little before and having anoynted his loynes with Elder-oyle he must go into a 〈◊〉 made of Pease-straw and Mallows the flowers of Elder and Cammomile afterward let him drink a spoonfull of this spirit in white-Wine and stay in the Bath till he avoid the Stone And to avoid swouning let him hold to his nose a sponge dipt in Elder-vinegar and let him moisten his pulses with this same vinegar or some cordial Epithem This Medicine hath its original from the experiments set down in the Dutch Matthiolus and is called a wonderfull Medicine by Muller in his Mysteries Medicinal Nevertheless this is to be preferred to that in respect of the vertues it hath from the pith or spirit of the Elder to break the stone A Stonebreak Essence or Extract He that pleaseth may prepare an excellent Essence or Extract against stony tartarous diseases as followeth Take of the Pith of the Elder one ounce Of the dryed Berries of the Elder Of recent Juniper-berries of each an ounce and half Of Liquorice mundified six drachmes The Pith and Liquorice are to be cut in small pieces and the berries grosly powdered being mixed let them be infused in a sufficient quantity of Elder spirit and let them stand in a hot place for a fortnight together stirring each day the glass and stopping the mouth thereof well that time being ended put them in a linnen bag and in a press press them strongly put the strained liquor in a Cucurbit and putting to the Alimbeck thereof distil that spirit in Balneo till that which remains in the bottom become as thick as hony having mixed before with it two drachms of the Magisterie or salt Ocular Cancror being mixed keep them in a glass vessel whereof give from a scruple to a drachm dissolved in a spoonful of that spirit that was distilled from them and in the water of Linaria distilled with Rhenish wine observing those things which were prescribed before in the administration of the stonebreak spirit of the Elder The salt of the Elder is commendable in salt tartarous diseases given alone or mixed with the former extract in a convenient liquor 8 or 6 grains of the spirit of salt doth cleanse these tartarous muddinesses Dysuria and Ischuria In the difficulty of making water and in the not making water at all these Medicines are excellent seeing these symptomes arise from a muddy and mucid humor or from a glewish toughness that obstructeth the urinal passages But chiefly the stonebreak extract of the Elder is good in this case whereof give a scruple in the water of the flowers of Vinaria and the diseased is to be fomented about the secrets with the decoction of the Radish and Vinaria Pliny saith that the stones being drank in two ounces weight move urine CAP. XXVI Of the Affections of the Womb. TO mollifie and open the secrets of a woman and cure the diseases about them it is affirmed by Dioscorides to be done by incession made of the Roots of Elder boyled in water 1. Of the stopping of the Monethly Terms MAny Medicines made of the Elder are to be used in the defect of the monethly Termes which for the most part proceeds from a gross bloud or tough humor closing or obstructing the orifices of the Histerick veins First then you are to use things which open the belly and disburthen it of that putrid filth give them therefore to drink the wine of the berries which looseneth the belly and maketh thin the bloud and grosse humors The distilled water of the middle-bark mixt with the purging water of the berries prepared as Quercetan directs serves for both ends The dose is three ounces with one ounce of the syrup of the berries bark or buds Which if you desire to be more Cathartick add to it half a drachm or as much as sufficeth of the Polychrestick powder of the buds The Elder-rob with the powder of the white Dittany or of Pimpinel is the womens Medicine Gabel Shover hath this Take of ripe Elder-berries Of Rosemary of each one handful Of Pimpinel-roots half an ounce Boyled in a quart of strong old Wine whereof drink a good draught warm each morning for three days before the time of their courses and let them fast two houres after The spirit of the berries is likewise usefull which by its subtility passes through the whole body and through the least vessels thereof cutting and attenuating the grosness of the humors it may be taken the same time before the courses use to flow The dose is a pretty spoonfull in Wine or some distilled water in place of the simple spirit you may take the Hysterick described hereafter in the same quantity and manner for his vertue is great in moving the courses The oyle of the second description is commendable if two or four drops thereof be added to these spirits In the Scyrrous disposition of the matrix where the cram'd humor is hardened into a Scyrrous closing the orifice of the veins and stopping the courses besides these Medicines you must make incessions of the leaves and root of the Elder boyled in water as Dioscorides commands Let there likewise be an oyntment made of the oyle of the infused flowers and leaves mixed with the fat of a hen This same fat dissolved in the decoction of the roots and leaves is to be injected into the womb 2. Of the flowing of the Courses TRagea granorum actes excelleth in stopping these whereof give half a drachm and as much Nutmeg in a soft egg or red Wind singed by the quenching of red hot gold in it Take of Tragea Granorum Actes half an ounce Of Nutmegs a little roasted Of the roots of Tormentil Of red Coral prepared with Rosewater of each two scruples Of Sugar-rosat in Tablets six drachmes Let them be mixed for a Tragea whereof take morning and evening two drachmes for a dose in the former liquors If the bloud be too serous and fluid that serousness is either to be purged gently by the belly or by weak Hydroticks by sweating whereof we have spoken largely in another place Gabel Shover hath this Give to the woman in the morning three spoonfuls of the best water of Elder-flowers and command her to fast three hours after 3. Of the Suffocation of the Matrix SEeing this most perillous Disease dependeth from a malignant and cold air exhaled from the womb and uterine vessels to the Midriff Heart and Brains the womb is to be purged of all malignant and putrid humors and the strength is to be corroborated Apply here those things which were set down in the stopping of the Courses both because these used not to be the least and seldomest cause of these malignant vapors and likewise because the Medicaments purge and dissipate these uterine filths gathered upon whatsoever occasion A half or whole spoonful of the spirit of the flowers or berries of the Elder greatly availeth here both out and in time of the fit for both powerfully discuss these
bread into powder whereof take a drachm alone or a half with as much nutmeg-powder Of which see the famous Sennert in the 10 Chapter of the Treatise of the Dissentery But a care must be taken that the belly be not over soon stopped but place must be left for the evacuating of sharp humors lest that befal which hapned to the Maid mentioned by the learned Fernel in lib. 6. cap. 9. Pathol. Therefore to purge the sharp humors and mitigate the cruel pain give two or three days before you use the Astrictive in the morning one ounce or one ounce and half of the syrup of Elder-flowers prepared by three infusions in three ounces of Barley-water or in the water of Elder-flowers You may with profit add to this one scruple or half a drachm of white Mechoacan subtilly pulverised for it gently purgeth and bindeth the belly After three days are past and we have used all necessary evacuations clangings and pain for the most part is ceased then we may more safely use our Tragea for it doth not only restrain the belly but together with this gives a contrary motion to these sharp and salt humors by little and little disposing them for sweat if it be taken twice a day morning and evening mixt after this manner yet with a fasting stomach R. Tragea Gran. Actes drach 1. The Spirit of the flowers of the Elder Gutt 35. They being well wrought together in a Marble Mortar pour on it by little and little The water of Tormentil-roots an ounce and half The Syrup of the juice of Plantain half an ounce Mix them and use them hot they will dissipate the malignity by sweating and evaporation and will