liquid extract of Granorum Actes You shall find another extract taken out of Quercetan in the third Section and 26 Chapter II. WINES Take the Elder Berries cleaned of their stalks beat them in a stone mortar or earthen vessel with a wooden pestle till all the Kernels be well bruised with this succulent matter fill the 8 10 or 12 part of a little barrel as you will have it of more or less efficacy fill up the rest with Must or new Wine that they may work together Some boyle equal parts of this succulent matter and Must together till the consumption of a third part of the whole on a slow fire then straining it through a thin linnen cloth they put it as is said in a greater quantity into a Barrel put Must thereon and so suffer them to work Quercetans receipt thereof is set down in seat 3. cap. 24. This is an excellent way R. Of Elder Berries well dried in an Oven lib. 1. Cinnamon the strongest and sharpest unc 3. Caryophill Aromatic ounc 1. and an half Being all grosly pulverised sow them loosly in a knot put them in a vessel that holds twelve English quarts or thereabouts fill up the rest with the best and most fragrant white Wine and place it a fortnight or above in a Wine Cellar which is to be used in time of repast for t is an excellent stomachical drink most delicious in colour taste and smell III. The Spirit and Water Take the ripe berries express the juice at least break them together and let them stand in a wood vessel till they begin to ferment and that they may work the sooner some add a little of the yiest of beer or wine some add none but keep the same process D. Finck keeps in the extracting of the Spirit of black sweet Cherries Enchiridii c. 6. After the fermentation let them be distilled in a Vesica and rectified acording to Art The rectification is best accomplished first in a Vesica and then in Balneo where in place of a Concurbit use a long-necked Viol then the most spiritous part will de abstracted the phlegm beating again the sides of the Viol will again fall down Others prepare it thus Take the ripe berries of the Elder dryed in the weak heat of an oven being pulverised grosly with a third part of Barley meal with them being well mixed put them in an Oken Barrel and put boyling water on them in which some hops have been before macerated stop the Vessel close and suffer them to ferment some four or five days To hasten the fermentation and digestion add some dreggs of Wine or Beer as we have said before distill and rectifie it But the first way is preferred deservedly by most as more simple and pure The Purging water as it is extracted by Quercetan and others out of the berries is set down sect 3. c. 24. IV. The Syrup and Tragea The Syrup is thus prepared Take of the juice extracted from the new gathered ripe berries and clarified lib. 1. Sugar clarified lib. 1. boyl it a little on a soft fire in a double Vessel or in Bal. Mar. to the consistency of a liquid Syrup You shall find the Tragea Granorum Actes or the Tragea of the Bore-tree-berries set down in the 22 cap. of the third sect V. Oyle drawn out of the Stones or Kernels Take the grains or stones of these berries left in the cloth after the juice is strained from them wash them well and dry them in the aire bedew them with odoriferous white-Wine and then in a press strongly squeeze out the oyle of them as you do out of the seeds of the flaxes or line rocked Poppy or Henbane and such like that being purified by residency keep it for your use in a glass for 't is an excellent Vomitive and a good Balsam in externals The Dose to take it inwardly is a drachme or a drachme and a half in hot ale or some other convenient liquor This Oyl may be more Hematick and Cathartick if instead of the Wine the Kernels be bedewed with Malago wherein Crocus metallorum hath been infused and then Oyl expressed out of them which in the same dose will be much more effectual CAP. II. Of the Medicines made of the Flowers of the Elder 1. CONSERVES TAke the fresh flowers pull them in little pieces and to each ounce of them add two ounces of the whitest Sugar incorporate them well together in a Marble Morter with a woodden pestle Expose it afterward in a Glass or earthen Vessel to the Sun for some dayes it being thus prepared reserve it for your use II. The SYRUP and HONEY Take of the recent Flowers lib. 1. let them macerate 12 hours in lib. 6. of warm fountain water having exprest and strained the liquor put in again recent flowers yea do it the third time Add four ounces of the whitest Sugar to each five ounces of the liquor that is last strained boyle them up to a Syrup according to art But if in place of the Sugar you add the same quantity of Honey and boyle it to a fitting consistence you have Mel Sambucinum which is commended by some III. The WATER and SPIRITS There is sundry wayes of distilling Waters from Herbs and Flowers set downe by Wecker Euonimus Quercetan and others this is the easiest Takes as many of the Flowers of the Elder as you list put a sufficient quantity of warm water thereon let them marcerate a night and then distill them per Vesicam That which distilleth first is excellent the next is worse beware then thou urge them not too much poure the water on fresh flowers distil them the second time yea reiterate it the third time so you shall have water fit for the uses set down afterward in the practice for that which is extant in the Apothecaries shops is nothing but meer phlegm not worthy the name of distilled water No wonder then the sick so seldom find the wished and expected fruits therof If from a part of this water in a long necked Viol in a soft Balnean heat you extract the more spirituous part in quantity about the twelfth part thereof you will have a most fragrant and penetrating Spirit Or prepare the Spirit as Quercetan hath set down in lib. 1. Pharm Dogm restitut cap. 7. and D. Sennertus way Inst. Med. lib. 5. part 3. sect 3. cap. 5. is it not much different The Cake which remains in the Vesica after the distillation of the water called of the Chymists Caput Mortuum is not to be thrown away but to be reserved for the uses set down in the Practice IV. The VINEGAR and OXIMEL Pour upon the fresh or half withered flowers of the Elder the Vinegar of white Wine let them stand in a close stopped glass Vessel in the Sun or some other hot place that the Vinegar more exactly may draw out the vertue of the flowers let the flowers remain in the Vinegar till it have drawn out fully
fire when they are a while fryed press out the leaves and bark put in fresh leaves and bark again fry them and express do so the third time 3. The Liniment or unguent which is set down in Matthiol super Diosc l. 4. c. 168. Take of the green bark of the Elder which is next the outward ash coloured rine being of an hearb colour lib. 1. of Oyl washed off in the water of Elder flowers lib. 2. let them warm a while together then strain and press them to this add of new well smelling wax of the juice of the twigs of the Elder ounce 4. then suffer them again to boil till the juice be consumed Take it then from the fire stirr and mix all together and at last add of liquid Varnish ounc 2. of white Frankincence beat to dust ounc 4. likewise add two whites of eggs first well beat mix all diligently and keep it in a clean vessel 4. Another Liniment wich the most happy Plater used to prepare Take of the middle bark of the Elder one ounce and half of the juice of its more tender leaves one drachme Linsed Oyl washed in the water of Elder flowers two ounces of Barrowgrease so washed onu 1. of good yellow wax one ounce and half of Frankincence one ounce boyl them in the water of the flowers of the Elder in a closed pot and when they are cold gather and keep the Oyntment that swims above Of all these we will speak in burning and other external affects The rest of the Medicines that are prepared of the parts of the Elder are copiously set down in the places that handle the diseases to which they are appropriate and there they are to be found CAP. V. Of the Salt and its Spirit I. The SALT SAlt is prepared not only of the flowers and leaves after the distillation of waters and expression of juice but of the bark and whole tree For all are to be dryed burned in a clear and open fire reduced to ashes of these ashes make a Lie with pure and clean water still pouring on firesh water till all the saltishnes be extracted boyle the Lie being filtrate in an earthen vessel on a soft fire till the water exhale and the salt be left which by a reiterate solution filtration and coagulaion is to be purified The most gallantway of purifying such like Salts by the means of the spirit or Oyl of common Salt is set down in the 19 Chapter of Finckius Enchirid. Hermet Some praise this process R. of the burned ashes of Elder and Sulphure equal parts being mixt calcine them with a reverberatory fire or in a Potters Furnace after extract a Lie with the water of the flowers of the Elder which being filtrate and boyled to a half on a slow fire is to be placed in a Celler that the salt may run in Christals II. The Spirit of the Salt of the Elder R. Of the Salt of the Elder lib. 1. of common Bole lib. 3. being well powdered and mixt together put them in well Luted Retort fit to it an ample Recipient and having closed the commissures add fier by degrees First there shall still a waterish liquor then the spirits shall follow augment the fire and keep it in the same degree lest the spirits remit so long till no more spirits flow and the recipient become clear the vessel being cold and the clay that luted them together being with a wet cloth for an hour together softened that the recipient may be separate without breaking the glasses you shall find the spirit of the Elders salt which is separate from its phlegme by distilling in Balneo The Lute for arming your glasses and luting them to their recipients is set down by Begwine l. c. 6. Tyrocin Chym. By Libavius l. 1. Epist 24. Epist Chymicarum and others Others use other ways of distilling the spirits of vegetable salts which the famous Senart mentions by the by Instit Medic. pag. 1215. but we may use all things we use in distilling the spirit of common salt of which see Sennert and Begwine l. 