, with Oxymel of Squills, make it in form of a Pultis, & apply it to the coronal suture, or forepart of the head. The hurtful quality. It is offensive to choleric and dry bodies. The Dose. The seed is given from half a dram to a dram. Medicines made thereof. The distilled Water. Oil of the seed, good in cold diseases of the Nerves. CHAP. 162. De Sperma Ceti, of Parmasitty. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Sperma Ceti, Spuma Maris, & Flos Maris; also Ambra subalbida, in English Parmasitty, It is cold and moist. The best kind. The best is that which is white and fatty, not yellow and rancid or stinking. The duration. It will keep good a year or two, but it loseth much in keeping. The inward use. It is chief used against falls and bruises, and to dissolve clotted blood in the body, and for women that are newly delivered: it is also used in the Colic, and in pains and torments of the belly both of children and others. It easeth the Cough, and provoketh sweat. The manner of administering it. It is chief given by itself, in Sack or Beer. The outward use. It taketh away the marks of the small Pox, clears the skin from spots and morphew, helpeth bruises being applied warm, and cleareth the sight. It is also used in spreading and eating Ulcers. The hurtful quality. It offendeth weak stomaches, and causeth an inclination to vomit, if it be often taken. The Dose. It is given from half a dram, to a dram and a half. Medicines made thereof. Oil of Parmasitty, good against bruises, spots and strains in any part. Stibium, see Antimony. CHAP. 163. De Staechade, of Stickadove. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Staechas, and Stichadoes, from the Islands called Staechades where it groweth, in English Stickadove, Steckado, Cassidony, and French Lavender. It is hot and dry in the second degree, or hot in the first degree; and dry in the second. The duration. It will keep good two or three years▪ The inward use. It is chief used in cold diseases of the brain and nerves, as in the Swimming of the head, Apoplexy, Palsy and Lethargy. It is also as ffectuall for Colds and Coughs as Hyssop: and for the diseases of the breast, and provoketh urine, and the courses in women, resisteth poison, and helpeth the affects of the Hypochondres, or windy Melancholy. A decoction thereof openeth the stops of the Liver, Spleen, Lungs, Mother, and of the other inward parts, and strengtheneth them also. The syrup made thereof is effectual for the aforesaid diseases, and for the quartane Ague. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, or in powder. The outward use. It is very useful in Baths or Lotions for all cold griefs of the head, womb and other parts. It killeth Worms, and the fumes thereof taken into the nostrils open them when they are closed. A Lotion against cold diseases of the Brain. Take of Steckadove half a handful, Sage, Rosemary, Organy and Calamint, of each a handful, of Bay-leaves half a handful, make a decoction to wash the head withal, in the morning fasting, and after to rub it dry. The hurtful quality. It hurts those that are hot, dry, and choleric, offends the stomach, and causeth thirst and fainting: but because it worketh slowly, some Salgem is added unto it to quicken it. If it be boiled or steeped in Whey, with a few Raisins of the sun it is less hurtful. The Dose. It is given in substance from half a dram to a dram and a half, in infusion or decoction to half an ounce. Medicines made thereof. Syrup of Stechadoes both simple and compound. CHAP. 164. De Sulphur, of Brimstone. The Names and temperament. IT is called Latin Sulphur, in English Brimstone, and is hot and dry. The duratihn. It will keep good many years. The inward use. It resisteth putrefaction and venom, therefore very useful in the Pestilence and pestilential Fevers, as also in the Cough, Defluxions of Rheum, Consumption, shortness of Breath, Colic, Itch and Scab, and killeth Worms; it is good in the Jaundice taken in an Egg. The flower of Brimstone is much better for the aforesaid Diseases. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or in Electuary. The outward use. It is of good use against the Itch, Scab, Leprosy, and all foul Diseases of the skin, being mixed with Vinegar, or Hogs-grease and used. It dissolveth all hard tumours and nodes in the body, and easeth the Gout being mixed with Niter and Water, and the place affected bathed therewith: it helpeth also pains of the ears being mixed with Wine and Honey, and dropped into the ears. The fume thereof stirreth up such as have the Lethargy. An Ointment against Scab or Itch. Take of quick Brimstone and Salt, of each half a pound in fine powder, of Hogs-grease two pound, make them into an Ointment. Or Take of yellow Brimstone in powder four ounces, of white Ginger and Salt in powder, of each two drams, of the juice of three Lemons, of sallet-Oile half a pound, mix them well together, and make an Ointment. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful to such as have hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given from a dram to two drams: flower of Brimstone is given from half a scruple to a dram. Medicines made thereof. Flower of Brimstone, Milk of Brimstone, Oil of Brimstone, Balsam, Essence of Sulphur, etc. CHAP. 165. De Valeriana, of Valerian. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Valeriana and Phu, in English Valerian▪ and Caporis-tail. It is hot and dry in the first or second degree. The duration. It will keep good a year, especially the root. The inward use. It provoketh urine, and courses in Women, helpeth the Strangury, easeth pains of the sides, and is used in Antidotes. The root boiled with Licoris, Raisins, and Anise-seed, is singulat good for those that are shortwinded, and have the Cough, and helpeth to open the passages, and to cause phlegm to be easily spit out. It is given to those that are bitten or stung by any venomous creature, being taken in Wine, and is of special virtue against the Plague, and expelleth wind in the belly. It helpeth the Jaundice and stops of the Liver, Spleen, and Womb. It cleareth the sight, and helpeth Ruptures, or any inward wound or bruise. The extract of the roots is a good medicine against the difficulty of making