Prunus Purslane Portulaca Domestica Wild Purslane Portulaca Sylvestris Rape-root or Navew Rapum White-Rose Rosa alba Servise-Tree Sorbus Domestica foemina Tooth-wort Clowns Lungwort Dentaria Toad-Stool Fungi Boleti Turnsole Heliotropium minus Water-Cresses Nasturtium aquaticum The Third Instruction Of the Invention Knowledge and Demonstration of the Vertue of Herbs CHAP. I. Who were the first that found out the Vse and Vertue of Herbs TO say something of the Vertue and Praise of Herbs I think it not the least Commendation That the first Invention and Demonstration is ascribed to Idols or Oracles as also to Mighty Kings and Lords not only by Pagans but by the Hebrews and Christians Therefore the more Illustrious the Inventor is the more we ought to esteem of the Invention Moly is a Famous Herb highly commended by the Poet Homer The Idol Mercury commended it first to Prince Vlysses that he might defend himself from the Witchcraft of Circe But not known in these Countries It grows only in Arcadia having a round black Root like an Onyon It is very difficult and troublesome to dig up Next to this is Panacea called Holy being a Medicine proper for all Sicknesses and Diseases This is ascribed to Chiron Hercules and Aesculapius To the same Hercules is also ascribed Hen-bane and another called Heracleon Syderion an excellent Wound-Herb for all Wounds made by Iron or Knife which now bears the name of Mercury because Mercury first shew'd the Use of it to Mankind The Great Captain Achilles hath also some Herbs after his Name Achillea and Achilleon And many of these Herbs are mentioned by Pliny There are also a great many of our own Herbs and Flowers ascribed to the Saints which to this day are call'd by their Names as Herba Trinitatis Rosa Virginis Mariae Radix Spiritûs Sancti Flores Magdalenoe Herba Sancti Jacobi Herba Sancti Christophori Carduus Marioe Herba Sancti Petri Herba Sancti Laurentii Herba Sancti Johannis and innumerable more of them which by us are much set by and esteemed to be highly powerful for no other Reason then that such Holy Men first found out the Use and Vertue of them and called them after their own Names and blessed them 'T is said That our Saviour Jesus Christ first planted Hyssop with his own Hands tho' it is indeed ridiculous either to talk of or believe it However it adds to the Credit of Herbs that our Fore-fathers have so highly esteem'd them as to ascribe the Invention of the Vertue of them to the Gods and Saints for they dedicated Esculus to Jupiter Laurus to Apollo Oleaster to Minerva Vitis to Bacchus Myrtus to Venus Vlmus to Hercules and such like c. CHAP. II. Who first found out the Vse of Herbs HIstorians do not agree who was the first among the Idols that found out the use of Herbs Diodorus Siculus one of the most Ancient Historians saith That Mercury was the first others again that Arabus the Son of Apollo and Babylon others that Apollo himself and after him Aesculapius yet most believe that the Aegyptians were the first Inventors of this Art from whom it derived to the Groecians and from them a long time after to the Romans in the Days of Marcus Cato the Censor Notwithstanding the Groecian Professors of Physick were not publickly admitted into Rome but were Banish'd several times because they did oft deceive the Romans and were by them accounted a Barbarous People True it is that the Physicians in those days had no great Skill in applying the Herbs aright as Pliny in several places testifies who calls them Arch-Butchers and Murtherers yet altho' they Killed their Patients they had a Grant from the Magistrates to be paid for it CHAP. III. Who first Methodized the Herbs HOW the Herbs were brought into Order Pliny and Strabo have sufficiently demonstrated saying That it was perform'd by Hippocrates a Famous Man Born in the Island Co where it was the Custom of the Inhabitants of that Island that all those who were cured of any Distemper writ their Names and the Medicines by which they were healed in the Temple of Aesculapius who collecting the same experimented Medicines in Writing brought them into a perfect Method But because after that time the Herbs had not the same Operations there arose so many Opinions among the Professors that to this day there is such Uncertainty in Physick that there is scarce an Art that stands in more need of Assistance than this of Physick When the Babylonians were without a Physician they carried their Sick into the publick Street that so they might speak to and ask every one's Advice and especially those who had been afflicted with the same Distemper and been cured by Medicine Thus Medicine came first to light and having the special Influence of the Heavens Calculated from the time of their Nativity it did greatly help them and what is said of the Poets may be truly ascribed to our Artists Nascuntur non fiunt because being Born under a particular Influence they are more acute in the Art or Mystery and discover many things without the assistance of others as we see at this very day in some who have more Knowledge in Herbs and Natural Causes than your high celebrated Physicians c. These things Herodotus Strabo Brunfells and Matthiolus mention CHAP. IV. Showing that several Herbs were discovered by Dreams and Visions PLiny saith and it is also to be believed That the true Knowledge of some Herbs has been revealed by the Gods in Dreams as we say of our Prophets who have fore-told things to come by the Revelation of the Holy Ghost And he cites a Story of a Soldier who being bit by a Mad-Dog could find no Help till his Mother in her Sleep saw the Root of Wild-Roses or Dog-Roses which continued so fix'd in her Memory from the Vision she had the Night before that she made use of the said Root giving it him to drink in Goats-Milk by which means the Soldier her Son was perfectly cured This is the approved Opinion and without doubt it was the Spirit of God that instructed Adam and Eve who had also the Knowledge of Animals and Vegetables that whatever they called them that was their Name and the Patriarchs who gave the same Instruction to their Children after them We read also of Solomon that thro the Spirit of God he had the true Knowledge of the Creation of the World which we call Natural Philosophy of the Knowledge of the Heavens and the Motion of the Stars of Animals of Winds and the Thoughts of Men as also of Herbs and Roots which is at large described by him in the Book of Kings viz. That he had the Knowledge of the Nature and Vertue of all Vegetables from the Cedar of Libanus to the Hyssop that grows upon the Wall CHAP. V. What sorts of Herbs were found out by Kings and Potentates THE Kings and Potentates in times of Old gave Names to Herbs
and show'd the Use of them to Mankind and as Pliny reports They esteem'd it a more Princely Act than if they had gain'd a Battle over their Enemies Gentius King of Illyria first found out Gentian the Use and Vertue of which he show'd to Mankind which pleased him far better than if he had subdued an Hundred Cities and Countries Clymenes and Lysimachia were also discovered by Kings Scordium that Noble Herb as also Euphorbium were first discovered by Mithridates King of Pontus Artemisia was so call'd from a Queen of that Name Wife to Mausolus Servilius Democritus named Hypericon as also Avicena Rhasis Haly Messias Abraham have Named others who have had an equal Esteem with Kings and Potentates CHAP. VI. How in process of Time the Knowledge of Herbs was Revealed to Nations and Common People BY the Superiors is this Art delivered to the Meaner sort who have also discovered these wonderful Creatures of God First the Scythians discovered the Vertue of the Root Scythica or Liquorice growing in Scocia After them the Thracians found out the Virtue of Ichneumon which is powerful in stopping Blood not only in a Bursten Artery but also in Members defected The Vetones in Spain first discovered the Herb Betonica which retains its Name from that People to this very day And the Illyrians discovered the Iris Illyrica Of all which you may read Pliny Dioscorides and Theophrastus CHAP. VI. Brutes have discovered many precious Herbs THE Brutes have also made way to the Discovery of several excellent Herbs and those not the least which adds to their Reputation And hence the Power of the Almighty is the more to be admired and adored who hath created Physick even for Brutes who by means of one Herb alone cure many Diseases incident to them It is also the Opinion of Ancient Physicians That if we had not some Instructions from Brutes in Physick as also in Nursing and other things we could never have discovered the same as Helianus Aristotle and Pliny declare to cite all which here would be too tedious CHAP. VIII When the Knowledge of Herbs was committed to Writing THE Use and Vertue of Vegetables hath been long known amongst Men and Fathers have always instructed their Children in it before Characters were invented And some there are that at this day have no Skill in Letters yet are very skilful in the Use and Vertue of Herbs and Roots which Knowledge they have partly from their Ancestors and partly by Natural Instinct notwithstanding they have read no Books But since Writing hath been invented the Knowledge of the Nature and Vertue of Herbs hath been committed to Books because the Memory of Man could not retain them all and because the same should not in Time be forgotten but that Posterity should know the same In those Days Herbals were not common nor the Knowledge of Herbs very general for one wrote upon one and another upon another We read that King Juba was the first that writ of the Vertue of Euphorbium Mison of Plantane Musoeus and Hesiodus of Polilim Chrisippus as also Dieuches and Cato of Brassica Zeno the Stoick of Cypress Antinomachus of Cytisum Marchio of Radishes Apuleius of Betony Virgil of Ebony Erasistratus of Lysimachia Homer of Saffron Lotus and Hyacinthum Hesiod of Mallows Archigenes of Castor Aristomachus of the Vine Asclepiades of Chamomil After these succeeded others as Theophrastus Bithimus Asolas Heraclides Tarantinus Julius Bessus Nisseratus Petronius Niger Ditotus Cratatas Andreas and at last Dioscorides and Pliny who writ Books and collected the Experiments made before their time Altho something of these by the length of Time is lost yet we see still that they were more diligent in those days than we are now when few will be perswaded to read the Books of the Ancients I will not mention the Professors of this Art who refuse to study the Experiments of the Ancients for their better Instruction because the Ancients Skill was not enlarged through the whole Kingdom of Vegetables but confined to the Vertues of some few Herbs so that one described one and another another Not that Vertue which was known in the time of Adam Enoch Methusalem and Solomon but for several Hundred Years since out of such Authors which they found perfect I could say much here of Apollo Perne Aesculapius Machaon Podalirius and also of Hippocrates if occasion would permit CHAP. IX Of some Wonders Signs and Miracles effected by Herbs BEcause many strange things are done here upon Earth which are the Work of God but by Men are little set by yet in nothing they show themselves more plain than in Herbs of which there are innumerable sorts indued with innumerable Vertues if they were but known and studied as the Ancients did we might to this very day also show many Miracles as the Ancients did not by Witchcraft and Sorcery but by the Property and Essence of the Creatures assisted by the Influence of the Stars Pliny tells us of many things which may be effected by Herbs gathered under their proper Influences which we account impossible and ridiculous but by the Ancients this Art was call'd Magia Naturalis and so mightily esteemed by them that they hid it from vulgar People and made it known only to Philosophers and Mighty Kings But the Sacred Art was at length like the Holy Scripture mightily abused by the succeeding Idolatrous People who mingled the same with many Superstitious Operations Sorceries and Black Art Therefore the Jews Christians and Ancient Romans condemned the same as a Superstitious Art and Diabolical by which means the Knowledge of Nature and Natural things is hardly and with much more Labour and Difficulty attained to But that it may appear what the Ancients effected with Herbs I will give the Reader a Tast that he may see by a few Examples what the whole Family of Vegetables would do if Men knew the Use and Vertue of them Lotus is a Vegetable growing in the Island Circe as Homer saith indued with such force that he who tastes of it forgets his Native Country Children and all that is dear to him Xanthus a Famous Historian in the days of Lot mentions an Herb call'd Boli by whose Vertue those that were slain by Dragons were brought to Life again and that not once but often as Pliny testifies Hence it is to be seen that tho we do not credit the Word of God yet it is Natural and no Fable what is written in the Book of the Creation of the Tree of Life and no doubt but at this very day there are several Herbs and Vegetables indued with the same Vertue which by reason of our Sins we are unworthy to know Theophrastus writes and Democritus also believes it that there is an Herb which in former times Josephus knew by whose Vertue a Wooden-pin drove into a Tree was pulled out 'T is said also of Betony That if you make a Circle with it and cast Serpents into the Circle they will not come