2. c. 6. Tyros Chymio and others SECT III. Shewing the practice of the ELDER and Medicines belonging thereto VVE have considered already the nature and qualities of the Elder and in a most short and clear way set down its Medicines It remains we briefly shew the practice thereof and how 't is a safe Medicine for most Diseases that follow our frailty and of other preparations specifick to each part We begin with the affections of the head CAP. I. Of Cephalalgia IN mitigating the pain of the head and removing the distempers thereof in women we use happily the Cake of the flowers of the Elder left in the Vesica after the distillation of the water it must not be burned which being dedewed with the vinegar of the flowers we apply it to the head and with the besprinkling of frech vineger renew it It rarifieth the skin and by digesting the vapors dispels them Some use rose cakes bedewed with the vinegar of the Elder which where the heat is more vehement the brain more sensible and more offended with the piercing smell is far better Or R. Take of recent Elder leaves two handfuls Of Rose and water Lillie flowers of each one handfull Being shorne and pounded poure on them a like quantity of Elder vinegar and the water distilled out of the flowers press out strongly the juice mix with it expressed two whites of eggs well beat in which dip a double linen cloth and apply it to the head oft in the day The water of the flowers mixt with the white of an egg and a littile vinegar is most comfortable in any Cephalalgia chiefly in a Feaverish being applyed to the brows temples and crown of the head The vinegar by it self is fitly used in the pain that proceeds or follows drunkenness Or draw out with the vinegar and distilled water of the flowers from the kernels of the Peach and bitter Almond amilky Emulsion wherein dip a linnen cloth and apply it oft to the brows and crown of the patient Pliny saith That the juice of the Elder helps the collections of the brain and especailly mitigateth the tunicle wherein it is next inwrapt This decoction is excellent to dispel the vapours of the brain and make one sleep soundly if the legs and arms be soundly rubbed therewith when you go to sleep Take six umbels of the Elder flowers when they are full of Anise umbles of Roman Camomile flowers one handful six Poppy-heads with their seed being put together beat them in rain water If the evil hath its fewel from the stomach matrix or other parts they are first to be remedied after that manner as is declared particularly in each part 'T is enough here to have touched this Topick CAP. II. Of Raving and Wakings THe same things are profitable here that are set down in the remedy of the Cephalalgie seeing it oft these riseth to forerun or
bread into powder whereof take a drachm alone or a half with as much nutmeg-powder Of which see the famous Sennert in the 10 Chapter of the Treatise of the Dissentery But a care must be taken that the belly be not over soon stopped but place must be left for the evacuating of sharp humors lest that befal which hapned to the Maid mentioned by the learned Fernel in lib. 6. cap. 9. Pathol. Therefore to purge the sharp humors and mitigate the cruel pain give two or three days before you use the Astrictive in the morning one ounce or one ounce and half of the syrup of Elder-flowers prepared by three infusions in three ounces of Barley-water or in the water of Elder-flowers You may with profit add to this one scruple or half a drachm of white Mechoacan subtilly pulverised for it gently purgeth and bindeth the belly After three days are past and we have used all necessary evacuations clangings and pain for the most part is ceased then we may more safely use our Tragea for it doth not only restrain the belly but together with this gives a contrary motion to these sharp and salt humors by little and little disposing them for sweat if it be taken twice a day morning and evening mixt after this manner yet with a fasting stomach R. Tragea Gran. Actes drach 1. The Spirit of the flowers of the Elder Gutt 35. They being well wrought together in a Marble Mortar pour on it by little and little The water of Tormentil-roots an ounce and half The Syrup of the juice of Plantain half an ounce Mix them and use them hot they will dissipate the malignity by sweating and evaporation and will bind the belly by stopping the flux of the humor The same things may be used in a Diarrhoea or white Flux 5. Of Constipation or Boundness THe leaves of the Elder are commended to those that are in health to open their womb by Egineta and Hippocrates in his second Book of Diet. This same is performed by the distilled water of the leaves and bark with which a third part of the syrup made of the infused flowers or of the juice of the berries or buds is to be mixed with it to make them of a more pleasant taste The same syrups being taken alone loosneth the belly or drink a draught of wine at your breakfast or in the morning having taken a little broth or take a drachm of the powder of the buds in Plum-broth or a soft rosted Egg Or use in the place of this the conserve of the buds The recent Rob of the Elder spread thick upon a slice of bread and eaten before other dishes is our Wives domestick Medicine which they use likewise in their Infants and Children whose bellies are stopt longer than ordinary for this Juice is most pleasant and familiar to children chiefly if in time of thickning of it you do add a little Sugar as hath been told VI. Of Hemmorhoides THere is nothing more excellent to ease the pain of the Hemmorhoides than a stove or fomentation made of the flowers of Elder and Verbasie or Hony-suckle in water or milk for in a short time it easeth the greatest pain I experimented this first in a Countrey Miller then in a City Baker which both did wonder at the sudden ease and have great quantity of the flowers in readiness beside them to use when necessity shall require The anointing with the oyl of the infused flowers mixed with a third part of Unguent Populeon is Anodine Or take of the infusion of Elder-flowers half an ounce Of Elder-kernels and Yeolks of Eggs of each two drachms Of white Wax enough making according to art an Unguent To stay the Hemmorhoides in a night a singular Cataplasm is made of Elder-leaves boiled in water to the consistency of a Poultice and mixed with Oyl-olive spread on a scarlet cloath and apply it warm to the Hemmorhoides being oft renewed through the whole night the Patient lying on his face is commended by Alexis in his Secrets By what means their flux is to be stopt is set down in the stopping of the Hemmorhoides in the nose and monthly terms and in stopping the blood in wounds Mark that for the falling of the Anus amongst other things the outmost bark of the Elder is commended by Mindererus cap. 7. M.M. CAP. XXIII Of the Obstructions of the Mesentery Liver Milt from whence proceed both the Jaundies and Scurvy TO hinder and cure the obstructions drink in the morning and the beginning of the repast a cup full of the wine of Elder-berries for some days and weeks for it cutteth the thick tartarous serous and bilous matter it cleanseth evacuateth and by opening obstructions and purifying the blood gives the body a more fresh colour especially if once at least of the week you mix with it a half or whole drachm according to the parties strength of the Polychrestick powder of the buds In these diseases this following powder is commended Take of the Elder-buds dried in the shade drach 2. Of Crystalline Elder-salt scrup 8. Of Wormwood scrup 4. Make of all a subtile powder and give a scruple or half a drachm thereof in broth in the morning for many days commanding him to fast four hours and use moderate exercise Those that are not pleased with the powder may form it into pils with the rob or juice of the berries drink broth above it A Lixive made of Elder-ashes prepared with wine or the water of the flowers powerfully unlocks obstructions and attenuateth and changeth bilous and tartarous humors Whence it is a profitable Medicine in the Jaundies some spoonfuls thereof being taken morning and evening dulcerat with sugar hony or Elder-hony Oximel Sambucinum taken in an ounce and half weight dissolved in the water or flowers of the bark is more meek and pleasant Or where the heat is greater and a Fever joyned an ounce and a half of the acetous syrup of the Elder dissolved and given at one dose Some commend four or six drops of the oyl of the flowers of the second description in a spoonful of the spirit or best water of the flowers give it twice a week and command moderate exercise In this case the spirit alone the rob and its extract are safe medicines For whilst the sink of the belly is emptied by the Polychrestick powder of the buds they provoke sweat by their penetrating vertues they unlock the obstructions and crammings of the Mesentery Liver Milt and Gall and cut and prepare the thickness of humors The yellow middle bark is commended by his signature for the yellow Jaundies by Crollius de Signaturis rerum 'T is therefore to be macerated in wine with two or three Jews ears of which strained drink a sound draught morning evening Or you must use the distilled water thereof or the syrup made of its juice For besides that they open the belly and evacuate hurtful humors the Medicines prepared of this bark