water, and the yellow Jaundice. The manner of administering it. It is given in decoction, as the root is given in powder. The outward use. The green herb bruised and applied to the head taketh away the pains and prickings therein, stayeth Rheums, and thin Distillations, and being boiled in White Wine▪ and a drop thereof put into the eye, taketh away the dimness of the sight, or any Pin, Haw, or Web therein. It is excellent to heal as well green as other wounds, and draweth any splinter or thorn out of the flesh. The distilled water cleareth the eyes being washed therewith. The Dose. The root is given in powder from half a dram to a dram: Medicines made thereof. The distilled water, and extract of Valerian. CHAP. 166. De Visco, of Misselto. The names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Viscum & Viscus, in English Misselto: It is hot and dry in the second or third degree. The duration. It will keep good a year or two. The inward use. The Misselto of the Oak is counted the best, but that is rarely to be got, and therefore we use that of the White Thorn or Chesnut-tree. It is chief used against the Falling Sickness, Apoplexy, and Giddiness of the head, but it must be used thirty or forty days together. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder or in decoction. The outward use. It is hung about the neck of such as have the Falling Sickness, to mitigate their fits; and the juice of the fresh wood drawn forth, and dropped into the ears that have Impostumes in them, doth help and ease them within a few days. The Birdlime that is made of the Berries hereof doth mollify hard knots, tumors and impostumes, ripeneth and discusseth them, and draweth forth thick as well as thin humours from the remote places of the body, and being mixed with equal parts of Rosin and Wax doth mollify the hardness of the Spleen, and healeth old Ulcers and Sores: being mixed with Sandarack and Orpment helpeth to draw off foul nails, and if quick lime and Wine-Lees be added thereunto, it worketh the stronger. It helpeth strains, aches, or bruises being spread on leather and applied. The Dose. It is given in powder from a scruple to a dram. CHAP. 167. De Urticis, of Nettles. The Names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Urtica, ab urendo, of his burning and stinging quality, in English Nettle. It is moderately hot, and dry in the second degree, of thin and subtle parts. The duration. The seed will keep good a year. The inward use. The leaves boiled in Wine and drunk, are said to open the belly and make it soluble. The roots or leaves boiled, or the juice of either of them, or both made into an Electuary with Honey or Sugar, is a safe or sure Medicine to open the pipes and passages of the Lungs which causeth shortness of breath, and helpeth to bring away tough cold phlegm sticking in them, or in the stomach, as also to raise the impostumated pleurisy, and spend it by spitting. The decoction of the leaves in Wine and drunk is singular good to provoke women's courses, and to settle the strangling of the mother, and all other diseases thereof, also provoketh urine, and expelleth gravel and the stone in the reins or bladder, killeth Worms in children, and is said to ease the pains in the side, and to expel wind in the body; but others think it to be windy of itself, and therefore not so powerful to expel wind, but only to provoke Venery: the juice of the leaves taken two or three days together stayeth bleeding at the mouth, which riseth from the stomach: the seed being drunk is a remedy against the stinging of venomous creatures, the bitings of mad Dogs, the poisonful qualities of Hemlock, Henbane, Nightshade, Mandrake, or such like, that stupefy and dull the senses, and helpeth them that have taken Quicksilver, or those that have eaten evil Mushrooms, or surfeit of the good. A Decoction of Nettles is profitable for such as have the Gangrene and Chincough, as also to expel the small pox. The Roman Nettle is held to be most effectual. The roots are commended against the Jaundice. The manner of administering it. It is given in Decoction chief, the seeds are given in powder, or in Electuary. The outward use. They help the Almonds of the throat being swollen, to gargoyle the mouth and throat therewith; the juice also is effectual to settle the palate of the mouth in its place, and to heal and temper the inflammations and soreness of the mouth and throat. The seeds or leaves bruised and put into the nostrils, doth staunch the bleeding of them, and taketh away the flesh growing in them called Polypus: the juice of the leaves, or the Decoction of them, or of the roots, is singular good to wash either old, rotten, and stinking sores, or Fistulaes' and Gangrenes, and such as are fretting and eating Scabs, also Maunginess and Itches in any part of the body as also green Wounds, by washing them therewith, or putting the juice into the sores, yea, although the flesh were separated from the bones, the same applied to overwearied members refresheth them, or to places out of joint, after the joint is set in its right place, it strengtheneth, drieth and comforteth them, as also to those places troubled with Aches and Gouts. The Dose. The seed is given from half a dram to a dram▪ CHAP. 168. De Wis, of Grapes. The Names and temperament. THe Grape is called in Latin Uva, in English Grape. The sweet Grapes are hot in the first degree, and moist in the second. Sour Grapes are cold and moist. The inward use. Sour Grapes being eaten do quench thirst, and mightily extinguish the overmuch heat of the Stomach and Liver, repress the sharpness of choler and choleric vomitings, stir up the appetite, help to stay spittings of blood, and strengthen the stomach that is weakened through abundance of choler. They are excellent in burning Fevers, especially where choler abounds, and provoke urine and Venus. The juice is very profitable to cool and repress choleric vomitings, and too often going to stool, so is the syrup thereof. The sweet Grapes nourish most, and do fatten the body, but the flesh procured by that nourishment is soft and foggy, and not firm and solid; they make the body soluble also. Grapes are best to be eaten when the stomach is empty, and not after meat; for