out but slay one another We find in History That the Scythians knew an Herb called Scythice or Spartanaca of which if they did but chaw a little they preserved themselves from Hunger and Thirst twelve days Also There have been Herbs that have dried up a whole Sea and being thrown into a violent Current it hath stemmed it and whoever carried it with him wanted nothing This Herb is call'd Aethyops CHAP. X. The Ancients used only Herbs not Compositions NOW seeing these wonderful Vertues and Operations in Herbs the Ancients used them singly excluding all great Compositions as in these days of which they knew nothing in former time These were Invented thro covetousness and ignorance of the Nature of Herbs which is arrived to that pass that the true knowledge of Herbs is quite extinguished by reason of the Physicians who by leaving the true knowledge and ancient description of Herbs and following Avicenna and others are fallen into such Darkness that if it be not checkt in a few years we shall know nothing of the ancient Practice of Physick Here I should show the abuse of the whole Profession and quote several Sayings out of Pliny and other Ancients in the behalf of simple Physick made of Herbs and Roots but I fear it will hinder my purpose CHAP. XI When the Composition of Herbs was first Invented THE Composition of Herbs Roots Seeds and Gums did first begin in the days of King Mithridates and Andromachus who first composed the Treacle which in the time of Pliny was very ridiculous and he in several places ridicules the same This in time is grown more in Practice till Galen from Galen to Avicenna Mesue and other Arabians till it is arrived to the highest pitch and followed by the most Learned Men and he that could best mix hot and cold dry and moist sweet and sowre was the best Man and that not only of the Production of our own Country but of Arabia and India for ours was of no Value It is not against the Apothecaries and Doctors that we use common and experimented Physick but for the Benefit of the Sick for Why should not our Herbs be as good as those brought out of Asia and Africa How did we when they were not brought over and How is it that those who use that Physick least live longest and those who run to the Apothecary are commonly the sickest Tho the strange Herbs are indued with more powerful Names they are not fit for our Climate Since God hath given us proper Wines and Fruits and other Necessaries fit for Use How is it that he gave us not Herbs agreeable to our Climate that we might use them but the contrary is true and the true and simple Physick is easier to be had Several have that growing in their Gardens and tread under foot which might preserve their Life also more Expences are saved in the time of Sickness which gains the Love of the People who were commonly addicted to Herbs and Vegetables and besides the Compounds agree not with every Nature CHAP. XII Herophilus's Opinion of Herbs THERE was a very Learned and Experienced Man among the Physicians as may appear by Cornelius Celsus and Pliny This Man's Opinion was That all Diseases might be cured by Herbs and many wonderful things effected and those Herbs which we account most Vile are indued with most Vertue as Experience testifies For a Nobleman as oft as he walked over a Plain where Esula grew he was always seized with a Looseness what Effect then may other Herbs have The Magick of Albertus Magnus is not to be slighted altho he show'd many Untruths contrary to his Knowledge and Experience CHAP. XIII At what Seasons Herbs and Roots are to be gathered IT is not enough that we take and use Herbs as they are described in the Herbals but they must be gathered in their proper Season for if this be neglected the Herb will have but little Vertue and may prove Antipathetick to the Distemper and make the Disease worse The Apothecaries above all should observe this particular if they would rightly understand their Business The Herbs ought to be gathered not only when the Heaven is clear and the Weather fair for in fair Weather there may happen a contrary Influence of Sol Mars and Jupiter as will happen in April 1698. when Sol comes to a square of Saturn and Opposition of Jupiter and Jupiter to a square of Saturn And also the time of the Year must be observed for some are sooner some later in Perfection The Age of the Herbs is likewise to be observed some are to be gathered before they Blossom some when in their Blossom others when they begin to seed By reason this Observation of Age and Time is by many neglected and the true Time of the Influence not truly Calculated they have committed great Mistakes yea some have described several Herbs without their Stalks and Flowers which nevertheless have both Stalks and Flowers because they gave a Description of them before they had Flowers The ancient Herbalists say That whoever will gather Herbs and Roots must have a perfect Knowledge of the Influence of the Heavens and Stars and also know to what Planets the Herbs are subject and under what Constellation they should be gathered even to an Hour and Minute These Observations saith Otto Brunefells a learned and experienced Physician who lived 120 years since the Ancients did punctually observe and therefore they did more with the Herbs then than we can do now Marcilius Ficinus above 150 years ago in his third Book hath writ of this as also a very ancient Apothecary in his Book call'd Nicholaus Proepositus's Dispensatory in the which may be seen how every Herb in particular ought to be gathered and prepared and since these many Eminent Physicians have written of the Heavenly Influences upon Herbs but very imperfectly and nothing worth Flowers ought to be gathered before they begin to fall Fruits when they are ripe and before they begin to drop The Seeds when they are dry but before they begin to break The Juice is to be express'd when the Herbs are green and juicie and their Stalk young and also the Milk of Herbs the sweating Drops and Gums CHAP. XIV Where to keep your Herbs THE Herbs must be clean'd from all their Dirt and dried in the Shade before they are put up Some tie them in Bunches and hang them by the Wall in their Houses Some pull the Leaves and put them into Bags to dry them and if this be done according to due Order and Knowledge as well of the Season Day and Hour when they are gathered as also their Names it is a very useful thing You must take especial Care that your Chamber be very clean that the Herbs lie not upon the Floor nor rot or grow mouldy nor dirtied by Rats or Cats but be kept as a precious Jewel Flowers and sweet Herbs are to be kept in close Boxes made of Lignum Tilioe
but so that they may keep their Scent and not be musted Seeds must be wrapped in Papers to preserve them from Mould All sorts of Fruits as also Gums and Juices must be kept in Silver Tin Glass or Earthen Vessels It is good to keep what belongs to the Eyes in Earthen Vessels Fat and Marrows should be kept in Tin Roots should be cut square or round washed clean then string'd and dried Wormwood Hyssop Savory Southern-wood French Lavender and the like must be gathered with their Seeds and dried in the Shade CHAP. XV. How long Herbs will hold good HErbs usually hold good a Year till they spring up afresh some longer Both Hellebores will keep good many years Chamoeleon 40 years Centaury 12 years Hogs-Fenil 5 years Birth-wort 6 years Briony 1 year but the most part lose their Vertue in 3 years and those that are gathered in due Season last longest Celandine keeps good 3 years Enula 2 years CHAP. XVI Where the best Herbs grow THE best Herbs grow on Mountains and Wildernesses in Plains and places whereon the Sun shines most but those less useful in Gardens and Shadowy places and places Close also in Moist Watry places and Church-yards c. therefore the Wild ones are accounted better and more durable than the Garden ones some Herbs are esteemed according to their Country as Iris of Illyria and Macedonia Cyprus rotundus of Silicia and Syria Saffron of Coriceum Lyceum and Cyrene all these things are carefully noted by Dioscorides and Pliny CHAP. XVII With what Ceremonies and in what Seasons the Old Pagans gathered their Herbs THE old Pagans took great care to gather their Herbs in due Season calling upon the Spirits and Idols all the while These Herbs had great Vertue not from the Invocation of the Spirits and Idols but the Devil had by God Almighty's Permission over the Pagans such Power as to lead them into these Superstitious Ceremonies which we Christians do not believe for God by his ordinary Means can do more than the Devil for if we loved God and firmly Believed in him there would be no occasion for Ceremonies and other things but like Moses we might Act who with a piece of Wood made Bitter waters Sweet and as Elias and Elizaeus who corrected poysonous Victuals with a little Flour and also made Iron swim upon the Water and as the Apostles in the Name of the Lord Jesus with the Use of the Oil of Olives only cured many Diseases Thus much might we do at this time with our Herbs and Roots When the Pagans digg'd the Root of Tapsum they anointed their Bodies with Oil of Olives they chose calm Weather otherwise their whole Body would swell When they gathered the Dog-Thistle they turned off the Wind from the place least their Eyes should be damaged Some sorts of Roots they gathered before Sun-rise But Roots under the Government of Sol they gathered when the Sun was in the Ascendant or Mid-Heaven for then he hath a stronger Influence on Natural things than in any other House When they dug Hellebore they drew a Circle with a Naked Sword and the Person who dug it turn'd his Face to the Sun-rising and said a short Prayer desiring that some lucky Bird might appear to him But when the Eagle appear'd too near to him it fore-show'd his Death they frequenting those places where they dig Hellebore but the said Digger must first have eaten Garlick and drank Wine before he take out the Root Peony Root they digged by Night for fear the Merula the Guardian of that Root should pick out the Eyes of the Digger They also provided against the Hawk and Sparrow-Hawk when they gathered the Ague Herb. The Root Panax otherwise Asclepeia could not be digg'd before they had made an Offering of several Fruits and flung them into the Earth and after they had made three Circles with a two-edged Sword they dug it out Mandrake was also three times encircled with a Sword the Digger turn'd himself to the West and danced round the Circles and utter'd several Words not fit here to be mentioned To dig Iris was a great Labour for for three Months before they dug it they sprinkled the Earth about it with Honey-water as Priests do the Sepulchers in Church-Yards with Holy-Water for by such Sprinkling they thought they moved the Earth to Peace then they made several Circles about it with a Sword and took out the Root and held it up to the Heavens but in all this time the Digger must keep himself chast When they dug Polium they built a shade about it because it then yielded more Power and Virtue to the Bearer They who burnt Pitch while they were imploy'd in Melting offered and pray'd that their Work might succeed well Scribonius Largus tells more wonderful things of Verbena for when that Herb is first found they must make a Circle about it with their left Ear and also lay down some Fruits to it and the next day before Sun-rise they must take the Herb away with their Left-hand The Herb Scolopendria is esteemed very prevalent to Women in Labour especially if it be hung about the Neck with the Spleen of a Mule but this Herb must be dug in the Night when the Moon is in the Mid-Heaven Of this you may read more in Theophrastus Pliny Dioscorides Apuleius and others But such natural Seasons and Ceremonies as we Christians use are at large described in the Third Instruction at the End of this Book CHAP. XVIII Of the Nature and Operation of the Herbs of Saturn PAstinaca or Parsnip If you take this Herb in an Antipathetick Influence of Saturn and bruise it with your Hands and out of spite lay it to a Man's Face when he sweats it will presently cause the Leprosie for that Saturnine Spirit that goes out of the Herb and passeth into your Body with your Breath presently causeth the Leprosie I do not tell this to incourage Mischief but to show the Harmony of Heavenly and Earthly Bodies Therefore I will not describe the Antipathetick Influence of the Planets by which much Mischief may be done but the Sympathetick and useful Influence of the Planets which I have Calculated with great Pains Time and Expences as you may find in my Fourth Instruction following If this Saturnine Herb Pastinaca be cut up with a piece of Lead sharp hard Wood piece of an Ox's Bone or other Saturnine thing according to the Influence of Saturn demonstrâ—ted in my Fourth Instruction it is an infallible Remedy against the Leprosie and other Saturnine Diseases Altho some Herbs are more esteemed than others yet by the Influences they may be exalted to an equal dignity if they are gathered as directed in a strong Sympathetical Influence Staphisagria sive Consiligo or Staves-Acre with the Root of this Herb a Man may catch Wolves and Foxes and if you dig it according to direction it preserves those that wear it about their Neck from the Plague and Pestilence Saxifragia being