have great vertue to open all obstructions Six drops of the spirit of Elder-salt taken in broth is commended In the Scurvy having premised these purging and cutting Medicines the greatest hope of health and helps is placed in evacuating the serosities by sweating whence Plater affirms the rob of Elder-berries or Walwort to be very convenient adding to three ounces of these one ounce of the syrup of Popie The dose drachms 2. The extracts of these are more convenient and penetrating of which give one scruple or one drachm in a spoonful of the spirit of Elder-flowers or of Carduus Benedictus or of Scurvigrass and then let him provoke sweat in his bed or in a dry Bath Topicks EXternally anoint frequently the Hypocondriacks where those bowels are placed with the oyl of the infused flowers which the ordinary and us'd Dispensatories affirm to cure the Jaundies and help the stopt Liver In a hard and Scyrous Milt boyl the leaves of Elder in Wine and Oyl to the consistence of a Poultice which are to be put through a Searse or Setace then mix therewith as much of the meal made of the flowers of Elder and Cammomile as will suffice then apply it hot like a Cataplasm This Cere-cloth or Serat is commended for mollifying and digesting scyrous tumors First boil twice or thrice recent Elder-leaves in the oyl of the infusion of Elder-flowers still pressing the leaves well before you put in new ones Then Take of the oyl so prepared ounc 3. Of the powder of tender Elder-leaves one ounce and half Of Turpentine and yellow Wax enough Of which apply every day to the place affected some of this spread on a piece of Leather cut like a Cowes tongue and covered with a fine linnen cloth The Scorbutick persons amongst other symptoms which I have neither time nor place to mention are troubled with a pain in the soals of their feet and tops of their fingers which the famous Sennert affirms to be cured by this Take of Elder-flowers two handfuls boil them in Wine adding two drachms of sope spread on a cloth and applied to the diseased part CAP. XXIV Of the Hydropsie and its kinds 1. Of Ascites SEeing this depends of serous humors fallen into the Abdomen and seeing the vertue of the Elder is to exsiccate and draw water from the belly by the consent of Dioscorides and all Physicians there is no man that doth not perceive that the Elder is of great vertue in this disease Purging Medicines First then boil in Wine in a close vessel those middle barks of the Elder with one or two Jews-ears sweeten the decoction and for some days give it to the diseased party morning and evening to drink Some praise this Take of the middle bark subtilly grated as much as you will boiled in a sufficient quantity of Goats-milk that being put through a Searse it may acquire the consistence of a syrup or honey of which give an ounce or an ounce and a half for certain days in white wine The water of the succulent middle-bark distilled in the Spring-time and given with a third part of the syrup made of the juice of the buds or roots is used in two or three ounces weight Quercetan in the first book and seventh chapter of his Dogmatick Pharmacy commends this purging water of the berries Take the seeds or berries of the Elder and Ebulus perfectly ripe which is in Autumn out of these with a press draw out the wine or juice shaking out the inmost kernels and mixing them with the rest distil them This water which is Cohobat thus upon the dregs hath a notable efficacy in purging chiefly of serous humors let it be aromatized with Cinnamon Coriander prepared with the juice of Lemmons and such like it may be given to Hydropick persons from one ounce to two Thus far Quercetan For example R. Of the water preserved ounces two Syrup or juice of the berries and buds of each one ounce and half mixed Of this composed water you may see more in the cited place of Quercetan Of the Wines we have often made mention before chiefly in the second Section nevertheless we will set down this of Quercetans in his first Book and ninth Chapter because it differs little from others The seeds are to be prest and the juice drawn out which being mixed with a double quantity of the Must of the best white wine is to be put in a Hogshead of convenient bigness till it be fully digested and fermented Note That it is better if it be done in a close Hogshead that is if the Hogshead be not altogether full but at least the third part be left empty and be well closed that nothing do exhale Which being done and the fermentation being in a moneths time finished the hogshead is to be opened and to be filled up to the brim with wine wrought after that manner with the juice of berries in another hogshead This wine doth purge all serous humors and much helpeth Hydropick persons the dose is a cup less or smaller as the strength of the person is Dioscorides writeth that the root being boiled in wine and given to Hydropick persons in their meat doth help them Whose juice being pressed out doth purge upward and downward like Antimony as Mindererus witnesseth in his Military Medicine cap. 6. So that we are to use it warily and only so much in quantity as the half of a Walnut-shell will hold as he honestly informs He commends there likewise a Sallet made of the buds oyl salt and vinegar which we have set down in the cure of the intestine diseases Forestus lib. 19. Observat 44. affirms That by long experience he had learned that the leaves of Elder being put in Hydrogogick decoctions do excellently purge water chiefly in the Hydropsie The same Forestus in the same book and 87 Observ hath this The bark of the root of the Elder reduced in a Succus the dose is two ounces in fragrant Wine Benedic Veronensis writes that some give four drachms of the juice of the bark of Elder-roots Others give for 9 days together the juice of Elder-bark-roots in a pretty quantity or an ounce in the waning of the Moon and so cure Hydropick persons for it bravely purgeth water as the middle bark of the Elder doth likewise Nicholas at one time gives six ounces of the decoction of middle Elder-bark The same man giveth two or three drachms of the juice of the Elder and of the juice of Ebulus four drachms to an ounce Some give the juice of the middle-bark of the Elder with Oximel Thus far Forestus And this I have set down that all may know there was great difference of the dose amongst the Ancients Nevertheless let him observe faithfully Mindererus his dose till he know the vertues exactly of each Muller in his Medicinal Mysteries saith This is the perfect cure of the Hydropsie R. Of the juice of the recent roots of the white Lilly and of the
stiff this Disease is and how miserably it tormenteth the patient is known even to children notwithstanding it expects ease if not full cure which sometimes is done by the Medicines of our Elder And seeing nothing is more able to preserve than that great encrease of serous humors being hindred those that are sprung be evacuated Seeing from these if not only yet most commonly Arthritick pains have their beginning as experience can testifie These Medicines therefore that follow are convenient Viz. The wine of the berries of which he is to drink a cup full oft in the week in the morning or in the beginning of dinner But that is of most force which we have set down in the 24 Chapter out of Quercetan The water distilled out of the succulent bark in the Autumn or Spring is oft to be drank Let it be sweetned with the third part of the syrup of the berries or buds the dose is four ounces That it may purge more forcibly mix therewith a half or whole drachm according to the Patients strength of the Polychrestick powder of the Buds Vomits are good to preserve from this disease if it be provoked once a moneth by those that are used to it In cure of the Arthritick chiefly of the Sciatick or Gout seeing vomit doth revel and derive by the upper parts it performs more than any downward purge Therefore you are to reiterate it two days and more if the evil persevere The oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries and half a drachm thereof taken in the broth of Ale doth excel in this disease The oyl of the infused flowers or bark is good the dose is one or two ounces in warm water You shall repress the Arthritick assaults if you once or twice in the moneth sweat having first purged the body For the serous matter gathered in the body is easily discussed by sweat and as soon as natural or artificial sweat appears there is great hopes of safety See Hildanus Centor 5. observ 3. Give then of the Rob of the Elder two drachms with a scruple of Harts-horn prepared or half a drachm or two scruples of the extract Granorum actes or one spoonful or two of the spirit of the berries or flowers This is uporist of some The Roots of the Elder or Walnut half an ounce Of the pulverised Kernels drachm 1. Let them macerate for a night in white wine whose Colature being a little sweetened with Sugar is to be given in the morning in bed to provoke sweat If it be given a little before the fit it disappoints it In the Spring-time the buds prepared with oyl vinegar and salt and frequently being eaten before supper being mixed with other Sallets is commendable for they gently purge the belly and purifie the blood from serosity The powder of the buds dried in the shadow is good for preventing of Gouts and all Arthritick Diseases whereof take in the Spring-time or Harvest for a whole month together in the morning half a scruple in a soft egg with a little salt Or take the Conserve of the buds alone or mixed with the Conserve of the flowers in equal parts The dose is the bigness of a Walnut or Chesnut morning and evening before meat Drink above it some of the water of the flowers sweetned with a little of the juice of the berries Topicks A linnen cloth dipt in the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder and applied warm wonderfully asswages the pain unlocks the pores digests the matter and strengthens the nervous parts That it may more penetrate and where the colour and heat is greater you may add in equal quantity Elder-vinegar Where the matter is colder and the pain longer you may dip the same clothes in such a liquor as this and apply them hot Take of the spirit of Elder-berries three ounces The spirit of the flowers drach 2. Of Opium of Thebes scruples two mix them By its Narcotick vertue it mitigateth the pains and discusseth the more stubborn matter and refresheth the members The Goutish Anodine Water Quercetan in the first book and seventh chapter sets down this Podagrick water Take of the green leaves and flowers of Elder of each lib. 1. more or less as you please to make it greater or less quantity pound them and macerate them well in B. M. then distill them in a Glass or Copper vessel till they be dry with this water forment the pained place twice a day yea you may use it constantly in that Gout which proceeds from hot humors So far he The Oyle wherein the roots of the Elder or Ebulus and the leaves or fine extract from them hath been boyled chiefly the oyle of the Dwarf-Elder-seed from