so they hinder the concoction, and hurt the stomach: the skins and stones must not be swallowed down. The outward use. The juice of Grapes is used to cool all inflammations, and Saint Anthony's fire, or wildfire, being used alone, or with cool herbs. The hurtful quality. Grapes immediately used cause thirst, and breed wind●, trouble the stomach and belly, bring the Colic and Gripe, puff up the Spleen, increase Rheum in old persons, and are only profitable for the choleric. Medicines made thereof. Syrup of Grapes. CHAP. 169. De Zedoaria, of Setwall. The names and Temperament. IT is called in Latin Zedoaria, Zurumbet & Zerumbet, in English Setwall. It is hot and dry in the second degree. The duration. It will keep good two or three years. The inward use. It is effectual against poisons of all sorts, and venoms of venomous creatures, and is of much use and profit in the Pestilence and other contagious diseases, as also to warm a cold stomach, and to expel Wind marvellously, to stay Vomitings, to dry up and consume Catarrhs and defluxions or flow down of Rheum, and to dissolve the impostumes of the Matrix, and to stay looseness of the belly, and is also very powerful to stay or disperse the unsavoury belchings of those spirits, that Garlic, Onions, etc. or Wine have caused. It provoketh the courses in women (say some, others will have it to stop them) and is effectual against the rising of the Mother, helpeth the Colic, and the pains of the stomach, killeth all sorts of Worms, and is much used in Antidotes. The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or in decoction. The outward use. It is used to chew on, in times of infection. The hurtful quality. It is hurtful for very hot and dry bodies. The Dose. It is given in powder from a scruple to two scruples. Medecines made thereof. The roots Candied as Ginger is. Extract. Chemical Oil. Balsam▪ The distilled Water of Setwall, CHAP. 170. De Zinzibere, of Ginger. The names and temperament. IT is called in Latin Zinziber, Zingiber, & Gingiber, in English Ginger. It is hot and dry in the third degree. The best kind. The best Ginger is the newest and the whitest. The duration. It will keep good two years. The inward use. Ginger is good to help digestion, and to open stops, to cut and make thin gross and tough phlegmatic humours, to discuss wind, and help to expel it out of the body; it heats the joints, sharpeneth the sight, and provoketh sluggish husbands. It is very profitable in the swimming of the head, and in all cold diseases of the head and stomach, as also in the cold Gout. Candied, or Green Ginger is very useful for the same diseases taken often of, especially morning and evening, and doth help weak stomaches and bad memories, and such as are subject to Rheums. Ginger doth much resist the putrefaction and malignity of humours, The manner of administering it. It is given in powder, or in Electuary. The outward use. It is chief used outwardly in Ointments for the Itch, Scab, Tetter, and such like. See the Chapter of Brimstone, 164 Chapter. It is used also against the toothache. The hurtful quality. It inflameth hot Constitutions, and is very hurtful to young and choleric persons, and to be much used in hot seasons. The Dose. The Dose in powder is from a scruple to two scruples. Of such Medicines as are made thereof. Candied Ginger. Green Ginger in syrup. Diazinziber Nicolai Confectio Zinziberis cocti. Ginger laxative. Oil of Ginger made by distillation. FINIS. An Alphabetical TABLE of those Diseases for which the Simple Medicines are set down in this TREATISE. A ABortion, see miscarrying Aches to cure, chap. 39 Adder stinging, chap. 11. 56. 93. 114 Afterbirth, chap. 6. 7. 11. 33. 54. 55. 59 62. 69 73, 74. 78. 85. 86. 92. 111, 118. 146. 153 After pains, chap. 5. 149 Agues to cure, ch. 12. 32. 33. 48. 50. 56. 62. 67 70. 74. 80. 86. 90, 93 95. 143. 144. 158 Agues, to take away the shaking thereof, chap. 41. 92. 153 Agues of long continuance, chap. 2. 7. 34. 46 47. 53. 60. 65 Ague tertian, chap. 8. 39 47. 64. 66. 75. 96 157 Agues to cool, chap. 24 57 134 Ague quotidian, chap. 3. 16. 41. 102. 130. 157 Ague quartane, chap. 2. 7. 8. 27. 29. 34 36. 37 39 42. 47. 48. 51. 55. 66. 75. 90. 91. 96. 102. 114 126. 130. 141. 148 Agues in children, chap. 27 Almonds inflamed, chap. 137 Appetite to procure, chap. 1. 32. 56. 74. 76. 80 100 119. 125. 129. 143. 168 Apoplexy, chap, 11. 17. 28. 37. 39 42. 43. 62 92. 118. 120. 124. 151. 166 Apostume to ripen, chap. 4, 11, 21, 26, 28, 31 37, 52, 56, 67, 119, 125, 141 Apostume behind the ear, chap. 71, 77, 104 156 Armholes stinking, chap. 14 Armholes chafing thereof, chap. 48 arthritical pains, or joynt-gowt, chap. 23▪ Astma, see Breath short. B BAck pained, chap. 5. 80 Back hot, chap. 12. 63 Back weak, chap. 24 Baldness, chap. 17. 79 Barrenness to help, chap. 62, 78, 156 Barrenness to cause, chap. 88 Bats to drive away, chap. 33. 111 Belly pained, chap. 31, 33, 37, 45, 71, 121 Bees stinging, chap. 71, 121, 125 Bees to kill, chap. 130 Belching, chap. 76. 137 Bile, or botch, chap. 50, 80, 124 Belly to loosen, chap. 16, 79. 117, 138, 150 Birth to bring away, chap. 6, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 31, 33, 48, 54, 62, 69, 77, 78, 80, 88, 92, 104, 111. 121, 133 Birth to destroy, chap. 36 Blackness and spots, chap. 11 53, 162 Bladder stopped, chap. 22. 139 Bladder pained, chap. 19, 24, 49▪ 116 Bladder itching, chap. 50 Bladder, ulcer thereof, chap. 107, 116 Bladder inflamed, chap. 107 Bleeding inward, chap. 10, 23, 128. 135, 142 Blister to draw, chap. 28, 161 Bloud-spitting, chap. 2, 5, 10, 18, 19 24 39, 45 50, 53, 62, 64, 82, 93, 97, 101, 109, 114, 132 141, 144, 145, 146, 150, 152, 156 Bloud-pissing, chap. 64, 69 Bloud-vomiting, chap. 144. 156 Blood congealed, chap. 10, 11, 29, 33, 39, 50, 54, 64, 74, 120, 128, 159 162 Blood to purge, chap. 1, 18, 27, 29, 37, 42, 53 60, 105,, 110, 115 Blood ●ot to cool, chap. 15, 131, 141, 145 Bones to scale, chap. 28 Bones broken, chap. 45, 82, 97 Bones out of joint, chap. 23, 24, 51, 55, 71 101, 144 Bones broken to draw out, chap. 6, 11, 23, 28 31, 80, 102 Bones naked to cover, chap. 48, 50, 74 Botches, chap. 50, 55, 90 Bowels inflamed, chap. 86 Brain to refresh, chap. 12, 14, 45, 47, 62 Brain cold, chap. 2, 7, 23, 30, 37, 91, 92, 120 151, 163 Brain weak, chap. 1, 8, 14, 43, 48, 60, 72, 92 103, 114, 127 Breast to cleanse, chap. 5, 23, 56, 66, 138 Breast pained, chap. 71, 116 Breasts of women inflamed, chap. 52, 97, 145 Breasts of women swollen, chap. 4, 52, 71, 97 125, 138, 146 Breasts of Maids to abate, chap. 57 Breath short, chap. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 17, 21, 23 26, 31, 33, 41, 42, 46, 50, 55, 58, 62, 69, 71 74, 75, 76, 80, 87, 88, 93, 101, 104, 105, 108 110, 114, 115, 120, 122, 124, 125, 130, 133 139, 145, 146, 147, 153, 165 Breath stinking, chap. 1, 14, 30, 33, 41, 45, 48 62, 76, 84, 91, 127, 132, 136, 151 Bruises and fall, chap. 2, 10, 11, 28, 32, 33, 50 53, 54, 55, 64, 66, 69, 71, 74, 84, 89, 97, 101 120, 128, 141, 142, 145, 159, 162 Burning and scalding, chap. 39, 56, 62, 71, 79 111, 114, 121, 122, 131, 144 C CAlenture, chap. 131 Callous flesh in Fistulaes', chap. 37 Callous knobs, chap. 16 Cancers to cure, chap. 11, 27, 36, 37, 42, 64 66, 68, 75, 79, 101, 112, 119, 138, 141, 142 144, 156 Cancers in the nose, chap. 6, 10 Cankers in the mouth, chap. 68, 144 Cancerous Ulcers, chap. 8 Carbuncles, chap. 7, 16, 119, 138, 139, 153 Catarrh, see Rheum stung; chap. 33 Chaps of the fingers; chap. 51 Chaps of the fundament; chap. 114, 125 Chasteness to procure, chap. 67 Child dead to bring away; chap. 4, 6, 9, 25 31, 33, 36, 48, 86, 93, 96, 118, 153, 157 Chincough; chap. 71 Chilblains; chap. 23 Choler to purge; chap. 1. 3. 6. 8. 11. 14. 16. 17 26. 29. 32. 34. 39 40. 41. 44. 47. 51. 52. 53. 56 59 63. 93 95. 115. 121. 137. 150. 160 Choler, phlegm and water ro purge; chap. 11 Choler adust to purge; chap. 27. 37. 4● Cicatrize to procure; chap. 70 Choleric vomitings; chap. 168 Cliffs of the fundament; chap. 67 Cliffs of the fingers; chap. 62 Cliffs of the hands and lips, chap. 14. 62 Cod swollen; ch, 41, 67, 84, 106, 139, 153, 165 Colic; chap. 1. 6. 13. 14. 17. 19 20. 22. 30, 31 41 46. 48. 49. 51. 55. 56. 62. 66. 69. 71. 74. 76 77▪ 80. 81. 84. 86. 92. 99 102. 114. 118. 126 127. 143. 148. 153. 167 Conception to help; chap. 18. 20. 48. 99 156▪ 157 Concoction; chap. 30. 45 91 Consumption; chap. 24. 49. 83. 108. 110▪ 112 116. 138. 146. 149. 151 Consumption of the Lungs; chap. 2. 37. 69 108. 112. 141. 144▪ Contusion, see Bruises. Convulsion & Cramps; chap. 6. 9 11. 18, 20 27. 28. 31. 33. 36. 37. 39 41. 50, 55. 56. 62. 71 76. 78. 80. 84. 92. 93. 96. 101. 105. 114. 118 120. 128. 137. 139. 140 Corn●; chap, 4. 7. 16, 122. 139 Cough; chap. 2. 5. 7. 9 13. 14. 17. 24. 25. 33. 41 44 45. 46. 48. 49 50. 52. 55. 56 58. 62. 66▪ 69 71. 76. 80. 84. 87. 89 93. 96. 101. 104. 108 110. 115 122. 128 137. 141. 143 145. 146 147. 148 149. 151, 156, 157, 159, 160, 565▪ Courses to provoke; chap. 1, 3, 4▪ 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 11, 14, 17, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 31, 33, 36 37, 39, 41, 43, 48, 49, 50, 54, 55, 56, 59, 67 69, 73, 74, 78, 80, 81, 84, 85, 86, 90, 92, 93 99, 102, 105, 111, 112, 114: 118: 120: 124: 129: 133: 137: 140: 146: 148: 152: 153: 159 157: 161: 165 Courses overflowing to stop; chap. 9, 10, 18, 24, 49, 57, 64, 107, 114, 125, 142, 144, 147, 150, 156. Cramps, see Convulsion. Crudities; chap. 1, 76. D DAndrasse; chap. 2, 19, 69, 70, 79, 96, 106, 121. Dead child to bring away, see child. Dead flesh to eat out;, chap. 3, 4, 23, 65, 68, 70, 75. Deafness; chap, 5, 21, 23, 26, 62, 90, 92, 144 Dog biting; chap. 71, 74, 75, 124, 146. Dog mad, biting thereof, chap, 5, 33, 50, 56, 62, 66, 69, 74, 78, 80, 90, 125, 138, 144. Dropsey, chap, 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41, 46, 47, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 61, 65, 67, 69, 76, 80, 84, 86, 93, 95, 96, 99, 102, 104, 110, 114, 120, 122, 133, 137, 144, 153. Dreams, chap, 51. Dryness to help, chap, 84. Drunkenness to resist, chap, 5, 21, 80, 111. Drunkenness to bring, chap, 21, 23. Dysentery flux, chap, 43, 81. E. Ears pained, chap, 1, 25, 31, 54, 56, 70, 76, 80, 123, 133, 135, 137, 144, 146, 150, 153 Ears running, chap, 1, 48, 52, 111 Ears, Ulcers thereof, chap, 53, 58, 111, 122 Ears, worms therein, chap, 52, 93, 96 Ears, noise and singing thereof, chap, 5, 17, 23, 36, 37, 41, 62, 69, 79, 92, 112 Ears, Impostumes thereof, chap, 52, 66, 102 Elephansie, chap, 17, 27, 36, 37, 60, 65, 75 Eruptions of the Skin, chap, 15, 52, 63, 64, 107, 114, 144 Expectoration to belp, chap, 5, 41, 76 Erysipelas, see wild fire Eyes dim, chap. 1, 5, 29, 36, 42, 45, 47, 50 62, 74, 93, 96, 103, 105, 112, 122, 123, 124, 133, 143, 146, 151, 153, 154, 165 Eyes red, chap, 2, 12, 18, 21, 22, 33, 47, 55, 56, 57, 58, 64, 79, 90, 100, 107, 109, 123, 135, 141, 144, 145 Eyes blood-shotten, chap, 56, 151 Eyes rheumatic, chap, 18, 24, 41, 47, 48, 56, 75, 85, 107, 127, 129, 150 Eyes, Ulcers thereof, chap, 48, 68, 75 Eyes, spots therein, chap. 3, 4, 7, 23, 33, 41, 47, 48, 55, 58, 74, 91, 112, 123, 131, 144 Eyes to preserve from the Pox, chap, 21 Eyes impostumated, chap, 121 Eyes hurt, chap, 76 Eyes pained, chap, 22, 135 F. FAce pale, chap. 14, 21, 47, 51, 54, 87, 104, 105, 116, 138 Face, spots thereof, chap, 14, 19, 26, 107, 119, 122, 133, 148 Face to make fair, chap, 12, 48 Falling sickness, chap, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27, 31, 33, 36, 37, 39, 42, 45, 46, 50, 55, 60, 62, 72, 75, 76, 80, 81, 89, 92, 96, 104, 110, 118, 124, 128, 136, 140, 141, 144, 151, 156, 161, 163, 166 Falls, see Bruises Fatness to abate, chap, 56, 105 Fever burning, chap. 15, 19, 44, 52, 57, 63, 113, 131, 141 Fever putrid, chap, 19, 53, 101 Fever pestilent, chap, 18, 19, 64, 81, 83, 85, 90, 95, 124 Fever hectic, chap, 95150 Fever erraticke, chap, 37 Felon, chap, 7 Fig in the fundament, chap. 2, 16, 68 Fish to kill, chap. 16, 111 Fistulaes', chap. 2, 6, 16, 23, 36, 37, 64, 112, 114, 141 F stulous ulcers, chap. 33, 56, 80, 93 Fleas and Gnats to drive away, chap. 1, 114, 119 Flies and Gnats to kill, chap, 36, 130 Phlegm to purge, chap, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 23, 26, 27, 28, 32, 34, 37, 38, 40, 41, 46, 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 93, 150 Phlegm to bring away, chap, 101, 139 Phlegm tou●h to expel, chap. 28, 65, 69, 139 Flesh in wounds to procure, chap, 6, 18, 38, 48, 50, 61, 102, 135 Flux of the