bind the belly by stopping the flux of the humor The same things may be used in a Diarrhoea or white Flux 5. Of Constipation or Boundness THe leaves of the Elder are commended to those that are in health to open their womb by Egineta and Hippocrates in his second Book of Diet. This same is performed by the distilled water of the leaves and bark with which a third part of the syrup made of the infused flowers or of the juice of the berries or buds is to be mixed with it to make them of a more pleasant taste The same syrups being taken alone loosneth the belly or drink a draught of wine at your breakfast or in the morning having taken a little broth or take a drachm of the powder of the buds in Plum-broth or a soft rosted Egg Or use in the place of this the conserve of the buds The recent Rob of the Elder spread thick upon a slice of bread and eaten before other dishes is our Wives domestick Medicine which they use likewise in their Infants and Children whose bellies are stopt longer than ordinary for this Juice is most pleasant and familiar to children chiefly if in time of thickning of it you do add a little Sugar as hath been told VI. Of Hemmorhoides THere is nothing more excellent to ease the pain of the Hemmorhoides than a stove or fomentation made of the flowers of Elder and Verbasie or Hony-suckle in water or milk for in a short time it easeth the greatest pain I experimented this first in a Countrey Miller then in a City Baker which both did wonder at the sudden ease and have great quantity of the flowers in readiness beside them to use when necessity shall require The anointing with the oyl of the infused flowers mixed with a third part of Unguent Populeon is Anodine Or take of the infusion of Elder-flowers half an ounce Of Elder-kernels and Yeolks of Eggs of each two drachms Of white Wax enough making according to art an Unguent To stay the Hemmorhoides in a night a singular Cataplasm is made of Elder-leaves boiled in water to the consistency of a Poultice and mixed with Oyl-olive spread on a scarlet cloath and apply it warm to the Hemmorhoides being oft renewed through the whole night the Patient lying on his face is commended by Alexis in his Secrets By what means their flux is to be stopt is set down in the stopping of the Hemmorhoides in the nose and monthly terms and in stopping the blood in wounds Mark that for the falling of the Anus amongst other things the outmost bark of the Elder is commended by Mindererus cap. 7. M.M. CAP. XXIII Of the Obstructions of the Mesentery Liver Milt from whence proceed both the Jaundies and Scurvy TO hinder and cure the obstructions drink in the morning and the beginning of the repast a cup full of the wine of Elder-berries for some days and weeks for it cutteth the thick tartarous serous and bilous matter it cleanseth evacuateth and by opening obstructions and purifying the blood gives the body a more fresh colour especially if once at least of the week you mix with it a half or whole drachm according to the parties strength of the Polychrestick powder of the buds In these diseases this following powder is commended Take of the Elder-buds dried in the shade drach 2. Of Crystalline Elder-salt scrup 8. Of Wormwood scrup 4. Make of all a subtile powder and give a scruple or half a drachm thereof in broth in the morning for many days commanding him to fast four hours and use moderate exercise Those that are not pleased with the powder may form it into pils with the rob or juice of the berries drink broth above it A Lixive made of Elder-ashes prepared with wine or the water of the flowers powerfully unlocks obstructions and attenuateth and changeth bilous and tartarous humors Whence it is a profitable Medicine in the Jaundies some spoonfuls thereof being taken morning and evening dulcerat with sugar hony or Elder-hony Oximel Sambucinum taken in an ounce and half weight dissolved in the water or flowers of the bark is more meek and pleasant Or where the heat is greater and a Fever joyned an ounce and a half of the acetous syrup of the Elder dissolved and given at one dose Some commend four or six drops of the oyl of the flowers of the second description in a spoonful of the spirit or best water of the flowers give it twice a week and command moderate exercise In this case the spirit alone the rob and its extract are safe medicines For whilst the sink of the belly is emptied by the Polychrestick powder of the buds they provoke sweat by their penetrating vertues they unlock the obstructions and crammings of the Mesentery Liver Milt and Gall and cut and prepare the thickness of humors The yellow middle bark is commended by his signature for the yellow Jaundies by Crollius de Signaturis rerum 'T is therefore to be macerated in wine with two or three Jews ears of which strained drink a sound draught morning evening Or you must use the distilled water thereof or the syrup made of its juice For besides that they open the belly and evacuate hurtful humors the Medicines prepared of this bark
juice of the green middle-bark of the Elder of each one spoonful Take it in common water or thin Oximel ever after three or four days This purgeth the belly strongly For the tumors that are left about the knees feet c. lay to them the leaves of the great Bur-docks for they draw out the water The Polychrestick powder of the buds in a drachm given in white wine sweetned with Oximel of the Elder or syrup of the juice of the berries is commended in this disease Or Take of the Polychrestick powder of the buds four scruples Of Gum of Peru of Galingale of each half a scruple Make an exact mixt powder it is to be given in what liquor you please at two times to a patient that is not yet weak for it powerfully evacuateth serous humors If the form of powder displease you work it with the syrup of hony of Elder in form of Pills or with the Rob of Elder in form of a Bole. Hydroticks or Sudorificks If by these Catharticks the body be emptied well enough then you may safely proceed to Sudorificks Diureticks For if we proceed otherwise the whole stream will be devolved on the reins and ureters whereby the gathering together thereof grievous symptoms will arise The Rob of the Elder and its extract are Sudorificks The first whereof given in two drachms weight is commended by the Augustans for this purpose The second is to be in as many scruples dissolved in the water and vinegar of Elder-flowers for one dose Or where the Liver is more cold and the urine less red give a spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or tincture of the Elder made thin with the water of the flowers and sweetned with the syrup of the juice of the berries Then in bed or in a dry Bath provoke sweat The spirit of the flowers is more gentle nevertheless it excellently provoketh sweat and dryeth strongly the water of the Hydropick person especially if it be well rectified Diureticks and which move Urine Besides those rehearsed these that follow are Diureticks The salt of the Elder with a third or equal part of the salt of Wormwood The dose from a scruple to half a drachm The spirit distilled from the salt powerfully moveth urine and drieth moisture six drops thereof are to be given in broth some days Where the bowels are more hot and the urine more red which is oft-times a deadly token in Hydropick persons instead of these give three or four ounces of the acetous syrup of the Elder dissolved in the water of the flowers and leaves of each half a pound whereof four or five ounces are to be drank before meat twice a day morning and evening The poor mans Euporist viz. A Lixive prepared of Elder and Juniper-ashes with one part of white wine and three parts of simple water or the distilled water of Elder-flowers whereof give a cup full twice a day to the Patient fasting and command moderate exercise for half an hour or longer if it be possible add to it a sufficient quantity of Sugar and Cinnamon to make it smell and taste more sweetly The Experiment of Emylia Countess of Isinburg And seeing we have made mention here of Diureticks I will not pass by this Receipt of the Countess by which alone she cured many poor people of the Hydropsie in which albeit much is to be attributed to the potion it self nevertheless I ascribe the chief effects of this happy Medicine