MYSTERIUM SIGILLORUM Herbarum Lapidum CONTAINING A Compleat Cure of all Sicknesses and Diseases of Mind and Body by means of the Influences of the Seven Planets Adorned with Copper Plates Figures shewing the Foundation of this Astronomical and Caelestial Science Written Originally in Saxon by the Ingenious and Learned Israel Hibner of Sneburgh Professor of the Mathematicks in the Ancient Vniversity of Erffurd Now Translated into English for B. Clayton A. M. Philo-Chym Med. LONDON Printed by W. Downing and are to be Sold by S. Smith at the Princes-Arms in St. Paul's Church-Yard A. Roper at the Black-Boy and P. Buck near the Inner Temple-Gate in Fleet-Street W. Battersby at Thavis-Inn over-against Hatton-Garden S. Herrick at Grays-Inn Gate in Holbourn W. Feltham at the Parliament-Stairs and by most Booksellers about London and Westminster 1698. To the most Illustrious and High Born Prince and Lord AUGUSTUS Prince of Anhalt Earl of Ascania Lord of Zerbst Bernbergh MY MOST Gracious Prince Lord Is this most Humbly Dedicated by the AUTHOR Israel Hibner THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE THE Diseases incident to Humane Bodies and which by Divine Providence are inflicted on Mankind by the Influence of the Seven Planets proceed chiefly from our corrupt Nature viz. from our Ignorance in discerning Good and Bad Seasons which Knowledge is so noble and precious that it was given to Man as a great Treasure but by his own too greedy thirst after Pleasure he hath altogether lost this Gift which hath lain buried in the Ruines of Time for near Six Thousand Years and now God be praised it is raked from under the Rubbish again so that there needs no other Care than that wise and prudent Men make it their Study to preserve it for the future but if this Study can in no wise be prosecuted without the attendance of too much Voluptuousness may the Divine Trinity grant That the Spirit of Darkness and Humane Pride may not prevail over the Light of Nature and its Vertue now as it hath done heretofore AMEN THE PUBLISHER TO THE READER Courteous Reader TO appear in a Foreign Dress in a Strange Countrey exposes a Person either to contempt or admiration If the Dignity of his Character defends him from the first the oddness of his Habit will subject him to the other In this Translation we have endeavoured to make the Stranger appear as Modish as is possible for a Person Born so many Years ago and now introducing an Hypothesis which this Age is very little acquainted with There is not a Man that hath Trod upon the Margin of Ancient Literature but knows the Egyptians and Phoenicians the Ancient Founders of Philosophy covered their acquired knowledge under the Vmbrage of affected or appointed Figures or Characters such as Hieroglyphical representations c. Now for a Man to find out in these Times the secret Mythology of this abstruse Learning to people unaccustom'd and unable to apprehend the reason of such Proceedings is to make himself a down-right Conjurer and engage all the Pretenders to a less though more gainful Art in an Offensive War against him It is the Nature of little affected knowledge to be very apprehensive of too much light least it should discover its too common defects and those who have gain'd the way of making Men fools upon trust abhor the News of any who undertake to undeceive them It is a great mistake to think the Stars and we are strangers and that they were only made for sparkling Toys to please Children when they are unquiet The Ancients were better acquainted with them they familiarly knew their Vertues and Influences and could tell how readily to apply them to the necessities of Mankind Jupiter est quodcunque vides quocunque moveris They are certainly without and within us and whether we will or no we must feel their Effects Nor are they less Causers of our Maladies than they are Promoters of our Felicity Foelix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas They have an irresistible and unseen virtuality in all our Beings and whether we will be sensible of it or no they work their own ends upon us but how and after what manner their Operation is is unknown to us Yea even they who rail against their Power labour under their Effects and when Nature decays are supported by their Means whose effective Vertue they will never understand However I present you an Author in as plain English as a Countryman of his own was able to make him speak But if this prove not palatable I will try to give you a better Entertainment in the Second Part. The Method observed by the Author is very familiar and easie For first he gives you an Account of the Afflictions frail Nature is subject to from the malignant Influences of the Seven Planets either singly and by themselves or in Conjunction with one another 2dly He presents you with a Catalogue of the Herbs Trees and other Vegetables as they are subject to the Dominion of the Seven Planets 3. He tells you how and after what manner and by whom the Nature Vertue and Vse of Herbs was first shown to Mankind and to whom we are Indebted for so signal a Benefit 4. He points out to you the Day Hour and Minute in which you are to Gather or Dig up the Herbs and Roots influenced by their proper Planets throughout the Year and the time when you are to apply them for the Cure of all the Sicknesses and Diseases occasioned by the Malignant Influences of the Seven Planets 5. You are taught so to prepare the Seven Metals as to make them fit to receive the Influences of their several Planets which then are called the Sigils or Seals of the Planets and also how to Imprison their Influences in their proper Stones for the removing of all the Ills Mankind is Afflicted with by their Means These Influences thus Imprison'd do likewise preserve the Bearers from any threatned or impending Mischiefs 6. You have a compleat Method of curing all Sicknesses and Diseases incident to humane Bodies by conjoyning the Influences of the Seven Planets with the Seven Metals which is called by Paracelsus an Electrum AN INESTIMABLE JEWEL Lastly He concludes with the Operation and Vertue of the Seven Sigils or Seals in Metal or Stone against all diseases of Body and Mind all Accidents and Contingencies Enemies Publick and Private and directs you how you may attain to the knowledge of all Sciences to Riches day by day to the Love and Friendship of every one and to become Courageous and Fortunate That Diseases are occasioned by the Influences of the Planets is a Doctrine as Ancient as Astrology taught by the Professors in every Age That all Vegetables are subject to the Starry Influences has been maintained by divers Learned Men in all Ages and of all Nations and it hath been observed that those Physicians who have stuck the closest to the Rules given for the gathering and applying of the Herbs
loves to grow in fat Grounds and is subject to Saturn and Jupiter as his Signature shows and is good against the Stoppage of the Muscles and Veins and by its penetrating Virtue all Diseases of the Liver as also the Yellow-Jaundice and Dropsie Agnus Castus takes away all Venereal Appetites Angelica is subject to Saturn and expells all Saturnine Diseases Salvia or Sage is subject to Saturn and Jupiter Oxylapathum or sharp-pointed Dock delights in shady and mountanous Places and therefore is subject to Saturn Atriplex or Arrach is also under Saturn and grows in nasty Places it makes those that take it pale and augments the Black Gall. Apium or Smallage is also subject to Saturn the Worms that are found in the Stalks of Apium who-ever eats of them are Barren Cupressus or Cypress is found in high Mountains They blacken Hair by the Saturnine Colour Cannabis or Hemp is also a Saturnal Herb he who useth much of this Seed grows Barren and at last Mad. Coscuta or Dodder loves to grow in dark places where the Sun doth not come It makes Hair very long and opens the hard Spleen Here you must take Notice That all Saturnal Herbs must be gathered in those Days and Hours when Saturn is strong How it is to be done you may see further in the Fourth Instruction of the First Cure of the Influences But you may always begin half or an hour before but the Herb must always be gathered at that time which I have directed CHAP. XIX The Explanation of some Jovial Herbs and their Influence in general CLove-gilli-flowers are a Jovial Vegetable and according to their Nature love temperate Places the Root of them drawn by the Oil of Sugar strengthens the Liver cleanses and augments the Blood and refreshes all Natural Spirits because of its Jovial Spirit It quenches the Heat in hot Fevers and restores lost Strength Cerasa or Cherries are also subject to the Influence of Jupiter They cleanse and augment the Blood they are opening and cooling in the Inflammation of the Liver they are good for such as are troubled with the Yellow-Jaundice and an Extract made of the same in a due time of Jupiter is good in hot Fevers for it not only cools the Blood but pacifies inflamed Spirits Strawberries are also Jovial and have the same Virtue with the Cherries They refresh the Blood and are good in the Yellow-Jaundice Balsamita or Costmary loves to grow towards the East the Jovial Spirits being most copious in temperate Places It cures all outward and inward Diseases if you can get it Outwardly apply'd toward the Liver it refresheth the same wonderfully and because the Liver and also all Natural Spirits in Men are of a Jovial Nature therefore by Jovial Herbs they are strengthned and preserved Oleastrum or Wild-Olive This with its whole Substance is Jovial because all things that are of an Oily Substance are commonly subject to Jupiter Betonica or Betony loves to grow in Fat ground and is of the Nature of Jupiter therefore it cleanseth the Blood in Men because the Blood is subject to Jupiter and consumes all its gross humidity it strengthens the Liver and opens its obstructions it cures the Yellow Jaundice and Dropsie if you use with it an Herb of the Sun or Moon it resists Witchcraft for the Jovial Solar Herbs have a peculiar Vertue against Witchcraft it likewise heals all Wounds and Vlcers Linum or Flax loves a temperate Soil and is of a Fat and Oily substance subject to Saturn and Jupiter its Seed is excellent for a Consumption it mollifies and ripens all hard swellings of the Liver when it is used in the time of Jupiter and outwardly apply'd Centaurium or Centaury shows by its light colour'd Flower that it is of a Jovial and Martial Nature it hath by Nature a Sulphureous Salt as the Gall hath in Men therefore it is of a Bitterish Tast and hath a particular hidden Vertue to cure the stop-page of the Gall and expell out of the Stomach the Yellow-Jaundice Fever and Gall it is also an excellent wound-Wound-Herb because of its Jovial Nature Berberries are of a Red Colour and subject to Jupiter and Mars for they grow upon prickly Thorns who by their signature represent Mars Out of this Fruit is prepared an Excellent Medicine for the Swelling of the Throat