belly, chap, 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 45, 47 48, 49, 52, 53, 62, 63, 64, 66, 71, 81, 87, 91, 97, 109, 114▪ 116, 129, 132, 135, 140, 144, 147, 150, 169 Flux bloody, chap, 1, 43, 62, 64, 66, 70, 79, 106, 107, 111, 116, 124, 134, 141, 242, 158 Fluxes in women, chap, 79, 82 Fowl diseases of the skin, chap, 36, 37, 51, 60, 75, 131 For Maungie, see Hair falling. Freckles, chap. 11, 14, 16, 26, 31, 32, 33, 48, 54, 56, 67, 93, 130, 134, 138 Frenzy, chap. 44, 49, 60, 63, 76, 134, 144, 145 French Pox, chap, 1, 27, 28, 29, 34, 46, 56, 65 75, 77, 90, 94, 95, 102, 110, 157, 158 Fundament pained, chap, 21, 24 Fundament fallen down, chap, 23▪ 135 Fundament inflamed, chap, 123 Fundament, Impostumed thereof, chap. 73 G GAll stopped, chap, 8, 21, 22, 27, 54, 93, 105, 107, 109, 112 Gangrene, chap, 11, 48, 65, 90, 97, 119 138, 139, 152 Genitals, Apostumes thereof, chap. 9 Gnats to drive away, chap, 1, 111, 119 Gonorrhaea, see Running of the Reins Gout, chap. 4, 6, 11, 14, 15, 20, 21, 26, 28, 29, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 46, 49, 50, 52, 56, 57, 65, 69, 74, 80, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100, 101, 104, 106, 110, 114, 116, 124, 131, 139 141, 144, 145, 149, 153, 159, 167 Gravel, chap, 14, 32, 71, see Stone Green Sickness, chap, 1, 8, 22, 26, 40, 53, 66, 75, 93, 95 Gripe of the belly, chap, 1, 27, 52, 71, 80, 84, 89, 93, 109, 114, 117, 121, 124, 125 Gripe of children, chap, 5 Gums bleeding, chap, 144 Gums sore, chap, 10, 14, 18, 45, 48, 70, 107, 114, 131, 150, 151, 152 Guts fretting, chap, 71, 121, 144, 145 H Hair of the eyelids to take away, chap, 42 Hair to take away, chap, 16, 22 Hair rough, chap, 52 Hair falling, chap, 17, 23, 28, 47, 48, 70, 79, 87, 121, 161 Hair black to cause, chap, 24, 47 Hairs of the eye lids to cause to grow, chap, 129 Hands to make fair, chap, 5, 142 Headache to cure, chap, 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 17, 22, 27 37, 46, 49, 52, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 67, 72, 75, 76, 79, 80, 96, 109, 111, 114, 123, 127, 133, 135, 144, 150, 151, 152 Head cold to warm, chap, 118 Head inflamed, chap, 52, 134, 150 Headache from cold, chap, 1, 26, 69, 118, 127 128, 130, 132, 156 Head scald to cure, chap, 37 Head scabbed, chap, 69, 121 Head running sores thereof, chap, 64, 106 Head hot, chap, 12, 117, 150 Head to purge of phlegm, chap, 36, 41, 111 Heart to comfort, chap, 14, 18, 19, 21, 43, 64, 72, 85, 91, 100, 114, 128, 135, 142, 150, 158 Heart trembling, chap, 14,30, 42, 43, 47, 57, 62, 107, 118, 124, 127, 133 Hemorrhoides to provoke, chap, 3, 23, 26, 42 Hemorrhoides bleeding to stay, chap, 3, 24, 47, 64, 97, 114, 141 Hemorrhoides painful, chap, 33, 37, 41, 47 51, 52, 56, 114, 144, 145 Hemorrhoides blind, chap, 136 Hickock, chap, 1, 6, 53, 73, 76, 88, 94, 105, 125, 128, 137 Hip-gowt, see Sciatica hoarseness, chap, 5, 7, 13, 24, 44, 48, 52, 71, 107, 139, 141, 149, 156, 160 Hot hum●urs to purge, chap, 44 Hypochondres affected, chap, 27, 29, 37, 51, 60, 86, 151 Historical fits, see Mother fits I Jaundice to cure, chap, 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 35 37, 39, 41, 46, 51, 53, 54, 63, 64, 66, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 85, 86, 87, 93, 94, 95, 96, 102 107, 111, 112, 129, 133, 136, 137, 140, 141, 144, 146, 148, 151, 152 Jaundice black, chap, 29, 32 Iliack passion, chap, 16, 49 Impostume, see Apostume Incarnate, see flesh to procure Inflammation, chap, 12, 49, 56, 57, 63, 71, 98 100, 107, 113, 123, 134, 141, 144, 150 Joint Gout, chap, 4, 6, 56, 57, 62, 110, 112, 141, 148, 153 Joints pained, chap, 32, 36, 37, 45, 46, 52, 56, 57, 64, 93, 101, 106, 110, 141, 156 Joints trembling, chap, 55, 92 Joints cold, chap, 41 Issue to keep●open, chap, 56 Itch to help, chap, 6, 21, 27, 29, 35, 36, 54, 60, 63, 64, 70, 75, 77, 79, 101, 104, 110, 114, 131, 138, 141, 144, 146, 150, 155, 157, 16●. K KErnels to dissolve, chap, 4, 33, 78, 119 124, 141, 161 Kibes and Chilblains, chap. 23, 70, 79, 104, 114, 149, Kidneys hot, chap, 14, 63, 117 Kidneys stopped, chap, 5, 140, 144 Kidneys, ulcers thereof, chap, 44, 144 Kidneys pained, chap, 45, 116 Kidneys weak, chap, 44 Kibes in , chap, 68 Kings evil, chap, 4, 11, 23, 26, 31, 32, 33, 37, 41, 46, 50, 55, 58, 64, 71, 102 Knee, ache thereof, chap, 32 Knots and tumors, chap, 28, 33, 50, 55, 64, 77, 87, 141, 166 L LEan persons to fat, chap, 5, 24 Legs sore, chap, 56 Leprosy, chap, 1, 11, 17, 27, 29, 36, 37, 42, 47; 59, 60, 63, 65, 70, 75, 95, 114, 149, 150 Lethargy, chap, 28, 36, 43, 46, 62, 67, 92, 96, 97, 118, 133, 151, 156, 161 Lice to kill, chap, 1, 32, 36, 69, 70, 77, 79, 111 118 Lips, Apostume thereof, chap, 3 Liver stopped to open, chap, 1, 4, 5, 8, 11, 20, 21 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 33, 34, 35, 46, 51, 53, 54, 56, 57, 61, 63, 66, 67, 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80, 84, 87, 93, 102, 105, 109, 110, 112, 118, 120 122, 125, 129, 136, 137, 139, 140, 141, 144 146, 148, 151 Liver hot, chap, 12, 14, 18, 57, 63, 100, 107, 145, 150 Liver to strengthen, chap, 40, 43, 46, 47, 150 Liver cold, chap, 53 Loathing of meat, chap, 7, 72 Lump of flesh in the womb, see Mol● Lungs to cleanse; chap, 5, 13, 138 Lungs hurt; chap, 64 Lungs inflamed; chap, 5, 15, 44, 131, 153 Lungs, consumption thereof; chap, 2, see Consumption Lungs stopped; chap, 21, 48, 51, 52, 64, 71, 74 80, 84, 87, 88, 100, 105, 115, 121, 147, 148 159, 160 Lungs impostumated; chap, 106 Lust to provoke; chap, 69, 76, 91, 95, 99, 102 Lust to abate; chap, 12, 74, 88, 117, 145 M Madness; chap, 27, 36, 37, 42, 60, 63 65, 75 Malign Fevers; chap, 1 manginess; chap, 11, 137 Marks of the Pox and Measles; chap, 119 Matrix fallen; chap, 10, 31, 62 Matrix pained; chap, 14, 21 Matrix, imposthume thereof; chap, 169 Measles and Pox to drive out; Chap, 10, 19, 64 81, 82, 104, 149, 158 Meat, loathing thereof; chap, 129, Melancholy to purge; chap, 16, 27, 29, 37, 40 47, 51, 60, 137, 150 Melancholy to help; chap, 21, 29, 36, 37, 42 54, 57, 60, 62, 75, 81, 83, 94, 96, 102, 124 133, 135, 142 Melancholy Dreams; chap, 140 Memory to quicken; chap, 8, 21, 62, 72, 90 91, 103, 114, 151, 156 Megrim, see swimming of the head Mice and Rats to kill, see Rats Milk in women's breasts to dry up; chap, 