to the wine prepared of the Elder-flowers and sponges which the Hydropick use in time of their cure therefore I have set down the whole course of the cure as it is faithfully communicated to all the true Sons of this noble Art by the famous Finck in the 26 Chapter of his Enchirid. Take of the old Acorns unshelled Of the old roots of Parsley Of white Oculi Cancrorum of each two scruples and an half Of Sugar Of Cinnamon of each one drachm All are to be subtily pulverised and searced Before the diseased person altogether lye down first let him moisten three shives of wheat-bread in strong wine may be it would not be beside the purpose if before in that wine he had macerated some Elder-flowers then presently let him sprinkle upon these shives 4 scruples down weight of that powder and at night before he go to bed let him eat it and go to bed and sleep above them Secondly on the day next following early in the morning let him eat as many shives of bread so prepared and fast one or two hours after Thirdly on the same day at night let him eat the same preparation eating and drinking nothing above it and so go to sleep In the mean time this diet is to be observed Let the diseased person abstain from fish swines-flesh herbs cheese cold water thin and superfluous drink Let him use wine prepared after this manner which I esteem to be the chief part of the cure Take of the whole dried umbels of Elder-flowers three Of Jews-ears exsiccate in a dry air two Of white wine two quarts or for the use of a middle-child one quart Let them stand all night in infusion and the patient may drink thereof at his pleasure but let him abstain from all other drink till the tumor be evanished Mark if the patient by this cure find not an evident alteration abating of the tumor he may after a fortnight renew the cure and without doubt by divine assistance he shall recover his former health Topicks Apply outwardly to the tumified parts a Cataplasm of the juice of the Elder incorporate with Goates-dung which hath an eminent vertue in digesting those salt waterish humors Or anoint the tumified parts with the oyl of the bark and leaves prescribed before in the second place unto which add this same dung to give it consistence The tincture drawn out of the rob and juice of the berries doth excellently discuss and dry if it be rubb'd on the belly and legs Or take a sufficient quantity of the leaves and bark boil them in a common Lixive wherewith foment the belly and tumified parts twice a day The vapour of which decoction held under the Hydropick legs draweth the serosity from thence and discusseth it by sweat it must be poured on hot bricks in a close vessel that the vapour may come to the heat Others bid the feet and legs only to be bathed in a decoction of the leaves wherein a handful or two of common salt hath been dissolved Note that the pith of the Elder being pressed with the finger doth pit as Hydropick feet do therefore the juice of the Elder and the distilled water of Jews-ears are profitable Crollius de signaturis rerum hither you may transfer the example of the Hydropick and gravelly clown as it is set down in the Chapter concerning the Stone who was cured by the use of the pith of the Elder 2. Of Anasarca or Leucophlegmatia IN Anasarca or Leucophlegmatia
having prescribed lighter purges you are immediately to proceed to Sudorificks and cutting Medicines which we have set down made of the juice extract and spirit of the berries and so forth For by these the serosity that resides in the musculous flesh and swels the members are discussed and the desired heat is restored to the cold and weak members and the intrals appointed for nutrition are opened and strengthened The wine of the flowers of the Elder is excellent for ordinary drink By which alone'tis manifest that some after long fevers and other chronical diseases becoming Leucophlegmatick did in an instant untumifie wherefore may be that experiment of Emylio the Countess were more fit to be used in this than in the Ascites Note there was a certain Citizen of Haina who for two years being vexed with a continual falling again into fevers and after that became Leucophlegmatick through his whole body by my advice he was cured by these following First I desired him to use wine wherein the Elder-bark and flowers and the tops of wormwood in equal parts were infused thereby to open the obstructions of the Meseraick vessels to purge the serous pituitous inundations of the first region Of which every morning after he had taken a little broth he was to take a good draught From which time after the belly had for a few days answered the Medicine I desir'd him to swallow a pretty spoonful of Elder-rob mixt with Hearts-horn and having drank Vinegar of the Elder mixed with Wine go to sweat in bed which being done twice or thrice his whole body did detumifie a more lively colour and laudable appetite did return neither to this day hath appeared any residity of Fevers While I was writing these things a grave Matron told me this history she was almost threescore years old being troubled for some weeks with a white Flux of the belly she fell into an Hydropsy so that her belly flesh wonderfully swelling her strength marvellously decayed her daughters being amazed and doubtful of their mothers health they went to a Physician their kinsman then famous in this Country they earnestly desired his counsel help who albeit he was terrifi'd by her weakness proceding from her age sickness to use any cure yet nevertheless through their intreaty he appointed some comfortablethings amongst which he chiefly commended the conserve of Elder-flowers and commanded each morning half an ounce should be given her thereof by which alone through divine assistance she was in a short time recovered and lived till she was fourscore years old to the great wonder of all those that saw and heard it 3. Of a Timpany SEeing of this disease the belly is so swelled of flatuosities that it sounds like a drum if it be beat on and that these flatuosities do proceed from no other cause than from a weak stomach the stomach is to be strengthened and the flatuosities discussed These indications a Purge being premised if needful are well satisfied by the spirit of Granorum Actes simple and stomatical commended much before for a weak stomach seeing it not only strengtheneth but likewise by his subtile faculty penetrateth the most subtile passages of the body and discusseth all flatuosities chiefly if the dose of the Carminant-seeds of Anise and Fennel-seeds be augmented Give every day a spoonful and anoynt the belly with the same Or Take of the Spirit of the Stomatical Granorum Actes two ounces Of the Elder-flowers one ounce and an half Of white Sugar Candy pulverised one ounce mix them The dose one or two spoonfuls Benedict Victor Favorin in 25 cap. of his Empyricks hath these I saw a wonderful effect in curing the flatulent Hydropsie every morning in the dawning this drink was given to the patient Take of the water of the roots of Danewort two ounces Of the Elder four ounces mix them Continue without interruption this drink for thirty days and a wonderful effect will follow But I would ever add some of the syrup of the berries or flowers seeing the distilled water given alone much troubleth the fasting stomach CAP. XXV Of the Stone IN the Stone of the Bladder a Laxative of the Elder Locusts which is most useful in this and other diseases because it only helps nature naturally to go to stool Petraeus Nosolog harm diss 40. Thes 53. The wine made of the flowers and berries help greatly here for first they disburden the stomach and intestines of that serous and mucid humor whereby pure Chyle and less impregnant with those tartarous tinctures is brought to the liver Whence it is that the serous comes not so impure muddy to the urinal passages And besides if any slip be committed here and the tartarous humor be gathered together in these vessels this wine changeth them and with the urine thrusts them out of the body Drink it fasting in the morning the dose a cup full having supt a little broth before it An Anodyne and Emollient Clyster may be made of the decoction of the flowers and leaves of the Elder unto every eight ounces of the strained decoction add three or four ounces