which the seeds of the greater differ little is much praised here It is prepared thus beat the ripe and clean seeds in a paste boyle it in water and gather the scum thereof put it in a long Glass in a warm place for three or four daies till the oyle which is greenish go to the bottom the same oyle pressed out of the seeds is most powerfull These are the words of Plater in the second part of his practice Or take oyle of infused Elder-flowers ounces two and of it pressed out of the kernels half an ounce Being mixt apply them warm to the grieved place Dioscorides affirms that the recent leaves applyed with the fat of a Goat or Bull doth help the Goutish I know a man that whensoever he is troubled with the Gout useth only this unction He taketh new Cream of Milk and he mixeth with it the Powder made into fine meal of the and leaves of the Elder till it acquire the consistence of a Poultice or Cataplasme which being spread on a linnen cloth he applyeth it hot to the diseased part and from this easie and simple Medicine he exspects and experiences with happy successe great ease Gabel Shover amongst others hath this Take the water of the Elder and the spirit of Wine of each ounces 2 mix them and apply clothes moystened therein Some take two ounces of elder-Elder-water and one of aqua vite and mix them The same man much commendeth in pains of the joynts and other cold defluctions from which the resolution and Palsie of the joynts do proceed this Take a good quantity of Elder-pith a quarter of a pint of Rhenish-Wine and as much of your own urine being mixed boyle them in a new pot till half be consumed Then anoynt the grieved place with the spirit of Wine and rub it well in Afterward apply a woollen-cloth hot dipt in the former decoction And when it is dry dipt it and apply it again And this is to be done before you go to bed Some praise this that follows in Arthritick Diseases chiefly which are hot A Mucilaginous Andonyne Liquor R. Of quick Snails newly taken whole out of their shelly cottages Of Elder-berries dried in the Oven and pulverized and of common salt of each as
much as you will put it in the straining bag called Hippocrates sleeve making one row upon another so oft as you please so that the first be of the Snails the next of the Salt and the last of the berries continning so till the bag be full hang it up in a Cellar and gather diligently the glutinous liquor that distils out of it by little and little even to the Mucilage and being put in a stopt Glass expose it four days to the Sun and therewith anoynt gently the grieved part CAP. XXVIII Of the Scab Psora Itch Herpes and other Cutaneous Diseases T Is a Golden saying of our Divine Master Aphorism 21. Sect. 1. That we carefully observe the motion of Nature and its course and with our Medicines assist it as much as we are able Seeing in most of these out-breakings in the skin Nature doth thrust the hurtful matter from the principal parts to the more ignoble and less principal viz. the Cutaneous it seemeth best here to use Sudorificks and those that expel to the circumference of the body Because many times a great heap of putrid humors are seated about the stomach Mesentery Liver and Melt that sink as far as is possible is to be emptied by Emetick and Cathartick Medicines lest omitting and neglecting this evacuation the putrid and salt humors by the unseasonable use of Sudorificks being drawn out of the Jacks of the first region be thrust into the greater and nobler veins and so raise more dangerous damages Purges and Vomits In delicate bodies and children the water distilled from the succulent bark by two cohobies and sweetned with a little syrup of the juice of the berries doth work this effect being given in a few spoonfuls Also the syrup of the berries juice being given alone from an ounce to an ounce and half In those of riper age give the purging water made according to Quercetans descripton from two ounces to three with an ounce of the syrup of the buds or bark Or use twice or thrice the Polychrestick Powder of the Buds in Whey Or incorporate it with the Conserve of the flowers for a bole or reduce it into the form of a pill with the syrup of them or such like for it is a good Medicine to purge the body from salt and feculent humors Or take a cupful of Whey macerate in that half or a whole ounce of the middle bark of the Elder the Colature being strained in the morning let it be drank warm The wine of the infusion of the bark and root of the Elder subtilly grated is good to provoke vomit and empty the belly of evil humors it doth this when they have infused together for a night These are the words of Vigo in his Chirurg part 1. lib. 7. Or take a drachm of the oyle pressed out of the berries kernels more or less according to the strength of the patient give it in a cup of luke-warm Ale It were likewise profitable for the Scabby if they made a Sallet of those young buds who in the beginning of the Spring together with those out-breakings and pustles of the skin by the singular favour of Nature as contemperanious doe bud forth being first macerated a little in hot water with oyle salt and vinegar and sometimes eaten it purgeth the belly and freeth the bloud from salt and serous humors Sudorificks These things being premised that which remains yet in the skin or mass of blood is to be emptied by Sudorificks The water of Elder-flowers and the clearer spirit of them may be given even to children For to make it of a more pleasant taste sweeten them with a little syrup of the infusion of the flowers These Medicines following agree to those that come to years Take of the Rob of the Elder two drachms Of Harts-horn burn'd and prepared one scruple Of the Water of Elder-flowers three ounces Of Oximel of the Elder half an ounce Mix them make a draught of them Or take of the extract of Elder-berries two scruples Of Elder-salt half a scruple Of the water distilled from its flowers two ounces Of the Vinegar of the flowers half an ounce Mix them for a draught After taking of these sweat is to be provoked in Bath or Bed The Conserve of Elder-flowers with the Conserve of Cicory-flowers is commodious to change alter and strengthen the intrals or inward parts Or make this Julap which you must use every day an hour or two before supper or after you come from Bath or sweating drink four ounces thereof Take of the Conserve of Elder-flowers Of Burrage Of Cicory of each half an ounce Dissolve them on a soft fire in a quart of Elder-flowers water to the strained Colature add of the sharp Elder-syrup two ounces mix them Topicks In a more universal filthy and continuing Scab Tetter or Psora c. prepare this sort of Bath Take of recent Elder-leaves ten handfuls Six whole Umbels of the flowers Of quick-sulphure two ounces Of crude-Allum one ounce Boyle it in a sufficient quantity of rain-rainwater unto which afterward add a sixth part of the Lixive Let the diseased every day sit once in a Bath to provoke sweat not neglecting in the mean time the former internals Or where only the hands or feet are scabby the same decoction but in less quantity is to be prepared wherein daily the feet and hands are to be washed yet nevertheless you may add other things as the roots of Sorrel and Alacampain After the Bath the exulcerate and clift places are to be anoynted to mitigate their pain with the oyle of the infufed flowers to which you may give a more drying and healing vertue to the leaves of the Elder subtilly pulverised till it come to the consistence of a Liniament Or use the Liniament of Matthiolus or Plater Or this Take of the oyle of the infused flowers and bark of the Elder of each 3 drachms Of washed Ceruse one drachm or four scruples Of Wax enough Make thereof a Liniament Those black round and about very red pustles which break forth frequently in the feet chiefly of women are oft to be washed with the water of the leaves and mitigated with the foresaid unctions Mark There was a Bakers wife in Heyna which could not go out of dores by reason of the abundance of those Pustles and was greatly disquieted by their heat having premised what was fitting she used for a Topick milk wherein the flowers were macerated in which clothes being dipped were applyed warm with great ease Where the heat and redness is more intense instead of simple milk take sowre or Butter-milk Only sweating by taking the rob of the Elder sometimes doth cure the simple Herpes by the abstersive and siccative quality In this the oyl pressed out of the kernels of the berries reduced in form of a Liniament with Sugar of Saturn is much praised by some If it be anointed on the pustles after they are opened with a needle and cleansed from the matter