4, 8 153 Milk to increase; chap, 67, 76, 83, 105, 113 117, 121, 130 Milk curdled in the breasts; chap, 4, 7 Miscarrying to hinder; chap, 10, 24, 42, 64 Mola, or lump of flesh in the Womb; chap, 31, 50 Morbus Gallicus; see French Pox Morphew; chap, 11, 16, 17, 29, 41, 42, 54, 56 65, 69, 71, 119, 131, 134, 153, 167, Mother-fits; chap, 7, 11, 12, 20, 31, 33, 50, 55 62, 72, 74, 76, 81, 92, 96, 99, 101, 114, 124 127, 132, 140, 153 Mother pained; chap, 2, 45, 67, 80, 93 114 Mother hard; chap, 9, 48, 104, 106 Moths and Worms to preserve from; chap, 1 Mother, windiness thereof; chap, 30, 31, 45 62, 67, 73, 75, 78, 129, 153 Mother inflamed; chap, 129 Mouth sore; chap, 6, 10, 14, 23, 29, 37 64, 66, 67, 70, 107, 121, 122, 131, 141, 150 152, 156 Mouth bleeding; chap, 93, 97, 141 Mouth dry; chap, 52 Mushrooms eaten; chap, 1, 105 N NAils, fleshiness thereof to take away; chap, 70, 146 Navel going out; chap, 52, 145 Navel swollen; chap, 27, 145 Neck, crick thereof; chap, 145 Nerves, cold to warm; chap, 7 Nerves bruised; chap, 6 Nightmare; chap, 3. 42, 62, 140 Nipples sore; chap, 52 Nits to kill; chap▪ 69, 70, 77, 111 Nodes of the joints; chap, 9, 28, 50, 55, 77 95, 119 Nose bleeding; chap, 10, 12, 18, 23, 52, 56, 58 62, 63, 64, 80, 82, 90, 114, 125, 128, 131 135, 141, 144, 167 Nostrils stopped; chap. 79, 137 Nostrils, stench thereof; chap, 41, 111 Nostrils, fleshiness growing therein; see Polypus O. OBstructions to open, chap, 14, 19, 22, 69, 83 Opium too much taken, chap, 78, 137 P Pain to ease, chap, 49 Pale colour to help, chap, 2, 3, 47 of the mouth fallen, see Uuula. Palsy, chap, 11, 16, 20, 26, 28, 39, 43, 47, 50, 54, 55, 56, 60, 66, 69, 75, 80, 84, 92, 95, 96, 114, 118, 120, 124, 128, 131, 141, 149, 151, 156, 159, 161, 163, 166. Pestilence, chap, 1, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 29, 33, 34, 37, 62, 64, 66, 69, 74, 75, 81, 82, 85, 96, 111, 124, 142, 151, 153, 159, 157, 169 Pestilent fever, see Fever: Phlegmon, see Inflammation. Piles, see Hemorrhoides. Pip in poultry to help, chap, 69 Pimples and weals, chap 12, 15, 59, 63, 79, 119, 145 Pissing blood, see blood-pissing Pissing by drops, chap, 84 Plague, chap, 10, 21, 64, 77, 80, 91, 96, 101, 111, 112, 114, 142, 153, 156 Plaguesore, chap, 7, 50, 81, 90, 100, 104, 165 Pleurisy, chap, 5, 14, 21, 39, 43, 44, 48, 51, 52, 55, 62, 71, 74, 81, 93, 121, 122, 131, 135 Polypus, chap. 6, 1023, 51, 68, 75, 167 Pox and Measles to expel, chap, 10, 19, 21, 64, 81, 82, 104, 149, 159 Pox, marks thereof to take away, chap, 119 Poison, chap, 1, 6, 7, 10, 14, 23, 25, 31, 50, 55, 64, 69, 74, 76, 81, 83, 84, 85, 89, 92, 96, 101, 104, 112, 120, 121, 124, 128, 129, 130, 133, 141, 145, 146, 149, 158, 161, 165 Privy parts inflamed, chap, 106, 123, 144, 145 Purples, chap 10, 64, 159 Pustules, chap, 37, 80, 114, 145, 150 Putrefaction to restist; chap. 3, 6, 12, 14 19, 33, 34, 43, 48, 54, 82, 110, 114, 122, 131 150 Q Quartane Ague; see Ague Quinsy; chap, 1, 4, 15, 26, 48, 56, 69, 76 104, 122, 131, 141, 143 R Rat's and Mice to kill; chap. 36 Reds in Women; see Courses Reins pained; chap, 39, 108, 116 Reins cold, chap, 30 Reins hot; chap. 14, 107, 117 Reins to cleanse, chap, 5, 32, 53, 115 Rheum to purge; chap, 3, 17, 46, 48, 75 Rheum to stay; chap, 2, 6, 10, 14, 43, 45, 48 49, 52, 57, 58, 62, 63, 64, 80, 82, 93, 95, 96 97, 107, 110, 121, 122, 130, 135, 141, 144 146, 150, 151, 157, 169▪ Rheum hot; chap, 15, 115 Rheum cold; chap, 80, 114, 122 Ringworms; see Tetters Running of the Reins; chap. 10, 12, 15, 18 45, 53, 57, 62, 63, 64, 94, 97, 117, 132, 134 135, 137, 145, 150 Ruptures; chap, 2, 6, 9, 10, 20, 31, 33, 51, 64 71, 84, 87, 89, 93, 95, 97, 101, 114, 136, 141 159 S Sadness; chap, 42, 60, 83, 127, 133, 135 163 Salt humours to purge; chap, 29 Scab; chap, 1, 6, 16, 17, 22, 27, 29, 35, 36, 37 51, 54, 59, 60, 63, 64, 69, 75, 77, 79, 83, 93 95, 101, 104, 110, 112, 114, 119, 121, 131 137, 141, 144, 146, 149, 150, 153, 155, 157 Scaled head, chap, 31 Scalds, see Burning S ciatica, chap, 2, 4, 8, 17, 20, 23, 26, 28, 31, 32 34, 36, 39, 41, 50, 52, 54, 56, 62, 64, 71, 74, 78, 89, 93, 95, 101, 112, 114, 141, 148, 153, 167 Scorbute, or Scurvy, chap, 3, 29, 34, 46, 51 56, 114, 148 Scurf, chap, 2, 5, 17, 19, 28, 37, 54, 69, 87, 106, 119, 121, 130 Secondine, see Afterbirth Scorpions, stinging thereof, chap, 31, 89, 124 133 Se●d, see Sperm Senses to quicken, chap, 3, 60, 151, 156 Serpents to drive away, chap, 67, 114 Serpents, the biting thereof, chap. 8, 9, 16, 32 66, 67, 80, 90, 101, 105, 137, 138, 140, 143, 144, 145 Shingles, chap, 141, See Wildfire Side pained, see Stitches Sight weak, chap▪ 8, 14, 50, 91, 114 Sight to cleanse, chap, 4, 5, 7, 27, 42, 60, 62, 90 91, 101, 132, 149 Sinews cold, chap, 20, 23, 48, 60 Sinews shrunk, chap, 60, 128, 132 Sinews cut, chap. 80 Skin, foul diseases thereof, chap, 20, 23, 24, 28, 29, 93 Skin rough, chap, 5, 15, 121, 149 Skin to mundify, chap, 5, 16, 28, 56 Skin black, chap, 2, 41 Skull broken, chap, 135 Sleep to provoke, chap, 5, 18, 21, 41, 49, 67, 76, 117, 132, 145, 150 Smelling lost. chap. 12. 130 Sneesing to provoke. ch. 36. 41. 92. 120. 143. 161 Saint Anthony's fire, see Wildfire Sores old and rotten, chap, 16, 34, 66, 80, 101 111, 106 Sores old and running, chap, 16, 23, 36, 68, 79, 80, 111, 119, 138, 141, 146 Sores of the head, chap, 23, 79, 87, 125 Speech lost, chap, 28, 62, 118, 120, 140, 151 Sperm to increase, chap, 5, 13, 58, 132 Sperm passing away to stop, chap. 62, 134 Sperm to dry up, chap, 67, 69 Spirits to strengthen, c, 14, 21, 24, 27, 42, 57 Spider, against the venom thereof, chap, 67, 90, 111 Spleen stopped, or hard, chap, 1, 4, 5, 8, 11, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 42, 46, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 60, 63, 66, 67, 70, 74, 75, 78, 79, 80, 84, 87, 88, 93, 94, 96 102, 105, 106, 110, 111, 118, 120, 121, 122, 136, 138, 139, 141, 146, 148 Spleen pained, chap, 27, 31, 32, 123, 137 Spleen, windiness thereof, chap, 9, 27, 101 112, 129, 151, 167 Spleen to strengthen, chap, 40 Splinters to draw out, chap, 11 Spots to take away, chap, 1, 3, 11, 20, 32, 41 69, 134, 138, 161 Stitches in the side, chap, 6, 9, 20, 31, 32, 33 41, 48, 50, 51, 55, 56, 71, 80, 84, 86, 90, 93, 96, 99, 101, 111, 123, 146, 153, 158, 167 Stomach stopped, chap, 