of the oil of infused Elder-flowers if we will change more pour this decoction through the ashes of Elder-leaves a little and mix with it besides the oyl two ounces of Elder-hony The pith being cut and swallowed is commonly much praised for moving urine and purging those dregs And I know a man who being troubled with the Ascites and Stone by the perswasion of a Country-woman used only this pith having avoided these dregs and much serousness daily by his urine was cured of his Nephritick pains and Hydropsie There are some that cutting it in thin shaves infused it in the spirit of the berries and after a fortnight press the pith strongly and strain the spirits and give a spoonful of the Colature which they commend much The Lithonthryptick Elder-spirit Take two ounces of the Elder-pith cut as is said put thereon as much of the spirit of the berries well rectified as will cover it Let them stand seven days in a hot place in vessels well closed that nothing evaporate After pressing the pith strain hard the spirit a few times Put into the Colature some bruised Juniper-berries viz. two ounces Leave it likewise for two days in infusion in a hot place in a close vessel Afterward press it again strain it Again infuse as much Juniper-berries into the colature and leave it for three days in the infusion and again press it and strain it and purifie it from all the feculent grounds as much as you are able And so you have the stone-break spirit of the Elder indued with the essence of Elder-pith and Juniper-berries which you are to keep in a stopt close glass whose use is excellent in breaking and expelling the stone especially if it be used as followeth First the nefritick person is to purge his belly with Polychrestick powder of the buds or with the Clyster prescribed a
stiff this Disease is and how miserably it tormenteth the patient is known even to children notwithstanding it expects ease if not full cure which sometimes is done by the Medicines of our Elder And seeing nothing is more able to preserve than that great encrease of serous humors being hindred those that are sprung be evacuated Seeing from these if not only yet most commonly Arthritick pains have their beginning as experience can testifie These Medicines therefore that follow are convenient Viz. The wine of the berries of which he is to drink a cup full oft in the week in the morning or in the beginning of dinner But that is of most force which we have set down in the 24 Chapter out of Quercetan The water distilled out of the succulent bark in the Autumn or Spring is oft to be drank Let it be sweetned with the third part of the syrup of the berries or buds the dose is four ounces That it may purge more forcibly mix therewith a half or whole drachm according to the Patients strength of the Polychrestick powder of the Buds Vomits are good to preserve from this disease if it be provoked once a moneth by those that are used to it In cure of the Arthritick chiefly of the Sciatick or Gout seeing vomit doth revel and derive by the upper parts it performs more than any downward purge Therefore you are to reiterate it two days and more if the evil persevere The oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries and half a drachm thereof taken in the broth of Ale doth excel in this disease The oyl of the infused flowers or bark is good the dose is one or two ounces in warm water You shall repress the Arthritick assaults if you once or twice in the moneth sweat having first purged the body For the serous matter gathered in the body is easily discussed by sweat and as soon as natural or artificial sweat appears there is great hopes of safety See Hildanus Centor 5. observ 3. Give then of the Rob of the Elder two drachms with a scruple of Harts-horn prepared or half a drachm or two scruples of the extract Granorum actes or one spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or flowers This is uporist of some The Roots of the Elder or Walnut half an ounce Of the pulverised Kernels drachm 1. Let them macerate for a night in white wine whose Colature being a little sweetened with Sugar is to be given in the morning in bed to provoke sweat If it be given a little before the fit it disappoints it In the Spring-time the buds prepared with oyl vinegar and salt and frequently being eaten before supper being mixed with other Sallets is commendable for they gently purge the belly and purifie the blood from serosity The powder of the buds dried in the shadow is good for preventing of Gouts and all Arthritick Diseases whereof take in the Spring-time or Harvest for a whole month together in the morning half a scruple in a soft egg with a little salt Or take the Conserve of the buds alone or mixed with the Conserve of the flowers in equal parts The dose is the bigness of a Walnut or Chesnut morning and evening before meat Drink above it some of the water of the flowers sweetned with a little of the juice of the berries Topicks A linnen cloth dipt in the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder and applied warm wonderfully asswages the pain unlocks the pores digests the matter and strengthens the nervous parts That it may more penetrate and where the colour and heat is greater you may add in equal quantity Elder-vinegar Where the matter is colder and the pain longer you may dip the same clothes in such a liquor as this and apply them hot Take of the spirit of Elder-berries three ounces The spirit of the flowers drach 2. Of Opium of Thebes scruples two mix them By its Narcotick vertue it mitigateth the pains and discusseth the more stubborn matter and refresheth the members The Goutish Anodine Water Quercetan in the first book and seventh chapter sets down this Podagrick water Take of the green leaves and flowers of Elder of each lib. 1. more or less as you please to make it greater or less quantity pound them and macerate them well in B. M. then distill them in a Glass or Copper vessel till they be dry with this water forment the pained place twice a day yea you may use it constantly in that Gout which proceeds from hot humors So far he The Oyle wherein the roots of the Elder or Ebulus and the leaves or fine extract from them hath been boyled chiefly the oyle of the Dwarf-Elder-seed from which the seeds of the greater differ little is much praised here It is prepared thus beat the ripe and clean seeds in a paste boyle it in water and gather the scum thereof put it in a long Glass in a warm place for three or four daies till the oyle which is greenish go to the bottom the same oyle pressed out of the seeds is most powerfull These are the words of Plater in the second part of his practice Or take oyle of infused Elder-flowers ounces two and of it pressed out of the kernels half an ounce Being mixt apply them warm to the grieved place Dioscorides affirms that the recent leaves applyed with the fat of a Goat or Bull doth help the Goutish I know a man that whensoever he is troubled with the Gout useth only this unction He taketh new Cream of Milk and he mixeth with it the Powder made into fine meal of the and leaves of the Elder till it acquire the consistence of a Poultice or Cataplasme which being spread on a linnen cloth he applyeth it hot to the diseased part and from this easie and simple Medicine he exspects and experiences with happy successe great ease Gabel Shover amongst others hath this Take the water of the Elder and the spirit of Wine of each ounces 2 mix them and apply clothes moystened therein Some take two ounces of Elder-water and one of aqua vite and mix them The same man much commendeth in pains of the joynts and other cold defluctions from which the resolution and Palsie of the joynts do proceed this Take a good quantity of Elder-pith a quarter of a pint of Rhenish-Wine and as much of your own urine being mixed boyle them in a new pot till half be consumed Then anoynt the grieved place with the spirit of Wine and rub it well in Afterward apply a woollen-cloth hot dipt in the former decoction And when it is dry dipt it and apply it again And this is to be done before you go to bed Some praise this that follows in Arthritick Diseases chiefly which are hot A Mucilaginous Andonyne Liquor R. Of quick Snails newly taken whole out of their shelly cottages Of Elder-berries dried in the Oven and pulverized and of common salt of each as