cooling the Inflammation of the Liver and taking away the painful Heat of the Stomach Caryophyllata sive Herba benedicta or Avens is as well a Solar as a Jovial Vegetable it hath its yellow Flowers of the Sun to which Jupiter of himself can give no Colour It smells like Cloves and is therefore call'd Caryophyllata in Latin It strengthens the Heart opens the Liver and strengthens the Stomach because it is Jovial Persicaria or Arsmart delights to grow in Ditches and moist Places and is of a Jovial and Lunar Nature It expells the Podagra if it be gathered in a strong Influence and apply'd with the Herbs of Saturn and Mars to the Breast Arms and Knees Lychnis Coronaria seu Rosa mariana or Campane Rose is subject to Jupiter because of its light coloured Flowers It refreshes the Liver and Blood and is useful to those who labour under the Leprosie and Pox It heals Wounds by Virtue of its Jovial and Heavenly Influence Fumaria or Fumitory hath a light red Flower but a bitter and unpleasant Tast is of a Jovial and Saturnine Nature as its Tast shows It hath in it an Earthy Sulphur therefore it is bitter and is good for the Liver as it is subject to Jupiter and opens the same It cures the Yellow-Jaundice and Dropsie and cleanseth the Blood which belongs to Jupiter especially if it be gathered on a Thursday in the hour of Jupiter and he well aspected as you may see in the Months Tucrinum or Orpin represents Jupiter by its signature hath a bitter Tast proceeding from the Sulphureal Salt it hath in it It opens Obstructions of the Liver by its Jovial Nature it cleanses the Blood and expells all malignant Humidity by Sweat Verbascum or Mullein is subject to Jupiter and Sol for all the yellow Colours in Vegetables come from Sol. It is the best Herb that can be found for Healing of Wounds because of its Jovial Nature and is very useful to them who spit Blood by reason of a broken Vein in the Lungs The Root as also other Jovial and Saturnal Herbs gathered in a due Influence as is specified in the Months and every one put into a bag by themselves of their own Colour and hung about the Neck cure the Cough and Consumption It also helps those that are troubled with Vapours of the Stomach and Shortness of Breath If a Man holds this Root in his Hand it stops Bleeding and cures the Bites of Scorpions it resists all Poyson by the Virtue of Jupiter and Sol who both resist Poyson Consolida or Comfrey loves a fat Soil hath a clammy Root and is subject to Jupiter
therefore it is prevalent in all Distempers of the Lungs as also in Spitting of Blood Origanum or Wild-Marjoram is subject to Jupiter it smells like Galangal which is also of the Nature of Jupiter and is an excellent Herb against Theft and Witchcraft if it be gathered when Jupiter is well aspected and strong tho with this Caution that the Spirits do not return to the Earth if it be so gathered it preserves the Bearers from all Peril and makes them fortunate If it be hung in a House it preserves it from all Robberies and Witchcraft Betula or Birch-Tree is as well by Form as Tast subject to Jupiter therefore by its Jovial Nature it is excellent in all Obstructions of the Liver and Yellow-Jaundice it is also good in the Consumption of the Liver If in the Influence of Jupiter you cut the Branches of Betula growing Eastward where the Spirits of Jupiter are most powerful being hung in Chambers they are very useful for the Jovial Spirits exhaling out of the Betula and attracted by the Breath penetrates presently as all Jovials do Jupiter having a peculiar Virtue to open the same It s power is also great in Mad and Possess'd People because of the hidden Jovial Spirit and such Effects have their Original from these three Saturn Luna and Mercury and those who have in their Nativity a Conjunction or Opposition of Saturn and Mercury and Mars coming to it with a Direction such Persons when the Direction falls are of a base and devillish Nature therefore such Persons must be cured with Solar and Jovial Herbs but especially with such as are subject to the Dominion of both Planets Chamoepetys seu Iva or Ivy is subject to Jupiter and hath a subtle Salt in it and also a Sulphur therefore it is excellent against the Gout and Sciatica for both these Pains proceed from a Tartar that clings to the Veins and Muscles Amygdalus or Almond-Tree delights in a fat Soil and is subject to Jupiter and Venus the Fruit of it strengthens the Liver makes a pure Blood and gives good Nutriment according to the Nature of all Jovial things and Vegetables for all Creatures which have a delicious Tast are of a Jovial and Venereal Nature They are good in a Consumption for they bring the Body into good Order and refresh the Liver Ruba domestica or Black-berries are of a Jovial and Martial Nature and are used for all inward and outward Ruptures for they disperse clotted Blood because Jupiter and Mars are joined in this Herb all Ruptures being occasioned by Mars so that they who have in their Nativity a Conjunction of Mars and Luna in the sixth or eighth House ill aspected by Saturn commonly are Bursten because the noxious Planet conjoins himself with the Planet of the Omentum and Bowels Prunella or Self-heal is Jovial and Mercurial It is good in all Boils and Sores in the Throat and by its Jovial Virtue cures all inward Ruptures and outward Wounds Rhubarb is of a Jovial and Saturnine Nature its Signature shews it to be excellent against the stopping of the Liver and Muscles leading to it both which are subject to Jupiter It expells the Gall and cures the Yellow-Jaundice Lysimachia or Loosestrife if it be gathered in a strong Influence of Jupiter it causes the Bearer to be Belov'd and well accepted where-ever he comes if it be flung among quarrelling Persons it will make them Friends for by the subtle and hidden Jovial Spirit of this Herb which is directly contrary to Mars all Martial Effects are presently extinguished Bugloss and Burrage are both subject to Jupiter in Aquary the House of Saturn They clean the Blood from the Black Gall and refresh the Mind Wheat loves a pleasant temperate Soil and because of its Jovial Nature nourishes and augments the Blood CHAP. XX. Of the Operation and Nature of Martial Herbs NEttles are subject to Mars because of their hot and burning Nature for all that Prick and Burn are subject to this Planet which is the hottest of all also all hot Creatures are subject to him The Leaves of the Nettles mollifie and dissolve all Swellings both of the Spleen and other Members The Seed gathered in a good and strong Influence of Mars keeps the Bearer from all Wounds that come from Quarrels and Blows but if they are gathered in an undue Season their Operation is contrary Thistles of all sorts by their Prickles show that they are all Martial Their Seeds and Roots are useful in the Pleurisie The Seeds of Thistles gathered in due Season stop the Bloody-Flux and the Whites Resta bovis or Rest-Harrow is Martial and Jovial It opens the Obstructions of Liver and Gall and cures the Yellow-Jaundice and Stone If this be gathered in two several Influences of Mars and Jupiter and each severally hung about the Neck it preserves the Bearer from the Power of his Enemies and Murtherers Esula seu Tithymallus or lesser Spurge is subject to Saturn and Mars because of his burning and biting Nature and Vertue for all yellow Colours in Vegetables have their Original from Sol and is very powerful in all hard Swellings of the Spleen Rhamnus or Buckthorn is in the Martial Row for all things that are Rough Sharp Prickly and Burning and do grow in dry Places are subject to Mars if they are gathered in due Season and hang'd about the Neck serve against all Martial Sicknesses and Diseases CHAP. XXI Of the Nature and Vertue of the Solar Herbs SAffron is a Solar Herb and delights in Places where the Sun shines all day long out of the same may be extracted in the Influence of the Sun an excellent Eye-Water for the Eyes are subject to the Sun He who in his Nativity hath an Opposition of Saturn and Sol hath but weak Eyes and great Pains in them which are cured by Saturnal and Solar Medicines When the central Sol is strengthened by the Spiritual Influence of the Coelestial it resists by its occult Solar Vertue all Poysons and together with Saturnal and Martial Herbs it is an excellent Remedy against the Plague Carthamus or Wild-Saffron grows upon Gold-bearing Mountains from whence it attracts such a strong Solar Spirit that it colours Tin and Silver as if they were Gilded Mala citria or Limons are of a Solar Nature and love to grow in a hot Ground and in Places where the Sun shines most They have a particular Inclination to the Heart in which Sol hath a particular Dominion they strengthen and refresh the same augment also the Vital Spirits and clear them These with other Martial things resist powerfully all Poyson They preserve the Heart which is the Fountain of Life the Juice must be exprest in the Influence of Sol and the Seed put into a yellow Bag of Taffety and dipt into the Juice and applyed to the Breast Laurus or Bay-Tree is subject to the Sun therefore by its subtle Coelestial Virtue together with Martial Vegetables it resists Poyson its Signature
shows that it is an excellent Remedy against the Bites of all Poysonous Animals The Leaves of it put into unwholsome Water make it wholsome The Vine is subject to Sol and delights to grow where the Sun shines most It augments the Solar Vital Spirits and refreshes them strengthens the Heart and expells all Melancholy occasioned by Saturn Enula is of a Solar Nature and delights in pleasant and Sun-shiny Places The Tincture of the Flower extracted with the Oil of Sugar in the Influence of Sol is an excellent Remedy for the Eyes it sharpens the Sight mightily It is also good for those that have a Cough for it dissolves the Phlegm in the Breast and expells it by its Solar Virtue Hypericon or St. Johns-wort is subject to the Sun and Jupiter loves to grow in pleasant places it cleanseth Wounds powerfully and heals them and is good against inward bruises of the Veins it stops spitting of Blood occasioned by a broken Artery for all Jovial Herbs are of a healing Nature therefore may be apply'd to Wounds If it be gathered in two several Influences as of the Sun and Jupiter it expells all poysonous and putrefied Moisture according to the Nature of Jovial and Solar things It resists all Putrefaction by its Solar Virtue therefore it expells all Worms which have their Original from Futrefaction Fraxinus or Ash-Tree It strengthens the Heart by its Solar Virtue and with Jovial and Saturnal things it resists Poyson The Juice of this Tree apply'd in the Influence to the poysonous Bitings of Serpents cures them Drinking Vessels made of this Wood make those Merry who drink out of them It expells all Saturnal Spirits by Antipathy and strengthens all Vital Solar Spirits by Sympathy Hence it is excellent good for all Melancholy People Melissa or Balm belongs to the Sun and Jupiter It hinders the Putrefaction of the Lungs and Liver it preserves Youth and defends Old Age It hath also many more Virtues because of its Solar Influence Flos Solis or Sun-Flower is an excellent Herb for the Eyes if the Flowers be gathered in the Influence of Jupiter they give the Bearer a special Authority by their Solar occult Virtue Rosemary is subject to Sol and Mercury and by the Virtue of such Constellation it augments the Solar Vital Spirits as also the Animal Spirits that are of a Mercurial Nature It strengthens the Brain and Heart and cures all Colds in the Head as also Apoplexy and Phrensie It likewise resists all Putrefaction Corona Imperialis or Tulip hath all the Virtues of Rosemary CHAP. XXII Of the Vertue and Force of Venereal Herbs SAtyrion Roots are subject to Venus therefore by their Signature they signifie the Testicles and other Venereal parts they augment the Sperm and cause an inclination to Venereal Acts. All sorts of Lilies are subject to Venus but especially the white for the white colour in Vegetables belongs to Venus the other colour'd Lilies participate of Venus's and other Planets influences the Roots of white Lilies gather'd in the influence of the Moon and Venus make the Bearer acceptable among Women the water of white Lilies clears the Face and takes away all spots of the Skin Lilium Convallium or Lily of the Vally loves moist places and is subject to Venus and Luna being an excellent Remedy against the Epilepsie Frensie and Apoplexy and other Diseases for the Celestial Moon fortifies the Terrestrial in Men by its Spiritual power and vertue it strengthens the Brain and cures all