1, 22 Stomach crude or raw, chap, 3, 14, 30, 33, 69 76, 91, 101, 124, 125, 143, 153, 169, 160 Stomach to purge, chap, 1 Stomach hot, chap, 107, 117, 160, 168 Stomach to strengthen, chap, 1, 3, 14, 18, 40 45, 47, 62, 74, 80, 118, 132, 150 Stomach gnawing, chap, 6, 30, 129 Stomacb pained, chap, 45 Stomach cold, chap 43 Stone to bring away, chap, 5, 9, 14, 18, 25, 32 39, 71, 80, 81, 89; 93, 99, 102, 105, 106, 109 111, 112, 126, 129, 131, 140, 148, 152, 167 Strangury, chap, 8, 27, 50, 66, 74, 44, 102, 108 114, 125, 126, 138 Suffocation of the Mother, see Mother Sun-burning, chap, 11, 56, 134 Surfeit, chap, 32, 74 Super-purgation, chap, 9; 52 Sweat to provoke, chap, 8, 9, 19, 56, 64, 74 80, 85, 86, 90, 93, 110, 159 Swell to abate, chap, 11, 16, 32, 52▪ 59 67, 116 Swell hard to cure, chap, 4, 14, 23, 116 121 Swimming of the head, chap, 11, 17, 27, 30 31, 36, 37, 45, 55, 62, 76, 79, 81, 84, 90, 92, 124, 125, 128, 151 Swoon, chap, 81, 91, 118, 133 T Temple's pained: chap, 8, 125 Tenesmus: or a desire of often going to stool: chap, 48, 52, 58, 106, 135 138 Terms to provoke, see Courses Tetters: chap, 4, 11, 14, 37, 48, 69, 83, 119 144, 146, 150, 153 Teeth lose: chap, 10, 45, 48, 70, 107 Teeth on edge: chap, 145 Teeth to breed: chap, 18 Teeth to white: chap, 6, 18, 19, 45, 51, 62 110, 111, 137 Thirst to quench: chap, 15, 44, 52, 63, 107 108, 117, 145, 168 Throat sore: chap, 10, 113, 122, 131, 150 Throat swollen: chap, 9, 15, 62 Throat, roughness thereof: chap, 24, 69 108, 154, 160 Thorns and Splinters to draw out: chap, 4, 6, 23, 25, 31, 55, 66, 80, 102, 121 Throws: see After-pains Phthisic: chap, 108, 121, 145, 148, 151 Toothache: chap, 1, 12, 16, 17, 23, 31, 36, 37 41, 49, 50, 62, 64, 69, 71, 74, 80, 85, 91, 92 104, 111, 114, 118, 120, 131, 136, 141, 143 145 Tough humours to take away: chap. 69 Travels sore of Women: chap, 111, 124, 125 126, 153 Trembling of the heart, see Heart tumors hard to dissolve: chap, 14, 21, 31 45, 64, 71, 73, 104, 106, 121, 123 V VEin broken: chap, 23, 131 Vein cut: chap, 80, 131 Venery to provoke: chap, 7, 20, 21, 24 41, 62, 69, 72, 91, 102, 116, 125, 127, 132 133, 143, 149 Venery to extinguish: chap, 12, 41, 67, 73 134, 145 Venom to expel: chap, 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 18, 20 23, 31, 39, 64, 74, 81, 83, 96, 112, 121, 124 128, 129, 141, 153, 159, 169 Venomous beasts, stinging thereof: chap, 2, 6, 7, 10, 20, 23, 25, 31, 32, 33, 39, 41, 50, 54 55, 67, 69, 74, 76, 79, 80, 81, 87, 89, 90, 93 96, 99, 102, 124, 125, 130, 137, 146, 153 167, 169 Vertigo: see Swimming of the head Vipers: stinging thereof: chap. 11, 93, 114 Viscous humours to purge: chap, 1, 17 Viscerous parts to open: chap, 2● Viscerous parts to strengthen: chap, 19 Ulcers to cure: chap, 11, 14, 23, 45, 47, 56, 62 64, 66, 69, 79, 93, 136, 141, 147 Ulcers of the leg: chap. 36, 56 Ulcers malign: chap, 6, 27, 77 Ulcers creeping of the genitals: chap. 6, 64 73, 107, 112, 144, 147 Ulcers of the mouth and throat: chap, 6, 11 54, 64, 66, 82, 83, 137 Ulcers old: chap, 39, 50, 96, 142 Ulcers hollow: chap. 18, 37, 45, 112, 144 Ulcers to dry: chap, 73, 87, 114 Ulcers creeping: chap, 8, 24, 119 Ulcers of the Matrix: chap, 67 Ulcers, heat thereof: chap, 12, 134 Ulcers stubborn: chap, 90 Ulcers of the head: chap, 119 Ulcers of the Yard: chap, 95, 107 Ulcers running: chap, 10, 33, 97, 104, 119 Ulcers eating: chap, 16, 24, 100 Ulcers of the Bladder: chap, 108, 116, 128 144 Ulcers of the Lungs: chap. 97, 112, 116 144 Ulcers to cicatrize, chap. 24, 75 Ulcers to cleanse, chap, 16, 23, 31, 74, 91, 93 107, 122, 138, 146, 156, 159 Ulcers putrefied or rotten, chap. 11, 32, 33 39, 52, 70, 80, 111, 114, 144 Ulcers of the eyes, chap. 19 Ulcers, Fistulous, chap. 6, 33, 56, 93 Vomiting to stay, chap, 1, 10, 14, 24, 45, 57 62, 63, 64, 73, 91, 96, 109, 114, 115, 125 132, 144, 145, 147, 168, 169 Vomit to provoke, chap, 8, 13, 16, 32, 34 35, 41, 56, 74, 80, 148 Urine flowing to stop, chap, 10, 64, 69 134 Urine sharp, chap, 100, 107, 108, 116, 117 134, 145, 160 Urine to provoke, chap, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 14 18, 20, 21, 23, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 39, 41 44, 45, 46, 50, 54, 55, 56, 62, 67, 69, 73, 74 76, 78, 79, 84, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91, 96, 99, 100 101, 102, 105, 107, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114 118, 126, 128, 129, 130, 132, 133, 136, 137 138, 148, 149, 152, 153, 157, 165, 167 Urine stinking, ch. 152 Urine bloody, chap, 66, 97, 144, 145, 146 Vterine parts to cleanse, chap, 1, 6, 3● Wula swollen, ch, 62 Wula fallen, ch, 25, 56, 161, 167 W WArts to take away, chap, 16, 37, 66 139, 145, 153 Wasps to kill, chap, 36, 130 Wasps, stinging thereof, chap, 90, 125 Water to purge, chap, 11, 13, 16, 23, 26, 28, 32, 34, 35, 41, 46, 53, 55, 56, 59, 61, 65 Water yellow to purge, ch, 17 Water running between the flesh and the skin, ch, 1, 63, Weariness after travail, chap, 33, 66 67 Wens to take away, ch●p, 24, 78, 123, 124 Weals and blanes, chap, 52, 59, 63, 79, 107, 112, 150 Wheesing, chap, 80, 105, 147, 160, 167 Whit-flaes, chap, 7, 11, 19, Whites in women, chap, 18, 19, 57, 62, 64, 82, 96, 97, 125, 142, 145, 146 Wild fire, chap, 8, 12, 13, 21, 48, 52, 56, 63, 69, 90, 121, 141, 144, 145 Wind to expel, chap, 1, 6, 7, 20, 30, 33, 43, 56, 69, 73, 76, 84, 91, 92, 101, 112, 114 123, 126, 128, 130, 132, 143, 151, 165 169 Wind in the belly, chap, 33, 50, 86, 157 160, 169 Wine, to take away the smell thereof, chap, 169 Womb, diseases thereof, chap, 6, 7 Womb to cleanse, chap, 1, 11, 20, 23 152 Womb, cold diseases thereof, chap, 30, 31 43, 151 Womb windy, chap, 5, 76, 120 Womb stopped, chap, 11, 14, 22, 23, 48 56 Womb, impurity thereof, chap, 6, 11, 20, 23 104 Womb moist, chap, 9, 10, 19, 141, 157 Womb, hard tumors thereof, chap, 48 56 Womb pained, chap, 46 Women newly delivered to help, chap, 5 105 Women not sufficiently cleansed after Childbirth to help, chap, 140 Worms to kill, chap, 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 17 19, 20, 23, 25, 29, 31, 33, 34, 39, 41, 43, 48 53, 56, 61, 64, 66, 69, 77, 80, 81, 85, 89, 90 93, 96, 98, 101, 106, 109, 111, 114, 119, 125, 130, 144, 145, 146, 148, 153, 159, 160 167 Worms called Ascarides to kill, chap, 4 Wounds