putting thereon a green leaf of the Elder or one dried in the shadow In an eating Herpes having purged sweat and breathed a vein this Cataplasm is commended wherewith she-Montebanks have gained largely Pound in an Earthen Vessel with a woodden Pestle the green leaves of the Elder adding to them in the time of pounding a little Elder-vinegar after that manner that women make sawces of the Watercress Sorril and such like Mix with this pounded and succulent matter one part of the ashes of Elder-leaves and two parts of the powder of the leaves that it may become like a paste or thick Cataplasm Add to it that it may stick the better a little Turpentine dissolved with the yeolk of an Egg apply it twice a day to the ulcerous places being first wiped with clean linnen Neither is this a mere new invention for John de Vigo in the first part an 7th book of his Chirurg saith That Elder-leaves pounded with Hellebore and Oximel Scillitick doth cure Ringworms Itches and Scabs CAP. XIX Of the Erysipelas or Rose IT is usual as soon as the Rose invadeth to take those Medicines whereby nature is helped to thrust the matter from the inward to the outward parts For which end the rob with the water-vinegar of the Elder-flowers are applyed for learned Physitians do acknowledg that this matter wanteth not its own malignity Wierus useth this potion Of the Water of Elder-flowers three ounces Of Parsley-seed half a drachm Of T. Sigillata half a scruple Mix them There are some that in all Erisipelas even in that which followeth oft-times the Scurvie doe swallow this bole and drink the water of Elder-flowers above it to discuss the malignity by sweating Take of the Rob of the Elder two drachmes Of Mineral Bezoartick six grains mix them Or take of the extract of Elder-Rob two scruples Of Sulphurat nitrate Antimony half a scruple mix them But if the belly be bound give the syrup made of the berries juice which looseneth the belly and resisteth malignancy In more strong bodies and where evil humors stick in the first passages you may give a half or whole drachm according to the patients strength of the Polychrestick Powder of the buds To temper the heat of the bloud in the intrails these things are set down in the cure of the hot feavers Topicks The Topicks here should not be cooling repelling or fat which obstruct the pores of the skin lest that sharp and malignant matter be thrust to more noble parts or closed up in the diseased whence oft times the part hath been gangrenat For which cause the common people by all means avoid moystening of the part when any evil here ariseth ascribed it to it though not rightly for all moystening is not to be avoided but only that which is made of restringent repellent things that obstruct the pores but those which unlock the pores and digest the humors and consume them Though they be liquid they are so far from hurting that they greatly help John de Vigo testifieth that the Elder hath the vertue of resolving drying and opening by reason of the subtilty of its parts wherefore these following made of it may be safely used Shave the bark from the trunk and apply it every day three times round about the part diseased of the Rose Or R. of white Sope ounce 1. dissolve it in lib. 3. of the water of the flowers of the Elder apply it warm to the diseased part and when it drieth renew it Some dry them before and apply them dry that they may satisfie the peoples desire that much fear moysture in this disease This is commended Take of the water of Elder-flowers five ounces Of Theriack of Andromache one drachm Mix them Dip linnen cloths in it and wring them in your hand and apply them warm to the place and when they are dry dip them in the liquor and apply them Or R. The dried berries of the Elder ounce 1. the flowers of the same M. 1. Having pounded cut them boil them in lib. 2. of the simple-simple-water to the consumption of the third part Add to the Colature ounces 3. of a thin Lixive mix them Dip a linnen cloth in them being warm wring it a little and apply it to the part as hath been shewn Taberna Montanus saith he hath tryed that the Rose being anointed with the Rob of the Elder doth ease and discuss it Lac Aureum which is prepared of the Lixive and oyl of the Elder well stirred together till it acquire a milky colour is commended much chiefly here when the Rose enclines to ulceration and gangrenates For by its drying and cleansing vertue it hindereth further putrifaction and corruption and by mixing the oyle it mitigateth the pain and cureth the ulcer apply it hot Those that avoid all moysture let them use clothes dipt oft in these liquors and dryed or which is common sprinkle upon the diseased part small bran mixt with the like quantity of the powder of Elder-flowers Specificks To prevent this disease many wonderfully praise this following R. Of new Elder-flowers or in defect thereof of those well dryed M. 1. of Milk of a red Cow or at least with red spots boyle them in a close vessel and upon a slow fire Let him drink once twice or thrice when the Moon waineth or if they will through every month in the year of this colature in the morning and they shall be afterward free of this disease See Dr Sennert de febrib lib. 2. cap. 16. Neither is this Medicine destitute of reason for it is probable that the fluxibility and accrimony of the bloud being taken away by this Medicine Nature is less afterward pricked by it yea those malignant impressions stampt on the liver reins defiling the bloud by their contagion are altogether wiped off by the frequent use of this specifick Medicine An Amulet made of the Elder on which the Sun never shined if the piece betwixt the two knots be hung about the patients neck is much commended some cut it in little pieces and sew it in a knot in piece of a mans shirt which seems superstitious I learned the certainty of this experiment first from a friend in Lipsick who no sooner err'd in diet but he was seized on by this disease yet after he used this Amulet he protested he was free yea that a woman to whom he lent it was likewise delivered from this disease Notwithstanding I leave the whole matter to other mens judgments who may easily try it seeing there is so many secret works in Nature whose operation is evident yet their causes are hid in such deeps of obscurity that they cannot be searched out by the sharpest sight of mens reason CAP. XXX Of Inflammations Oedema's and Schirrouses 1. Of Inflammation DIoscorides writeth that the green and tender leaves being applyed with polent mitigate Inflammations The cakes of the flowers and leaves left after distillation if it be wet with the oyl of infused
together that they may become like a Cataplasm which is to be applyeddaily to the contused part To take away the marks and impressions anoynt them with oyle of infused flowers In intertrigoes when the flesh and not the skin is infected the unction of Plater or Matthiolus his Liniament besprinkling it with the subtile Powder of Elder-leaves is profitable Or make this Magisterial Powder which with great commodity is sprinkled on the emunctories of new-born babes viz. behind their ears in their armpits and groines Take of Elder-leaves half an ounce Of the flowers of the same Of Red-Roses of each two drach Mix them for a Powder which being sprinkled consumeth the moysture and drieth the place CAP. XXXII Of Burning and Congelation Topicks DIoscorides saith That the green and tender leaves being applyed with Pollent helpeth burning These following are commended by Authors first the oyle of infused flowers and bark secondly the oyle of the leaves and bark fryed in butter and oyle thirdly the two liniaments of Matthiolus and Plater the receits of which are set down in the second Section in the second and fourth Chapters The Uses A member being burned with fire gun Powder boyling water c. is to be easily anoynted with these warm and afterwards to be wrapt in soft and warm linnen For each one of them hath the vertue of rarifying the skin of drawing out hot vapors mitigating pain digesting and drying of serosity and of curing the raised blabs in ulcers and in restoring the diseased place as much as is possible to its wonted beauty If the burning pierce more deep so that the blabs being broken and the skar taken a way it degenerateth into an ulcer besides these oyles and oyntments you must sprinkle easily and lightly every day the powder of the leaves and pith which doth excellently dry and by cleansing moderately doth fill ulcers with flesh In this case oyles are more profitable then liniaments as will be easily found by any that use them This following unguent as a singular experiment is commended in all kinds of burning by the famous Donâ—relius for easing pain or quenching the force of the heat and soon and safely curing the ulcers also it is happily applyed to Herpes Miliaris and other out-breakings which come from yellow bile or salt humors Take of the middle-bark of the Lynden-tree Of the Elder of each one handful Of Linseed half an ounce The barks are to be cut in small pieces infused together with the seed in a sufficient quantity of the water of Elder-flowers for the space of three hours warm then add half an ounce of sheeps dung mix them and boyle them in a double vessel in May-butter unsalted washed oft in fountain water and at last in the water of Elder-flowers till the humidity be perfectly consumed Strain them and add of yellow wax as much as sufficeth mix them and according to art make an oyntment They are Donerelius his words If the ulcer become more sordid use the things in the precedent Chapter Lac aureum drank up in Linnen clothes and applyed is profitable of which we have spoken in the cure of Erysipelas Internals When many parts or those situated next the nobler parts are burned and then the unnaturel heat spreadeth it self over the whole body you are to use those things set down in the cure of the hot feaver Or make this Julap Take of the water of Elder-flowers half a pound Of the acetous syrup of the Elder two ounces Of Hearts-Horn burned and preparred two scruples Mix them for two doses for it cooleth the heatned spirits it extinguisheth the thirst dissipateth the Empereum and roborateth the strength The Cure of Congelation or Brosting Apply to the frosted parts the middle bark of the Elder or linnen moystned in their decoction When they clif the powder of Elder-bark pith and flowers reduced to a liniamenth with the oyle of infused flowers in commended the parts therewith being anoynted daily Apply upon it linnen moystned in the Golden Milk of the Elder for it drieth and hindreth a Gangreene See more in the cure of Ulcers CAP. XXXIII Of Poysons Inflicted outwardly or taken into the body IN the stinging of venemous beasts the green leaves of the Elder being applyed are praised because they draw out the poyson and dry the wound Dioscorides especially commends the same pounded leaves applyed to the bite of a mad dog George Amwald in his Panacea bids us dissolve Rob of the Elder in Vinegar and Wine and rub therewith the stung or bitten place and wash it therewith In the stinging of Wasps and Bees anoint the place with the oyle of the infused flowers or with that which is prest out of the kernels of the berries and put a leaf thereon it mitigateth the pain and in a short time causeth the tumor to fall and evanish To stop the poyson of the Vipers bitings besides these Topicks Dioscorides bids us boyle the roots of Elder in Wine and drink the Colature He attributeth the same vertue to the berry drank in Wine 'T is better to use the Wine of the berries to take two drachmes of the Rob or as many scruples of the extract in the water of Elder-flowers and provoke sweat In Philtrums or those Potions