Lunary Diseases Narcissus or Daffodil is subject to Venus the Roots of it together with other proper things augment the Sperm the water of it clears the Skin and Face for Venus is Lady of all that is Beautiful and all handsome Creatures are subject to her and receive their Beauty from her Flores Nymphoe or Water Lilies grow in Water and therefore are subject to Venus and Sol they cure the Swellings of the Privities and extinguish all extravagant and lustful desires to Venus if they be mixt with Saturnal Herbs they cool the Inflammation of the Liver and if they be mixed with other proper things they cure the Hectick Fever and Pleurisie they also clear the Face Rosa or Rose is for the most part of a Venereal Nature it cures the Swellings of the Yard and is excellent in stopping the Red and White Fluxes of Women and makes them apt to Conceive Ficus or Fig is of a Venereal and Jovial Nature therefore its Fruit is Sweet and Delicious which increases the Venereal Appetite Mala Mustica or Sweet Apples belong also to Venus and have the same Effects as the Figs. Hyacinthus or Hyacinth is Venereal but for the most part of a Solar Nature It makes the Bearer have an especial Love and Favour among Ladies of Quality for Ladies are subject to this Planet The Juice of the Root rub'd on the Skin prevents all growings of Hair CHAP. XXIII Of the Nature and Vertue of Mercurial Herbs CHamomilla or Chamomil is Mercurial because of its manifold Colours it loves dry and sandy Places and is good for many things It disperses all Winds and Swellings in the Body it fortifies by the Mercurial Virtue the Animal Spirits especially if you make a Lee of them and wash the Head with the same If it be mix'd and used with other proper things it opens all inward Obstructions and ripens the Sores of the Lungs Aquilegia or Celandine hath Sky-coloured and yellow Flowers and is subject to Mercury It is good for all Swellings of the Lungs and Sides as also for all inward Hurts for the Lungs and Sides are subject to Jupiter therefore it ripens all the Swellings of the same It opens the Obstruction of the Liver and its Seed is good in the Yellow-Jaundice Faboe or Beans have Flowers of divers Colours are subject to Mercury and Saturn The use of them makes a thick and melancholy Blood subject to Saturnal Diseases They create great windy Swellings and by their gross Nature they stupifie the Spirits and obstruct the subtle Vital ones The Smell of the Flowers ascends into the Head disquiets and dulls the Brains therefore those who are Born in an Antipathetick Conjunction of Saturn and Mercury are commonly sottish and at last lose their Senses but if the Conjunction or Direction of Saturn be Sympathetical those that are Born at that time have a quick Wit but a stammering Tongue as hath been proved by several Persons who have had the same Direction Bellis or Dasie is subject to Mercury and Venus because of its various coloured Flowers which consist of a very humid Salt ex librâ Mercuriali humiditate aquea It is good for those that are subject to Passion because it takes away the Gall without damaging the Liver It is excellent in the Gout for by its subtle Salt it resolves and takes away the Tartar which causeth this Pain The distill'd Water takes away the Swellings of the Throat and Blisters of the Tongue as being Mercurial parts
have had wonderful Success and have performed Cures almost miraculous as Bolton Culpeper Blagrave and others who have many living Monuments to testifie for them But the best way to arrive at a full Conviction is to examine the Methods here prescribed if you find them answerable to a just Inquisition applaud and commend them if otherwise use your Pleasure However in my next I promise to present to the World some proofs of the Starry Influences experimented by the ingenious Artists of the Age they lived in as well in the Vegetable as Animal Kingdom What is told you here is only what a Man experienced before your Fathers were Born and thought he perfectly understood If you know otherwise pray be pleased to be as free as he Si non his utere mecum To my Loving Friend B. Clayton M. A. on his Mysterium Sigillorum Herbarum Lapidum HOw hapless is our Lot when those pretend To Cure our Ills who ne'er their own cou'd mend Who only fraught with Impudence and Pride Mount a tall Stage and o'er Mankind wou'd ride From cutting Capers on a Rope commence Licentiates without Learning Truth or Sence When all the while th' admiring Crowd below Throw Handkerchiefs Gloves humbly bow To him who no more than themselves do's know But only gapes for what they will bestow But you my Friend have chose a Nobler way Your Learning Skill and Judgment to display In such just Terms as do at once impart Your condescending Goodness and your Art You by deep Labour and industrious Toil With a new Guest have blest our drooping Isle Who long obscur'd in too ungrateful Night Appears in England with redoubled Light Sure some great Blessing to that Land is near Whose Stars produce two Wonders in one Year An Emperor and a Philosopher To Heaven and Stars no more we 'll cast our Eyes This Art their Vertue to our Use applies Tho' they still keep their shining distance there This charms their Will and brings their Influence near Unvulgar Mysteries which lay conceal'd To common Science are at last reveal'd Thus in the dark the useless Chaos lay Yet form'd a World when God produc'd the Day Pardon you Aesculapians who confine All Learning to your narrow College-Line Who fix Non Vltra to your College-Gate Where Dying Patients do unpitied wait Unpitied still by You if they with-hold Or are unable to produce the Gold That charming Idol whom you all adore For he 's not worth regarding that is Poor Pardon if we advent'ring charm the Skies To give us cheap and better Remedies If we by Art unknown to You can show A nearer way to Health and Pleasure too Excuse your selves nor venture to Complain Till you a readier Method can obtain Proceed my Friend till the vast Work is done And bravely finish what is well begun Success upon your careful Toil attends For all the Stars in Heaven are your Friends The wandring Planets do approve your Course And to your Labours join their secret Force Assisted thus by Heaven let no Despair From the well-grounded Work your Resolution scare B. Bridgwater On this Excellent Treatise concerning the Secret Mystery of Sigils Herbs Plants Minerals c. Published by my good Friend B. Clayton A. M. OUr Author 's come upon the Mundane Stage To Cure Diseases which do Vex this Age To shew the Vertues of Herbs Plants and Seals What chosen Times their secret Force reveals How some obstruct Health how some Sickness heals The World is govern'd by Stars Energy And Certain Help descendeth from on High Who hopes to conquer Humane Maladies Must have a Warrant from the spangled Skies To search the Planets Powers making them Friends Unto his Christian Philosophick Ends. One Reason why Physicians often miss Of Honour from their Patients Cure is All Heavenly Influence they throw aside Either through Ignorance or delusive Pride Tho such act best who 've Heaven for their Guide Here 's Art reviv'd in an Vngrateful Age The Power of Herbs Plants Gems every Page Contains some Rarity fit for the true Adepti only Such as humbly shew To Sacred Writ due Rev'rence and thence learn What Power the Blind and Lame yield and discern The Mystick Vigour of the Golden Mice How for to banish Serpents Snakes and Flies And turn each Land into a Paradise All done by Holy Talismans which bring Relief to Men some think in every thing Few know the Interest of Sympathy How Heavenly Atomes and the Earth's agree How foetid Odours do disturb our Sense And how by Pleasant we find Recompence Then thank the learned Author who imparts Thus generously these choice Mysterious Arts By such just Tribute you may him incline With more Rich Skill to Visit us again John Gadbury 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To my Respected Friend Captain Richard Powel the Preserver of this Curious Work Sir I Know my Weakness and I should excuse This Task too weighty for my stagring Muse Since Commendations cold more hurt a Friend And such as Praise but meanly discommend Yet this I 'll say this Work must needs acquire Amazement from the vulgar who admire The most what they know least and thus the Sun When he 's Eclipsed is much gaz'd upon Hence may be learnt the Causes and Effects Not known as yet to Common Intellects How Stars Instruments of Heaven's Influence Do dart their Glorious Beams from thence Here 's Rules how to Prevent and to Recall By Power of Sigils Talesmatical So much derided by one Canting Knave Whose Name will odious be when in his Grave Health Beauty Riches you may hereby give And almost teach a Dying Man to Live Let 's call the Ghosts of all those Famous Men As Paracelsus Gafferell and then The worthy Esquire Ashmole Lily and the rest To justifie these Secrets thus depress'd They are purely Natural which is well known And by this Learned Author amply shown Tho' these my unpolish'd Lines can't raise His Name nor give this Work deserved Praise Yet most Men like whoever doth impart Such Curious things in Nature and in Art Let this suffice I say 't is Good 't will Sell The Publisher and Author has done well Ita dixit Henry Coley 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To my Esteemed Friend Captain Richard Powell who in his Travels providentially preserv'd this Book MOst generously to us you do impart What was Van Hebner's call'd now R. P's Art Betwixt you both is fram'd a Noble Piece Beyond the Price of Jason's Golden Fleece By Providence 't was brought sav'd from that Flame Surviving the Physicians Spight Shame Next from Oblivion of some Ages past By its own Merits crept abroad at last From Planets Stars and Aspects Influence Herbs Stones Seals this Work it did commence By solid Judgment past this Art profound Will heal the Sick keep Mind and Body sound This shews thy Genius can the World command Thou need'st no Heritage or purchase Land But this perhaps cannot thy Wants suffice For we but meerly
see with vulgar Eyes Infinity of Worlds thou would'st descry And prove them true by thy Philosophy What-e'er Improvements of your Time you make Let us like this your Knowledge still partake This Second Birth of you shall never Die But with your Fame survive Posterity R. M. To my Worthy Friend B. Clayton A. M. on his Mysterium Sigillorum Herbarum Lapidum LOng have the Starry Influences been Deny'd by Learned yet malicious Men But such a Truth that shines so clear and bright Can ne'er be buried in Eternal Night Clouds for a Season may obscure the Sun Yet he far brighter shines when they are gone No Age so fraught with Ignorance and Spight As to destroy all Glim'rings of the Light Some Sparks are still even by their Foes preserv'd Till unto real Friends they are preferr'd Who with profound Respect receive the Prize And double Joys exchange for Miseries Pardon me Sir if I can clearly prove This Blessing to proceed from your kind Love No promis'd Gain corrupts your Noble Heart You acted freely this most Generous part Restoring to us Influential Art The blust'ring Storms that roar in th' yielding Air Are influenced by some wandring Star The swelling Billows in the raging Main Thundring Light'ning and loud Hurricane And welcome Calms after tempestu'us Rain Submit to the Force of the wrangling Stars Who court us with Peace at th' end of their Wars They Wars beget in Kingdoms Church State And civil Broils 'twixt real Friends create The little World doth feel their cruel Rage Which favours neither Infants Sex nor Age. At Birth the Stars do influence our Fate Reduces Rich and makes the Poor Man Great Our Inclinations all follow their Wills Who give us Health and subject us to Ills They speak one Prudent another Raving Mad This Man Thrifty yet always Retrograde He Bacchus Courts and still his Coffers fill This Worships Gold yet cannot keep a spill But you have Taught by Starry Influence To Health to be Regenerate as well as Sence To be to Riches Born to Pleasures Wit To all that can our very Souls delight You may Old Time command and when that 's done With Hezekiah good bring back the Sun To Sum up all would you be Healthy Great You must by Influ'nce be Regenerate Once more my Friend excuse my ' pplauding voice Tho' I but meanly can commend your choice The Good which we shall reap will wrap your Name And Influential Art i' th' Rolls of Fame Our Fathers in their Tombs may praise thy Skill Our Children after us I am sure will And whilst we live we hope we may obtain Our Wishes that you 'll