humors remain if they be not altogther corrupt which humors are to be purged according to the diversities of constitutions before you use such Amulets Read Sennert l. de Cons dissen Gal Chymic Whereas they object That in all these Amulets do not hold This will not prove that they are not indewed with an Anti-epileptick faculty otherwise many famous Medicaments should be called in question seeing many times they are disappointed of their actings in some subjects because it may be they are not used in fit quantity time or after due prepration or some other errours are committed which may hinder the best and most approved Medicine to take effect neither is it in the power alwaies of the Physician or Medicine that the diseased should be releived some times the evil excels the cunningest art CAP. V. Of the Apoplexie and Palsie AS preservative a against the Apoplexie and Palsie the Salt of the Elder is much commended if it be mixt with a third part of the volatile salt of Amber which volatile salt useth to stick to the neck of the retort in the distillation of the oyl of Amber and given in the time of the new Moon or full moon in a convenient liquor in the weight of a scruple or half a drachme The salt of the Elder must be first excellently Crystallized in the water of Sage as you know Amwald desires that three parts of the extract of black Hellebore be mixed with the Rob of Elder which he commends as a gallant specifick against the Apoplexie and all noysom affections of the brain The receit is set down in his Treatise Panacea Amwaldina fol. 23. Pulvis Tureonum Polychrestus doth not only purge the stomach and nearest vessel but likewise the brain from its gross pituite and serous humors whereof give a drachme thereof when it is needful in form of a Pill Oxymel Samb is likewise useful in these cold distempers of the brain whereof give oft in the water of Sage a little masted before purging at least two or three ounces for the cutting and preparing that gross matter The Spirit likewise distilled from the Berries is excellent if once a week or at least each quarter of the Moon a spoonful thereof mixt with crums of wheat bread and a little sugar for it consumes the phlegmatick humors and drieth and comforteth the brain and 't is taken in place of a simple Anti-epileptick as we have said in the former Chapter Or. You may prepare it new thus only for this affection in what quantity you please thus Take of Sage Marjoram Ivy Arthritica of each two drachmes Of Couslip flowers Conval Lilly flowers of each one drach and an half Of Rochet seed two drachmes Which all being cut and grosly pulverised are to be macerated in a sufficient quantity of the spirit of Elder and after eight daies to be distillid in B. M. till they be dry for the Apoplectick spirit of the Elder in a part of which Castoreum may be dissolved and oft times transcolate of which mixture a spoonful chiefly in the time of the Paroxisme should be instilled as the cause is of exigency and with the same rub the pallat nostrills crown of the head and nuke of the neck Two or three drops of the oyl of the second or third description or distilled being instilled in the ear or anoynted on the pallat after the manner the spirit is thought to help the rest Mark That those things we have now commended have chief place in that Apoplexie that proceeds from pituite or other gross humors and is familiar to old men but that which proceeds from depression of the scul or inflammation of the brain is to be cured by other Medicines that is not our part here to handle Of the Palsie But if the Apoplexie end in a Palsie of the sides or other members as it useth having observed those universals for the provision of whole body and brain 't is necessary oft in the week to provoke sweat Half an ounce of the Apoplectick Spirit of the Elder is useful here also two drachms of the rob of the berries in Sage water Or Of the extract of the Rohob of the Elder drach 5. and an half Antimony diaphoretick most white half a drachm Of which every morning give to the Paralitick they being exactly mixt 1 drachm in 2 or 3 ounces of the decoction of the root of the great Burdock and command him that being well lapped in his bed he swet for half an hour and that he may sweat more freely and fully you may mix with the potion half an ounce of the Apoplectick spirit of the Elder Topicks The enervat or hanging members are twice a day to be rubbed first with hard sharp clothes afterward with the spirit drawn out of the berries and inebriate with the essence of Cephalick herbs So those gross and viscid humors that trouble the nerves and compresse them and stop the passage of the animal spirits will be attenuate and dissipate and the stupified spirits will be raised and allured Nevertheless lest by these hot and much drying spirits the matter it self and nevres should be hardned you are to mix with the oyl of the infusion of the flowers of the Elder a third of the oyl drawn from the Kernels of its berries and this will attemperate the too too much exsiccating heat and nevertheless digest and consume the matter In this case likewise the decoction of the root of the Elder and Ebulus in simple water is much praised And seeing oft times the Palsie of the tongue and difficulty of speaking remains the tongue is oft times to be rub'd and humectated with a sponge dipped in the Apoplectick spirit of the Elder CAP. VI. Of Catarrhs IN this the Wine prepared of the flowers and berries is much commended because it excellently purgeth the body of that serous inundation of which after you have taken a little broth drink a cupfull in the morning The simple Powder of the buds of the Elder taking a scruple thereof in a soft egg or in some syrup or in a spoonful of the Oximel of the Elder in the Spring or Harvest for 14 daies each morning and fasting two hours at least after it doth mightily consume the Catarrhous matter Or instead of the Powder use the Conserve of the buds mixt with the third part of the Conserve of the flowers the Dose ounc s. If the body stand in need of greater evacuation exhibit once or twice the polichrestick powder of the buds The salt of the Elder by it self or mixt with the third part of the volatile salt of Ambre dose scrup 1. is esteemed likewise the spirit of the Elders salt taking weekly six drops thereof or more in broth made of flesh Also a spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries and flowers taken with crums of bread and sugar Concerning other things especially sweetning which is sometimes conducible to consume the matter in this disease read the precedent
of the Elder it cleanseth and drieth up all pimples and pustles of the face Dispensatories affirm that the oyl of the infusion of the flowers mundifieth and makes clear the skin In Lentiginibus commonly called Freckles by signature a decoction of the flowers in water is commended for the flowers of the Elder are spotted Oswald Croll de signaturis Dioscorides teacheth that the juice anointed makes the hair black This will be a profitable experiment to those that endeavour to make their red hair black albeit the colour be more comely in many than ill favoured What we must allow to those old Ruffins that are ashamed of their white locks Galen hath taught hath taught us l. 1. de Compos Medicament secund Loc. c. 3. and this transcursorily occasioned by Dioscorides his words Take Elder roots cut very small adding a little of the seed of Staphis agriae made in a Lixive wherein wash the head that is full of scales lice The same decoction heals the Tineam or Favum in children if it be over strong and painful dilute it with the decoction of the flowers and leaves The pain is likewise mitigated by the anointing of the oyl of the infusion of the flowers if after washing it be anointed The oyl expressed out of the berries and kernels and mixt by stirring with a third part of Turpentine and anointed doth cure by drying and cleansing all ulcers of the head the whole Elder leaf after being applyed Oleum Saccharo sambucinum is likewise commodious CAP. XII Of the Diseases of the Mouth and Throat THe Common Women so soon as they suspect any Disease in the Throte of their young ones they steep the sponge of the Elder