wicked Whores use to give for love or in other poysons taken inwardly nothing is better then upon the suspition immediately to cast all up by vomit that is in the stomach Give two ounces or three of the oyle of the infused flowers or bark of the Elder in warm Ale and accelerate vomit Or take an indifferent spoonful of the oyle pressed out of the kernels give it in warme Ale For by this means all venom that is in the stomach is happily excluded and the corrosive acrimony of the poyson is qualified use it again if it be needful Which being done provoke sweat that that which sticketh in the veins for the more maligne the humor is the more it penetrateth and like ferment infecteth the whole bloud must be evacuated by sweat Those things which were brought for the Plague are profitable here Rob simple and Antilemick their extracts c. of which give as much as is convenient to the age and strength of the patient dissolved in the distilled water of Elder-flowers of other convenient liquor And seeing seldom the force of the poyson is daunted by once or twice but rather under the subtile shew of a servant as being overcome and obeying Natures command by secret mines lurketh and worketh to overthrow the strength of Nature and overcome it by little and little Therefore the use of these Alexitericks is not to be intermitted but to be continued till all the poyson and maligne impressions that remain be extirpate out of the body This mixture is profitable Take of the Conserve of Elder-flowers of the flowers of Burrage as much as you will mix them Give half an ounce thereof daily an hour or two before dinner Drink a spoonful of the juice of the berries above it Give two drachmes every week of the Rob of the Elder in the water of Elder-flowers and provoke sweat in bed or bath After the sweat the heat to be tempered with a spoonful or two of the sowre syrup of the Elder This experiment is praised by many Take of the middle Elder-bark subtilly shaven and dry it lightly in the shadow a little more then a handful put on it three quarters of a pound of Goats milk boyle it on a soft fire till the half be consumed of whose Colature drink morning and evening They say that this doth absolutely out-rout all poyson given by whores and knaves though it were given three years before If it do not succeed at first the patient is to use it often and by divine assistance he shall obtain the wished event The Conclusion THese things Courteous and kind Reader I thought fit to set down of the Elder and the use thereof and Medicines Those Dishes which may be prepared of the flowers and berries at that time when they are to be had in great abundance green for the preventing of many diseases seeing they are well known to Cooks by daily experience To what diseases they agree is known by what is said If there occur any thing here which doth not please you it is your part favourably to construct it and to withhold the censure till you try all things more exactly in the infallible ballance of reason and experience I leave for praise nor crave For praise enough I have If not contemned by thee Courteous Reader I be If those things that are omitted obscure or not rightly delivered be by thy more pollisht judgment added illustrated and corrected thou shalt deserve infinite favours from me and all those honorers of Medicine and Nature For nothing can be more happy then to know much and we are to learn that we way know Neither at any time was there any of such qualified reason but things age and use will afford-him some new objects some new observations So that what thou thoughtst thou knewst thou unknowst and despisest that upon thy tryal which thou didst most trust For there was never any thing more unrighteous then an unjust man which holds and believes nothing right but what he fathers Farewel and what ere thou art favour these endeavors and together with me in this wonderful and unexhaustible variety of things devoutly admire and piously worship the unsearchable depths of Divine Wisdom and Goodness FINIS
The Elder Tree in figure is like the Ash sendeth forth long small reed-like branches covered with an outward bark of an ash colour the next rine to it is green and that is yellow and succulent which next clotheth the wood within which is contained a white and fungous pith the leaves are like those of the Walnut tree but less growing by intervals by threes fours yea if you look to both the sides of the branch by fives and sevens incompassing it together of an heavy smell lightly cut in edges In the tops of the branches and twigs there springeth sweet and crisped umbels swelling with white sweet smelling flowers in June befor St. Johns Eve which by their fall give place to a many branched Grape first green then ruddy lastly of a black dark purple colour succulent and tumid with its winish liquor Of all the wild plants 't is first covered with leaves and last unclothed of them We omit other descriptions this being full IV. The Place The place of its nativity is every where and scarce can you find any place where any other tree or shrub enmantle themselves in their green garments which the bountiful enricher of Nature hath envyed this treeling But it most delighteth in hedges orchards and other shadowy places or on the moist brinks of rivulets and ditches unto which places 't is thrust by the Gardeners lest by its luxury and importunate encrease whereby yearly it doth spread and enlarge it self it should possess the place of more honourable as they conceive and of more pretious Plants V. The Qualities and Vertues The Qualities in general are described by Galen lib. 6. Simpl. Medic. facul sect That it hath the force of desiccating conglutinating and digesting moderately which word for word is repeated by the Galenick Physician Paulus of Aegian lib. 7. Medic. â— 3. Dioscorides who as Galen witnesseth hath of all others written most accurately most truly and most learnedly of Plants did long agoe in more proper colours limn them in his fourth Book and 175 Chapter of the Matter of Medicine These are his words The faculty and use of both he meaneth the Elder and Ebulus is the same in exiccating and drawing water from the belly They are indeed troublesom to the stomach nevertheless their leaves being boyled as pot-hearbs will purge bile and pituite Their tender stalks being boyled in pot or pan effect the same The root being boyled in wine and given in meat helpeth the Hydroped yea it helpeth those that are bitten of a Viper drunk after the same manner Being boyl'd with water for bathing it softneth and openeth the vulva and corrects what enormities are there abouts The berries thereof drunk with Wine work the same effect Anointed on the hair they make them black The recent and tender leaves mitigate inflammations being with Polent anointed thereon Their anointing helps burning and the bitings of mad dogs They conglutinate profound and fustulous ulcers and helps the guttish being together with the fat of a Bull or hee Goat anointed These vertues so nobilitate the Elder that if after ages had not found out any yet they are enough to commend it to us But as in all other things as Seneca witnesseth Quest Natur. l. 7. c. 31. Nature doth not at once discover her mysteries neither are her secrets promiscously laid open to all being withdrawn and shut in her inmost Cabinets out of which some in this age some in another is received and unfolded Even so here one day hath taught another And the later Physicians with more intent thoughts falling into the contemplation both of other herbs and of the Elder they have tryed it in many affections to be most wholsom so that not undeservedly they esteem it a Panacaea or All-heal For what is given to others apart experience proves together to be in the Elder That I may say nothing of its wondrous and hid operations in expugning Epilepsies Plague Erysipelasses and other malign affections which shall be spoken of afterwards It hath a wonderfull force in purging out of the body all hurtfull bilous pituitous and especially serous humors from which bud such troops of sicknesses as is to be seen in that famous and learned Treatise of the ingenious Piso De serosa Colluvie Besides 't is Anodyne and by rarifying the skin and digesting the humors and vapours it lulleth the pain it provokes urine sweat expelleth the stone provoketh the stopt flowers and doth other rarities according to the parts and preparation thereof That not without cause what the more sober and learned Chymists have attributed to their manifold Medicinal Mercury Antimony Vitriol we may admit admire and acknowledge in our Elder though I willingly confess with some difference yea we are more to admire this seeing what is got in that Triad of Minerals is got with such sweat and pains by those indefatigasearchers of the many works and windings of Nature but we attain our desire in this with light and little labour SECT 2. Of the Receipts of Medicaments drawn out of the Elder BEfore we come to the Diseases cured by the Elder 't is worth our labour first to explain the Medicaments which out of each part thereof ought and can be prepared lest in divers affections the same with a great deal of loathing and labour be repeated we will here set down the more curious and common beginning with the Berries as the best and last product of that Simple CAPI Of the Medicaments from the Berries 1. Of the Rob Tincture Extarct or Essence TAke the ripe Berries of the Elder picked from their stalks press the juice out of them which being strained is to be thickned on a soft and clear fire Some in time of their inspissating add a little sugar that the pallat may rellish it the better and this is called the Rob of Elder berries with sugar Of the Rob or inspissat juice of the Berries without sugar the Tincture and extract is prepared after this manner Take a pound of this Rob put it in a long and capacious Glass called by the Chymists a Cucurbite put thereon the spirit of Wine or the proper spirits of the Elder described in this Chapter so that it be a handful high above it The Glass being well closed that the spirit may not exhale digest it in Balneo four or five days shaking the Glass twice a day After that strain the whole matter contained in the Cucurbit through gray paper Take the strained liquor which is obscurely reddish and is called of some the Tincture of the Elder or Granorum actes and may be kept without further distillation to good purpose put it in a Glass Cucurbit and having put on the Alembick distil it on a slow Balnean heat till the Menstruum or that spirit drop by drop separate and the extract of the berries remain in the bottom like hony If the Menstruum be not totally extracted that which remains in the Cucurbit is called by the modern Chymists the