visit us again Bentivolio Matthew 10 vers 26. There is nothing covered that Shall not be Revealed and hid that Shall not be known The Stars are not to be Blamed because the Astrologers are ignorant of their Influences nor are the Herbs to be despised because Phisitian s know not y r Virtue THE Secret Vertue OF Sigils Herbs and Stones OR A Compleat Cure and Medicine for all Diseases of the Body as well as Mind by outward Application only The First Instruction Of the Diseases after the Order of the Seven Planets I. Diseases of the Nature of Saturn ♄ BAldness Scabs Looseness of Teeth Rottenness of the Gums Distorted Teeth Tooth-Ach The Right-Ear Hindrance of Conception Chilblains Hard Knots or Boiles in the Flesh Noise in the Ears Wens Quartan Fever Cancer Scurvy Spleen and Bones Animals govern'd by Saturn ♄ The Ass Hare Mouse Mole Crow Cuckow Skreitch Owl Fox Little Black Flies II. Jovial Sicknesses are ♃ Pleurisie and Swelling in the Sides Convulsion and Cramp Pains in the Back Stubbornness Yearly Fever Liver-grown Lungs Ribbs Knee-Pan Pulse Sinews and Grissels Sperm Animals govern'd by Jupiter ♃ Sheep Crane Lark III. Martial Sicknesses are ♂ A burning Dissentery in Children Lice Falling of the Hair Pimples and red Spots in the Face The Left Ear. Spleen as also under Saturn All sorts of Swellings Intermitting Fevers Quotidian Fevers Tertian Fevers Gall. Kidnies Veins Secrets Animals govern'd by Mars ♂ Tiger Panther Dog Wolf Kite Snailes Moths All Monstrous Productions Cat. IV. Solar Sicknesses are ☉ All Distempers of the Brain Pimples and Sun-burning Right Eye of a Man The Left Eye of a Woman Navel All sorts of Swellings Catarrh Red Face Palpitation of the Heart Heart Sight Animals governed by the Sun ☉ Lion Horse Eagle Cock V. Venereal Diseases ♀ Chaps of the Lips Left Breast Loines Secrets Ruptures Defect of Smelling Unnatural Sweat The Mother Kidnies as also per Mars Members of Generation Breast Throat Liver as also per Jupiter Sperm Animals governed by Venus ♀ Pidgeons Turtle Doves Hoggs Partridges Sparrows Jackdaws Sea-Fish VI Mercurial Sicknesses ☿ Lethargy Epilepsie Madness Hoarseness Apoplexy Violent Vomiting Continual Watching Braines also per Sun Spirit Imagination Memory Tongue Hand and Finger Animals governed by Mercury ☿ Apes Nightingale Parrot Goldfinch Swallow Batt Kingsfisher Beetle Bee Pismires Grasshoppers Crickets Snakes VII Lunar Sicknesses ☽ Ulcers Measles and Spots of the Face Cataracts and Spots in the Eyes Left Eye of a Man Right Eye of a Woman Sneezing Right Breast Drought Stomach Intestines Epilepsie Dropsie Dissenteria Brains also per Sun and Mercury Guts Bladder as also per Saturn Tast Animals governed by the Moon ☽ Rabbits Cuckow Geese Ducks Night-Owl Monsters of the Nature of a Dog Muscles Oysters Snails Frogs Toads Sea-Spider Craw-Fish Fish Pikes Trouts VIII Diseases occasioned by Saturn and Jupiter ♄ ♃ Head-Ach proceeding from Cold. Consumption of the Lungs Cold Liver Stopping of the Liver Trembling Cramp Coldness and Lameness of the Veins Gristles IX Sicknesses occasioned by Saturn and Mars ♄ ♂ Ugly lank Hair Growth of Grey-Hairs Frightful Dreams Black and Hollow Teeth Weak Ears Noise in the Ears and Pains Imposthumations Worms of the Ears Strangury Stone and Gravel Swellings and Ulcers in the Secrets Old Sores Stinking Body Fistula's Swellings and Ulcers Spitting Blood Congealed Blood in the Body Fractures Splinters in the Flesh Wounds of the Head Corns X. Diseases proceeding from Saturnal and Solar Influences ♄ ☉ Drunkenness Scurff Too much Hair on the Brows Weakness Swoonings Rupture of the Navel Sinking of the Spirits Biting of a Horse XI Diseases proceeding from Saturn and Venus ♄ ♀ Scurvy in the Teeth and Gums Quinsie King's-Evil Falling of the Uvula Pains in the Loins occasioned by Stoppage Strangury Rupture in the Secrets Lasciviousness Note That the Influence of Venus is stronger here than the Influence of Saturn Witchcraft Large Genitors Abortion After-Birth XII Diseases proceeding from Saturn and Mercury ♄ ☿ Convulsions of Children Apoplexy and Swoonings Lethargy Stammering Phthisick Chincough Melancholy Contraction of the Nerves in Hands and Feet Uneven Nails on Hands and Feet Thickness of Hearing XIII Diseases proceeding from Saturn and Luna ♄ ☽ Swoonings Curdled Milk in the Breasts Swellings in the Breast Breast fallen or shrunk Distempers of the Nipples Cold Stomach Gnawing in the Stomach Vapours in
carried about the Neck preserves from the poysonous Plague It is also excellent against the Pains in the Privities if it be gathered according to direction in a Saturnine Influence Wolf-bane This Herb is of so quick and poysonous a Nature that it kills Wolves Those that use it fall into Swooning-fits for the Saturnal Spirit which is hid in the Herb is an Enemy to the Heart and as a Solar Member doth mightily disturb the same If the Genitals of a Man be rub'd with it it will kill him but if it be gathered in an Antipathetick Influence of Saturn and Sol and hang'd about the Neck twice when one is taken off another hang'd on it cures Poysons and all Saturnine Diseases Filix or Fern. In this Herb the Spirit of Saturn is very abundant therefore it is especially used in the Magical Art it casts forth its Seed before it is compleatly ripe because of the great power of Saturn and its Nature shows Barrenness If Men use it it makes them Impotent If it be hang'd about a Woman's Neck with the Spleen of an Ass it makes her Barren because Saturn and Venus are Enemies from whence proceeds Barrenness Hyosciamus or Henbane This Herb taken inwardly causeth Sleep and by its occult Saturnine Poysonous Sulphur it makes Men as if they were Possess'd of the Devil and Quarrelsome as if they were Drunk Hence saith Scribonius He who takes it is deprived of his Senses and is always Quarrelsome the Cause of which is the poysonous Antipathetick Constellation of Saturn Frangula sive Arbor foetida or Alder-Tree delights to grow in shadowy Woods and moist Places therefore it is subject to Saturn If it be used in the Influence of Saturn it is excellent in all old Sores and poysonous Vlcers Personatia seu Lappa major or Burdock delights to grow in dark moist Places and is subject to Saturn If this Root be gathered in the Influence of Saturn 't is an excellent Remedy against the Tooth-Ach for it hath in its self an excellent cooling Saturnal Salt which takes away the Pain Muscus or Moss This delights in thick Woods and Trees and Rocks where the Sun cannot come It hath a dry and slupifying Tast and is subject to Saturn If it be gathered in the Influence of Saturn and boiled in a Lee it prevents the falling off of the Hair by washing the Head with it It also fastens loose Teeth and by its Astringent and Stiptick nature often stops the Blood in Wounds Helleborus niger or Black Hellebore This commonly uses to blossom about Christmas the best of it is digged in High Mountains as Saturnine Places in the Influence of Saturn It s Virtue is wonderful to Mankind especially to Persons betrothed and those who carry it about their Neck live to grow very old as Saturn in a good Aspect with Jupiter gives long Life It is also good against external Saturnine Poysonous Diseases Scolopendrion or Spleen-wort This represents the Spleen in Men it grows without Seed in dark woody Places where the Sun cannot come for all dark gloomy Places are subject to Saturn all Darkness being caused by Saturn and his Stars therefore if it be gathered in the Influence of Saturn it expells cold Saturnine Phlegm wonderfully Tamariscus or Tamarisk loves shadowy Places not much exposed to the Sun It loseth its Seed like the Willow before it is ripe and is subject to Saturn appropriated to the Spleen because of its Planet therefore if it be gathered in the Influence of Saturn it is prevalent against the Spleen Pliny saith That the Wine in which the Coals of Tamarisk are quenched cures the Spleen Savine is found in thick dark Woods and therefore is subject to Saturn the leaves poudered in the Influence of Saturn and put into old Vlcers is excellent good The Sorcerers make much use of this Herb for all Saturnine Vegetables are of that Nature that if they are gathered in an Antipathetical Influence of Saturn they bring all manner of mischief to Mankind Sena is subject to Saturn it expells out of the Body all Saturnine Flegm purifies the Blood helps the sickly Spleen and takes away the Quartan 't is excellent for such as are troubled with a malignant Saturnine Spirit in the Head Radix Capparis or Capers loves dry and Sandy places and where Rubbish is it opens the Bladder expells Vrine breaks the Stone in the Bladder and expells the same it opens the stoppage of the Spleen and pacifies all Melancholy Swellings Ruta or Rue This by its subtile Vertue which it hath from the Stars if it be gathered in a good Influence of Saturn resists all Poysons and is an excellent remedy in the time of the Plague and because the Plague is not only occasioned by Saturn you must therefore use with it Martial and Solar herbs but not mixt with them of which you may see more in the 20 and 21 Chapters Rue expells Melancholy and refreshes the Heart opprest with the same and is a useful Remedy in a Quartan because the same is chiefly occasioned by Saturn and therefore people subject to Saturn are cured by it Nature in this Herb hath conjoyned the Sun and Saturn for if Rue and Sage be pounded together with Vinegar and bound upon the Pulse it cureth the Fever you may further take Notice that this Herb resists all Witchcraft occasion'd by Saturn for Saturn is Lord of all Witchcraft but Sol opposes this Vertue in this Herb as its Signature in its little knob shews Polypodium or Polypody of the Oak is found in desart and dark Places as also about the Rocks it is subject to Saturn and is good against the Black Jaundice Melancholy and Quartan it takes away heavy Dreams occasioned by the black Saturnal humidity Bursa Pastoris or Pouch-weed It s Substance and Signature shews it to be subject to Saturn for the hour of its springing up was when Saturn was in the Sixth House and is good for the swelling of the Yard when the Antipathetick Directions of Saturn and Venus begin this Herb as also another Venereal Herb gathered in good time and hung about the Neck is good against the same Disease Salix or Willow is appropriated to Saturn and Venus because of its abounding Saturnine humidity which in time falls away and therefore loseth its Seed before it is Ripe here Nature gives to understand that if this Seed be used Antipathetically it causeth Barrenness An Oyl made of the same by Chymical Art in the Antipathetical Influence of Saturn and Venus and anoint the Secrets with it it takes away all Venereal desire Solanum or Night-shade grows not only in shady and moist Places but also in the highest Mountains and is subject to Saturn and Luna It hath a peculiar Virtue to cause Sleep the Leaves of it laid upon the Head take away all Pains proceeding from Heat by reason of its cold nature It is also good for all inward and outward Inflammations Cassutha sive Coscuta Dodder or Woodbine