in their drink and when it is sweld they therewith carefully wipe away all the filth of the pallat gums and tongue The expressed juice of the leaves mixt with simple or Elder honey doth absterge and exsiccate egregiously all the ulcers of the gums and throat If therewith they be anointed by a pencil or if it be disolved in the water of the leaves and bark and gargarised therewith You shall add more vertue thereto in deterging in purifying if you mix a little of the salt of the Elder therewith or dissolve the said juice in a weaker Lixive and use it as a Gargarisme If the ulcers be more malignant and the product of the great Pox 't is necessary that twice or thrice a day you rub them with a sponge or pencil dipped in the spirit of Elder berries wherein a little of the flowers of Sulphur hath been dissolv'd and immediatly after wash them with the decoction of the leaves and besprinkling them with the small flower of the Elder pith The Tonsils being tumefied by a thin and saltish defluxion let them be gargarised with water or decoction of Elder flowers wherein a little Elder-hony hath been mixed for licking the Rhob of the Elder inspissated with Sugar is commodious which is our womens common and used Medicine you may use the syrup of the juice of the berries or infusion of the flowers or the hony of either Outwardly anoint them with the oyl of Elder flowers infusion which doth resolve it In the Squinancy having first used universals to the foresaid Gargarism add some leaves of Self-heal with one or two of the sponges of the Elder called by many Jews ear which is a sure experiment Lob. in Advers Novis stirp p. 434. The Linctus must be the former only add some pulverised Jews ears or make this Eclegme Take Jews-ears two or three let them sharpen an hour or two in a sufficient quantity of the water of Elder flowers then let them boyle lightly and them in a Marble Mortar and put them through a Setace add unto this Musilage as much as is needful of the Syrup of the juice of the flowers and sugar as will make a Linctus which you may oft use besides it opens the belly Outwardly apply an Anadyne Cataplasm which doth digest and resolve made of Elder leaves and Reddish stalks pounded and boyled in the oyl of the infusion of Elder flowers to the consistency of a Pulticle The Acetoses Syrup of the Elder dissolved in the decoction of Barley and given as a Julap when 't is necessary tempereth the heat of the blood and whole body See afterward the cure of the continued Fevers In spitting of blood Tragea granorum actes is profitable whereof we have made mention in the tenth Chapter which being taken in some convenient Syrup is to be used for a Linctus CAP. XIII Of Dyspnei and Asthma THat those things may be remov'd in these diseases and expectorat which are gathered through the proper imbecility of the Lungs use the water of the flowers in which a third part of Elder Oximel is dissolved and as Julap twice a day drink two or three ounces thereof it cuts the gross matter and facilitateth the expectoration thereof The same Oximel thickned with Sugar-candy and taken off a liquorice-stick like a Linctus and swallowed leasurely worketh well in expectoration The Syrup of the flowers of the Juice of the Berries and Buds c. are wholsome taken after the same manner The Bark of the Elder entreth that famous Oximel Helleborat of Gesner The spirit of the berries in a great Dispnoea is profitable half a spoonful or a spoonful thereof taken with sugar Use this following Asmalick or Pneumatick Spirit if you please Take of the middle Elder bark Liquorish well shaven six drachms Of the roots of Allacompaine of Florentine Ireos Of each two drachms Of the whole herb Erysimum two handful Of Fennel-seed half an ounce Being cut and shaked together infuse them in a sufficient quantity of the spirit of Granorum actes in which let them stand seven days every day twice stirring all together afterward let them be distilled in Bal. Mar. for the Pneumatick spirit of the Elder which in time of necessity is to be taken either by it self or dulcerat with a little sugar or the syrup of Violets Or with the same with Canary-sugar or of Madara prepare the oyl of the Elder-sugar as followeth Take of this Pneumatick spirit rectified as much as you will mix with it half the quantity of Sugar fire the spirit with a wax-candle or light paper stir it hither and thither with a knife till all turn to a thick and oily liquor and the flame cease of it self Use it as an Eclegme with a stick of Liquorice by it self or mix with an equal part of Elder Oximel it mightily moves expectoration c. 't is profitable to anoint the breast in the greatest difficulty of breathing with the oyl of Elder-flowers of the first description you may mix therewith some drops of the oyl of the flowers of the third description In suffocating Catars besides these abundantly declared it availeth much if in the time of the fit you put a sponge dipped in Elder-vinegar to the nose and therewith wet the crown of the head
have great vertue to open all obstructions Six drops of the spirit of Elder-salt taken in broth is commended In the Scurvy having premised these purging and cutting Medicines the greatest hope of health and helps is placed in evacuating the serosities by sweating whence Plater affirms the rob of Elder-berries or Walwort to be very convenient adding to three ounces of these one ounce of the syrup of Popie The dose drachms 2. The extracts of these are more convenient and penetrating of which give one scruple or one drachm in a spoonful of the spirit of Elder-flowers or of Carduus Benedictus or of Scurvigrass and then let him provoke sweat in his bed or in a dry Bath Topicks EXternally anoint frequently the Hypocondriacks where those bowels are placed with the oyl of the infused flowers which the ordinary and us'd Dispensatories affirm to cure the Jaundies and help the stopt Liver In a hard and Scyrous Milt boyl the leaves of Elder in Wine and Oyl to the consistence of a Poultice which are to be put through a Searse or Setace then mix therewith as much of the meal made of the flowers of Elder and Cammomile as will suffice then apply it hot like a Cataplasm This Cere-cloth or Serat is commended for mollifying and digesting scyrous tumors First boil twice or thrice recent Elder-leaves in the oyl of the infusion of Elder-flowers still pressing the leaves well before you put in new ones Then Take of the oyl so prepared ounc 3. Of the powder of tender Elder-leaves one ounce and half Of Turpentine and yellow Wax enough Of which apply every day to the place affected some of this spread on a piece of Leather cut like a Cowes tongue and covered with a fine linnen cloth The Scorbutick persons amongst other symptoms which I have neither time nor place to mention are troubled with a pain in the soals of their feet and tops of their fingers which the famous Sennert affirms to be cured by this Take of Elder-flowers two handfuls boil them in Wine adding two drachms of sope spread on a cloth and applied to the diseased part CAP. XXIV Of the Hydropsie and its kinds 1. Of Ascites SEeing this depends of serous humors fallen into the Abdomen and seeing the vertue of the Elder is to exsiccate and draw water from the belly by the consent of Dioscorides and all Physicians there is no man that doth not perceive that the Elder is of great vertue in this disease Purging Medicines First then boil in Wine in a close vessel those middle barks of the Elder with one or two Jews-ears sweeten the decoction and for some days give it to the diseased party morning and evening to drink Some praise this Take of the middle bark subtilly grated as much as you will boiled in a sufficient quantity of Goats-milk that being put through a Searse it may acquire the consistence of a syrup or honey of which give an ounce or an ounce and a half for certain days in white wine The water of the succulent middle-bark distilled in the Spring-time and given with a third part of the syrup made of the juice of the buds or roots is used in two or three ounces weight Quercetan in the first book and seventh chapter of his Dogmatick Pharmacy commends this purging water of the berries Take the seeds or berries of the Elder and Ebulus perfectly ripe which is in Autumn out of these