to cure, chap, 14, 23, 25, 28, 39, 54 67, 93, 144 Wounds bleeding to stop, chap, 10, 58, 75 82, 128, 135, 141, 144, 147, 156. Wounds, heat thereof, chap, 12, 134 Wounds green, chap, 3, 32, 33, 34, 39, 80, 93, 97, 109, 111, 112, 123, 142, 147, 158, 165 Wounds to incarnate, chap, 135 Wounds inward, chap, 112 Wounds of the head, chap, 6, 48, 80 Wounds to cleanse, chap. 3, 8, 31, 34, 38, 64 152 Wounds of the Testicles and Privities, chap. 3. Wounds moist, chap. 20 Wounds, dead flesh therein to take away, chap, 3, 4 See more in dead flesh, in Wounds Wounds to enlarge, chap. 33 Wounds inward to cure, chap. 10, 97, 142 Wounds to close up. Y YOuth to preserve, chap. 47. An Alphabetical TABLE of those Diseases for which the Compound Medicines are prescribed in this TREATISE. A ABortion, or miscarrying to hinder, an Ointment: chap. 10. a Powder 64 a Plaster 64. Afterbirth to expel, a Potion, chap. 6 Pills 6 Ague, a drink: chap. 1, 8 Ague tertian, a Potion, chap, 35 Ague quartane, a Potion, chap, 1. a Powder, 7. Pills, 55 Ague quotidian; a decoction, 16 Arthritical pains, a Powder, chap. 6. 32 a Potion, 29. 35. 93. a Poultis, 49. a Fomentation; chap, 78 B Belie, wind therein, see wind in the stomach and belly Birth to bring away, Pills, chap, 6. 14 a Potion, 14, 21. a Powder, 14. 21. 25 Bladder ulcerated, a water, chap. 154 Blood to purge, a Potion chap. 29 Bloud-vomiting, an Electuary, chap. 18 Bloud-spitting, a Potion, chap. 39 an Electuary, 45. a L●hoch, 49 Breast to clease, a Potion, chap. 2 Breath short, a Potion, chap. 2. Pills, 4. 6. a Potion, 21. a Syrup, 11 Bruises, a Cataplasm, chap. 56. a Powder, 128 Burning to cure; an Ointment, chap. 112 144 C CHaps of the hands and lips, an Ointment, chap. 45 Choler to purge, a Bowl, chap. 2. 15 Pills, 3. a Potion, 53 Colic, an Electuary, chap. 69. 28. a Potion 44. 76. Pills, 31 Cough, Pills, chap. 6. 55. a Decoction, 24 an Electuary, 122 Courses in women overflowing, Pills, chap. 9 Courses to provoke, a Potion, chap. 6. Pills, 6 8. an Electuary, 10. a Decoction, 54. a Pessary, 93 D DEad child to bring away, a Potion, chap. 6 Dog mad, biting thereof, a Drink, chap. 33 Dropsy, a Potion, chap. 34 41 46. a Powder, 46. Pills, 17. 46. a Bowl, 42. 46. 56. a Plaster, 17. Pills, 16. 55. a Potion, 16. 29 32. a Powder, 16. 56. 61 E Ears, worms therein, chap. 37 Ears swollen; a poultis. chap. 146 Eyes red, a water, chap. 12. 21. 103. 154 Eyes, spots therein, a water, chap. 12 F FAce, spots thereof, chap, 5. 17 Falling Sickness, a powder, chap. 6 Pills, 6. an Ointment, 6. a Syrup, 11 a potion, 49. A Quilt, 140 Fig in the fundament, chap. 2 Fever, an Epitheme, chap. 57 Fistula, chap. 2 Phlegm to purge, Pills, chap. 2. a potion, 2 Flesh to produce in ulcers, an Oil, chap. 6 a Cerot, 50. a powder 48, 58 Flux of the belly, a Decoction, chap. 45. a potion, 47. 53. an Electuary, 14. 18. 19 Flux bloody, a Glister, chap. 116 Frenzy, a Fomentation, chap. 117 G GReen sickness, a potion, chap. 8 Gout, a poultis, chap. 38. a Lineament, 15. a plaster, 50. a powder, 32. a Cerot, 49 H HEads of children sore, a Fomentation, chap. 153 Headache, chap. 21. Pills, 49 a Lineament, 120. a Quilt, 132. an Epitheme, 152 Heart faint, a potion, chap. 42. 30. 74 Heart-beating, a Quilt, chap. 124 Hemorrhoides, pills, chap. 9 a poultis 144 Hickop, pills, chap. 49 Hip-gowt, see Sciatica I Jaundice, a decoction, chap. 1▪ 66, 39 a Bowl, 35. a potion, 13. 29. 53. 55.. a powder, 19 Iliack passion, pills, chap. 17 join-ache, a decoction, chap. 101 Incarnate, see flesh to procure Itch an ointment, chap. 77. See Scab. K KIdneys hot, an emulsion, chap. 5 Knots and tumors to dissolve a Cerot, chap. 4. a plaster, 9 L Leanness to help, a Marchpane, chap. 5 Legs fretting sores thereof, chap. 11 Leprosy, a potion, chap. 29 Liver stopped, pills, 4▪ 6 Liver hor, chap. 12 Lungs to cleanse, an emulsion, chap. 5 Lust to abate, an Electuary, chap. 67 M Measles to expel, chap. 21 Melancholy, a potion, chap. 1. 27, 29 Pills 42. a Syrup, 51. a decoction, 47 Miscarrying, see Abortion Mother-rising, pills, chap. 31. 50. a plaster: 31 N NErves to strengthen, a Lotion, chap. 118. Nodes, see Knots Nose bleeding, a poultis, chap. 18. 83. 150 P Palsy, pills, chap. 6. 50. an oil 6. a Lineament 28 Pestilence, a potion, chap. 11. 12. 64. 74 an electuary, 10. 12. a powder 12. 57 64 Piles, see Hemorrhoides R Rheum, a potion chap. 21. an Elect. vary, 45. 150. Pills 49 Ringworms or Tetters, a Lotion, chap. 131 Rupture, a powder, chap. 18 S SCab and Itch, a potion, chap, 29. a Bath 113. a water, 141 Sciatica, or Hip-gowt; Pills, chap, 4. a Plaster, 31. a Bath; 114 Scurf of the head, chap, 37 Scurvy, a Potion, chap. 29 Senses to strengthen, a Lotion, chap, 118 Side pained, a Potion, chap. 6. a Bag, 123 Sight to preserve, chap, 103. a water, 103 Sleep to procure, a Bowl, chap, 49. a Lotion 86 Spleen, hardness thereof; a Plaster, chap, 4 a Potion, 6, 31, a Cerot, 11●, a Lineament, 31, an Ointment, 56 Stomach weak, a decoction, chap. 30. Pills 49 an Electuary, 150 Stomach pained, Pills, chap, 3. a Potion, 6 an Electuary; 62. a Quilt, 125, 150 Stone and Gravel, chap, 5. Pills, 50. a decoction Sweat to provoke, a Potion, chap, 56 T TErms to provoke, see Courses Temples pained, an ointment. chap, 45 Testicles swollen, a Plaster, 31 Teeth to white, a Poults, chap, 45. a Powder 18 Tooth ache, chap. 2. 10 144 tumors hard to dissolve, a Cerot, chap, 4. a Plaster, 9 V Venom, an Electuary; chap, 25. 153 Ulcers of the Privities; a water and ointment, chap, 68 Ulcers, heat thereof; a Plaster, chap, 62 Ulcers to dry, a powder, chap, 58. a water, ●1 Vomiting to stay, Pills, chap. 49 Ulcers in the mouth, a water, 97 Urine stopped, see Stone and Gravel. Urine sharp, an emulsion, chap. 5 W WAtery humours to purge, a drink, chap. 38 Weak to strengthen, a Jelly, chap, 19 Wind in the stomach, a decoction, chap, 1, 30. an Electuary, 69. a potion, 6, 74 a Fomentation, 121. a powder, 152 Whites in women, an Electuary, 57 Womb impure, a potion, chap. 6 Worms, a plaster, chap. 1, 3, 4. a potion, 2, 31. a powder 19, 98 Worms in the ear, an injection, chap, 93 Wounds, an oil, chap, 39 a water, 88 Wounds in the head, a powder, chap. 58. a Cerot, 80 Wounds hollow, a Powder, chap, 48 Wounds to dry, an ointment, chap, 142.