Trifolium or Trey-foil is of a Mercurial Nature therefore the Bees which are of a Mercurial and Solar Nature love this Herb and take most of their Honey out of it All Friendship amongst Creatures proceeds from an Heavenly Harmony for it often happens that Strangers who have never seen each other before love one the other because in their Nativity they have had the same Signs ascending Experience testifies that Snakes do not love those Places where Trey-foil grows And History saith That in the Island Malta there are no Snakes because several sorts of Trey-foil grow there Trifolium Odoratum or Treacle Claver is subject to Mercury therefore its Scent is strongest when Mercury hath a strong Influence and its strong Scent often foretells Rainy Weather so do almost all sorts of Trey-foil for when it begins to Rain it declines its Head to the Ground as if it were ready to shrink up it is good for the Brains and all Animal Spirits for it strengthens and augments the same by its Spiritual Mercurial Vertue and is good against the Epilepsie it takes away the Colick expells Vrine and resists all Poyson Juniperus or Juniper is in its whole Nature subject to Mercury and in him is the whole Mercurial Monarchy Out of it by Chymical Art is Extracted excellent Remedies in the time of Mercury against the Dropsie Stone Colick Poyson Plague Coughing Gout and many other Diseases as experience will shew by its Scent and Shadow it makes Snakes fly Wallnuts are Mercurial but a little subject to the Moon they represent the Brains by their Lunar Physiognomy for the Brains are subject to Luna therefore the Nuts if rightly used fortifie the Brain and augment the Animal Spirits Out of the Root of this Tree is made a strong Vomit the Juice of the green Shells of the Nuts is good against Inflammations and swellings of the Throat Hasel-Nuts are also Mercurial therefore the Squirrels who are subject to Mercury love the Tree and its Fruit. The Misseltoe of it strengthens the Brains Sambucus or Elder-Tree is wholly Mercurial therefore out of it are prepared many useful Medicines especially for the Brain and its Diseases as also for Dropsies and Fevers Out of the Stones of the Berries by Chymical Art and help of the Influence of Mercury is prepared an excellent Oil against the Gout Elder cures as many Sicknesses as it hath parts Bistorta or Snake-weed is excellent for the Lungs because of its Mercurial Nature It is also excellent against the Cough Pulmonaria or Lung-wort is Mercurial for it represents by its Signature the Lungs Saturn also claims a small share of it It is excellent good for the Distempers of the Lungs Anisum or Anise is also under the Influence of Mercury It strengthens the Brains helps the Lungs takes away the Cough and Phlegm from the Breast and is good for the Hectick and opens the Obstructions of the Bowels Cubeboe or Cubebs are Mercurial and Lunar They strengthen the Brain which belongs to Luna and fortifie and subtilize the Animal Spirits They strengthen the Memory if they be used early in the Morning else by their superfluous use they bring damage to the Brains Marjorana or Marjoram is also Mercurial It augments the Animal Spirits and is good in the Lethargy It s Oil strengthens the Nerves and is of excellent use as well inward as outward Note That the most Mercurial Herbs are also subject to other Planets for if he joins with another Planet he may be good or bad He strengthens their Influence for Mercury is like Proteus who makes use of all Shapes CHAP. XXIV Of the Nature and Vertue of Lunar Herbs CAulis capitatus or Colly-Flower loves moist Places it abounds with Juice is subject to Luna and by its Signature it represents the Head If eaten it causeth Vapours in the Head and makes it moist because of Luna who hath Dominion over it especially if it be boil'd with Onions for it hath a Lunar Poyson in it It fills the whole Body with Moisture as all Lunar Herbs do It is not very noxious to those who are plagued with the Gall and have a very hot Stomach Those who are of a cold Nature ought not to use it least by its Lunar Humidity it should cause a Dropsie But the inward parts taken with the Seed in the Lunar Influence cure the Dropsie and other Lunar Sicknesses Brassica or Cole-wort is better than the Leaves It is of a Lunar and Jovial Nature It makes a clear Blood but the Herb of it makes no good Blood but occasions a watry Humidity very good or very bad as the Moon is influenced It moistens the Liver and prevents the Inflammations as also the Obstructions therefore it is an excellent Diet for those that are troubled with the Colick and Yellow-Jaundice for it corrects the Gall and takes away its adust Phlegm by gently Purging and keeping the Body open The distill'd Water is good in the Yellow-Jaundice Melons and Pompkins represent the Head of Men and delight in moist Places are subject to Luna as all Lunars do The distill'd Water is good in hot Fevers it extinguisheth all Heat and Inflammations it quencheth the Thirst by its Lunar Humidity it pacifieth the Head-Ach occasioned by the disorder of the Brains and is good for those who are troubled with a hot burning Stomach If they are eaten in an undue Season and too plentifully they disturb the Stomach and occasion the Reds and Whites as Lunar Sicknesses Garlick and Onions are subject to Luna and Mars therefore if the Roots hang in the Moon-shine they seem fiery If they are taken in an undue Season they cause a Lethargy trouble the Animal Spirits and fill the Head with a subtle Lunar poysonous Vapour but if they are corrected they strengthen the Stomach and the Seed of it gathered in two several Influences of Luna and Mars resists all Poyson Mandrake is poysonous loves humid and shady Places is subject to Luna and Saturn It hath a Narcotick and Anodyne Vertue therefore when a Member is to be cut off the Physicians use it for it takes away all Senses The Fruit of it taken and eaten in an undue Season causes Obstructions of the Spleen Leprosie Head-Ach Melancholy and Quartan because of its Poyson but if it be gathered in a due Influence of Saturn and Luna it cures all Madness and Melancholy for it takes away the malignant Saturnal and Lunar Humidity by the Roots Papaver or Poppy is of a Lunar Nature by its Signature it is subject to Luna if it be gathered in a due Influence of Luna it is very good for the Head if it be taken in an undue Season it cools the Head and moistens it too much It is good for the Epilepsie occasioned by hot Vapours causes Sleep and is therefore mixt among the Narcotick Vnguents Wild-Poppies are subject to Luna and Jupiter because of their Lunar cooling Vertue and their Jovial Spirit They are good for the Inflammation of
52 min. past 11 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven November 1698. 9 Wednesday 52 min. past noon in the Mid-Heaven 23 Wednesday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 24 Thursday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 25 Friday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 26 Saturday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 27 Sunday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 28 Monday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 29 Tuesday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 30 Wednesday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun December 1698. 1 Thursday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 2 Friday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun 3 Saturday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven under the Sun So on to the 11 day Ianuary 1699. 8 Sunday 13 min. past 1 in the even in the Mid-Heaven 11 Wednesday 8 min. past 1 in the even in the Mid-Heaven 21 Saturday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven with the Sun 22 Sunday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven with the Sun 23 Monday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven with the Sun 24 Tuesday in the Ascendant and Mid-Heaven with the Sun 25 Wednesday in the Ascendant and Mid-ven with the Sun February 1699. Vacat March 1699. 1 Wednesday 27 min. past 10 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven VII The Moon Influences September 1698. 17 SAturday 26 min. past 6 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven 18 Sunday 21 min. past 7 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven 22 Thursday 43 min. past 10 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven 27 Tuesday 48 min. past 8 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 35 min. past 1 in the even in the Mid-Heaven October 1698. 20 Thursday 33 min. past 9 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven 25 Tuesday 13 min. past 1 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven 28 Friday 40 min. past 11 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 41 min. past 3 in the even in the Mid-Heaven November 1698. 6 Sunday 35 min. past 3 in the even in the Ascendant 25 Friday 20 min. past 10 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 15 min. past 2 in the even in the Mid-Heaven 26 Saturday 53 min. past 10 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 2 min. past 3 in the even in the Mid-Heaven December 1698. 2 Friday 2 min. past 1 in the even in the Ascendant 3 Saturday 23 min. past 1 in the even in the Ascendant 4 Sunday 39 min. past 1 in the even in the Ascendant 5 Monday 23 min. past 2 in the even in the Ascendant 27 Tuesday 20 min. past 10 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 54 min. past 3 in the even in the Mid-Heaven 28 Wednesday 33 min. past 10 in the morn in the Mid-Heaven Item 34 min. past 4 in the even in the Ascendant Ianuary 1699. 2 Monday 42 min. past 12 at noon in the Ascendant 3 Tuesday 31 min. past 1 in the even in the Ascendant 16 Monday 13 min. past 8 in the morn in the Ascendant 26 Thursday 17 min. past 9 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 57 min. past 3 in the even in the Mid-Heaven February 1699. 1 Wednesday 16 min. past 1 in the even in the Ascendant 21 Tuesday 7 min. past 9 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 17 min. past 1 in the even in the Mid-Heaven 22 Wednesday 25 min. past 8 in the morn in the Ascendant Item 54 min. past 1 in the even in the Mid-Heaven March 1699. 1 Wednesday 26 min. past noon in the Ascendant 2 Thursday 40 min. past 1 in the even in the Ascendant 3 Friday 4 min. past 3 in the even in the Ascendant 4 Saturday 18 min. past 4 in the even in the Ascendant THUS is Calculated from the 10th day of March in the Year of our Lord 1698 to the 9th day of March 1699 the Influences of the Planets for every day to a minute so that all ingenious Persons who are solicitous for the Good of themselves Families and Fellow-Creatures may always have their Physick or Medicine by them for their Conveniency And it was the Opinion of the Ancients and so it is mine That if you Planted all such necessary Herbs under their Influences as directed their Vertue and Power will be much stronger than those in the Fields in regard their growth is often disturb'd by Persons breaking the Earth For undoubtedly God Almighty influenced all things at the Creation and where they have not been disturb'd or the Earth broken they retain the same Vertue as they had when created to this day Therefore you have an Ephemeris or Direction for every day according to their Influences for gathering Herbs with their Witnesses or Testimonies viz. 1. By Calculating the Longitude of the Seven Planets and the Moons Bounds 2. From the Longitude of the Seventy Seven Aspects that are in the Radix of the Year 3. From the Longitude of the 14 principal Fixed Stars 4. From the Latitude of the Seven Planets 5. From the Latitude of the Seventy Seven Aspects 6. From the Latitude of the Fourteen principal Fixed Stars 7. From the Descension of the above-mentioned Constellations 8. From the right Ascension of the said Constellations 9. From the Distance of the Medium Coeli to the Imum Coeli 10. From under which Circle of Position the said Constellations are to be found being in number an Hundred 11. From the Diversity of Ascensions of the same 12. From the Ascension and Descension of all such Constellations 13. From the exact place where every Constellation to an Hour and Minute of its Revolutions imprints its Signs and Degrees 14. From the Twelve Coelestial Houses according to the Opinion of Campanus and Gartalus 15. From the Examination of the Planets in general how strong and weak they have been from the Conjunction to the Opposition in the Spring 16. From the Examination of every Planet every day throughout the whole Year 17. From all Directions of the Planets belonging to the Revolution of the Year when one Degree makes a Day and the same is Seven Hundred in number 18. From so many Transits as are in the Year 19. From the Twelve Aspects of the Moon 20. From the Twelve Aspects and Configurations of the other Six Planets throughout the whole Year 21. When the Planet is in the Ascendant 22. When in the Medium Coeli 23. From the Hour when it is in its Exaltation The Essential Dignities and Debilities Accidental Fortitudes and Debilities I have not placed in regard they are in most Books of Astrology therefore I hope that may suffice I shall now proceed to give you some few Examples to make it plainer to your view being the first part of the Cure and Healing by Herbs Example I. If any be troubled with a burning Fever because such Sicknesses are subject to Mars as is to be seen in page 4. therefore I look into the Second Instruction page 30 31 32 or in page 85 86 for an Herb or Root