with a press draw out the wine or juice shaking out the inmost kernels and mixing them with the rest distil them This water which is Cohobat thus upon the dregs hath a notable efficacy in purging chiefly of serous humors let it be aromatized with Cinnamon Coriander prepared with the juice of Lemmons and such like it may be given to Hydropick persons from one ounce to two Thus far Quercetan For example R. Of the water preserved ounces two Syrup or juice of the berries and buds of each one ounce and half mixed Of this composed water you may see more in the cited place of Quercetan Of the Wines we have often made mention before chiefly in the second Section nevertheless we will set down this of Quercetans in his first Book and ninth Chapter because it differs little from others The seeds are to be prest and the juice drawn out which being mixed with a double quantity of the Must of the best white wine is to be put in a Hogshead of convenient bigness till it be fully digested and fermented Note That it is better if it be done in a close Hogshead that is if the Hogshead be not altogether full but at least the third part be left empty and be well closed that nothing do exhale Which being done and the fermentation being in a moneths time finished the hogshead is to be opened and to be filled up to the brim with wine wrought after that manner with the juice of berries in another hogshead This wine doth purge all serous humors and much helpeth Hydropick persons the dose is a cup less or smaller as the strength of the person is Dioscorides writeth that the root being boiled in wine and given to Hydropick persons in their meat doth help them Whose juice being pressed out doth purge upward and downward like Antimony as Mindererus witnesseth in his Military Medicine cap. 6. So that we are to use it warily and only so much in quantity as the half of a Walnut-shell will hold as he honestly informs He commends there likewise a Sallet made of the buds oyl salt and vinegar which we have set down in the cure of the intestine diseases Forestus lib. 19. Observat 44. affirms That by long experience he had learned that the leaves of Elder being put in Hydrogogick decoctions do excellently purge water chiefly in the Hydropsie The same Forestus in the same book and 87 Observ hath this The bark of the root of the Elder reduced in a Succus the dose is two ounces in fragrant Wine Benedic Veronensis writes that some give four drachms of the juice of the bark of Elder-roots Others give for 9 days together the juice of Elder-bark-roots in a pretty quantity or an ounce in the waning of the Moon and so cure Hydropick persons for it bravely purgeth water as the middle bark of the Elder doth likewise Nicholas at one time gives six ounces of the decoction of middle Elder-bark The same man giveth two or three drachms of the juice of the Elder and of the juice of Ebulus four drachms to an ounce Some give the juice of the middle-bark of the Elder with Oximel Thus far Forestus And this I have set down that all may know there was great difference of the dose amongst the Ancients Nevertheless let him observe faithfully Mindererus his dose till he know the vertues exactly of each Muller in his Medicinal Mysteries saith This is the perfect cure of the Hydropsie R. Of the juice of the recent roots of the white Lilly and of the
much as you will put it in the straining bag called Hippocrates sleeve making one row upon another so oft as you please so that the first be of the Snails the next of the Salt and the last of the berries continning so till the bag be full hang it up in a Cellar and gather diligently the glutinous liquor that distils out of it by little and little even to the Mucilage and being put in a stopt Glass expose it four days to the Sun and therewith anoynt gently the grieved part CAP. XXVIII Of the Scab Psora Itch Herpes and other Cutaneous Diseases T Is a Golden saying of our Divine Master Aphorism 21. Sect. 1. That we carefully observe the motion of Nature and its course and with our Medicines assist it as much as we are able Seeing in most of these out-breakings in the skin Nature doth thrust the hurtful matter from the principal parts to the more ignoble and less principal viz. the Cutaneous it seemeth best here to use Sudorificks and those that expel to the circumference of the body Because many times a great heap of putrid humors are seated about the stomach Mesentery Liver and Melt that sink as far as is possible is to be emptied by Emetick and Cathartick Medicines lest omitting and neglecting this evacuation the putrid and salt humors by the unseasonable use of Sudorificks being drawn out of the Jacks of the first region be thrust into the greater and nobler veins and so raise more dangerous damages Purges and Vomits In delicate bodies and children the water distilled from the succulent bark by two cohobies and sweetned with a little syrup of the juice of the berries doth work this effect being given in a few spoonfuls Also the syrup of the berries juice being given alone from an ounce to an ounce and half In those of riper age give the purging water made according to Quercetans descripton from two ounces to three with an ounce of the syrup of the buds or bark Or use twice or thrice the Polychrestick Powder of the Buds in Whey Or incorporate it with the Conserve of the flowers for a bole or reduce it into the form of a pill with the syrup of them or such like for it is a good Medicine to purge the body from salt and feculent humors Or take a cupful of Whey macerate in that half or a whole ounce of the middle bark of the Elder the Colature being strained in the morning let it be drank warm The wine of the infusion of the bark and root of the Elder subtilly grated is good to provoke vomit and empty the belly of evil humors it doth this when they have infused together for a night These are the words of Vigo in his Chirurg part 1. lib. 7. Or take a drachm of the oyle pressed out of the berries kernels more or less according to the strength of the patient give it in a cup of luke-warm Ale It were likewise profitable for the Scabby if they made a Sallet of those young buds who in the beginning of the Spring together with those out-breakings and pustles of the skin by the singular favour of Nature as contemperanious doe bud forth being first macerated a little in hot water with oyle salt and vinegar and sometimes eaten it purgeth the belly and freeth the bloud from salt and serous humors Sudorificks These things being premised that which remains yet in the skin or mass of blood is to be emptied by Sudorificks The water of Elder-flowers and the clearer spirit of them may be given even to children For to make it of a more pleasant taste sweeten them with a little syrup of the infusion of the flowers These Medicines following agree to those that come to years Take of the Rob of the Elder two drachms Of Harts-horn burn'd and prepared one scruple Of the Water of Elder-flowers three ounces Of Oximel of the Elder half an ounce Mix them make a draught of them Or take of the extract of Elder-berries two scruples Of Elder-salt half a scruple Of the water distilled from its flowers two ounces Of the Vinegar of the flowers half an ounce Mix them for a draught After taking of these sweat is to be provoked in Bath or Bed The Conserve of Elder-flowers with the Conserve of Cicory-flowers is commodious to change alter and strengthen the intrals or inward parts Or make this Julap which you must use every day an hour or two before supper or after you come from Bath or sweating drink four ounces thereof Take of the Conserve of Elder-flowers Of Burrage Of Cicory of each half an ounce Dissolve them on a soft fire in a quart of Elder-flowers water to the strained Colature add of the sharp Elder-syrup two ounces mix them Topicks In a more universal filthy and continuing Scab Tetter or Psora c. prepare this sort of Bath Take of recent Elder-leaves ten handfuls Six whole Umbels of the flowers Of quick-sulphure two ounces Of crude-Allum one ounce Boyle it in a sufficient quantity of rainwater unto which afterward add a sixth part of the Lixive Let the diseased every day sit once in a Bath to provoke sweat not neglecting in the mean time the former internals Or where only the hands or feet are