CAP. XIV Of Hoasting and Hoarsness VVOmen with great success give to their coughing unquiet children the recent Rob of the Elder which is more liquid In older the Linctus of the Oyl of Elder-sugar is profitable In that wild Cough where corrupt matter is exercat and more corruption feared this is much praised Take of the Elder-leaves recent or dried in the shadow M. I. boil them in a quart of Fountain or clear River water to the consumption of a third part the strained drink is to be sweetned with Sugar-Candy or scummed hony of which every day morning and evening drink a warm draught The same is commended in hoarsness proceeding from a Catar that fils the inequalities of the wind-pipe or Arteriae Asperae Or where more detersion in necessary for the same effect there is a fit Lixive prepared of the ashes of the leaves with the water of the flowers which being sweetned with sugar or hony is to be oft taken by spoonfuls in the day This if any thing will take away hoarsness is a great secret amongst women as the giving their own proper urine to the diseased to drink which is loathsom to many To make a clear voice this is a secret of Alexis Take of Elder-flowers dried in the Sun and pulverised of which drink a little every morning in white Wine fasting The Cough and hoarsness proceeding from heat in feavers is excellently remedied by a Linctus of the Syrup made of the juice of Elder-berries with equal parts of the Syrup of Violets If you list and have leasure you may make Elder-sugar in imitation of Violet-sugar-candy Cinnamon or Rose-sugar of which in these pectoral diseases hold some still to be dissolved in your mouth that by little and little it may descend into Asperae Arteriae or wind-pipe 'T is thus made Take of the best Canary-sugar lib. 6. let it melt and boil in the fragrant water of the flowers till it acquire a fit thickness for making up tablets Then infuse the fresh juice pressed from the berries well purified or the frequent infusion of the flowers as vou please to have the colour lib. 2. on a soft fire boil them to the consistency of a syrup then in a glass or earthen pot put sticks in order two fingers broad asunder and pour the liquor hot thereon and in a warmed shop the vessel being bound up in a thick Cotton cloth leave it there to congeal See more of this in the famous Botanicks Pena and Lobel p. 20. advers Nov. Stirpium Cas Bauhine lib. I. c. 19. de comp Medicam CAP. XV. Of the Pleurisie and Phthisis IN a bastard Pleurisie 't is a very safe and us'd Medicine if there be no fever to provoke sweat by taking the Rhobob Granorum actes in the water of Elder-flowers or Cardui benedicti seeing it ariseth from the serous and flatulent humors that fall betwixt the Pleura and intercost all muscles c. In a true Pleurisie where there is a continual fever adjoyn'd proceed more warily For after the use of universals the rob water and spirit of Elder-flowers are not to be much feared here seeing with success we use hotter sudorificks of the blessed and milky thistles of the simple and composed spirit of Vitriol c. for many expert men acknowledge a malignity in these humors which Paracelsus likeneth to Auripigmentel Poyson which doth corrode the life like a fire Diosc lib. 5. c. 121. Pectorals For the expectoration of the matter in the Lungs use them that are weak as the syrup of the flowers and berries inspissat with sugar or Elder candied-sugar likewise the water of the flowers inspissat supped down you may mix with these some of the Tragea Gran. Actes for the spitting of blood Topicks Externally anoint with the oyl of the infusion of the flowers with the fat of a Capon or saltless May-butter or foment oft the side with linnen dipt in the water or decoction of the flowers and leaves of the Elder for by ratifying the skin and parts they digest resolve those sharp vapors and humors Or take Elder-leaves and flowers Camomile of each an handful make a decoction in milde beer which put in a Cows-bladder and after the opening of a vein being oft in the day applyed warm it did wonderfully ease a Smith in my Country whose wife I counselled to do so Of the Phthisis In preserving and curing the Phthisis besides other things the decoction for the wild cough being taken by spoonfuls and by little little swallowed is used with success seeing it proceeds from the ulcer of the Lungs which requires detersion exsiccation and consolidation and the leaves and flowers of the Elder mixed with a little sugar or honey work these effects they think to satisfy all the indications by this decoction But I had rather in this case instead of simple sugar hony use tabled sugar-roset or honyroset strained and mix a scruple or half a drachm of this following powder chiefly were much arterious blood with the spittle is cast up Take of Tragea Gran. actes drach 1. of Jews ears dryed in a Furnace Oculorum Cancri praep an drach and half Saffron Oriental scrup 1. sugari rosat tabled drach 2. being all pulverised well mix them together exactly in the mean time you are to have an eye to the prime cause of this ulcer whose knowledge is to be found elsewhere George Amwald in his Panacea p. 29. commends the unction of the oyl of Elder-flowers in a Phthisis CAP. XVI Of the affections of the Duggs SEeing the Duggs of women oft-times by reason of the sudden and abundant affluxion of blood for the generating of milk chiefly after their delivery use to be inflamed or as the blood is of thinner consistence and hotter use to have an Erysipelas or Rose the following receipts may safely and securely be applyed In Inflammations the Caput mortuum or the cake of the flowers of the Elder with the red Vinegar thereof in one Erysipelas let it be bedewed with the distilled water of the leaves and flowers of the Elder and so applied warm For it digests and resolves that which hath flowed in and is compacted and doth moderately by reason of the Vinegar repel the inflammation extinguish the heat of the blood Anoint he hardened kernels of the dugs with the oyl of the infusion of Elder-flowers and put the leaves of the Elder thereupon For the exulcerat the lac aureum or Golden-milk is most fitting being made of the common or elder Lixive and the oyl of the infused flowers and bark mixed by hard shaking and stirring together in which linnen being dipt and wrung afterward is to be applied warm to the ulcers 'T is also profitable for the more hasty and happy perfecting of the cure to blow on it the powder of Elder-leaves So the ulcer whatever it be shall be cleansed dryed and dighted view these in their proper places I knew a woman whereof I made
cold and poysonous vapors evacuate out of the utrenal sink and vindicate the more nobler intrals from their infection and restore freer breathing Gabel Shover taketh a handful of Jews-ears and infuseth them in a quart of the spirit of Wine of the which he giveth the diseased a full draught in time of her fit The Antiepileptick Elder-spirit if it be used instead of the Juniper is good and with it anoynt the belly below the navel toward the secrets Or prepare for this and such diseases this that follows The Histerick Spirit of the Elder Take of the middle bark of the Elder one ounce Of the roots of white Dittany Of round Birthwort of each three drachmes Of the dried leaves of the Elder one handfull Of red Artimesia or Mugwort Of Prrsley of each half an handfull Of the flowres of white Lillies two drachmes Of clean Jews-ears three in number Being cut infuse them in a competent quantity of Elder-sprit that it may be a hand-breadth above them Let them stand in infusion for ten daies every day stirr them twice afterwaad distill them in Balneo foa the Histerick spirit of which give a half or whole spoonfull in time of the fit and with the same anoynt the lower belly by rubbing it in as hath been prescribed Not only in the suffocation of the Matrix which by excellency is called the Histerick passion but also it is excellent for the stopped flowers and other cold and moist diseases of the womb It helpeth likewise to expel the dead child secondines if after universals and topicks a spoonfull thereof be given in white Wine or some distilled water three or four drops of the oyle of the flowers of the second description being mixt therewith Extractum Granorum Actes Hystericum Of the ripe grains of the Elder dried in the shadow Quercetan forms an Extract which is a specifick Histerick and is called of the Chymists Extractum Granorum Actes It is thus prepared Gather a great quantity of the grains of the Elder well dried in the shadow having thrown all the rest of the berry away reserve the grains only with which fill a long-necked great Cucurbit to the middle put upon it the strong spirit of wine made acid with the acid liquor either of Vitriol or Sulphure that it may be three or four fingers broad above the matter the vessel being closed that nothing may breath out Digest it for five or six days in B.M. till the spirit of the wine receive the tincture of a Ruby which you shall separate by inclination having a care that none of the dregs or troubled matter go with it Of which tincture not having separated its menstruum that is the aqua vitae which without any corruption or alteration will be kept long unto which you may add a little Sugar if you will make it have a more pleasant taste you may give a half or whole silver spoonful to women troubled with the suffocation of the Matrix shall be unexpectedly and as it were miraculously weakened and restored to their perfect health Again if you will separate from it the aqua vitae by an Alimbeck in Balneo vaporoso till the extract remain in the bottom of a most excellent