it makes an inseparable Love between them it is good for Fishermen if they hang it in the Water it draws and gathers the Craw-Fish and other Fish to the place where they may be most easily caught If you put a Wax-Candle in the middle of this Sigil and carry it round about the House and other Places where the Candle suddenly goes out there is hidden Treasure If there be now a Lunar or Saturnal Influence as may be seen 135 136 in 147 148 149 150 then Dig with good courage and you will find a Treasure This Sigil is also good in digging of Fountains and Water-Works The above mentioned Figure of Luna cut in a Stone in due Season is excellent good for Women in Labour and if they drink fresh Spring-water from the Stone it helps them wonderfully Women being with Child may at that time drink a Glass of fair Water Finally The Influences of the Moon are good to make the Pale the White the White-Grey and Yellow Colours A short Supplement of the Signs Planets and Numbers with the Reason why they are Stamped on the Metals 1. I Do not question nor doubt at all but God Almighty to his own Honour in the time of the Creation ordained that every one should have at his Conception and Birth the Tokens of good or ill Fortune and also length of Days 2. Nor can I find that the Planets and Stars of themselves should have any Influence or Power but only that God by the Sign given to them shows us the diversity of good and bad Seasons which may be found out when Men being without Sin are imployed and busied in Arithmetick and also free from Merchandising or any other Worldly affairs 3. Altho I call these times ordained by God good or bad Influences of the Stars and Planets yet it doth not at all lessen but is suitable to the Stile of a Potentate who hath many Officers and Servants that have many Places by whom the Will of their Lord is understood 4. As also I do not ascribe any Vertue to the Characters of the Planets but only to the Impressions that it hath the 1 2 and 3d Sympathetical time Thus also are discern'd the Vertues of the Metals Stones and Herbs 5. The Twelve Heavenly Signs and also the Sun are but Characters which correspond with Men Animals and other things upon Earth 6. The Numbers of the highest Invisible Sphere is first 2. The Fixed Stars 3. Saturn 4. Jupiter 5. Mars 6. The Sun 7. Venus 8. Mercury 9. The Moon If now 2 by 2 3 by 3 4 by 4 5 by 5 are Multiplied you have the Compendium of every ones Body according to their Rays which extend themselves the longer and the greater towards the Moon and these you may not without good ground apply to the Metals 7. The word Azoth is composed of the beginning and end of the Alphabet A Z in Latin or German Alpha and Omega in Greek Aleph and Thau in Hebrew 8. He to whom God gives the Grace to know these most hidden Mysteries hath the greater reason to Magnifie his Creator Soli Deo Gloria AN Alphabetical INDEX A ABies page 24 Abortion 11 19 Absynthium 32 Aconitum Salutiferum 26 Aconitum Lyeoctonon 26 Acorum verum 23 32 Acatocella 36 Acuta spina 28 31 Adam 's Apples 37 Adders Tongue 37 Adianthum 35 After-births 11 19 Agarick Agaricum 23 Agrimony Agrimonia 23 Agrifolium 31 Alder-Tree 23 32 Alexander 34 Almond-Tree 27 Alnus 23 Allium 31 37 Alsine 37 Ambarum Ambergrease 27 Amygdalus 27 Anagallis 37 Angelica 23 Anise Anisum 27 35 St. Anthony's-fire 15 Apium 26 Aparine 35 Apiastrum 27 Apium hortense 36 Ape 7 Appetite lost 17 Apparitions 20 Apples 34 Apoplexy 7 12 20 Apricock 32 34 Aquilegia 28 Arundo Italica 36 Aristolochia longa 35 Aristolochia rotunda 35 Aromatick-reed 23 32 Arteries broken 13 Arrach 23 Arsmart 27 Asarabacca 27 Asarum 27 Ash-Tree 32 Asarina altera 33 Atriplex 23 Avellanoe 36 Aster Atticus 26 Avens 27 B. BAlm 27 32 Balsamita 28 Baldness 1 Bardana 23 Barley 27 Basil wild 23 Basil Garden 27 Bastard Costus 30 Bay-Tree 23 32 Bat. 7 Barba Jovis 29 Barrenness 14 19 Bee 7 Beet White 35 Beet Black 35 Red. 35 Beans 35 37 Berberries Berberis 27 Bellis 30 Beta nigra 35 Beta alba 35 Beta rubra 35 Betony Betonica 27 Belchings 17 Beetle 7 Bearings down 13 Betula 27 Sea-bind weed 32 Birth-worth 35 Round Birth-wort 35 Birch-Tree 27 Bistorta 36 Bitings of a Horse 11 Bitings of Mad-Dogs 20 Bitings of Serpents 20 Bites of Scorpions 21 Black Flies 2 Black-berries 27 Bladdernut-Tree 34 Bleeding at the Nose 17 Blisters burning in Pudendis 16 Bladder 8 Borrago 27 Botrytis 38 Boleti 38 Box. 27 Box-thorn 30 Brains 7 8 Distempers of the Brains 5 Strengthning of the Brains 14 Vncleanness of the Brains which obstructs the Memory 14 19 Weakness of the Head and Brains 14 18 Bramble 23 30 White Bramble 23 Brook-lime 37 Breast 6 8. Brassica capitata 37 Brassica loevis 37 Brassica crispa 37 Breast swell'd fallen or shrunk 12 13 15 17 Breast ulcerated 17 Breasts voiding Milk 38 Breasts knotted 19 Breath stinking 16 Bruises 21 Buck-thorn 23 30 Bubonium 26 Buck-Wheat 35 Bugloss Buglossum 27 Bullace 30 Burdock 23 Burns and Scalds 20 Burnet 30 32 Burrage 27 Bursa pastoris 26 Butter-bur 32 Buxus 27 C CAbbage 37 Calamentum montanum 27 Camphire Camphora 34 Capers Capparis 23 Cardamum Cardamomum 33 Carob Cod. 24 Calamus saccharinus 30 Caroways 24 Cassia Cassia lignea 33 Cat. 4 Catarrh 5 13 15 Cat-mint 27 Cannabis 24 Candela regia 29 Cappes 29 Caput monach 25 Carthamus 34 Capillus Veneris 35 Caryophylli 27 Caryophyllata 27 Carum vulgò Carui 24 Castanea equina 24 Cassutha sivè Coscuta 24 Cancer in the Nose 17 Carbuncles 15 Cataracts 8 Cattaria 27 Castanea 30 Coepa 31 Caulis Capitatus 37 Cancer 2 Coeciliana 32 Caryophylli Indici 33 Cedar Cedrus 27 Celandine Chelidonium majus 27 Century Centaurium 27 Chamaeleon Thistle 32 Chamomile Chamaemelum Camomilla 35 Chamaecerasus 24 Chaps in the Lips 6 Chamoedris 28 Chamoecissus 24 28 Chamoepetys 28 Cherries Cerasus 27 34 Wild-Cherries 24 Chestnut 30 Chick-weed 37 Chilblains 2 Chincough 12 Chironium 34 Cinque-foil 35 Civet 27 Claps 16 Garden-Clary 24 Cicuta 24 Clivers or Goose-grass 35 Clover-grass 24 Cloves 27 33 Cock 5 Colewort 37 Colick occasioned by the Matrix 19 Coldness and Lameness of the Veins 9 Cold Stomach 12 Colick 16 Collumbine 28 Colly-flowers 37 Colts-foot 37 Comfrey 28 Congealed Blood 10 Consolida 28 Conception hindred 2 Consumption 9 Contraction of the Nerves in Hands and Feet 12 Convulsions 3 12 Cork 24 30 Cotton-weed 28 Corns 10 17 Colubrina 36 Corona Imperialis 34 Corrigiola 33 Corylus 36 Crabs 24 Crab-lice 16 Costmary 28 Costiveness 16 Cramp 3 9 Crane 3 Craw-fish 9 Cresses 30 Garden Cresses 28 Crickets 7 Crow 2 Crosswort 28 Crow-foot 30 33 Crocus 33 Crocus saracenicus 34 Cubebs Cubebae 36
Bladder of Women 13 Wild-Vine 32 Willow 26 30 74 Witchcraft 11 20 Wolf 4 Wolf-bane 26 32 69 A kind of Wolfs-bane 32 Womens Fluxes in Child-bed 13 Coldness of the Womb. 13 Worms in the Ears 10 Worms in the Fingers 16 Worms in the Belly 18 Worm-wood 32 Worms in old rotten Sores 21 Wounds in the Head 10 Fiery Swellings in Wounds 15 Inflammations in Wounds 15 Inward Wounds 16 Wounds with poysoned Arms. 20 Y YEarly Fever 3 Yew-Tree 26 Z ZEdoary Zedoaria 34 Zibetum 27 Zinziber 33 Zizypha 29 An Universal INDEX of all the chief Matters contained in this Book I. DIseases of the Nature of Saturn 1 2 Animals governed by Saturn 2 II. Jovial Sicknesses 3 Animals governed by Jupiter 3 III. Martial Sicknesses 4 Animals governed by Mars 4 IV. Solar Sicknesses 5 Animals governed by the Sun 5 V. Venereal Diseases 6 Animals governed by Venus 6 VI. Mercurial Sicknesses 7 Animals governed by Mercury 7 VII Lunar Sicknesses 8 Animals governed by the Moon 8 9 VIII Diseases occasioned by Saturn Jupiter 9 IX Sicknesses occasioned by Saturn Mars 10 X. Diseases proceeding from Saturnal Solar Influences 11 XI Diseases proceeding from Saturn Venus 11 XII Diseases proceeding from Saturn Mercury 12 XIII Diseases proceeding from Saturn Luna 12 XIV Diseases proceeding from Jupiter and Mars 13 XV. Diseases proceeding from Jupiter and Sol. 14 XVI Diseases proceeding from Jupiter and Venus 14 XVII Diseases proceeding from Jupiter and Mercury 14 XVIII Diseases proceeding from Jupiter and Luna 15 XIX Diseases proceeding from Mars Sol. 15 XX. Diseases proceeding from Mars Venus 16 XXI Diseases proceeding from Mars Mercury 16 XXII Diseases proceeding from Mars Luna 17 XXIII Diseases proceeding from Sol Venus 18 XXIV Diseases proceeding from Sol Mercury 18 XXV Diseases proceeding from Sol Luna 18 XXVI Diseases proceeding from Venus Mercury 19 XXVII Diseases proceeding from Venus Luna 19 XXVIII Diseases proceeding from Mercury and Luna 19 XXIX Diseases occasioned by the joint Influences of Saturn Mars Sol. 20 XXX Diseases occasioned by the joint Influences of Saturn Mars Mercury 20 XXXI Diseases occasioned by the joint Influences of Saturn Mars Luna 20 XXXII Diseases occasioned by the joint Influences of Saturn Sol and Luna 21 XXXIII Diseases occasioned by the joint Influences of Mars Sol and Luna 21 XXXIV Diseases occasioned by the joint Influences of Mars Mercury and Luna 21 XXXV Diseases occasioned by the joint Influences of Saturn Mars Sol Luna 21 Herbs Roots Trees c. under Saturn 23 24 25 26 Herbs Roots Trees c. under Jupiter 27 28 29 30 Herbs Roots Trees c. under Mars 30 31 32 Herbs Roots Trees c. under the Sun 32 33 Herbs Roots Trees c. under Venus 34 Herbs Roots Trees c. under Mercury 35 36 Herbs Roots Trees c. under the Moon 37 38 Of the Invention Knowledge and Demonstration of the Vertue of Herbs 39 Who were the first that found out the Vse and Vertue of Herbs 39 Who first found out the Vse of Herbs 41 Who first Methodized the Herbs 43 Shewing that several Herbs were discovered by Dreams and Visions 45 What sorts of Herbs were found out by Kings and Potentates 46 How in process of Time the Knowledge of Herbs was revealed to Nations Common People 47 Brutes have discovered many precious Herbs 48 When the Knowledge of Herbs was committed to Writing 49 Of some Wonders Signs and Miracles effected by Herbs 52 The Ancients used only Herbs not Compositions 55 When the Composition of Herbs was first invented 56 Herophilus's Opinion of Herbs 58 At what Season Herbs and Roots are to be gathered 59 Where to keep your Herbs 61 How long Herbs will hold good 63 Where the best Herbs grow 63 With what Ceremonies and in what Seasons the old Pagans gathered their Herbs 64 Of the Nature Operation of the Herbs of Saturn 68 The Explanation of some Jovial Herbs and their Influences 77 Of the Operation and Nature of Martial Herbs 85 Of the Nature and Vertue of Solar Herbs 87 Of the Vertue Force of Venereal Herbs 91 Of the Nature and Vertue of Mercurial Herbs 93 Of the Nature and Vertue of Lunar Herbs 99 Of the Influences of the seven Planets from the 10th of March 1698 to the 10th of March 1699. 104 A Diary shewing how strong every Herb Mineral and Vegetable is every day in the Year to be found 106 The Influences of the Planets in March 1698. 109 The Influences of the Planets in April 1698. 111 The Influences of the Planets in May 1698. 113 The Influences of the Planets in June 1698. 117 The Influences of the Planets in July 1698. 119 The Influences of the Planets in August 1698. 120 The Influences of the Planets in September 1698. 123 The Influences of the Planets in October 1698. 125 The Influences of the Planets in November 1698. 127 The Influences of the Planets in December 1698. 128 The Influences of the Planets in January 1699. 130 The Influences of the Planets in February 1699. 132 The Influences of the Planets in March 1699. 133 A Repetition of the Influences of the seven Planets in their order from Harvest 1698 to March 1699. 135 Saturn influences from September 1698 to March 1699. 135 136 Jupiter influences from September 1698 to March 1699. 137 138 Mars influences from September 1698 to March 1699. 139 140 141 Sol influences from September 1698 to March 1699. 142 Venus influences from September 1698 to March 1699. 143 Mercury influences from October 1698 to March 1699. 144 145 146 The Moon influences from Septemb. 1698 to March 1699. 147 to 150 An Example in a burning Fever 153 In the sickness Time or Plague the second Example 154 The Second Cure and Healing of all Diseases by the Heavenly Influences by means of the Seven Planets Precious Stones 158 The Names of the Metals 161 The Description of the Sigil of the first Metal Lead or Saturn how it is to be made and used against all Saturnal Sicknesses 162 How to clean Lead 162 163 The Figure and Stamp 163 The Vse 164 The Gem of Saturn 164 The Description of the second Metal Copper or Tin or the Sigil of Jupiter how it is prepared and used against all Jovial Sicknesses 165 How to clean Tin 165 The Figure and Stamp 166 The Vse 166 The Gem of Jupiter 167 The Description of the third Metal Iron or the Sigil of Mars how such is prepared and used against all Martial Diseases 167 How to clean Iron 167 168 The Figure and Stamp 168 The Vse 168 The Gem of Mars 169 The Description of the fourth Metal Gold or the Sigil of Sol how it is prepared and used against all Solar Diseases 169 How to clean Gold 169 170 The Figure and Stamp 170 The Vse of the Golden Sigil 171 The Gem of Sol. 171 The Description of the fifth Metal Tin or the Sigil of Venus how