scabby the same decoction but in less quantity is to be prepared wherein daily the feet and hands are to be washed yet nevertheless you may add other things as the roots of Sorrel and Alacampain After the Bath the exulcerate and clift places are to be anoynted to mitigate their pain with the oyle of the infufed flowers to which you may give a more drying and healing vertue to the leaves of the Elder subtilly pulverised till it come to the consistence of a Liniament Or use the Liniament of Matthiolus or Plater Or this Take of the oyle of the infused flowers and bark of the Elder of each 3 drachms Of washed Ceruse one drachm or four scruples Of Wax enough Make thereof a Liniament Those black round and about very red pustles which break forth frequently in the feet chiefly of women are oft to be washed with the water of the leaves and mitigated with the foresaid unctions Mark There was a Bakers wife in Heyna which could not go out of dores by reason of the abundance of those Pustles and was greatly disquieted by their heat having premised what was fitting she used for a Topick milk wherein the flowers were macerated in which clothes being dipped were applyed warm with great ease Where the heat and redness is more intense instead of simple milk take sowre or Butter-milk Only sweating by taking the rob of the Elder sometimes doth cure the simple Herpes by the abstersive and siccative quality In this the oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries reduced in form of a Liniament with Sugar of Saturn is much praised by some If it be anointed on the pustles after they are opened with a needle and cleansed from the matter
putting thereon a green leaf of the Elder or one dried in the shadow In an eating Herpes having purged sweat and breathed a vein this Cataplasm is commended wherewith she-Montebanks have gained largely Pound in an Earthen Vessel with a woodden Pestle the green leaves of the Elder adding to them in the time of pounding a little Elder-vinegar after that manner that women make sawces of the Watercress Sorril and such like Mix with this pounded and succulent matter one part of the ashes of Elder-leaves and two parts of the powder of the leaves that it may become like a paste or thick Cataplasm Add to it that it may stick the better a little Turpentine dissolved with the yeolk of an Egg apply it twice a day to the ulcerous places being first wiped with clean linnen Neither is this a mere new invention for John de Vigo in the first part an 7th book of his Chirurg saith That Elder-leaves pounded with Hellebore and Oximel Scillitick doth cure Ringworms Itches and Scabs CAP. XIX Of the Erysipelas or Rose IT is usual as soon as the Rose invadeth to take those Medicines whereby nature is helped to thrust the matter from the inward to the outward parts For which end the rob with the water-vinegar of the Elder-flowers are applyed for learned Physitians do acknowledg that this matter wanteth not its own malignity Wierus useth this potion Of the Water of Elder-flowers three ounces Of Parsley-seed half a drachm Of T. Sigillata half a scruple Mix them There are some that in all Erisipelas even in that which followeth oft-times the Scurvie doe swallow this bole and drink the water of Elder-flowers above it to discuss the malignity by sweating Take of the Rob of the Elder two drachmes Of Mineral Bezoartick six grains mix them Or take of the extract of Elder-Rob two scruples Of Sulphurat nitrate Antimony half a scruple mix them But if the belly be bound give the syrup made of the berries juice which looseneth the belly and resisteth malignancy In more strong bodies and where evil humors stick in the first passages you may give a half or whole drachm according to the patients strength of the Polychrestick Powder of the buds To temper the heat of the bloud in the intrails these things are set down in the cure of the hot feavers Topicks The Topicks here should not be cooling repelling or fat which obstruct the pores of the skin lest that sharp and malignant matter be thrust to more noble parts or closed up in the diseased whence oft times the part hath been gangrenat For which cause the common people by all means avoid moystening of the part when any evil here ariseth ascribed it to it though not rightly for all moystening is not to be avoided but only that which is made of restringent repellent things that obstruct the pores but those which unlock the pores and digest the humors and consume them Though they be liquid they are so far from hurting that they greatly help John de Vigo testifieth that the Elder hath the vertue of resolving drying and opening by reason of the subtilty of its parts wherefore these following made of it may be safely used Shave the bark from the trunk and apply it every day three times round about the part diseased of the Rose Or R. of white Sope ounce 1. dissolve it in lib. 3. of the water of the flowers of the Elder apply it warm to the diseased part and when it drieth renew it Some dry them before and apply them dry that they may satisfie the peoples desire that much fear moysture in this disease This is commended Take of the water of Elder-flowers five ounces Of Theriack of Andromache one drachm Mix them Dip linnen cloths in it and wring them in your hand and apply them warm to the place and when they are dry dip them in the liquor and apply them Or R. The dried berries of the Elder ounce 1. the flowers of the same M. 1. Having pounded cut them boil them in lib. 2. of the simple-water to the consumption of the third part Add to the Colature ounces 3. of a thin Lixive mix them Dip a linnen cloth in them being warm wring it a little and apply it to the part as hath been shewn Taberna Montanus saith he hath tryed that the Rose being anointed with the Rob of the Elder doth ease and discuss it Lac Aureum which is prepared of the Lixive and oyl of the Elder well stirred together till it acquire a milky colour is commended much chiefly here when the Rose enclines to ulceration and gangrenates For by its drying and cleansing vertue it hindereth further putrifaction and corruption and by mixing the oyle it mitigateth the pain and cureth the ulcer apply it hot Those that avoid all moysture let them use clothes dipt oft in these liquors and dryed or which is common sprinkle upon the diseased part small bran mixt with the like quantity of the powder of Elder-flowers Specificks To prevent this disease many wonderfully praise this following R. Of new Elder-flowers or in defect thereof of those well dryed M. 1. of Milk of a red Cow or at least with red spots boyle them in a close vessel and upon a slow fire Let him drink once twice or thrice when the Moon waineth or if they will through every month in the year of this colature in the morning and they shall be afterward free of this disease See Dr Sennert de febrib lib. 2. cap. 16. Neither is this Medicine destitute of reason for it is probable that the fluxibility and accrimony of the bloud being taken away by this Medicine Nature is less afterward pricked by it yea those malignant impressions stampt on the liver reins defiling the bloud by their contagion are altogether wiped off by the frequent use of this specifick Medicine An Amulet made of the Elder on which the Sun never shined if the piece betwixt the two knots be hung about the patients neck is much commended some cut it in little pieces and sew it in a knot in piece of a mans shirt which seems superstitious I learned the certainty of this experiment first from a friend in Lipsick who no sooner err'd in diet but he was seized on by this disease yet after he used this Amulet he protested he was free yea that a woman to whom he lent it was likewise delivered from this disease Notwithstanding I leave the whole matter to other mens judgments who may easily try it seeing there is so many secret works in Nature whose operation is evident yet their causes are hid in such deeps of obscurity that they cannot be searched out by the sharpest sight of mens reason CAP. XXX Of Inflammations Oedema's and Schirrouses 1. Of Inflammation DIoscorides writeth that the green and tender leaves being applyed with polent mitigate Inflammations The cakes of the flowers and leaves left after distillation if it be wet with the oyl of infused