red colour whereof give a scruple for a dose in its own proper distilled water or in other convenient waters or in white wine and it will become red Thus far Quercetan The Uterine mixture which I used to prepare is this First I take the berries of the Elder dried in a flow heat of the Bake-house of Mugwort and of Castoreum as much as I please I put upon each of them by themselves in a Viol some of the rectified spirits of the Elder and draw out the essence according to art and I purifie each one of them by themselves and keep them in Glasses Afterwards Take of the essence of Elder-berries six ounces Of Balm-mint three ounces Of Castor Of the spirit of Vitriol well rectified of each one ounce Being mixed I put them in a Glass of a narrow throat and I digest them for ten days in a warm Balneo that they may be well united and if any dregs be in them they may go to the bottom from which I separate that which is clear I strain it and keep it in a well-stopped Glass The dose is a little spoonful alone and dissolved in some appropriate water but if the body be full of ill humors I first purge it with the Polychrestick powder of Elder-buds In place of Appendix I thought fit to joyn hereto the Medicines made of the Elder long ago commended and commanded by our great Chieftain and Master Hippocrates in Uterine Affections In the Hydropsie of the Matrix he commendeth the fruit of the Elder given fasting in wine lib. 1. de morb mulier He saith this purgeth things to be purged in Child-bed boil the leaves of the Elder and give the water thereof to drink ibidem If the womb be inflamed in child-birth let her sup hot the tender leaves of the Elder lightly boiled with the grossest part of recent wheat-meal ibid. In the same place he commands us to put into the secrets a long piece of Elder-pith the tenderer part being shaven In Ulcers of the womb pound Linseed and Elder-berries together mix hony with them and make a Plaster and use it ibid. Or the leaves of the Elder and of the Lentisk being boiled in water and strained are to be injected warm Lib. de natur mulier The same things being likewise pounded with Muss may be outwardly applied ibid. In a filthy ulceration of the Matrix boyl the berries of the Elder and Lawrel in equal potions in wine afterward inject that wine lib. 1. d. m. m. Or take the berries of the Elder Anice Franckincense Myrrh Wines and inject their juices ibid. Whereby the courses are likewise provoked ibid. To expel the Secondine first apply a Foment made of the decoction of Elder-leaves and then that which is made of Cantharides ibid. In very great fluxes of the courses apply a Cataplasm made of Elder and Mirtle-leaves lib. 2. m. m. Or boil in water the leaves of Elder and Lentisk and with the Colature warm wash the Matrix ibid. In the strangulation of the Matrix R. Three half quarts of Oyl and a handful of Elder-leaves boil this and make a fomentation therewith or with hot shels put in it make a Stove placing the woman in a chair and covering her with cloths Or boil the leaves of Elder and Mirtle and in the strained water boil Barley-chaff and make a Stove if she can endure the heat thereof ibid. If the pain be vehement after her purging boil in black wine the Lawrel and Elder-berries and wash it therewith ibid. Or boil the Elder in water and having strained the water put to it sweet wine and wash therewith Of which and many others you may view Hippocrates in those Books and places mentioned CAP. XXVII Of the Arthritick Disease HOw
flowers is applyed fitly to an inflammation Or R. Of Elder-leaves M. 3. of Barley polent M. 1. boiled in simple water to the consistency of a Poultice Being put through a Serce add of the oyl of infused Elder-flowers ounces two of the meal of the leaves and flowers of the Elder of each enough Make a Cataplasm for it digesteth resolveth and if the Inflammation Apostemat ripeneth the Aposteme being opened cure it as an Ulcer Of which afterwards 2. Of an Oedema It s known by the cure of the Ascites how the Elder helpeth Oedematous tumors chiefly in the feet See there the fomentation for the feet made of the decoction of the leaves in a Lixive But seeing these fomentations are tedious it is enough to carry the green and dry leaves of the Elder in the stockings A great Lawyer was delivered by the use of this simple Medicine which he oft applied at the desire of a worshipful Knight of Misnea 3. Of a Schirrus The cure of a Schirrus is known by cure of the obstruction of a Schirrus Melt There are some that say the leaves only of the Elder doth mollifie and discuss Schirrus tumors by Signature because it groweth in dark and shadowy places For which reason in the 23 Chapter we set down a Splenetick Searcloth of them Which may be fitly applyed here the tumors being anoynted with this following Take of the oyle of Elder-flowers ounce 1. of Amonick dissolved in Elder-Vinegar drachms 2. boyle it on a soft fire to the consumption of the watrishness Add white-Wax and according to art make an oyntment CAP. XXXI Of Wounds Ulcers and Contusions NO man that ponders well the rehearsed words of Dioscorides and Galen will deny the Elders vertue to be great in these Diseases especially in Wounds and Ulcers The Cure of Wounds The common people keep as a great secret in curing wounds the leaves of the Elder which they have gathered the last day of April which to disappoint the Charms of Witches they had affixed to their dores and windows but seeing the Elder-leaves of themselves are found efficacious enough to heal wounds this superstitious opinion of the people is to be laughed at A Vulnerary Balsam To cure wounds safely and suddenly take the green and tender Elder leaves stamp them and having put a little Wine on them wring out the juice strongly Take of this juice being purified as much as you will add thereto in equal quantity the oyle of the infused flowers boyle it on a clear fire still stirring it with a Spatula till the wateriness be consumed afterwards Take of oyle so prepared four or five ounces Of it pressed out of the berries kernels two ounces Of clear Venice-Turpentine three ounces Of Verdigrease three drachms Being well mixed together on a slow fire with a Spattle let them stand eight days in the Sun or some other hot place that the dregs may go to the bottom from which separate the pure Balsam which is to be applyed hot to the wound with lintcotton and the wound to be bound up with linnen clothes it doth imitate the vertue of the most precious Balsams half an ounce of the Sugar of the Elder may be added A Plaster of the Balsam If you mollifie wax with a sufficient quantity of this Balsam and apply it according to art it cureth wounds suddenly To stop a great Hemmorage Tragea Granorum Actes being mixed with an equal part of Jews-ears is commended in stopping of bloud Or make this Powder Take of Tragea Granorum Actes Of dryed Jews-ears of each three drachmes Of the white of an Egg dryed in the Sun two drachmes Of the pith of the Elder Of the purest Gum-tragant of each one drachm Pulverise subtilly every one by it self and afterwards mix them exactly The Use The bloud being drank up of a sponge and the wound being dryed as much as is possible put therein a sufficient quantity of the Powder if it succeed not at first dry the wound again with the sponge and put in the Powder and keep it in with torne pieces of cloath put thereafter The Puncture of Nerves In the Puncture and wounds of Nerves the Learned Surgeon de Vigo in his seventh book together with daily experience doth attest that the oyle of the infused flowers is much praised The Oyle of the Flowers of the second description and the Balsam or Plaister made of the Balsam being put thereon worketh effectually The Cure of Ulcers Dioscorides hath taught us that the leaves of Elder do cure deep perverse and Fistulous Ulcers An Uporist Apply then here either the juice alone put in being nevertheless wrung out with a little Wine or Urine and afterward lay upon it the pounded leaves like a Plaster which is a Country-remedy Or make this Liniament Take of Elder vulnerary Balsam one drachm Of the Leaves of the Elder subtilly pulverised one drachm Of Verdegrease two scruples Of Elder-salt one scruple Mix all together exactly for a Liniament of which daily you are to put some in with Tents in impure and Fistulous ulcers and a convenient Plaster above it Injections and washings of deep and putrid ulcers when need requireth are to be made of the leave sand bark which do excellently cleanse and hinder corruption Apply them before you make a new binding that the filth cleansed and washed by the former Medicine may be together with them washed out In those Ulcers which cast out that icor which Paracelsus calls Synovia the Vulnerary Balsam chiefly availeth being hot put in seeing it drieth moderately and keepeth the substance of the wounded part temperate You may sprinkle afterwards above it the Powder of the dried Pith and Jews-ears which are much praised by many Gabel Shover hath this R. of Elder-Pith drachms two of Orenge-Pills scruple half mix them for a Powder which are either to be sprinkled in or to be taken with a fasting stomach in a morning The same man taketh as many Elder-flowers as is needful he fryeth them in butter and applyeth them twice or thrice Or instead of a Vulnerary potion in these and other Ulcers over-flowed he giveth daily a drachm or a drachm and half of following powder in warm buttered Ale Take of Elder pith three ounces Of dryed Jews-ears Of prepared Oculi Cancrorum of each two ounces Of Orenge-pills Of Citron Pills Of Nutmegs of each one scruple Make a subtil Powder of all In dilating of Wounds and Ulcers and in keeping Issues open the Pith of the Elder is convenient For while that sponge-like substance drinks in the humors it is dilated and so distendeth the lips of the Wounds and Ulcers The Cure of Contusions and Bruises In Contused parts the juice of Elder-leaves pressed out with wine and anoynt on the place or linnen dipt therein and applyed doth discuss the black bloud and strengthens the part Or take of the Meal of Elder-flowers ounces two of Camomile and Wormwood-flowers of each half an ounce mix them with Elder-oyle and work them